Whew!

It has been a week. Where does the time go?

First, running. Yes, I am making time to sneak in a few runs. Even enough to put a very slight lead over the FAT MAN! I ran Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday last week. Nothing farther than 4 miles but I have now re-established a four day running routine. This week I have run Monday. Did not run Tuesday for assorted reasons, none of which is a good excuse other than Susan and MAC had to run for a while so I was watching E who is 8 years old and not quite at that point where you can trust a child so I stayed in with her. My modified schedule has me running tonight, Friday night and Saturday (or Sunday).

So I've been married for 2 weeks and 4 days. As expected, it has been a trip. A few things done and many more to get accomplished. Finally got the plumbing problems fixed . . . let's just say that the 30" diameter red oak that is invading the drain line will have to go next year. I have finally got "my" room sort of settled though it still needs painting. The baby blue fit what was formerly E's room but tends to make the male gender feel a little . . . unmanly. Gonna paint that sucker over the Christmas holidays. I have moved out a few extraneous things from MY room-the air hockey table is out. The sofa and end table have been rearranged for maximum TV watching. I have moved out the 27 inch console TV and replaced it with my 43 inch Sony HD flat screen from my other house (men, insert grunting sounds here). We have also dumped Charter and I have moved my DirecTV service to Susan's house . . . no charge. Very cool. I have also been fighting with Bellsouth. Sorry if any of the readers work for ATT or Bellsouth but I have to say that I am livid. It seems that my ID cannot be reused when I cancel my internet service and go under Susan's ID. Yes, I can create a second mailbox and account with Susan as primary but I am not allowed to reuse my jhambham@bellsouth. The other choice would be for Susan to cancel and change her ID but then I get stuck with a "relocation" fee. I guess I'll end up just canceling my internet service with Bellsouth and just use a webmail account. I have set up another address . . . jhambham@gmail.com . I will send out a notice to everyone in my address book of the change. Feel free to use either for now but you may as well change over to gmail and get used to using it.

Let's see . . . what else??? Oh yeah, it seems that there has been rash of break-ins in my neighborhood and in Susan's community. The thing about it is that both our communities are very nice communities with traditionally very low crime rates. Don't know if it's the fact that it is Christmas time or that times have gotten hard enough to drive the low life scum of our society into nicer environs. In any case, we have now enabled the security system at Susan's house AND we are installing a safe. As I told the sheriff in my community, if I catch someone in my house and they don't haul ass, somebody is leaving in the horizontal position. He gave me the thumbs up but cautioned me the culprit needs to be in the house and not shot in the back. Cool.

Another thing . . . I need to rename and refurb the "my hot girlfriend" blog. I'm open for suggestions.

a) eliminate that blog altogether and just keeping personal stuff on this blog.

or

b) keep my blog here for runners only and move the personal stuff to the renamed blog.

I will be posting wedding photos by the weekend.

A brief aside

Yes, those of you anxiously awaiting to hear about the remainder of my first week as a married man must stand to the back of the line.

Running. Relative to the first week of marriage-next to nada. A couple of miles here and there and that was it. However, I did run 2 on Monday afternoon and 3 this afternoon. Have to get back in the groove, you know.

Okay. It seems I've been tagged by Amy (http://www.amysrunninglife.com/) to list SIX (6) things that make me happy. I've been thinking about it for a while and this is actually tougher than it sounds. I guess I am a simpleton because there are lots of things that make me happy. However, if you're talking about deep, deep down inside, the things that I wouldn't trade, I think I can narrow it down somewhat. I am also taking Amy's advice as well (you'll have to read her blog to see what she said to me). Thanks Amy . . . I never would have thought of that!!!!!

1. My new life with Susan. She is a nurturer by nature so she's always ready to serve. That is not why I am here. I am also a serving person and I guess that sort of makes up disgusting in the fact that we are trying to do things for each other. I cannot imagine her not being in my life. I love her.

2. My new life with Susan's girls. I know, I know . . . that is two things that technically fall in the same category but it is somewhat different. Mind you, I was in my mid 40s before I even got exposed to being around kids for longer than a few minutes. I never really had the paternal instinct . . . until now. I find myself being stepdad to two daughters-12 and 8. Lovely girls and each has certain attributes from their mom-some good and some, well, not quite so good but all in all great girls. I never realized how meaningful a hug, a kiss, or holding hands with a child could be. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

3. Like my tagger, Amy, I am a little bit anal retentive. That being said, I am very happy when a plan falls into place. There is nothing better than thinking through an objective, plotting and planning (and maybe doing a spreadsheet as well!), and executing a plan. Doesn't matter the objective . . . just achieve something that you created. Of course, we runners love to schedule and plan our runs, whether a 10k or a marathon. Nothing like knowing your splits before you run them!!!

4. Hard work. I know, sounds stupid but it does make me happy. I'll have to give my parents the credit for this one. They were not slave drivers but they led by example. I learned so much from them both and I find myself applying lessons from my childhood into everyday things. I am always so shocked when I hear guys talking about sleeping until lunch, sitting around watching ballgames all day, just goofing off on the weekends. HERESY!!!! I realize that there are times for playing and fun but I am so happy when I have a weekend of work planned (#3 above) and can get up early on a Saturday morning and work until dinner time. Very satisfying.

5. Friends. I don't mean aquiantances. I mean REAL friends. The kind that will do anything for you and you'll do anything for them. The kind of folks you can call up at a moments notice and have them meet you at the hospital or invite them to dinner and you know that they'll be there. Priceless.

6. Breakfast at my parents. Yep, simple. Of course you haven't been there so don't be so quick to blow this one off. I promise that if you ever come to visit me, I'll include you on an excursion to my parents' house for the MONSTER BRUNCH. How many ways can you eat pork???? just ask my parents. Nothing better than sitting around the table for a couple of hours, eating and sharing stories. Hmmmmm . . . maybe it's the company and not the breakfast?

There you have it. Six things that make me happy.

Part II - if I were a toilet

Okay . . . didn't mean to leave you hanging.

I'll see if I can quickly recap the remainder of my first week as a married man.

Sunday, after having breakfast at Embassay Suites with Susan's sister's family, we headed home. Well, we headed to Susan's home which is now my surrogate home. We spent the remainder of the day just chilling out. MAC had to go to the church that afternoon to help deliver food but other than that, we just hung around.

Monday. First day back at work. Everyone was surprised to see me. They all assumed that we were honeymooning. Incorrecto, fish face! We decided to hit the ground running. We are going to Disney (the Orlando flavor) for 4 days the week before Christmas . . . we're calling that the "kid honeymoon". Our actual honeymoon is going to be spring break. Susan and I are heading to Vegas and plan on going to all the local sights, including Grand Canyon. We'll be in touch with Phil to discuss hiking opportunities later!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were fairly uneventful with the exception of suspicious behavior exhibited by the toilets. Hmmmmmm . . . wonder what that bubbling is all about. Monday afternoon the toilets decided to rebel. I mean think about it . . . if you were a toilet would you let people put their butts all over you without kicking up some kind of fuss? Anyway, they weren't exactly backing up; they just weren't draining. Being handy, I decided that this fell within my realm of "do-ability". All toilets slow to drain. Tubs and showers slow to drain. Has to be one of several things-clogged main line going to the septic tank (yes, the kingdom, for all it's glory, does not have a sewer system), or a blocked vent (possible bird nest, wasp nest, skunk . . . whatever decided to get down in there). Or it could be more serious . . . like a full septic tank or damaged field lines.

Okay, let's think it through. Susan said the tank was last pumped in spring of 2006, so it is highly unlikely that is the problem. I've seen field line problems before. Usually, this kind of problem is evidenced by soggy ground with the putrid odor of sewage (poopy for the commoner out there reading this). Again, the field line area is dry as a bone so I moved that possibility down the list. Okay . . . vent or drain to the septic tank. Easy to eliminate the vent-climb up on the roof with a flash light and do a visual exam. DANG!!! Vents were clear so that meant it was highly likely that there is something in the line between the house and the tank. Since the problem started rather quickly, my guess was that is was some kind of clog and not necessarily tree roots. Maybe one of the girls flushed a doll or a toothbrush or some other inanimate object that couldn't quite find it's way all the way down to the tank. Not a problem!!! I can handle this!

Tuesday at lunch I ran to (cheap, unsolicited plug) Home Depot to rent a power snake. Yes . . . A POWER TOOL (men can insert loud grunting sound here. Maybe even open a beer). I didn't really need the super duper one . . . one hundred feet of 5/8" cable with SIX (count them) cutting heads. No . . . . not that tough a job. I'll take the 75 foot of 1/2" cable with four cutting heads and slightly smaller motor. That should get the job done! Nothing makes you feel more manly than loading a POWER TOOL on the truck and grunting all the way home watching all the jealous men driving past my truck knowing that I was about to . . . . . . play in poop with a POWER TOOL!!!!!

I have been under Susan's house many times doing assorted manly things and in my ventures in the itty bitty crawl space I had noticed that there were no cleanouts in the waste lines. For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, most homes, as required by plumbing code, have to have a pipe that connects to the main drain with a removable plug so you can do what I was wanting to do . . . run an ELECTRICALLY POWERED TOOL INTO THE MUCK AND FILTH of the sewer the line. However, Susan's house ain't got no stinking cleanout. CRAP!!! No pun intended. I could try to snake it from the vent on the roof but that would shorten my snake (again, no pun intended) and I didn't want to get the tool on the roof. An alternate path of entry is easily achievable-take up a toilet and snake through the closet hub (the pipe where the toilet sends all the goody through the floor). No problem. This is still within my realm of my manlihood.

Turn off water. Flush. Try to dip out any reaming water in the bowl. Loosen up the closet (another name for toilet) bolts. Disconnet the water supply. Give it bump and a yank and up she comes! I put an old towel in the tub and lifted the toilet over into the tub. Okay . . . I have a hole in which to now put my snake (more grunting and beer sips by the manly readers here). Move the POWER TOOL into position adjacent to the hole, plug it up, bump the foot pedal to make sure it's working. Yep . . . . good to go! I put a smaller head on the snake for exploratory purposes and started feeding the cable into the pipe. The first couple of feet are no problem-straight pipe with no obstructions . . . . at least that's two feet of pipe that is not the problem. Okay fist bend and the snake makes the turn with no problem. I continue pushing the cable down, down into the darkness of the 4 inch sewer line. Okay another bump and some resistance . . . . another fitting. A slight turn and twist and the snake is free and I continue pushing. Another 18 inches or so of cable and then it stops. Hmmm . . . must be a 90 degree sweep and the snake is having trouble turning it. Back it up and jam it again. Still, dead end. Okay . . . I know the problem-I don't LOOK like a plumber. I pull my pants down slightly so there is some butt crack showing. I also wipe some of the dirty toilet wax on my arms for effect.

