Why, How, What, Where I Run...

Speaking of Changes!

2009-06-29T13:58:00.002-06:00

I've moved my blog.

As this blog was not available for so long, I went and purchased my own domain. A friend is hosting it.

If you would like to visit it, you can click on the following link -
www.cewtwo.com

Things Can Change So Quickly…

2009-04-28T10:11:00.006-06:00

And things did do that for me yesterday.

My best friend died yesterday. I’m talking about Molly, my Australian Shepard. It happened suddenly. She had a carcinoma (tumor) on her heart that had burst. The sack around her heart filled with blood. The pressure was stopping her heart from beating properly.

We got up at the regular time and found Molly to be listless and lethargic. She was coughing and had little energy. The day before she was fine. As the day progressed, she was getting worse. I got a feeling about her late in the afternoon and called my friend, Tom, to check her out.

By the time we knew what was happening and got her to a Vet, she had almost no blood pressure. Her Vet told us that the help she needed was only available at an emergency clinic. She was rushed to one immediately.

They did tests and the diagnosis was the carcinoma, but there were unknowns. They were able to tap the fluid from around her heart. She responded and improved, but only to a point.

Around 11:15 PM, we got another call from the Vet. The fluid had refilled the sack and she had to be tapped again. The Vet said that the leak was bad. We decided to go to the emergency clinic.

We talked to the Vet. The prognosis was not good. As the leak was so bad, she would probably have to be tapped two more times in order for the Cardiologist specialist to see her in the morning.

Molly was dying.

We made the final decision. She had suffered enough and we did not want her to experience anymore discomfort.

We went in to see Molly. She perked up when she saw her ‘pack!’ She got up and was seemingly ready to go home. But, She was so tired and lay back down. There was a sparkle in her eyes but there was also a sad dimness to them. My heart went out to her as I realized that the correct decision had been made.

We gave my special friend hugs, caressed her and said our goodbyes. I laid her head in my lap, as the Doctor came in and prepared to do his job. I kissed her head and petted her neck and head as the Doctor did his job. Soon, it was over and Molly found her final peace. The Doctor told us (when all was said and done) that we had really made the right decision for her situation.

Keep in mind that I am sad now over the loss of a good friend. She was my constant companion for more than 10 years. We played Frisbee, played ball, ran together, went jeeping together, took vacations together and many more things. She thought that she was the consummate taste-tester and often assisted me in the kitchen. As a matter of fact, we spent the last week vacationing together, jeeping in Moab, Utah.

I will so miss my friend, Molly!

Rest, my friend! Rest in peace!

How Far Have I Run?

2009-03-31T14:51:00.000-06:00

I never thought that I would have come as far as I have with my running. It has been an amazing journey. I want to thank all of you that have encouraged me along the way. Don't think you're done, though. I still need all of the encouragement I can get!

Running -
So… What have I accomplished so far in 2009? Not as much as I wanted to, but I have been running. So far, it has been treadmill running. I’m used to it and it is easily accomplished. I'll be out more and more as the weather clears in April.

I seem obsessed on my 10K run coming up on May 9th. I know that I have been ignoring the half-marathon coming up on May 17th. I really need to start increasing miles now so I will be able to run it!

This is my running statistics chart for 2009.

I still have my cough. I keep telling myself to go back to the Doctor. I believe it is related to the blood pressure medicine that I am taking. If I could clear that up I could breathe a lot easier and get more accomplished.

The Recent Denver Snow Storm –
Well, you’ve heard about it. An almost blizzard! The, all of a sudden, it tapered off and just slowed way down.

Other stuff –
I am still going jeeping on a regular basis. After all, you need to do something (fun) on your day of rest.

Here are some videos if you are interested –

Running a steep hill covered with snow. Will he make it in this Bronco?

Now, let’s try it in the Mighty YJ!

(oh well, you can’t have everything!)

What happens if get up there and then get stuck?

Things & Stuff!

2009-03-16T14:22:00.002-06:00

Running!
Yes, I have been running. So much that I felt last week should be an easy week. That was the plan, but you know how these things go… I ran 26.1 miles. All on the treadmill. I seem to be getting faster and faster…

Here is a chart to track some “Progress.”

Improving? I think so!

Home Theatre PC
What is a Home Theatre PC (HTPC)? An HTPC is a computer built to handle a household’s entertainment from a central location; music, pictures, audio and video.

I’ve had an HTPC before but decided to rebuild it. Before it had a TV Tuner, and the purpose was to serve as a secondary DVR (Digital Video Recorder). It had SageTV for the DVR software. I removed the tuner card and the software.

The build is almost finished!

I kept the motherboard, AMD duo-core processor, 1Gig of RAM and the 400 GB hard drive (re-formatted). I bought a new case, power supply, and video card. I had already added a HAVA Titanium HD Video server for my home network.

The case has a flip up cage for the peripheral devices.

Never as easy as it could be, I had to use an EIDE DVD-Rom drive to load the operating system.

The HAVA unit takes a video signal and transmits it, either via Ethernet or wireless or even from the internet. So, I take the HAVA signal and use the HTPC to act a second TV in the lower level entertainment center.

In place! No separate DVD unit or receiver amplifier now!

I am also using BOXEE and HULU as sources for the HTPC.

Now…What does this have to do with running? The lower level of my house used to be a Mother-In-Law apartment. I have the treadmill down there. It sits in front of the HTPC entertainment center. So, it is all to keep my mind as busy as my body during my runs!

The Treadmill and I are satisfied again!

Finally…
Ever get splashed while running? This Jeep is going to do it now!

March! (Already?)

2009-03-08T08:55:00.002-06:00

Last week, I ran 30.1 miles at a pace of about 9:17. I am trying to get faster.

First of all, let me say that I actually like running on my treadmill. It is an offensive machine in that it makes me work so hard, but I am the one that programs it.

Through February, I slowly raised the elevation of the treadmill from 1.0 to 2.5. The first week of March I ran on it at an elevation of 3.0. Next week, I plan to raise the elevation to 3.5.

A Progress Chart -

Competitions -
Saturday, May 9th is the Highline Canal Run. Sponsored by a local parks & recreation district, I want to run the 10K AND run it in less than 1 hour. Maybe 2009 is the year for that! You can find out about it here. This will be my third year running this local, fun run. My friend, Tom, is going to run this one, too!

Eight days after that, on Sunday, May 17th, I'll run the Colorado-Colfax Half-Marathon. I ran this last year. I hope to beat 2:20:00 and my previous run time. You can find out more about it here. I'll be running a co-worker at this one. Early registration was a 2-for-1 and we agreed to run it!

Running Humor -
A runner asked his wife: "What do you love most about me? My tremendous athletic ability or my superior intellect?" "What I love most about you," responded the man's wife, "is your enormous sense of humor."

What? February is Almost Over?

2009-02-21T11:18:00.004-07:00

OK, they tell you at the start line that there are photographers all along the route so when you see one, Smile! At least act like you're having a good time.
AND... No matter how tired I got, it was a good time.

Running?

I am!

I ran 29.50 miles last week. I've increased the elevation of the treadmill from always running at 1.0 to 2.0 this month. Next week it will increase to 2.5. I did increase the long run to 7 miles.
Best 5K time last week was 28:41, and the best 10K was 58:40.
I am still slow, but not as slow!

Here are some figures:

January- - - - - - - February- - - - - -TOTAL
_____________________________________________
27 runs...............18 runs..............45 runs
9:32 pace............9:19 pace...........9:26 pace
18,705 calories....14,394 calories...33,099 calories
110.2 miles..........84.8 miles.........195.0 miles

Now... How is that for some (well... trivial) facts! They do show an improvement.

10K race and the half-marathon are but 3 months away!

The Doldrums...

2009-02-05T14:35:00.002-07:00

A dictionary might define “Doldrums” as a period of stagnation or slump.

Am I in a slump? Am I being inactive? No to both.

I use the term to describe a state where I am training but not actually for a purpose.

I am up to running 2 10Ks a week. Most weeks are 26 miles. I am slowly increasing the elevation on the treadmill as well as increasing my speed.

Is it giving me results? Yes. For instance, BuckeyeOutdoors.com reports that in January, I ran 110.20 miles total in 27 runs. Of that, I averaged 4.10 miles per run at a pace of 9:32 or 6.3 miles per hour.

Considering I trained for my marathon @ a 12:00 pace (and ran it at a higher number), I do believe that I am improving.

So far for 2009 (as of this morning), I have run 128 miles.

So, the doldrums. I will be happier when this “Einstein” runner can start to train for that elusive 10K at under an hour, and, at the same time for a half-marathon. That first half-marathon will be one week after the 10K. I am so happy when I can schedule and then check the schedule. Sometimes, the competition itself can be a let down. Wish me luck anyway.

More information in a bit. Thanks for reading!

How are your doldrums coming along?

And Remember...
If you are going to take up cross-country running, it is always better to start with a small country.

Update!

2009-01-26T14:00:00.004-07:00

I ran 26 miles even last week. I am trying to up the runs to include two 10Ks per week. I am working on the speed, as well.

I have 87.35 miles for the month of January and, coincidentally, I have run 87.35 miles in 2009. Hmmm…

I went to the Doctor last week. I had the blood lab work done the week before.

My Numbers -

The Good News? I am healthy. Most of the numbers are within range.

The Bad News? Triglycerides are out of range and in the high end. That means that I am getting fat and I need to lose some weight. I guess that I have become complacent since my marathon run. I am running, but I am also eating. The Doctor suggested that I lose 10 – 15 pounds.

“Do I cut out more fat from my diet?” I asked.

“No,” He said, “You just need to push yourself away from the table earlier.”

Not a difficult goal. I can do that.

My Cough –
I did mention to the Doctor that I have a cough. It is not a cold (or flu, or pneumonia, or anything of that ilk). My lungs are clear. It happens mostly when I run. It can be a deep, hacking cough when it comes on.

After some questions, he stated that it is one of two things –
1. Exercise induced asthma (like I run a lot or something).
2. An anti-hypertension drug induced cough.

He asked if I wanted to test it yet or wait. It hasn’t been too bad yet, but it is becoming noticeable. I told him it could wait.

He said that the test is easy - A pulmonary function test, then a run (he suggested stairs), until I cough, then back for another pulmonary function test again.

We set it up so I could contact him if the cough gets to be worse.

Some Fun –
I cleared the marathon with him the last time that I saw him. I made sure that I wore the Las Vegas Marathon registration shirt AND the Finisher’s Medal for the appointment.

The Doctor and I are about the same age. He is a runner (and responsible for me starting to run).

We talked about the marathon, the experience, and about running in general.

When I was preparing to go, he told me that I have surpassed him as a runner, and shook my hand. “Good job!” He said!

Finally -
I am breaking in a new pair of shoes. I finally bit the bullet and bought a pair. They are the same as the old pair (Mizuno Wave Alchemy). Much brighter and cleaner, but the very same model! So far, after one run, they feel the same and that is great! There is something to be said for consistency.

The 2009 Schedule! (A Start Anyway...)

2009-01-19T16:59:00.006-07:00

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Spoiler Alert! DO NOT let the kids read the end of this post.
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Well, I guess that I did not learn my lesson. Not yet anyway.

I am signed up for two events so far (No! No marathons as of yet).

Saturday, May 9 - South Suburban Parks & Recreation Highline Canal Fun Run - 10K. I want to run this one in less than an hour. That would be something for this old bird (buzzard). I am working at my speed already.

Sunday, May 17 - The Colorado Colfax Half-Marathon. I ran this last year in 2:20:41. So, I would like to do it in less than that. Now, my friend, Greg, already has me running it in less than 2 hours. After all, he says that it is but 2 10Ks side-by-side with just a little bit more added. Thanks, Greg!

Friends on Facebook are already taking it quite literally...

Last week, I ran 23.50 miles. The miles were at a pace of less than 10:00. I am working at getting faster. Today's run was on the treadmill at a pace of 9:17. Thank goodness I have a lot of time to train in and a better working knowledge of how to train. (Now if only I were successful at it!)

I am at 61.08 miles for 2009 as of today.

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This humorous bit is from a friend of mine -

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Subject: Raising Boys
a) For those with no children - this is totally hysterical!
b) For those who already have children past this age, this is hilarious.
c) For those who have children at this age, this is not funny.
d) For those who have children nearing this age, this is a warning.
e) For those who have not yet had children, this is birth control.

The following came from an anonymous Mother in Austin, Texas...

Things I've learned from my Boys (honest and not kidding):

1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.

5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way

6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late.

8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.

10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old boy.

11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12.) Super glue is forever.

13.) No matter how much J ell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15.) VCR's do not eject "PB &J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

20.) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time.

21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

25.) Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.

2008 – A Personal Year Of Achievement!

2009-01-12T20:04:00.002-07:00

I accomplished a lot last year. I achieved a life goal.

This is a running blog. I did do some running. I did discover that running can wear the body down. I discovered that I do exude my electrolytes, literally, right through my skin. I have to balance my hydration.

I ran a disappointing 10K. This year, I want to run the same race again in under an hour. I know that I can do this.

I ran a half-marathon. I was not disappointed with my time. I am going to sign up for that same competition again but to PR.

I ran a 4 mile. I ran it with friends. I made a new friend! It was a great experience. This year, I will run the half—marathon again. It is just more fun!

I ran another half-marathon. I was disappointed. I experienced cramps, but did finish! Now, I have better knowledge of how to run it without! I did PR but crossed the finish line with lower leg cramps.

I attempted to run the Chicago marathon. I did not succeed. My electrolyte problem surfaced again. I dropped to the ground at mile 24 with both lower legs cramping hard. I just could not finish this one! I am not planning on running this one again…

I became a coordinator for a group on a blog site - What's a Few Miles Among Friends? If you get a chance, check it out. Think about joining our little group! I am proud of all of them! If you wonder why I don't update my blog as often as I used to, this site is the reason! But it is so worth it to me!

I learned to pick myself up and keep going. It was very disappointing, but I found out that I could continue training. I was training and looking for another marathon to run. I considered Tulsa, Seattle, Phoenix and some others. I decided on Las Vegas.

I ran the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon. This was a really an emotional experience for me. When I was preparing for this one, I just knew that I would succeed. All through this race, at different moments, I’d find myself with tears in my eyes and I would choke up.

This was an amazing start. The gun went off. Fireworks filled the sky and the Las Vegas Strip was blocked off to traffic, but not for the runners! I ran the Strip. What a moment! It continued through the finish line.

I have a friend, Mitch. Mitch is 10 years old. He is a precocious child. He saw me within the last mile of the finish line and ran alongside encouraging me on. What a guy! He made it special for me.

I will probably run Las Vegas again! I am a marathon runner now. 55 years old and a marathon runner. I impressed myself!

In 2008, I ran a total of 1,618 miles. Does that make me a runner? No. What makes me a runner is the willingness to get out there and run. Slow as a turtle, but out there. Inspiration comes from everywhere. From magazines, from runners on twitter, from other runner’s blogs, but mostly from people like you… Thank you for that!

What does 2009 hold? Let us see…

I Was Selfish!

2008-12-12T15:25:00.002-07:00

First of all,
There was bad news and there was good news.

The bad news? I am no longer a member of the “almost marathon” club. I am an actual marathon runner. I completed the Las Vegas Marathon in December 7th in 6 hours 4 minutes and 22 seconds.

Preparation
I decided a while ago to be selfish for this competition. I was going to look out for me this time. I did not contact the usual podcasts. I didn’t make the usual announcements. I was in this one for me. I didn’t want to hex it.

I was almost superstitious about it. I wore different socks, different shorts, different shirt and a different hat. I wore a Chicago shirt that I trained in for both of my marathons! After all, I couldn’t let Chicago totally defeat me.

My best friend in the entire world, Tom, went with me to Las Vegas. I’ve known Tom since Junior High School. We got a package travel plan a while before the travel dates. Tom had talked to his family and explained our plans to them. They decided to drive up from Phoenix and support the cause. We had Tom’s Mom Peggy, Dad Don, Brother Don, Nancy (Don’s wife) and the kids, Julia and Mitch. What a support team I ended up with.

The first night, Tom and I went to the expo as soon as we had the rental car. That would save us time for later. I got the bib, the paper chip and the goody bag. I did buy 3 Powerbars, 5 Hammer gels, “26.2” gizmo socks, a pair of sunglasses, a hat and a coffee mug. I guess that I had confidence this time around

The Great Las Vegas Santa Run!
We agreed as a group to participate in the 2008 Las Vegas Great Santa Run. It is an annual Las Vegas charity event that set the Guiness Book world record in 2007 (since defeated). 6 of us participated in the 5K. Don and Tom ran with Mitch and Julia. Their time was 45:30. Nancy and I walked it in 55:44. Of course, all of us were wearing Santa suits! It was a fun way to spend the morning. Afterward, we all went to the MGM Grand and had an excellent buffet.

The Quiet Before The Storm!
Soon after that, I went into solitude mode. I went back to the room and started preparing for the event. I guess that everyone has their own routine. I know that I have mine. I took out my lists and my equipment and got to work. As the race was to start at 6:05 AM the next morning, I got to bed at about 8:30 PM. I set the alarm clock for 4:00 AM.

I guess that I slept the night before fairly well. I did not think that I did. Tom said that he came in at around 9:15 PM. I heard him come in, but do not remember much after that. I woke at about 3:50 AM. I waited a few minutes but turned off the alarm before it went off.

I turned on one light. I started the coffee pot. I went through my morning ablutions and got dressed. Tom and I were out the door by 4:45 AM. We went to Don’s room and he opened the door. He had been waiting for us in the dark. We started the drive to the start line.

Ever been to Las Vegas? The Las Vegas Strip is slow at the best of times. It was nigh on impossible to approach the Mandalay Bay on that day. Don drove as close as he could get. It was a trial. I finally got out about 2 long blocks from the start line. I moved in and joined the gathering runners within a few hundred feet from the start. When the announcement booth started up it was 5:35 AM.

Time passed slowly. It was a cool morning, but almost perfect for a long race. I was dressed minimally. It was cool but I knew that after the start I would get warm soon enough.

The Marathon
The wheelchairs started at 5:55 AM.

They moved us up to the starting line after that start. Before I was ready, they started the race. To my right, the skies suddenly lit up with fireworks! We began to run and our way was lit with that barrage of explosions. It was a spectacular way to start. As we ran down the famous Las Vegas Strip, many of the casinos put greetings on their marquees as we passed them. Very cool!

The beginning of the race had throngs of spectators lining the strip. I did bring the cell phone this time. After following the rules at Chicago, I decided to always run with a cell phone, legal or not. It makes no sense not to have one.

I carried 3 Hammer nutrition gels (they were in my hat). I ingested them every 30 minutes. I had 2 banana Powerbars for run time after that and I also had Hammer Perpetuem mixed up and ready. I was also using Hammer Endurolyte capsules. I took 2 every 30 minutes until toward the end.

I did take the Flip Ultra video, but did not use it during the run. I did take some videos before the event started. I did not take my iPod nano or the nike+ system for this run. I wanted to experience it!

As I said, I was selfish this time around. I was in this one for me. I treated it as a long run (practice). I talked to other runners, but didn’t take names. Wearing a “Chicago” shirt, I either talked to others or they talked to me. Happened several times! There are some strong opinions regarding the Chicago Marathon!

Before the half-marathon runners and the marathon runners separated, near the downtown area, the run-through chapel was situated. Several couples either were married or renewed their vows. Of course, wedding cake was offered to all of the runners. (Nope, I didn’t take any…)

The two races split just before the downtown area. Volunteers directed the half-marathoners to the left and the marathoners to the right. Of course, the runners took up the call! “Half-crazy to the left! Fully crazy to the right!” was heard many a time. This is it, I thought to myself. Now I am committed (or should that have been committable?)

The most interesting part of this long run was the strip and the downtown area. There is nothing in the world like running North on the Las Vegas strip. Casino after casino. Very cool.

After that, streets all seemed to look the same. There were long sections of many-laned streets with high brick walls. There weren’t many spectators on the street but there were quite a few that were observing us from over the walls!

There was a clock at every mile. Most miles either had water or Gatorade. Some had both. It was easy to track progress and pace.

I passed the 13.1 mile chip reader at 2:44:53. I figured I would have a 6 hour finish. Undaunted, feeling very good, I trudged on. The batteries gave out on my Garmin 205 soon after the half-way point.

Concentration and the Run
I used many mantras as I ran. They were based on 26.2 miles. The first 10 were the legs – Easy. The second 10 was the brain – Somewhat tougher.

I used two mantras in miles 10 to 20. One was simply, “Breathe,” as I timed my run to a pace. The other was the remaining miles in the set.

The final 6.2 were broken up as follows:
20 to 21 – My Doctor, Nathan Persoff (he started me running).
21 to 22 – A Podcast that supported me in this endeavor.
23 to 24 – A fellow runner that has inspired me.
24 to 25 – Very special friends and supporters.
25 to 26 – Family, work and close friends.
26 to 26.2 – Tom Martin, who was coach, friend, fan and major supporter!

I repeated the names over and over as I placed one foot in front of the other!

At times, I thought that the large casinos would never come into view, but slowly, they did. When I finally saw the Mandalay Bay (starting and stopping point), it became my focus as it got closer and closer.

The Finish!
I never really doubted the finish on this race. I sure felt a lot better when I was at the casino. As I ran by the parking complex, Tom was at a door! He greeted me when he recognized me! I was very glad to see him! Instead of saying that, though, I asked how far it was to the finish. He told me it was a half-mile!

Half a mile! I am doing this one! I suddenly felt great! Tom was taking pictures and cheering me on. I kept going. I glanced over to the doorway again and there were Tom’s parents. They were waving and cheering me on!

Tom said that the others were at the 26 mile mark. I moved on! I saw the others and threw my arms into the air! Mitch ran up and started to run alongside. Julia soon joined us. I turned the corner and saw the chute! I couldn’t help it as my eyes teared up and I got emotional.

I ran up to a lady runner. I told her that we need to cross the finish line and I expected her to beat this Grey-haired guy. She smiled, touched my shoulder, and told me that we should go for it. “Lead on,” I said, “Lead on!”

We took off. I took the glove off my right hand and tucked it in my belt. I grabbed my hat off my head, held it, and raised both arms! I ran over the finish line! I am a marathoner!!!!!

Crossing the Line!

My fellow finisher came up to me, shook my hand and had her husband take our picture. I thanked her and turned toward the medals.

Shaking Hands!

I shouted, “I just finished my first marathon and earned my medal! I want my medal! Who has my medal?”

The ones that were handing out the medals all smiled and held them high. I turned to the prettiest young lady and lowered my head. She placed the medal over my neck! I winked at her and asked if I could give her a hug! I gave her a bear hug and lifted her off of her feet! I placed a kiss on her cheek!

I walked away again with tears welling up in my eyes. I did it! I took a moment to let it soak in. I gathered my wits and walked around the corner to family and friends to share the moment with them. I also got my picture taken for the finisher photo!

The Finisher Photo!

Finally
I want to thank everyone that supported me in this endeavor. There were times that I lost the faith. It was people like you, dear reader that had more faith in me than I did. I appreciate it! Thank you.

The Las Vegas Finisher's Medal!

What happens in Vegas...

2008-12-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Viva Las Vegas! (I hope so!)

