a long look back and a peek forward

Well, here we are. The end of 2011.

A year that was supposed to be a rebuilding year for me -- physically, mentally and spiritually.

The year started out slowly, but I had a marathon in my mind and was hoping for a great running year. When I barely got a spring half marathon in (with poor training mind you) I was a little hesitant to declare a fall marathon, but still had hopes of training.

Between work and putting together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett, my time was quite divided. I got runs in when I could, but I never got past 10 milers all summer. I thought I would "settle" for a half, but even that proved to be too much for me. I don't recall when I pulled the plug on running a race this year, but it was best that I did.

Somewhere between when I was a little kid and now I became "intense". Some might even say uptight. I think it was in high school or college. The stress of finding a college to go to or the constant, crazy deadlines in college played a big part. I used to think of myself as laid back, but I am finding that I get worked up over things that our out of my control. I do not feel like myself anymore. I am probably in the worst shape of my entire life (or it sure feels that way) and I've hit bottom. Now I've got to claw my way up. I've got a long way to go. I'll have to start over with my running for one.

I've got a start at getting some things back in order, but 2012 will be a true rebuilding year for me. I don't know everything that next year has in store for me, but one thing for sure is it will be a year of change for the good. I'll get in more detail in my first post of 2012 -- fair warning.

Thanks to whoever has read this blog. I am hoping that I'll have a lot more to say in the coming year. I can't say it will all be happy and positive, after all it's a work in progress, but there will be progress. Until next year, keep  on running. I hope to be back to it very soon.

--Dave

P.S. I would be remiss if I didn't say how proud I am that my wife and I (along with many family members and friends) successfully pulled together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett. I think it may have been one of the biggest highlights of the year (only second to finding out that we are expecting our 3rd child -- on Everett's 1st Birthday no less). Next year may not be any easier, and I feel a little behind on getting the planning going, but we will make it work somehow and it will be even better.

back to running

This morning I ran.

I actually felt I had to run. More importantly I actually felt like I wanted to run.

Yesterday I realized that I am probably in the worst shape I've been in since I began running.

Something that scared me and depressed me a little.

My attempt to make some changes this year and train for a marathon just wasn't enough. If anything had to give during this busy summer, it was my running. The good thing is it is my favorite time of year for running, so I think it will help keep me moving forward and be consistent.Do I need a race goal? Not sure. I haven't really run a race trained for a race in quite some time. Even the half marathon I ran in May was barely trained for.

I am giving myself 6 months to turn things around and get back in shape and a full 12 months to get ready for a yet to be determined race for my 40th birthday. I don't want to be an old fat guy who talks about what he used to do...

time to make some changes.

LOST: My Running Mojo

I am not sure what happened, but I feel burned out. My running went from on track, to derailed, to back on track, to run out of steam. My goal of a marathon this year is about dashed - with only one hope left -- a December Marathon.

In trying to figure out what went wrong, I came to the conclusion: It doesn't matter. The fact of the matter is I am not running. I have a desire to (especially when the temperatures drop like they did this weekend), but yet I did not feel compelled to get out. It was much too easy to do other things (of which I have plenty to do). I think if all the "other stuff" were done, I'd feel like I could go out for a run. Problem is, it's a never ending list of stuff, so I need to break this cycle.

Here it is September already. The summer was a blur -- very busy at work, very busy with the race plans, trying to keep on top of all things and somewhere in there I did run (not always with great consistency, but I ran nonetheless). Now is the time to renew my bond with the trails and prepare for the fall running season. I just need to find time, er, I mean make some time.

My 39th birthday is less than 2 weeks away... 39. Wow. I have a year left to celebrate my 30's. I will want to celebrate it with something big at the end... perhaps a marathon? 

Only time will tell.

A moment to reflect...

