The Mile.

"The Mile"

It has been the talk of track and field since it's beginning. Why? Well, honestly, I'm not sure. Perhaps, due to the simplicity of it, 4 laps around the track, "not too long, not too short," it is THE event. And people love it. Even common folk will implore upon other 'common folk'... "What's your mile time?"

I 'implore' to you, "What's yours?"

"You're not a Miler?"

It doesn't matter, because that's the limitations of what non-runners know. You might as well get used to it.

For me, this event has never been my strong suit. As I was made for the marathon.... 26.2 miles of racing. Did I tell you how lucky I was? "Lucky," my friend... Lucky indeed. Shi... I mean...shoot! (Am I talking to myself again? Outl oud you say? No, I'm not crazy... I'm normal....
....
...
..ish)

As my past trianing, when healthy, was 140+ mile weeks... It was obvious what I was made for. Working the streets.

"Wait, what?!"


But as life would have it, plans change. I got hurt, "cry me a river."

In case you haven't noticed, I'm different. For what that's worth, a good or a bad is besides the point, but rather, I never like to follow the norm, NEVER. I set my own path and make my own decisions. I know the marathon will be my future in running, but during my injury I played with a thought, "The Mile." The question that came about, "How fast could I go with 2 and a half months of cross training, and only 5 ample weeks of running?" That being, a simple race at home, on the indoor OU track. No races to sharpen up, a simple 200 meter, notoriously slow and impossible to run fast on. Why? Because it's green and the turns are really tight... And it's GREEN... Did I mention that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fge5ufo9CDY Deekie.

11 weeks to the Mile:

CUE MUSIC: Right click, and listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioE_O7Lm0I4

I began lifting, as my weight skyrocketed up to 144 pounds... 'of muslce'. Only 21 pounds above my racing weight when I ran my 5k pr in California. As I documented my comeback... Well, not really. I just have a bunch of yellow post-its, that I wrote stuff on, like, "Today I ate four donuts, two chocolate bars. Oh, and lifted for 20 minutes"--- "Today I watched 3 hours of cartoons and did crunches in-between the commercials," one post-it just had doodles on it, a smudge of what appears to be jelly, and a sketch of a cheetah. I must say, VERY cool.

Oh, and let's not leave out one post-it, to which, I believe I wrote after one of my sugar highs, "I love chick flicks".... KIDDING! Seriously... I'm kidding.


















But seriously.


9 Weeks to the Mile:

As I was able to inlcude biking, I did 'stoopid fast' intervals on it, as to ignite the fast twitch fibers. Techno cranked up, pouring sweat, heart pounding upwards to 190+ beats per minute at times (try getting your heart-rate up that high). To explain such a high heartrate on the bike... Either 1.) I'm pushing overly hard or 2.) My heart doesn't beat on pattern, to which explains my abnormalities...  probably a mixture of both. You're abnormal!

All and all, this was the plan. As I had the mile in the back of my head, it was drawing closer. As people, teammates, friends, and the random squirrel I'd talk to on campus began to wonder if I was joking or not about racing the mile. No one would know for sure, except me. Little do they know... not even I knew... "know?"


"Wait, what?!"



www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaPepCVepCg&feature=relmfu All animals like to socialize, proof.
5 Weeks to the Mile:

I would not stop there. Finally okay'd and allowed to run, I was able to do one thing to similate speed work for a mile, Hill repeats. Since there is not the same amount of pounding put forth if done on a treadmill at an incline. Basically, preventing the normal pounding on legs from speedwork... I did this. To add, it was a way to ensure I wouldn't get hurt again, and to be 'oober' careful with my leg.

What, you're not impressed?

Well, go to your local gym and put the treadmill at 12.5 m.p.h.'s. 1.) And foremost, most gym treadmills will only go 10 m.p.h. *clear thoat* And 2.) You will look like an idiot when you do this. 3.) Put the incline at 7.5% as well. And 4.) You will look like a Jackass when you do this. 5.) Do this 10x45 seconds, with a minute rest in-between.

In a nutshell, that's what I did. I not only looked cool, but was cool. As people pointed out, and were most likely saying, "Wow, look at that kid go! He is SO neat!" As girls wanted to date me, and guys wanted to be me. In reality, the onlookers probably thought(s)....

"What the hell is he doing?"

"Is he wearing a fanny pack?"

"Why is he sporting a blue bandana?!"


Okay, First off! I was NOT wearing a fanny pack. It was a "fuel belt."











Btw, I was joking and NOT actually wearing a fuel belt.
















But seriously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCjjf8a1WYY Super Squirrel: Now Super Heroes.

2 1/2 Weeks to the Mile:


As I repeated the hill repeat workouts every 2-3 days, it was not long before I could do some actual speedwork, "200 meter repeats." As they say, "Do work."


Problem: "Blizzard".

No problem: Indoor track.

Problem: Tight turns.

No problem: Sucked it up.


Finished with workout...



Problem: shins and joints hurt from tight turns.

No problem: Shit load of Advil Gel.

Problem: Took too much Advil Gel, going to hurl.

No problem: Handled it like a champ!

I was joking about hurling.





















But seriously.

As the joke of racing the mile is becoming more and more uncertain than it was from the start, the race I marked on the calender is drawing closer. That being said, -OU INDOOR MEET - FEBRUARY 19TH-

Some of my teammates are more optimistic than I orginally thought would be. That and I was now a solid 132 pounds to my previous 144... a.k.a. "Chizzled"... Battled, hardened from miles and determination put forth, to achieve the task at hand... Obtaining a DAMN good Mile.

Everyone writes their own future, I just happen to be a more creative writer than your average Joe.

2 1/2 Days till the Mile:

To be written,

As planned...

-clay j. mayes the 3rd

Stats on the OU mosier indoor track, 200 meter, tight turns and the facility record is 4.09.91 - Held by- Jordan Powell - This is a shout out to you, Jordan! Surprisingly, there's been a lot of legit guys 'try' to run fast(er) there, but have NOT been able to do it. Perhaps a bad day, perhaps just a tough place to run fast. Powell is now the man to beat...

 "Am I racing it?"

To be continued: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvQkl7qa6RQ



Last, but certainly, not least:

I have a good friend/runner I used to coach who is an up-and-coming runner in college.... To be a 14.10 5k guy and faster before his college career is over. That being said, checkout his blog! -

http://wwwmentallytough.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

Small World, the Running World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRBVh8ZPUyg Seriously, who is stupid enough to mess with a squirrel, things are FEARLESS.

Okay, so a lot has happened recently in the past 3 1/2 months.

Let's start from the beginning, October 16th, 2010... After running one race to make some miraculous comeback, and not succeeding, as I couldn't run on pattern or a rhythm that requires good runners, to be, well, "Good". To what I thought, was because I wasn't fully healed from a torn hip flexor I endured last July. Perhaps, the muscles didn't heal properly, and I needed to continue therapy on breaking up scar tissue in the area... like what I was currently doing.

After the race, to which, was perhaps the worst race of my collegiate career... I heard many things. One was, "You just don't look at smooth as you used to". Which stuck out to me, because of how much therapy I was going through trying to break up, to what I thought, was this "scar tissue".

I hear from the grapevine of one more therapy I can try, a PRP injection. Were one's blood is removed from and it is somehow fused. Basically, platelets are separated from the blood that is taken to create a higher concentration of the "good stuff" that's suppose to help the injured area once it's re-injected into the injury...a.k.a.- my injury. End result: Super speed recovery in the damaged area.

To make sure the shot was to be injected properly, an MRI needed to be done, to which, find the exact damage area. Basically, making sure the injection would be properly done. As to how my life goes,  I hear these shots are EXTREMELY painful. "Story of my Life".

After the MRI, in which, I went back to my Doc. to talk over the PRP to be injection... I heard different results from what was expected. As he walked in and threw up a scan of my femur. You know what this is, as he pointed to a glowing white ball-like spot on the top of my femur...

"Sadly, ya... The white ball-like spot means there's a break in the bone. Except it's not a typical line break..."