Now the snake and pipe will think I belong and we will all become one. Give it another quick hard jam. CRAP . . . . no luck. Back it up and go again. I twist and turn the snake and give it some POWER. It's just banging and not moving. I know I am not into the main line yet. I only have about 6 or 7 feet of cable fed off the reel. I spend the next 30 minutes trying to get the snake to move further down the line but it won't budge.

I gave up. Yes, I gave up. I pulled the snake out of the hole and back onto the reel. I pulled up my pants and I drug the stinking thing outside, pulled out about 10 feet of cable and chloroxed it and hosed it off and loaded it back on my truck. My manlihood has been tested and I have failed. I go back to the bathroom and reset the toilet, hook it up, test it out and everything is operating as before. I run to Susan's bathroom to take a quick shower but first I have to exercise what is left of my manlihood. I flush the toilet and WHOOSH!!!! Water is running everywhere. What the heck is going on? I look behind the toilet and there is a big hunk of china laying on the floor with water running out of it. I quickly turn off the water and realize what happened. My POWER SNAKE ended up making a wrong turn. There must have been a cross in the main line where the back to back toilets are instead of sanitary fittings and the snake went into the other bathroom and up the toilet where it seems all my banging ended up breaking the toilet. Lovely.

After dinner, I ran the snake back to Home Depot, my problem unresolved and my manhood greatly damaged. However, now I get to buy a new toilet. A middle of the line toilet with elongated bowl (every man likes the elongated bowls ladies . . . . you may want to consider buying one for your man for Christmas) and 2 inches taller. awwwwww . . . nice high seat with elongated bowl. Almost worth all the trouble for comfort. I haul it home and it's 9 ish by now so I put it off until Wednesday afternoon.

The office generally empties out Wed afternoon around 1:00 the day before Thanksgiving so I have plenty of time to get home and replace the broken one. The lines are draining slow and are somewhat functional but I still have a plumbing problem. I replace the toilet with no problem and we eat a Thanksgiving eve meal with the girls since their dad gets them over Thanksgiving. Susan and I decide to go to my de facto home in Eagle Point where the toilets flush.

Out of time. Now you'll have to wait for Part III . . . . .

My first week as a married man . . . Part 1

Well, almost a week. It will be a week tomorrow but I am taking some liberty with clock.

As you know, Susan and I decided to tie the knot on November 22. That's last Saturday for the calendar challenged amongst you. The week leading up to the big event was a whirlwind and full of activity and work. No time for running. Besides, my back has been bothering me a bit and though I know I need to be out there, my back is grateful for the respite.

Not sure how much detail you want to know-Last Saturday started with a bang. I had planned on sleeping in a little. Now mind you, sleeping in for me is 7:30 . . . maybe 8:00 tops. I even took a couple of Tylenol PM when I went to bed and had sat up and watched a movie just so I could sleep in. No such luck. I was wide awake by 6 and my mind was racing with all the stuff that needed to be done. So I got up, stripped the bed and started the first of four loads of laundry I was to do that morning. I did manage to get in 3 1/2 miles while the first load was running and the coffee was making. Perfect time to get my thoughts together for the upcoming day.

Man! Did I have a lot to do before getting married or what? I still had not brought any clothes to Susan's house yet. In fact, I had little idea of what to bring with me. After choking down a bagel and doing another load of clothes, I started organizing my clothes. Not all of them. Just essentials . . . things that I know that I will wear and can still fit my big old fat katucus (sp?) into. Let's see . . . underwear. Check. Socks . . . . colored and white. Check. Shoes . . . dress shoes, work shoes, Merrills, Keens. Check. Wait . . . I almost forgot-RUNNING SHOES. Big Check! Okay . . . shoes, socks, underwear. Essentials. If the house were to burn down or if someone started chasing me, I could get away with minimal embarrassment.

Real clothes next. Let's see . . . it's almost winter time so I'll need long sleeve shirts for daily wear at work. I'll grab maybe 7 or 8 of my favorites. Check. This is Alabama and we do end up with a few warm days during the winter . . . maybe 8 or so golf shirts. Check. Tee shirts. OH YEAH, have to have them. All my favorites. Wait . . . all my tee shirts are my favorites. CRAP. Closet isn't that big. Okay, don't panic. All my Life Is Good tees have to make the journey. A couple of my favorite race tees need to go too. Oh yeah, some of my odd shirts that make people laugh or mad . . . have to have them. You know the ones . . . . Three fingered Franks fireworks, PETA (People for the eating of tasty animals), Bite Me Live Bait (because size matters). Okay. Shirts squared away. WAIT!!!!! Dress shirts for eating out and church. Okay-whites, blues, yellow, stripes. Check. Not really cold natured but I'll also throw in a sweater and a couple of sweat shirts.

Pants. Wow, this is going to be tough. Dammit, think Jim!!! Okay calm down. Just think through you're normal week. Work clothes-Dockers. Khakis, green, blue, black, clay. Check, I'm covered for Monday thru Friday. Slacks . . . only four or five pair I can get into so that is no problem. Check. Jeans. Need 'em. Good old 505s. Check. Several belts. Check.

Another load of clothes in the laundry. Sweating profusely as the clock is running and the morning is getting away from me. Susan and the girls are out so I'll make a run to her house and stick my stuff in the closet and chest of drawers.

One hour later-another load of laundry. Okay . . . now I need to gather up "bathroom stuff". I know men should be able to get by on a toothbrush and razor but I need more than that. Deordorant, foot powder, gold bond medicated lotion, contact stuff, medicine and assorted other goodies that I use throughout the week. I think I've got most of the stuff I need to start my new life. Throw it in the car. Last load of laundry is done, bed is changed and made. Tux is at Susan's house. I'll run back to her house to drop off a few more items I've grabbed from around the house. I hustle out to the Tiny Kingdom (http://www.mytinykingdom.com/) and finish setting up shop.

Done at Susan's house for now . . . lunchtime. Go get a burger bomb at Mickie D's and run through Wal-Mart for a few items. I am supposed to be meeting my former neighbor, good friend and photographer for the wedding after lunch. He and his family came into town for the wedding and we decided to have a cigar and an adult beverage on the back porch of my house. His timing is perfect and he calls as I'm leaving wallie world. I go and pick Todd up and we hit the cigar shop where he proceeds to take one of their wooden indians. Yes, just pick it up and walk out with it. Of course, this is where Todd always did business and everyone in there knew him. He said something along the lines of "I always wanted one of these and you sorry SOBs never gave me a going away present . . . I'm taking this back to Atlanta with me!" Nobody stopped him so off we went with some good smokes and a wooden indian. I'm looking at the clock and time is running out. Gosh . . . we only have maybe an hour or hour and a half to bond and then I have to hit the road. Back to my house, light 'em up, have a scotch. Wow, LIFE IS GOOD. I'm on my back deck with two of my very best friends (Larry joined us), the sun is shining, the temperature is perfect and I'm marrying the greatest girl in about 4 hours. I regret that I had to leave Todd and Larry at my house but it was getting close to 2:30 and I still had lot's to do!!!

Back to Susan's house. Hoofing it. Quick shower. Feels good. I shaved in the morning so I don't have to deal with that. Should I take the tux to the church or go ahead and wear it??? I'll minimize the chance for screw ups and put it on now. 3:15 . . . tick tock tick tock. Yikes, I have to get going. I pack an overnight bag. We're planning on spending our first night together at Embassay Suites. I grab Susan's overnight bag that she had ready to go and throw it in the car along with mine. I grab all the other stuff that I'm supposed to take with me and I'm off to the races.

Go by The Club. We're having our guests to The Club for dinner and dancing. However, we know that it would be best to not let everyone sit where they want so we have a seating arrangement. We don't trust the wait staff to get it right so I run up there and set out the place cards and make sure everything is in order. Yep . . . spot on. Cool

Next, swing by the hotel and check in and unload the bags. Done with minimal hassle and on to the church! Arrive just smidge past 4:00. Getting hitched at 5:30. Susan's dad is there. Todd is there. No Susan. Where is Susan? WHERE IS SUSAN?????!!!!!! I'm pretty sure she isn't ducking out on me. I just know that she is not the first one to look at a clock. I text and she texts back. Okay. Whew, on her way. Her dad keeps wandering around in a circle saying "she's not coming". Great for the confidence booster there dad!

Susan, girls and the enterouge arrive and we jump through all the hoops getting pictures done. Thanks Todd. Very nice job. I'll be posting some pictures later.

Guess what???? It's 5:20 and in walks the minister. Way cool. I think we're going to pull this off! After taking a couple of deep breaths and relaxing, we are all ready. Though small and simple, it was something that will be remembered. E came down the aisle first. Then MAC came down and went to the piano and played Ode to Joy. Susan and her dad came down while MAC was playing. VERY VERY COOL. MAC finished playing and came and stood by me . . . she was my Best Man. After some some scripture, vows, "I do's", prayers, we were married. Just like that.

Afterwards, everyone came up to talk to us and then we all headed to The Club. We had a cocktail hour and dinner (filet and grilled shrimp). We had a great time visiting with our family and friends and dancing. Afterwards, we retired to the hotel, pooped but smiling. Little did I know what the week held for us . . . . . .

tick tock

It's Friday lunch time. 29 hours to go. Wow. Almost feels like a countdown to a marathon. Getting nervous, excited, worried about little details. I'm very AR but thank goodness I'm not as AR as Amy! and she pulled off her wedding even with the bad weather. I'm sure everything will be fine with ours.

I will be a husband in 29 hours. What more can I say? I'm happy and look forward to all the excitement that lies ahead. I'm excited and scared at the same time. A new page in the storybook of my life. I just hope that I can make her as happy as she has and will make me.

I will be a father (of sorts) in 29 hours. Two daughters. YIKES! I guess I had better clean my guns to keep the boys away. That's the scary part-I was a teenaged boy at one point. It gives me an advantage in knowing what they are thinking but it scares me silly!

A plus about all of this is that after the wedding, I'll be able to get back into a more steady routine. I really have not been doing much running over the last several weeks, working on getting our act together. No more trying to run between houses. I can now go home, strap them on, and get my big old hooha outside and start putting in some miles.

