Running: 9 Oct 2010 - Holliwell Bridge Run

Winterset is Iowa's home for covered bridges.  It is also the setting for Robert James Waller's best seller The Bridges of Madison County (& movie).  In my youth, my Dad used to coordinate the covered bridge marathon (Indianola to Winterset).  As the 70s gave way to the 80s and people had less time to spend on the "road," the race was shortened to a 5k.  (OK, I used some creative license there), but anyway the marathon is no more and has been replaced by a 5k run/walk (also coordinated by my Dad).

Running: 18 Sept 2010 - Kickin' It Up For Health 5k (22:17)

Rainy race day.  We met at the Madison County hospital...a fair number of us.  The timing of the event probably couldn't have been better.  It was cool and in between showers.  I picked up my race packet about a half hour before race time and immediately went for the shirt.  The hospital was giving nice moisture wicking shirts with entry.  I hadn't ran in one before and was eager to try one.

Running: 13 Sept 2010 - See Da (Cedar) Bridge

I missed a couple absolutely beautiful days of running this weekend and have seem to have slipped from 3-4 days a week to 2 as my blog also seems to indicate.  Bad Mikey!  It seems every morning I don't run is one of the nicest mornings to have run.  This morning I started at Car Quest again.  I like starting there I guess because it feels like I am going somewhere for a race.  I will say, as the season continues to age, the sunrise also continues to slip later and later.  I may have to adjust for that somehow.  I can see myself now - running with a headlamp looking like a half crazed miner huffing and puffing along the roads and streets of Madison county and Winterset...

Running: 8 Sept 2010 - Anniversay Run

I'm going to keep this entry short because I have a busy day today.  This morning was a special run.  It is both my parent's and me and Debbie's anniversary.  They have been married 48 years and we've been married 23.  It was also a Madison County Milers meeting day.  Today was a very nice morning to run.  Michelle, Jeff and I met at Car Quest at 5:45.  After stretching, we all donned our music players and set off on the usual route.  About a block down the street I noticed I could see my breath!  Now that's crisp and cool!   I commented to Michelle and Jeff, "This is going in my blog!"

Michelle and Jeff each ran their own routes, while I ran the MCM standby route today.  10th Street to Court, out to Norwood, back down Court, through the City Park, and back to Car Quest.  This route is a 4.51 mile route.  I finished in 35:07, breaking the 8:00 mark with a 7:48 pace.  Maybe NOW I'm getting somewhere.  The next run is the Hospital's Kickin It Up For Health 5k on Saturday the 18th.  Hopefully, I will still be below the 8:00 pace and finish well.

myk

Running: 6 Sep 2010 - Labor Day Holding Pattern

Well, I was looking for a change of scenery this morning.  It was Labor Day and I was off.  So before heading out, I jumped on RunningAHEAD and mapped out a new course.  This one, I decided would go north of town...toward the airport.  Looking at the map, it looked to be in the neighborhood of 4 miles or so.  It was more the "or so."

Running: 2 Sep 2010 - Geometric Jogging

I got the idea for today's run from a long walk with my dog, Koko last night.  I guess I had felt a bit guilty for not running Wednesday morning with the Madison County Milers.  So Wednesday night he and I took a long walk.  Today's run was essentially a really big square.  From home, I ran out to Hwy 92 and turned west, and ran down to 8th Ave.  I took 8th Ave down to Court, and Court all the way through town to 10th Street.  As this was a geometric jog, I turned left and brought the whole thing home.

You can check my running log over there on the right.  Just click on the day and you can see the route, elevation, and other stats.  Distance: 4.34, time: 35:05, rate: 8:06.

Hope to break the 7 minute pace soon.

myk

Running: 31 Aug 2010 - A Nice Day for a Wet Running

I tried to check the weather on my phone before setting out and got a communication error.  I guess I should have known it was going to rain.  It was humid as all get out...and starting to get hot.  But I dressed anyway and headed for Car Quest.  I decided to take a slightly different route this morning, shooting for about 4 miles.  So, earbuds in, music from the 80's pumping away, off I went.

