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

Feeling pretty good

Hey all. It's Wednesday evening and I'm sitting here typing to you and watching Hunt for Red October for the 118th time. Goes to tell you how good network TV is nowadays.

First, let me tell you some touchy feely junk and get it out of the way. My cousin, Courtney and her husband Bobby had a baby boy today. For the women out there I can provide statistics if you want but the important thing is that everyone involved is healthy. I'd give you a name but as I've been reminded many times, pictures and names of children posted on the internet without permission is a no-no. So for right now we'll leave it at that.

I'm upping my weekly mileage this week and I'm trying to do it carefully. However, I am also wanting to get back into a pattern that includes more than just slogging around. My midweek runs are fartleks. Tonight I did 4 miles with 2 1/2 mile of the 4 being fartleks run at about an 80% effort. I felt much better than I did on Monday and that is a good sign. Body is recovering quicker. The fartleks felt good and I'm looking forward to my Friday run and my Sunday 10 miler. Bottom line is that I'm feeling pretty good.

Saturday is my normal running day but Susan and I are going to a day long conference at her church on C. S. Lewis. We're both looking forward to the time together and the opportunity to learn more about one of the most highly regarded lay theologians in recent history. Of course we will do something fun for dinner at the end of the day . . . just need to figure out where to go.

Progress towards Mercedes Half-Marathon:

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
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
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

It's Tuesday morning, 9:00. Taking a break at work to eat my Total bran flakes. I've lost a little over 2 pounds since last week which absolutely amazes me considering I really did not count points (Weight Watcher Flex Plan) over my long weekend. In fact, I ate chicken wings and pasta Sunday during the Green Bay-NY Giants game. I also indulged in the beverage department and fully expected a zero sum loss on the weight loss battle. Definitely a moral victory!



As you already know, I successfully completed my 8 miler on Saturday. I did a 4 mile recovery run Monday afternoon. It felt a little sluggish. Legs were a little sore but not bad plus I had been sitting in a theater, eating popcorn and watching the movie Water Horse with Susan and her girls Monday afternoon (yes, I got MLK Jr holiday off). Bottom line is that I got the run in even though I didn't feel like it.



Progress towards Mercedes Half-Marathon:



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

Fri 1/25 4 m

Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22

Tues 1/29 5 m

Thurs 1/31 5 m

Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22

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

another one done

Yep. It's Saturday afternoon and I have showered and taken my arthritis strength Tylenol after completing my 8 miler. Here in Birmingham, it was supposed to snow 2-4 inches but as usual, it was a flop. It snowed for about two hours-just enough to make the unfrozen ground muddy. Susan's girls have been out playing in the snow. At least it started off that way. Now they're playing in the muck and (bless Susan's heart) they keep tracking in everytime Susan gets the mess cleaned up from the previous trip in. The patience of Job. I on the other hand cringe when I see them tracking in. However, it is not my business so I just sit and huff like the old man I am. I know I need to loosen up around the kids but I have to admit it is tough. Right now the girls are outside in the mud with a couple of the neighbors' kids climbing on the fort (treehouse) and dragging up all manner of boards, bricks, and just about anything that isn't nailed down or is so large that they simply cannot pick it up. Thank goodness the dogs can out run them . . . otherwise, there would be doggy missiles being launched from the fort.



Okay, back to my run. I waited for the snow/sleet to stop before heading out. It was about 1:00 and the temperature is hovering just about freezing. The snow started melting as soon as is stopped so there are a few small remnants but mostly everything is wet and messy. I wore shorts, a long sleeve heavy coolmax, a wind vest, thin poly gloves. I also started out with a poly headband to cover my ears but immediately put it in my vest pocket as I broke a sweat right away and my head was overheating. I try to practice the old adage "if you're comfortable when you start then you are overdressed". Gladly, after removing the headband, I was dressed just about right. The plan was for me to do 4 miles and stop back at Susan's house where MAC would join me for the final 4 miles. Well it didn't quite go that way. I stopped in after 4 miles to get some water and pick up MAC and she was hovered in front of the fireplace, still in her play clothes. Yes, the normally corageous, dependable one fagged out on me. She whimpered about it being cold which really didn't make sense since she had been outside all day playing. Regardless, I am dissing her. I owe that to her since I also brag on her. My philosophy on kids . . . cut 'em no slack! You do good, you get praise. You pull a bonehead stunt, you get dissed. That's the way it is in Jim's world. Maybe a little bit AR but that's what I believe.

