2008

It was definitely a different year for me. My running tended to take the back burner and being a dad was what it was about. Finding balance was the key, and at times I fell short. My mileage for the year is probably at the lowest since I took up running a mere 8 years ago, but I still feel pretty good about what I accomplished - and I had fun along the way. My running began a little differently this year - I had to start a bit from scratch as I was focusing on being a dad (I was very new to this still). I couldn't get a running routine started in the mornings as I was on bottle duty, so it was lunch time runs on a treadmill. This seemed to work out pretty good, though it left me very tired by the end of the week, and it was easy to sacrifice a workout because of work. In February I ended up with a back injury that kept me out for a couple of weeks, but then it was back to a routine. I ran the first two DINO trail races of the year, the first being very cold and snowy, the second just brutal with the stairs and hills that I just was not prepared for. April was the final month of training for Dances With Dirt. I got some good trial runs in, but nothing that truly prepared me for what I was to face. In May, it was game on. Dances with Dirt was crazy - it was quite the experience and challenge. Needless to say, I finished with a respectable effort and did not get injured. The following weekend I ran the inaugural Geist Half Marathon. A great race and definitely one I'll be doing again. June didn't have much running going on, but then in July training started for a half marathon in the fall - there was no way I could find time to train for a full marathon this year... In July Lilli and I went for our first run together. Just a quick 3 mile run through the neighborhood, but she enjoyed it a lot. We found time for a few more runs together throughout the summer - when her scheduled allowed. Makes me look forward to this coming summer now... September found me another year older, but having some good runs - especially as I was nearing my fall half marathon. I was hoping to set a PR this year in it, but the course and my training didn't allow it. I kept running a few days a week as I could get them in since the half marathon. I even ran a couple of trail runs, but still no PR's for me. I guess you could say this was a rebuilding year. I am now taking stock in my running and deciding what races I will run and what goals I want to have. Will there be a marathon this year? I hope so, but who knows. I do know that I would really like to focus on running all the trail runs this year in the DINO series. How about Dances with Dirt again? Hmmm... maybe. I even thought about a possibility in doing the Pikes Peak Ascent. But it's all just random thoughts. That's all I have for now. See you next year...

The Fast and the Furious

This holiday season has come at me way too fast this year. Normally I am done or very close to being done with my shopping, but this year? Lot's to do... here's just a very brief update...

As it is, we just got the Christmas Tree up this week - actually got it up on Sunday, but did not get it decorated until Tuesday... I still don't have lights up outside!

My aunt, uncle and grandmother came into town on Wednesday to see Lillian and us. It was a short visit, but very nice. We hadn't seen them in a couple of years and they had never seen Lilli in person, so it was a special visit. We had hoped to get out to Ohio to see them this summer, but timing never worked out.

Today we are planning on running errands, then I plan on just running. Later we are going to Christmas at the zoo! I can't wait!

As for running, it is still sporadic, but work and the holidays keep me guessing on my schedule. Our anniversary is just around the corner - Thursday the 18th (#9). Next weekend is Steph's family Christmas party, and then it is Christmas. We are still not sure of our exact plans - as always we have to schedule our time around Stephanie's sister. Our house is now the host house as it was for Thanksgiving since Steph's parents have moved to Arizona. It should be nice to not have to travel as much as we had in the past.

That's all for now. Next up... a year in review? Until then Happy Running and Happy Holidays!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

I've been tagged!!

My good friend Brooke tagged me, so I'll play along... this will be easy.

10 things that make me happy (in random order) :

1. Having Lilli smile at me - a big toothy one.

2. Getting a kiss from Lilli - usually a slobbery one.

3. Playing with Lilli

4. Relaxing in pajamas with Steph and Lilli on a Sunday morning

5. A clean car - inside and out

6. Listening to music

7. Running with Lilli in her jog stroller

8. Running - anywhere, any time

9. A clean house

10. Vacations

Time, Turkey and Some Running

So the holidays are in full swing now and time is becoming more precious. It has been over a month since my last post and you might wonder if I've done anything at all. I have kept up my running "fairly" consistently - at least until this past weekend.

Since Lilli's 1st birthday, I've run a trail run at Fort Harrison State Park and kept up my weekly runs. My in-laws came in from Arizona this past week (Tuesday) and spent almost a week with us for Thanksgiving. Amazingly, it was not enough time for them to see everyone, but they did spend some quality time with Lilli - something they really hadn't done much of previously. In fact, she would scream when they would come over because she didn't know who they were! This time was quite different. She really latched on to her Papa and Nana, and I think they latched on to her. They got to see just how wonderful she really is. So I suggested that a web cam would be a good idea (and a good Christmas present for them).

Thanksgiving was good. I made my best turkey to date - juicy and golden brown. I was quite proud of myself (I am typing this while finishing up the last of the turkey in fact... so sad). I didn't get out to run the Drumstick Dash this year - just too tired and too busy, but I did get out the day before and the day after for a good run.

Friday pretty much had me at home all day - no early shopping for me this year. I just didn't feel the need to get out and shop, which leaves me with even less time now to complete this daunting task... ugh... I have ideas though, just need to follow through.

Saturday we went up to Muncie to see Steph's other family members - her grandmother and aunt and uncle. It was a long day and I was very tired by the end.

Sunday the in-laws went out shopping and I relaxed a little at home, though I never got around to reading the Sunday paper, let alone get a run in. We ended up going out for dinner on Sunday so we didn't have to eat any more leftovers or cook anything and a way for Steph's parents to see the grand kids one last time. It was fun for all and then it was time to head home as they had to get up at 3am to head to the airport for an early morning flight. They got back to Arizona well before noon here.

I did get out for a run this morning - just 5 miles. There was a light dusting of snow on the roads, so I wore my trail shoes. About a mile into my run I realized that the sole inserts weren't in my shoes. I had them out when I was drying them out from my last trail run and I didn't notice it. By then end of my run, my knees noticed it though. Surprising how much cushion they provide. So I ended that run at an 8:51 average pace, which isn't bad, but still seems too slow. I am desperate to work on my speed, but may need to wait until spring. I am looking forward to getting back to the trails, so hopefully I'll have some more running to post.

Until then, Happy Running and Happy Holidays!

Weekend Update - Birthday Party

So I've taken a week off from running since the half marathon... no particular reason other than I needed the mental break. Also, with Lilli's birthday party on Saturday, it gave us plenty of time to get the house ready for the party... we actually finally got around to spring cleaning... we steam cleaned the carpets, vacuumed, mopped, dusted high and low and even did windows. On top of that I finally got our bedroom painted - which really started out as just refinishing an armoire for the bedroom to replace my chest of drawers. As part of this "refinish" job I got to remodel the bedroom with a fresh coat of paint - something brighter and more cheery. We went from a gold color to a pale blue.

Lilli's party was not what I thought it would be, it was a little chaotic and I think a bit boring for some (though in all fairness if everyone showed up on time it would probably have gone smoother). Lilli took a good nap in the late morning into the early afternoon, so we cleared that hurdle. The party was to start at 3pm, but half the people did not show up until 3:30 - almost 4. Everything we read said that a 1st birthday party should last about an hour - it's really more for the parents anyway. So the thought was we'd be done by 4, but the last guest left around 5:30 (the one who was last to show). Needless to say, we worked with the hand we were dealt.

