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!