Saturday, October 25, 2008

Spinx Runfest Half Marathon

Gerri and I completed the Spinx Runfest Marathon today. Unfortunately I'm too tired to blog about it now and too busy watching my Alabama Crimson Tide play on ESPN. Check back soon for my less than stellar race report.

A quick thanks to the volunteers, fans and runners for making the race. I met some great folks today including Larry, who has run 50 states not only once but twice. He was flying out of Greenville today to run a marathon in Cape Cod tomorrow. Larry, you are my hero.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A Bama weekend

After two very hectic, crazy, long and tiring weeks working at the new Krystal in Greenville, Gerri and I headed to Bama last night. We stopped at Carrabba's in Douglasville and arrived in Birmingham around 10:30 pm. We were both exhausted.

The alarm went off at 6:15 am and we got ready for an 8 mile run in Mountain Brook. I was a bit nervous, not having run in two weeks. The air was cool and crisp and the run turned out fantastic, other than a few stops for GI issues. My pace is slower than last year, but I'm really enjoying running with Gerri and seeing her getting faster and faster. Today was her fastest long run ever, which made it really fun for me.

After the run we drove by Samford University, to look at the Cumberland School of Law. This is one of her 6 choices. The campus is beautiful and we really like the area. I was surprised, but Cumberland probably moved up to my 2nd choice behind Alabama. We stopped at Panera Bread for breakfast, then quickly showered and changed at the hotel so that we could get down to Tuscaloosa.

We actually got a phone call from one of our tailgate friends, checking to see if we were okay. I guess arriving last after normally arriving first threw everyone off. We enjoyed seeing our friends and eating some good BBQ and goodies.

The Bama game was a nerve racking event. We trailed briefly for the 1st time this year, but then raced out to a 24-3 halftime lead. Bama played conservative and poor in the 2nd half and Ole Miss turned it up a notch and Bama hung on for a 24-20 victory. I hate the game was so close, but always happy for a victory and a 7-0 record. We won some close, ugly games during our last National Championship season, so a win is a win. Biggest impact may be our terrific nose tackle Terrence Cody, going out with what appears to be an MCL sprain/strain. At 365 pounds, that has to be a concern.

After the game we had a clear shot to Birmingham thanks to our great parking/tailgate spot and stopped at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. We are now relaxing and watching the South Carolina vs. LSU game. Gerri has fallen asleep and I'm getting ready to shut down for the night too. We plan on sleeping in tomorrow morning, and then heading to NewSpring Church for the 4:15 or 6:00 pm service.

Spinx Runfest Half Marathon is now one week away. Kiawah will be here before I know it.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Works Getting In The Way

Just a quick post in case anyone is reading this blog. No I haven't stopped blogging, although it appears I have. Unfortunately I also have not run in about 10 days. Not exactly the ideal taper for my upcoming Half on Oct. 25th.

The company I work for, Krystal Company, just opened a new restaurant in Greenville, SC yesterday. They asked me to spend last week assisting them with training and getting the store ready. This week is continued training and assisting with the store ops. I've been working about 12-13 hours a day and have been exhausted. When I got home yesterday, my feet and hips hurt worse than after the VT marathon in May.

I need to get in a run Wed or Thu morning and then Gerri and I will run 8 in Alabama on Saturday morning before the game.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Where Am I? Who Am I?

And what day is it? I really need to take a few minutes to catch my breath because the last few weeks have been craziness. Football season tends to be that way, combining weekend travel on top of my weekly work travel. Combine the lack of sleep last week and I'm still reeling.

The good news is I'll be working out of Greenville for the next two weeks as we get ready to open our newest Krystal restaurant on Oct. 13th.

Between now and Monday, things will stay nuts! I'm sitting in a coffee shop in Anderson, SC now, killing time and waiting for the Financial Learning Experience tonight at NewSpring. I'm going to bet that Joe Sangl brings out the big wood tonight with over 500 registered. We have been working on our debt reduction and this should help us get our arms wrapped better around the budgeting process.

Tomorrow morning is a scheduled 12 mile run, although I say what the hell, lets just due 13.1 and run the Spinx Half Marathon route for the hell of it. Of course I haven't run since last Sunday when the 10 miler kicked my butt.

After the run I get my haircut, then Gerri and I head to Bama. We get to fight the Taladega traffic this week, so there will be lots of drafting on the highway. We'll be meeting some friends for dinner tomorrow night in Birmingham. Gerri is taking the LSAT on Saturday morning at the University of Alabama, while I'm meeting friends from Florida for breakfast at the Waysider.

Then it's time to tailgate and get ready for the Crimson Tide game against Kentucky at 2:30 Central. We'll spend the night in Birmingham, then drive home Sunday, in time to volunteer at NewSpring for the 4:15 service. Gerri is a Greeter and I get to show my expertise in parking cars.

We'll finally get to relax for a few hours Sunday night before all hell breaks loose again on Monday morning. Life is crazy and I would not change it for anything!