Tyler Hills and Heat 1, MB 1/2

MB lost to the hills and heat, but still met his minimum goal of "finishing" the Tyler Half Marathon in a plodding 2 hours and 24 minutes (2:24:00), a fraction under 11 minutes/mile thus achieving a 1/2 point for surviving. Although the hilly course and surprising heat did their damage, being old, underprepared, and slow of foot probably mattered more. I planned on 2:17:33 (10:30/mile), hoped for 2:11:00 (10:00/mile), and just knew that at a minimum I could do 2:24:06 (11:00/mile). I ended up doing the minimum.

The 10:30 a.m. Tyler temperature (minutes after I finished) was 74 degrees, about 14 degrees warmer than recommended for a 1/2 marathon. The normal temperature at 10:00 a.m. this time of year in Tyler is 61 degrees. The temperatures during my training the past month had been at around 60 degree temperatures and mostly before sunrise, so I was ill-prepared for the warm and sunny conditions.

I was worse prepared for the hills. The official USA Track and Field web site says that the race had 810 feet total climbs and 1634 feet total elevation changes, and is considered a "hard, hilly" course. By reference, the St.George, Utah Marathon, with 2200 feet in elevation change over 26.2 miles, is considered the hardest on knees in the USA. 95% of my training had been on fairly level trails, with only the "hills" at Dallas White Rock Lake (a few short climbs and descents of 20-50 feet) to train me for Tyler, so the constant rolling hills of Tyler and the steep climbs and descents sucked the life out of my frail limbs and started some hamstring tenderness and iliotibial band soreness in my right knee that forced some slowing and occasional walking. But for my son Steve plodding along with me for support (he could have easly taken off and blasted the course away), I might have done worse and walked more and more slowly. Yea for younger, stronger sons!

The race started well enough, with us easing through the first mile in 10:45, to be sure I did not run too fast at the start and fade at the end. We did the next 5 miles of rolling terrain at about 9:51/mile (10:10/mile overall) and, although I was feeling too warm, I felt strong enough to tackle the next hill.

Unfortunately, the hill tackled me. From mile 6 to mile 7 we climbed a killing 230 feet, followed by a rolling downhill over the next 1 1/2 miles. Not only did my pace slow, but I had to walk some short stretches. My hamstrings began to complain and my right knee began to sting. At this point, I knew my main focus had to be just finishing the last 4 1/2 miles. Fortunately, I had built up a little time cushion that would allow me to still meet my 11:00/mile minimum if I just kept plodding along at 10:00 - 10:30/mile pace, interspersed with some walking on uphills and at water stops.

The next almost 3 miles were a series of steeper, but shorter, rolling hills, with the following approximate mile (from about the 11 1/4 miles mark to the 12 2/10 miles mark) flat or slightly downhill. The next 3/4 mile was all uphill and I walked some more until reaching the flat to slightly downhill final 1/4 mile that allowed me to jog in looking fresher than I was -- finishing in an official 2:24:00. Funniest aspect of my result is that I offically finished 148th out of 205 offical finishers (about 25 people did not finish), but my son Steven (who could have beaten me by 30 minutes) officially finished 149th, 1 spot behind me.

My co-trainer Nadene was felled in her training by pneumonia and could not run the half marathon, but she was still bubbling with excitement for the next challenge. While I was still in post-finish anguish and pain, Nadene immediately tried to get me to confirm that I would do the Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon in February with her. In a stupor of weariness, all I could do was stare with vacant eyes.

My sore hamstrings have recovered fairly quickly, but my sore right knee tightened up and stung considerably for the next hour or so after the race, until I could ice it and then warm it in a wonderfully cleansing shower. I had soreness and stiffness all day Saturday and Sunday, but I did improve by the hour. Today (Monday) the knee (iliotibial band) is a little sore, but improving.

Having family and creative signs at the beginning and end of the race added some fun, although Steve could not understand why 1 family sign told us we were "standing at the gates of hell" -- until I explained our theme song.

My grandson Tristen made the pain worth it when he asked me who won the race between Steven and me and, when I told him Steven did, laughed and exclaimed, "Oh Grandpa!" as though I was kidding him. How nice to be viewed through children's eyes.

MB

The Sweet Smell of Success

This weekend WTR and co. traveled to Tyler, Texas to watch MB complete the Tyler Half and MM and Jen participate in the 5k. We had a blast. Hopefully, MB can post a run-down of the actual race.

MB, Karen, Jen, Liz and Tristen traveled down together. We watched movies and enjoyed the hour and a half trip.

After picking up our race packets and T shirts, we drove the Half Marathon course. It looked fairly ok with a couple long hills. Then we headed to dinner at Johnny Carino's. Yum.

Once back at the hotel we took a swimming trip and then played Farkel. This family loves games! Tristen beat us all!

Steve, Jaz, Matthew & Olivia arrived around 12:30pm and we finally hit the sack. Race morning we headed over to the site and watched Dad & Steve take off on the Half Marathon. It was exciting to see everyone take off and we got the first chance to show off our fun signs. After that, the 5k started and Nadene took off on her run. Jen, Jaz, Liz and the kids started the 5k walk.

MM ran down two girls at the finish - it was exciting! Then we all hung out and played cards and waited the two hours until the boys would finish. Tristen and Matthew were so fun copying all the runners and then racing from tree to tree. They had so much energy!

We had some fun signs. Since Steve wasn't running as many miles we had this fun one saying 'Practice is for Losers' with a picture of a doctor running and one that had our blog anthem 'Stand Me Up at the Gates of Hell - No I Won't Back Down'. Check out the pictures for more.

Because of the shape of the run course, we got to see Steve & MB three times before the actual finish and we had fun looking for them and yelling out when they passed.

Finally, at 2 hours and 30 minutes, Steve & MB finished the half looking good. Below is their finish video and our cheering group.

We are so proud of their accomplishment and steady determination. It was fantastic to watch them take on this challenge and complete it. And it was great to see everyone and have a fun family weekend.

3 Days to Go!

I find my aging frame all aquiver with anticipation for the big Tyler Half Marathon this Saturday. After 4+ months of building from a couch potato to 10 and 11 mile runs and 20+ mile weeks, I celebrate no more training. My goal is merely to finish the race at more than walking speed; probably somewhere between 10 and 10 1/2 minutes per mile (2:11:00 to 2:17:33), and to beat the last 200 entrants to the finish. This will be the farthest I have run at one time in over a decade, so speed is the least of my worries. Just surviving and enjoying the time is my focus.

I will be sad that the two women who encouraged me to do this in the first place, my daughter Jennifer and my niece Nadene, will not enjoy watching me plod the 13.1 miles as they speed away from me in quicker times. Each has suffered an injury (Jen with her torn knee cartilage) or severe illness (Nadene and her pneumonia) to unavoidably delay their running for weeks. However, they will enjoy the leisure of the 5K and my son Steven will putter along with me through the entire 13.1 miles, showing his extreme patience for my slumbering pace.

Today I did my last training run, a 5 mile "tempo" run @ a relaxed 10:03/mile pace, including 3.075 miles @ 9:33/mile. It was cold enough (50 degrees @ 6:30 a.m.) to wear long sleeves, but not so cold as to shiver. After the run, I had some slight soreness on the outside of my right knee (iliotibial band issues?) and the lower part of my right hamstring, but not enough to fret over for the 13.1 mile trek. Some rest and icing will put me in fine condition for Saturday.

