I am a numbers guy. I make little notes throughout the year and sometimes I look at them and over-analyze the numbers I put on paper. I have little spreadsheets to monitor things. Way to many spreadsheets. I have one for my car miles (in case I need to deduct travel expenses for tennis). I have a spreadsheet for meal I eat out, in case I need deduction for that activity.
I often neglect filling in some fields. But the number of hours working is known. For my "real" job I take 2080 hours minus vacation time, minus holidays and add overtime/comp time to get a number. For my tennis, I report hours so getting a total is easy. What is not added it the hours I work off the clock, which I do often.
Anyway, in 2008, I was troubled by many changes that happened which meant my performances in races was less, my physical fitness was less and my body felt tired so often. So I look at at 2006, 2007 and 2008 to see why things are so different. Well I think I found a big difference... 71.6 hours each week. This is the average number of hours per week I officiated tennis or worked at my "real" job each week in 2008. This is 14.3 hours higher than 2006 and 10.6 hours more than 2007. I knew my stress levels were high and I was working more, but this was a surprise. I had over 14 more hours each week in 2006 to rest, train and repair. That makes a huge difference as I look at it today.
I look at the first three months of 2009. There is no reason to believe I will not be over 70 hours a week at least through February. Then I plan on going to Germany to visit my son in March for a week, so that will help the average go down but when I return, I have two weeks that may be above 80 hours each week... So looking ahead, even with the week vacation, I have planned at least 70 hours a week average. So how can I think of training during that time? I do not know but 71.6 will assure i will be doing few races. So my first goal is to look at April onward and not accept every tennis assignment offered... I may even use some of the vacation time I have built up... One thing at a time.
As a follow-up from my blood test showing I had a major Vitamin D deficiency and I was put on doses of 50,000 IU, I have been sleeping better. I am so surprised that one of the issues with vitamin D deficiency was sleep... This has improved! I am also not as stiff as I was with the bones hurting. Guess I may be absorbing Calcium better... If this improves, and I cut my tennis hours to a reasonable number, there may be hope? 71.6 can not happen in 2009!
Carry on. . .
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
2 days, 10 hours...
So I have two days and ten hours until I was going to decide to run or quit. I have known all along I would have to continue some sort of training as I really wanted to run my 25th Grandma's. But I have been asking myself, Why? Why should I? Who cares? Does it really matter? And I think, is 24 enough? Who cares if I do not? Only me...
Well training right for the marathon gets you increased energy, improved health, a sense of accomplishment, increased discipline, quality time outdoors, a chance to show off to the opposite sex that I can do it, and of course, great-looking legs. But if I did this for 24 years in a row and training lost its charm over a decade ago.
So in this time of self-exploration, I ask once again, why? As I was writing this, I had the TV on. It was strange that I watched "Click" with Adam Sandler... A movie about fast forwarding though life. As I watched this and thought about the 24 years in a row finishing Grandma's marathon. Those 24 years are like a blur... More than half my life, a blur. I recall the first year and a few others moments in between. But just like the movie "click" I just cruised through the years and I cannot put many facts about those years into my mind, no matter how hard I think. Disturbing.
That made me think about this past year even harder. I have been so busy working but I am thankful I have a good job in this economy. I have been so busy tennis officiating over 30 weekends of tennis events in 2008 and trying to keep everything in check, I forgot to keep myself in check. I have been so busy chasing a dream, I forgot what the dream was? The year flew right past and I have no clue where it went, what I did, etc.? Could I tell you much about it, not really. To me that sounds scary. Makes me wonder if being homeless is easier and less taxing. Then I recall when I stepped outside this morning and OH MY GOD IT WAS COLD. So I am happy I have a warm place to sleep. Many do not... But have I had a balance? That is the question.
Then I though what I have in life is really a precious gift. To refuse to live it to its utmost, to the extreme -in effect, to seize the dream- is a form of “sin.” Not the kind you go to hell for but a more insidious kind that deprives you of what can and should be the most important thing in your life.
I can not remember last year but I recall my high school studies when I learned King Edward VII of England fell passionately in love with Wallis Simpson, the only way he could fulfill his dream and marry her, was to do the undoable: abdicate from the throne. Which he did in a heartbeat. In doing so, in breaking the rules others had set for him, he reversed the general and passive order of things: his dreams took flight and life threw a kiss for his courage and his passion.
I have walked, ran, talked to countless people and hear of dreams. I talk to children and hear of dreams. I talk to co-workers and hear of dreams. What I find is I love dreamers because they have the electricity of life. But so often it remains static electricity. You know, the kind that stings without warning? “My career would be what I really want it to be, but…”, “My company would break new ground in our industry and achieve truly dramatic breakthroughs, however…”... For me, my running would be ... but...
I digress.
Then there are other dreams that are hard to know if they are real or not... These can be sad or happy. Dreams can be great, if you assure to keep them from distorting reality... As they say, one of the key to success in any major task is to visualize the success... But i have seen people have such a strong visualizations, they go the wrong way and cheat or do other indiscretions... (Tom Petters?) So I wonder if dreams can also have opposite impacts for some? You know, the ones that makes you believe they are real but they were not? The ones that scare you.
I had such a dream a few weeks ago. I had a dream that my friends co-worker who was having a baby had a fatal end to the dream. The baby did not make it. I felt so much remorse. A week after the dream, my friend said her friend was going to have her baby on Monday. I was looked at her confused and asked if she was sure as the baby died. I realized then it was a dream and not reality. But when I got the news days later, the baby did not make it, I really felt like a schmuck.
What does all this have to do with a decision on 2009 running. I am not sure, but running is just like many things in my very busy and complex life! I have been very busy and life seems like it is passing by without much thought...
Watching the movie "Click" made me cry. As he was dying on the pavement, at the end of his life, I shut the TV off and shed tears... Yes, men can cry... for I felt I am not getting the enjoyment I think I should from all I do in life...I feel fast forwarding is happening. Running was becoming a chore, dating was a chore, smiling can be a chore...
I need to evaluate what makes me happy... I need to stop, look and listen... I have notice the beauty I have before me... That could mean many things, but just like deciding to try 100 miles, I need to conclude the best opportunities to make life all it can be, without being a chore, and proceeding that way. And just like a 100 mile, there will be obstacles and things that will cause me to change what I am doing, then I can decide the best way to accomplish whatever that is... and that could be just siting down and looking at the stars... but I know one thing I do want to do right now, run...
Carry on...
Well training right for the marathon gets you increased energy, improved health, a sense of accomplishment, increased discipline, quality time outdoors, a chance to show off to the opposite sex that I can do it, and of course, great-looking legs. But if I did this for 24 years in a row and training lost its charm over a decade ago.
So in this time of self-exploration, I ask once again, why? As I was writing this, I had the TV on. It was strange that I watched "Click" with Adam Sandler... A movie about fast forwarding though life. As I watched this and thought about the 24 years in a row finishing Grandma's marathon. Those 24 years are like a blur... More than half my life, a blur. I recall the first year and a few others moments in between. But just like the movie "click" I just cruised through the years and I cannot put many facts about those years into my mind, no matter how hard I think. Disturbing.
That made me think about this past year even harder. I have been so busy working but I am thankful I have a good job in this economy. I have been so busy tennis officiating over 30 weekends of tennis events in 2008 and trying to keep everything in check, I forgot to keep myself in check. I have been so busy chasing a dream, I forgot what the dream was? The year flew right past and I have no clue where it went, what I did, etc.? Could I tell you much about it, not really. To me that sounds scary. Makes me wonder if being homeless is easier and less taxing. Then I recall when I stepped outside this morning and OH MY GOD IT WAS COLD. So I am happy I have a warm place to sleep. Many do not... But have I had a balance? That is the question.
Then I though what I have in life is really a precious gift. To refuse to live it to its utmost, to the extreme -in effect, to seize the dream- is a form of “sin.” Not the kind you go to hell for but a more insidious kind that deprives you of what can and should be the most important thing in your life.
I can not remember last year but I recall my high school studies when I learned King Edward VII of England fell passionately in love with Wallis Simpson, the only way he could fulfill his dream and marry her, was to do the undoable: abdicate from the throne. Which he did in a heartbeat. In doing so, in breaking the rules others had set for him, he reversed the general and passive order of things: his dreams took flight and life threw a kiss for his courage and his passion.
I have walked, ran, talked to countless people and hear of dreams. I talk to children and hear of dreams. I talk to co-workers and hear of dreams. What I find is I love dreamers because they have the electricity of life. But so often it remains static electricity. You know, the kind that stings without warning? “My career would be what I really want it to be, but…”, “My company would break new ground in our industry and achieve truly dramatic breakthroughs, however…”... For me, my running would be ... but...
I digress.
Then there are other dreams that are hard to know if they are real or not... These can be sad or happy. Dreams can be great, if you assure to keep them from distorting reality... As they say, one of the key to success in any major task is to visualize the success... But i have seen people have such a strong visualizations, they go the wrong way and cheat or do other indiscretions... (Tom Petters?) So I wonder if dreams can also have opposite impacts for some? You know, the ones that makes you believe they are real but they were not? The ones that scare you.
I had such a dream a few weeks ago. I had a dream that my friends co-worker who was having a baby had a fatal end to the dream. The baby did not make it. I felt so much remorse. A week after the dream, my friend said her friend was going to have her baby on Monday. I was looked at her confused and asked if she was sure as the baby died. I realized then it was a dream and not reality. But when I got the news days later, the baby did not make it, I really felt like a schmuck.
What does all this have to do with a decision on 2009 running. I am not sure, but running is just like many things in my very busy and complex life! I have been very busy and life seems like it is passing by without much thought...
Watching the movie "Click" made me cry. As he was dying on the pavement, at the end of his life, I shut the TV off and shed tears... Yes, men can cry... for I felt I am not getting the enjoyment I think I should from all I do in life...I feel fast forwarding is happening. Running was becoming a chore, dating was a chore, smiling can be a chore...
I need to evaluate what makes me happy... I need to stop, look and listen... I have notice the beauty I have before me... That could mean many things, but just like deciding to try 100 miles, I need to conclude the best opportunities to make life all it can be, without being a chore, and proceeding that way. And just like a 100 mile, there will be obstacles and things that will cause me to change what I am doing, then I can decide the best way to accomplish whatever that is... and that could be just siting down and looking at the stars... but I know one thing I do want to do right now, run...
Carry on...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
May not be funny to you...
Some of you may have read about my love of a blog written by two 82 year old ladies (http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/) Part of her recent post was funny, so I thought...
