Running Through Life

not my knee - mine is far more handsomer...

It 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.

Guess what now??

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.

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.

2014
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.

then it happened. 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.

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).

Now this weekend I will be running my second ultra. Clinton Lake 30 miler. 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.

Future Races (not all guaranteed to happen)
Allerton Trail 5K night run - April 4
Allerton Trail Half Marathon - April 5
Illinois Marathon  - April 27
Lake Mingo 7.1M Trail - June 14
Bix 7M - July 26
Evergreen Lake Ultras - Sept 14
Wild Wilderness - Sep 28
Forest Glen Trail 50k - Oct 18
Marine Corps Marathon - Oct 26 (more on this exciting race later and how I got in)
McNotAgain Trail 30M - Nov 8

Til next time - Happy Feet

Day 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

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.

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.

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.

9.47 pace today and 9.44 yesterday. Not bad for no running in months for this out of shape old man.




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.

Until then folks, keep on chugging along. And remember, as Calvin said we are all perfect just the way we are...

Well, 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.

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.

Personal Goals -

• 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.
• Lose weight. I think I am at an all time high of xxx lbs. Way too much.
• Get in shape. I specifically want to be able to do 20 pull-ups.
• 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.

Work Goals -

• A raise would be nice. But then I do not control that. 
• Finish projects on time.
• Create better documentation.
• 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. 

Running Goals -

• New PRs
• 5k - sub 24 mins
• half marathon - sub 2 hour
• marathon - well some goals should be secret
• Mileage - lots and lots. I would still like to run 1000 miles in a year. Only 997 more to go.

Race Goals - (races I want to run this year)

• Siberian Express* - 7.45m trail run - 1.6.13
• Earth, Wind and Fire* - 5k - 3.9.13
• Penguin in the Park - 5k - 3.23.13
• Mountain Goat* - 15k hill run - 3.23.13 ( I know, a conflict)
• Lake Sara Dam* - 8m - 4.7.13
• Illinois Marathon or Half* - 4.27.13
• Lake Run - 5.20.13
• Buffalo Trail* - 5m trail run - 5.18.13
• Danville Memorial Day 5k* - 5k - 5.27.13
• Lake Mingo* - 7.1m trail run - 6.8.13
• Wild Wilderness - 7.45m trail run - 9.29.13
• Backpack Trail - 11m trail run - very hilly - 11.23.13

This morning I took a drive through the country to the Forest Glen Nature Preserve. 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.

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 RunningAhead.

The faint line on right is the Illinois state line

Crazy elevation - 2411 feet of ascent

It is beautiful terrain even while gasping for each ragged breath. This race is in 3 weeks. I hope to be ready.

Head up, eyes on the horizon.
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 here. (and I am not a Packer fan)

But let us think about those six words...about that small statement.
            Head up - 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.
                               Eyes on the horizon
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. 


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. 


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. 

I have always tried to be good to people. I think VGFatBoy and JoannaRuns 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. 

To all of you reading this, head up, eyes on the horizon. I hope mine will always be there with help from you.

And keep reading in the near future to catch a glimpse of my horizon. It is breathtaking.

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!

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!!!!

On that note, the acupuncture last night was pretty damn awesome. Thank you Second Wind Running Club 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 here.

Running schedule - I forgot that I had signed up for the Forest Glen 5 mile trail run (10.20) which makes 3 possible marathons out of the question (though I could have only chosen one). Sorry Joanna. So that probably leaves only the St. Jude marathon as a possibility this year. Smaller runs - lots of them - I am looking at:
Wild Wilderness 7.45m - 9.30
Wooly Worm 5k - 10.6 (against an 11 yo and clocked a low 30 already)
Forest Glen 5m - 10.20
Allerton 5.5m - 10.28
Run for the Library 5k - 11.17

Wow, maybe I should have entitled this post 'Lots o' Links'.

That's it. Peace out.

I saw.
I came.
I conquered.

Oh, you want more detail? Well, it all began way back when...

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 Redhead Piano Bar, but the lines were about a 30 minute wait and I was thirsty.

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.

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.

I listened to a Band Called Catch, listen to there music here and to Tree ( I can't find anything about them). Both were good.

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.
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.

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.

Sunday was a drive to LaSalle to meet Leia (a Siberian Huskey) who now lives with Luke - yes, Luke and Leia - 2 dogs. Awesome.

