Taper just a little

Wasn't that a great marathon yesterday. Too bad "our" guys didn't finish higher. Both Hall and Goucher were in it to the very end. I remember watching the Boston Marathon when I was younger and not being very interested in it. Nowadays I wouldn't miss it for the world. One of the great things about running is that it doesn't cost a darn thing. How often can you go to a major venue and not pay a dollar and be able to come close to the superstars. One of these days I will get up to Boston to watch a race or maybe when I'm 105 , I'll  be able to qualify for it with my 100 hour marathon.  
I supposed to be tapering this week, but since I only run 3 days a week(maybe 4) it doesn't feel much like a taper. By the time of my race I will run 3 times; albeit less mileage.

This race seems to have a little more excitement with it than last months half marry. -

• Last months was a training run with no goal
• I signed up for it many months ago with anticipation ever since
• This is a long, hard race - not long, easy 
• 25,000 runners with 100,000 spectators and a few superstars(other -5,000 w/ 6 spectators, yeah just 6)
• First time traveling to a race(Knoxville to Nashville 4 hours)
• Meeting one of my blogger buddies - Shosh
• I'm really nervous - no kidding. First time for any of my races.

Yes I'm meeting Shosh for the first time. Now if I can just get her to update her blog. She is deep into Tri training right now and refuses to come out of the water.
I set a goal for 2:15.(10:19 pace)[no chuckling from the sub 2 hr people] It's reaching a little for me. I haven't been able to run that pace in any of my training runs(best 10:50) and even in my 15K race last Nov. My pace versus my goal is 25 seconds slower. I've been able to keep my pace "up" to the 8 mile mark, but for anything past 8 miles is a big question mark. This last month I 've been running my tempo's harder(9:55-10:00 pace) , but I'm spent afterwards. *My mind aimless wanders at pace vs projected pace vs vomiting pace vs pass out pace*   Nervous are we?????
Enough of that crap, I'm driving myself crazy!
Oh yeah, I did buy one of those pacetats dumalahickies.

Of course it is "sdrawkcab"

No turning back on this one - it's like the "voo-doo, evil eye" if you take back your goal time after buying one of those.

For those of you that still want in for the giveaway. There is still time. I'll be drawing names this Sunday(26th). You'll win one of 2 , yes 2! shiny, new, cool gadgets, state of the art, top-o-the-line, mp3 player. All you have to do is post a comment and send me $1000. I do realize that most have Ipods and winning a 2 GB Zen is like winning a Ford Pinto when you already have a Mercedes, but maybe your kids or a friend may just need a Pinto since they their 1978 Moped smashed into a tree and killed the tree and the poor little robins that were nesting in it. You see a brand new Pinto is looking real nice right about now.

More nervous talk to come later.

Happy Easter friend

Good post Lily!
I hope you are all having a good day and for some an extended weekend. The sun has peaked it's eyes out today. Rain all last week, sun today, and rain the rest of the week. ughhh But today IS a glorious day! IMHO...
I read an interesting article in Running Times that long runs should not take up more than 50% of total mileage for the week. After looking over a few other training plans for various distances(10K, half, full) it seems that all have the same info.

• 6-10 mile LR should be running 12-20 miles/week
• Half marathon 13-14 mile LR should be running 27-30 miles/week.
• Full marathon 15-20 mile LR should be running 35-45 miles/week
• Most plans are 4-5 days of running.

