Stories about how I have become addicted to jogging, especially the fun and camaraderie of running in races with others like the events available in an upcoming Louisiana Marathon Weekend in Baton Rouge.
Pic: Keith, Louisiana Marathon, 2013
What fun it was to run in the recent 1st Annual "Dashing Through The Dome" 2 mile race that was held on 12/19/14 in conjunction with the NO Bowl game the following day; I finished 20th overall out of 173 participants in 17:06 – not bad for a 55 y/o running geezer!
Us 'Yat natives and Red Stick transplants got to show dem 'Aints how to run in the Mercedes Superdome and how to win HOME GAMES! Later, it was neat to meet many other running enthusiasts, as well as to later go to a free concert . the Smoothie King Arena for "Kool & The Gang" and "Cheap Tricks," as well as to get a free ticket to the NO Bowl Game!
The upcoming Louisiana Marathon weekend, January 16 - 18, 2015 looks to be another great adventure. I ran it in the past and even placed in the top 5 finishers for the 5 K for 50 - 54 dudes! It is so neat that not only will there be a regular marathon, but also a 1/2, 1/4 and 5K, as well as a Kid's Marathon - what a great way to get kids involved in running! And the after event food and fun is fabulous! Be sure to register for this now!
I have loved running since being a kid. In grammar school, I used to always win the 100 yard dash but eventually got to like running in competition – particularly longer treks, like I started to develop in popularity with 10K Races and Marathons in the 1970s. Usually, I like to participate in the Baton Rouge community benefit races like the Alzheimer's Memory 5Ks and fun races like the Fat Boy 5K.
My goal for a 5K running time lately is about 25 minutes. In my 20's and 30's, I used to do these races in about 20 – 21 minutes. In New Orleans, when I first started competition running in the late 1970's, I mostly ran 10Ks. Some of my fondest runs were the Crescent City Classic, as I ran in the first one and did it in around 38 minutes – that was when I was really serious about running.
In some races, I'll start towards the front of the group, so as to not get stuck behind some “slow pokes” who can at times cause falls as people are trying to weave through others. After I pass the first mile, a friend will catch up with me and eventually pass me up. Richard, a few years older than me, usually gets the last laugh as he will usually flies past me at around the 1 ½ mile part of the 3.2 mile race.
Recently, it happened that as I had been cheering on our others at the finish line, I met someone with the Senior Olympics, who was recognizing some members also in the race. Now that I'm 50 +, there are some benefits that seem to accrue with getting older – especially as more folks drop out of competition running and I have more of a chance to win! Watch out Senior Olympics – here I come!
I recall when I worked at a local hospital that a renal (kidney) doctor I know asked his wife what she wanted for her 40th birthday – she said, “To run a marathon!” I was impressed how that doc took her challenge seriously and after about 5 months, they both ran their first marathon together! They have done many more since then! In 1981, I ran a marathon (got it out of my system!) in a small town in California and came in 3rd place with a time of a little over 4 hours.
In the past, I have done therapeutic work with folks dealing with all kinds of addictions – I'll be the first to admit that I'm addicted to running - and coffee! I have been running regularly since my late teens, so I surely know how to get them endorphins going! My routine is usually to run on Wednesdays and Sundays – one of my neighbors jokes that she can count on me to keep those days straight with her! I guess running is like Forrest Gump said: “Life (Running) is like a box of chocolates: You never know what ya gonna get!”
Keith John Paul Horcasitas, 1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810, khorcasitas.yahoo.com, January 4, 2015.
It seemed like I was born to run… always racing my twin brother and anyone else who would race. I got serious in track and cross country in high school. By college, my running was restricted by my spinal cord injury during the summer of my junior year in high school. After being paralyzed in 1963 during spinal surgery trying to fix the earlier problem, I had to quit running and could only walk… So I walked a lot until I couldn't anymore in 1992. In my mind I watch races and feel like I could still compete, and probably would be, like you.
One Stanford graduate wrote, at 103, that he had tied up all the records for the Senior Olympics in the over 100 category. Now that's sticking to it!
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
What fun it was to run in the recent 1st Annual "Dashing Through The Dome" 2 mile race that was held on 12/19/14 in conjunction with the NO Bowl game the following day; I finished 20th overall out of 173 participants in 17:06 – not bad for a 55 y/o running geezer!
