tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636436145216890702024-02-06T23:50:23.924-06:00Running Through LifeRunning and life - both moving you forward and yet you always seem to return home.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-77744904506999923232014-04-01T13:29:00.000-05:002014-04-01T13:29:01.599-05:00D.N.F.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, that was me last Saturday during the Clinton Lake Ultra 30 mile trail run. <span style="font-size: x-large;">FAIL!!! </span>No good. 41 races - 1 DNF.</div>
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I have been having a little knee pain (left leg) when I first get up but it goes away and I only feel it when I sit for a long time. I am getting old. It comes with the territory. Get over it. Go on and do the run.</div>
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So I should up and a friend of mine should up to be at both aid stations throughout the day. After a few last minute instructions we are off. 200 ultra runners one from as far away as Utah (sorry <a href="http://joannaruns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">JoannaRuns</a> I never talked to him to see where but the plates said Utah - maybe he was here on spring break?). </div>
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Anyway, the rabbits took off and most of the rest of us slower got into a single file line. Now, I know what you are thinking - Central Illinois -what hills?. yea, well they are there. This trail has about 33 hills of 30-50 feet each. It eventually takes a toll. For me that toll came all to soon. It wasn't long - less than a mile - and I was favoring my left leg. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> not my knee - mine is far more handsomer...</span></td></tr>
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Knee pain!!! and it was worse on the downhills. I had 29 miles to go. So I keep chugging along at my pedestrian pace. The pace that was going to lead me to an incredible time. By the time I made it to the Iron Bridge aid station (5.5 miles) I called it quits. No more. No mas. I would walk back on the road to the start. </div>
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I could have taken the trail back to the start. I didn't. I took the roads and conversed with my friend. My friend that had braved the chilly morning and was riding his bike up and down the hills on the road to get from aid station to aid station. But I think quitting was in my best interests. I have other races I want to do - though I really did want to do this one. </div>
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I got a really cool hoodie in my gear bag but I feel like I don't deserve to wear it.</div>
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Sunday rolls around and I have pain in my right thigh is very sore. Apparently I favored the left so much I over used or tore my right quad. Tender to the touch. Extreme tenderness. Today, it is starting to fill better - GOOD!!!</div>
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Plans - get an appointment schedule with my doctor (he runs marathons himself so understands my complaints). Get back to walking and moving the legs. Friday I have a 5k night time race (I will be walking it with a few friends) and Saturday a <a href="http://www.allertontrailshalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank">half marathon trail run at Allerton Park.</a> </div>
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My problems aside - The aid stations were fantastic. All the good ultra food, great volunteers, course was very well marked and in reasonable condition considering the rain we got 2 days before. I recommend this ultra if you are in Central Illinois in March. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-41194573199757119542014-03-27T17:27:00.003-05:002014-03-27T17:33:50.073-05:00A year gone byIt has been well over a year since I have posted and I think it is time I start again. I last posted. I posted about running the Siberian Express in January of 2013.<br />
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<b>Guess what now??</b><br />
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It is the end of March 2014. Given a lot has happened. Running has not been one of them. Oh I ran last year. Even ran well at times. I ran the Siberian Express, Kirby Derby 10k, a 5K at the Arboretum, the Allerton Half Marathon. Not a bad year, not a good year. There was very little running in between those races.<br />
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And there were even better things that happened - my son got married, my new daughter-in-law is expecting, they got orders to go to Germany (they leave April 8). My new grandson will be born in the Motherland.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>2014</b></span><br />
This year hopefully brings a lot of new changes - including blogging more often. I ran the Siberian Express on Jan 4. Temps were good, Snow was only a few inches deep in most places. It was peaceful and serene. Even enjoyable.<br />
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<i>then it happened.</i> I ran my first ultra on Jan 19. Swamp Stompers 50K. I signed up for it when it opened as it sells out in a matter of hours. I got lucky and I got in. It is was incredible. It was hard. I was unprepared - not terribly, but definitely not ready. This race was in Meeman-Shelby Forest near Memphis. It was beautiful. It was incredibly hilly from my perspective. But I finished in 8.38. Only 8 minutes off my fantasy time. I hit all my splits except for the finish. A lot of that due to a good friend that went down and met me a different locations offering age and a sound tongue thrashing to keep me going. Thank you Tom. And the Buffalo that went down to run - they are awesome and friendly people. These are some of the best people that I have started to become acquainted with. I am not sure why I stalked their email group for 2 years before speaking up.<br />
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Since then very little running. My treadmill gave up. Now, I hear you groaning. I like the mill. I would rather run outside but it has been a very miserable winter here in central Illinois. I volunteered at a 5k for the Second Wind Running club. That made me feel good and I got to cheer on some of the Buffalo that braved that chilly 30 degree morning (the day before it was 60).<br />
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Now this weekend I will be running my second ultra. <a href="https://secondwindrunningclub.org/races/clinton" target="_blank">Clinton Lake 30 miler</a>. This is a 10 mile trail loop. While the hills are not as tall as but still about 33 hills of 30-50 feet in one loop. I have run this trail 3 times (only one loop each time). It has an 8 hour time limit (16m/mi). I hope to run better than that. I will let you know next week.<br />
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Future Races (not all guaranteed to happen)<br />
<a href="http://www.allertontrailshalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Allerton Trail 5K night run</span></a> - April 4<br />
<a href="http://www.allertontrailshalfmarathon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Allerton Trail Half Marathon</span></a> - April 5<br />
<a href="http://www.illinoismarathon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Illinois Marathon</span></a> - April 27<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.kennekuk.com/events.htm#LakeMingo" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Lake Mingo 7.1M Trail</span></a> </span>- June 14<br />
<a href="http://www.bix7.com/2014/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Bix 7M </span></a>- July 26<br />
<a href="http://www.shtrs.org/#!ultras/c10d6" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Evergreen Lake Ultras</span></a> - Sept 14<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.kennekuk.com/events.htm#Wilderness" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Wild Wilderness</span></a> </span>- Sep 28<br />
<a href="http://www.vccd.org/fgtrailrun.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Forest Glen Trail 50k</span></a> - Oct 18<br />
<a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Marine Corps Marathon</span></a> - Oct 26 (more on this exciting race later and how I got in)<br />
<a href="http://citra.ivs.org/races/mcnotagain.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">McNotAgain Trail 30M</span></a> - Nov 8<br />