If you are not doing this then you are setting yourself up for possible injury. When I read this, I realized I was breaking ANOTHER running rule. (That would be rule 10 or 11 that I have broken now.) Since I only have time to run 3 days a week, maybe 4 then I have difficulty achieving <50%. My long runs are 13-15 for training and I am hitting 22-24 mileage for the week. I guess I could try to increase one of my days. Difficult too though... I would think the runners that were training for a marathon would have the most difficulty getting their total mileage up there.
With only 2 weeks before the Nashville Half I needed to get in another 13+ miles before my taper. Todays goal was 14 miles with the last 3 of those @ half marathon pace. I was cruising until the 11 mile mark then my body said, "I quit!" Needless to say that the last 3 miles were hard. I finished 13.61 miles in 2hrs 29mins 35seconds.(10:59 pace.) So much for 1/2 m pace, but darn I tried! The last mile was complete feet shuffling. I normally feel accomplished after a long run, but my confidence in hitting my goal of 2:15 for Nashville has hit the floor. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy that I ran over 13 miles, but I'm drained now. My 2:23 a couple weeks ago left me feeling like I had lots left in the tank. I wish I had another week to get in a 13+ miler. Next week is a taper week and no long run. We'll see...
This long run may not have gone like I wanted it too, but Tuesdays tempo run went great! It was the best I have run in terms of mid distance and pace.
It was run on the treadmill(rain!) at the gym. I had planned on running intervals/speedwork that day. I was 4.5 miles in and just about to cooldown when an instructor walked into the cardio theater area and started to yell "Cmon class kick it up a notch!" Class? Am I in a class??! I was too embarrased to walk out so I kept going. After being yelled at a few more times and about to pass out , the class ended. After all said and done, I completed 8.5 miles with 8 miles @ 9:20 pace then cooldown. Holy mutha was that a workout! It just goes to show you that when a cute little girl walks into a room and her head spins around and she spews out words from satan that you'll do anything that she says. I love you Satan girl. I'll see you again on Tuesday..
Last thing.
I finally have my first giveaway contest and it is for anyone to join. "They" just came in yesterday by UPS. I need to unwrap and take a couple pics before I post. I'll try to get a post up tomorrow. Haha I'm not telling...

Happy BD you weak ribs

Isn't it great that the weather is getting better! Just awesome to be running outside on a regular basis. Minus today - freakin snow?! What's up with that!! I hoping that this will be mother nature's last crap fest.
Thanks for all the well wishers on my first half marathon. It was a blast and I can't wait until the end of April (25th) for my 2nd half - the Nashville Marathon . I didn't anticipate just how sore I was going to get after the race. I took a couple days off afterwards and started back with an easy 2 miler. Last week, I decreased my mileage to about 2/3 of total to recover and left out my weekend long run. This weekend I'll run 13 or 14 miles for my long run if my ribs can handle it.(I'll get to that..)
I managed to log over 100 miles last month. It was my first since last December and I'm on goal so far to hit 1000 miles for the year. Of course it is still early and many, many miles to go before I get there. Maybe I can keep the injury bug away and .. oops too late! I broke my ribs again!! This is starting to drive me crazy!! This is #3 and almost #4 in the past 15 months. The first was last June , the second was last August and the almost # 3 . Yesterday I was lifting a big tub into place during a bathroom remodel and POP! Instant pain! Today it has been difficult to move my upper body. Gratefully it wasn't any part of my legs. phew.. Does running require breathing? Maybe I don't have to breathe to run? hmmmm...
As of today I am officially 39 ....... and holding... Oh crap, one more year and the dreaded 4-------0. This is the last year that I'm telling the truth about my age. ;)
I signed up for a sprint Tri in June. When the ribs heal, it'll be time to hit the pool. I did ask for a new bike for the BD - just need to help picking one out. Any suggestions on a good bike? - not too expensive..

Haven't been blogging much due to "my world," but I still read and comment. Congrats to all of you runners that have knocked out the early races. That's why we love Spring!
For you people on facebook feel free to add me, we have a good running group on there and I seem to update that a little more often than on this blog. If not, no harm done. If you add me then you won't think that I'm stalking you.. ;)
David Sandstrom

Too be young again

I've been enjoying the beautiful 70 deg weather the past few days. I've been off work since Saturday and have been catching up on yard work, my never-ending house projects and hanging with the fam. It's been great! In fact, I'm sure that I am working harder at home that at my job. You guys know how that is.
My training is going well for my half in April and I did finally sign up for that half marathon on March 29th. Thanks for all of your input on "running both races." I'm going to stick with using the race in March as a training race. Don't care about the time, just looking to log miles and get a shiny new medal. LOL!
Last weeks runs: 3 runs- 21.02 miles

• 5.0 miles in 47:23 - (9:28 pace.) Speed/Pace run. One of my faster 5 milers.
• 3.14 miles in 31:56 - (10:10 pace) Easy Run
• 12.88 miles in 02:16:43 - (10:36 pace) Long Run. Stopped x 2 for water and bathroom. 58deg at start, 70 deg at end. Tough Run - hit the wall @ mile 10.5 - not used to the hotter temps yet.

Today was a neat day. Golly-gee Dave, was it swell? I feel so much younger, stronger, healthier than I can remember. It's the simple things that make me fill this way. My day started with a long walk with the dog then to 3 hours of landscape/yardwork then progressed to 5 hours of bathroom remodeling then another long walk then to multiple basketball games with my son then back to the bathroom remodeling. Just a full day of activity and I feel great! That is my day, nearly everyday and to have the energy to do. The last time I remember feeling this good was back in my early 20's. Too be young again....