We got Lilli in her costume and she didn't care much for it, so that did not last too long - just enough for some photos.

Once everyone was there, we did the cake. Lilli played mostly - not really into the cake just yet.

Afterwards, we did the presents to keep things moving.

Once that was over, people slowly departed. Lilli was clearly tired from all the excitement too.

We are taking the day off on her actual birthday and getting family photos taken. Hopefully it will be nice weather so it can be outside...

Countdown to Lilli's 1st Birthday party

Lilli's 1st birthday party is this Saturday! We have been trying to get organized for this and still have a bunch to do. I at least was able to get the invites designed, printed and sent out in time. It will be a small party, since it will last only an hour - not much to do at a 1 year olds birthday party anyway. I'm looking forward to it - it is a halloween theme and kids can dress in their costumes. Should be fun... stay tuned for photos of the event...

Here's Lilli's birthday party invite (without address or phone #)

Race Report: Indianapolis Half Marathon

The week leading up to race day was a tiring one. Lilli spent most of the week sick with a fever. After two doctor's visits and many sleepless nights, her fever broke on Friday and it ended up being some viral infection - not the roseola we thought it might be. Needless to say I was not well rested for the race (though I had only run one time all week).

It was a cool, crisp morning - about as perfect as it could be for a race. The leaves were almost at peak and it was a picturesque autumn day. I got to the race site about 45 minutes before the start. I met up with John and Jason. Jason was running in the marathon relay and would run the first 6+/- miles with John and me. The race had grown even more from last year (which was capped at about 4500 marathon and half marathon participants). This year there was a field of about 5700 runners for the full and half - pretty exciting. They made some more improvements to the race this year. Packet pick up was at the local YMCA, which offered a little more room for the expo - and better parking. There was a little more course entertainment (at least on the front half - not sure how the other 13.1 miles were). Great fan support in and around Fort Harrison (the first 6 miles, and last 1.1).

We started out at what seemed like a very comfortable pace. Unfortunately my GPS shut down because I started it too early, so I am unsure of our exact pace, but it was right around 8:30/mile. We were conversing back and forth for quite awhile and everything seemed to be going pretty well. I wasn't sure if the pace would hold, but through mile 6 it had. Surprisingly around mile 5 I was getting warm, but I kept the long sleeve shirt on - my plan was to ditch it at mile 7 (my home) if I was too warm. Surprisingly I got cool when the sun went behind the clouds, so I kept it on, but took off my gloves.

At mile 7 we were in my neighborhood and there were Steph and Lilli waiting to cheer me on. They were about the only ones in the entire neighborhood out that morning - a bit too cool for everyone else I guess. I got a boost of energy and we pushed on.

By mile 8, I was feeling a little sore in my right knee, but it was slowing me down or changing my gait at all, and then around mile 8.5 we spotted Brooke and she joined us for a run to the end, to keep us on pace. Miles 9-11 are the toughest part of the course and the part I was dreading, even though I trained on the very hills we were going to run. It was all mental, because when we hit the hills we were up them before I knew it - though it did slow down our pace a bit. We exited the park and headed for the finish with about 2 miles to go. Not feeling too bad, I knew I'd finish strong. At around 12.5 miles the half and full split off. I had some flash backs to last year's marathon and then realized that there was no way I could have run a full...

We turned into the final stretch and worked hard to pick up the pace - it probably wasn't until the last 1/4 mile that we pushed it and picked the pace up to 7:30's. We got finished and got our medals and I felt pretty good - not that I expected to feel bad after just a half, but it was a pretty good effort - just not a PR for me. We came in at 1:53 - a 8:39/mile average pace.

Speaking of medals though - this year's medal rocked! Sad to say, my two other full marathon medals don't even equal in weight the one I got for this half! Oh well, it's more about the accomplishment - but the medals are cool too.

Race Report: DINO Trail Run #6

Just a mere 5 days to go... I am not feeling prepared for this half. I can run it, sure, but I doubt that I'll be setting any PR's (which I really need). At least that is how I am feeling after my run on Saturday. It was the DINO Series Race #6 at SouthWestway Park.

It all began great. I met up with Brooke, whom I haven't been able to run with all summer. Our last run together was the Geist Half Marathon in May, so we had a lot to catch up on. I am pretty sure we did not have enough time during the drive there and back and all throughout the race. So, we'll need to try to get runs scheduled more often than every 5 months...

We began at what I considered a very easy pace of 9:00/miles, but around mile 2 or so, it seemed to get much harder... sure there was a huge hill, but even that shouldn't have been that big of a deal, but it definitely was work to get up it and left me feeling tired. The course itself was beautiful. Nice paths to run along and with just the one big hill, a somewhat challenging course, but not the toughest I've run on. In all fairness, I have only run trails once since the Dances With Dirt Race back in May, so I wasn't necessarily prepared for the race in terms of dealing with the terrain, but the distance wasn't a big deal.

Brooke and I kept up a conversation most of the time. John had started out with us, but he maintained the 9:00/mile pace and we didn't see him after mile 2 or so until the end of the race. We touched on quite a few topics, but it still seemed like we ran out of time to talk. It was a beautiful day out - sunny, blue skies and cool in the morning. A great day for a trail run.

We finished in a respectable 1:31 (John finished in 1:24) - so it wasn't a bad run, just not the pace I thought I'd be running - especially this close the the half marathon. I keep trying to tell myself that it is a different kind of running than a road race, so I guess we'll have to see in 5 days if I am right...

Countdowns

Just 11 days away from the Indianapolis half marathon. I had a good run this weekend - 13.5 miles in 2 hours. Felt a little slow (probably from all the hills), but wanted to make sure to run as much of the course as possible and in order, even though 90% of my runs are actually on the course.

This mornings run was the best yet... it was 6x800m that I inserted into a 5 mile run. I covered my run in 40:42... almost an 8:00/mile average... hmm... maybe it will be possible to run this half in a new record time...

The other countdown I am watching is the countdown to Lilli's 1st birthday... just a mere 22 days... wow has time gone by fast. I remember vividly the day she was born - she came into this world and looked up at both Steph and me with her blue eyes. She was so calm, just looking around and taking it all in...

Not much has changed... well, maybe the calm part, but she loved being outside and just taking everything in. This weekend we went to an apple orchard near our house and they had a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. Lilli loved every minute of it. Here are a couple of photos:

11 months

In all the excitement of blogging about my exciting running life, I neglected to mention that Lillian's 11-month birthday was Monday... my little girl is growing up so fast...

We're trying to get her birthday party figured out... since it is just a few days from Halloween, we figured a Halloween themed birthday could be fun - everyone can dress up!

Running Out of Time

Only 19 days until the Indianapolis Half Marathon!

In all honesty, I do not feel ready. I know I can run the distance - that's never been an issue, but somehow I do not feel ready. I've gotten most of my runs in - probably 85% or more, and all of my long runs. Last weekend's near-12 miler (11.7 to be exact) left me feeling good. This weekend's 15k not as much. I think it was in part to lack of sleep and eating lack total crap all weekend... needless to say I am back on the wagon of good healthy eating.

So where does this leave me? Probably running the half just to finish in a respectable under 2 hour time and no PR. That doesn't mean I won't try...

