Running Balance Sheet

During a run a month or two ago (Kiawah Half or Hair of the Dog) I had the idea of creating a balance sheet for my running. After all, this is supposed to be an inexpensive sport, right?

My goal was to set aside $1.00 for each mile I ran, training or race. This "Income" would be used to balance the running "Expenses". Race fees, Greenville Track Club Membership and Running Gear (Clothes, Shoes, etc).

Pretty simple concept, if you want to race, you have to put in the leg work. Easy in theory, but how does it look so far.

January
Income was $5.00
Expense was $27.79
Net Profit/Loss was ($22.79)

February to Date
Income is $22.00
Expense was $42.79
Net Profit/Loss was ($20.79)

March Projections
Income $50.00
Expense $23.25
Net Profit/Loss $26.75

I'm maintaining the data in an Excel database, set up like a Checking Accounting. So far the Expenses, Actual and Projected, are higher than the Income. Fortunately I'm personally in control of the Income (training), so I hope to ocntinue raising my base mileage to catch up and exceed the Expense side.

Stay tuned for monthly updates.

Marine Corps Half Marathon?

About a week ago, Gerri mentioned that she would love to run one more Half Marathon before starting Law School this summer. Of course that means both of need to get our training levels back up and then find one that looks interesting.

I found two that caught my attention. The North Carolina Marathon/Half Marathon and the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg, VA. This event takes place on Sunday, May 17th.

We both got excited about a weekend trip to the DC area and a chance to run another Half, with 9,000 other runners. I think we both got an instant boost of adrenalin, just what any good training plan needs.

Thud, the sound of us realizing that we had previously committed to volunteering for the BMW Charity Pro-Am that weekend. I had volunteered to be a walking scorer for four days and Gerri for two days. We are now weighing our options. I could cut back to two days (Thu & Fri) and Gerri could take a pass this year. This would allow us to drive up Friday night, enjoy the Expo and Washington on Saturday, then run the Half on Sunday. We could possibly stay Sunday night and spend more time enjoying DC and celebrating.

We have not yet made a final decision, but I'm thinking that both of us are leaning in this direction. Any thoughts?

Starting week with 3 miles

It was a bit cool, but certainly a beautiful day for a run. I had given platelets in the morning at the Blood Connection, so I didn't get out until this afternoon. The good news is that I WANTED to get out for a run. It's nice to be looking forward to runs again.

I started out a bit faster (insert laughs here) to see if a faster pace would eliminate some of the lower left leg discomfort I have experienced on many of my runs. Felt pretty good after a mile, so decided to keep it up. About 1.5 miles in I was getting a bit winded and needed to walk briefly. I managed to match my 1st mile time even with the walk, but stopped to recover at two miles. I used this time to walk and stretch as the leg discomfort was back. I finished the third mile, somewhat slower, but got the miles in.

Checking online to self diagnose it appears this may be some form of shin splints. The discomfort appears to be in the muscle, next to the shin bone, and on the exterior front. I found a few strengthening exercises that I start using. As I was driving to Atlanta this evening, I noticed that I have a tendency to drive with my leg bent, which may be putting some pressure or straining this muscle area slightly. I'll continue to take it easy and see if I can work through it as I slowly add some runs and miles. May even mix in some pure "walks", just to see if that will help.

House Offer #1

Three weeks ago we signed a contract and put our home on the market, and then the stress begins. De clutter, keep it clean, 25 yards of mulch, pressure washing and all those other minor details that go into making a home ready for showing.

Will buyers like the house? Did we use the proper agent and agency? Are people buying homes? How will the current economic environment affect our ability to sell?

We had five showings in the first three weeks, and each viewing received favorable feedback, but no offers. Until about 7:00pm tonight. Our realtor, Jonathan Chappell with Open House Realty called to let us know that the couple that looked at the home on Thursday had made an offer.

A few minutes later, he was here and we sat down to review the offer. It was a good offer, and we made a minor counter. A few thousand dollars, plus a 24 hour first right of refusal since they have a home to sell too. This allows us to accept the contingency offer without removing our home from the market.

A moment ago, the phone rang and Jonathan was advising us that our counter offer was accepted. Funny how things can change even while a blog is being written.

We have a long way to go, but things continue to move ahead. Now if we just knew where we were moving and when. I suppose God will reveal this information to us when he feels we are ready for it.

