Well, that's a common question I've received in the past few days. I guess my response is, "Ready or not, here I come!" Let's see... a day before I leave and I'm making my final preparations. Working from home, I can multi-task.
Here is where things stand: Monday was my last run - 4 miles. Ran with Chandra along a trail in Plano. It was muggy and windy, but we kept it short because I was still sore from Saturday's 12 miler. This week my muscles have relaxed. The only worry I have on Saturday morning is my back. Yes, it's still flaring up.
I've tried a few back stretches that my father showed me. And I've done what I can not to agravate it. However, it's still causing some problems. On Saturday when I ran with Jason/Chandra, the first 2 miles were incredibly miserable. The pain was so strong that it effected my breathing. I was thinking of stopping, but then it went away. So, while I'm still having some "flare ups" this week, overall it's not as bad as it's been.
The link for me to setup the "tracking" is on this site: www.bimrace.com. If I can get it setup, I'll post instructions. However, my phone doesn't appear to be compatible at the moment.
Well, wish me luck! And Chandra! And Jason! We're going to need your thoughts and prayers... 2.5 hours of running. Wow!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
New Phone...
There are times in life where technology is REALLY cool... and there are times in life where technology reaches out and bites you in the rear. Or more specifically, disappoints you.
Yesterday I had had enough! While I have endured several years of "Dude, that's one fat phone," I didn't think anything of it. I liked my phone. It was actually a popular phone at one point. In fact, if you're a fan of 24, it was "Jack Bauer's" phone... albeit, the 3rd season. It has rubber on the sides, which makes it durable and cool. And it even has speakerphone, which was BIG in its day.
But alas, the battery kept dying. I even went out a few weeks ago and got a new battery for "Old Fatty." Unfortunately, that still won't hold a charge longer than a day. Ridiculous. I guess I hit my breaking point yesterday when two things came together: One, of course, the battery was DOA. And two, I noticed on the Country Music Marathon's website that there is a service you can sign up for called "Bones in Motion." What it does is use the gps in your phone (and you have web service) to track you throughout the race. People can sign up to follow you - either receiving text messages, email messages, or they can simply log in and watch you run on the Google map. Really cool!
Of course, "Old Fatty" wasn't compatible. The Internet wasn't invented yet I guess when it came out. So I checked it out and looked at the phones and went out to the Sprint Store last night after work.
After waiting for about 30 minutes for some help, young Carlos came to assist. His first comment to me was, "How about we also set you up with another line." I'm like, "What? It's just me. I don't need another line." I then pointed out what I wanted, the Samsung M610, and told him why I wanted it. I figured it would take another 30 minutes to purchase and transfer my contacts to the new phone.
Well, enter "Store Manager." He took Carlos into the back because they wanted to research if they could save me anymore money. That took about 10 minutes. They both emerge and Carlos comes over and tells me he can save me $70 if I sign up for another line. I asked again, "Why do I need another line?" He said as a backup. Basically, he said it would be another phone in case I lose this one or it breaks. I'm like, "I don't need it." I mean, seriously... another phone? I finally pointed to my Blackberry and said, "look... I've got enough communication devices. Let's just do the deal."
Well, we go to checkout and then the store manager pulls Carlos aside and then comes over and introduces himself. He then, loudly, tells me how he can save me $70 by selling me another line. I don't want one, I tell him. He then tries to sell me a car charger or a case or any other accessory. I said no, I just want to buy the phone. He then says he'll drop my monthly charge by 5% if I'll buy an accessory and he'll drop $70 off the phone. I said, "look... I just want to buy this phone." Then he acted as if I was the biggest idiot in the store and said loudly, "Well sir, I was just trying to save you money."
Once Carlos and I completed the sale, he started transferring my contacts. He then said, "Yeah, he didn't believe me that I had said that to you." I said, "Your manager has a big problem communicating with people. He almost lost this entire deal." He just grinned and said, "Yeah."
But with all of that, the site that'll track me doesn't appear to be working with the new phone. Unless I get it up and running today, I'll be limited to only sending updates to a select few. Dang this unfangled technology! And Sprint Store Managers!