With summer officially over I am still not finding any time to get anything done. The armoire I started to refinish back in June(?) is still not done, but it is close. Just some paint touch up, and installing new hinges and knobs and it will be ready. In all honesty, if I had any time this past weekend it would have been done by now, but Saturday we all ended up sleeping in until 10am - unheard of in our house - particularly for Lilli and me. But I was exhausted and obviously needed the rest. This got us to a late start in the day. We had talked about going to the zoo, but decided to travel down to Nashville, IN to walk around. I guess we weren't the only ones with that idea because it was quite busy - and it wasn't even peak season yet. We visited some of our favorite places (mine being Jack and Jill's Nut Shoppe... mmmm... warm roasted cashews...). On the way back we stopped at the outlets and did some clothes shopping - I still had a little birthday money and needed some new stuff.

Sunday was my day for a run since I was too tired to get up early on Saturday... and apparently Sunday too. I got out by 10:30am and ran my 15k at a decent pace (supposedly - my watch is still being fixed and I have no GPS link). I estimated my pace around 8:29/mile. It felt slower. After my run I grabbed a quick bite of lunch and then mowed the neighbor's yard and ours. 3 hours later I was done and was just a bit tired - not to mention a little sore.

Quite a beautiful weekend though. I am actually looking forward to the cooler weather this week. I love autumn - probably my favorite season.

That's all for now - more later. Happy running.

3 x 1600 = 36?!?

So I started my 36 year on the planet with an easy run – 3 x 1600… what was I thinking? It turned into a great run. The air was cool and crisp this morning, so it helped motivate me to run well I think. I started out with an easy run for the first half mile, then right into my first 1600m at race pace, or actually faster – about a 7:30 pace… I guess things do get better with age. I finished the first 1600m and felt good, slowed down a little for a couple minutes, then started my second one (right on a hill no less). I made it up and hung on to the finish. I started my third and final 1600 on another hill (lost GPS signal for some reason) and held on to the end. The last one was definitely a little harder, but I still finished it at a pace well below my projected race pace. I finished up with an easy mile (8:30 pace) back home. Probably the best run I have had in a long time. This weekend will be a long one – probably shooting for 12 miles so I can get to a 14 mile run before the half marathon.

 

For now though, I am taking it easy today. I am still working, but will be going out for dinner tonight – nothing too fancy…

 

A Late Day Soggy, Windy 10

Since I was not able to run the trail run race on Saturday, I had hoped to try to squeeze in a run on Saturday. Not wanting to get up and start at 6am (though in hindsight that was the better choice) I was unable to run on Saturday. It was a nonstop day, ending with a trip down to my parents to spend the night. While there I was able to fix my dad’s computer… still not sure how he can mess a computer up so quickly, but oh well… Steph could relax and my parent’s could spend time with Lilli.

 

The next morning we went to breakfast for my mom’s and my birthday (they are the same day - the 17^th). Afterwards we relaxed at the house. I finished up re-installing some stuff on my dad’s computer and the next thing we knew it was 3 in the afternoon… all day it was windy and on and off rain, so a run was looking less and less likely. We left and had to make a couple of stops before getting home. Once I got home I changed into my running clothes and headed out to meet John for a run. I didn’t think we’d be doing 9 miles, but left it as an option.

 

We headed out and kept the pace easy. The wind helped too as it seemed we were running in place at times. Then a gentle rain came down soaking us, but we pushed on. Once in the protection of the trees at Fort Harrison State Park, it was better, but we spent a lot of time dodging fallen branched on the paths. As we headed out of the park, I thought we were at 7 miles from previous runs, but the GPS only said 6.5. That didn’t sound right, and it meant our pace was only 10:00/mile. John decided that was enough for him, so I kept on, thinking I’d do another 1.5 miles and call it a night. I chose a path that I thought might be enough, but it turned out to be a bit longer and instead of 8 miles it looked like it might be 8.5. Since I was so close to 9 I pushed on a little more and then got to 9, so I figure might as well make it an even 15k.

 

I got done, my knee a little sore, my clothes soaked and feeling a little tired, but felt pretty good for getting 15k done. When I got home though, I mapped the route and found out we had actually run 7 miles, and I had actually run 10.1 miles… hmm... nice surprise.

 

I took today as a rest day, but that just means Wednesday will not be a rest day – besides with it being my birthday it will be that much more special.

 

Happy running…

 

Thoughts On Being A Dad

I sit here thinking about the last 10+ months of my Life. Wow, how crazy it has all been. It has been the hardest, but most rewarding time - I can't imagine anything topping this.

Sometimes I struggle with not having my own time anymore. When I do it is in the wee hours of the morning as I run through the darkness, or it is at work (yeah right). I actually enjoy my runs a lot in the morning. I am alone with only my thoughts and it is comforting to be alone - sounds strange and a little selfish I suppose, but it works for me.

The wonderful thing about being a dad (for now at least) is that Lilli thinks I am a rockstar. She smiles every time she sees me and holds her arms out for me to hold her. "wow" it makes me feel important. I can have a stressful or bad day at work, but when I walk through the door at home or pick her up at day care I see this:

and I just melt and whatever happened at work doesn't matter anymore.

She'll eventually learn that I'm a dork and she'll probably not smile every time she sees me, but for now I am cherishing every minute of it. I wouldn't trade any of this for the world.

Scheduling Snafu(s)

The name of the game is flexibility. Stuff happens - it's all part of Life. So as I have been trying to pull together a training schedule and stick to it the last 4 or 5 weeks, I have shifted days around and, unfortunately, have missed a day or two.

Am I worried? No.

Do I wish I didn't have to keep shuffling my time around? Sure, but I'm thankful I at least have that as an option.

So, the plan this weekend was to run 10k. The schedule actually had me in a 10k race - and there even was one, but I opted out of doing that race and decided just running 10k would be a good thing. As I was checking my upcoming planned races, I realized that the D.IN.O fall trail race series is beginning next weekend. What a great idea it would be to run my 10k on trails!

Honestly, I was happy to run anything as long as I got my mileage in at a good pace. I had it all planned to run on Saturday, but Life threw another curve ball at us.

Steph woke up horribly dizzy - more so than she had a previous mornings (we thought it was just sinus drainage or something connected to fluid in the inner ear). It was going away, so an appointment was scheduled with an ENT for Monday, but here it was Saturday and it was bad. So it was off to the Medcheck where she was diagnosed with "positional vertigo". So, with some medication, it was relieved slightly, but with a wonderful drowsy affect. The rest of Saturday was a wash, but not a waste. Unfortunately, I am still not getting ANYTHING done around the house that is on my list! I am threatening to take vacation to have actual free time to get stuff done... time is running out...

Today I finally got out for my run around 11am. I headed right for Fort Harrision State Park and ran the trails. I hadn't run the trails there since April, so it was great to get back to them. I didn't set any records on this run, but felt good when I was finished.

Later on today I was mentioning to Steph that next weekend was a trail run race that I was planning on doing. Unfortunately for me, she has an appointment that morning that has been scheduled for a month and a half... oops, guess I lose on this one. Looks like I'll have to miss this race... oh well, there be plenty more. Life goes on and so do I. I'll be back at it tomorrow morning if all goes well.