Doc: "You would be right, and it IS a very abnormal break. You may even have to get screws put in if you ever want to run again."

Me: "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"


After no running or activity for a month, the doctors at OU took some more scans and believed it would heal on it's own, as "It already shows good bone growth in the current recovery proceess". So, let it be. Day by day, week by week, I let it heal. Later being allowed to do a little running on our underwater tredmill, then later being able to bike in addition.

Background music, please right click and turn up your volume, as this adds character to the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRzHxR3JCTw

2007 Deseret News 10k road race that features some of the best 19 and under kids in the country. As the race is held, to what it seems, 3 in the morning... Okay, it's more like 4 in the morning, I warm-up, "Excited".

I have always been infamously known for doing road races. Racing half marathons as an 8th grade to doubling, sometimes tripling back to back doing the local 5k road races each weekend on a friday and saturday. Week after week, I NEVER got tired of doing road races, contrary to all the normal critics, and how it would lead to my burn out of running. Till this day, I still have a deep enthusiasm for doing them... Partly do to the relax, yet, competitive nature of road racing, and certainly because of all the people I have met participating in them. Honestly, the local Tulsa road racing community, is a really good group of people. It may sound odd saying that to some, but I learned A LOT from some really good Elite master runner's Tulsa's known for.

As I laced up my flats and did a few shake-out strides, "I was ready". Accompanied by one stellar runner/friend from Oklahoma, we lined up. Being who I am, I can't focus on too many things at once, as my friend was trying to tell me "That kid right there in the blue jersey, Jared Ward, has a great kick", as my friend battled him in the final straight-a-way at a the famous Arcadia 3200m track meet out in Arcadia, California. My response, "Ya ya, I'm not worried"- I would later come to meet these words again... so, let it be...



Mid-December- As I yelled to our trainer "CRANK UP SPEED!" Gliding along on OU's underwater treadmill, come to find out that thing couldn't go any faster, as our trainer said, "HA, you maxed out the speed." As one could hear the loud humming created from the "power" being put forth by my new favortie cross training activity... "Underwater Tredmill Running". As I said back, "That's fine... put the jet resistance at 100% then!"

Our trainer laughed, "Alright... We'll see if you can handle it."

As I grew solemn with words, gliding along, already thinking, "Shi.... I mean, 'fiddle-sticks'...this is too much..."

Our trainer, "Ha, a little too much for you... You're not saying much."

Me: "What are you talking about, I feel GREAT! This is perfect... PERFECT!", as I said that with a fake smile. My thoughts as he left the room, in which, he thought I was good to go for the next 59 minutes... "I'm going to drown. To add, and sadly, this thing is like a coffin... made of water... great... PERFECT!!!"

As my heart pounded, a few beads of sweat forming on my forehead, I stayed focused on the task at hand... Not to die from drowing, literally. The jets pushing me close to the back-end of the box-like structure of water that withheld the tredmill... I continue to hammer, as my ego would fail to admit I was wrong in telling our trainer, "Crank up the jets all the way, Homie G-Dawg." Did I tell you I have a weird sense of humor? Because... I don't...

AGAIN: Who is dumb enough to mess with squirrels... watch out, or they'll come for you NEXT! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juNfEuqdWig&feature=fvw


Gun goes off, and I settle in a very brisk pace at the Deseret News 10k.


 A small pack of 5 guys forms, and to what I believe to contain this, 'Jared Ward'. My reasoning as to why I thought this, was well... after hearing for 2 straight miles the words and shouts, "Go Jared!", "You can do it, Jared!",  "Jared, will you marry me!?'... Common sense kicked in... "This was Jared". So be it.

We come across 2 miles in 9.18, as it was the fast downhill segment of the course, but let's not forget, still 'pretty' fast regardless. I knew it then, you know it now... the WALL was coming..... So, be it...

Last Saturday in December- As a friend of mine, just coming off injury himself is riding the stationary bike right beside me, pipes up, being a previous "deec cyclist" himself, "Hey Clay, your RPM's/speed is ridiculously high (140/30 m.p.h. or so at the at moment), you need more resistance... just sayin... Buddy'".

After looking over and examining the situation as a whole, me being the smart guy I am. Well, mostly the sarcastic prick I can be at times, and factoring in how well I adapted to being a decent cyclist from all the cross training I had been currently doing, "Hey... man, first thing, I'm at Level 5 resistence..." Him, "Oh..." and before he could say anything else, as he clicked along at a weak 105 RPM's at the time, I chirped back, "Nice work, I mean, you being on Level 1 resistance and all... Buddy"


*A several second pause*

Him: "Dude, you've gotten pretty damn good at this biking thing."

4 miles in, and the group now down to just two, and having trouble shaking, "You know who". As I heard from the first time on the course... "GO CLAY!!!" from a friend... 'a girl'.... Hmmm... I wonder if she reads my blog...

BUT ANYWAYS... Inspired, I proceeded to throw in a surge soon after, and to be honest, not the smartest thing... considering we are now done with the downhill portions of the course, and the race is held at 5000 feet altitude, CLASSIC move by my part. CLASSIC!!!

Starting the second week of January I am now able to do the stair climber at my local gym. To which, is basically running up hill... CONSTANTLY. After not too much practice at all, pouring sweat as my white-T is soaked, techno music coursing through my veins, I recorded the highest score in my gym... "Yes, there is such a thing..." That baby goes up to 28 levels. Crazy to have all those levels, right?!

TWO DAYS LATER: I am scheduled to go take scans and find out once and for all if my femur is healed. As I lay on a narrow bed-like structure, it proceeds to hum at an unnatural speed of 0.5 miles per hour. As I go into a tunnel like structure that I am TOTALLY encompased in.... FOR 30 MINUTES *clear throat* Did I tell you I'm ridiculously claustrophobic? So bad, I would take out in 60 flat in high school races in the mile (occasionally the 2 mile if I had the Gonads that day), not to get out, nor was I practicing stupid running tactics of a typical high school runner... "No." Because I couldn't stand other runners being beside me, boxing me in. Simply because, I freak out being so claustrobic... "and all". *Clear throat* Did I tell you I'm weird?   Because... I'm not...

As I lay in the lobby after the scans, knocked out and sleeping, for what I was later told by my lovely friends that came with me, for a 'solid' 90 minutes (I was traumatized and all from being stuffed in that devil like structure)... The radiologists, is that what they're called? Well, NOW they are, comes into the lobby, "Mr. Mayes here are your scans". As I am handed my scans half-asleep, "Finally", the answer lies within these pictures... to bad I can't tell what any of them mean.

ONE WEEK LATER... Ya, "That long", I meet with my Athletic Doctor, as he reviews the scans. To what seems like an hour pause... "Clay, you made a full recovery. Your femur is fully healed, to the point, there's extra bone growth around it than originally."

As I hear those words, I held back a big smile... "Ah heck, I smiled." haha.

"That's awesome!"

As I look around for the 5 mile mark, it is no where to be seen... "Where is it?!" I check my watch, and figure out, I must have missed it. As, to what I think, I'm roughly 5 and a half miles in... I hit it. What is it, it being, THE WALL. Currently, several seconds ahead of "Mr." Ward, I gut it out the best I could. As my breathing thickens, to a point, I feel like I'm going to hyperventalate, my thoughts, "God bless altitude..."... What do you mean that couldn't have been my thoughts? Well... "It was..."

I continue forth, as the race is drawing to a close with each stride.

As the last straight-a-way comes about, and ya, "Here he comes", Ward has pulled up beside me, and to what I later learn, it being his coach, yells out, "Go now!"

Honestly, there was NO chance. As I pushed forth with everything I had, I could not outkick him... nor had a living chance. I mean, it's not like someone warned me he had a kick...

One week into it, I am now running again. I'm just a tad overweight (half-joke), as I am clicking off a handful of miles these past several days. My form is smooth again, and it just feels good to run again.

Although.... Indoor season is not over... and something tells me the mile would be an interesting go...

As the race is over, I talk to the famous Jared Ward. "Hey man, when are you racing again?"


Him, "It'll be a few years."