As I sit here typing this, I still cannot believe it is August, and just 2 days away from the Inaugural Run 4 Everett. The event was born out of a need to do "something", out of a sense of helplessness on my part I suppose. We wanted to memorialize our little boy with an event, but also raise awareness and educate the masses. The race seemed like the right venue for what we wanted.

In the past 9 months +/- it has been tough, stressful, emotional, healing, uplifting, exciting and scary all rolled into one. To know we have put together an event that so far has far exceeded our expectations (373 participants as I type) is amazing. Now, I know we still have to hold the event, but in my mind's eye, it will be a fun event for all, and it will not only be a great race for runners and walkers, but for families who have experienced a loss as well.

I was thinking about how running ties so well into all of this. Running is a social sport - it truly is. I know of no other sport where, for whatever reason, you open up and share more than you would otherwise. But it also allows you to be by yourself and your thoughts too. I am sure I have mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating, running helped me work through my grief in so many ways. And I have heard of another father who took up running and channeled his grief as well - he truly understands where I am coming from.

So the next two days will be busy (an understatement for sure), but we are having fun. We got 300 bags stuffed yesterday. We had help from family and friends in the morning. Then in the evening it was a true family affair. Lilli was so excited to help. We had an assembly line formed. She dropped in pens and a bracelet, I did cards and magnets and Steph was putting in flyers.

Packet pick-up on Friday, plus setting up some of the race course that evening, then all hands on deck Saturday morning to get things finalized.

I'm pretty excited...

My morning run with my little boy

This morning, not unlike most mornings for almost the past year, I went for a run. I have a ritual of sorts that I go through.  I step outside and always look up to the celestial heavens and find the brightest star. For me, that is Everett looking down on me.

I feel a sense of comfort in this. And no matter how cloudy it is, I seem to always find a star.

It is a tough day today, as a year ago today was when our world turned upside down. This morning, there seemed to be a brighter star than normal - almost like Everett was telling me how proud he is of us for what we have done the past year.

And I will admit, I cried a couple of times while I ran. I still miss him very much. I wish he was really here with me, riding in the jog stroller just like his sister... in my hopes and dreams he did all of that and more before he was even born, which is why it still hurts a year later.

Tomorrow is Everett's 1st Birthday. We will be celebrating it by visiting the cemetary, a small birthday cake to name a couple of things, and I will be going for another early morning run with him.

Marathon Training: Reboot

I got out for a run today. It was the worst run I've had in awhile.

Okay, it was the only run I've had in awhile, and the run before probably was the worst run (in terms of pain anyway). I planned to run 9 miles, basically an easy run to get back into. The humidity quickly sucked any energy I had, which was almost non-existent.

I ended up running a 10k. I suppose that's not bad for being off two-weeks. The good news is my back is fine. If anything the run seemed to keep it loose. I am a bit worried about maintaining consistency in my training. With so much going this month, it may be hard to get some of my longer runs in. I may just need to sign up with a running club to find people to run with to help me stay on target.

I am needing to tweak my whole training plan at this point. Running two days on the weekend isn't going to work, so I need to find my plans from past marathons and adapt what I have from this point out.

The good thing at this point is this coming week is an "easy" week -- the redo of the last week I ran. So, I will cap it off with another attempt at a 9 mile run, the dive back into double digit long runs form this point forward. Since I am taking a step back, I am now setting my sites on the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in November. It's a relatively flat course, so it might even be a little easier. I am still hoping to do the Indianapolis half marathon in October, and then if everything works out, the Tecumseh Trail Marathon in December. Big plans, but I hope I can make it all come together.

Hopefully, I will have more to report next week. Until then, keep on running...

Marathon Training: In Limbo

So I missed my week 6 and week 7 postings. And for good reason, of sorts. I'll explain shortly...

Week six went okay. I missed a run (or two), I really don't remember. I did get both runs in on the weekend -- 6 mile pace on Saturday and a 9 mile on Sunday.

