2014 – Runs, PR’s, Celebs, Concerts, Tacos & Sexiness (Mostly in Photos)

Welp, we’ve dun it. Anuther trip around the sun. Looking back, 2014 was a pretty decent year. Let’s take a peek at a few hightlights, shall we?

It kicked off with a BANG! In January I ran the Disney World Dopey & Goofy Challenge. That’s 4 straight days, 4 straight races.

The 6 Dopey Challenge Medals.

Day 1 – Thursday – 5k (3.1 miles)

Medal 1/6 gotten!

Day 2 – Friday – 10k (6.2 miles)

Medal 2/6 got.

Day 3 – Saturday – Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

Medals 3/6 got.

Day 4 – Sunday – Full Marathon (26.2 miles)

Medals 6/6 (includes Dopey & Goofy bonus medals)

All in all, it was a magical 48.6 miles.

Running at Epcot, waving to my fans.

Included in the weekend was the Kids’ Race, where the soon to be 5 year old rocked it!

Medals for everyone!

Oh, and did I mention my sis and ma also did the Dopey?

At Magic Kingdom with our medals.

Shortly afterwards though, I was going for a run, tripped, felled, and Nancy Kerriganed my own knee.

Put me out of commission for a little while.

I was able to eventually get active again by doing a lot of yoga in a retail store.

Cat, cow, what difference does it make?

I really think yoga is important for everyone – including runners. So I do a lot of it. And besides…

#NotCreepyatAll

Another part of my cross training is lifting weights. And besides…

Dumbells make you smart…and sexy.

I also like to mix up my runs with track work. And besides…

Track work makes you sexy. Here’s the proof!

Trail runs are also great. And besides…

#truth #obviously

Eventually my knee felt better and I got back on the roads with some of my fave people. Like Thursday Night Social Runners.

TNSR, Representin

And also my crazy early morning elfen crew.

They like to run at like 5am. They cray cray.

I also made a few Luke’s Locker social trail runs.

Run trails, eat pancakes. Repeat.

And the White Rock Running Co-op, who really helped me to become a better runner this year.

WRRC. Good runners.

To help fuel my workouts, I ate lots of tacos. Lots.

Legit, son!

In between training, I also got to see some of my fave bands…like at this FREE concert – The Killers!

About 30 rows deep, my mouth a gasp with excitement.

And the Old 97’s.

Seen this band countless times.

And I was super thrilled to see the traveling Broadway show, based on the movie – Once!

And I got to make my annual Jimmy Buffett concert experience…TWICE!

JB concert #1. Just call me Front Row Joe.

JB concert #2. Things get wild at the tailgate parties…trust me!

I also got to hangout on stage during a Graceland Ninjaz concert.

On stage open mouth selfie.

As well as Pentatonix.

I liked to imagine they were all cheering for me (they may have been).

They were amongst the Celebs that got to hang out with me this year.

They asked me to join the group based on some of my youtube karaoke videos.

And my model friend Brooke Becker.

She’s kewl.

And long time friend, fashion blogger, and TV host, Hilary Kennedy.

We had to wear our shades because of the flashes from the paparazzi.

And all around media star, and long long time friend, Ashley Kamrath.

At the Emmy’s. We didn’t win this year, but we’ll get again next year!

And I made another video with friend & TV host, Emily Reppert.

On the set with my actor friends.

And I made a new BFF when I interviewed Olympic gold medalist, Jennie Finch.

See, told ya we were new BFF’s.

And my Dallas Half Marathon Champion friend, Logan Sherman.

Logan, Me, Patrick. Mustachioed.

And model/actor buddy, Shane Land.

We have played brothers in two movies. Can you see the resemblance?

And a Dallas Cowboy – Charles Haley.

A couple of legends.

Anyways, back to running. I ran a bunch of races. Starting with Abby’s Run 5k, where I won my age group!

Yay! I got a photo with Abby (who the race is named for) and her mom. Ann photobombed us.

Then came the Rock the Block 10k. New PR – 46:00!

And we’re off! -Photo from Dallasnews.com

During the months of Texas heat, it was really hot, so I only ran a few unofficial races. Like the Boston Marathon virtual run.

And the America, F**k Yeah 4th of July 10k.

Censored Bling

And the TNSR Beer Mile.

This was a bad idea.

Then came the Fall. Autumn is always a time of change. For us, a big change was the boy starting kindergarten. Where does the time go???

He’s grown about 5 times his size. Based on that growth rate, I figure he’ll be about 80 feet tall by his 20’s.

I even volunteered to coach his soccer team. That was a lot of fun!