The fountain of youth isn't a mystery.

;)

Beautiful muck

Well guys, as long as it is "still "sick season at work, my posting habits are going to remain the same. No time or energy to blog, but lurking and visiting.
I'm sorta bummed that I only got 3 runs in this week and only 1 strength/core workout. I've been doing good to get in 4 & 2. I can't wait to "Spring forward" next week in anticipation for more daylight for early/late running. It is a chore to zoom home from work then change clothes to look presentable to stand around and wait for an open treadmill at the gym. That bites! Not much choice though...
3 runs: 19.84 miles

• 3.04 miles in 29:32 (9:42 pace) Easy
• 4.65 miles in 44:55 (9:39 pace) Intervals 5 x 800 @ 8:45
• 12.15 miles in 02:12:53 (10:56 pace)

My long run today was in sucky weather. It was 31 degrees with a 10 mph wind at the beginning of the run, then cold rain, then sideways cold rain, then the rain turned to "pelting" sleet, then to big beautiful snowflakes, then to "oh my" nothing for approximately 30 secs, then it went completely in reverse order ending with 33 deg and wind. Blach!
As I was running, I couldn't help but think of how good I felt for not giving up on my run today. Man I had every reason to quit. Along with me feeling good about my run, I was also thinking that everyone that saw me running thought that I was a nut - either that or I was an escaped convict.   haha
My pace was slower than last week, but that's okay considering the conditions. I underestimated the importance of long run base building and slow pace. The slower pace is not effecting my ability to run faster, ie intervals/ speedwork/ races.
If it wasn't for the weekend long runs this month my mileage would be lacking. Winter is the time when running production is down for many due to the weather, but for me it has been just the opposite. I complain about the cold, but the reality is that I would rather run in 30 deg instead of 85+. We all remember last years heat wave. phew.....
February Wrapup:

• 75+ miles
• 4 runs of >10 miles
• 10K PR

That's it for now. Peace

Hot and Cold

Man I am so glad that the weekend is here. We've been so busy at work and today couldn't have come any quicker. Our weather has been weird here in TN. Hot one day, cold the other. Today was a sweet, sunny, mid 50's day. Tomorrow will be another cold, windy, chance of snow day. I'm over it!!!
I took advantage of the weather and decided to do my long run today instead of the blustery Sunday. I bumped up my mileage a little more to 12 miles. Another great run! It's fun achieving these new milestones. Even though I was much faster and ran longer in college, I don't even count that now. I'm sure when I am in my 50-60's I will change my goals all over again. I finished with 12.02 miles in a bit over 2 hours. It sounds surreal to hear me say, "I ran for 2 hours.". I felt like I could've ran another couple miles. Feels good to be in a running groove right now.
I know a few of you have the Nike + sensors that you use for logging runs. I'm pretty much "fed up" with mine! The sensor gets all screwy when I change my stride. When I'm running easy and my stride is shorter it says that I'm running fast and when I increase my stride for speed it says that I'm running slow. Anyone else have that problem? Example: 10:30min/mile shorter stride - registers 9:45 pace. 9:00min/mile longer stride - 10:30 pace. It's all about stride - no matter how many times I recalibrate. Any suggestions?
I still run with my Polar watch and I have it calibrated so that it is "dead on." Stride length doesn't matter. Last weeks 6.21 mile(10K) race - Polar : 6.29 miles. Nike+ : 5.45 miles. I'm so close to buying a Garmin that I can taste it! haha
Insurance stuff is finally over. Bought a new truck - much nicer than than my other. Haggled 12K off the price. ;)