Yesterday I had had enough! While I have endured several years of "Dude, that's one fat phone," I didn't think anything of it. I liked my phone. It was actually a popular phone at one point. In fact, if you're a fan of 24, it was "Jack Bauer's" phone... albeit, the 3rd season. It has rubber on the sides, which makes it durable and cool. And it even has speakerphone, which was BIG in its day.
But alas, the battery kept dying. I even went out a few weeks ago and got a new battery for "Old Fatty." Unfortunately, that still won't hold a charge longer than a day. Ridiculous. I guess I hit my breaking point yesterday when two things came together: One, of course, the battery was DOA. And two, I noticed on the Country Music Marathon's website that there is a service you can sign up for called "Bones in Motion." What it does is use the gps in your phone (and you have web service) to track you throughout the race. People can sign up to follow you - either receiving text messages, email messages, or they can simply log in and watch you run on the Google map. Really cool!
Of course, "Old Fatty" wasn't compatible. The Internet wasn't invented yet I guess when it came out. So I checked it out and looked at the phones and went out to the Sprint Store last night after work.
After waiting for about 30 minutes for some help, young Carlos came to assist. His first comment to me was, "How about we also set you up with another line." I'm like, "What? It's just me. I don't need another line." I then pointed out what I wanted, the Samsung M610, and told him why I wanted it. I figured it would take another 30 minutes to purchase and transfer my contacts to the new phone.
Well, enter "Store Manager." He took Carlos into the back because they wanted to research if they could save me anymore money. That took about 10 minutes. They both emerge and Carlos comes over and tells me he can save me $70 if I sign up for another line. I asked again, "Why do I need another line?" He said as a backup. Basically, he said it would be another phone in case I lose this one or it breaks. I'm like, "I don't need it." I mean, seriously... another phone? I finally pointed to my Blackberry and said, "look... I've got enough communication devices. Let's just do the deal."
Well, we go to checkout and then the store manager pulls Carlos aside and then comes over and introduces himself. He then, loudly, tells me how he can save me $70 by selling me another line. I don't want one, I tell him. He then tries to sell me a car charger or a case or any other accessory. I said no, I just want to buy the phone. He then says he'll drop my monthly charge by 5% if I'll buy an accessory and he'll drop $70 off the phone. I said, "look... I just want to buy this phone." Then he acted as if I was the biggest idiot in the store and said loudly, "Well sir, I was just trying to save you money."
Once Carlos and I completed the sale, he started transferring my contacts. He then said, "Yeah, he didn't believe me that I had said that to you." I said, "Your manager has a big problem communicating with people. He almost lost this entire deal." He just grinned and said, "Yeah."
But with all of that, the site that'll track me doesn't appear to be working with the new phone. Unless I get it up and running today, I'll be limited to only sending updates to a select few. Dang this unfangled technology! And Sprint Store Managers!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Let's talk about "The Kegerator"
I was over at my parent's house on Sunday, and I was "assuring" my mom that I had not injured my back moving my kegerator. She asked, "What did you just call it?" I said, "kegerator." She just laughed and laughed. I guess that sounds funny, but it's really a normal name for this thing. Other names you could use are "Keg Fridge" or "Beverage Center." But regardless, I'm not making this name up. Just "google" it and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Anyhoo, here's an update for those that have wondered if it's filled with my favorite frosty beverage: Two weeks ago, I had electricians come out to my house to install a plug so it can go into my utility room. Yeah, I know... I probably could have done that myself. I guess I figured letting some professional take care of this instead of me would probably be the best policy... especially when dealing with electricity. They also moved it into the room for me. (See mom... no back!!!)
The next thing I had to do was to get he CO2 container filled up. A common question I get is, "Won't the keg go bad?" Well, yeah... in about 6 months or so. That's where the CO2 helps - it can extend the life. Typically a 15-gallon keg will last about 3 months... but less if I invite people over to the Hermit Hollow.