Landsharks on three!

And the little girl just keeps growing too!

Stop looking at me swan.

Fall also saw a lot of PR changes. Starting with the Oktoberfest 5k – 21:33. When you PR, you have to celebrate…

They love me.

Next up was the Dallas Mavericks 5k. Another PR!

The Mavs Dancers asked to have their photo taken with me. I obliged.

Speaking of which, my brother ran his first half marathon this fall! And my dad is running his first half in January 2015!

Dad, Bro, Me at an FC Dallas game this fall.

The next PR to fall was at the Dallas 13.1 – 1:42:59!

Bottle opener medal.

Next was the annual Halloween fun run.

Our costumed group.

One sad change was that we lost our oldest doggy this fall. She was such a great pup.

sweet Bailey girl

But in happier times, I set another PR at the North Texas Turkey Trot 5k 20:04. Bummer was the course being .1 miles short.

Stop looking at me turkey.

Next up was the Rudolph Run 5k. And yet another PR – officially 21:29, but my watch had the course being long. According to it I came across at 20:50-something. Either way, I got 2nd in my age group!

Last year’s race was cancelled due to ice. So I got two medals!

The final race of 2014 was the Dallas Half marathon. No PR this day, but still got my 2nd fastest half – 1:45:01.

Big state, little medal.

And as part of the Dallas Marathon festivities, I got to meet MEB!!!!!!

Me n Meb

The end of the year was spent with friends and family for the holidays.

Looking back, it was a pretty good year. Lots of tacos, shows, good times, and running. In fact, I went over 1,200 miles on my feet. I even surpassed 5,000 miles total with my Nike+ watch – starting when I got it a few years ago.

5 g’s over the past few years.

Here’s hoping 2015 will be even better! Happy New Year, y’all!

Today’s only question: What’s your top 2014 highlight?

Running Frozen, New Ambassadorship &Soccer Season Ends

Sorry I’ve been MIA recently…well, actually I wish I was in MIA as it would be a lot warmer than it is here in Texas this week. But I digress…

Yes, we also got that Arctic Blast that blasted much of the USA. It went from 80 degrees on Monday, to below freezing for the rest of the week. Let’s just say that my transition to cold running hasn’t been so pretty. I still ran each day, but I wasn’t loving it.

So cold that a snowflake formed on my shirt.

Now I know that it could be much worse, and it is much worse up North, but I feel Frozen. Ah well, I just need to let it go. (See what I did there)

Before the cold snap blasted our backsides, we were able to sneak in a season’s end party for the Landsharks. I guess we had a decent enough season because they renewed my coaching contract for next season.

We couldn’t get one picture all season with all eyes open.

And now for some other cold cool news. I’ve been named an ambassador for Ramblen! You can see my Ramblen profile HERE!!!

What is Ramblen? Basically they’re for folks who like to take their workout gear with them when they travel. It helps you find places to run, workout, etc. when visiting a city…or even finding new places in your own hometown. Pretty cool.

I like this because I always take my running shoes when I travel. Like in North Crackalaka…

Running in OBX, NC, USA.

Or in sunny Orlando…

Running at Disney World.

Or on the open sea…

Runnin during an Alaskan cruise.

I gotta tell you about that last photo. I need to write a post on it someday, but let me just say that the miles fly by when the views are like this…

Mountains & icebergs.

Or like this…

Mountains & glaciers.

I’ve been to Alaska a couple times. It.Is.Uhmaizing. I can’t even describe the views there. Maybe someday I’ll get to run a race there (that’s not on a cruise ship). We’ll see!

How bout you? Do you workout when you travel? Did you get arctic blasted? What’s the most amazing place you’ve seen?

-Scott

Mavs Run This Town 5k Preview

This Thursday evening I’m running the Mavs Run This Town 5k. Even though it’s on a random school night, I’m really excited for this race. It combines a lot of things I love.

First off, y’all know that I love to run. I want to run all the miles. This race will add another 3.1 to that.

At a recent race. Givin that finish line the ole stink eye.

2nd off, I’m a huge Dallas Mavericks fan. And your race entry also gets you a ticket to an upcoming game!!

I became a fan of the Mavs when I was growing up in Ohio and they drafted a player from my home state. I’ve followed them ever since…through the bad times and good. The best times being when they won the NBA championship in 2011.

Pic I took immediately after they won. Yes, I watched the game in my retro jersey.

I really really really hope they’ll have the Larry O’brien Trophy on hand. I’d love to get a picture with it. Because after a lifetime of fandom failure following the Cleveland Browns and Indians, the Dallas Mavs World Championship is my pro sports highlight.