5 miles downtown

It's 10:00pm and I'm exhausted, so this will be brief.

Had a nice relaxing morning, after a busy day yesterday. Gerri and I drove back and forth to Macon, GA for her Law School Open House at Mercer. We enjoyed the visit, a well orchestrated Open House. On the way home we stopped in Madison for dinner at the Chophouse. Good service and food and they give out Tootsie Pops with the bill.

At 12:00 today we met Christina downtown for a 5 miler run. We started out easy and gradually picked up the pace during the run. Best part of the run was not experiencing any pain in my calf today.

After the run we met Chelsea and Eric at Wild Wing Cafe for lunch. This was our first time meeting Eric and he was a real nice, personable young man. Conversation flowed easily and the time flew by. We stopped by Luna Rosa for some Gelato, then walked around downtown. Always great spending time with Chelsea and look forward to seeing Eric again.

We came back home and relaxed the rest of the day. Finally starting to get caught up on some of our Tivo recordings.

It figures

Got back from Atlanta and met Gerri and our friends Robin and Eric for dinner at Carrabba's in Greenville. Good meal, great friends.

Got home to find a "cold" house. Well at least downstairs. Unfortunately it appears that our downstairs heating unit has decided to go on the fritz. Luckily it's only money, so we'll deal with it. Sometimes life happens. There are many folks in the world that would love to have a bed and house to sleep in, cold or not.

Tomorrow Gerri and I will be heading to Mercer University for another Law School visit. So far we have visited Charleston School of Law, University of Alabama, Samford University Cumberland School of Law and the University of South Carolina. The trip to Macon is about 4 hours, so it will be a long day down and back.

Looking forward to a great weekend, heat or not.

Thunder, Rain, Hail and Tornadoes

It's a bit early in the year for severe weather in the southeast, but we sure got some today in Atlanta. The morning started out with rain, heavy at times. This is much needed as the southeast continues to be parched in this never ending drought. The rain started letting up and by the time I left the restaurant, the sun was coming out. The hotel was only a short distance away and my plan was to hit the TM for a 3 mile run before dinner and my night shop.

I really wanted to, but then I got sucked in. You see, I made the mistake of turning on the hotel TV and a local new station weatherman was talking about some severe storms heading towards Atlanta. I was hooked. There is something about severe weather that peaks my curiousity, and bad weather tends to follow me on the road no matter where I go.

The station did a tremendous job and their technology was incredible. Funny how the weathermen get more and more excited when storms appear to be ripe for tornado formation. I get the same way, but you have to temper that with the cost to proper and potentially lives. For hours I watched radar, heard about super cells and straight line winds, 2 to 3 inch hail and BTI, the Barton Tornado Index. The higher the number (1-10 scale) the larger the potential for tornadic activity.

The storms ripped through, one after another but luckily they stayed just north or south of my location near I-85 just north of I-285. (Pleasant Hill Rd) I know tornados touched down, and I'm sure tomorrow the news will report the number and damage amounts.

When the storms appeared to be mostly over, I grabbed some dinner at Sweet Tomatoes (yummy), then headed to Snellville for my night shop. During the Drive Thru shop, the heavens opened again and the rain pounded relentlessly for about 20 minutes. The sky flashed with brilliant lightning approximately every 15 seconds. It was a dazzling afternoon and evening.

Maybe I should add Tornado Storm Chaser to my bucket list.

Long, Long Day

Not much time for physical activity or relaxing today. Got up like usual for work at 0510, out of the hotel in Calhoun, GA about 0545. A normal day except I had to deal with a new restaurant General Manager, a new District Supervisor and training a new Director of Area Operations. Finally got out of the restaurant about 4:30pm, about 2 hours later than normal.

Then my boss drove into Atlanta and wanted to have dinner. So I met him at Ruby Tuesday on I-75 just north of the hellway known as I-285. Not a bad place to stop and have dinner at rush hour. We had a good dinner and he did my yearly review. Even got a nice 3% raise, double what the company says I'm eligible for given their system. Heck in this economy, I'm just happy to be employed.

After dropping him off at his hotel and reviewing some computer issues, I had to drive to I-85 and Indian Trail for my night shop. Finally back to the hotel around 9:15pm. Finally caught up on emails, Twitter, Facebook and finally my blog.

I'm local tomorrow, so although the weather will be bad, I'm going to get in some kind of exercise.

