Four miles sounds good, but it was brutally ugly. 1st mile was actually good. The weather was about 70 degrees, low humidity and the sun was shining. Camp Jordan is a large recreation complex with a two mile gravel path. I knew I was going to fast (relatively speaking) for my current conditioning level, but I was not able to slow down. Odd considering I used to preach to new runners doing C25K that when you think you are going slow, slow down even further. But my body/mind wouldn't listen.
Having recently been fighting shin, calf and ankle discomfort, I naturally started to take stock of how I was feeling. Surpisingly I found a new area of discomfort today, my groin. I should have focused on it because it wasn't long before my ankle discomfort (low front) started again. This time it was both ankles instead of just the left, and lower than in the past. I willed myself to run through it, but my mind is not cooperating these days and my body gave in.
I walked some, then started again, then walked again about a half mile later. And my mind is working overtime. Less than a year ago you ran a marathon and now you can barely run a mile. Over and over my mind ran this scenario. I saw may car, the two mile point and stopped to recover and stretch.
I promised myself that I would complete four miles, so back out I went. I felt okay, minor discomfort but once again could not force myself to slow down. The two miles were mostly slow running with some walk breaks mixed in. I completed my two laps, four miles and was happy to have it done. It wasn't pretty, but I finished.
Each run should bring me one step closer. Closer to where I was, closer to finding the joy, magic that running provided not that long ago. I'll get there one day when I'm older. Maybe when I'm 49. Who knows, it might be my magic year!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Happy Birthday Chelsea
Hard to believe but my little baby turns 18 today. That's Chelsea on the right, and Heather on the left. This photo was taken in the fall of 2008 in Charlotte at the Renaissance Festival, prior to the the Ded Bob show. That would be Ded Bob in the middle.
Gerri and I are anything but Renaissance Festival folks, but Chelsea loves them so we went so that we could spend time with her doing the things she appreciates and enjoys. As much as I dreaded it, we ended up having a fun family day.
Where have the last 18 years gone? The time has flown by and I'm sure the next 18 will go even faster.
Nice to know that 18 years later that I have an intelligent, creative, beautiful, and sensitive daughter. Chelsea, enjoy your birthday and everything that life has planned for you. The joy is in the experience, so be sure to enjoy the journey through the unknown paths that lie ahead.
Happy 18th! We love you.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I've Been MIA
After making a special effort to blog almost every day in February, my week in Orlando seems to have thrown me out of my blogging sync. So perhaps a brief recap of the past two weeks is in order.
Gerri and I had a terrific week in Orlando. The weather started out cool and ended up in the 80's, and the sunshine state lived up to its name. It was a "work" week for me, which means I worked a few hours on Monday night doing my night shops, then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00am until about 3:30pm. The rest of the time I was able to spend with Gerri.
We had three runs around Universal. The 3.5 miler that I already blogged about, another 3 miler after work one afternoon and finally a 6.2 mile run on Saturday morning. We ran this in honor of our friends that were running the Reedy River 10K back at home that morning. This was my longest run since the Kiawah Half in early December, and it showed. The warmer temps had some impact, but not as much as my Friday evening meal at the Ale House. It felt great to get it done, but required more "pit stops" and walk breaks than I would have liked.
One of the real treats about our trips to Orlando is the opportunity to visit with friends. One night we drove out to a nice area northwest of Orlando called Clermont to have dinner with my third grade teacher. Fran and her husband Gordon have remained good friends over all these years. They have lived an amazing life and have such terrific stories to tell. Like always, it was a wonderful visit and evening.
We also had a chance to see our good friends Mike and MaryBeth Smoot and their son Jimmy. I met, live and worked with Mike and MB back in the 80's during our time at People Express Airlines. Smoot is responsibly for ratcheting up my love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
One night we met them for dinner, Hawaiian Fusion at a restaurant called Roys. The food was surprisingly good but could not match the company which was terrific.
After our run on Saturday, the Smoots picked us up at the hotel and we traveled to Kissimee to see my St. Louis Cardinals take on the Houston Astros in a spring training game. Mike was nice enough to think ahead and get tickets when he knew we were coming. There is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable for me than a spring training game sitting in the Florida sunshine. Being with Gerri and great friends made it even better, and a Cards victory was icing on the cake.
Traveling for work is something that I have become accustomed to as part of the job. If I could only enjoy each trip as much as I did this week in Orlando. Now I can't wait to go back again next quarter.