On the court after a recent game. Dirk is peeking out of my shirt.

Unfortunately, the team is playing a game in Louisiana the same time as this race, so there probably won’t be any of the players hangin around. I’m sure they’ll have mascots and dancers and alumni and such…and that’s cool. If it’s anything like all the effort they put into the game experience, it will be a lot of fun!

Someday though I’d really love to get a pic with Dirk Nowitzki. I came close at an FC Dallas match he was at. I got an autograph and snapped a pic of him signing it, but couldn’t get a selfie because of the crowd.

A basketball star signing a soccer program.

Third off, the post race party features a racers-only beer garden & concert by Old 97’s!!! I’m a huge fan of this band. I’ve seen them several times and they always bring a lot of energy to their shows. If you ever need a full throttle song to add to your running playlist, might I suggest their hit *Timebomb. It will put a giddy in your up.

His moves and shakes make him sweat about as much as a runner.

I’ve been lucky enough to meet the band a few times. Solid dudes. The lead singer – Rhett Miller – is also a popular topic of discussion amongst my lady friends – they describe him as “dreamy”.

Apparently I wear that hat a lot.

In summary, at this race I get to run, I get a Mavs ticket, I get free beer, & I get an Old 97’s concert. For the win!

#MFFL

How bout you? Does your fav sports team hold a race? Should I wear that old jersey on the course? Any memorable post-race concerts?

-Scott

*Warning – Click that link only if you’re prepared to have your face melt.

Run 4 Da Taco, Pro Soccer, & Weekap

It’s been another crazy week! It started with my Oktoberfest 5k PR on Saturday. Then a 10 mile run at the Balloon Half Marathon. Those were two too hot days. But then…

…We fina-freakin-ly had a break in the weather!! We actually had cool mornings all week! My pace per mile was a minute faster than my runs the week before. Felt great!

One of the runs was at a local running store. It was an early 4 miles followed by breakfast tacos and Pepsi. And when I say Pepsi, I mean my friend (yes, that’s her name).

Pepsi and Serene. A couple of my running partners. Pepsi forgot to wear a longhorn shit. What a fool!

If you follow this blog (or my Instagram) then you know how I love tacos. So when they offered them that morning, I ate them. Then when I got to work, somebody had brought some. So I ate them. I almost made myself sick of tacos. But don’t worry, I’m over that.

Also this week, the boy and I went to watch FC Dallas play against Seattle Sounders. It was a good night and we won the match!

Just a couple of slack-jawed mouth-breathers.

And now it’s time for another crazy weekend! Got a lot planned (yes, tacos included). Aaaaaand, I’m excited because I’m supposed to be getting some new running shoes today! Yessir! Gotta love that!

How bout you? Get a weather break where you are? Any social runs? Who loves free tacos (if you say, “not me” we can’t be friends)?

-Scott

Run + Taco + Soccer + Yoga + Celeb + Swan Balloon

It’s been a crazy few days, kids. We had an uhmaizeeng cold front come through. One day it was over 100 degrees, the next day I woke up and it was in the 60’s! All us North Texas runners were absolutely giddy!

I met up with WRRC to run. The group I fell in with went 12 miles at an 8:30 pace, and it felt easy peasy lemon squeezy!!!

It almost looks like a dog.

Afterwards I wanted breakfast tacos, of course. So I hit up a taco joint called Taco Joint.

Crazy eyes. Migas taco. Weird shrimp lookin thing behind me.

I gotta tell ya, it was like a party up in therre. It was before 9am but it was PACKED with runners from different run groups – as well as a few doctors fresh off the overnight shift. And the bar was open, and the drinks were flowin. It was seriously poppin.

I couldn’t partake tho cause up next I was coaching the boy’s soccer game.

Kick the ball in the goal over there.

My parents came out and took some photos.

Aaaand KICK!

Luckily the boy’s good running form helps him out in soccer too!

He’s flying.

And the day didn’t stop there. My buddy messaged me that he had some extra tix to the FC Dallas pro soccer match. I took him up on it.

My bud with the hook up.

My dad and brother also joined me. It was a rare men’s night out!

The Evans Lads.

And FC Dallas won the game!!

Go team go! I think that guy in front of us is taking a selfie, too bad the field is in front of him. #turnarounddude

The next morning I was up early again to join my runnin bud Serene for a trail run.

The squiggly part is where I was I was looking for my keys.

After the trails we went to yoga. Someone brought their pet.

He’s a natural at ‘down dog’

Then I gotta tell ya that something random happened. I ran into Dallas Cowboy legend Charles Haley at the store. Big guy.

