My knee has been so much better. There is little pain, although the funny thing is, 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 increasing the miles would bring the best success.
So, I am happy but a little nervous about the "A" word. Although I know of many who fight the same thing and seem to be able to continue running, again, he said it was a small area and was not overly concerned; he just said the weight would make it worse. I have the new countdown times with the date of April 1, 2010. That means I need to 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 of holding onto the treadmill and no weights killed me. So, things are going well, but I will take the advice and look into the impact of running until I get the weight down. I am just happy it feels good unless I kneel down. What an improvement.
Carry on!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
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 am trying to remember the real title, but I will call it the 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, I forgot to mention my friend Steve got to award himself an award for the second year in a row... Always have an interesting event or thing to say.) The award goes to a person who, without thought, gives much time and effort to better the UMTR efforts and more. Like many awards, he got a one-of-a-kind award at the UMTR Awards Night. I love these awards as they make them, unlike an award with nice professional print or manufacturing. 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 accomplishments. For those who don't, he is a person we can all learn from and who very much deserves the award.
Daryl Saari won the first Gnarly Bandit award. He finished five 100s this year, as well as many other races. Between races, you would see him at an aid station. He and his wife are great supporters on all sides of the sport. I worked at 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 a 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 CDs improved each time, with Nightingale being one of my favorite CDs (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 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 needed to be added. The night was a good use as she did many old tunes with her fabulous voice. If there are any old rockers like me, 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; to me, he is definitely in a class by himself, working on 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, some foods and conversations required additional thought. One such was homemade energy bars and juicing. I searched the web for an hour this morning and came across one recipe that I will try. (I'm not sure it is all that great, but it sounds good to me!)
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 am trying to remember the real title, but I will call it the 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, I forgot to mention my friend Steve got to award himself an award for the second year in a row... Always have an interesting event or thing to say.) The award goes to a person who, without thought, gives much time and effort to better the UMTR efforts and more. Like many awards, he got a one-of-a-kind award at the UMTR Awards Night. I love these awards as they make them, unlike an award with nice professional print or manufacturing. 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 accomplishments. For those who don't, he is a person we can all learn from and who very much deserves the award.
Daryl Saari won the first Gnarly Bandit award. He finished five 100s this year, as well as many other races. Between races, you would see him at an aid station. He and his wife are great supporters on all sides of the sport. I worked at 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 a 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 CDs improved each time, with Nightingale being one of my favorite CDs (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 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 needed to be added. The night was a good use as she did many old tunes with her fabulous voice. If there are any old rockers like me, 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; to me, he is definitely in a class by himself, working on 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, some foods and conversations required additional thought. One such was homemade energy bars and juicing. I searched the web for an hour this morning and came across one recipe that I will try. (I'm not sure it is all that great, but it 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 syrup1/4 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.
Toast the pecans, almonds, and coconut on a rimmed baking sheet 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 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. 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
If I cannot 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 world.
Carry on...
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Been a while... Random thoughts.
What has been going on? Well, I have 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 that would be a huge move up from where I am now. I am comfortable where I am, but it may be time to move on. I am still determining... I am one of 5 finalists, so a ways to go.
Today, I read a post from Steve Quick, who was upset about lamps. In his words, it was a rant about something minor. Although it may have been minor, it brings much of what we have become as a society to a new light. (Steve often makes me think, which is not bad.)
It made me think of how, 40 years ago, someone started working for a great company and spent their 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 considering moving onward again. Nothing like my father or his father. Besides being a disposable material goods society, we have become a transient society as well.
I often read a website that 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 disposable society. Many of his comments make me think. But then again, there is the other side of the coin, Margaret and Helen. I digress.
However, that lack of employee dedication is also caused by 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. It is just a thought I have had over the past weeks.
I was excited (and for iPhone 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 an app for the iPhone, 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 doctor 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 feel pretty good. Although I think I will do little running until I get my weight down just to minimize the impact on the knee, it might be a good idea as the cold is setting in and the days are getting shorter.
The UMTR fest is this Saturday. I'm 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 probably miss some great awards and presentations. These Ultra folks are all just happy and fun to be with!
I 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, and then five weekends of tennis 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 I decided to post it here. I could have spent the entire day there... It is much larger than I ever thought it was and has many stories to tell.
This post should be shorter. I must add a story to the post if you hung on this long. After I left the cemetery where many people had their lives cut short, I thought of and read a favorite story of mine. It is about how we cherish many things, but we often forget that time with friends and loved ones is the most precious. The story goes:
Today, I read a post from Steve Quick, who was upset about lamps. In his words, it was a rant about something minor. Although it may have been minor, it brings much of what we have become as a society to a new light. (Steve often makes me think, which is not bad.)