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Til next time - Happy Feet<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-81959482836856254132013-01-04T18:31:00.000-06:002013-01-04T18:31:44.568-06:00Day 3 & 4 of 2013 and the Siberian ExpressDay 3 and 4 were pretty much like days 1 and 2 as far as running were concerned. Inside. Treadmill. 3.1m about 30 minutes. Ho Hum<br />
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Saturday will be major test of my <strike>new found</strike> where did it go, stamina. I will be running (ok surviving) the Siberian Express. This is a, no-matter-what-the-weather race. Trails, 7.6 miles. One great big hill. Lots of little hills. No aid stations. And after the first 300 people trampled the ground it should be quit slippery. A race I have not run in years.</div>
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A friend of mine is running as well. He has not run in years. It should be fun. Can't wait for the after run beer. I hope it will be cold. Did you read that Susan - cold. Don't leave it too close to the car heater. LOL!!</div>
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Race report to come later.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-26219103957056258372013-01-02T19:41:00.000-06:002013-01-02T19:41:03.191-06:00Day 2 of 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO48fau2rYMoVBVfBz-enW1Z4FxapILVAiwIUhkiI_cJIGFgDj1Op8EbK5rbn79TUMfzHePptWxhROMHIw7oj91nOUovul8nESmluJO9MvfPowb_aUl8r8JfYhR5DttS2QqZqBWovUFBD_/s1600/-dogs-1345968200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO48fau2rYMoVBVfBz-enW1Z4FxapILVAiwIUhkiI_cJIGFgDj1Op8EbK5rbn79TUMfzHePptWxhROMHIw7oj91nOUovul8nESmluJO9MvfPowb_aUl8r8JfYhR5DttS2QqZqBWovUFBD_/s200/-dogs-1345968200.jpg" width="200" /></a>Run this morning? Are you kidding me? My legs were barely able to get me to the shower. They did not hurt, they were just dog tired. So off to work I went. For half a day.<br />
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Don't get excited, the other half wasn't a lot of fun. Just suffice it to say I am glad that it is over. I worked from home the second half of the afternoon and got a lot done. More than if I would have been in the office.<br />
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I think might be a lot of my running for awhile. I cannot find my cold weather, moisture-wicking gloves, hat to wear outside. Besides that it was 5 degrees this morning. But another 3.101 miles is done in just over 30 minutes again.<br />
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9.47 pace today and 9.44 yesterday. Not bad for no running in months for this out of shape old man.<br />
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First race of the year is coming up this weekend. Most likely it will be a survival run for myself and Mr. Elliott (old running buddy). The Siberian Express is run no matter the weather. If I can survive it, no more races until March (when the temperature should be back in the 30s.<br />
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Until then folks, keep on chugging along. And remember, as Calvin said we are all perfect just the way we are...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0Savoy, IL, USA40.054753 -88.25171649999998640.054753 -88.251716499999986 40.054753 -88.251716499999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-56503128316995752952013-01-01T23:16:00.001-06:002013-01-01T23:16:53.837-06:002013Well, 2012 is over. The fools that thought they could read Mayan calendars were wrong. The meek have not inherited the earth. 2012 was a year of ups and downs. Some really bad downs and some really good ups especially at the end of the year. Running - virtually non-existent.<br />
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2013 - I am thinking will be good. I have goals again. Personal, work, and in running. Mostly running. I started the year off right by running today. Not when I wanted too, but when I was able. Inside, on the treadmill, but 3.1 miles are in the book. It was rough, it has been a long time. But now, 4 hours later I feel good. Happy.<br />
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Personal Goals -<br />
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<ul>
<li>Start working on the house again. At least finish one room completely. Now a lot of this depends on the almighty greenback and with the economy so very uncertain, who knows. I bought some stain today and that is a start.</li>
<li>Lose weight. I think I am at an all time high of xxx lbs. Way too much.</li>
<li>Get in shape. I specifically want to be able to do 20 pull-ups.</li>
<li>Fix the care. It needs brakes, rotors, alignment, tune-up, passenger side mirror and rear taillight. It really wobbles when the brakes are used. Even the gf seems afraid to drive, well not drive, just stop.</li>
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Work Goals -<br />
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<li>A raise would be nice. But then I do not control that. </li>
<li>Finish projects on time.</li>
<li>Create better documentation.</li>
<li>Work far less hours. I need to remember that I am salary. I do not need to donate 10+ hours a week to the company. I receive nothing for it. </li>
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Running Goals -<br />
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<li>New PRs</li>
<li>5k - sub 24 mins</li>
<li>half marathon - sub 2 hour</li>
<li>marathon - well some goals should be secret</li>
<li>Mileage - lots and lots. I would still like to run 1000 miles in a year. Only 997 more to go.</li>
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Race Goals - (<i>races I want to run this year)</i><br />
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<li><a href="http://kennekuk.com/events.htm#Siberian" target="_blank">Siberian Express</a>* - 7.45m trail run - <i>1.6.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://inrs.illinois.edu/expo/5krun.shtml" target="_blank">Earth, Wind and Fire</a>* - 5k - <i>3.9.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.penguininthepark.com/" target="_blank">Penguin in the Park</a> - 5k - <i>3.23.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://kennekuk.com/events.htm#MountainGoat" target="_blank">Mountain Goat</a>* - 15k hill run - <i>3.23.13 ( I know, a conflict)</i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lakesaradamrun.com/" target="_blank">Lake Sara Dam</a>* - 8m - <i>4.7.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://illinoismarathon.com/" target="_blank">Illinois Marathon or Half</a>* - <i>4.27.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lakerunclub.org/" target="_blank">Lake Run</a> - <i>5.20.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://secondwindrunningclub.org/races/buffalotrace" target="_blank">Buffalo Trail</a>* - 5m trail run - <i>5.18.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://kennekuk.com/events.htm#VA5K" target="_blank">Danville Memorial Day 5k</a>* - 5k - <i>5.27.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://kennekuk.com/events.htm#LakeMingo" target="_blank">Lake Mingo</a>* - 7.1m trail run - <i>6.8.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://kennekuk.com/events.htm#Wilderness" target="_blank">Wild Wilderness</a> - 7.45m trail run - <i>9.29.13</i></li>
<li><a href="http://kennekuk.com/events.htm#BackPack" target="_blank">Backpack Trail</a> - 11m trail run - very hilly - <i>11.23.13</i></li>
</ul>
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There are many more but it is late and I am getting tired. I will do another post with all the races set.</div>
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See ya and happy running in 2013.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0Savoy, IL, USA40.054753 -88.25171649999998639.9575195 -88.413077999999985 40.1519865 -88.090354999999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-77325424144704078932012-09-29T20:22:00.001-05:002012-09-29T20:24:21.915-05:00A Little Hill Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I took a drive through the country to the <a href="http://www.vccd.org/fgtrailrun.htm" target="_blank">Forest Glen Nature Preserve</a>. The farmers were cultivating fields, the fog was just starting to burn off and the ducks were busy munching on grasshoppers. It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The deer were meandering across the grassy knolls.<br />