Finally, I've called Mr. G's in Plano to see about getting St. Arnold's Spring Bock as my first keg. It's a good seasonal beer. My initial choice was one from Rahr, but they are out of their Bucking Bock beer.
So, soon... very soon... I hope to be filling my first frosty mug with the fruits of the barley! Stay tuned...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
"We're SO Freakin' OLD!!!"
That's the "quote of the week" to me...
Just to recap, last Sunday I ran 11 miles out at White Rock Lake. To do that, you have to lap the lake (8.8 miles), and then keep on running and turn back around. It was a great personal accomplishment because I wasn't sure how close I was in my training to the half marathon. I was feeling pretty good. Actually, I was feeling very confident that I was easing into Nashville with a sense of "victory." Then reality set in...
Tuesday night I woke up around 2 A.M. with incredible back pain. That word "incredible" doesn't even due justice to what I was feeling. It was as if someone was jabbing a knife into my lower back. I've had back issues ever since I fell off a 2nd story building over 10 years ago (long story), so this wasn't a new pain. It was just odd because I hadn't run since Sunday, nor had I lifted anything heavy during that time.
I blamed my bed - I figured my 15 year old mattress was ready to be replaced. But whatever the case, the immediate problem was that I went through 2 days of extremely difficult pain. And because of that, I couldn't run.
During the height of the pain, I was talking with Jason on the phone. He was talking about his calf problems and I mentioned I've had pain in my knees. That's when he blurted out, "Dude... we're so freakin' old!" Ha! It put it all into perspective. I keep forgetting that I'm not running with a TwentySomething body this time. Years have been added, and the wear and tear just takes longer to heal.
Well, Friday morning I awoke and the pain was gone. I could move and actually bend over with ease. Knowing that I was still meeting Chandra and Jason at White Rock Lake on Saturday morning, I decided to forgo any running until then.
So yesterday morning I got up around 5 A.M. Hydrated, stretched, ate breakfast, and arrived at the lake just before 8 A.M. Our goal was to "somewhat" create the conditions we'd be running at next Saturday in Nashville (although there will be a 7 A.M. start time there).
The run started out very difficult for me. The first 2 miles, I could feel the pain in my lower back. But I trudged on. Chandra and I chatted a lot, and that helped. About mile 5, I could tell we were both getting tired... but we pressed on and kept talking. I think we were "talked out" around mile 7. However, at mile 8 we hit an unusual obstacle: March of Dimes walkers!
Who knew that 25 thousand participants (indicated in today's DMN) would be walking on the running path at the lake? Well, that's just not what you want to run around when you're beat tired and completely sore. So we ran in the grass and on gravel parking lots until we could make our way back to the trail away from the masses.
Unfortunately, their round-trip including coming back on the trail we were on. So we were now running against the flow! Uugh! Around mile 9.5, Chandra turned back because her goal was to finish 10. I trudged on... through the tide of people. Around mile 10.3, I was able to break through and press on without any hindrances since the trail had split.
So now I was running 100% by myself. No runners. No walkers. No bikers. My iPod was playing a Metallica song, "Turn the Page." The lyrics were perfect... and it gave me time to think about this goal of mine. Here I am... I'm running towards 12 miles. How amazing is that? I knew I could do it if I put my mind to it, but experiencing it actually is another thing. I'm so close to the half marathon, and even though I'm "so freakin' old," I truly believe the only way I'm able to accomplish this is through God's grace.
Well, I achieved 12 miles. Even though both knees were throbbing, I had a blister on my right foot, my back was sore, and the back of my shins were burning... I made it. But through it all, it's worth it. I wouldn't trade the pain for anything at this point! And hey, maybe I'm not THAT old... ha!
Just to recap, last Sunday I ran 11 miles out at White Rock Lake. To do that, you have to lap the lake (8.8 miles), and then keep on running and turn back around. It was a great personal accomplishment because I wasn't sure how close I was in my training to the half marathon. I was feeling pretty good. Actually, I was feeling very confident that I was easing into Nashville with a sense of "victory." Then reality set in...
