Finally finished the replacement of the sewer line project. By 7am me and two day labors were back at work. Unlike the two men from yesterday, these guys were ready to work.
By noon we had dug out the remainder of the line, laid the new pipe, and started back filling the trench. I left approximately half the trench open so I can fix the broken sprinkler lines later this week. When I THOUGHT we were done I walked out front to check the mail. As I caught sight of the street I could see four telephone company trucks. I found one of the workers and asked what the problem was. When he said they had 4 service calls for outages, I told him I might be able to help him find the problem.
Yep, you guessed right... we nicked the telephone cable. The nicked cable turned into a huge ordeal, but most of it was out of my hand. I've been so bothered by the issue that my stomach has been upset.
I'm glad my drains are functioning properly again, but I'm worried about the financial burden of damaging a telephone line. In an attempt to take my mind off the matters I went for a leisure bike ride with Andrea and Taylor.
Trail Bike:
5.55 miles
33:17
10:01 pace
After the bike ride I worked out. I was fatigued from the "out-of-the-ordinary" working. I still managed to complete today's and yesterdays scheduled workout.
Workout:
Upper and Mid-body
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Different Kind of Workout
At 6:30am this morning I placed an ad on Craigslist for help to dig out my old drainage line, which is clogged with roots. Within 1-hour I had 30-40 phones calls. I picked one of the first callers and took my chances.
I was greatly disappointed in the work ethic of the two men that showed up. I spent more time digging and cutting than either of the HIRED HELP. Originally, I had dreams of hiring someone to dig out the pipe, while I went for a run and finished up some smaller projects around the house. It was apparent these men weren't in any rush, so I put on my gloves and went to work.
The line was 3-4 feet deep and the roots were horrible. I think we spent more time with the axe than we did with the shovel. It was disheartening to only clear a couple feet of line every hour. Again, a lot of this was because the hired labor stood outside the trench smoking cigarettes, watching me dig. At 2:30 I left to pick up Taylor from school. I was gone for an hour and when I got back they hadn't done any work. Just as I was about to make a comment they took it a step further and stated they were done for the day. They quit with only half the job done. They really pissed me off when they expected full pay. Against my better judgment I paid them just to get them out of my hair.
After 5-hours of digging I was too tired to get in a workout or any cardio. I figured I worked enough to cover the needed deficit.
After getting cleaned up I attended the Strider Club meeting at St. Arnold's Brewery. It was a fun night. During the meeting we elected new board member and participated in an activity called; "Getting to know your fellow Strider". Like most Strider formal meeting perks, there was FREE Star pizza and St. Arnold's Beer.
I was greatly disappointed in the work ethic of the two men that showed up. I spent more time digging and cutting than either of the HIRED HELP. Originally, I had dreams of hiring someone to dig out the pipe, while I went for a run and finished up some smaller projects around the house. It was apparent these men weren't in any rush, so I put on my gloves and went to work.
The line was 3-4 feet deep and the roots were horrible. I think we spent more time with the axe than we did with the shovel. It was disheartening to only clear a couple feet of line every hour. Again, a lot of this was because the hired labor stood outside the trench smoking cigarettes, watching me dig. At 2:30 I left to pick up Taylor from school. I was gone for an hour and when I got back they hadn't done any work. Just as I was about to make a comment they took it a step further and stated they were done for the day. They quit with only half the job done. They really pissed me off when they expected full pay. Against my better judgment I paid them just to get them out of my hair.
After 5-hours of digging I was too tired to get in a workout or any cardio. I figured I worked enough to cover the needed deficit.
After getting cleaned up I attended the Strider Club meeting at St. Arnold's Brewery. It was a fun night. During the meeting we elected new board member and participated in an activity called; "Getting to know your fellow Strider". Like most Strider formal meeting perks, there was FREE Star pizza and St. Arnold's Beer.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Tired of working TWO jobs
Trail Bike:
8.9 miles
41:38
12.83 pace
Working at Jersey Village FD tonight. I squeezed in a lower body workout and went for a small walk on the treadmill.
Workout:
Lower Body
Walk:
1.63 miles
30:05
8.9 miles
41:38
12.83 pace
Working at Jersey Village FD tonight. I squeezed in a lower body workout and went for a small walk on the treadmill.
Workout:
Lower Body
Walk:
1.63 miles
30:05
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Day After
At work today.
Today I'm lethargic and my legs feel heavy. I must have run harder yesterday than I had originally thought.
Walk:
3.5 miles
51:08
14:37 pace
Mid-body workout
Today I'm lethargic and my legs feel heavy. I must have run harder yesterday than I had originally thought.
Walk:
3.5 miles
51:08
14:37 pace
Mid-body workout
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Kingwood Bridge Fest 5k
What a day!!!
I'm not sure if the year was 1999 or 2000, but that was the year I ran the first race of my life. The race was the Kingwood Bridge Fest 5k, which I ran with Hugo. This morning I found myself at the start line with my 7-year old daughter, who was about to run her first 5k race at the exact location where I ran my first race. Some people might not understand, but this was very special to me.
Alison has been BEGGING me to run a distance longer than the typical "kid fun run" (1-mile or less). After listening to her plead her case for months, I finally decided to let her run a 5k. All week she has been excited, almost like it was the week before her "first marathon".
The experience was so amazing I'm struggling to put the moment into words. Running with Alison is like nothing else we have done together. To simply say I'm proud of her is an understatement. She did everything I asked and met every expectation. Alison was able to properly seed herself at the start line and she held a consistent pace. During the last half mile she struggled, but she NEVER gave up. Today was the first time I've seen her work that hard for something she wanted. I felt her pain as I listened to her grunting out loud to finish.
TODAY WAS HER MARATHON.
The only thing that put a damper on her run was the finish. I didn't want the feeling to end, but it did. When we finished I found myself with another issue. Let me try to explain. The kids race(s) took place before the 5k. We watched from the sidewalk as ALL the kids received a finisher's medal. When Alison finished the 5k, the only thing she found at the finish line was a guy willing to take the timing chip off her shoe. I could tell she was sad. She wanted something tangible to show that she had accomplished something HUGE. Alison was even hopeful that she would place top 3 in her age group, but the age bracket was tough. She ran in the 12 and under bracket. Unfortunately for her there were a lot of middle school kids at the 5k, so she didn't stand a chance competing against kids 5-years older than her.
Andrea, being the wonderful woman she is, was the hero of the day. She walked Alison to the YMCA desk and asked them if they had any extra finisher medals. As luck would have it they happily gave Alison a medal. Later we learned she didn't place in her age bracket. In her defense, I didn't see any other girls her size finish before her. She deserves to feel special and I know she was one of the fastest 7-year old females on the course.
I have every intention of throwing her a small party to celebrate her accomplishment. Again, let me explain. An exceptionally emotional moment for me was watching her slowly walk by the awards table and stare at each of the trophies with a special light in her eye. At that moment I would have sold my soul to the devil to see her win one of those trophies. I can honestly say I was chocked-up by watching her. I suppose in due time she will win more trophies that I can buy, but no one ever said I was patient. It's a glorious feeling to be a dad, but sometimes it is really hard.
Alison
5k
33:41
10:40 pace
Bill
5k
33:42
10:40 pace
Andrea and Josh also ran this race. Andrea said she was going to "push" herself and see what kind of pace could manage. Also debuting at the 5k was my friend Josh. He wasn't chip timed due to registering on race day, but he was about 100-yards in front of Alison.
Andrea
5k
26:51
8:30 pace
The times above are estimates (the best I can recall). The times were posted at the YMCA, but I can't find them online.
I took a couple pictures when we got home and I will post them soon.
Later that afternoon Andrea and I biked 3.5 miles to Alison's baseball practice. Alison had a great practice. When she was done, I stole a bunch of hugs & kisses from her. From there Andrea and I biked back home. At home we hit the gym.
Upper body workout.
Oh, forgot to mention. I also had a great run. My legs had a lot more in them, but my dad duties superseded my desires to run faster.
It was an "Athletic Day".
It doesn't get any better than this!!!
I'm not sure if the year was 1999 or 2000, but that was the year I ran the first race of my life. The race was the Kingwood Bridge Fest 5k, which I ran with Hugo. This morning I found myself at the start line with my 7-year old daughter, who was about to run her first 5k race at the exact location where I ran my first race. Some people might not understand, but this was very special to me.
Alison has been BEGGING me to run a distance longer than the typical "kid fun run" (1-mile or less). After listening to her plead her case for months, I finally decided to let her run a 5k. All week she has been excited, almost like it was the week before her "first marathon".
