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This #latergram of the #STRroadrunner brought to you by the letter 4 for Streator's 4th of July and having an excellent show this weekend and the #RunForGlory 5K yesterday at the city park. It was great seeing so many people from the #StarvesRockRunners that I love and have missed. I wasin the company of the club's grandma/cheerleader, Lynn, leading to a first place finish in my age division (25-29). Due to the lacking presence of my age group, I was blessed to receive the medal, showing that getting there is half the battle and I am still able to beat laziness and sloth by getting to a 5K and finishing in one hour. #MedalBite #RoadToRecovery #running #walking #StrokeRecovery #STRsFinest #STRepresent #StrokeSurvivor #ILrunners #CantStopWontStop #saucony #firstPlace #ImUglyAndImProud #NoFilter #notfiltered #Unfiltered #StarvedRockRunners #SRRL https://www.instagram.com/p/BzWCYsgA1I2/?igshid=z44iw076om61

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Today, I got back on the road and walked the Dwight Harvest Days 5K and managed a new post-stroke PR at 55:43 and finally managed to walk one in under an hour. Running still seems a ways out of reach, but every day there is hope and progress. I can't wait for the day I get my life back, but this will only make that moment sweeter. I loved getting to see so many of my friends and Starved Rock Runners family! I must say, it was a good day. #STRroadrunner on the #RoadToRecovery #running #StarvedRockRunners #SRRL #Sweatstagram #NoFilter #NotFiltered #Unfiltered #persperationInspiration #runningsucks #ButreallyItsgreat #instarunners #Runstagram #BeforeAfter #GoCubsGo #Spiderman #RunILL #ILrunners #KeepRunning #CantStopWontStop #pugsSunglasses #StrokeRecovery https://www.instagram.com/p/BoDQ8KZgF6k/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1o92159ind3i3

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#BeforeAfter #STRroadrunner on the #RoadToRecovery the future is bright, so don't forget your shades. Figured why I should honor my phone's retirement with one last good run and a running selfie. Happy National Sunglasses Day! #running #runningsucks #butreallyitsgreat #NewtonRunning #instarunners #PartyOnWayne #PartyOnGarth #PartyOnKevin #KeepOnKeepingOn #CantStopWontStop #sweatstagram #NoFilter #NotFiltered #NationalSunglassesDay #hashtagsfordays #SKRRTTT

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Quite possibly one of the best ways to top off a wild week and crazy weekend. It's been awhile since I've had me a Joe's and after all the work I did today. Thanks to Stevie and his fine crew for dinner. I had a salad to make myself feel better, too. #Joes #STR #STRepresent #STRsFinest #JoesStationhouse #pizza #foodporn #food #foodstagram #nomnomnom

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#STRroadrunner hitting the #RoadToRecovery with that boy #IvyLeagueRunner channeling the inner A-ha and taking on six miles in the savage heat today. Setting a standard to not give up, compromise, and to always take on the challenges of today. Growing. Being better than yesterday. Cashing checks and breaking necks. We came to chew bubble gum and run some hot roads and we all put of bubble gum. We out here accomplishing stuff #BeforeAfter #running #runningsucks #butreallyitsgreat #MoreRunnersMoreFunner #NewtonRunning #StarvedRockRunners #SRRL #SummerRunners #instarunners #RunTheDay #RunTheJewels #RunForGlory #runnersofinstagram @runnercrate @instarunners @IndigoAthletics @cararuns @runnersworldmag #Motivation #SKRRTTT #hashtagsfordays

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Another Sunday Funday Runday in the books. Took on 5 good miles this morning to start the day and it felt great. With running comes soreness, pain, exhaustion, and sweat but the good far outweighs the bad; the clear mind, spiritual cleansing, and inner peace combined with the confidence and success will always keep me going back for more. Even when I'm out on the roads by myself, now I know I'll never have to run alone. Also, the fact that I got to see some guy out walking his horse TWICE was pretty cool. Seize the day and don't forget to show yourself a little love today. Happy Sunday, y'all. #STRroadrunner on the #RoadToRecovery #BeforeAfter #running #runningsucks #butreallyitsgreat #NewtonRunning #PartyOnWayne #PartyOnGarth #PartyOnKevin #KeepOnKeepingOn #CantStopWontStop #1ove #OneLove #JakeyRod #CarpeDiem #SeizeTheDay #Sunday #Runday #Funday #SundayRundayFunday #SundayFunday #SundayRunday #SKRRTTT #runnersofinstagram #RunnersWorld #IGrunners #RockinWarrior #instarunners #RunTheDay #RunTheJewels #RunForGlory #hashtagsfordays #nckdms @IndigoAthletics @runnercrate @instarunners @cararuns @runnersworldmag @runnerscommunity