Me: What!? We have to race again, haha (I was 'half'-serious, I mean... who wants to end on that note)


Him: "I will be going to BYU when I get back from my mission, and then, and certainly then... we can race."

So, I waited...

As the years went by, 3 and a half to be exact, and lost hope of ever having a rematch and currently on crutches, as this was a few months ago. A teammate of mine says to me, well, before I tell you what he says, 'BACKSTORY". My teammate also ran in that race, not the one that went with me, and yes, I know what you're thinking, "Small world", Oh, I know! As he knows of the rivalry and my hope of getting a rematch verse Ward... and my teammate says out of the complete blue, "CLAY... he's back!..."

My head turned, as to say, "Well, go on... say it..."

As my teammate said, "Jared Ward ran some cross races for BYU this year.. he's back. You need to get back into it..."

A new motivation is put forth and to what inspired me to cross train as hard as I did, I look forward to a rematch. I'm not quite like the runner I was, but 2012, Payton Jordan Invite. Pal Alto, California... 5000m or 10000m, your choice Ward... We're racing.



A big point to this post is to prove how small the running world truly is. It's always interesting to find out how you know some people, or how you meet again one day. I could go on and on detailing different stories, but to prove a point... I would like someone to forward this blog post to Jared... and if possible, Jared email me at mud.mayes@gmail.com (or Facebook works)...  Best of luck with your training to come, sincerely.

I would also like to say, I have a big-time crush on Angela Bizzari. So, if anyone is so kind to talk me up to her... Do so.... I'm a great guy!... *clear throat* joking... but seriously my email is above ;)

Hope no one takes this out of context, Jared... I think you're the man.

Last thing-  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_sfnQDr1-o

-clay j mayes the 3rd

RIVALRIES AND EGOS

It's been a while: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eC1dM_s2js&feature=related

Right click: this will be your background music... DO IT!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdNdjF-htY&feature=related

The sports world needs rivalries. Some rivalries may be friendly, some may be cut throat and vicsious. Regardless, it is rivalires that fuel the sports world. This occurs on the professional level, all the way down to the lowest level... 'golf', joking... mostly.

As I've had a 9 year long running career, I've encountered a few rivalries. Most them have been just something I've created in my own head, but one rivalry was quite evident to many. As a young freshman, I was pertty cocky, "still am". Not outright and noticeable to anyone I talked to, but to me, I felt I deserved to win any race I ran. "I worked harder, why not?!" Unfortunatly, it does NOT work that way.

As I competed against small school classification kids, this mindset was reinforced when I raced. "Yes", I won the majority of my races, again... "small school classification kids". All this fueling my ego, as does most athletes having a rather large ego in tact. If oneself does not think they're better than the other guy, then one certainly isn't going to 'foam at the mouth' to beat the guy next to him. A big ego is crucial to have in being competitive in sports. How one conceals it, is another thing.
Regardless, let's get to the point! After pulling a rabbit out of my hat freshman year at pre-state, I won going from 21st at 1k to 1st by 4k and then holding on. A very calculated and executed race to the T to pull off the win, but none the less, "It happened". As Sophomore year came about, a much stronger runner, I won pre-state yet again. Althouh it was a close battle coming down to the homestretch. As my junior year came, I was a new runner. I wasn't 'half-bad', in which, at that pre-state race of my junior year. I pulled away early, as I stomped the field, and won in a very convincing 47 seconds. "No Sweat".

Let me tell you, "He was in the race". "Yes", the same race I won by 47 seconds. Who's "He?", you will later learn. Keep reading.

As state came around, I proceeded to do my typical crash and burn from allergies, and 'more excuses galore' and so forth. As I ran into a spectactor and just being a bag full of problems that day at xc state my junior year, "He" beat me there.

So, "Let it Begin!"

Limping through track, I made my way. Eventually getting to mid-summer, I started to roll in my training. As I entered my senior season, I felt I would not be challenged, ever. Again, let me re-instate the point all driven athletes have ego's when it comes to their sport. It is not a questionable thing... it is a must to compete in the sports world around us. A MUST!

As it was 95 degrees and early October of my senior year, and at a meet two weeks out before pre-state... You know, "My" pre-state, I have won it 3 years in a row! And "Yes", 95 degrees is seasonably warm. The second, "so-called fastest kid in the state/A big school classification runner" was there (this included all the classifications in the state of Oklahoma). As this race also inlcuded, "Him/He" as well. But let's be honest, I was more worried about the big school kid, who was 'famous' for having a great kick. As he would classically do the 'sit and kick' method against runners like me. So I thought, "Fine... I'll make a show out of it today". As the race went off, so did I. Coming through the 800m in a brisk 2.20, I continued to push. As Mr. Big school kid sat on my shoulder, we continued to glide along. My thoughts, "It's cool".

I proceeded to speed up, no worries, it is only a 5k after all...

Coming through the mile in 4.37 and the screaming words from his coach, "HE'S GOING TO BLOW YOU UP, BACK OFF... BACK OFF!!!"

And let me tell you, as a scrawny 116 lb kid at the time, that was the plan. And I did.

As we rolled along and only a 1/4 mile later, I would run alone. No longer hearing the footsteps behind me, I pushed on. Knowingly, the wall was coming, I did only have a 4.29 mile pr at the team. And in some sense, I was all for it. Well, so long as I didn't hit it first. Hearing the screams for my competitor, as his fellow teammates and cheer group yelled along the course, in which, he lagged just beyind. Yelling came in all directions, "IS THERE REALLY PEOPLE IN THE TREES CHEERING/YELLING TOO?!"
Just as I stared the last lap, consisting of a 2k, and no longer hearing my competitors named shouted, and seeing that of only solomn faces as I darted along turns, chopping around the turns, I tried hard to hold off my trademark smirk... well... the best I could.

And perhaps, this race was a bit too much for my ego.


Blog break!!!:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFubzSu2AOE&feature=related

Winning the race was only a simple matter of pride, as it held no real value. And "No" I did not forget, about the kid, who shall be known thus far into the story as "He", in which, "He" got 3rd place in the race... almost a womping minute behind. As "He" would be at my pre-state meet in just a week. Nor, did I even question being challenege by him, to me, this was going to be a massacre.

Training through, to the point, the warmup at pre-state was "rough", I did not care. I wouldn't need to be at the top of my game anyways.

With the simple sound of the gun, "BANG", the race was underway as 200 hundred kids battled and jostled for positioning. As it immediately became evident in the race "He" was out front, and not only was he out front, but he was 'way' out front. My thoughts, "He'll come back, they always do."

Please right click and make this your background music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uDMw9kpRWg

Did I tell you 'his' school was across the street? Well, it was.

A little before the mile, and a good gap behind, people were yelling as if the race was already over. As I trudged along the course, legs heavy, a slight sense of panic amongst my heavy breathing. I began to wonder if I was going to catch him, as he did not hesistate and dropped the hammer from the get-go. Swinging around a large Oak tree, just beyond the mile mark, I began panic. Screaming to my left, screaming to my right, people were going crazy. And so I began to.
As all fans know, Cross country really does bring out quite an enthused and energetic crowd of people. God knows why people get so into it. Perhaps, witnessing the looks of death amongst the runners, as each, whether fit, fat, or being forced to run for their school, each kid would ran hard regardless of the circumstances. As I said, "Everyone has an ego when it comes to sports". Regardless, people LOVE it when they get to witness this sport known as cross country. Hearing people tell me, "Watching cross country is like crack for their eyes"... That being said, I also began to wonder where these people come from...

As I can no longer take it, and aisde from feeling like death, I surged. Closing the 30 yard some gap quickly, I couldn't take not being in the lead! As I pulled up aside from competitor, who kept an intense focused look, he was unphased. My thoughts, "Huh". Hurting from the surge, I did not care. As we just passed the 2k, I pushed forward. I wanted the lead, I needed the lead, I WAS SUPPOSE TO LEAD! As I took the lead, my thoughts, "Anytime now, he should be falling off".