Sunday's run was painful. I spent a good part of Saturday going to business seeking food donations for the race, as well as putting out flyers and brochures. Lilli was with me and I tended to pick her up out of the car wherever we went that day. A dozen times or so of lifting her improperly did a number on my back. I've had a few back related problems over the years which started back in college, but it's been okay for many years, so I didn't think twice about what I was doing.

Until Sunday.

I woke up pretty sore and stiff that morning. I headed out for a run anyway, and with each foot fall, my lower back felt each jolt. For 9 miles I endured the pain. Towards the end of the run my stride was shorter and my form was all out of whack.

Going into the next week I had a nightmarish schedule to try to get to things done by Friday. I already had it in my mind that I was going to have to sacrifice my runs for the week to get everything done I needed to do. With my back being sore, I thought it was a good idea anyway.

A combination of an already compromised lower back, constant up and down from desk to table at work, lack of sleep and the immense stress I was feeling to get things done, my back didn't have a chance. Each day it felt worse and worse and by Friday night I could barely walk (let alone get up from a laying position). So, some ibuprofen, and an ice pack placed directly on the lower back while I slept did seem to help. (A special thank you to my wonderful wife for making me put ice on it). It was far from perfect, and running was definitely out of the question, but I could at least walk again.

Going into this week, my back is still slightly "iffy", but I am hoping to get back to running - or some other exercise (low impact).

I think I will have to scrap my October marathon at this point, but I have a back-up for one 3 weeks later in November. By the time I get back to a running regimen, I should be able to pick up on the week where I left off (in theory). To add to my challenges, it looks like I have some traveling to do for work, plus there's Run4Everett on August 20th that will keep me busy that weekend.

We're in the final stretch for the race, and a bunch of little things to do, so we'll be busy right up to the last minute it looks like. I still can't believe it's August already... It will be October before I know it. At least it will be cooler (I hope).

Marathon Training: Week Five Complete

Five weeks complete already!

It has not been easy to get in my runs (and have actually missed a few). My work schedule being the biggest hurdle makes it challenging. Even with early morning travel on Wednesday, I fared a little better this week from last.  I actually squeeze in my 5 miler on Wednesday and missed only one 3 mile run on Thursday due to exhaustion. I thought I would make it up and actually allow me to shift my training schedule around a little, but it hasn't happen.

Moving forward I need to adjust the training plan. Two runs on the weekend is getting to be difficult (not that squeezing in runs during the week is easy). So I need to figure something out.

Thankfully this coming week is a step back week before building up my mileage again. With a deadline looming at the end of the month at work and needing to get some race things finalized (just a month to go!) it couldn't come at a better time. Moving forward though, it's going to be difficult to get my runs in.

I suppose if it were easy everyone would be running marathons...

Marathon Training: Week Four Complete

After another shaky start to my week, I was able to get in most of my mid-week mileage. I missed my Tuesday run altogether and then there was a bump in my Wednesday distance to 6 miles, but I only run 5.

But for my pace run and my long run this past weekend, I got it all in. The 6 mile pace run wasn't too bad, though it was run about 30 seconds/mile too fast. My long run I ran on trails, so my pace was slow, but it was 11 miles of terrain that left me quite tired. I went through 2 liters of water on that run - glad I had my hydration pack with me.

Hopefully I can keep going, this heat is making it more challenging to say the least...

Hey wait for me!

Did it ever seem like time moves way too fast and before you know it you are behind in everything?

Life keeps moving forward -- even when all you want is a nice lazy day or two (or three) to relax. I try to stay on top of things and get them done as orderly as possible, but I have learned I just can't do everything. So where does this leave me?

Behind on almost everything.

The nice thing is, I have also learned that most things will wait. They'll still be there when I get around to it. But that doesn't go for family and friends necessarily. Life is too short so a balance must be struck. I am trying to be better about this, but am finding I am falling short.

I'm trying to get better about this... one day at a time.