Running: 25 Aug 2010 - Chasin Fall

From the way the weather felt this morning, we must be on the edge of Fall.  School started back up on Monday for the kids, the overnight low was around 57, and the high school football team has their season opener on Friday.  I cannot wait!!  With two boys on the Varsity squad (I think both playing offense and defense), the next couple of years will be very fun, albeit stressful for Mom to watch.  Guess I'll be sitting alone in the stands while she paces.  Go HUSKIES!  Whoop, whoop...oh yeah...this is a running blog...sorry...

Trimming, Climbing, Walking, and Running: 19-23 Aug 2010

Whew!  Interesting week off.  Per federal guidelines, I took a week off out of the bank (much needed, I might add).  The last day I ran was the 18th of August (4.8 miles).  I took the 19th off.  The 20th, Dad called me and asked if I'd ran yet, and I said no.  He said he could use some help trimming the hedges at the maze in the City Park.  Being the good son I am, I said I would help.  Well!  You wanna talk about a physically demanding activity, I don't think I have ever sweat so much in 2.5 hours as I did that morning.

Running: 18 Aug 2010 - The Fog

I would say I got up bright and early this morning, but I'd be lying.  It was early, but it was definitely NOT bright.  5:20 came early.  It was another MCM running day.  So up I got, and dressed did I and down the street my car did fly.  I pulled into Car Quest right behind Michelle.  Dan Staples was already there and warming up.  We continued to stretch and chat while waiting for Angie.  Just as Michelle was thinking Angie had bailed out due to the fog, she showed.  We all chatted a bit about how far we were each going to run, jammed the ear buds in, started our watches, and took off.

Running: 17 Aug 2010 - Sweet Poison

Today was the first time I have ran in the rain.  Maybe it is an early (or late) example of what Dam to Dam could be (or was) like.  Actually, it was a light rain, so I wasn't drenched before running like this year's D2D runners were prior to start.  After yesterday's 5.7 miles, I wanted something easy, so I decided to run my standby 5k.  Funny, I say I wanted something easy...Two months ago I would have scoffed at a 5k being "easy."

Running: 15 Aug 2010 - Holy Sweat

The 15th was Sunday and probably the first Sunday I have run.  I kinda figured I'd hear from Michelle and Angie as they had said they were going to run on Sunday.  I didn't.  But, as I was up and dressed, how could I not run?  But where?  Blood sugar was low again today, and I almost cancelled using that as an excuse.  I didn't.  So after sucking down 8oz. of OJ, I headed out toward the High School with a slightly wild hair up my butt.

Running: 14 Aug 2010 - La, La, La...

Short and sweet this morning, kids...It was a misty, overcast morning.  A morning I would have loved to stay in bed.  But...the alarms went off, just like always at 5:00, 5:05, and 5:09am.  And like most mornings, I hit snooze on the 5:09am alarm 3 times.  Just a few more minutes of sorting out the day.  Here is where the new habit/commitment, but not quite addiction, and definitely not obsession kicked in.  Here is where Coach whispered, "get up and run."   So, up I got, donned my running gear, and grabbed my music. 

Running: 12 Aug 2010 - Return of the Sweati

It really feels good taking a few days off after a race.  Especially with the heat we have had lately.  Granted, I don't run at night (might walk, though), because the mornings are usually coolers.  We have had some god-awful heat indices...102, 107, 110+ and today is supposed to be the worst.  If this morning is an indication of the rest of the day, UGHHH.  Apparently though, yesterday was a beautiful morning to run.  Michelle emailed me yesterday and chewed me out for not showing up for our Wednesday run with the Madison County Milers.  I deserved it, too.

Running: 7 Aug 2010 - Pump-n-Run (21:58)

Perfect weather for a race.  About 55 people running.  Four different races.  At least 2 runners with wrist GPS units.  And 1 person more than likely a bit short of the turn-around.  Yep, if sources serve correctly, we all were a little "faster" than we thought for today's 5k.  I believe the turn-around guy was a bit shy of the paint on the road.  I had seen it yesterday when I ran and thought to myself today when we made the U-turn, "Hmmm, where is the paint on the road that says 5k TURN?"  I mean, there were records falling, high fives being slapped for PBs, smiles on children's faces...."Oh! the humanity!"  Oh well, things like that happen.