Well, in actuality, he proceeded to take the lead immediately back and put forth his own surge. As I begin hating my existance, people screaming for my rivil, chanting "YOU GOT HIM!!! YOU GOT HIM!!!" As if to say, the race was over. It seemed like there was an ongoing theme here. Let me tell you, people really aren't afraid to insult your own physical ability in the sport known as cross country. I mean, if you have a wound, people will pour salt in it, and proceed to insult your good-hearted mother in the process... Pressure can build from this atmosphere, trust me.

As we both continued to stick to each other, neither of our egos giving in, switching off leads, surge after surge, neither of us broke. As we came upon the finishing straight, along the starting line, in which, was the last 1 mile loop of the course, we were completely in the crowds eyes for almost all of the last 2k. Knowing people were going to see this, I panic... again. Re-surging to take the lead, legs dead, eyes rolling to the back of my head, I would not let this happen... I WON'T!!! Taking back the lead, to which, I thought was rightfully mine. I thought I can now pull away now. As we passed right by the finish line, to start the last 1 mile loop, we circled around up an infamous hill. The same hill I broke away my freshman and sophomore year to win this race in an surprising upset, this was my hill!

You know what? History did not repeat itself, as my rival began his own surge up the hill, and not only took the lead, but opened up a gap. People began jumping up and down, as they were going crazy, in which, one cocky kid from no-where Oklahoma was falling off... "Awesome". As the gap grew to 5 yards... to 10 yards, and then opening up to 20 yards... It was becoming quite evident who was controlling the race. As I still loosely held on, form beganning to faulter, as I broke down... I couldn't help, but take notice of everything. How well my season was going up till then, how important this race was to me, after all I won it the past 3 years, and now people critiqueing (screaming/taunting)  my own self worth. As my blood boiled, shooting to the tips of my fingertips, my teeth gritting... "No, it's not over!" As one coach yelled to my rival when he was cresting a small hill, "HE'S fallen off! Just like that, I made a push... "Looks like someone spoke to soon"...

As we were going into the trees, only to be hidden for 200 meters, and then coming out of the woods, to an open 1/2 mile straight to the finish... I began to reel my competitor back in. And let me tell you how much I regretted giving him every little inch I gave him at that point. My body ached, arms, legs, and even my back felt chocked full of lactic acid, as I weezled my way back up to my rival, I was determined.

Finally closing the gap, to the extent, I was just a few yards checked off him... I began to plot my move. This was a hard enough task, as 1.) I felt like crap. 2.) He was famous for splitting  51 in the 400m 3.) I was infamous for a lack of having a kick. 4.) Barbara Streison is a no talent ass clown!

As I quickly decided, I would make the move/the push 400 meters out. As it was right at the point, were the runners go up a really steep incline onto the road, in which, we crossed it, and then proceed to drop 10 yards down a decline, this is where I would get my momentum for "The Kick". As we were coming up onto the road, blood boilding, adrenline pumping for one last hoorah... charging up the incline, striding over the road, and throwing myself in a downward push of momentum coming off the decline... I shot out

And so the real race begun.

As I darted past my competitor, noticing his eyes immediately opening up in shock (his thoughts: "HE'S BACK?!), I did not hesitate. I charge forth with all my might, feeding off the momentum I gained, I would not be denied a win without an honest fight! I WOULD NOT!

Quickly realizing how far kicking out from 400 meters is, "It hurt".

300 meters left, still holding on, grimacing, eyes closed, arms, legs driving forward.

200 meters out, "WHERE IS HE?!"

100 meters out, people jumping up and down, others holding their hands over their mouths in aspirations of who would win this death match, two runners continued to volley for that front spot as we closed down the last bits of the course.

 As I glanced at the ground, using my rival's own shadow to guage how close he was, I continued to dig. A shadow approaching, my fists clinched, and as I continued to hold my form together... well, the best I could...

And as the last steps towards the finish line were just strides away....



I watch my opponents shadow disappear... a sense, a euphoria overwhelmed me, as I held my head high coming acroos the line. Exhilarated by my win, there was no denying what hit me next... as it was the ground when I came crashing down from exhaustion. As it felt like I was dying, I did not care. To me and my ego, it would be a much better path than losing a race.


What happened when I recovered? Well, I asked my rival to join me in training (as others wondered why in the damn pickens hell, "I asked" my competition to train with me, to which, I gave a simple response, "Let the best man win". As that winter came along, we became good friends as we trained together and proceeded to represent our track club quite well.

My conclusion:

A lesson can be learned from this.


ALSO: I WILL MAKE ANOTHER BLOG POST IN THE NEXT WEEK AND GIVE EXTENSIVE DETAIL OF WHAT'S GOING ON. AS I ALWAYS SAY, "IT'S A LONG STORY".

Comeback kid

Okay, long story short, I have been guilted into making yet another post.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL1uFjSbvnA


That being said, "Update."



As it's late, I refuse to say how late it actually was, let's just say... ' it's late.' Regardless, I'm back to running. Here I am, enclosed in a rather large building that contained the turf indoor football field, as I glide along. As I'm chopping along, a little heavy breathing from being a bit out of shape, a small, yet still noticeable twitch in my running stride, sweat continuing to build, as I 'only' sported yellow running shorts (I know right?! ;), as I continued to stide along. As my bare feet stuck the turf, "digging" into the mounded up rubber, topped with a layer of synthetic grass, and the simple "BEEP BEEP BEEP'ing" sound of my watch, my stride opened up as I transgress into a more uptempo pace. Hardly back to my old form, metaphorically, and to some extent, litterally, I'm not bothered by being 'fat'.

Background music: please right click and add into an extra tab! thank you and have a nice day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb0Y7WKETbs


"BEEP BEEP BEEP," as I now regress back to my short and choppier stride, to which, I obviously slowed it back down. I am doing what is known to runners as a "Fartlek." Simply because it is easy on my hip flexor, because I don't have to stop and start repeatedly like I do in intervals. Today's fartlek was relatively simple, 14x60 seconds at an uptempo pace, and a 60 second jog in-between. Hardly anything like what I used to do, it was a start.


I probably should start from the first day of practice, to let you know my current mindset, rather than let you 'guesstimate' how i felt. So, as the first day, to which is also known as, "Gear day"... a.k.a. "Christmas for us runners in college," thousands of dollars of gear is given out to each runner/person, some specifically made from Nike given to the OU runners. As I gather up all my gear, I realize something's missing...Cross country spikes.



As I mention it, as well as a few other guys missing 'this or that,' they say, "What model of spikes do you want? We'll order them now."



"Actually, it doesn't matter, I won't be racing till indoor..." nor was I running at that current time. Due to injury, I was unbothered, so I acted at the time. Ironically, that same day, an old friend called, that was also in the Big 12 conference meet, and was asking when they were going to be able to see me. As they knew about my current situation, intially thinking they would not see me, "Wait a minute!... You're going to come 'watch' Big 12's right?!" A bit, "Oh ya, I'm not going to be able run it" thought crosess my mind, as I chime back, "No way I'm missing that!"

As a week or so passes, and by the grace of god... AND the 'fun' therapy I mentioned in my last post... I was able to get back into running.



A couple weeks later, and trying to make... what I'd like to call a comeback, and my hopes that were intially thoughts of only failure, turned into hopes of "what if's."



As the 10th repition of my uptempo fartlek workout comes about, my breathing picks up, as does my stride. As the janitor comes onto the indoor turf field through the doors, in which, were combined with the complex... I darted by him unphased as he spoke up, "Hey buddy! As usual... make sure the doors are locked when you're heading out, no rush though!"



As I gathered myself and the energy required, I yelled back, "Ya, no problem!.... Preciate it!" This was now becoming a routine from the past 9 days of running.

As I see through the clear doors, the lights are now all turned out from all directions, as the dim lights from the indoor football field are the only thing guiding me along, step after step, minute after minute, lap after lap, I pushed forward. As this continued, I forgot how good it felt to hurt. Odd... I know. Whether it's an addition to pain, or a simple love of knowing that I'm doing "something" with my current day to day life to which, I'd like to say I'm moving forward in, regardless, I was comforted by hurting.