The experience was so amazing I'm struggling to put the moment into words. Running with Alison is like nothing else we have done together. To simply say I'm proud of her is an understatement. She did everything I asked and met every expectation. Alison was able to properly seed herself at the start line and she held a consistent pace. During the last half mile she struggled, but she NEVER gave up. Today was the first time I've seen her work that hard for something she wanted. I felt her pain as I listened to her grunting out loud to finish.
TODAY WAS HER MARATHON.
The only thing that put a damper on her run was the finish. I didn't want the feeling to end, but it did. When we finished I found myself with another issue. Let me try to explain. The kids race(s) took place before the 5k. We watched from the sidewalk as ALL the kids received a finisher's medal. When Alison finished the 5k, the only thing she found at the finish line was a guy willing to take the timing chip off her shoe. I could tell she was sad. She wanted something tangible to show that she had accomplished something HUGE. Alison was even hopeful that she would place top 3 in her age group, but the age bracket was tough. She ran in the 12 and under bracket. Unfortunately for her there were a lot of middle school kids at the 5k, so she didn't stand a chance competing against kids 5-years older than her.
Andrea, being the wonderful woman she is, was the hero of the day. She walked Alison to the YMCA desk and asked them if they had any extra finisher medals. As luck would have it they happily gave Alison a medal. Later we learned she didn't place in her age bracket. In her defense, I didn't see any other girls her size finish before her. She deserves to feel special and I know she was one of the fastest 7-year old females on the course.
I have every intention of throwing her a small party to celebrate her accomplishment. Again, let me explain. An exceptionally emotional moment for me was watching her slowly walk by the awards table and stare at each of the trophies with a special light in her eye. At that moment I would have sold my soul to the devil to see her win one of those trophies. I can honestly say I was chocked-up by watching her. I suppose in due time she will win more trophies that I can buy, but no one ever said I was patient. It's a glorious feeling to be a dad, but sometimes it is really hard.
Alison
5k
33:41
10:40 pace
Bill
5k
33:42
10:40 pace
Andrea and Josh also ran this race. Andrea said she was going to "push" herself and see what kind of pace could manage. Also debuting at the 5k was my friend Josh. He wasn't chip timed due to registering on race day, but he was about 100-yards in front of Alison.
Andrea
5k
26:51
8:30 pace
The times above are estimates (the best I can recall). The times were posted at the YMCA, but I can't find them online.
I took a couple pictures when we got home and I will post them soon.
Later that afternoon Andrea and I biked 3.5 miles to Alison's baseball practice. Alison had a great practice. When she was done, I stole a bunch of hugs & kisses from her. From there Andrea and I biked back home. At home we hit the gym.
Upper body workout.
Oh, forgot to mention. I also had a great run. My legs had a lot more in them, but my dad duties superseded my desires to run faster.
It was an "Athletic Day".
It doesn't get any better than this!!!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Needed Recovery
At work.
My legs are dead.
I ran (and walked) 5 miles, followed by a lower body workout. I'm looking forward to tomorrows day off from exercise. My legs are in desperate need of recovery.
Run:
5.03 miles
1:04:07
12:45 pace
Lower body workout
My legs are dead.
I ran (and walked) 5 miles, followed by a lower body workout. I'm looking forward to tomorrows day off from exercise. My legs are in desperate need of recovery.
Run:
5.03 miles
1:04:07
12:45 pace
Lower body workout
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Segmented Cardio
Today's cardio workout was broken up into three different segments. This morning I rode 5 miles on my trail bike. In the afternoon I walked 2-miles. And finally, when Andrea got home we went for a 5.5 mile bike ride followed by a workout in the gym.
Beautiful weather makes it easy to stay outside...
Trail Bike:
10.75 miles
52:00 minutes
12.2 mph
Walk:
2.15 miles
33:51
15:45 pace
Mid-body workout
Beautiful weather makes it easy to stay outside...
Trail Bike:
10.75 miles
52:00 minutes
12.2 mph
Walk:
2.15 miles
33:51
15:45 pace
Mid-body workout
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
New Bike Route
What a great day to be outside. Steve and I decided at work yesterday to go for a ride today. Steve is still recovering from his first marathon, but he couldn't resist the temptation to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Speaking of the weather, it couldn't have been more perfect. I was a bit worried about the cold temperature when we took off, but I ended up with the perfect amount of clothes for the ride.
We also decided to try a different route. On West Lake Houston Parkway near Beltway 8 we found a fuel station to park. From there we rode to Duessin Park, then Eisenhower Park, and finally we turned around near the end of Sheldon Road. By East Houston standards, this route had a few rolling hills.
The ride went well and I feel like we maintained a respectable effort the entire time.
Road Bike:
19.88 miles
1:14:52
15.93 mph
We worked our tails off during the final miles in an attempt to get our average speed above 16 mph. We rode 19-20 mph for the last two miles, but simply ran out of road.
At home I did an Upper body workout.
We also decided to try a different route. On West Lake Houston Parkway near Beltway 8 we found a fuel station to park. From there we rode to Duessin Park, then Eisenhower Park, and finally we turned around near the end of Sheldon Road. By East Houston standards, this route had a few rolling hills.
The ride went well and I feel like we maintained a respectable effort the entire time.
Road Bike:
19.88 miles
1:14:52
15.93 mph
We worked our tails off during the final miles in an attempt to get our average speed above 16 mph. We rode 19-20 mph for the last two miles, but simply ran out of road.
At home I did an Upper body workout.
Monday, February 02, 2009
3 miles
At work today.
Run:
3.0 miles
34:37
11:32 pace
Josh joined me for the first two miles. I walked 2.5 minutes and ran 2.5 minutes. My legs are sore again.
Lower body workout.
Run:
3.0 miles
34:37
11:32 pace
Josh joined me for the first two miles. I walked 2.5 minutes and ran 2.5 minutes. My legs are sore again.
Lower body workout.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Month 1, DONE
This year is off to a good start. In the first 31-days I have lost 19 pounds. January's cardio included:
Walk: 43.92 miles
Cycle: 153.61 miles
Run: 30.28 miles
I tried to take the kids for a bike ride, but mother nature made us turn around half a mile from the house. After dropping the kids off at Erin's I walk/run for 5 miles. The run felt good even though it was muggy from the rain.
Once again I split the running and walking, compliments of my garmin watch.
Run:
2.81 miles
26:50
9:33 pace
Walk:
2.25 miles
35:35
15:50 pace
Now I'm headed to my home gym for a mid-body workout.
Walk: 43.92 miles
Cycle: 153.61 miles
Run: 30.28 miles
I tried to take the kids for a bike ride, but mother nature made us turn around half a mile from the house. After dropping the kids off at Erin's I walk/run for 5 miles. The run felt good even though it was muggy from the rain.
Once again I split the running and walking, compliments of my garmin watch.
Run:
2.81 miles
26:50
9:33 pace
Walk:
2.25 miles
35:35
15:50 pace
Now I'm headed to my home gym for a mid-body workout.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Forced Workout
Exhausting day.
As I drove home from work this morning I had a vague idea how the day would go. I'm a "planner", so this isn't anything new. I'm also "forgetful", which is why I overlooked a commitment I made to attend a musical in La Porte. I attended the show, but it sucked up most of my day. Managing all of the planned activities threw me completely off my routine.
At the days end, I had to FORCE myself to workout.
Bike Trainer:
11.03 miles
45:04
14.69 mph
Upper-body workout
As I drove home from work this morning I had a vague idea how the day would go. I'm a "planner", so this isn't anything new. I'm also "forgetful", which is why I overlooked a commitment I made to attend a musical in La Porte. I attended the show, but it sucked up most of my day. Managing all of the planned activities threw me completely off my routine.
At the days end, I had to FORCE myself to workout.
Bike Trainer:
11.03 miles
45:04
14.69 mph
Upper-body workout
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Bike Trainer
About a year ago I purchased a used bike trainer. Shortly after the purchase, I set up the trainer for a short ride. Cycling without going anywhere felt awkward to me. Consequently, it has been sitting in my closet collecting dust ever since.
I gave the trainer another try today with a "real" workout. I positioned the bike in front of the television, which made the time fly by. It felt like a really good workout. During the show I cycled a 5-6 effort and on the commercials I changed gears and rode 8-9 effort.
I worked up a big sweat.
Bike Trainer:
~14 miles
1:00:00
~14 mph
I'm all caught up with the missed workouts.
Workout:
Upper body
Mid-Body
I gave the trainer another try today with a "real" workout. I positioned the bike in front of the television, which made the time fly by. It felt like a really good workout. During the show I cycled a 5-6 effort and on the commercials I changed gears and rode 8-9 effort.
I worked up a big sweat.
Bike Trainer:
~14 miles
1:00:00
~14 mph
I'm all caught up with the missed workouts.