With any luck, my next post will be celebrating the completion of the Tyler Half without walking, injury, or illness.

No Speed Left in MB's Old Bones

Today I tried to do some "speed" running to test how fast I might be able to run the Tyler Half. I did a 1.375 mile warmup at around 11:50/mile, 5 "sprints" of 1.025 miles @ an average of 9:00/mile -- interspersed with 1/2 mile jogs @ 12:05/mile, followed by a 1.5 mile cooldown at arund 12:05/mile. After comfortably doing my first 2 1.025 mile laps at 9:15/mile and 9:00/mile pace, I tried to somewhat "push" the 3rd 1.025 mile sprint (having run 4.425 miles to that point) and comfortably could only do 8:30/mile. Even worse, I was so burnt by that "fast" lap that my 4th and 5th 1.025 mile laps were at only 9:15/mile and 9:00/mile pace.

While it was cold (55 degrees) and misty wet conditions that made it hard for me to get warmed up during the run and somewhat frosty on my lungs, and I should have worn warmer clothes, I still should have been able to run faster.

Thus, I have discovered there is no speed in these old bones, and I will have to concentrate on just finishing the 13.1 mile Tyler Half rather than trying to run a quicker time. If I run too fast, I will likely slow to a crawl the last few miles and suffer for it. Besides, my time is going to be so slow anyway (even if I do a MB sprint) that an extra few minutes will matter to no one else but me.

My mantra is now: "I will finish!"

MM needs inspiration.

So, well, yeah, I have rickky crud.. aka pneumonia... a vicious lung sickness that sucks the life from any would-be runner.
I'm not giving up hope that I can run 13.1 (as I hack yet another part of lung discharge up) in october.
It'll be a full 2 weeks of no running when I recover.. if all goes well.

So tell me there's hope that I can run, even at a 13 minute pace...or 14..

Really, if anyone can do it, I can right?!?!

Old Man Breaks Through

Yes!

On a perfect Saturday morning for a long run around White Rock Lake (60 degrees and clear skies) and after plodding along for months at a slow pace to avoid an overtraining injury after years of lethargy, this ancient runner felt so good that he reeled off mile after mile at sub-10 minute pace and averaged 9:48/mile for the entire 10-mile run.

I had planned to run about 11 minute/mile pace for the 10 miles and to start out at 12 minute pace for the first 2 miles (until I warmed up). However, at first I could not make out the mile markers in the dark and when it was light enough to see the markers and calculate my pace, I discovered that I had done the first 3 miles in about 10:30 minute/mile pace (when I felt like I might be going slower than 12 minutes/mile). I tried to coast the next 5 miles at about 10:00 to 10:15 pace, but I found it impossible to run slower than about 9:40/mile. By the time I had done 8 miles, I felt so strong that I ran the last 2 miles @ 9:05/mile pace to finish in a total time of 1:38:00.

For once I did not look like a shuffling grandpa and I passed many runners (including several younger runners)!

The funniest part of my run came with about 3-4 miles to go when I reached the Dallas Arboretum and discovered that Luke's Locker and the Arboretum were sponsoring 5K and 10K races -- with hundreds of runners clogging the path as they waited for the races to start 15 minutes after I passed. I was forced to wade through the oblivious mob for about 2 minutes (and stop my watch), mostly running on the slope of a ditch full of muddy water. Once past that clueless group, I ran as the wind.

Barring an injury or illness, I will be ready to survive the Tyler Half on October 11 -- just 19 days from now.

Who's Excited? I'm excited!

Hello fellow Team! So the official team Half is less than a month away. And I'm super excited! Although I wish I would be at the half starting line, I'll be really pumped when my team is. So update me on your weekend and your progress so I can live vicariously through you all. Feeling the burnout? Fear not! We are here to keep you motivated.

Here's a little quote I got from my tri board to remember to go out at your own pace - "Think you made the mistake of running too easy? You now have 26 miles to fix that mistake. Make the mistake of running too hard? That mistake now has 26 miles to express itself. DON'T EAT THE PASTE!" So when you start that half, think to yourself - don't eat the paste. Just cause everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you should.

This weekend I played volleyball for two hours and the rest of the weekend was OUCH! No acute injury. Just generalized pain, soreness and enough swelling to impede full range of motion. So I'm doing RICE and waiting for it to subside. But boy did I have fun! Luckily, no vb this week so I'll have some time to recover. ;) Plan on low-impact activites this week including a ride on Wednesday. The weather will be NICE - low 80s all week - so get outside and get some Vitamin D people! Wait, is it Vitamin D? I can't remember. Whatever.

This month will be the hardest so just keep your habits up and stay injury free!

We are the Champions

MM and MB survived their first long "run" around White Rock Lake, a total of 9.3 miles, 1.3 miles farther than last week's long run of 8 miles that left them weary for hours.

They started cautiously at a shuffle of 12:15 the first mile -- to assure they were warmed up before they "sprinted" any faster. The second mile crept by at 12:00 as they "quickened" their pace. Feeling emboldened by the ease of the first 2 miles, they blew away the next 3 miles at 11:15/mile pace. More than 1/2 way through the run and feeling supremely confident, they dashed ahead at a slashing 10:30/mile for the last 4.3 miles, finishing in 1 hour 43 minutes and 30 seconds, an overall pace of 11:06/mile.

Yes, their pace is ploddingly slow, but -- considering their lack of distance running conditioning just 2 months ago -- they have wisely chosen to worry more about building a base of slow long runs, rather than concentrate on speed. Their goal is to finish the Tyler Half (13.1 miles) on October 11, not try to win their age group. Although tired and a little sore, they are exulting in running this far without major injuries or illnesses. So, having conquered White Rock Lake, they declare (stealing Queen's lyrics), "We are the champions!"

Time to Test the Lake

This Friday, MM and MB take on the challenge of the wooded and hilly White Rock Lake, a 9.3 mile loop around Dallas largest urban lake. This "run" represents the biggest challenge to date for our daring plodders, and they go with some fear and trembling. Fortunately, JS will be biking loops around the lake at the same time and has offered, when she has finished her bike ride, to drive her vehicle after the intrepid, but weak joggers and, if they falter, she will carry their collapsing bodies back to their vehicle.

Yet, should we survive this toiling run:

"From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that [runs]with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That [ran] with us upon [this Friday]."

Balance

Postponing icecream time to run

Persistence

Determination: Little Pine

Back in the Saddle

Yes, it's true! This weekend I did my first running since my injury. And it went well. I did a walk/run for 2 miles. But first, just to update on my previous post - I'm good. I was a little sad at having to withdraw, but overall I'm good. There's always more races! And I love despair.com. You should check out their stuff - some of it is outright laugh out loud funny!

Back to my run~ I was a little nervous. Things were not perfect - I had some 'heat' under the kneecap and slight soreness so I did ice afterwards, but the big thing is no real pain. Excellent. Some parts felt really good and I wanted to just keep running, but I kept telling myself, no it's better to take it slow and work on getting back to running long term. So I moved over to elliptical to finish the hour.

So I'm on to a new goal.