Happy Running...

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Okay, so it's been a little while since I have posted and in all honesty I have lost track as to what week of training this is... 4, I think - but the training is going pretty well. I just finished a 9 mile run that went better than planned. Yesterday's run though - not so well. It was meant to be a 3 mile at pace. Well, the pace I have been aiming for is an 8:00/mile - not impossible, but certainly it has been awhile since I have run that pace. As it worked out, I didn't get out until 11:00 (mainly because I was supposed to run this on Friday, but put it off and then I put it off almost all morning). Lilli joined me since it was supposed to be a quick run through the neighborhood. I started out right on pace and felt great. I hit the end of the first mile and then I started slowing down. I tried to fight it, but I couldn't maintain the pace. I think the quickly rising temp's had everything to do with it, but the run was still a decent run - about an 8:30/mile average. So that is training... work is slowed down to an almost manageable pace - I had really hoped to take some time off before Labor Day to work on stuff around the house - I've still yet to finish anything I've started this summer... and Wow! where did the summer go?! Two weeks ago we went back to the zoo - twice - just us and Lilli. We had a great time. The weather was perfect once again and the crowds weren't bad at all. The second time we went back was for "Animals and all that Jazz" which basically was the zoo open after hours (free to get in for members like us) and we could walk around, or sit at a table and listen to a live jazz band. It was a nice thing to do on a Thursday evening. That is all for now. Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.

Week 1 - Weekend Edition

I was able to get my run in on Friday, but I was not able to settle in to my pace. Instead I settled on staring a minute off and working my way up to pace - which wasn't bad,but not what was scheduled.

Saturday's run went well - 6 mile run on some hills (actually part of the half marathon course). I think what was scheduled was a 90 minute run, but at this phase in the training 6 miles was appropriate. I am just a little behind in my base miles to have started with the training plan I have, but I'll be caught up by the third week I think.

If all goes well, I'll be able to hit all of my runs this week - weather looks to be phenomenal! So un-Indiana-like... it been great....

Week 1 Training Update

My first full week of training did not go as I had planned. I got in my 3 mile run on Monday, then Tuesday I had leave work early to take Lilli to the doctor and before I knew it the day was over, but I thought I would slide it to Wednesday since it was supposed to be a rest day. Unfortunately, Lilli was still under the weather so I kept her home form daycare and played Mr. Mom for the day and tried to get some work done at the same time...

Needless to say, I did not get my run in. And when Thursday came around, I was not able to get a lunch time run in (I had a meeting at lunch I had forgotten about) and then was meeting up with friends after work. Now I probably could have squeezed a run in somewhere, but I was too tired in the morning to make it out of bed early enough and too tired after work to give it a try. Sounds like excuses to me...

So today is my redemption (hopefully). I'm going up north to a job site to check out the progress, but then am planning to leave work early to get a run in. Keep your fingers crossed...

It's On...

So Thursday I signed up for the Indianapolis Half Marathon. Last year I did the full marathon, but this year with the way my running has been going, I thought it best to keep it to the half. It will still be tough to train for, but I think I can handle it - and I had better as my training had to start this weekend. I got 5.25 mile in for my first "long run" - though my training schedule had me running for 90 minutes... yeah, wasn't going to happen. I know I could have run longer, but since last week was my first week back after three weeks off, I felt it was in my best interest to ease into it.

Next weekend is another 90 minute run, so maybe then, but we'll have to see how the rest of the week goes. Monday is 3 miles, Tuesday is some track work (7 x 400 at 5k pace), Wednesday will be a rest day, Thursday is tempo run , Friday is 3 mile at pace - a fun week for sure.

That's all for now. Happy running to all...

9 months and counting

Lillian turned 9 months old on Tuesday… wow has time flown by. I remember when she was just a little "squishy" thing and now she's moving around, babbling… kind of like me.

 

A Short Week

Well, vacation came and went and I don't feel like I had one. We had no big plans to go anywhere except the zoo. In fact, my big plans were to paint the trim on the house, refinish some furniture, "decrapify" the house by purging our closets and attic of stuff and get back to running routinely-- kind of a tall list. Of all of those items, I am in the process of refinishing the furniture and I am somewhat back to running routinely, though not how I had expected.

The good news has been the weather has been wonderful this past week. It almost felt like we were on vacation somewhere other than Indiana. The temperatures were mild and little to no humidity - just perfect really. Here's a recap of our week...

Monday I got out for a run. Nothing big, just three miles, but Lilli did go with me and did really well. Then I spent the morning on the computer working... oops, not at all vacation-like. Later on we headed down to the outlet mall in Edinburgh to do some shopping for Lilli - she needed clothes for the fall.

Tuesday was a bit of a disorganized day. We didn't get going early on and before we knew it it was the afternoon and we had to go pick up our nephews because they were staying the night and going to the zoo with us in the morning.

Wednesday was zoo day. The plan was to get to the zoo as close to the opening as possible (9 am). Yeah right. With 3 kids it is almost impossible to be on a schedule. But to be fair, we made a good breakfast for everyone before heading out. It was 11 by the time we got there. It was the most perfect weather we could have asked for. I was excited because I had never been to the zoo and was looking forward to the dolphin show and seeing the koalas. Unfortunately, one of our nephews did not feel like seeing everything and we ended up leaving by 2:30 - missing the dolphin show and never seeing the koalas... the good news: I bought a year membership, so we'll be going back quite a bit (it only takes two visits to have the membership pay for itself).

Thursday I got back out on a run in the morning. This time a 4 mile run. Lilli joined me once again and looked around the entire time. The rest of the day we got some errand run and not much else... not really sure what happened to Thursday, but hey, we were on vacation.

Friday another morning run. This time 5 miles. Wasn't sure how far I could go with Lilli, but this was a pretty good distance to go and once again did great. She actually fell asleep somewhere between mile 2 and 3. The rest of the day I got a few things done around the house, but nothing on my list....

Saturday Lilli and I went for yet another run. Unfortunately, not until noon, but we went to Fort Ben State Park and ran under the shade of the trees. It was still quite warm and humid though and our planned 6 mile run turned into 3. She was not a happy camper and was fussing the entire time, so I knew she was not into the run ans we went home (besides I was pretty much spent after 3 anyway).

I am hoping to finish getting the furniture stripped and primed today. I could really use a few more days off, but I already know I have a pile of work that stacked up while I was gone... ugh.

Here are a few photos from the week:

The 3 cousins at the zoo

Lilli on her first train ride

Passed out after the trip to the zoo

Lilli in one of her new outfits

Running with "Company"

Greetings from Vacationland!

Okay, in all honesty, it doesn't feel like vacation as we are at home, but at least we're not at work. I got up this morning and Lilli happened to be up in time to join me for my first run in three weeks. It was not a great run in terms of feeling great or going fast, but it was great to have her along. She seemed to enjoy looking around and having the wind on her as we cruised the neighborhood. Just an easy 4 miles (though it was not the easiest 4 miles I have run in quite some time). She did great during the entire run - just sat back and enjoyed the ride. I am sure she'd like to go a little faster, maybe in a few more tries. I am hoping to get out each day this week. So we'll see...