Workout:
Upper body
Mid-Body
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Communication
Why is it so hard to listen these days? In my life I've had two really good friends. Correction, they were GREAT friends. I admired their ability to listen without misinterpreting me and interjecting their biased opinion. It is hard to find a friend that is able to listen without judging, a friend that isn't scarred to tell you when you're being an ass. They know when to offer empathy and when to be a cheerleader. Most importantly they know when to say nothing at all.
Lately, it seems like everyone 'hears me', but no one is listening. I'll be the first to say I'm not a great listener, but that is not what everyone comes to me for. I'm the guy who offers results and fixes things. Lots of my friends come to me for advice to their tangible problems. Most of the time I can help with simple issues. Sometimes I can't, but that doesn't change the dynamics of our friendship. I don't always offer the help they're looking for, but I always try to offer another view point.
This post isn't directed at any one person directly. This is merely observations about the people around me during the last year. When I'm heavy in thought, I don't talk much and that seems to drive people crazy. Everyone wants to talk. In this endless loop of talking, no one is listening. I'm a divorced father of two because of communication, or lack thereof. I was happy-go-lucky-in-love and never had a clue that my wife was not happy. One day she finally opened up to me, but unfortunately she had already "checked-out" of the marriage.
What is done is done, but I wonder if silence is also a form of communication. As I said above, there are people around me that are completely disturbed by periodic periods of silence. I do not want to find myself jeopardizing the relationships I have because I don't talk endlessly, ie communicate. This leaves me pondering, is silence as a form of communication?
I'm struggling to define the roles of communication with each and every friend. I'm learning that everyone is different and each person must be dealt with differently. I feel like I do a fair amount of listening, but no one returns the gesture. That bothers me. People ask my thoughts and ideals all the time, but I'm not sure why. It doesn't seem like they want my opinion at all. I get the sense they are fishing for the answer they want and they'll keep asking people until they get the response they're after.
The two friends I utilized as my sounding board have started their own families and as a result, our friendships are drifting apart. It would seem they have other people to listen to and I completely understand. Now I'm taking a closer look at those people on the fringes of my life. I'm trying to separate myself from fair-weather friends and build a solid base with those relationships where both people share the roles of communication.
None of us are perfect communicators. For example; I don't spend as much time as I should listening to my kids. It is a relationship where they are expected to listen while I bark out, "Do this" and "Don't do that". That is why I wonder if my new role should be, "the listener". I'd like to think at the age of 35 there would be people around me who would share the roles of communication. I suppose that is why I blog. This blog is my voice without someone always trying to judge, show pity, give advice, or encourage me when I'm clearly not asking for it. Sometimes I just want to tell a story. Other times I want an interactive dialog. Perhaps I don't express these thoughts and expectations properly. Don't take any of this the wrong way, I enjoy and welcome comments on my blog. Blogging lets me say what's on my mind without interruption. And most of the time... that is all I'm looking for.
I could go on-and-on, but I'll stop. I seem to be rambling.
Too cold outside to ride my bike, so I went for a walk. Legs feel a lot better today:
Walk:
5.19 miles
1:27:43
16:40 pace
Also went through an upper body and mid body workout. This catches me up from the weekend in Austin.
Lately, it seems like everyone 'hears me', but no one is listening. I'll be the first to say I'm not a great listener, but that is not what everyone comes to me for. I'm the guy who offers results and fixes things. Lots of my friends come to me for advice to their tangible problems. Most of the time I can help with simple issues. Sometimes I can't, but that doesn't change the dynamics of our friendship. I don't always offer the help they're looking for, but I always try to offer another view point.
This post isn't directed at any one person directly. This is merely observations about the people around me during the last year. When I'm heavy in thought, I don't talk much and that seems to drive people crazy. Everyone wants to talk. In this endless loop of talking, no one is listening. I'm a divorced father of two because of communication, or lack thereof. I was happy-go-lucky-in-love and never had a clue that my wife was not happy. One day she finally opened up to me, but unfortunately she had already "checked-out" of the marriage.
What is done is done, but I wonder if silence is also a form of communication. As I said above, there are people around me that are completely disturbed by periodic periods of silence. I do not want to find myself jeopardizing the relationships I have because I don't talk endlessly, ie communicate. This leaves me pondering, is silence as a form of communication?
I'm struggling to define the roles of communication with each and every friend. I'm learning that everyone is different and each person must be dealt with differently. I feel like I do a fair amount of listening, but no one returns the gesture. That bothers me. People ask my thoughts and ideals all the time, but I'm not sure why. It doesn't seem like they want my opinion at all. I get the sense they are fishing for the answer they want and they'll keep asking people until they get the response they're after.
The two friends I utilized as my sounding board have started their own families and as a result, our friendships are drifting apart. It would seem they have other people to listen to and I completely understand. Now I'm taking a closer look at those people on the fringes of my life. I'm trying to separate myself from fair-weather friends and build a solid base with those relationships where both people share the roles of communication.
None of us are perfect communicators. For example; I don't spend as much time as I should listening to my kids. It is a relationship where they are expected to listen while I bark out, "Do this" and "Don't do that". That is why I wonder if my new role should be, "the listener". I'd like to think at the age of 35 there would be people around me who would share the roles of communication. I suppose that is why I blog. This blog is my voice without someone always trying to judge, show pity, give advice, or encourage me when I'm clearly not asking for it. Sometimes I just want to tell a story. Other times I want an interactive dialog. Perhaps I don't express these thoughts and expectations properly. Don't take any of this the wrong way, I enjoy and welcome comments on my blog. Blogging lets me say what's on my mind without interruption. And most of the time... that is all I'm looking for.
I could go on-and-on, but I'll stop. I seem to be rambling.
Too cold outside to ride my bike, so I went for a walk. Legs feel a lot better today:
Walk:
5.19 miles
1:27:43
16:40 pace
Also went through an upper body and mid body workout. This catches me up from the weekend in Austin.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
No News...
At work today.
Walk/run for 3.15 miles. Scott and Todd joined me, which is reflected in my run pace. The actual numbers are separated below:
Run:
1.7 miles
14:28
8:30 pace
Walk:
1.44 miles
23:58
16:40 pace
Lower-body workout
Calves feel a little better.
Walk/run for 3.15 miles. Scott and Todd joined me, which is reflected in my run pace. The actual numbers are separated below:
Run:
1.7 miles
14:28
8:30 pace
Walk:
1.44 miles
23:58
16:40 pace
Lower-body workout
Calves feel a little better.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tight Calves and Baseball Tryouts
My calves have been really tight since the race. Last night I slept a full 8-hours, without any change in soreness. This morning I went for a bike ride, hoping to loosen up my legs. Everything except my calves feel better. My calves remain tight.
Trail Bike:
8.19 miles
41:48
11.76 mph
I missed two workouts while in Austin, so I will be doubling up the next two days.
Workout:
Upper
Mid-body
As promised, here is a funny story from yesterday, as told to me by Andrea:
On the bus back to the start line Andrea told me how she was able to drink water at every water station. She proceeded to tell me that at one stop a man was handing out "sticks with stuff on them". She was listening to the people around her and a guy told a group of female runners, "That is gu. It will give you a burst of energy". Well, most of the running world knows that was NOT gu, but rather Vaseline. I know this because I saw the same guy and his numerous jars of Vaseline. Andrea said she saw a couple of the women eating the "Vaseline on a stick". Andrea didn't stop them because she didn't know what it was either and thought, "that doesn't seem right and I'm not eating anything from a stranger that is not packaged". That story cracked me up!
The next story isn't so funny, but it made me think. I often wonder how people feel about the marathon, those that live on the course itself. I've wondered this for lots of races. About halfway into the 3M half marathon, someone spray painted a HUGE message on a wood fence. The note said:
Marathons are for assholes who don't have to ride the bus. All you yuppies can go fuck yourselves.
I was completely shocked to read the sign. There was no way to ignore it, the entire message was about 20' x 5'. Someone stapled a piece of paper to the bottom of the message. It was too small and I didn't want to stop to read it, but I can only assume what it said! I spent the next few miles thinking how I would have responded... That in itself was amusing to me.
I forgot to mention that Alison had baseball tryouts on Saturday. She did a really good job. Thirty minutes after the tryouts one of the coaches found us and told us that Alison has a lot of natural ability. He said she is doing things, which takes most kids a couple years to learn. Erin and I are really proud of her (nothing new).
Trail Bike:
8.19 miles
41:48
11.76 mph
I missed two workouts while in Austin, so I will be doubling up the next two days.