Wednesday. This seems to be the best day for me to catch up on things including my blog. Many things to talk about but I really don't want to bore you too much.

Running-
Yes, I've been running. After getting over my cold and back pains, I have crawled back out onto the pavement and re-started dragging my sorry butt around the 'hood and Susan's 'hood.

I ran 4 miles Saturday morning before cutting the grass and heading to Macon for Amy's wedding. More about that later and go check out her site.

I did a quick two miler at Susan's house on Monday. Wanted to do more but was pressed for time.

I did a three miler at Susan's house on Tuesday. It felt nice to be out there though it was a tad bit warm-low 80s.

Off today but will run Thursday and Saturday.

Okay. Other things-
We finally got around to getting started on painting MAC's new bedroom. She picked out the color. Dill pickle. Does that describe it well enough? Of course the girls wanted to help Monday. I was cutting in around the trim and ceiling and told them that they could roll the walls after I was finished cutting in. They wouldn't take no for an answer so I gave them a couple of brushes and told them to paint the corners. They also wanted to try their hand at painting UP TO the trim. Can you guess what happened? Yep, door trim now has some dill pickle on it. Oh well, we were going to repaint the trim anyway. Obviously, I'll do that!

Last Saturday I went to Macon for Amy and Troy's wedding. The weather was nice on the drive from Birmingham to about 20 miles north of Macon. I was in the convertible enjoying my ride when all of a sudden on the horizon I saw this big gray wall of water. Yep-rain. Pulled over in time and put up the top and plunged into the weather for the final 20 minutes to Macon. All along the way I kept hoping it would stop since the wedding was scheduled to be outdoors. No such luck. Poor Amy. Of course being AR type, she had plans for the rain and everything pretty much went without a hitch. In fact, it probably made things easier. Her alternate location was the Red Cross House in Macon where her reception was to be so we didn't have to drive from the wedding site to the reception. Lot's of folks I didn't know. Actually, the only ones I knew was Amy and Troy. Thanks guys for inviting me. I truly feel honored to have been there. Very handsome couple and Amy looked beautiful and happy.

I spent the night in Macon and Sunday I drove to Atlanta and spent the afternoon and night with my friends Todd and Kathy who recently moved to Kennesaw. Beautiful home off the beaten path. Thanks for the invite! Todd is going to be the photographer for Susan and my wedding.

That's about it for now.
Have a super day!

awwwwwwww . . . .
finally. RAIN. Glorious rain. It has been almost a month since we've had any appreciable rain.

Wednesday lunchtime. Chewing on a salad and about to get back to work but thought I'd just chat for a minute.

I ran a mile Saturday and about 2 miles on Sunday. Did those with Susan so they were easy jogs. I ran 2.5 miles on Monday afternoon and it felt pretty good to get out there. No blazing speed by any stretch of the imagination but good to get back out there after what ended up being several weeks layoff. It felt good to just run relaxed with no real expectations.

My back is feeling better and the cold is gone. Pretty much all systems are go . . . just need to get off the lazy keaster and get to it!

I'm getting fired up about my trip to Macon for Troy and Amy's wedding. I'm also going to swing thru Hot Lanta on the way home and visit with friends. Should be a great weekend.

Hello?

Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?

There is no pain you are receding.
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
The child is grown, The dream is gone.
But I have become comfortably numb.

I am here. I would like to say something neat like "I've been on sabbatical" or "I spent the month in Tuscanny". No such luck. Truth be known, I have been lazy. Well, I won't blame my absence entirely on sloth. I'll also let a series of aches and pains take some of the blame. Let's see . . . since we last spoke I managed to screw up my back, run just little, screw up my back again, run just little, go to a conference in Biloxi, have my GI problems arise (accompanied by a trip to hospital and again found out that there is NOTHING wrong with my heart . . . just my esophagus), and now I am battling a head cold that Susan and E tried to give me earlier this week. That's about all the excitement you have missed over the last 6 weeks.

On a more upbeat note . . .
We have decided that Nov. 22 is going to be the big day (you can read more about that on the other blog). I have been losing weight but how can I help but not lose weight when I am back on a somewhat restricted diet. The really neat thing is that I've been losing WITHOUT running. Once the cold is over and I can breathe again, I plan on hitting the pavement with a vengeance. I know, I know-don't over do it. The plan is to ease back into my routine . . . I'll run 2-3 miles 4 days a week for a few weeks and then start building back up.

Also, I am enjoying Autumn. Though we still have the occassional day in the high 80s, we are getting into the 70s regularly with cool nights. Perfect from riding around in my 99 'Stang GT convertible. I must admit that I miss my Miata. Or as Dom calls it- Me Otter. I saw Dom last week behind me at a redlight. We both had our tops down and both looked like middle aged men going through mid-life crises!

This month is going to be busy for me. Next weekend I am heading to Macon for Troy and Amy's wedding. I am also going to swing back through Hot Lanta to visit my friends and former neighbors, Todd and Kathy. The original plan was to take Susan with me but the girls' schedule would not allow it. The following Friday I am going to Lafayette, GA to see my best friend's football team play. My buddy Perry retired from the Alabama School system as the third most winning active football coach. However, he couldn't stand it so he took a job with the Georgia school system in the NW corner of Georgia. He's doing well and mid-way through the season they have more wins than any the've had for entire seasons the last several years.

One more note . . . .
Today I turn 49.

OUCH!

Just a quick break from lunch in order to update.

So far, it's been a great week. I've been on a downward trend with my weight, albeit slow. But the experts say that's the way to do it-no big crash diets . . . slow and steady. Sort of applying WW methods. Eat what I want, to a point, just watch portion size.

Monday was warm and humid. I did a 3 1/2 miler and the legs and joints are improving. I guess a new, second rate shoe (Asics Foundation are better than worn out top shelf Brooks Beast. Anyway, the run was good and believe it or not, I actually chased down and passed a runner in our 'hood. Boy, did that feel good!

Tuesday was warmer . . . low 90s. I did a 3 miler over at Susan's house. I wanted to do 4 but I know I need to build/recover slowly. I'd rather walk away wanting more than regretting it the next day. Afterwards, I got to play sitter/dad . . . . Susan had an open house at school she had to attend so I stayed with the girls. Guess what-I survived!

It's Monday lunch time and I'm catching up.

I think I may have figured out why I've been having trouble focusing. You'll need to go to My Hot Girlfriend to follow that train of thought ;-)

I ran 3 miles last Thursday and then played 9 holes of golf. The new shoes felt pretty good and the legs are coming around. The golf was okay . . . shot 44 (bogey golf).

I ran 4 miles Saturday morning. It was fairly cool but humid. New shoes are feeling better and legs aren't gimpy..

Did I mention that you need to go to the other website??????

wow. Time flys. Period. I need to catch up.

Last week was not a good running week. Really couldn't figure it out until the weekend when I started backtracking. The shoes. Yep. The shoes.

I had been noticing the last several weeks that the knees, ankles, thighs were hurting. Not normal for me. Even when I'm at my fattest, joint pain has never really been a big issue. Saturday, I actually had to stop and walk because my legs were hurting so bad. Being the engineering type, I try to keep track of miles run on each pair (yes I run in multiple pairs-it's better on the shoes). The shoes I've been slogging around in were bought in April of 07. Wow-that's pretty old. The mileage was the killer-400+ miles in each pair. No wonder my legs were killing me.

I've been in Brooks Beast 9 for awhile and I recently read where Brooks is discontinuing the 9 and bumping it up to the 10. However, I need shoes NOW. I went in the local running store, TrakShak, just to see what they had. I love Saucony . . . they feel good but wear out quickly. Same for Mizuno. Love the feel and my marathon PR was run in Mizuno Wave Renegades. However, I felt like a change. How about Asics Foundation 8. Let's give 'em a try.

I ran Monday in my old Beasts and barely finished 3 miles. Ran to TrakShak on Tuesday and bought the Foundations. Ran 3 miles in them on Wednesday. Initially, the legs were hurting but felt better by the end of the run. I'm planning on 3 or 4 miles this afternoon and then walking 9 holes. We'll let you know how it goes.

On a side note, I went to the Dr. last week. My neck and left shoulder have been killing me. No, not heart attack kind of pain. This is that stiff, hard to roll the head, feels like something is tearing kind of pain. My Doc took a series of neck and skull x-rays. I was concerned that I may have done some damage from a nasty spill I took about a year ago. Don't ask. Anyway . . . Tim called today and said that there are no signs of cracks, leissions, or disc damage. However, he did see signs of progressing cervical arthritis between 3, 4, 5 discs. Not much to do in way of treatment. He has put me on Robaxin (muscle relaxer) for a while. He has also said that anti-inflammatories would help. However, with GERD, I am not supposed to take anti-inflammatories. It sucks getting older. I think I'll call my GI and ask him about taking Motrin for a while. the main thing is to come up with a long term plan to limit the pain. Anybody out there ever done accupuncture?

just a quickie . . .

Ran 3 miles late yesterday afternoon. The temp was 94 when I started and again I did not want to know the heat index. Running in this heat is tough and I can tell I did the four miler on Monday. The legs aren't really sore . . . Just tired, I guess.

What doesn't kill you . . . .

will make you stronger? Not too sure about that one but I do know it will make you sweaty!

Very tough afternoon. Got home around 4:15 and was mowing the lawn by 4:30. According to my thermometer it was 96 degrees. I didn't even want to know the heat index. After mowing, it drank about 1 pint of water, laced up my shoes and started off on my 4 miler. I took a wet rag and turned on sprinkler. Very much needed. I completed the 4 miler and checked . . . still 96 degrees. YUCK.

The important thing is that I did it!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Way too short for me.

Down to business-
I ran 4 miles Thursday afternoon. Temperature wasn't too bad (low 90s) but the humidity was high and it just "felt" like hell. Wet rag and sprinkler time!

I was bad, bad, bad. I did not run this weekend. I normally try to get a run in on Saturday but passed in hopes of running on Sunday. Susan and I went to my parents for the "BIG BREAKFAST" on Saturday morning. Needless to say, we didn't have to eat the rest of the day. Seriously. I ended up going to bed without feeling hungry or eating lunch or dinner or even a snack.

Sunday, we went to church and worked in Susan's yard. It was so hot and after about 3 hours of digging, raking, etc. I just didn't feel like running.

