Every Minute things happen...

As we near the end of this decade, I came across a picture which shows 20 things that happen each minute of each day. So these happened 3 times while I did this post... These include:

1) Average American household makes $0.096 whereas Oprah makes $523
2) 250 babies are born, 113 into poverty and 15 with birth defects
3) Someone working in a Nike Factory in Vietnam makes $0.0014 and Nike makes $36,505
4) 55,757 barrels of oil are used

WOW. There are many more startling statistics out there, but I ran into this and quickly shared it. Click on the photo for better resolution.


On running ( or should I say walking and workout) update, did 40 minutes at 15% incline and 3.3 MPH and felt OK. Will keep doing what I can as life is busy, which is good. We had another leave our office to other employment and in these times, we are not replacing the positions so we are not down from 6 to 4 in my position. Fortunately, with the economy, it is not horrible but we are now busy.

In closing, it was with sadness that the running community lost a good friend to many. Cynthia Brockman passed after battling cancer. Having only met her once, I never really got to know her. Although I followed her cancer battle in her Caring Bridge site. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cynthiabrochman. As I have written before blogs let us know a person and feel their trials and tribulations without ever meeting them and spending time in person with them. I wrote about this a while back: http://runlondell.blogspot.com/2009/08/what-is-blog-and-why-blog.html . There is also a great post about her at: http://runningminnesota.blogspot.com/2009/05/cynthia-brochman.html as well a a story at: http://www.snowshoemagazine.com/viewContent.cfm?content_id=582.

Death of a loved one is always hard to accept. I have had many friends pass on in the past including two great high school friends in an auto accident in 1980, a suicide of a college friend in 1990, and many others over the years. Most recently, in 2006, I lost a great friend and I wrote about her a few times. Most recently when I explained she was one of the reasons I finish my post with Carry On. http://runlondell.blogspot.com/2008/08/carry-on-all-you-quiet-dreamers-carry.html

In times like these when we lose ones we cherish, there is little we can do but remember their energy, smiles, zest for life and carry on. I remember the one time I met Cynthia and she had a one in a million smile and loved life. Something I need to remember more often, life is precious and I need cherish the time I have more often... I wish you all a great 2010 and beyond!

Carry on!

Vitamin D is in the news again...

"Vitamin D may be tied to weight loss." This was a headline that caught my eye today.

When I read things like this, I think of the millions of Americans who will flock to the drug store and take large doses of Vitamin D thinking they will lose weight. But as little as 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine, at least three times a week, is enough to manufacture your body's vitamin D requirement, so the professionals say…



But what is funny about this for me is when I was diagnosed with low Vitamin D in April of this year. I thought how could that be as I was in the sun for hours each day! I soon discovered extended aerobic exercise depletes Vitamin D... I was very tired with muscular weakness, fatigue, nervousness, irritability, excessive thirst, headache, and itchy skin. The Doctor found my blood test shows dangerously low Vitamin D levels. Then I went on intensive therapy and took lots of vitamin D, 50,000 units once a week.

By the second week, the symptoms went away and I started to workout out again and have energy after eating. After 5 weeks, the symptoms started coming back. I learned that the symptoms for a deficiency are not much different than an excessive amount. So I had to balance.

What is true is I lost weight. About 2.5 pounds a week for 4 weeks. Then I started feeling fatigued and unable to workout. I was looking toward food to get my body feeling good again. I gained 4 pounds in one week. Looking back I saw that once I was balanced in Vitamin D (an other nutrients), I could workout more and eat less. This is not part of this research, but from my personal experience, vitamin D did not lose more weight for me, but feeling better, working out comfortably lost the weight. All that was a result of proper balanced nutrition, not sucking down Vitamin D.

Of course, my findings are not scientific, but I found an overall nutritional balance is what is important for success... not just one vitamin or mineral. Just something to think about.

Been working out regular and no dropping weight quickly, but it is down 2 pounds since I last wrote, December 3. I am getting comfortable with 2-a-day workouts three times a week and one a day other days. Workouts are 30-45 minutes cardio and weights afterward for a total workout of an hour each time. I have no tennis for two weeks and I have been able to get other things done which help to reduce stress during the Holiday's.

My son got here last Thursday and it is sure nice to have him here for a while. The place is much smaller than we had before he went to college but it is workable. He will be here for a few weeks then back to Colorado. So much in life takes second fiddle while I have him here and I can enjoy his company. If I do not post until 2010, wishing you all health and wellness during the Holidays... Oh yes, and World Peace...

(Inside Joke for Miss Congeniality lovers!)

Carry on...

Update, thoughts

For the first time in a long time, I looked at my junk e-mail box. I have a great spam filter but I am beginning to think I must be on the worlds list of under-endowed men. I have more junk mail on male issues that I would expect. Maybe once you reach 45 you go on some list? Either way, I deleted 631 e-mails tonight and I did not read any, just skimmed them... And that was just from the last 6 weeks!

Weight is down 3 pounds in the two weeks since I started this new goal. I was hoping for a 2 pounds per week average. I am not going to cry over 1.5 when we have holiday's upon us... Been working out on average of about 45 minutes a day. Stationary bike, elliptical, and 15% grade treadmill at 2.5 to 2.0 MPH. Heart rate is not even up in these and not sure if that is a concern. Still trying to shake the chest congestion that has been there for months.

There has been some recent posts about one of my favorite running spots. I have ran the Minnesota River bottoms on the Bloomington side for years. The area from Lyndale to Highway 169 is flat and if you go to the end of Cedar Avenue and go towards Lyndale there is actually some hills. Not Murphy or Lebabnon type hills, but at least a change in elevation that is note-worthy.

I am hoping by March I am back on that trail at least 4 to 5 times a week. Could be a great time for organized Wednesday night runs! Such a nice trail and I guess I am biased as I live less than a mile from it!

So as with many, goals get shifted and changed due to things outside of our control. Races cancelled and races questionable. I have been getting pressure to do Grandma's again. But that is a hard thing to get excited about. I made the 25 year goal, and that was it. I just do not care to have the crowds and over-charging for everything event once again. Who knows, one thing at a time!

In closing, in case if forget, on December 26 there will be a stub brothers reunion at Bunkers. If you need reminder, Mick Sterling and the Stud Brother are great!!! I am planning on being there! I thought I may put this in here now as with many of us, we are busy in the Holiday's and posting less and less... Hibernation is common.

Carry on...

Knee is fine - The "A" Word

My knee has been so much better. Little pain, although funny thing it is still tender when I kneel on it. But other than that it is OK. The Doctor and I agreed that the best thing to do is to get the weight down before I run on the knee. He informed me that there is a small amount of arthritis (the "A" word). He stated that getting the weight down and slowly increase miles would bring the best success.

So I am happy, but a little nervous with the "A" word. Although, I know of many who fight the same thing and seem to be able to continue the running. Again, he said is was a small area and was not overly concerned, just said the weight will make it worse. I have the new countdown times with the date of April 1, 2010. That means I lose 1.7 pounds per week to make the goal!

I have been doing the treadmill, elliptical and bike. I can now do 30 minutes at 15% at a 22 minute mile carrying 3 pound barbells. A few weeks ago 15 minutes, holding onto the treadmill and no weights killed me. So things are going well, but I am going take the advice and hole of on the impact from running until I get the weight down. I am just happy it feels good, unless I kneel down. What an improvement.

Carry on!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

This was a busy day. Considering this is the last weekend before I have four 25+ hour consecutive weekends of tennis officiating, I did some things to prepare for that busy time period (Like laundry). Mixed into the day would be the UMTR fest and a CD Release Party. One was great and one was disappointing...