"Well, I would have written sooner but I couldn’t stop laughing long enough to type more than a sentence or two. Oh my goodness but did any of you see the incident with the Iraqi journalist, Muntathar al Zaidi, throwing his shoes at Georgie Boy? I gotta believe there are millions of us who have wanted to do that very same thing. It’s too bad Zaidi didn’t hit his intended target because he just might have knocked some sense into that thick Bush skull. Not to mention the lucrative Nike contract that surely would have followed."
She is a hoot! 82 and a mind whitty as can be... I needed a laugh!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Strings...
As people typically love the holiday’s this time of year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) these are days that, over the years, have become difficult for me. In short, my son was 5 years old when on Thanksgiving Day; a terrible accident resulted in the amputation of his right hand. I am nearing a decade since I was in court and the judge made my divorce final, two days after Christmas Day, and years after the divorce; I had dated a wonderful person for a few years that abruptly informed me, on New Years Eve, goodbye. I would just like to fall to sleep on November 20th each year and wake the following January 2!
The mind, as we all know, is an interesting part of the human body. It remembers things we do not want to remember but forgets thing we need to remember. I would love to have the joy and excitement others have for six weeks at the end of the year, but I just have issues with that.
I recall the past much like every year at this time and there is one thing in common with all those events. I felt trapped. In this world where no matter what I did, I had no control over the situation. I was helpless. Many feel this was for many other reasons. Some people have unbelievable responsibilities, some people are free. At times, I feel like I am in a never-ending swirl of work, eat, sleep to pay the bills and survive.
The number of people in this state of mind is increasing today with the falling economy. The elderly on fixed incomes, people losing a job or taking large pay cuts where they barley made ends meet with what they had available to them before. Friends stricken with significant illness, accidents taking lives before we believe they should and relationships get strained and questions about self-worth arise.
It is like one of my friends describes being in a prison. They are unable to go anywhere. Every minute, every hour, every day. He would work because he had no choice. He ate would drink, eat, sleep, dress because he had to, or face consequences.
He once said to me “People say live for today. But the only thing that gets me though that prison is tomorrow.” He said there are times you cannot live for today but have that little string that tethers us to hope and love. Something so far from reach today but is still there tomorrow.
At times, I empathized with him. I have virtues and morals, which I have always held strong to no matter what happens. Over the years, I learned, that these are my strings. These are what get me through these difficult times. They are not major things, but they are admirable. They are inside me, not external. They are what make life worth living.
I am happy I have those internal strings. Some people only have external strings without internal pride or confidence of who they are. That leads to a bad result more often than not. But that may also be my downfall. As I am content with my weight and health, I do no seek to improve. So that is why I have races and other things as my outside strings to bring balance to a life, which as we all know, is one of the most difficulty, ever changing parts of living. May you all have a happy holiday season, and treasure those strings…
Carry on…
The mind, as we all know, is an interesting part of the human body. It remembers things we do not want to remember but forgets thing we need to remember. I would love to have the joy and excitement others have for six weeks at the end of the year, but I just have issues with that.
I recall the past much like every year at this time and there is one thing in common with all those events. I felt trapped. In this world where no matter what I did, I had no control over the situation. I was helpless. Many feel this was for many other reasons. Some people have unbelievable responsibilities, some people are free. At times, I feel like I am in a never-ending swirl of work, eat, sleep to pay the bills and survive.
The number of people in this state of mind is increasing today with the falling economy. The elderly on fixed incomes, people losing a job or taking large pay cuts where they barley made ends meet with what they had available to them before. Friends stricken with significant illness, accidents taking lives before we believe they should and relationships get strained and questions about self-worth arise.
It is like one of my friends describes being in a prison. They are unable to go anywhere. Every minute, every hour, every day. He would work because he had no choice. He ate would drink, eat, sleep, dress because he had to, or face consequences.
He once said to me “People say live for today. But the only thing that gets me though that prison is tomorrow.” He said there are times you cannot live for today but have that little string that tethers us to hope and love. Something so far from reach today but is still there tomorrow.
At times, I empathized with him. I have virtues and morals, which I have always held strong to no matter what happens. Over the years, I learned, that these are my strings. These are what get me through these difficult times. They are not major things, but they are admirable. They are inside me, not external. They are what make life worth living.
I am happy I have those internal strings. Some people only have external strings without internal pride or confidence of who they are. That leads to a bad result more often than not. But that may also be my downfall. As I am content with my weight and health, I do no seek to improve. So that is why I have races and other things as my outside strings to bring balance to a life, which as we all know, is one of the most difficulty, ever changing parts of living. May you all have a happy holiday season, and treasure those strings…
Carry on…
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Yes, I can be stupid!
The past few weeks some fellow bloggers stated some funny moments in their running career. I’ll start this off with my own attempt at a funny running story. Humor is relative and this feels a bit risky, but here it goes…
As the day of my first 10K a few years ago, the weather was very warm and humid. I have been running for a few years and I have learned some lessons the hard way. But I had a blessed gift of forgetting the simple important things and seemed I had the pleasure of learning them all over again. Making a wardrobe selection for my first race was one of those lessons. Lesson: Don’t wear cotton on races longer than 5K, especially when it will be hot or wet or both. My lack of experience mind chose my favorite old cotton T-Shirt that had so much training miles.
The race was difficult due to the weather and I was sweating before we started! About a mile into the race, my nice light gray shirt was dark gray… About 2 and miles into the race nipple friction reared it’s ugly head. I could tell if I kept going there would be a bloody price to pay. Now what do I do? My race number was pinned to my shirt and it was soaking wet, clinging to me. I got this bright idea! Slip out of the armholes and wear it around my neck until I got close to the finish and then put it back on before the finish. I was so smart! I was the king of the 10 K improve runner that day!
My brilliance was great and nipple was not bloody. I was so smart… Then the last mile came. Now keep in mind this was years ago when I thought I had muscles everyone wanted to see. The shirts I wore were tight… Recall this shirt, which was one size to small, was drenched in sweat. Imagine trying to get dressed running a 6 minute mile when the clothes did not fit? Not only that, the shirt had four pins holding on the number! So I took it off and put one are through the neck and the other through the hole. Running along I could not see the simple error. I was fumbling around like a man trying to get out of a strait jacket!
Well I had less than ½ mile to go and this was a 10K for the North Dakota State University Homecoming. I come to a group of co-eds who saw me fumbling like an idiot when one yelled “yea baby, take it off, take it all off!” This was followed by what I thought must have been my first and only Chippendales experience (the sounds, hoots and hollers I was getting.)
So me being a shy farm boy had never had the experience of a women screaming for me to take it all off… And with my heart rate over 160, I think it went to 170 just with those perverted thoughts that went through my head. So as I was coming down the last 300 yards, I was fumbling with the shirt, being screamed at by great looking women that I did not see that little raise sewer cover. Just a little bit higher than the pavement. My shoe hit it perfectly. I flew through the air, my arms caught in my shirt and no way to break the fall.
One of the my friends said she saw me bounce and roll… I had scraped the side of my head, blood from my left harm and leg. I got up, embarrassed as I could be, and finished in 36:42. My first and best ever 10 K! I was so embarrassed, I ran right to the car and left… Thinking back, I got the PR, as I was not thinking about the race, the pace or other mental mistakes I now make while running. I was so wrapped up (no pun intended) in that shirt, I just ran. And made a complete ass of myself…
Carry on…
As the day of my first 10K a few years ago, the weather was very warm and humid. I have been running for a few years and I have learned some lessons the hard way. But I had a blessed gift of forgetting the simple important things and seemed I had the pleasure of learning them all over again. Making a wardrobe selection for my first race was one of those lessons. Lesson: Don’t wear cotton on races longer than 5K, especially when it will be hot or wet or both. My lack of experience mind chose my favorite old cotton T-Shirt that had so much training miles.
The race was difficult due to the weather and I was sweating before we started! About a mile into the race, my nice light gray shirt was dark gray… About 2 and miles into the race nipple friction reared it’s ugly head. I could tell if I kept going there would be a bloody price to pay. Now what do I do? My race number was pinned to my shirt and it was soaking wet, clinging to me. I got this bright idea! Slip out of the armholes and wear it around my neck until I got close to the finish and then put it back on before the finish. I was so smart! I was the king of the 10 K improve runner that day!
My brilliance was great and nipple was not bloody. I was so smart… Then the last mile came. Now keep in mind this was years ago when I thought I had muscles everyone wanted to see. The shirts I wore were tight… Recall this shirt, which was one size to small, was drenched in sweat. Imagine trying to get dressed running a 6 minute mile when the clothes did not fit? Not only that, the shirt had four pins holding on the number! So I took it off and put one are through the neck and the other through the hole. Running along I could not see the simple error. I was fumbling around like a man trying to get out of a strait jacket!
Well I had less than ½ mile to go and this was a 10K for the North Dakota State University Homecoming. I come to a group of co-eds who saw me fumbling like an idiot when one yelled “yea baby, take it off, take it all off!” This was followed by what I thought must have been my first and only Chippendales experience (the sounds, hoots and hollers I was getting.)
So me being a shy farm boy had never had the experience of a women screaming for me to take it all off… And with my heart rate over 160, I think it went to 170 just with those perverted thoughts that went through my head. So as I was coming down the last 300 yards, I was fumbling with the shirt, being screamed at by great looking women that I did not see that little raise sewer cover. Just a little bit higher than the pavement. My shoe hit it perfectly. I flew through the air, my arms caught in my shirt and no way to break the fall.
One of the my friends said she saw me bounce and roll… I had scraped the side of my head, blood from my left harm and leg. I got up, embarrassed as I could be, and finished in 36:42. My first and best ever 10 K! I was so embarrassed, I ran right to the car and left… Thinking back, I got the PR, as I was not thinking about the race, the pace or other mental mistakes I now make while running. I was so wrapped up (no pun intended) in that shirt, I just ran. And made a complete ass of myself…
Carry on…
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Glucose and my race?
I had some comments about the glucose level. That was an easy one to figure out. I has been working out less but still enjoying high carbo powder drinks... Figures there should have been an issue as I had carbs for a majority of all meals and drinks. Just a little stupid... My level was a fasting level of 106, whatever that means. He stated this could be related to the high stress I have had as well as the diet. So I adjusted the diet and will be tested after the 12 weeks of Vitamin D therapy.
