Corey Stokes

My thoughts: Fast Girl A life spent running from madness

Let me preface this by saying although this book was on my reading list, it was a “blind pick.” I did not know anything about Suzy Favor Hamilton prior to doing a bit of research (A google search) on her after getting half way through the book. I picked up the audiobook after searching for books on running. I’d already read the first two that populated my search and the next one in line, was this one.

I must say although it wasn’t at all what I was expecting, I really did enjoy listening to it. I enjoyed hearing Suzy’s story which brought me through the ups and downs as she experienced them. I found myself yelling at her through my radio and at times, because I couldn’t understand why she would risk her life and reputation. It felt like I was listening to a fictional novel not the story of someone’s life.

Had I known what I was getting myself into when I started listening to this book, I would not have listened with my children in the car with me. When the book went into something I didn’t want to explain to my kids, I’d simply switched books, normally Ghost in the wires, Kevin Mitnick’s story, then put Suzy’s book back on when they were not in the car. My son, who had really started to enjoy Fast Girl asked me after Kevin dropped a couple of F-bombs, “both books have bad words, why can I not listen to Suzy’ book?” I had to explain to him (11-year-old) the difference between adult language and adult content. I had to explain to him what an escort was when the book spoke about calling a service for the couple’s first night in Los Vegas. But When the book went started telling about Suzy’s insatiable sexual desires and her masturbating several times… my fingers could not hit the stop button faster enough. But that has nothing to do with the book. I wasn’t ready to give that explanation to my children.

I could relate, on some level to Suzy’s story. Which for me, made this book hard to put down. I wanted to see her get through her struggles. Although, I had to run for my job, I started to enjoy running after a hard time in my life. I’ve been running ever since.

First Watch!

When the doctor introduced me to my son, it was among the proudest moments of my life. I immediately flashed forward to all of the special moments in his life to be that I’d celebrate with him as I celebrated his arrival. This is one of those moments!

I quickly learned that many of the stores don’t cater to much to men. It seems that women, who obviously go shopping way more, have lots more options! From a pair of shoes with the purse to match and the assessorizing jewelry collection that makes her stand out during any occasion, have many in stores for hours! But what do men shop for? What stores cater to the thing that men want to help him stand out? Other than the special gift for that amazing women, there is not much! The first time I remember in my life going shopping for something was on my 21 first birthday! The only accessory we needed that day was a bottle of tylonol for the next morning!
I wanted to do something special with my son. Something that would commemorate the first week long trip that he’d take without his me or his mom! I remember my uncle telling me that a man must have a nice time piece, before he presented me a watch. It was a red watch with a holographic face, although it wasn’t my first watch, it was possible the best watch that I’d owned in my childhood.
For my own son, I decided to make a big deal out of getting him his first watch. Man, was he excited! When we arrived at the store I gave him the same speech that my uncle had given me. I told him “Son, you are growing up. there are several things that you need to ensure you always have: a nice wallet and a nice time piece!” He was still enjoying his wallet that he had made for a Boy Scout project, so we walked into the store with our eyes set on buying a watch.

Everything doesn’t have to be a big celebration, but he will always remember this day as the day as the day he went shopping for his first watch with his dad! And I will always remember the excitement on his face and in his voice as he picked out his first watch. Now, I have another proud moment to hold dear.

My son and I celebrated getting his first watch! “Every man should have a nice time piece!” Mr. Lee R. Suite (Uncle Lee)

You got this, Dad!

I must admit, I really enjoy watching my children push themselves. They have a desire to reach their personal best in everything that they do. Their drive motivates me when I have nothing left.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been through 3 pairs of sneakers, tired inserts and stretches. It seems that no matter what I do, 15 minutes into a run my calf muscles start screaming at me. forcing me either slow my run down or end it early.

The pain started shortly after I hit 500 miles on my old running shoes. Knowing that most running shoes have a life span of anywhere between 300 and 500 miles, I simply figured it was time for a new pair. Even with the new sneakers after I hit the 15 minutes point the pain kicked in. To-date, no one can tell me what’s going on. It got to the point that even walking would cause pain.

CoreyS tokes — I tried using an ace bandage as a compression sleeve

I decided to take it easy for a bit, work on cross training and stretching. When I read that a compression sleeve would probably work to alleviate the pain. So I ordered one! But, while I wait for it to arrive I needed to try something in the meantime.

In an article on Runnerworld.com it was suggested to use an ace bandage wrapped tight enough to have some compression but not so tight as to cut off circulation. So I gave it a try. As I was on the treadmill my daughter, who was working out with me, had pushing through her upper body workout. Just as my pain became unbearable she looked at me as said. “You got it, dad!” or at least that is what I thought she said. She later told me what she actually said was “my arms are jelly dad!”

I was able to complete 2 pain filled miles!