The UMTR fest was fun. Great food, great people and great weather. It was a nice festivity with some surprises. It was not a surprise that Helen Lavin won several awards. Just check out her year and it would make any runner envy her success and get inspired. The best part, for me, was the recognition of Wayne Nelson. He won an award, I can not recall the real title, but I will call it Steward of the Year award. (Update - Steve Quick informs me it was The Larry Pederson's Founder's Award/ UMTR Trail Person of the Year -- Also, forgot to mention my friend Steve got to award himself an award for the second year in a row... Never without an interesting event or thing to say...) The award goes to a person who, without thought, gives a great deal of time and effort to better the UMTR efforts and more. He got a one of a kind award like many awards at the UMTR Awards Night. I love these awards as unlike an award with nice professional print or manufactured, they make them. An award made from the heart using whatever we can find around the place... This type of award has a story... it is unique! For those who know Wayne, you know he will never boast about his great accomplishment. For those who don't, he is a person we can all learn from and very deserving of the award.

Daryl Saari won the first Gnarly Bandit award. He finished five 100's this year as well as many other races. Between races, you would see him at an aid station. He and his wife as great supporters on all sides of the sport. I worked an aid station with them once and it was a top quality station because of them... I bet they are just as great to run with... (if I were only fast enough).

There were so many deserving people who were recognized and it was a nice year end celebration. If you did not make it this year or last year, I suggest it for the future. The UMTR does a great job! If you are not a member, why not... $20 is minor fee for all they do...

After the UMTR fest, I went to Bunkers for a CD release party for Pamela McNeil. I had high expectations as her first three CD's improved each time with Nightingale being one of my favorite CD's (Right up there with my Springsteen). I really looked forward to the new CD. I was disappointed. Rather than the solid lyrics and music combination that I learned to love, it was more of a home grow in my living room with a keyboard while sulking in bed and writing lyrics CD. I compared it to the Movie Music and Lyrics, only this CD lost Drew Barrymore and something was missing. The night was not a total waste as she did do many of the old tunes with that fabulous voice of hers. If there are any old rockers like me out there, her husband is Dugan McNeill (Do you recall Chameleon from the 1980s'....) Chameleon was one of the first unsigned original bands to produce and manufacture their own albums. They even outsold the Rolling Stones one week, a feat written up in “Rolling Stone” magazine. He plays bass. He can make any concert enjoyable as to me, he is definitely in a class by himself in working the stage and being a top base player in the world! The CD was much less in quality and craftsmanship than I expected...

At the award fest, there was some foods and conversation which required additional thought. One such was homemade energy bars and juicing. I searched the web for an hour this AM and come across one recipe that I will try... (Not sure it is all that great, but sounds good to me!)

Big Sur Power Bar Recipe

If you can't find the crisp brown rice cereal, no worries - just use regular rice cereal for ex: Rice Crispies - just stay clear of "puffed" rice cereal, it will throw the recipe off. Feel free to substitute other types of nuts, seeds, or whatever little goodies you can dream up.

1 tablespoon coconut oil (or regular butter)
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup slivered almonds
2/3 cup (unsweetened) shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups unsweetened crisp brown rice cereal
1 cup brown rice syrup

1/4 cup natural cane sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
2 tablespoons ground espresso beans
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking pan with the coconut oil. If you like thick power bars, opt for an 8 by 8-inch pan; for thinner bars, use a 9 by 13-inch pan.

On a rimmed baking sheet toast the pecans, almonds, and coconut for about 7 minutes, or until the coconut is deeply golden. Toss once or twice along the way. Mix the oats, toasted nuts, coconut, and the cereal, together in a large bowl and set aside.

Combine the rice syrup, sugar, salt, espresso, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly as it comes to a boil and thickens just a bit, about 4 minutes. Pour the syrup over the oat mixture and stir until it is evenly incorporated.

Spread into the prepared pan and cool to room temperature before cutting into whatever size bars you desire.

Picture used without permission from www.eatingoutloud.com

I think if i am not able to run a race early next year, I may be a domestic and try some ideas to test out on the runners at an aid station... Best test group in the word.

Carry on...

Been a while... Random thoughts.

What has been going on? Well, I been busy with a few things. With so many people out of work and me in a very stable position, I almost hate to say I had a job interview in another state. It was a fluke opportunity when I took my son to school and met an old friend who told me about a position which would be a huge move up from where I am now. I am comfortable where I am, but maybe it is time to move on. I am not sure... I am one of 5 finalists so a ways to go.

Then today I read a post from Steve Quick who was upset about lamps. In his words, a rant about something minor. Although it may have been minor, it really brings much of what we have become as a society to a whole new light. (Steve often makes me think, which is not a bad thing.)

It made me think of how 40 years ago someone started working for a great company and spent the entire life at one job. Steve talked about how society is a disposable society with material goods. Made me think of my career. This is the longest I have ever been in one job, 14 years. In total I have had over 12 jobs in 35 years.. Now I am thinking of moving onward again. Nothing like my father or his father. Besides being a material goods disposable society, we really have become a transient society as well.

There was a website which I read often which addresses this issue as well. Patrick Deneen has a blog called what I saw in America. He also has a site called front porch republic. He has a post on the disposable society. Many of his comments make me think. But then again there the other side of the coin, Margaret and Helen...I digress.

But that lack of employee dedication is also caused on the other side. Companies no longer have loyalty to an employee. People have become a commodity dependent on stock performance as well. Is this all wrong? I do not know, just a thought I have had over the past weeks.

I was excited (and for you I-phone users) to find a diet and exercise software I like better than Fit-Day. It is called SparkPeople nutrition. It allows you to track what you eat and get all kinds of nutrition analysis. It is web based with a ap for the i-phone which works great. I can sit in the restaurant and add my food immediately upon eating rather than write it down and enter it later. Really is nice.

I was supposed to go to the Dr. yesterday for the knee but the out of state interview stopped that appointment. So I am hoping next week it all looks fine. I no longer have pain and feels pretty good. Although I think I will do little running until I get my weight down just to minimize impact on the knee. Might be a good idea as the cold is setting in and the days are getting shorter.

The UMTR fest is this Saturday. Looking forward to it but as I wrote in an earlier Blog post my favorite local artist is having a CD release party at Bunkers and I really want to go see her perform. So I will leave at 8 PM and will probably miss some great awards and presentations. These Ultra folks are all just happy and fun to be with!

Hope all is well with everyone. This is my last weekend free until I have four solid weekends of tennis followed by two weekends off then 5 weekends of tennis in a row to kick off the new year. I thought I was going to cut back? Well, tuition is expensive...

I want to close this post, the night before veterans day, to say thanks to all those who risk their lives and the loved ones who live on after the loss of a soldier. I went to Fort Snelling Cemetery and took a few pictures. This one just struck me and thought I would post it here. I could have spent the entire day there... It is much larger than I ever thought it was and really has many many stories to tell.


This post is getting to long. If you hung on this long, I need to add to the post a story... As after I left the cemetery where many people had a life cut short, I thought of and read a favorite story of mine. It is about how we cherish so many things, but we often forget time with friends and loved ones is the most precious. The story goes:

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday."

Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time.

The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... Jack stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said.

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention.

"Mr. Harold Belser" it read.

Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most...was...my time."

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way, Janet... thanks for your time!"

Thanks much for your time my friends... Carry on.