On the funnier side, with a name like Londell, people often think I am the son of Aunt Jamima. It is funny how when they see me the first time I hear I thought you were black (sorry - African American)... Yesterday, I had someone tell me they thought I was just past 20 years old and black because they tried to get info on me on the Internet and found http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xtCQ1mWN9c
Then I was asked if I had any relation to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnnENy9ogWE
On the funnier side, with a name like Londell, people often think I am the son of Aunt Jamima. It is funny how when they see me the first time I hear I thought you were black (sorry - African American)... Yesterday, I had someone tell me they thought I was just past 20 years old and black because they tried to get info on me on the Internet and found http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xtCQ1mWN9c
Then I was asked if I had any relation to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnnENy9ogWE
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Blood work issue?
Been a while. But without sounding pouty, life is not superb and who wants to hear the battiness I have right now? I know I do not want to write it and sure you do not want to read it.
Running has been non-existent and I have no urge to run. I have however been averaging over an hour per day biking and elipticizing. I add some weights in there for good measure.
Biggest Loser was on tonight... I am so mad that Vicky has a chance to go to the Final... If I was married to her I am sure I would be in jail, and I am not violent at all. I would find a way to go to jail as being with her would be worse...
The big issue with me is overall health. I mentioned earlier my blood test was not good and I would write later. I waited to write to see how I felt after a few weeks of changes. The Physician said I have a major Vitamin D deficiency. My Cholesterol and all other tests were great. But my glucose was high.
The Dr. has me on a once a week dose of 50,000 IUP Vitamin D. Yes, you read that right, 50,000… This was a prescription. Image the over the counter pills that would take? I still have a hard time saying 50,000…
Well even three weeks and I am much less fatigued and sleeping better. At this rate, I may be ready to train after the first of the year? But train for what, I do not know. As I said at the start, I do not feel like running and have not run…
Carry on…
Running has been non-existent and I have no urge to run. I have however been averaging over an hour per day biking and elipticizing. I add some weights in there for good measure.
Biggest Loser was on tonight... I am so mad that Vicky has a chance to go to the Final... If I was married to her I am sure I would be in jail, and I am not violent at all. I would find a way to go to jail as being with her would be worse...
The big issue with me is overall health. I mentioned earlier my blood test was not good and I would write later. I waited to write to see how I felt after a few weeks of changes. The Physician said I have a major Vitamin D deficiency. My Cholesterol and all other tests were great. But my glucose was high.
The Dr. has me on a once a week dose of 50,000 IUP Vitamin D. Yes, you read that right, 50,000… This was a prescription. Image the over the counter pills that would take? I still have a hard time saying 50,000…
Well even three weeks and I am much less fatigued and sleeping better. At this rate, I may be ready to train after the first of the year? But train for what, I do not know. As I said at the start, I do not feel like running and have not run…
Carry on…
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thought (or photos) of the day...
Saw these and had to post them... But I also need to write soon... My blood test was not good and I am now taking pills and getting ready for a follow-up... In February... More later, but here are pictures I found that made me laugh.
Carry on...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Run fat boy, RUN!
Well, I knew I was fat, but severely obese? I went to have my annual (well, it's been a few years - thanks Carl for encouraging me!) physical this week. This was after me working out regular since November 1 and watching my diet aggressively as of November 2. I have only run 4 times over that period for a total of 12.8 miles in 2 hours and 5 minutes, but did a whole lot of other exercise including:
269 bike miles over 15 rides (17 hours or just under 18 miles a time average)
18 walking miles on 7 walks (5 hours and 20 minutes and 2.5 miles a time average); and
18.6 miles on the elliptical over 9 times (4 hours 45 minutes or just over 2 miles a time average)
So I averaged 1.6 workouts per day with the average workout being 1 hour and 20 minutes. So for the past 20 days, I worked out 2 hours and 8 minutes a day. I am feeling better and was feeling positive about my Christmas deadline as I am not pushing it. If I felt like working out, I did. If I was tired, I did not…
Well, the Physician came in and looked are the chart and in kind terms, said I was off the chart obese. We had a discussion and discovered I have been obese for decades. I exclaimed, when I was 215 pounds (which is still obese according to him) I ran the 25 K on the Superior Hiking Trail in 2:36 or so, I ran a 4 hour marathon and ran the Superior 50 mile in 13.5 hours. He said I needed to lose a minimum of 87 pounds and ideal weight; I needed to lose 105 pounds… That stung…
I know I am fat, but never considered I would be in the category of Americans that needed to lose over 100 pounds, specifically as I am 35 pounds less than when I ran my 5:45 marathon? One thing that some co-workers pointed out is that Jarred Allen of the Viking is also obese, as well as most running backs. The chart is just that, a chart. When I was 215, most people thought I was getting to thin and they can not imagine needing to lose another 35 pounds to be healthy?
So I am not sure if there is more than Grandma's
Carry on…
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Letter from the shopping center...
I read this and thought immediately that this could be a letter about Steve Quick, with the luck has has been having and the pranks he can think of...? So Steve, enjoy... I could imaging you doing quite a few of these...
Dear Mrs. Pease,
Over the past six months, your ultra-runner friend has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Quick are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5 minute intervals.
3.July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved the 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4th: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna Look' by using different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: He hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed by, he yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'and last, but not least.
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.!
Regards, Manager
Dear Mrs. Pease,
Over the past six months, your ultra-runner friend has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Quick are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5 minute intervals.
3.July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved the 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4th: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna Look' by using different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: He hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed by, he yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'and last, but not least.
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.!
Regards, Manager
Friday, November 7, 2008
47 days and counting
This morning the counter said 47 days to Christmas. I had hopes by that day I have revived my legs to start training for another attempt at the superior beast. Having the time off has given me much time to evaluate. I have concluded that my failure in the first ST 100 was from a lack of mental training and the second, over-training and entering race day exhausted.
As I had stated at the UMTR gathering, I think if I do go for this again, I think I will go for the 2-3 runs a week training method. That will be a midweek speed workout and a Saturday run of 20-45 miles and that should do it. My best running results are when i gave my body plenty of time to rest with solid quality workouts? But then again, when you enjoy something so much, it is hard to do just twice a week?
Either way, even if i do not make the decision to do the 100, I do have to run and train for my 25th anniversary Grandam's Marathon finish. Yes, 25 years this year when i finish, consecutive that is... Had this goal, well, 24 years ago and hard to believe I am that close... That is the only real focus I have and not sure what I will be like emotionally when i cross that line for the last time?
Carry on...
As I had stated at the UMTR gathering, I think if I do go for this again, I think I will go for the 2-3 runs a week training method. That will be a midweek speed workout and a Saturday run of 20-45 miles and that should do it. My best running results are when i gave my body plenty of time to rest with solid quality workouts? But then again, when you enjoy something so much, it is hard to do just twice a week?
Either way, even if i do not make the decision to do the 100, I do have to run and train for my 25th anniversary Grandam's Marathon finish. Yes, 25 years this year when i finish, consecutive that is... Had this goal, well, 24 years ago and hard to believe I am that close... That is the only real focus I have and not sure what I will be like emotionally when i cross that line for the last time?
Carry on...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election day...
Today is election day. This is a hard election for me with two major races, I do not like either choice? (And some people think selecting a running / trail race is hard!) So I woke thinking I would write in Larry Peterson for President and Don Clark for Senate (As Norm, Dean and Al have me really turned off...) I know I am supporting the tax increase for clean water. I know new taxes suck but we really need to be careful with the world we live in and water more an issue than we care to think. My only fear is they find a way to do what happened in the 90's with the LCMR funds from the lottery, they found a way to use it elsewhere... Either way, yet another election has come when I need to vote for Mo or Curly when we really need a Larry...
I sure an tell my stress from work has decreased after the SuperTarget application. The stress and long hours were killing me. For the first time in months I think I am going to shake a cold. I was shocked when my resting heart rate, which has been in the mid 70's, was 61 yesterday. Amazing how stress impacts the body.
Carry on...
I sure an tell my stress from work has decreased after the SuperTarget application. The stress and long hours were killing me. For the first time in months I think I am going to shake a cold. I was shocked when my resting heart rate, which has been in the mid 70's, was 61 yesterday. Amazing how stress impacts the body.
Carry on...
Sunday, November 2, 2008
UMTR and more
UMTR held the awards fest. It was a great gathering with many people I was glad to see and many I hoped to see. If the people I missed were able to make, we may have needed a bigger place. The weather was great and the awards were the best. Don and Bonny were so deserving of the great awards they were given. (CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM!) And Larry... I have often wondered what would happen to this sport if it were not for that close group of workhorses. I was going to names those i knew but there are so many other with a passion. I can never thank them enough as I am sure many feel the same way... I am just disappointed I do not have the urge to run... Hope it passes?
I did have the urge to bike. With the great weather I was just short of 50 miles for the weekend. If I would have known I was so close, I would have went around the block a few times... Hope the Indian summer holds a few more day but i think that is a dream... It is now time for colder weather. Thank god I have a great workout room at the office with bikes, elliptical, weights and treadmills. I may just stay in and try the "Diane Farmer" training method for a while? Only I am not sure which TV show I would prefer?
Anyway, hope health is with you all and do not forget to vote. And if you need any opinions on who to vote for, check out http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com. These are elderly ladies who are funny. Check out the post about Sarah Palen or the funny one "maverick my ass"... I think we can assume she is a Democrat, but she is feisty for her age! and she makes me laugh...
Carry on...
I did have the urge to bike. With the great weather I was just short of 50 miles for the weekend. If I would have known I was so close, I would have went around the block a few times... Hope the Indian summer holds a few more day but i think that is a dream... It is now time for colder weather. Thank god I have a great workout room at the office with bikes, elliptical, weights and treadmills. I may just stay in and try the "Diane Farmer" training method for a while? Only I am not sure which TV show I would prefer?
Anyway, hope health is with you all and do not forget to vote. And if you need any opinions on who to vote for, check out http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com. These are elderly ladies who are funny. Check out the post about Sarah Palen or the funny one "maverick my ass"... I think we can assume she is a Democrat, but she is feisty for her age! and she makes me laugh...
Carry on...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Scary night...new beginnings...
I live in a building that is secure with average age over 50 and and we never get kids for Halloween. Only know of one person who has children... I recall the days when I used to have a bunch of running friends and we all did a midnight Halloween run. As I do not drink alcohol, I became the designated driver as many of the runners ran hammered... in their costumes... Sometimes, the birthday suits were used.