I am planning on going for a run this afternoon. It should be interesting. Temps are in the high 90s with indices between 105-110. Definitely a damp rag and sprinkler day. I deserve the punishment for skipping my weekend run. I'll post results . . . if I survive!

It's Wednesday lunchtime and I'm sitting here glad that today is an "off" day for me. My legs and butt are stiff and sore. I really haven't kicked up my running so it's tough to figure out why the soreness . . . maybe the fact that I bowled at lunch AND last night. Not that bowling is a demanding game but it does bring into play different muscles. Anyway, all I have planned today is to help Susan cut her grass, if it doesn't rain.

okay-let's talk running.

Monday was a hot, humid day. Duh. It's Alabama and the end of July. Of course it's hot you big dummy! I went home straight after work and cut grass. I figured that would let me acclimate a little bit to the heat and maybe let it cool down a couple of degrees. No such luck. Regardless, I did a 4 miler and felt pretty dang good about. It did take me about an hour to cool off afterwards. Susan came over and we went to one of our favorite local Italian eateries for dinner.

Tuesday was oppressive. Fortunately, there were lots of clouds and thunderstorms popping up afterwork which meant shade and wind. The downside is that these storms pop up quickly and you can get caught in lightning if you're not paying attention. I started out wanting to get in 4 miles but it was thundering and the temp was dropping . . . sure signs a storm was coming. I made it about 2 1/2 miles before the lightning got close enough to chase me home. So be it . . . 2 1/2 miles and survive to run another day.

Hey all. Monday lunch and just catching up on the blogging. I was out of town on vacation at the beach since last Wednesday. The vacation is detailed on MY HOT GIRLFRIEND site.

I am proud that I kept up with my running while at the beach. Thus I have completed three weeks of 4 days a week running! woohoo! an accomplishment!

I ran 2 1/2 on Tuesday afternoon prior to going to the beach on Wednesday.

I ran about 4 1/2 miles Thurday morning. 1 mile with Susan and then 3 1/2 at my pace. While at Seaside, I normally run to Grayton beach and back but decided to go in search of a loop through Water Colors. Since my last visit Water Colors resort has opened up the road between 1st and 2nd sector which means there is a very nice loop with lots of scenery. There is also a good water stop at the tennis complex in Water Color about half-way which is also very good since it was HOT!

I repeated Thursdays run on Saturday morning though it was much hotter and I ran a little slower. However, I was very happy with the outcome.

Also, while at the beach, Susan and I did some recreational biking.

I am now back in town and ready for another week of running and plan on adding a mile or two total for the week.

Scorcher

Oh yeah. It's July in Alabama and it's only going to get hotter. Summer has finally settled in on B'ham and we really got to see what is in store for the next 4-6 weeks. It was hot this weekend but we decided to kick it up a notch today. Depending on sources, we were either at 98, 99, or 100 and that is air temp. I think I saw an index of 104 and 105 late this afternoon. My handy dandy atomic clock/thermometer told me it was 99.6 in the shade right before I went out for my run. For the fun of it, I put an oven thermometer on the road in front of my house (asphalt) and by the end of my run it was over 115 degrees on the pavement. Beautiful time to go for a run, don't you think?

God is truly merciful . . . he takes care of children and morons. I think I fall in the second category. Of course, so does Dom "the Dominator" and Marc "the Animal" because all three of us were running around 5:30 this afternoon in this heat. I never had to call 911 and never heard an ambulances which means we all survived . . . I think.

Yep. Another notch in my belt-4 miles in some very hostile conditions. I turned on a small sprinkler on my dying flowers and ran through it each time I passed my house and unashamedly stood in it when finished. For the first time this year, I also carried a washcloth soaked in cold water which I rewet each time through the sprinkler. I know it sounds sort of wimpy but I'm glad I had the wet rag to squeeze over my very hot skull this afternoon. I ran about 1 1/2 miles with Animal and finally told him to go on . . . I could not hold his pace. I do not have a problem with that! I was strictly in survival mode and I won.

It's almost 9:30 and at last glance the temp was still well over 90 degrees. Maybe this means it will be another great, hot run tomorrow!

Horrible

Horrible. That's how it felt to me watching Greg Norman once again self-destruct. How can a man who was once the greatest player in golf let the demons inside his head banish him again to the realm of perennial losers? I have watched golf for many years and I have always admired his game and his swashbuckler style but today that played against him. And what about his caddie? Gosh, these guys are supposed to help keep their players head screwed on straight! It appears that Greg is an older version of Phil Mickelson . . . a basket case when the game depends on steadfastness. Congrats to Padraig Harrington for being repeat winner of the Open Championship.

Okay . . . running.

I competed my second week of 4 days a week. My mileage wasn't important but the pattern is once again being set. I ran 4 miles Saturday around lunchtime. Yes, when the temp was really soring into the low-mid 90s. Afterwards I cut the grass and worked around in the yard. I got WAY TOO hot and should have known better. I was drinking lots of water and even had a Gatorade but couldn't keep it down. Yuck . . . nothing like warm Gatorade coming from the wrong direction. However, I kept sipping water and took it easy for a bit and ended up feeling okay. Went bowling with Susan and the girls late in the afternoon.

I am looking forward to my third week of full schedule running.

My buddy Dom noticed the absence of the NYC Marathon countdown timer. Yes, I am going to bail for several reasons- I am not in shape enough to even begin a 16-20 week program, I am really reluctant to travel with the economy being the way it is, I am trying to save vacation days because I've been using them too loosely and I like to make sure I keep a few extra free, just in case.

Everyone have a great week!

Friday lunch. Not too much longer to go until another brief weekend rolls by. I was in early today (5:45 am) so I'm blowing this joint by 3. That will let me run by Wally world to pick up dog food, trash bags, and other miscelaneous items.

I am starting to establish a pattern in my running once again. Since vacation I've managed to get four days in last week and should be able to get four days in this week. I ran a 4 miler on Monday and it felt pretty good. Wednesday was a quick 2 1/2 miler to avoid rain and to have dinner with Susan. Thursday I did another 2 1/2 miler and then walked 9 holes so my legs got a good workout. Until I get stronger, my two days in a row will be comprised of shorter runs just to get the body used to it. Don't worry . . . I'll be bumping the mileage up in another couple of weeks. My plan is to do at least 5 miles sometime tomorrow. I'd prefer to do it in the morning but I promised that I'd go with Susan to pick MAC up from camp in the morning. Either I'll have to do it EARLY or later in the day when it is hot. We'll figure something out.

Random thoughts-
The Open Championship is this weekend (the British Open for those of us in the US). Very fun to watch since this is more what God intended golf to be. It's fun to watch the primadonna country club boys get frustrated with the wind, rain, and chilly temperatures.

Speaking of the Open, at 52 years young, Greg "the shark" Norman is atop the leaderboard after two rounds. Some of my friends are goofy and do not like international players. Personally, I am glad to see the shark doing well and playing as if he were 20 years younger. I figure the golf gods owe him this once since he's been robbed by the fates on so many other occasions. 52 years old-goes to show that we should never give up.

Susan has gotten orthotics. Now all she has to do is get back to running! Maybe I can get her out this weekend.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Weekend is almost over

and I have not accomplished a whole lot. Let's see- I ran3 miles Wednesday afternoon at Susan's house. It was a hot and humid afternoon. Nothing spectacular, just a easy, sweaty run. It took me an hour to cool off before we went out for dinner. Another one of those summers where I just stand in the shower and sweat. I hate that.

Thursday my legs were killing me and I wanted to can the run. However, I toughed it out and did 2 1/2 miles before the thunderstorms hit. 3 days in a row . . . quite an feat for the fatman but I was definitely feeling it.

Friday was a rest day, thank goodness.

Saturday morning ran 4 mile and Susan biked the same. We're both struggling to get back into it and it's helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable. After the run, we worked in Susan's yard most of the day-cutting grass, cleaning out flower beds. The big feat of the day was digging out an old stump of a tree in one of her flower beds. Not a small one either. Fortunately, it was half rotten and once I got dug down around the base, the roots chopped rather easily. After much grunting, prying, cussing, sweating, we got the stump out of the ground and rolled it down to the road.

Sunday was a rest day. My back was feeling the yard work and was grateful for a good night's sleep. We went to church and then I headed home to work in my yard. I cut grass, cleaned flower beds, pulled weeds, etc. A pretty good days work until the rain set in. It was nice to have an excuse to shower up and sit down in front of the idiot box for a little while. Susan is coming over later with her youngest, E. She's bringing some s'ghetti and I'm ready for it! All I've had to day is a bowl of cereal and I am HUNGRY.

I know that I have to finish up posting about our trip to Williamsburg and hope to complete that tomorrow during lunch.

Hope you've had a great weekend!

Home at last

Don't get me wrong . . . I like vacations. However, 8 days away from work is enough. I like order and structure and after 8 days of disorder and sloth, I was ready to become a bum. Nothing against bums, I just don't want to be one. The problem is that I don't want to come home when I'm gone this long. And I don't want to work anymore! I start thinking about career changes . . . . maybe I can sell tie-dye shirts or run a slushy stand. You know, that kind of stuff. Now I'm back at my desk, happily working in my structured world.

I failed to do any running while on vacation. However, we walked everyday . . . lots of walking. My guess is at least 2-3 miles every day. I know it's not running but it is exercise and I actually found little time for my selfish indulgence.

I did get back on the horse yesterday. I only ran 2 1/2 miles. It was around 6:30 and the temperature was still in the low 90s. Rumor was that it close to 100 degrees in parts of B'ham yesterday. It felt like it-whew! My plan is to just do some short jaunts during this week just to get reaclimated to the weather since it was cooler in Virginia.

Trip details will be or are on My Hot Girlfriend site.

end of the week

End of the week or the start of the week . . . depends on if you start your week with Sunday or Monday.

I have gotten good feedback from my friends about new battle with the FATMAN. Thanks to all of you. Phil has even threatened to come kick my butt . . . now that is what I call friendship!

Let me catch you up-
I played golf on Thursday and walked 9 holes in 90+ degree weather. For those of you who say golf is not exercise, I challenge you to carry 25-30 pounds for 2 1/2 miles in 90 degree 60% humidity AND try to play well! I count it as exercise.

I was going to run on Friday but I was still worn out from my run with "Animal" and the previous day's golf. Plus I've been having headaches. Not sinus. Not migraines (I don't believe). Not high blood pressure (I check that). This is in the back. lower left area of my skull and hurts down into my neck. I'm going to go to the doc when I get back from vacation. Oh yeah, I'm heading to Williamsburg, VA with Susan and girls this coming week for Independence Day. I am taking running clothes and hope to get in at least 3 runs.