Good weekend running

Thank You so much for the kind words after my wreck. Things are moving very slowww with the insurance. It sucks!! Still don't have the stupid accident report from a week ago. Frustrating... No report, no new car.. The truck doesn't look that bad, but then again it is 5000 lbs. Everyone elses was much worse! What you don't see is the underneath- bent frame, broken axle, broken transmission, broken exhaust caused by driving OVER the second car and guardrail. The insurance deemed this a total loss. I was going to buy a new vehicle anyway and give this to my son when he turned 16, so much for that... sry, can you tell I'm aggravated? :)
Moving along....
What do you think about this weather? 50 to 60 and sunny all week! oops at least in the Southeast of US. "It's a site for sore eyes!"
I hadn't planned on running on Sat due to my long run on Sunday, but it was too pretty outside not to. I completed a nice 5 mile tempo run and even got a little sun during the run. Going into today, I was afraid that I was going to be too tired to run 10 miles. I made sure to prefuel before the run for fear of bonking. Another gorgeous sunny 60 deg day. I've been so accustom to running in 35-40 deg that 60 deg felt a bit too hot. haha (listen to me complain about sunny and 60.) I took off and the first 1/2 mile was so damn tiring , but by the 2.5 mile mark I was cruising. I made sure to run 30 seconds slower this week than last. At the 45 min mark I ate a bag of sports beans-(love those things) and at the 70 min mark I ate a Gue gel(chocolate mint.) I was getting tired at the 7.5 mile mark, but then I passed a girl running group of 5 that were rather giddy. All 5 lined up and put out their hands and "high-fived" me as they were running and gave shouts of encouragement. You can tell that they had "fresh legs" and were having a good time. It reminded me of playing basketball back in high school/college and slapping hands at the beginning of a game. haha That's why I love running and the camaraderie that goes along with it. That encounter left me with a pep in my step. It took my mind off my body hurting (It's all between the ears!) and the next 4.5 miles went great! I finished with 11.34 miles!!!! 1hr 57 mins 30 secs. for a 10:22 avg. Minus last years Cades Cove runs this is my 3rd longest run this era in time and distance. Feeling good right now about it!
Questions/observations
Up to the "silly girls" encounter I was avg 11min/mile (long, slow) but the last 4.5 was at 10min/mile. There was an article in this months Runners World magazine about whether you are a "waver" or a"nonwaver." I am definitely a "high-fiver, "doing great", nodding smiling fool. Yes and I wave too. I had an encounter like this last year that really helped me get through a run and also an encounter that helped a guy get through his run. What do you think? Are you a waver or not ?

Tomorrow is weigh in time and my fingers are crossed.
Have a good week!

Crash Bang Boom

I've had a crazy week - good and bad in many ways, but a week I would not like to relive. I'm always a bad news first kinda guy.
I was in a horrendous traffic accident. I'm obviously okay or I wouldn't be posting this, but my truck is toast and a few others. Driving down the highway approaching a stoplight which was green. A car darted across my path-STUPID!! I didn't even have time to hit my brakes-KABOOM!! My vehicle struck the mid-back of the car cutting it in two. There was a car merging onto the hwy that my forward momentum brought me into. After plowing through the second car and taking off the entire front end of it ,I came to rest on top of a guardrail after I took out the entire guardrail. The intial vehicle went into an uncontrollable spin taking out 2 other cars. 5 cars in all! It was one of the scariest moments in my life! Can you believe noone got hurt? A matter of inches is the difference between life and death. It was that close! God was watching out for all of us. I am thankful to be alive. I'm posting this a few days after the accident as my nerves are now calmed. I have played the scenario over at least 100 times in my head. You had to be there to see the carnage- it was devastating! The most important thing is that everyone is okay. If I get the opportunity, I will post a few picks (when I get em.) Also, very sore - but back to normal..
Running - Yesterday my soreness disappeared and I went out for my long run. It was unseasonably warm (50deg) and I was able to wear shorts and a long sleeve technical shirt during my run; nice change.. The run went great! I ran 10.02 miles in 1:42:55, a full 7 minutes faster than last weeks 10 miler. Last week I had to walk multiple times and stop to stretch my lower back and hamstrings. Yesterday went so much smoother. Only once for about 10 seconds did I have to stretch.
Weigh-IN/Eating - Of course we all know what yesterday was - The SUPERBOWL! Wasn't that a great game?! I wanted Arizona to win, but I knew that Steelers were a more rounded team. I wasn't dissapointed in the game one bit. I hosted a small get together party and served a ton of fattening, high calorie, unhealthy food . I quote my brother, "Dave I swear if you serve that fat-free, green, healthy crap, I'm not coming over." "Just because you are a health nut now, doesn't mean that we have to live it to!" ahahaha. After eating crap yesterday, I was a little weary about by weigh-in today. Then again, other than yesterday - I've have been watching everything that goes into my mouth.