Running: 6 Aug 2010 - Cheshire Moon

Friday, again.  And again, another racer's eve.  The 11th annual Cannonball Pump and Run is tomorrow morning.  I wanted to get a few miles in but didn't want to kill myself doing it, so I figured I'd run for distance and stretching versus time today.  To this end, I did NOT hit snooze on my phone's alarm clock and drug myself out of bed with a little more discipline than other mornings.  I woke again with low blood sugar - 47.  I'm going to make some changes to my pump settings.  The overnight basal rates are going to need adjusting (as might some of my others as I've been low a few times lately).

Running; 5 Arrrrgh 2010 - LOL

Tight.  Tight.  Tight.  I should have fought the rain yesterday and ran.  I think the tightness in my thighs must be from Coach's Goin' to State workout from Monday.  My Dad calls them ladders.  Either way, I think running yesterday would have helped today.  I was running a bit late again today.  Jeeze, there is that word again...running.  Seems to be taking over a bit of my vocabulary.  Could this be the beginning of obsession, Jeff?  Anyway, after the 3 alarms on my phone went off, I must have dozed back off because one minute it was 5:10 and the next minute it was 6:10.  Arrrrgh, I hate that. 

Running: 3 Aug 2010 - Goin' to State 2

As I woke up this morning, I was sort of wishing for rain.  It feels soooo good to sleep sometimes.  But, I convinced myself to get out of bed and don my running gear.  I checked my blood sugar, and it was 56 again, I believe.  So I whipped up some Shaklee Performance and sucked down a good 8 ounces.  I then wandered outside and contemplated my upcoming run.  After a few moments, I decided it would be a good day to Go to State.

Running: 2 Aug 2010 - WOW!

Well, it's the second of August already!  I can't believe I have been at this since the 14th of June already.  I haven't tallied the total number of miles I've ran, but if you have been following me, you might already have done the math (I will later).  I have run three 5k races and one 10k since starting, and have the Cannonball Pump and Run this weekend.  I think by this point I have run 22 times.  That should constitute a "habit."  It must, because I feel guilty when I don't run.  I don't think I have reached "addiction" stage yet, Jeff, but I'll keep at it...

Running: 30 July 2010 - Pickin up the Pace

Greetings, readers, runners, and rogues.  I really wrestled with whether or not to run this morning.  I had to be at work early, and was trying to convince myself that if I stayed in bed just a little longer, then I would not have time to run and be at work by 7:30.  Now, this is where the "addiction" must start to kick in.  I got up.  Yes, I got up.  I got dressed.  And, since I was up and dressed AND had wasted some time in getting to this place, I now had to hurry.  I hustled downstairs to put on my shoes and check my blood sugar.  49...urg.  I whipped up some Shaklee Performance and downed 8 oz. (25g of carbs).  It was out the door time at that point.

Running: 28 July 2010 - Chasin the Moon...again

Another Madison County Milers morning.  77 degrees and, you guessed it...humid.  Michelle, Angie, me, and Jeff Purdy showed up.  Nice to see Jeff again.  We started out from Car Quest as usual and headed north on 10th Street.  Michelle "cut" me loose after a couple blocks as I stretched out my stride and picked up my pace.  As we continued north, I glanced skyward.  There was my lunar running partner.  She was waning just a bit, still about 90% full, and always, beautiful...even in the morning.  I like running with the moon because it helps me keep my head up and my airway open.  Otherwise, I tend to let my eyes fall.  Like Coach says, your head goes where your eyes go...

Running: 26 July 2010 - Head out on a highway...

Welcome to another week of running and blogging.  I don't normally run on Mondays but I did today.  And from the sound of things, it's gonna be a scorcher of a week.  Nice to get some miles in early in the week.  But first for some sad news.  I lost my wallet this weekend.  I moped around all weekend.  Thanks go out to my family for turning the house upside down and not shipping me off to a mental ward.  OK, back to today's blog...

Running: 24 July 2010: Hope 5k (24:01)

Sorry this is a late posting, but I've been a bit busy.  Saturday's 5k run was up in West Des Moines and like I've said, was a fund raiser for Hope Lutheran Church.  My brother Andy and I both ran.  I hadn't planned on running a race this weekend, but since it was for charity and my brother was going to run, I did it anyway.  I would say there were about 300 or so runners.  We positioned ourselves about  mid-pack and waited for the start.  The weather was a bit overcast, about 76 degrees, and of course - humid.