Tuesday night I woke up around 2 A.M. with incredible back pain. That word "incredible" doesn't even due justice to what I was feeling. It was as if someone was jabbing a knife into my lower back. I've had back issues ever since I fell off a 2nd story building over 10 years ago (long story), so this wasn't a new pain. It was just odd because I hadn't run since Sunday, nor had I lifted anything heavy during that time.
I blamed my bed - I figured my 15 year old mattress was ready to be replaced. But whatever the case, the immediate problem was that I went through 2 days of extremely difficult pain. And because of that, I couldn't run.
During the height of the pain, I was talking with Jason on the phone. He was talking about his calf problems and I mentioned I've had pain in my knees. That's when he blurted out, "Dude... we're so freakin' old!" Ha! It put it all into perspective. I keep forgetting that I'm not running with a TwentySomething body this time. Years have been added, and the wear and tear just takes longer to heal.
Well, Friday morning I awoke and the pain was gone. I could move and actually bend over with ease. Knowing that I was still meeting Chandra and Jason at White Rock Lake on Saturday morning, I decided to forgo any running until then.
So yesterday morning I got up around 5 A.M. Hydrated, stretched, ate breakfast, and arrived at the lake just before 8 A.M. Our goal was to "somewhat" create the conditions we'd be running at next Saturday in Nashville (although there will be a 7 A.M. start time there).
The run started out very difficult for me. The first 2 miles, I could feel the pain in my lower back. But I trudged on. Chandra and I chatted a lot, and that helped. About mile 5, I could tell we were both getting tired... but we pressed on and kept talking. I think we were "talked out" around mile 7. However, at mile 8 we hit an unusual obstacle: March of Dimes walkers!
Who knew that 25 thousand participants (indicated in today's DMN) would be walking on the running path at the lake? Well, that's just not what you want to run around when you're beat tired and completely sore. So we ran in the grass and on gravel parking lots until we could make our way back to the trail away from the masses.
Unfortunately, their round-trip including coming back on the trail we were on. So we were now running against the flow! Uugh! Around mile 9.5, Chandra turned back because her goal was to finish 10. I trudged on... through the tide of people. Around mile 10.3, I was able to break through and press on without any hindrances since the trail had split.
So now I was running 100% by myself. No runners. No walkers. No bikers. My iPod was playing a Metallica song, "Turn the Page." The lyrics were perfect... and it gave me time to think about this goal of mine. Here I am... I'm running towards 12 miles. How amazing is that? I knew I could do it if I put my mind to it, but experiencing it actually is another thing. I'm so close to the half marathon, and even though I'm "so freakin' old," I truly believe the only way I'm able to accomplish this is through God's grace.
Well, I achieved 12 miles. Even though both knees were throbbing, I had a blister on my right foot, my back was sore, and the back of my shins were burning... I made it. But through it all, it's worth it. I wouldn't trade the pain for anything at this point! And hey, maybe I'm not THAT old... ha!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Who Wants to go to Nashville???
I was marveling the other day at how much technology has improved since the last time I seriously trained for a marathon. Back in '99, I just ran around this subdivision near my apartment. Miles and miles I would run up and down the same streets. I would run in all kinds of conditions: Cold, Rain, Wind, Punishing Heat... even Hail! I was a dedicated runner. And I was bound and determined to keep my expenses low because I was also a poor runner. :-)
Well, I suffered because of it. I really beat my body up - I lost several toe nails and experienced numerous blisters because I made a poor choice on shoes. I would go long distances without water... and tried to push my body even further each time without water. I even messed up my knee because I was an idiot a few weeks before the marathon - I played "broom ball" on an ice rink. And there were the "issues" I had wearing cotton t-shirts... let's just say there was nary a dry stitch, and there were plenty of bloody moments. (Think about it) Thank God for Vasoline!
In 2007, things have changed significantly. Everything I wear is breathable and wicks sweat away. I have been properly fitted with good running shoes. I have padded socks, too. I run with a GPS strapped to my wrist that keeps track of my distance and pace, and I can upload that to my computer after each run. And I run with an iPod. In 1999, the iPod didn't even exist. Sometimes I feel like "The Terminator" out running. And yes, I suffer from co-dependency. I just CAN'T run without this stuff.
