Running…From What and Why?

I’m 34 years old I’ve run 62 races since I started running them in 2001… back when I was a skinny 15-year-old kid.

Unfortunately, I haven’t run a race since late in 2016 at the Desert Boneyard 5k. Why? I guess I’ve gotten lazier with a change in life. After moving to Washington, Vy and I have done a fun color run but nothing competitively. Gaining over thirty-five points since when I was in my mid-20s and the prime running shape of my life, it’s been a struggle. I’ve recently become more motivated looking at myself in the mirror and struggling to stand and put on my sock. My thigh hit my stomach and it was hard to reach my foot. I was quite frustrated and knew a change must be made. Not that I don’t like weighing a bit more, but the fact that my stomach has been the area gaining the most weight is what I don’t like. With that in mind, it’s time to get back into running.

I’ve run races in Florida, Arizona, as well as Colorado. I’ve run everything from 5-ks to half marathons and my personal best was 2^nd place out of 98 in a 5k in Florida and during another Florida 5k when I ran it with a 6:38 pace (a sub-7-minute mile was a life goal). It was such a boring race around the Oviedo mall parking lot that I wanted to finish. When running, I never did like to run them without knowing anyone at the race. It was much more fun running with my Dad and Uncle, who has also run a lot of race. We were competitive in a fun way and my Dad and I tried to beat each other (he did beat me a few times…lucky). I guess it was also because of them that I ran more races but living in different states, they’re no longer around to motivate me. I hated getting up at 4 or 5 in the morning and freezing to death often waiting for the race to start. I also hated running and wondering what mile I was on, only to see a sign that said “Mile 2.” The races sometimes took a long time and seemed never-ending but all the pain and torment was worth it to see that finish line. Spring to the end and crossing the line was the best. Just knowing that I finished the race was quite the achievement but seeing the time was either disappointing or satisfying in itself. No matter the time, just finishing the race is an accomplishment since not everyone has run a race. I used to tell new runners that is isn’t the time, just as long as you finish. These days, I have to tell myself that as I begin training on the treadmill, doing one mile at a time. It’s only been a few days and the times have gotten better but what’s next is building the endurance. It’s time to stay motivated and get back to being healthier and feeling better.

I look at my Dad and Uncle who are, of course, older than me but out there running. My Uncle in his early 60s has and is still running 50-mile races. He’s run 100 milers before and that sounds crazy and is indeed crazy. He’s accomplished and achieved a lot in the running world not having run for a lot of his life. My dad has gotten back into it, even with bad knees, and is improving his distance and time as the weeks go by. What’s my excuse? There is none. It’s time to start a little at a time with the treadmill and once the weather progresses into what should be spring, it’s time to head outside and see what happens. I’m hoping next year to sign up for a race and use that for motivation. I keep a couple of scrapbooks from my past races and do at least one page with each race that includes photographs and times, etc. I went through them the other night and it was sad to see how my life progressed in a way of athleticism since running was one sport I was decent at. I dusted off my Mizunos, unrolled the toe socks, and went for my first run on the treadmill after that and was sweating after one mile. Quite pathetic? Maybe…but at least it’s a start. It’s been over four years but keep watching on Facebook and Instagram for updates and potential race(s) in the near future!
https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/100427321?category=global&term=benjamin%20mollenhour

Liberated…Not all Publishers Work for Everybody

Publishing a book can be hard. Whether through a traditional publisher, self-publishing, or the non-recommended vanity press, each has their advantages and disadvantages. I’ve done both self-publishing and using a traditional publisher. No matter which you choose, you as the author will have to do a lot of marketing and the “selling” of the book. The traditional publisher helps you with editing, formatting, and giving you advice and help along the way. Each publisher you use will teach you new ways and techniques on how to sell and promote. When you self-publish, you are only using the ways you already know or what you read about. I’ve used a couple of traditional publishers and one was a good experience and the other, not so good. So, here’s why traditional publishing isn’t always for the best.

Sometimes we as an author are too attached to a piece of work. When we have a publisher take it and make it how they want, we want to control the product but instead, they’re in charge of the final product. Sometimes they let you use your own cover but oftentimes not. If you’re too attached, you might be upset with the final product but usually, trust the publisher and know they have your best interest in mind since if you make money, they make money. Once and a while, though, a publisher just doesn’t work out.

I recently was able to luckily break a contract with a publisher for my book and memoir, Letters from Fort Lyon Sanatorium 1929-1930. The reason is, even though I’m very attached to the project because it’s my ancestors that are written about, the final product was way below my expectations. I won’t name the publisher out of respect for those who work hard for the company and the many authors they have and have given opportunities to, but they just weren’t for me. After not fixing a few errors after saying they would on three separate occasions, they were still there. Then, printing a few copies once I was told the errors were fixed (and they weren’t), the printer had an additional fifteen blank sheets at the end, totaling thirty random blank pages at the back of the book. Very unprofessional. Also, in the very beginning, he said the final book would have a title on the binding, price on the back cover, as well as wholesale distribution. All three of which bookstores need to carry the book and all three did not happen. 

Luckily for me, I was able to come to an agreement with the publisher to let me out of the contract. It’s sad because being with the traditional publisher could have led to better exposure, the book I wanted to be exposed, though, was not one that I was satisfied with and happy to see. Publishers can help with help such as website promoting, social media posts, podcasts, and contacting media with the help of promoting your book. Sometimes, also, your book is just a number to them. Be careful and research who you choose to go with if you are fortunate to find a publisher to produce your work – which is a feat in itself.

So, now, I’m happy to finally release the memoir, Letters from Fort Lyon Sanatorium. Please check it out on Amazon and other online retailers and if you don’t see it at your local Barnes and Noble or library, please feel free to request it and help me out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088PBPNB2/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=MOLLENHOUR&qid=1589608745&sr=8-4&fbclid=IwAR23dte1cyemNCdRlkjaapB6lOMKpM0HfHfm2lCh-ZBNTsEmTTvSwy3-cmU