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.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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
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
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
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Lesson Learned
One of my friends warned me not to egg on Wednesday. She told me that Wednesday was a tough S.O.B. and was ready to rumble. I did not heed the warning. I talked a lot of smack, got up in Wednesday's face and dared it to give me its worst. Why on why did I not listen to my dear friend Barbie?
Wednesday sucker punched me with time stoppage. I still have no idea how it pulled it off, but it did. It took no less than 6 hours to travel along the time line between 9 a.m and 10 a.m. Lesson learned. I shall never, ever talk trash to Wednesday again. As for Thursday....
Spring is officially upon us. The kids are on Spring break. They got out of school today at 11:10 a.m., and will not go back until Monday the 12th. Since it is not chronologically possible for me to be in school still, I ask the question, why did I not become a teacher? What a life.
I have recently been pondering the concept of gratification. It seems most of the "kids these days" only believe in the instant variety. They are truly missing out. Is there actually satisfaction without effort? Can you be pleased with your results when they are derived from little work and or the doings of others? No, you cannot. To prove my point may I offer running races as an example?
“There is no glory in training, but there is no glory without training.” Once you enter a race no one is going to carry you to the finish. No one is going to help you push through the wall at mile 5 of your 10k. It is all on you. You have to put in the miles all by yourself. You have to sweat it out and do the work. Lack of preparation, dedication and motivation will bite you in the ass. Once you commit yourself to the work, do it and accomplish that goal, there is no better feeling. Finishing a race whether you are first, last or somewhere in the middle there is no better sense of accomplishment. The same can be said for life in general. Put in the work and you will be greatly rewarded.
Cheers.
Wednesday sucker punched me with time stoppage. I still have no idea how it pulled it off, but it did. It took no less than 6 hours to travel along the time line between 9 a.m and 10 a.m. Lesson learned. I shall never, ever talk trash to Wednesday again. As for Thursday....
Spring is officially upon us. The kids are on Spring break. They got out of school today at 11:10 a.m., and will not go back until Monday the 12th. Since it is not chronologically possible for me to be in school still, I ask the question, why did I not become a teacher? What a life.
I have recently been pondering the concept of gratification. It seems most of the "kids these days" only believe in the instant variety. They are truly missing out. Is there actually satisfaction without effort? Can you be pleased with your results when they are derived from little work and or the doings of others? No, you cannot. To prove my point may I offer running races as an example?
“There is no glory in training, but there is no glory without training.” Once you enter a race no one is going to carry you to the finish. No one is going to help you push through the wall at mile 5 of your 10k. It is all on you. You have to put in the miles all by yourself. You have to sweat it out and do the work. Lack of preparation, dedication and motivation will bite you in the ass. Once you commit yourself to the work, do it and accomplish that goal, there is no better feeling. Finishing a race whether you are first, last or somewhere in the middle there is no better sense of accomplishment. The same can be said for life in general. Put in the work and you will be greatly rewarded.
Cheers.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Watch Out For Wednesday
Today was too smooth. Based on the schedule I had set up for today I should have come home battered, bruised, dirty and dragging my tail end on the ground. Instead, I came home upbeat, clean, unscathed, full of energy and ready for a run. Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining about having an easy day, but the universe tends to balance things out.
Today's schedule was very full and with not enough space between. Tomorrow has half the appointments and several open blocks of time. You can see why I am concerned. A day that appears to be that smooth is bound to be filled with potholes and pitfalls. Wish me luck.
On a more positive note, I had a fantastic run today. I put in 4.5 miles at a 7:50 min/mile. I cannot tell if I am more excited about my upcoming Heart House 4 mile race or the U of I half marathon. I am maintaining strong training paces with out maximum effort. This bodes well for my races!
I related news, I have added a link called my training log. It is exactly what it sounds like. It tracks all my runs. I would love it if someone would click on it and let me know if it works.
Cheers
Today's schedule was very full and with not enough space between. Tomorrow has half the appointments and several open blocks of time. You can see why I am concerned. A day that appears to be that smooth is bound to be filled with potholes and pitfalls. Wish me luck.
On a more positive note, I had a fantastic run today. I put in 4.5 miles at a 7:50 min/mile. I cannot tell if I am more excited about my upcoming Heart House 4 mile race or the U of I half marathon. I am maintaining strong training paces with out maximum effort. This bodes well for my races!
I related news, I have added a link called my training log. It is exactly what it sounds like. It tracks all my runs. I would love it if someone would click on it and let me know if it works.
Cheers
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Bailed
Todays entry was going to revolve around our church's Maundy Thursday service and my role in it. There has been a change in plans and thus a change in topic. Let me explain.
Our mens group had an idea to do a live re-enactment of the Last Supper. There was to be the 12 disciples, Jesus, and a narrator. I believe only the narrator and Jesus had any speaking parts. The disciples were just props, for lack of a better word. I did not really have any interest in this at all. I am a traditionalist when it comes to church. So, I kept my head down on this one and hoped the day would come and go without my involvement. No such luck.
On Thursday evening I received a call from Jesus, no less, asking me for my participation as a disciple. Now, what I am about to tell you must NEVER be used against me. If you ask me to help move a mattress, dig a ditch, watch your kids, be a disciple, I am going to say yes. This situation was no different. I mean Jesus called. Like I am going to say no. Rehearsal was to be this Sunday at 4 pm.