I went back out for my second 4 miles and realized that the temp was dropping and the wind was picking up. I guess it's a good thing that MAC fagged out . . . otherwise she wouldn't have had much fun and chances are I'd have to drag her back home. I finished the second 4 miles without incident and did it in a negative split.

I am not going to recap each mile. However, I am glad to say that I did the run in 1 hour, 18 minutes and change. Faster than the 10 minute average I had planned. Plus the negative split that I actually planned on helped me build a little confidence. LONG SLOW RUN. Repeat it with me. LONG SLOW RUN. I felt good afterwards and have enough confidence that I am looking forward to the 10 miler next weekend!

It's Thursday night and I'm sitting here about to hit the hay. I am taking off tomorrow to just goof off, pay bills, cut some firewood (which I will share with Susan), clean the basement, ready myself for the winter storm our local yahoos are saying we will get. I may also walk 9 holes later in the afternoon.

I ran today. It really did feel good and my knee has seemed to adapt to the increased stress of the maniacal mileage increase. I did 4 miles. I included fartleks and spent several stretches of 80-90% effort in my running. The body was reluctant but the mind sort of grasped hold of the idea and I enjoyed it. I also lifted weights afterwards.

The weatherman says that we should be gettting between 1-3 inches of snow Friday night-Saturday morning. Blah, Blah, Blah. We'll see. I am still planning on doing 8 miles, regardless.

I am having a long weekend. Off tomorrow, weekend, and MLK day on Monday. A four day weekend. I've already told you about Friday. Saturday, I am going to be over at Susan's (if the roads don't get iced over). I'm going to help out with a couple of things over there and will run in the afternoon. Her oldest daughter, MAC, is planning on running 6 miles with me during the half marathon, so she is going to run a four or five miler with me on Saturday. I told her that she needs to run in the cold just in case it is cold on race day. She's up for it and quite the trooper. If I were to ever have "fruit of my loins", MAC would be it!

Sunday. It is a rest day. It is also the NFL conference championship games. I will be parked in front of the TV after church. I normally abhor pro sports but this is the playoffs and I HATE the Patriots so I have to watch.

Monday . . . who knows what adventure waits. I'd like to do something with Susan and the girls but we have no plans right now. I could play golf or WE could go for a hike if the weather cooperates.

Here's a recap . . .

Thurs 1/17 4 m (DONE)
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20
Mon 1/21 4 m
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
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

It's Wednesday morning and I'm about to start doing what "they" pay me to do . . . work. However, I thought I'd take a moment to update.

Monday. I ran 4 miles at about a 70% effort. Not a hard run but not an easy run by any stretch of the imagination. The knee felt fine but the back is still stiff from my tumble down the hill last weekend. I also lifted weights. Actually felt pretty decent when all was said and done. Monday also started my "official" restart on Weight Watchers. I need some accountability and I'm very goal motivated . . . that's just the way I am wired. For those of you who may know the system, I am using the Flex plan . . . counting points. I find this method the easiest way for me to track what goes in my mouth. I will be updating my progress on a weekly basis. My "official" weigh-in is on Monday morning. The system worked for me in the past. I just was not disciplined enough to stick to it.

Tuesday-I ran an easy 4 miler. The legs were a little sore. My thinking is this . . . since I am trying to build for a "survival" half-marathon next month where I am going to run in Susan's place for her fund raiser for the Bell Center (HINT), I am more interested in building my long runs. The mid-week mileage will not be varying much since I don't want to pile too much on too quickly. Of course you input is appreciated. Here's what I'm thinking-

Thurs 1/17 4 m
Sat 1/19 8 m Weekly mileage 20
Mon 1/21 4 m
Wed 1/23 4 m
Fri 1/25 4 m
Sun 1/27 10 m Weekly mileage 22
Tues 1/29 5 m
Thurs 1/31 5 m
Sat 2/2 12 m Weekly mileage 22
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

It's late Saturday afternoon and I've taken my Arthritis Strength Tylenol, rubbed my left knee with Blu Emu, and I'm having a toddy. I'm sitting at Susan's house updating my blog. We're both trying to improve our running and lose weight, though I have a much longer way to go than she does. Anyway . . . we're waiting on dinner to heat up. We are splitting a baked potato and we are splitting a filet that was left over from last night. We're also going to have small salads and Susan just informed me that she wants to put frozen peas in hers. YIKES! None for me, thanks. I eat almost anything but peas and brussel sprouts are on my yucky list.

