totally excited

Well this weekend I ran the Turkey trot with some friends. They totally rocked the run. I did also which makes me so happy. I was just hoping to make a 10 minute mile but in the end I was 7 min 46 second miles. WHOOOOOOOOO This is slower than last year but the best I could have hoped for. I did almost no training for the run. I have been biking but you would know that already. I managed to get third place in my division. This was only a dream for this year but it came true. Congrats to all of the other runners. My friends totally smoked me. I was secretly hoping to keep up with them. Like there was a chance in HE!!. Well maybe next year.

Now that I have proven to myself I can still run. I have to plan my strategy carefully. I still need to rehab but I do have the urge to start training again. I would like to do a Sprint tri this year. I have trouble swimming so I will have to work on it or just suffer through the first one.

later

A little scared

In two days it will be my first race since late May and and my first race over a 5k since early May. I know I am not ready but what do you do? I have run around 7 to 10 times in that amount of time. I have been keeping up my endurance through multiple ways mostly riding my bike. The problem is my ankle and using different muscle groups that I have not used as much. I am afraid that my Turkey trot will make the rest of my weekend miserable. My ankle is weird, at times I think it is better then others it worries me. I am excited though I will be running with 2 of my best friends and it will be great. This will be the 5th year that I have run this run and it is my Thanksgiving day tradition.

I have faith that I will triumph at least the best I can and that it will be great. Plus the weather looks good for this time of year.
WHOOOOO WHOOOOOOO

Plus I might get some tackle football in if I am lucky.

feeling manly

This weekend I had to tear down a 15 year old cedar shed with the hopes of putting it back together. With in about 2.5 hrs later we had piled the pieces on top of each other. The next day I got up and rented a uhaul truck. That was an adventure in itself. When I got to the old location I started loading the truck. 10 minutes later someone else showed up and we loaded some more. Then 45 minutes later the last person shows up. We then shimmy the last and the heaviest, did I say largest piece in the truck. Off we go to the new location. That same day we put all the big pieces. It made for a really long day. The next day I went to work and when I got off I spent the next four hours finishing the trim, doors, and hanging the cabinet. Then I moved onto the top. I finished removing the old shingles and pulled all the staples. I then laid down a new layer of tar paper. It is now waiting for the owner to shingle the roof. I have to say that with my tool bet around my waist, I did feel manly. There is something about swinging a hammer that gets your juices flowing.
Just scrapes and bruises to report. Plus I am pretty sore.

the great ride

Well I have accomplished what seemed to be a mini milestone. That is not to say that 50 miles is mini. My legs were saying let me rest and my butt was screaming for one of those nice cushy bike seats. It only took me 2:52 and 29 seconds. You don't realize how far that is until you ride it. In a car it somehow seems shorter. I started from woodman and airway down to 35 and out past yellow springs. I am not sure at this point if I will go further until the spring. We shall see. It was so good for my long distance spirit. I finally felt like I was training again.

Now I am trying to get myself to sign up for the turkey trot. It is five miles but the most I have run in 5 to 6 months is 2.5 miles in a row. It is the 30th anniversary and I want to be apart of that. This would make 5 years in a row. I may just have to walk some. That is if I ignore my competitive spirit.

The leg is feeling better. I think I have ghost pains and I am constantly thinking about it.

Now on to survivor.

Later.

The great debate.

When you look at the presidential candidates they both scare me. All you hear is the bad stuff. You here they will take all our money, that they are tied to bad politics. It just seems from all of the media that we are picking the best of the two crooked people we can find. Is anything that the ads say true? Maybe this is not an issue with the candidates as it is with the media. I watched the debates and they both have good ideas. Some better than others. Everyone wants to blame republicans and Pres. Bush. Part of America's problems were created from the previous Pres. They just did not take effect until Bush was in office. The economic crisis is a problem caused by crooked companies trying to make a dollar at any cost. Now look where that has got us. Where is the individual responsibility come into play.

They say that they need to raise taxes but when there are more people paying taxes than ever. Why do they need more from individuals. Plus Obama talks about raising taxes on the 250,000 and more. He says that is the rich and businesses. What he fails to see is that the rich and businesses will find a way to pass that new tax along to the poor and middle class. So tell me who is actually getting taxed? It is like the oil companies. If they shell out more money for something they just raise the price which effects everyone.

Well this all really has no point but it was some of my thoughts.

I know you will not agree but that is why it is my blog.

Later.

Biggest Loser is over Yeah!!!!!

Tonight was the biggest loser ending date. I think I was dehydrated like a prune. My wife and I did awesome. I am hoping that I pulled out a win. We will see later this week. I am so tired of the 2.5 hour work outs that we had to pull 2 times a week. Plus you have 2 or 3 more a week just to pull in the weight loss you want each week. I know that we both worked our butts off. No pun intended. I still want to maybe keep a 2 times a week training session with other workouts included. It just will be without the rigid schedule. My hope is to take the rest of the week off and plan a half century ride this weekend. It will be a milestone. I have never gone that far. It is kind of scary. What if I have a flat. I guess the phone will come in handy. Plus 15 miles out there is a bike store. I can always stop in there. I will have to maybe get another drink carrier or plan on buying more fluid. But this all depends on my schedule and the weather. It is supposed to warm up and and be nice this week.

On other news our 2nd offspring got a great report on the parent teacher conference. This school thing seems to be paying off. Maybe there is something to this school thing.

I did it whoopie!!!!!!!

Well just an update first of all on my week and weekend. My son has his first basketball game of the year. It is his first and although he did not make a basket he really did impress me. I have to be realistic and say that he probably will not be another Kobe or Shaq but for him, he did great.

This weekend we went camping. It included a trip to Youngs dairy farm for a corn maze adventure for the kids and feeding the goats. Some of the kids got Ice cream and mine just got a dr pepper. How strange. We had a great night camping with a little hike in the morning.

Then I went for a bike ride. I have finally broke the 40 mile mark. I rode 41 miles and am surprisingly able to walk today. Only 9 more to the half century rides.

Later

Tired but excited

During this long process of the biggest loser contest I have been phisically drained. It has got me in better shape faster than I probably would have done on my own. My endurance is coming back up and for the first time since May I ran 1.5 miles. Now I took my time doing this. I am making no projections or do I need to hurry this along. But I am hoping this is a good sign. I would love to run the turkey trot even if I have to walk some of it. If I ran it all I think that would be to much to quick. So we will see how it goes. The trainer Leon upped most of the weights we are doing so last nights workout was tougher than usual. I made it through and is felt more like a weight session than normal.

Biking is getting increasingly colder for me. I am going to have to put on my under armour thermals or I am going to freeze. I know at some point I will have to stop or I will have to get an inside trainer. I did 30 miles on Monday night. I improved my time by over 4 minutes. It was probably due to the fact I hooked up with someone else and I did not want to let him go. It was good motivation for me.

Later.