It was a different world in the 1980's. Then I got married, had children, got divorced, children left and became so distant from those running pals. Over the past month, I tried to look some of them up. Eddie I am told died of prostate cancer, Kevin also passed away but I do not know how, John never did recover from his war wounds and I was told one night life was to much.
I never could track down Scott... Scott was the best man in my wedding... He fell off the face of the earth. Gordy I found mentioned in a google search, but could not find where he was in this world... Makes me think of how life is full of happy and unhappy endings and new beginning.
Lately, I have struggled with what may have been the result of over training. My legs feel tired even when I do not run. Knee and hip pains are back... I feel tired even when I sleep many hours. I am beginning to think it may be related to stress at work.
Tomorrow is a new day to a new month. I spend my week preparing a plan to try to get back on track and start to lose the weight I have put back on... I had gone from 296 to 212 from 2005 to 2006 and now I am back to 258 or 46 pounds heavier than when I ran the Superior 25K in 2:36, if I recall right. So I am not half way back to plump and do not want to go there. But that is always easier said than done.
Tomorrow, many friends are running Surf the Murph. I am sitting out as I am not sure I could run it. Everything is sore and do not know why. Tomorrow is also the celebration for the Ultra group. So tomorrow I will celebrate and then buckle down. I have the desire and plan to lose 56 (1.3 pounds per week) pounds before the Superior 100 next year. Not sure I will race at all in between but I have my computer ready to go for nutritional analysis and other factors and will go through the same analysis and workout patterns I did in 2006 when I lost 84 pounds. Only this time I do not have Dana, I still have the knowledge...
Carry on...
It was a different world in the 1980's. Then I got married, had children, got divorced, children left and became so distant from those running pals. Over the past month, I tried to look some of them up. Eddie I am told died of prostate cancer, Kevin also passed away but I do not know how, John never did recover from his war wounds and I was told one night life was to much.
I never could track down Scott... Scott was the best man in my wedding... He fell off the face of the earth. Gordy I found mentioned in a google search, but could not find where he was in this world... Makes me think of how life is full of happy and unhappy endings and new beginning.
Lately, I have struggled with what may have been the result of over training. My legs feel tired even when I do not run. Knee and hip pains are back... I feel tired even when I sleep many hours. I am beginning to think it may be related to stress at work.
Tomorrow is a new day to a new month. I spend my week preparing a plan to try to get back on track and start to lose the weight I have put back on... I had gone from 296 to 212 from 2005 to 2006 and now I am back to 258 or 46 pounds heavier than when I ran the Superior 25K in 2:36, if I recall right. So I am not half way back to plump and do not want to go there. But that is always easier said than done.
Tomorrow, many friends are running Surf the Murph. I am sitting out as I am not sure I could run it. Everything is sore and do not know why. Tomorrow is also the celebration for the Ultra group. So tomorrow I will celebrate and then buckle down. I have the desire and plan to lose 56 (1.3 pounds per week) pounds before the Superior 100 next year. Not sure I will race at all in between but I have my computer ready to go for nutritional analysis and other factors and will go through the same analysis and workout patterns I did in 2006 when I lost 84 pounds. Only this time I do not have Dana, I still have the knowledge...
Carry on...
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sad, quiet and slow...
The blog world has slowed. Could be the weather or just most are repairing after a hard summer season. Jobs, family, health or other things are a priority. I have RSVP's for the UMTR Awards fest. Should be fun.
I just can not keep from dwelling on one post which has me the most concerned. A fellow runner who is going through some real hard times right now. She is still blessed with health but death, early death, in her family has been a repeated activity. Karen is always blesses me with a smile whenever I meet her for a run or at a race. I often wonder "why does God punish people like this". I always have to go back to when my 3 year old nephew died. It was unexpected.
At the funeral, the Pastor said something I will forget at time. He said "Aaron has left us and for many this is a sad time. What makes it sad is our perception of how long a life is." He went on to say that God has a plan for all of us. For Aaron, God had planned a life of three years. He reminded us that Aaron did not waste time in his life. He loved each minute and made sure it was full. He said it is the human expectation we should all live the same length of time which adds to the pain. He emphasised the pain should be there, but not to add to it as Aaron did live his life (3 years) to the fullest and asked we do the same.
I often need times to remember that life is not a guarantee and we need to preserve and cherish the time with others and ourselves. I forget that often. I pray for Karen and many others who are not experiencing the joyous of times right now. I am doing really well with my only obstacle being me. I need to remember that more often...
Dana once gave me a bumper sticker that said "the best things in life... are not things". It had a picture of a man holding the cat, with the wife, kids, friends and the dog around him. As I think of this, some close friends know what I mean when I say I feel real stupid about the Orzo Salad issue... But some things we can not take back...
In this ultra running world I find that to be true. Thanks for all the love and support from many and I only pray Karen gets through this OK. I am sure she will with the heart and soul god gave her... But I still add her to my prayers nightly and hope to see her smile again... She knows how to live a full life, however long it may be, and may it be long and continues health, as with all of you...
Carry on...
I just can not keep from dwelling on one post which has me the most concerned. A fellow runner who is going through some real hard times right now. She is still blessed with health but death, early death, in her family has been a repeated activity. Karen is always blesses me with a smile whenever I meet her for a run or at a race. I often wonder "why does God punish people like this". I always have to go back to when my 3 year old nephew died. It was unexpected.
At the funeral, the Pastor said something I will forget at time. He said "Aaron has left us and for many this is a sad time. What makes it sad is our perception of how long a life is." He went on to say that God has a plan for all of us. For Aaron, God had planned a life of three years. He reminded us that Aaron did not waste time in his life. He loved each minute and made sure it was full. He said it is the human expectation we should all live the same length of time which adds to the pain. He emphasised the pain should be there, but not to add to it as Aaron did live his life (3 years) to the fullest and asked we do the same.
I often need times to remember that life is not a guarantee and we need to preserve and cherish the time with others and ourselves. I forget that often. I pray for Karen and many others who are not experiencing the joyous of times right now. I am doing really well with my only obstacle being me. I need to remember that more often...
Dana once gave me a bumper sticker that said "the best things in life... are not things". It had a picture of a man holding the cat, with the wife, kids, friends and the dog around him. As I think of this, some close friends know what I mean when I say I feel real stupid about the Orzo Salad issue... But some things we can not take back...
In this ultra running world I find that to be true. Thanks for all the love and support from many and I only pray Karen gets through this OK. I am sure she will with the heart and soul god gave her... But I still add her to my prayers nightly and hope to see her smile again... She knows how to live a full life, however long it may be, and may it be long and continues health, as with all of you...
Carry on...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Quote sent to me...
"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy … . It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."
~Jacqueline Gareau, Boston Marathon, (Champion in 1980)
~Jacqueline Gareau, Boston Marathon, (Champion in 1980)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
My blood boiled
I am usually mild mannered when it comes to politics. This from a person who has an under-graduate degree in Political Science and work for the Government. But this year, I find myself passionate. Although, the wrong kind of passion and it varies from time to time.
First, this year for president, I was looking at the Vice President with a greater emphasis than the past. One presidential candidate is quite old and the other is sure to have some idiot looking to end his tenure. Lousy to think that way, but that is just what I think. So when they VP's were announced, I was disappointed to say the least, for both. So I released that thought and thought about the Presidential candidates. Then I get this crazy Coleman and f'n Frankin fiasco, and it is even worse...
Then I saw what happened to my good friend and republican Neil Peterson. He voted for the transportation bill to override the Veto and the republicans in the state acted like two year old brats and worked to remove him. He was defeated in the primary. Neil has done more in his tenure than anyone I know. He voted for Minnesota, not a party.
So tonight I had a call from some poor young volunteer for the republican party and I snapped. I told the poor girl I will never vote for any republican again after the two year old bratty behavior from our Governor and his party. Then I felt guilty as I was no better of than those I complained about. SO now I have come full circle... I have no clue what to do in a few weeks. Not just for President, but for the local elections as well. I am so confused but in talking to many, I am not alone.
I wonder if this emotional turmoil and confusion is more that my miles are way down and I am not working out as regular as I should? Either way, there is decisions to be made, and this voter is not ready... and not sure if I will be...
Carry on...
First, this year for president, I was looking at the Vice President with a greater emphasis than the past. One presidential candidate is quite old and the other is sure to have some idiot looking to end his tenure. Lousy to think that way, but that is just what I think. So when they VP's were announced, I was disappointed to say the least, for both. So I released that thought and thought about the Presidential candidates. Then I get this crazy Coleman and f'n Frankin fiasco, and it is even worse...
Then I saw what happened to my good friend and republican Neil Peterson. He voted for the transportation bill to override the Veto and the republicans in the state acted like two year old brats and worked to remove him. He was defeated in the primary. Neil has done more in his tenure than anyone I know. He voted for Minnesota, not a party.
So tonight I had a call from some poor young volunteer for the republican party and I snapped. I told the poor girl I will never vote for any republican again after the two year old bratty behavior from our Governor and his party. Then I felt guilty as I was no better of than those I complained about. SO now I have come full circle... I have no clue what to do in a few weeks. Not just for President, but for the local elections as well. I am so confused but in talking to many, I am not alone.
I wonder if this emotional turmoil and confusion is more that my miles are way down and I am not working out as regular as I should? Either way, there is decisions to be made, and this voter is not ready... and not sure if I will be...
Carry on...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
I ran... and enjoyed it...
A little... Just a 5K at a 10 minute per mile pace at lunch. I was surprised I seemed to labor for that pace, but fat in the mid-section does impact running. I did elliptical machine before work for 34 minutes for the 2 miles. This elliptical at my office really is not easy but gets little miles compared to the last machine we had used.
I am not sure if I will run again this week, but the weather is such that I have to get out. So I am taking long walks along the river bottoms. Just get in the changes in colors and exercise at the same time... Perfect weather for this and as I am walking, I can look up... unlike a trail run where the head stays down.
Hope all are recovering well and ready to enjoy the cool weather.
Carry on!
I am not sure if I will run again this week, but the weather is such that I have to get out. So I am taking long walks along the river bottoms. Just get in the changes in colors and exercise at the same time... Perfect weather for this and as I am walking, I can look up... unlike a trail run where the head stays down.
Hope all are recovering well and ready to enjoy the cool weather.
Carry on!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Unfair treatment!