I ran 3 miles Thursday afternoon. I wanted to go farther but
1) it was raining and the lightning started getting bad; and
2) my knee was hurting: and
3) I just didn't feel like it!

I did lift weights after the run and then I jumped on the trainer (stationary bike) and pedaled for 15 minutes. No ridicule please-at least it's something.

Today I did a six miler. SLOW. PAINFUL. but I did it. Trying to do what I know I shouldn't be doing-I'm trying to get where I can do 13 miles for the upcoming Mercedes Marathon. Stupid I know but what the heck. I deserve all the punishment I can deal out to myself for letting myself get out of shape. Additionally, Amy and Troy are entered and she has specifically called me out on it (gulp). I have asked them to come over the last couple of years and they decided to pick a year when they know they can beat me. BIG BUMMER. I'm looking forward to the next month of pain, pills, whining, etc. What I need to do is get Troy and Amy to go out the night before and get them wasted to give myself a chance!

Susan, who had signed up for the half, is now thinking about joining a relay team and doing a 5k leg. There are two 5k, two 10k, and one 7.6 mile leg (final leg). One of her friends is putting together a team and she's thinking that she might be interested in doing it. I think that she's in the same boat as I am-undertrained but even less enthusiastic!

I have lifted twice this week and run four days for a total of 17 miles. Boy do I have a long way to go.

Susan and I are going to my parents for brunch after church tomorrow and visit them for a while. That's about it for the weekend. Enjoy the rest of yours!

It's Tuesday evening around 9:00 and I'm winding down. It's thundering and lightning and raining pretty hard. We have storm warnings but the radar does not look too bad. I'm about to wash face, brush teeth, read a little bit, and hit the hay. I'm 48 going on 88! I'm reading a pretty neat little book I picked up called PEACE-The words and Wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi. Here's a great quote . . . "There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for". That's your thought of the day.

I ran four fairly quick miles yesterday afternoon. I'm still running without a watch. All things are relative at this point and I am just running by feel. I felt good about the run and the weather was perfect-70 degrees, beautiful sunset, running along the ridge on top of the mountain I live on. My body did tell on me somewhat last night . . . a little sore but that's okay. By the way . . . How about those LSU tigers? National champs! I'm an Auburn fan but anytime the SEC does well, I'm satisfied. Sorry for you PAC 10, Big 10, Big 12 folks . . . that's just the way it is.

This afternoon I ran another four miler but much slower than last night. Legs were sluggish and my back still hurts from falling down the hill behind my house over the weekend.

I have relatives that like the touchy feely stuff so here's a little something for them-Susan came over and watched the ball game last night. She brought dinner . . . Italian roast and polenta. Yummy.

Monday-fleeing the fat man

Greetings to all.

I've decided to try to run the Mercedes Half here in B'ham about a month from now. I will be doing it in survival mode. Susan has not been able to train adequately and I am going to run in her place since she is raising money for the Bell Center (see link at right). Of course, I have not been training for a half marathon so we'll just see how it goes. This is a hilly course and I may resort to walking on the uphills. The best part of the race is that every finisher in the half and full marathon qualifies for a chance to win a new mercedes SUV. And there is one heck of a party afterwards with BBQ and mucho fluid replacement.

I actually lost 1 pound over the weekend. I know it doesn't sound like much but considering the weekend is when I do my "heavy" eating, I'm pretty pleased about it! I've been watching my intake and trying to control portion size based on my WeightWatcher training. I am sitting here at my desk at work during lunch hour eating my small can of tuna, 2 dozen pretzels, 5 ginger snaps, and diet soda. That's about a 6 point lunch for those of you familiar with counting points.

I ran last Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Monday was tough because it was New Year's eve and I had lots of things on my mind but I did 4 miles.

Wednesday was the kind of day when you really want to stay inside. We had been having normal weather for Alabama-low to mid 50s. Well, old man winter struck with fury on Wednesday. The temp never got over 30 and there were 20-30 mph winds. By the time I got home from work, stretched and headed outside, the temp was 28 degrees and the wind was NASTY. It was doubly tough since I live on top of a ridge and the wind just seems to cut you in half. I managed a measely 3 miler and called it quits.

Thursday was almost the same as Wednesday except the wind wasn't quite so bad. I did a 4 miler but still wished I was indoors! Also lifted weights after I ran.