Shout out for our friends

We have friends named Bryan and Melissa. Today they ran in Columbus Ohio. Melissa ran the whole marathon and Bryan ran the half Marathon. My wife and I are so proud of them. The both accomplished the goals they set for themselves. Know you have to understand that Bryan had barely run before the training season started. Our day started early. We got up at 6:30 and took off around 7:30. We drove to Columbus and set ourselves up at the halfway point to see Melissa run by. She was at the front of the Pace group she had signed up for. She looked like she was putting in little effort which is good when you are only half way of 26.2 miles. We cheered her on and went to the finish. We missed Bryan somehow due to his master disguise but we cheered Melissa as she came to the finish. We managed to catch up with them at the celebration park. She qualified for BOSTON. You go girl and Bryan reached his time goal he had set. He looked great for running 13.1 miles for the first time ever. He blew away his longest run by 4 miles. Running is a individual sport but I think that you need support to run. So give them a shout out if you know them. They both definitely deserve the cheers and thata boys that you give. I suggest we start a letter writing campaign to convince her to run BOSTON. Did I say BOSTON. It is such a historic race. She would love it.
I have never run or even been there but it is a legend in the sport. So cheer cheer away.

You go guys.


Later

Kings Island

Have you ever heard the Bill Cosby skit about the playground. I won't tell it all but he basically tells that people created playgrounds are out to mame people. Kings Island is out to make me hurl. I am finding this year that my body is just not what it used to be. I went for the 4th time this year and in 3.5 hours I rode 4 rides. That was about good for me. You know when your head is feeling whooooooozy and achy.
Kids just don't seem to understand. Luckly I brought his friend along so he could take my place. I think that my brain fluid is low. Is this a medical situation. Can I get a fill up? Like go to the brain oil change. I have tried everything. I have tried hydration, relaxing, straining almost till I poop (not really). It all seems to leave me whooozy. I might be deligated to being the lonely parent on the side that is only there as a shaperone. It was great to see my son have a great time though. We will have to see if it is better or worse next year.

Later

Catching up

Well like usual it has been awhile. I have been in a biggest loser competition so my workouts have been crazy. My ankle is so so but I am getting back in shape. My longest ride on my bike has been 30 miles so far for about 1 hr and 43 min. It felt good to be back in the saddle. I have been at the y at least 3 nights a week and at least 2 or 3 rides a week. This makes for a crazy schedule. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have at least a 2 to 2.5 hour workouts. Part of it is weight training.
I have managed to lose 26 pounds in 5 weeks. I an slimming down which makes me feel more peppy.

My wife is doing great in the competition also. I think she would be a personal trainer if she had time. She loves the accountability of the program. I am so proud of her. I know that with all the other responsibilities in life it is hard to take time out for this. I will leave her results out to save my hide. She is doing awsome though.

Our son has started basketball and we will see if he actually has any talent. He seems to like practice so far. He seems to be able to dribble. He can shoot reasonably well.

Well that is it for know

Later.

Been awhile

For the last few weeks I have been wandering thru life. I have been riding my bike I have done about 60 or more miles so far. This last week has been crazy. I had a anniversary, my sons birthday and a mini hurricane. We have been systematically working through all of those things that go with that.

I have started my biggest loser at the YMCA this week. In a week I have done 5 workouts plus one other training session with the trainer. I feel like I am making good strides. I just need to continue the progress that I have made.
During one of my rides I had a flat tire. I am trying to figure out the best plan of attack. I really think that the bike is good for my ankle. It seems to be getting better. I guess it could be my imagination but who cares. At least I feel better.

To all those who are currently in training for something. Keep going. It is worth it.

Later.

Cross training`

So I have converted, at least for a while. I have bought a bike. A Giant OCR3. It is sweet! I have put on 19 miles over the course of 3 days. It felt good to be back exercising. Well maybe part of it. I am slightly sore today. It was hot and humid yesterday evening. I pulled off 15.25 miles per hour pace. Not to bad for a first long ride.

More later.

Nothing new

Well I am working and the kids started school. It has been crazy!!!!!! When I get home the kids are still at school and I am still trying to adjust to the free time.
Things going on you say! I am trying to kill termites or shall I say pay someone to kill them. Now they are just in the mulch but that is close enough. I am kind of thinking about getting a road bicycle. They cost a fortune. At least a small one.
I have always wanted one and I am starting the YMCA's version of the biggest loser and I need something to use other that the gym equipment. My wife has given me the go ahead so that makes the process a little easier. I am pretty hyped even though I have not fully decided.
My Anniversary is coming up and like most guys I am starting to panic. Now we don't usually make a big deal but you just never know what she wants. 14 years, can you imagine.

I know this blog should be about running but it may have evolved a little. I plan on going back to running someday. I plan on doing the biggest loser and bring my weight down a little. This way in the spring I will be HOPEFULLY ready for training. Plus the bike would allow me to cross train as well as enter other types of races.

I live for sporting events. Mine that is. It gives me direction and motivates me to work out.

See Ya later

Sometimes I wonder

Do you ever wonder what other parents are thinking. I have that moment just about everyday. Yesterday I had a little flat out lie to me. My son and his friend were at our house and he asked if he could go over there. I told his friend to call his mom to see if it was ok. He took the phone and stepped outside to call. No biggie right?
A few moments later he comes back in and says "she said it is ok". So off they go.
A few moments later his mom calls and says it is ok to come over. I inform her that her son already told me he talked to her. With little suprise she says "Oh that strange". Now if that was me I would have sent my friends son home and would have promptly dealt with the situation. Not her. I am tending to think she did not do anything. THAT MAKES ME MAD!!!!!!! So when my son comes home he has his friend it toe. I promptly tell them that they have to go home but before he does I inform him that I know the truth. He tried to give me his famous pouty face. It must work on his mom but not me. I will watch this kid like a hawk. Once you have broken my trust it is really hard to regain it. I tend to hold a grudge. Plus I have always known he is one of those sneaky kids.
Example. When our kids where a few years younger he came over. All he did was play my sons gameboy. Finally I made him get off. Then he informed me that he was grounded from his at home. So essentially he only came over to play the gameboy not play. Needless to say he did not come over for a long time.

This generation is going down the tubes but I must have hope. I will give him a second chance in a few days. He is one of those kids that we hope to instill manners and good behavor because I am not sure he gets it at home.

Later.

Just logging in.

Let jump right in shall we. The doctor doesn't really know anything. The MRI shows no tear. That is great the only problem is then what exactly is the problem? Frustrating I tell you! I get a call from the receptionist at the doctor and she tells me this with the comment to keep doing what I am doing and see them in a couple of weeks. I will definitely stretch that to more like a month. At least she saved me the fifty bucks by calling. I think I am in for the long haul.
I think I should start other forms of exercise. I think maybe.

Caving
unicycle
juggling
road kill clean up
sky diving
scuba diving with sharks

Do those sound good. I am always looking for suggestions.

Update. Life has been hectic to say the least. Crazy. I had a chance to see Andy Roddick play a tennis match and he withdrew from the match minutes before. Shucks.
Saw a fight in the Reds, Brewers game and even saw the Dark knight a second time.
Still a good movie.

