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.