Surf the Murph aid station report

I did not run surf the murph (with the great weather course, I wish I would have) but I had a blast at the horse aid station. Twelve hours went very quickly with the great smiles and successes I was able to see many friends complete their goals! (Where are the reports guys and gals?)

The day started a little rough to say the least. Les had issues with the trailer which resulted in getting me supplies until after 7 AM. Duke had reached the station before we even started unloading the equipment. Luckily, these lead runners have great support crews and rely little on an aid station so it was not a major issue. That just proves, even the absolute best planning and preparation can throw you a curve.

Then came another surprise. With this flu abound, my two aid station volunteers did not make it. (There were three of us assigned for this location which are actually two stops for the runners.) That in itself (being two aid stations in one place) was funny as when many were on the second (50K) or third loop (50 mile) at the first horse trailer aid station and I said "I will see you one more time" and many freaked out. They did not realize that the other side of the tree was the station they had visited earlier in the day... The expression was priceless... but I did not get a picture. The two volunteers who were unable to make it in the AM did stop by later in the day (husband and wife) and she looked like she needed to be home... I commend her dedication to try but at that time the station was slow (all the marathon and 25 K runner had been through) and I encouraged them to go home an rest and he take care of the wife. I hope she feels better soon!

I can not thank Kurt Neuburger and Caitlin enough who were there to see Carrie Neuburger in the 25K. Kurt was supposed to run but will have surgery soon and was unable to do so. They were a gift from God. Especially Caitlin who is a veteran aid station expert at a young age (Early teens at best). Very mature and deserves many kudo's. It was also great to see Caitlin do the last 4 miles with Carrie! I bet this was rewarding for both...

Kurt was able to start a very nice fire we kept going all day! It was so welcomes early in the cool hours and later as the sun started to set! I am not a boy scout and would have never got the fire going. I was told he used Vaseline to start the fire? That is a new one...

Mary Knutson ran the 25 K in fine fashion. As the workhorse she came immediately to the Aid Station to help me out. Her stomach did a nasty turn on her and for over an hour she was practically paralyzed in pain. I was so happy she worked through it as the afternoon would have been real long without another person at the station to keep me sane! I forgot to tell her how much I appreciated the company!

Cindy was nice enough to deliver a pizza to us mid-day. It was large and we actually had a few runner who loved the idea of Pizza at the aid station... Not sure I would have survived it but I know they finished strong...

The costumes were cool. A few below but I missed one of the best (the outhouse!). Could only get the camera out when it was slow enough at the station.




A slide show of all pictures I took is below... The link to download is: http://picasaweb.google.com/peasemines/SurfTheMurph?feat=directlink Sorry I did not get photos of more of the runners! Running an aid station is demanding and I now you understand!




Carry on...

Sports officiating?

This is a post about my upbringing and sports. My upbringing has really burned some bridges in my life and caused people to be angry with me.... What does that mean?

We are all taught certain values, beliefs and habits by our parents, teachers, friends, employers, and government… In the end, no matter what the influences, we manage to become who we are when all that information is formed together.

There is one hard taught lesson my father emphasized that has really come to light recently. That being my father held a strong belief that if you are going to criticize someone you better have walked I their shoes and if you have anything bad to say about someone, if you can not (and do not) say it to their face, do not say it.

I have lived with this in-bread advice for over 4 decades. It has caused many problems and saved me many times. After I walked in someone shoes, I am far more forgiving of the issues they face. That is why I have done so many times. I had the urge to highly criticize someone but before I did, I “walked in their shoes”. Like organizing a large running event, organizing a tennis tournament, being the director of a youth sports group, coached softball, baseball, tennis, hockey, football, basketball, soccer, and more. I have done so many things as I wanted to walk in their shoes and found when I had, I did not have much to say anymore.

There are so many criticisms I hear… The Doctor makes way to much for what he does, those overpaid government workers have it easy, salesmen are overpaid people who can charm the right person, teachers get overpaid for working 9 months a year, and so on. I recalled a friend complaining how his sister in pharmaceutical made $200,000 in one year and almost flunked out of collage. He said “she must have slept her way there” and I said he really needs to understand that industry before he says things like that! I do not believe all these statements to be true just like many other comments you hear about so many professions. This is because I have not been in their shoes so how would I have any idea?

Why does this come up now? Recently I have had some heated e-mails about baseball umpires and mistakes they made recently. I am not arguing they were not mistakes. What I argue is to criticize so harshly that which has never been experienced by most did cause me to get on the offensive. If you watch ESPN, even John Kroch said there were clear errors, but did not call for them to be fired. So many are calling them idiots and saying they should be fired. Now this is a subject dear to heart and in my dad’s own words, if you have not been in their shoes, do not judge them.

I get offensive, as I have been there. For 7 years I worked hard as a baseball umpire. Actually thought of making it a profession. Then I learned that most umpires are actually business owners, wealthy in some other way or retired from some other profession. You cannot raise a family at that profession. Well, truthful a select few do. Since that time I have become a Tennis Official. I have seen the same thing in this sport as well. I have worked professional events where after travel and other costs, I earned $300 a week for working 10-hour days.

A good friend of mine is a top tennis official. He has done the US Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon and is one of the top officials I know. I recently asked him about incomes. He said he nets about $1000 a month when all is said and done. He has other means of support.

But what hurts me most is the fact the society really does not understand what it is like in that position. No matter what you do you will be hated? Imagine if every aspect of your jobs was played over and over again by the press? You cannot back out of a gig late or risk loss of the nest assignment. Have a sick day and have consequences…

The really good officials (like many old friends and myself who were very highly rated) left baseball to get a job where we have health coverage and a wage we could raise a family. As I said, sure there are those who may make it, just like players. Like in “The Rookie”, the movie about Jimmy Morris and his quest to make it. Almost broke his family. And two years later, he was out of the majors. Point is, in officiating, very few hang on long enough to make it to the golden spot, unless they have another form of income.

So very few solid officials continue, as it is not a stable and thankful job. That makes the pool to select from thin. Just like a few years ago I commented the retail sector really hurt with solid customer service skilled employees. What I heard this is the best applicants they can get... Like I said earlier, have your job, every minute, on film and I bet there would be reasons to be fired if you hold them to that standard for a bonehead mistake, a mistated word to other little issue that is on tape...

So in this life when I look at someone and think they are just idiots. I look in the mirror and think, aren’t we all at times? We just do not have ESPN showing if 20 times a day, place it in the newspapers or debate their job status at the water cooler…

Like I said, been there, done that… whole new perspective…

Carry on.

Same old complaints....

You have heard this before. My weight is always been an issue for me. I can gain and lose 10 pounds a week. Lately more gains than losses! I have been working out and tracking everything I eat. I have been working out (Cardio) 30-45 minutes a day. I feel so much stronger and the knee hurts very little. I even went 3.1 MPH at a 15% incline for 40 minutes on the hamster wheel... I have been eating 2,200 to 2,700 calories daily. Nutrition has been very balanced. I lift weights in a full routine 2 or 3 times a week.

And I have gained all I lost in the past two weeks (5 pounds) and 3 pounds in addition to where I was 3 weeks ago. WTF is all I can say in a kind way. I am at 268. That is 30 pounds over last October and 65 pounds over my 2006 50 mile weight. I am only 34 pounds before I get to where I peaked in 2005.

Now many may get tired of all this complaining I seem to continue doing. But I am using this blog right now just to vent. It pisses me off... Makes me mad!