Marathon Training: Week Three Complete (sort of)

Not a great week for running for me. Started out okay with my run on Tuesday morning -- just an easy 3 miles (and it was at a very easy pace). Then On Wednesday I hit the trails after work -- just 3.6 miles, but didn't worry much about it - it's a step back week, so a shorter midweek run wasn't going to hurt me. Then Thursday I missed my run altogether and just couldn't make it up on Friday. So, Saturday came and I got my 5 mile pacerun in at a great pace (8:36/mile), so felt great.

Unfortunately, Sunday came and went before I really had a chance to get out and Monday was an almost carbon copy. So, my long run for the week was scrapped.

Starting out this week, Tuesday did not produce a run either. I was getting quite worried. Finally, though I made it out this morning for a 5 miler (and I JUST looked and it was supposed to be 6 miles... grr!).

I am exhausted, but hope to get out tomorrow for an easy 3. We'll see...

Marathon Training: Week Two Complete

Another week down.

Unfortunately, I missed a run on Thursday and wasn't able to make it up, but it's early and one 3 mile run missed won't hurt. I was pretty worn out anyway, so forcing a run may have been bad news.

Another overcast and muggy day for my long run., but it was fine.

Stay tuned for week three...

Marathon Training: Week One Complete

I have made it through my first week of training. I ran all the days and hit all my mileage.

So far, so good.

I actually surprised myself that I wasn't feeling sore or worn out this week with the jump in days and mileage. It is a little early to tell, but I might actually be able to train for this race.

Only time will tell though. A very busy next couple of months, but all worth it.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for week 2 review.

ten months

It's been awhile since my last post and there really hasn't been much to blog about. My running was going nowhere since the half marathon on ran. I was just plain worn out. Work has kept me more than busy over the last few months and I just got to the end of my rope. Something had to give, and it was my running. Unfortunately, that's not so good when running allows me a stress release.

It was during the last few weeks or so that I realized what a lousy friend I am. I can't tell you the last time I've run with any of my friends, talked to any of my friends, or even commented on their Facebook page. I can't figure out what happened. I suppose life does go on and things change, and sometimes, friends drift apart -- their paths just aren't going in the same direction.

Ten months ago my life changed forever and it will never be the same. I've dealt with everything in my own way because everyone is different and needs to grieve in their own way. Initially for me it was trying to get back a sense of normalcy. That meant work. It was sure easy to jump back in and focus on getting a job done. The only problem with that is it is too easy to just do that. Grief will wait. It won't go away. It waits until your guard is down or you deal with it.

I felt so alone when Everett died. My heart felt empty and life seemed to have little meaning. If it were not for Lilli and Steph life would be pretty dull. I had to deal with a grief different than anyone else's. I was the father, I was supposed to be strong. I wasn't even sure how I was supposed to grieve. I lost a son, but nothing prepared me for this. I leaned on the one thing that gave me a way to deal with all the emotions. I ran. Running gave me the normalcy I needed, an outlet for stress and alone time to clear my head and work through my emotions. There were many early morning runs under the stars that I ran and felt that Everett was looking down on me. On one of my early morning runs I came up with the idea of running a race in his memory. Run 4 Everett was born and it will be run in just two months.

I am now just beginning training for a fall marathon. It's been 4 years since my last one and it is time to get back into it. I have a lot of reservations about even trying to train for one. I am going at it alone -- well Everett will be with me (and I am sure I'll have Lilli with in in the jog stroller) and it takes so much time, but I feel that I really need to do one, to be able to focus on my running.

So here it goes... my first run was 3 miles this morning, tomorrow will be a 5 miler. Stay tuned for my progress as I Run for Everett.

--Dave

Derailed... again.

Running took another turn towards nonexistence. It was a busy last few weeks. After spending a week out in Geneva, NY for work (where I got out for only one 5 mile run) I came back in time for us to pick up my father-in-law from the airport. Then I didn't get the chance to take time off from work like I had hoped. Instead it was back to work to catch up on all my other projects.