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I was at Forest Glen for a practice run of their 5 mile trail race. I met the race director and his friend (another Mike), a Brian (training for Chicago and from my alma mater), and a new runner, Sue. Brian and Mike will both be doing the 50k (yes, 31 miles on hills. Are these people freakin nuts?). The RD went slow for me. This is a tough course. A Very Hilly course. A crazy hilly course.the screen shots are from my Garmin uploaded to <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/250980491d904289bd655a3530a8b459/workouts/423a8dff2fdd4309a2bea4ef03eaa8cc" target="_blank">RunningAhead</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwARIUZBn_7rt2BBtkYJHZAdmkFoG5MSQgIcCaAiHr86wL-HW6AL1C3U_1YAfFKwyxqakCiTTWzP0oa_3AQCLw7rnfZD66q4aNv0nO_AQNLxrgaPA6tvMuc-arUA1lMFY8PUGqMKwNH4R/s1600/Picture0001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwARIUZBn_7rt2BBtkYJHZAdmkFoG5MSQgIcCaAiHr86wL-HW6AL1C3U_1YAfFKwyxqakCiTTWzP0oa_3AQCLw7rnfZD66q4aNv0nO_AQNLxrgaPA6tvMuc-arUA1lMFY8PUGqMKwNH4R/s400/Picture0001.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The faint line on right is the Illinois state line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAmD8iN7-DNrx-lBolAz0m96ZZ3pxN_LZiAVSMUXOMSrIzLqoj7tGX9Uya78cCtB-k0A0cvszf9p_DSddZD2euk5KPcC1IVHUHrXJI7DpXaFhgFu3E3H8nxlaabCScI7gNBBwOXzjGvUO/s1600/Picture0002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAmD8iN7-DNrx-lBolAz0m96ZZ3pxN_LZiAVSMUXOMSrIzLqoj7tGX9Uya78cCtB-k0A0cvszf9p_DSddZD2euk5KPcC1IVHUHrXJI7DpXaFhgFu3E3H8nxlaabCScI7gNBBwOXzjGvUO/s400/Picture0002.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy elevation - 2411 feet of ascent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It is beautiful terrain even while gasping for each ragged breath. This race is in 3 weeks. I hope to be ready.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-48829934536118944012012-09-11T14:23:00.002-05:002012-09-11T14:24:39.484-05:00Head up, eyes on the horizon. Head up, eyes on the horizon.<br />
Stolen from an article I read in Men's Health magazine about Aaron Rodgers. A great article about possibly the best quarterback in the NFL. Read it <a href="http://www.menshealth.com/celebrity-fitness/aaron-rodgers">here</a>. (and I am not a Packer fan)<br />
<br />
But let us think about those six words...about that small statement.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Head up </span>- simple enough. Keep your head up to see where you are going. Keep your head up to keep your body in better alignment. Keep your head up to stay positive about yourself and life.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Eyes on the horizon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Eyes forward, on the horizon to give you a sense of direction, to keep you moving forward, helping stay positive in seeing your goal and reaching it. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Reading that article - it was about fitness, about complete body fitness. Not about lifting heavy weights. But more about keeping your head, your eyes, your mind on the goal. Being able to multi-task to complete your objective. To complete your goals. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It made me think a little about myself, of who I am, of how I got here and where I want to go. While I will not make a diary entry here, I am here because of all the decisions I have made in the past. Decisions that were not always with my head up or eyes on the horizon. Some of those were made with very cloudy eyes or a very fogged up brain with my head hanging low. Decisions that I had to live with, decisions that shaped me into who I am. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I have always tried to be good to people. I think <a href="http://vgfatboy.blogspot.com/">VGFatBoy</a> and <a href="http://joannaruns.blogspot.com/">JoannaRuns</a> will attest that I try to be good. And I believe I am good. I have my eyes on the horizon. Sometimes it takes the people around me to lift my chin and point my eyes back in the correct direction, but that is why they are my friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">To all of you reading this, <i>head up, eyes on the horizon. </i></span><span style="font-size: small;">I hope mine will always be there with help from you. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And keep reading in the near future to catch a glimpse of my horizon. It is breathtaking.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-59989358404211782422012-08-07T14:02:00.000-05:002012-08-07T14:02:06.506-05:00Goat Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyFD855uVN41f_mFYZzj3t6_jNaHuxUXE8P5tGqdZ_XQCg-6rFrvr8i6LqS2KBWCcLA6i7vBegWSezY1WvfR54XAeIJZD3FxbD3OijVK5KkyN0OYxSf90JEf4DZTzrG_33OBAM2iCkyrX/s1600/ScreenShot1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyFD855uVN41f_mFYZzj3t6_jNaHuxUXE8P5tGqdZ_XQCg-6rFrvr8i6LqS2KBWCcLA6i7vBegWSezY1WvfR54XAeIJZD3FxbD3OijVK5KkyN0OYxSf90JEf4DZTzrG_33OBAM2iCkyrX/s320/ScreenShot1218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My last goat. Gone. I have no more. I am not sad. It is a relief, a weight off my shoulders, a blessing in disguise. Not that they were evil varmints out to ruin my life, eat anything with color on it, trample the garden, destroy fences and cause property damage. No they were none of that. Ha!<br />
<br />
Now I have 6 acres of free and uncluttered pasture. What should I fill it with now? What should the next, great farming adventure be? I wait with breath abated your wisdom on my future. What say you!!!!<br />
<br />
On that note, the acupuncture last night was pretty damn awesome. Thank you <a href="http://secondwindrunningclub.org/">Second Wind Running Club</a> for your speaker series. I have plantar fasciitis in both feet but for the demo he worked on one. It did relax. It is still there. The knot is still there, but the tension is lessened. One foot did not hurt this morning when I got out of bed. I am considering going back and having more done. He is located in Urbana. See <a href="http://www.urbana-acu.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Running schedule - I forgot that I had signed up for the <a href="http://www.vccd.org/fgtrailrun.htm">Forest Glen</a> 5 mile trail run (10.20) which makes 3 possible marathons out of the question (though I could have only chosen one). Sorry <a href="http://joannaruns.blogspot.com/">Joanna</a>. So that probably leaves only the St. Jude marathon as a possibility this year. Smaller runs - lots of them - I am looking at:<br />
<a href="http://www.kennekuk.com/events.htm#Wilderness">Wild Wilderness 7.45m</a> - 9.30<br />
<a href="http://www.kesweb.com/5K.html">Wooly Worm 5k</a> - 10.6 (against an 11 yo and clocked a low 30 already)<br />
<a href="http://www.vccd.org/fgtrailrun.htm">Forest Glen 5m</a> - 10.20<br />
<a href="http://secondwindrunningclub.org/races/allerton">Allerton 5.5m</a> - 10.28<br />
Run for the Library 5k - 11.17<br />
<br />
Wow, maybe I should have entitled this post 'Lots o' Links'.<br />
<br />
That's it. Peace out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-58904799376782444052012-07-31T17:25:00.000-05:002012-07-31T17:25:30.457-05:00Weekend WrapupI saw.<br />
I came.<br />
I conquered.<br />
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Oh, you want more detail? Well, it all began way back when...<br />
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This weekend was a great time in Chicago. Drove up, got parked (20 minutes to drive .2 miles) and then proceeded to head out. I really wanted to get into the <a href="http://theredheadpianobar.com/">Redhead Piano Bar</a>, but the lines were about a 30 minute wait and I was thirsty.<br />
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So the Excalibur was next - wrong!!! Way under dressed. The women were dressed in skimpy outfits and high heels spikes. I could have gotten hurt.<br />
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Stout's - which kind of looked like a local bar had a line around the corner. So that left the Hard Rock Cafe. It was large. It had bands playing. The music was good and the beer was cold.<br />
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I listened to a Band Called Catch, listen to there music <a href="http://www.bandcalledcatch.com/">here</a> and to Tree ( I can't find anything about them). Both were good.<br />
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Saturday was the Cards/Cubs game. Cardinals let one slip away. But Wrigley is a nice place to watch a game. Just don't expect any pulled pork sandwiches.<br />