Workout:
Upper
Mid-body
As promised, here is a funny story from yesterday, as told to me by Andrea:
On the bus back to the start line Andrea told me how she was able to drink water at every water station. She proceeded to tell me that at one stop a man was handing out "sticks with stuff on them". She was listening to the people around her and a guy told a group of female runners, "That is gu. It will give you a burst of energy". Well, most of the running world knows that was NOT gu, but rather Vaseline. I know this because I saw the same guy and his numerous jars of Vaseline. Andrea said she saw a couple of the women eating the "Vaseline on a stick". Andrea didn't stop them because she didn't know what it was either and thought, "that doesn't seem right and I'm not eating anything from a stranger that is not packaged". That story cracked me up!
The next story isn't so funny, but it made me think. I often wonder how people feel about the marathon, those that live on the course itself. I've wondered this for lots of races. About halfway into the 3M half marathon, someone spray painted a HUGE message on a wood fence. The note said:
Marathons are for assholes who don't have to ride the bus. All you yuppies can go fuck yourselves.
I was completely shocked to read the sign. There was no way to ignore it, the entire message was about 20' x 5'. Someone stapled a piece of paper to the bottom of the message. It was too small and I didn't want to stop to read it, but I can only assume what it said! I spent the next few miles thinking how I would have responded... That in itself was amusing to me.
I forgot to mention that Alison had baseball tryouts on Saturday. She did a really good job. Thirty minutes after the tryouts one of the coaches found us and told us that Alison has a lot of natural ability. He said she is doing things, which takes most kids a couple years to learn. Erin and I are really proud of her (nothing new).
Sunday, January 25, 2009
3M Half-Marathon
Last week I sat around wishing my knee would behave enough to run. Over the last couple weeks I've been introducing walk-runs into my fitness regimen. I've had favorable results with this process.
Everyone keeps asking, "What about your knee?" It still bothers me, but I'm learning when to back off and when to change activities. I keep telling them; My knee surgery is scheduled for February 27th and I want to make sure I get my monies worth out of the surgeon!
I had thoughts of trying a walk-run at the Houston Half-marathon, but I had already volunteered my race bib to a person I found on a Kingwood Cycling forum. A local rider put me in contact with some friends of his from Mexico. We exchanged several emails and all seemed well. We talked three times the weekend of the marathon and I thought we had everything worked out. It seemed like a done deal, so I didn't see the need to take off work. In the end, the guy never showed to pick up our bibs. I was VERY frustrated. Not only was I out a bunch of money, but I couldn't run and it was too late to find someone else who wanted the bib. Lesson learned, I suppose. Runners are SO MUCH MORE STABLE than cyclist. lol
Andrea and I were bummed-out about giving up the idea of running a half-marathon. Shortly thereafter we decided to try our luck in Austin.
The race went well for both of us. My only goal was to beat the 4-hour time limit. Andrea was hoping to run as much as possible and finish. Both of us were shocked at our hidden abilities. I came in nearly one-hour faster than I expected and Andrea said she ran the entire race without stopping. Not too bad for inconsistent training.
I really enjoyed this race. By far the best goody bag I've ever received. Too much stuff to list it all, so I attached a picture. Also received a long sleeve shirt, finishers metal, and finishers t-shirt. The course is primarily downhill, but don't let that fool you... there WAS NOT a lack of climbs on this course. I've always loved Austin and this course is one of the reasons why. I don't think we ever ran on level ground. We were either running up or down. I have mega tight calves to prove it!
The course is a point-to-point, so we were bused back to the starting line. Everything went perfect from my view point. I highly recommend this race. There are a couple funny stories to share, but I'll do that tomorrow. I'm tired and need to get a few other things done at home.
Bill:
13.13 mile (garmin)
2:46:22
12:40 pace
Andrea:
13.1 mile
2:25:39
11:07 pace
Everyone keeps asking, "What about your knee?" It still bothers me, but I'm learning when to back off and when to change activities. I keep telling them; My knee surgery is scheduled for February 27th and I want to make sure I get my monies worth out of the surgeon!
I had thoughts of trying a walk-run at the Houston Half-marathon, but I had already volunteered my race bib to a person I found on a Kingwood Cycling forum. A local rider put me in contact with some friends of his from Mexico. We exchanged several emails and all seemed well. We talked three times the weekend of the marathon and I thought we had everything worked out. It seemed like a done deal, so I didn't see the need to take off work. In the end, the guy never showed to pick up our bibs. I was VERY frustrated. Not only was I out a bunch of money, but I couldn't run and it was too late to find someone else who wanted the bib. Lesson learned, I suppose. Runners are SO MUCH MORE STABLE than cyclist. lol
Andrea and I were bummed-out about giving up the idea of running a half-marathon. Shortly thereafter we decided to try our luck in Austin.
The race went well for both of us. My only goal was to beat the 4-hour time limit. Andrea was hoping to run as much as possible and finish. Both of us were shocked at our hidden abilities. I came in nearly one-hour faster than I expected and Andrea said she ran the entire race without stopping. Not too bad for inconsistent training.
I really enjoyed this race. By far the best goody bag I've ever received. Too much stuff to list it all, so I attached a picture. Also received a long sleeve shirt, finishers metal, and finishers t-shirt. The course is primarily downhill, but don't let that fool you... there WAS NOT a lack of climbs on this course. I've always loved Austin and this course is one of the reasons why. I don't think we ever ran on level ground. We were either running up or down. I have mega tight calves to prove it!
The course is a point-to-point, so we were bused back to the starting line. Everything went perfect from my view point. I highly recommend this race. There are a couple funny stories to share, but I'll do that tomorrow. I'm tired and need to get a few other things done at home.
Bill:
13.13 mile (garmin)
2:46:22
12:40 pace
Andrea:
13.1 mile
2:25:39
11:07 pace
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Running behind...
I'm never "that guy" who is late. I would even say I'm pretty-dang reliable. Yesterday is an exception to the rule, kind of. I forgot that Wyatt needed me to work for him 5-hrs in the middle of his shift (3pm-8pm). Having forgot our discussion, I made plans to walk Alison home from school and catch up on a lot of other small things around the house. At 2:45 Wyatt text me; "You will be working with Sean". I sent a quick response, "Oh crap, I'm on my way". I was suppose to be there in 15-minutes. While getting dressed I called Erin to see if she could pick-up Alison and THANKFULLY she said it wasn't a problem . Long short short, he got a call before my arrival. I meet him on scene at 2:58 and I'm still not "that guy". Now, that's FAST....
While at work I walked one lap, ran one lap for 43-minutes. My legs continue to feel tired. I pushed through it knowing Friday is my scheduled off day. Even though I was alternating walking and running, I divided the walk and runs below:
Walk:
1.8 miles
28:56
16:04 pace
Run:
1.5 miles
13:18
9:18 pace
Lower-body workout.
While at work I walked one lap, ran one lap for 43-minutes. My legs continue to feel tired. I pushed through it knowing Friday is my scheduled off day. Even though I was alternating walking and running, I divided the walk and runs below:
Walk:
1.8 miles
28:56
16:04 pace
Run:
1.5 miles
13:18
9:18 pace
Lower-body workout.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Walk/Run
At work.
Run 2.37 miles, walk 2.37 miles. I'm feeling tired and ready for my Friday 'off-day'.
Walk-Run:
4.74 miles
1:00:32
12:47 pace
Upper-body workout.
Run 2.37 miles, walk 2.37 miles. I'm feeling tired and ready for my Friday 'off-day'.
Walk-Run:
4.74 miles
1:00:32
12:47 pace
Upper-body workout.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wyatt is Riding Again!
Rode my trail bike to visit my friend Wyatt. Last year we were consistently riding. We both slacked off when he was promoted at work. Now he is trying to manage the difficult task of balancing his time with friends, family, work, and recreation.
The route was about 6-miles to his house. From there we went for a leisure 6-mile ride. He's not been riding much, so we took it down a notch and just had a fun and easy ride. The 6-miles back home made for a nice 18-miler.
I'm still trying to warm up. The cold wind was cutting right through me. brrrrrrr...
Time to head to the gym for a upper-body workout.
Bike (trail bike):
17.92 miles
1:31:42
11:73 mph
The route was about 6-miles to his house. From there we went for a leisure 6-mile ride. He's not been riding much, so we took it down a notch and just had a fun and easy ride. The 6-miles back home made for a nice 18-miler.
I'm still trying to warm up. The cold wind was cutting right through me. brrrrrrr...
Time to head to the gym for a upper-body workout.
Bike (trail bike):
17.92 miles
1:31:42
11:73 mph
Monday, January 19, 2009
Steve's Marathon
Took the greenbelts to my buddies house (he's also the Captain on my shift.) I wanted to see how his recovery from the marathon is going. His right knee started hurting him at mile two. From his detailed story, it would appear that his race deteriorated with each passing mile. I have to commend his effort. He never gave up and finished in 5:13.