I did take Friday off, sort of, and then attended a rehearsal dinner for Steph's sister's wedding, and then a busy weekend with wedding on Saturday, then Easter on Sunday. I got out early on Sunday to get in 5 miles. It was raining out, but I didn't mind. Just being out was nice, though I was exhausted by the time I was done. I got back to the Y on Thursday for some cross training.

The week felt pretty non-productive, but I did get some "stuff" behind me. With a mere week away from the half marathon, I am not sure how I'll run this weekend or next week.... it ought to be interesting though.

I am hoping to get some "limited edition" race T's made before then so I can wear it during the race to advertise Run 4 Everett. At a minimum, I hope to get some flyers or brochures made by then to pass out... lot's to do, lot's to do...

I've got a good start on the T-shirts at least...

My confession

Please forgive me, it's been ten days since my last run...

"Run 8 miles this morning and all shall be forgiven"

And that's how it went this morning. I spent the last 10 days not really wanting to run, but not wanting to not run. Last weekend I just was not motivated to run. I wanted to do something (other than work) and running was just not it.

And I was okay with that.

Normally, I am in a foul mood because I want to run, but I can't. Last weekend though, I just didn't care. And I really was surprised by that. I thought, no problem - I'll just get in runs during the week to make up for it.

Never happened.

I think there was one half-hearted attempt one morning, but then I just went into work early instead. Work has been consuming my time a lot in the past 2 months. At first I was alright with it. I was feeding off the adrenaline rush of a constant deadline to keep a project moving. Then the inevitable happened. Everything seemed to hit all at once - the perfect storm. I was working on two projects in design (and two under construction) and all of a sudden schedules for both design projects aligned and I found myself needing to be in two places at once and I was at a loss for what to do. I was almost frozen like a deer in headlights.

I've never been one to ask for help. Part of it is I am a control freak (probably the biggest part). I accept this although others may not and I do what it takes to get my work done - but usually at a cost. I spent a lot of long nights and early mornings to keep things moving, skipped runs and certainly anything resembling a good night's sleep. And I think it has finally caught up to me. I've said it all before -- life is all about balance, and my life is far from being in balance right now. This morning's run was a first step towards regaining that balance, but I have a lot to do.

My spring half-mary is a little different this year, but I think it is exactly the kind of race I need. I am going to run the Anti-Mini Marathon on May 7th. It's a little unconventional, but it looks to be a very runner friendly race. My plans to run the spring trail run series is out the window. I've had a conflict on a couple of the races, so it looks like I'll have to wait for the fall series and look for trail runs during the summer. Still deciding on my full marathon for the fall. I am leaning towards the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon this year, but we'll see.

Getting back to my run this morning: I had a pretty good run. I actually wanted to run and felt ready to get back out there. I started early - before the sun was even up and I finished just as the sun came over the horizon. There were birds chirping and flowers blooming. It was great to take it all in. And as I was in the final stretch of my run, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" came on my iPod -- we had it played at Everett's funeral and it just seemed so fitting for it to play when it did. The sky was lightening up to a beautiful blue, the sun was the orangey-pink color that sunrises often are and birds were flying overhead. It felt like a good morning wish from Everett and just made my run that much better.

Run Down

After the week I had the previous week and then my "long" run last weekend, I was sure I was spreading myself a little too thin. I felt uninspired, tired and just generally unmotivated. I was sleep-deprived, stressed over work and not feeling myself. Massive amounts of coffee just was not making a difference.

Another extremely busy week and I about hit my breaking point. I decided to take Friday off. I of course did not go to bed early and did not sleep in, so it ended up being a wasted effort to relax. Steph had me go with her to an exercise class at the Y and it nearly killed me. I am hoping it is the lack of sleep that caused me to feel sick and weak at the end of the 45 minutes, but I am not sure. As I type this, my legs are a little sore still.