I have been a USTA (Tennis) official for several years. I have had the privilege of officiating matches which included many great players include John McEnroe and Andy Roddick. I once had a 130-mile an hour serves from Roddick that he did not agree with my call. Replay showed
I was right (about an 1/8th an inch…). How did I do that? Training… Lots of it…
I was right (about an 1/8th an inch…). How did I do that? Training… Lots of it…
Through the years I have not been so accurate, I have made mistakes. There are days I have felt ill but had to officiate anyway as there was no sub available. Did I do well? I will argue I did as well as Randy Moss and Tom Brady if they were playing with a 101-degree fever…
I have to live with those mistakes. Officiating is a different animal. Once when I was on my way out to officiate a McEnroe match, the head official gave us a motivational speech. He said something I will never forget… He said "you are expected to be 100% perfect out there, and you are expected to improve on that!" That is how society looks at officials.
Over the years, I have become more hardened to accept that perfection expectation. Now we have so much press about Ed Hochuli's acknowledgment that he erred on a call late in Sunday's San Diego-Denver game a few weeks ago. He is human; god forbids this from an official.
What irritates me is we are in a society that always looks for an easy person to blame for a loss, a failure or other negative aspect in life. Did the official make a mistake that truly cost the San Diego Charger the game. I argue, not really.
How can I say that? I watched most of that game. I guess if we hold officials to a one clear mistake and we should be banned, we should ban several receivers from ever playing football again for dropping a pass that was right in their arms. I guess we need to ban many defensive players for missing what seemed to be an easy tackle. I guess we need to ban the offensive players who negated a major gain because he grabbed onto a defensive player and threw them to the ground? But those are just forgiven as issue in a stressful situation by a player who makes $10 million a year. But the official who makes $80,000 a year better not make one little mistaken means a death sentence.
In baseball, we should ban the outfield who drops an easy fly ball? What about a hockey player who missed an open net shot? Let not even discuss the number of botch open lane lay-ups I have seen in Basketball. Hey, we have all seen dunks missed…
But we would never say such a thing. The San Diego Chargers made many more mistakes, which cost them the game… Did the official goof up in that game, yes, but he is the only one people want to fire, harm, or ridicule. What I find most interesting in all my years of officiating
(Baseball for 9 years prior to tennis) is that the people who bitch the most have never officiated a high-level game or match. If they did, they would understand that officiating is a high-level stress job, which it takes a sick person to enjoy… I also have seen a major shortage of officials in all sports… Many great officials have left the profession due to one or two mistakes and major backlash. If I were Ed Hochuli, I would retire and the NFL would now lose another quality official but would still have all those players who goofed up many times throughout the game! But he, as well as I, keep officiating though the name calling and threats… We must be sick?
I guess that could explain why I want to run 100 miles?
Carry on…
Friday, September 19, 2008
Carlin's Wisdom for staying young
An earlier post made it known I loved George Carlin comedy... He was not always being funny, he just put serious stuff out there selectively. Here is a favorite piece of his which ends with a very strong sentence about life.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them "
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening,whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be
ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies,
whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Carry on!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them "
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening,whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be
ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies,
whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Carry on!
I am 46 today..some jokes... Stolen words
You know you're getting on in years when the girls at the office start confiding in you.
NOW WORDS FROM MY favorite comedian...
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key.
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16!
And then the greatest day of your life when you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you Sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92." Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
GEORGE CARLIN
Happy 46th Birthday to me!
Carry on…
Middle age is when it takes longer to rest than to get tired.
By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he's too old to go anywhere.
Middle age is when you have stopped growing at both ends, and have begun to grow in the middle.
You're getting old when you're sitting in a rocker and you can't get it started.
You find yourself in the middle of the stairway, and you can't remember if you were downstairs going up or upstairs going down.NOW WORDS FROM MY favorite comedian...
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key.
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16!
And then the greatest day of your life when you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you Sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92." Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
GEORGE CARLIN
Happy 46th Birthday to me!
Carry on…
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Gaiters.
After frustration with REI gaiters at ST 100, I decided to order Dirty Girl gaiters. (http://www.dirtygirlgaiters.com/) I went to the website and saw how little the cost compared to what the REI pair cost me, so I fell in love with several designs and finally settled on three pairs... I need to learn to make a decision as why do I need three pairs? I always mail order stuff to my office as it is a sure way to get them as opposed to sitting outside a door or in a mail box.
Well, the administrative staff read the return address on the envelope which read "Dirty Girl". So she logged into dirtygirl.com... When she saw that, she proceeded to open with caution. (Her co-worker told me she was acting like it was the plague...) She took one of the vibrant gators out of the pouch they came in and walked back to my desk with a funny look on her face and said "what are these". She was holding it like a soiled diaper with a funny look on her face. I said "why did you have the urge to open my mail" (she and I get along great so I did not care) and she said I found it strange I would order from Dirty Girl as it sounded like a place that sold girl products which you would not ship to the office.
I explained the company and the use of the product, but for the day, it was a laugh that "Londell buys skimpy clothing from "Dirty Girl"... Glad I have a sense of humor, at least I think I do...
Carry on...
PS: She thought they could be "decorative nut cup holders" until she saw there were two in a pack and was confused...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Christmas
Some blog readers noticed I have a Christmas countdown working on my blog... Today is 100 days to Christmas. WOW. What is that all about? Should we not count down to a race? After all, we are athletes.
I do not feel athletic. I have been training so hard my close friends know I have had a whole lot of trouble sleeping, headaches and other ills which are common for the human body pushed to hard. My back spasm which took me out of the 100 this year were most likely by-products of a lack of stretching and improper over-all training. I did a whole lot of running and biking but less weights and did not keep the muscles balanced. That is my opinion. So I decided not to run anymore... this year, or very little. Basically, between now and Christmas, only if I have the urge. I am just going to eat well and repair...
I think I have been working hard and my body just needs to repair. I think the weight issue was I had pushed so hard I am so tired that I was always seeking nutrition I to replenish all I expend. Not just in my exercise world but the job has been at least three times as intense and difficult. So I will focus on eating right, doing yoga, simple weights and other light enjoyable activities. Feel much better already after 9 days. Weight is 3 pounds less than the week before the race. So I will decide on Christmas if I will try the Superior 100 in 2009... That is my countdown. Commit then and plan and train smarter, or send my name to the volunteer list. (or offer service of a pacer?) or both. Isn't that worth a countdown timer?
Carry on!
I do not feel athletic. I have been training so hard my close friends know I have had a whole lot of trouble sleeping, headaches and other ills which are common for the human body pushed to hard. My back spasm which took me out of the 100 this year were most likely by-products of a lack of stretching and improper over-all training. I did a whole lot of running and biking but less weights and did not keep the muscles balanced. That is my opinion. So I decided not to run anymore... this year, or very little. Basically, between now and Christmas, only if I have the urge. I am just going to eat well and repair...
I think I have been working hard and my body just needs to repair. I think the weight issue was I had pushed so hard I am so tired that I was always seeking nutrition I to replenish all I expend. Not just in my exercise world but the job has been at least three times as intense and difficult. So I will focus on eating right, doing yoga, simple weights and other light enjoyable activities. Feel much better already after 9 days. Weight is 3 pounds less than the week before the race. So I will decide on Christmas if I will try the Superior 100 in 2009... That is my countdown. Commit then and plan and train smarter, or send my name to the volunteer list. (or offer service of a pacer?) or both. Isn't that worth a countdown timer?
Carry on!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Clueless...
In 2007 I knew exactly where I went wrong and right when I quit at 77 miles. I knew what needed correction and worked hard on those issues. I was not confident in my 2008 preparation although I traind more and my times were a little faster. I had no clue it would be the result of packing it in at 24 miles.
The whole week prior was issue after issue. I had back spasms, a tight hip and other pain I tried to work through. These are not excuses because I thought I was tough enough to work through them, but I was wrong. From the start of the day, I was not doing well. I woke through the night with diarrhea. (Sorry for that detail) I was worried, as I did not now why. I was really congested in the chest. Even though I had plenty of support from fellow runners and my crew, I left the motel later than I should. Felt I rushed through preparation once at Gooseberry. The race start was hard. I was ready to stop as I was sore and felt fatigued as I crossed the start line.
I trogged along (A Phillip term) through the first aid station in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. My back was tight and I had a few spasms. I continued but slowed to Beaver Bay still making my planned time. My breathing was tight and I was doing what I could to make my back comfortable. I was ready to quit but my crew and the great station workers convinced me to continue.
By the time I got to Silver Bay, I could not long climb a hill using my right leg without pain in the back which can only be described as a knife stab and twisting motion. Now I have never been stabbed so it may not be that bad, or could be worse. I saw Molly Cochran at Silver bay and she was just returned from the Hospital from a bee sting. I almost was going to continue with Molly but did a test push with my leg and the back was painful. I knew the right decision was before me.
This is not a spine pain, but the lower right. Almost like Sciatic Nerve. But lower toward the hip. I am beginning to wonder if this is not all tied to the knee issue. The entire right leg seems to be going bad. Knee is sore, hip is sore, and lower back. May look not a few weeks of focus on starching and balanced weight lifting. Anyone out there have a routine they like for balanced weight lifting for the lower body? But then could be the upper body needs it also.
I did stop by later aid stations during the race. It was great to see Chris at the 50-mile point. It was about 9 hours and he looked like had had not been running. At 6-9 AM at Sugarloaf, I saw Julie Berg just after sun-up, she was looking solid. Christian came into that station ready to quit. I watched that aid station crew work the magic earlier and revive the runner and they continued. Christian was sure he wanted to quit. But after about 30 minutes, they had him up and going! I went to Cramer road and saw Carl. He looked like I did last year. I told him I regretted the past 364 days my decision not to go on and he had more time than I did and the best crew in the world. I was happy he continued. Many others went through and were so strong. I am anxious to read many posts as I think this year had some pretty interesting challenges.
Rambling aside, this seemed to be a hard race for many this year. Could be the air? Could be many things but one final thought, I am not sure if I will try again, I say that with sad thoughts as I really want to achieve this just once. A next attempt would be a third, and I view my third attempt as my last chance. A personal thing. So next year, I am committed to one thing with regard to Superior. I will work a station or I will have lost at least 40 of the pounds I carried this year and enter. That is the only option.
I feel bad for others who were placed in the same position as I was, call it a day or continue. Phil worked so hard and was going strong when I was with him. Hear Adam had a major injury. Les and I started with and I will not stop attitude but something swallowed us both. Molly and the bee attack, ouch.
But life goes on…
Carry on my friends.