No running news to report

Okay, I haven't run in 2 weeks. Work is just crushing me under the weight of deadlines. Something had to give and unfortunately it has been my sleeping and my running. And the bad thing about that? I just got some new shoes from New Balance to wear test and they want 150 to 200 miles on them in 4 weeks... um crap! So there is the motivation, but now I need the time. I have two jobs finishing up this week, so that should help a lot plus we are taking a vacation next week. We aren't going anywhere, but we do need time off to try to relax, as well as get some much needed stuff done around the house.

We have had some fun the last couple of weekends (and I got a few things checked off my list). We have gone to the neighborhood pool a couple of more times and Lilli is just loving every minute of it. Here are some photos from the last couple of weeks...

Sitting up like a big girl.

Sporting a cute sun hat.

Pool Time!

Lilli in her boat.

Lilli in her new dress from Nana and Papa.

Hopefully running will become part of my life again - soon. I am anxiously awaiting the time when I can get Lilli out for a run - it still hasn't happened yet!

A Long Weekend Ends

For a long weekend, it sure went by fast. The 4th was relaxing. We went down to see my parents and watch fireworks there. Lilli loved them. The booming didn't bother her and she loved the light show.

 

The rest of the weekend was spent trying to get some stuff done around the house - especially the neglected stuff outside. I got the outdoor furniture power washed and stained and replaced rotten trim boards on the house - which entailed me climbing on the roof to replace (and I have a fear of heights).

 

Still need to paint the trim on the house, but that will wait until our "vacation" week. I don't think we'll be going anywhere, just spending time at home, maybe relaxing, sleeping in if possible…

 

Maybe even getting some running in. Unfortunately running has had to take a backseat to getting stuff done. Work is still crazy and this week is going to be impossible, but I am doing all I can to keep my head above water. I have two projects due this Friday and they are both a little behind. On top of that, Lilli has surgery on Thursday to get tubes in her ears… poor little thing has had 5 ear infections in her 8 months.  I'll update after this week is over.

 

Happy 4th of July!

Good Sleep = Good Run

Who would have thought?

I actually got a decent night's sleep the other night and my run yesterday was pretty good. Now if I can only get more than 1 or 2 runs scheduled per week ...

Carousels, Lullabies and everything in between

It has been another long time since my last post. Lots going on, unfortunately, not so much in the world of running for me. I am still running when I can - lunchtime runs have at least kept me going. I have run the last two weekends now: last weekend was a 6.5 mile run and this weekend was a 4 mile run. Not great lengths by any means, nor were they fast - at best a 9:00/mile, but I did get out there. My lack of sleep is once again catching up to my running and I cannot find any speed. My legs have felt heavy. Not where I want to be at this time, but I am trudging forward.

In one of my last posts I had mentioned going to the Children's Museum. It was great. I know Lilli was a little young yet to enjoy most of it (though she loves to people-watch) she did enjoy the "babyscape" area where she played with big cushioned blocks and looked at herself in the mirrors, and she enjoyed her first carousel ride! My nieces loved all of it. It was a tiring day, but so much fun.

After that, we went back to my parents house where my mom made a huge dinner and we ate and relaxed the rest of the evening. We got home late that night and ended up relaxing on Friday. Saturday night we were back down at my parents where we left Lilli with her cousins and my mom and dad and my sister, her husband Matt and Stephanie and I we out for dinner and a movie. We went to Red Robin, which has great burgers and then went to see Ironman - I highly suggest seeing this movie - it was great!

Then that Sunday was Father's Day... my first. I had hoped for a picnic out at Fort Harrison State Park, but schedules didn't work out and we ran out of time. Instead Stephanie's family came over for dinner as a farewell party of sorts (Stephanie's parents have since moved to Arizona).

And finally, I have discovered probably one of the greatest ideas I have ever come across... lullaby music...

No, not Twinkle, Twinkle little star and Brahms Lullaby, but cool music - my kind of music. I have found a series of CD's that take rock songs and turn them into lullabies. It was a bit of an accident that I found them, but during a search on the libraries web site I came across "Rockabye Baby!" The first one I found was lullaby renditions of Coldplay, but then I expanded my search and came across AC/DC, Nine Inch Nails and the Ramones to name a few.

I was able to get the Nine Inch Nails CD right away, the others have been requested... I wasn't sure how it would sound, but I have been growing tired of the Baby Einstein Lullabies for some time.... I loved it. And more importantly Lilli loved it. Admittedly, it is a little weird listening to "Closer" or "Head Like a Hole" while she is going to sleep, but she doesn't know the words (luckily) and I can enjoy some music while she fades off into blissful sleep (and sometimes I fade off too).

Oh, and I picked this up too:

Lillian is a bit young to appreciate it, but I grew up on this stuff and it brought back great memories... hopefully she'll enjoy them as much as I did/do.

And I would be remiss if I didn't post a few more photos of Lilli from this past weekend...

Ralich Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Marathoner in Training

This was a shirt we picked up at the Dances With Dirt Race. They had a bunch of different shirts and onsies, but I saw this one and had to get it... who knows, maybe she'll be joining me on a run someday - even training for her own marathon...

Lost and Found

So, it's been a bit crazy the last few weeks. The week after the half marathon I did no running whatsoever. This was not planned, nor was I sore or injured, I was just buried in work... ugh. Then came Memorial Day Weekend.

That Saturday had us going to the 500 Festival Parade - the precursor to the Indy 500 (Mine and Lilli's first one). It was cool - we had great seats - right near the beginning and right up front and Lilli did so good. From there we went home for a quick nap - for most of us (not me) and then off to a birthday party for Steph's friend Jennifer whose son Drew was 1 year old. Another first for Lilli - her first birthday party invite...

And finally from there, we went to our good friends Tom and Carol for a cookout. By the end of this we were all pretty exhausted, but Lilli did so good. I, unfortunately, came down with more head congestion and ended up not being able to hear in my right ear... the creeping crud apparently still around (I ended up finding out it was an ear infection).

The next day we relaxed a little in the morning then we were off to the in-laws for the "final" cookout at their house. Their house has sold and they have both quit their jobs (last day is today) and are preparing to move to Arizona. On Monday we just hung around the house. I was feeling a bit cruddy still and just needed to relax.

The following week I got in two mid-week runs. Not terrible runs either, but not a long distance run that I felt I needed. Other than that, that was it for the week - not much else to report.

Then last weekend was our neighborhood's garage sale, so we spent Friday night getting stuff together - Steph's parents brought over a bunch of stuff to get rid of as well (including a van). Then that night we had awful storms that knocked out our power around 10:30pm and it didn't come back on until 1:30 pm the next day. But all through the day we worked the garage sale, selling most of Steph's parents stuff - including their van. We made 20% off of their stuff, which was good, since we didn't sell much of our junk... anyone want a drafting table?

Sunday was a blur and then it was back to work on Monday. I very stressful week with tons of work piling on top of me and no end in site. I got in two more mid-week runs but that was all. The weather is supposed to be lousy tomorrow, but I am hoping to get in a good long run some time this weekend - we'll see.

My youngest sister, her husband and my three beautiful nieces are coming in this Sunday and will be here all week. Steph and I are taking Thursday and Friday off to spend time with them. Thursday we are going to the Children's Museum. I am looking forward to going (for selfish reasons - being a big kid at heart). So a nice short work week, but unfortunately it is a short work week - i.e. even more stressful.