My motivation is strong(feel the force young skywalker) and nothing is going to sway me right now(okay maybe some hot wings and a beer, but nothing else.) Just kidding - don't drink... but the wings , hmmmm? I lost another 2.5 lbs! - WOOT! WOOT!!
January Review - I managed 66 miles this month after the first week of only 9 miles - good recovery. 14lbs lost for the month.. I finely got consistent about strength training and haven't missed a workout yet. Lastly my food choices have gotten so much better. I'm eating a small countries worth of vegetables a day. Moderation and refocus on my goals is the key.
So bad, ends with good and it's ALLGOOD....

Naughty or Nice

As Christmas quickly approaches us, have you got your shopping done yet? I think I'm finally finished as of yesterday including stocking stuffers. This year is the first time EVER that I planned early and bought my large gifts before the rush. It has worked beautifully and the hecticness(is that a word?) has not been here this year. One thing I have noticed this year is the lack of spirit in the holiday. The economy seems to have a big part in that. My neighbors haven't decorated like they usually do and the malls aren't spilling over with people. My wish is that this recession we're in makes people think more about love, family and kindness.

I normally don't ask for much and I would much rather give a gift than recieve. I love watching my kids open gifts - nothing better in the world. This year I am hoping to recieve a running gift - any running gift, darn it!  LOL!!         even if it is a pair of socks, man those running socks are expensive!!!
Questions:
1)Is your shopping done? (Dec. 16 - tick,tick,tick..)
2)What did you ask for yourself for Christmas?
3)Home or Away for the holidays?
4)Runners - What running item/items did you ask for this year? Looking forward to your answers..

On the running front: I worked-in an 8.76 mile long run Saturday. It felt great! Need to try for a 10miler in the next couple weeks. I don't want to lose my long run stamina. I took Sunday off from running and ran a easy 5K Monday. Got a late start on tonight's workout, but I managed another 5K. My energy level was high throughout the day, but by the time I hit the treadmill tonight my legs decided that it was time to rest.  I finished the run and then did 1 hour of a upperbody lifting. I did manage 51 miles this past 2 weeks, so "on track!"

November Rain

My updates seem to be more periodic than usual.
Besides the stress relief in general, running helped to calm my angst today. Had a bit of a "tat" with someone this morning and I left for my run with frustration and dissatisfaction. If you were on the road this morning and seen a man barking at the air, that would've been me. I can picture someone driving down the road and saying, "Why is that guy talking to himself?" haha. The run didn't solve the problem, but it damn sure helped me calm down and relax and think things through. That's why it is so important to back off during a dissagreemeant and breathe - yelling never fixes anything . After 2 miles into my run, I was in the "chill zone" and felt better.
Now to the run: I left the house to a chilly 48 degrees with a non-stop 20 mph wind. I wore 2 coolmax shirts, jogging pants, and gloves and also brought my mp3 player for the first time in a few months. Plan was for 8 miles at a leisurely pace. The main goal today was to simply log miles! Around mile 5, the rain started and within a few minutes the big gusts and sideways heavy rain hit. It was difficult to keep my head up due to the stinging rain. Don't think that this was a bad run, because it wasn't. I felt refreshed after and the rain was suprisingly nice. Cold, stinging at times - but weirdly nice. Okay maybe it was that I just needed to RUN! Run Dave Run! :)
I knocked out 7.75 miles in 1:21:15. (10:29 pace)

Just my luck

I hope everyone has taken their American given right to vote today.

Don't be like the sad person on the internet that tried to sell his vote on EBay - dummy, class 4 felony(18yr old.) This is not a political blog, so I won't give you my "2 cents."

I sorta figured out what my stomach prob is. In medical terms it is called "Gut Rot!" LOL!!!

(That was funny if I do say so myself). I was not feeling sick one bit until after my Sat. run, then I ate some pizza and a little bit of pasta without drinking much of anything including no water during my run. I guess I wasn't paying attention. 2 hours after, I felt a pain and a lump in my abdomen, then nausea, then vomiting. Anyway, I got an X-ray of my abdomen yesterday and it seems that I have "Diverticulitis." I am on 2 antibiotics now, the nausea has subsided, and I am a bit better. Thanks for asking guysies. :)

Before I tell you about my run today, I must tell you about one of the antibiotics I am on - Cipro.

2 things about the drug.

1. It can make you sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun if possible.
2. Cipro can cause tendon rupture. The FDA has issued a "blackbox warning" about tendinitis and tendon rupture. 1 in 20 - 30,000.