Running: 23 July 2010 - Muggy

Another muggy day in Winterset, Iowa (like Summer could be ANY different...).  Rather slow in getting up this morning, but I did it anyway.  I slipped on my running gear, grabbed my Sansa Clip and headed outside.  I stretched and set my Clip to Bon Jovi's New Jersey.  Being a "child" of the 80's, you just can't get enough Bon Jovi.  Blood sugar before the run was 75, so like always, a good shot of Shaklee Performance was in order.

Walking: 22 July 2010 - Poor Dog

I thought I should add this to the blog mostly because it involves mobile activity and sweat.  About 10:30 last night I decided to take Koko (our dog) for a walk.  He loves to walk.  Matter of fact, we don't even say the word around him.  And when he learns how to spell, we'll have to switch to Spanish to talk about it.  Anyway, I got the 35 pound furry bladder harnessed up and set off.  Once again, it was HUMID.  I told him we were going to do about 2 miles, and as usual, he was rip, roarin', and ready to go.  I have often tried to count the number of times he stops to pee on things, and always quickly lose count.

Running: 21 July 2010 - Runny-dipping?

Ahhh, running.  And running, and running.  I'd been feeling guilty about not running the past FOUR days, and knowing the Madison County Milers meet Wednesday mornings between 5:30 and 5:45 to run, I really thought I should pull my butt out of bed and go.  So I did.  I got to our meeting place, stretched, and was just about to take off when Michelle showed up.  So I stretched a bit more while she prepared, and we took off.  I looked at the sky and the red clouds..."red skies at morning, sailors take warning" came into my head.  I wondered, heat? or humidity? or....We'll see.  Anyway, the pace was good and at one point I just sort of pulled ahead of Michelle.

Running: 16 July 2010 - FRIDAY!!!

What a gorgeous morning to run.  Mostly clear skies, 76 and not overly humid.  Woke again with low blood sugar (59).  So I mixed up some Shaklee Performance and downed about 10 ounces.  Although I had gotten up a bit early, I dragged my feet until I was a bit late - so I decided to just do 5k this morning.  But I would do it with a faster pace than before.  I stretched, got my tunes goin' and set off.

Running: 15 July 2010 - Change Up

You know, there's always something nice about going out after a storm.  This morning was no exception.  We had one of the coolest heat lightning storms I have ever seen last night.  It was breathtaking.  How do I know?  See, I was stuck in a parking lot locked out of my truck and could see it all.  Yes, I was locked out of my truck.  No, I didn't plan it.  And yes, I obviously got it open, because I am sitting here typing this now. 

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I checked the weather radar on my phone and could see the red indicators of lightning and dark green indicators of heavy rain marching on me like a Roman army about to quash a small village.  I want to thank the kind soul that got me to a Wal Mart to buy some hangars.  Remembering the time my son Brennan locked himself out of my truck, I was patient with my coat hanger and put the right bends in all the right places and eventually....tug...CLICK!  And like an exhausted bull rider just finishing an eternity on a pissed off bull named Hell's Lightning, I thrust my hands in the air and yelled, "HELL YEAH!"  just as the night burst into rain.  But, my exciting evening is not why you are here.  On to today's running update...

Running: 14 July 2010 - On The Road Again

OK, it's been a few days since I posted...'bout as many as I have skipped running.  I got back at it this morning with the Madison County Milers.  It was a sticky, sweltering and steamy, sauna-istic 36 minutes.  I would not do too well in Hell - especially if it is humid.  Anyway, I put in 4.3 miles this morning.  Nice to have the music.  I am going to see if it is possible to download 8 minute pace MP3s or something like that.  Surely, they exist..Jeff? 

Running: 10 July 2010 - Midnight Madness [pt 2] (57:30)

Midnight Madness 2010 is in the books.  My first "competitive" 10k is complete.  I finished 298th overall and 27th in my age division with a time of 57:30. Dad placed 5th in the 10k and 3rd in the 15k in his division.  If you've followed any of this running blog, you will know I am NOT out there to win any of these "races."  I am out there to first to finish (not finish first), and second to hopefully improve my time over my last race, and third to not die in the process.  I would like to think I help others win these races.  Because if I was not out there, they would have no one to beat. So that kinda makes me the winner for being so helpful.