Too bad I’m a Browns fan.

Finafreakinly our neighborhood had a block party. Complete with balloon animals.

Stop looking at me swan.

I was pooped (not literally). Such a fun weekend, but so much tired. I laid on the couch to wind down with the DVR, but my eyelids promptly closed. Out cold. Dreams of sugar plums (whatever those are).

How bout you? Great weekend? 9 am party-ers out there? What’s your spirit balloon animal?

-Scott

Blog Birthday, Fly Fight, Drew Carey & Tacos

Hey kids, guess what? I just noticed that a few posts ago I wrote my 300th blog entry here. Now I’m at like 306 or something. So that’s good I guess. I just wonder where I’d be at if I didn’t ever take my “break”.

What had happened was that when I started training for my first marathon in 2007, I got bombarded with the same question every day, “How’s your training going?” I decided it’d just be easier to write a blog about it so people could follow along. And so I did…for a few years. But then I had a minor freak out about personal thoughts on the net and deleted the entire thing. All of it gone.

Fast forward a couple years and I got back in the game. It’s been fun. I hope to keep it going. So happy birthday Blog…here’s a cake.

My friend’s “Walmart Cake” I love this. So much.

I was just telling Amy over at Fitness Meets Frosting about that cake, and now she knows I wasn’t making it up!

Anyway, this morning I was on my run and came along the path where I saw the nude photo shoot a few weeks back.

There were no budding artists this time, but there was a horsefly. This thing followed me for a good quarter mile and kept nipping at my head. I got pretty frustrated and started yelling at it.

“Seriously dude?!?”

“Come on man, knock it off!”

And finally, “That’s it, you want to come at me bro?!?” I stopped running and turned to fight it.

After a few seconds of flapping my arms about in a manly way, I finally scared it off. I also scared something else. I didn’t realize that behind me was some dude jogging. He had turned the corner to see me swatting at the air and yelling at an invisible foe. He looked at me sideways as he ran past.

Oh well, what ya gonna do?

In other news, Jason over at Must Love Jogs keeps mentioning that he doubts my claims of having met Drew Carey before. Well here’s your proof. (It’s before he lost all the weight.)

Just a couple Ohio boys hanging out at a soccer match in Texas. Good thing I had my fake Drew Carey glasses handy.

I actually saw him another time at the Disney Marathon (yes, he’s a runner too!). But he was injured and couldn’t run, so instead he was cheering for everyone and high fiving. Pretty cool guy.

And finally, I’ve eaten at like 5 different taco joints this week. Here’s a pic of my favorite.

Oh yes. eggs, avocados, spicy things and more!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

How bout you? Anyone else want to question any of my former claims? Ever fight with an insect on a run? Ever get a “Walmart Cake”?

-Scott

3 Day Weekend – An Extra Chance to Sweat

I’m back muther truckers! Things have been crazy around here…what with all the lawyer meetings since I had some personal photos hacked from my cloud and posted on the web this weekend. 😉

Anyway, gotta love three day weekends. This past one was for Labor Day here in the States. It’s a day where all mothers can relax and not puuuuush too hard. (Thank you, I’ll be here all week)

I celebrated by waking up early to go run with the WRRC. I got in 11 sweaty, hilly, humid miles. My shoes were squishing from the sweat build up. I was gross.

Afterwards I got to sweat again – this time coaching the boys’ soccer team practice.

Race to the ball!

Even the girl wanted in on the sports action.

She doesn’t quite get the ‘no hands allowed’ concept yet.

Sunday it was bright and early again to run. This time on the trails with a group put on by a local running store. Sorry, they took some pics, but never posted them…

Afterwards it was on to yoga. Yay, more sweating!

I’m in there somewhere. I think that one lady fell down.

The hardest part of the workout! Oh that’s why she fell – who wears shoes to yoga???

Monday I didn’t do an official workout, but I did spend 3-4 hours on yard work. After that, I was done. Way too much sweat for one weekend. So I rewarded myself with…wait for it…breakfast tacos!

This BBQ joint is inside a gas station. And it’s delishus.

All in all it August was a good month. Since I’ve upped to running 6 days a week, my mileage also increased. June I ran 100 miles, August I ran 123! Workin on movin back on up!

See, told ya.

But now it’s time to get back in the groove, but sometimes it takes a while to get groovy. (Don’t forget to tip your waitress)

How bout you? Did you have a 3 day weekend? Sweat much? Ever eat food from a gas station?

-Scott

Call Me ‘Coach’, Runnin & More Tacos!

