Picked up my race packet today...

And am getting set. No big deal really, I mean, c'mon, it's 13.1 miles....whoop-dee-frickin-doo...

Let's call it practice for setting up for the marathon in October...

Bib# 12085. Corral 12, which is 2:15. I don't think I'll be that slow. I do have a strategy which is to stay in my lower zone for the first 9 or so miles and then pick it up.

I'm going to have an insanely tough time reining it in.

While I'm here and not that I won't be thanking everyone through other means - but a sincere and heartfelt thank-you to everyone that has donated to my cause so far. If you're reading this and haven't done so, please give your consideration to it and use the link in the column to the right of this post.

Now I have something to write about...

I sent a message out via Facebook asking my friends to donate to my cause. One of my friends did something completely unexpected, and posted an article on Associated Content here. In that article, he used the word "inspiring". I was immediately humbled.

While it's my life's goal to become a positive force for change, I at times feel that I am missing the mark. Call it getting bogged down in the pettiness of life. What does this make me other than "human", but I can't help but feel convicted by this word "inspiring".

Before I continue to wax rhapsodic, it's important to note that this effort isn't about me, but if one bleats too often about how they are part of something so much bigger than they are, are they not resorting to puffery. I'll endeavor to stay down-to-earth in my musings going forward.

So, in feeling convicted, I am called on not only to persevere, but to excel. It is in that effort that I give honor to my father's memory and provide an example to my children, which I hope they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

It's been a long time...

But today was 8 miles in prep for the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon. I've gotten myself down to an 8:58 pace for 8 miles and I ran the first mile in 7:20. I had some hills to contend with, so I'm hoping the flatter Chicago course will give me a faster time.

BTW - I topped my 5 mile pace the other day, and brought that in at 40:10.

No cerebral musings for now - I'm too hungry.

See ya out there!

Long time...no posts...

But the runs have continued...I've posted a 5, 8, 5, 10 and 5 mile run respectively. The last 5 miler was done in 45:26 IN ZONE!!!! That just rocks on many levels!!! I'm turning the corner on cardio health.

On another note - I foolishly asked the thought of an English Lit major(who happens to be smarter than I) about the blog. Not my brightest moment, because what has this been but fodder for an Excel spreadsheet? That said, I am going to take the time to post my musings from my runs. I'll preface those with the actual technical information from my runs on the off chance that no one really cares what I think, which I stipulate is highly probable. One hopes that hours in my head might actually lead to some interesting distinctions. Anything that speaks directly to private individuals will be censored...

Nothing for today, sadly(or is it happily?)...but you've been warned.

IT'S ON!!!

Just a quick update - the knee feels great! Time to kick fundraising into gear!

I shouldn't bitch....

But I am going to anyway....THAT SUCKED!

I did 5 miles today starting at 9am. I wanted to get a sense for the humidity that I know I am going to be dealing with in the Rock & Roll Half marathon on August 2nd. It also didn't help that it's been six weeks since I've run and I am dealing with the last vestiges of a cold (all the sinus crap that lags behind).

5 miles in 52 min and some change. After about 30 minutes, I really didn't care how long I took. I just wanted to stay in zone and finish.

I really need to make sure I do this right. Time to get back in touch with my running coach!!!

Have fun out there! Stay hydrated runners!!!

Wisdom won out...

And I decided to get some rest this week. I also took note of the fact that I passed out on the couch after eating dinner. Methinks I'm a smidge tired.

So, I am going to rest and try to beat out this cold.

Have fun out there runners! My thoughts are with you!

Bagged the workouts after Friday

I did my 900yds on Friday and then took over a different mode of living for a couple of days, so I bagged the workouts. Feel a cold coming on but am going to ignore signs that I should take a break and swim 1250yds tonight.

I must be an idiot.

On another note, provided I can beat the cold, I start running on Saturday!!!

900 yds in the pool again...

Wow...this is kinda tiring. I gotta make sure I stay fueled.

Today is another two workout day. Thinking that maybe I need to up my caloric intake so as not to scavenge my body.

Here's the workout if you missed it in a previous post:

1x200
4x100
4x50
4x25

I try to "sprint" the 50's and 25's to some degree to push myself. The 200 was dog slow, but the point right now is aerobic conditioning.

My knee is getting better. I'm finding that I respond well to exercise. Maybe it's psycho-somatic or I'm just plain psychotic...

The telling day will be August 2, when I run the Chicago Half.

See ya out there!