Gerri and I had a terrific week in Orlando. The weather started out cool and ended up in the 80's, and the sunshine state lived up to its name. It was a "work" week for me, which means I worked a few hours on Monday night doing my night shops, then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00am until about 3:30pm. The rest of the time I was able to spend with Gerri.
We had three runs around Universal. The 3.5 miler that I already blogged about, another 3 miler after work one afternoon and finally a 6.2 mile run on Saturday morning. We ran this in honor of our friends that were running the Reedy River 10K back at home that morning. This was my longest run since the Kiawah Half in early December, and it showed. The warmer temps had some impact, but not as much as my Friday evening meal at the Ale House. It felt great to get it done, but required more "pit stops" and walk breaks than I would have liked.
One of the real treats about our trips to Orlando is the opportunity to visit with friends. One night we drove out to a nice area northwest of Orlando called Clermont to have dinner with my third grade teacher. Fran and her husband Gordon have remained good friends over all these years. They have lived an amazing life and have such terrific stories to tell. Like always, it was a wonderful visit and evening.
We also had a chance to see our good friends Mike and MaryBeth Smoot and their son Jimmy. I met, live and worked with Mike and MB back in the 80's during our time at People Express Airlines. Smoot is responsibly for ratcheting up my love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
One night we met them for dinner, Hawaiian Fusion at a restaurant called Roys. The food was surprisingly good but could not match the company which was terrific.
After our run on Saturday, the Smoots picked us up at the hotel and we traveled to Kissimee to see my St. Louis Cardinals take on the Houston Astros in a spring training game. Mike was nice enough to think ahead and get tickets when he knew we were coming. There is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable for me than a spring training game sitting in the Florida sunshine. Being with Gerri and great friends made it even better, and a Cards victory was icing on the cake.
Traveling for work is something that I have become accustomed to as part of the job. If I could only enjoy each trip as much as I did this week in Orlando. Now I can't wait to go back again next quarter.
Monday, March 2, 2009
3.5 miles in Orlando
Gerri and I spent our first full day in Orlando. We slept in late, had a less than special lunch and then headed to Fleet Feet Sports.
The owner, Eric was very helpful. Gerri ended up with a new pair of shoes, Nike Lunar Trainers. I tried them on and loved the way they felt, but Eric was concerned that they were too neutral and I needed to stick with a stability shoe. He did suggest I begin working away from the Adrenaline's that I have used since I started running. I tried on a few pair including Inspires and Infinity. So only a new pair of Super Feet inserts for my shoes.
We went back to our hotel, and went out for a run around Universal. We ran around the Portofino and Hard Rock Hotels on the Universal property. It was mostly beautifully landscaped pathways meandering around the waterways. About 1/2 way we reached City Walk, stopped for a brief period to sight see and then headed back.
The good news, no shin pain in my left leg. The bad news, my right calf seized up and felt like a baseball on the back on my right leg. What the heck! Oh well, tomorrow is another day and we'll likely attempt another run. This would be my first back to back runs in forever.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
March 1st - Week in Orlando
It's snowing in Greenville, SC but Gerri and I are in Orlando. We were scheduled to fly out on Allegiant Air at 6:45pm. When I saw the weather forecast this morning, I thought we may be better off driving. After some discussion, we both decided that driving was better than waiting to see if the flight was cancelled. We drove, and yes the flight was cancelled.
So we now have a week in Orlando. I'll work Tues, Wed and Thu until about 3:00PM, but the rest of the time we can spend together. Gerri will spend her days relaxing, reading and studying while I'm working.
We'll get to see some friends, including my third grade teacher and her husband on Tuesday and some friends from my People Express Airlines days. We'll also be taking in a Cardinals/Astros preseason game next Saturday.
February was a pretty good month. My running is getting back on track and I blogged 23 out of 28 days. March will be even better.
So we now have a week in Orlando. I'll work Tues, Wed and Thu until about 3:00PM, but the rest of the time we can spend together. Gerri will spend her days relaxing, reading and studying while I'm working.
We'll get to see some friends, including my third grade teacher and her husband on Tuesday and some friends from my People Express Airlines days. We'll also be taking in a Cardinals/Astros preseason game next Saturday.
February was a pretty good month. My running is getting back on track and I blogged 23 out of 28 days. March will be even better.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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?
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?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