Bike (trail bike):
13.43 miles
1:05:41
12:27 mph
Lower-body workout.
I'll finish the day at my part-time job....
Bike (trail bike):
13.43 miles
1:05:41
12:27 mph
Lower-body workout.
I'll finish the day at my part-time job....
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Should have....
At work today. I SHOULD be at the Houston Half-Marathon. It's sad to think that I have an overpriced half-marathon entry bib sitting at home, not being utilized.
...there's always next year, right?
I did my own thing at work. One-hour worth of a walk/run regimen. If my math is correct, I ran nearly 1.9-miles and walked 2.5 miles. It took several laps for my knee to ease into the run. Afterwards it felt fine.
Mid-body workout.
...there's always next year, right?
I did my own thing at work. One-hour worth of a walk/run regimen. If my math is correct, I ran nearly 1.9-miles and walked 2.5 miles. It took several laps for my knee to ease into the run. Afterwards it felt fine.
Mid-body workout.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Alison's new bike
Took the entire crew for a bike ride. Only two stops during the ride and both breaks were less than 10-minutes.
Bike:
9.37 miles
1:03:03
8.61 mph
We bought Alison a brand new bike. She was riding a 12-inch wheel bike. During the last six months she has grown so much that her knees were hitting the handlebars. Needless to say it was time for a larger bike. I have no idea how she consistently rode 8+ miles with me. Her new bike has 20-inch wheels. She's in between bike sizes, so it is almost too large for her, but she is riding it like a champ. In fact, the bike is so large she looks funny riding it.
Upper-body workout.
Bike:
9.37 miles
1:03:03
8.61 mph
We bought Alison a brand new bike. She was riding a 12-inch wheel bike. During the last six months she has grown so much that her knees were hitting the handlebars. Needless to say it was time for a larger bike. I have no idea how she consistently rode 8+ miles with me. Her new bike has 20-inch wheels. She's in between bike sizes, so it is almost too large for her, but she is riding it like a champ. In fact, the bike is so large she looks funny riding it.
Upper-body workout.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Work....
Left my part-time job to go to my full time job. Twenty-six hours done. A mere twelve more hours and I'll be homeward bound!
Biked this morning for 5.6 miles, walked 2.25 miles, and completed a lower-body workout.
Biked this morning for 5.6 miles, walked 2.25 miles, and completed a lower-body workout.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Walk
Sitting here at my part-time job. I'm bored, but I guess that is a good thing...
Walked 5.3 mile's this morning and walked another 2.5 miles here at work.
Mid-body workout.
Walked 5.3 mile's this morning and walked another 2.5 miles here at work.
Mid-body workout.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Trying to Run
At work today.
Walk-run for 1:01:47. Walked 3.03 miles and ran 1.50 miles. Felt good. MRI tomorrow morning. My insurance sucks. I received a phone call today from the doctors office, telling me to show up with $640.00
Lower body workout.
Its been a good day.
Walk-run for 1:01:47. Walked 3.03 miles and ran 1.50 miles. Felt good. MRI tomorrow morning. My insurance sucks. I received a phone call today from the doctors office, telling me to show up with $640.00
Lower body workout.
Its been a good day.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Wasted Time?
Too cold to bike. Andrea and I walked the greenbelts. Later we biked to a local sandwich shop for lunch.
I had the entire weekend off and I'm not sure if I got anything done, besides a little exercise.
Walk:
5.62 miles
1:31:00
Trail Bike:
2.73 miles
14:29
11.31 mph
Upper body workout
I had the entire weekend off and I'm not sure if I got anything done, besides a little exercise.
Walk:
5.62 miles
1:31:00
Trail Bike:
2.73 miles
14:29
11.31 mph
Upper body workout
Saturday, January 10, 2009
25-miles
Andrea and I rode 25 miles in Crosby. Enjoyable ride despite the cold, rain, and wind. It wasn't quite raining, but more like a heavy mist and it only lasted for the first 15-miles. We averaged 15 mph for the first half, but lost nearly 2 mph on the way back due to the North wind. Weather.com showed a cool front blowing in around the time we were riding. This makes sense, because it got colder the longer we rode.
Lots of riders out today. I bet we saw 50+ riders.
Bike:
25.02 miles
1:46:13
13.32 mph
Workout: Upper body
Lots of riders out today. I bet we saw 50+ riders.
Bike:
25.02 miles
1:46:13
13.32 mph
Workout: Upper body
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Second Wind
Exhausted as a result of a huge garage organization project. Today's section was shelf building 101. Glad to say that after a month, I'm 95% done. All that is left is a little cleaning.
The project took most the day. I wanted a formal cardio workout, so I hit the bike... and I hit it hard.
Bike:
5.89 miles
27:05
13.05 mph
Nice aggressive pace, for a trail bike.
I lost all forms of energy late in the afternoon and decided to skip the weight training. It didn't take long for me to start feeling guilty. After a couple hours of feeling blah I forced myself to get the workout over with. Glad I did, because I feel better.
Workout:
Lower body
The project took most the day. I wanted a formal cardio workout, so I hit the bike... and I hit it hard.
Bike:
5.89 miles
27:05
13.05 mph
Nice aggressive pace, for a trail bike.
I lost all forms of energy late in the afternoon and decided to skip the weight training. It didn't take long for me to start feeling guilty. After a couple hours of feeling blah I forced myself to get the workout over with. Glad I did, because I feel better.
Workout:
Lower body
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Trail Bike
Two bike rides today. The first ride was a 9-mile trek to the barber shop. The second ride consisted of me following Andrea on my bike as she ran around the subdivision.
Bike:
15.32 miles
1:34:19
9.75 mph
Mid-body workout.
Almost done with the garage organization project. Should be complete by tomorrow. YEAH!!!
Bike:
15.32 miles
1:34:19
9.75 mph
Mid-body workout.
Almost done with the garage organization project. Should be complete by tomorrow. YEAH!!!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Baby Steps
At Work.
Beautiful weather tonight.
Attempted something similar to running. The loop around the station is 0.30. Basically the long side's measure 0.09 and 0.10, while the ends measure 0.05 and 0.06. With each loop I completed, I ran the 0.06 end. I know it's not much, but I did it without any pain. In fact, I feel pretty damn good.
Walk:
3.0 miles
45:58
15:21 pace
Upper body workout.
Beautiful weather tonight.
Attempted something similar to running. The loop around the station is 0.30. Basically the long side's measure 0.09 and 0.10, while the ends measure 0.05 and 0.06. With each loop I completed, I ran the 0.06 end. I know it's not much, but I did it without any pain. In fact, I feel pretty damn good.
Walk:
3.0 miles
45:58
15:21 pace
Upper body workout.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Membership
Too cold to ride my bike. I donned 3-shirts, 2 shorts, hat, and gloves, yet only made it 1/4 mile before calling it quits. An hour later I bundled up and took Lulu for a 3-mile walk.
Walk:
3.01 miles
50:18
Lower-body workout
Talked to the people at Gold's Gym about a membership in Kingwood. Am I the only one that feels like I'm buying a used car when trying to sign up for a membership? They kept throwing all kinds of numbers (contract terms) at me, which was nothing more than smoke & mirrors. I added all their fees and divided by a given number of months, which gave me a unit price. Most of the terms we're within the same price range, although they gave the impression one deal was SO much better than another. I also noticed all the sales team people seemed to be 'pretty people' with more experience in sales than fitness. After a few minutes of their dog & pony show, I started treating them like a used car dealership. I was surprised that it actually worked; I made some advances and the unit price made a drastic drop. I found it comical when she would say, "I'll be right back, I need to go talk to my manager about this deal". The manager was located in an all glass room a short distance away... just like a used car lot showroom! They offered me a decent price if I paid the entire membership up front. The final number the manager gave me was 'suppose' to be everything, including fees and taxes. We completed all the paperwork and the manager shook our hands and welcomed us to the club. The manager took the sales pitch too far and told us, "Don't tell your friends or family we offered you this price, because I'm not suppose to be signing these kind of deals". When the salesperson went to charge the debit card the NEW amount was about 100-bucks more than quoted. The new increase was tax. I tried explaining that our conversation 10-minutes prior stated EVERYTHING was included, a complete and final walkout price. I told them this was a deal breaker. They stood their ground, as did I. I kept wondering is they would chase me down in the parking lot and offer me a counter offer, like a used car salesman. They didn't and now I don't have a membership. Guess I'll stick to my trusty old barbells in my garage.