I'll transfer to the Tyler 5k and maybe if things keep looking up I'll be ready for 8 at the Trot. PT is going really well and things that I felt were really hard a month ago are showing me that I am actually progressing! Yay!

Hope your running week goes well!

Defeat...more than a state of mind

I did some calculations and in the interest of protecting myself at this crucial stage of getting back to running, I'll likely be bowing out of the Tyler Half.

My therapist and I talked last night after some examinations and I'm starting back running this weekend. But at no more than 2 miles on a track. Running only the straight sections and walking the curves. If I increase at 10% a week, which he fully believes I should stick to so as to avoid further injury during rehab, I am no where near even 6 miles in the seven weeks left until event day.

Since I am already registered, I could possibly walk the entire thing which might take somewhere near four hours. There might be a possibility I would run the first 4 miles and then walk from there. This would put me at about 3.5 hours. But I do know for sure I will not be running.

I'm reallllllly trying to keep upbeat because I was SO looking forward to completing this. But I have to remind myself there are other feats of festivus to be accomplished next year. Either way I'll still be at the finish line cheering and congratulating MM and MB!

Keep training and maybe we can do something in the early spring! And we might be able to do the Turkey Trot 8!

It's official!

MB is the superior runner. (This is me "tipping my hat") Really , I know cynicism and sarcasm can at times run rampant in our humble family, but I'm serious. Consistancy and devotion outrun youth and sporadic or spontaneous runs anyday. Way to go MB. I'll continue to try to be like you.

MM Wimps Out in the Rain

MM (and guest runner DD) planned to run 6 miles with MB this a.m., but she (and DD) let a little rain "dampen" her enthusiasm and she went back to bed! MB, not afraid of a little sprinkle, did the planned 6 mile tempo run with nary a problem with the barely-niticeable light mist that had chased MM back to bed; although the flooding lake over the footbridge at the Valley Creek trail did force MB to run .95 mile out-and-back loops instead of the usual 1.025 mile laps arund the lake.

MM is going to have to toughen up or she will be left in the dust (or misting rain) come the Tyler Half in October.

New Shoes

So I have some gnarley new Brooks running shoes and the super-feet running inserts to (hopefully) correct my flat feet issue..... now if only I could spend $40 and correct the lack of training issue... hmmm...

Cross-training

The last month I have done no running at all. I have been doing elliptical (in place of running), biking and swimming. I've also been doing core and leg strength exercises (as part of my PT) 6 days a week and two days of physical therapy with my PT a week. I do feel stronger and more stable in the joint, but I also do not feel 'whole' yet. I had really hoped that a month off running would make me feel...healed I guess. I'm both anxious and nervous to get back to running. Anxious because I had started to like it and really want to get out and start putting some miles on and nervous because I'm afraid of further injury. I just don't know how soon is too soon. Doc said I could try back this weekend, but need to do so on a treadmill or track rather than concrete as long as there is no pain. I've had no issues in my cross-training so I'm hoping at least that is a good sign. I don't think there is anything like running though so I know even though I'm working out I will be feeling like running is hard!

Hope your training is going well! Update us!

POW!! and she's off!!

So after a billion million years.. I'm back to running. JS I have no idea how you keep up with your schedule. I'm just barely working and I feel like I'm some sort of Saint for getting out to run after I heat up a frozen dinner for the kids.

I had to revamp my training program, which only has me running a length of 9 miles before the half marathon. I may be able to squeeze in an extra mile to get it up to 10 the week before the race. My pace has slowed to about 10:15 and my joints are a bit achey.. time for new shoes, I'm fighting my inner cheap-skate on that issue.

McMillan Calculator

This is VERY cool. You have to go check out the McMillan Calculator.

Sometimes it's easy to get out and just 'run'. We train based on how we feel today or what pace we are used to. But this is not always the best way to train to improve (or so the 'experts' say). Heart rate monitors and other tools can be very valuable in making sure we have overall improvement. Here's another tool! This calculator tells you what predictable pace you can expect in a race and even what pace you should be training at. Endorsed and used by Run On, this is right on with the pacing recommended by Runners World.

Try it out and see if you need to speed up - or slow down - those runs to make better overall improvements! Happy running.

Mathematics World Befuddled by MB's Math Error

Mathematicians the world over were shocked to discover the error committed by MB in connection with the distances he runs around Valley Creek Trail. For weeks, MB had calculated the distance around his usual running trail to be 1.05 miles, only to discover upon re-calculation Wednesday that the distance is only 1.025 miles. Although seemingly a minor error (just .025 miles for every loop run), his calculations of both total distances run (especially on Saturday) and pace per mile run were, on average, .10 miles farther in total and 15 seconds per mile faster than he actually ran.

Fortunately, having caught his error, MB has corrected the training distances he will run from now on and his recorded distances and times will accurately reflect what he has actually done.

MB's mea culpa was deemed suffient for the mathematics and running world, and faith in MB's errorless ways has been restored.

Physical Therapy

I went to my first physical therapy appointment last night. After an initial discussion and examination my PT (Jake) decided the best course of action is to work on core strength and range of motion exercises. Part of this is to try and prevent muscle atrophy so that going back to running will be easier after the healing process. He feels that if I pull back and keep up other cardio exercises that do not cause pain I should likely be able to return to normal recreational activities. The goal is to rehab without a surgical intervention.

Yesterday we did some biking to warm up and ultrasound. Then some quadricep strengthening exercises followed by core strengthening exercises. Lastly some calf exercises (to work on strengthening both above and below the joint.) I'll go twice a week for a while and he prepared a handout for me to do at home twice a day.

I like my PT, he is a marathoner and triathlete so he understands first hand the kind of stress my joints will endure and what is required for each sport. He is also very soft spoken and easy to work with so I'm optimistic this will be a positive improvement for me.

Drum roll please......The Results!

Today I got my MRI results and you, dear readers, get the low-down first.

First, a history...In 1996 I suffered a meniscus tear (cartilage in the knee between the femur and tibia) from a knee trauma during a soccer game. I couldn't even walk. Had a knee scope to remove the torn portion of the cartilege. Tears deep in the meniscus will not heal even if surgically repaired since blood flow is scarce to that area. It turns out removing the torn pieces will relieve the pain and prevent the tear from 'catching' in the joint but it is degenerative. The cartilage cannot 're-grow' and eventually in life you will wear away the cartilege on the end of the bone and likely suffer from osteoarthritis. In 2000, I suffered further tearing that left me unable to walk stairs and with daily significant pain so I had a second knee scope. Since then I get minor aches and pains and minor swelling, but no major pain.

Until three weeks ago. I have had pain while running that I am unable to work through. So I had an MRI last week. Eight years is pretty good to go without any big issues I think. But since I know there is no 'fix' for me, I was very sad to see this come up.

The results are...

1) Abnormal appearance of the anterior and posterior horn of the lateral meniscus with diminuitive appearance and irregular shape.

Here is where I am missing cartilage (on the outside of my knee). This can likely be the result of my previous surgeries where is was removed. However, a recurrent meniscal tear here could not be excluded.

2) Very small foreign body between patella and femur

This is the likely culprit for my knee locking but is small enough that it isn't a real need to remove it.

3) Thinning of articular cartilage along lateral compartment with adjacent abnormal subchondral marrow

I lack cushioning here. Subchondral bone marrow lesions are involved in pain and progression of knee osteoarthritis.

