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.

Runnin Past Celebrity Mansions & Pool Party

This weekend I met up with the White Rock Running Co-op for a “Run My Hood” run.  One of the members hosted a long run from their house…which happened to be right by a lot of the fancy pants mansions here in Dallas.

Bonus points if you can spot me.

I didn’t have my photography device with me on the run, but trust me, these mansions were huuuuuuuuge!    Massive.  Of some of the famous people’s homes I saw were Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki, and G. W. Bush.  Not sure who all else we passed, but when you see a house with it’s own football stadium (complete with scoreboard) in it’s side yard, then you know they’ve made some dough.

Anyway, I got in 7-8 miles on this steamy Texas morning.  And afterwards we cooled off with a little pool party!

Stop looking at me swan.

It was a great way to see a part of the city that I normally don’t hang out in (Come on Dirk, invite me over!).  And of course we got to run with some cool peeps and then celebrate after.  I love celebrating the small things.  We should all do that more often.

How bout you?  Ever run past mansions or famous homes?  Ever celebrate little things?  Which is better – shampoo or conditioner?  Who got that last reference?

-Scott

A Gentleman’s Wager – “loser” runs.

So my running-blogging buddy Jon over at My ourney: 1,000 Miles in 2014 and also at Inspired Race Events has challenged me to a bet.  Before I get to that, first you should know that Jon and I have never met.  He lives in San Antonio, TX and I live in Dallas, TX.  We only know each other through the blogosphere and our interactions on Twitter.  But now we’re in the middle of a wager.

This came about because both of “our” respective NBA teams are currently playing each other in the NBA playoffs.  He’s a Spurs fan, and I’m a Mavericks man.  These teams are pretty big in state rivals, and so we were taunting each other on Twitter.  Finally he said we need to have a bet.  I agreed.  He asked what it should be over.  I suggested the ‘loser’ has to run an uncomfortable workout.  He agreed.

On the court after a Mavs game last year. Dirk is peeking out of my shirt.

How the playoffs work is the two teams play each in a best of seven game series:  The first team to win four games wins and moves on to the next round.  Loser goes fishing.  The series could be over in 4 games, or it could go up to 7.  We decided that the ‘loser’ will have to run as many 400’s as the number of games the series goes.  If it goes 7 games, the loser has to run 7 400 repeats.  It is currently tied at 2-2.  Hopefully I won’t have to bust out my lucky retro Mavs jersey that I was wearing when the won the title a couple years ago.

My secret weapon.

I personally think the bet should be weighted somehow considering the Spurs had the best record in the NBA regular season and are a #1 seed.  The Mavs are the #8 seed.  But oh well, I guess you throw that all out in the playoffs.  Hopefully my main man Dirk Nowitzki can bring home the win!

Pic I took getting Dirk’s autograph at an FC Dallas match. See, I told you we’re tight.

In the end, the wager isn’t that bad.  Truth be told, I’d probably be doing 400 repeats anyway, hahaha!  Either way, at least one of us will be on the track running 400 repeats at a pace that should induce dry heaving.

From my track workout last week. Luckily I didn’t puke on my pretty shoes.

How about you?  Ever make a ‘run’ bet?  Any other ideas for what we could’ve had the ‘loser’ run?  Anyone else have ‘lucky’ clothes?

-Scott

Pretty Good Lil Sports Weekend

The weekend was a pretty happy one for the Ole Scott-O. First up, you should know that besides running, I’m also a fan of all sports. And this weekend was big for some of ‘my’ teams.

As we creep into March Madness, my Ohio University men’s basketball Bobcats won a big game against our arch rival in overtime. #Excellent

I had to look up to make sure I was balancing her correctly.

My Dallas Mavericks won two big games to keep them in the NBA playoff hunt. #Dope

Pic I took when getting Dirk Nowitzki’s autograph a little while back.

My FC Dallas won their season opener. #Sweet

FC Dallas dancers. We granted their request to have a photo taken with us.

And my Dallas Stars won a very exciting comeback on a night when the team was honoring Mike Modano by retiring his jersey number. #Radical

Me and Mo as I call him. We go way back (to our two run-ins)

It’s rare when all of my teams win all of their games on the same weekend. #Booyah

Other than that…I had a good 7.5 mile run. Went to yoga with some friends. Had some nice doggy walks. And met the whole family at a park for a photo session. #Awesome

My mom always complains that I ruin photos, I think I make them funny. So does the boy.

And it gets even better, because the weekend also kicked off my birthday/St. Pat’s week! #Cheers

I’d be a giant in leprechaun village.

How bout you? Did you have a good weekend? Do you follow sports? Will you be celebrating St. Pat’s Day? What are you getting me for my birthday?