I did run Saturday around lunchtime after I cut the grass. There was a nice breeze and it felt good after cutting the grass so I thought I'd get in a quick 3 miler. Tough. The humidity was up and it go my headache going. Anyway . . . I got in a quick run.

I'm taking my laptop with me to VA and hope to post a little bit after the kiddos go to bed.

Hope you have a great week!

Ravings and lunacy

I started this week with a new attitude. I HAVE to.

As you know, I tend to yo-yo with my weight and recently it's only been in the yo mode. You know when you cast the spinning piece of plastic downward and expect it to return to you . . not so this time around. The "Fatman" has again reared his ugly head. He was devious this time. It's not like I heard him panting and pounding as he was approaching me from behind. No. This time I swear he came in like a Ranger paratrooper. Silent. Deadly. He leapt on my back before I knew he was there. Very tricky, this Fatman. You know how it goes . . . an extra snack here, dessert there. Skip a run. I mean, I've been doing some running but not hardcore, stay in shape kind of stuff. The whole time knowing that you're losing control but justifying the behavior. I am now paying the price- repeat it with me . . . .


JIM IS FAT (again).




So . . . . I started war on the Fatman beginning this week. Back to doing 100 situps each day. Promise. Back to counting WW points. Back to a healthier lifestyle. I even wrote it on my mirror in the bathroom- "YOU ARE FAT". Of course I can get out of the shower and see it but it helps to have the extra reminder. I guess the realization came while getting ready to go on vacation next week. I was trying to start pulling stuff together for the trip and was pulling some of my nicer shorts out. I held them up and thought . . . these can't be mine. Maybe Susan left these here. I'm not going to tell of the embarrassment of trying to put on a pair of size 34 shorts (which were comfortable 2 years ago). I've slowly crept my way into and out of 36 and now reside in the 38 range. OUCH!



I cannot afford to go buy new clothes. I cannot afford to become any more unattractive in fear of Susan realizing she's got a porker on her hands (not that fat people can't be attractive . . . I just happen not to be one of those).



okay. Here's the deal. Everyone who reads this is responsible for holding me accountable. I hate to burden you with that but I tend to lose my spine on occassion. Promise me that you'll help. PLEASE??????

I ran 3 miles Monday. It was so blinking hot. Low 90s.
I ran 4 miles Wednesday. Same thing-low 90s. This was a run that was supposed to be a "get back into it, you know you can survive it" kind of runs. However, my neighbor "Animal" was out prowling around looking for fat people to embarrass and he joined me on my run. I told him to get away but he wouldn't leave. It's not like I could outrun him. I told him I'd spray him with 100% Deet and he just laughed. So I huffed and puffed my way through 3 1/2 miles of excessive speed for my weight to temperature ratio. I crashed last night and slept hard. I awoke this morning "stove up". I think most of you know that expression. After mucho coffee and Arthritis strength Tylenol, I've started feeling better. I'm supposed to walk 9 holes with my neighbor "Basement Boy" and my buddy Larry. Should be a good workout. Nothing like luggin 30lbs of golf equipment for 2 1/2 miles in 90+degree heat.

I hope you have a great day.

very weird day

Yes, it was a weird day today. A day of highs and lows. It's 10:30 pm and I'm still trying to sort through some of it.

Worked just an 8 hour day. That meant that I was off by 3:00. My buddy Larry T and I planned to play 9 holes and everything was on track. I got home from work and ran a quick 3 miler, just to break a sweat and get loose before playing golf. Everything was in tune. However, today was the day that my neighbors across the street moved. Officially. He had taken a job months ago in Atlanta (yuck) and had been commuting for several months. They finally sold their house a couple of weeks ago and had closed on one in Atlanta. Prior to my run, I stopped by and spoke with them for a while, trying to keep it light hearted. We sort of said our good byes and see you laters and I headed to the golf course. My legs were a little weary but I was still in better shape than the other two guys I was playing with. It's always fun to realize that you're in better shape than your friends, even when you're in (what we consider) bad shape. Anyway . . . I played fairly well and finished shooting a 42 for 9 holes. Should have been 40 or 41 but I blew up and took a double bogey on a par 5, the 8th hole. I headed back home only to find my moving neighbors in the street, about to load up and leave. My next door neighbor, Karen, who is also very close with Todd and Kathy, was in the street crying. CRAP. I hate this kind of stuff. I parked my truck and walked out to say goodbye (again). This time there was lots of crying. Even Todd was sniffling as he went to Karen's house to change shirts. Kathy and her two girls, E and C, along with Karen were all red eyed and drug me into the estrogen pit with them. Thanks, all . . . I HATE YOU!!! We said farewells again and all made promises to visit. We'll see how that goes.

So, so sum it up . . . I ran 3 miles, walked 9 holes and played decently. I lost two very close friends. How does one balance the emotions in one's life?

Tomorrow is a rest day and I'm planning on going to Susan's to sand sheetrock and get ready to paint. She'll have leftovers from her party tonight and I'm fine with that.

As Forrest Gump would say . . . "That's all I have to say about that"

BYE

My running the past week has been non-existent. The couple of days I decided to drag my sorry butt out there, it decided to rain and thunderstorm. I really did want to run . . . I needed it. I've been on temporary assignment at one of the job sites and we've been working 10 hour days for a couple of weeks and I just need to relaz and blow off some steam. I am planning on getting in some runs this week. I'm sure it will be slogs (slow jogs) but it should help out. As Christy pointed out in her comment, it is hot here in B'ham. Not as bad as Phil has it but, hey, he's the one who decided to live in freaking AZ! The afternoons have been in mid-90s and sweat is in abundance. I'm looking forward to it (right).

It is Monday afternoon and I did two measely miles. Terrible. It was hot and I was covered in drywall compound dust. I am helping Susan get her bedroom ready for painting and there were some wall board repairs that were needed. Susan road her bike with me while I ran and I appreciated the company more than she realized. It's nice to have someone to dial 911 just in case you decide to pass out while running in 90+ degree heat. I'm sure we were a funny sight in the neighborhood, like "pigpen" from Charlie Brown, with all the dust flying off of us as we meandered down the street. 2 miles is a start and I'm planning on 4 miles tomorrow while Susan and her peeps are going to see the trash movie, Sex In The City. I mean really . . . Sarah Jessica Parker? Not exactly desirable in my book. To each, their own.



This past Saturday evening, Susan and I took our fathers out for supper for Father's Day. I have recently joined a private supper club here in town (yes, I am snotty about some things) and we took them there. Very nice view of the city from the top of the mountain, cordial wait staff, "normal" clientele, a nice band and dancing-very 50s! That's why I like this place-no hippies with tattoos and nose rings handling my food and the folks at the next table are similar to me. That may make me a bad person but when I want to go out for a nice supper, I want a nice supper, not some freak show. Sorry to all you hippies and liberals out there. Get over it. You don't like being with my kind and vice-versa, so we're even!



Okay. Amy "tagged" me and I promised to answer the questions and "tag" five others. Here is how it is supposed to work-



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. If tagged, you’ll find your name at the end of this post. To be sure everyone tagged knows they’ve been invited to play, go to their blogs and leave them a comment notifying and referring them to your blog for details. Lastly, once the chosen have answered the questions on their own blog, they should come back to yours to tell you.



Here we go with my responses:



1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?

hmmm . . . 10 years ago. 1998. Probably not too different than where I am today, I'm ashamed to say. I always have good intentions and occassionally I'm able to follow through with a plan without injury or distractions but truth be known, more often than not, I'm a simple 15-20 miler per week kind of guy. Let's give me the benefit of the doubt and say that I was probably training for a marathon that I probably didn't compete in because somewhere along the line, I got sidetracked.



2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?

Boy . . . this is tough. There are so many that could fall into both categories.

Worst experience (besides being bitten by dogs and having hamburgers and bottles thrown at me from passing cars): The time I DNF'd the Rocket City Marathon. Come to think about it, that may have been roughly ten years ago. I love the race course-it's flat, fast, not too crowded. Perfect, except for the weird weather we can get the first weekend in December here in Alabama. We toed the line that Saturday morning. It was in the mid-30s. Great temperature for running a marathon. Unfortunately, it was raining. HARD. Not a passing shower. No. This was one of those set in, frog strangling, ankle deep rains. However, I thought ahead and had dry clothes, socks, towels, shoes, and Vaseline in the car and told Mona that I'd change at mile 20. I figured the last 10K in fresh clothes would do the trick. I, along with about 700 other crazies sloshed, slogged, waded, swam through the course. Mona was a trooper and was waiting for me every 5 miles, taking pictures and giving me a thumbs up which I reluctantly returned. However, I toughed it out and made it to the 20 mile mark in around 3:15. There was a middle school where the car was pulled under a canopy. Perfect. I ran to the car, sat down (uh-oh, not a good idea) on the open trunk opening, pulled off the soggy socks and shoes. Toweled off my feet. changed singlets, vaselined my toes, pulled on fresh socks and shoes. By now, I'm sure you guessed it. As the rain continued relentlessly and wind was whipping, I made a decision that I regret to this day-"TAKE ME TO THE HOTEL. I'M DONE'. After a few minute of encouragement from those around me and Mona, I said "SHUT UP AND TAKE ME TO THE HOTEL". The worse running experience of my life!



The best is easy. Two years ago this past May, I was in the best shape of my life. Hadn't felt that good since high school. Susan and I had really just started seeing each other and I had planned on doing the Flying Pig in Cincinnati. I asked Susan if she wanted to go. She said yes and she was planning on doing the 10k. WOW. Very cool. Not only did she want to go on a trip with me, she was going to run the day before the marathon. How cool is that? We got to Cincinnati without a hitch. Found the hotel without a hitch. Found the expo . . . yes, without a hitch. I went with Susan Saturday morning for the 10k. Normally, I'd be chilling, resting up for the marathon. Me? No. I wanted to support Susan in her run and ended up jogging at least 2 miles around the 10k course so I could take pictures and see her at the start and finish line. Probably not a good move. Sunday morning, I got up about 3 hours before the race and went through my usual routine. Strangely, I was not nervous. I made it to the starting area with no problems and ran the race of a lifetime. I PR'd by 24 minutes and finished 3:48 and change! Great trip-PR, fun, and had Susan with me! What a great way to start a new life!!! A PR and a girl I'm absolutely crazy about!