I did get some decent sleep (for once) last night, but I am still not feeling myself. Here it is a beautiful sunny day and I don't feel like heading out on a run. I almost wish it were a rainy day out - then I'd almost have a legitimate excuse for not doing anything outside. I think if I get moving and do something I'll feel better. I hate not accomplishing anything. It is a little early to really do much official yard work, but there is enough to keep me busy outside to get prepared. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the things that need done this year. The list is endless, so I won't bother going into details.

This does not bode well for my training for an undeclared half marathon this spring... I have until May for any of the races I was looking at and my training was a little ahead, but still... I have lost some momentum and I don't like it. Perhaps it is the fact that I have not signed up for a specific race, but I'm not sure.

Any words of inspiration from anyone out there would be helpful.

Finally...

At what seemed like an eternity, the "Official" Run 4 Everett website and race registration is now open and ready! If this wasn't so important to us, we may have just scrapped the idea. Getting a race started is not as easy as I thought it would have been. Finding the right race director is key - we learned the hard way, but thankfully early in the process. Sponsorships have been on both ends of the spectrum. Some came wonderfully easy, others have not.

So if anyone is reading this, and you are looking for a race to do in August -- the 20th more specifically, we have a race for you. Go to run4everett.com and browse around and feel free to sign up. It is a first year event, but we are working hard to make it a fun day for all who attend. IF you cannot attend, but wish to help, there is also a link to donate directly to Kate Cares - the organization we are trying to raise money for.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

The Running Community

I've always felt the running community was a tight-knit group. I just took that as gospel. While working with Steph to pull together Run 4 Everett for August, we have met some truly amazing people, who are dedicated to running and, quite honestly, being good people. Unfortunately, we've met some posers too. The one's who claim to be about the sport, but in fact, are in it for the quick buck it seems. My faith in the running community has been wavering...

We met a guy yesterday who's been a runner probably over 40 years. Knows the sport, loves the sport and is just an all-around great guy (at least that is my first impression, and no one usually comes across that way to me who isn't genuine). We met to go over t-shirt type, logo design and we came out of the meeting with so much more. He is a wealth of knowledge (not to mention connections). Probably not 30 minutes after we left, he had contacted a running store we have been trying to talk to weeks and we got a response from them not 30 minutes after that! They've offered to donate gift cards  for the raffle and/or race awards... This one small gesture alone has me believing in the running community again. Thanks Marty!

Coffee, Tea or Me

Anyone who knows me knows that I live much of my life around coffee.

Let me  rephrase that.

"good" coffee.

After all, life's too short for bad coffee. I will be the first to admit, I am a snob when it comes to coffee. I used to drink whatever just to get through long nights in studio at college. Then is carried over when I began work. But as I have moved on in my life, my love of coffee has grown and my palette has become more sophisticated. I have a friend form Seattle to thank for this by the way...

I believe my interest really grew back in 2005 on a trip to Key West. While there we stopped at a coffee roaster (Baby's Coffee), actually not just any coffee roaster, but the southernmost coffee roaster in the United States. Long story short, I was getting a lot of my coffee from there for quite some time. Roasted in small batches, always whole bean, it was something I looked forward to at Christmas time when I'd get a few pounds... it never seemed to last long enough though.

Since then, I've ventured into local roasts here and when on vacation I ALWAYS try to find a local roaster to taste their creations. Most of the time I am not disappointed.

Not too long ago I was introduced to tea. Maybe that's not quite right - I've had tea before, but mostly it was a drink for when I was under the weather with a cold or flu. I think some of the lackluster image of it stemmed from that, but it never gave me the same satisfaction as a good cup of coffee.

Until a couple of months ago.