Walk:
3.01 miles
50:18
Lower-body workout
Talked to the people at Gold's Gym about a membership in Kingwood. Am I the only one that feels like I'm buying a used car when trying to sign up for a membership? They kept throwing all kinds of numbers (contract terms) at me, which was nothing more than smoke & mirrors. I added all their fees and divided by a given number of months, which gave me a unit price. Most of the terms we're within the same price range, although they gave the impression one deal was SO much better than another. I also noticed all the sales team people seemed to be 'pretty people' with more experience in sales than fitness. After a few minutes of their dog & pony show, I started treating them like a used car dealership. I was surprised that it actually worked; I made some advances and the unit price made a drastic drop. I found it comical when she would say, "I'll be right back, I need to go talk to my manager about this deal". The manager was located in an all glass room a short distance away... just like a used car lot showroom! They offered me a decent price if I paid the entire membership up front. The final number the manager gave me was 'suppose' to be everything, including fees and taxes. We completed all the paperwork and the manager shook our hands and welcomed us to the club. The manager took the sales pitch too far and told us, "Don't tell your friends or family we offered you this price, because I'm not suppose to be signing these kind of deals". When the salesperson went to charge the debit card the NEW amount was about 100-bucks more than quoted. The new increase was tax. I tried explaining that our conversation 10-minutes prior stated EVERYTHING was included, a complete and final walkout price. I told them this was a deal breaker. They stood their ground, as did I. I kept wondering is they would chase me down in the parking lot and offer me a counter offer, like a used car salesman. They didn't and now I don't have a membership. Guess I'll stick to my trusty old barbells in my garage.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Group Ride
This morning I put everyone on a bike and took off down the road. Attendees included; Andrea, Alison, Taylor, Preston, and of course... me. Preston got a free ride with me via his bike seat. We stopped every 2-3 miles as part of my planned route which included stops at a couple parks, a duck pond, and lunch.
Nice ride. The girls did fine. Their fitness wasn't an issue, but rather the boredom associated with riding for more than an hour.
Bike:
11.44 miles
1:13:58
9.28 mph
Mid-body workout shortly after the bike ride.
Best Wishes and quick recovery to Joe C. who is on the Disabled List due to a fall. I'm thinking about you!
Nice ride. The girls did fine. Their fitness wasn't an issue, but rather the boredom associated with riding for more than an hour.
Bike:
11.44 miles
1:13:58
9.28 mph
Mid-body workout shortly after the bike ride.
Best Wishes and quick recovery to Joe C. who is on the Disabled List due to a fall. I'm thinking about you!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
Still Proud...
Alison has a new cycling distance PR!!
We chose a 2-mile route to Schlotzski's for lunch. On the return trip we decided to take the long way home, which totaled 8.3 miles. Our average speed was close to 10 mph. Unfortunately, there are lots of roads and business driveways to stop at, which made our 'official' average speed 8.4 mph. With two kids in tow, I'm primarily concerned for their safety rather than our average speed.
Preston also tagged along in his bike seat. He must have been comfy, because he slept most of the bike ride.
Bike: (mountain bike)
8.29 miles
59:13
8.4 mph
Most of my day was spent overhauling the garage. Lots of hard work, but it is nice to see it clean and somewhat organized!
Finished the day with a lower-body workout.
We chose a 2-mile route to Schlotzski's for lunch. On the return trip we decided to take the long way home, which totaled 8.3 miles. Our average speed was close to 10 mph. Unfortunately, there are lots of roads and business driveways to stop at, which made our 'official' average speed 8.4 mph. With two kids in tow, I'm primarily concerned for their safety rather than our average speed.
Preston also tagged along in his bike seat. He must have been comfy, because he slept most of the bike ride.
Bike: (mountain bike)
8.29 miles
59:13
8.4 mph
Most of my day was spent overhauling the garage. Lots of hard work, but it is nice to see it clean and somewhat organized!
Finished the day with a lower-body workout.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Day 1, 2009
Believe it or not, but I actually had a scheduled day off for New Years Eve. I didn't make any solid plans and my night suffered because of it. No incidents, just a little blah.
Like most people, I'm looking forward to a healthier year. My new year resolutions list is a little longer than previous years. Again the main theme is weight loss and fitness.
Andrea and I rode our bikes to lunch at Subway, which was one of the few stores we found open in Kingwood. Subway is only a mile away, but I forgot my wallet on our first trip. Afterwards Andrea joined me for a mid-body workout.
The day was finished with a Wedding in La Porte.
Bike (Mountain bike):
4.77 miles
25:03
11.43 mph
Like most people, I'm looking forward to a healthier year. My new year resolutions list is a little longer than previous years. Again the main theme is weight loss and fitness.
Andrea and I rode our bikes to lunch at Subway, which was one of the few stores we found open in Kingwood. Subway is only a mile away, but I forgot my wallet on our first trip. Afterwards Andrea joined me for a mid-body workout.
The day was finished with a Wedding in La Porte.
Bike (Mountain bike):
4.77 miles
25:03
11.43 mph
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Year End Bike Ride
Last ride of the year 2008. Andrea and I took the same route as earlier this week. We covered the same distance 9-minutes faster than previously. Plus, we both finished without incident! LOL
Bike:
20.26 miles
1:24:11
14.44 mph
The year-end numbers are weak and somewhat inaccurate, because I don't always log all my small activities which include walking, running less than 0.50 mile, and biking with the kids. My log spits out a lot of data, but here is some of the basic stuff:
2008:
RUN:
216.78 miles
48:24:16
Ran 90 of 366 days
Average Distance: 2.36 miles
Average pace : 13:25 (yuck!)
BIKE:
442.33 miles
37:05:29
Biked 43 of 366 days
Average Distance: 10.29 miles
In 2009 I'd like to double my running mileage and cover a minimum of 3,000 miles on the bike.
Bike:
20.26 miles
1:24:11
14.44 mph
The year-end numbers are weak and somewhat inaccurate, because I don't always log all my small activities which include walking, running less than 0.50 mile, and biking with the kids. My log spits out a lot of data, but here is some of the basic stuff:
2008:
RUN:
216.78 miles
48:24:16
Ran 90 of 366 days
Average Distance: 2.36 miles
Average pace : 13:25 (yuck!)
BIKE:
442.33 miles
37:05:29
Biked 43 of 366 days
Average Distance: 10.29 miles
In 2009 I'd like to double my running mileage and cover a minimum of 3,000 miles on the bike.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Book of Life
I'm currently working a 24-hour shift at my part-time job. Whew, this has been a looooong day!!!
This station is great... it has a LARGE weight room AND a cardio room with lots of cool equipment. To sweeten the deal, the cardio equipment is in front of a TV!
Since I'm already here once a week, it's time I start taking advantage of the amenities this job has to offer.
Today I worked out my upper body. I finished the workout with a 15-minute cool down walk on the treadmill. I feel really good.
Earlier today I heard a phrase, which is common and I hear from time-to-time. It goes something like this:
If your life was a book, would anyone want to read it?
I'm not sure if anyone would read mine, but it sure does make me think. I spend a lot of time with my head down, reminiscing about what I use to do or what I use to look like. So, here's a small list of things that could easily be chapters in the book of Bill:
I've never broken a bone
I've never been arrested
I've never smoked a cigarette
I've never done any drugs, not even weed
I graduated high school without ever studying (my mom still talks about how she has never seen a book in my hand)
I obtained my A.A.S. as an adult with a young baby
I hunt and camp, therefore I assume I know what it takes to "live off the land"
I have two WONDERFUL kids
I was happily married for 7-years
I've lost 72 pounds, once before
I have a profession, which the average person respects
I'm a smoke diver instructor
I'm an arson investigator
I have made peace with myself twice, thinking I was within seconds of a sure death
I've endured critical injuries to save the life of another man
I've watched numerous people die in front of me
I've saved just as many life's as I've seen pass
I've delivered three babies (not my own)
I've had an active and adventurous s-life (hehehe)
I've owned a motorcycle
I've boxed in front of 3,000 people
I've caught a blue marlin and a sail fish
I've been stranded alone 40-miles offshore in a boat that wouldn't start
I've run a marathon
I'm a certified running coach
I've cycled 100 miles
I've cried
I've loved
I've been loved... I think
Most people who know me, think I am funny
I'm just me 24/7.
This station is great... it has a LARGE weight room AND a cardio room with lots of cool equipment. To sweeten the deal, the cardio equipment is in front of a TV!
Since I'm already here once a week, it's time I start taking advantage of the amenities this job has to offer.
Today I worked out my upper body. I finished the workout with a 15-minute cool down walk on the treadmill. I feel really good.
Earlier today I heard a phrase, which is common and I hear from time-to-time. It goes something like this:
If your life was a book, would anyone want to read it?
