Tuesday, April 27, 2010

100

This will be short. What lead up to it was not.

Today I logged my 100th mile of running for the month.

I cannot explain how cool it was to look at my running log and see 100 miles for April. After my run on Sunday I saw that my scheduled distance for today was going to put me pretty much right on the the nose (the total is actually 100.2). Once I realized that, this run could not have come soon enough. I was telling anyone who would listen, and those who would not, about my upcoming milestone. The day could not end soon enough.

Once I got home I threw on my running shoes, a big smile (not to worry I had pants on as well), and I shot out the door. I can only imagine what people must of thought as I bound on down the road with an ear to ear grin and a wave for every passing car. Only I knew what I had done, and it was most likely only impressive to me. But damn it, I was stoked. Oh what a feeling, when we're dancin' on the ceiling.

Well, with that said, I have one more 2 mile run this month and then it is off to Champaign for the U of I half marathon. I am going to start May out right with 13.1 miles. Wish me luck.

Cheers.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

All Sports All The Time

Today was my first race of the season, the Eureka Hearthouse 4-mile run. Since I was going to start the day with a sporting event I figured that we should end it with one as well. Today also happened to be opening day for Peoria's minor league baseball team, so we decided to take in a ball game as well. First things first, my race.

Not only was I running in the race today, but I also was volunteering with the set-up and food as well. After the run there is a hot dog cookout complete with potato salad, chips and cookies for the runners and their families. The men's group at our church was handling the food prep so I decided to pitch in. I was on site around 6:30 this morning lending a helping hand, which mainly consisted of moving heavy things and chopping fruit. Not a bad deal.


(And we chop and we chop and we chop. Chopin!)

Eventually my parents, Robin and the kids showed up. I got the time wrong by a half an hour so everyone had more time to enjoy the lovely weather. Did I mention it was in the mid 40's with 12-15 mile/hr cold winds? Needless to say my cheering section was not thrilled by the extra time in the elements. The set-up crew did not mind as they set Robin to work on some more fruit cutting. Robin was also instrumental in my pre-race finishing touches. The race was set to start at 9:30 and after spending 3 hrs in the cold I was more than ready to get going, and boy did I.




(Will I still have this big smile at the end?)




(All business at the finish.)

My goal for the race was to improve upon last years finish and get another medal. Last year I finished with a time of 27:56. Good enough for 26th overall and 3rd in my age group. This year I ran the 4 miles in 26:48, 17th overall and 4th in my age group. I know, I trimmed over a minute off my time and fell a spot in my age group. What gives! Fact is, my age group is loaded and it is pretty tough to place. I still got a medal and am thrilled with my time improvement.


(To answer the earlier question...YES!)


(The spoils of victory.)

Two hours later the Robinson crew was off to the ole ballpark. I had been promising the kids for a while that I would take them to opening day. Both Robin and I were having second thoughts as the wind had not died down and the temp had only reached the low 60's. The idea of getting windblown for 3 more hours was not too exciting. Lucky for us Robin found a spot on the grass in left field that was shielded from the wind, but still in the sun. It actually got a bit on the hot side.

We watched an exciting game complete with a homerun, several double plays, a couple runners caught stealing and 13 runs. The good guys came out on top 7-6. The kids also got some time in out at the play ground. All in all a great afternoon at the game. On a side note for my local readers, if you have never been to a game at O'Brien Field I highly recommend taking one in. We have been to at least one game every year since it opened and love it. It is a very safe, fan friendly ballpark.

To finish the day off my parents treated us to dinner at T.G.I. Fridays. Good meal with great company. The perfect way to end a near perfect day.

Cheers

Friday, April 16, 2010

Tomorrow It Begins

Tomorrow is my first race of the year. I am running the Eureka Heart House 4-mile run. This race is pretty special to me. It is the first race in which I placed. Last year I ran a 27:56 and came in 3rd in my age group. This year I am looking for a repeat performance if not better. Much like last year most of my training thus far has focused on the U of I half marathon. Light on speed work, heavy on the mileage. It worked out well for me last year and I have no reason to think it will not give me similar results this year. I am very excited.

In addition to running in the race I am also helping out with the post race picnic. The organizers provide a meal of hot dogs, potato salad, cookies, etc... for all runners and their families. Our churches men's group is setting up, cooking and serving. I will be involved in the setup. Should be a good morning.

After the race is opening day for our minor league baseball team, the Peoria Chiefs. We are taking the kids and spending the afternoon at the ballpark. I am not sure who is more excited, the kids or me.

All in all we are in for a great day with plenty of photo opps.

Cheers