When I got to church today things were pretty disorganized. A bunch of guys all milling about looking for direction. The driving force behind this production did not seem to be interested in taking charge. Did I mention there were a bunch of guys there? We only needed 14 in total and counting me there were 15. Did I mention that Jesus and one of the other guys who I knew was taking part were not going to be there? That puts the total up to 17. So, I took the logical course of action. Ate a cookie and bailed without saying a word. I felt a bit guilty, but the Duke - Baylor game is helping me cope. I hope you all can find it in your hearts to not think less of me.
Hmmm. Turns out that even with the change in plans the post topic remained the same.
Cheers
Our mens group had an idea to do a live re-enactment of the Last Supper. There was to be the 12 disciples, Jesus, and a narrator. I believe only the narrator and Jesus had any speaking parts. The disciples were just props, for lack of a better word. I did not really have any interest in this at all. I am a traditionalist when it comes to church. So, I kept my head down on this one and hoped the day would come and go without my involvement. No such luck.
On Thursday evening I received a call from Jesus, no less, asking me for my participation as a disciple. Now, what I am about to tell you must NEVER be used against me. If you ask me to help move a mattress, dig a ditch, watch your kids, be a disciple, I am going to say yes. This situation was no different. I mean Jesus called. Like I am going to say no. Rehearsal was to be this Sunday at 4 pm.
When I got to church today things were pretty disorganized. A bunch of guys all milling about looking for direction. The driving force behind this production did not seem to be interested in taking charge. Did I mention there were a bunch of guys there? We only needed 14 in total and counting me there were 15. Did I mention that Jesus and one of the other guys who I knew was taking part were not going to be there? That puts the total up to 17. So, I took the logical course of action. Ate a cookie and bailed without saying a word. I felt a bit guilty, but the Duke - Baylor game is helping me cope. I hope you all can find it in your hearts to not think less of me.
Hmmm. Turns out that even with the change in plans the post topic remained the same.
Cheers
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Bit Of A Late Start
Well I have missed most of the first quarter of the year, but I am finally posting. I have a book worth of observations, rants and raves, and humorous stories, however I do not have the patience to write all of it down. Nor do I believe you would want to read the incoherent mess that would ensue. Instead I'll just start with current doings.
Let's go with the obvious subject, the theme of my blog and one of this households favorite hobbies...running. Currently I am training for the U or I half marathon which will take place on May 1st. This is the same half marathon I competed in last year and I am really looking forward to it this year. I got a later start on my training than I would have hoped, but the rust fell off relatively easily. I have been logging about 20 miles a week in 4 runs and doing strength training two days a week. I am in great shape and feeling pretty good about the race. My goal is to run 1h 45m or less.
As a tune up I am running in the Eureka Heart House 4 mile run. That is the first race in which I placed. I am looking to defend my 3rd place 35-39 male finish. That race will be run on April 17th. I will definitely post pictures and results from that race.
Robin has resumed her running and is eyeing the Washington Cherry Fest 5k on June 4th as her first race of the year. She has taken to barefoot running and is really enjoying it. The weather in these parts is the culprit for her later start. Snow, cold roads and barefeet do not mix. She would love to run in more than one race this year and I am sure she will do it.
As for the kids and their running, they will be taking part in the Illinois Valley Striders kids series. It is a run every Monday night at 6pm in Peoria for children 12 and under. We may not make it every week, but will do our best to hit the majority. Hopefully this will help lay a good foundation for some of the kids fun runs during the summer. I look forward to the day that they can run with us in a 5k! Additionally, they are both playing ball this year. Nora will be playing instructional baseball, coach pitches, and Nigel will take part in his first year in t-ball.
I think this has been a good start. What do you think?
More to come...I promise.
Cheers
Let's go with the obvious subject, the theme of my blog and one of this households favorite hobbies...running. Currently I am training for the U or I half marathon which will take place on May 1st. This is the same half marathon I competed in last year and I am really looking forward to it this year. I got a later start on my training than I would have hoped, but the rust fell off relatively easily. I have been logging about 20 miles a week in 4 runs and doing strength training two days a week. I am in great shape and feeling pretty good about the race. My goal is to run 1h 45m or less.
As a tune up I am running in the Eureka Heart House 4 mile run. That is the first race in which I placed. I am looking to defend my 3rd place 35-39 male finish. That race will be run on April 17th. I will definitely post pictures and results from that race.
Robin has resumed her running and is eyeing the Washington Cherry Fest 5k on June 4th as her first race of the year. She has taken to barefoot running and is really enjoying it. The weather in these parts is the culprit for her later start. Snow, cold roads and barefeet do not mix. She would love to run in more than one race this year and I am sure she will do it.
As for the kids and their running, they will be taking part in the Illinois Valley Striders kids series. It is a run every Monday night at 6pm in Peoria for children 12 and under. We may not make it every week, but will do our best to hit the majority. Hopefully this will help lay a good foundation for some of the kids fun runs during the summer. I look forward to the day that they can run with us in a 5k! Additionally, they are both playing ball this year. Nora will be playing instructional baseball, coach pitches, and Nigel will take part in his first year in t-ball.
I think this has been a good start. What do you think?
More to come...I promise.
Cheers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)