Hello and Happy December! I wanted to use this week's blog to spotlight a 'running man' of a different sort than the 1987 Shwarzenegger movie. 
Guest Blogger of the Month
Meet Derek. Enjoy his Story. Be inspired. Run. 

Each year in mid to late October the sounds of thundering footsteps can be heard echoing down the streets of Clayton and Richmond Heights(near Saint Louis, Missouri); athletes amassing from far and wide for the event surpassed only by the great Olympic Games.  What epic event might I be speaking of?  It is of course the yearly running of the “Faster Pastor” 5k on the campus of Concordia Seminary Saint Louis.  The previous description might be a bit of an exaggeration because the reality of this race paints a far differentpicture.  In actuality the “FasterPastor” is a small race in the grand scheme of things with modest participation, mostly by those who are a part of the Seminary community though the race is open to the community at large, marker drawn arrows guiding the way, no police officers on motorcycles clearing the roads, and a simple table of treats awaiting the racers and walkers at the finish line.  Nonetheless, it is a wonderful opportunity for the community to spend time with one another or to pit ones athletic abilities against another.  It’s a great tradition and I’ve had the privilege to be called the “Faster Pastor” two out of three years having won some epic battles to be called such.

I enjoy racing in 5k’s on occasion, but the race I enjoy the most is the half-marathon with its great mix of speed and distance.  My racing shoe of choice the last few years has been the 900 series (currently the905).  I also like wearing this shoe for two or three of my speed workouts during the week as its light weight and increased flexibility are truly helpful on those days.  During the 70-85+ miles a week of training I will put in, I enjoy training in the 760 (currently the 860) for its lightweight characteristic and adequate cushioning.  I am currently training for the Go Saint Louis Half Marathon where I hope to set a new Personal Best.  All the best to those in the midst of training and to those who have found interest in this post.  

Peace,

Derek