4) Chrondromalacia involving the medial and lateral patellar facets

aka - Softening of cartilege of your knee cap or 'anterior knee pain.' The surface of the patella is softened due to many things including abnormal pressure across the joint surface. Causes swelling and pain when the knee is bent for long periods of time, kneeling or stair climbing. Commonly thought to be hereditary!

Diagnosis: Bad knee with wear and tear. There is nothing definitive on the MRI that says I need surgery. It could be a recurrent tear but the only way to know if it's just shaved from previous surgery or from a tear is surgery. (I honestly think there may be a small tear from the kind of pain I've had, but since biking, swimming, and elliptical have caused no pain I'm hopeful it was small or just irritated). We could go in and try and clean it up but there is always the chance that I come out worse than before. There is only so much shaving you can do.

So knowing there is no physical deformity that is going to explode if I run (and that my ligaments all look good), I'm going for physical therapy and will attempt short treadmill/track/dirt running. I'll go back to the ortho in a month and see how things are going. If I can manage running without pain there is no reason why I can't continue. And if things don't get better I can opt for surgery later.

Basically this is about choice. I can choose to give up activities I like doing and not pursue therapy or surgery. Or I can choose to do everything possible to keep up my pursuits at this point. So I've made my choice to keep going and try what I can to continue. This isn't like a bone deformity - it won't cause me long-term damage because the damage is already there. Either way my long-term prognosis is that at some point in life I will likely give up running for good. Eventually the pain may catch up and I will have to stop. But I'd like to delay that a little. Maybe 20 years. ;) In the meantime, we'll see what therapy and a little weight loss can do for me.

So wish me luck in therapy!

Nations Hold Their Breath

The world -- especially organizers of the September 20 "Denison Dash" triathlon and the October 4 "Tyler Half" half marathon where JS is the headline competitor -- waits in anticipation for the results of JS's MRI of her painful knee, a procedure to be performed at 11:00 a.m. local time today.

According to JS, her doctor revealed following an examination today that she likely (1) has bone spurs, (2) has some "stuff" foating around in her knee (perhaps left-over cartilage not completely "disintegrated" by a prior surgical procedure), or (3) early signs of arthritis, but nothing will be certain until the results of her MRI are reviewed. The MRI technician performing the procedure steadfastly refused to devulge what was being revealed during the MRI, but was overheard to say "lie still," indicating anxiety and restlessness by JS (and perhaps excruciating pain?). Despite the obvious discomfort, only the loud hammer blows of the MRI tube could be heard (perhaps hiding the sobs of this sidelined warrior?).

The MRI results will be sent to another "expert" for analysis before being returned to JS's doctor to be reviewed with JS. When asked how soon the results might be available for the millions of JS fans holding prayer vigils around the globe, JS's doctor said that he and JS would discuss the MRI on Monday August 4, whereupon JS could share the results with the hundreds of reporters and papparazzi expected to gather at JS's doctors office.

Rest assured that this voice of the people will encourage JS to share with an anxious world the diagnosis and prognosis from this latest medical step in the life of our beloved, but injury-plagued celebrity.

Registered

I'm in like flin home scillin's!!

Heat Sap's Oldster's Energy

I did my "long" run of the week today: 6.65 miles @ 10:58/mile, making 13.80 miles for the week. My first 1.4 miles was @ 11:29/mile pace; the next 2-3 miles @ around 10:45/mile pace; and the last 2 miles @ 10:30/mile pace, although I felt much slower. I was supposed to do 7 miles, but the sun wore me out fast enough that that final .35 miles sounded like 5 miles, so I stopped at 6.65.

Again I did not get enough sleep last night, although I woke up 1/2 hour later than planned, and thus I had the displeasure of running the last 1/2 hour in the sun. The heat (80 degrees at 6:00 a.m.) and humidity are bad enough before sunrise, but once the sun hits me, the radiant heat I feel kills my energy quickly. Seems to go from 80 to 90 in seconds, although it only rises about 5 degrees in that 1/2 hour.

On the bright side, I again suffered no injury (yea for 54-year-old body!) and felt no lingering soreness during or after the run. Of course, I was a zombie the rest of the day and had to take a 2 hour nap, but us old guys take naps on the weekend anyway.

Next week is supposed to be 6 tempo miles on Wednesday and 7 easy miles on Saturday, for 15 miles total that week. Pray that my raggedy body makes the distances so that I can enjoy the easier runs the following week (11 total miles of nothing but easy jogs).

MB

No running

Wow we need to get some posting going on here peeps!

Here's my update for the week. Monday night I went back to trying to run. I had no knee pain and did no running for the entire week before. The first .5 miles were fine and then BAM - sudden knee pain - the same pain from the week before in the same place. I only made it a few more minutes (I was trying to see if it would go away) and then decided to stop. I moved over to elliptical for 30 more minutes and felt defeated. So I've decided to see my ortho again and probably ask for an MRI to see if there is a structural injury (tendons or meniscus again, etc.). I want the expert opinion on how much running and when I should consider. I'll probably also get into a rehab clinic. So no more running until things are figured out. The soonest I could get in was next Wednesday morning.

Tuesday I went biking. Love it. Although it was HOT. Did 12.2 miles in 51 minutes. My saddle is killing me. My friend got a new saddle that she loves so we went to the store and picked one up on sale; I can't wait to try that out on Thursday. I also have a new cadence monitor which rules. It's the cateye cadence and it helps so much. I'm a techie and I wish I could afford all the very cool gadgets and disc wheels out there. Luckily, this was very reasonable. The nice RBM lady picked it out for me and didn't make me feel like a total non-cycling idiot like some of the hard-core reps at the Richardson location. Plan to swim tonite and it's a ride on Thursday.

Have a great week everyone-

Get Those Zs

Well, in an effort to get most of my run in before the sun started beating down on me, I set my alarm for and got up at 5:00 a.m. today. Unfortunately, I could not get to sleep early enough last night and enjoyed only 5 hours of sleep. Normally, with my morning routine, I am fully awake and energized before I head out the door. At worse, I may be slightly tired, but 10-15 minutes into the run my (increasing) conditioning and energy carry me just fine through the run, and the recovery afterward. But not today. Apparently, the short shrift I gave sleep all week, especially last night, left me with heavy legs the entire run.

To make matters worse, JS -- who has kept me entertained on Saturday runs with her witty banter, been my pacer to keep my speed down until I get more miles under my belt (when you are older and have been a couch potato for months, you have to build slowly), and forced me to take water, walking, and stretching breaks (as an old codger should) -- was unavailable. With MM at "Muster," I had to run alone. Without someone lying to me about how well I am doing and controlling my desire to run faster than I should, I had a heavy 6-mile run that felt worse than the distance and time (1:07:10) might indicate. The first 2 miles I did in an easy 11:55/mile pace; the next 2 miles in 11:30/mile pace; and the last 2 miles in 10:40/mile pace.

5 hours later I still am moving slowly and I feel much more weary than I should be . So, advice to everyone (especially myself): Get your Zs, or your body will make sure that you pay for the lack.

Wiser Old Man

Hot Pink

I smile and wave at the cars that move over for me, and I say good morning to the folks walking/riding/occasionally running.
This morning, those people really made my happiness swell. I've had a rough week, and I remember how life just cycles, how we are who we make ourselves and, not who we end up being.