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...because with you I know I will always have a friend. #Cubby #STRroadrunner #dog #DogsOfInstagram #SleepyPooch

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And thus comes another chapter to a close. My second Nalgene bottle met its fate today after falling a measly two feet. Just about two years to the day I've had this companion and I can't help but already feel a little lost. All of the ounces we've shared, the countless refills, not to mention how many times I've found salvation in the magnificent power of hydration contained in this vessel. It's been a great run, little buddy, but now I guess it's time for us to go our separate ways. Now you can meet your predecessor and share the great memories with me. Thanks N2 @nalgeneusa #sadday #RIPnalgene #Orange #nalgene #waterbottle #hashtagsfordays #busted #BottomOut

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I wonder what Professor Trelawney would say about my fortune, or lack thereof, if she were to peer into my cup. I wonder if she would see my struggles and the challenges that have stared me in my face, tested my strength, tried my patience. Or would she tell me about how those struggles would not keep me down, how the challenges would be overcome, and my patience growing stronger? I've simply faced more than I ever thought or expected I would, but it hasn't kept me down. I keep my focus and stay my path. If coffee is what success tastes like, I'll take a nice, tall mug and fill it to the rim. #STRroadrunner #coffee #HarryPotter #EspressoPatronum #success #Motivation #CantStopWontStop #DreamChasing #dreamfearlessly #fortune #SKRRTTT

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Added one more to my collection today, so to properly celebrate #MedalMonday I decided to put all of them on. Some might call it a bit cumbersome, clanky, and unnecessary, but I just think it's a tad light. I'm going for more this year, I don't have any plan of slowing down now. I still have some work to do to get back to where I was last year, so let's get after it. #STRroadrunner #STR #running #runningsucks #butreallyitsgreat #RockinWarrior #RoadToRecovery #runnersofinstagram #instarunners #HeavyMedal

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Hut the roads for my second consecutive YMCA Memorial Day 5K. I almost forgot how dreadful the hill was, but I pulled through. I learned from my mistakes last year, I didn't slow down at the end and watch someone pass me by, today I pushed it. Pushing myself past another runner right before the finish line. There's at least one lesson to be learned here, if you work hard at something and work toward a finish line you have two choices: you can coast into the finish and pat yourself on the back or you can run like hell and kick into gear for a better time. 26:55 last year, 27:40 today. No PR for the course, but a new best time since leaving Unity Point. Wasn't able to repeat a 2nd place, but nabbed the 3rd for my age group. It was great to get out and see the running community on this Memorial Day and to watch so many of my friends walk up to claim a medal (or a trophy). Dedicating this medal to all the fine, brave men and women of our country wearing a uniform of service, because if it weren't for your work and acts of bravery I wouldn't be able to enjoy the run today. Cheers to you all! #STRroadrunner #BeforeAfter #MedalBite #MedalMonday #MemorialDay #RoadToRecovery #running #runningsucks #butreallyitsgreat #instarunners #StarvedRockRunners #SRRL #RCRunnerOfTheWeek #IRUNThisCity #sweatstagram #GoTheDistance #NewtonRunning #runnersofinstagram #RunnersWorld #IGrunners #RockinWarrior #CantStopWontStop #GoCubs #NoFilter #NotFiltered #hashtagsfordays  @IndigoAthletics @runnercrate @instarunners @runnerscommunity @runnersworldmag @cararuns