The pre-game festivities were awesome as well as John Barleycorn's. Where there was an abundance of free food and beer. Lots of beer. Lots of orange Illini t-shirts.<br />
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That evening was Dark Knight Rises at the Navy Pier IMAX. What a great way to watch a movie. 12,000 watts of sound and Cat-woman bigger than any cat I ever seen.<br />
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Sunday was a drive to LaSalle to meet Leia (a Siberian Huskey) who now lives with Luke - yes, Luke and Leia - 2 dogs. Awesome.<br />
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Then home to Senator's for some pizza, beer and hot peppers. Damn that Ali.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-34078792955164863202012-07-26T15:25:00.001-05:002012-07-26T15:25:57.571-05:00Melancholy<span style="font-size: xx-small;">mel·an·chol·y/ˈmelənˌkälē/Noun: A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I am not sure if that is the right feeling or not. While not exactly sad, I have had a gut feeling that not all is well. I am not sure why. But this weekend is very promising. A weekend of fun and excellent company. And maybe some fireworks. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-43827330690084736392012-07-25T16:46:00.000-05:002012-07-25T16:49:58.625-05:00Idle Time<a href="http://youtu.be/5XcKBmdfpWs"><em><span style="color: blue;">Too Much Time On My Hands</span></em></a><br />
<br />
Just a little, but not really. I had yesterday afternoon off. Sorta. I sat. In a courthouse. All afternoon. And did nothing. Listened to a strange court case. Why can't people just use some common sense and there would have been no issue.<br />
<br />
Dinner was awesome and a nice surprise. Papa Del's pizza. Yum Yum in my tummy. Thank you.<br />
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Today is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1334537/"><em><span style="color: blue;">Hump Day</span></em></a> - not sure about the movie though.<br />
<br />
Got up early, rolled over and went back to bed.<br />
<br />
Running so far - 0 miles. Oh well, it will start. Time to order a new belt for my treadmill and attempt it. Let's see if Nordic Track can help me. Be right back.......<br />
................................................................................................................................<br />
................................................................................................................................<br />
back. Looks like I need the exact model number and not the model name. Jeesh!!!<br />
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I have to give my boat back today. Well the one that has been parked in my yard for most of a week. It was nice to wake up, go out on deck and stare lovingly at it.<br />
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Maybe tomorrow will be a more interesting blog. This one sucks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-36364340237190270602012-07-23T15:02:00.000-05:002012-07-23T15:02:55.709-05:00Rough Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rq_s1ht7lGyJR60sBgLp7VcH6OZH_PD7BgXgEf1IC4DFgo0nqLdeCnEnanb4KsuFlz27cP018OJQbDLL4UMGmazpaBtKXxTPrd0x6xJ0fotWXYtyGa-C-FOYWU8LBwmUFhhHjNWKwgTe/s1600/frosty.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rq_s1ht7lGyJR60sBgLp7VcH6OZH_PD7BgXgEf1IC4DFgo0nqLdeCnEnanb4KsuFlz27cP018OJQbDLL4UMGmazpaBtKXxTPrd0x6xJ0fotWXYtyGa-C-FOYWU8LBwmUFhhHjNWKwgTe/s200/frosty.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Well, the weekend is over.<br />
Phew!!! As some would say after smelling beer burps.<br />
<br />
It was hot. It was really hot. I got sun burnt. I got wind burnt. But it was a good time on the lake Saturday.<br />
A really good. I wakeboarded, I tubed, I just rode in the boat and looked good. :)<br />
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Then the trouble started. The boat wouldn't run right. It coughed. It sputtered. It died. Not good. I can't swim. But we limped back and believe it is just a bad fuel filter. Find out tonight when I replace it.<br />
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Oh, and did I mention that the boat wouldn't start in the morning. I almost forgot. The battery needed replaced. Simple.<br />
<br />
And Sunday morning pleasant - not really. Burned up the plug for the RV. I need to replace that tonight so I can return the RV.<br />
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So tonight is busy, busy, busy.<br />
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Hoping to get some running in this week to get started again. Still thinking about what races to run and what marathon might be good to train for. Maybe people should vote for what I run? Then I can set a time goal, people can choose their own and see who is closet.<br />
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Good idea or not?<br />
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And the shoes from yesterday are wrong. I have Brooks Glycerin 9 pictured below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapvVXcVX3lBpeq6JPBR7oKE_e5f6HtIvzNUCi6POIMKU_rcwnQo2eVApkYDM2Cr6NbGowgVSUQSXlMPOpjrY56c6fiekuzaGswYBYkj1v3QFIOV6Wt-L0O1yS3oPdCrE1BZwksyfjHJq-/s1600/glycerin9w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapvVXcVX3lBpeq6JPBR7oKE_e5f6HtIvzNUCi6POIMKU_rcwnQo2eVApkYDM2Cr6NbGowgVSUQSXlMPOpjrY56c6fiekuzaGswYBYkj1v3QFIOV6Wt-L0O1yS3oPdCrE1BZwksyfjHJq-/s1600/glycerin9w.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">-the beginning of the end</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-3711688652850107772012-07-20T16:34:00.002-05:002012-07-20T16:34:48.798-05:00Time to start againI think it is time to start again. Start blogging, start reading blogs, start running, start working on my house, my yard. Just start.<br />
<br />
It has been a good few months. Thanks to those that have made it so.<br />
<br />
So, why did I leave?<br />
<br />
Injury, personal issues, mental issues. But all those now seem to be resolved. My neck seems 99% healthy, my belly has grown to twice it's size since Sept 2011, my shoe size has gone up another size, my skin has tanned and my hands and fingers are all cut and bruised and all but one goat are gone (and he will be soon).<br />
<br />
After getting injured and not being able to run St. Jude's or Disney I was really despondent for awhile. I tried running on New Year's Day and made it the one mile that I tried. Nothing hurt, and for 2 months afterwards I ran. <br />
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Then I got mental.<br />
Crazy.<br />
Not normal - well maybe crazy is normal in this mixed up world.<br />
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So I worked on getting uncrazy. It took time. Beer. Friends. But eventually, I think I have it under control. A little.<br />
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I ran. Once. A race. 5 miles. Buffalo Trace. I was 22nd in my age group. People were proud of me. Next year I get to run with the 50 year old kids. They will still kick my ass.<br />
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I bought new shoes. Bright green ones. (not sure these are the exact ones, but close)<br />
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Too bad they did not come in <span style="color: yellow;">yellow. </span>It was also the biggest Dick's store I have ever been in. And I ate at Joe's. I haven't worn the shoes to run in since buying them. But they appear to be broken in now from the yard work.<br />
<br />
I have been camping a few times, been to a few ball games (Go CARDS!!!), learned how to stand up on a wake board (in water while being pulled by a boat). On that note, I got rid of the boat had been storing fro a year.<br />
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I hired a new employee. I have more reporting/documentation to do. Yuck!!! :)<br />
<br />
Now to find a marathon to train for. Or maybe just start running and see what happens. <a href="http://www.stjudemarathon.org/">St. Jude's</a> would be an option, <a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/index?page=goofys-race-and-a-half-challenge">Goofy Challenge</a> would be nice, <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/st-louis">St. Louis RnR</a> would be fun, <a href="http://www.indianapolismarathon.com/">Indianapolis</a> would be close and <a href="http://www.dellsmarathon.com/">Wisconsin Dells</a> (and they give out some swag) if I wanted to go north.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPOxnIibdRgqz5tQQ_QaAQ1pkDlYMxiXJPjHJjZ7PR6TqqEe9zS_1kk1_sYMB394d5BMjiOt2nv0efZa8kG4VqfqlwLt2XtwyuhEF5ia7tCJJjkkwG9kVoMLbLPsi7vDXFcvmdXrxw57Q/s1600/runnersreceive.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPOxnIibdRgqz5tQQ_QaAQ1pkDlYMxiXJPjHJjZ7PR6TqqEe9zS_1kk1_sYMB394d5BMjiOt2nv0efZa8kG4VqfqlwLt2XtwyuhEF5ia7tCJJjkkwG9kVoMLbLPsi7vDXFcvmdXrxw57Q/s1600/runnersreceive.png" /></a><br />