I ran past an old viejo on his right. He turned first to see what was coming, then I smiled and said good morning he responded with "Si, bueno". I had the chance to soak up his countenance then "Este es un beuno dia por corriendo" (I hope he understood) He turned the corner using his cane and tilting his hat. My usual wave is responded to casually, I almost didn't wave to the next car.. when I did, an older man of African descent leaned in, looked right into my face and waved all the way to his elbow. I want to remember these moments forever.

The sun makes hot pink!

Update

Saturday was my long run of the week. Met MB at the house to do 6 miles. We did 6 miles around the pond and it wasn't too bad. Time was 1:18 I think. I rather enjoyed it. I was a little slower than I had wanted to do but other wise the run itself was fine. Took 1 gu just for practice, didn't really need the calories. 1 water bottle.

The only issue was around 4.5 miles my right knee started to hurt. I spent the last mile and a half trying to decide how much it hurt. It wasn't really acute pain. It started small and gradually increased. No snapping or popping. But I really wanted to finish what was on my schedule. So I kept running. When I finished and stopped I realized it really hurt and it kept up over the weekend. It only hurts when I walk/put pressure on it though so I'm sure it's some kind of stretched ligament or swelling issue. (If you didn't know, I've had 80% of the cartilege in my knee removed so running causes scar tissue and swelling from lack of cushioning. Think bone on bone.) It doesn't hurt when sitting or not in use so I don't think it's any kind of tear or other injury issue . So I'll be taking some time off. I'm not sure how much. But at least today. I've been doing ice and ibuprofen therapy. Hope your weekends went much better than mine!

Cross training

Crew, are you doing any cross-training? I'm curious. MB, I know you said you are doing some weights every now and again. How bout you MM?

I started back swimming last week and I did 800m yesterday. No biking planned this week, but I have plans to bike twice next week.

Next week I think I need to find a track to run at for the speed work. I wonder how many people will be out there also. I hate running at the track with a lot of people. blech. I'm a loner! ;)

See ya'll at the Group Run - MM is 6:30 an ok start time? I know MB prefers early but I wasn't sure what time your kids would be ok getting dragged out of bed.

Races

Anyone interested in doing a 5k, 10k or 15k event during our training? I thought it would be fun to get a tech t and get some additional race results under our belt.

Here's some ideas we might be able to work in:

Sep 11Thurs
7:00 PM
Freedom Run
5K/1M
American Airline Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas , TX
http://www.thefreedomrun.com/

Sep 13Sat
7:30 AM
Autumn Equinox 15K & 5K
15K/5K
Stone Tables Area, White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX
http://www.thrustonracing.com/calendar.html


Jul 19Sat
7:30 AM
Too Hot To Handle
5K/15K
Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX
http://www.runontexas.com/TempPages/TooHot2008/toohotinfo.htm
You get a technical T for this one...

And Don't forget...
Oct 18Sat
8:00 AM
Cowboys and Kids 5K
5K/1M
Mesquite Resitol Rodeo Arena, Mesquite, TX
http://www.cowboysandkidsrun.com/

Geezer Survives "Speed" Workout

Today I did a "speed" workout that involved 2 harder runs of 1.05 miles each, and lots of slower jogging that totaled 4.85 miles on my feet over 55 minutes. Considering that I started slow-jogging less than 1 mile a day abit over 1 month ago, I am glad to see my slow, but steady, progress.

I began with a warmup jog of 1.15 miles in 13:31 (11:45/mile pace), "ran" 1.05 miles in 10:05 (9:36/mile), jogged .50 miles in 5:56 (11:52/mile), ran 1.05 miles in 9:35 (9:08/mile), jogged .50 miles in 5:42 (11:24/mile), and finished with a .60 mile cooldown walk in 10:11 (16:58/mile), for a total of 4.85 miles in 55 minutes (11:21/mile).

I still have to mentally adjust to how short and slow my mileage is compared to 20 years ago when I could do 26.2 miles at 6:30/mile pace and 1 mile speed workouts in 5:30/mile pace, but then I remember that I am 54 and out of shape. My goal is to finish a 1/2 marathon in October and I am on schedule to do so. Other 50-year-olds may run faster, but I will sweat more than all of them.

So, yea for the doughy geezer!

Long Run

Here's my check in with my long run for the week.

Saturday was my long run at 5 miles. MB was kind enough to run with me. An hour is a long time for me to run alone right now. We did laps around the pond near his casa. It was slow and steady. I did have to stop to adjust my laces a few times and finally removed my right sock for the last 2.5 miles. After that it was smooth sailing. Total time was 5.15 miles in 1:06 ~ 12.82 mm (including warmup). Felt good afterwards and no soreness all weekend. Drank 1 ozarka bottle. No nutrition.

Hope my 6 miles this weekend goes as well!

Old Dude Runs 3.5 Miles!

Today I "ran" 3.5 miles without walking for the first time in over 8 months. Slow (11:45 minutes/mile pace) 1.40 miles to warm up. Next 1.05 mile @ 11:15/mile. Last 1.05 mile @ 10:45/mile. 3.5 miles @ 11:05 minutes/mile - - - wow. And I could have "raced" even faster! {;>] Already 6 miles run this week with another 4-5 on Saturday. Now, if I could just avoid collapsing after my runs and not have this irresistable urge to sleep afterwards, I would be ok. Of course, that is what old dudes do -- sleep alot.

Socks...or why I feel dumb today

Went for my 3 mile run and it was average for me. But that's not the story here...the story is that I did a slow warm-up, my run and a cool-down and there was NO NUMB issues. Yep that's right...no tingling, no dead foot. Nada. And I ran in my 'new' shoes I got a month ago. What was different....my socks. Today I wore no socks. I went shopping this morning looking for arch supports. I pulled out the insert in my current shoe and while studying my foot realized how tight my socks are. They cut me at exactly the crook in my foot (on top where my ankle meets foot). It suddenly occurred to me that I had changed shoes, changed lacing styles, but had never changed sock styles. I had pulled out a couple pairs from last season to run in and I guess they shrunk (plus I have a few more pounds now).

So I laced up the shoes like normal and just removed the socks and VOILA!

40 minutes total (wu, run, cd) and NO issues. Except the blister on my inner arch from no socks...but I'll get some new socks.

Had a nice run today.
.. 10 m pace.. humpff..
it's ok, it was hot (12:30 in the afternoon), and I took an unexpected detour to look at a house, then had to step off the road and stand still (or outrun and eighteen wheeler, or dive into a drainage ditch).. I feel pretty pooped, but hey, I got my run in.
Maybe next time I'll just borrow your treadmill MB.
I think in the future I'll pay more attention to time of day.. it really took it out of me today.

-

Weekend Update...with Kevin Nealon

Well I guess you gotta be kinda old to get the title reference but at least I'm giggling.

Saturday morning I dragged myself and the kiddos to the gym to run since DH was at weekly bball. I wore yet a third pair of running shoes I have. These are new balance (shout out) and a little too wide for me but I thought I'd give it a try. I remembered to start drinking my h20 as soon as I woke up and brought along a bottle and my trusty ipod. The plan called for 4 miles. And the whole way to the gym I was thinking 'well maybe I can just do 3, or 3.5 if I feel good.' As soon as I got on the treadmill though I knew I was doing four miles, even if it meant I walked the whole thing. Because I'm a list maker and I can't check things off if I don't complete them!