The Long, Slow Road Back

A little over two years (Dec 06) ago I started the Couch to 5K training program. It was truly square one. During this time there were days with lots of doubts. How could I run 10 minutes in a row, 15 minutes in a row, 25 minutes in a row? Slowly but surely the impossible became the possible. The runs got longer and easier and as my confidence and conditioning grew, my weight decreased.

According to my Buckeye training log, in January of 2006 I weighed 220 pounds, completed 16 runs, and average of 3 miles per run and an average pace of 13:28.

Progress was dramatic in Feb '07. My weight started at 215 and finished at 205. I had 10 runs, average distance had increased to 3.7 miles and my average pace had dropped to 12:02.

Move ahead one year. Feb '08. My weight was now between 197 and 205. I had 9 runs, average distance had doubled from a year earlier to 7.4 miles and my average pace had dropped to 9:53.

I can only imagine what the numbers would look like IF I had stayed the course. Instead of one step forward I have taken two steps back. Here is the ugly truth, in print for the whole world to see. Maybe this will be the smack in the head that I need.

Feb '09 My weight has ballooned, the Tanita scale screamed 222 pounds this morning. That's an ugly increase of 12-17 pounds since the marathon at the end of May. So far this month I have had 3 runs, and average of 3.7 miles and an average pace of 11:05.

The good news is that the three runs have come in the last 9 days, so I'm starting to get back on track. Although the runs are slow and painful, it is progress. And based upon the Feb '07 data, if I can increase the consistent frequency of my runs and also get back on track tracking my food, the weight should be able to come back off too.

So my warts have now been exposed, I have nothing left to hide. I'll continue to post my run info, my diet info and my continue battle to once again get my weight below the mendoza line.

Blog Streak Ended

Okay, I didn't exactly make it through the month of February, but my streak did end for a good reason. No, I wasn't in jail.

Saturday and Sunday both turned out to be excellent family days. Saturday morning Gerri and I drove to Boiling Springs to pick up Heather. We went to the Pavilion to see some old friends from our Grrrowl days. Their Grandson was playing a youth hockey game and we wanted to cheer him on. Afterwards the seven of us went to Five Guys and enjoyed some lunch and camaraderie.

On the way home, we stopped at Blockbuster and picked up two movies. To Kill A Mockingbird (classic B&W with Gregory Peck) and FireProof with Kirk Cameron. It was nice to enjoy these films with Heather. She will soon be reading To Kill A Mockingbird at school and we thought that by watching the movie it may help hr enjoy and understand the book better.

FireProof is a deeply religious film, primarily focused on marriage and establishing a relationship with God. I believe this film was made by the same group that did the terrific film Facing the Giants. It was really nice to be able to share this time and these films with my wife and youngest daughter.

We even caught the last hour or so of a Walk to Remember, another tear jerker.

Today we woke, got the house ready for a showing and then headed off to NewSpring Greenville for the 9:15 service. We met our friends Eric and Rob for Church, and then had brunch at Stax Omega. We got back home, but did not get out of the house before the realtor showed. We quickly grabbed the cat and made ourselves scarce, driving around some of the local subdivisions.

Once we got back around 1:15, Gerri got ready for a 5 mile run downtown with one of her Team Tiara running buddies. Heather and I buckled down and spent some time studying Physics. You know the stuff that you learn and then forget like f=m*a and Newton's 3 Laws, and 3 types of friction. Although the studying went well, I found myself using the internet a lot to "refresh" my memory.

I took Heather back home to Boiling Springs and got back in time to go to the 6:00 NewSpring Service in Anderson. Gerri and I took her friend Heather, her first time to NewSpring. It was an enjoyable service and nice spending time with Heather. After we dropped her back by her car, Gerri and I grabbed some dinner.

It may not sound like the most exciting weekend to you, but spending time with my wife, my daughter (one of them anyway), our friends and some quality time at Church made this one terrific weekend for me.

BSD13 - Friday the 13th

How many people woke up just cringing today, afraid of a date on a calendar? According to wikipedia, I'm sure plenty. Here is a small portion in the wiki...

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. "It's been estimated that [US]$800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day". Despite this, representatives for both Delta and Continental Airlines say that their airlines don't suffer from any noticeable drop in travel on those Fridays.

Friday the 13th also conjures up images of Jason terrorizing scantily clad teenagers, many times after they have just had a romp in the woods. In fact, Jason continues to intrigue filmmakers, and who doesn't remember the terrific Freddie vs. Jason battle.