So, while on my run I couldn't help but to think that I may be harming my achilles tendon while running. Just my luck I'll be the "1" who ruptures their achilles while taking the meds. I'm not that paranoid, but it makes you think...Also, this is funny - I got a sunburn while running. My face feels tight and is "red." Again, only "I" can recieve a sunburn in Fall - just my luck... :) damn drugs!!

Okay the run, it went disastarious. I wanted to "catch up" on running, since I didn't run Sun or Mon. Since I signed up for a 15K on Sat.Nov 22nd, I decided to run the same distance of 9.3 miles. The run went well until the 5 mile mark, then gloom and despair. I lost all energy, HR climbed, I "bonked!" I managed to finish the run with multiple walking sessions of 30-45 seconds. I drank plenty - 20 oz before, 30 oz during, 10 oz after. I ate a small banana and 1 pack of instant oatmeal before. Just to much mileage to soon after being sick. Lesson learned. BTW, I did an out and back so I would be forced to finish the run. Smart huh?

9.3 miles in 1:42:48 for a blazing 11:03 avg. The first 5 miles was in 52 mins(10:24 pace), the last 4.3 in 51 mins( 11:50 pace). phew..... Well I did finish, and it was a long run for me and I'm still within my pace range for long runs, so not all lost.

Beautiful Fall Day

What a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood.. I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like YOU!*hum* *hum* haha. I hope you all remember that or are you too young? cmon.. Mr Rogers!
Sunny 60-65 degrees, faint wind - great day to be out in my neck of the woods. Had a busy day this week at work like many of you and had to work on Saturday so I slept in a bit today. Wasn't a lazy Sunday like a few weeks ago. Did a little grocery shopping and picked up lots of healthy fruit and veggies. Unloaded the bags, ate a bite, then headed out for my run. I didn't get out on the road until early afternoon. Today I decided to run through town instead of the normal Sunday trail runs. Nice change..
The reason I was humming the Mr. Rogers tune is because I seen and talked to so many people I knew while running. Lots of runners and bikes out today, rather nice. Running can be lonely for the most part, but when you have a partner to run with or at least some fellow runners out there it makes the runs so much more enjoyable. I did manage to hook up with a gent that was at the end of his 20 miler for the day. I caught him at his 15 mile mark and you could tell he wished his day was over. We ran together for 2 miles and told me that I helped him get through the rough part, he gave me a high 5 , turned the corner, and went on his merry way. I managed to see many more throughout my run including - (Please don't judge this old man.) a rather cute(ok hot !) young lady whom I caught up to around mile 8. Picture this: I'm toward the end of my run, I'm a little tired, a little sweaty and she is running about the same pace(maybe a little slower) than me.
Do I :
a) zoom by her, scaring the crap out of here
b) slow down and run behind her so she thinks I'm a perv
c) stick out the chest, flex the muscles, and pretend I'm not "winded" as a I am
d) ran casually by her like a dork and say "hey, great running!"
e) all the above
Yes, you guessed it. E) all the above LOL!!!!!
I stayed in behind her ; she turns around (oh crap she thinks I'm a perv), then zoom by her and she gives out a big OH! ; as I'm passing I stick out my chest, flex my big toe(only muscle I have), and pretend I'm not winded; then she giggles and I say," Oh I'm sorry for startling you? Great running!" I'm such a geek, dork, loser, you big dummy...
as I'm passing she says, "I saw you about 30 minutes ago running up the road and I was hoping you would catch up. I hate running by myself." Yowsa! I am such a freakin STUD!, a chic magnet, I am so cool and suave, the girls just can't stay away..
Ahahahaha. She was a very friendly, sweet 25 yr old girl who just made this 38 yr old guy feel like he was 25 again. hehe I am so freakin old..
Anyway knocked out 10 miles in 1hr 47mins. I've been able to get in some very nice long runs lately; albeit slow, but I guess they are supoosed to be.
Hope you got a kick out of that story.. :)
and I will leave you with this gem:
Studly guy!
That is just the kinda thing I would do.