Howdy Folks!  So something happened.  I’m now in charge of a bunch of utes.  What had happened was that we signed our 5 year old up for a soccer league.  Well, on the entry form it asked if I’d be willing to volunteer coach if needed.  I said, “Sure.”  Not thinking they would really need me.  Well, they did and they do.

All I had to do was pass the background check.  Luckily I did…whew!

Would you trust this…man?

Luckily I’ve played my entire life, so I should be aight.

And I have coached before.  For several years I volunteered with a couple different organizations to help coach people training for half and full marathons.

As for futbol, I have coached kids soccer before, tho it’s been several years.  But the orientation I went to last night did get me a bit excited for it.

Bend it like Evans. I can beat you with one arm tied behind my back.

As for running, a few weeks back I upped my game.  I’ve gone from running 5 days a week to 6.  I’m digging it – it’s easier to get more mileage this way!

And the more I run, the more tacos I get to eat.  I’ve already had several of these bad boys this week.

Vegetarian tacos!!! Get in my taco hole!

Tacos, running, soccer.  All of that is right up my alley, right there.

How bout you?  Ever coached anything?  Got any advice/drills for coaching soccer kids?  When are you coming to visit so we can get tacos?

-Scott

Cool Runnings, Doggy Walkings, & World Cup Withdrawaling

Holy guacamole! The weather gods gave us a break today from the stifling heat and humidity. I woke up to temps in the 60’s! I was so excited to go for my morning run. I hit up the track for some 400’s.

Hello old friend. Seems like we just saw each other a week ago.

Man, was it nice to be able to breath actual air and not vaporized liquid. And it was so great not being completely DRENCHED in sweat for once. I only wish I had more time so I could run all the miles.

And besides comfortable tolerable running conditions, it also makes for nice evening doggy/kiddy walks. Our walks only go about a mile usually, but normally we’re all soaked in sweat by the end. Nice not to be all swampy for wunce.

 

The boy offered to push the girl. That left me free to hold the leashes of the boy and girl dogs.

Other than that, the World Cup is over. It was a great month-long tourney. The best part was hanging out at watch parties with friends and families and friendilies.

My male model friend. We’ve actually played brothers in two separate movies. I guess that means I look like a male model too?

Some of my running buddies watching the final match.  Working on my side mouth smile.

Anyway, onward and upward (facing dog).  I just hope the weather is still slightly cool in the morning!  Cross your fingers, or legs, or whatever it is you do.

You get a break from the heat too? Did you take advantage? Missing the World Cup?

-Scott

Toddler Time, Forced Yoga, & USA World Cup

(subtitle: Part III of why I’ve been MIA)

After another week of running, lifting, yoga-ing…plus an added 2.5 Jimmy Buffett concerts, I was spent.  Exhausted.  And when I awoke – I heard rain.  Hard rain.  It would’ve been perfect to stay in bed or on the couch all day, but that’s something that just doesn’t happen to people with toddlers…Or to folks who must exercise.

The lil monsters in a rare calm mood.

I woke up later than normal (thank you, kids for sleeping in).  I looked at the clock and realized yoga practice was less than an hour away.  I had a decision to make.  On one side there was the tiredness and rain, on the other side…this – I took a step and felt the slightest twinge in the outside of my left knee.  It reminded me of the years long struggles I had against IT Band Syndrome.  I knew I never want to go through that again, and I know yoga is one reason I was able to fight it off.              I went to practice.

Please instructor, can we do child’s pose the entire time.

The class was tough – not what I was hoping for the day after a Buffett concert.  But looking back, I’m glad it was.  That’s why we go – to challenge ourselves.

Afterwards it was a mad dash to get a bunch of errands and chores done before the USA vs POR World Cup Match.  I met a bunch of (mostly running) friends at a local pub.

A part of our World Cup viewing group. The infamous Pepsi even made an appearance (yes, that’s her real name).

If you watched the match, you know what an emotional roller coaster it was.  Disbelief, tears of joy, then gasps of disbelief.  That said, it was fun.  That’s why we watch sports.  And in the end, the good ole’ US of A is in a great spot to advance to the next round.  But it is sports, so we have to wait until their match against Germany!  #Ibelievethatwewillwin

So there’s that.  Plus the previous days of epic craziness (If you missed them, you can read Part I HERE, and Part II HERE), plus life, plus work, plus everything = Scott’s been out of pocket.

Anyways, hoping to get back in a routine and catch up with everything, but we’ll see what life brings!

How bout you?  Ever go to yoga (or any workout) when you (and the universe) said not to?  Where and with whom did you watch the US/Por match?  Do you believe?

-Scott