What's a recreational runner???

I've heard this term many times in my life, but didn't think I'd get there so early in life.  I'm having a bit of a hard time with it.  Instead of placing in the top 5-10 in each race, I'm struggling to out kick girls at the end of 5k events.  

Could be that my training is non-existent?

Could be that I have 4 wonderful daughters that want me to jump on the tramp rather than run?

Could be that I work 40-50 hours a week?

Could be that my motivation is zilch?

Could be that I need Joe and Corbin to move to Eugene so we can have a "Rat Pack" pow wow??

Could be I just need a training partner?

Probably just a combination of all these things.

I was looking through some of my pictures and noticed a few changes:

Here's the 2005 Spokane Bloomsday 12k and where I had no fear to go out with a bunch of Kenyans.

Here's the "Rumble at the Ranch" which was a crazy 10k through rivers and blackberry bushes all while sliding down muddy slopes into mud bogs.  That was my idea of fun.  This was one of my favorite races. . .not to mention I won it!

This is one of my training partners now.  This was after running 17 miles up on the Mckenzie River Trail and golfing 18 holes in 95 degree temperatures.  Trying to push Emily on her bike was like the final 2 miles of a marathon. . .I drank probably 4 gallons of fluid that day and I was still dehydrated.

This day was almost 3 weeks ago and I haven't ran since.  I need to be a bit more consistent, but it's been tough to be selfish and be away from the family so I can get a run in.

I have another PR on the scale though!  175 lbs. . . ouch!