2008-12-01T14:27:00.002-07:00

Support -
I have a lot of support from a person like you. I appreciate it. You are the person that keeps me going in this quest of mine.

In just a few days, I will be running the Las Vegas Marathon!

You can read about the Las Vegas Marathon by clicking on the name or by going here - http://www.lvmarathon.com/. I have not found a way to track runners for this marathon as of yet. If I do find a way to, I will announce here and on Twitter (Twitter.com/cewtwo). That there is no way to track me does not disappoint me.

Am I Ready?
I have thought a lot about this event. Let me say that I have thought a lot about running a second marathon. Let me say that I have thought a lot about attempting another marathon run.

Many of you have run a marathon. You know what it is like to run the distance. I know what it is like to almost run the distance. At least, for my first one, that is. I made a run that day in Chicago for 24.7 miles. I was a DNF. Both legs cramped and dropped me to the ground.

I do know that a DNF (Did Not Finish) is far better than a DNS (Did Not Start). A DNF is also not a finisher. It affected my opinion of myself, my running and my ability to persevere. In other words, I was disappointed in myself and doubting myself.

I know that I was not the only one that was a DNF at Chicago. There were people all along the course. I saw one young couple. The young lady was pushed to exhaustion. She sat down. Her companion, a young man, was still on his feet, running in place and was trying to influence her to keep going. It was touching. I saw a young lady with an Aid attendant at about mile 22. She was on her side and down and out. Another runner was holding her hand and consoling her. There were others.

I thought that those feelings had run the course. I decided to continue the training so I would be in shape. I decided on another marathon to run. Now, the time is here!

My Pre-Race Routine -
I have started my usual routine before a race.
· I am drinking a lot of water. I know that I am hydrated.
· I have prepared my medicines and supplementals for the weekend.
· My menu is set until race day.
· I am thinking of the course and starting the pacing preparation.
· I’ve had my hair cut (this one is important, at least to me).
· I’ve been running in the running togs I’ll use for the race.
· The bags are packed with the casual clothes that I am taking.
· I have prepared checklists for the evening before and morning of the marathon.
· I have a mantra for when I need it.
· I’ve packaged my nutrition products and containers.
· I’m thinking my way through a long, mental preparation process.
· I have not prepared a mile dedication chart this time. I’m doing it this time for me. Is that selfish?

Your Support -
I am basically ready. I am still apprehensive. I realize that this may or may not apply to you or the events that you have attended, but what do you do or would you do to prepare yourself for the ordeal that a marathon can be?

I appreciate strong votes of confidence. They can be empty though. I would really like to know how you prepare and succeed at the events that you participate in.

Why do we blog? I try to be positive most of the time. This time I don’t know that I am that positive. That’s where my friends and supporters come in. I need to let you know how I feel. I need to know how you keep yourself strong. Help me out here, please!

Thank you, supporter!

Yep! I Registered for Another Marathon!

2008-11-18T16:38:00.005-07:00

Yes, I have.

I figure that I will get very good at running almost marathon distances or I will actually complete a marathon. I tell my friends that I am the Almost Marathon Man. I’m putting time and training miles in to make this happen.

You hear of everyone completing his or her marathon attempts. It was frustrating when I was unable to complete my first one. I realize that I made some mistakes and I’ve reviewed those mistakes many times.

What were those mistakes?
1. Nutrition - Eat properly and enough. The Friday I flew out of Denver, I had one meal. It was a healthy meal, but it was late in the day. Why didn’t I eat better? Nervous from travel mostly. The rest of the weekend was much better.
2. Rest - Need to rest more prior to a marathon attempt. I spent the day before walking tourist venues and shopping malls. I really should have been relaxing.
3. Pace - I didn’t pace out of the starting gate. I was up and down pacing from as fast as 8:30 to 10:30. I trained @ 12:00. I missed my pace group leaders. I saw them ahead and tried to keep up. Then they were gone. I have no idea where they were. I never saw them again. So, learning to pace was pretty mandatory. It still has to come from me. I have to set my pace and stick to it. I HAVE to.
4. Weather (flimsy) - One could say that I wasn’t ready for the heat and humidity. Maybe. I did run in Denver on very hot mornings and that included the long runs. I will admit that I was not used to the humidity.
5. Electrolytes - I sweat when I run. I am a Clydesdale (200 lb +) grand master (55 years old). A friend recently commented that when I come back from a long run, I have white stains along the edges of my sweat patterns. That seems to imply that I also sweat out electrolytes. I need to make sure that I maintain a good electrolyte level when I run. I am and will be using ‘Endurolytes’ electrolyte replenishment tabs every 30 minutes along with “Perpetuem" which is fuel for extreme endurance. Both products have helped a lot so far. (Thanks, Melisa – for the lead). The down side of the Endurolytes is that water is necessary when using them so that will have to be timed with water stops. It can also result in heartburn. I can endure that for a finish!

Well, that is it in a nutshell! Now all I have to do is get out there and do this thing!

What? Where? When?
Oh yeah, the details. I have registered for the Las Vegas Marathon. It is run on the Las Vegas Strip early in the morning of Sunday, December 7th! You can find out more about it here - http://www.lvmarathon.com/

Finally!
Why is there always a, “Finally?” Its because of unfinished business usually. Remember that medal that I received because of the Chicago Marathon? It had nothing to do with finishing the marathon. This medal was given out of friendship from a very special family. Well… Here it is!

And yes, I will be carrying it with me in Las Vegas!

http://twitter.com/cewtwo

Runners, Bloggers, Relationships!

2008-11-03T19:51:00.002-07:00

Great People, Runners!
I have found myself in the middle of something huge. I think that I am a member of a group of peers that rival anything I have ever been a part of. It is very exciting!

If you have the chance to meet a fellow blogger/Runner, please do it. You will enjoy the experience! They are people that you know but you have never met. Extremely well spent time.

The Chicago Marathon!
Maddy, Petra and I ran Millennium Park near the lakefront of Chicago the morning before the race. It was a casual run that showed the staging area and several really cool features of the Grant Park area. It was a great way to get to know each other better. We saw the Cloud Gate and ran the length of the serpentine bridge. Millennium park is a great park to run.

At the start line, there was a young man who was running it AND going to work that very afternoon at 3:00 PM. He had even influenced a friend and fellow co-worker to run it with him. I passed him a few times on the course, and he was consistent. His friend was still with him. He really was an admirable young man and I am sure that he made it to work on time!

I ran the first half with a young man named Tony. I was hamming it up with the crowd as I ran. I would clap my hands and entice the on-lookers to cheer us on! Then, of course, the high fives with the spectators and thanking the volunteers and the police. He said that he liked my style. And liked the attention! After a while, we started up a mantra of, “We’re running, I’m Charlie, he’s Tony, You’re cheering!”
Tony gave me a tour of the city as we moved on!

I ran for several miles with Dee. Dee, like me, was from out of town. It was her second running of the Chicago marathon! She helped me to understand the etiquette of running a marathon!

My Medal
As you know, it laid me low when I didn’t finish Chicago. But friends came to my rescue. My friend and her family, took the time to find a special medal. I went to the door Saturday to check the mail. There was an envelope there addressed to me. It had something in it. Something very special!

It had a medal. There was an inscription on the back that made it very, very special to me.

I have a medal because of Chicago. It is not a finisher’s medal. No, it is something much more sentimental and important to me.

It is a runner’s medal from a friend. No other medal I have means as much as this one.

You know who you are – all 4 of you! Thank you very much.

This Runner Needs Your Help And Opinions!

2008-10-24T15:18:00.005-06:00

First of all, I wrote a Chicago Marathon race report and was going to post it, but I didn’t. Maybe I will in the future but I’m just not inspired to do that now.

A lot of my friends have been concerned about me. I'm sorry that I have been so quiet. I was in quite a quandary for a while. I am much better now. Thank you, all of you, for your concern!

Chicago was a fantastic experience even if it did not turn out the way that I would have wanted. Meeting Maddy, Melisa, Bill, and Petra was a wonderful thing. I will be adding a section to this page that will show other Runners/Bloggers that I’ve run with!

Now...

Why do I need your opinion? Why do I need your help?

I am thinking of running another marathon in the near future. I am in shape. I am trained. NOW. If you would allow an old adage, I feel that I should strike while the iron is hot!

I have rested. I could barely move the first few days after Chicago. I was walking backwards in places. My friends were laughing at me as I would attempt to stand and walk. That’s all over now. I am running again and loving it!

There are a lot of opinions about marathons and the frequency that they should be run. I think that we all know of our fellow runners that run marathons regularly. There are also schedules that allow a runner to keep in running shape between short periods. An example of a schedule is this one from Hal Higdon - http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/multiple/Multiplemara.htm.

I’m training again using the 4-week period between marathon schedule. It may change to the 6-week schedule.

What I need from you, friend and reader, is your opinion on how, why and what you would do!

Speak up now! I need your help!

Did Not Finish!

2008-10-12T16:37:00.003-06:00

I am very sorry to report that I did not finish.

The Bad News -

I am a DNF (Did Not Finish).

At mile 18, my legs started to cramp again. It didn't seem too bad. At about mile 22, it became more and more difficult to actually run. I walked and was walking as fast as I could. After all, the timer was ticking down. I would try to run from time to time, but knew that I should leave 'good enough' alone and go back to a walk.

At mile 25 (Mile 25!) I entered a porta-potty for a last 'break.' You have to step up into it. I did and when my left foot hit the floor my lower leg muscle cramped and locked hard. I stepped back to take the pressure off and when I put the weight on my right foot, my right lower leg cramped and locked. I got out of the unit, took a step or two and fell to the ground in agony. I yelled for help and a lady came over quickly. She came over, felt my lower legs and gasped. She started massaging the left leg, while both of us yelled for help. The aid tent brought a wheel chair over, helped me to get up, and I was taken to the tent.

They checked me out, but it was just a case of cramping. As I laid there, the toes and upper leg muscles also started to cramp. While I was being iced, I saw the 'end of the marathon' van go by. The Chicago Marathon is a timed event. That really was OK, though, as it would have taken me hours to motivate the last little bit.

So, I cramped up and entered a small case of depression. I am disappointed. All that training and now leg cramps at mile 25.

The Good News!

I am OK. Blood pressure was 130 over 70 and pulse was good. No fever (not even hot), normal temperature. I just ended up with severe leg cramps. I was not hospitalized (nowhere near it). As they were packing up the tent, I hobbled out and caught one of the last buses to the finish line. I did not have my cell phone with me at that time so I couldn't call anyone. The bus stopped right by my hotel, so I didn't even go over to the finish line. I did not meet Maddy, Petra, Melisa or Bill over there. They do know that I did not finish, though.

So, I am OK but somewhat disappointed. It was a lot of time, money and training that went into this marathon. I was sure that I was ready. I do realize that sometimes medical things over-ride what your physical side can accomplish. But the sense of disappointment right now is very real and I am saddened and disappointed.

I'll have to figure out what caused it, so it doesn't happen again. I have talked to my brother about it and it does seem to be a family heredity thing.

Thanks,
Charlie

PS - Petra! The name on the shirt was referred to several times. I actually lost count as to how many! Great idea!

Today is the Day!

2008-10-12T04:39:00.002-06:00

Well, its here!

Maddy, Melisa, Petra, and I had a delicious carbo and protein loading dinner at the Trattori Roma restaurant last night. Bill is running the race also. He is Melisa's husband. We shared that meal with family, friends and supporters. Thank you all! It was a wonderful time.

You could tell that the runners were nervous and filled with anticipation.

We are meeting at 6:45 AM at the hotel Melisa and I are staying at. The adventure is about to happen!

Everyone. I would like to comment on the support that you have shown me. Without that it would have been much more difficult to have performed the training and to have gotten to the point I am at this morning. Thank you!

More later as I have an event to prepare for!

Charlie

1 day to go!

2008-10-11T04:34:00.004-06:00

Almost here!

The flight was fine, security was easier than I thought it would be.

My iPod provided in flight entertainment.

The hotel was nicer than I expected!

Off to meet friends for a morning run!

Charlie

Cloud Gate (and some friends) Look in the bean for the guy taking the picture!

Maddy & Petra!

2 Days To Go!

2008-10-10T06:26:00.002-06:00

2 days to go!

I fly out to Chicago this morning!

I have not flown since 2000. This could be an interesting experience!

Be still my heart!

Meeting Petra, Maddy and Maddy's daughter! Yes! We are at the expo!

3 Days To Go!

2008-10-09T08:18:00.001-06:00

Thank you, friends and fellow bloggers!

I fly to Chicago tomorrow!

On The Taper – With One Week to Go

2008-10-05T08:13:00.004-06:00

I am twelve taper miles to go to the Chicago Marathon. 4 @ 3 mile runs. I will run one of those with my friends from “What’s a Few Miles Among Friends?” Yes, Maddy, Petra, Melisa (AND her husband) are running Chicago, also!

Last week, I ran 34.07 miles. It feels like so very few. The long run was 8 miles. For several weeks that was a regular Wednesday run! Overall, for 2008, I have run 1,280 miles. I do think that I am ready.

I will be using the Chicago Marathon as my run in the Worldwide Festival of Races. I am specifically running the Phedippidations World Wide Half-Marathon! You can find out more about these events here.

I will be wearing my yellow wristband in support of Team Elijah. Elijah Talley is a boy that is in battle with neuroblastoma cancer. You can find out more about Elijah here.

I have dedicated each mile of my first marathon to several people or organizations. I will share that later in the week. Many of you have run marathons. This is my first marathon. It is an achievement of a personal goal. I mention it everywhere I go and to any group that I may address. This is an important event in my life.

As time for the event gets closer, I would like to thank each and every one of you that follow my humble blog. I get a lot of inspiration from every comment that is left. I have learned so much and in so many ways. I just want to thank you for being there and sharing your thoughts, opinions, experiences and life situations with me. Thank you!

Enough for now! Look for a final countdown on this blog soon.

Less Than 2 Weeks!

2008-09-29T08:37:00.003-06:00

2 Weeks!

Do you know that it is less than 2 weeks to the Chicago Marathon?

This man will be running it!

I ran 38.62 miles last week. I ran 13.16 miles on Saturday morning. Never has a half-marathon distance been so easy for me to run. I guess that there is a real purpose to all of the training that I have been doing.

I did try a small size Milky Way bar at the halfway point rather than a sawdust based 'energy' bar. It was a great deal more palatable, went down easy and didn't cause any distress. I do believe that I will use those on the marathon run.

I am about to head out on a 5 mile run. 3 more of those, 1 @ 4 mile run, 2 @ 3 mile runs, an 8 mile run next weekend and a 2 mile run in Chicago (the day before the event). I am ready!

After today, I will have run 180 miles in September and 1250 miles in 2008.

Finally...

Wood you ride this bike?

Casual Sex!

2008-09-22T19:35:00.003-06:00

Nah! Just trying to get your attention!

What is the big news? A mere three weeks to the Chicago Marathon! I finished the last of the long runs (22 miles) Saturday morning. If you would have told me just a few months ago that I would, that I could, run that far, that hard, that willingly! I would never have believed you. I would probably have laughed.

Now I enter my taper phase that will end with the event. There are some longer runs (12 miles, 8 miles) that will keep me busy, but I am ready to run a marathon!

- - - - -
As I ran Saturday morning, I ran up to one young lady. I said "Hi" to her as I passed.

“I’m running 21 miles today!” she said.

“Hal Higby?” I answered.

“Yes,” she said.

“I’m running 22 today. I’m running the Chicago Marathon!” Was my answer.

“So am I, “ she said.

I slowed down and ran alongside her.

“Have you received your confirmation e-mail yet?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied, “I almost cried. It is definitely going to happen now!”

“I agree!”

She asked me if I was going to join a Nike Pace Team. I told her I was planning on the 5:15 group. 5:30 is the one she was interested in.

“Cool! Good luck on your run!” I told her. I winked at her and told her to wave if she sees me there!

Small world, all things considered!
- - - - - -

Saturday's run took 4 1/2 hours. I am not fast, but I know that I can do it now!

Now to finish up… Total last week, I ran 52.19 miles.

- - - - - -
Ending it!

The above picture is for my friend, the Jade Lady!

Chicago - Less than a Month!

2008-09-15T07:57:00.002-06:00

Wow! Time is ticking down. Less than a month to the 2008 running of the Chicago Marathon! There has been a lot of training by a lot of people getting ready for the event. Yep! I'm one of them!

Last week, I ran 39.17 miles. The week before that, I ran 50.82.

It seemed so easy running a fall back long run of 12 miles on Saturday morning. Next Saturday, I run my final really long distance of 20-22 miles.

Yesterday, I bought the shoes that I will run the marathon in. I bought some high tech socks also. I run in both on this morning's run.

As far as keeping up with the schedule, I've done everything except the cross training on the mountain bike. I've run instead.

I'm getting close to the event! (Maybe I am going to survive the training after all!)

Isn't This Supposed To Be A Running Blog?

2008-09-08T14:13:00.005-06:00

Well, Yes! It is!

Running...
Here is some information. Saturday morning, I ran the furthest that I have ever run. 20.48 miles. At least that is what my Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS watch told me. The Nike + iPod system gave me 20.15 miles. I really don’t care. It is the furthest run that I have ever accomplished.

Training is time consuming. I have met with some frustration from friends and family about the training. I get frustrated myself. At times, it seems like the only thing that I am doing/accomplishing. The good news? One more really long run, then it is the taper to the Chicago Marathon!

Question: Did I hit the wall? With about 1.5 miles to go, I felt OK physically, but I did start to get nauseous. I had slowed down, but I don't think that was odd. It was not a slower pace that those toward the end of many a long run. I was able to run on, but there was a jaw clenching feeling of any moment I'm going to toss cookies. My next liquid was supposed to be the gatorade that I was carrying, but I drank water instead. The nauseous feeling abated a bit, but did stick with me until I crossed the "Finish" line. I saw Tom about that time, and started dancing around him singing something silly like, "I did twenty! I did twenty!" After a couple moments of rest, I felt fine again!

Have any of you "Hit the wall?" What was it like for you? Let me know...

I ran 50.82 miles for last week. I ran 33.27 miles the week before that. I did ride the bike for 13.42 miles in that same week.

Update…
If you read my blog, then you know that I contributed to a rescue over the Labor Day weekend. Often in that kind of scenario, you never hear about what happened after they left the scene of the occurrence.

One of the other students did send me an e-mail explaining some things (Names have been changed to protect privacy). Here it is –
“Hello and thank you for your help this weekend.
I am very interested to see the photo's that you took yesterday and Micheal was very excited to hear that someone was taking photo's.
My friends and I just got back from Grand Junction where Micheal is being taken care of. He is looking a lot better today however he has some pretty serious injuries. He has lots of stitches and staples in his head, fractures to some parts of his skull, a blood clot that is being monitored heavily, he broke three ribs that injured his plural lining of his lungs and last but not least he has a broken pelvis.
We are all very thankful for the help that everyone gave to us and Micheal. It is very encouraging to see everyone coming together for such a freak accident. A lot of us shared the scariest thing we have ever been through and are very grateful that we are all still here and that Micheal is still alive.
Again thank you very much.”
Casey Davis

Picture Updates

What the roof of the snow cave looked like prior to the cave in.

Tom operating the winch control.

The helicopter taking off with “Michael” inside…

Finally...
Then a couple of days later yet, I received an additional e-mail from “Casey.”

“Thanks Charles.
I know Mike will be very excited to see the photos as well as all of us involved. I heard from some friends who saw Mike again on Monday he is doing even better than Sunday. He was able to get up to move himself from bed to bed when moving out of ICU, he was talking more and looked in less pain. Sunday he was still a 4-5 level pain on a 10-scale. Mike's been talking more and able to laugh a little but still doesn't remember anything from climbing down the hill till he arrived in Aspen. The Best news that I have heard is that he will be returning to Western State College to continue his studies instead of returning home in Oklahoma. None of us knew Mike more than a week since he had just transfered from a school in AZ. What a first weekend of school eh?
Again thanks for uploading the photo's so quickly.
Thanks a bunch!”
Casey Davis

So it seems that this incident will have a positive ending! That is always a good thing!

The Last Word...
I watch "Top Gear" on BBC America. It is a show about cars. On the last show, the host raced a marathoner against a little European Fiat. You know what? The marathoner won the competition!

Do you Beleive in?

2008-09-02T16:59:00.003-06:00

Karma?

Pre-Destination?

Free Will?

A loving god that will place you in a certain place at a specific time?

I hope I do not offend, but I think something happened to place me where I needed to be.

Mount Antero
Friday was basically a happy 1st day of vacation. I was going on a camping trip. I was going with my old (more of that later) and very good friend,Tom, and my dog, Molly.

We loaded the Jeep at a comfortable time. This was a minimal camping trip. Just enough clothes, equipment, and hobby stuff to be comfortable. We'd get gas, food and water as we needed it.

First stop for the day was Mount Antero. There is an exciting shelf road built out of scree. Scree is loose rock debris covering a slope. From where we parked the Jeep to the very top of Mount Antero there was scree.

And... A partial view from the top!

At the summit of Mount Antero, my Garmin 205 watch read 14,305 feet in elevation. It is exciting to be at the top of the world. It was an interesting diversion from the Jeep. I was proud of my 10 year old puppy, too. She made it all of the way up and down on her own!

Bogged down!
We headed back toward St. Elmo's. It is a pretty active ghost town. We could catch the Tincup Pass Trail and head through the mountains and into the Taylor Lake Reservoir area.

Trouble was, we ended up trapped in a trail bog. We should have known better. We should have done what everybody else was doing and go slightly off trail and around it. I am a member of some organizations that all agree to “Stay The Trail.” That means you stay on the trail. You don't cut new trails, you don't abuse the terrain, you don't do any extra damage to the environment. So, we went into the bog.

Well, it was a mistake. The Jeep couldn't go forward, couldn't go backwards. The only direction it did seem to be headed was down. I got out and got the tree strap and a clevis (D-ring). I released the winch clutch, grabbed the Amsteel rope and headed toward the nearest tree. No Way! That nearest tree was too far away.

Just recently, the winch rope was replaced. At the same time, a 50 foot extension rope was purchased. Good thing. We needed the winch rope run out as far as was safe. The 50 foot extension was connected to that end. I headed toward a dead, thick tree stump. I was still short!

Tom got the snatch strap (a 16 foot long towing strap). I attached that to the long winch rope configuration. That was long enough. I got out to the side. Tom started the Jeep. He started to reel the rope back in. It seemed to take forever. The Jeep could only move if the winch could pull it out. Tom didn't need to drive as all the tires would do is slip in the deep mud. It was a lot of weight on the winch rope. Everything depended on the winch being able to pull the Jeep out of the 'Jam' it was in.

There is a winch control set into the dash of the Jeep. It allowed Tom to control the process and to be able to drive. The Jeep tipped upwards as the the front tires started to climb the front dry edge of the bog. The edge was high and the chassis. took a beating as it climbed out. Tom applied power to the tires and the jeep came out of the bog. We were out!

We wound everything up and put the equipment away. We started to remove mass quantities of mud from underneath the Jeep. We got a lot of dirt and muck out from the chassis. We also found that during Tom's odd ride, the Shock absorber mount on the passenger side rear axle had broken free. We took it easy from there for awhile. Soon we were in the town of Tincup. We found a back country campsite and set up. It was a dark night with no moon in no time.