I warmed up longer at first since I was hoping this would make my calves less sore. I counted the warm up towards my mileage. Mile 1 - 15 minutes. That's when I figured out this was going to take me forever. Mile 2 - 13:07. So now we are 28 minutes into my workout and my right foot went numb. Which is a good sign since it usually falls asleep by 20 minutes. At least that's some progress. Took a walk break and played with adjusting the shoes. Decided to try to keep running and just see what happened. I spent about all of mile 3 with a numb foot but kept the pace up. Mile 3 - 12:10. Relaced the shoe up top and finished mile 4 - 12:57 - feeling great. I can't believe how different I felt from Wednesday when I felt so terrible. The entire run was great, kept my pace in check and wasn't sore at all this weekend. Total 53 minute run. At that rate it is going to take me almost 3 hours to finish. I better make a longer playlist.

Busy week coming up so I'm really going to have to plan if I have any hope of getting my running in.

Hope everyone else had a great long run!

Cookie, Icecream, chocolate pudding

Yes, I've heard of glutony. But this is a celebration. I ran three miles at 9minutes!! Dude, I felt like I was blazin'! So what does this mean?! Could I get it down to like 8 ok ok... probably if I could maintain 9 for 13.1 I'd be in hog heaven.. but then I ask myself how good CAN I BE? I mean if I hit, 8 min. I'll probably eat everything in the FRIDGE!!!

And so it continues

This is a little boring but I guess I'm at least trying to keep up with what's going on.

Tonight I did my run in my old shoes. They're a little worn but decent and I haven't had any problems in the 150 miles I put on them last year. And you can guess what I'm going to say...my right foot started to go numb! I can't believe it. I felt so defeated. So now I don't think it's the shoes. I'm running funny or there's a nerve getting pinched in my foot or I found a couple other reasons. The most common cure though is orthotics so I'm going to try new inserts.

Interestingly, one cause is tight calves cutting off blood flow. And I cannot tell you how sore and tight my calves are during the first part of my runs. I've never had this issue before but lately it's been very bad. So I've decided to try some foot 'exercises', a longer warm-up period each run and inserts and see where that gets me.

It looks like Saturday's run is going to be very loooooonggg.

Roll Call

How's the week going crew? Here's your roll call. Post/comment and let me know how your training is this week.

I didn't run on Tuesday like I had originally planned. As a result I have to run both Wednesday and Thursday. bummer. So even though I got out of work late last night I went running. And I couldn't find my gym card so I decided that rather than bore myself to tears on my treadmill at home (and fight to keep the kids off it), I would run outside. Since it was later in the evening it wasn't too bad. Until the end when the clouds mostly parted and the wind died. HOT. And I felt terrible. You would think I hadn't been running in a month. It. was. really. hard. Help me out Kanye! That, that, that that don't kill me, can only make me stronger, I need you to hurry up now, cause I can't wait much longer... I had to walk about 30 seconds twice. But I told myself keep going, at least a minimal jog but no walking. I wasn't worried about overdoing things because I think for me this training is really a mental battle. The body can handle and recover from quite a lot. So I'm proud of my 2 miles because mentally, it was one of my tougher runs and I accomplished it.

Thank you ipod.

Group Run 6/21

Had a group run on Sat, 6/21. And my right foot keeps falling asleep. Not tingly. We're talking full-fledged extremity numbness. So now I have to figure out how I can adjust the shoe/insert/sock/lacing so that this does not happen. And I hope I don't need new shoes because I don't want to spend the money right now. But my knee doesn't hurt. So at least that's a plus for me.

On Saturday I also came to the realization that we really need to split into pace groups. In the time it takes me to run 3 miles, MM could have run 4. So, while I do enjoy starting together, I think it might be a good idea to split up into pace groups so everyone gets in the training they need. The actual run is going to be split anyway so we might as well practice!

It looks like we might add another runner to our group! If so, our blog name was kind of short-sighted...;)

Quick Thought on Why I Run

Two of the reasons that I enjoy jogging/running are (1) when I run alone I can enjoy the clearest of perspective and thinking on myself and the world about me and (2) when I run with others, especially family, we share a common bond in our effort that non-runners do not comprehend.

First, when I run alone, while my body is meandering through a run, however easy or hard, long or short, my mind can go wherever it wants without the interruptions of a noisy world. Sometimes my brain can meander through unstructured chunks of thought before hitting upon something of real value to my day or life. On other occasions, I just enjoy observing the things around me and pondering how cool this world is. In fact, I have gone away from wearing earphones and listening to music, news, etc. while running, because those things already intrude upon my life the other 23 hours of my day and I want my runs to be something different, and better.

In addition, although 99.99% of us are not the fastest in the world, through running we learn to reach beyond ourselves to feel the exhilaration of going farther and faster than we thought possible. Those who refuse to run can never understand how running may be the purest form of athletic endeavor. Only in running do we have to accomplish the run almost totally by ourselves. While a group can help us to see more of ourselves than we do, thus allowing us to go farther and faster, in the end we alone can push ourselves to the end. Runners get what Edmund Hillary meant when he was asked why he climbed Mount Everest and said: "Because it is there." Only those who have summitted Everest understand what it means to be "there." In essence, runners run because through running we see something greater in ourselves than we do through other endeavors. We run to see and feel what is "there" in running and nowhere else.

A runner understands what Amby Burfoot, a lifelong runner, former Boston Marathon winner (as well as other marathons), and executive editor of "Runner's World" magazine meant when he said: "I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving. It's not about speed and gold medals. It's about refusing to be stopped." ("The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life," Burfoot, A. 2000). And runners refuse to be stopped.

Second, when I run with others, we share a common understanding that running together is more than sweat and effort; it is about comradery and caring more about the group than ourselves. When runners truly run together they have no need to one up or beat any of the group. The fastest runner wants the slowest runner to "finish the run" and is willing to sacrifice speed and distance to make that happen. The slowest runner often runs farther and faster than expected and reaps the reward of being "pulled along" by the other runners. And everyone has a good time. Because we care more about the group than ourselves, we become not just better runners, but better people in all parts of our lives.

Rain rain go away

It's raining. A lot. And it looks like rain most of tomorrow. I had planned on a cycling day since it's easier to go on my day off. Less people = less risk of breaking my arm. But I don't ride in the rain. So it looks like no cycling for me tomorrow. (Note to self: Buy a trainer for indoor cycling.) And I don't think anyone wants a group run in the rain! So I'll likely take tomorrow off and am available for a group run Saturday (supposed to be sunny!) if anyone is interested in making the trek to Plano. We have an activity at 10 so I wouldn't be able to travel to Skeet.

Hope you're all keeping dry!

Training Begins

So now that it's about 16 weeks from the Tyler Half, I'm beginning to take running more seriously. I'm paying attention to training guidelines, and making myself go when I'd rather not.
Tonight, was one of those.... "I have to go run" nights. It feels so different to know that if I don't try really hard, that I won't even accomplish this goal, much less do it well.
Are you guys starting to run mental hurdles yet? Am I the lone slacker-at-heart?

What's up doc?

Just checking in with everyone - how was your weekend?