I want to go get a great big pail of ice cream I have been avoiding for weeks and eat what makes me happy. But instead I am heading to the gym for the second time today, I will ride the bike for an hour, then go home, eat a 500-700 calorie well balanced dinner (not enjoyable) and pout.

I can only hope that the big increase this AM was caused by water gain from my heavy lifting workout yesterday and tomorrow morning (I weight each AM) I will see a decrease. If not, I will just keep on this same path as I know from experience, losing weight, getting healthy and successfully running an ultra are never always fun! The reward comes from the success that only comes after all the pain, frustration and agony! I need to Carry on!!!! Not let the scale bother me as long as I feel stronger and I am not junking it out!

As I close, I just found out Pamela McNeill is having her CD release party on the same night as the UMTR party (November 14). The party starts at 9 PM at Bunkers so I can attend both, I just will leave UTMR at 8 PM. For those who do not know Pamela McNeill she is quite a accomplished signer/songwriter in the Metro area. I have an old post about her (All you quiet dreamers carry on) and close with her typical closing "Carry on". If you read that post you know the special meaning that her music has for me as well as the phrase "carry on". (Just writing this brings a lump to my throat and a tear to the eye. I wonder if I will ever not feel immense pain and sorrow from unexpected deaths?)

Anyway, I also support local musicians when I have a chance. (As long as I like the music.) If anyone likes the music, it should be a great night.

Maybe tomorrow I will break my foot drop kicking the scale? Either way, I need to keep pushing onward and remember to be happy!

Carry on!

Movin on up...

I really liked the Jefferson's: the show and the theme song. Recall..

Well we're movin' on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin' on up,
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

Fish don't fry in the kitchen;
Beans don't burn on the grill.
Took a whole lotta tryin',
Just to get up that hill.
Now we're up in the big leagues,
Gettin' our turn at bat.
As long as we live, it's you and me baby,
There ain't nothin wrong with that.

Who does not love this theme song? That theme song has been a favorite of mine as I climb hills in the past and now as I walk the treadmill at 15% inclines. Stupid in a way, but it does increase my spirit. Maybe I can get Carl to write new lyrics for a Superior Trail theme song? He is great with words!

The past few weeks I have been doing at least a mile or 20-30 minutes on the 15% incline of the treadmill. Picking up the pace a little. Did 1.75 in 30 minutes the other day. Just walking, huffing and puffing! It is really a great workout, as long as you do not hold on to the treadmill. Knee has a little stiffness, but I think it is just part of the process and things are getting better.

I recall the first day I tried the 15% incline, it was a little hard as it took 23 minutes to get in the mile. Today I am starting to feel like I could do an hour. I may try that next week. An hour at 15%. Not the animal workouts Adam has been putting in, but I am still happy with them. I ma getting a better understanding of how Diane did most (or all) of her training on the treadmill and walked the ST 100 to finish. I still recall her and I yo-yoing between miles 30-35 with her passing me on the uphills with her awesome walking strength and me passing her on the down hills with my heavy weight being hard to stop on the downhills.

Been reading about many people looking forward to Surf... I am looking forward to seeing them finish a 50. Should be a hoot to volunteer.

I found out my tennis event on the weekend of the UMTR event was cancelled. YIPEE, I GET TO GO. It was nice last year and look forward to it again. Hope many plan to make it out there. Yes that means you Kurt and Carrie... It would be nice to hear Carrie's half success. Saw she finished, congrats!

Anyway, after not being able to workout and kept movin' on up the scale (pounds), I have two weeks of regular workouts and am down 5 pounds. Yep, I moving on up... But I hope it leads to the North Side (Superior Trail!)

Carry on!

What a differance a few years can make?

I was at Ashland, WI this weekend for Shelley's first half marathon, The Whistlestop Half-Marathon. I used to have very high regards for this race, but after this weekend, I left with a new impression. I think some of the problems is that is is hurt by past success... Thank god there is a great course and a scenic course, of I am not sure i would suggest anyone go there again.

It all started going wrong Friday after got to the event check in... At check in we were informed we have to pick up the race chip at the start. That seemed goofy. (Later when we looked in the bag, we learned there was also no pins for the number.) We went to the pasta dinner... The lines were long. Not sure they were prepared for the amount of people they had waiting. When we got to the end of the line, there was no pasta. As we waited about 3 minutes, a guy came out and said "we can not cook it fast enough". This was early in the night, about 6:15 PM... When we left the line was longer and people appeared to wait longer than we did...

Ok, not a great start, but we went back to the cabin and went to sleep. We woke to howling winds and snow. About an inch. The road was a little icy. Temp near 30 but the wind chill must have been singe digits. Great...

We went to the start I had Shelley wait in the line for the biffy while I got the pins and the chip. I went to a barn to get the chip (and there was again a line!) and I asked about pins for the number. No one knew. One person suggested I go out by the start (a few hundred yards across a field) and check there. At that location, a person to me to go back to a table near where I got the chip and they were on the table... less than 50 feet from where I got the Chip.

Then there was an announcement the race was going to start 10 minutes late. Well, after waiting so long for the biffy in the frigid cold, Shelley and I went to the car to warm up. The car was fortunately parked about 30 feet from the start. We saw people lining up to start and got out of the car to see what was going on Before we knew it, the start gun went off? But there was less than 200 people in the race. I thought there was 1,500+... THEY STARTED IT ON TIME WHEN WE WERE TOLD 10 MINUTES LATE... I really had a felling they had no clue what they were doing!

There were still people coming to the start confused when the male leader came by (3 mile mark). Over a thousand started over 5 minutes after the real start, as they were told the race is going to start 10 minutes late. Many people just sat in the cars trying to stay warm and got out of the car at 8 minutes after, 2 minutes before the assumed start.

The road was slick but the sun was coming out and it was warming up. I just stood there waiting for Shelley and saw so many people confused as they came to the start line and there was not official start for them...

Then my day was spent seeing Shelley every 2 miles. Watching the aid stations, I was so happy I had her carry a bottle as the stations were to small to serve the crowds that were there... Very short and understaffed.

The race was a success for Shelley. She was about 2:35 and really was fresh the whole way. She said it was enjoyable course. She wanted to get out of her wet clothes but wanted to get here finishers shirt. Oh, the put that a block away in another tent... She went to the tent to get her finisher shirt. GUESS WHAT, they were so understaffed, she stood outside the tent for about 10 minutes waiting in line to get her shirt... And the wind chill was easily in the low 30's. She got real chilled being in wet clothes.

So we were really having a sour taste of the experience, when we decided to pay $7 to have her time posted on her medal. We dropped it off, they said about 30 minutes. We waited30 minutes, then I checked and we were 14th in line and it took about 2 minutes each. So we went to the entertainment tent and got Hot Chocolate. We waited in the tent for 30 minutes and went back, we were now 13th in line... I asked what was that all about and he just said "we put all these ahead"... They were from the other races (10K/5K). He said another 30-40 minutes. Now we could have went to shower and ate already... But we had wasted over an hour waiting for the medal the way it was. SO we decided to go the the grocery store and returned in an hour. The medal was done... BUT THEY SPELLED HER NAME WRONG! We just shook our heads and left.

Shelley fortunately loved the course and the success she had. She did not like the weather and as she has little experience with races, she did not get bothered by the rookie effort I saw by the under-prepared organizers this weekend. So many errors and lack of communication. There are so many ways to make this easier (Like give pins in the packet, give the chip the night before so the race site is not so congested and packed trying to get people the chip, like put the shirts near the finish and hand them out near the medals, by learning to spell, by being prepared for larger numbers.)