I slept great until 3:00 AM. I woke up and was wide awake. I tried to get back to sleep but ended up going to the Jeep and listening to the radio until 5:00. I returned to the sleeping bag and fell asleep again.

Delays, delays, delays...
We had several things to do the next morning. We needed to get a coffee grinder. We had forgotten one and all of the coffee was whole bean. Crushing beans with a hammer does work, but is difficult and tedious labor. We had to wash the Jeep (it was a mess from the bog). I had to do a long run. We needed to get the Jeep repaired. We also needed to gas up the Jeep. We needed more food and water.

I thought about running from Almont to Gunnison as we got going. I didn't, though. I didn't want to stick Tom with all of the work. So, we drove in and got things started. It took a while and a few stores but we found a coffee grinder. We washed the Jeep (top and bottom). Again, it took a while but we found someone that would weld the shock mount (actually a gas station). We found a place to get some breakfast and I changed into my running togs. I ran from Gunnison to Almont as Tom bought food, water, and filled the Jeep's gas tank.

It was a long, hard run in the heat of mid-day. I found out that it was a slight, but continuous uphill run. I was slow and, at times, it was a search for shade. Eventually, the run was finished. I met Tom and Molly at the river. It was a 10 mile run.

We decided, even though it was late in the day, to ride the Devil's Punchbowl. We headed that way!

The Incident at the Devil's Punchbowl!
The Devil's Punchbowl is a canyon in central Colorado. It is located between the towns of Crystal and Mount Crested Butte. It is a popular and challenging canyon for all sorts of recreational activities. It has a reputation, though. Several years ago a SUV from Texas slipped over the side and rolled, killing all 9 people inside. There have been other incidents. This place needs to be treated with respect.

We negotiated the trail to the top. Very scenic. You can tell the top by the warning signs. We passed them and headed into the canyon.

There are river crossings and rocky narrow trails. Some of the trail was interesting but not too tough. We made it to the bridge and watched the midway water falls. We headed down in to the second half of this forbidding canyon.

About halfway down, we were stopped by some hikers. A lady leaned in the driver side window and told us that there was an emergency situation. A hiker had been hurt when the top of a snow cave collapsed! She asked if we could help.

It seems that 5 college students had decided to hike over the Labor Day weekend. They had negotiated the Devil's Punchbowl when they saw the snow cave. The cave was formed by snow filling a depression over the river. The river slowly cut the cave from the underside. They went inside and explored. As they were leaving. A major part of the snow shelf above them collapsed. One of the hikers was hit by the snow falling. His body was tossed against some rocks. He had head and body injuries.

His fellow hikers had him prone and comfortable. One had climbed out and up to the trail. He flagged some hikers. Of that group, one had volunteered to run to the township of Crystal. That was a 3 mile (or so) distance.

3 quads had stopped just before we came down. Of that group, there were two nurses and a Dentist. The lady that stopped us had past experience as an emergency nurse.

Neither Tom nor I have any experience medically other than first aid. We would not be able to assist in that. What we did have was equipment that could really help out in this situation.

Tom got out a climbing rope that we keep in the Jeep. He tied it off to the front bumper. That provided people a way in and out of the canyon. 2 of the 3 nurses headed down the rope to assess the injuries. We keep 2 sleeping bag liners for emergencies. We got them out and sent them down to the scene. After a basic assessment, one of the people came back up and everyone conferred.

They needed more equipment to help move him safely. We got out the 50 foot extension winch rope and the tree strap. Those items went down also.

In half an hour, the first responders arrived from Crystal on quads. They took over and coordinated the rescue efforts. There was some confusion (as I imagine there always is at this type of an affair), but things were sorted out quickly.

Nature was not to be denied, though. Just as the roof originally caved in at one edge, another part started to crack and move downward. All of a sudden, it fell into the river. The snow roof was still connected, but we knew the rest was about to go. With time, it did. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that time could be taken. Then, with a loud roar, the entire South side of the snow shelf collapsed following the smooth rock wall it had been anchored to al the way down and into the river.

Fearing that the fallen snow would block (dam) the river, the decision was that he would have to be moved fairly rapidly.

The back board (stretcher) arrived via yet another quad about that time and the EMT's went down the slope to the accident victim. With time of the essence, they secured him to the board and started the move. They had to go along the edge of the now roaring river on slippery rocks. They carried him slowly to where the climbing rope was located. There were preparations at the top and at the bottom of the slope. 6 people at the top were ready to use themselves to belay the stretcher up the slope. Problem was, it was a 250 pound climbing rope they were using. It was not a guarantee to bring him up safely.

We offered the winch and the winch rope. We attached a clevis (d-ring) to the safety thimble at the end of the winch rope and sent it down to them. They secured the winch rope to the back board. Tom operated the controls and we winched the party up the slope. They placed him on the ground in front of the Jeep.

The evolution of events as they occurred in the Devil's Punchbowl!

The ambulance from Carbondale had just arrived. The EMT's checked the young man again, then he was placed in the ambulance. This is a narrow, shelf road on the side of a cliff. They had to get the ambulance turned around so they could return to Carbondale. What did that mean to us? We had to back the jeep up the same road uphill. I stayed in front and spotted him as Tom drove the Jeep backwards. It was hairy (and scary) but we made it to the bridge. There was enough room for all of the vehicles that had been waiting to park as the ambulance turned around and left the same way we had just driven.

We exchanged some e-mails and addresses and then we left also. We got all of our supplies back except for the sleeping bag liners. We asked the EMT's to donate them to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. It was worth it to us for the injured guy's comfort and the sense of participation that we experienced.

We turned around. In Mt. Crested Butte, we got some supper and then headed back to camp in the dark. A wild and exciting day!

Sunday
Sunday, we packed up the camp, then headed back to the Devil's Punchbowl. We drove the entire run, then we rode the Lead King Basin trail. We drove most of the trail in the rain. We ended it by taking pictures of the most photographed object in Colorado – The Crystal Mill.

We headed back to Denver for showers and some sleep. A most excellent weekend vacation!

Finally!
Tom had a birthday on Sunday. We got back and Molly & I disappeared. I came back with an ice cream cake for him! I sure was glad that he shared it!

Still on Schedule!

2008-08-25T13:37:00.001-06:00

Wow! I cannot believe it! Saturday morning, I ran 19.48 miles! That is the farthest I have ever run at one time. The mileage increases to 5 and 8 mile runs this week!

The first 15 miles were at my training race pace (as slow as it is), but the last 4 miles slowed down significantly. It was an outdoors run in beautiful weather among a crowd of runners. It was great!

I thought I was doing and feeling pretty good, but when I rode the bike this morning, I felt it in the thighs at first. I was pretty good by the end of the ride.

So… Last week, I ran 40.26 miles. I rode the bike for 16 miles.

This weekend? I am headed out for a Labor Day Camping trip. I’ll run on both Friday and Saturday, but those should be easy at 5 and 13 miles respectively.

If you are running or training every weekend, check out the running group on What's a Few Miles Among Friends? Join this group of great virtual runners!

Have a good week and a great holiday everybody! Thanks for reading my blog!

Short and Sweet!

2008-08-18T08:19:00.002-06:00

Saturday, I ran 18.1 miles. It is the longest run I have ever accomplished! It seemed to take forever, but I've done it! I had to run it inside on the treadmill due to very wet weather in the Denver area.

I ran a total of 39.42 miles last week and 29.02 the week before.

Training week 11 now and I am on schedule. Miles are up again this week.

I am feeling pretty good about preparing for the Chicago Marathon. At least now, I think it is a possibility.

On Wednesday of this week, I should complete 1,000 miles run in 2008!

Woot! Woot!

Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half-Marathon

2008-08-10T09:34:00.003-06:00

The Race -
It was early. I still woke up before the alarm was supposed to go off at 5:00 AM. I did not get as much sleep as I would have wanted, but I think I got enough.

I had prepared my running bag the night before. I got the coffee ready to turn on. There was instant oatmeal in a bowl and a measuring cup next to it.

I got up. I dressed in my running togs. I was out the door in 45 minutes. My friend, Tom, went along as my support team.

The one hour drive to Georgetown was easy. Traffic was minimal when we got there. The line for the registration packets was long but moved quickly. My number was 2855. I had everything I needed by a little after 7:00 AM. The start was scheduled for 8:00 AM.

I put on the shoe chip, set up the Garmin 205 and I thought I got the iPod Nike+ set up. I sucked down a Carb Boom gel and headed toward the start line.

I set up at the 11/12 minute pace line. Couldn't hear much way back there. Did hear some of the music for the Star Spangled Banner, but I did sing along. In a few minutes after, the announcer said a few things then a ripple of movement moved the the crowd. It was the start! We were on the road for this race!

It began with a walk. People began moving slowly then faster and faster. We were at a decent pace by the time we passed the actual start line.

This race runs West into the town of Georgetown. We run into town and around the Georgetown lake. After that 2 mile leg is completed, we start to run from 8500' to 7500'.

I concentrated on maintaining an 11 minute pace. Throughout the first half it worked well. I knew I was on “track.”

I consumed some additional Carb Boom packs at 3 miles, 6 miles, 9 miles and 11.5 miles. At the water stations (every 2 miles), I alternated water and PowerAde. It worked for nutrition. I did experience a different problem and one unique for me.

Just after mile 12, I began to feel a tightness in my left calf first and then my right. I knew that I was developing a 'Charlie Horse.' I've never experienced anything like it during a run. I was not prepared for it. What should you do?

I stopped and massaged the left calf quickly. It felt better. I knew that I shouldn't curl my toes so I lifted them instead. The pain abated a bit. I seemed to be holding it at bay. I ran on.

A 'bump' on this race is a slight uphill section. It has two sides, of course. The up and the down. The up side did not cause any discomfort, but the down sides caused the feeling of a developing 'Charlie Horse' again. There was a lot of downhill as we made the final run into Idaho Springs, but after entering it was an uphill run for several blocks. I was feeling better and better. With about a quarter of a mile left to go, the course headed slightly downhill. I ran the final few block to the final turn. I felt the muscles start to spasm again. Still feeling OK, I planned to kick it for the run to the Finish Line. It was very downhill. Instead of kicking it to the finish, I ended up running through it stiff legged and starting to hurt.

I did remember to raise my arms and tried to smile. I limped to the chip removal and left the chute. I quickly massaged the calves and found a place to sit. Tom handed me a bottle of Gatorade. The bottle was welcome and I thanked Tom for it! It was delicious and was gone quickly. I stretched a bit while sitting and lifted my toes. Slowly the pain abated. I got up in a few minutes and headed into the arena for my finishing swag.

The swag for this event was pretty cool. Instead of a plastic bag, the hand out bag is a 'Green' grocery bag with the logo on it. The shirt was a special edition and design for this 30th Anniversary of the event. The food tent was busy but I took advantage of it. Bananas, watermelon, bagel pieces and yogurt. It was great.

There were 2039 finishers; 1118 female and 921 men. I placed 1674th with a time of 2:26:00. It is not an overall PR for me. It is a course PR for me, though. Last year, I ran this race in 2:28:01, so I decreased my time by 2 minutes and 1 second.

It was a good race and a great way to start the day.

Race Relationships -
I ran/paced with three people during this race (at different times).

At about 3 miles in, I saw two younger boys running it. I commented, "Wow! How Cool is that! You kids are doing great!" They smiled, thanked me and ran ahead a bit. I looked at the man with them and said, "So is their old man!" We ran together for a while. I learned that for his family it was a 3 generation run. He said that he was hoping to beat his Father in the same race.

I saw another man slow down on an uphill run and then walk. As I ran up to him I said, "I know that feeling!" He smiled, thanked me and ran to catch up to me. We exchanged some pleasantries. We exchanged some goals and saw each other through out the race.

I also paced with a young lady. We ran for several miles together. Such a delight! It was her second race. I could tell that she enjoyed life and running. At one point, there was a water sprinkler set up near the course for runners to run through and cool of. We ran through the sprinkler together. What fun! I caught a small stone in my shoe and had to stop to remove it. I couldn't catch up to her after that.

The Rest of the Day -
Now, I don't know how much the cost of gasoline is in your part of the world, but I paid $3.75 a gallon to fill the Jeep. The trip to Georgetown was a trip to the Mountains. We decided to run the Red Elephant Trail solo. There was a quick stop in town to get more food for both of us, then we headed up to the trail.

Colorado is in the monsoon season. The foothills have been getting rain. It was evident on this trail. A lot of the trail had large washes and ruts from recent rains. It made a challenging trail even more challenging. What fun after a morning run!

After Red Elephant, we headed even further up toward Bill Moore lake (elevation 11,383'). On the way, we met Vance and Al in their rigs. We all stopped and had a mini-party right there on the trail. Pretty cool.

Tom and I headed up to the lake. We spent some time walking about the lake in the wilderness area. The wildflowers have reached timberline now.

Here are some pictures -

What an Ending!
We have a participant in some of these mountain competitions that is an inspiration. He runs the competitions with emphysema. He is serious about competing to the point that he has his oxygen tanks mounted on a cart. He runs with it.

Next time you can't find any reason to run, think of what he does to run!

On Schedule? You Bet!

2008-08-04T15:02:00.002-06:00

Schedule
This week, I am on Week 9 of the 18 week training schedule I am using to prepare for the Chicago Marathon. That means that I am approaching the halfway point in my training! It also means that I am but 2 months from the event, itself!

I ran 34.14 miles last week. For cross training, I rode 17 miles along the Highline Canal on the bicycle. It was a good week. I have run 927 miles so far in 2008.

I think it is getting exciting for several of us that are making the trip to Chicago this year. Maddy, Petra, Melisa and Susan are headed out that way. We originally met at the blog, "What's a few miles among friends?" We're talking about getting similar outfits and headgear for the run!

This week, I am modifying the schedule a bit. I have a Bloodborne Pathogen presentation on Wednesday morning. It is early (for me) so I may or may not get a run in. I am also running the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half-Marathon on Saturday morning. I will be taking Friday morning off for that. I will also take Sunday morning off to recover.

That is the last competition that I will participate in until the Chicago Marathon.

Chicago Marathon? Be sure to visit the blogs from Ryan and David as they train for it, also!

Jeeping
Did I go Jeeping? Even with the cost of gas I took the rig up to Redcone Pass. 5 rigs went on this run. I’d driven it before, so I was the trail leader. It was a lot of fun.

Redcone Pass is a fun trail that goes above timberline (the line where trees stop growing and the alpine tundra starts). It is a fun trail due to two very steep downhill runs. Everybody had a fun time that went along…

You never know what you might see on a trail ride!

Until the trip back to Denver, that is. Interstate 70 goes West from Denver and through the Rocky Mountains. We have a phenomenon here on Sunday afternoons. People who went camping, fishing, hiking, or are just out enjoying the environment all head back to town at about the same time. That makes for stop and go traffic that can truly frustrate a traveler.

We got to Loveland Pass at Keystone at 3:00 o’clock. It took 3 hours to make the trip down into Denver. That trip should tak about an hour and a half. We should have anticipated it, but instead we got stuck! That does happen, unfortunately.

Pictures!
I’ve talked about the Highline Canal trail before. I took a camera with me on today’s cross training bicycle run. I took pictures as I rode so I could share the pastoral rural scenic views that this rustic trail can show in the heart of a city like I live in.

My last 2 15 mile long runs were also run on this trail. To vary things, I ran it opposite directions.

Enjoy the pictures!

Finally…
I decided to take this totally random picture on my way back from the ride!

Still On Schedule!

2008-07-28T14:25:00.002-06:00

Running
Well, almost anyway… Thursday morning, something I ate on Wednesday evening disagreed with me, so I took an extra rest day to recover.

Total miles for last week? 40.66 miles. That is deceptive, though. Actually, it was 25.33 miles for last week. I chose to run on Saturday morning instead of Sunday so I could go on a Jeep Trail on Sunday.

I was quite pleased with my long run. I was able to complete it in race pace. I ran the Highline Canal for this long run. There were more runners than I have ever seen on a trail before. There were also bike riders and equestrians. It was a great way to occupy the mind by watching people as I satisfied my running goals and muscle memory.

I switched to a handheld water bottle for this run as it is a long trail without restrooms or water available. It worked!

I also changed from Cliff’s Shot Blocks to Carb Boom. Carb Boom is like gu, but better tasting (and for me) seemingly much more efficient!

I think it also helped that the weather was cool at a quarter to 7 in the morning as I started out.

Astronomy
Took some deep space pictures Saturday night, but nothing very good happened. By about the time that everything was set up and seemingly working, the laptop computer’s battery gave out. We called it a night!

Like anything else that is new, there is a learning curve to it!

Jeeping
We did a really fun, but challenging trail this week. It was rocky and although the weather was good at the start it was raining heavily as we came back down.

The name of the trail was Holy Cross City. It is an old cart trail that served a mining community high in the central mountains of Colorado. Taking it in a jeep sure gave me a lot of respect for those pioneers that cut the trail, then traveled it with horse and cart.

I won’t bore you with the details, but for my rig it was a challenge!

Here are some Pictures:

A movie of me climbing an obstacle in the Mighty YJ –

Colorado Nature
Have you heard of Colorado’s latest natural challenge? It is the mountain pine beetle.
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pine_beetle) -
“The mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae, is a species of bark beetle native to the forests of western North America from Mexico to central British Columbia. It has a hard black shell and measures about 5 millimetres.
Mountain pine beetles inhabit pines, particularly the Ponderosa Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Scots Pine and Limber Pine. The bristlecone pines and pinyon pines are less commonly attacked. During early stages of an outbreak, attacks are limited largely to trees under stress from injury, poor site conditions, fire damage, overcrowding, root disease or old age. As beetle populations increase, the beetles attack most large trees in the outbreak area.”
Unfortunately for Colorado, outbreak areas are becoming larger and larger in size. Whole mountainsides of our National Forest in Colorado can be seen with lots and lots of dead and dying pine trees. This picture is an example –

On Schedule!

2008-07-21T18:36:00.005-06:00

Running
I am actually on schedule! I ran 30.69 miles last week and included a 13.47 long run. I rode the bike along the Highline canal for 14.55 miles. Cross training on the bike is a nice change!
I can never get any of my runs to measure to exactly what the schedule calls for. I tend to run a little long.
I am now ingesting a CoQ10 supplement. I feel much better and my undefined aches and pains are going away. That is a good thing!

Bowie is an Explorer! (or he just got away!)
Bowie is the rescue cat that I have. He is a cute little guy that just does not realize that he has limitations. He thinks that he is just like every cat that is out there. The only problem is that most of the other cats do not have hip displascia or is blind.
We realized that Bowie had skipped out on us late Friday night. We still aren’t sure how it happened, but the little guy was left in the back yard as everyone went to work. Usually the back yard is a treasured sanctuary for this cat. He never leaves it. Of course, that is primarily due to the fact that every exit from the yard has been found and blocked.
Unfortunately, we had one of those summer thunderstorms over most of the South end of Denver. Bowie escaped the back yard. We had no idea how he got out or where he was!
Molly, the Australian Shepard, was no help. I repeatedly asked her to find him, but she seemed most happy to take on the responsibility of accepting all the love for her that was usually showered on him. Hmmm…
I started to wander down one block, then through the alley, then up another block, and down the alley on it, and on and on. I was on a fairly busy residential street near the house calling his name and slapping my hands together. I suddenly heard a Bowie sized squeak, and saw him running toward where my voice was. His head was moving from side to side as he tried to follow my voice. I called to him and he came right to me. I picked him up and took him back home.
Of course, now he believes himself to be a great explorer. Found him out of the back yard again this morning. I am sealing up all of the escape routes again!

It sure can worry you when a special friend gets lost like that!

Jeeping
We took the MightyYJ to Jenny Creek on Saturday. Jenny Creek is a trail near the east end of the Moffat Tunnel. The Moffat Tunnel is 6 miles long and runs freight and Amtrac trains under the continental divide to the western half of the state.
Jenny Creek is a challenging trail that actually follows the creek bed at 2 or 3 places. At the end there is a 10- foot long snow drift that you have to winch over to finish the trail. Always a lot of fun.

We winched up the snow, then drove back down and back out along the trail! And… No, I did not run the trail!
This is a short video of my friend, Tom, driving the MightyYJ through the creek.

Remember that this is a National Forest Service sanctioned trail!

Had a little trouble getting out, though…

Nah! It was a staged shot. The train was sitting there waiting its turn at passing through the tunnel!

Astronomy
I am automating the telescopes for astrophotography. It is an involved process that computers really help with. We do not have all of the parts yet, but we have started some trial runs at it.

Outside set up with the computer running the rig.

Just the telescopes setup (with a view of Bowie’s backyard). Notice the extreme weight set up used to counterbalance the telescope rig!

That’s it!

Quick Update! (but not necessarily short)

2008-07-11T14:46:00.002-06:00

Doctor Visit
I went and saw my Doctor for the July installment of the semi-annual examinations. No problems and some suggestions.

My numbers from the blood tests. Keep in mind that I am on Lisinopril for Hypertension and Lipitor for Cholesterol.

The blood glucose is higher than normal. I am consistent in the number. It seems to be an inherited feature from my family line. My Doctor said that for me, it seems to be normal. At least, it is not a concern yet.

So my numbers are good. Part of that is from the medicine and part of that is from the running.

I twisted my left ankle last weekend. He examined it and agreed that it is loose. The Doctor has suggested wrapping the ankle with 3M Cabon when I run trails or go for a long run.

The Chicago Marathon – He OK’d me.

Then he said something about when a man gets older he sometimes feels that he must prove some things to himself. I reminded him that he got me into running! There needs to be a focus. The goal of a marathon does provide smaller training goals and other competitions along the way. I think he gave me a wink and then we dropped it.

Fellow Bloggers
Sunshine left me a note regarding Statin drugs and the effect on the body. Especially as it pertains to Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10). This has been an interesting subject. A summary can be found at a blog witten by R. Sockness @ BanditsBuddies.com.
In her article, Ms. Sockness wrote-
“Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like compound that belongs to a family of 10 substances designated coenzyme Qs. But CoQ10 is the only one found in human tissue. CoQ10 is present in virtually all cells and is especially high in concentration in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. Within the cells, the majority of CoQ10 is found in the mitochondria, the cellular organelles responsible for energy production. CoQ10 is essential to the energy production cycle that takes place inside the mitochondria, and it also functions as an antioxidant. “
And also –
“Statin medications, also known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, are effective in inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, thus reducing cholesterol levels by decreasing cholesterol production. In doing so, statins block production of farnesyl pyrophosphate, an intermediate in the synthesis of CoQ10. Myopathy, or muscle pain, a frequent side effect associated with statin use is believed to be related to a reduction in CoQ10 levels.
According to Giuseppe Caso, MD, MSc, PhD and colleagues at Stony Brook University in New York, some of the myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins may result from a depletion of CoQ10 and the associated inability of the mitochondria to supply the energy needed for muscle contraction. CoQ10 supplementation may help reverse these symptoms.”
I will be getting a CoQ10 supplement to add to my daily regime. I am hoping that it is an effective way of diminishing my non-focused muscle pain. I’ll leave a report soon. Thank you, Sunshine, for sharting this bit of information with me!