The whole week prior was issue after issue. I had back spasms, a tight hip and other pain I tried to work through. These are not excuses because I thought I was tough enough to work through them, but I was wrong. From the start of the day, I was not doing well. I woke through the night with diarrhea. (Sorry for that detail) I was worried, as I did not now why. I was really congested in the chest. Even though I had plenty of support from fellow runners and my crew, I left the motel later than I should. Felt I rushed through preparation once at Gooseberry. The race start was hard. I was ready to stop as I was sore and felt fatigued as I crossed the start line.
I trogged along (A Phillip term) through the first aid station in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. My back was tight and I had a few spasms. I continued but slowed to Beaver Bay still making my planned time. My breathing was tight and I was doing what I could to make my back comfortable. I was ready to quit but my crew and the great station workers convinced me to continue.
By the time I got to Silver Bay, I could not long climb a hill using my right leg without pain in the back which can only be described as a knife stab and twisting motion. Now I have never been stabbed so it may not be that bad, or could be worse. I saw Molly Cochran at Silver bay and she was just returned from the Hospital from a bee sting. I almost was going to continue with Molly but did a test push with my leg and the back was painful. I knew the right decision was before me.
This is not a spine pain, but the lower right. Almost like Sciatic Nerve. But lower toward the hip. I am beginning to wonder if this is not all tied to the knee issue. The entire right leg seems to be going bad. Knee is sore, hip is sore, and lower back. May look not a few weeks of focus on starching and balanced weight lifting. Anyone out there have a routine they like for balanced weight lifting for the lower body? But then could be the upper body needs it also.
I did stop by later aid stations during the race. It was great to see Chris at the 50-mile point. It was about 9 hours and he looked like had had not been running. At 6-9 AM at Sugarloaf, I saw Julie Berg just after sun-up, she was looking solid. Christian came into that station ready to quit. I watched that aid station crew work the magic earlier and revive the runner and they continued. Christian was sure he wanted to quit. But after about 30 minutes, they had him up and going! I went to Cramer road and saw Carl. He looked like I did last year. I told him I regretted the past 364 days my decision not to go on and he had more time than I did and the best crew in the world. I was happy he continued. Many others went through and were so strong. I am anxious to read many posts as I think this year had some pretty interesting challenges.
Rambling aside, this seemed to be a hard race for many this year. Could be the air? Could be many things but one final thought, I am not sure if I will try again, I say that with sad thoughts as I really want to achieve this just once. A next attempt would be a third, and I view my third attempt as my last chance. A personal thing. So next year, I am committed to one thing with regard to Superior. I will work a station or I will have lost at least 40 of the pounds I carried this year and enter. That is the only option.
I feel bad for others who were placed in the same position as I was, call it a day or continue. Phil worked so hard and was going strong when I was with him. Hear Adam had a major injury. Les and I started with and I will not stop attitude but something swallowed us both. Molly and the bee attack, ouch.
But life goes on…
Carry on my friends.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
It is here... or close
At the writing of this entry, I have less time before the start of the race than I do anticipated finish time. It is just over 34 hours from now I will be 200 miles from home and 102.6 miles on the Superior Hiking Trail Lutsen where I hope to be before 38 hours of constant movement ends… I am not as nervous or excited as last year, in fact, I am not confident in my ability to finish. Many challenges will be a surprise to be throughout the race but I just need to keep going until I am told to stop. That is the key, as I see it.
Either way it has been another interesting year of preparation. Challenges were more than I cared and life was ever changing. Emotions run wild as I over evaluate much of what I am doing and what I desire for the future. No matter what, I can only do my best and that is what I will do. Next entry will be my success or failure report. Take care and smile!
Carry on…
Either way it has been another interesting year of preparation. Challenges were more than I cared and life was ever changing. Emotions run wild as I over evaluate much of what I am doing and what I desire for the future. No matter what, I can only do my best and that is what I will do. Next entry will be my success or failure report. Take care and smile!
Carry on…
Monday, September 1, 2008
To much to late?
I am beginning to regret my last hills run. Still today, I feel exhausted that walking is a chore. I ran 3 miles Thursday, lifted weights (upper body only) hard Friday, did a 27-mile bike ride Saturday and walked around the Renaissance Festival Sunday. I think I am not going to do anything I do not have to except rest from here on out!
Getting a little more excited but nothing compared to last year. The race director should be happy to know this year I will have drop bags less then half the weight last year. Last year I packed one of everything I might want and the bags were huge. Live and learn. Although, I still will have the bottle of pickle juice! Swear that this is the best for an ultra run for my body, especially in the heat.
Either way, the daily weather format is fun to watch. I am just going to expect rain and not worry about if it might rain. Takes to much energy. A fellow ultra runner did some major damage to his right hand in a fall. He is not sure if he will run or will have the clearance to run the 100. I am just going o be careful as anything can happen over the next 92 hours before the start of the race.
Carry on!
Getting a little more excited but nothing compared to last year. The race director should be happy to know this year I will have drop bags less then half the weight last year. Last year I packed one of everything I might want and the bags were huge. Live and learn. Although, I still will have the bottle of pickle juice! Swear that this is the best for an ultra run for my body, especially in the heat.
Either way, the daily weather format is fun to watch. I am just going to expect rain and not worry about if it might rain. Takes to much energy. A fellow ultra runner did some major damage to his right hand in a fall. He is not sure if he will run or will have the clearance to run the 100. I am just going o be careful as anything can happen over the next 92 hours before the start of the race.
Carry on!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Race topo Chart. What is a taper?
I completed the ST 100 elevation chart from the information I extrapolated from "A walking guide to the Superior Hiking Trail". This is a book where they took GPS elevation data for the entire trail and placed it on several charts for each segment as it was completed. As GPS is not perfect, the elevation chart is not perfect but actually close to the other data I have seen. (It also makes Moose Mountain look like the worse climb.)
I have read or heard so much about what is a taper for a 100-mile race; I am not sure I am doing it right. The easiest of all the comments I read was 75 percent the workout level three weeks before, 50 percent two weeks before and 25 percent or less the week before. I kept charging full boar, up to 9 days before the race and will do less and 20 percent over the next 9 days? I have been feeling pretty strong over the past few weeks. My confidence that I can finish this year is less after the experience I gained last year. Experience should give me confidence. Although this is a tough course, there needs to be more than physical workouts and experience.
Most people started the taper with two weeks to go. Although with my son leaving to study in Germany and some other issues bringing me down, I decided to do the hills on Wednesday. Karen Gall met me at Hyland after my second repeat and we proceeded to attack the hills very hard together. She was so strong and after a few more, I knew I was in need of a taper. We were averaging around 16:55 per mile for the first 12 repeats. I downloaded the run and I had an average heart rate of 147… Wow…
Then I challenged Karen to see how long it would take here to catch me. So she started and I followed. She gained on me with each repeat and after 5 repeats we were averaging 16:20 mile pace and I was felling like I was at Sugarloaf last year. My legs were heavy, I was soaked with sweat and felt like there was not much left. Karen still looked strong and near the end of the 6th repeat, she come up behind me. What a workout to take the personal issues out of my mind! That was a hard 6 repeats. Average heart rate was 158! AVERAGE. Peak was listed at 173. Now conventional wisdom says 100 percent for me would be 175…
I was so sore and fatigued; I had trouble sleeping that night. I woke to the greatest muscle fatigue. I am not sure when I felt that stiff. Well, last year after the 100. May have not been a good idea, but I sure mentally feel better.
SO I started to think what is a taper anyway. Thursday, I went for a 2-mile walk, a swim and did some heavy upper body and mid-section weights workout. Today I plan nothing. Saturday may be a 20-mile easy bike ride? One thing for sure, next Tuesday is the last days I do anything other than live life. Ice will do ice and heat treatments on the real sore areas and start packing and finishing the detailed planning and drop bags for the race. Last year, I was cocky up to the night of the race where I was so scared I almost had difficulty speaking. This year, I am just nervous about everything. Not overly nervous, not cocky, but apprehensive about my chance of success. Steve Q. gave me an 80% and I appreciate that confidence. I think I am a 50/50. May be better prepared physically than last year, but think I am not as prepared mentally. But in the words of many “that is why we play the game”. Without the start, we are 100% assured of failure.
Carry on…
Monday, August 25, 2008
Carry on? All you quiet dreamers carry on
Training is nearing an end. I had a hard weekend with moving the body continuously 38 out of the possible 48 hours starting Friday at 5 PM to Sunday at 5 PM. This was good as this is the second effort at keeping the mind focused as I continue to move in preparation for the 102 miles I want to run. This was after Thursday night doing 30 hill repeats at Hyland. Phil and Molly joined me. Phil completed 25 and Molly was going to go another 45 minutes after I left. She is a feather and just completed the hills like they were flat…
I was a little stiff and sore by Sunday, it was hard to move quickly, but I made me go as quickly as I could the whole day. Good training. In the words of Alan, “keep moving” is what I practiced!
I am a little concerned as my knee has a funny pain again. It has been here for over a week, not deep pain like before but just nagging. Not internally either, I think it is just tendons from working so hard the past weeks. I am going to have one more hill workout then taper.
Been checking the weather, it changes every day. One thing for sure is that it was 35 degrees up north yesterday… Additionally, I see there are 61 entrants in the Superior 100, which is at least 20 more than 2007… And I do not even notice some people who said they are running it on the list. So could we almost double last year? COOL!
I was reading Adam’s blog and he finished the blog entry by stating “Carry on” and noted that it was as "Londell would say". Made me think quite a few times people often write certain saying or beliefs that may have much greater meaning. Well I use the “Carry On” end for a few personal reasons I will share.
It is from a song that a local musician, Pamela McNeill, wrote which has a chorus which is as follows:
Carry on
All you quiet dreamers carry on
Misbehaving sinners have fun
Cause the burned out disbelievers
got it wrong
About the world beyond
I first heard of Pamela McNeill in 2006 when a friend, Dana, played me one of her CD's and said she had a song that should be dedicated to me. I had come to a point in my life where I had just healed from a “jones” fracture in my left foot, was facing the challenges of raising a teenage boy alone (his mom 1,000 miles away) and recently been told to no longer call a girl I had dated on and off for a few years. Dana (a good my friend) and I were training for the first 50 mile race. The song she had dedicated was called “you will love again”. She had explained it was not intended to be for the love for another person as I had just come from a relationship and needed time to heal, but a love of life. That love of running I once had and that zest for life I see others so enjoy.
This was a major turning point in my life as I really started to find things I enjoyed once again after being so out of tune with life. Running was a joy. Walking was a joy. Reading was a joy. Dana and I would run 3-4 times a week together and I had found one of the greatest friends one could imagine. We had a common goal, to finish the Superior 50 mile.
