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).

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.

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...

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.

A Father's Grief: Moving Forward

2010 has been my worst year ever, but in some ways my best. I am looking forward to starting anew, but its not like the movie Groundhog Day where I can start all over and change what happened. 2010 happened and it has changed me. But I am moving forward -- and that's not the same as moving on. The holidays have been so bittersweet. I can't help but think of what we would be doing with Everett right now, and thinking about what we would be doing as we go from winter into spring. It saddens me (and there is still some anger over it too). In that mix is our beautiful daughter Lilli - whose eyes twinkle looking at Christmas lights, new fallen snow and colorfully wrapped presents. That look in her eyes -- youthful innocence -- warms my heart and allows me to enjoy a bit of Christmas this year. We are so lucky to have her.

I'll go into the new year inspired to run and to help plan out a race in Everett's name. I am hoping to run a couple of half marathons and at least one full marathon in 2011 as well. Of course, I have projects to do - some are holdovers from this year, but 2011 will be a year of positive changes in all aspects. I am coming out of 2010 with the philosophy of "take nothing for granted" and it's great to say those words, but to truly live by them is another.

The days are getting longer...

With the holiday season in full force, time is a precious commodity. So running has been difficult to say the least. I've managed a couple of runs last week and two so far this week. The goal is to get a couple of more -- maybe even a Christmas day run.

And with Christmas almost hear, that means our deadline to determine 3 things for the Race 4 Everett: When, Where and What. So, I think we've determined that it will be on Saturday, August, 20, 2011 at Fort Harrison State Park. What the race will be is still a little up in the air... For sure it will be a 5k and 1 mile family walk, but we are toying with idea of a 10k and 15k (basically a 5k loop course). The details are still not ironed out - and I never thought it would be so difficult to make decisions on something, but we do want it to be successful. So we will update the Race 4 Everett site once we lock it all in, so stay tuned...

Thankfully we've passed the shortest day of daylight for the year and it is all longer days from here on out. Now hopefully that translates into getting more done (wishful thinking).

Baby It's Freakin' Cold Outside

Just over a week ago, I was running in 80 degree weather while in Florida. Granted, it was not a great run, but it was nice to not be burdened by a bunch of gear. This morning is a polar opposite - figurative and literally.

I began my run with the mercury dipping down to 9 degrees. I didn't confirm anything else - cold it cold, right?

Wrong.

In the short time I was out, it dropped another 2 degrees and I found out the windchill was minus 9 degrees. No wonder my fingers went numb in the 3 seconds that I exposed them to fumble with my ipod.

The good news is I made it through. Now let's try for some consistency in running - I've just proven weather is not a factor.

Locked IN

My house is plotting against me.

Really.

Just when I think I am free and clear of any projects, something comes up. Installing a sliding screen to the back door? Oh, well the threshold is rotten and so is some of the surrounding trim and not sure if there is any water intrusion... Gotta paint the trim? No problem, except that some if it is rotten too and needs replaced.

Yesterday morning was a little different though. I actually got up early to go for a run. I got dressed, I quietly made my way through the house, making sure I didn't wake anyone up. Got to the door, unlocked it and I still couldn't open the door. I tried locking and unlocking it again, but the knob would not turn! I thought about just leaving it and dealing with it later, but I feared the worst - a fire could break out and everyone could get trapped because the door wouldn't open -- granted there were 2 other doors, but it could happen. So I grabbed a screwdriver and pulled the knob off the inside and pushed it out on the other. I tried pulling the latch mechanism open, but it would not budge. So I went out the front door, got into the garage, got a bigger screwdriver and then came in and pried the latch open. Now I had a door with no knob that would not latch. What to do?

I thought quickly.

It was 6:30 am.

What is open at that time of morning? Lowe's wouldn't be open for another half hour and I had to still get ready for work. Walmart is the closest store and it was open. Wasn't sure if they'd have anything, but had to try. I hopped in my car and went in and, low and behold, I found want I needed! I got back home and found Steph and Lilli awake. They had no idea what had happened - they thought I had gone to work already.  I pulled the lock-set out of the box and then had to mortise int he new latch mechanism. 20 minutes later, the new knob was installed, and surprisingly it was much better than the low grade knob the builder installed in this house! Now I might replace all the exterior knobs... another project to add to the list. But before I start on that, I hope to get a run in!

a quick 5 miles at sunset

After a busy weekend, I was able to break away for a quick 5 mile run. The temperature was perfect and the sunset was just starting to set, but I felt awful... yet somehow I pulled out an 8:33/mile average. Running seems to be going well this week, so we'll see how it goes. I'd like to keep building on the recent "successes" I've been having. My pace has all been sub 9:00's this week, which has been great. Just need to keep that up as I stretch out the mileage from here on out.