Peter just completed a raft trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He had quite an experience and shares a lot of it on his blog. Fascinating reading. Emotional reading. You cannot help but be moved. Please go there and read up! You will not be disappointed! Thanks Peter for sharing your story with all of us!

Virtual Runners Rock!
Are you interested in joining a virtual runner group? Point your web browser toward our VRR group and join in. The rules are there for you to read. It is just a way to inspire each other to run and share our runs with each other! Will I see you there?

Finally…
As I am on the road to Chicago, I need to share my deficit training with you. My weekend long runs have not been long enough. I have been running, but on mountain trails I tire from elevations before the full distance is completed. It needs to be corrected.

I have not done my cross training on the mountain bike for two weeks. Sometimes I haven’t taken the rest day that I know I need. The cross training day has become the rest day. This week my Doctor appointment took the place of the cross training. I will have to look at my schedule again and see if I can move the cross training day to another slot.

Input, please! I can use it.

Steve Canyon

2008-07-06T20:14:00.007-06:00

If you were to Wiki(pedia) ‘Steve Canyon,’ you’d learn that “Steve Canyon was a long-running American adventure comic strip by writer-artist Milton Caniff. It was published from January 13, 1947, (starting shortly after Caniff had retired from penning his previous popular strip: Terry and the Pirates), until June 4, 1988, shortly after Caniff's death.

It was a popular comic strip. It was so popular that the town of Idaho Springs, Colorado adopted him to represent their town. “A statue to Steve Canyon was erected in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and a nearby mountain canyon was renamed "Steve Canyon". Happy Easter was reportedly modeled after an eccentric who lived in nearby Central City.”

Idaho Springs was not the only town to erect a monument to the comic strip, though. “A mosaic, of Steve Canyon's ward Poteet Canyon, stands in front of the city Fire Station in the town of Poteet, Texas.”

I spent the Independence Day holiday weekend in Idaho Springs. Why? Camping, firework observation, jeeping, astronomy and running.

Camping
Camping was great. We went to the town of Idaho Springs. Interstate 70 was jammed and traffic moved very slowly. We headed toward the ‘Indian Hot Springs,” but turned onto Montane Road. Out of the residential area, the road turned into a National Forest Service (NFS) road. As I drove, we looked for a camping spot with a good view of our sky.

We expected it to be very busy with other dry land campers. We didn’t see anybody else. It was an amazing quiet and private place. We found a great place and set up camp. I ran the trail we drove on, then settled in for an afternoon nap.

Friday night, I slept well. Saturday, I slept even better. I woke up Saturday night to the patter of rain. We stayed dry and comfortable all night. Amazing what a little time off can do for a person.

Fireworks
It was after 9:30 PM that we heard a firework display start. From the distance from us, it was the Central City event. It lasted a long time. The explosions were crisp and clear. The colors were dramatic. It was pretty cool to sit at your camp and watch fireworks display in the evening sky. Soon after that display ended, another display in Georgetown started. We could not see it directly but we heard it and light from the display illuminated the cloud of explosive smoke that was filling the valley.

Jeeping
Saturday, we aired down the tires. I ran from the camp site to the park restroom down in Idaho Springs. Tom and Molly drove down. We met at the park and went off to ride the Red Elephant Hill trail.

We met two other rigs at the base of the trail. They allowed us to take the lead. We worked together to conquer the trail.

Wild flowers can be interesting in Colorado.

As the snowmelts, the wild flowers follow the elevation zones. You can follow them as they spread up the mountain across the Summer season. I think it may be a divine way of reminding us that life is ever present and definitely follows a plan. The field in the picture is near the top of the trail.

We ran all of the obstacles and had a lot of fun.

At the end of the trail, we took off for the Mill Creek Loop.

The Mill Creek Loop is best known for an NFS living museum project known as the "Empire Hilton," at the original location of the town.

We broke off from the group and headed toward Bill Moore Lake. We did get near it, but heavy snow drifts still covered most of the trail.

We headed down to Empire and had a great late lunch at "The Sweet Shop." They saw Molly and brought us an ice cream cone decorated with dogbones. She was happy with it and consumed it happily!

Astronomy
This picture shows how a telescope is supposed to look.

This is how the telescopes looked for most of Saturday night.

We have an 8" S/C reflector that is computer driven. We also have a short tube 80mm refractor manual telescope.

Friday night started out great. There was only a 5% moon. There were some clouds but they were moving toward the east. Both telescopes were setup and ready to be aligned.

We were able to see Mars, Saturn and many of the Messier objects. We took a break to watch some fireworks about that time.

After the fireworks, we went into the tent to warm up. After some warm up time, Tom went back out but found the explosives smoke all about in the air. That smoke was light absorbing, so we called it for the night.

We covered the telescopes as we went for the trail ride. Good thing, too! We came back to find that rain had fallen. There was enough to collect in chairs traps and other places. The ground sucked it up.

We decided not to uncover them until it was safe to.

Some friends came up to view with us, but we never really got a chance. The brunt of the clouds had moved east, but wispy thin clouds remained. It was like gazing through a haze.

It was fun but not so fruitful an activity.

Running
What is the most fun about going to the Mountains? Trail running, of course. What a chance to get out to nature. The entire road that we were camping on was about 5 miles long. It ended at a private gate.

Friday, I ran about 4.25 miles by running from the camp site to the gate, then below the camp and back to the gate again. Molly joined me for most of it.

Saturday, I ran from the camp down to the restrooms at the park. It just worked out as a motivator. It worked!

I twisted my left ankle at 1.38 miles. It really hurt at first. I sprained that ankle in high school and it has been loose ever since. If I step (run?) on it wrong it can get painful quickly. Within a few moments, it felt better again and I hit the raod (a little slower).

Sunday morning, after we packed up camp, I headed toward the gate. Molly ran with me for the 1.60 miles (seems like it was uphill both ways). I left her at the Jeep and headed toward the restrooms again. Here is the elevation profile of that run.

As you can see, it was a great practice run for the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half-Marathon that I will be running on August 9th.
Here I am running down one of the many steep areas.

It was a great weekend and a lot of fun!

The News

2008-07-02T14:15:00.002-06:00

I was perusing the web today and found this interesting article. Thank goodness for people like Mr. Bradley who didn't think about it, but just helped a runner/jogger in need.

Rockford Park worker helps save man's life
By RICARDO LOPEZ • The News Journal • July 2, 2008

A few minutes after talking with a visitor to Rockford Park in Wilmington, a state worker saw him collapse outside the restrooms Tuesday morning.

Jim Bradley, 55 of Claymont, first thought the man was having a seizure or had fallen and hit his head.

But then he checked the man's pulse.

It wasn't there.

"I started doing chest compressions and tried to clear his airway," Bradley, a state park employee, said. "I hollered at my supervisor to call 911."

New Castle County paramedics received the call at 7:49 a.m.

Paramedics arrived and found Bradley doing CPR on the man, who appeared to be having a heart attack, said Sgt. Kelli Starr-Leach, a paramedics spokeswoman. Wilmington Fire Department and the new Vanguard Health Care ambulance service also responded.

Paramedics used a defibrillator to successfully revive the man, who was taken to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition, Starr-Leach said.

"Were it not for first responders, the outcome would have certainly been worse," Starr-Leach said.

Bradley and his supervisor, Dave Jones, were doing maintenance work in the park restroom near the Rockford Tower when the incident happened. Bradley said he assumed the victim was middle-aged and a jogger because he was dressed in shorts, a T-shirt and sneakers.

"I had talked to him about about two minutes before he collapsed," Bradley said.

"He was waiting to use the restroom but someone else was already in there. He seemed very coherent about himself," he said.

Bradley said he performed CPR for about 10 minutes while he waited for paramedics to arrive. He said he learned CPR five or six years ago, but never had to perform it before.

"While doing chest compressions, I heard him start breathing again. I checked his airway, made sure it was clean and clear," he said. "Then he lost his pulse again, and I started compressions again."

St. Francis Hospital did not disclose the victim's identity or condition due to patient privacy laws.

"I'm very concerned about the man," Bradley said. "This whole thing shook me up pretty bad, but I feel in my heart that I did everything right."
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http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS/807020355
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I would like to thank you, Mr. Bradley! I would also like to thank the paramedics and those handling the 911 communications. I sure hope someone like Mr. Bradley is nearby should I ever need it on a morning run!

6 Miles Today (Among Other Things)!

2008-07-01T14:36:00.003-06:00

Ever have trouble naming the blog entry for the day? I do all of the time! Hence the misnomer for today.

The Training Schedule…
Week three is complete. No problems. I tend to run more than this schedule is having me run. The cross training on the bike was much easier this week.

The Nike+ Sportband
I think that my Nike+ Sportband is calibrated now. At least it is close. I wore the Sportband and the Garmin Forerunner 205 for the 4 mile race last Saturday and the 205 read 4 miles exactly, but the Sportband read 3.92. Hmmm...

I may have a problem with the Sportband. Condensation is forming inside the unit. From some conversations on Runner+ and the Nike+ site, others are having the same problem. Some of the other units are so wet that they have quit working.

Do you have a Sportband? Is yours working alright? I'll let you know if mine gives up the ghost!

Fun Training Pics!
I think the City and County of Denver is trying to tell me something about my running abilities –

This is a small waterfall on the Bear Creek trail.

This is a (very poor) panorama of Wild Cat Park on the Bear Creek trail. It is located at 3.3 miles from my front door. Makes for a wonderful 6 mile run with a steady water supply/break area at the halfway point.
I think this park is very innovative. It sits on a house plot. It is next to a recreation path. It is a great idea and often seems like an oasis in the middle of a run.

I am experimenting with a cheap digital camera I bought on a ‘Deal of the Day’ site. The pictures are all right, but I doubt I will use it. The camera has to be held still for about 2 seconds after you press the button. So, if I am stopped, and remember to wait the 2 seconds it works great. If I try to take a picture on the run, I can end up with something like this –

(A jeeping friend named this picture, "Fear and Loathing in Illinois Gulch.")

A Semi-Annual Doctor Appointment –
I have already had the blood taken for the mandatory tests. I need to see the Doctor every six months due to medications that I am on. I do have high blood pressure (the medication helps but does not control it) and I also take Lipitor for High Cholesterol. My blood tests show low numbers for the cholesterol now. I am wondering whether that is because of the medicine or because of the running that I do. It is, most likely, a combination of the two. I would sure like to get off of the medications, if I could!

Concerns? None, really. I would like to have the Doctor’s OK for the Chicago marathon, though.

All for now!

The Event is Over!

2008-06-28T16:32:00.004-06:00

The Question
Did those young whipper-snappers beat the old man?
Yes, they did. I was actually very proud of them. Out of 128 people, they came in 16th and 17th. I came in 69th. Tom came in 72nd. We all came in with a lot of fun.
Ismael, Carlos and me. We had just registered and were waiting for the bus to take us to the starting line.

5:00 AM sure comes early in the morning! I woke up just before the alarm went off. It was tough, but we were out the door at 5:45 AM.

Interstate 70 goes from Denver into the front range of the Rocky Mountains. It starts to climb just as you leave the city. It was a crisp, cool morning. The drive to Georgetown took about an hour.

We were all calling each other as I arrived so we could meet up. Even as we saw each other, we still talked on the cells. All of us got in the lines for packet pickup. At that station, we got our bib numbers and some pins. We only had to wait for the bus for a few minutes. The bus took us to the starting line.

We got off the bus and went right over to get our chips.
The chips were mounted on an ankle bracelet that closed with velcro. They were comfortable and I barely knew it was there.

We met a young runner. Brian is talking to us here. It is his first race. He felt he was ready. He was taking in all the sights of the event. He had trained for it and felt he was ready. He ran with Tom and I.
Brian's first race. He was full of anticipation and full of questions.

The race started a little late. There were a lot of on-site registrations and that meant additional bus trips. The Slacker has a tradition of starting all phases of the race at the same time. Once everyone was ready to race (at both locations) we heard the count down and the start.

Clear Creek at the Start Line.

The Slacker runs along Clear Creek and I-70. There are some beautiful things to see this time of year. The snow load in the mountains was heavy this year. The creek was very full due to run off from the snow level.

The gun goes off. The race is on!

Ismael and Carlos started off the line and stayed ahead of us.

There is a 'tourist' train that runs from Georgetown to Silver Plume. Known as the Georgetown Loop Railroad, it is well known on this side of the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels on the continental divide.

The Silver Plume terminus of the railroad. See the railroad cars at the right side?

We were able to see this railroad trestle for quite a while before we ran under it.

The first three miles were all downhill. We made good time. As we enterred Georgetown, the terrain leveled off. There was turn after turn as we ran through the town. With half a mile to go, the course started to climb. I saw that Brian was moving out ahead. With leaden feet that just did not want to respond, I tried a kick. I moved forward. I got even with him, then passed him. I was able to keep that advantage just long enough to go through the finish line!

That last half mile was a killer rise in elevation!

Tom took a picture of his finish time as he ran toward the finish!

Carlos came up to me as I got out of the chute. We high-fived each other on a job well done. We waited for Brian and Tom to finish then went off to get our T-shirts and swag. We had hot dogs, water, and visited all of the booths.

When they posted the times, I found my time to be 37:47 and a pace of 9:27. A PR! (OK, OK... It was my first 4 mile, and was a PR anyway) I was still pleased with my time and pace!

It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning!

Quote of the Race
I got a kick out of Tom as we got to the bottom of two switchbacks and he looked back up on the course. "Oh good!" he said, "There are runners behind us."

One Day To Go!

2008-06-27T13:08:00.002-06:00

The Event is Tomorrow!
4 mile fun run in the mountains benefitting a mountain community. Today was a rest day (1st in 2 weeks). The cool part? Mountain environment, mountain air, and a fun community event. The bad part? 5:00 AM wake up... 5:45 AM out the door and on the 1 hour trip to Georgetown. Need to pick up the race packet and chip by 7:00 AM to get on the bus for the starting line by 7:15 AM.

1, no 2 thermos of coffee, I think. Should get me there. I'll just get some toothpicks to hold the eyes open.

I am ready.

Coffee? Water?A recent study concluded that coffee is not so much a diuretic. The study was simple in the makeup. One group drank cups of coffee. The other group drank the same amount of water. No difference in the amounts of restroom visits! Hmmm...

News tomorrow!
Probably some pictures, too!

2 Days To Go!

2008-06-26T10:32:00.002-06:00

The Event
I'll be running from the town of Silver Plume to Georgetown, Colorado. Silver Plume is at 9,200 feet in altitude. Georgetown is at 8,600 feet in elevation. So, most of the 4 mile race will be run at a high elevation and most of it will be run downhill.

Carlos ran it last year (while I ran the half). He said that the course starts uphill before a dramatic downhill course.

All of us work a swing shift. All of us will have to be at Georgetown by 7:00 am (parked and ready to pick up the race packet). The last bus leaves for the start line @ 7:15 AM. The race starts at 8:00 AM.

It should be interesting! Looking forward to it!

Will there be pictures? Of course!

3 days to go!

2008-06-25T14:52:00.002-06:00

The next competition!
3 days until a 4 mile competition. Why 4 miles? There was some interest where I work to run a race together. We are. Shorter than I like, but some of the guys want to kick my old, gray haired body in a competition! Bring it on, youngsters!

It is getting hot out there... I am trying to run as early as I can and still get some sleep. Not easy, though. That shady side of the street sure is attractive now!

Bicycle seats!
When you are not used to the bicycle, it is not easy to get used to the seat. There is a great wearing in a certain area. I tend to move about on the seat to get comfortable (again) from time to time.

Where is the 4 mile run?
The Slacker!
Nah... It's the 4 mile race...

Training, Jeeping and Summer Fun!

2008-06-23T08:44:00.001-06:00

Marathon Training
I have completed my second week of training for Chicago. I am using a modified Hal Higdon Novice training schedule. My cross training is on my mountain bike. I completed 34.32 miles last week.
I discovered yesterday that the Bear Creek recreation trail is open all the way to the Platte River. That makes choices for long runs a great deal broader! It had been closed due to a major commercial construction project.

Is it Summer already?
I ran the offset smoker on Memorial day weekend. That makes it sweet now. For a great BBQ meal, I just grab something from the freezer, heat it up and serve it! A great part of Summer at my house.

Jeeping!
At the current cost of gas (I heard it went up 10 cents a gallon overnight), I still have to find time (and the money) to go Jeeping. I enjoy it so much!
Tom, Molly and I joined some others to run the Red Elephant Trail. This trail is also close to the city. The trail is steep, with really loose dirt and rocks.
13 rigs went on this trail ride. We drove the Red Elephant and the Mill Creek loop. The Mill Creek loop has a National Forest Service ‘living’ museum of an old cabin maintained in much the same way as when it was built. Visitors tend to leave a personal item of some kind (cabin related usually) and can sign the guest book.
There was some snow but not a lot. We had some fun bashing the way through one wall of drifted snow. Here are some pictures –

Of course, I could not resist the pull to run part of the trail I ran 4 miles of it. Always pack those trail shoes!

Finally...
Now some people tend to go a little overboard when they design a rig. This is Tom standing by a truck with 53” tires! It looks too pretty to actually run the back country, though!

Run For The Fallen

2008-06-18T19:30:00.004-06:00

Marathon Chris listened to Phedippidations #142 and had an idea.

I think it is a great one!

If you are a member of RunnerPlus, please think about and join the Run For The Fallen challenge. You can find it here.

This challenge is to commemorate the fallen soldiers in Iraq who gave their lives for our freedom. Let's honor them by getting many runners together and running 4,000 miles by August 24th.

RunnerPlus is a great site for runners. It will sync many different sources of input and also allows you to manually input your runs. It is an essential site for sharing, logging runs, exchanging information and everything that runners are interested in.

Nike+ is a great site, but it is also highly commercial. You won't get that at RunnerPlus!

If you would like to see a sample runner's pager on the site, try this one.

Thanks, Chris!

Blended Tomato Condiment - Catchup, get it?

2008-06-16T15:16:00.002-06:00

Running…
Last week I ran 19.29 miles. Sunday, I ran 13.66. It was a trial bringing it home yesterday. I left early to beat the heat, but it became a pain by the end of the 9th mile. Being a determined runner, I did finish but I think I could have walked it in faster!

Cross Training…
Today, I rode my bike!
I must admit that it has been a while since I’ve ridden my bike. It is a GT mountain bike with the triple tube molybdenum frame build. I have some hybrid street tires on it. I got it ready last week and will be using for cross training.
I had planned on an hour of riding today. That changed to a half-hour, soon after starting! I do know now that bicycling takes a different (though similar) set of muscles from running. Maybe, this cross training is a good thing.
I did keep hearing some of my mentors whisper in my ear, “Take it easy! Don’t overdo it! This is a first marathon you are training for!”
So, when I was plenty sore, I stopped.

Word of Advice!

I wouldn't eat at this restaurant. If you should pass it while running? Keep on Running!

Interesting, but may be Trivial...

2008-06-12T13:25:00.008-06:00

Umm... Err... This is the first time I have linked my PhotoBucket account to my blog. There are some interesting results. I do beleive that I will learn how to use the the link correctly some day...

1. I am in training for my first marathon. The first week is almost over and it has been easy. Then again, my base is greater than the first few weeks of the training schedule.

2. Have you heard about tomatoes and salmonella? 167 people have been affected in 17 western states. Colorado is one of the states. Imagine going to a restaurant, ahving a salad or vegetable dish and not having tomatoes available? It is happening. Tomatoes are available. In Colorado, we are told that if the fruits are grown, harvested and prepared in Colorado, we are OK. We are also told that if the vine is still attached, the tomato is OK to eat. Of course, tomatoes that are available are much higher in price.
Most restaurants choose not to serve any tomatoes in any form. This is a major bummer.

3. Do you dread preparing onions for a dish?
Fresh or cooked, onions can be prepared without an associated smell on you or your hands. Many people wear gloves when preparing onions, but it is not necessary to. After you cut the onion, run cold water. Have a stainless steel utensil available (I use a large stainless steel serving spoon). I wash my hands using the spoon like a bar of soap. Wipe your hands dry. No smell on you!

4. The Jeeping season in Colorado is opening! We've had a rather heavy snow load this last winter.

I ran my rig on Spring Creek trail last Sunday. This trail is normally open year round, but not this year. It is located just west of Idaho Springs.
We started out with 20+ rigs and ended up running 14 rigs.

The view from half-way up the mountainside. The town is Empire, Colorado. The distant mountain range is known as the "Never Summer Range."

The trail was clear all the way up to the "Rock Garden." The Rock Garden is a named obstacle. It is an area filled with assorted sizes of rocks. By traversing it, a rig can move rocks and change how the next rig may go through it. The right side and the bypass were clear. The bigger rigs (read - 40" + tires, clearance and lockers) worked at clearing the left (most difficult side) of fairly heavy snow.

It took the group 4 1/2 hours to run the 5 mile trail. It was a lot of fun, though.

As these rides go, we ended up in a smaller group when we neared the top. Many of the rigs were trailered in so those rigs had to return the way we had come. We did not have that restriction and could venture farther to see if other trails were clear.

We made it to the top and headed on an upper trail toward Idaho Springs. We were able to perform some trail maintenance as we went. A tree had fallen and blocked the trail.

Other rigs were starting to go around the tree. I subscribe to "Stay The Trail" and when people go off trail; it can close a trail, or damage the reputation of the entire community. So it was a strap, a pull and the tree was moved! The trail was clear!

I did not run any portion of this trail.

5. For fun, this is a video of a buggy running the left side to clear snow.

IT (tagged)

2008-06-10T14:31:00.003-06:00

Here are my responses!

1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
My running 10 years ago would have been a dash to the car during a rain storm.

2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Best running experience – My first half-marathon (2007). I chose a smaller venue held high in the Colorado Rockies. The slacker race is held annually and drops 2,000 feet in elevation. I didn’t know that people could run that far! It seemed to take forever (as I am a turtle).. It was a run I was prepared for. Hydrated, Energized, mostly prepared. Trail, road and some mystery surfaces. Great fun in bright sun and at altitude. A friend met me near the finish line and ran me in to it.
Worst running experience – My 1st 10K competition. I should have done better! I’m still analyzing it so I can’t offer as to why.
I do prefer the longer distances, though.

3. Why do you run?
It started out for health reasons. I was fat and lazy. I was comfortable in a sit down office type job. I do volunteer with several firms to give my opinion to poll services.
During one of these, a Cardiologist was setting up a test group. I qualified as I have had high blood pressure for many years, but chose not to do anything about it. Further tests disqualified me, but I did find out that I have MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse).
My family and friends on hearing of the Doctor’s remarks to me, and witnessing my lack of care for myself, almost forced me to change Doctors. My new Doctor took a more hands-on approach to getting healthy. He assigned a diet and suggested running. I still see the same Doctor (twice a year minimally).

4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?
You know, I’m still new to this avocation. Every piece of advice is examined. I may or may not agree with it but I believe it is all meant to be positive and productive. If, when, I get what I consider to be a bit of bad advice I will let everyone know (after considering the source). Most of our friends and fellow bloggers really do give advice based on their personal knowledge and experience. How can it be bad?