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Or shorter runs would be easier to complete and train for - <a href="http://secondwindrunningclub.org/sites/default/files/Entry%20form.pdf">Villa Grove Ag Days 5k</a>, <a href="http://maycrace.home.mchsi.com/">Mahomet half marathon and 5k</a>, <a href="http://secondwindrunningclub.org/sites/default/files/new%20race2012.doc">Staci's 5k</a>, <a href="http://www.shorelineclassic.com/">Shoreline Classic 15k/5k</a>, <a href="http://www.kennekuk.com/events.htm">Wild Wilderness 7.45m</a>, <a href="http://www.kesweb.com/5K.html">Wooly Worm 5k</a>, <a href="http://www.vccd.org/fgtrailrun.htm">Forest Glen Trail run</a> (which I am signed up for the 5 mile race), <a href="http://secondwindrunningclub.org/races/allerton">Allerton Park Trail 5.5m</a>, <a href="http://mahometpubliclibrary.org/runforthelibrary">2012 Run for the Library</a>.<br />
<br />
A lot of running could be done - <br />
if I was in shape<br />
if I was motivated<br />
if I wasn't overweight<br />
if my beer drinking wasn't in the way<br />
if I could see my feet<br />
if I could ever finish this list<br />
<br />
Well, stay tuned and let's see what happens, see who chides me, berates me, taunts me, dares me to strap on a pair and get going.<br />
<br />
Let's get <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">READY to RUUMMMBLE!!!!!!</span></i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cOVRL0tVq2t1MZebZbMX_ToCSQDdnGkwssRt-mAZxRBTSnqVFvtkvmQpkxp6Zi2cecOT0sAFPvzQW-Lq1R4pS4oOkoamElGOkSRlRNxWmVfFMdds_DQ9hxYNiEOX5Ay29wCgj6ZkxLHu/s1600/151896_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cOVRL0tVq2t1MZebZbMX_ToCSQDdnGkwssRt-mAZxRBTSnqVFvtkvmQpkxp6Zi2cecOT0sAFPvzQW-Lq1R4pS4oOkoamElGOkSRlRNxWmVfFMdds_DQ9hxYNiEOX5Ay29wCgj6ZkxLHu/s1600/151896_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">- the beginning of the end</span></b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_134412238"><br /></span></span></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-43877399984530687222011-09-20T22:12:00.000-05:002011-09-20T22:12:42.537-05:00Training and fund raisingTraining is going good. I hit my scheduled runs last week except for the 8 miler on the weekend. instead I spent part of the day traipsing around <a href="http://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/">Turkey Run State Park</a>. With the hiking up and down and the new trail blazing (my hiking partner lost the trail) I think I completed a great workout.<br />
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This week I made the first scheduled run - a short tempo run. I did it on the treadmill to hit the pace exactly. It was easier than expected. Tomorrow I will be doing Yoga. Yes, Yoga. I am one of the most inflexible people I know. I figure it won't hurt and it counts as cross training. Wish me luck with downward facing dog and sun salutations.<br />
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Fund raising is close to being on schedule. I have 11% raised, but no slowing down. I need to average $500 per week. Please spread the word or donate yourself. Remember it is tax deductible and for a good cause.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-10029282398060728912011-09-15T19:13:00.001-05:002011-09-15T19:18:07.250-05:00Goofy ChallengeI have signed up to participate in a TNT (Team in Training) event again. I have previously participated with them, mentored and coached. This involves raising money to help families afflicted with blood cancers. Money also goes to research.<br />
<br />
Running a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday may sound difficult, but it is nothing compared to what cancers patients do. Please help me raise money for a very worthwhile cause. You can donate on line here - http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/wdw12/mastrosky<br />
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Thank you <a href="http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/wdw12/mastrosky">Donate to LLS and Team in Training</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-38309983562525053072011-09-06T18:15:00.000-05:002011-09-06T18:15:02.133-05:00It's been a Looooooong timeI ran.<br />
I blogged about it.<br />
Nuff' said.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com3939 County Road 1100 N, Champaign, IL 61822, USA40.0406595 -88.35025889999997240.0406525 -88.35025939999997 40.040666499999993 -88.350258399999973tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-31216275461717968272011-05-26T09:33:00.000-05:002011-05-26T09:33:48.489-05:00Buffalo Trace 5 miler<span style="font-size: x-small;">May 21 was the annual Buffalo Trace 5 mile trail run. The last 2 years I have run this race in almost the same time. 47.36 in 2010 and 47.34 in 2009. I had hoped to at least run it in 47.30 this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was up early. The sky was gray and overcast with a bit of humidity. I drove out to catch up with the new fall TNT team. I met one of the new members and caught up with a few alumni as well. They would become my wonderful cheering crowd at 1.25 miles and 3.6. They were loud and boisterous and made me smile. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">But after a long, hilly, humid run I made it. And I completed it in a personal best. There is no official time yet posted, but my Garmin indicated a time just under 47 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This just in - official results - my age group once again kicking ass with speedy times. 34.27 was the first 43 year old to cross, another 9 seconds later. But I DID PR. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By 44 seconds. Not bad for all the walking I did. I should listen to all my running peeps and actually get out there and train. I might run this race well. I'll try for next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">-the beginning of the end</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-24455862495215847652011-05-25T13:52:00.000-05:002011-05-25T13:52:19.658-05:00PerseveranceAccording to <a href="http://dictionary.com/">dictionary.com</a>, Perseverance - –noun --- steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.<br />
<br />
As you know I ran the Indy half marathon a few weeks ago. Some friends of mine ran it as well. After speaking with one of them, it became apparent to me of the effort he put put to finish that half marathon.<br />
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Let me describe this man-mountain to you - 6'4" and slightly overweight, around 260 lbs. I would guess. Strong as an ox in the upper body. Thick skulled, but slowly learning to accept that some think differently than he. He was a Marine, almost 30 years ago. He was in better shape, anaerobically. He claims his first marathon was around 3.34.<br />
<br />
He hasn't run in a long time, let alone train. But he survived. He hobbled the last 3 miles to come in under 3 hours. He persevered.<br />
<br />
Now he must do it again. This Rogue has signed up for the St. Jude's marathon in Memphis on December 3. His must train. He must persevere.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-4423732293635201212011-05-11T17:29:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:39:04.976-05:00Indy Half Recap and MoreLast weekend was the Indy mini. I went and ran with 30618 of the best finishers I could find. It was cool but humid and a little sprinkle at the end. This is the one of the few races I have run multiple times. It is one I happen to enjoy running.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3hecs59LaRXTM6Yz88Z11ePrQv2PPvcSAuI_NUwc7vfcO6Qv663hGBFbkkZL0td3qMaxd1bc6TENwvFcg-IYbsAMUIcepiBJG6Z7jsc_h1L6xHBhSP1Y7J_M1olthEr0Zqiuh35-bNo/s1600/2011-05-06_19-28-24_417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3hecs59LaRXTM6Yz88Z11ePrQv2PPvcSAuI_NUwc7vfcO6Qv663hGBFbkkZL0td3qMaxd1bc6TENwvFcg-IYbsAMUIcepiBJG6Z7jsc_h1L6xHBhSP1Y7J_M1olthEr0Zqiuh35-bNo/s320/2011-05-06_19-28-24_417.jpg" width="182" /></a>I went there with a friend (we'll call him Rogue) and promptly proceeded to the bar across the street <i><a href="http://www.wildbeaversaloon.com/indianapolis/">The Wild Beaver Saloon</a> </i>A rustic, simple place with an interesting dress code for the female staff. Pants cut out from the waist band down to mid thigh only attached to the waist at the seams. With that look the ladies wore swimsuit bottoms, panties or what-not with fishnet and leather bras. Not a bad place. Of course, we had a few beers and then off to Hard Rock for dinner. Not ready to call it a night, we went back to the Beaver for some carb-loading.<br />