Seemed like ours was a blur. But thanks for trekking out to run with me MB! Had fun. Sorry about the distance - next time I'll clarify first. ;)

Miles log

Ran last night even though I got home late and wasn't able to go until 7.

wu, 2 miles @13, cd

I like the song 'Play with Fire' by Hillary Duff while I run. Does that make me un-cool? I like the cadence to it. Also I have the song 'Labels or Love' by Fergie from the SATC soundtrack and it is fun and up-beat so that ones rules too.

My shoes are fantastic. No knee pain until towards the end which is remarkable. I really need to work on the eating part of this whole plan because carrying around this extra weight makes things much more difficult. Blech!

Going again tonite - hope ya'll are out today too.

We are REGISTERED!

Marathonbob and I are now committed! Wow it seems very close. Ahhhhhhh! Save the date of Saturday, October 11th to tune in to how this race goes. And anyone interested in coming out to east Texas to cheer us on will get free brunch on me.

Nadene you've been register tagged!

My new favorite headband

Here's my new favorite headband. It's wide at the top to keep all my hair back and just a band strip around the back. And it's a sticky material so that it stays put during sweating.

Ignore the crazy hair.

Progress Report

Well I went out of town this weekend and I took my running equipment with me. And Thursday night I went swimming, Friday I thought about running at night...but I ate cake instead. Saturday I slept in since I was up so late on Friday night...and no running. So I brought two running outfits and did...zero running. This is not good.

I need to carry my little running journal with me or maybe we should go ahead and sign up for the race. Nothing is as motivating as actually knowing you HAVE to go.

Do All the Good You Can

John Wesley wisely wrote:

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as the ever you can.

My June Record of Slowness

Hassled by Jennifer to record something, I report my pathetic June training thus far as follows:

June 2 (Monday) - stationary bike for 10 minutes; light weight training for 15 minutes.
June 3 (Tuesday) - 1.5 mile "run" at a shuffle of 12 minutes per mile.
June 4 (Wednesday) - stationary bike for 15 minutes; light weight training for 15 minutes.
June 5 (Thursday) - 1.5 mile jog @ 12 1/4 minutes per mile.

Big training "run" this Saturday of 2.5 miles @ 12 -13 minutes per mile.

Props to Tom for my last mile today.

Well I wont back down, no I wont back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I wont back down
Gonna stand my ground, wont be turned around
And Ill keep this world from draggin me down
Gonna stand my ground and I wont back down
Hey baby, there aint no easy way out
Hey I will stand my groundAnd I wont back down.
Well I know whats right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin me around
But Ill stand my ground and I wont back down
Hey baby there aint no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I wont back downNo, I wont back down
-Tom Petty

New Kicks for Kicking Some Speed

After a totally fun group run this weekend hmmm, did we just venture back to the 80's with that totally? I figured out I should probably get some new shoes. (Sidebar: Thanks for the fun run guys! It was nice to run with peeps and thanks for keeping up with my lightning fast pace. I know it was hard and you wanted to drop back, but I know pushing yourselves like that will pay off. Um, why are you laughing?)

Nadene and I ventured to the new luke's in plano (west side! throws gang sign). I tried on a few pairs and did the obligatory run. And on the 5th pair I found them...the Addidas Supernova Cushion 7. Love em! Can't wait to get out and test them a little. It might even persuade me to do a little jog tonite. I was supposed to look for watches but I guess that will have to wait. Especially since my blistering pace really doesn't need a pace watch to tell me 'slower than the turtle'.

N-dawg (that's slang for Nadene in case you aren't in the know) picked up some oh-so-short-are-you-sure-they-are-shorts running shorts. (Totally razzin you of course they are fine.) The super slim sales girl was explaining how these shorts fit her and I about cracked up when Nadene asked her 'You're what, like an extra small?'.

Also I picked up the CUTE-est headband. My bangs are just long enough to cause me problems and just short enough that I can't keep them back. I'm so loving this new nike headband. I will see if I can find a picture of it.

Happy running!

Yummy article for Running

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-301--10200-1-1X2X3X4X5-6,00.html

Marathon bob, you'll like the last one.

Saturday Morning Group Run 5/31

Be there or be square.

MarathonBob's house at 7am. Jog to the route. I'll do 2 miles (slow) - MB you are welcome to trod along with me. Nadene, you will likely want to just go ahead at your own pace and we will meet you at the end.

New Watch needed

I'm thinking I'd like a new watch. The one I'm using now is my Ironman watch and it's seeing some wear from swimming, biking, not so much running. I'd like one that gives me pace, that is not too bulky. Ideas? Garmin, Polar? And I'd like it to be less than $200. Heart rate would be good too. Anyone want to shop for watches?

Uh, maybe next weekend

Well, no running for me this weekend as I spent the ENTIRE weekend in manual labor. I am much more sore than I would have been if I had just done some running. Primed and painted both my living and dining rooms, trim paint, a full day of yard work cutting bushes and planting flowers and driving my bro back and forth every day makes for a long and tiring weekend. Plus got the new bedroom ceiling fan installed. I'm so glad to have the work done though.

Plan is to run Tues/Thur/Sat this week. What are ya'll doing this week?

Quickish 2

I ran 2 miles today at 9:11 each. It was hot and it felt good to go a little faster. The four miles that I ran a couple of days ago definatley felt harder. So maybe I have a few more seconds to shave off. It would be nice.

Jennifer's Training Plan

Here is my training plan. It calls for 16 weeks leading up to 13 miles. From there I will design another plan to work on getting faster until the October half.

2 down, 224 to go

I actually made it to the gym last night to do my running. Yay! My left knee was sore the first 4 minutes or so and my right knee was sore the whole time. Not painful, just sore from the lack of cushioning inside the joint. Did 2 miles at 13min jog.

I'm following a running plan I got off of runnersworld.com based on my current times and my distance goal. My plan called for 2 miles yesterday. My total plan to work up to 13 miles calls for 226 miles. Now I'm down to 224. Yay! Check the link on the right side for my training plan. Last night was pretty slow and I'm glad. It's my first time back running in a while. I've done some elliptical but not much running.

Boy, this is going to be hard to keep up. I think I will move running to the morning as much as possible because I seem to have no free time. Here's my schedule yesterday:

6am up, get ready for work
6:45am leave
7:30am work
4:30pm leave
5:00pm home, get ready for gym
5:30pm finally get kids and everyone in car
5:35pm-6:15pm gym workout
6:35pm- home, make dinner, convince DH to fold laundry
7:00pm-eat, clean up dinner, dishes
7:15pm-give kids bath, brush teeth, pajamas
7:45pm- read to kids
8:15pm- finish putting kids down, finally get a shower, kids keep getting up
8:45pm-"mom, I need a shake...." "Get back in bed!", DH leaves for bball
9:00pm- put wet clothes in dryer, get kids clothes and bags ready for next day
Put away folded laundry
9:30pm- try to read a book, but exhausted. Give in and let Syd sleep in bed
11pm- get woken up by loud DH coming home from bball
2am - get woken up by Tristen who wants me to cover him back up, twice
Lather, Rinse, Repeat...

