Summer is Here

 Well summer is definitely here…..  It was a very nice Memorial Day weekend and the temps soared into the 90’s.  Most importantly, there was NO RAIN!  Tuesdays are typically off days but I missed my run from yesterday so I made up for it today.  It was hot but the 13-18mph winds kept the heat down.  I found my Garmin HR monitor and used it today…..  It syncs with my Garmin Forerunner 305 (nice to see what my HR is doing during my runs, especially on a hot day).  Splits:

#1  8:24

#2  8:43

#3  8:40

#4  9:01

4 @ 34:54 (8:43 pace).  Well, I begin two weeks of vacation leave today.  I have a lot of stuff to catch up on and Momma is not feeling well…..  Allergies (and maybe the heat?) are making things difficult…..  Take care and stay safe!

PS: I hit 75.8 miles for the month of May.  Not bad, considering I took a week off after the Cincinnati Flying Pig half-marathon. 

May 2011

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Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Godspeed ^^Zack^^

I managed to add an extra mile to my run today.  It was a bit slower due to the hills but definitely a nice change of scenery. 

Splits:

#1  8:35

#2  8:42

#3  9:01

#4  8:58

#5  9:16

#6  9:25

#7  9:26

#8  9:27

#9  9:41

9 @ 1:22:38 (9:11 pace), definitely not one of my better long runs….. 

Unfortunately, It’s with a heavy heart, that we regret to inform you our buddy ^Zack^^ entered into Heaven this morning.  He was one of the bravest boys I’ve ever known and their family, one of the most devoted….. 

We learned of the news as soon as we woke up this morning.  Climbing out of bed for my morning run was rather difficult.  Today’s run was challenging enough with the rolling hills of Northern Kentucky, let alone carrying with me this extra weight and sorrow.  ^^Zack^^ was fighting many fights, one of them was Hepatoblastoma (the cancer that consumed my son’s liver over two years ago). 

Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the Mayo family.  God bless you Ernie, Wendy and Nick.  Lord watch over ^^Zack^^ and comfort the Mayo family, embrace them during this most difficult time.  In your Heavenly name we pray, Amen. 

To visit the Mayo Family, please goto: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/wendymayo

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Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Today was a Good Day

I begin my 4-day weekend today, “woohoo!”  We dodged some more heavy rain today.  Today’s storms were much lighter than yesterday but it did bring some lightening and decent winds.  I got home from work just as the weather passed and was able to run my 4 miles with an overcast ceiling and light breeze!  It was a much better run than yesterday too. 

Splits:

#1  8:19

#2  8:22

#3  8:39

#4  8:43

4 @ 34:22 (8:32 pace).   I am saving my energy for this weekend’s long run and activities!  Let’s not forget the meaning of Memorial Day, and remember those who have served and fallen to keep us free.  We hope that you all have a very safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.  God bless our troops, please be safe!  And God bless the USA! 

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Blah Day

Today was a blah day.  I got home from work and took off for my planned 5 mile run.  I started feeling like crap at mile #4 and stopped (because I thought I was going to throw up).  I walked it off and went home.  I was feeling better after about a half mile walk then took it easy and jogged the rest of the way home.  It was a horrible run towards the end but I am feeling much better now. 

Splits:

#1  8:32

#2  8:35

#3  8:45

#4  9:15

#5  13:18 < walk of shame home…..

5 @ 48:40 (9:41 pace).  Today’s run wasn’t my best (but not the worst either). 

Well, that’s one part of the blah day.  We received a round of severe thunderstorms about an hour after I returned from my run.  This storm cell was moving at 50-55mph and was bringing some pain.  We experienced heavy rains, high winds and some hail.  We gathered up the kids and hunkered down under the stairs after the sirens sounded…..  It wasn’t fun but thankfully nothing happened.  Some were not so fortunate, and some of my coworkers took some severe damage….. 

I am ready for a shower and bed.  Thanks for the visit and keep safe!  There are more rounds of severe thunderstorm cells moving through the country. 

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Week #3 Underway

Monday, 23 May 2011 Week #3 Underway

Week #3 underway!  I surpassed 620 total miles with Nike+ and crossed into the “Blue Level” with today’s run.

Splits weren’t that great today (winds were brutal, 17mph gusting to 31mph):

#1  7:52

#2  8:26

#3  8:47

#4  9:15

4 @ 34:34 (8:37 pace).  I bonked at mile #2 and my foot fell asleep again.  Blah.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the tornado victims’ families.  The storms are still ripping their way through the country.  We are bracing for impact.  Be safe all…..

Nike+ Blue Level

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Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Week #2 Over!