<br />
Beer does have carbs right? After 5 or 6 we walked across to the hotel for a good night's sleep. I know, convenient.<br />
<br />
I got us to the start line early by the Rogue's standards, though the press releases said to be there by 6.45 for a 7.30 race start. We tried to find the hot Mexi-American in her designated corral to no avail. I think she started farther ahead than she was supposed too. 22 minutes after the start of the race we crossed the start line. Off we were, past the zoo (with an elephant watching us crazy two-legged creatures running without any predators in sight), through town and into Speedway and onto 2.5 miles of race track. Off the track and back into town across the river and into Victory Mile.<br />
<br />
Just before the race track I caught up with the hot Mexi-American and her hot friend. I chatted with them awhile, congratulated both on their good pacing and then carried on my way.<br />
<br />
I was feeling good.<br />
No real pain.<br />
No issues. It was a nice feeling to just jog along at a 10 min/mile pace. I walked the aid stations and quickly took off once my drink was done. I picked it up a little at then end and had plenty of gas left. I felt good.<br />
<br />
A 2.13 and some change. Not bad for not running for 2 months. My friends all finished about where they wanted too. It was a good day for all.<br />
<br />
The Rogue and I had a friend (Red) come to visit from Columbia and we had more drinks that night. We drank at the Beaver (Red had not been there), Jillians and watch the big fight and then down to the Slippery Noodle for a bands. Back to the hotel we went around 3.30am. Sunday morning came and back home we did drive.<br />
<br />
It was a good weekend. i took the prescribed few days off from running and then started back into my routine with some fast 400m repeats (1.36 - 1.47). There will not be a lot of hard running this month as I am trying to build base back again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA6PwuQI-uccCjeTtMUsAGLS18pmv39ZJhtttVvpPhRSU3ooEfpF6uLZjrMXSLIcInC8WsIjQECx-oKJrF5DLGHRJGTcTVLN2fG86Og3_E-7Wf1mXiT7tlMQFzSBJ6TEsAIQTaaEq_Nk/s1600/2011-05-11_18-06-49_286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA6PwuQI-uccCjeTtMUsAGLS18pmv39ZJhtttVvpPhRSU3ooEfpF6uLZjrMXSLIcInC8WsIjQECx-oKJrF5DLGHRJGTcTVLN2fG86Og3_E-7Wf1mXiT7tlMQFzSBJ6TEsAIQTaaEq_Nk/s200/2011-05-11_18-06-49_286.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>In 2 weeks is the <a href="http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/races/buffalotrace">Buffalo Trace</a> 5 mile trail where the <a href="http://joannaruns.blogspot.com/">Running Doc</a> ran during an appendicitis attack and Alison captured a third place age group trophy. I think I will run it again. It is a fun trail run. It won't be as much fun without the 2 of them, but still a nice run through the meadows, over streams and under the leafy canopy of trees. (Thoreau/Whitman have nothing on me). Then hopefully, I'll continue on for a longer run after that.<br />
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Sorry for the long winded post, but I felt like I had a lot on my chest. Here is to a good racing season to all of you. On that note, I just wanted to copy something here that I read on another type of blog I follow. I have no idea who wrote it or when. I know the blog I saw it on is not the original author. But here it is -<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Take a step back.</strong> Fucking look at yourself.<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> You are human</strong>. You are <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">beautiful</em>. You are so <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">beautiful.</strong></em> And you can be anything. <u>You can be everything</u>. <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Don't hate everyone because someone broke your heart, Or because you parents split up, or your best friend betrayed you ,your father hit you, the kid down the street called you fat, ugly, stupid, worthless</strong>. <u>Do not concern yourself with things you can not control.</u> <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cry when you need to , then let go when it's time.</em><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Don't hang onto painful memories because your too afraid to forget</strong>. Let go of things that are in the past. Forget things that aren't worth remembering. <u>Stop taking things for granted</u>. Stop taking life for granted. Live for something. Live for yourself. <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fall in love. Fall out of love. Fall in love. Fall out of love.</strong>Do this over and over until you know <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">what it really takes to love someone</em>. Question things. Tell people how you really feel. <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sleep under the stars.</em> <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Create</strong>. <u><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Imagine</em></u>. <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Inspire.</em></strong> <u><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Share something wonderful.</strong></u> <em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meet new people</em>. <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make someone's day</strong>. <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Follow your dreams</em></u></strong>. Live your life to its full potential. <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Just live dammit</strong>. <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let go of all the horrible things in your life and just<em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> f●●king </em>live.</strong><u><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> And one day, when your old, look back with no regrets.</em></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><u><em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</em></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- the beginning of the end</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-40929069469477808422011-05-06T22:14:00.000-05:002011-05-06T22:14:07.862-05:00Indy miniIndy mini is tomorrow. I carb loaded with a friend at the Wild Beaver Saloon earlier tonight. It was nice. It was dirty. But it was carbs. Tomorrow will be all to soon. I am not prepared, I am not ready, I am afraid. Very afraid. <br />
<br />
I would love to PR but the fact that I have only run 4 times since the first of April precludes any chance of a personal best. Any chance at all. So, since I know two people here, maybe more, I might get lucky enough to hook up with them and just enjoy myself. <br />
<br />
I expect them to run in the 2.30 - 2.45 range. Easily doable for me even without being in shape. But the eager beaver (hint to saloon above) I may go out way to fast. Let's see if I can rein in the excitement and just enjoy tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Bib number is 18691.<br />
<br />
Good luck to me.<br />
<br />
- the beginning of the endAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-88455466840045246092011-05-04T21:28:00.000-05:002011-05-04T21:28:49.759-05:00Indy Half MarathonThe Indy mini is Saturday. Yours truly will be there. Since I gave up running (for Lent, for injury, for, oh just because) two months ago. Yes, <a href="http://joannaruns.blogspot.com/">Running Do</a>c, I have only run 3 days in March, 0 in April and yesterday. It will be tough. A PR does not look to be practical (2.04.26 - 2009) this year.<br />
<br />