the run that almost didn't happen

After a week of almost no running, I was determined to start the week (and month) off with a run. It didn't begin well this morning when the alarm went off and I could not get out of bed, but plan 'b' was enacted and I packed my clothes and took them to work with me with plans to run at lunch time.
It was a busy morning - one meeting after another and I had a million things to do today, so I almost caved and didn't go for a run, but at the last minute I got out of my chair and walked out of the office, deciding that my run was every bit as important as work. And you know what? It is. I mean, the week I didn't run I was miserable. I did not sleep well, I was stressed and felt uninspired. So what I really needed was a good, hard run. So I headed to the gym in the office park, got on the "dreadmill" and hammered out almost 4 miles on a hill routine. I ran until I was tired, then ran some more. It felt so good when I was done.

all time low

My running has been anything but consistent the past year. I think I am at an all time low on my annual mileage, which in turn has me in a funk still. Work is keeping me too busy and I keep thinking of all the projects I have not finished or even started yet at home. I definitely put too much on my plate this year. With only one more potential somewhat long race for the year (a 15k trail race in November) I am hoping to gain some momentum as we head into the winter months. I actually love running in snow, so I hope it is a snowy winter.
Now, to set my sights on a spring race... would like to run another marathon, and I think training through the winter would be different. Maybe Flying Pig Marathon? Maybe just running the DINO trail run series... choices, choices. Need to decide soon, so I can start training. Feel I need to get that consistency back again.

Never say never

Don't call this a comeback, but I think I am coming back to the blogging scene.

A quick catch up for anyone who may read this...

Running has not been gong well this year so far. I've had some great runs early on, but the last few weeks I have stumbled... no races in the near future, but wanting to get out and run - just lacking motivation and tired. So I am hoping by blogging, it will motivate me to get out there. After all, how many time can one blog about NOT running?

We have our second child on the way... it is a boy! Should be hear end of August or beginning of September. So I have been quite busy with Lilli's "big girl room" among many other projects (weeding, planting, mulching, painting, plus need to put up a fence which I still need to send in for approval form neighborhood...) the list is endless and quite daunting.

So that's kind of where I am. I'll revamp the blog when I have time, but for now happy to be back.

training: week 4 complete

A bit of a rough week for running, but got in all but one run this week...

Monday's 3.5 mile run was not too bad, felt pretty good actually. Even my 35 minute tempo run on Wednesday ended up being a good run.

Thursday came and I was too tired to get out of bed and run, so took the day off, but after dinner on Thursday we headed to the state park to play. It was such a beautiful evening. Lilli played on all the slides - she's found them to be a blast. Her favorite one is the biggest one there that is built into the side of a hill. She giggled all the way down. She looked like a little luge athlete from the olympics - so cute.

Yesterday was just 3 miles. It was a very slow run for me - close to a 10:00/mile pace and it felt awful. My right shin was tightening up, my gait felt all off, just not a good run, but I finished it, stretched and was fine.

Today's run was a 7 miler. Started out a 7am and ran the regular route through Fort Ben. Can't say I felt great on the run, not so much due to any pain, but because I was so congested. I haven't figured out if it is allergies or sinuses, but it is not fun. It took the entire hour of running to clear it all out... yuck.

After the run, I came home and got cleaned up to head over to Lawrence Safety Day. It was right down the road from home and we had taken our nephews a few years back and they enjoyed it, so we took Lilli for the first time. She loved seeing all the fire trucks and police motorcycles and she went crazy when the black hawk helicopter landed - she was so amazed by it (as was I). It hovered above the trees and then came in for a landing - just amazing the amount of wind it pushed down.

Next week is another bump up in the schedule. Stayed tuned for updates...

oh so tired...

I got home a little early yesterday from being on a job site all day, so I was able to finish priming the toy chest and even got a first coat of accent paint on the drawers and lid. I did notice some remedial patching and sanding that needs to be done, but nothing too labor intensive, just delays starting the final coat of paint. It felt great to get another step ahead on that project.

This morning, I was supposed to do a 35 minute tempo run, but due to lack of sleep last night (a certain someone got up crying at 1:30 am and didn't go back to sleep until 4:30 - poor little tired girl) I did not run this morning and I don't think I'll even try this evening. I guess I'll get to it tomorrow morning...

A friend of mine just got back into the office today. He just turned 40 on Saturday. To celebrate he ran the Pikes Peak Ascent. I am quite envious and it sounded like it was an amazing time. Even though I still have a few year yet, I looked into when my 40th birthday fell to see if there is a race that I might participate in to celebrate. Unfortunately it falls on a Monday, so I could either run the Sunday or Saturday before as my "last hurrah" before turning 40, or figure something else out. I'll be on the lookout for races and seeing what I can find. Until then, I am enjoying my 30's while I can.

I may have to grow old, but I don't have to grow up...