I'm waiting for the Heat

This is a beautiful morning for a run.. only problem.. I'm going to go 3 and I'd really like to do it without the baby stroller.
I wonder how fast I'm even going these days?
So Devan and I take turns sleeping in on his off days. Its a pretty good system, not one that I'd like to give up anytime soon. I'm beginning to understand though, that my "sleeping-in" will soon consist of long, hard runs.
So as today is his turn, my hair is up, my shoes are tightly laced, and I'm ready to jet at the first sleepy sight of my Man.
I'm just hoping the sun doesn't break out before I do.

Already a wuss

Ok, so I know I should go run tonite, but I am so tired! Isn't that sad? I'm only supposed to run like 20 minutes and I am already getting cold feet. It feels like a long week.

I'm going to do it. Guess we will see tomorrow if I followed through on this!

IF NOT NOW THEN WHEN?

Hello From Old Man

Hello from the Old Man.

My much-younger daughter Jennifer and my even younger niece Nadene are convinced that I must run a marathon with them in the next 12 months, but I am neither as young (I am 54; they are 30 and 27 respectively) or in as good a shape (they are already running 2-3 miles a day, while I do 2-3 miles a week) as they are. Therefore, the likelihood that I will be as ready as they will be to run 26.2 miles in February (or even 13.1 miles in October) are slim to none. However, to give them someone to humiliate, I will endeavor to prepare and join them.

I am the lucky-to-have-her husband of almost 32 years of Karen, my eternal sweetie, and the proud father of 4 "kids": Jennifer (married to Jeff and parents of Tristen and Sydney); Steven (married to Jazmin and the parents of Matthew and Olivia); Andrew (single and "finding" himself); and Elizabeth (single and the "baby" of the family).

I am an attorney of 24 years, focused primarily on complex litigation.

I ran middle distance in Junior High and High School and won a few races here and there. I even held the 1500 meters high school record for the Province of Alberta, Canada (for 1 week, until better runners bested my time). I ran some in college (mostly steeplechase) until I realized that I had neither the temperment nor the speed to run with the better runners. I trained with Paul Cummings, NCAA mile champion, and, as I continued to eat his dust, decided that I did not like dust enough to keep running competitively.

I took to slower, longer runs and eventually ran -- and finished -- my first marathon in the mountains around Salt Lake City, Utah. I ran 3 more marathons thereafter, with a best time of 2 hours 42 minutes 30 seconds, running 6 minute 13 second miles. I ran my last marathon in 1984, at the age of 30, in St. George, Utah, at a respectable time of 2 hours 54 minutes 15 seconds (6 minute 39 second miles), but beat my legs and body up so much on the downhills that I took many months to recover and never tried a marathon again.

Although over the years I have run as much as 50 miles in a week, but in the past 3 years I jog only occasionally and less than 10 miles a week. It has been 1 1/2 years since I undertook anything over 7 miles, "running" the Dallas Turkey Trot in a scintillating 8 minute pace. The last 5K I ran was at a 9 minute pace and I was gasping at the end.

So, now I undertake to build enough miles to run the 1/2 and full marathons.

Wish me luck or, better yet, pray for me!

Old Man

Meet Nadene

Let me start by saying AHHHHHHHH!!, ok now that is out of the way.

I'm 27 years old with a great husband and two great daughters, oldest is 4, youngest is nearly 2. I really started running in High School. I owe that moment of inspiration to my Big Bro. Shon. Cross-Country Shon, as I like to call him.
I was pretty good as a Freshman, I think the coach actually let me run with the Varsity girls once or twice. Then as I took interest in other things running faded out of my life. Every once in a while I'd dust my shoes off and head out for a nice road run. Devan has always joked that I could be lazy for months then go and run 5 miles "like it was nothing".
This trait helped a lot when I joined the Navy. See, a lot of your advancement depends on your Physical Fitness tests. My best 1.5 mile time was 10:27, just about :45 shy of the best possible score! Ok I know I sound cocky by now, but I'm not the same as I was then.
Now I have all of these "issues".. flat feet, weird right knee, then there's the baby stroller I usually train with... Last year I ran a couple of 5K's thanks to the Gibbons and the Sabins. (They're all pretty great people) These were my first official races outside of a Military Base.
I had SO Much FUN. Now I'm hooked. I love that feeling of early morning runs, I love when your lungs burn but your body feels great. I love knowing a few extra miles are coming on.. I love it I love it.
My biggest weakness, doing to much to fast.
My greatest strength, Family running with me.

Meet Jennifer

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What is your running background?

Howdy! I am the ripe old age of 30 and I don't think I have ever run more than 5 miles at a time before. I've played plenty of sports that required some kind of stop/go/sprint running for up to two hours before. But no running background. And I'm not even built for it. I'm stocky, not lanky like a runner. I did participate in summer track, cross country, and even lettered in track in HS, but I quickly found out that this is just not a sport that I am very gifted at. My best accomplishment was 6th place in the City Championship in the 300 hurdles. And probably because...well, seriously, who runs the 300 hurdles?

What do you think is your biggest obstacle?

My knee holding up to increased work. I have had two right knee surgeries for a torn meniscus. I have had about 80% of the cartilege in my knee removed and as a result, I have pain and swelling when I workout. Last year when I was training for the triathlon I was able to basically 'work through it' and it became less and less painful. But running is so hard on your body. I wonder if the increased miles will be more than I can take. I went to my Ortho to get checked out ahead of time. After xrays and some exams, he said it looks like there ate some bone spurs which are causing me pain but otherwise I am ok to move forward. So that was good news.

Why would you like to accomplish this?

I'm not getting any younger. This is one of those 'I'd like to do this in my lifetime' events and I figure if anyone is willing to go through the nonsense with me...then now is the time.

What is your out of the blue, initial goal time?

If Oprah can do 4 hours, I would really like to come in under 4 hours. Um, I should probably check out how fast that is first. Oh well!

Some random times:

Age 15, 400 yards - 1:09

Age 17, 1 mile - 7:00

Age 29, Sprint Triathlon 1:43

Age 30, 5k - 33:00

I can use all the encouragement I can get people! Comment here!

In the beginning...

I think the conversation went something like this...

"Wow that 5k was fun."

"I feel pretty good."

"Yeah, maybe we should run a marathon!"

Well, maybe not exactly like that.

We three runners are three very different people. Different ages, different fitness levels, areas, abilities, injuries, health, and demands on our time. However we are all working towards one common goal.

Last year Nadene and Bob (aka Dad) were doing some pretty consistent running. If you didn't know, Dad has a history of running. High school team, during college, and some marathons under his belt. (Because if you are a type A personality, this is a challenge that one must accomplish). And Nadene has a history of fitness. The kind you get from boot camp and a career in the Navy and running around in full gear and carrying all that equipment and your gun.

And me? Well I have a history of up and down fitness...but I DO love a goal. Around the same time last summer, I was training for my first triathlon. And it necessitated some running. Nadene divulged her secret goal was to run a marathon...and I added that it was a deep down goal of mine too. So we invited veteran Dad to help us and join in.

We set the preliminary date for February 2009. And promptly proceeded to reduce our running to zero. You know how it goes. Life sometimes gets in the way. Undaunted by this lack of training, we have recently decided to pick back up this goal and run both the Tyler Half in October 2008 and the Cowtown Marathon 2009.

This blog commemorates our journey, our training, ups and downs and everything in between. Follow us and see if we make it or break it.