A joke from my child:

What do you call it when you mix a boat with a shell?

.
.
.

A Shellor, Get it a Sailor. HA HA HA.

He is still working on it. I don't know where he get it. My wife says it is her.

Later

Always love running and everything about it.

Vacation

Well back to the grind stone. Not my nose though that would hurt.
Just before vacation I took my MRI of my ankle but have not got in touch with the doctor yet so no news there.

Things done while on vacation:
1. Got lost due to a wrong turn and bad directions.
2. Visit with brother at Jordanos (Best Pizza Joint)
3. Check in to hotel Seneca
4. Eat at TGI Fridays. Yummy
5. the field museum
6. Beat down the one temper tantrum of the week. No I did not actually beat her.
7. See Soldiers field.
8. Millennium park and saw the Concert for the 2016 Olympic bid
9. Kids played in the water fountain at the park (very cool)
10. Take the bus a lot
11. went to the American girl doll store
12. went to the Lego store.
13. Bus to state street and got Garrett's popcorn.
14. McDonald's
15. Ed debevics
16. Heaven on Seven (New Orleans Style restaurant)
17. Navy Pier (Took rides)
18. Beach
19. Walked down Michigan ave.
20. Visited the Garmin and Apple store
21. Hersey Store and saw the largest candy bar
22. Shopped
23. Played on a playground
24. ate at the food court of the water tower mall.
25. And just a lot of other vacation stuff.
26. oh ya and just be silly and have a great time.
27. Plus I got to use my non-existing mixed martial arts skills to fend off some homeless people. (Not really but we did turn down some.)
28. One child tried to drop food in front of a homeless person and then pick it back up. How cruel.


When we got back I spent 2 days painting and I am still not done.
Plus I saw the dark knight movie.

All in all it was a great vacation. I am sad it is over.

More events scheduled for the summer so it is not over.

Later.

Faking or not?

Yesterday I headed to the Sport Med doctor for what seemed like the hundredth time.
He was vague as usuall. Do they every really know what they are doing or are they making up as they go along? I am sure he does know what he is doing but sometimes it feels that way when you get frustrated. Between he and I we figure that it is not getting much better. Yes the symptoms have gone down but when I strain it with activity they come back. So the next step is the dreaded MRI. I wish we would have done this first but that is the way the cookie crumbles. I still have not contacted my running partner. (Sorry) I will get around to that someday. I now want to wait until I know what the MRI says. I will try to fit that in sometime during the next few weeks.

In good news land I am going on Vacation next week. Isn't that just peachy? I can't wait. I think we all need some R&R. I will even get to see my brother. Then after we get back my week will be crazy. I have a race to go to and the tennis tournament also. It will be my sons first race and we will see if he likes it. Cross your fingers.

Children are loving VBS this week. I think they get pure adrenaline while they are there by the way they act when they get home.

Well have to go.

Love running and EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

Later

Rain has great timing

Ever time I wanted to step outside is seemed to start pouring. First I think it is getting ready to rain so I better leave the Y and go home. 2 seconds later I can't hardly even see my car that is in the 3 parking spot. (I was so close to getting the birthday parking spot.) So by the time I got to my car I look like I took a shower in my clothes. Pretty humoruous if you get past the wet part. Then later I think hey lets go get some food. We get a block away from the house and it starts pouring. Now I thought we would be gone 10 min but that was not going to be quick enough. I had to turn around and go close the windows.

Side Note. Our new neighbors were in the middle of moving in and our friends were in the middle of moving out. All there stuff was in the driveway. Great fun for them. I did get a chuckle out of it though.

Soggy Soggy mess. I love the rain.

Later.

Time out

As I was working today I was thinking and many titles came to mind. I think this one seems fitting. I have come to a point this year where I am going to have to regather and regroup for next year. "This just sucks" is a nice way of putting it. Do you every feel as if you have been put in a time out. Like God says take a break. Well I do and don't. It is my way of saying to myself that there is a reason for this. I don't know exactly why I would be in time out but I sure there is something.

I feel like I am going to let people down this year in many aspects of my life. I am not getting enough sleep so I am always tired when I get home. This obviously affects my evening plans. Plus there are probably more things. The most current thing is my running. I have not called my running partner yet but I will have to inform them that I cannot run at least a whole marathon and the half would still be in question. They are planning in starting the training in like a week and a half. I will not go see the main doctor until after that. Until then I cannot even run, use the elliptical properly or stuff like that. I have to give it rest. Then even if they want me to start running again I probably will have to start off slow. Like a mile.
I just feel like I am letting them down. I know they can run without me. They are better than I am but I can't help that feeling. I quess I will just bite the bullet and give them a call. I will miss the great feeling when my Wife looks at me. She doesn't admit it but she gets bummed out to. It makes me proud when my Wife is proud of me. It makes me feel good when I see the smile on her face. It just makes me happy and know I won't be able to have that this fall. I know she loves me without running. I just can't help feeling like I let her down also.

For now I have to stay on the elliptical. I HATE that thing. It is like climbing stairs forever. It doesn't make me feel any better to think I am climbing my way to heaven. I just have to use this thing as a weight loss tool. I need to get my weight down so my ankle feels better.

Well enough of my complaining. Hopefully today will be better. I will hit the gym this evening. That always makes me feel good when I am done.

Later.

Fight in the pit

When at the why I like to watch the people in the free weight section. I just know that any day now there is going to be a fight. You could cut the tension with a knife. I have to say though that my wife was afraid of going in there. Said like it is a deep dark jungle. She is a trooper. She goes and does weights a few times a week. They all just give each other the stare. The one that says stay away from my food.

Later.

Time flies by

Just like my title says, I think time speeds up as you get older. I got to thinking and realized it had been a while. SO here I am. Life is crazy. Everyone I know seems to be in turmoil. They are all long stories and will not go into it.

Last week I think I might have broke free from my exercise slump. I have worked out at least 3 or 4 days in the last week and a half. It was either the bike or the Eliptical. If you have ever heard Bill Cosby's skit about the jungle gyms you know what I mean. All the new gadgets will kill you. That darn eliptical is out to hurt at least 1 out of 10 people. I think it has to meet it's quota. No really the thing is fine it's just that you get into a good rythm and then all of a sudden you are not there anymore. I feel like I am on a bucking bronco. I can only imagine what the people behind me are thinking. (newbie) The last two workouts were 50 min. and 1 hour. My knee started popping during the 1 hr. session. I think it is because of the tight muscle groups. It feels good to sweat a little. Who am I kidding I sweat like I am in the ocean. You might as well call me a whale I am so wet. OK whale is not the right size but still. I feel sorry for the people around me. They are probably thinking who turned on the sprinkler.

I have also tried to start watching my calorie counts again. This should help with the weight. The more I lose the better for my ankle.

The ankle report: It seems to be getting better slowly. I am waking up in the morning with less stiffness. But I am still not able to run. I am however doing my strengthening exercises and the eliptical. I am trying to keep my upper leg muscles and my cardio in good order.