Steph got me a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon as a "pick me up"and I'll admit I was slightly disappointed when she said it was tea (hoping for a coffee), but when I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised. It was an amazing taste and on top of that, it had an awesome level of caffeine in it. I later found out it was a blend -- chai / mate with as much caffeine as a cup of coffee -- that sold me. I ended up going back to the tea store and getting some as an alternative to coffee (shudder the thought). I am still quite the die hard coffee drinker, but having an option isn't too bad.

I did have a bit of a disappointing day yesterday when I broke one of my beloved coffee mugs that I've had since college -- from the same Seattle friend. It had an image with "just say no to decaf" saying on it. It served me well every weekend for 16 years. It will be sadly missed as it was a nice large mug with a big handle. I have plenty of others to fall back on, but it won't be the same...

On a running note, I got out for a 15k today. It was a little sloppy with some slushy spots along the way, but overall felt great, hit a lot of hills and still managed an 8:58/mile average. Looking forward to the trail run series that starts next month. I now feel ready for them as well as a half marathon. I think I've decided on the Geist Half Marathon for this spring. I have two days to sign up before prices go up, so guess I had better get to it...

Now, time for a cup of coffee. Until then keep on running.

Daughter / Daddy Weekend

For me, the weekend started out on Friday evening with a Father/daughter dance at our local Y. Lilli got dress up in her flower girl dress (to be used in April) - we figured might as well get as much use out of it as we can. Just as we were ready to leave, she decided that her hair wasn't right and had to brush it.

For ten minutes.

I patiently waited, being the good father that I am. When she was ready we headed out arriving about 10 minutes after the event started, which turned out to be good timing. They were playing some Kenny G and Michael Bolton at first, which didn't leave me very hopeful for the evening. We got some punch and a cookie and cupcake and Lilli proceeded to devour hers... then again, so did I.

Once the "good" music started we began to dance. Lilli jumped up and down and twirled around with all her might. She was having a blast. About 30 minutes into dancing, Lilli decided that I was no longer fun to dance with and turned around and danced by herself, as well as other people - including her tumbling class instructor. At least I was at least able to take more photos and video of her. We left about 20 minutes before it was to wrap up, but it was getting late and Lilli was showing signs of slowing down (slightly).

She woke up this morning in a good mood, actually coming into the bedroom saying, "it's morning". So I got up and made coffee and got breakfast for Lilli. Then I decided to go for a run today since it really was going to be the nicer of both days this weekend (though not nearly as warm as it was earlier this week). Upon mentioning my intentions for my run, Lilli wanted to join me. So I loaded up the jog stroller, snacks, water and a blanket for Lilli and we headed over to a popular running/biking path. The goal was for 8 miles and I wasn't sure if she would last or not since 5 miles had been our longest run together ever. But I ran an out and back route, so it would force us to run the whole distance. Surprisingly, she didn't complain, she just enjoyed the people and dog watching. I ran at an average 8:53/mile pace while pushing her in the jog stroller. I'd say that was pretty darn good. When we were done with our run, she and I stretched - in fact, she made me stretch longer than I would normally - such a good girl.

Afterwards, we headed to lunch at Jason's Deli (one of my new fav places to eat). And we celebrated the good run with a little ice cream.

Not sure what our plans are for tomorrow, but it's been a great weekend so far...

I'm still standin'

... and running.

It's been a little while since I've posted anything, but after a long week in Geneva, NY the first week in February, I've been able to get right back on track. The weather today was simply beautiful - high 40's and plenty of sun. Felt nice to be able to wear shorts outside. Paths still covered, though mainly snow now versus the ice that was there just a couple of days ago. There were a few soft spots that I seemed to find with my heal, as a couple of times thought I was going to twist my ankle. I ended up changing my foot strike a little to compensate for the loose footing (even with screw shoes). My run ended up being shorter than intended, but I've got a long list of things to get done, so it will have to do... more nice weather all week, so I expect to be out as much as possible.

Up to 10K

It's been a little while since my last post, but the good news is I am running.

Consistently.