It made me think of how, 40 years ago, someone started working for a great company and spent their 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 considering moving onward again. Nothing like my father or his father. Besides being a disposable material goods society, we have become a transient society as well.
I often read a website that 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 disposable society. Many of his comments make me think. But then again, there is the other side of the coin, Margaret and Helen. I digress.
However, that lack of employee dedication is also caused by 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. It is just a thought I have had over the past weeks.
I was excited (and for iPhone 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 an app for the iPhone, 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 doctor 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 feel pretty good. Although I think I will do little running until I get my weight down just to minimize the impact on the knee, it might be a good idea as the cold is setting in and the days are getting shorter.
The UMTR fest is this Saturday. I'm 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 probably miss some great awards and presentations. These Ultra folks are all just happy and fun to be with!
I 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, and then five weekends of tennis 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 I decided to post it here. I could have spent the entire day there... It is much larger than I ever thought it was and has many stories to tell.
This post should be shorter. I must add a story to the post if you hung on this long. After I left the cemetery where many people had their lives cut short, I thought of and read a favorite story of mine. It is about how we cherish many things, but we often forget that 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. 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 returned home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door again.
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 he kept locked on 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 of 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, tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. Inside, he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.
He unlatched the cover by running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing. 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!"
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Surf the Murph aid station report
I did not run Surf the Murph (with the excellent weather course I wish I had), but I had a blast at the horse aid station. Twelve hours went by very quickly. With great smiles and successes, I saw many friends complete their goals! (Where are the reports, guys and gals?)
The day started rough. 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 is 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 miles) 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 could not make it in the morning stopped by later in the day (husband and wife), and she looked like she needed to be home... I commend her dedication to trying, but at that time, the station was slow (all the marathon and 25 K runners had been through), and I encouraged them to go home and rest, and he took care of the wife. I hope she feels better soon!
I can not thank Kurt Neuburger and Caitlin enough for being there to see Carrie Neuburger in the 25K. Kurt was supposed to run but will have surgery soon and could not do so. They were a gift from God. Especially Caitlin, a veteran aid station expert at a young age (Early teens at best). Very mature and deserves many kudos. It was also great to see Caitlin do the last 4 miles with Carrie! I bet this was rewarding for both...
Kurt started a very nice fire, and we kept it going all day! It was so welcomed 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 finely ran the 25 K. As the workhorse, she immediately came to the Aid Station to help me. 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 really long without another person at the station to keep me sane! I just remembered that I had to tell her how much I appreciated the company!
Cindy was nice enough to deliver a large pizza to us mid-day. A few runners loved the idea of Pizza at the aid station. I may not have survived it, but I know they finished strong.
The costumes were cool. I've included a few below, but I missed one of the best (the outhouse!). I could only get the camera out when it was slow enough at the station.
Below is a slideshow of all the pictures I took. The link to download is http://picasaweb.google.com/peasemines/SurfTheMurph?feat=directlink. I'm Sorry I did not get photos of more of the runners! Running an aid station is demanding, and I know you understand!
Carry on...
The day started rough. 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 is 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 miles) 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 could not make it in the morning stopped by later in the day (husband and wife), and she looked like she needed to be home... I commend her dedication to trying, but at that time, the station was slow (all the marathon and 25 K runners had been through), and I encouraged them to go home and rest, and he took care of the wife. I hope she feels better soon!
I can not thank Kurt Neuburger and Caitlin enough for being there to see Carrie Neuburger in the 25K. Kurt was supposed to run but will have surgery soon and could not do so. They were a gift from God. Especially Caitlin, a veteran aid station expert at a young age (Early teens at best). Very mature and deserves many kudos. It was also great to see Caitlin do the last 4 miles with Carrie! I bet this was rewarding for both...
Kurt started a very nice fire, and we kept it going all day! It was so welcomed 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 finely ran the 25 K. As the workhorse, she immediately came to the Aid Station to help me. 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 really long without another person at the station to keep me sane! I just remembered that I had to tell her how much I appreciated the company!
Cindy was nice enough to deliver a large pizza to us mid-day. A few runners loved the idea of Pizza at the aid station. I may not have survived it, but I know they finished strong.
The costumes were cool. I've included a few below, but I missed one of the best (the outhouse!). I could only get the camera out when it was slow enough at the station.
Below is a slideshow of all the pictures I took. The link to download is http://picasaweb.google.com/peasemines/SurfTheMurph?feat=directlink. I'm Sorry I did not get photos of more of the runners! Running an aid station is demanding, and I know you understand!
Carry on...
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