On better news vacation, vacation, vacation. Isn't that a great word. My friend is going on vacation and it makes me dream of the vacation to come. SOON. Chicago here I come.

Run in

So yesterday my two offspring and I were out for a ride when all of a sudden we had an accident. You know these things just spring up on you. There were no fatalities or anything just a minor fender bender. It happened in the cultisack (Misspelled) near my house.
So here are the details. I was leading the way on my bike. (you thought it was a car didn't you.) So then my oldest and then my youngest trying to cut in the middle. Then all of a sudden I looked up and saw a car coming. Panic that my children would not stop and go out in the road I say (Loudly) "car". I then proceed to slam on my brakes thinking my children would to. NOT. My oldest runs into the back of me. My youngest then proceeds to slam in the side of me. All while wearing flip flops. (Bad Idea) So I ask them did you think to stop and they sit there with a blank stare on there face. I say well did you and they make that I don't know face. You know the one I am talking about. I look down and I have black marks all up and down my leg. My chain has come off. I proceed to wave at the car to say I sorry and I get no acknowledgment. (How ruuude). At least I did not hit his car. He should be happy, with my big but I could have dented the car up pretty bad.

Well there you have it. My exercise for the week so far.

Love running and everything about it.

Later

Wild and wacky weekend.

So maybe it wasn't so wacky but definitely wild and very busy. I think from 3:30 Friday morning to 10:00 Sunday night I was home 4 to 5 hours total and sat down for maybe a half hour. That makes for a hard morning on Monday. I have managed to prevent total closure of the eyes so far. This morning if I took just a second to relax while trying to work my eyes would start the roll over. Luckily I have not hit the wall yet. (That is what my friends call it when you fall asleep and jerk back awake.)
Friday started off early for a full day of work. Home to pack and off the therapy.
After that children and I headed off to camping. Hot and Humid it was. When we go there I set everything up while the kids jetted off to play. That will become a common theme. Made dinner and enjoyed the guys hanging out and catching up.
The next morning we had breakfast and headed off to canoe at the lake and swim at the beach. No boat tip overs to report. We stopped by an island, rowed through lilly pads and watched the cranes fly and eat. Very Impressive. Once we were done it was back to camp for more horse play and dinner. The next morning we had breakfast and packed up the stuff and headed home. Once we were home I promptly started clean up.
I then moved on to getting ready and we headed out to hang out with friends. It was an enjoyable night. Got home late and headed to bed.
I think both of the children had a great time. They were exhausted and no injuries or lost children this time. I think we are on a streak. This fall we will see if we continue that pattern.

To anyone who is looking for a training blog I am sorry. I am on therapy time out.
I am seriously hoping to get back to it soon. I seriously miss the work outs.
My belly has a mind of it's own and it is personally loving this time off. It gets to grow.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

Preview of my weekend

Well, today I will be off to camping. Not before I finish work and a trip the the therapist. They plan on electricuting me today. For the sensation of a tattoo I wish I could go and get one. Maybe a two for one deal.

The canoe trip during the camping trip is in jeopardy. It has rained like gang busters. So we may just have to sit in the heat and sweat to death. Over the last 4 or 5 years we have had some accidents as a group. I hope to avoid those this year. I think the wives are beginning to question our parenting skills. I like to call it the Way of the Man. That is just what happens. As long as everyone returns and you don't have to go to the emergency room. It is a great trip.

After camping on Sunday night we have a party to go to. This should be great fun but makes for a long busy weekend and even a longer week next week.

Things I plan to do while camping.

Set up.
Relax
Canoe
Relax
Sweat
Relax
Good conversation
Relax
Cook a little
Relax
Cook some more
Relax
Maybe take a dip in the river.
Throw kid in and watch them float down the river. (With a floaty of course)
relax
Pack up and come home.

Sounds like fun to me.

Later.

misc.

I think that this post will just be a thoughts for the week post.

First Politics. I don't follow politics much, just enough to say I know what is going on and I understand everyone has thier opinion. Thats cool, but I say you are just picking the lesser of two evils. Economically, whoever the President will be will inheret the problem. I think we are stuck in this financial mess for a while if not permanently. The war, what a mess. Like I said I know everyone has an opinion but I see not much winning in the since of public opinion for the new president. I mean how can they win? I feel this president is doomed to fail whoever it will be.

Basketball. Now I don't even follow pro basketball much but I want the Celtics to win. Who would like a team with a color scheme of yellow and purple. Yuck! Kobe is good but I am rooting for the underdog. They might not technically be the underdog but they have not won a title in a while and in my book that makes them the underdog.

Blockbuster. I think this is a dying company unless they go with the times. Who wants to go to the store and pay 4 to 5 bucks for a movie these days. I mean you can go to the web, go to redbox at McD's or on demand from your cable company. There are so many other options that appear better. I heard they are sticking kiosks in there store to download movies to video players. Ok fine, the problem is they don't work with Ipods. I am guessing but isn't at least 80% of the video players Ipods?
Sounds like a bad move.

Enough topics because I don't really know anything anyways.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

First Visit

Well I had my first visit to the physical therapist. She checked my hips and said they were slightly off but not to worry. Then she looked at my feet and said they look like two different feet. Now I am not sure on how to take that but ok. Then she had me walk back and forth to watch for my foot motion. She said I have a high arch. Then she compared my feet more closely and then retracted the different feet comment. This all leads up to that fact that structurely I am fine. I do have a weekness on that leg probably due to the previous injury. I knew I had a leg dominance problem before I showed up, so no surprise there. The doctor has prescribed this anti inflamitory medicine that is given using electric stimulus. The put electrodes on my calf and over the medicine spot. This makes the medicine penetrate the Achilles directly without injecting with a needle. Strange Huh?
It feels like you are burning or getting a tattoo. Just to think only 4 or 5 more of those to go. Plus I have lots of stretching and work to do at home. Prognosis is questionable. Hopefully the inflamation will be better in a couple of weeks and then I will still have to proceed with the strengthening of the muscles. I will probably have a slow introduction back into running. I am trying to be optimistic about running the race a friend and I want to run this fall. If all goes well I might be able to proceed as planned. Keep your fingers crossed.

Love running and everything about it. Burning:)

Later.

This just sucks

Well I went to the doctor. I don't know what I was thinking. He told me just what I thought he would say. "No weight bearing cardio and physical therapy. THERAPY THERAPY!
This actually means MONEY MONEY! I found out last year when I had therapy after a severe ankle sprain that they charge $500 an hour and that does not include the ultrasounds they say they have to give you. Now that price is before insurance but still. When you add up all the trips to therapy and it is a small fortune.
If I knew that therapy would fix it in 5 sessions or 2 weeks then I might feel better, but you know how it is. They can never tell you how long it will take. Is this a conspiracy or is that going to far. My running plans may be hindered or placed on the shelf for the fall of this year. We will have to see.
With the price they charge why are there not more rich, BMW driving, Rolex wearing people around. If I knew that when I got out of high school you bet cha I would have been to that school in a heart beat. I would have shown up in my cap and gown from graduation.