As I am now in the cooldown phase, trotting a couple miles to shake out the junk from the uptempo workout, well... 'That felt good.' Not only did I think that, I litterally said that out loud, and "Yes," I will remind you, I was by myself. And Yes, I know... I'm too cool sometimes.



As I now relax my thoughts, and drop the intense mindset that accompanies every good runner during a workout, I think of my current day. Well, heck... I'll tell you! As I awake that morning, at a ridiculous early time of 11 a.m. I make my way through my daily errands. First getting back to all the jackass'... I mean, "friends" that texted me so freaking early, "Caleb, I'm talking about you." SERIOUSLY YOU TEXTED ME AT 9 A.M., TO TELL ME YOU TALKED TO A GIRL?... AND SHE WAS ONLY A 7?!"..... "AND NO," I won't forget about you Nicole, who has to tell me, "She has shin splints and needs my advice"... Nicole, you're a freaking doctor, literally. I am a punk ass kid who makes straight C's in college. Do you really want my advice?!


Let's not forget Sara, who tells me happy birthday, let's just say, "Sara's not all there... bless her heart..."



DAMN IT!!!



Okay, I was just joking about that... perhaps.



As I walk over to the training room to do drills, I now have a new friend. A trainer... to which, I tell her all the team gossip... "ALL OF IT." As her eyes light up, wondering what soap opera related stuff happened within the past day, she shares her thoughts... after she hears everything she wants. "Ya Clay, if you really like K.W.'s mom, and seeing how she made a pass at you... You should go for it!"... "Also, (name) they'll come around!"



Well thanks, "trainer's name."



As the day passes, and dinner comes about, I enter the cafe, which is dominated by a lot of athletes. I hand the cashier my money, and with the non-chalant words in addition, "Here's my drug money"... A bit baffled, and odd stares from random people that were lined up behind me.... "Drug money?!" As I just smile and walk on, I proceeded to stuff my 'fat face' in every dessert that is offered... cookies, cake, and my favorite meal, salad... KIDDING! My favorite meal is actually, raw sugar.... YOU THINK I'M KIDDING?! I'm not.



As 6:15 rolls around, I make my way over to the track, I have a group of 4 kids I legitimately help coach... for free. As a few teammates/friends come to join/watch, I give instructions on what today's workout is, and all runners nod their head and start their routine warm-up. As this was the 3rd workout on Monday, a friend paid half attention to the runners I have been coaching and pipes up... "Who's the 5th guy? I don't remember him from the past two weeks." My response, "Beats me... randoms just show up... and usually stay too."



A little bit later, one kid chimes in, "What mile pace, is a 5 minute mile"... As I chime back, "Well, let's see here... a 5 minute mile pace... is well, 5 minute mile pace." The kid nods his head... "Oh okay!"... Then proceeds to ask, "What mile pace is a 10 minute 2 mile?" As I don't answer and blankly stare into the sky, and talk to myself, which, as you should know by know, was out loud.... "I don't get paid enough to do this." One of my kids who is still running around the track for their warmup, runs by as he hears this, "HA, that's funny, because you don't get paid at all to do this!", and... my butt is slapped. Thoughts, "Dear Jesus, how did I end up in the situation... Sincerely, your loyal friend....-clay." Personally, I just wanted to be in a gang, and do 'stuff', and then do more 'stuff'. But no, I wanted to be a good samaritan? Who knows.


Workout done, and calculating the response the kids had from the 1st workout to the current one, "Yep, looks like they're all responding nicely!"



Then, the current activities of the evening take place, activites end, run, and now I sit here writing this....

Night y'all!


And here's your vids, you vultures: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kZ9YfB9Q3U


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A2moFdM1Yo


-clay j mayes the 3rd

As of Lately?

I haven't put up a post in a while, but ya, there's some things I'd like to share, as there has been a transitioning of my mindset these past two weeks:

As of lately, things have been... well, 'different' for me.


After my first few weeks of not being able to run, things changed. It's human nature to tell the truth.

AS USUAL, PLEASE RIGHT CLINK THE LINK, AND ADD AS YOUR BACKGROUND MUSIC. PLEASE AND THANK YOU :)!-- www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBiyiU5Blm8


Aside from being more-so ADHD from the lack of running to mellow me down, I went about everything in a very non-chalant way.
As each day of not being able run went by after the first few weeks, I didn't think anything of it. At that point, my body was still damamged, to the extent that I could not even hold up-right while trying to run, let alone walk completely normal. Of course, I cross-trained hard, as ellitptical and aqua jogging beaome my new found niche for 'breaking a sweat'. Let me tell you, I OWNED and put to shame any person that would elliptical in my presence.
As some people don't realize, most people go through the motions in their life. Personally, I am no fan. Think about it, what fun is it subconsciously going through your day without appreciating what you do, what kind of person you are, or perhaps enjoying the true simple things in life. Still lost? Okay, Have you ever drove somewhere, got out of your car and been like, "Wait... I drove, I don't even remember it.... "Well, a lot of people go through motions in their daily lives. And In my instance, it dealt with my mentality of running, or current lack there-of.

Since 7th grade, people referred to me as a runner, rare in my parts of the state... perhaps country. But ya, it was what I was known for. I worked hard, had a genuine liking of the sport, was fascinated by how it worked, and so forth. And when I got hurt, I not only lost sight of what and who I was for a bit, but was no longer consciously missing running, and even failed to remember it... even purposely to an extent.
As school came around, I would do the same thing everyday. As I made my way into the training room, now becoming quite comfortable for being an elite elliptical'ist', I went through the motions.

Football guy: "What up big man!?"
Me: "What little guy?!"
As we both gave a simple handshake on the go, I was unconscious. This was my life. Pouring sweat, with the soles of my feet burning from the friction I was creating, I hammered the elliptical day in and day out. As time went on, I began to wonder from time to time, if my hip flexor and joined tendons would ever heal, nor did I worry that much anymore. Each day would be the same thing, wake up, go to the training room, do the same drills day after day, elliptical, chit chat with the other sports players in the training room, and then go about the rest of my day 'til I aqua jogged. It was life.
To be perfectly honest, I was content. So, I told myself. Well.... wait a minute, "Okay," I wasn't completely content, there were times I was scared to be in the training room during my daily routine. It was when the softball players were there. Let me tell you this, if a cage match were to break out between me and any one of them, I would be ripped in half... And that's saying a lot with my junior high wrestling resume!

The one thing that I kept buried, was that of people continually asking me, "Are you back to running yet?" Each day, the same talks in person, calls, texts, "So can you run yet?" This would include several people primarily ranging from back home, day to day life, some of the guys on the team, and so on, but the most consistent one being my mom. "So, Mud (what my fam calls me)... can you run yet?"

Me: "Let me tell you the plan, Nancy. First off, I'm waiting for the Olympics to add the Elliptical, then and certainly then, I will proceed to represent the U.S. of A. and bring home the gold."

My mom: in a broken up tone, "So, not yet?"

Me: "Perhaps tomorrow."


I proceeded to say, "Perhaps tomorrow," numerous times, and without giving it much thought.

As I went onto campus one day, and this being the only day I have been on campus, I walked along. I am still confused to this very moment what exactly happened... But I will explain it the best I can. As I was heading back home, a young girl walked up to me and simply said, "You miss running." She did not ask it like it was question, rather telling me what I was 'supposed' to be thinking. A little confused, I just gave a slight smile/smirk, light laugh and in a half heartily tone, "Ya... I do." This was the first time it was brought to my attention, my conscious reasoning, in the 3 weeks, now up to 6 weeks at this point. What I forgot, what I missed most... And... that was it. I didn't say much more, it was a simple exchange of words. And ya, I know what you're thinking, who was the girl? Personally, I do not know. I would guess it was one of the girls that ran in some track meets I did back in high school, but I am still unsure.

Regardless, I did not fully cave. I just had that feeling about running, which could be concluded with a simple and slight curious... "huh".