For some reason the comment boxes are not working on some blogs including mine. I tried to comment on a few of you today with no luck. Maybe they will fix it tomorrow? BTW I didn't block any of you.. or maybe I did. Muhaha..
Doing good on the eating this week, just gotta keep it up.
Well I am bummed about "dark" finally moving in. I love the temperatures, but it is dark by 7PM now.. I have been trying to run once or twice a week after I get off work, but it looks like that has officiallly ended. I think it may be time to hit the gym again. Gosh I really dread running on the dreadmill, I mean treadmill. Nothing more exciting than running in place , while smelling hot sweaty people next to you at the gym. LOL! I think I am talking about myself. I get bored very easy on the TM and it seems to mess up my stride. Not to mention, the fashion accessories you have to wear in order to fit in and not look like a dweeb. (LOL - dweeb, I've not said that word in 20 years!) Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice..
Running so far this week 2 runs totaling 7 miles. Probably won't get the chance to run again until Sunday.
I'll leave you all this thought about treadmills.

Stay cool!

Fun Weekend

Great day yesterday in the "Great Smokey Mountains." It was my second longest run of the year @ 11.5 miles. A mild 50 degrees and overcast. It did climb to 54 degrees by the end. I arrived an hour and a half later than expected due to the traffic. It seems that every vacationer in the United States decided to go to the Smokey's this weekend for the fall colors. My normal 1.5 hours of driving turned out to be 3 hours!! The 11 mile loop is closed to cars until 10 am for bikes, hikers, and runners. I didn't arrive until 11am, then I drove for another 20 minutes trying to find a parking spot.
The run went great, but there were so many vehicles on the loop that I was dodging cars "left and right" and often I had to stop to walk around cars. I turned my ankle twice; very minor - no pain whatsoever; while running through brush. Besides the cars, I really can't complain much because I had so much fun! I finished with a slow time compared to last - 11.5 miles in 2:11:15 (11:24 avg.) It did seem that there were more, steeper hills this time around. LOL!! Even though the cars were-a-plenty, the supportive people made it very enjoyable. I have found my favorite running place. The fall colors were nearly at their peak and the roaming wildlife is great.( Minus the Bears). I did get to see an Elk up close. It got to within 100 feet, which I have to say was scary as hell..hahaha They are huge!!! I sorta positioned my body behind a tree until he went the other direction..
Sadly, I brought my digital camera and forgot the damn memory card for it. No pictures!!
That sucked! After the run, I met up with my coworkers for some good grillin.. Nothing like a fat, fattening, juicy hotdog after a run. No guilt at all..
Congratulations to Shosh for running her 2nd half marathon in 7 days and a new PR! OMG! *jaw drops* You read that correctly 2 in 1 week!!!
Joy set a new PR in Atlantic City half marathon in a 20mph headwind! Then she went to work her 12 hour hospital shift!
Congrats to Lisa for knocking out the relay leg of the Baltimore marathon.
Morgan ran her first ever marathon in Kansas City. Pretty amazing gal, great story to tell!
Last one, "my man" Matt ran his first 5K ever!

TGIF

TGIF! At work right now, have a couple minutes. Thanks everyone for your comments, they were nice. Just to inform you all again. I am in a new era of running and those times I use to run with are far, far away from what I can do today. I think when I get below 200 lbs, I may be able to run between 7-8min/ miles on a regular basis, but then again maybe not. Of course I am much older(38) and weigh much more so we'll see.. Just got to get the weight off..
Speaking of weight, Many of the bloggers here use Weight Watchers and have sucess with it, so maybe I'll give that a try. I've always been against "weight-loss programs" , or at least I don't do well with em. I've done well with" the burn more calories than I take in method." But I am open to anything at this point, just got to get motivated.. Arghh..
Heading to "The Smokies" again this weekend to cookout and fellowship with my co-workers. Looking forward to it. Specifically to Cades Cove; where I ran my first half marathon distance back in September. I won't run that far this time, but maybe at least 10 miles, we'll see - depends how I feel..
So far this week, I have run 11 miles. (2) - 2.5 mile runs and (1) - 10K run. My 10 K run I decide to run @ 2pm , which coincided with the hottest part of the day(84 degees.) It was almost disasterous(sp?). I started out at an easy pace of 10min/mile , then by mile 4 I was feeling it. My HR started to get the 85-90% range, so I back off by 30sec/ mile without much change. I eventually had to walk twice. This was a hilly run and I drank plenty of fluids, just to hot!!
I ran again last night with my son. I'm finding this to be good for my soul. How often do you get to spend quality time with your kids? Not as much as you like, especially as they hit the teenage years. So I'll get to look back at these moments in my life and cherish them. Very cool...
I'll try to post Sunday and tell you if I survived the "big run." I'll take some pics too...
Hope your weekend goes well.. :)
PS sorry for the spelling errors and run-on sentences. hehe