Running: 10 July 2010 - Midnight Madness [pt 1]

It is the morning of Midnight Madness 2010.  In just about 12 hours Dad and I will be headed home.  Hopefully, he will have a medal from either the 5k or 10k (perhaps both).  I will have sweat-soaked clothes, tired legs, a t-shirt, and memories.  Memories that I will share with you all when I get back tonight.  I am hoping for good weather (cool and dry), and from the looks of things, I should not be disappointed.

Running: 9 July 2010 - Not today

I must be getting used to this running stuff.  I woke before my alarm clocks this morning and thought about going running.  "No," I told myself "today is a day of rest."  So I went back to sleep.  I did, however, stretch a bit when I finally rolled out of bed - just like I do every morning that I go running.  I also took some time to reflect. 

It's been about a month since I started running.  And I suppose I am much closer to my goal of running 20k at Dam to Dam.  An anonymous reader stated I'm half way there.  I suppose in some respects, I am.  In being able to cover the distance, yes.  Now comes the long arduous process of becoming conditioned to running. 

Running: 8 July 2010 - Milestone!!

Well kiddies, I have proven to myself that my upcoming "race" IS doable.  This morning I ran the furthest and longest I ever have.  Under the watchful smile of the morning moon AND radiant glow of the rising sun, I set forth on my morning run.  I modified yesterday's route by adding an additional 1.5 miles to the half-way point, an extra loop around the city park (.5m) and a slight appendage to the end (.1m).  When you throw all that into the mileage blender, apply a little Euclidean distance ciphering, you get (drum roll, please)..........

Running: 7 July 2010 - 4 Miles!

Today I joined the Madison County Milers for my morning run.  My friend Michelle kinda wrangled me into joining them.  It was actually rather nice.  In the beginning, I really thought our pace was slow, but as we ran on, I came to realize part of my struggles with my other runs was that I had been going too fast.  It was also very nice to run with other people.  The moon doesn't say much and seems to run or walk in concert with my pace.  Here, it was different.

Running: 6 July 2010 - "Genesis in Hell"

Why Genesis in Hell as the label for today's blog?  Because today's run was just that...hell.  I don't know why, either.  I've taken two days off before so this should be no REAL surprise or change for my body.  Yesterday my calves felt like two overstuffed sausage tubes about to burst.  They felt a bit better today, but while I ran (if you can call it that), I got a little shin-splinty in my left shin.  Another interesting physiolgoical observation this morning, was that after about a block I was ready to walk.  It felt like I had a medicine ball in my stomach.  Very tight.  Very uncomfortable.

Running: 5 July 2010 - Day Off

Yes, a day off.  A day off from work, and a day off from running.  My calves are bloated.  Could be from sitting on my butt all day doing homework.  Both suck.  So, to keep this short and sweet, I'll just put a picture of me and Dad up here from the Earlham Firecracker 5k.

The next picture I'll post will HOPEFULLY  be of me after the Ames Midnight Madness 10k on the 10th of July 2010.  A little leery, but Coach says I can do it.

myk

Running: 3 July 2010 – Earlham Firecracker 5k (25:22)

I woke for today’s race with low blood sugar (53).  So, knowing I needed some carbs to run on, I mixed 32 ounces of Shaklee Performance.  It runs about 25g of carbs per 8 ounces of drink.  I drank about half that before running.  Blood sugar before the race was a comfortable 149.  Post race: 117 with a pulse of 136 two minutes after finishing.

Running: 2 July 2010 - 2nd Race 1 day away...

Once again, another very nice morning for running.  Light breeze, mid 60's, still had the moon as my running partner.  It's a little more faithful at this than I seem to be, but I'm working on it.  Nothing major today.  Just kind of started off down the street.  I didn't want to run too hard or too far (LOL), but I knew if I didn't run this morning, the day and night would come and go and suddenly, I'd find myself in Earlham tomorrow morning wishing like heck I'd have ran today.  So, off I went...

Running: A Little Backpedaling

The Power of Three

I finally pulled this off the computer this morning.  It was from the Stuart Good Egg Days 5k on 6/19/10.