Hope I can get over this funk and figure a way to stay in shape. First therapy session is tomorrow. (Not that kind of therapy session) I know you where thinking of it. I mean a physical therapy for my foot. HEE HEE

Love running and everything about it. (I am putting this to the test.)

Later.

Suddith rocks the Memorial

Today was the Lou Cox Memorial. My wife asked me if I knew who Lou Cox was. I stated what the website mentioned. She goes ya that's right he is the one who invented running in Dayton. I said that is impressive and she says with sarcasm, the running craze in Dayton. That cleared up some things.
The man Suddith finished his first 5k today. He ran the whole thing and was under his goal time. I felt like a proud papa. HEE HEE. Kidding aside, he did a great job. He had a short training period. I think if you know him you should give him a shout out at BryanSuddith.com. I am sure here would enjoy it. I believe that this is just a stepping stone for bigger things to come in the next year. We should all support him in his new adventure.
Congrats Bryan.
Plus he served a higher purpose today by advertising for a political race. He used a shirt but I thought he should have used shoe polish on his back. Plus he should have charged for the advertising space. If Casino's can do it so can political candidates.

The rest of the day was spent doing regular memorial things like cookouts, going to the cemetery, and resting. Plus I mowed the lawn. How exciting!

On to another fun work week and looking forward to future days off.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

Crazy days

This Memorial weekend has been crazy so far. Saturday was dominated by a family surprise birthday party. I think that my children are beginning to love running. I think my young one is going to be named speedy. She can beat all the children up to the age of 9 in the family.
Side note (On the news right now, did you see Kenevial bike jump at kings island?)
To bad I was not there. It would have been historical. (To bad he did not crash)

Today I spent my day in Indianapolis. The weather could have not been more wonderful. I got to spend the day with my family and friends. The race was great even thought I picked the person that came in dead last. I mean how does that happen? I have watched racing for years, don't you think I would have a sixth sense about these things? That is what a sentimental favorite will do for me. Plus Juliana Huff can really sing. She did a great job on the National Anthem. The last few years they have tried to pick someone cool and they always mess it up. Plus Jim Neighbors was back. It is just not the same when he is missing.

On Memorial day I will be running with Suddith that the Lou Cox. I am so excited to see him reach his goal. One step at a time. My son might run the fun run also which will make me really proud.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

made the appointment

Well, I just made the appointment with the sports med doctor. We will see what he says next week. Hope it is good. I want to start running and training again.

later

Breather

This week I have decided to take a breather. After all that training I like to take breaks. Plus at some point I need to go to the doctor. Which I hate because it reminds me that I am frail and I don't want to hear bad news. I think I would go into a funk if running was off the table for a long time. But we will see.

Mothers day was wonderful. I managed to make my Wife happy. She always loves a clean house. Especially when she does not have to clean it. She loved the kids presents. Had family over some were happy and some were not. Long story. We managed to squeeze in a little movie known as Speed Racer. Have you heard of it. Not to bad. I might give it a 6 out of 10 on the adult movie rating. It has great visuals and the little brother with the monkey are so funny. My son loved it.

Love running and everything about it.

Later

frustration mounting

Have you ever been to the point at work that you wanted to knock some sense into someone. Well that is how I feel today. Now I am not a violent person so don't worry.
I received my pay stub today and they can't seem to get it right.
My company for some odd reason has decided to pay bi monthly instead of bi weekly.
Now that is ok but the person figuring up the weeks that are split between pay periods is an (______). Fill in the blank with what ever item you feel fit. It is simple, pay me straight time for the days on monday and tuesday. I worked over but pay it straight time anyway, which they did. Then when the new pay period starts just pick up straight time until forty hours are up and then go to time and a half.

This person feels they need to shift hours around and in the process they are losing some pay. They are taking time and a half away and adding back only the half. They don't need to and they are complicating things. Long story and even longer if I go into detail.

Thanks for listening.

Lover running and everything about it.

Later.
.

surprise surprise in the pig 1/2 marathon

First of all I have to thank my bud for his shout out on his blog.

The following is my account of my Flying pig weekend.

We started off a little behind schedule by leaving 45 minutes late. No big deal I thought. We managed to get to Cinn after at least one pit stop. New rest area. I recommend it. Hands free everything. We were headed to the hotel when I noticed that no one was walking around. I thought that was strange. Come to find out that in my stupidity I did not notice they changed the location of the packet pick up. So we checked in and drove across the river from Kentucky to the Duke energy center. We found our way through the convention getting our free stuff. Picked up the loudest noise makers we could find to bring home to the kids. We had some thick somewhat healthy peanut butter. My wife and I sprinted to the nearest free drink stand. It was like cardboard. The drink was refreshing though. Then we realized our camera wasn't working due to the batteries. Once done with the convention we found our way back to our car and headed back to the hotel in Kent. for some rest.
An hour or so later we headed to Newport area for dinner at Brio's. We love that place. We managed to get right in at the table near the bar so we could see the TV. This was while others sat there waiting. Hee Hee. Their loss. We sat in the bar area to see the TV. I moved my chair around the table to be near my lady, well, plus I wanted to see the TV too. The Kentucky derby was starting. We sat there cheering and waiting with anticipation for the end. A crowd had collected which always adds to the excitement. Then with the horrible ending came the moans and grunts. It was a slight blow to the evening.
Another part of dinner is that the Prom is that weekend. So my wife and I could enjoy the couples coming and going for dinner. Those girls were glad I was not their dad. I would have made them stay home. The guys had just as bad taste in hairstyle and cloths.
This is the way we planned the evening because we had done the same thing two years earlier. After dinner we went to the mall and stone cold creamery. We sat outside enjoying the sounds of a beetles tribute band. (eight days a week) They were great. A little old to be the beetles though.
Then on to the hotel and sleep.

Race day I woke up at 5. Prepared and headed out to walk across the bridge to Cinn. Its dark and I listen to my music. I try to relax during this 20 minute walk.
I get to the start and stretch, prepare, turn in my bag to the check in.
Hit the restroom if you call the row of port a potties a restroom.
To be brief I thought I might have trouble but I did not.
Then I set off for my starting position. Once in the corral we stood there for ever. It turns out there was a fire on the course and they had to figure out what to do.
15 minutes late they started the race. For the first 5 miles I stuck to my plan. Run 8.5 minute miles. Golden! At the start of mile 6 it starts up hill. For the next three miles you just hold on for dear life and try to conserve energy. It seems to have two one mile steep steep hills. Still golden! I had planned to be 10 or 10.5 minute miles on the hills. Went as planned. After the hills and nine miles you do around 1 mile up and down slight hills. I think those are recovery areas. At mile 10 you get to go down a hill that is as good as the one you went up. This year from mile 10 to 13 is all down hill. My pace ranged from 7 to 8.5 minute miles. As planned. When I started I had just hoped to finish under 2 hours. I am a wee bit heavier that my last long runs and my 12 and 13 mile training runs went horrible. I mean bad. I was running down the last 200 yard looking back and fourth for my wife. I eventually found here and I think she would have jumped the fence to get to me if she could. She did two years before. That is another story. When I crossed the finish line my time was 1 hour 53 min. 53 sec.
It turns out it was 5 seconds slower than my best time. If I had known that I would have run a little harder and thrown up at the end. But hind sight is 20/20. I felt the greatest sense of accomplishment. This is the hardest course I have ever run. You know you have worked hard after this run.
After the run we went back to the hotel and checked out. We stopped at firstwatch for brunch. I had a wonderful turkey sandwich. Then we headed off to traders world. We spent around 1.5 hours there and then headed home.
This has got to be one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. I always look forward to my race weekends. They give me something to look forward to and I enjoy the time with my wife. It is relaxing without the kids. Don't get me wrong I love my kids but we only get one night away a year. So we live it up.