3. Why do you run?

c'mon . . . look at the title of my blog! I do it first, to stay in shape. Secondly, to keep my sanity. Finally, I do it to stay looking good (yes, you are allowed to snicker or openly laugh at this point!)



4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve been given about running?

Lots of advice out there. Everything from breaking long runs into a series of shorter runs, doing Yasso 800s, don't get shoes to tight. I think the best one that I really apply every day-take smaller strides and don't look up when going up MONSTER hills! Another good one is to run just slightly slower than the prettiest girl in the race (Susan just THINKS she's faster than me).



5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.

Most people who know me know most of my secrets. I'm sort of a wear it on my sleeve kind of guy. One thing that might surpise some people-I secretly listen to country music. That's not a "biggie" though. oh, how about this? I got suspended from high school for a day after several of my football teammates and I got busted skinny dipping with some of the cheerleaders. Is that juicy enough?



Hope everyone has a great week.



I guess I need to tag some folks. Okay folks, spill your guts!

Dom

Susan

Dawn

Javanmom

Robert





Tag you’re it:

just another day

Hey all. It's 8:30 Thursday evening and I'm sitting here at home, watching 300 for at least the 10th time. Thought I'd update. Several things to discuss.

First-
Running. Yes, I am selfish and my blog is still about my running, even if there is very little. Sunday, Susan and I went out for what should have been roughly a 5 miler. We ran in her neighborhood which very hilly. She has been running less than me and it started showing up after about 3 miles. The last couple of miles ended up being a series of run/walks. That's okay. We had fun and we even used the time to shop for houses. Lots of houses for sale and it's a buyer's market!

Monday I ran 3 miles. Wanted to do more but it was HOT and my legs were tired from Sunday's run through the hills. I'll take it.

I skipped Tuesday (dinner with Susan's dad) and Wednesday (helped serve dinner at homeless shelter).

I ran this afternoon and it was HOT again. I mowed the lawn and then for a run around 6. It was still in the low 90s when I ran. Needless to say, I sweated like a pig.

Second-
Wednesday night I went with Susan and the Sunday school class to Firehouse Shelter in B'ham. We fed about 70 people, give or take. I spoke with several of the men and one of them, Joshua Brown, made an impression on me. We had a nice discussion and I'm reminded that we are all just a hearbeat away from being in the same predicament. It makes me more grateful for the blessings and gifts I've been given and I will say a prayer for Joshua everyday from now on.

Third-
I've been a real SOB around Susan lately. My guess is that I'm struggling with drug withdrawal. I abandoned my Zoloft a couple of weeks ago and find myself very moody about little things that do not matter. I am trying hard to adjust and I apologize to Susan has been nothing but supportive of me. I need to find things to be happy about and quit looking for things to bitch about.

Fourth-
We've made plans for summer vacation. We may even go if I can fix item 3 above. We're planning on spending a week in the Williamsburg, VA area. This should be really cool because we'll be there during Independence Day. Hopefully the girls will enjoy it and use it as a learning experience about the founding of our nation.

Finally-
MAC is in try outs this week. Soccer season ended last month with them winning the State Championship. However, the teams don't always stay together and BUSA (B'ham United Soccer Assoc) rules require tryouts at the beginning of each season. She didn't get picked up on the first night of tryouts so we're a little anxious. She had tryouts again tonight and I have not heard from Susan yet. Hopefully she'll get picked up by her old coach and team. If not, she has one more tryout on Saturday morning. Say a prayer for an eleven year old girl who is trying her best.

Enough for tonight!

Hey all.
it's Friday at the end of a short week. Funny how a holiday week seems to drag on longer than a normal week. Of course I guess it depends on how you define normal. I'm choking down a turkey, lettuce (no cheese), on wheat sandwich. Yummy.

I did something this week I haven't done in a while-I ran three consecutive days. Not long runs but enough to get my legs going. Tuesday I ran 3 miles. Would have gone further but the thunderstorms and rain forced me inside. Wednesday I ran 4 miles and felt great. I grabbed my neighbor's dog and took it for a mile. Not sure who had the most fun on that one! Thursday I ran another 3 miler. Wanted to do more but the legs were saying . . . "HEY FAT MAN, what do you think you're doing?! You don't run 3 days in a row. STOP IT NOW!" I had planned on 4 miles but 3 was enough. Today the legs feel okay but will take off and run 5 or 6 tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Good evening to all. I know, I know. I've been remiss in keeping you informed of my life and the sometimes bizarre happenings that seem to accompany me.

First things first- I ran a nice four miler at Susan's this afternoon. Nothing spectacular but it felt good . . . different scenery from my normal route and there are lots of shade trees which came in handy since it was in the high 80s today. One of those runs where I just sort of quit listening to my body and got some thinking done. You know the kind?

I still have not posted my new hair cut. Yes, Susan's daughter, MAC was on the soccer team that won the AYSA Alabama State championship. Pretty cool. And as promised, I let her cut my hair. The original promise was a shave but since the coach sort of backed out and only took a buzz, MAC did the same to me and no shave (I know . . . nice lesson to teach 11 year old girls about keeping your word)Her team is the U11 girls (age group) A competitive traveling soccer team with the Birmingham United Soccer Assoc (BUSA). The thing that is even more amazing is the fact that club soccer allows 12 full time players and her team only had ten the last couple of months of the season. There were only six teams that made it to state in their division with the six split into two groups and each group playing round robin with the top two of the three going to semi-finals. Her team lost the first game 1-0. We all thought it was over. However, we handily won the second game of the round robin and the team that beat us lost by much worse so based on points scored/points allowed, we took the tie-breaker for second place making it into the semi-finals. Sunday morning we found ourselves playing at 8 on a cold blustery day. Bad storms and tornados came through Saturday night, dragging a strong cold front behind them. The temp was high 50s/low 60s with guts in the 30-40 mph range. We were playing the #1 team from the opposite bracket. The team we were playing was an all-star team from Auburn made up from several of the local traveling teams in the area. I guess the AYSA rules allow this. We thought we were doomed since we had lost last fall to one of the Auburn teams and this team was made up of the best of the best from that area. It was a great game- the girls came out with no fear and jumped on the other team from the get-go. We won it 3-1 and moved on to the finals in the afternoon. For 11 year old girls, they stayed surprisingly focused but not uptight. The coach gave them a good speech and kept them relaxed during the day. You could tell that they were ready to play when we took them to the field for warm-ups. If I recall, we won 3-0 and the game was never really in doubt. In all we only allowed 2 goals in four games. We have a great goalie with trememdous speed and quickness and one of the two goals scored was a roll in fluke after she lost her footing. So the bottom line is I got a clipper cut with #2 clipper. Personally, I love it but the girls do not like it at all. TOO BAD-I may just keep it this way during the summer. Pefect for running and riding in the convertible!

Enough for now.

Hey all. I'm sitting here eating lunch and thought I'd post.

I ran a 4 miler yesterday after work. It was in the mid 80s and felt warm but there was a nice breeze blowing and made the overall experience rather pleasant. It was the first time in a while that I actually wanted to do more and that my legs didn't feel that they were made of lead.

I will be trying to get another 6-10 miles in over the next several days. Probably won't run today since we are expecting bad weather this afternoon. I'll probably do 4 miles tomorrow afternoon-I'm taking a half day off to get grass cut, run, pack for a trip to Decatur, AL over the weekend. I'm going to Decatur with Susan and her girls. MAC is playing in the Alabama Youth Soccer State Cup tournament. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to run while up there or I'll run when we get back Sunday evening.

Speaking of the soccer tournament, several of the dads/significant men have told the girls that they can shave our heads if they win state. I may be posting pictures of my noggin if it happens. I'll definitely keep you posted.

NAKED!

Sort of has to do with running . . . .

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071221/MULTIMEDIA/283841756

Inspired Yo-Yo

The beginning of another week. Another do-over. Another chance.

I did better at running last week than in the previous weeks this spring. After reading Phil's blog, I was inspired. Or should I say I connected. Phil has been having some apparent motivation problems and his conditioning has been showing it. HEY . . . THAT'S JUST LIKE ME. I've been searching for reasons not to run instead of looking for reasons to run. Isn't that screwed up. The "fatman" has been hot on my heels and I can feel him breathing (actually wheezing) down my neck. Thanks Phil for your sharing-it has got my brain to working.

Susan informed me that she's going another round with WW and that I am going to do it with her. No, not that-get your minds out of the gutter. I'm going to do another session of WW with her. She's been looking better and better and I've not really been making much progress. I better watch out or she'll get scarfed up by some buff, good looking guy. Thanks Susan for giving some inspiration to me to get back on the weight loss band wagon.

Running this afternoon after work and then going to Susan's for dinner. Actually, we're going to go out (so much for the inspiration!) for Cinco de Mayo. We'll split an entree' and try to control ourselves.

talk to you later!

Furious!

Yes. I am.

I hate socks that slide down my legs. Even worse, I hate throwing away something that is still in good shape. That's why I'm furious. I have a pair of wonderfully comfortable, perfectly green socks. I looked for these for weeks until I found just the right color. Now they have reached the end of their useful life. Or at least the elastic has. I've even thought about using garter belts or thumbtacks. However, I have now accepted the fact that they are no longer acceptable as they slide down my legs and gather around my ankles. I must say adeiu to my old green socks. I HATE IT! Enough ranting about my socks. Now we can talk about my underwear . . . it doesn't get comfy until you can read the newspaper through it!

I ran yesterday afternoon. HOT. It was 85 degrees when I started at 4:30 and it never cooled as I slogged through 4 miles. It wasn't fast. It wasn't pretty. It was, however, 4 miles and that's what counts!

Yes, I know-I have not updated the other site about the beach trip. I'll try to get around to it soon.

Quick update

Good morning to all. I've only a few minutes before work cranks up so this is quick.

I ran yesterday afternoon. 4 miles. In the heat. I know that Phil laughs when I say that but it was unseasonably warm for Alabama. It was in the low 80s when I ran at 4:30. That is Alabama. Last Monday we barely got out of the 40s and one week later it's 80+ degrees. It just means more water to drink, more sweat pouring off my body, and longer time to cool off. As long as I plan for it, I guess it's okay. In addition to the run, I walked 9 holes after the run. So in addition to 4 miles in the heat, I toted (yes, a southern word) 30 pounds of clubs, bag, balls, beverages for approximately 2 1/2 miles. People always forget that not only are you walking the distance of the holes but you're also walking from green to next tee which can be a lenghty distance at times. Overall, pretty good day yesterday.