For whatever reason, perhaps a spark from the girl on campus, I decided to try yet ANOTHER kind of therapy, as if the deep tissue massage, stem therapy, ultra sound, strengthening drills, and acupuncture therapy... yes, the therapy where they stab you with needles... "purposely," was not enough already. So, I made the call, set up the appointment and so let it be done. I go in and the doctor explains what's going to happen... "We are going to take this metal bar and manually use it to grind up all the scar tissue that has formed in the area of your injury, and ya, it's going to be pretty painful."

The doctor was a very friendly lady, who in a sense, came off a bit 'hippi-ish.' As she examined my body before the therapy started, proceeding to feel out the injured area, as well as several other places to figure out if I was aligned properly and all that jazz, she gets quiet.

As there is a sense of erieness, I look up, she is hovering over me as I sit there, and in a sense waiting for me to take notice, she tells me, "Clay... your body misses running."



After a confused look, she repeats it again, "Your body is telling me it misses running"
A bit baffled, I begin to think, "First off, I never said I was a runner, nor suggested it (I mean, look at me, I'm clearly basketball player material... 'clearly'). And second, as hard as it is for me to say at the time, it was true." As a rush of feelings came through, I simply sat there with a bit of confusion, a small, yet, trademark smirk of mine, and after a short pause, simply said, "Ya... ya, it does."
No longer "going through the motions" from one moment to the next, I begin to remember what I appreciated. I could entail numerous pages of what all I missed and what came to mind in that instant, but in short, I wanted to run again, sincerely. Well, okay, I'll share 'one' moment: As a good friend of mine is biking beside me on a summer night run in Claremore, I ran alongside. No worries in the world, we discussed all issues that concerned our interest:
Friend: That's crazy a common ground hole squirrel can outrun the fastest man on the planet.
Me: Crazy? No. I call it simple logic, and truth. It IS a squirrel and all.
Friend: Just curious, but what is your position on the role of government in supporting innovation in the field of biotechnology?
Me: "Well, let me put it simply, recent research has shown the empirical evidence for globalization of corporate innovation is very limitied and as a corollary the market for technologies is shrinking. As a world leader, it's important for America to provide systematic research grants for our scientists. I believe strongly there will always be a need for us to have a well articulated innovation policy with emphasis on human resource development. BOOM! Thank You!"

As the run is almost done, and just half a mile away from where we're finishing up, things take a turn As a handful of random people drove by, they proceed to throw a water bottle at my friend on the bike. As they continued onward, "as if it was over:"... they came upon a stop light 200 yards down. Without consciously thinking, I snag the filled water bottle, and track them down. As an argument breaks out, yelling from both sides, I open up the water bottle and thrown it in the their vehicle. My friend arrives over on the bike, as I swiftly say, "Go back to the vehicle, I'm taking care of this."

After some more arguing and the water bottle tossed back out of the vehicle to the other side, it gets more heated... And just as it was all said and done, I was trotting away, and one of the punks chimes in, "YA! I bet you wouldn't throw that water bottle back in here!"

"Oh really?"

Without hesitation and hopping over and grabbing it, still half full at this time, I gladly throw it back in. This time, they get out of the vehicle and face to face arguing is taking fold... and ya... I will finish this story.... "Another day, Another Time" :D.

As the heated 'event' is done with, I go back over to my friend. "Wow, I can't believe that happened..."

Me: That's a weekly thing... man.

Friend: "Same people or something? What were you thinking???"
Me: "Typically, no. And I wasn't?"

Friend: "What should we do now?"
Me: "Are we human, or are we dancers?"
Back to the therapy:
As the therapy starts, it becomes evident, "This sucks." As I can literally hear the scar tissue being grinded with the bar, and the therapist saying, "Wow, this area isn't a happy camper", I begin to "half" jokingly have second thoughts about this.

I am going to cut this entry short, but to put it simply, "They say the hardest step is always the first," so let it be known, the first step has been taken.

Yes... people... I got your comedy right here-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjGwusHrOtk and also:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F_G2zp-opg&feature=channel

p.s. New squirrel videos will be up 'next' post :)
-clay j mayes the 3rd

Also, I would like everyone to say a prayer or two for a good friend of mine named Jared, who is having some serious heart issues and will be undergoing surgery shortly. So, if it's not too much trouble to ask, a couple prayers for a genuinely good-hearted guy would be great!

Can you win?!

Okay, so I have a full week of shenanigans, "A really busy week'. So, I would like to apologize b/c there will be no post this week.

Although, I will hold a game. Anyone can win this game with the right set of words, or best idea.

To the winner will be a prize, "A good prize". If you are a runner, it will be running-related. If you are not a runner... no worries, it will be non-running related! :)

Each person is allowed to not only enter just once, but is allowed to enter with two different entries!

The question now is, "How does one enter and what to enter?"

Basically, either send me a quote, a picture, or an essay (Roughly within a 5 minute read if that's easy to do)...of why you deserve to win this prize 'The' most! Being clever is important... If you can't tell already, I like originality!

To whatever catches my attention most, "wins".... and keep it clean.

There will be absolutely no favortism in this contest. So, if you know me... "Sorry, you're going to have to earn it :)"

Entries can be sent to mud.mayes@gmail.com or shoot me a message on facebook, whether you're a friend or not facebook friend does not matter.

Contest ends on August 27th at midnight! You got a bit less than one week, and two entries... make them count!

Everyone might as well enter, worth a shot!

-BEST OF LUCK!!!

Also...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuPYZX2cUXE


-clay j. mayes the 3rd

"Watch it Purple!"

This post will be the second edition of, "Everybody has a Story", which the first edition of this story can be found here: www.miletomile.blogspot.com/2010/07/everyone-has-story.html (or scroll down the blog).


Now, I know what you're thinking... "WATCH IT... PURPLE?!... HUH?!"... And yes, if you want to know the meaning behind this phrase, I can certainly tell you. Obviously, I tend to expound, so let me start from the beginning.

When two people love each other... (STOP!!! *clears throat*... Let's fast forward a bit more).


CUE MUSIC!!! PLEASE RIGHT CLICK LINK (ADD AN EXTRA TAB) AND ADD THIS NECESSARY BACKGROUND MUSIC FOR SCHWABBY'S START IN RUNNING... IT'S MANDATORY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWR0k_R6XDE

It was the year 1996 and a young man by the name, "Schwabby" was competing in his local "Elementary Mile." Basically, all the Elementary classes joined together in the school he attended. The statistics to this duel included, "Let's see who can ran the fastest mile amongst all the Elementary classes." Schwabby stood 4 foot nothing stature, sportiing a crew hair cut, and grew up on the west-side of the state (important fact to remember), and it is also important to note, Schwabby had a heart twice the size of the normal 'full' grown man. To this very day, I cannot figure out if this is just an urban legend, or fact. Regardless, Schwabby was full of positive energy and was up to any challenge that he encountered. Fun fact of the day!... Schwabby's fellow childhood heroes include Michael Jordan, Lance Armstrong, and K.W.'s mom! She was smoking (8.8 out of 10)!

What sparked his interest in running?- During his 3rd grade year, Schwabby got 2nd place in his annual school's 1 mile race that was amongst all the middle schoolers. Many people are content with 2nd. Hell! Many people just want a ribbon. Honestly, if you"ve seen the movie Ricky Bobby, the phrase, "If you're not first, you're last," did not actually come from Ricky Bobby's dad. It actually came from Schwabby as he was leaving the meet when he came in 2nd... Ricky Bobby's dad overheard it, and that bastar... I mean, "jerk"... took it as his own! The nerve!

After his 2nd place showing, Schwabby went into "training mode". With the help of his dad, also a former 'great' runner himself back in the day, they measured off 'just' a quarter mile loop in a local park behind his house. Everyday he ran that same loop running anywhere from 3-5 miles. His only days off included the day before and after road races. The most remarkable thing about this was not his consistency, but what he did during his runs. "What?" You may ask... Honestly, I'm just going to cut to the chase, 'Schwabby sang the National Anthem' as he ran... over and over again, loop after loop, mile after mile, day after day during each of his runs. For whatever reason, I do not know for sure, but damn, he was one patriotic kid! (God Bless America!).

