Kansas City Runner

I hope you’re gearing up for a memorable Christmas. It’s a special time to gather with family and friends, celebrate the birth of Christ and give thanks for life’s blessings.

Which include the ability to run, of which I hope to do plenty in the next week.

A strong tailwind is blowing me into the holidays.

Several weeks ago, I logged two great runs in Rogers, AR, which boasts an outstanding trails system in cooperation with neighboring Northwest Arkansas communities. Stay tuned for a post over the holiday break on how I believe Independence could create and benefit from  such a network.

If you want to learn more about the Rogers, AR trails system, click here. The system map gives you a bird’s-eye view.

I started out by logging eight miles on the Cambridge Trail, which begins at Cambridge Park and winds behind industrial buildings and north Rogers neighborhoods along a gently curving concrete path. Later in the day, I ran another 5.5 miles on the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway, which ultimately will connect Northwest Arkansas communities’ trails systems into a comprehensive walking, running and bicycling network.

On the heels of my exhilarating Arkansas runs, I carved out time last weekend to connect six Independence parks and four city and state trails on an historic 11-mile route. Again, follow my blog over the holiday break for a post on how Independence could formalize and promote such trails with minimal effort and resources.

I was unable to log a daytime run Saturday but did peel away for an hour after dark to log a brisk four-mile walk over an enjoyable downtown Independence route. Clipping along at an average pace of 13:40/mile, my kids are certain I looked odd to passing motorists. Nonetheless, it was a great experience.

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve Eve, I squeezed in a challenging 7-mile route in northwest Independence. Despite the taxing elevation changes, my prior runs paid off and enabled me to cover the course at a 9:31 minute/mile average pace — a real clip for this 43-year-old duffer.

I look forward to logging a Christmas Eve run today and hope you’re able to notch a memorable jaunt or two over the holiday break. Winter is a great time of year to pound the pavement.

So layer up and hit the road! You won’t be sorry.

Happy running!

Kansas City Runner

Sorry I’m late.

I promised a post three Sundays ago after completing the Gobbler Grind Half Marathon with Maggie and Kate. Our schedule went bonkers that afternoon, and this is the first time since then I’ve had time to write.

We had a great time and finished strong in last month’s Gobbler Grind Half Marathon.

The half marathon, Maggie’s first, was an experience I’ll never forget. We took it easy and enjoyed the course — and each of its Porta Potties — and finished in 2:38.

During the race, we had a lively and far-ranging conversation; you can cover a lot in two and half hours. Heck, we even passed two William Chrisman High School teachers, one of which Maggie has for home room.

Kate and I have now done 13.1-milers with Maggie and Tom. We hope to run the cycle and do a half marathon in the next year or two with Joe.

Speaking of our oldest child, I have to pat Joe on the back. Last month, he received the Independence School District McCoy Medal.

Joe and Alexis Reese, buddies since kindergarten, were two of three Bryant Elementary School students to receive the McCoy Medal.

Joe was one of 134 students from the district’s three high schools to receive the medal, which is awarded to the top 50 students in each junior class. Not sure where the math broke down this year, but you get the point.

We’re proud of Joe, for the whom the medal was an academic affirmation. He recently joined cousin John Hennessy on the William Chrisman High School Scholar Bowl team and is planning several college visits in early 2013.

I wouldn’t be a decent dad if I didn’t give a shout out to Tom. Our 10-year-old, the youngest of the Beem brood, loves music, reading, sports, math — and now the stage.

Tom launched his acting career last month in Truman High School’s performance of “The King and I.” Bryant Elementary School Music Teacher Laura Kilpatrick, who helps each year with Truman’s musical production, always invites Bryant fourth graders to try out for supporting roles.

Tom, pictured here with the king and Anna, did a great job last month in Truman High School’s four performances of “The King and I.”

Tom was fortunate enough to make this year’s cut and had the time of his life … though I must admit the show became a bit routine by the third night. Tom, on the other hand, was sad after it ended and said he’d miss practicing and performing with his buddies.

Who knows what the future will hold for the Beem bambinos. All I know for sure is how proud I am of them for their unique accomplishments.

Speaking of achievements, where are your running paths taking you? Kate and I did an hour of Zumba each of the last two Saturday mornings at the YMCA, my first foray into the popular Latin American dance fitness program. And after last week’s workout, we enjoyed a long run in balmy Independence.

What are your running plans this winter? Tell us about your races and routes.

Happy running!

Kansas City Runner