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Thank you for taking the time out of your day to visit my blog. Take care, stay safe and God bless!



Friday, January 6, 2012

TGIF

Happy Friday all, what a beautiful night here in Dayton!  It was about 60 with clear skies… 



I got home from work late but still had time for a run.  Unfortunately I experienced severe cramps (back of lower leg, near Achilles/calves) and called it quits at 3 miles.  I could barely walk home…  At least the weather was nice, temps hovered around 50 even after sunset!  I managed to sneak in an additional 2 miles this past Wednesday (1 on the treadmill and another in the gym). 



Have a nice weekend all and stay safe! 


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

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

4 Miler and gear Review


Well it was inevitable: we got our first coating of snow this week and there are remnants of snow and ice patches everywhere.  Granted it was only about an inch of total accumulation, it is enough to put a hurt on you if you are running carelessly.  Winter run-training can be very enjoyable if you are adequately prepared for it (IE: proper clothing, safety gear etc).  One item that I find very useful during the winter months is running spikes! 

There are many companies that offer decent products but what I’ve learned through experience is that there is one brand that I’ll trust even in the harshest conditions.  The brand I choose is Due North because their products are durable and inexpensive.  I mainly run with their “All Purpose Traction Aid” spikes.  They are constructed of a durable rubber material and contain six tungsten carbide spikes (which are replaceable) for added traction on both snow and ice.  These spikes are spark-free and last longer than steel spikes.  They come in a variety of sizes and cost around $20-25 each!  Check them out!  Whether you’re a runner, walker or just in need of some good traction while working; these spikes will keep your feet on the ground! 

Due North spikes on Brooks Trance 10’s
  (click image for full size)

Another reliable and useful traction device that is great for everyday use (while on snow/ice) are Yaktrax (see below image).  They work about the same but I prefer the spikes over the steel coils…  They have other products too for many different applications… 

Self explanatory
 (click image for full size)

Today’s 4 mile run was a quick trot from work to the running track and back.  I only planned on running 3 miles but I miscalculated the distance and ended up with 4…  Oh well, it happens.  Anyways, I hope that you find this gear review useful.  Thanks for your time and support, stay safe! 

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

Sunday, January 1, 2012

So long 2011... Hello 2012!

Happy New Year everyone!

A year ago I started this page in an attempt to document my running while encouraging others to get out and run.  I’ve had some major set-backs with two knee surgeries and many other contributory factors slowing me down - “if I can do it, anyone can!

I closed out 2011 on a low note with a few runs - December’s mileage count was very dismal (only 18 miles) and I didn’t run at all in the month of November.  I only managed to run about 215 total miles in 2010.   But in 2011 I logged 732 miles, besting my yearly PR by over 517 miles!  Additionally, I was able to set about 19 new PRs last year!  I am extremely proud of three: 1. running a half marathon under 2 hours, 2. 732 miles for 2011, and 3. completing a Marathon!  I still can’t believe any of it!

I’ve got some big plans for the 2012…  I’d like to see that yearly mileage PR fall again and also finish a marathon under 4:30.  We’ll see…  For starters, I knocked out a short 4 mile run!  It was windy... 

Take care all, thanks for your support!  I hope you all enjoyed 2011 (especially the holiday season).  We wish you all our best for 2012!

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