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
Jim Henson, of the Muppet Factory, died of organ failure in May of 1990. The cause was a virulent form of pneumonia.
Soon after that, I found myself with similar symptoms. This was a deceptive sickness. I really felt OK, but somewhat rundown. Even went to a Doctor and was told it was a cold. 24 hours later I was in a fight for my life.
I went to an emergency room. I could barely stay conscious. I drifted in and out. I remember waking up in a hospital room. My temperature for the next 5 – 6 days hovered at 105 and above. My bed had a mattress that had ice cold water pumped through it. Nothing was working to reduce the fever. They even used experimental drugs.
I remember one night when a loved one was at my bed. I had just woken up. I looked at them. They had such a serious look on their face. Somehow, I knew, that they had been told that I was dying.
I’m just glad that they didn’t tell me. I had no plans on leaving at that time. I didn’t die. In fact, that was the turn around. 2 days later they removed that mattress.
I was in that hospital room for 15 days. There were lots of complications (including deep vein thrombosis and 4 associated blood clots). I had lung concerns and soon after leaving the hospital, my hair all fell out. My teeth will never be as white as they once were due to the high fever. There were other complications. But none of that matters. I survived!

So, those are my 5 Q&As.

Now, here are the rules…
'IT' GUYS AND GALS: Here's what you're supposed to do:
1. Copy the rules (or your version of them), and the set of questions onto your blog post, provide your own answers, and then tag 5 new people.
2. Be sure that everyone tagged knows they have been invited to play, go to their blogs and leave them a special comment letting them know, and refer them to your blog for details.
3. Once they've answered the questions on their own blog, they should come back to yours to tell you.

I followed part 1 & 3, but just cannot make out number 2…

I do have to admit that it was fun to answer.

My Long Run...

2008-06-07T23:59:00.014-06:00

Running…
Last week I ran 44.41 miles. Why? Why? Don’t you think it might be too far too fast? Not really. I just switched the Sunday run for Saturday. So, last week was long in miles, this week would be a lot better (less miles).

Oh yeah! Training for my running of the Chicago Marathon has begun! I know that training for other events has started for some other bloggers. 5 of those are going to Chicago the same time that I am (see to the right).

Others are D10 and Joanne. If you get a chance, visit these runners and encourage them on!

My Long Run…
The long run was interesting this week. I did take the camera.

It was an exploration run. I ran toward the Harvard Gulch park. In the park, I remembered a sign that pointed out the names of the Rocky Mountains that you can see from the park.
(You can click on the pictures for more detail).

I ran the park and 4 times around track to the north of the park, then headed west. This was the exploration part (finding the Platte River). At about 5 miles in to my run, my left foot caught the edge of an uneven section of sidewalk. I tripped and fell! I caught my fall fairly well, but some damage was done. My hands have some contusions and scratches, but my right calf and right shoulder took the brunt. My camera is also none the worse for the wear. All was minor and not much of a road-rash factor.

After some unplanned for exploring from that point, I found myself at the Platte River.

I found the recreation path and headed south. I found a little park off of the path with a nice sidewalk gamboling through it. It was great! It was also fairly short and ended in an industrial park. I probably should have returned to the Rec path, but ran through the industrial park instead. Please notice that there are no pictures of it!

I like the Platte River Recreation Path. Overall, it has a two-lane nature to it. Primarily used as a bike lane, it does offer expanded width for runners and, at times, a separate path!
I took another way back to house that runs through a drainage area. The area has been made into a park and goes by Englewood City Center. There is an traffic circle/entry area to city hall that has art and a fountain set into it.

Further on, I took a picture of a fountain that graces the side of the path.

Finally, I ran to Clarkson Street for the final part of the run. Why? The Clarkson Street hill. This is the lower third of the hill.

It feeds up to the middle part of the hill. Clarkson Street divides the Craig Rehabilitation Center. It is the bridge above the street that you see.

There is a third part of the hill that continues from there. It is quite a challenge at the end of a long run!

Thanks for visiting!

A Monday Post...

2008-06-02T14:47:00.005-06:00

Running –
Last week I ran 31.78 miles. Mostly around the neighborhood. It is getting hot in Denver now. I need to find a shadier run course.

A friend came by this weekend and told me what a great tan I have this year. I told him that outside running will do that to a person. I am getting my vitamin D most naturally this season.

Training –
I have changed my training schedule for Chicago. The longer runs (over 17 miles) have been bumped up a mile or two. That way, I will have runs under my belt of at least 2 @ 20 miles (1 @ 22 miles), and others at or really near it.
Thanks for the input!

Soon -
Next week, I will run a 10-mile long run. Planning on taking the camera to show everyone my current favorite course. Some of us bloggers did that last year and I got quite a kick out of it.

Cameras –
Recently at the Colorado Colfax Half-Marathon, I did take a camera. It was my Flip Ultra video. I pulled it out twice and I thought I got some on-the-run videos. I didn’t. It was frustrating to attempt to run, try to capture a video, and replace everything in my pack. What does it boil down to? I won’t take the Flip Ultra! It just gets more and more frustrating to use. Anyone want a Flip Ultra cheap?

I love my Canon camera. It is a medium sized 7.1 megapixel image stabilized digital camera. It is quick and easy to use, but it somewhat large and bulky. Both stills and video are excellent on this camera. It is somewhat large, though, and takes up most of my running pack space.

If anyone out there takes a camera with them on their runs, what do you take? Would you recommend it to a fellow runner? Why? Why not?

Training coming up

2008-05-28T11:40:00.006-06:00

Catchup
Yes, delicious catchup! Made from tomatoes of loving homes*.
No! Wait! Actually I am trying to catch you up on my running activities.

Last week, I ran 33.82 miles. The week before that I ran 18 miles (but 45 miles from the week before that).

Chicago
Some of us bloggers are headed for Chicago this year. I am.

Others are Melisa, Maddy, Petra, David, Ryan & Susan.

I am going to run a marathon for the first time in my life. Which brings us to training…

This is a modified Hal Higdon training schedule for a full marathon. At least, it started out that way. It has been modified for me. It was not modified by an expert. I modified it.

I will not strength train. I hate strength training. I won’t do it. But that is just me.

I will cross train. I have the mountain bike out of storage and it is getting prepared as a medium to use on Mondays for cross training.

Opinions? Let me have it, friends!

*Thanks goes to A Prairie Home Companion for the catchup blurb.

On The Road To Chicago (Again)...

2008-05-21T19:22:00.007-06:00

When I visit a new place or city, I try to look beyond the normal, everyday tourist sites. Chicago is well known for the nightclubs, museums, fountains, Navy Pier and, of course, Sears Tower. Have you ever wondered about what else might be available to look at? Here are some of the things that I have found…

Museum of Surgical Sciences
1524 N. Lake Shore Drive
It houses a fascinating array of instruments, artists' renderings and graphic descriptions of the history of surgery. If it was allegedly medical at any point in history, you can probably find it here.

63rd Street Indian (30’ Cigar Store Indian)
6258 South Pulaski
A large cigar store indian (not strictly a Paul Bunyan).

Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Pet Cemetery Nominee - The Man-Eaters of Tsavo (lions)
Two lions terrorized an East African British work crew in 1898. The duty of the work crew was to build a bridge over the Tsavo River. The lions developed such a taste for human flesh that they would stop at nothing to obtain it. The official death count is listed in the 30s, but estimates run as high as 110 when the count includes local Africans not associated with the bridge project.
Statue Burnishing, aside from noses -Vague Recollections
They had an exhibit of life sized bronze statues of the races of man positioned around the second floor balcony. Both males and females in their native garb lined the halls, with nothing to keep visitors from touching them. For the African and South American natives, it was not their noses or toes that were shiny, but much more intimate portions of their anatomy.

Eastland Disaster Plaque
Downtown, south bank of the Chicago River, on the northeast corner of LaSalle St. and Wacker Drive.
845 Western Electric employees and family members died when their Chicago River faring ship overturned on the morning of July 24, 1915. You can find out more about this at - http://www.eastlanddisaster.org/

Chicago's Wrigley Field
Fans jam beer cans into the outstretched hand of the statue of Harry Caray.

Metal Giraffe (10’ foot tall in private yard)
From the intersection of State and Madison (where all addresses begin in Chicago) go south twelve blocks to Roosevelt road. Proceed south through that intersection. The giraffe is about ten houses south of Roosevelt on the right side of the street. How can an animal be a Paul Bunyan?

Museum of Holography
1134 W. Washington Blvd.
The only museum devoted to holography.

Museum of Science and Industry
Many interesting displays including the coal mine, ½” slices of a man (vertical) and a woman (horizontal), a WWII German submarine, and a Walk-Thru Heart (Anatomical model is big enough to stroll inside). These are all among many other (more normal) exhibits.

Muffler Man - Mr. Bendo
3940 W Grand Ave.
A ‘Paul Bunyan’ metal statue.

Bob Newhart Statue
600 E Grand Ave, At Navy Pier.
A statue celebrating a TV icon -- fictional character Bob Hartley played by Bob Newhart on the "The Bob Newhart Show." The bronze sculpture will stand in front of his fictional office building at 430 North Michigan Avenue.

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 North State Street
Giant grill sticking out of building. Large metal griller statue inside.

Prayer Booths at the Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave.
Not your usual tourist available booth and not a bad thing, either!

Salt Stain Virgin Mary
Fullerton Avenue, underneath the Kennedy Expressway - I-90.

Monument to Jack Brickhouse, Famous Announcer
On N. Michigan Ave., just south of the Tribune Tower and a stone's throw from the Bob Newhart statue.

Hyde Park's Escaped Parakeets
Nichols Park, between 53rd and 54th Sts. and Kenwood and Kimbark Aves. A parakeet population in the wild.

Alley Where John Dillinger Was Gunned Down
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
North side of the city. I-90/94 exit 47A, east on Fullerton Ave. for about two miles, then make a sharp left at the intersection of Fullerton, Lincoln Ave., and Halstead St., onto Lincoln Ave. The alley will be up a third of a block on the right, a few doors down from the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater.

Giant Man Made of Plastic Barrels
US 10 West at the Clark's Garden Center and Stone Depot. As it is composed of plastic barrels, this is not strictly a Paul Bunyan either.

Large Radio Flyer Wagon Large? More like Massive!
6515 W Grand Avenue, where Grand turns into Fullerton.

"Wizard of Oz" Tin Man statue
Corner of Lincoln Ave, Belden Ave. It is a little south down Lincoln from the intersection of Lincoln, Halsted and Fullerton

30-foot tall DNA strand
3333 Green Bay Road

Muffler man (what? Another Paul Bunyan? Yes!)
On Grand Ave. (Rt.132) 1 block east of Rt. 41.

Site of the St Valentine's Day Massacre
2122 N. Clark St. North side of the city. I-90/94 exit 47A, east on Fullerton Ave. for two miles, then right onto Clark St. The vacant lot where the Garage used to stand is 2.5 blocks south (between Webster and Dickens), on the right, next to a nursing home.

Not Your Mama's Bus Tour
1331 S. Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.
StreetWise (Chicago's homeless newspaper) sponsors a tour of Chicago that is based on true stories by former homeless people (women, men and youth). They go to several stops, including-the site of the 1968 Democratic Convention Riots (where hippies and student protestors chanted,"The whole world is watching!" and where at least one person was killed), Cabrini Green (one of Chicago's most notorius housing projects and the site of TV's Good Times), Malcolm X College, Chicago's Civic Center and the spot where a homeless SteetWise vendor was was shot to death by an off-duty police officer. The tour goes past some of Chicago's most famous off the beaten track spots like Cook County Hospital (think E.R.and Chicago Hope) and through the south, west and north loop areas and downtown.

Superdawg Hot Dog Drive-in
Intersection of Milwaukee Ave. and Devon near the NW border of Chicago and Niles.
There is a restaurant called Superdawg with two Giant hot dogs (him & her) standing on top of the roof.

In Conclusion...
These rather fun and unusual sights were found at a very interesting website known for finding the odd and unusual. Called Roadside America, it finds and catalogs roadside attractions. What is mentioned above may or may not be open. We will have to wait and see. You can visit them at http://www.roadsideamerica.com/. I would like to thank them for making my future visit to Chicago a little more interesting...

Oh yeah... I kept referring to a Paul Bunyan - Whatever did I mean? Basically a Paul Bunyan is a Roadside statue or other tributes to the Great Tree-Biter, Paul Bunyan. They usually refer to Muffler Men, those large metal statues that were known to adorn muffler shops. You can find out more about them (and find one or two in your area) by going to here or here!
Again thanks goes to Roadside America for their interest and diligence in tracking these bits of Americana!

Colorado Colfax Race Report

2008-05-19T09:17:00.015-06:00

Getting There!
You know, for this swing shift worker, 4:00 AM comes awfully early. I did wake up prior to the alarm going off. I made coffee and drank a large glass of water. I got dressed, made up some oatmeal (forced it down) and double checked my gym bag.

I think I did my best preparations for this race. I made sure I was hydrated and nourished. I ate in a very healthy fashion for the entire week before the event. As a matter of fact, I made a noodle dish that night before. Home made noodles, roasted chicken strips with a light white sauce and parmesan, colby and cheddar cheeses. How delicious and filling, as well as fueling!

I had packed the night before. We had been to the expo the day before to pick up the bib number and the chip. I pinned the bib on my shirt and the chip on my left shoe. My running electronics were packed, charged and ready in their case.

I had also outlined and followed a training plan that brought me up to this point. Only the race will tell me now if I have succeeded!

We (my friend, Tom and I), headed out the door @ 4:45 AM. The birds were awake and alive. Making so much noise, you could not help but notice it! Streets were fairly empty until we got to the area of Denver's City Park. They got busy then. We worried about parking but did find a parking space at the Museum of Nature and Science. Several major street arteries were already closed.

We went to the expo tents and found the Start and Finish lines. Now it was a matter of waiting. I handed off my jacket to Tom and headed for a good place in the queue. Time ticked down and my nervousness went up!

The Race!
The Colorado Colfax Marathon includes a wheelchair race. The wheelchair athletes were getting ready and were lined up at the start line. They would start first.

For the rest of us, the start looked like this -
Watch the Race start on YouTube!

The course seemed flat. It wound through City Park and then headed toward Colfax.

It followed Colfax Avenue east to Aurora. It headed north through the Anschutz Medical Campus (the old Fitzsimmons location) and then west on 17th Street.

The sun was in our faces on the way out. It was bright but not hot. A great morning for a race.

Water/Gatorade stations were located every 2 miles. There were 2 porta-pottys at every one. There were official clocks at the water stations so you could check your progress. The water stations were slow but got it out. It was not a run through at many of them as the cups were being grabbed and emptied as quickly as they were being filled!

During the first half, I checked my Garmin 205 a lot. I tried for an 11:00 minute pace. I found an older lady running at that pace and drafted her almost to the half-way point. She started to get progressively slower. I thanked her and headed on past.

I was disappointed that there wasn't a chip reading mat at the midway point. I did want to check my splits (hoping for a negative split). I know that the Garmin does laps, but I use it for both running and jeeping. I didn't have it set for mile laps.

I stepped it up. I was running at 10:30 Pace for most of the second half. The sun was at our backs. It is definitely Spring in Denver and 17th Street was green and verdant. It was great to watch as I ran.

My legs were getting tired. I was counting the blocks back to city park. My left arm by the elbow was starting to cramp if I held it wrong. The backs of my legs were getting tight. With 1 mile to go, I felt myself start to slow down. One last water station and a shot of Gatorade!

Another mile and there was the entrance to the park. I stepped it up. ".2 miles to go! Two tenths of a mile!" Someone shouted. I kicked it again. I finally saw the finish line.

"I see the finish line!" I screamed! (or was that a murmur?) I kicked it again. I passed 2 people on my way in. I ran it in for position 1245 out of 1966! My race was over!

After The Race!
From the finish line, I enterred the chute. A young man stepped up and handed me my finisher's medal (remember that this was the whole purpose for this race). I stared at it then smiled. I have done it!

I received a space blanket (I didn't need one, but it was offered and I have never gotten one at a competition - Besides it would be useful for camping and Jeeping).

There was a bottleneck at chip removal. Runners were coming in and the 4 chip removing volunteers were very busy. My chip was pulled and then I enterred a tent with food and water. Safeway and Panterra Bread did a great job and provided all kinds and manner of food. I grabbed a little of everything and head on out.

We went through the expo tent again. There was even more swag to get. It was great. Tom met me in the expo tent. I told him that I really wanted to get a cup of coffee - Good thing we had one in the Jeep!

It was a great way to spend a very early Sunday morning. I was confident and I felt fully prepared. I was so happy when Tom told me to go to the preliminary results table to get my results! The PR was a wonderful thing to get.

Jack Kerouac once said that Colfax was the "wickedest street in America." From what I experienced today, that image is definitely changed!

Tired but Invigorated Runner!

Now For All Of YOU!
I would really like to thank all of you that read and support this blog. Many of you encouraged me, gave me pieces of advice or were just there following the path to this race. Some of you just lurk. I appreciate each and everyone of you. Thanks! Thanks a lot! It does make a difference!

It Is Done! Gone The Run!!

2008-05-18T10:28:00.003-06:00

Just a quick note to say...

I did PR!

I did 2 official half-marathons last year. The first was 2:32, the second was 2:27. When I ran the Phedippidations world-wide half last year, I ran it in 2:22.
I am happy with today's results; either the net time of 2:20 or the gun time of 2:24 makes me happy with my efforts.

Training does work!

This is my finisher medal! It is the real reason for the race in the first place.

Great way to spend a weekend!

Race report will come soon!

The Colorado Colfax Race people did a great job! It was a beautiful morning.

I am one very happy turtle this morning!

And They're Off!

2008-05-18T04:07:00.002-06:00

In less than 2 hours, the Colorado Colfax Half-Marathon will be at the Start line, then we will be off!

Race report later!

1 Day To Go...

2008-05-17T08:45:00.001-06:00

By this time tomorrow I will have run the half-marathon!

News at 11!

Guess What?

2008-05-16T13:53:00.002-06:00

Oh, darn! You guessed it!

2 days to go! (Less than actually!)

I did a quick short run this morning, and am on the taper to the race!

I go for the race packet tomorrow at the expo in City Park. Then off for a relaxing afternoon at the Denver Zoo with family.

Anyone interested in a race report?

Umm... Err...

2008-05-15T13:02:00.002-06:00

3 days to go -

I'll run 1 1/2 miles tomorrow and then rest and psyche up on Saturday!

I also have family in town - They want to see the Denver Zoo on Saturday, but that'll work! The Expo is in the same city park that the Zoo is in (and in the same general area!

And... I'm puppy sitting my little friend, Dusty!

4 Days To Go...

2008-05-14T14:00:00.003-06:00

This is it! The Colorado Colfax Half-Marathon!

(From the website - http://www.coloradocolfaxmarathon.org/portal/)

I’ll be running it at the very early hour of 6:00AM. Remember that I am a swing shifter and, yes – 6:00 AM is extremely early for me!

I’m on the taper now. 2.50 miles tomorrow. 1.50 or so on Friday. Saturday is a rest/psyche up day (I will have to go get the race packetand see what the Expo offers). Sunday morning is the race.

This is a fairly good-sized race in the 3rd or 4th year. There were 2,000 participants in last year’s race. An email returned to me after I asked for the number of registrants told me, “Registration amounts have exceeded last year.”

I think it will be interesting!

I am debating whether or not to carry a camera with me! After all, I will be carrying some foldable cash, some Cliff’s shot blocks and there is room for other. I will not carry a cell this time.

What? Oh that. I anticipate bringing it in under 2:30. I really just want the finisher’s medal!

ASIDE –
Thanks everyone for your support! What a great group of friends and fellow bloggers! When you feel that life kicks you in the (well, you know what I mean…) then you can get back up, look it right in the eye and say, “No ifs, ands or butts, please!”

[Did I spell that correctly?]

My First 10K...

2008-05-12T08:59:00.008-06:00

Do You Write a Blog?
When do you do it? Obviously time is a factor. You write it when you are able. But…

Do you wait until your mood is up? Do you mull over an entry before you ever consider putting pen to paper (so to speak)? Does a blog have to be upbeat?

Do you share your frustrations? Do you talk about not meeting a goal, or do you sweep it under a rug?

I thought about all of that prior to writing this race report.

The Race Report
I woke up Saturday morning expecting rain and wet streets. I got up in plenty of time and looked outside. It looked like it might have rained but the streets were dry! That changed while I made some coffee and started to get some things ready. I looked out a little after the first time and saw wet streets! Oh no, I thought.

I had my gym bag packed and I was ready to go soon after 7:00 AM. It was dry out when we left. It took us 10 minutes to get the park. There were lots of people there already. I went up to the registration table and got my race packet.

We went back to the car to get warm again. As I looked through the goodie bag, we discovered we did not have a camera with us. We packed up and headed for the house. We got back to the start line with 5 minutes to the start.

Waiting For The Start!

The sun had been out and then gone away. I debated wearing my jacket, but decided against it.

We were off. I hadn’t heard the announcement, but when everyone around you starts to move, it is generally a good thing to go along with them. The race had 194 finishers in the 10K. It was a slow start but soon all of us were on the run.

The course was 6+ miles along the DeKoevend park area and the Highline Canal (an old farming and irrigation canal) in the Southern part of Denver and the suburbs. The weather did not improve much during the run, but there were times of sunshine and I was warm enough to not need my jacket.

We ran north on the highline canal for about a mile. My first mile was at a good pace. People were settling in to a same-paced grouping for most of the run.

There are so many styles and efforts in these things and it can be interesting to observe all of that while you run. There are those who pass you going hell-bent for leather. There are the run/walk people that pas you and then you leap frog them. There were a lot of attractive young ladies who could distract a person.

We turned around and headed back toward the park. The highline canal follows the perimeter of the park. At about the 3mile point, I passed my friend, Tom, and Molly, the dog. I told him I was off on my pace and he shouted to hustle. I was able to pick it up a bit.

3 miles into it!

Then I found the hill! At 3.25 miles into the course there was a right hand turn down a hilly street. I picked it up again to make up some time I knew I would lose on the way back up. I ran that hill, but definitely it slowed me down. I lost the younger guy I was drafting after on that hill.

After the hill, the race continued along the highline canal. Another turn around point put us at 1.5 miles from the finish line. It felt uphill all the way to the turn around point, so this is when I figured I could make up some time. I picked it up.

Before I knew it, I could see the parking lot filled with cars. Soon after that, the tents were visible. The sun had come out and it was warming up considerably. I could see the finish line, so I picked up the pace again. I passed 4 people on the way down the rise. I passed the line with arms up! It was over!

Sprint to the Finish!

Soon after, the sun went under again. I wore my jacket again.

It is a community race so the 5K was delayed until the timekeeping equipment could be freed up. That race started off late.

The winds picked up and the skies got dark. I really felt sorry for those participating in the 5K run/walk. It wasn’t pleasant conditions at the end.

As the awards were handed out, the temperature dropped and the wind got brutal. I stayed for the awards, and then ran again, heading for some warmth and a drive for home.

Times – Personal Record!I placed 143 out of 194. My official time was 1:02:59. Tom got the picture above (1:02:53) as I crossed the line. He also ran a stopwatch from actual crossing the start to crossing the finish line, it pegged it as 1:02:41.

And Now?
All in all, it was a good day. I was disappointed and disillusioned. But I was also glad that I went. It gives me a target for my next 10K race.

Right now, I am concentrating on the Colorado Colfax Half-Marathon on the morning of the 18th.