I also train a lot at the gym. LA Fitness has been my little "home-away-from-home" when it comes to training during adverse conditions. I remember the weekend we had ice and snow on the ground here in Dallas, and there I was pounding out 6 miles watching the Mavs and listening to "Black Betty" by Ram Jam on my iPod.
Now I just found the latest little "technological feat:" I can see the course before I even run it. There is a website called raceroute.com, and you can plug in your upcoming race to see the actual route. How cool is that? It even comes with elevation images and a full map of what to expect.
Anyway, if you're interested in seeing what I'll be running (albeit, 13.1 miles instead of the full marathon) in Nashville, just click here. It's pretty cool to see this course, and others, from the comfort of your computer.
But even though technology has come this far, there still is one thing that hasn't changed: Vasoline. It is a constant friend to the runner, and so far there hasn't been any "incidents" as in prior years.
This is your 30-second commercial for the day. ha!
Well, I suffered because of it. I really beat my body up - I lost several toe nails and experienced numerous blisters because I made a poor choice on shoes. I would go long distances without water... and tried to push my body even further each time without water. I even messed up my knee because I was an idiot a few weeks before the marathon - I played "broom ball" on an ice rink. And there were the "issues" I had wearing cotton t-shirts... let's just say there was nary a dry stitch, and there were plenty of bloody moments. (Think about it) Thank God for Vasoline!
In 2007, things have changed significantly. Everything I wear is breathable and wicks sweat away. I have been properly fitted with good running shoes. I have padded socks, too. I run with a GPS strapped to my wrist that keeps track of my distance and pace, and I can upload that to my computer after each run. And I run with an iPod. In 1999, the iPod didn't even exist. Sometimes I feel like "The Terminator" out running. And yes, I suffer from co-dependency. I just CAN'T run without this stuff.
I also train a lot at the gym. LA Fitness has been my little "home-away-from-home" when it comes to training during adverse conditions. I remember the weekend we had ice and snow on the ground here in Dallas, and there I was pounding out 6 miles watching the Mavs and listening to "Black Betty" by Ram Jam on my iPod.
Now I just found the latest little "technological feat:" I can see the course before I even run it. There is a website called raceroute.com, and you can plug in your upcoming race to see the actual route. How cool is that? It even comes with elevation images and a full map of what to expect.
Anyway, if you're interested in seeing what I'll be running (albeit, 13.1 miles instead of the full marathon) in Nashville, just click here. It's pretty cool to see this course, and others, from the comfort of your computer.
But even though technology has come this far, there still is one thing that hasn't changed: Vasoline. It is a constant friend to the runner, and so far there hasn't been any "incidents" as in prior years.
This is your 30-second commercial for the day. ha!
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Fat Man Runneth...
A question I get asked a lot these days is, "How much have you lost?" Hmmm... good question. It hit me yesterday after my "11-mile jaunt" that I was really dropping a lot... not just pounds, but inches. People keep saying they can see it in my face. Or the mini-keg I had protruding from my gut. My fingers even feel skinnier. Ok, I'm making that last part up.
So after cleaning up (Do you realize how much "salt" crystalizes on your body after running for almost 2 hours straight?), I decided to wear a shirt I've NEVER been able to wear. Last summer I purchased a tshirt that was a Large thinking, "Oh, I can fit into that. No problem." Apparently, it was a problem.
Well, yesterday I wore that shirt for the first time. Whoo hoo! When I went to visit my folks, both of them marveled at how skinny I had become. And of course, "how much have you lost now?" came up from my Mom.
Let's say it this way: My jeans now require a belt. I have shirts that seem VERY large to me now. I now have cheekbones. And hey, I can see my feet now! (That's an inside joke with my friend Mel....)
So to answer the question, "Yes. I've lost just over 20 pounds since the start of the year." But in reality, I've GAINED so much more. I love the fact that I can run and not get winded. I love the fact that I can go out and relieve stress by running 6-7 miles. I love the fact that I can eat just about anything (within reason) and not gain any pounds.