Race Report: Inaugural Geist Half Marathon

I am FINALLY getting around to my second race report in the last two weekends...

After my Dances With Dirt experience I took it easy for a couple of days - mainly to let my legs heal. Oh they were sore... anyway I got in one run mid-week and it felt just fine so I thought I would be okay for another race on the weekend. Besides, I did not have plans to PR, but just to finish without embarrassing myself too much.

I arrived an hour early to park and use the bathrooms. Then took a leisurely stroll to the finish line since it was a mile away from the parking. They offered shuttle buses, but I thought a walk/jog would be best. Of course, I could have been wrong too... on my way to the start line my ankle started aching and my hip... surely casualties from the previous weekends race. It wasn't painful enough to stop running, so I kept going and then stretched a little when I got to the start line.

It was a beautiful sunny morning, about 55 degrees with a good wind. The line up was not organized to the point where they had pace signs up to line up with, so I just lined up in the front-middle and decided to start out easy and work into a pace that felt comfortable.

The race started on time and out I went, slowly at first (10:00/mile pace), then settled into a very comfortable 9:00/mile pace. The course was very scenic - starting on a bridge over the reservoir and then winding through some neighborhoods, crossing the reservoir a few more times and finishing up right on the reservoir. One could not have asked for a more beautiful day.

My pace remained pretty consistent mile to mile. I checked at each mile marker because they had clocks at each one which was nice. The first 6-7 miles were not bad. I had my ipod going and I was just cruising along feeling good and enjoying the run. Just past the mile 7 mark, I met up with Brooke who said she'd join me for the last 5-6 miles of the race, which was great. We hadn't run at all since November so we had a little catching up to do. So for the next 5-6 miles we talked and ran like old times.

The next thing I knew we were approaching the bridge to the finish line so I picked up the pace because I still had the energy to do it (plus I wanted to make sure I finished in under 2 hours). We get over the bridge and turn the corner to the finish, Brooke drops off to the side and I head on in to finish in 1:59:31... not bad for no specific half marathon training... though not close to a PR, but it was a great day for a run.

The rest and recovery area was well organized and we hung around for about a 1/2 hour or so talking and stretching. Then we boarded the shuttle bus back to my car (about 3 miles away... probably could have run it back, but it was already the farthest run I had done in over 6 months).

I am actually looking forward to running this race next year, but for now need to set my sights on something closer. I am now debating the 42k relay in July, but will probably still do it... I need some more races throughout the summer to keep me motivated. More on these to follow when I find some interesting races to do.

Until then, keep on running...

Race Report: Dances With Dirt 100k Team Relay

It was a cool, crisp, foggy morning. We loaded up the van and headed to the start/finish area. We arrive to a sea of vehicles with people milling about, getting ready for the long day. We walked over to the start line and sized up the other teams. We saw a few serious teams, and quite a few not as serious teams wearing some interesting costumes.

It was finally time for the start. Our first team member headed out - a quick 2.5 mile loop with incredible hills. He returned well ahead of the majority of the other runners. Then our second runner headed out on the second leg - a 2.75 mile loop with more hills and plenty of water. She gets back and our third runner heads out for a 6.5 mile point to point leg. The rest of us clambered into the van and headed to the next exchange point where I would be the next runner.

Leg 4 Description: "Shoot Me Now (They shoot horses don’t they?) – 3.2 Miles – Follow Blue - Nature Center to Hoosiers Nest – Reverse of Stairway to Heaven (Leg 13), you go … down a ton of steps to shatter your quads, a quick view of the lake then bushwhack up and down a serious hill to a mucked up horse trail filled with horse remnants, muddy hoof prints and several creek crossings (rivers if it rains). You will leave this trail onto a poorly maintained trail that goes … straight up! At the top you will roll along up and down through some nice pines but tricky footing to the exchange. If you end up lame, the team might have to put you down!"

My adrenaline level was at a high point when it was my turn to run. As he description says, I took off going down a trail that led right to a set of steps that seemed to keep going down. When I got to the bottom I ran along the edge of a beautiful lake only to head back into the woods for rolling hills. I didn't keep track of my pace during this run, but I felt good until I hit my second hill that seemed to go straight up. It was then I decided to walk up it -- a strategy I thought would prove to keep me from fading too much at the end. I soon learned that no trail run I had done to date had come close to preparing me for this race. At the end of my leg, I ran from the woods out into an open field where I became slightly disoriented from the change in scenery and had to focus on where I needed to go. I made the exchange and then headed over to the van to change my socks and dry out my shoes.

We ran two more legs from this exchange point and then it was time to head to the next exchange where we ran two more legs. It was once again time for my second run.

Leg 9 Description: "Gnaw Boned – 3.1 Miles - Follow White - North Gate To Opry – 1.5 miles of good trail then right into a bushwhack. Some of it’s very runnable and all of it is beautiful, some hills. You will run along a thorny ridge before plunging down to the highway and the exchange to the left. May of may not be a river to cross at the exchange"

This started out as a great trail run - just as described - beautiful, some hills. Then it turned into the woods where it had me going through briers down a hill and then onto a trail with rolling hills until it turned once again into the woods where it headed straight down a hill through more briers (and with runners coming up the hill on a different leg of the race) only to kick me out onto the road side about a 1/ mile form the exchange point. I turn on the speed and head to the exchange point. A runner heading out on the next leg shouts out to me as I approach the exchange: "it's not that deep". I wasn't sure exactly what he meant, but soon saw what he was talking about. The exchange had me crossing a river that didn't quite come up to my waste, but nonetheless had me going through it and up the other side of the bank to tag my team member. He, unfortunately, had to start his leg going through it, while I was lucky enough to finish on it. It actually felt pretty good.

We end up at a couple of more exchange points and run our other legs and then end up back at an exchange point we had been earlier in the day -- in fact the one where I started out on my first leg, but this time I was running a 6.2 mile point to point leg back to the start/finish.

Leg 14 Description: "Boned Again – 6.2 Miles - Follow Blue – Billy’s 2, down the road behind the Dance Barn. The reverse of Leg 3, start with ½ mile of road then left on to funky horse trails all the way to “The Plunge”, deadly downhill and finish in the field a ¼ mile behind the Dance Barn."

I was still pretty anxious to run my final leg - and all of a sudden they call out "legal cheat!" Which allowed the remainder of us still waiting for our runner to tag us to go ahead and leave now so we could finish up the relay around 6:00 pm. So I take off, this time armed with my GPS so I could track my pace and distance. I look down once I started and saw a 6:34/mile pace... what? I couldn't possibly have done that... I calmed down and settled into a rhythm - about a 8:30/mile. The other thing? I was running on road. I was getting comfortable with this thought until about 1.5 miles into my run it headed onto a trail, but it was an well maintained trail, so it wasn't bad. But that didn't last long... after two miles, I was once again going through briers, but my legs no longer felt the scratches I was on a mission to finish. After surviving the briers, I was back on a trail - a horse trail. It looked familiar... in fact it was the horse trail John and I had ended up on when we over shot our turn around point a few weeks back when we tried to run the first leg. Unfortunately it didn't help me much to be on familiar ground because it had rained two days prior to the race, there was almost nothing but mud on the trail. It was next to impossible to actually run through most of it, and I had to walk through these patches so I could keep my footing. One runner had lost his shoe to the mud just as I was passing him. I was actually catching up to some of the other runners when we were going through the mud. We finally got past the "bad spots" and turn onto a quasi-logging road filled with ruts and roots. I followed this out of the woods make a turn and find myself looking down a 250' drop down to a field. At this point my calves are balling up into knots, but I take off down the hill and get to the bottom pretty quickly and felt a surge of energy as I ran across the field. I caught up with the last two runners I had been following and pass them on the road and then turn back into the field to the exchange zone to finish my final leg. As I approached the end my calves were on the verge of seizing up. I finally made it and it was all I could do to not just fall down -- 12.5 miles completed and it felt like a lot more.