I left with the impression they can not handle a larger high class event. They have done a great job based on my experience with a smaller race, but this was way to much for them to handle. If they are trying to get the size down and make it more manageable, they are succeeding as I will no longer suggest this as a half or full marathon to participate in...

I did take many pictures. They can be seen at: http://picasaweb.google.com/peasemines/DropBox?feat=directlink

Carry on...

Whistlestop, but not to run...

I am on my way to Ashland, WI for the second time in my life. I enjoyed one of the best fall marathons in the nation (in my opinion) there over a decade ago and now to be support for Shelley. She is doing her fist 1/2 marathon. In my history of running, I think like many of my fiends. That being a half marathon, just a boring training run.

Although I look back to 1984. I look back to my first 10K. I remember being nervous and was thinking "what I am doing!". I finished and recall limping the next two days. This is the same process I had for my first 15K, then 1/2 marathon, then marathon, then 50K, then 50 mile and so on. So I respect those worries and will support those mental barriers I know I had once in my life... In fact, coming back from this knee surgery, I am having these fears about a 2 mile run, once I am cleared.

I know she will be fine physically. I think she is in her best shape ever (well, the past 5 years I have known her). She has been lifting weights as well as several quality training runs and her core and upper body is much stronger. I am more concerned about the mental part of the race. Over the years, I have some to learn, mental training is more important that physical training in longer races, at least for me. Last fall we ran a casual 12.5 miles together when I lied to her about how far we were in the run and I did not give her a watch. At the end of the run, when I told her how far she went, she immediately became very sore and fatigued. The mind is an amazing thing that I truly believe stops results in many more DNF's than any physical issue overall.

I am looking forward to Carrie Neuburger (Kurt's wife) also running her first 1/2 marathon. I have not seen them since Afton 50K and I hope her training went well. At this time of the year, should be a great time for pictures and I will have three camera's. Whistlestop is the best for spectators as well. It is easy to see your runner almost every two miles and a beautiful course. Should be fun!

Carry on...

This was sent to me... had to share...

QUOTED FROM BILL COSBY
"They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English. I can't even talk the way these people talk:

Why you ain't,
Where you is,
What he drive,
Where he stay,
Where he work,
Who you be... I'm like....

And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk.

Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth
In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living.

People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an Education, and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around. The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids.

$500 sneakers for what? And they won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics.

I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit.

Where were you when he was 2?

Where were you when he was 12?

Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't know that he had a pistol?

And where is the father? Or who is his father?

People putting their clothes on backward:
Isn't that a sign of something gone wrong? People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn't that a sign of something? Isn't it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going through her body?

What part of Africa did this come from??

We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa ......

I say this all of the time. It would be like white people saying they are European-American. That is totally stupid. I was born here, and so were my parents and grand parents and, very likely my great grandparents. I don't have any connection to Africa, no more than white Americans have to Germany, Scotland, England, Ireland, or the Netherlands. The same applies to 99 percent of all the black Americans as regards to Africa . So stop, already! ! !

With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap .......... and all of them are in jail. Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person's problem.

We have got to take the neighborhood back. People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different 'husbands' -- or men or whatever you call them now.

We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can't write two paragraphs. We, as black folks have to do a better job.

Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us. We have to start holding each other to a higher standard.

We cannot blame the white people any longer."
Dr. William Henry 'Bill' Cosby, Jr., Ed.D.

I was wrong...

I like the Biggest Loser. I like the heart and soul that often comes with the workouts and results... I was looking forward to this season. Bob and Jill working together. Dan, such a nice kid, back to finish what he started... I thought this was a season of good people. But after tonight, I am just disappointed! Where do some of these people come from? My wise crack answer is their mother, but come on! Today Steve Quick wrote the Biggest Loser is officially a freak show. I guess there is a freak on the show... Does Tracy really have anything going for her? There are those people like the red team who are just great human beings. I feel sorry for Mo! To have such a idiot for a partner, what a bummer! And how can you lose 11 pounds without a trainer and injured, plus eat four cupcakes and supposedly be under such stress... When I stress out, weight gain is the only result.

Oh well, I walked at 15% on the treadmill again for 30 minutes which was 1.7 miles and then rode bike for over an hour. Felt good! On my way up... Looking so forward to Shelley (My girlfriend) finishing her first half-marathon at Whistlestop in 11 days. Looking forward to volunteering at Surph the Murph. Look forward to the treadmill at 15% tomorrow... Yep, looking up!

Carry on...

Ups, downs, biopsies...

I had a great start to the week. PT on the shoulder has me lifting weights pain free (about 60% of what I was before the bike crash). The Doc has not given me clearance to run, but walking is not even slightly painful. So I jumped on the treadmill, cranked it up to 15% (the maximum there is) and went for a mile walk. That is 20 minutes and was a good workout. So I did it again the next day, and it felt great. I am not running but I was perspiring harder than I have in a long time. And all I could think of is Diane Farmer's successful ST 100 training... Cranks the treadmill high and walk til you die. I felt like I could walk another mile but wanted to ease in...

Then I woke the third morning and did not feel pain, but my knee was bruised. It look like I hit on something but have no clue what that may have been. Looks like a vampire bit me! The bruise over the size of a dollar coin! Oh well, I had to take time to do other things anyway as I am referee for the NCAA Regional and had to get the draws set up.

Besides the NCAA Tennis referee thing, I have had some problems in my esophagus, I have been horse for some time and as reported earlier, I went to the Doc and got medicines to cure the pains. But my throat was not better at all. Today, I had Upper GI endoscopy, sometimes called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). This was intended to be a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract. There were unexplained growths. So several biopsies were taken and now I get to wait a few weeks for the results. (I should have asked for a few for Steve to analyze? I think he loves that stuff...) Sucks but I think of about Don (Check out his blog about running or the blog about his illness) and many others who have much more demanding issues and realize, I am blessed to have had so few issues my whole life!

Been keeping up a picture a day on the other blog... Hard to find or take really cool pictures each day. Although, the one from earlier this week is just cool. What a great idea Emily had... Would have liked to seen the look on Steven's face, whoever he is!

As I close this post, I am preparing for winter... I am actually looking forward to the cold weather. Not sure why, but I want to feel that crisp air in my lungs, I want to get that sense of tranquility from the white of new fallen snow, and I want to get through 2009. Not been a good year. Last time I had a bad year, I had a few outstanding year... Looking forward to that.

Carry on!

One Sick Ignoramus

I finally went to the regular Doc today after feeling like crap for weeks. I just brushed it off as seasonal allergies and have been putting up with the crap that comes with it. But I was getting worse and now that I have been pain free in the knee and riding bike (PT has done wonders for the shoulder), my lungs and energy level were just not there. I was so tired but could not breathe when I laid down and woke often in the night...

Well he stocked me up on meds... WOW. I have a sinus infection, bronchitis and a middle ear infection. My head was in so much pain. We also did a blood test and my Vitamin D level is low again? My Doc is sending me to a nutritionist to evaluate what may be going on. I think I eat right, but I guess I will find out?

So I have four medicines of a variety the guy on the street corner would be envious of? I hope by Monday I am better so i can at least enjoy a workout without feeling dizzy, weak and light headed. Well, ever since my bike crash my head is still an issue bit some think I was born that way. Either way, drugging myself up and looking forward to improving... Why is is men take so long to go to the Doc?

Although I am very superstitious and today is my birthday! So I take all this as a 47th present to myself!

Carry on...