I love Friday the 13th. That's right, I said it and with good reason. Gerri and I had our first date on a Friday the 13th. Coffee at Books A Million on Laurens Road. I had just returned from a business trip to LA. We were supposed to see each other on Sunday night, as Gerri was in a Christmas Show at Church. And even though I was exhausted from returning on the red-eye, and heading to Greensboro that afternoon with friends to watch a Grrrowl hockey game, I couldn't wait. So we met for coffee, well Chai Tea to be exact, and the thus started the spark that would ignite our romance.

Tonight, on this Friday the 13th, we will have dinner at the new Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Greenville and celebrate Valentine's Day (early like we always do)and another Friday the 13th anniversary. I'm lucky, I get two more chances this year!

Happy Friday the 13th everyone. Gerri, I love you baby! Thanks for not being spooked.

BSD12 - Home Again

Just arrived back home from Macon. Unfortunately I was too late for NewSpring Home Group meeting in Simpsonville. Stopped by Bi-Lo and picked up Turkey Kielbasa for dinner. Have some Rice Medley mix to microwave and a sliced cucumber. Dessert will be Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Pudding or Key Lime Pie Yogurt.

Talked to my daughters via cell on the way home. Chelsea was with her new boyfriend, Eric, so I kept it short. Heather called me after her first varsity soccer game, a scrimmage. They beat Greer 10-0. She played half of the 1st half and the whole 2nd half. Had an assist and came close to a goal. Not bad for a 9th grader. Can't wait to see her play once the regular season starts.

Gerri and I have dinner plans tomorrow night, Friday the 13th. We'll go pick up Heather in Boiling Springs on Saturday morning and then go see one of our old Grrrowl hockey buddies at the Pavilion. Their grandson Nicholas will be playing. Hopefully we can have lunch after, so that we can get caught up. Time flies.

Since I have been gone, I'm going to leave the computer in my office for the rest of the evening. I'm hoping to get some blogging inspiration and maybe even a run in tomorrow.

BSD11 - Is your spouse your rival too?

I sat here on my hotel room bed in Macon with a blank blog page staring me in the face, having blog blank. I mean, I can't write about my run today because I didn't have one. I'd rather not write about work because it is after all work. There's nothing new to report on the Law School front for Gerri, come on Alabama, USC and Ole Miss.

On the TV, I'm watching the USA vs Mexico World Cup Qualifier. It's a big soccer rivalry game with neighboring countries vying for a spot in the Worlds biggest soccer tournament.

Gerri calls to talk some trash. Her UNC Tarheels are getting ready to take on my Duke Blue Devils. Nothing like some good natured ribbing to keep a relationship fresh. The funny thing is we have another major rivalry between my beloved St. Louis Cardinals and her Kansas City Royals.

If you don't take it to seriously, rivalries can be fun. At least she is a Bama fan, because I'm not sure I could deal with being married to an Auburn or Tennessee girl.

The USA just knocked off Mexico 2 to nil. Let's hope my Blue Devils can do the some.

Let's go Duke, let's go Duke, let's go Duke!!!!

BSD10 - Upcoming Races

As you can see from the title, I have decided that as my daily blogging streak gets longer, my recognition of it should be shorter. If three weeks establishes a habit, I'm almost halfway there and more than a third done in my month of blogging. Just in case you somehow stumbled upon this blog and actually took the time to read it, the title reference is BSD10 = Blog Streak Day 10.

This past Saturday, I completed my 2nd race of the year. Kind of embarrassing that it has been the only two days I have run too. That's all about to change. After lots of contemplation (okay a little) and discussion (yes dear), I have my next two races on the calendar.

Both will be taking place in Birmingham, AL, an area that Gerri and I both love to run and the most likely location of our future move for Law School.

We'll be running the first annual Rumpshaker 5K on Saturday, March 28th, with one of our Alabama tailgating friends. Throughout the past season we would talk about running and apparently it rubbed off. In my mind I can imagine the conversation in her head, "Well if he can run a marathon, anyone can do it." Christie took our advice, went by Fleet Feet in Birmingham and signed up for their No Boundaries group. It will be exciting to be able to run with her on her first race, and in the inaugural Rumpshaker 5k. I just love that name and can't wait for the t-shirt.