In that summer of 2006, Dana was killed in a tragic bike accident. She was wearing a helmet, which was not enough to stop the fatal outcome. I was devastated and hurt. I recalled vividly thinking god was cruel. I had started to lose faith. I went one evening to see Pamela McNeill at Bunkers she sang a song she wrote called “one good angel”. She cried in the into, I cried during the song... A part of the song:
Many years have gone by
Since you went away
But sometimes I still cry
like it was yesterday
But through this pain and the sorrow
I found beauty strength and true
And I know there will be one good angel coming through
One good angel coming through
One good angel to hold onto
And when I am out in the moonlight I reach up to you
And I know there will be one good angel coming through
Never have I known
A braver soul
How come it’s the good ones
That have to go
And when I am down in the sorrow
Felling all messed up in blue
I know there will be one good angel coming through
I felt it was quite ironic that within such a short period of Dana’s death, this song hit me hard. I thought of her often over the months and still do today. At the 50 mile in 2006, at the top of Britton Peak (42 miles), I stopped and cried. I was done. I could not go on... I missed Dana. A hiker stopped and asked if I was OK. I had pulled notes of inspiration from my pocket that had given them to me before the race and was reading them. Then the clouds went away and the sun hit me so hard. Harder and brighter than I have ever experienced. I felt a surge of energy… I felt like it was Dana kicking me in the bottom. One good angel…
A few months later, Pamela McNeill had a gathering for her new CD. She had a song called the world beyond. A portion of the lyrics are above. I carried so much hate for the fate of Dana. I carried so much anger. But those three songs were so impacting over time. They sum up life. We make life what we want it to be. We can choose to believe or not to believe in God or the world beyond.
I was a little stiff and sore by Sunday, it was hard to move quickly, but I made me go as quickly as I could the whole day. Good training. In the words of Alan, “keep moving” is what I practiced!
I am a little concerned as my knee has a funny pain again. It has been here for over a week, not deep pain like before but just nagging. Not internally either, I think it is just tendons from working so hard the past weeks. I am going to have one more hill workout then taper.
Been checking the weather, it changes every day. One thing for sure is that it was 35 degrees up north yesterday… Additionally, I see there are 61 entrants in the Superior 100, which is at least 20 more than 2007… And I do not even notice some people who said they are running it on the list. So could we almost double last year? COOL!
I was reading Adam’s blog and he finished the blog entry by stating “Carry on” and noted that it was as "Londell would say". Made me think quite a few times people often write certain saying or beliefs that may have much greater meaning. Well I use the “Carry On” end for a few personal reasons I will share.
It is from a song that a local musician, Pamela McNeill, wrote which has a chorus which is as follows:
Carry on
All you quiet dreamers carry on
Misbehaving sinners have fun
Cause the burned out disbelievers
got it wrong
About the world beyond
I first heard of Pamela McNeill in 2006 when a friend, Dana, played me one of her CD's and said she had a song that should be dedicated to me. I had come to a point in my life where I had just healed from a “jones” fracture in my left foot, was facing the challenges of raising a teenage boy alone (his mom 1,000 miles away) and recently been told to no longer call a girl I had dated on and off for a few years. Dana (a good my friend) and I were training for the first 50 mile race. The song she had dedicated was called “you will love again”. She had explained it was not intended to be for the love for another person as I had just come from a relationship and needed time to heal, but a love of life. That love of running I once had and that zest for life I see others so enjoy.
This was a major turning point in my life as I really started to find things I enjoyed once again after being so out of tune with life. Running was a joy. Walking was a joy. Reading was a joy. Dana and I would run 3-4 times a week together and I had found one of the greatest friends one could imagine. We had a common goal, to finish the Superior 50 mile.
In that summer of 2006, Dana was killed in a tragic bike accident. She was wearing a helmet, which was not enough to stop the fatal outcome. I was devastated and hurt. I recalled vividly thinking god was cruel. I had started to lose faith. I went one evening to see Pamela McNeill at Bunkers she sang a song she wrote called “one good angel”. She cried in the into, I cried during the song... A part of the song:
Many years have gone by
Since you went away
But sometimes I still cry
like it was yesterday
But through this pain and the sorrow
I found beauty strength and true
And I know there will be one good angel coming through
One good angel coming through
One good angel to hold onto
And when I am out in the moonlight I reach up to you
And I know there will be one good angel coming through
Never have I known
A braver soul
How come it’s the good ones
That have to go
And when I am down in the sorrow
Felling all messed up in blue
I know there will be one good angel coming through
I felt it was quite ironic that within such a short period of Dana’s death, this song hit me hard. I thought of her often over the months and still do today. At the 50 mile in 2006, at the top of Britton Peak (42 miles), I stopped and cried. I was done. I could not go on... I missed Dana. A hiker stopped and asked if I was OK. I had pulled notes of inspiration from my pocket that had given them to me before the race and was reading them. Then the clouds went away and the sun hit me so hard. Harder and brighter than I have ever experienced. I felt a surge of energy… I felt like it was Dana kicking me in the bottom. One good angel…
A few months later, Pamela McNeill had a gathering for her new CD. She had a song called the world beyond. A portion of the lyrics are above. I carried so much hate for the fate of Dana. I carried so much anger. But those three songs were so impacting over time. They sum up life. We make life what we want it to be. We can choose to believe or not to believe in God or the world beyond.
As corny as it sounds, I feel like I was given messages from these songs. Messages with great meaning… I finish many posts with Carry on, because the end result is that is all we can do. If we decide to quit a 100 mile race at 77 miles, I need to carry on, if we lose a loved one, I need to carry on and if we find and then lose true love, I need to carry on. It is that ability to carry on no matter what God throws at us, which will make us a better person. We need to believe because in the words of Ms. McNeill, “Cause the burned out disbelievers got it wrong About the world beyond”
You can learn about Pamela McNeill at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=98210968 and also hear One Good Angel and the World Beyond…
That is the story... A little corny I know but my heart still has jitters when I hear these songs. May Dana rest in peace and be with me during the 100 mile race and I will do my best to remember, all I can do is carry on.
So carry on my friends, carry on...
You can learn about Pamela McNeill at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=98210968 and also hear One Good Angel and the World Beyond…
That is the story... A little corny I know but my heart still has jitters when I hear these songs. May Dana rest in peace and be with me during the 100 mile race and I will do my best to remember, all I can do is carry on.
So carry on my friends, carry on...
Monday, August 18, 2008
UPDATE TOPO THROUGH 72 MILES
Above is the updated data from the previously mentioned book. Each bottom tick is .25 miles and this covers just over the first 73 miles. At this pace, I will have the entire course before the race starts... Of course, not that it matters, I would have to run it for real no matter what it looks like on paper.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
I purchased a book called "A walking guide to the Superior Hiking Trail". It is very detailed and has elevation data for a variety of hikes based on GPS Waypoints. I have extrapolated that data into a chart for the first two segments. (First image) and the first alone (Second image) Although, I see the chart results based on their data and I know my experience, this is not what I recall. (FYI for both: The left Axis starts at 600 with increment's of 50, The lower is .25 mile ticks)
19 days to go...
I woke this morning and the first thing I did is get the laptop and check the status of the MN Leadville entrants. Looks like only Al Holtz remains, but from what I hear, the weather conditions were wet, very cold and even hail. Sounds like it is a cold day in hell? (You know, that day that never comes.) OUCH. As if this race is not hard enough? At least they all had the courage to start. Then I noticed my countdown timer said 19 days to ST 100. I keep having the Johnny Cash song "25 minutes to go" once I got down to 25 days... Only in that song, it is before his execution... Not a good comparison but it just sticks in my mind.
Had a very solid Saturday of training. Met Phil at RTA in the morning and did a few loops, went grocery shopping, swimming and ate a late lunch. Then played tennis, walked for 2 hours, and went to RTA at 8:00 PM. After 1.5 loops, I met Adam, shortly thereafter Jimmie and then Steve Quick. We were under a 14-minute for the first mile and I stayed with them a very short while, as they were faster than I as this was essentially my 14th hour of moving for the day.
I continued for just under four loops and never saw them again. I was very pleased my average pace was 17:06 per mile for the night. The moon was so bright. And the views from some of the RTA peaks were outstanding. This gave me 19 miles of running/walking for the day and my second week over 50 miles. The knee has a little stiffness but no pain.
Today calls for long bike ride and a long walk. . I am already physically tired. Even though I thought I was recovered from last Friday and the hard week, this long day left me more fatigued than I anticipated. Only one more week then taper and repair to prepare for the race.
Going to be out at Hyland on Thursday night for my last intense workout before I taper… Some think a two-week taper is a little long, but I really pushed it hard for the past three weeks and I want to be very fresh 19 days from now.
Carry on…
Had a very solid Saturday of training. Met Phil at RTA in the morning and did a few loops, went grocery shopping, swimming and ate a late lunch. Then played tennis, walked for 2 hours, and went to RTA at 8:00 PM. After 1.5 loops, I met Adam, shortly thereafter Jimmie and then Steve Quick. We were under a 14-minute for the first mile and I stayed with them a very short while, as they were faster than I as this was essentially my 14th hour of moving for the day.
I continued for just under four loops and never saw them again. I was very pleased my average pace was 17:06 per mile for the night. The moon was so bright. And the views from some of the RTA peaks were outstanding. This gave me 19 miles of running/walking for the day and my second week over 50 miles. The knee has a little stiffness but no pain.
Today calls for long bike ride and a long walk. . I am already physically tired. Even though I thought I was recovered from last Friday and the hard week, this long day left me more fatigued than I anticipated. Only one more week then taper and repair to prepare for the race.
Going to be out at Hyland on Thursday night for my last intense workout before I taper… Some think a two-week taper is a little long, but I really pushed it hard for the past three weeks and I want to be very fresh 19 days from now.
Carry on…
Friday, August 15, 2008
2007 ST 100 (well 77) Splits?
People have been asking what were my splits for 2007. Well, I found my crew's notebook tonight. Here is the data:
RACE START 8:00 AM
So as you can see, it was just under three hours for 5.6 miles before I quit. I recall clearly I was near the end of my rope. I can not explain what I did wrong or right, but if I had to do it again, I know I would have trained to walk. Walking has been a big part of training this year. See if it makes a difference.
Carry on!