Sort of.

I made it to the Y three times and all three time I ran, lifted and did cycle or elliptical. I left there each time drench and feeling great.

Today I ventured out into the cold (a balmy 9 degrees -- 2 degrees with wind chill). And was able to get in 10k without too much pain. At one time I did lose feeling in my toes, but the feeling came back and I still have all appendages. With still almost 2 months out from the first trail race of the year, I am on track to be ready for the 15k distance with relative ease (and a half mary by May with no problem - just need to decide on which race still).

Hopefully by my next post, I'll have a race all figured out for the Spring and more details on the Run 4 Everett race in August. Until then, happy running and stay warm out there...

Moving Slowly

Two weeks into the new year and I haven't taken the time to sit down and decide on this year's races. Which half marathons? what full marathon(s)? what about trail runs? and, the obvious, what about training?!?!?

The good thing is that training for a half is not too bad, and I have "reasonable" base mileage, but without that specific goal, it will be hard to keep a focus. I'll most likely keep it local, but with travel for work and the thoughts of a vacation this summer, the choices can open up even more.

I did get out on Saturday for a decent 4.25 mile run. The path was snow covered, but my screw shoes gave me great traction. I am hoping for 6 miles this coming weekend. The goal right now is to get to 15k distance by March for the first race in the DINO trail run series of the year.

We are still working out detail on the Race 4 Everett. I actually spent a little time this weekend and early this morning working a logo - which is really more font selection right now, but it I've been fussing with the composition which is harder than it sounds. I've come up with something that is quite simple, but has a lot of meaning in it. I'm sure I'll be tweaking here and there before the race, but I am ready to create a prototype t-shirt that I'll wear at the gym that will have the race details on the back -- some free advertising.

Still lots to do and I'm not moving as quickly as I'd like, but slow and steady wins the race...

Hitting the Reset Button

It's 3 days into the new year and the possibilities are endless. It is time to start fresh and refocus. I still have not decided on which races I am doing this year (except for one), but the general goal is to run a half marathon in the spring (April or May) and then a Full in October or November (and possibly one in December). I think it will help to have the specific races decided on to get me motivated and focused. I would really like to have a PR or two thrown in there for good measure... it's been 3 years since I've PR'd anything, so it's time.

I didn't get out for a run on New Year's Day like I had hoped -- the weather was just so awesome -- I instead worked on making a new mailbox post to replace the one some moron plowed over a few weeks ago. With the snow all melted and nice warm temps it actually gave me the perfect opportunity to get it done, though it was a perfect opportunity for a run too! It took all weekend, but got the post cut to match the neighborhood standard and got it primed, painted and back in the ground by 5:30 last night. And it looks great if I do say so myself.

It wasn't all work and no play over the long weekend though. I did get out for a run on Friday (the last one of 2010) and I had to run trails, which probably wasn't the wisest choice, as it was a quite muddy from all the melted snow and rain we received. Because of that, my run was slow and plodding with slipping and sliding everywhere - but it was still great. Later that evening when I was in the garage working on the mailbox post, I had a twinge of pain in my left leg, somewhat reminiscent of a stress fracture. I shrugged it off at first as just standing on the concrete floor for so long.

I didn't run Saturday or Sunday (though I had hoped to run Sunday at the Y when we went to re-join after about 6 years). I didn't notice any more pain in the leg though. So this morning I went to the Y for a run on the treadmill to test out the leg. I was doing just fine for the first 2-1/2 miles then that same twinge happened again. It wasn't so painful that I had to stop, but I did end up cutting my run short to just 4 miles. I actually think it is just a tweaked ligament, or at least that is what I am telling my self right now... looks like I need to ice it and do low-impact for awhile... at least now I have options at the Y. A good time to work on biking and swimming maybe. I'd like to give a triathlon a try sometime -- and how cool would an Ironman be?! Who knows, 2011 is still young -- anything is possible.