I'm not sure if anyone would read mine, but it sure does make me think. I spend a lot of time with my head down, reminiscing about what I use to do or what I use to look like. So, here's a small list of things that could easily be chapters in the book of Bill:
I've never broken a bone
I've never been arrested
I've never smoked a cigarette
I've never done any drugs, not even weed
I graduated high school without ever studying (my mom still talks about how she has never seen a book in my hand)
I obtained my A.A.S. as an adult with a young baby
I hunt and camp, therefore I assume I know what it takes to "live off the land"
I have two WONDERFUL kids
I was happily married for 7-years
I've lost 72 pounds, once before
I have a profession, which the average person respects
I'm a smoke diver instructor
I'm an arson investigator
I have made peace with myself twice, thinking I was within seconds of a sure death
I've endured critical injuries to save the life of another man
I've watched numerous people die in front of me
I've saved just as many life's as I've seen pass
I've delivered three babies (not my own)
I've had an active and adventurous s-life (hehehe)
I've owned a motorcycle
I've boxed in front of 3,000 people
I've caught a blue marlin and a sail fish
I've been stranded alone 40-miles offshore in a boat that wouldn't start
I've run a marathon
I'm a certified running coach
I've cycled 100 miles
I've cried
I've loved
I've been loved... I think
Most people who know me, think I am funny
I'm just me 24/7.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Leisure Ride
Andrea and I took her daughter, Taylor, for a 5-mile bike ride. Taylor has never cycled more than a couple miles... as far as I know. This was a test to see how she would hold up. We were both pleasantly surprised that she did as well as she did and with a minimal amount of complaining.
Bike:
5.62 miles
35:30
9.45 mph
Great article in yesterdays Houston Chronicle. Link below:
New interstate road map takes shape for bicyclists
Bike:
5.62 miles
35:30
9.45 mph
Great article in yesterdays Houston Chronicle. Link below:
New interstate road map takes shape for bicyclists
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Bike Ride
Seems that 'Let Me Out' isn't the only dormant blog out there. Lots of my daily readers are lacking any recent post. Blogging comes-and-goes with me. I just don't always have the extra time. Between two jobs and two kids, my schedule stays booked. Not much to talk about with a sports theme either. The right knee is quite bothersome and it has restricted me to walking and biking. I'm hoping to have it looked at within the next month. It feels exactly like my other knee problem (2007), which required arthroscopic surgery.
Speaking of biking, I bought Andrea a road bike for Christmas, in hopes that she will become a consistent riding buddy. Today we took her bike out for its maiden voyage. Cycled 20 miles a little over 13 mph. We had a fierce wind to deal with, but were able to dodge the isolated rain storms.
Andrea also experienced her first crash... compliments of ME. We could hear a noise coming from the front of her bike. After closer inspection I noticed her right brake pad on the front was rubbing. In the past I've had the same problem. Usually I simply reach down and fix the issue without losing any speed. Without thinking it out, I told her to reach down and move the brake arm slightly. Well she grabbed the brake arm and when she went to pull it away from the wheel she lost her balance. Everything happened in a flash of an eye. She bent down, then POOF... she was gone. I looked back and all I saw was a pile of human & bike debris in the middle of the road. Thankfully she was wearing her helmet. Andrea said she smacked the side of her head really hard. She escaped without any serious injury. A little road rash on her left forearm was about the worst of it. Two or three minutes later she was on her bike again and laughing about the mishap. Needless to say... I felt horrible about giving a brand-spanking-new rider such bad advice.
We rode around the grass farms in Crosby. Nice long straight roads with very few cars. We talked a lot about "rules of the road", while enjoying a nice easy ride.
BIKE:
1:33:00
20.26 miles
13.02 mph
Speaking of biking, I bought Andrea a road bike for Christmas, in hopes that she will become a consistent riding buddy. Today we took her bike out for its maiden voyage. Cycled 20 miles a little over 13 mph. We had a fierce wind to deal with, but were able to dodge the isolated rain storms.
Andrea also experienced her first crash... compliments of ME. We could hear a noise coming from the front of her bike. After closer inspection I noticed her right brake pad on the front was rubbing. In the past I've had the same problem. Usually I simply reach down and fix the issue without losing any speed. Without thinking it out, I told her to reach down and move the brake arm slightly. Well she grabbed the brake arm and when she went to pull it away from the wheel she lost her balance. Everything happened in a flash of an eye. She bent down, then POOF... she was gone. I looked back and all I saw was a pile of human & bike debris in the middle of the road. Thankfully she was wearing her helmet. Andrea said she smacked the side of her head really hard. She escaped without any serious injury. A little road rash on her left forearm was about the worst of it. Two or three minutes later she was on her bike again and laughing about the mishap. Needless to say... I felt horrible about giving a brand-spanking-new rider such bad advice.
We rode around the grass farms in Crosby. Nice long straight roads with very few cars. We talked a lot about "rules of the road", while enjoying a nice easy ride.
BIKE:
1:33:00
20.26 miles
13.02 mph
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Knee pain
My right knee is hurting. The pain has progressed to the point it woke me up several times last night. I'm taking the day off, no running or walking.
Usually my knee starts to hurts when I don't drink a lot of water. For the last several days that has not been the issue.
Time to rest a day or two.
Usually my knee starts to hurts when I don't drink a lot of water. For the last several days that has not been the issue.
Time to rest a day or two.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Rain
As stated in yesterdays post, I'm making minor adjustments to my schedule in an attempt to get my legs back under me. I walked 3-miles with Lulu through the greenbelts. We started 30-minutes after a light rainstorm, not realizing it was a preamble to a bigger rainstorm. We walked nearly 2.5 miles in the rain, but it was refreshing.
I maintained a respectable pace.
Walk: 3.03 miles, 49:03, (16:11 pace)
38 push-ups.
I maintained a respectable pace.
Walk: 3.03 miles, 49:03, (16:11 pace)
38 push-ups.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I Hear You Loud and Clear
My body is not recovering properly. For the last week, my running has been progressively harder each day. I can feel heaviness in my legs. It's time to make some adjustments to my schedule.
I cut today's run short by half a mile. I just couldn't push myself any further. Beautiful run along the bayou with a decent pace, but I felt like I had 50-pound wieghts tied to my legs.
Earlier in the day I biked with my old roommate, Heather. First time I've cycled in a month, or longer. The easy pace didn't seem so "easy". Again, I think it's a recovery issue.
Bike: 7.30 miles, 43:20, (9.74 mph)
Run: 1.5 mile, 17:26, (11:38 pace)
Walk: 0.57 mile, 9:54, (17:26 pace)
Kept my calories under 2,000.
I cut today's run short by half a mile. I just couldn't push myself any further. Beautiful run along the bayou with a decent pace, but I felt like I had 50-pound wieghts tied to my legs.
Earlier in the day I biked with my old roommate, Heather. First time I've cycled in a month, or longer. The easy pace didn't seem so "easy". Again, I think it's a recovery issue.
Bike: 7.30 miles, 43:20, (9.74 mph)
Run: 1.5 mile, 17:26, (11:38 pace)
Walk: 0.57 mile, 9:54, (17:26 pace)
Kept my calories under 2,000.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Challenge to Run
At work.
Challenge to run today. Left station 2 at 5pm to go run. Started running around the station with very tight calves. Stopped once to stretch, which helped. For some reason, I didn't mentally want to run. At 0.60 miles I stopped and jumped on the treadmill. I was about 0.30 mile into the treadmill run when I got an emergency call, so I had to leave. Once we got back from the call an hour later we had a training session. Re-started the run 2-hours later. Ran 0.40 mile. Walked one mile, then ran the last mile.
Complicated, huh? At least I did something that resembled fitness.
Run: 0.60 mile, 7:07, (11:50 pace)
Not counting the treadmill run
Run: 0.40 mile, 4:50, (12:14 pace)
Walk: 1 mile, 16:48, (16:48 pace)
Run: 1 mile, 12:03, (12:03 pace)
32 push-ups
Challenge to run today. Left station 2 at 5pm to go run. Started running around the station with very tight calves. Stopped once to stretch, which helped. For some reason, I didn't mentally want to run. At 0.60 miles I stopped and jumped on the treadmill. I was about 0.30 mile into the treadmill run when I got an emergency call, so I had to leave. Once we got back from the call an hour later we had a training session. Re-started the run 2-hours later. Ran 0.40 mile. Walked one mile, then ran the last mile.
Complicated, huh? At least I did something that resembled fitness.
Run: 0.60 mile, 7:07, (11:50 pace)
Not counting the treadmill run
Run: 0.40 mile, 4:50, (12:14 pace)
Walk: 1 mile, 16:48, (16:48 pace)
Run: 1 mile, 12:03, (12:03 pace)
32 push-ups
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Mile
Ran one mile late this evening. Beautiful night, but nothing else worthy of reporting...
