Week #4 Underway

Week #4 is underway and it’s off to a great start!  The weather is awesome outside right now; too bad it’s supposed to thunderstorm later…..  I am glad that I got this run in before the rain.  I climbed some mountains today but there was one hiccup: I had some trouble with my trusty Garmin 305 today.  It lost GPS sync during mile #1; I hope this was just a glitch because I do not feel like buying any new electronics! 

Week #3 Complete!

Week #3 of my half-marathon training complete (only 9 more weeks to go until race day)!  Today’s run ties the total number of recorded runs I accomplished last year (42 total runs).  Today’s workout also marks another huge milestone too; this week’s mileage total is my highest of the year, topping in at a little over 23 miles for the week….. 

“Happy Liverversary” Brandon!

Two years ago on this very day, my son was given a chance at a cancer-free life (with his donor liver).  This is a day that we will never forget!   

The Phone Call

Two years ago on this very day, we received a phone call that changed our lives forever.....

Week #3 Underway (version 2)

“Ante’s are up and the price of poker just got more expensive!”  Well, today begins week #3 of my 12 week training program and so far so good.  My weekly mileage will be increasing the further I progress into the plan (and with additional “bonus” miles).  Tomorrow is a holiday, so “no work for me!”  Life is good today…..    Note: Added another 3 miles tonight (1st two-a-day of the year)

It's a beautiful day!

I didn’t have to go to work today because my boss gave us a family day (thanks) and what a beautiful day!  The temp is 61f and the sun is out!  The winds are howling at 18-25 mph, but still an awesome day!  I couldn’t pass this opportunity up!  Today was my first outdoor run of the season and I didn’t know what to expect.  To date, all of my running has been accomplished on the treadmill.  I am humbled at God’s grace and beauty of this day….. 

OPERATION QUARANTINE underway

Today was a long day.  And, I have to admit that I was NOT as motivated for today’s run (as usual).  I got home only to learn that my oldest son, Tyler, was running a fever (and feeling miserable).  This makes 4 out of 4 children who have been sick within the past six weeks.  When will we catch a break? 

Speechless and thankful.....

Folks, I am pleased to announce another 5K personal best!  I defeated my previous time by 13 seconds!  And, this run puts me over the “Century Mark” for 2011!  Yes, I’ve already logged over 100 miles running this year!  I never imagined my legs (especially my knee) being able to keep up.  At times it hurts, and sometimes I want to quit…..  But I cannot quit, not now.  Not EVER! 

Week #2 Underway

It’s supposed to be 45f degrees today (the warmest in many days) and I was contemplating an outdoor run.  So I went outside to evaluate the situation.  The temp was around 35f and bearable.  The winds were howling at around 18-20 mph (which would make for a sporty first outdoor run) and as soon as I turned the corner (off the front porch) ~ “BAMM” I was hit with a wall of cold-piercing wind!  Eh, maybe next time….. 

BONK!

I found myself running from one meeting to another today and wasn’t able to eat a full lunch.  I was in such a hurry that I picked up the closest items that I could find and wolfed them down…..  Those two things were a packet of Hammer Gel and a bag of almonds.  Not a great combination but it was better than nothing!  Note to self: always have emergency food…..

For Zach

I got in late tonight from work but was able to accomplish these four things: I chased down and hugged my kids, kissed my wife, changed clothes, and ran 3 ½ miles.  Not bad for a half hour’s work!  Yes, I accomplished all of these steps within a half hour (give or take a minute or two); no more excuses like “I didn’t have time” or “I got home too late.”  Not today….. 

Change Your Shoes!

It appears that ice, ibuprofen, elevation and rest did the trick; my foot felt so much better today!  Thank goodness, because I just started my training plan for the Flying Pig on Sunday and I can’t slow down! 

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

It’s Super Bowl Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!  We got the house cleaned, there’s a pot roast going in the slow cooker, and I knocked out a 5K run ~ life is good! 

3 Mile Treadmill Workout ~ next time, hold the fries!

We had an office lunch down at the bowling alley today and were able to squeeze in a couple of games.  Believe it or not, I once bowled a 230 (which is my all time high)!  I still have the score card somewhere (my friend Guy can verify the score).  Unfortunately, my two games COMBINED didn’t reach a total of 230 today.  How sad. 

Ice, Ice Baby!

Only one song comes to mind, that best describes my week: “Ice, Ice Baby!”

This week’s winter storm has affected a lot of people, including us, but we are thankful that we still have power, food & water, and each other.  There are many less fortunate people struggling to get by this week and our thoughts and prayers are with them all…..