by
Mark Jimenez
Life was a lot different on November 21, 2016.
I had gone to Arizona to compete in Ironman Arizona. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be able to finish the race. I had an injury that made it very painful to ride my bike. Ironman wouldn’t let me defer my race entry (don’t even get me started on those guys) and so I went down to see if I could tough it out. I couldn’t. I could swim and run ok, but the bike was too much. I got about 80 miles into the 112 mile bike ride and threw in the towel.
Mark on his bike at the Utah Half in 2016
There’s always disappointment that comes with a DNF, especially on this day. I watched my friend Bryan finish the race and set an amazing time. I tried to celebrate the success with him while at the same time feeling down about not finishing it myself.
I headed home to Las Vegas. Thanksgiving was just a few days away and I told myself, “Let’s see if I can run every day this week.”
I did that.
Then I told myself, “Let’s see if I can run every day this month.”
I did that.
By the time I got to about 50 days in a row with a run every day it had become a habit.
On Tuesday I hit 3,285 days in a row with a run every day. 365 x 9 = 3,285.
I don’t run to hit a number. I’m not trying to get to 10 years or 10,000 days. To be honest, I run every day because it’s the best anti-depressant I have. It’s better than any medication I’ve been on. It’s kept me healthy and I’ve been lucky to be mostly injury free.
I’ve had a few aches and pains. My left knee has acted up and I thought I had a meniscus tear, but it ended up being nothing major. I’ve had Covid, but I didn’t have a very bad case of it.
And so I ran.
2023 Chicago Marathon
Lots has happened in 9 years. I bought Red Rock Running Company in 2018. I separated in 2019 and I got divorced in 2020. I remarried and found happiness again with KJ in 2021. We’ve opened two new stores and remodeled two existing stores. I’ve run in Tokyo, London, Boston, and Chicago to check off some world major marathons. I’ve built friendships and relationships, and I’ve experienced loss and pain. Along with Coach Flynn, I’ve helped coach 3 Cross Country State Championship teams. I retired from teaching. A few years later I retired from coaching. Now I focus full time on the business.
All that to say, life has gone on for me just like for the rest of you. You’ve each had your challenges. You’ve each experienced the last 9 years in different and amazing ways.
I’d love to hear about it on a run someday.
In a world that is so divided, running has the unique ability to bring people together. There is something about the shared sacrifice of a run that makes us more tolerant and understanding of each other. I think everybody running for office should be required to run with their opponent. Maybe the world would look a lot happier right now.
Jack & Jill 2025
One thing I know is that running changes things. Give it a try. It’s ok if you have to start by going for a walk. We’re here for it. We have activities every week that are free to join, and I promise you nobody cares if you walk at them. You can find all our events at rrrc.run/events. I look forward to seeing you out there.
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Every Run is a Good Run