I didn't run over the weekend. Didn't have time-I went to the beach. Susan's oldest, MAC, played in the Emerald Coast Soccer tournament in Destin. I'll post details about that trip on "My Hot Girlfriend" website (link on the right).

Happy Friday to all. I've managed to make it through another week. and that in itself is a blessing!

I was supposed to run on Wednesday but blew it off in order to go play golf with a friend who retired several years ago and had just gotten into town. We had a good time and I really don't feel guilty about having taken the day off. It's funny . . . the older I get, the more I realize my parents are right-there are some things that are more important. Like reconnecting with old friends! So there-no guilt trip!!!

I ran 4 miles yesterday afternoon. The temperature was up in the high 70s but it was breezy so it wasn't unbearable. Afterwards, I cut the grass and edged. Did I mention how much I love the longer days?

Oh yeah . . . . this is Masters weekend so I hope you golfers out there have your supply of beverages, chips, salsa, and whatever else you need to camp out on the sofa for the final round!

have a great weekend.

Tired Tuesday

Hey all. It's lunch time. Decided I needed to catch up.

Tired today. Ran a couple of hilly runs on Thursday and Saturday that beat my legs up pretty good. I ran 4 miles yesterday in my neighborhood and couldn't keep up with Marc "The Animal". My legs were shot and I just did a survival type of run. Even though I ran easy, there was great effort put into it so I guess is did some good. Also, the temperature was up around 80 so I'm sure the heat slowed me down a little bit.

I'm also tired because I sat up past my bedtime. Yep, watched the NCAA men's b'ball championship. I'm not a big hoops fan but since it was the championship and Memphis was playing, I figured I'd watch it. My buddy Larry and neighbor "basement boy" came over and we watched the game and drank adult beverages.

I'm not running today but will run on Wednesday and Thursday.

Hey all. It's Friday. Enough said!

I ran last night over at Susan's. I did the "hard" loop. We have about a 3 1/2 mile loop through Mountain Brook (lift your pinky when you say that). For those of you who know the area, it is appropriately name . . . . MOUNTAIN (BIG hills everywhere . . . not flats) and BROOK (creeks and streams between the mountains). Anyway. We normally run it in a direction where the hills are longer but less grade and the downhills are steep . . . not easy but manageable. I ran the loop in reverse. WOW . . . I never knew you could blow your lungs and heart through your nostrils. The normal gradual uphills and steep downhills, when reversed, give a heck of a workout. I had to walk uphill twice. This is embarrassing because 1) I like to think of myself as a runner, not a walker (not that there is anything wrong with that) and 2) People driving and working in their yards just snicker at me as I trudge past.

I survived the run and surprisingly, my legs don't feel that bad.

Busy weekend-I have a yard sale Saturday morning and I'm hosting three table of canasta at my house tonight. I'll try to get a run and bike ride in this weekend and Susan is supposed to be joining me.

Have a great weekend!

Nothing too exciting going on.

I ran a couple of miles with Susan on Monday. We ran in her neighborhood. Probably would have gone further but it was almost dark and rain was moving in.

I ran 4 miles Wed afternoon. It was warm . . . mid 70s. Not too bad but was warm enough to let me know the seasons are changing and to get me sweating.

Yes-I am still alive. I know that some of you have been wondering about that. It's been a busy last few weeks . . . I just can't figure out what I've been busy with!

I am running and that is a good thing. I'm also still on my quest to continue losing weight and have been somewhat successful but still working on it.

Let's see . . . .
I ran Monday this week. 4 miles. Nothing fabulous. Sort of a welcome home run after being on vacation last week. See "My Hot Girlfriend" for vacation info.

I ran 3 miles last night. A short run but a run none the less. That's the important thing.

Planning on a 4 or 5 miler this afternoon. Will let you know how it goes.

Snow?

You've got to be kidding me. Everyone is talking about snow. You can't swing a dead cat and not hit a newsperson who isn't talking about it. Phoooey! It's 52 degress at 5:30 pm and there is not enough moisture in the air and the radar is showing everything north of B'ham. However, I do believe it will be cold tomorrow. Cold and windy. That is why I'm doing my long run on Sunday instead of Saturday.

Let me see . . . I ran a nice 5 miler on Monday. Ran about 3 1/2 miles of it with my neighbor Shelley. She's working really hard and is training for the Nashville half-marathon in April. I can tell that she's getting stronger and her pace is faster than in the past. I enjoyed the company and that always makes a run go by quickly.

Wednesday. I did 4 miles. A reasonably hard 4 miler. My guess is about 80 percent effort. I was breathing hard, sweating profusely, and it just felt good. You know?

Thursday. Legs were tired from Wed run. I managed to do an easy 4 miler but I honestly think I was breathing harder on my recovery run than on the hard run on Wed.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is a busy day. MAC, Susan's daughter, is in a soccer tournament starting at noon. I'm taking my car to the dealer for some discounted maintenance. They open at 7 and it's first come, first served so I'll be there by 6:30 to get in line. After that, I have my weekly grocery shopping to do and I need to get a new belt for the vacuum. I'll meet Susan and got to the soccer game at noon. Then I plan on going to the Home and Garden show at the civic center. After that, we go back to the soccer field around 5:30 for another game.

Sunday is almost just as busy. Church (of course) and then to the soccer field for another game. After that I'm planning on running 6-8 miles. That isn't enough to do though. Susans girls have a piano recital later in the day and then we all come back to Susan's house. Her youngest, E, is turning 8. That means a bunch of little girls running around the yard, playing and then on to Kobe, a Japenense steakhouse. It is E's favorite restauran and that was her request. Susan and I, Ed (Susan's ex) and his squeeze, and 16 little girls at a restaurant together. Needless to say, I'll be drinking lots of Sake'!

Pray for me!

about time

Yes, it's about time I catch up on my blogging. I've layed off my blogging for several weeks and I apologize.

A lot has happened since my last whine session. I had gone to the Dr several times trying to figure out what was going on. I had been HURTING for a couple of weeks. To the point where I could not run and I could barely function at work. I haven't told some of my fan base this but I did end up going to the ER a couple of weeks ago on a Tuesday night. The usual routine . . . of course I wish it wasn't a routine. I feel stupid going to the ER but when you're hurting that badly, you have to go in. I took an aspirin (just in case) and got my neighbor to take me to the ER. After telling triosh that I was having chest pain, they got me back quick. However, after blood enzyme test (negative), x-ray (negative), heart rate (<60), blood pressure (110/50), and review of my history (I've done this before and had nuclear stress test back in Sept of 07), they decided it wasn't my heart. Well I figured that much. Of course when you don't become an emergency anymore, you sort of get left alone. Two days in for observation, not eating, and endoscopy, and I started feeling better and my GI doc said that my esophogus was inflamed and doubled my nexium. Like I said . . . same old thing.

I'm now back to running and being very careful about following the "do not eat" list. No tomato (well, just a little), no citrus (I can accept that), no caffeine (VERY TOUGH), no or limited alcohol (a glass of wine or two is okay), no peppermint (I love peppermint), no chocolate (I ADORE chocolate). I just have to pick and choose. BUMMER.

After an almost 3 week layoff, I got back on the street feeling better. Unfortunately, three weeks is long enough to detrain slightly so it took my legs a few runs to get back to normal. I'm back to building base for the next several weeks, trying to run 4 days a week between 15 and 20 miles per week.

Hope your running is going well!

Post Marathon Monday

I'd love to be reveling in the glory (and pain) of having run in the Mercedes half marathon yesterday but as you know, I'm a wimp. I'm still having something going on with my body and Doctors still have not got it figured out yet. I had an ultrasound Friday but haven't heard back results yet . . . gonna be calling them this afternoon!

Susan I and went to the Expo on Saturday after her eldest daughter ran in a 1 mile kids run. She ran it in 7 minutes and some small change. She could have done better but she started off slow with one of her friends who she eventually had to dump during the race. The expo was fun. I just wish there was more participation from the community. There are lots of sponsors and it goods decent press but the expo always seems just a little weak. If you're not buying stuff, you can walk through it in less than an hour.

The worst part of Saturday was when we picked up our race packets and handed our chips in and told them that we were DNS (did not start) for the race. Very embarrassing. I hated it. I was just too afraid of having a (fill in the blank because I have no clue what to say here) _______ attack. I could just see myself doubling over in the middle of the race and being removed from the course. That would be more embarrassing than being DNS.

Congratulations to those of you who ran in Mercedes! Amy (who PR'd but as of yet, has not posted) and Troy, Christy, Dom. I am envious of all of you and I plan to be back on the road as soon as we get things figured out.

Friday . . . about time

It has been a very LONG week. It's Friday morning and I've got lots to do at work today and that's good . . . the day will go quickly.

I tried running Wednesday afternoon and had to stop after a couple of miles . . . the body rebelled again. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I've been researching this like a madman trying to figure out what the heck is wrong. I'm a believer in the adage that when you hear hoofbeats look for horses, not zebras. But I've talked to several folks who have had similar symptoms and been keeping notes the past week. It is starting to look more like gall bladder problems or gall stones. I went back to the Dr on Thursday afternoon and told him that I had to have some kind of answer. He made me pee in a cup, took four tubes of blood for lab work and I'm scheduled for an ultrasound this afternoon. We'll see how things go.

I woke up early this morning. I was awake at 4:30 and finally got out of bed at 5:00. No problems, just woke up. Surprisingly, I woke up feeling good, no pain to mention, and feeling refreshed. I'm not complaining about it!

The bad news is that I am afraid to try the 13 miles I've promised to run. I'm sure that I could probably jog the half-marathon but not sure it would be the smartest thing to do at this point. I guess Susan and I will go to the expo Saturday morning, pick up our packets and turn in our chips as DNS (did not start). I hate doing that but I'd rather be a DNS than a DNF. I'm trying to decide if I should do as Dom suggests . . . . go to the post race party and rub elbows and drink beer. I really don't feel I've earned the privilage to be there and as most of you runner out there know, it really hurts emotionally to be around a race you planned on running and not being able to participate. My guess is Susan and I will go to church and then maybe head up the road to visit with my folks (I haven't called them yet to warn them but I will call them tonight to see if they want a visit).

I hope everyone has a good weekend and that your races go well. Think of me when the gun goes off. For the really brave folks running Mercedes . . . stop at mile 11 for a donut and draft and have one for me!

cuss words!