Week #2 is over.  Only 17 more weeks until show time!  Today’s run was so-so; I had trouble breathing due to allergies…..  I felt like an asthmatic out there, and my pace suffered a bit.  I can’t count how many people were out cutting grass today…..  And, all of the rain and standing water may be increasing the mold counts (which may be contributing to my respiratory pain and suffering). 

Today we celebrate life!  My twin boys (Austin and Blake) turned 1 year old this past week.  We wouldn’t be able to celebrate two birthdays if it weren’t for the miracles performed by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center’s medical professionals!  They saved Blake’s life last year…..  We are truly blessed and thankful!  God bless you all! 

Well, I knocked out 8 miles this morning.  I was more than motivated to run this long distance today (vs. last Saturday).  I don’t know why but my foot fell asleep again during mile # 4 (repeat issue).  Blah….. 

Splits:

#1  8:43

#2  8:39

#3  8:45

#4  9:05

#5  8:53

#6  8:54

#7  8:53

#8  9:26

8 @ 1:11:16 (8:55 pace).  Take care all and have a great weekend! 

PS: I surpassed 400 miles for the year with today's run; God is Great! 

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Rain-Rain go away.....

Another wet day, but it stopped just in time for my run.  I kept it short today (planned 3 miles) because my legs were sore from yesterday. 

Splits:

#1  8:18

#2  8:19

#3  8:58

#4  9:47

3.1 @ 26:47 (8:43 pace)

On a VERY good note, Brandon’s lab results came back and his AFP was 3.2 (which is awesome)!  God is Great!

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

What a GREAT Day!

A year ago today, our lives were changed forever (once again).  Happy birthday to our twins Austin and Blake!  Special thanks to WPAFB Medical Center and Dayton Children’s Hospital for the miracle performed last year.  Without you, we would only be celebrating one birthday today instead of two.  God bless you all! 

Happy Birthday Blake and Austin

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Twins Video tribute

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Today is special for many more reasons too.  Nana (my Mom) arrived today to see her Grandkids!  I had the honor of notifying one of my troops about his promotion today too…..  My allergies were acting up this morning and sinuses were plugged.  I got to feeling better after lunch and then added an extra mile to my run when I got home!  

Splits:
#1  8:24
#2  8:12
#3  8:25
#4  8:40
#5  8:13

5 @ 42:05 (8:24 pace).  I lucked out too, because I missed the rain…..  Thank you for the visit! 

Happy running and God bless! 

"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith" 

2 Timothy 4:7

Week #2 Underway

What a blah day.  I couldn’t sleep last night due to a sore throat and I have had trouble with my allergies all day (which was evident today during my run).  All of the fresh cut grass is killing my sinuses and lungs…..  I had SO much trouble breathing today.  Additionally, Austin has been troubled with fevers (Brandon had fevers last week) and both Twins have a horrible cough (similar to croup).

Brandon had labs drawn today.  He made us all so proud, and here is why:

Brandon: “Mommy, I think today’s the day that I am not going to cry.” 
Mommy:  “Really?”
Brandon: “Yeah.”  
After labs….. 
Brandon: “See Mom, I didn’t cry!”  “Now, let’s go get my lollipop!” 

Priceless!

We are so proud and we pray for favorable lab results (as always, waiting on lab results are nerve-racking)! 

Tyler (my 6 year old) came home from Kindergarten on a “yellow” light today…..  I am SO UPSET!  He got a yellow light because he cut out of line to avoid another kid (who was annoying him by hitting him repeatedly)!  He wasn’t doing anything wrong but got punished for it.  He is so upset too because he has been on green light EVERY SINGLE day of the school year!  I may pay a visit to the school in the morning to discuss this issue with the gym teacher….. 

Well some bad news (and it was inevitable): my iPod Nano Died today…..  After one year and four months of reliable service, through 610 miles; you won’t be forgotten!  Now I have to go out and buy a new iPod Nano (I am not a big fan of the 6^th Gen models either).  And of course, with a new model (and design) are new accessories and potential software issues…..  Surprisingly enough, I ran really well given the fact that my music quit on me today…..  I ran a great pace today and fell short of a 5K PR by only 14 seconds! 

Splits:
#1  7:25
#2  7:46
#3  8:10
#4  7:58
3.1 @ 24:07 (7:47 pace). 

Another issue (the most severe of the day), which I just learned of after my run, was the most recent update regarding our Cancer Buddy Zack Mayo.  We ask that you please pray for this child and their family, to ask for healing and comfort for a brave young boy!  Zack is fighting for his life and has been doing so for the past year or more!  Godspeed Zack, our prayers are with you!  To visit Team Mayo, please goto: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/wendymayo

It has been a very difficult day for many reasons…..  Having been down a similar path, we know how quickly life can change…..  Prior to Brandon’s Cancer, simple problems such as a broken iPod used to consume our thoughts and time (obviously for insignificant reasons).  Now, we are thankful for what we have and continue to cherish each and every minute.  Material possessions can be replaced…..  Life, however, is precious. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Cancer Warriors! 