Then home to Senator's for some pizza, beer and hot peppers. Damn that Ali.

mel·an·chol·y/ˈmelənˌkälē/Noun:        A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.


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. 

Too Much Time On My Hands

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.

Dinner was awesome and a nice surprise. Papa Del's pizza. Yum Yum in my tummy. Thank you.

Today is Hump Day - not sure about the movie though.

Got up early, rolled over and went back to bed.

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.......
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
back. Looks like I need the exact model number and not the model name. Jeesh!!!

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.

Maybe tomorrow will be a more interesting blog. This one sucks.

Well, the weekend is over.
Phew!!! As some would say after smelling beer burps.

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.
A really good. I wakeboarded, I tubed, I just rode in the boat and looked good. :)

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.

Oh, and did I mention that the boat wouldn't start in the morning. I almost forgot. The battery needed replaced. Simple.

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.

So tonight is busy, busy, busy.

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.

Good idea or not?

And the shoes from yesterday are wrong. I have Brooks Glycerin 9 pictured below.

-the beginning of the end

I think it is time to start again. Start blogging, start reading blogs, start running, start working on my house, my yard. Just start.

It has been a good few months. Thanks to those that have made it so.

So, why did I leave?

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).

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.

Then I got mental.
Crazy.
Not normal - well maybe crazy is normal in this mixed up world.

So I worked on getting uncrazy. It took time. Beer. Friends. But eventually, I think I have it under control. A little.

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.

I bought new shoes. Bright green ones. (not sure these are the exact ones, but close)

Too bad they did not come in yellow. 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.

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.

I hired a new employee. I have more reporting/documentation to do. Yuck!!! :)

Now to find a marathon to train for. Or maybe just start running and see what happens. St. Jude's would be an option, Goofy Challenge would be nice, St. Louis RnR would be fun, Indianapolis would be close and Wisconsin Dells (and they give out some swag)  if I wanted to go north.











Or shorter runs would be easier to complete and train for - Villa Grove Ag Days 5k, Mahomet half marathon and 5k, Staci's 5k, Shoreline Classic 15k/5k, Wild Wilderness 7.45m, Wooly Worm 5k,  Forest Glen Trail run (which I am signed up for the 5 mile race), Allerton Park Trail 5.5m, 2012 Run for the Library.

A lot of running could be done -
if I was in shape
if I was motivated
if I wasn't overweight
if my beer drinking wasn't in the way
if I could see my feet
if I could ever finish this list

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.

Let's get READY to RUUMMMBLE!!!!!!


- the beginning of the end

Training 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 Turkey Run State Park. With the hiking up and down and the new trail blazing (my hiking partner lost the trail) I think I completed a great workout.

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.

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.

I 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.

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

Thank you Donate to LLS and Team in Training

I ran.
I blogged about it.
Nuff' said.

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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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.


-the beginning of the end

According to dictionary.com, Perseverance - –noun  --- steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Last 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.
I went there with a friend (we'll call him Rogue) and promptly proceeded to the bar across the street The Wild Beaver Saloon 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.

Beer does have carbs right? After 5 or 6 we walked across to the hotel for a good night's sleep. I know, convenient.

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.

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.

I was feeling good.
No real pain.
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.

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.

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.

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.

In 2 weeks is the Buffalo Trace 5 mile trail where the Running Doc 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.

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 -

Take a step back. Fucking look at yourself. You are human. You are beautiful. You are so beautiful. And you can be anything. You can be everything. 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. Do not concern yourself with things you can not control. Cry when you need to , then let go when it's time. Don't hang onto painful memories because your too afraid to forget. Let go of things that are in the past. Forget things that aren't worth remembering. Stop taking things for granted. Stop taking life for granted. Live for something. Live for yourself. Fall in love. Fall out of love. Fall in love. Fall out of love.Do this over and over until you know what it really takes to love someone. Question things. Tell people how you really feel. Sleep under the stars. Create. Imagine. Inspire. Share something wonderful. Meet new people. Make someone's day. Follow your dreams. Live your life to its full potential. Just live dammit. Let go of all the horrible things in your life and just f●●king live. And one day, when your old, look back with no regrets.


- the beginning of the end

Indy 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.

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.

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.

Bib number is 18691.

Good luck to me.

- the beginning of the end