When I say that it was the best weekend ever you will just have to take my word for it. We had a river view which went from Paul Brown stadium past US bank arena to the hills of the Park. It was gorgeous at night. Our Camera did not work the whole time.

Enjoy running and everything about it.

Later.

Day before we leave.

It is friday night and I am sitting here watching a movie with the family. We will be leaving around noon tomorrow for Cinn. I hope that everything goes well. I hope we can get in at brio's for dinner. The pasta is great there. The weather says that it should be nice on race morning but with the horrible weather men you just never know. I look at the tv just now and Ice cube is fighting a deer. Children are laughing. Must be funny. I will give you an update later.

Love running and Everything about it.

Later.

doubts

I just don't know. Do you ever think that god is trying to tell you something? Well I hope he is not telling me that something. This week my Achilles just seems to be giving me more fits this week. Some of it I believe is in my head. I am focusing more on it than usual. But with that said. I think I am as ready as I can be. The run is just three days away and I am going to finish if I have to hobble on one leg.

On a different note. I just think that our house has become the more popular house in the neighborhood. We now have a trampoline. I am a little leery but my wife said it might get our couch potato like offspring outside. It seemed to have worked. Only time will tell if it will continue.
It is quite fun.

I am longing for my peace and quiet though. There are no lazy evenings because now there is always somebody here.

Oh well, welcome to parenting.

Love running and everything about it.

later.

Taper and loving it

Well it is not bliss but it will have to do. I finished up my second to last run last night. It was eight miles and I made it under the projected 9 min mark. I am hoping for a great week but It started off a little shaky. I got some bad news on the family home front. To big of a story to tell but I am disappointed anyway. I am going to try and rest as much as possible this week.

I am looking forward to this weekend. I always love the time I spend with my wife as will as the running. It is usually peace and tranquility.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

Surprise in the sun

Today I am off work. How surprising you might say. Well my company I work for is owned by Armenians. That is a country bordering Turkey. (If you did not know, I had to look it up.) It turns out that today is the annual recognition of the Genocide. So here I am. This day started out great. I got up and did the bills then went for a run. The weather here is so wonderful. I started off on my 3 mile run at a leisurely place. I then decided to pick it up a little. By the time I was done I had run a pretty good pace. Surprise number 1. Then my wife, offspring #2 and I went to lunch. Great lunch by the way. So we leave the restaurant and two turns later I get pulled over by a cop. He informs me that I slowly rolled thru a stop sign. I say hog wash. My wife and I sat there in astonishment. We think he was having a slow day. Now I know that they are doing there job but I am now paying a fee that is like going 120 mph in a 25 mph zone.
Surprise number 2. Then my offspring #1 comes home from school acting as if his throat is going to break. Surprise #3. I say Three strikes and we are done for the day. I might as well as go to bed. Tomorrow has got to be better. If this is how the Genocide day goes I will just work next year.

The Flying Pig Half is just a week and three days away. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I love this weekend every year. It is our chance to get away from the kids for just one night and enjoy a somewhat care free evening.


Love running and everything about it.

Later.

Last long run of the training

You know, when you get up for a run in the morning and say to yourself I know this run is going to be bad. It is not going to go well. First thing is that I almost turned over and went back to sleep. So I say to myself that I need to get up. I make myself get up and start getting ready. I realize that I am still a little sore from my week. Bad sign number 1! Next I start running and it seems to be more tiring more quickly than normal. Sign number 2! For some reason I was sweating more than normal. Sign number 3! (Not Hot) So I got 6.5 miles out and turned around. At around 5 miles left and the next 1.5 miles straight up hill I realize that my body is starting to move down below.(If you know what I mean.) Sign number 4. When it starts to become uncomfortable I decide to walk a little. The uncomfortable feeling goes away so I start back up. Sign number 5! With me walking breeds more walking. So for the next few miles I have to walk a little every mile. I ended up with a horrible time and a bad feeling. This was my last long run before the race in two weeks and It was supposed to go well. But in my experience you have to have one horrible run during the training period. This just happened to be it. 1.5 weeks of taper and I am there.

I always make myself feel better after a bad hard run by telling myself - a bad mile is still a good mile. They still help my training.

So I must follow my own advice and say.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

My son and our adventure

We will go back in time for this blog entry. My son and I went to a Kentucky basketball game during the beginning of the season. It was the week Tenn beat Kentucky in college football. The reason I mention this is because behind us sat an older couple dressed in Tenn. clothing. Brave one I might add. We really enjoyed the game and afterward we went down to the court. Here is a picture of my feet on the court. How cool is that. Now I must mention that I am a die hard Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan so Horaay for me!
Go Jayhawks.

Later.

My son and this trip around the block

Well in the middle of the week I decided to take my midweek run. I chose a 5 mile super hilly course. I did better than I thought but it showed me that I might struggle on the Pig half marathon course. We will see. I finished in 42min 8 sec. Not bad for me and that route. Later when my son got home from school I decided to take him out for his first run. Now he has been talking about this for a long time so I was a little behind the eight ball. We ended up going around a half mile. In the middle he did the classic drag your feet thing and fell flat on his face. Like a trooper he got back up and moved on. I was so proud of him. He said he was not tired but later he told his mom that he was sore.
He might be a runner in the making. We will see.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

Change my blog

So I decided to try and change my previous blog. Being new to the blog revolution I changed my existing blog and messed it all up. That is why I had to transfer all my previous entries to a new blog.

Sorry for the confusion.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

So how would you like 12 miles on the mill?

Well I woke up this morning for my long run of 12. I turned on the TV to see the weather and guess what! 37 degrees and windy with a touch of rain. Make that a lot of rain. So I quickly turned around and found the comfort of my warm bed. So when I got out of bed I had to finish up the dredded tax forms. Don't worry it was just the city and school the others were done weeks ago. After that I went to the Y. I figured that some miles where better than nothing. Before I knew it I had plans to finish my 12 on the mill. I had brought wild cherry life savers for a little flavor and gatorade. Around 3 miles in I popped one in my mouth. I chewed on it, what seemed to happen next is a peice got logged in my airway. So while running and my eyes watering I caughed. Alot!!! With a mile left I got the chills, you know because the Y likes the room to be set at 100 degrees.
After I got home I have a tendency of relaxing in my car for a few minutes. While I was doing this my neighbor was walking by and seemed to think that something was wrong. I quickly jumped out to reassure him I was ok. Later I gourged myself on Chillis chicken strips with fries and corn. Yum Yum. That was my day in a nut shell.