Been busy. (And keeping up a second blog with daily entries is not easy. Check out one picture, cool!) If you missed the previous post, I am going to try to post an interesting picture every day at Time to picts - Daily Shot.)

Work is picking up and Fall tennis is here. I have complained twice on this blog I need to quit officiating tennis, but I enjoy it, more than running... But that is not fair, I still cannot run and I am sure if I quit tennis for 2 months, I would not miss it either. (Although, I feel like I could run which means the knee is getting better!) I have had two PT sessions and my shoulder feels much better. Amazing what the right exercises can do for a ailing body.

Superior has come and gone but I am surprised I have not seen many reports yet? A few good ones but still waiting to hear about the run from a few pals... Especially some who have the hated DNF... I am interested in hearing what they thought went right, what went wrong...

Oh well, I will keep looking for posts, keep up the PT. Maybe before I know it, I will be able to run and looking to have a DNF myself? They are the best sources to learn from, nothing to be ashamed of. Especially on that BEAST - Superior trail!

Carry on!

Superior Blues

The past three years, I had journeyed to the north shore to run a looooonnnnngggg race. First the 50 mile in 2006 which was a success and then 2 attempts at the 100 mile where I did not succeed. Although this year, sitting home watching the first football game of the season (a real bore), I can not help but think about the many friends and others who are about to venture out to finish a great race. It is a great race because of many factors, but in any event I have ever been involved in, it is the people who make it great!

The core of compassionate, caring and knowledgeable friends who put this on year after year is unmatched in any other armature event I have participated in. Larry, Don, Bonnie, Scott, Colleen, and so many others put that event on, without pay. I do not want to diminish the great successes of all those who will finish, but without that core group and all the volunteers, they would not even start. They can never be thanked enough...

Good luck to all and I am saddened that I will not be there with you running or volunteering. Life just throws a curve ball and I am smart enough not to swing.

Carry on...

Burger verdict / new blog & more

Well, I have made a conclusion that real beef is better. Hard to believe but true in my mind. I have decided that veggie-burgers are OK, but the best nutritionally overall is real beef (97/3) and my dry pulp left from the morning juice. I feel better with that combination. I also will make them with a little coconut oil... No sodium... I do not even season them... M M GOOD. Maybe next year at a fat ass run that I can actually run, I will supply the burgers? Any interest?

I have been biking/walking more. Total 47.5 miles biking last week plus 12 miles of walking. Sure feels nice to get some workouts under the belt, even though they are not killers, they still push the knee a little. I see the Doc tomorrow (Tuesday, September 8) but have no hope of getting clearance to run... I know that based on the pain. I also will start physical therapy on the shoulder next week. Hope that is all I need? I am almost thinking I should tell the Doc that I could do therapy on the knee at the same time? Physical therapy on the right knee and right shoulder... Nothing is left. (pun intended)

Last, I have started a new blog. It is called Daily Shot. (http://timetopicts.blogspot.com/) I did so for two reasons. 1) I have my new camera and I-Phone 3Gs and practically everyday I see something that is cool and deserves to be preserved in a picture. 2) Friends have been talking about Julia/Julia (the movie) and how the younger cooked her way through a the elder's cookbook each day and put it on a blog (The real blog).

Well, I am going to see if I can post 365 consecutive, interesting pictures (or possibly a video's from the I-Phone). One each day... All unique from my daily experiences... I was thinking why a new blog as opposed to putting them here? It allows me to post daily without comments and here, this is more about my life, that is about other subject matter. Some may not care about the pictures, other about the life, so separate Blogs is the final answer.

Carry on...

Veggie-burgers? A short review

I have read on many blogs lately about many ultra runners trying the Vegan diet. I declare up front, I am a meat lover, period. I wonder if there I am other than a white male as my favorite foods are BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, corn bread and watermelon... Although, with some fine reading, I have been open to trying some vegan burgers lately. I find like the flavor and taste of some over a regular burger. But I recently did a nutritional comparison and found some Veggieburgers are not much better for you than 97/3 beef.

There are so many different brands and flavors out there now, the selection can be a little overwhelming. I found three brands at Target and Cub. Some burgers are made with soy and others with grains. I have read about some veggie burgers are just that and made from veggies. Sunshine even makes their burgers with sunflower seeds (I have not found this brand yet but I know it is out there…) Depending on the main ingredients, all your options will differ in calories, sodium, carbs, and protein, so check out this breakdown to see which one satisfies your needs.

This may be hard to follow but here are the nutrition information for a variety of burger options using a 2.5 oz patty (Common Veggieburger size)

97/3 beef has 88 calories, 3 G fat (1 Saturated), zero Sodium, zero carbs, zero fiber and 15g protein.

Veggieburger comparisons were broad – Boca original seemed to be the best and less expensive than beef…

Boca original has 70 calories, 0.5 G fat (0 Saturated), 280 mg Sodium, 6 g carbs, 4 g fiber and 13g protein.

Boca Grilled Vegi has 80 calories, 1 G fat (0 Saturated), 300 mg Sodium, 7 g carbs, 4 g fiber and 12g protein.

Boca All American has 90 calories, 3 G fat (0.5 Saturated), 280mg Sodium, 4 g carbs, 4.5 g fiber and 14 g protein.

Gardenburger Garden Original has 100 calories, 1 G fat (0 Saturated), 230mg Sodium, 12 g carbs, 3 g fiber and 10 g protein.

Gardenburger Original has 100 calories, 3.5 G fat (0.5 Saturated), 420 mg Sodium, 14 g carbs, 5 g fiber and 5 g protein.

Morningstar Classic has 120 calories, 4 G fat (0.5 Saturated), 260mg Sodium, 11 g carbs, 2 g fiber and 11 g protein.

I have found the Boca Original to be far better balanced and about 30% less than the cost of others and comparable to beef. In addition, I found that a properly dressed 97/3 beef patty would be a better option than some others calorie wise but it still has the 3 G of fat...

So I had another alternative. I have a juicer and most morning I juice 12 OZ of many flavors. Carrots, apples, blueberries, ginger, Kiwi, green pepper and so on. Tonight, I mixed 4 ounces of my dry pulp into 2.5 ounces of 97/3 burger. It was GREAT! I may experiment more like going down to 1.5 ounces of burger and adding egg whites to the mix.

Anyone out there have any thoughts on this topic or suggestions?

PS: This week, my knee feels it but so far, 12 miles walking and 3.5 on a bike... But it hurts a little.

Carry on!

What is a blog and why blog?

I was going to start this by saying a good friend wrote me about a question and asked if all was OK as it has been a while without any update… Then go into the purpose and reasons for a blog, as I see it… But thought before I posted a bunch of rambling, how about a short life summary…

MRI results show a torn rotator cuff with the most prominent issue being a Bicep Tendon tear. The “long head” of the bicep. Now I have to decide what to do about it. So many say they had no luck with surgery. Others say it helped but never was the same. Others say Physical Therapy is the best first choice? I still have pain, 7 weeks later. Not near as much. I only wake at night if I roll hard onto it. I can now ride bike with a small backpack. But I will see. I am leaning toward Physical Therapy.

I am riding and that is nice. I see the Doc in 11 days about the knee, but the way it feels, I know I am not ready for running. I am walking, but if I go a few miles, it hurts a little. So I am thankful I get to bike as that at least has made the weight gain stop, but not losing any either… 35 pounds more than when I tried the first ST 100 in 2007… Ouch!