But most of all, I love the fact that I can share this experience with everyone and I have a lot of encouragement from my friends and family. Yes, I've lost a lot. But it's been an incredible journey. Bring on Nashville!
So after cleaning up (Do you realize how much "salt" crystalizes on your body after running for almost 2 hours straight?), I decided to wear a shirt I've NEVER been able to wear. Last summer I purchased a tshirt that was a Large thinking, "Oh, I can fit into that. No problem." Apparently, it was a problem.
Well, yesterday I wore that shirt for the first time. Whoo hoo! When I went to visit my folks, both of them marveled at how skinny I had become. And of course, "how much have you lost now?" came up from my Mom.
Let's say it this way: My jeans now require a belt. I have shirts that seem VERY large to me now. I now have cheekbones. And hey, I can see my feet now! (That's an inside joke with my friend Mel....)
So to answer the question, "Yes. I've lost just over 20 pounds since the start of the year." But in reality, I've GAINED so much more. I love the fact that I can run and not get winded. I love the fact that I can go out and relieve stress by running 6-7 miles. I love the fact that I can eat just about anything (within reason) and not gain any pounds.
But most of all, I love the fact that I can share this experience with everyone and I have a lot of encouragement from my friends and family. Yes, I've lost a lot. But it's been an incredible journey. Bring on Nashville!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
"Lean Into the Pain!!!"
Have you ever heard that expression? As painful as something may be, you actually move towards it... INTO it! Well, that's where I think I am these days with my running. It's tough. It's difficult. It's painful.
When I was in college, I heard a "well known" expression: "Whatever doesn't kill me will only make me stronger." Do you know how many times I recite that during an intense long run? I thank my good friend Lance for telling me that when I was a 20-year-old sophomore at Baylor pledging my fraternity. It didn't kill me, and maybe all of that "stuff" I went through made me stronger in the end???
Same goes with running. Today I had two goals: Get to 9 miles (lapping White Rock Lake), then see if I could extend that to 11 miles. I met up with Jason this morning, and I felt fairly confident I could do it. This week has been fairly successful on the running circuit for me: I've run 6, 9, and 4. All of those, however, were done in the comfort of a gym and running on the treadmill.
Today was different. While it was beautiful outside, I would be facing "The Lake." It was crowded, breezy, and most of all... hilly. Chandra had asked me Friday night if it was hilly. "Nah... it's fine. Just one spot." Well, that's coming from a guy who hadn't run it since the winter of 1999 - The White Rock Marathon. So time seems to do a number on the memory.
Well, I ran pretty good. Jason and I chatted throughout it, and I hit 6 miles with ease. 7 miles started to slow me down a little... I could feel some pain on the outsides of my knees. By mile 8, I was searching for water. After finding a water fountain, I reached my truck at 8.8... but I kept going.
And GOING I did. You see, at 8.8 I had to go up the steepest hill... AGAIN! It was easy when you're just starting out. But now things are really starting to hurt. My legs were sore, and my knees were throbbing. What did I do?
I LEANED INTO THE PAIN! I made it to the top of that hill and was rewarded with another water fountain. I then went through a mixture of smaller hills and downward drops, but was fortunate to hit 10 miles. At that, I turned back. Ran until 11.
Looking back, I still am shocked... 11 miles. Seriously... 11! I did it in 1 hour and 59 minutes. Ha! But, I survived. I leaned into the pain... So that is my little inspirational message today. Life will come at you with a lot of hurts. A lot of difficulties. A lot of pain. But I do believe that when we lean into it, God is there to help us.
And whatever doesn't kill you, WILL make you stronger!
Here is a graphic of my run:
Friday, April 13, 2007
Two weeks and counting....
I can't believe it, but in 2 weeks I'll be running the half marathon with Chandra and Jason! Can you say "Freakin' Nervous!!!???" Well, let me bring everyone up to speed on where I stand.