One year of training later, "It was time."

The big day had come for Schwabby as he toed the line for the annual mile race amongst all the elementary kids of his school. With a heart twice the size of a normal person, as stated earlier, and the determination of a Samurai... yes, a DAMN SAMURAI! Schwabby took out for the lead from the gun and did not relent. As each lap passed, his lead grew. By the 4th and final lap, there would be no question of who was your, "Elementaaaaary Miiiiiile Chaaampiiiiiiioon of the Year!" As legend would have it, Schwabby crossed the line 'popping champagne. 'Yes, I know what you're thinking....

"What a badass!"

"Wait, that's not what you were thinking?"...

"Me?! Actually, I don't find it weird a 4th grader was popping champagne."

"Where do I think he got champagne during his race?!"

"Dude, beats me, I think the more important thing here is he 'looked pretty dang cool' doing it!!!"

After his race, Schwabby did not relent. Year after year, he would run that same 1/4 mile loop just behind his house. Some days it was covered in ice and snow, other times, the temps would be soaring above 100 F, by all means, he was consistent.
______

Nike Outdoor Nationals:

The day was June 14th, 2006 and today was the day. Schwabby and me went to the track together, as we were staying at the same hotel. We proceeded to start our warm-up for the Nike Outdoor Nationals 5000 meter in the town of Greensboro, North Carolina, I, for one, had many racing thoughts.



As we trotted along, there was a sense of nervousness that could be felt amongst the whole stadium, from the athletes, to the parents, to the spectators, and even the nearby public wondering what the heck was causing all the commotion!? As we trotted along in our warm-up, there was light chit chat:


Schwabby: "1-10, Blonde 40 meters to the left!?"

Me: "Hmmm, 8.2"

Schwabby: Krispy Kreme donuts, or Dunkin Donuts.

Me: "Uhg... KRISPY KREME!"

Me: "If you put a chameleon in a room full of mirrors, what color would it change?" "Does a postman deliver his own mail?"


Schwabby: "Green"... "Only on Tuesdays!"

But for the most part, not much was said...
_____

Cue music (right click and add as a new tab.. THANK YOU, and have a good day :):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eWmnhOIW0k


As for my current childhood where-a-bouts as a young kid, I was playing soccer on the EAST-SIDE of the state (important to note). I was playing (hustling) Rogers/Mayes county soccer league. I was a 'professional'. "You think I'm kidding?!". I kid you not. I always, and I mean ALWAYS, got paid with sour straws and the soda pop of my choice after each game. That was my rate, I was livin' life, let me tell you. I was a ball of energy on fields, commonly referred to as "The Energizer Bunny." I held league records of 21 goals in 10 games, and according to urban legend, that record still stands, but more interestingly...

I was notorious for playing too rough, yet, I was smaller than everyone on the field..."go figure". Known for this already, a fellow parent on our soccer team took me aside right before the start of the first indoor soccer game of the season, which is in an enclosed area. Basically, the ball could not go out of bounds because you could play the ball off of the walls and he said, "Mud (that's what people called me) this is exactly like hockey, you can play as aggressive as you want... you know.. body check people into walls." Till this day, I do not know what I replied with back, but what I do know is I went onto that indoor soccer field with a crazed look in my eyes. Athletes from other teams actually started to avoid me after several bouts and after several other occasions where I actually checked them into the walls, as we (soccer players) were going for the ball.... Looking back after all these years... and remembering the pain I caused (bringing a few kids to tears), alls I can say is, "My Bad."
______


Nike Outdoor Nationals:

As the race was drawing closer, the announcer was there to let us know,





"15 MINUTES TILL RACE TIME!"

 "14 MINUTES TILL RACE TIME!"


 "12 MINUTES TILL THE MEN'S 5000 METER!"


"PLEASE BE SURE TO BUY A POPCORN AND A POP FOR ONLY 2 DOLLARS!"


"11 MINUTES TILL THE NIKE OUTDOOR MEN'S 5000 METER RUN!"

 "WHY AM I YELLING!? WERE AM I?!"


As Schwabby and me split off in different directions to do our strides, we went into our own little world. Up-to-date, this was our biggest race we've ever done. I believe my time ranked low 20's some place overall, as Schwabby was ranked somewhere between 4th-6th overall. As we each did our light sprints in various locations, the tension was building, as the heart began to race, adrenaline pumping to such an extent, that it could be felt on the tips of one's fingers, it was easy to say, "All or nothing at the point".

_______

After a several year stunt playing professional soccer, I started to try out other sports... wrestling, football, baseball, and of course, basketball. I picked up running a bit here and there, 'for fun'. But it was not until 7th grade, that I would meet this "Schwabby". It was the Field of Dreams 5k in Tulsa (East-side)... "My hood".

Toeing the line in b-ball shorts, shoes ripped at the toe box, and in a soccer t-shirt, I had all intentions of winning my age group... 'off of talent'. Well, 'he' was there too... "Schwabby". As I walked over to the start, I was baffled. He was doing sprints... What in the world?! 50 yard sprint... 'stop', repeat... again and again!' It would not be till months later, that I would learn this is what runner's call, "Strides".

When the gun went off, I swear Schwabby dropped a sub 4 mile, okay, more like 4.05. When it was all said and done, he rolled an 18.18, as I crawled across the line in 20.22. Afterwards, "I wanted to know THE secret". Approaching him and asking, what he ran daily and to my surprise, he just smiled back and said, "I just run". As simple as it was, that's was what he did. To me, I wanted to know the tricks of the trade, the 'set' plan to success! Obviously and to what I would later figure out, running is completely based off consistency. It's something you have to routinely do, day after day, when it's dark, when it's hot, when it's cold, when it's raining, snowing, one has to do it consistently. That is what I did NOT have.

Then I started 'training'! Day after day, I would race my dad out on the country back roads. Typically, I went two miles further, as he would do a 4.67 mile run, as I did 6.67. He ran a 23 minute in the 5k, verse my 20 minute 5k. Honestly, I would tear myself apart day after day, ensuring I would beat him. Sometimes it would come down to the driveway (which is 150 meters long), sometimes I would get him a half mile out. It was after weeks, months, and then on, that I started to improve. Several months later, Schwabby and me would meet again....

During which time, Schwabby ran day in and day out, and yep, you guessed it, singing the national anthem on his runs, "OH SAY CAN YOU SEEEEEE...". Also druing this time, he would be scanning the local Oklahoma Runner Magazine with his dad, "Hey there's a night race in Tulsa! The MDA 5k run!"

As I saw the race myself, "I'm game!"

________

Nike Outdoor Nationals:

As runners are, they are competitive. This can concern anyone... ANYONE. Whether that be cross town rivalries, friends, and even family. It's just the nature to competiting when you're at such a high level of training and striving to a goal you've prepared for years. As it is known, I was relatively an underdog versus Schwabby, and for good reason! Small school vs Big school kid, 29 (okay, I think it was 11, 7 individually) time state champ verse 1 time state champ (I was excellent and notorious for choking), and so and so on.

 "ALL 5000 METER RUNNERS, REPORT TO THE STARTING GATE!"

Cue music (right click and add as an extra tab): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eWmnhOIW0k

As the time was now, there was no looking back. In a white Jenks America jersey, sporting a blue wristband, a watch, and let's not forget... blue HOTWHEEL SUNGLASSES, I was ready.

Schwabby in a Red jersey saying, "OKLAHOMA" across the front, appeared to be primed and ready to go. As each runner toed the line, jam packed, each guy vollying for a spot, there was a sense of serial quiteness, as all runners awaited the gun. The stadium was lit up to the max, as it was complete nightfall, yet, inside the stadium it appeared to be true as day.

Within one split second, the starter proceeds to raise the starting gun, to which, was pointing straight to the heavens.

"BANG!"

________

(Schwabby located far left, blonde hair, 9th grade at this time, in which, he grew literally a foot one year later)

That night of the MDA run could not have came soon enough, as it was a hot and humid night in June. After a righteous 3 minute jog warm-up... I was ready. I walk over to the line, "HE'S... HE'S HERE!... Looks like he grew half an inch too!"