Love running and everything about it.

Later.

Bad language

I know this should contain some exercise news, so here it is. I did a tempo run today. My three mile run was under 24 min. which is pretty good. I have run faster but that will do. The y did not have towels at 1:45 pm in the afternoon which seems stupid. I think I was covered in an inch of sweat when I got done. Then I did 10 min on the bike.

On with my title. The people at work use bad language all the time. I think that they feel it is there god given duty to use such language. I just can't understand it. I mean, I understand the occasional slip or when you are steaming mad. They could be having the best day ever and they would swear every other word. I even think they call me girly just for not talking like them. Now granted they are good friends and treat me just like they treat everyone else. I just have not figured out the fascination.

Just my thoughts.

Love running and everything about it!

Later.

My reason for running

You know the reason! It is the same for everyone. To get healthy, stay sexy looking, have rock hard legs, and my favorite (get big veins in my legs). With that said I just feel a sense of accomplishment. The running 1 or 2 miles is great but that does not prove anything to me now. I can do something that most people can't or don't want to do. That may be selfish but to me it makes me feel special. For someone who spent most of his childhood feeling average it finally feels wonderful to feel better than average. My wife thinks I am strange that I get emotional after a huge race. What she doesn't understand is that moment is a completion to all the preparation of the prior months. We as runners have worked so hard. Each at there own pace and difficulty but they still finished. That gives me chills. I used to never like watching the Ironman on TV. Now I can not get enough, I understand thier feelings and how hard they worked. I dream of the day I can do a tri. I love the runs but it would be another challenge and accomplishment that I can be proud of. In my shelfishness I wish that all those people who knew me before and made fun of my average ability could see me know. That is shelfish but It would make me feel damn good.

Love running and everything about it!

Later.

My hope

Well I mentioned that I was planning my running year. If all goes as planned I will be running 3 big events.

Flying pig Half marathon. Already signed up for.
Chicago marathon if not sold out.
Stone creek 50k. If I make it through the marathon (they are a week apart)


love running and everything about it!

Later.

Sometimes I am around and Sometimes I am not.

Well I know it has been a long time since I have had any entries. Excuses Excuses. Well I started my training back around Feb something. I signed up for the Flying pig half marathon and was trying to plan my year. I since have had some fustrating times. Now that I am no longer on second shift it is harder to work out. I find that I am tired when I get home. Again no excuse but it is a major adjustment. Then my left achilles is bothering me. Some days it is fine and on other days it never stops aching. I am up to eleven miles in my training program and that run went perfect. It could have been faster but I will take a 9 something pace per mile. This also is with the extra pounds I have taken on this winter. I have been able to get some workouts in each week but my eating habits have not improved. To top this off my toe now has a sore red spot on it. Almost like it is infected. I wonder is God trying to tell me something? Is he saying enough is enough or perserve through this, continue what you love. My joy of running has seemed to leave until I am actually about half a mile in to a run. Then I settle in. Don't get me wrong. I love running it makes me happy.

Love running and everything about it!

later.

Turkey trot with the freezing rain

Well I did it. I know big fatty 2 by 4 can actually run. I was just beaming with joy. God really carried me through this one.
The week before the race I decided to run the race on the treadmill. The treadmill is always my worst nightmare. I don't mind running on the thing but it always says I go slower than when I run on the road. After 40 minutes I set a new personal record. I was satisfied that I would be able or at least hopeful to repeat in the race.
Standing there with thousands of other runners in the freezing rain I said to myself this should be fun. The year before had sleet at a horizontal angle. It felt like being sand blasted so I thought we can do this. My friend was somewhere in the crowd but I could not find her. I did manage to see her husband twice. He cheers me on in alot of races which means a lot. So off we go. I knew that I was moving pretty good. When the race was over I had finished with a total time of 38 minutes. This is faster than any other pace. It turned out to be 7:36 a mile for a total of five miles. After the race my friend on the side of the road called me. He said you might have placed. I said Naw. (Country like) Well when I got the results a few days later it said that I placed third in my division. This was the 225 lbs and up. So they gave me a plaque. See bigfoots can run also.
Then I was off to play football.

Later.

Strange spinning class.

Now I know that normaly spinning class should be uneventful but tonight I had an embarrasing moment. So we start our warm up and get into the workout when I look down and see powder on the floor and start to realize that my bike is squeeking. So my wife promptly says get a new bike. So I stop pedaling. The instructor says are you ok? Like I am having trouble in the first five minutes. Not! So I get a new bike. Then as the workout continues my bike starts squeeking again. People keep looking around and wondering who's it is. I am a realitively shy guy so this was slightly out of my comfort zone.
When class was over I removed my bike and saw the dust. It looked like I had sweated dust.

Another fun day at the Y.

Later.

Y on Friday with the PR!

So I decided that on Friday I would attempt a 5 mile run that resembled the turkey trot. I finished with a new PR. 39 min. 56 sec.

For me that represents an under 8 min mile for a all 5 miles. That is awsome for me. I know I know that is not all that good but for me it is great.

On other news my foot seems to be still hurting. I thought it was an arch problem but I am starting to wonder if it is a stress fracture or something. It has odds times of stinging and discomfort and other times it is just fine. It mainly hurts when my foot is bent or in a stressed postion. After the trot I plan on giving it a rest. Hopefully that will fix things.

Later.

Spinning class

Well it was spinning class again. My wife and I went to the Y. Our teacher chose not to show up this week so we had a sub. She had a reputation of being really hard. Here class had some hard moments but overall I have had worse classes. Now that being said, maybe my resistance was not up high enough. Class was fun but nothing special.

Later.

Crappy Monday.

I should have know that my boss had a bad weekend. Monday started off somewhat ok. My boss strutted in and begins to tell me that before I move anything I need to clear it with him. Now here is some background. This company is expanding and we are opening up our location. I was told by another executive that this was my department and that I am to set it up the way I want. So I start work quicky. I prepare the room start arranging the equipment and so on. 2 months go by and I have a new piece of equipment coming in so I rearrange stuff to make room. Also I have 13 years of experience so I know what I am doing. There is more that I could share but no need. It just felt like a slap in the face. I mean I can't determine for myself if a shelf should go here instead of there. Come on. That is stupid. I am not a little kid.
I do an excellent job and give them no reason to question me.

So I think that I can hit the gym for some stress relief. Work out was good but the 5 miles went by without a hitch. The weights were fine also. The problem. Is that I still left the gym aggrevated.