The 2nd race is the Statue to Statue 15k on Saturday, April 18th. This race coincides with the Alabama Spring Football game, so we get to double our pleasure. It starts at Vulcan Park, a hilly park overlooking downtown Birmingham and winds it way up and down hills for 15K to the Lady Liberty Statue.



















"A bronze replica, one-fifth the size of the Statue of Liberty, was commissioned by Frank Park Samford as the symbol for the company he founded, Liberty National Life Insurance Company. Created by sculptors Archer and Lee Lawrie, the statue was cast in Sommerville Haut Marine, France, in 1956 and was placed atop Liberty National's home office building in downtown Birmingham and then moved to its present location and dedicated on July 4, 1989."

Blog Streak - Day 9 Tax Day

It's been a busy, productive day. Got up early and donated platelets at the Blood Connection. Watched Baby's Mama, don't waste your time. Stopped by our old Church to drop off some donations and got to visit with a friend that I haven't seen in awhile. Back home and worked on taxes the rest of the day. Nice to have them completed and submitted, and it's only February 9th.

Tomorrow I'm planning on getting a run in before I get back on the road. Now it's time to sleep because I'm exhausted.

Blog Streak - Day 8

Okay, this will be short. Promise. It has been a terrific weekend. Gerri and I slept in this morning, had a delicious breakfast at the Firefly Cafe in Savannah. I highly recommend the Greek Omelette. After breakfast we walked around Savannah a little before driving back to Greenville.

We killed some time on the Krystal Wi-Fi, before meeting Eric and Robin for dinner at Olive Garden. Good food, horrible waiter.

We then headed to NewSpring Church for the 6pm service. The series IWantANewMarriage.com started this week.

We are finally home and un-winding from the craziness. It's good to see our boy Shadow, a black Persian.

I promised this would be short, but I wanted to keep my blog streak alive. Eight days now and this week I'm looking forward to getting my running back on track too. February is looking up.

Blog Streak - Day 7 Critz Tybee 5 Miler

For the first time since New Year's morning and the Hair of the Dog 5 Miler, I got up, put on my running gear and actually ran. 5 weeks between runs is not generally found in most training plans, and hopefully I can eliminate it from mine now.

The alarm went off at 6:00, and we left the hotel around 6:35 for the 30 minute drive. The morning drive was beautiful as the sun was rising as we headed towards Tybee Island. Gerri and I both have so many great memories of Tybee, that the drive was relaxing, something I don't generally experience on a race morning.

Should have known that today would be a good one when we arrived to get the last parking space in the South Beach parking lot. It was cool outside, so we stayed in the car and relaxed, except for my normal visit to the restrooms pre-race.

We ran into one of our Greenville friends, Drew and her friend Faris. Drew, who was part of Team Tiara last year with Gerri, was running the Half Marathon. We eventually lined up a few minutes before the race. The attitude was island laid back. My pre-race goals, to enjoy the race and attempt to run the entire distance. Pretty funny how you adjust your goals when you haven't been running.

The air horn sounded and we slowly made our way under the Fleet Feet logo as we headed up Butler towards the Tybee Lighthouse. The first mile was awkward, as I got used to the movement of running again. I started slow, something I have not been very good at in the past. As Gerri and I weaved our way around some slower runners and walkers, we reached Mile 1 near the YMCA. This was the starting point for the Half Marathon last year.

Further up Butler, we turned right at the Sugar Shack, a Tybee landmark since 1971. It was here almost 5 years ago that we celebrated our wedding day with lunch of burgers, fries and ice cream. And it was yummy.

About 75-100 yards past the Sugar Shack, we reached the walkway to the beach that we used the morning we were married. It brought back such great memories and I slowed to lean over and give Gerri a kiss.

The next stop down memory lane was the Bed & Breakfast that we all stayed at, and then finally the Tybee Lighthouse. 2 miles had gone by and I was still feeling pretty good. At 2.5 miles, I thought, halfway there and feeling pretty good. At this point, I went into a bit of a zone. It may have been the crisp morning air, the rising sun on my face, the sound of my feet on the pavement or perhaps the memories that had flooded back. All I know is the miles were passing and I was almost unaware of the time and distance passing by.