2009 was also the year I beat my son as well. With him serving our country proudly and in the best shape of his life, I do not ever see me beating him again. Love ya, Jake.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikphEf7rlWIxPxMn3dV6V28B8eVFHfbkaFYbh1nw9dEUJux5Qz_ulOEpn4-to5w92JLCeXughSBxLt5Ict7-dQSdiMdMNGsXSkYp52uUWUFgmUzIp-NOSnEiAjOYNIbrb_t1DoVowHlptX/s1600/ScreenShot001.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikphEf7rlWIxPxMn3dV6V28B8eVFHfbkaFYbh1nw9dEUJux5Qz_ulOEpn4-to5w92JLCeXughSBxLt5Ict7-dQSdiMdMNGsXSkYp52uUWUFgmUzIp-NOSnEiAjOYNIbrb_t1DoVowHlptX/s200/ScreenShot001.bmp" width="142" /></a>But I am trying to get back into. I ran yesterday. Mile repeats at 7.40 pace. Extremely fast for me for not running for 2 months. I need to ease back into as I have been told by my best running friend. As she told me - <em>Above all, consistency seems to be key for you. You have a tendency to go out hard for three weeks. Even while it's physically possible, you're physically capable of it, it's too hard on the body to jump in. The body's response is to shut down and preserve for a bit, and the inconsistency sets in. Start out easy this time!</em> I replied - <em>Consistency is the bane of my existence along with determination, fortitude and drive. Some day I will find a way around these debilitating factors of mine. Until then I rely on you, Hookers and others to continue to remind of what might be if only I had a heart.</em><br />
<br />
And the Running Doc is correct. Like usual. Guess she deserves that PhD she has. :) I do start out tough, hard. Like gangbusters only to eventually fall flat. Deflated like a popped balloon. Not sure what it really is. Maybe I have some inner psychosis that refuses to be successful and not allow myself to become happy and achieve the greatness that resides in me. Not that I am great, but we all have a greatness in us, the ability to achieve that which we don't think we can.<br />
<br />
My training plan is pretty simple - run. Run 3 days a week and make them good, quality timed runs. To that end I have adopted training from the FIRST program or <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-8257-0,00.html">Run Less, Run Faster</a>. The training programs they have are all the same, just the times are different. With that here is my plan -<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ao46tgLtOl4jdEtaX1ZvRm5CcmVtemF3YktkT2FJYXc&hl=en&authkey=CJvw58EC"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxH7eBIpYSRsyL0mtYiic7Cweso2ObDYnSPbewudEdUUKmfkrxEIKsidRomkEp7YIliKwMRdikkIDZl4RMmNxWRoytY9HE9fmFfaosS4Bx47L2TVGvW6Dah9i8nhbQxtPMns_KQTn1CXM/s320/ScreenShot002.bmp" width="189" /></a></div>Here's to running consistently<br />
<br />
- the beginning of the endAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-71364745874784129022011-04-21T15:11:00.001-05:002011-04-21T15:11:16.390-05:00Diet<span style="font-size: x-small;">To diet or not to diet? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lose weight or maybe just to eat a little healthier. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I started tracking my food intake this week. I shuffled from site to site looking at all the calorie counters, databases of foods, eating habit routines and electronic miles and miles of valuable information. I was so overwhelmed I felt like Neo in the </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Matrix</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> just visualizing streams of 1's and 0's. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWngZtY6qH0Qbd8IKx6YtcBppymMNktv3e70Z8bL2nPenkW_0fVu-zw698K1_pDz_xp0X8nDCmkfxLcf5udZbL2B3iS0OGt6odHaw89LnQadaBtmgSXMtvKeGCxyn9-qlqMoW9fco_NCri/s1600/matrix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWngZtY6qH0Qbd8IKx6YtcBppymMNktv3e70Z8bL2nPenkW_0fVu-zw698K1_pDz_xp0X8nDCmkfxLcf5udZbL2B3iS0OGt6odHaw89LnQadaBtmgSXMtvKeGCxyn9-qlqMoW9fco_NCri/s200/matrix.jpg" width="200" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">So I settled, like I have so many times in the past, settled on being underpaid and over worked. Settled on being average when I knew I could be better, settled on being quiet when I should have been vocal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's not the website I settled on (I think </span><a href="http://home.trainingpeaks.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">TrainingPeak</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">s is a great site) I just settled for the free account. But it still does a lot. So I started tracking my food intake (yes, beer is a food). It is amazing the calories I put in my belly. It is only Thursday after lunch and I already have 8100 cals. Trying to stick to 1500 a day gives me 2400 cals to spread over 3 1/2 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me hungry. It's just amazing that I eat how much I do. I still have some snack foods and a few sodas to add. Dieting must be really hard for those of you that do it.Your very own </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisyphus"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sisyphean task</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ahr7P9DrE9AHc0uHTI6C5P86C7qokfemPeXPuv44yVwq15pRYYegdlTRMg8LStCIyM5m5UMAPuT7EsGHdAZFDqyxJX8lZ6v9149xAHgcd1rU0CXTwXUvU64aN_JF4iBedyWpgDXJBY09/s1600/sisyphus.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ahr7P9DrE9AHc0uHTI6C5P86C7qokfemPeXPuv44yVwq15pRYYegdlTRMg8LStCIyM5m5UMAPuT7EsGHdAZFDqyxJX8lZ6v9149xAHgcd1rU0CXTwXUvU64aN_JF4iBedyWpgDXJBY09/s1600/sisyphus.gif" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> So, I will continue to eat like I normally do for a week or two to give myself some basis point to start from. Then, maybe, like Sisyphus I can start rolling that rock uphill and change my bad eating habits. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Now to figure out how to prepare meals for one. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">-the beginning of the end </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-39568311112460693652011-04-17T21:13:00.000-05:002011-04-17T21:13:43.375-05:00Boston or my birthdayTomorrow is Boston. Tomorrow is my birthday which is the bigger event? I mean Boston is 115 years old, whereas I will only be 48. Boston would consider me a kid, a youngster. And I consider Boston old. Really old. And a little senile in dropping their qualifying times by 5 minutes. But I should respect my elders.<br />
<br />
April 18 is a big day for a lot of runners. Some of you are lucky to be running Boston. A lot of us will watch for incoming results. Will Shalane have her big day? Will Ryan?<br />
<br />
I will be trying to steal glimpses of the race from the conference room of work. Not everyone there understands the magnitude of this event. Not many understood the magnitude of my birthday. But some did.<br />
<br />
For them I am glad.<br />
<br />
It has been a bad couple of weeks for me. Work and personal. Turning a year older has nothing to do with it. Get old or die. Do we really have any other choice. But spending a birthday alone is not what everyone wants to do. Not what I really wanted to do. <br />
<br />
So friends, such good friends that I consider them family, made sure that I wasn't alone. Hooker started it Friday night. My Hoooker - where would I be without Hoookers. Elliott and Henley took Saturday night and fed me. Spent two nice nights shooting the shit (guys don't talk, girls do) and having a few brews. It was good times.<br />
<br />
Today was different. Mommy was taking me to dinner at 5. Red Lobster. Mikey loves some seafood. Today started atypical with a hearty (yes, not healthy) breakfast of bacon and eggs. Finish laundry, read, look at all work that needs done in TV room still and ignore that work. <br />
<br />
Plans to see a movie later and meeting Hooker to pick up some stuff. But instead I was treated to a surprise party in my honor. Burgers, brats, dogs, party favors and cake all just for me. I loved it. There were Hookers, Elliotts, Morses and a Henley. <br />
<br />
What's a Henley, don't ask, just be thankful there is only one. <br />
<br />
It was a great time. Because of these people (and others) I continue to survive. I don't just hang on, but I thrive and I live. I in an existence that is codependent on them, but it is a symbiotic relationship. One that benefits both parties, though I do believe that I get the most out of it. <br />
<br />
These people are the stuff of legends. They are knights of my round table. The shoulders of Atlas that hold me up. They are my Eureka and Nostradamus foretold of their coming. <br />
<br />
Because of them I am. <br />
<br />
Thank you<br />
<br />