Yes . . . cuss words. Lots of them. Lots of four letter words.

I went to the Dr. yesterday after 10 days of "just not feeling right" after eating the suspect tuna and spending the better part of my weekend on the sofa or in the bathroom. Told him of the incident and my symptoms. Run down, stomach not right, upper abdominal and chest pain. Of course the upper abdominam and chest pain complaint automatically gets you an EKG. I'm really not worried about heart problems. I had a nuclear stress test last fall and had an echo cardiogram (routine stuff at my cardiologist's request). Not a heart problem though some out there would say I just don't have on at all! Based on my history of GI problems, the Dr. felt that perhaps the violent, acidic weekend may have aggravated my esophagus. Of course without going to my GI Dr and being scoped, it's just a guess. I did tell him that I've slowly been feeling better and that made him feel more confident in his GI diagnosis. He gave me a prescription for a medicine that helps coat and told me to take it along with my nexium over the next week. I asked him about being tired and he (along with my MOTHER) said that being that sick just takes it out of you and rest is all that can be done. His suggestion is not run for the rest of the week and just take it easy.

I guess it seems as if my body has once again overcome my spirit. I really do want to run the half this Sunday but right now, I'm not sure I could do it. I am planning on doing a couple of easy miles this afternoon just to see if it wipes me out or not.

I've made up my mind that I will not be bummed out about this. There is plenty of time and plenty of miles yet to be run. Plus, my weight loss program is in progress and I'm heading the right direction with that. In the overall scheme of it, things are looking up.

Other items of interest . . . .

On a sad note, my neighbors across the street (Todd and Kathy) have had an offer made on their house and it looks like they'll be moving to Atlanta sometime this spring.

politics . . . hate 'em and against every old saying, we have to discuss it. Am I the only person out here who feels like this election is a no win situation? Why are the Repulicans putting up liberal canidates? I voted in the primaries yesterday and there is nothing out there to look forward to. I'll withhold my opinion about the Obama and Hillary show. Enough said there. John McCain? War hero, maybe, but he's LIBERAL. Mitt Romney? A governor from Mass (the most liberal state in the union). I like Fred Thompson who I felt was the closest thing to Reagan but he could never muster any interest. Our country is being hijacked by special interest groups and n'er-do-wells. As always, I'm interested in your opinions . . . no flaming though!

Superbowl. The good guys won. I loved seeing Tom Brady getting slammed to the ground on multiple occassions. It was a good game to boot and exciting finish. Anyone who took the Giants and the points made money, I'm sure.

Best commercial (imho) was the Bridgestone tire commercial with Alice Cooper and Richard Simmons.

Hope you have a great day!

SuperBowl Sunday

Hey all. It has not been a very good or productive weekend. BIG BUMMER. It seems that whatever tore me up last Saturday really took its toll on me and I'm still not right. Of course those of you who know me would say that I haven't been right in a long time! I have to laugh and joke because next Sunday is the Mercedes Marathon (and half) and I am not sure if I'll be able to do it.

I had decided to so my 10-12 miler Saturday instead of Sunday. I figured it would give me and extra day of rest. I worked around the yard and felt okay most of the morning. I did have to take some of my GI cocktail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GI_Cocktail) that I keep around for days like these. My gastro has given me prescription for this and it is helpful most of the time. I've been having lots of belching and abdominal and chest pain since last weekend's episode with the bad tuna. I strapped on the shoes, grabbed my MP3 player (note the lack of APPLE or IPOD anywhere that statement . . but that's another story), put on the shades and set out to get my run in. I was keeping the pace deliberately slow and made it through 5 miles without a hitch. Then all of a sudden, my body just seemed to rebel and say "I'm not doing this anymore . . I'm tired!" I tried to press on but I just didn't have it in me. My back and shoulders are sore, my GI tract is still screwed up. I just said "screw it" and took it into the shower.

I'm sitting here whining to you Sunday afternoon prior to heading to my neighbor's house for the Superbowl.

I need advice, help from anyone out there. I'm hoping that tomorrow I turn the corner and I can still run/walk the half next Sunday.

If things don't improve in another day or two I guess I'll be heading to the doctor.

by the way, Go Giants! Be sure to watch the commercials . . . that's usually the best part.

Thanks for the comments on my new blog about Susan (my hot girlfriend)!

For better or for worse

It's Wednesday evening and I have just showered up after my run. I'm feeling a little better than I did this past weekend when I think I got food poisoning from a dead, pissed off tuna used for sushi. My body has just gotten back into a rhythm, if you know what I mean. For some strange reason, I'm still sore all over (stomach bug vs poisoning?). Additionally, it seems the acid I so freely deposited to the porcelain bus, must have done some damage to my esophagus and I'm taking Prilosec on top of my morning Nexium. Things seem to be straightening out.

Based on feeling better today, I went and ahead and signed up officially for the Mercedes Half. I was planning on running it in Susan's place but decided to register . . . I am not a big fan of "bandits", even in smaller races like ours here in B'ham. So as I have titled my blog tonight-For Better or for Worse, I will be running 13.1 miles in 11 days.

So tonight I did 4 miles. I did not fartlek as I had wanted. Body just wasn't into it. I did feel decent throughout the run and that was much better than the pitiful 2.5 miles I did on Monday. I plan on doing 4 miles on Friday and doing somewhere between 10 and 12 miles on Sunday afternoon before the Super Bowl.

In case you didn't notice, I have added a new link on the right hand side of my blog. The "Mushy Stuff". Enjoy!

It is past my bedtime and I'm sitting here trying to decide what to say.

I ran 2 1/2 miles and felt terrible the whole time. I guess the weekend took more out of me than I thought. My body ached the entire time-from my neck to my butt, I was sore. I hope tomorrow brings a better day.

I've sort of lost my "zip" and I know I need to get it back since I have less than two weeks to run a half-marathon.

Fartleks on Tuesday. Maybe that will help.

Set back

Yep. Two very bad words if you're training. I had a short set back but enough to make my head spin and set me into pseudo panic mode. Story follows:

I had a good run on Friday afternoon after work. I really didn't press the pace but it was a good effort and I recovered quickly. A 4 miler run at about 80 percent effort. As I spent Friday evening eating and watching a movie with Susan, I kept thinking . . . I cannot wait for my 10 miler on Sunday!

Saturday was one of those days. You know the kind of day where you don't do anything physical and you're more tired than if you had gone for a long run or worked in the yard all day? Susan and I enjoyed the lesson with Dr. Louis Markos (http://fc.hbu.edu/~lmarkos/) who spoke on CS Lewis and his works Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain. Very good lectures and enlightening. Susan got a call and found out here dad was in the hospital. Gall bladder. Fortunately, the hospital was less than 10 minutes from church. Her dad was somewhat sedated due to pain meds and nausea medicine. He had had a gall bladder attack the previous evening and went to the hospital in the middle of the night, never contacting anyone. Fortunately, somebody from his church got to calling and Susan and her sister both were told about it. We hung around the hospital while they did an ultrasound and got him somewhat comfortable for the evening. We left after he ate and decided to change our plans. We had previously planned on making fajitas at my house but we were both tired and decided to eat out. I wanted some pasta or mexican to prepare for my 10 miler the next day. However, I offered Thai Emerald as an option and Susan wanted to go there. BIG MISTAKE. I don't want Susan to feel guilty about her decision but it affected the training schedule!

First, before everyone starts yelling at me, let me say that I have eaten at this restaurant in the past and I've eaten sushi here before (actually, I think the smoked and cooked sushi is not actually sushi). We had double shrimp rolls and tuna crunch. Susan only nibbled at the tuna crunch so I will blame the next 24 hours on the tuna crunch. We did not over induldge . . . I had one Stella Artois so I know it wasn't that. Within the hour, I started feeling "funny". You know the feeling-not bad but your body is letting you know that something isn't quite right either. I was belching a lot and had some upper GI distress, which isn't unusual if I eat to much of the wrong thing. We went back to Susan's house so she could be close to the hospital in case her dad needed her. We played scrabble and I just couldn't focus. A little Gaviscon and I felt a little better. However, by the time we played a couple of games of scrabble, I was definitely in a downward spiral. Susan's girls were with her dad and I was feeling bad so Susan was kind enough to let me stay. The intent was to get up feeling better and go to church and then to go see her dad. Believe me . . . no romancing happening. Let's just say when I say I was up all night, it was nothing to brag about! Between diarreaha, vomiting, delirium, sweating, neither of us got much sleep. A miserable night. I think I "woke up" around 7:30 and decided to make a mad dash home. No sense in messing up Susan's day and if I'm going to die, I'd rather do it in the privacy of my own home, on my own sofa.

I spent most of the day Sunday sprinting to the powder room (which is now off limits to guests until the HazMat team arrives later this week). Susan came by in the afternoon to let me know her dad had had his gall bladder removed and should be going home on Monday. My diet for the day consisted of Gatorade, sprite, half-can of chicken soup, and a WW dinner dinner around 6 when I started feeling halfway normal. I went to bed around 7:30 and slept straight thru until the alarm went off at 5:30 this morning. I feel better now but can tell my body had been through it.

Needless to say, I did not get in my 10 miler. Now what do I do? Do I try to get the 10 in tonight? Personally, I don't think it would be beneficial at this point. I know my body is still recovering and the strain might do more harm than good at this point. Plus I've read in several places that if a run is skipped for reasons such as this, the thing to do is just pick up as the normal schedule falls. I'm thinking I'll adjust my weekly schedule slightly but let the 10 miler pass. However, that means 12 might be tough next weekend. I guess I'll play next week's long run by ear. BTW, I've lost almost 6 pounds in the last two weeks. Of course my spell with food poisoning helped out!



here's progress and this week's adjusted schedule-

Thurs 1/17 4 m (done)

Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20 (done)

Mon 1/21 4 m (done)

Wed 1/23 4 m (done)

Fri 1/25 4 m (done)

Sun 1/27 10 m (skipped due to bad tuna) Weekly mileage 12 not 22 as wanted

Mon 1/28 4 m

Tues 1/29 4 m fartleks

Thurs 1/32 4 m

Sat 2/2 10 to 12 m Weekly mileage 22 to 24 miles

Mon 2/4 4 m

Tues 2/5 4 m

Thurs 2/7 4 m

Sunday 2/10 is Mercedes Half-marathon 13.1 miles Weekly mileage 25