Suddenly we are back on Butler, passing the YMCA and mile 4. I picked my pace up slightly, knowing that with only 1 mile left, I would make it without stopping. I became aware of those around me now struggling to finish, and enjoyed encouraging them to finish strong. With about 2/10th of a mile left, we turned left and could see the finish line. As we got closer to the finish, a near disaster was avoided as without notice the metal barriers began toppling over like dominoes. Luckily no runners were close enough to the barriers to get hit.

I crossed the finish line in 55:22. My Garmin showed the distance just over 5 miles and a 10:58 pace. This was a far cry from my 9:40 Half Marathon pace last year, but I couldn't have been happier. I ran without walking and enjoyed myself. Perhaps this will be the springboard needed to get me back on track.

Blog Streak - Day 6 Friday Stuff

It's 9:30pm and I'm in a hotel room at the Comfort Suites in downtown Savannah. I've been going all day and almost forgot to do my blog to keep the streak going. This is will a short, sweet recap of the day.

Today has been non-stop. Headed off to Dunkin Donuts for some coffee this morning because we are out of coffee at home. Stopped to fill Gerri's tank at Ingles, then got the oil changed, and finally DD for coffee. After getting home and having some breakfast, the guys showed up to pressure wash the house. I stood outside talking to them as they worked and then our friend Raymond showed up to finish up the mulch. The house is finally looking really good, just in time for our second showing on Sunday morning.

Will be running the Critz Tybee 5 miler in the morning. We drove to Tybee (about 30 minutes from downtown Savannah) to pick up our race packets and successfully switched from the Half Marathon to the 5 miler. The one thing I know for sure is that the course is pancake flat, and the weather is supposed to be perfect. I won't set any land speed records in the morning, but have promised myself that I will have fun.

That's about all the news worth printing. A nice hotel, my beautiful wife, a great pizza dinner delivered by Screamin' Mimi's and now time for a delicious dessert. Hello Chunky!

Blog Streak - Day 5 Tybee Island Plans

This will be short. I just drove back from Augusta, stopped in a Panera in Simpsonville, waiting to meet Gerri for dinner at O'Charleys and then HomeGroup at Starbucks, before heading home to Easley. How's that for a run on sentence? Of course that is the most running I have done.

Sometime tomorrow Gerri and I will be leaving to drive to Tybee Island. We'll actually be staying in downtown Savannah. Our plans were to run the Critz Tybee Half Marathon on Saturday morning. We are both registered, but my sensible wife decided it would be best if we skipped the Half and ran the 5 miler instead. I was resistant at first, but decided she was right.

I haven't run since the Hair of the Dog 5 miler on New Year's morning, and even that was not tough as I had only run once or twice since the Spinx Half in October. Trying to do the Half Marathon would have been just stupid and irresponsible. Heck, I expect even the 5 miler will be tough.

But we love Tybee Island, and a nice easy 5 mile run at the beach will do us both some good. We can enjoy the morning, the scenery and relish our memories of getting married on the beach at sunrise on Tybee just under 5 years ago. We can also relive last years Half, my PR and her 1st Half. We'll be able to cheer on some friends at the finish and then enjoy a relaxing weekend of exploring, eating and maybe even enjoy some drinks.

That's the plan anyway. I'll let you know how it goes.

Blog Streak - Day 4 Bama Stuff

I mentioned last night that it was like Christmas Eve. Well Christmas Day turned out unbelievable. Alabama signed another incredible incoming class, with one very highly ranked player still waiting to send in his Letter of Intent. This will easily be another Top 5 Class, perhaps a Top 2 or 3. We filled many areas of need and the futures so bright we'll have to wear shades.

Another great piece of news was the announcement of the Bryant Denny Expansion. Our capacity will increase from 92,138 to over 101,000. The South Endzone expansion will cost about $86 million dollars, but to the more than 12,000 people (about 36,000 tickets) on the Season Ticket waiting list, it's worth every penny. Pledges have already been received for 25 of the proposed 36 Skyboxes at a reported cost of $500,000. There will also be 1,700 Club Level seats and over 8,000 in the new upper deck. The expansion will begin almost immediately and be ready for the begin of the 2010 season.




It's our little slice of heaven, Bryant Denny Stadium.

Blog Streak - Day 3 It's Almost Like Christmas Eve

I feel like I'm in a time warp, going backwards. Sunday was the start of my New Year and now tonight is like Christmas Eve. Why? Because tomorrow is a National Signing Day. That's right, the day that every die hard college football fan has been anxiously awaiting.