Humor
There is always humor in any situation. This bike was at the park. Notice the clever use of old Colorado License plates used for fenders...

Nervous... Nervous...

2008-05-09T15:31:00.005-06:00

My first ever 10K race tomorrow...

I've trained for it. I know I am ready. I really want to run it under an hour. As I am human, the nearer to race time I get the less confidence I have. Why is that?
This is a community fun run. The same venue that last year I ran my first 5K in. That was a lot of fun.

My (umm... err...) coach (Tom, my friend) wants me to give it my all. He states adamantly again and again (and again and again) that it is a competition and that he expects me to bring it in under an hour. I suspect that he is trying to fire me up and get me ready.

I do look at it as a competition. I will give it my all. But I also look at these things as social networking. Getting to talk to other runners and compare notes.

Oh well... We'll see how I do. I'll post a race report sometime this weekend!

Last year - I'm #319. Tom (who for some reason elected not to run this year) is next to me (#320).

Ode to the Long Run!

2008-05-05T09:01:00.006-06:00

You know, the long run is an amazing phenomenon! Nothing that I know of is as personal and intimate as it is!

Ode to the Long Run

Here’s to the long run I run every week
It is the path to my performance peak.
Its time spent outside that is making me better
(time outside, of course, is based on the weather)!

At first it’s a matter of getting used to it.
Breathing the air, moving the legs, and feeling fit.
As it’s time alone, it’s also time to think
It becomes automatic, a physical/mental link.

I can listen to music, but not all of the time
I sometimes listen, but it is all sublime.
Left to myself, its my thoughts I explore
Knowing I have lots of time ‘til I make it back to my door.

What do YOU listen to on your long run?
What do you think of? Do you engage yourself mentally for fun?
Or is it more serious, do you solve a personal flaw?
Is your mind on hold, observing the sights of the nature you saw?

Think about it!

Running
Last week, I ran 45.74 miles. It is not that I am a running machine at the cost of everything else. It is actually because I switched the long run last weekend so I could attend a Sunday Jeep trail run (I did not run it, but I did hike 4 miles!)

Just a reminder... I am running a 10K this weekend. I am running my first half-marathon of the year on May 18th. It turns out my sister, Alice, and her daughter, Jessica, will be there to watch and probably laugh ("We didn't know anyone could run a half-marathon that slowly and still finish!") I will get my half-marathon medal!

Long Runs Again?
I thought I would share my paths for my recent weekend long runs. They are both run on the Platte River Recreation Path, both North into Denver territory and South through Englewood and into Littleton. If I were to run them both at the same time it would be a full marathon+! But there is time for that later...

Sunday, April 27th - North in Denver Territory!

Saturday, May 3 - South through Englewood and Littleton.

Snowing Again!

2008-05-01T13:43:00.009-06:00

Today is May 1st. It is snowing in the Denver area again. Weather is so much fun this time of year.

Now... Just so you know... I don't have to complain about the weather (there are lots of other things that I could complain about - with or without reason), it is just so much fun to complain about the weather!

Running
I have run 30.05 miles this week. I generally set my training week on a Sunday to Saturday basis. I usually run 30 or so miles a week. I like to do physical runs 6 days a week. This week will change that.

I have a Jeep trail scheduled for Sunday morning. I won't be able to do my usual long run on Sunday. As I have completed my 30 miles already for this week, I was going to take tomorrow as a day of rest (I may run a mile or two to calibrate the Nike+ Sportband). Saturday, I would run 12 miles as my long run for the week (probably on the DREADmill due to the weather). I would take Sunday off and run the additional miles for next week from Monday to Friday. One should be flexible in training.

Nike+ Sportband
I like it. I have calibrated it twice now. The first one was for a base calibration (as I had found out it was recording less than I was running). I didn't do a good job on the calibration, as the next run recorded as longer than I ran and at a much faster pace than I actually ran.
So I reset the unit. Today I ran on the treadmill at a 10:00 pace. I calibrated the USB device using the software again (the treadmill reported 3.55 and the Nike+ system reported 3.33).
I plan on a short (mile or 2) run tomorrow to see if it is closer in the calibration.

1 other observation. The laptop that I use has both Vista Basic and Windows XP Pro on it. I did not like the Nike+ Utility software on the Vista side, but it seems to work great on the WinXP side. Just an observation for those of you interested in the Sportband.

Runner+
Adam talked of a website that I had not heard of before. I went to try it out. I like the website and will use it in the future. It is an additional website to the others that I use. What does that mean?
The website accepts direct additions (runs, data, information) from several devices, but I am using it for Nike+ information. I can sync to Nike+ and then have Runner+ sync to the Nike site.
Runner+ looks like a great social site and I think it will be very popular in the future!
You can even find an ANOTHER RUNNER challenge there!
Check it out at http://www.runnerplus.com/

Let me know what you think of it!

Finally
South Suburban Parks & Recreation - Highline Canal Run
I am running in a 10K on Saturday, May 10. I ran the 5K last year (as my first official competition) mostly due to all of you, my friends and fellow bloggers encouraging me to go and do it! It was a lot of fun last and I look forward to it in less than 9 days! Of course, In addition to the 10K I will have to run to my house from the competition to get my long run of 12+ miles in for the week. That will be my last long run prior to the...

Colorado Colfax Half-Marathon
On Sunday, May 18th, I will be running the Colorado Colfax Half-Marathon. It will be my first Half-marathon of 2008 and my 4th total half-marathon!

New in the Arsenal!

2008-04-29T11:17:00.004-06:00

Arsenal sounds so bad! And yet, it is true. Especially when I become an Einstein Runner. I need a dependable source of information for tracking my runs!

These items arrived yesterday!

My ChampionChip!
The red faced yellow chip is my ChampionChip I purchased when I registered for the Chicago Marathon. I got it. Hmmm... The Chicago Marathon is becoming very real now!

The Nike+ Sportband
The other? The Nike+ Sportband. All of the benefits of the Nike+ System without the iPod part. I am hoping this will be more reliable.

This is an odd piece of equipment. It did not come with any software. You go to the web to get it.

As you download the file, you can remove the packaging and get the unit ready.
Run the installation software. When finished, insert the USB device into your computer. Let it charge the internal battery for two hours.

I went ahead and used the new chip (sensor). I put it on my left shoe replacing the other chip. < Oh yeah! Thanks Tom! You can have it back now! >

I removed the USB device from the computer and replaced it in the Sportband. I pressed the round button on the face for 3 seconds. When the word, "WALK" flashed on the face, I walked about and it found the shoe chip. I was ready for the run!

It worked well. There is a button under the face that will give you info as you run.

Need to pause? Press the round button once quickly. Ready to go again? Press the round once and quickly again. BTW - You know it is running when there is a line moving from side to side at the bottom of the display.

Press the round button for three seconds again to END your run.

Take the USB Device back out of the Sportband. Put it in a USB slot on your computer. The computer senses the USB Device, reads the information and sends it to the Nike+ website. It gives you a chance to log in and you are reviewing your run!

I will review the device in another couple of weeks. Right now? I like it!

Running on (and on) (and on)...

2008-04-28T13:09:00.005-06:00

Running?
I ran 31.10 miles last week. I started the week with a 10.22 mile long run last Sunday.
Yesterday, I ran 13.64 miles. I ran the Platte River recreation path again. This time I ran to the North. There is one section between Mississippi and Exposition Avenues (at Vanderbilt Park) where homeless people congregate on the path. They are never negative or hostile. I always greet them as I run or ride by.

I ran up to the (locked gate) of the Denver Water Board building. I turned around and headed back.
Today, I ran my sore muscles for 3.14 miles at a slow pace.

3 weeks to my first half-marathon of the season!

Jeeping
We took the Mighty YJ out on Saturday to see if anything was open enough to run. We got much further up and into the Yankee Hill trail system then we have been able to get but not as far as we would have liked to.

It was a cold morning. Tom was driving and he mired the passenger rear tire in a snow drift. We used the winch and got right out. It was time to turn around. Going back out we got the tire caught in the same place, but after that we went straight back down the hill without incident.

It snowed on us twice on the mountain. It snowed on us again when we came back to the city. No accumulation, but snow none the less.

That is a classic case of Springtime in the Rockies!

____________________
(Thanks to http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/474/documents/SouthPlatteMap.pdf for the excellent graphic of the Platte River Recreation path)

Chicago Marathon - Reservations are Nearly Full

2008-04-22T15:36:00.003-06:00

I got an e-mail this morning from the Chicago Marathon people (newsletter@chicagomarathon.com). This is a quote from the newsletter:

"Registration for the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is rapidly approaching its 45,000 participant capacity. Only a few thousand open entries are still available. If you are interested in participating in the 2008 event, we encourage you to register now before the field is full. To register, visit chicagomarathon.com."

"Once open registration is closed, entry into the 2008 race can still be obtained through our official charity partners or affiliated international tour groups. For more information on these options, visit chicagomarathon.com."

Planning on attending? Time might be at hand to monitor whether you can register and join a great group of bloggers as we go to Chicago with some of us competing in this competition!

Planning My Season!

2008-04-21T15:16:00.003-06:00

My Season is Soon to Begin!

Running.
Last week I ran 30.85 miles. The long run for last week was 11.5 miles. Yesterday’s long run was 10 miles. I actually ran it outside! It was windy going out and at my back as I came back.

I like the recreation path. Bicycles are the number one venue on the weekends, but traffic was not too heavy yesterday. The Platte River recreational trail has areas for bikes along the entire length, and in most areas it has sidetracks for runners.

I was amused at one point, when a couple of guys passed me on bikes. “How far today?” The first asked me. I answered, “10 miles, its my long run of the week.” “Wow,” the other said, “ I don’t think I could do 5!” “How far have you gone so far?” from the first one. “8,” I replied. “Wow!” said the second one, "Good for you. I really wish I could do that!" And then they were away!

I did feel dry and thirsty when I got back. It is the time of year when restrooms are open, but the drinking fountains are not turned on yet. Now, now, I do carry water, but it only goes so far…

My Season!
Here is what I am looking at for this season (so far).

South Suburban Parks & Recreation – Highline Canal Fun Run.
I ran the 5K last year. I will run either the 5K or the 10K this year. Lots of fun activities afterwards at this fun, local venue. A good starter.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
http://www.sspr.org/

Colorado Colfax Marathon/Half-Marathon –
This venue is still in its infancy. I want to run the half-marathon this year. Selfish reason. I want to get a half-marathon medal. They offer medals to all finishers! I want mine!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
http://www.coloradocolfaxmarathon.org/portal/

The Slacker –
I ran this race as my first half-marathon. I really enjoyed this race. From high in altitude and elevation to a little less high in altitude and elevation, and one killer hill after the trail section. Unfortunately, I will not run the half-marathon, but I will run the 4 mile race with a friend from work.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
http://www.slackerhalfmarathon.com/

Chicago Marathon –
I want to be so ready for this one. This will be my very first full marathon. Since 911, I haven’t flown. The reasons are political, as I deeply believe that anyone willing to give up a right to get security is deserving of neither. But, I now have flight tickets, hotel room, confirmed registration for the race.
I will also be able to count half of the run toward the Phedippidations World-Wide Half-Marathon (to be completed for 10/10 to 10/12 this year).
This race will also mean a lot because of a lot of fellow bloggers that are planning to be there. Maddy, Irish Blue, Susan and some others are among them. That would be so cool to meet these wonderful people and to run a marathon with some of them! How cool is that?
Sunday, October 12, 2008.
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/

I am faced with working extra now to assist me in the payment of these registrations! I even offered to pay the entry fee for my friend at the Slacker…

‘Nuff for now!

The Weather, Sleep and Nutrition.

2008-04-17T14:11:00.004-06:00

Weather
Weather is very important to us humans. If you are a runner, it may be even more important. A lot of us folk out here in Colorado know it is Spring because the grass gets greener between snow storms. Yesterday and last night, it snowed again!

Sleep
I read recently that one's running log should include the amount of time spent sleeping. I have started recording that and found that I generally do not sleep a lot (except maybe after a long run). I average around 6.5 hours of sleep a night. I guess that I've done that for a while but have never really thought about it.

With my job, I am generally up past midnight. Not at work, but up in case (after all, I am the Safety Director). I am always up by 7:00 AM. I don't feel sleep deprived. I have never been a person that needs a lot of sleep. I wake up, feeling refreshed.

Now just 'cause I am wondering, but how much sleep do the rest of you get?

Nutrition
Right now, I weigh 220 pounds. That is heavy. I realize that a lot of that is eating inappropriately. I don't really eat a lot of junk food in the strictest sense. I do like bread. I also like salad.

I run daily around 10:00 AM. I have some oatmeal about an hour before that. Water (generally) during the run. Water is a good thing!

My second meal of the day is around 1:00 PM. A sandwich or chinese food. I try to keep the chinese food to lean meat and lots of veggies.

My job is mostly sedentary. I sit at a desk and type for most of the day. My trouble? I get hungry at around 5 - 6 PM. I tend to munch at that time. It should be my lunch, I guess, but it isn't. This is the time that I tend to over eat.

Finally supper is around 9:00 PM. This is generally a typical hot meal.

Advice is necessary. What do you guys do for food and why does what you do work for you?

Enough for now...

What a Weekend!

2008-04-15T09:57:00.007-06:00

So, I am leaving the office on Thursday night around 8:00 PM. I get to a major artery near the office and power to the traffic light goes out. I thought that was odd. I called our office and got through the phone system.

I got home and called our local utility provider. The outage had been reported and I was informed that it would take 4 hours to repair. I waited 4 hours and then called the office. I did not get the voicemail system so I figured the electricity was still out.

I got a call the next morning at 6:30 AM (really early for me). The voicemail would not start and I needed to get in and assess the situation. Up and at 'em!

Hard drive in the voicemail system was lost (failed - became a paperweight). The system would not reboot.

That was the start of a very busy day.

I have constructed a really good vendor's list. I called my telecommunications provider and found out some options. I worked with my people on Executive Row and got authorization for a budget. A little bit of parlaying and a new system was purchased.

Pretty major. Replaced the phone system with a current system that has an integrated voicemail system. It took like six hours to do so. Every user on the system had a new voicemail box by Friday afternoon.

It was a long day but sometimes duty calls and you must attend.

Monday was voicemail training and honing. I had the telecommunications provider come out and fine-tune as well as running some more cabling. It is a very sophisticated system now and should serve us long into the future of the company.

Running? You want to know about Running, Too?
Last week, I ran 29.25 miles (I did get 3.5 miles in on Friday even with all that was going on). Sunday's long run was 11 1/2 miles.

Running The World
I'm participating in a virtual run over at What's a Few Miles Among Friends? A few of us have committed to a weekly group run. We've committed to 100 miles a month. You can read more about this fun project there at the site!

Dewey Bridge

2008-04-09T16:16:00.004-06:00

Right now, I feel like I have lost an old friend. It saddens me that I will never see this magnificent structure again.

If you have ever been to Moab Utah and taken scenic highway 128 along the Colorado River, then you have seen it. I'm talking about Dewey Bridge.

The bridge was built in 1915 and finished in 1916. It was a connecting point between the 2 banks of the mighty Colorado River at that point. Located 28 miles East of Moab, it served as a major crossing point connecting Western Colorado to Eastern Utah. It was decommissioned in 1988 when a highway bridge was built nearby.

Tom, Molly and I crossed the bridge by foot on Friday, April 4th. It was always fun to walk on as it would sway with just our footsteps. The bridge was a regular stop for many travellers on Highway 128. It was also a part of the famous "Kokepelli Trail."

Sunday afternoon and evening, it burned out of existence.

Many factors contributed to it, but it seems a 7 year old Grand Junction boy was playing with matches in the river bank brush near the bridge.

By the time firefighter and law enforcement could arrive at the site, the bridge fire was out of control and could not be saved.

I will miss this Historic Landmark Bridge.

Moab

2008-04-08T15:35:00.010-06:00

I love to run trails. Outside, natural trails. Nothing like it anywhere. Running a city is a great way to explore it, but running a trail gets you out and into the natural wonders that our Earth has to offer!

Saturday is my normal day of rest.
That was good as it allowed the three of us - My good friend Tom, my trusted dog Molly, and I - to make the drive from Denver to Moab. About 350 miles, it takes about 6 1/2 hours. Once we got there, we drove the Klondike Bluffs trail, Baby Steps trail, and the Tower Arch trail. From a parking area, we did the 1/2mile trail to Tower Arch (it is inside the boundary of Arches National Park). Then, back in the jeep, and off to check in at the hotel.

This is an annual event that is a group from an internet forum. The group is Jeeperz and can be found at www.jeeperz.com. Both Tom and myself are members of the Colorado Chapter. Just as an aside, mile 13 of my marathon is dedicated to this group of friends and Jeepers!

We went to dinner at a restaurant with some of the people that had arrived from the group. TomVe, a friend from California, asked if I was going to take movies and pictures this year like I had in the past. I told him that I was planning on it. As the mobile member of the group, I had the chance to get really great photos as I run alongside the jeeps on the runs.

Sunday was the start of the trail runs.
Some of the group started in Montrose, Colorado. They ran trails on Saturday while the rest of us headed straight for Moab. They drove to Moab Sunday morning.
The four rigs in Moab already decided to drive the South side of Fins & Things and the loop on the North side that included Frenchy's Fin and Kenny's Climb. Two fun obstacles on the trail. You can out more about this trail here*.
As a group, we ran Moab Rim. The Moab Rim trail is a challenging trail that climbs a cliff edge right by the Colorado River. You can find out more about the trail here*. There are two major obstacles on this trail. The first is a step that is about 3 feet tall. A driver has to keep their wits about them as they climb this step while being very aware that the cliff is directly behind them. I ran this very steep trail as the Rigs drove it.

My friend, Maggie, an elmentary aged young lady ran most of this trail with me on the way down. It was not the only trail that Maggie would run with me. She is a good kid and is often faster than I am! This was the second year that we have run together.

Monday was a long trail.

Monday was the day that we drove Metal Masher. This trail is a long trail that travels across dirt road, slickrock and long stretches of very fine red sand.
There are many obstacles on this trail including Rock Chucker, Mirror Gulch and Widowmaker. You can find out more about this trail here*.

I ran most of this long trail. There are many trails that diverge from this trail and I had to wait for the rigs to catch up (often). I was running a long (earned) downhill section. When I got to the bottom, I looked back and saw that Maggie was following behind me. The dear young lady had followed me from her parents' jeep. We had fun talking and viewing the countryside as the rest of the group caught up. I continued a run while Maggie opted to join her parents and smaller sister in their Jeep.
I was proud of my friend Tom as he was able to realize a goal of his. It was to drive over the Widowmaker obstacle. Widowmaker is a 7 to 8 foot wall at approximately 80 degrees. It is a tough climb for any rig. He attached the winch rope to a hard point and was able to take the obstacle and place another notch on his Jeep.

Tuesday - Hell's Revenge Trail!
Hell's Revenge is one of the penultimate trails in the Moab area. You start by climbing a steep, narrow slickrock fin. The first time you jeep (run) this trail can get the pucker factor going. You can find out more about it here*.

Wednesday was a divergent day.
The larger rigs elected to do Pritchett Canyon (probably the toughest trail that a rig can actually drive. You can find out more about this trail here*.
I was not a member of that group. 4 of us elected to run the Steelbender trail instead. Steelbender is a challenging trail with 2 named obstacles. You can find out more about this trail here*.
Our group only got as far the obstacle named, The Wall. That is where we experienced one of us rolling over. 270 degrees worth. He tried the obstacle but got off the correct line. His driver side back tire feel into a crack on the wall. that forced his rig over to the left. He could have pulled out of that, but he had installed a thumb throttle before the trip. It was set to give the rig gas. as the engine raced, and he pulled to the left, the rig started to fall off of the 6 foeet shelf at the top. The rig fell on the driver's side, then the top, and landed on the passenger side. What a thing to have happen.
Notice that handsome runner person at the front of the rolled rig.

We pulled together as a group with some objectives:
1. Extricate the driver (a hardy 71 year old man).
2. Render first aid, if necessary.
3. Right the rig (set it back on the rubber).
4. Assess whether the rig is driveable or what repairs would be necessary.
We did all that (and if anyone is really interested, I can write another blog later on specifically what we did and what we used to do it).
Suffice it to say, that we were able to get the driver and the his rig out of the back country. His rig went to hs trailer at the hotel. The driver elected to go straight to the hospital emergency room.He was released within a short period of time with a 'partially separated shoulder.'

Thursday was a new trail for us.

Rusty Nail is a trail that connects GoldBar Rim trail to the Golden Spike. It is a short trail, but difficult with 2 named obstacles. Tom drove the Mighty YJ over the first obstacle, RiffRaff, in the photo above. You can read more about this trail here*.

Jason driving into the second named obstacle, No Left Turn. What you cannot see here is the edge of a 200 foot cliff immediately to the left. This obstacle is appropriately named!

Well, we made it to the Golden Spike trail. After the morning's adrenaline driven obstacle taking, a little fun was called for. Here one of the guys' drives up onto the back tire of another rig.

Twice this year, the Trail Dog (me) was able to assist the group. Once on Metal Masher, when we split so some of the group could climb the Widowmaker. I climbed a bluff and was able to see and catch up to the other group to bring us all together for the drive to Gemini Bridges.

The other time was on Rusty Nail when the obstacles had been completed. The trail is not marked well on the long slickrock stretch, so I had run ahead exploring as I went. When the group was starting to get lost, I signalled from the trail. A rig saw me and the group was able to find the trail.

All things must end!
It was a great week. Unfortunately, it had to end. I am sure that all of us took some great memories that will tide us over until we can meet again next year!

- - - - - - - - - -
* I would like to thank the good people at TrailDamage.com for their fine website and the great trail information that they provide.

Umm... Err... Was that a Milepost?

2008-03-26T17:48:00.003-06:00

I crossed the 350 mile mark of miles run in 2008. I also crossed the 950 mile mark on my Nike+ iPod system. Both of these occurred today!

It sure is fun to run!

The Road To... Moab!

2008-03-24T13:27:00.006-06:00

I ran 11 miles yesterday. I ran 5.5 miles today.

Moab
I am going on vacation next week. It is to one of my favorite places in the entire world. I'm going to Moab, Utah.

This is nothing new. I tend to go to Moab 2 - 3 times a year. It is close enough to visit on a regular basis, yet far enough away to be able to enjoy while forgetting about the every day matters of life's occurences.

Now, you may ask, What is there about Moab that is so unique? I can do what I like to do. Me against the elements! And what elements they are!

Here I am running on the Moab Rim Trail. Excellent views of red rock canyon country and the Colorado river!

This the Mighty YJ (the jeep) navigating White Knuckle Hill. This hill is a very steep hill that you enter facing forward. It is extremely scary and can make personal parts pucker precariously!

This is my friend, Tom, at the top of the entrance to the Cliff Hanger Trail. This obstacle is one of the worst on this trail.

I have one great support group this time around. We should have 12 to 15 rigs from around these great United States. I take water, my garmin watch, my iPod and an FRS radio. I need to stay within radio contact of the group, and within a few feet of the trail, itself. That way all of the bases are covered. It doesn't matter if a Jeep breaks down or if I break down, the situation will be covered! I can either get back to them or they can get to me.