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Week #1 Complete

I have to be completely honest with you all…..  I woke up this morning, well slept in until 9:30, and was in ABSOLUTELY NO mood for today’s run.  This thought has crossed my mind a couple of times before during my training, but I thought back to how I felt after the runs were over: glad I had run.  To make matters worse, I procrastinated so much this morning I missed my window of opportunity to run prior to the rain.  

 Oh well, week #1 of my 18-week USAF Marathon training plan is in the books!  Not bad having put in over 75 hours at work this week with about 12-14 hours of sleep in the past three days…..  Time to relax and watch some baseball; “Go Stros!”

Splits:

#1  7:56

#2  8:07

#3  8:14

#4  8:43

#5  8:43

#6  8:46

#7  8:46 < talk about consistency, lol

6.2 @52:14 (8:26 pace).  Not too bad for a rain run but it is over 2 minutes off my 10K PR…..  I would like to get my 10K down below 50:00 and my 5K in the 22:00’s.  Take care and be safe!

PS: I hit the 600 mile mark (post-knee surgery #2) with today's run.  And, I'm slowly creeping up on 400 miles for the year.....  "Can I get an AMEN!"

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith" 
2 Timothy 4:7

Friday the 13th, Blah

It is an off day and I am updating from yesterday's run (blogger was down for scheduled maintenance). 

Well anyways, I've updated my "Nutrition" and "Gear Review" pages.....  Not 100% yet, but started.....

Thursday, 12 May 2011:

Another long day, ending with a mind-clearing run…..  I took an hour long nap when I got home from work today.  I needed it, and it helped me get through today’s 3 miles….. 

Splits:

#1  8:01

#2  7:56

#3  8:20

3 @ 24:18 (8:06 pace).  Tomorrow is a rest day, then 6 miles on Saturday morning.  Stay safe my friends….. 

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Getting back in the Saddle

Very tough run…..  My 4-yr old has been battling mild fevers and has a bad cough (hopefully we can avoid a hospital stay).  I had to take care of some stuff at work last night after dinner, got home at midnight, and was back in around 6:30am.  I am definitely “Running on Empty” for sure, with about 5-6 hours of sleep in the past 48 hours.  I learned today that my oldest son knows how to whistle; where has time gone?  

Splits:
#1  8:26
#2  8:28
#3  8:54 < gas light on 
#4  9:27 < gas tank empty

4 @ 35:15 (8:49 pace).  It was definitely hot, and I think I was a bit dehydrated…..  I need to stay ahead on hydration tomorrow for sure.  Lesson for today: get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and avoid overworking yourself! 

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith" 
2 Timothy 4:7

USAF Marathon Training Uderway!

Week #1

Today’s 3 mile run opens a new chapter in my life: my journey down a 26.2 mile path towards accomplishing a full marathon.  This 18-week training plan encompasses a two-phased approach totaling over 540 miles (see training plan below)! The stage is set for 17 Sep 2011, at the USAF Marathon held at WPAFB, OH!  I don’t know if my body can handle this distance but I will have a better idea somewhere in the middle of Phase II of my training plan (to make that determination).  Only time will tell and I will do my best to finish the race!  I hope to see you there, take care!  

PS: I registered for the 2011 Nationwide Better Health half-marathon in Columbus, OH (16 Oct 2011).  I have a score to settle with this race: I registered to run it last year but missed it due to an injury.....  I'd like to break 1:52:00 (and I know I can do better than 1:58:12 ~ Cincinnati Hills killed my pace)


Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

2011 Cincy Flying Pig

Race complete, it rained for about an hour but it wasn’t as bad as last year!  I crossed the finished line and the clock time read 2:00:10’ish, and my Garmin 305 read 1:58:19.  Regardless, it’s a PR!

Splits:

#1 8:31

#2 8:29

#3 8:50

#4 8:43

#5 8:57

#6 8:33

#7 9:43

#8 9:13

#9 9:14

#10 9:15

#11 8:39

#12 8:26

#13 8:59

#14 8:01

1:58:19 (8:52 pace).  It was an amazing event (as always) and nice to have friends with me.  Lori, Doug and Nate all did very well!

Course map, Garmin 305 on Google Earth

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My finisher's medal!

Douggie-Fresh and I, after the race

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Lori, Doug, Me, and Nate

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Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"

2 Timothy 4:7

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