- the beginning of the endAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-10435278936117231572011-04-13T18:44:00.000-05:002011-04-13T18:44:18.094-05:00Reminiscing<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was looking at my <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/250980491d904289bd655a3530a8b459">Running Ahead training log</a> and it looked bleak, dismal, empty. I haven't run in a long time. I actually do not remember the last time. but I got to looking at my PR section and the Indy mini popped up. It is only a few weeks ahead. Below is what I wrote about the race afterwards, a race I was extremely happy with.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><i>2009 Indy half marathon. Friday night Hooters with Jake and Tom. Order of boneless wings and 6 Killians and off to bed. At 12:30 am. Up 5 hours later and off to the start line with Jake. Explained the course to him and off we went together. For about 1/4 mile. Then I lost him.<br />
<br />
My race went well. Same issues I always have at a start. Why am I doing this? How am I going to finish? This is going to hurt. But then I fell into a rhythm. I rhythm that I was comfortable with. A rhythm I thought I could hang onto. <br />
<br />
I ran. I made it to the track - still filling good. But the track - that is such a long track. (if you didn't know the Indy half marathon runs miles 6 - 8.5 on the Indianapolis race track) - always looking at the same thing for 2.5 miles. Eventually I was off it and running back towards the finish area. <br />
<br />
Mile 9 was a slow one - 10:01. Slow, not sure why. But then mile 10 came up - where I lost it last year. I came together and cranked out a 9:09. Only a 5k left and I was under the pace I wanted. I wanted 2:10, a 10 minute pace. I was about a 9:30 pace and hoping I could hang on the last 5k. <br />
<br />
I wasn't hurting, I wasn't breathing hard, I wasn't overly tired. I actually felt good. I was getting past by people, but I was also passing people. I kept at my pace. I grabbed water and walk while I drank. Like every other water station before. <br />
<br />
So I ran. <br />
<br />
The closer I got, the happier and apparently faster. Crossing the river in the last mile became a race between me and knowing I had it whipped. I ran my last 5k in 28:42. My last mile was an 8:39. Sweet!!!!</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">It was </span><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;"> a great run for me. A fantastic one, not so much for my son, the cross-country high schooler that promised to kick his old man's ass. Somewhere in the last 3 miles I passed him and beat him. I lost him in the crowd and did not find him at the designated meeting spot. But then I did not expect to wait on him, he was supposed to be there waiting on me. Now that he has gone through Army basic training and continuing to workout I do not think I will ever beat him in a race again. But that's ok.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I am reading this and trying to think back to my training. Was it better then than it has been this year. There wasn't an almost full month of non-running was there?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">March 2009 - 52.6 miles</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">April 2009 - 45.2 miles</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">Not great but at least I was active. 26.2 of those miles were the Illinois marathon 3 weeks before the Indy mini. This year?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">March 2011 - 16.3 miles (including a 5k PR)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">April 2011 - 0 (but the month isn't over yet)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times", "Times New Roman", serif;">I know <a href="http://www.joannaruns.blogspot.com/">RunningDoc</a></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">, you don't have to tell me, but you should anyway. And the rest of you as well. I deserved to be grounded. In my defense, well, what defense can I truly give. I have slacked, caved, gave in. I have become the Jack Black of the running world. Slacking, barely getting by. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Work is work - always taking too much of my time. Spring/summer is here and that means outdoors clean up. The house is still in a perpetual renovation mode - that I have actually done some work on recently. Helping friends out with their projects and just hanging out. Doing a lot of introspective contemplation (big words there Astro - now go look them up) and some reading. (<i>Personal Record </i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Rachel Toor - book review coming later). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I just need the proverbial kick in the ass, the pep talk to get me out, the you always have time to run for 30 minutes. The 'damn your belly is getting round' statement. And like my Hooker loves to say, 'Come on Sally, you can do it'.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">But can I? I really have my doubts at time. Doubts about doing it, doubts about finding the time. Did I mention all the projects at the house I am in the middle of? And that spring is here with yard work - 6 acres of grass that grows and grows, a driveway to repair, goats, chickens, cat and a dog. A dog that has learned how to climb the fence and get out of his confinement. Yea, he does that now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Anyways, I am working on it. I am getting closer to getting out the door in the morning. Hopefully soon, hopefully tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- the beginning of the end </span><br />
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</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563643614521689070.post-47048923351157666902011-03-28T16:23:00.001-05:002011-03-28T16:24:34.942-05:00Penguin 5k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wpuFw7wizZ8-N3RnVJdQWBUVfLQQ7lV5b8DcC0zOYnQZ6g3wi1q1Mcn05pwMo1IRO1c6hqWH4_tLqbPfxH8Cq9LuJ_FdAILdvbxL1wMagf26Ds1EwAEI9tgsgXItMpb3Aq2FEI9p-C8g/s1600/hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wpuFw7wizZ8-N3RnVJdQWBUVfLQQ7lV5b8DcC0zOYnQZ6g3wi1q1Mcn05pwMo1IRO1c6hqWH4_tLqbPfxH8Cq9LuJ_FdAILdvbxL1wMagf26Ds1EwAEI9tgsgXItMpb3Aq2FEI9p-C8g/s200/hills.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was an awesomely hilly course. I had forgotten how hilly it was and as all runners know what goes down, must come up. And up and up and up. I started out the morning with a delicious Hostess apple pie. Yum Yum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Anyways, I started about mid back and took off. 29 degrees and off we went. Uphill. Did I mention it was hilly? I passed people on the left and on the right. I side-stepped diagonally through throngs of people. It was into. Running. Mind adrift. Magical. Serene and peaceful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mile 1 - 8.12 under pace by 18 seconds but it is earlier and some big downhills. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mile 2 - 8.21 mostly flat and crowded. This part was single file with runners coming at you. Also an aid station. Still awesome time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mile 3 - 9.03 - ok, slower, I was tiring and the big uphill was here. then gently rolling to last downhill tenth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mile 3.11 - 37.95 seconds. Blasted a 5.45 pace. Felt good.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Total - 26.13.65 for an 8.26 pace. Right on. Can you say PR? I can</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It was also the only post race party where chili-mac was served.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The rest of the weekend was a blur. Cancer benefit in Villa Grove. I go to them, but they always down me just a little bit. Great people to chat with and....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bonus!!! - I slow danced with a beautiful woman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Had dinner with my mommy and possibly her new man on Sunday. Sunday night was some good jazz/bluegrass/ Scottish highland music and a classic rock band to listen to. Not all the same band, 2 different ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">An ambulance just. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hope everyone had a great weekend and summer weather is just around the corner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-the beginning of the end </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12458395865098353830noreply@blogger.com0