Saturday was a very nice day. It was warming back up and it felt like running weather. I did about a 5 miler. I did 3.1 mile loop with my neighbor Dom. He calls it his super loop and includes the big hill in the 'hood. I did a mile before and after the loop.

I am looking forward to my run this afternoon. The temp is near 70 today, the sun is shining and I actually feel pretty good considering I took a tumble down the hill behind my house this weekend.

Thank you Susan for the kind words, the patience, and the trust.

Happy New Year

Greetings to all and wishes for a blessed, prosperous new year. For the runners out there-I wish you a year of achieved goals and minimal injuries.

2007 is gone. I spent a few days at the end of the year reflecting and reading back through my posts, comments, and assorted emails. 2007 was not my most stellar year. However, something about January 1 (or Jan. 2 in this case) provides a mental and emotional demarcation. Can't explain it. That being said, I, like most folks, have decided to turn things around in 2008. SERIOUSLY. Stop laughing!

You will be seeing more running posts, biking posts, progress on weight loss (gulp!) and less of the touchy feely emotional stuff that defined 2007. I really haven't made any resolutions for 2008 though I guess goals and resolutions go hand in hand. That being said, (drum roll please), here are my main goals for 2008-


1) lose weight. I have to lose weight if I'm going to achieve goal #2
2) Run NYC marathon. I am already in on the lottery since I delayed last years entrance to this year.
3) I'd like to get the 1000 miles this year but that's a stretch . . . let's make it easier and say 900 miles (17.3 miles per week vs. 19.2 miles per week). If I'm going to achieve goals 1 and 2 above, I will be having to put in some miles!
4) Do a Century ride . . . this means saddle time during the spring and summer. I have not done a Century ride yet and it's time I do so. I need encouragement from my biking buddies on this one.

Simple things to do but they will require focus and attention. I hope you help to hold me accountable for these.

okay . . . . everyone has said their peace. Enough of that. Past is past. This is now. I didn't mean to bum people out with my last post and it appears that is what has happened.

Did you know that I RAN Thursday morning before driving to Tupelo? Yep . . . this is ABOUT ME and RUNNING. Did you know that despite being fed WAY TOO MUCH FOOD by Helen, I am going to run on Saturday? I may be puking my guts out but I'll run just the same.

Reminder for self and others . . .
I have more opportunites now than ever before. I am going to retire rich (rich is a relative term) and enjoy myself. Life is not over . . . I'm just simply in another chapter.

I am not diminishing the memories. Just know that there are lots more to create.

I love you all.

I am continuing to do my four days a week and lifting twice a week.

Sometimes I find myself motivated beyond description and other times I couldn't care less. I'm sure that work and personal life has lots to do with it. Plus the fact that it is that time of year . . . those of you who "know" me know what I am speaking about. I am just ready for the year to be over and to get on with next year. There is nothing I can do except to keep my chin up and head through it . . . there is no dodging it.

I am going to Tupelo to visit Helen (Mona's mom) for the next couple of days. There are some heirloom type of items that I need to give her. Things that belong in the family and not with me. This is my decision and not Helen's. She's told me to keep things but it just isn't right. Paintings by Mona's grandmother, antiques from her grandmothers home . . . those things should stay in the family and go to Mona's brothers. I guess after two years I am starting to realize that I need to let go. I am saddened by it but as a friend of mine says . . . "thems the breaks".

I plan on running Thursday and Saturday while in Tupelo.

Be sure to keep me in your prayers over the next week.

losing

No, not losing a race . . . that always happens because technically unless you cross the line first, you lose. Second place IS the first place loser.

No, not losing my car keys. Though I do that from time to time, I found it much easier just to have four cars in case I do lose my keys.

No, not losing my mind. Hmmmmm, well maybe just a little bit.

I am talking about losing weight. Not vast amounts . . . yet. But enough to get excited about it. This time of year is so tough to buckle down and behave . . . I figure if I can just hold my own over the next couple of weeks, I'll be okay.

I'm still running 4 days a week and varying between 3 milers and 6 milers. No big mileage but consistency is the goal. I'm also still lifting 2 days a week and that is starting to pay off as well.

I have not decorated for Christmas. I haven't even thought about it to be honest. I'm not having any parties or guests over . . . what's the point? Chances are that I'm not going to be home during the holidays anyway. If I want Christmas cheer, I'll go next door and look at my neighbor's tree. Are there any other Scrooges out there?