It was tough, at times painful, but wow it was sure fun. I think I would do it again, but I would definitely train more and differently.

Dances With Dirt Photos

Here are just a few photos... plenty more and the race report will follow soon...

The Schwag

Umm, Slight disclaimer...

Cool Nike Race shirts

Team Shirts

Team "We've Got The Runs" (L-R): Ben, John, Dave, Paula and Jason

Happy Mother's Day

I Survived DWD

Well, we finished. Just when I am comfortable with running, I am humbled by a new experience.
It was tough, but it was fun... Race report to follow.

A Whole Lot of Nothing

It has been quite awhile since I have posted anything, and quite a long time since I posted anything interesting... though I am not sure I ever had anything interesting to post anyway.

I guess I'll start with last weekend:

John and I had decided it would be a good idea to go down to Brown County and scope out the race location and maybe run the first leg to get an idea of the hills. Well, let's file this under, "It seemed a good idea at the time..."

We found Mike's Dance Barn (the home base for the race) and proceeded to look for orange ribbons that mark the first leg of the race. After finding a couple that didn't seem to go anywhere, we went off the course description and felt comfortable that we were on the right track. Climbing up a 250' abandoned double black diamond ski slope was quite a challenge, but we got to the top only to have to go down a hill and then back up another, though not as steep. Once on top of the ridge, we found the trail that lead us through the woods and onto a trail. We were convinced we were on the trail and proceeded to follow it out since it was just under a 3 mile loop. The terrain wasn't bad at all. There were a few hills, but nothing compared to what we had just encountered, or anything we hadn't been running on for the last month. We continue to follow the trail, I kept track of our distance and it seemed we "lost" the trail. Now, we never left it, but it turned into a fire road and we thought we were still on it, but there were no tell tale orange ribbons to guide us. Had we brought the quasi-course map, we might have noticed we needed to loop back and head back to where we started right then and there, but the road seemed to curve around and we thought we were headed in the right direction, all along just getting farther from where we started... what kept us going was the fact we saw blue and pink ribbons, which marked other legs of the course, so we knew we weren't lost. We kept going looking for the orange ribbons and we found some, so started following them, but each time we found a series of them, they seemed to just stop in the middle of the woods, and we had to back track.

Now, by this time we were at 3 miles or more and no clear sight of where we started from. I wasn't concerned, but I do remember saying that I didn't want to become the lead story on the 11 o'clock news... not long after this we ran across a hunter who was in the woods, his ATV with gun case strapped to the front was parked on the fire road. At this point we should have turned around and retraced our steps back to the start, but we kept going, never thinking about that hunter and whether or not we were in danger of being shot accidentally...

We found some more ribbons and tried following them, hoping the end of the trail was just around the bend, so we then decided if we didn't see anything in 5 more minutes, we would turn around and run double time back. About 4-1/2 minutes later we run into 2 more hunters who were sitting on the side of the horse trail taking a break. We decided to ask them where we were and if we were getting close to Mike's Dance Barn. They looked at us incredulously and said that we were far from there. John and I looked at each other in amazement... they offered to walk us out to their camp as they were headed back anyway and give us a ride back to our car. When it was all said and done, we had gone 8 miles and somehow gone form one side of Brown County State Park to the other. We later found out that we were on one of the other legs of the race and had come across yet another leg that happened to be marked with orange ribbons too... oops.

Lesson learned. In hindsight, we should have turned around after a mile and a half, but we were so sure were were curving around the ridge... we also should have had that quasi-map that show the shape of the path, it would have indicated the sharp turn back towards the beginning that we ran past and dismissed as the wrong way -- which brings me to another point - my directional instinct is non-existent (as is John's). Anytime my instinct tells me to go right, I should go left...

So that was last weekend... well, most of it. I then relapsed and became sick again on Sunday, with the same chills and congestion I had previously. Most likely due to too many hours at work and not enough time sleeping. I never really recovered. Currently, I am still feeling congested in my head and am having trouble hearing out of my left ear. I am on a stronger anti-biotic and a few other medicines to combat this "creeping crud" I have. I don't think it will affect my race next weekend, but I haven't run in a week... I hope to get out for at least a few miles to loosen up. If it is nice enough, I am planning on getting the jog stroller out for the first time and Lilli and I will go for a run together.

Oh, and Lilli turned 6 months this past week! Wow, how time has flown by. She's been eating baby food for the last month and has graduated to peas... kind of gross looking, but she likes them. So far, she's like everything, though the fruits tend to be a bit too sweet for her to eat them straight.

That is all for now I guess. I am looking forward to next weekend's race and blogging about it... then the following week is a half marathon that I am not sure I am ready for, but I am running it anyway...stayed tuned for that experience.

Until then, keep on running.

Some more running

With less than three weeks until Dances With Dirt, I went out for another run, but this time it was with the specific goal of running steep hills and ravines - or as many as we could find. Anything that seemed outrageous enough to resemble what we will be be encountering...

Wow... it had our hearts racing as we climb up these hills and then back down the other side only to have to go over the next hill. Quite a workout. We have quite a challenge ahead of us... can't wait...

Ughh...hack...hack...

I decided against the trail run today so no race report. Since I was still getting over my cold I figured there was no way I was up to a 15k trail race. So later this afternoon I went out with intentions of an easy 10 mile run.

I know what you're thinking...10 miles is more than 15k, but I was going to take it easy and get in some good mileage was all. It didn't turn out that way as you might have expected... I went out at an easy 9:00/mile pace and kept it pretty consistent overall. By mile 7 I was in need of a drink, so I stopped at my car and guzzled down a Gatorade and then proceeded to hack up my lungs... I guess it was still a little too soon for me to be out for a run...

I have since recovered and will ease into my mileage this week. Only 3 weeks left until Dances With Dirt! And only one good weekend left (next weekend) to get in a good, long trail run to tune up for the race.

A Family Affair

Well as luck would have it all of us are sick... I got Lilli's cold and gave it back to her as well as Steph.
I am miserable. I feel worse than death warmed over, plus I waited an hour to get in to see my doctor. I am currently waiting in the exam room for him.
Looks like I might get an early vacation from work this week - as well as from running...

Run Down

I am the type of guy that never gets sick. Never.

Okay, on occasion I do - I am human. But it is very rare that I get sick and I pride myself on this. But I am at one of those rare occasions right now where I am sick. The many months of long hours and high stress at work, little sleep at home have caught up to me. It started as just an annoying sore through on Thursday and seems to be getting worse. I have slept most of the day today (which I must have really needed) and my throat is still sore - lots of drainage issues. I almost feel as bad as the time I had Mono... hopefully it won't get that bad - I was out of work for 3 weeks I think...