I am looking forward to it!

For Whatever Reason!
There is a great couple podcast called, For Whatever Reason!

I look forward to this podcast every week. They discuss food, beer and many other fascinating facets of life. I heartily recommend it for each of you! Oh, yeah, in episode 46, they discuss this humble runner and his Chicago Marathon run!

(Tim is also a runner!)

Tagged Again!
My friend, Jamie, Of The Diabetic Runner has tagged me! This time around the rules are a bit different. Here they are:

Six Word Memoir
There is no way you can sum up a person’s life in six words, but I think you can capture their current state, which is what I’ve tried to do. Now, here’s the rules for the challenge to complete the Six Word Memoir.

1. Write your own six word memoir
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links
5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

OK, let's start this exercise. Many of you know that I break the rules. First of all, I tend not to tag others. That would knock out rules 4 & 5. That's just me being me. If you really want to be tagged, just leave me a comment and I will include your tag in the next blog that I do.

Do start thinking about your answer and do check out Jamie's site at http://diabeticrunner.com/ for the rules. His answers also involved a lot of thought, so check his examples. Cool and thoughtful.

I do beleive that someone in the near future will tag you for a Six Word Memoir!

Now... What am I going to use as my six word memoir?
Shy runner going for Chicago Marathon!

1. Paranoia, 2. The Need for Scheduling & 3. Family

2008-03-21T14:16:00.004-06:00

I thought that I might explain some of the needs that I experience.

I am fascinated by the process of preparing for this marathon. That means telling all of my friends that frequent here about my desire. That means registering for the marathon. That means getting reservations for the event. That means training.

I have read so many accounts of other bloggers telling of their first experience. I have seen what they have done and accomplished in their lives. I am jealous of their ability to set goals and accomplish them.

I feel that I am about to prove to myself what I am capable of doing on a personal basis. Beleive me... My family, my friends, my co-workers, and even people I talk with occasionally through my work and my personal life know about this event and what it means to me!

2. The Need for Scheduling -
It doesn't help that I am the kind of individual that needs to have things scheduled. I like to get up and go to bed at the same time. I eat, run and work under a schedule. I am not very spontaneous. I use this 'ability' to increase my own experience.

Where I work, I am the dispatcher. I say that because I create the schedules that most of the facilities are cleaned under. I am good at it. It results in satisfied customers.

1. Paranoia -
Now for the paranoia. I have been checking both the Chicago Marathon Hotel website and Orbitz for information on hotels.

When I first started looking, I noticed that prices were lower than they are now. The website for the marathon shows several of the 'sponsoring' hotels as having waiting lists for rooms. Between yesterday morning and yesterday afternoon, the overall package price of what I was looking at increased by $30.00.

I wanted to have a hotel close to the finish line.

3. Family -
I wanted to get the same hotel as my brother, Clint, who has confirmed that he would be there. We have accomplished all of that.

So... This guy decided to 'Be Prepared' and go for it!

Umm... Err... I never was a boy scout, either.

Summation -
Maybe, if I ever run another marathon, I will not need to make plans like these so early, but right now I find comfort in knowing that I am ready for the trip (if not yet for the marathon).

BTW -
I ran 30.36 miles this week. That included a long run of 14.5 miles. Tomorrow is a rest day. Under sunny skies in the beautiful state of Colorado, I will attempt a jeep ride tomorrow. If the snow is still too deep, then I am ready for a casual Saturday morning drive!

Reservations Paid For and Confirmed...

2008-03-20T17:21:00.002-06:00

I am Chicago bound!

I am flying into Chicago Midway airport at 1:30 PM and will be staying at the Congress Park Hotel. I will be in Chicago from the 10th to the 14th!

Now that I have made my confirmed reservations, I am committed to the marathon!

Who else is going now?

On the Road...

2008-03-17T14:32:00.003-06:00

I ran 30.1 miles last week. My long run was 12 miles.

Yesterday, I started this week with a 14.5 mile run.

Chicago...

One of my older brothers and his great wife will be going to Chicago (Thanks, Clint and Susan!) I am trying to make it an opportunity for all of my siblings to come and experience it with me. That would be great!

I am planning on getting to Chicago on October 10th and leaving on the 14th. That will give me race time and some family time. We are hoping to go and see the old family stomping grounds (this is an activity that both Clint and I enjoy).

Plans now are to spend enough money to have a good competition experience, but not too much money. I know that many of the friends of this blog are also planning on attending, assisting, coordinating and/or running it.

Where is everybody planning on staying? I've gotten some suggestions but I may not be able to do them. So, I need to get some more ideas.

Right now, it looks like I will be making a reservation at the Best Western - Grant Park. On a map, it looks like it will be close to the start / finish lines. The hotel does not have the greatest of ratings but the location looks good.

Hmmm...

And... Umm, err... I have seen and am familiar with most of the Chicago sites and points of interest! I remember staring out at the Chicago skyline from the observation floor of the Sears Tower and seeing a spider in its web on the outside of the glass. Thanks for all of those great suggestions!

Humble Triathlete!!
Vote for Shirley again! She would be a great addition to the evotri team. Read all about it at her web blog, humble triathlete. Please just send an email to vote@evotri.com with http://HumbleTriathlete.blogspot.com in the subject line. Let's get her a sponsor!

The Road To Chicago!

2008-03-13T16:33:00.002-06:00

Here is the word!

I, Charles White, am officially registered for the Chicago Marathon!

I paid the $110 for the registration.

I bought a ChampionChip for the race. It will be a momento and a souvenitr of the trip, plus I can use it here for some races!

I bought the "Commemorative Edition" of the Chicago Tribune for that weekend.

I also purchased one seat at the buffet the night before!

I am on the way!

Let's Talk about Marathons...

2008-03-12T13:37:00.003-06:00

Hello my friends!

Let's start talking about marathons.

I, or should I say my fictitious friend, is about to commit to a marathon. He is yet to hear from some key family members, but he is ready to commit.

I, or should I say my fictitious friend, is thinking about the Chicago marathon that is going to be held on October 12th this year.

Why Chicago? Didn't they have a miserable showing last year? Why commit to something that may fail again?

The Positives and the Negatives
I, or should I say my fictitious friend, has a few reasons. First of all, I am somewhat familiar with the Chicago area. I spent several summers there whilst growing up. I know the area that the race will start at. Several of you, my friends and fellow bloggers, are also planning on attending. It is extolled as a "Fast and Flat" course. It should be easily completed within the 6 and a half hour time limit.

Those are the positives. Here are the negatives. I am a shy and introverted person. I have always been that way. I will be very ecstatic at meeting you, then quiet down and sit in the corner watching everyone else. It is my nature. I am planning on going alone. I have family in the area and do hope to see them. But I am planning on being there by myself. That is pretty scary to me.

Plans.
I, or should I say my fictitious friend, would need some help from all of you. Again, there are many things I need to consider. I am going to put both feet in and commit. That means that I will register and secure my flights and hotels. I also have to start a new training program.

That is where all of you come into play.

Finally...
I, or should I say my fictitious friend, am weak! I, or should I say my fictitious friend, am not worthy. But I, or should I say my fictitious friend, am going to commit. AND I, or should I say my fictitious friend, need all of the advice and preparation help that I can get.

Can I, or should I say my fictitious friend, count on you?

Stop me if you've heard it, but...

2008-03-07T14:30:00.002-07:00

· Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.
· A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."
· Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted.
· A dyslexic man walks into a bra.
· A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm, and says "A beer please, and one for the road."
· Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: " Does this taste funny to you?"
· "Doc, I can't stop singing 'The Green, Green Grass of Home." "That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome." "Is it common?" Well, "It's Not Unusual."
· Two cows are standing next to each other in a field. Daisy says to Dolly, "I was artificially Inseminated this morning." "I don't believe you," says Dolly. "It's true; no bull!" exclaims Daisy.
· An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either.
· Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
· I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn't find any.
· A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, "Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied, "I know you can't -- I've cut off your arms!"
· I went to a seafood disco last week . . . And pulled a mussel.
· What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.
· Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says, "Dam!"
· Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
· A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel, and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office, and asked them to disperse. "But why," they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."
· A woman has identical twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt, and is named "Ahmal." The other goe s to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal."
· Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him. (Oh, man, this is so bad, it's good) . . . A super-calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
· And finally, there was the person who sent twenty different puns to his friends, with the hope that at least ten of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

Laughter is sometimes a key to have a really long life. I hope that you enjoyed this bit of Friday humor.

What’s in a Title anyway?

2008-03-06T15:16:00.002-07:00

Alright… I’m starting to extend my weekly long runs. I’ve been doing a pretty standard 10K on Sunday mornings, but it is time to expand my efforts. Two weekends ago I ran 8 miles. Last Sunday, I ran 9.5 miles. I am planning on running 11 miles this Sunday.

Now lets you and I have a down home practical talk. Lets not talk of training programs but instead of the practicality of muscle memory and the need to establish endurance.

I’ve read of the hows and whys of training & preparation for long runs.

Suppose a fictitious person wanted to run a marathon? Suppose this fictitious individual is running between 25 to 30 miles a week? Suppose this alleged person would like to know how do you establish your long runs? How do you increase the mileage?

I’d like to hear from you (for this fictitious person) on the following training parameters:
· How often do you increase your mileage?
· How much do you increase?
· When do you fall back?
· How often is a rest needed when you are in the process of extending your weekly log runs?

Susan –
Susan has found another friend! This guy is a jailer in Clark County, Washington. She feels empathy for him as they have something in common. Do you want to hear about this new friend of hers?

Just go here - www.2g1b.com - and listen to podcast #280.

Susan writes the extremely popular running blog -
http://www.irunformylife.blogspot.com/

I think that Susan has a sweet voice also…

At The Office –
It was a quiet afternoon yesterday. Then the police show up at the hotel across the street from the office. Then more police show up, then the fire department shows up, then the hazmat guys show up! What the heck is going on?
Well, it ended up being an investigation about a meth (amphetamine) lab being set up in one of the rooms!

Read about it here where I wrote a more in depth article with video and a picture –
http://www.2guys1brain.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=972

Additional Running Information?
I ran 30 miles even last week!

I have run 29.72 miles this week! So far…

Only 23 days until I head to Moab! I will soon be running trails in Moab again!

Mostly Non-Running Blog Today!

2008-02-29T15:41:00.003-07:00

But, I am still sore!

Why? There is a new Wii game console at my house. Why would that make me sore? The Wii game console is an interactive get-off-your butt physical game system.

The reason is mostly because of the Wii remote system. It interacts with a sensor bar placed near the TV. You have to stand or move your body while holding the remote to interact with the game.

The Wii console can interact with your wireless home network. It can provide interactive internet based activities with other Wii users. It also offers Wii Channels like a weather forecast channel and a news channel.

You should make a Mii. The Mii can be made to look very closely to what you look like, a caricature. This is your personage on the Wii.

Now, I don’t have a lot of games for it. The console came with Wii Sports. That includes Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf & Boxing. All of those are really cool. My favorite is bowling followed closely by Golf. Hey, I’m rotten at both, but the purpose is to have fun. Bowling is like being at the lanes. No shoes, no ball and you don't have to rent the lane! But you do get a fairly accurate game to play.

You see the lane when it is your turn. You have to size up your shot then approach the lane, swing the ball in your arm and send it down the lane. It is a lot of fun AND a total time waster! I love it. You will even find yourself performing some body english as the ball heads towards the pins. I have not busted a 200 game as of yet.

First thing I needed to get was a second remote. The additional remote came with Wii Play. It is another set of games that include a shooting gallery, pool, fishing, and some more. I like the shooting gallery and the pool game.

I also got Super Mario Galaxy. In it, you visit a series of galaxies that contain worlds that you need to negotiate. You are after power stars. You have to maneuver through these very small worlds upside down sideways and right side up while collecting goodies and defeating baddies. The physics are interesting and has caused some interesting twisting and turning of my own body while trying to succeed.

I also got Guitar Hero III. I’m not good at that at all. It does make for interesting play (but is probably a little more of an acid or heavy metal rock music then I personally like).

I like the Wii because of the nature of the beast. It is very family and friendly oriented than most games. There are only a handful of first person shooters for the Wii.

My evaluation? A lot of fun. I do recommend it. It may not be as much fun as a good morning run but after the run, it makes for a fun cool down. The High Def graphics it is capable of is 480p. It requires an additional cable for that. I find that the cable it comes with provides an excellent 480i visual experience!

I have a friend, Tom, that swears he threw his shoulder out while playing Tennis, so be careful.

Running?
By the way – I have run 30 miles this week. Tomorrow or Sunday, I will try to take the Jeep out for some snow bashing, but I will take one of those 2 days off from running to have a rest day.

SEE? I said "Mostly Non-Running..."

TTFN!

He Has Done It!

2008-02-27T14:19:00.003-07:00

He Has Done It!

Kudos goes to Greg of the Philly to LA on Foot blog! He is a marathoner! Greg finished in 4:53:57!

I am proud of my friend and his great accomplishment! Please take the time to go and read his blog! He has written some excellent articles regarding the experience of his first Marathon! He covers all facets of that first time experience! And... While you are there, leave him a comment congratulating him on his acheivement!

Again, Congratulations, Greg! Great job!

Philly to LA on Foot!

Now for the boring and the pedantic…
I ran 29.92 miles last week. How did my mileage end up being a palindrome number? Who knows!

A Nike+ iPod Challenge
I am participating in a Nike+ challenge that is sponsored by Adam Tinkoff of the blog and podcast, Another Runner. Adam calls it the Adam Tinkoff 200.

What do you need to do to participate in a Nike+ challenge?

You will need two basic things. The first is a 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation iPod Nano (it MUST be an iPod Nano model). The second thing is a Nike+ iPod receiver and sensor. All of which can be procured at an Apple store or online through their website. The receiver goes into the Apple proprietary cable slot in the iPod Nano. You will also need a way to attach the sensor to your shoe. Nike makes shoes that have a place for the sensor. I use Velcro to attach it to my shoes. There are also pockets made to hold the sensor that attach to your laces.

But… What does it do? Essentially, this is an extremely fancy pedometer. It tracks the sensor as you move your feet. It will play the music you put of your iPod and track the run. It will give you audio messages while you run (depending on how you set it). If you do well, it will encourage and/or congratulate you as you go!

After your run, you remove the receiver from your iPod Nano. At your computer, plug in the interface. ITunes will start and read the iPod Nano. It will ask and send you to the Nike site where your runs are recorded.

Hey! I knew all that but what is a challenge?
A challenge is a public forum where people can participate in a run together. There are many formats that are possible. Once you join a challenge, your mileage is applied toward the accomplishment of the Challenge.

The Adam Tinkoff 200
How can I join (or observe) the Adam Tinkoff 200 challenge? Go to Adam’s blog page @ http://anotherrunner.blogspot.com/. On the right hand side, cursor down until you see the following box.

You can check everyone’s time by using the slider on the right hand side or you can join the challenge by clicking at the bottom.

A First Marathon!

2008-02-20T17:05:00.002-07:00

A First Marathon!

We have a friend that is running his very first marathon this very weekend!

Greg is a fellow blogger. His blog has a unique twist and he does it well. Do me a favor. Go to his blog, Philly To LA On Foot and read some of his entries. Then, take the time to leave him a comment.

Remember that this will be his first marathon. That is an accomplishment that many of us (including myself) have not achieved as of yet. So root him on!

He will be running the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon on Sunday, February 24th. This is a long standing tradition that goes well with the Mardi Gras celebration. You can read more about it here. Let’s hope that he can soak up some of the local flavor at a great time of year.

Those of you that have run a first marathon, let Greg know how it went for you. Offer him some of your knowledgeable advice.

Look at his blog, offer him some encouragement!

Go, Greg, go! Run long and taper! (Kudos to Steve Runner of Phedippidations)

Go Shirley!

2008-02-19T13:55:00.007-07:00

Imagine that you had the guts to vie for a sponsorship! Would you do it? Would you create a video and send it to a company for that reason?

Well, a friend of mine (and of several of you) has done just that. Her name is Shirley Pratt. She has a blog at http://humbletriathlete.blogspot.com/. Please go there and read her blog. I think that you will find it interesting.

Read the blog. Think about voting for her. I know that I did AND I am so behind her in this that I am telling YOU about it here!

If you decide to vote for Shirley (and you should!) then send an e-mail to

vote@evotri.com

You can get more information on this competition here.

We have the power of persuasive conversation here. It is a chance to use this circle of blogging friends to make a difference in one of our lives. Let's use it and get a sponsorship for Shirley!

Let’s put a fellow runner, competitor and blogger into the next round! Heck! Let's make her the winner!

IPod Nano+
I passed the 800 mile mark on my iPod Nano+ system today. Yes, it has forgiven me today and recorded today’s run!

And what is the matter with me? I seem to be posting a lot again! Hmmm...

New Shoes, iPod Woes, Jeepin' and What Holiday is This?

2008-02-18T15:30:00.003-07:00

I ran 30.82 miles last week. It was a great week to run. No complaints! In point of fact, I have resolved some things!

My New Mizuno Wave Alchemy 7 Shoes!
Well, my shoes started to become a problem. The upper part of my right foot was getting worn against the eyelets of my new shoes. This caused a painful rub that can just spoil a run! I could adjust the lacing to compensate but I thought that I shouldn’t need to on a pair of fairly expensive running shoes! Luckily, the latest copy of Runner’s World had a shoe article in them. I read the article casually. The article was a shoe review, but also covered the parts of a shoe and how everything works together.

Then I looked at my shoes. I saw some problems!

I decided to make sure that the shoes were laced correctly. I wore the shoe laced the way the store did them. Then I noticed that I the laces did not go through the guide on the upper part of the tongue. I re-laced the shoes including lacing through the slot and haven’t had a problem since.
I don’t like the cost of these shoes that need to be replaced regularly. Even though, I can put the shoes on and not have a foot problem, I find it hard to justify the cost. Technology does cost, though. I have read that Mizuno is using a new type of memory foam that is more costly to integrate. The new shoes are extremely comfortable, do correct my obvious over-pronation, but I don’t have to like the cost!

My iPod Nano Does Tick me Off!
The 3rd generation Ipod Nano has a checkered history. For quite a while, it recorded runs in KMH even if you set it for mph. The final total of every run was in miles, but the running display was in miles. It was corrected in a recent update.
I almost never listen to songs as I run (especially in Winter) as I watch the TV in front of the TV.
I am participating in the Adam Tinkoff’s Another Runner 20 mile challenge. It is an iPod Nano+ challenge. It has come to my attention that I am indeed, a middle (of the back of the pack) runner. I can accept that as I already knew that. What is hard to accept is my 3rd Generation iPod Nano.
This is a pretty and very functional little machine. It does do video, music, podcasts and tracks my runs! At least, most of my runs that is. There are some runs that look like it was recorded, but it wasn’t!
Today is a good example. I set everything up in the usual way. I started the iPod when I started my run. It tracked the entire way. After my run today, I stopped the iPod and everything seemed OK. I spent some time working on my log and updating the mileage on my blog page. I did some other work in my home office, then went upstairs to connect the iPod to iTunes. Nothing! I did not show the most recent run at all. The last recorded was my Sunday long run. I reset the iPod and will hope the best for the future.
Anyone know anything about the new-fangled device and why it does that? It has done that for me at least once a month when I use it regularly.

President’s Day
I believe that this holiday is in error. It seems to me that it is an occasion for car dealers to dress up as Abe Lincoln to sell more cars over a 3-day weekend. I believe that the office of President should not be honored unless it is deserved. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays should be honored as they were Presidents that started and re-started this great nation. There were several presidents that were not outstanding as they served. Many had problems or caused problems during their terms (or immediately after).

Jeepin’!
The weather in Denver has been passable this year. Not so in our Rocky Mountains! The state has been inundated with the frosty, white stuff known as snow! I have some favorite trails near the Denver area that have not been passable recently. One rig with 38” tires could not take the hill at the beginning of the Slaughterhouse Gulch trail. He high-centered his rig trying the attempt.

So, time for longer runs on the weekends. I should ramp it up anyway. After all, the running season will be starting up soon enough!

Do I always complain this much?

The Good Husband

2008-02-14T15:25:00.002-07:00

Jack wakes up with a huge hangover after attending his company's Christmas Party. Jack is not normally a drinker, but the drinks didn't taste like alcohol at all. He didn't even remember how he got home from the party. As bad as he was feeling, he wondered if he did something wrong.

Jack had to force himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!! Jack sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed. He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house.

He takes the aspirins, then cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. Then he notices a note hanging on the corner of the mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick:

'Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! Love, Jillian'

He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast, steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating. Jack asks, 'Son... what happened last night?'

'Well, you came home after 3 A.M. , drunk and out of your mind. You fell over the coffee table and broke it, then you puked in the hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door.'

Confused, he asked his son, 'So, why is everything in such perfect order and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me??'

His son replies, 'Oh THAT!... Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed 'Leave me alone, I'm married!!'

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Broken Coffee Table $239.99
Hot Breakfast $4.20
Two Aspirins $.38
Saying the right thing, at the right time . .. PRICELESS

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Happy Valentine's Day!

And Now...

2008-02-13T14:33:00.009-07:00

For something completely different!

(Click on this picture - It is a picture in movement)

NYLisa!
My friend and yours, NYLisa is in a running funk. We all need a break once in a while, but Lisa suffers currently from a lack of motivation. So, I think it would be really nice if everyone that reads this blog – Instead of leaving a comment here – Would, please, leave a comment for our friend instead. Make it an interesting, inspirational, motivational comment full of great wishes and hopes for a great runner! I personally am thinking of leaving her the following to inspire her - "To do is to be - Descartes, To be is to do - Voltaire, Do be do be do - Sinatra."
Lisa ran her first marathon last year. It was the achievement of a five-year plan. This lady rocks at achieving her goals. I was amazed at her ability and follow-through. Go Lisa!

What do you blog about when you really don’t have anything to talk about? I don’t want to amble on, but I will because people are telling me that I don’t blog often enough. So, here goes…

Shoes!
I bought new shoes. They are Mizuno Wave Alchemy 7 shoes. They are alright, but they are expensive. $100. Do the video gait thing when you buy shoes at the store. I tried several shoes. It all settled out to either a pair of Asics or the Mizuno. It was interesting to watch the video between the two pair of stabilizing shoes. The Mizuno shoes really improved the way that I hit the surface with my feet. I am definitely an over pronater. I am trying to figure out how long I have to work to afford this ‘free’ form of exercise now.

Why did I get new shoes? Because this cheap guy used my old Mizuno shoes way too long developing a blister on the top of my 4th toe on the left foot. It can be amazing how physical pain can influence the need to purchase new shoes.

I decided to write about my shoes because of my friend, Greg. Greg is running virtually from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. It is an extremely interesting way to provide focus for training. Read his latest article. “100,000 Calories Burned.” I had to write him about shoes. He told me that the last time he bought shoes; he just bit the bullet and bought 2! Wait, make that 2 pair! What a commitment! What a guy!

