Jim Simmons, 43

Maintenance Technician

I've been running since Memorial day 2007.

I started running because I wanted to lose weight, get into better shape, alleviate stress/pain, and to feel good about myself.

If I could no longer run, I would run out of excuses for not completing that ever growing Honey-Do-List, and have to find a different way to stay fit - like work out and eat right (yuck).

My favorite run is definitely a trail run. I like the hills, the change of scenery and the serenity.

I like to run with other runners who have more experience than me because I always learn something (that's just about everyone).

I started running alone, but knew I could lean on others for moral support and what pitfalls to avoid. Since joining RRR in late June I have run with "The Buddy Group", various groups from the Y, ROAD CREW, and the Saturday morning Rock Cut runners. I have made many friends. Everyone I've met has been great and inspired me, mainly because it is so much fun to run with a group and the camaraderie keeps you motivated.

Something most people don't know about me is my middle name..,( It's no big deal, but no I'm not telling now). I am a highly unorganized neat freak, and I'm living proof that ignorance is BLISS!!

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is to push myself at the end of a run just to prove to myself I have something left in reserve.

When I'm not running I like to spend time with friends and family. Life is about the relationships we build.

I am inspired by my father. For two reasons. 

1) How much he has accomplished without the benefit of being able to read or write above third grade level; just by working hard, being honest, and sheer will power. 2) I see as he ages the troubles that come with being out of shape and over weight ie. diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, joint pains, not being able to be active. I don't want to go there.

The older runners that I've come across, just to see the energy level and enthusiasm they exhibit for running and life in general is always an inspiration.  

An obstacle or challenge I’ve overcome with my running is being overweight. This spring I was pushing 240 pounds. My back, legs, feet, and knee joints were always aching. For the last 15 + years I had been getting heavier. I finally had to do something about it. I started in March by drastically reducing calories - no breads, pasta, or any sweets. Drinking lots of water and walking.

I took the stairs at work and walked / climbed stairs for lunch. I had dropped from  42" inch pant size to 36". I was in high heaven. Then I discovered I enjoyed running while vacationing at Lake Tahoe (on Memorial Day). I couldn't finish the 1 1/4 mile loop the condo was on but the scenery and fresh air was great. When I got home I knew I wanted to run to keep in shape. Since then I joined RRR to find people to help motivate me, and to learn from. Now I'm down to 160 pounds and 32" pant size, and I don't even work out (yeah, I know I should).

The local runner I most admire is my family would say George Tillet because I have been caught repeating some of his jokes; & because he inspired me to keep going on my first race, and he pushed me so hard at the finish of the pretzel 5K. Then I guess I would have to say runners like Arlo H., Brian F.,

Tom L., Ron L., Kat Y., and oh yeah Brian M. (he's like a legend) because they make running look easy. And the groups that make running look so fun. There are so many inspiring runners, especially in the 40 - 70 year ages.

To push myself on a run, I try to keep up with the faster runners, for at least a while.

My greatest running accomplishment is being physically able to run whenever I want without hurting, and for the fun of it. I ran occasionally as a teen and for the last 20+ years never thought I would ever get to enjoy running again as an adult.

My next goal is 1) To try to learn how to pace myself. I'm dying at the end of a 5K. 2) Get more miles in so... 3) I want to run a half marathon to see if I could stand a full 26 miler sometime in the future. I would also like to start cross training in order to do a short Tri.

My advice to other runners is to approach every run positively. Always challenge yourself. Enjoy the experience.  AND.... Unless running is your career, don't take missed goals or setbacks too serious, there will be another day. It's enough just to run.

I plan to run until I can no longer run...or my wife finally makes me stop in order to finish that Honey-Do-List.