Monday night I hit the treadmill for the first time in over 2 weeks. Yes, I haven't been running. I got hit with a major case of the allergies when I ventured down to Port Arthur for my vacation. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say my lungs couldn't handle the breathing I'd need to grind out the miles.
I chose to run on the treadmill (LA Fitness) because I wanted an even surface and my tiny iPod had died... so I needed the bulky mp3 player to get me through it all. Starting out, the first mile and a half were fine. Then cramps decided to set up camp in my stomach and sides. They hung around until mile 4, and because I was running WAY too fast, I was only able to last until mile 6. I ended up walking the last mile... so ran 6, walked 1, to equal 7. Not too bad of a "start." Oh yeah, and got a blister.
Wednesday was a different story. This time I prepared my feet for the potential blisters, drank a lot of water all day long, and stretched a ton. So off to LA Fitness I went. The first 2 miles were fine on the treadmill, then the cramps returned. This time they stayed with me at least until mile 5. Because I was going at a slower pace (10.54), I worked through them much easier than Monday.
Mile 6 came and I was surprised I was doing so well. Around mile 7.5, that's when I started feeling fatigued. It's strange - breathing is fine, but your legs are just screaming, "Heellllloooo! What are you DOING to me???" I was hoping to make it to at least 10, but at 8.5 I knew I would have to settle for 9. So that's how I finished... 9 miles of running. Took me about 98 minutes. Like I said, much slower than I usually run but I was glad to reach that accomplishment.
So here I am... 2 weeks before the race. My goal is to get at least 9 miles on Sunday around White Rock Lake (it's 8.8 total) and possible a run or 2 in before then. But while I'm nervous about the 28th, I'm feeling a little better now than I did at the beginning of the week.
(I just gotta get my iPod replaced!)
Monday night I hit the treadmill for the first time in over 2 weeks. Yes, I haven't been running. I got hit with a major case of the allergies when I ventured down to Port Arthur for my vacation. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say my lungs couldn't handle the breathing I'd need to grind out the miles.
I chose to run on the treadmill (LA Fitness) because I wanted an even surface and my tiny iPod had died... so I needed the bulky mp3 player to get me through it all. Starting out, the first mile and a half were fine. Then cramps decided to set up camp in my stomach and sides. They hung around until mile 4, and because I was running WAY too fast, I was only able to last until mile 6. I ended up walking the last mile... so ran 6, walked 1, to equal 7. Not too bad of a "start." Oh yeah, and got a blister.
Wednesday was a different story. This time I prepared my feet for the potential blisters, drank a lot of water all day long, and stretched a ton. So off to LA Fitness I went. The first 2 miles were fine on the treadmill, then the cramps returned. This time they stayed with me at least until mile 5. Because I was going at a slower pace (10.54), I worked through them much easier than Monday.
Mile 6 came and I was surprised I was doing so well. Around mile 7.5, that's when I started feeling fatigued. It's strange - breathing is fine, but your legs are just screaming, "Heellllloooo! What are you DOING to me???" I was hoping to make it to at least 10, but at 8.5 I knew I would have to settle for 9. So that's how I finished... 9 miles of running. Took me about 98 minutes. Like I said, much slower than I usually run but I was glad to reach that accomplishment.
So here I am... 2 weeks before the race. My goal is to get at least 9 miles on Sunday around White Rock Lake (it's 8.8 total) and possible a run or 2 in before then. But while I'm nervous about the 28th, I'm feeling a little better now than I did at the beginning of the week.
(I just gotta get my iPod replaced!)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Where Have I Been???
Sorry... I was away on vacation. I didn't realize that people actually read this thing until I stopped writing for a while. Ha! And of course, as with any vacation, one returns to a life overwhelmed by chaos.
My vacation was great - I went to visit my relatives in Southeast Texas. This is an annual trek for me... sort of my "spring fling." I like to go down, visit with everyone, and of course return with a truckload of plants. We ate crawfish, too! If you want to see pics, they're on my website.
I did run, too. I was anxious to see how I would do in the humidity. Well, it was VERY tough. I ran 13 miles in 3 days. That's the good news. However, they had a tremendous amount of pollen in the air. By Wednesday I was sick. And as the days wore on, it became evident I was in it for the long haul on the "Coughing Express." That lasted through the weekend.