Later.
l

Friday at the y

So it was friday and it was just like any other ordinary day. I ran on the treadmill preparing for the last race of the year. Which is the Turkey Trot 5 miler in Miamisburg Ohio. The run went fine with the common but all to embarassing stubles. My I-pod was not charged to that was irritating. When I finished my run I did my normal weight training. Someday I will see results.

later

Spinning class

So Tuesday, we are sitting there in the living room and I can tell my wife is grumpy. I noticed she was not going to spinning class so I convinced her to go. That is only if I went with her she says. So there we are in the Semi circle and on the stationary bikes. They have me doing all sorts of things like hill climbs, no bumps, sprints and squats. These are all tricks of the instructors to make your butt hurt the next morning and I don't mean your muscles. The seat feels like it kicked my butt into next week. I think there is not bruising otherwise I think I would file a report on the drive by bike beating. Of course the instructor is about 15 to 20 years older and he is kicking my butt.

Fun Fun Fun.

Later.

Cross training

Monday afternoon I started some cross training. After my big runs I have taken just over a week off and now intend to start things up again. I did a 3 mile run on the tread mill in 24 min and 40 sec. Not bad for me. Then I did some weight training. I can tell that it had been awhile. After working on my upper body I hopped on the bike for a 10 min. ride.

The next morning I felt like my arms would fall off.

Helpful hint to anyone who is reading. Don't tell others you are sore. They will poke you all day.

Later.

Review of the Germantown 50K (31.06 miles)

I have to say this was just a spur of the moment thing. It was just a week after the marathon and i just took a chance. This takes place a the Germantown reserve. Although the race entry was just over 50 or so people it was wonderful. They are all so friendly. It is 4-7.75mile loops. Each loop had 5 or 6 steep hills and then on the other side of those you have to go down them. This is a trail run so you are running on rocks, stumps, and roots. The leaves were turning and falling on the ground. This made for some great scenery. The three aid stations were well stocked and were enough to keep you fueled. I even found time to make calls on my cell phone. I mean you have to fill the time somehow. (It was just for a few minutes).
At the start of the second loop my arch in my foot gave out. It was a sharp stinging pain that would hurt when I was on uneven ground. My saying was (to persevere) and that I did. At the end I felt again like I had really accomplished something. I mean when you think about it how many people can go that distance in one day.

It took me 7 hrs. 29 min. and some sec.

I will plan on running another Ultra marathon next year.

Rating: (1-10 with 10 being the best)

Race course-8 (really hilly)
Aid Stations-9 ( Super friendly but no entertainment)
location-8
Fun-8 (not fun unless you like hiking in the woods by yourself)

Review of the Columbus Marathon

When i decided to run the marathon it was because a friend of mine had decided to run. I was on the fence and they pushed me over the top. Now I have to say that this friend stomped me. It was wonderful training with somebody and we hope to do it again in the future. When getting to Columbus Ohio we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The runners expo was also located there. (This was convienent) We checked into the Hotel and proceeded to the expo. I picked up my runners packet and all the free goodies. We then walked to Short North and ate at Marchella's. It was a wonderful italian restuarant. The appearance inside the place was cool. After finishing our meal my family and I went back to the hotel. We settled in and watched a movie. The next morning I was up early and thought I had everything ready. It figures I had forgot my outside running shirt. So after getting all ready I went downstairs and cut the arms off on of the T-shirts I had. Then I headed out to the race. The course was wonderful. You get to run through downtown, Bexley, Back downtown, through Short North, around the burbs and then finally back through Ohio State. The support was enourmous. There were lots of aid stations and lots of cheering fans.

I finished with a time of 4 hrs. 27 min. and 27 sec.

Rating: (1-10 with 10 being the best.)

Race course-9.5
Aid and entertainment-9
Location-9
Fun-8

I would recommend this to anyone. It was reasonably flat.

Adventure to the top of a mountain

While I was in Gatlinburg Tenn. I had decided to take a hike by myself. So I logged on the internet and found a mountain climb trail that would be challenging. Now you need to know I have never done climbs like this before. So I was not certain what I was in for. I started out early in the morning while everyone was asleep. Unfortunately it was raining. I headed out anyway. I found the trail head after asking directions and driving way out to the way. This trail was the Chimney top trail.
It was over a 1400 foot climb. So I started while it was raining but it soon stopped and I tried to enjoy the scenery. The views were beautiful. As you progress along the trail you cross bridges and rock waterfalls. Part way up the hill you start hitting switch backs and a huge rock stair case. When you are 3/4 the way up you start to notice you are going around the mountain. You are no longer on the same side. Now think how I am feeling. I am in a different state, by myself, on a strange mountain, with strange animals and going somewhere I had never been with no map. I was slightly nervous. Mainly because the day before we went rafting and the guide mentioned that if we hike you should not scare a bear. So I think I reach the end of the trail. There is a post where a sign used to hang. I figure that the sign used to say keep going around the bend. The problem is that you had to shimmy along a cliff wall to the other side. Well when I did the path suddenly ends. So I turn back. Going back across I realized why it was so scary. I looked down. (a long way). Come to find out 12 people had died over many years in that location. So back to the story. I sit there for around 20 minutes. Then I head back down. A short way down I come across some people and start talking. They mention the view and I said that is strange. I must not have been in the right place. So they take me back to the cliff wall. They say start climbing. Well I must say the climb was worth every minute. I felt as if I had conquered the world. It felt great to do this.

A few days later I took my nephew up with me. Hopefully that is an adventure we will both remeber.

The picture on the right is a small view from the mountain top.

My time on the first up and down. 2.5 hrs.
Rating: loved it.

Review of my Air Force Half Marathon

I had scheduled the Air Force half as a warm up to the Columbus Marathon. I ran the Air Force half 3 or 4 years ago and since it is so close to our house I wanted to run it. Since I did not have to travel it makes it a real plus.
I love starting and finishing at the Air Force Museum but once you get out on the course it becomes boring. The course takes you up and through the base so spectators are not allowed to cheer you on. So much of your run is with no one there. For a bigger race fans help motivate me. My finish time was 1 hr. 59 min. and 53 sec. again not bad.

Rating: (1-10 with 10 being the best.)

Race Course-7
Aid stations and entertainment-7
Location-8
Fun-8

Take my opinions for what they are worth.

Review of my Indy Half marathon

The first race of the year was the Indy Mini Marathon. This race course took you from downtown Indianapolis to the race track and back. For the most part the race was boring and flat. I loved being on the race track. You get to run one complete lap around the track and it was a dream come true. I have attended the Indy 500 and other races for over 25 years. We stayed in a private hotel in goverment circle. We really enjoyed the downtown life. We ate at a couple of restaurants and even ate outside on the patio. The 30,000 people made it almost one of the coolest sites I have ever seen. To look across that many people it truly amazing. I finished with a time of around 1hr. 59 min. This is not my best time but for the weather conditions and course it will just have to do.

Rating: (1-10 with 10 being the best.)

Race Course-7.5
Aid stations and Entertainment-6
Location-9.5
Fun-9

Starting this blog

Well I think I have decided to join the ranks of the blogger society. I probably won't have to much to say but it is my first adventure into designing and creating web content. Hopefully this blog will be about my adventures in running and just other various rants and complaining.

To all those who dare to take the ride with me. Welcome.

To those of you who don't. See ya later.