3 generations (Dad-Bob), (Me-Mike), and (Son #4-Jordan)

I earned 3 medals (1st father/son - me & Dad), (2nd father/son - me & Jordan),

and placed 3rd in my division.

Each of us has a 3 on our runner tags.  Oh yeah...it was a 5k (3.1 miles).

Running: 30 June 2010 - Milestone

Another beautiful day for a run.  Part of me was real reluctant to want to get up this morning.  I suppose that part would be just the parts that are required for running...and my wenis (actually termed the olecranan skin).  I'd say the temp was a cool 65 degrees.  It was very nice.  I had a nice breeze blowing in my bedroom window...I could have stayed in bed...ahhhhhh....but I didn't.

Running: 28 June 2010 - Back at it...

Beautiful morning for a run.  I hauled my butt outta bed and went.  I chased the morning full moon for a bit, contemplating what it was doing to the waters of the earth.  I'm sure it was doing what it did everyday with the tides.  I noticed, although only 2 days after being full and commanding of the night, in the morning sky it had already started to wane.  Then, realizing I was NOT going to catch it, I turned perpendicular to its path and continued my run.  Finally, I turned again and let IT watch ME, as I ran the rest of the 5k home. 

Running: 25 June 2010 - Not today.

Well, I did not get up this morning and am kinda kicking myself for not doing so.  It was gorgeous out too.  Part of the reason is I was low.  When I woke up at the prescribed running time, my blood sugar was 56.  And with timing being everything, by the time I would have eaten something and gotten the blood sugar back to a decent range to exercise, I would have been out of time to run.  Plus, I would have had food in my gut, and after last Saturday and almost spilling my cereal, I wasn't going to take the chance.  Ahhhh, living with Diabetes...

Running: 24 Jun 2010 - Ohmmmm

Sigh...they say 21 times makes a habit.  That means I have 15 more times to go before running becomes a "habit."  Ya know, there's just something odd about mixing the words running and habit.  Picking your nose is a habit.  Cracking your gum is a habit.  Both are annoying habits.  How can running become a habit?  Obsession, maybe.  But habit? 

Running: 23 June 2010 - ^%@#$&!

OK, let me make this one announcement: I DO NOT LIKE RUNNING!  I thought about HATE, but hate is such a strong word.  Well, maybe I do.  What is it about running that people enjoy?  I mean really?  Sweating through every stitch of clothing, showering and coming out STILL sweating; feeling like your lungs are gonna blow through your upper torso; pelvis, lower back, and (since I'm in a WEEEEE bit of pain today) ass hurting so bad they are numb...Oh yeah baby, that's enjoyable...

Running: 22 Jun 2010 - Contemplation / Recovery

No, I didn't run on Father's Day.  I didn't run on Monday (prescribed day off).  Tuesday morning I laid in bed with the voice from last week that said 'STAY IN BED...I AM THE MASTER OF YOUR DESTINY.'  Well, that and there were some terrific storms kicking off this morning.  Humidity was darn near 100% all day long and temps of 93+ and heat indexes of 102.  It is now 9:04 pm, and it cooled to 86 with a heat index of 95 and 70% humidity.  YUCK!!!  I will probably go for a walk though.

The next race is the 3rd of July.  I really need to hit the streets.  Tomorrow morning is a definite...rain or not.  Promise.

Running: 20 Jun 2010 - Father's Day

No running today.  It IS Father's Day.  Next race is 12 days away....12 days?  Oh jeeze.  Maybe I'll run tomorrow.  Coach says I can wait til Tuesday.  We'll see about that.  I figure I need to run about 4 days a week.  I would like to better my time at the Firecracker 5k by at least a couple minutes.  Or maybe just not stop.  Either way, one might just lead to the other.

I will rest today.  I'll let you all know what happens tomorrow...

Myk

Running: 19 June 2010 - My First 5k (26:18)

A 5k race in the middle of June, my first ever and none too soon.

In 26 minutes and 18 seconds, this race was over and the next one beckons.

But not before running a few more days, I'll check my bod and see what it says.

Cuz right now my feet, thighs, and butt all would agree, at this very moment - Coach let me be!