Now, let me tell you the facts so far. I went from a 20.xx 5k guy to a pr (personal record) of 18.04 in the 5k at this time. This next part may sound hard to believe, but true none the less, Schwabby at this time, 'also' had a pr of 18.04 in the 5k. I figured, I would have the element of surpise and catch him off guard by my new found fitness...

To what I later found out, Schwabby knew my current 5k pr, as well as, the weather I set it in, and the place I set it at. Turns out, Schwabby read the 'Oklahoma Runner Magazine' too...

________

Nike Outdoor Nationals:

As a slight panic was put forth amonst the field of 29 runners, EVERYONE was battling for positioning. The kid that lined up to the right of me, sporting 'purple shorts' proceeded to throw an elbow across my chest. My thoughts, "You will later pay for that, 'Purple!'" "YOU WILL PAY!!!"

I quickly tucked in and was positioned mid pack amongst the field. Schwabby positioned just a couple spots back on the outside of lane 1/inside of lane 2. Electricity coursing the the air, screaming to the right, screaming to the left, it was an enviroment that could not be matched anywhere else.
As we came through the first lap, hearing the officials shout, "72!!!" The pace was right on. Currently, not even feeling like we were running, I did what I could in staying relexed and zoned out... And at this time, was ahead of Kevo... a rare occurance. As each lap went by, "72!"... "73!"... "72!!", we came through the first mile in 4.50. All the runners bunched in together, it finally began to open up. As the defeated began to fall off the back, one by one, there was one less guy that needed to be dealt with. "Survival of the Fittest".

________The gun goes off, and this time, it would be 'different'. Taking a commanding lead over "Schwabby", as he just... 'chilled'. I continued to push forward, flying throgh the first K in 3.25 (17.05 5k pace, as I only had a pr of 18.04 at the time). I continued to push hard and not relent. By the mile marker, "I felt it". Not giving in, I did not relent, but I knew... I knew 'he' was coming. By 3k and starting to foam at the mouth, Schwabby pulls up beside me. At this point, I did not know he knew anything about me other than, "The slow kid that asked him 307 questions at the Field of Dreams 5k". Schwabby could have just passed me without saying a word, could've gave me the stare down, could have talked smack, heck... he could've threw in a surge to really show 'who was boss'!. To what happened next, caught me off guard. With an overwhelming sense of peppiness, he says, "LET'S GO CLAY!"... first thought, "He knows my name?". "COME-ON BUDDY... LET'S RUN FAST!"

As many would hope of a comradery to form with us sprinting in together, it was not so. As he began to pull away, I was 'maxed' out and could not go with him. As we came upon the last 400 meters, his dad, to which, also knew my name, "GET UP THERE... HELP PUSH HIM!!! MAKE HIM WORK FOR IT! LET'S GO CLAY!!!"

After it was all done and said, I ran 18.17 and as for my new found rival... 18.04, I kid you not. After it was all said and done, Schwabby's dad was gracious enough to come talk to me about running and give me a few pointers. By all means, he genuinely seemed interested in helping me along in my running career and as well, an all around good guy... GREAT GUY!

As the years passed, I improved, but by very little in comparison to my rival. Schwabby thrived and even was being referred to as the "Next Dathan Ritzenhein" (Former American Record holder in the 5k) as he was known amongst many runners in the state. HECK!... Schwabby was so popular he once went into Burger King and ordered a Big Mac... And GOT ONE!

We met a handful of times after the MDA run, only once cathcing him off guard before his substantial improvement. It was not until my last cross country race of my senior year, "The Oklahoma vs Arkansas Dual Meet", that there was a new found motivation in my running to put forth some sort of challenge. It was here that it became evident how dominant Schwabb was. Winning by an astonishing 2x some seconds and hearing people off the sidelines yell, "THAT'S SCHWABBY!"... I could not help but feel proud of this kid. Remembering his early days, and my early days as he was always positive, even though I currently just got CRUSHED. It did not bother me. I was happy for him. HELL... Schwabby even ignored some people and went out of his way to come over and talk to me about the race and everything as I layed sprawled out in exhaustion after the race.

Then, 'it happened'. Just as I was getting ready to head out, a random girl from the girls race comes up to me, "CAN I GET A PICTURE WITH YOU!?"... My response, "Uhg.. You sure you want one?" As the young girl was chirping away to her mom, "This... THIS IS THE KID! (Also, mentioning national rankings, to which, I could not fully understand what she was saying).

After getting hustled into taking a picture, it was not only till a few minutes later... that I realized..

My thoughts... "NO... NO, IT CAN'T BE!? SHE DID!!! SHE THOUGHT I WAS HIM! SCHWABBY!"
*MOTIVATION BACK*... CHECK

That winter, I bumped up my miles to 80 mpw, did the 12x400 meter workout and added 4 each week, up them till I hit 40 of them. I was focused and determined. A couple months later, quickly throwing down a huge pr in late January, an 8.51 3k (9.25-927 3200m equivalent), and to the extent, some Oklahoman's were proclaiming the track "had to be" short. It wasn't. Now holding the fastest time in the state for the next few months to come, I would not go out without a fight. By mid-track season, it becomes evident that Schwabby responds, running 9.22 alone (keep in mind, it's very hard to run fast in Oklahoma. It can be really windy, no competition, and so forth), and apparently, the kid popped two champagne bottles at the finish line this time. My thoughts, "Damn." AND "Impressive".

So, I continued to train. I won state and did not settle there, and I made sure to win every race I entered, aside from losing one 1600m race, to which, was b/c I got caught on the railing and went down towards the end of the race... with that loss, I still won 23 out 24 of my senior year track season races, (12 for 12 at the 3200m distance). Although, I never ran against "Schwabby" that track season, because we were different class sizes, him being 5A, the largest, and me being 3A. BUT... I did have one trick up my sleeve. I knew Schwabby was running at The Nike Outdoor Nationals 5000m this year in mid-June. As I was also competiting in....

_____

Nike Outdoor Nationals 5000m:
8 laps and still a couple strides ahead of Schwabby, there was a push made by one of the runners. This is where the field began to break up into just two handful of runners, as everyone was trying to cover the move. Falling back to 10th place sitting just behind the front pack, which now consisted of
Schwabby. As I was now just a few strides behind him as the racing was coming to a close, "There was my chance to get him, after all these years of being so far behind him. I was now within striking distance". As fate would have it, nothing goes as planned. As Schwabby was striding along, there was that one damn kid... the kid wearing purple shorts. Who proceeded to cut him off. To me, and certainly to Schwabby, it appeared to be intentional.

As I witnessed 'Purple', proceed to make it so obvious that he was doing it on purpuse and causing Schwabby to break stride and then in one instance, almost fall. I was overwhelmed with what was happening. It was then, that I knew how much I respected Schwabby, as my adrenline began to pump, I could not control what I said next, "WATCH IT, PURPLE!!!" Somewhat in shock, the kid immediately quit causing problems, and for whatever reason, fell off the pace.

As the closing laps were passing, Schwabby made a push to volly for the win, coming up just short with a 2nd place finish and earning himself a new pr in addition and the fastest 5000m run by any Oklahoman high schooler up to date! As I finished up at 6th place finish with new pr from 15.53 to 15.11... only a 42 second pr.

Overall, race could not have gone better! Top 6 was All-American, and only the state of Oklahoma had two kids earn All-American honors!

______The race was over, but was just the beginning. As Schwabby and me had a more thorough respect for each other. We each continued to train hard and help each other with running and whatever life brought. It would be a few years later, after a long and drawn out story (Another Day, Another Story), that we are now 'currently' teammates.  To get a true definition of teammates, one must view this video... to see how squirrels join together as packs, families, to defend one another from outside predators: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZp_nX3g9Ec&feature=related


Schwabby currently holds the Oklahoma high school state record in the 3200m and 5000m, as well as, earning All-conference 3 times in the Big 12. And recently placing very well amongst the top collegiates in the nation in the most recent NCAA 10000 meter up in Oregon.

-clay j. mayes the 3rd