Most of my weekend was spent working in the yard. Have you ever looked at your neighbor's yard and thought, "That's gotta be the worst yard on the block!" Well, mine was so bad the weeds were higher than my knees. And I don't have just a few. I have hundreds. So I worked my tail off all weekend and got it looking better. I finished planting my garden, got my potted plants set up, and planted everything in the flower beds.
But realizing "I need help," I decided to call in the professionals: Chem Lawn. I setup a service with them to see if they can help kill off all of the weeds, and promote better lawn health. I've also called in an arborist to cut down my dead willow tree. Exterminators and A/C guy are coming next week, too.
Speaking of help, my mom did a REALLY nice thing. While I was on vacation, she paid for her housekeeper to come over to my house and clean it. I was so surprised! My regular housekeeper has health problems that keep her from cleaning homes, so this was a definite need of mine!
Anyway, now that I'm getting the house in order, I can start focusing on the running. Now I just need to get my health back in shape!
So here I am... nervous as anything... and not sure how I'll be affected by this little setback. I hope to try and run either tonight or tomorrow night to test out the lungs. Nashville is coming up quickly... April 28. Uugh!
But through it all, God provides. Especially when we are a little afraid of something coming down the track. Today I was fortunate to eat lunch with a guy who works in one of the Prudential offices here in Dallas. He used to live in Nashville, so I told him I was running the 1/2 marathon. "I ran that a few years ago!" I asked him how it was, and he said it was great. He said he'd run for a while... then walk for a while... then run for a while. The point is, he said he finished and that was all he wanted to do.
That really eased my mind. That's the goal - finish a 1/2 marathon! Gotta keep my eye on the prize!!!
My vacation was great - I went to visit my relatives in Southeast Texas. This is an annual trek for me... sort of my "spring fling." I like to go down, visit with everyone, and of course return with a truckload of plants. We ate crawfish, too! If you want to see pics, they're on my website.
I did run, too. I was anxious to see how I would do in the humidity. Well, it was VERY tough. I ran 13 miles in 3 days. That's the good news. However, they had a tremendous amount of pollen in the air. By Wednesday I was sick. And as the days wore on, it became evident I was in it for the long haul on the "Coughing Express." That lasted through the weekend.
Most of my weekend was spent working in the yard. Have you ever looked at your neighbor's yard and thought, "That's gotta be the worst yard on the block!" Well, mine was so bad the weeds were higher than my knees. And I don't have just a few. I have hundreds. So I worked my tail off all weekend and got it looking better. I finished planting my garden, got my potted plants set up, and planted everything in the flower beds.
But realizing "I need help," I decided to call in the professionals: Chem Lawn. I setup a service with them to see if they can help kill off all of the weeds, and promote better lawn health. I've also called in an arborist to cut down my dead willow tree. Exterminators and A/C guy are coming next week, too.
Speaking of help, my mom did a REALLY nice thing. While I was on vacation, she paid for her housekeeper to come over to my house and clean it. I was so surprised! My regular housekeeper has health problems that keep her from cleaning homes, so this was a definite need of mine!
Anyway, now that I'm getting the house in order, I can start focusing on the running. Now I just need to get my health back in shape!
So here I am... nervous as anything... and not sure how I'll be affected by this little setback. I hope to try and run either tonight or tomorrow night to test out the lungs. Nashville is coming up quickly... April 28. Uugh!
But through it all, God provides. Especially when we are a little afraid of something coming down the track. Today I was fortunate to eat lunch with a guy who works in one of the Prudential offices here in Dallas. He used to live in Nashville, so I told him I was running the 1/2 marathon. "I ran that a few years ago!" I asked him how it was, and he said it was great. He said he'd run for a while... then walk for a while... then run for a while. The point is, he said he finished and that was all he wanted to do.
That really eased my mind. That's the goal - finish a 1/2 marathon! Gotta keep my eye on the prize!!!
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