So back to what I started writing about. What is a blog and what use is it. To me, it's a journal about ones life and interests. Some use it for their journey to run 100 miles, others to fight cancer, others for weight loss… But what I have found, it is also a way to have friends… I thought many I would classify as good friends who now have limited blog entries or vowed to quit. Like my friend Steve quick who had taken on a Superman task and had to quit a race after already surpassing things beyond my imagination… and now wants to quit his blog…

I have grown to know Steve, as a friend, more from the blog than face-to-face meetings. Another person many of us think we know as a friend is Julie Berg, but I have probably said less than 100 words to her over the years, but feel like she is a good friend. I love the way she puts so much “life” out there. Makes her real. Diane Farmer, who has posted her up’s and downs through house changes, job changes, renters, and so on, gives a real life feel to me about her, even though we have never spend much time together. Now I miss a post from her. I was excited about a post she had recently only to find it was a malicious attack on her blog (or e-mail). Diane, we miss our friend…

Recently, my friend Wayne started to post pictures from his phone, notes about the motorcycle and his job locations as well as running. I learned more about him as an individual, and consider him a friend. Same goes for Helen (Love reading about he trips to the homeland and more), Beth (love that she juggle the life and family and does so well!), Karen (shared her deepest sorrow and fears with the loss of her sister and much more), Mike (brings me back to the 80’s occasionally… Thanks), Pastor Don, Keith (five fingers best promo and much more), Matt (Beer man, job challenges and all), Mark (training struggles, Garmin issues and etc…), Carl (cancer survivor, father, husband), Don (makes me hungry every time I look at the post… Love the 100 things, really feel like I know him and never met him!), Kel (I really feel her ups and downs as she shares them and love the research tests see completed), Steve G (I add him to my prayers often as they have had hard times, but he is up and smiles and perseveres!) and so many others. (SORRY IF I MISSED YOU BUT THIS IS TO LONG OF A POST NOW!)

Reading the bogs helps me know there are real people out there, like me, who have struggles but continue to pursue the passion, not matter what it is. It gives me something many people long for… many great people I can call friends… And when a friend disappears, it creates a hole. Kind of like when Adam limited posts, I felt like I lost a friend… And Steve Quick's blog has opened my reading (as far as interesting topics) greatly with his great knowledge of non-mainstream facts… Steve, don’t quit. You are a friend to so many!

So I was thinking, what is the purpose of a blog anyway?

There is still confusion on and off the Internet about the definition and purpose of a blog. Even though several explanations and definitions of why a blog exists, many people still don’t have a very good understanding of its purpose and its nature. I found a reference that said there are over 60 million bogs which are updated at least once a week…

One definition I found was “A blog is personal site, an online log containing publication of content sorted in chronological order, with the most recent entry (newest post) at the top of the page. Individual entries (logs) are usually always dated and time-stamped and generates an archive of all previous post including the recent post at the top of the page. The archive is usually found in the sidebar but can be found in some blog at the bottom of the site or by a link in the top navigation bar of the site. Older entries are archived by month and year or by week and year with a static webpage address (burl address) for each individual entry (posts).”

But to me, blogs facilitate communication between the reader and the owner of the site. The author writes about whatever is interesting to them in any writing style that suits their interests. I have found blogs fall in different subject categories based on their content or niche. Blog content varies greatly and can cover a large subject area too numerous to mention here. But what I notice is blogs evolve, much like we as humans evolve. That keeps them interesting… Blogs can take a personal or professional approach. Blogs can represent the personality of the author; their personal experiences, views and hobbies. Topics can include politics, pets, comics, celebrity gossip, personal diary etc. etc.

And this is what I love about many of my friends. I get to know them and feel comfortable with them as humans. Even when I see them very little.

So if you read this far… Thanks for blogging and reading my rambles. I feel like have so many friends in this fast paced world and Blogs help me “keep in touch” on my schedule… and when friends schedules make for actual human interaction, it makes that time so much more rewarding! And just because we do not comment... I read and love the fact you are being human and sharing your life with me... my friends.

So Blog on… and Carry on…

The Stripper's Guide

I was visiting with an old college friend and I was showing her pictures and telling her about my running attempts. There was a picture of Al Holtz in the mix and I said his name and told her he finished a 150 mile race... Ultra god to me? She said "you mean Al Holtz, author of the strippers guide." I looked at her and said "what". I guess there is a guy in Florida named Alan Holtz who has a blog called "The Stripper's Guide"! http://strippersguide.blogspot.com/

I could only think this is far from the Al Holtz I knew. Then I looked, and thought, I could see Al posting this blog? Or maybe I do not know Al that well? I actually could see Steve Quick doing it more than Al?

Anyway, how did you react when you read the name of the blog and when you saw what the topic was? Kind of a nice play on words, huh...

Other than that, the weight keeps going up (262) and I did start riding the stationary bike more this week. I think I got 25 miles in? Had an MRI on my shoulder. Been five weeks and the pain at times is still like I could imagine a bullet feeling like. I will keep pressing. The good thing is I maxed out my deductibles so from here on out, I guess I do not need to worry about the medical expense? But I am still very conservative. Not being concerned about costs only hurt premiums...

Leaving tomorrow for Colorado for a few days. Getting my son situated in his apartment about a mile from campus. Wish all well in the races upcoming. I think Wayne has Pikes Peak this weekend and many next weekend in deadwood? I should try going... Deadwood, sounds like the legs!

Carry on!

Pride and joy

My son returned from Germany late Tuesday night. I took Wednesday off from work and we did many things we have delayed. It was nice. He was a little tired from the flight and I still icing the shoulder and the knee.

His trip back was a welcome surprise to him. The flight was full so they upgraded him into first class. He was thrilled! The 8 hour flight and he had a recliner, private TV, electric hook-up for the laptop. He was in a state of prime luxury. Could be the last time?

He will be here for 12 days and then we pack up and head to Colorado where he gets right back into the grind of school once again. He sure has matured. No longer a kid but a young man. I am so proud. As a parent, you could not ask for a better gift than the happiness and success of your child.

I did ride the exercise bike twice this week. Easiest setting, 3 miles in 20 minutes Monday and 5 miles in 29 minutes today. My knee hurt a little each time but it was nice to move... So I may try to ride my real bike this weekend, depending on the weather.

Carry on...

Great weather / Farmers Market

Wow what a nice weekend. I was not able to bike, did walk little. Swimming (well moving in the pool) was nice. I had to get out so I went to the Minneapolis Farmers market. People say there is such a hard time finding a place to park. Well I did not find that at all. There was plenty of parking to fit my car because people do not how to park and they always leave enough space for me, but not most other cars...


Throughout the metro farmers markets have grown in number but this is by far still my favorite... I did get a whole bunch of vegi's now just looking for creative ways to cook them or mix them cold into a great salad.

Weight or wait?

Weight has always been a struggle for me. Growing up I was always the fat one. I was a young kid of 15, I was 5 feet 9 inches and weighed over 280 pounds. I am one who can watch diligently what I eat, but have a real hard time losing weight! I was just the fat one.

Then when I was 16, my father grounded me for getting home 20 minutes late on a Saturday night. (9:20 PM) I had a very strict father. He did not even hesitate beating one of the kids or my mom whenever he was mad about something and if we gave him a little reason, we were the release through his fists or a belt. I know he has mellowed over the years but we still do not talk. Hard to believe almost 20 years have passed and we still do not talk much.