The Stuart Good Egg Days 5k is over.  I placed 3rd in my division.  Not bad.  Fantastic, actually because my goal was to finish.  Yeah, you runners out there might be thinking, 'good god, man! It's just 3.1 miles.'  Whatever...We all have to start somewhere.  But I also got a Gold and Silver medal.  You see, it was Father's Day weekend.  My Dad ran, and my 12 year old son Jordan ran (also his first 5k).  Each of us dads/sons entered in the Father/Son road race.  Dad and I took 1st and Jordan and I took 2nd.  Not too shabby.

Running: 18 June 2010 - And on the 5th day...

While I am not one to compare myself too much The Almighty, even I took a day to rest.  Coach said to rest today.  So I did.  Ahhhhhh......Tomorrow is the big day.  I will be in Stuart, Iowa at 7am along with all the other ravenous road runners.  I will get my number, stretch, and congregate around the starting area.  I'll switch my wrist watch to stop watch and wait.  I'll wait for the starter to call us to our marks.  I'll wait for starter to command us to be ready and set.  I'm sure it will seem like an eternity for the starter to say GO.  At that point, with a deep breath, I will GO.  I will not stop.  I will breathe.  I will run.  And my lead loaded feet, thighs, and butt will...do what Coach wants me to do...I will run...my first 5k.

Cheers!

Running: 17 June 2010 - 3+

Backed by Coach's "soothing" reminder that I need to think like the Little Engine That Could, I hit the streets at 6:14 am.  Coach was recommending an easy 4 miles and just between you and me, IMHO there ain't nothing easy about 4 miles - yet.  Today though, I really didn't have a plan or route or anything.  So off I went, thunder on the horizon...

Running: 16 June 2010 - ughhh

If Coach was here right now, I would have words!  "Uhnnn, ooooo, iyiyiyi" or something like that.  Bloody wonderful idea to run last night AND this morning.  Actually though, I'm not doing too bad.  Yeah, I'm a bit stiff and sore, but I've only been at this for 3 days.  Habits take 21 to set in, so I got a ways to go.  But maybe Coach was right.  Instead of recuperating, HIT the body with 2 runs sorta back to back.  That way the brain won't have enough time to convince the rest of the body to "stay the hell in bed" (like yesterday).

This morning's run included some walking. :( 

Running: June 15, 2010 (and a little background)

Ok, remember that voice this morning that told me to stay in bed?  I don't like him.  Well, part of me does.  That would have been my wenis.  No, not THAT!  Shame on you folks. A wenis, according to www.definition-of.com, is - the stretchy skin that covers your elbow - almost like your funny bone.  That's the only part of me that is not sore.


Coach told me it was OK not to have run this morning, but to run 2 miles tonight and then again (3 ) tomorrow morning. Urg!  Anyway, tonight's run, 2.2 miles (to the high school and back) took me 21:11.  Right about double the time it took me to do the 1.1 yesterday.  Admittedly, I walked for 1 minute.  Pulse at the end of the run: 156 again. 

Running: June 15 2010 - The Day After

     Well, it's the day after.  The day after I started running.  Part of me thought about running this morning, and the other part told the first part to shut the hell up and stay in bed.  I caved in to the second part.  There is always this evening. 
     I did notice I was a bit stiff this morning though.  Not bad.  Heck, it was only 1.1 miles yesterday for godsake. 
     I looked up the date for next year's Dam to Dam race.  It is June 4, 2011.  So I'm just under a year away.  In the mean time, I plan on running a few other races.  Good prep work, I figure.  My brother Andy honchos the Stuart, Iowa - Good Egg Days race every Father's Day weekend.  I think he's got a 5K.  Maybe I'll check that out.  The last time I ran competitively was in high school for cross country.  Jeeze, that was..........oh god....27 years ago.

Running: June 14, 2010 - A Year to Find Out Why

     Running. Running? Yes, running. That's what I did this morning. At 6:11 am, I ran. And I ran, I ran so far away, and I ran, I ran both...WAITAMINIT! God, a Duran Duran song....jeeze...frigging '80s. Anyway, I started running. I have this "lofty" goal to run a 20K. This time next year (6/4/11), I want to finish the Dam to Dam 20K run in under 2 hours.