That's right, the day when 17 and 18 year old boys make grown men and women giddy when they decide to sign with your school of choice. With each D-1 school limited to 85 scholarships, and most players staying 5 years, this generally leaves between 17 and 25 players per school. Sign the highest rated players, and visions of National Championships in years ahead run through your head. Have a poor day, and college coaches are on the proverbial hot seat.

Last year, Alabama was credited with the #1 recruiting class in the country. This year, we are likely to have another Top 10 class. With Alabama still in the running for several still undecided 5 star players, we can either move up in the mythical rankings or have a disappointing day. My gut says that we'll win some, lose some and end up around the Top 5. This will help us to continue the "Process" as we once again become one of the premiere college football programs.

What will I be doing tomorrow? I'll be working, but my computer will be on, I'll be signed on to Tidefans.com, CrimsonCountryClub and of course Twitter for the latest news reports on faxed signatures arriving in Tuscaloosa.

And Bama Nation says ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Blog Streak - Day Two

It's 9:45pm and I'm sitting in a hotel room in Augusta, GA. I decided to switch things up a bit and stayed at the Jameson Inn this time. Augusta is not known for especially nice hotels, at least on my company budget restrictions. I can usually do well staying at Choice Hotel properties (Sleep Inn, Comfort Suites), and continue to grow my points base. Unfortunately the Sleep Inn in Augusta leaves something to be desired and the Comfort Suites has not yet opened. I normally stay at the Microtel Inn, a decent room for the price, but since I'll be here for three nights, I figured a change was worth trying. This was a good decision. The Jameson is a really nice hotel for the price, a comfortable King size bed, good size flat panel TV and a nice desk, sofa and refrigerator.

I'm hoping to get a nice short easy run in tomorrow afternoon. There is a nice Greenway in North Augusta that I have enjoyed running before. If the weather does not cooperate, the hotel at least has as treadmill.

I had another productive day at home before leaving. I got most of the gutters cleaned out, except for about a 25 foot segment that is too tall to reach with the ladder. The gutters were in horrible condition, but nothing that a little effort couldn't clean. Amazing how pine needles travel through the air and onto the roof, eventually ending up in the gutters. They do a great job clogging up the gutters.

Another 5 yards of mulch has been ordered for delivery on Wednesday. The 20 yards we spread on Saturday looks great and the last 5 yards will finish it up. A friend from Providence Presbyterian will come by on Thursday to finish spreading the mulch.

Was also able to nail down a Pressure Washer for Friday morning. This should really complete the exterior items that we wanted done to help the house show better for potential buyers. Still need to get the carpets cleaned and perhaps a bit more painting in the Jack & Jill bathroom and the bonus room.

We're making progress.

A New Year Begins Today

"Remember today, for it is the beginning of always.

Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams can hold. Think truly to the future and make those dreams come true.”

Happy New Year everybody. I've decided that since the month of January went by so fast, it was time for a start over. So February 1st is now the official start to my 2009.

What happened in January? Well I completed one, that's right ONE run. The Hair of the Dog 5 miler on January 1st 2009 (Part A). Ouch, guess that will take a toll when I run/walk the Tybee Half next weekend.

I only blogged three times. Pathetic.

I'm using this start over to refocus. I'm going to try, no I'M GOING TO write a blog every day in February. It may be short and sweet, but I'm going to write something.

I'm also going to start exercising again. With basically the last two months off, I need to be sensible about this, so my goal is 3-4 days of activity per week, slowly building my miles. Walk breaks, hell walking, is permitted. Relentless forward motion!

Now I know the one or two people that actually read this blog are thinking, "but Jeff, running a Half Marathon after two months of inactivity is not sensible and is actually crazy stupid." And you would be correct, but here is my rational.

I LOVE Tybee Island. My wife and I were married their in a beautiful sunrise beach wedding five years ago this April. It was also my 2nd Half Marathon (her first) last year and is far and away my Half Marathon PR. I have to do this and know that this will provide me with the motivation I need to get back on track.

My goal of reading one book a month is still on. I read QBQ! The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller last month, and am currently reading Julius Caesar along with my 14 year old daughter. I have also started One L by Scott Turow so that I can have a better understanding of what Gerri (and I) will be going through as she starts Law School this year.

I'm kicking off my New Year with the 4:15 Service at NewSpring Church followed by the Super Bowl with our Home Group friends. Have a great New Year everybody!