Anyway, he grounded me. Being the rebellious long hair hippy (his name for me), I would start walking 6 miles to town each morning in the summer and hang with friends and then walk back while may father and mother were at work. My friends offered me rides, but I never accepted, as I did not want the other farmers seeing them and telling my dad. Grounding meant no friend over, I was alone. As violent as he was, I did not want to take that risk…

I started to lose weight quickly and my walk turned into a jog. By the time my 6 weeks grounding was over, I have lost 25 pounds. I still recall the look on my dads face when he gave me the keys to the car back and I did not take the keys and took off running. Well, from that point on I started running and biking all over. Good old single speed Schwinn. I had no goals, I had no desires, I just used the feet and legs when ever I needed to go somewhere. There were limits, anything over 10 miles or was a situation I couldn’t shower and had to be clean, I drove. But being a cook in a Country Kitchen restaurant, I ran to work. Just under 5 miles each way.

Well within a year I dropped from 280 pounds to 165 pounds. I decided to start running races. I never thought much of them. Never really trained. They were just something to do. Have some good times. Never won a race, took 3rd a few times. Then I tried a marathon. I did not finish. I started training. Reading books, planning things out. Really putting a whole crapload of effort into the task. I finished my first marathon. Then I read even more, planned more, trained harder, and ran over an hour faster in the same marathon two years later.

Then running and biking became a chore. Every time I went, it was not for the any other purpose but to get that specific training plan in. I lost interest in using running or biking just for enjoyment. That was 1994. I had struggled and my weight was 210 pounds at 5 foot 11 inches.

Long story short, in 2005, I was really out of shape and topped the scale at 296 pounds. There were some changes in my life and I started walking and running to save money, sort things out and just to clear my head. I never looked at it as anything but mental health and money saving mechanism. I lost weight. I dropped to 212 pounds and entered a few races. Over the years, I had only done Grandma’s each year with little training, just to keep the streak alive.

Then I did the 50 miler in 2006 and started “training” again. No longer were my runs just to get out and see nature, just to commute to save money or just cause it was nice, my workout became rigid, planned training runs. You know, planned long runs, speed workouts and such. I began to hurt more with more aches and pains. Getting a training run in was often hard. I was gaining weight.

Now here I am, I have gained 10 pounds since June 1. I have ran little or worked out little since the knee surgery. The Doc visit informed me there was a little more of an issue than he thought and absolutely no impact on the knee at all for at least another 6 weeks. So at least September 8 before I see him again. I am watching what I eat to try to hold off more weight gain. I am at 260 right now. I was a 212 when I finished the 50 milers in 2006, 238 when I quit at mile 77 in the Superior 100 in 2007 and I was 245 when I quit Superior 100 in 2008. Even though I was training harder, mentally, it wore me down and stressed me out. I eat out of stress…

So what does this mean? I think I said this before, but I quit. I will not structure training anymore. If I feel like walking, swimming or biking I will. And if a race gets thrown in there in the middle so be it.

A big thing I did in those years was knowing my food addiction when stressed. Whenever I wanted Ice Cream or cookies, I would go for a one mile walk first. Then if i still wanted it, I did. But usually the stress that was causing the food desire was eliminated by the one mile walk. I would take my camera, stop and talk to friends, or call a long lost friend and just talk while I walked. Again, using the walk to take care of other things, not as a training run for a race.

For me, I find I am just happier without the stress exercise should relieve. I find I lose weight just using the legs to save money, reduce stress related food cravings or enjoy the scenery. It was out of another need other than my race times and what was needed to prepare for a race that got me in great shape and enjoying exercise, and it was training and trying to be better at a race that failed me in the past, I think it is a no brainer I need to give up training and let the races, times and finishes fall where they may. In any case, I will guess I will be a volunteer much more than a racer, at least for the time being. My racing plans will come as a day to day planning effort. I may enter many but if I do not feel like a run that day, the entry fee would be a donation to the race. No plans, no schedule, no stress... I think as I look back, that will make me healthier, happier and wiser...

Happy trails! Carry on…

Dumb, Smart, or in between?

I was feeling better and the knee was feeling OK so I decided to try a walk. I planned a short 1 mile walk. Nice and easy. Just nice to get out. My other option was a small bike ride but my right shoulder is still very painful and getting on the bike was way to painful to risk it. So I walked...

Before I got three blocks, my knee started to hurt. So I turned around. It got worse. So I hobbled home and now I have it elevated with ice. I do not think I hurt it, as I did not have any pain medicine at all today but had had it the last three days.

So I guess I am less confident right now. But that is all part of the healing process. I thought much about the friends doing the Voyageur 50 today. The forecast was nice temps but rain. Someday, I have to do that race as I never have. It is the same weekend each year I have a event I am referee for... Although, I think this may be my last year of tennis? I said that last year as well? I know for sure i am stepping back so i will have more time for other things.

Anyway, RICE it is and maybe I will try a walk Wednesday. I have a follow-up with the surgeon on Tuesday.

Carry on...

I can sit

Finally, I have the ability to bend my knee 90 degrees. I can now sit normally. Although, there are arguments I can do anything normally. I think by the weekend I may start walking or light biking? Makes me wonder, as I have not in the past, should I count walking miles as training miles? I often wondered that. Walking is an important part of an ultra? So do you count walks? If you do, which ones? Should they not count unless they are over a certain distance or time? What about pace? Casual walks as opposed to brisk walks?

I am not sure. Given I have had the surgery and I need to make a slow comeback, I think I will count all miles as training. I think the software uses running, biking and other. I will just place them under other?

Either way, nice to get some movement on the leg. Just taking is slow and easy!

Carry on.

Took off bandages

Today is the day I took off the bandages. I could have yesterday but I was to tired to deal with it. The knee does not hurt much but I can not bend it much past 60 degrees. It is swollen more than I thought I would see so i continue to ice it. I have taken very little pain medicine. When I have, it was for the right shoulder pain I have left from the bike accident.

Tonight I will walk a little without the crutch and without all the wrapping. It feels funny? Sort of weak and funny but might be more from the swelling than anything. It has only been 79 hours since the surgery so i guess I should not expect much more.

That is a minor update. I am still weeks away from any hope of running, but at least I can walk. Not sure how far nor am I that worried about that right now.

Carry on...

American Pie

I am on my way to minor surgery. Should not be a big issue but everyone I know get nerves we did not know we had running as it nears. I am superstitious and there are things that just freak me out. Like hearing "we don't talk anymore" by Cliff Richard just when I got in my car in 1980 when my high school sweetheart broke off the relationship. We never did not speak again. Wonder where she is? Almost 30 years ago and I remember that so I guess the concussion is better?

Well, I use my I-Pod on the stereo as a alarm. I set it on random play for my songs and each morning I wake to a gem. Today, I woke to Don McLean singing "American Pie". You may not know the song but it goes.

So bye-bye, miss american pie.
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin whiskey and rye
Singin, "this'll be the day that I die.
"this'll be the day that I die."

So I am sure I will be fine as all my superstitions never come true. But what was god thinking with this wake up call? I am taking it as a sign to be real careful and not to take recovery from anesthesia and minor surgery without great care and concern.

Especially for a 46 year old who needs to lose 50 pounds...

As a side note, I noted today I have a bruise from mid-chest all the way up to the shoulder. It goes from about an inch wide at the bottom to 5 inches wide at the shoulder. I can lift my arm about shoulder height but not higher. It is still painful! Well, I can take Advil later today and I have looked forward to that since crashing the bike Saturday!

UPDATE: Surgery went fine. ACL issues were negligible... calcium issue means about 6 weeks before we run. I am loopy and going to rest (Update posted 2:30 PM Friday the 17th of July)

Carry on.