That's all for now... time for more sleep...

D.IN.O Trail Run #2 Race Report

This past Saturday was race #2 in the spring series of D.IN.O. I decided to attempt the 15k again to better my previous 15k trail run - which shouldn't have been too hard.

The weather was much nicer this time around - It was sunny and about 34 degrees at the start. The day just got better from there. I must have change clothes at least twice when deciding on what to wear. I ended up with shorts and three layers on top plus a hat and gloves. I actually ended up too hot towards the end, so the hat and gloves came off. 

The race was held at Mounds State Park in Anderson, Indiana. It is a very scenic park with some great trails - nice wide paths most of the time, but also quite a lot of stairs which made it very challenging.

Long story short - my time was 1:25:31 for an average pace of 9:11/mile. Not where I wanted to be, but not bad considering the stairs. It definitely showed I have a lot of training to do for Dances With Dirt in May...

This weekend was Lilli's 5 month birthday... wow, I can't believe how quickly she is growing... my good friend Brooke came over Saturday evening and watch Lilli for a few hours while Steph and I got out for dinner (we actually were able to eat at the same time) and then some relaxing shopping. We missed Lilli very much, but it was nice to get out for just a little "alone" time.

Today we continued our pre-spring cleaning that we had started on Saturday and still have a long way to go, but hopefully will get the inside stuff done soon, so I can be outside to whip the yard back into shape when the weather gets nicer.

Easter "Lilli"

Today was Lillian's first Easter and it was her baptism at church today. Here she is in her Easter / baptism dress... isn't she just adorable? She was so good during the church service today. There was an orchestra on hand and she just loved listening to the music. She didn't cry at all - not even during the baptism. Our little girl is growing up so fast... I can't believe she'll be 5 months old in just 6 days...

Happy Easter

Playing Hooky

I had a dentist appointment Tuesday morning and I really wanted to get a run in so I decided to take the whole morning off and get in a run outside. An "easy" 5 miles is what I decided... but my legs felt like lead. What seemed like a plodding pace turned out to be a decent pace... 8:26/mile... hmm...

My legs were still pretty tired today, but I decided to go ahead and go to the gym for a run on the treadmill. I kept it fairly slow, just trying to do a nice recovery run. Mission accomplished. I felt much better after the run.

Still lots to do this week - not a crazy as last week though. Hoping to get another good long run in on Saturday and then Sunday (Easter) is Lilli's baptism. We're having family over at our house afterwards... busy weekend...

A Fast 5k

I did not have a stellar week in running, but I did manage a couple of runs early in the week. This weekend I had intentions of running both Saturday and Sunday - one short and one long run, but time got away from me on Saturday (plus I was exhausted). Luckily when I read the schedule today, it said yesterday was a rest day and today was a 5k race. Without a race, I chose to run a 5k loop through the neighborhood. It was about as warm as it was going to get, so I headed out and apparently went out too fast (a 6:30/mile pace... at least that is what my GPS said). My average for the run was a 7:54/mile pace... not too shabby I suppose.

Looking ahead, I have a busy week at work again, just no out of state traveling this week. I am hoping for 4 days of running this week, not including my weekend run. Hopefully all will go well.

On the home front, it was another good weekend. Lilli continues to grow and take on a personality of her own. She is almost all smiles lately. Today she saw the Easter Bunny while we were out. Next weekend is her baptism. We seem to have gone to great lengths to find a dress for her to where for this monumental occasion. I am sure this will be repeated years down the road when she goes to her first dance, then her prom, and then *gulp* her wedding... but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We are enjoying every moment with her and are not wanting her to grow up too fast...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all and to all a good run!

DINO Trail Run #1

We were told it was the coldest and snowiest DINO Trail Run in their history... I believe it, though the snow wasn't terrible and it wasn't that cold (just a mere 22 degrees with a nice breeze to keep it comfortable). I did find the race to feel longer than 15k, though I did not see anything that said it was long. My pace was the incredibly slow pace of 11:18/mile. That is the slowest I have ever run a race in all races I have ever run... an new PR!!!

While I said the snow was not bad, it did make for a tough run and to add to it there was mud that was the whole width of the trail and then some - and not just in one place, but many. And as the race progressed (it was a 5k loop that we ran 3 times) the conditions seemed to get worse - muddier because of all the people, but also because the sun came out and started to melt the snow.

After the first loop I was ready to call it quits, but I was running with my friend John and he kept me honest and moving. So we continued on. The cold never bothered me, in fact I got just a little warm towards the end, but never uncomfortable. I have never felt like I worked more for a race than I did after finishing this one - only my marathons made me feel worse.

I am taking tomorrow off, then it is back to the gym for some lunch time runs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. I'll need to review my training schedule to see what next weekend will bring - I am hoping for a step back week...

My wear test for the shoes New Balance sent me ended today. Seemed like a fine pair of shoes. I ran in them on the treadmill, outside even casually a few times (they instructed me to wear them in all aspects including casual if possible). I guess I'll see if they send any more goodies my way...

That is all for now. Hope everyone's weekend runs weren't too cold or snowy... spring is just around the corner...

Opting out

I am actually sitting in traffic as I type this. The weather turned to crap just in time for the trip home and the roads are icy and slushy. It has taken me an hour to get where I am now and I have had to turn around (and away from home) twice now. Hopfully third time is the charm.

I had it scheduled to run at lunch time, but because I was feeling tired from getting poor sleep, I chose to just relax.

I am a little stressed with all of the stuff piling up at work.

What a difference a week makes

Last week it was cold and snow was on the ground. Today it was sunny and in the 50's - simply gorgeous. I got in 8 miles today at a 9:00/mile pace - felt pretty good too - nice and relaxed. Not much more to report on that - just a beautiful day and a good run.

Slogging Through the Snow

It was more weird weather this week, with snow and sleet during the week, it was a refreshing change for sunny, warm (relatively) weather. I think it may have gotten into the low 40's on Saturday, but I did not get a chance to run, instead I put it off until Sunday, when the weather was "supposed" to be better. Well, it was cooler and overcast. Not really that big of a deal, but I had thoughts of running in shorts and a long sleeve shirt. Instead it was the full gear - right down to my snow spikes. The paths were still very snow covered and actually very difficult to run on with all the foot ruts - so I did not bother with a trail run today. Instead it was a straight out-and-back.

As I mentioned, it was difficult running because of the snow, but it was great to be outside as always. I was thinking during my run today that this was the most I have ever run outside during winter ever since I have been running, and I actually love it - prefer it to running indoors any day. In fact I am always hoping for snow when I run because I find it so relaxing.

Not an amazing run though, but it was the farthest I have run in many months. 9 miles. Almost double digits. With half marathon training starting tomorrow, I feel pretty good about where I am at. Still will be an uphill climb, but should be okay. That is all for now. A very busy week again for me (traveling out of town two days this week). So I'll be trying to squeeze in my runs during the week and get ready for my first long run this weekend.

No More Paparazzi

Lillian 227
Originally uploaded by daveontherun

Lillian grew tired of all the photos, so she put on her sunglasses to be less conspicuous...