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.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, February 2, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
I'm Back, Sort Of, and Other Ramblings
This has been a slow start to the New Year.
1) I have not run since the Hair of the Dog on New Years morning. That probably does not bode well for the upcoming Tybee Half Marathon in three weeks.
2) I have not taken the time to blog, and I miss it.
3) I have not gotten back on a healthy eating plan. Mexican tonight, yummy, but not exactly putting me on the right path.
4) And I still haven't written up my Kiawah race report (Sorry Robin).
Although these things appear negative, overall things are positive. We have made good progress getting the house ready for sale. One more bedroom to paint this weekend and some de-cluttering in the office, kitchen and family room.
Gerri and I have spent additional time for NewSpring. Sunday morning service at 9:15am in Greenville, then volunteering at the 6:00pm in Anderson. Home Group on Thursday nights. And last night we had the pleasure to assist with an amazing membership class in Greenville last night. 300 people, that's right, 300 people had signed up for a membership class. Most churches I have belonged to did not even have 300 members.
We made reservations today for a week in Orlando. This will be a "work" trip, but we hope to be able to see some friends and enjoy a last hurrah before Gerri begins Law School.
Speaking of Law School, we are heading to the University of South Carolina in the morning for another Open House. This will be our 4th (Charleston, Alabama and Cumberland). Gerri is still anxiously awaiting decisions, having only heard from two schools so far. She was accepted at Charleston and rejected by Stetson. I'm praying for more decisions soon, especially positive ones.
1) I have not run since the Hair of the Dog on New Years morning. That probably does not bode well for the upcoming Tybee Half Marathon in three weeks.
2) I have not taken the time to blog, and I miss it.
3) I have not gotten back on a healthy eating plan. Mexican tonight, yummy, but not exactly putting me on the right path.
4) And I still haven't written up my Kiawah race report (Sorry Robin).
Although these things appear negative, overall things are positive. We have made good progress getting the house ready for sale. One more bedroom to paint this weekend and some de-cluttering in the office, kitchen and family room.
Gerri and I have spent additional time for NewSpring. Sunday morning service at 9:15am in Greenville, then volunteering at the 6:00pm in Anderson. Home Group on Thursday nights. And last night we had the pleasure to assist with an amazing membership class in Greenville last night. 300 people, that's right, 300 people had signed up for a membership class. Most churches I have belonged to did not even have 300 members.
We made reservations today for a week in Orlando. This will be a "work" trip, but we hope to be able to see some friends and enjoy a last hurrah before Gerri begins Law School.
Speaking of Law School, we are heading to the University of South Carolina in the morning for another Open House. This will be our 4th (Charleston, Alabama and Cumberland). Gerri is still anxiously awaiting decisions, having only heard from two schools so far. She was accepted at Charleston and rejected by Stetson. I'm praying for more decisions soon, especially positive ones.
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