RACE START 8:00 AM
9.3 miles to Split Rock -- 10:30 AM
Average 16 Min Mile for Race
10.1 miles to
4.9 miles to
9.9 miles to Tettegouche -- 6:30 PM
8.6 miles to County Road 6 -- 9:55 PM
7.7 miles to
7.5 miles to
4.2 miles to Crosby Manitou -- Not Known (just before sun-up)
9.4 miles to Sugarloaf -- 9:50 AM
5.6 to Cramer Road -- 12:48 PM
Average just over 21 Minutes per mile
QUIT
So as you can see, it was just under three hours for 5.6 miles before I quit. I recall clearly I was near the end of my rope. I can not explain what I did wrong or right, but if I had to do it again, I know I would have trained to walk. Walking has been a big part of training this year. See if it makes a difference.
Carry on!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Elevation chart Cty Road 6 back to Silver Bay
This is an elevation chart I found for County Road 6 to Silver Bay, reverse of the course... The climbs in the Tettgouche section is a bummer.... This is why I rated this as the second most difficult part of the course... First being that climb out of Crosby...
Hyland Hill
Met Karen out at Hyland on Wednesday. We did somewhere in the range of 12-14 repeats. Forgot the rock pile trick and then when we did, we weren’t sure we moved a rock each time. All I could think was how this did not seem as hard as my buck hill experience last year. I would recall 12-14 times at buck hill last year left me feeling it and the last few were so hard. This was a workout, do not get me wrong, but it was not the killer I recalled. Another thing I noticed that last year, I would average 20-21 minutes per mile and yesterday we averaged about 19 minutes per mile.
Today I did some research and Hyland is only 60 percent of what Buck Hill and that explained the difference. So my experience yesterday was only equivalent to 8 buck hill repeats. So I will head out there Thursday next week with a goal of 20 or more repeats, which will be like 12 at buck hill…
The race is only three weeks away. I am not sure how I am taking this as training is better but I feel like I am less shape. Always second thoughts and doubts. But the advice I have been given many times, just keep moving, forward that is…
Carry on.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Surprised... and shoes...
As previously posted, I ran a long all night run with Steve Quick on Friday, August 8. What I did not post is the Sunday workout, if you call it a planned workout. I went to Madison, Wisconsin Sunday to help partially move a student. That means carrying a full room of items two full flights of stairs. This would be a good leg workout...
I was surprised to find Sunday that my legs were not as sore as I expected. My feet were a little swollen, as I had change the tightness of the laces. But all in all, really not much of an issue. I had taken two Advil at 6 AM and that was it for the day. So, after 58 flights of stairs in about 3 hours plus packing and dismantling items, I was pretty worn.
To my surprise, I was less stiff this morning than I thought. I am walking slow but I have not taken any Advil or anything to ease the pain. I feel like I could run, and will try later. This is surprising as I assumed I would need a day or two rest just to recover. But lest see how the run goes later today.
There have been many discussions about the Superior 100 course section and which is more difficult. Steve and I throughout the night talked about segments and I ranked them according to my memory. (I have now been on each section twice so I am not an expert by any means!) Here is a rank list I have after giving this considerable thought. I am going to send this to the run list to see what others think, if they care to chime in.... Might be fun as I will place any replies on a spreadsheet and I think what I will find, depending on the type of runner we are, there is a whole array of opinions and no one will have the same list?
1 to 14 with 14 being the most difficult (# before mile means difficulty rank)
(5) 9.3 miles to Split Rock
(9) 10.1 miles to
(1) 4.9 miles to
(13) 9.9 miles to Tettegouche
(8) 8.6 miles to County Road 6
(10) 7.7 miles to
(11) 7.5 miles to
(3) 4.2 miles to Crosby Manitou
(14) 9.4 miles to Sugarloaf
(2) 5.6 miles to
(6) 7.1 miles to Temperance
(12) 5.7 miles to Sawbill
(4) 5.5 miles to
(7) 7.1 miles to Finish
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Lost.... but found
Larry Rode was not able to make the planned overnight excursion so Steve Quick and I made the mad dash with the veteran driver Shelley to the Superior Hiking Trail at 5:30 PM Friday. We thought our driver was doing a great job making the trip short when Helen Lavin cruised by our speeding vehicle just before Two Harbors. I guess even in the car she is FAST….
Now that the fun and lighthearted portion of the trip was nearing an end, Steve and I started to get serious about our overnight run. I took off one of my shoes to lube up the feet and WOW, was the smell atrocious. I was as shocked as was the rest of the vehicle but it was a good thing as there is no way we would get tired. I would compare it to having smelling salt in the car. I think they were so happy when I put the shoes back on?
We drove to Crosby and Finland where we dropped off supplies. Our expert support crew was going to sleep in the car and meet us at Sugarloaf where we would refuel before continuing to County Road 1. This would accomplish two goals: 35 miles and attack what I consider to be the section from hell, Crosby Manitou to Sugarloaf.
We started our cruise around the hills starting at 42 miles (City Road 6) about 10:00 PM. I had told Steve the story about the guy getting DQ’d due to the error made in that segment and he missed the aid station. I told him I remembered we had a left turn to get to the Finland Recreation Center so he trusted me, and we watched the left side of the trail with great interest to assure we would not miss that turn.
Well with about 1 mile left in the 7.5 miles run first stage, we were running on what I think was the snowmobile trail and all of a sudden, the grass was getting taller, light rain had moistened the ground and our feet were getting wet. We both discussed how we must have missed the turn but I was so sure it was on the left, so we continued on. Walked into the back yard of a home, flashed out lights all over the place. We were just not sure but I convinced the cautious Steve to keep going.
We found the trail was completely washed out and we had to make a four-foot leap in the night to continue onward. After we were now registering 10 miles on the Garmin, I admitted I was really wrong. Steve was great about it. We came to a road and decided to run on the road. Steve noticed the sign we saw 6 miles pervious, which said Finland Aid Station 3.2 miles. What the hell! We had just run in a 6-mile circle. This time we were very cautious and found the right path, only 13.5 miles later… Great start on my part.
We fortunately were able to leave that issue behind and proceeded on out journey. I have no clue when or where Steve went down, but he can share that story… This was now 2:00 AM; well over 90 minutes passed what we thought. Bummer… The rest of the run until daybreak was filled with noises, questioning each other where we should be going. We somehow totally blew by the Sonju Lake Road Aid station and ended up at Crosby at sun-up.
Now Steve had heard from so many that this was the Section that makes all others look simple. The downhill’s were difficult, but Steve was like a maniac on the uphill. I think we had him so scared and prepared, he made it look simple. He just cruised while I was on fours at some locations. I bitched, he attacked, I bitched some more, and he just attacked more. The rest of the run was me trying like hell to remotely keep him in sight on the uphill’s and he looking back on the downhill’s to see if the freight train was going to run him over.
One thing we both experience was horse flies, like hornets circling our heads. As we ran, we reached up and swatted them dead. I think I killed 20 or so. Steve killed many more. Well, just over 12 hours from our start we reached Sugarloaf, but as opposed to continuing to County Road #1, we stopper. It was 35 miles due to the Londell gets lost experience.
All in all, it was a very solid run. I felt it was an asset to prepare me for the race, and if Steve had not accepted my offer, I would not have gone. It was a hoot… Well, with all the owls, wolves and other creatures we encountered as well as navigation challenges made the night a challenge, but I would do it again in an instant. Familiarity on this trail will enhance the opportunities for success.
Until next time, Carry On!
Now that the fun and lighthearted portion of the trip was nearing an end, Steve and I started to get serious about our overnight run. I took off one of my shoes to lube up the feet and WOW, was the smell atrocious. I was as shocked as was the rest of the vehicle but it was a good thing as there is no way we would get tired. I would compare it to having smelling salt in the car. I think they were so happy when I put the shoes back on?
We drove to Crosby and Finland where we dropped off supplies. Our expert support crew was going to sleep in the car and meet us at Sugarloaf where we would refuel before continuing to County Road 1. This would accomplish two goals: 35 miles and attack what I consider to be the section from hell, Crosby Manitou to Sugarloaf.
We started our cruise around the hills starting at 42 miles (City Road 6) about 10:00 PM. I had told Steve the story about the guy getting DQ’d due to the error made in that segment and he missed the aid station. I told him I remembered we had a left turn to get to the Finland Recreation Center so he trusted me, and we watched the left side of the trail with great interest to assure we would not miss that turn.
Well with about 1 mile left in the 7.5 miles run first stage, we were running on what I think was the snowmobile trail and all of a sudden, the grass was getting taller, light rain had moistened the ground and our feet were getting wet. We both discussed how we must have missed the turn but I was so sure it was on the left, so we continued on. Walked into the back yard of a home, flashed out lights all over the place. We were just not sure but I convinced the cautious Steve to keep going.
We found the trail was completely washed out and we had to make a four-foot leap in the night to continue onward. After we were now registering 10 miles on the Garmin, I admitted I was really wrong. Steve was great about it. We came to a road and decided to run on the road. Steve noticed the sign we saw 6 miles pervious, which said Finland Aid Station 3.2 miles. What the hell! We had just run in a 6-mile circle. This time we were very cautious and found the right path, only 13.5 miles later… Great start on my part.
We fortunately were able to leave that issue behind and proceeded on out journey. I have no clue when or where Steve went down, but he can share that story… This was now 2:00 AM; well over 90 minutes passed what we thought. Bummer… The rest of the run until daybreak was filled with noises, questioning each other where we should be going. We somehow totally blew by the Sonju Lake Road Aid station and ended up at Crosby at sun-up.
Now Steve had heard from so many that this was the Section that makes all others look simple. The downhill’s were difficult, but Steve was like a maniac on the uphill. I think we had him so scared and prepared, he made it look simple. He just cruised while I was on fours at some locations. I bitched, he attacked, I bitched some more, and he just attacked more. The rest of the run was me trying like hell to remotely keep him in sight on the uphill’s and he looking back on the downhill’s to see if the freight train was going to run him over.
One thing we both experience was horse flies, like hornets circling our heads. As we ran, we reached up and swatted them dead. I think I killed 20 or so. Steve killed many more. Well, just over 12 hours from our start we reached Sugarloaf, but as opposed to continuing to County Road #1, we stopper. It was 35 miles due to the Londell gets lost experience.
All in all, it was a very solid run. I felt it was an asset to prepare me for the race, and if Steve had not accepted my offer, I would not have gone. It was a hoot… Well, with all the owls, wolves and other creatures we encountered as well as navigation challenges made the night a challenge, but I would do it again in an instant. Familiarity on this trail will enhance the opportunities for success.
Until next time, Carry On!
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