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100 days ago, I went to the emergency room and was taken to Unity Point Methodist Hospital in Peoria. It's been a long 100 days, but that was the last time I've had a headache. Since then, it's been almost like a type of self-rehabilitation. When I got home on the 11th day, I had difficulty with stairs, running wasn't even in the picture. That's where my road to recovery started. The road started slow, with many restless nights, but many productive days. I cleaned this, organized that, and did a lot of thinking. Progress came like growing grass or drying paint or something. Slowly working my way back to who I used to be physically and who I want to be mentally and spiritually. Finally capable of being happy and of enjoying life. In a way I guess this was just what I needed. I have a long way to go before I am 100%, but I like to think I've gotten a little closer. I went from having difficulty running one mile to making it to the Run Starved Rock Country Half-marathon. If you apply yourself, you can achieve your goals and make your dreams a reality.  Life is going to throw you curveballs, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't swing away. #STRroadrunner #RoadToRecovery #running #runningsucks #butreallyitsgreat #100days #SuperSaturday #RunTheDay #BatterUp #Motivation #MovingForward #ProgressReport #instarunners #StarvedRockRunners #SRRL #RCRunnerOfTheWeek #IRUNThisCity #sweatstagram #GoTheDistance #NewtonRunning #runnersofinstagram #RunnersWorld #IGrunners #RockinWarrior #CantStopWontStop #GoCubs #NoFilter #NotFiltered #hashtagsfordays  @IndigoAthletics @runnercrate @instarunners @runnerscommunity

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Because it's nights like these, the ones that seem calm, that bring it all out. It comes in waves, reminding me of things I've since shut out. Surrounded by darkness, my past, my demons, my future? The paranoia sets in, though I am by myself, I know I'm not alone. In the silence of the night, I hear the calling, the wind howling, beckoning. You show me the way, lighting my path, taking me home. More than a thought, a memory, a reminder to follow the light and stay the path. #STR #Night #poetry #badpoetry #FollowTheLight #StayThePath #StayHumble #nature #bridge

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Honestly, what's wrong with kids these days? #memes #spinners #fidget #fidgetspinner

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Hooked my Cubby bear up with a fresh haircut for the (first half of) Summer 2017. It definitely doesn't look like it's only been 3 months since I gave him his last trim, but he was ready to get rid of the extra fur. Now that his winter coat is gone, hopefully the next thing we can do is put the snow shovel away. Honestly, not my best work, but it will all grow back and it took less than 2 hours to get it done today. Long hair or short hair, I'll always love my little furry son/brother/old man. Now he's ready to meet some bitches...literally or studs, but not really. He just likes people #Cubby #dog #DogsOfInstagram #WhereMyDogsAt #ArfArf #Summer2017 #FreshCut #DogGrooming #CutsByKev @cutepetclub @dogloverstagram

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Tell me what you see, when you open your eyes. Are the skies blue and clear Or clouded like the mind? Are the fields below filled with life Or sown for their crops? Limitations are created by the mind But broken by the body and senses. A cloud is not a cloud, But a roaring lion, king of the sky's jungles. These formations in the sky stretch the imagination, Revealing, not rain, but the accuser of blame. Shaped by winds and water, Never the same and always changing, These creatures and beings shift overhead. Some of these shapes remind us of loved ones we remember, Others simply resemble a floating phallic member. #clouds #nature #IL #ILLINOIS #poetry #badpoetry #imagine #WhatDoYouSee #words #wordsandstuff #SKRRTTT

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Conditions were quite different, compared to last year. Last year, I was layered up, because it was only about 50° for the entire race. There is such a strange bond between a runner and running. For me, it is my therapy. Time with my thoughts and to truly find out where I am, mentally. You build a special bond with the roads you run and the people you run with, which makes it so much more worth it. The soreness you may feel will pass, but the sense of pride you have when you see that medal/those medals will last forever. It's been about 7 months since I've tasted the sweet flavor of a medal, but it was most definitely worth it. It might not have been my fastest time, but it was 15 minutes faster than the trial run last week and I didn't have a single mile over 12 minutes. Now it's time to take on the rest of the day. What will you accomplish today? This was for you Jakey. I know you were with me as soon as I saw the moon still in the sky when I woke up. #STRroadrunner in Ottawa and Starved Rock #sweatstagram #HalHigdon #GoTheDistance #NewtonRunning #instarunners #IRUNThisCity #RockinWarrior #runningsucks #butreallyitsgreat #StarvedRockRunners #SRRL #StarvedRockCountryMarathon #StayHumble #STRepresent #1ove #OneLove #JakeyRod #CarpeDiem #SeizeTheDay #RunnersWorld #NoFilter #NotFiltered (at Starved Rock State Park)