An Adam Tinkoff 200 Mile Challenge!
I am participating with Adam Tinkoff in his 200 Mile challenge. If you have a Nike+ iPod System, then you may want to participate also. I always try not to get too competitive, but I fail. As of this morning, I was in 7th place. I really should be way back at the back of the pack, but I see where I am and I think about leaving the office, getting home and running another mile or so. Hmmm… You don’t think that might be part of the purpose of a Nike+ challenge? BTW – There is on person from Japan (Sabuchan) that is really kicking it and putting the rest of us to shame! (Don’t tell Adam, but I hope he can get an interview with him and the other top 3 – win, place and show – in this challenge!)

Vacation Time Coming!

It is about 6 weeks to vacation for me. My tradition is to go to Moab with an Internet Jeeping Group. This will be the 4th year!

I love to run Moab. It is the best time of the year for me. It is being out there in a wonderful place doing what I love to do that is so fun for me!

Running in Moab does have some rules. I am going with my friend Tom. Both he and I will carry FRS radios. Whoever is running at the time (and both of us do – Just not at the same time – Molly does not drive the Jeep well), has to stay near the trail the jeep is on (within 20 feet.). That allows the runner the freedom of the trail, with support for water and nourishment following behind. Believe me, the one running can get way ahead of the Jeeps!

Finally Catching Up…
Last week, I ran 25.55 miles.
The week before, I ran 32.85 miles.
So far this week, I have run 18.22 miles. I plan on running 2 more days with scheduled 5-mile runs, but (Geez) with the challenge, it could be more… I am already planning on going home and running another mile.

Races coming up?
Yes. (More information later)

Meeting and Running with Friends, Fellow Runners and Bloggers!

2008-02-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

I had the priviledge and honor to run with a fellow blogger this morning!

As you can see, Peter of DC Spinster and I were able to meet this morning and run! We met at Washington Park (a major running park in Denver) to experience how wonderful it is to run in the snow and cold. It was a bright, clear morning with a lot of sunshine!

Peter is a lot of fun to run with. I had the feeling that I was holding him back. We established that we were running at a pace of 10:21 and if we were comfortable with that. I told him it was good with me and he agreed saying that he was on vacation. Hmmm...

We ran the perimeter of the park twice. My iPod said it was 5.78 miles. He surprised me by presenting me with a DC Road Runners jersey. I feel like an honorary member of the runners club! Thanks, Peter!

Peter did say that he enjoys reading my blog and to keep it up. Do you think he might have been hinting that I don't post a lot?

Did I say that there were bloggers? There were actually 3 of us there! Yes, my little Molly of Molly is a Running Dog! was there also! Looks like she might have to update her blog, as well!
I do know that Molly is fussy about the people that she appreciates, but she was following Peter as much as she was following me? I think that she liked Peter a lot!

Finally, I would like to thank my friend, Tom, for coming along and taking some pictures for us!

This week? 28+ miles. Last week? 25+

Thanks, Richard!

2008-01-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the 14th episode of "The Extra Mile" podcast, when I heard Richard talk passionately about his experience at the Philadelphia Marathon. I listened to his experience and appreciated how he brought a novel approach to his experience.

I asked on "The Extra Mile" podcast if I could get in contact with Richard. Kevin of the "The Extra Mile" and "Kevin Bonks," offered to give Richard my e-mail address. Richard contacted me and we started a discussion.

If you have read my blog, you know that I am asking myself if I should run a marathon. I am not convinced yet, but I AM still exploring the possibility. Richard has helped me to see another aspect of why I SHOULD run a marathon.

Thanks for your help, your advice and your attitude, Richard!

The Blahs?
It seems that I just needed to slow down and appreciate what I have and what I am trying to do. Maybe what I needed was a shoulder to cry on.

One of the things that Richard and I talked about was the camaradery of the running community. You may have never met a person before but immediately find that you have a lot in common. More than that, these are people that share the same excitations and disappointments that you have experienced (or will experience).

I experienced that with a lot of you. Thanks to a lot of you, I got advice on mativating, advice on dressing for the cold weather and advice on just being a runner and enjoying it! Thanks!

So? What have you done?
I ran 25.62 miles last week. They were much easier miles. I took the weekend off completely. I was supposed to go out on Saturday for a Jeep snow wheelin' but most of Colorado found itself in a deep, deep freeze. I did go Sunday. A back country excursion that was relaxing, challenging and beautiful.

Did I run the trail at all? No. The snow was deep and loose. I was able to sit back and enjoy an outside experience without running. It was fun to do just that!

Is my MOJO dripping away? Is it a basic case of the "Blahhs?"

2008-01-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Last week, I ran 25.29 miles.

I also went to my Doctor. The systolic side of my blood pressure is creeping up. It is not above 140 on a regular basis but does approach it regularly. So I am monitoring it on a daily basis for a while. The Diastolic and the pulse are well within normal range. Gee! Another cause for personal concern.

I love to run. Running has added a regular facet to my life that was missing. I miss it so much when I cannot do it.

Recently, though... It sometimes is a pain to get going. I am an Einstein Runner (I need to know, follow and improve my stats). Getting ready for a run can become involved. Find the iPod. Find the Nike+iPod sensor. Get the gloves (my fingers get so cold), put the heart rate monitor on, Put the headband on. Get the water. Preparation seems to take forever.

I also enjoy the inside run. I have a 52" TV that sits in front of the treadmill. I can watch TV or watch a movie. Most of the time, I watch movies. It helps being a member of Netflix.

Once everything is set, started and ready to go, then I get on the belt and start the machine.

Most days are not a problem. But some days are so hard to get started. I like to start my run around 9:30 AM. I run at a slower pace, hoping that will solve my inertia problem. Eventually I speed it up and get a good run going. Then the mind eases up and I feel my wings. A run is good at this point.

After the run, I log the stats in my excel spreadsheet, then update my Buckeye Outdoors Training Log and my blogspot. I go back upstairs and download my iPod Nike+ system stats. It takes a while.

I set runs according to a weekly schedule. I want to get 25 miles in a week during the winter season. My long runs are on Sunday and are generally between 6 and 8 miles a week. The rest are run according to how I feel and what I am trying to acheive (which includes treadmill fitness programs).

Now... Why am I complaining? I tend to be hard on myself when my perception is that I have not succeeded. I have been thinking about last year and how I need to modify things for this year.

I feel let down that the treadmill I was running on suddenly died. The new one is great but it is not the old one. I was comfortable but am now learning a new machine.

I very deeply wanted to acheive 2,000 miles last year. It was a deep down necessary thing (I thought). When I realized that I was not going to acheive it, I was disappointed.

I know that nutrition is important to an athletic lifestyle. I know that I have been letting myself go. Little things. Not enough vegetables, fruits and salads. Too many breads and general carbohydrates. I have even stopped the daily oatmeal before the run.

The weather in my part of the country is cold. I have not been getting outside at all this winter. There have been a couple of runs but not to a satisfying level.

So. What does this overly large discussion of what is bothering me about running have to do with you?

I need some advice. What do you do to keep the inspiration level up? Could you bottle some of it and send it to me? Or, maybe, just let me know what works to keep you inspired? C'mon! Give it up (I would appreciate it)!

What? He is still blogging?

2008-01-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Last week drove me crazy! Too cold to run outside (excuses) and no treadmill to run inside (more excuses). I felt the fat from my food adhering to my midriff. Yet I finished the week with 17.69 miles. This week I am on target for a 25 mile total.

I've borrowed a Nike+ iPod sensor from a friend that thinks he is getting it back. That means that I can again join challenges. If you know of any that a sturdy, Clydesdale Class runner would be interested in, just let me know!

The New Treadmill
Yep! I got a new treadmill! It is a Vision Fitness T9200 base with a premier console.

This is my third treadmill. My first one I had for 20 some years. The reason that it lasted so long is because I never used it. I knew that I should have, but that would involve effort on the part of the person that I used to be.

The second was a NordicTrack C2200. It lasted for 1 1/2 years; just short of 2100 miles. Not bad, I suppose, but I want a treadmill that will last longer. It worked but I feel it was of poor construction. After all I had changed the belt on the treadmill belt 5 times. Even though it is now gone, I have kept one of the belts to remind me of that hassle.

I went out searching for a treadmill this time wanting quality (OK, well, as much quality as I could afford). I found it. So far I love what this treadmill can do for me (and to me). It is a very quiet machine. So quiet it is hard to beleive it can kick my butt like it does. There is a killer interval program. It is also the first treadmill that works with a heart rate monitor. I am impressed with my heart rate control.

The treadmill does monitor and record statistics for 10 users. I find that handy.

I am still in the admiration stage, but have yet to fall in love with it. It does seem to be a challenge to run on.

Another Doctor Visit...
Things went well. I haven't got the blood test results yet. I have gained 10 pounds through the holidays. The Doctor thinks it is due to my body having adapted to my running. He suggested more cross training - Either strength training (geez I hate that) push ups, sit ups or a combination of all 3. I think that I will wait for Spring and ride the Mountain bike, instead... That and pushing myself away from the dinner table at the appropriate moment...

Other things
Maddy completed The Tinkoff 1,000! I heard about it on Adam Tinkoff's new podcast, Another Runner. Maddy is also running the Disney Marathon this weekend! You can follow her progress by siging up for notifications through her blogspot, Gotta Run!

UPDATE: Maddy completed the Disney half-marathon in 2:16:21! Great time, Maddy! Congratulations! What a runner!!!

It seems that for some areas of the country, a running competition season is beginning in 2008! For everyone that is competing this weekend - Good skill!! Run Fast, Run paced, Run long and taper!

The End of the Year, the End of my Treadmill.

2007-12-31T14:09:00.001-07:00

Last week I ran 25.9 miles. This week I have run 6.363 miles. I ran a total of 1,886 miles in 2007. Included in that are 3 half-marathons and a 5K.

You know, I really have to thank each and everyone of you, my friends, for that which I have acheived. Thanks for the encouragement and for the criticism. One is not legitimate without the other.

I don't think that I would have been so inspired if my special friend, Susan, had not inspired me to start this humble blog. Susan writes her blog at I Run For My Life by Susan!

I also have to thank Adam Tinkoff for his inspirational blogs along with "The Tinkoff 1,000" resolution to run 1,000 miles in the calendar year of 2007. Adam has a new blog at http://anotherrunner.com.

And thanks to everyone that provided a personal blog that they shared with me encouraging me to run alongside them in a virtual and real manner!! Just look to the right of this page to see some of the people that really provided me with that inspiration!

Also to those that read my blog and my rambling literary style. This community of people with shared interests grows every day. Oceans and vast distances do not make a difference, either. It is great to be a part of it!

Death of a Treadmill...
I made a fantastic Navy Bean and Ham soup Saturday night. It was very tasty and I lost all self-control. 3 huge bowls and I knew that I would have to run extra in the morning.

I set out to run 5 miles. The first two were tedious and slow, but then I got the inspiration. After all, it was very cold outside, I'd eaten too much the night before, and I had (finally) achieved rhythm in my run! I thought that 5 miles would be great, then 5.55 miles would be better, then 6.5 would top it off.

I hit 6.363 and the treadmill very suddenly stopped beneath me. That can be quite a surprise.

I tried everything to get it back up and running. After all, I was only able to get 2,825 miles on it. The incline motor works fine, but the tread belt motor is not turning. Is it the motor? Is it the circuit board? Who knows? I DO know that I have replaced 5 belts on that motor. It is definitely time to get a new treadmill.

I don't have a lot of time to turn this over. It is winter in Denver, Colorado and most mornings are just too cold to run outside. Plus, I am that rare breed of treadmill junkie.

So, I guess what I need is some opinions, reviews or references to what treadmills that you have used and liked (or , maybe, did not like). Please let me know why.

I am a Clydesdale Class runner at just over 200 pounds. I am also a master (age-wise, that is...)

I am actively seeking a new one. So far, I like a Pace Master (may be too expensive), a Reebok, a Horizon and a NordicTrack.

Treadmill Videos?

Isn't this one everyone's favorite? OK GO, on treadmills...

Happy Holidays All!!

2007-12-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

I ran 25.7 miles last week. So far, I have run 1857 miles in 2007.

Happy Holidays!
I just want to wish all of my friends, runners and fellow bloggers a most festive celebration for this holiday season. In whatever way you celebrate and whatever days you celebrate, I wish you the best of this season!

That Introspective Time of Year!

2007-12-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello my fellow bloggers, friends and fellow runners!

I have run 1850 miles in 2007. I took both Saturday and Sunday last off - Saturday due to a Jeep trip that never happened (it was just too cold out), and Sunday because I did do a jeep trip. I am trying to keep to 25 miles per week during the winter doldrums.

Setting Goals
I have a friend. Lots of you know him and may read his blog regularly. His name is Jamie and he is the Diabetic Runner.

He has a goal, a resolution, an objective. It involves promoting an awareness of a disease that he lives with every day. He'd like to make people aware of Diabetes.

The thing I like about Jamie is that he is alwasy looking to better himself. He is not content to just go with the hand that he is dealt. Instead, he works at getting a better hand. He also succeeds at it. Read his blog and you will see what I mean!

Many of my fellow runners set a goal for themselves in 2007. Thanks to Adam Tinkoff and his Burning 20 podcast, may of us set a 1,000 mile goal to run in 2007. It was the The Tinkoff 1,000.

Jamie has a similar goal. I would like for you to read about it, think about it and, maybe, commit to it. I have. You can get all of the details here.

Meeting Another with Similar Likes
Many of you have met fellow bloggers in our travels through this world. I was able to do that today. I got a call this morning this morning from Peter, the DC Spinster. He is in Denver. We will not neet on this visit, but will on another day. He described his run this morning through areas of this town that I know well. It was great to talk to him! Thanks, Peter!

If you do not read his blog, you really should. He presents himself with personal dedication and humor. I always look forward to new posts.

And, yes... He did remind me that I am not blogging like I was. That should probably become another resolution for me for the new year.

Rhythm and the Run!
I started my run this morning and before I knew it I was running in a state of bliss. It came on me slowly but steadily. I felt a calm of body coordination, rhythm and ability. Everything was working for today's run. The elbows were bent just right, the hands comfortable in front of me, and the footfalls of my feet were steady and rhythmic. It was a great way to experience a run.

Does that happen to any of you as you run?

Runnin' on!

2007-12-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, I ran 28 miles. The week before, I ran 23 1/2 miles.

As of today, I've run 1,811 miles in 2007.

I am not much of a movie goer. I'd rather wait until it comes out on DVD, or get through my Netflix account. Then I'll watch it at home.

Have you seen Live Free or Die Hard? Very action filled movie. It had the excitement I thought that it would. Formula maybe, but I enjoyed the movie.

I also watched "At World's End," the last in the Pirates of the Caribbena series. Lots of action, but parts of it dragged. I bought it, though, as I have the rest of the series.

I was one of the people that bought the HD DVD Player at Walmart on a recent secret Friday sale. It played 1/2 of an HD-DVD movie and hasn't played one since. Regular DVDs play just fine. Bottom line? It is going back to Toshiba for repair!

I never did get the SageTV server working through the internet on my Home Theatre computer.

Not Motivated!

2007-11-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

I got on the treadmill today, but just wasn't motivated. I ran at a decent pace, but stopped after completing every mile. I was going to run 3 miles, but as I stopped so often I ran an extra mile. I rated today's run @ 3.75 out of 5.

Well, I have over 2700 miles on the treadmill that I bought in mid 2006. I also have 1773 miles run in 2007 alone (c'mon! They weren't all on the treadmill!)

Still haven't found my Nike+ iPod chip. I really miss recording those stats (that's the Einstein runner in me).

MAKE SURE that you visit Susan's blog and boost her up for her marathon tomorrow! She is a great lady running for a very worthy cause! Encourage her for tomorrow! You can go here to see her blog!
http://irunformylife.blogspot.com/

I Have Been Quiet Recently...

2007-11-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have been quiet recently. I have just been busy.

Nothing new or exciting recently. The running is going great including a 3 1/2 mile tempo run this morning. I brought it in 30:18 minutes.

Last week, I ran 27.46 miles. The week before that I ran 28.10 miles.

I have misplaced my Nike+iPod chip this morning. I do so hope I find it.

I worked on my laptop this weekend. I upgraded the memory and replaced the 80GB hard drive with a 250GB hard drive. Then I made it a dual boot machine with both Windows Vista Home Basic (isn't that just really WinXP SP3?) and Windows XP Professional. I have reloaded it with my working software. Just for other build geeks out there, the WinXP Pro side is faster than the Vista side.

I have also finished my SageTV build - I got rid of TIVO and replaced it with something much better. It is on a dedicated computer. I can watch TV or recordings from any computer in my home network. It is cool. I cannot get it to act as a server on the internet. It uses port 31099. It can find the software but cannot access the port. Any geek ideas out there for that?

Finally...
I have not made my mind up about a marathon as of yet...

Its a shoe in!

2007-11-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Me, Me, Me!
I ran 23.85 miles last week.

Friday, I washed my truck and banged my left elbow into it. All that day it was very painful and did swell up (my elbow not the truck). It was bad again on Saturday. Now, the swelling is going down and there is not much pain. Bummer...

Friday night I felt fine, but after being in bed for a while I felt a lot of lower gastroenteric discomfort. Up several times. I used to have a cast iron stomach, but since the recent stomach thing I have to be really careful. Tends to really throw the run scheduling off. Bummer...

I had a great run today. I ran a tempo run and was actually able to at 8:30 pace for 2 miles. It was a first for for me. I rated today's run at 4.5 out of 5.

Saturday - Ryan Shay Memorial Run
It was a tragic thing during the Olympic Trials in NYC on November 3rd. Ryan Shay fell at the 5.5 mile mark and did not get back up. Please schedule a run on Saturday to honor his memory. Run 5.5 miles if possible. Any length would be would be a wonderful tribute. If you are doing a longer run then run 5.5 miles in his memory.

I first heard about it on Akshaye's blog, then on the most recent Phedippidations podcast.

Such a simple to show solidarity in our running community.

How do you buy shoes?
It is time for shoes again. I have been reading about buying shoes. As I run my recent tempo runs, I am wondering what to buy. I am about 210 pounds. I know that I over pronate. I also run a lot of back-country trails.

I've used all kinds of online shoe estimators. But I still don't know what to buy.

I'd like some ideas. I want to be sure that what I buy will work for me. How do you go out and buy shoes?

Finally
I haven't decided yet on whether to run a marathon yet...

I, Too, Have Been Tagged!

2007-11-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

My friend, Peter, tagged me. What a guy! I am contemplating ways of balancing the books...

5 things about me.

1. I love to build computers. I do it at my work. I do it at home. It is an obsession, much more than a hobby. To assemble several seperate pieces (hardware, firmware, software) into a whole is a marvelous thing to me. I just built a Home Theatre PC for my basement entertainment theatre. Then I redesigned it and built it again!

2. I love to cook. Homemade pasta is far better than anything that can be bought at a store. I love to bake bread. Bread is not the best of foods for a runner, though (even with whole wheat flour, healthier oils and additives, and reduced fat butter substitutes). I debate a lot with friends about the glycemic index and natural, unprocessed foods. That could be an entirely seperate tag item.

3. I "run" through a lot of shoes. I need new running shoes again (yes, I do stretch their usable life much more than I should). The over pronation is obvious this time - A lot of heel wear and outside of the foot wear.

4. I have a Jeep. It is a 1993 Jeep Wrangler. I call it the Mighty YJ. It is the reason that I cannot retire. That's because I am constantly modifying it. I do take it out on organized Jeep trail runs almost weekend. I go with a friend, though. It does clash with running. I shoot movies during and edit them and put them on Photobucket after the run. I often would rather run a trail rather than drive it (but that, too, could be a seperate tag item)...

5. GPS and mapping. I love to map things. I do it all of the time. I have map files that go back several years. I map my half-marathons. I map my neighborhood runs. I map my trail runs. I map runs that aren't trail and aren't neighborhood runs! I map bike runs. I map Jeep trail runs. It is so much fun!

If there were a 6 it would be my inner debate about running a marathon. I have a lot of blogging friends. I appreciate each and every opinion I received. Wow! Great people! Thank you so much!

OK, now for the rules -
Here are the Rules:
• Link to your tagger, and post these rules on your blog.
• Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
• I cheated and removed the 2 final rules. Why? Just to be stubborn!

To Marathon or not to Marathon...

2007-11-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot on attempting a marathon.

Many things have contributed to this crazy pattern of thinking and mostly because of you, my fellow bloggers, and all that you have accomplished (especially recently).

My friend, Tom, ran marathons in his high school years. He set a record that stood for ten years. He is telling me that it is a lot of work and very physically debilitating. He is not actively discouraging me but he is also not actively encouraging me either.

My boss, Jim, is a triathlete. I beleive he is a year younger than I am (I am 54). Last month, he took first place in his age group in the last triathlon that he participated in. He did not discourage me, but we had a good talk of how a marathon can cost as much as you can gain. I definitely got the idea that he was actively discouraging me.

I listened to the current Phedippidations Podcast, #121 - Things to do before you die. He definitely pushed the marathon idea (at least once in a runner's lifetime).

I saw the NOVA last week on the Marathon Challenge. It was a moving portrayal of how a marathon can affect the participants. I enjoyed it and felt emotional about it.

I read the account of Lisa in NY. This account of a first marathon also moved me.

I read Maddy's account of her first marathon. I was moved by what she contended with and her elation afterwards.

A lot of you contributed to this crazy notion of mine (Susan, Petra, Shirley, & Peter) and I want to thank you for all of those accounts.

I have a feeling that I may be discussing this a lot with you, my friends, in the near future.

Mind you, I am not convinced. I am experienced with half-marathons. I still remember my first one of those!

Let me know what you think, please...
- - - - - - - - - -

I guess that what I would like to know is your motivation to acheive like you have. Maybe then, just maybe, I could seriously start to consider what decision I should make.

Team Elijah...

2007-11-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone that has a "Pray for Elijah" band, please wear it today. If you don't have a band, please think of him today.

Elijah Talley is a boy with neuroblastoma. He is fighting a battle with that cancer. Today is a war front with medicine on his side as he goes through a stem cell transplant.

Think of that young man as he goes through his transplant today. We are all hoping that he will kick his neuroblastoma in the butt!

Say a prayer for this courageous young man!

You can read about him at this site -
Elijah Talley

Back to it!

2007-11-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

The New York Olympic Marathon Trials
Like everyone else I am shocked at the sudden death of Ryan Shay. What a tragedy to his family and the sport. I am still wondering what happened but the immediate autopsy results were inconclusive.

Where Have I been?
Sorry for my absence as of late. Two weeks ago I had a bad stomach thing go on. My stomach felt the need to violently empty itself. There was little or no control while this happened. I suspect Dove chocolate that was not good. I am sorry to be so graphic, but it was during one of those bouts that I did something to my back.

I ended up not running for 6 days. By the time I felt good enough to run, I was still having problems with my back (comes and goes). I've cut my mileage back and will continue so until I feel better.

So for the week of October 21st, I ran 9.10 miles. For the week of October 28th, I ran 20.80 miles. I am getting back to it but I am still dealing with this nagging back pain!

The worst part for me is I will probably not make my goal of 2,000 mile run in 2007!

Just a quick catch up! My glucose levels ended up well into the normal range during my last blood test.

Winter Training
I am just wondering what everyone will be doing to train during the Winter months. I live in Denver, so I am sure that I will do a lot of treadmill running (like I don't already). I am also looking at a Spring half-marathon to set my traing sights for.

I certainly hope that my next post will be more upbeat!