Run: 1-mile, 11:57, (11:57 pace)
Went to my buddy's wedding last night. It was a stunning ceremony on Lake Conroe. Everyone had a great time. I've been looking for the that "one thing" that was going to motivate me to start dieting. Well, last night I found it. As I was looking through the wedding photos, I found one of me. I knew I was getting big, but wow... I had no idea. I was sick by the sight of me in that photo. I'm so upset about my appearence that I'm too embarrassed to post it here.
Consumed less that 2000 calories today. It's a start....
Run: 1-mile, 11:57, (11:57 pace)
Went to my buddy's wedding last night. It was a stunning ceremony on Lake Conroe. Everyone had a great time. I've been looking for the that "one thing" that was going to motivate me to start dieting. Well, last night I found it. As I was looking through the wedding photos, I found one of me. I knew I was getting big, but wow... I had no idea. I was sick by the sight of me in that photo. I'm so upset about my appearence that I'm too embarrassed to post it here.
Consumed less that 2000 calories today. It's a start....
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Long Run
Andrea and I ran our long run this afternoon. We ran my favorite 5-mile loop through the greenbelts. This was the first time I've taken this route since the Hurricane. It's a shame how many trees we lost. Even worse, it would appear that the utility company used the greenbelts to get to the remote power lines, which broke miles and miles of beautiful greenbelt trails. It's easy to understand why they did what they had to do. Everyone would much rather have electricity over greenbelts... including me.
Andrea stated our 5-miler is the furthest she has ever run. Congrats!!!
I'm not sure why I ran so well. Our average pace was 11:35!!! I've not slept much at all this week. Wednesday was an all night drinking binge. I didn't drink ANY water yesterday at work. In an attempt to save this morning's run I downed a large glass of water and took two S-caps. I really wonder if that was the saving grace? Either way, I had a good run even with my newly chaffed nipples and blister on the arch of my foot.
Run: 5.18 miles, 1:00:35, (11:35 pace)
27 push-ups
Andrea stated our 5-miler is the furthest she has ever run. Congrats!!!
I'm not sure why I ran so well. Our average pace was 11:35!!! I've not slept much at all this week. Wednesday was an all night drinking binge. I didn't drink ANY water yesterday at work. In an attempt to save this morning's run I downed a large glass of water and took two S-caps. I really wonder if that was the saving grace? Either way, I had a good run even with my newly chaffed nipples and blister on the arch of my foot.
Run: 5.18 miles, 1:00:35, (11:35 pace)
27 push-ups
Friday, October 17, 2008
Station Tour
At work
Another busy day finishing the "paint project" at work. We're done and it looks really good.
Fellow Houston Strider, Lou, was passing through Humble so I had the opportunity to give her kids a short station tour of our quarters and fire truck.
Uneventful run around the station.
Run: 1.5 mile, 17:16, (11:31 pace)
Another busy day finishing the "paint project" at work. We're done and it looks really good.
Fellow Houston Strider, Lou, was passing through Humble so I had the opportunity to give her kids a short station tour of our quarters and fire truck.
Uneventful run around the station.
Run: 1.5 mile, 17:16, (11:31 pace)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
PARTY!
Yesterday was an unscheduled day off. First of all, I was the lead person planning a bachelor party for my good buddy, Josh. Everything took place with less than 5-days notice; so needless to say, I had a lot to do. My plan was to squeeze in a 4-miler when I had time.
Those plans existed before the all-day rainstorm arrived. The rain caused 2 power outages that lasted about an hour each and there was a fair amount of street flooding.
The final factor that kept me from running was water dripping from the ceiling of my hallway closet, which was only detected when it completely saturated the carpet in the hallway. It ended up being a clog in the air conditioner overfill drain pan. Not a big deal, but it made one hell of a mess. And it happened on a day I didn't have time to spare.
So, as you can see... it was not meant for me to run. I repeated to myself over and over, "flexibility". Friday is my off day, so I simply moved it two days early and proceeded forward with the schedule. No biggie.
The party was an absolute BLAST. One of the best times I've had in a long time. As you might guess, I'm hurting pretty bad today. I can't party (by party, I mean drink) like I use too. That's what I get for trying to hang out with men 12-years younger than me.
Tonight I ran four miles through the subdivision. Beautiful weather. Only needed one short walk break during the run. I didn't stop due to physical fatigue, rather a compilation of stresses resulting in mental exhaustion.
I really need to find the motivation to get this weight off. It's literally weighing me down and it unbearable!
Run: 4 miles, 50:59, (12:45 pace)
22 push-ups
Those plans existed before the all-day rainstorm arrived. The rain caused 2 power outages that lasted about an hour each and there was a fair amount of street flooding.
The final factor that kept me from running was water dripping from the ceiling of my hallway closet, which was only detected when it completely saturated the carpet in the hallway. It ended up being a clog in the air conditioner overfill drain pan. Not a big deal, but it made one hell of a mess. And it happened on a day I didn't have time to spare.
So, as you can see... it was not meant for me to run. I repeated to myself over and over, "flexibility". Friday is my off day, so I simply moved it two days early and proceeded forward with the schedule. No biggie.
The party was an absolute BLAST. One of the best times I've had in a long time. As you might guess, I'm hurting pretty bad today. I can't party (by party, I mean drink) like I use too. That's what I get for trying to hang out with men 12-years younger than me.
Tonight I ran four miles through the subdivision. Beautiful weather. Only needed one short walk break during the run. I didn't stop due to physical fatigue, rather a compilation of stresses resulting in mental exhaustion.
I really need to find the motivation to get this weight off. It's literally weighing me down and it unbearable!
Run: 4 miles, 50:59, (12:45 pace)
22 push-ups
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Jack of All Trades
At work today.
It has been an interesting day at work. It's not unusual to see big fires, weird people, car wrecks, mangled bodies, or (my favotire) weird people doing stupid stuff. Today was interesting because it was different than the typical shift. By order of the Captain, we were tradesmen of a different profession. We did sheet rock repair, lots of painting, and general maintenance to our dorm room. We spent the entire day working on stuff that had nothing to do with emergency services. The only reason I mention this is because I found it "interesting". When was the last time you asked your painter to also extinguish a kitchen fire or cut you out of a car? ;-)
After all the "excitement" of painting I still managed to run. My feet hurt from standing all day in my duty boots, but other than that the run was nice.
Run: 1.5 miles, 18:09 (12:06 pace)
It has been an interesting day at work. It's not unusual to see big fires, weird people, car wrecks, mangled bodies, or (my favotire) weird people doing stupid stuff. Today was interesting because it was different than the typical shift. By order of the Captain, we were tradesmen of a different profession. We did sheet rock repair, lots of painting, and general maintenance to our dorm room. We spent the entire day working on stuff that had nothing to do with emergency services. The only reason I mention this is because I found it "interesting". When was the last time you asked your painter to also extinguish a kitchen fire or cut you out of a car? ;-)
After all the "excitement" of painting I still managed to run. My feet hurt from standing all day in my duty boots, but other than that the run was nice.
Run: 1.5 miles, 18:09 (12:06 pace)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Company
I ran two-miles through Trailwood Village with Andrea. Legs feel strong, but for the duration of the run I had a sensation of "over-heating". Weather.com says the temp is 76 degrees and 82% humidity. Developed a side stitch near the end of the run. Probably has something to do with eating dinner less than an hour before the run.
The mileage was continuous. It felt like we were running a lot faster than the watch read.
Run: 2-miles, 24:43, (12:22 pace)
Starting over with the push-up challenge. Also making some amendments to the schedule. Instead of a 6-week program, I'm adjusting it to 12-weeks. Essentially, I'll do the first level, then the second level before moving on to the next week. Tonight I did 18 push-ups.
The mileage was continuous. It felt like we were running a lot faster than the watch read.
Run: 2-miles, 24:43, (12:22 pace)
Starting over with the push-up challenge. Also making some amendments to the schedule. Instead of a 6-week program, I'm adjusting it to 12-weeks. Essentially, I'll do the first level, then the second level before moving on to the next week. Tonight I did 18 push-ups.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Recovery mile
Andrea and I ran together for the first time in weeks. Schedule called for a 12:15 mile. She's faster than me, so naturally the pace was quicker than I would have ran on my own. It was a good run.
Legs felt like crap before the run. They feel a lot better now that I'm done.
Run: 1 mile, 11:26, (11:26 pace)
Legs felt like crap before the run. They feel a lot better now that I'm done.
Run: 1 mile, 11:26, (11:26 pace)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
2 easy, 2 hard
At work.
Not sure what to think about today's run. First 2 miles felt great. Stopped for a drink of water and never recovered after that. The last two miles included four walk-breaks. My legs feel like I ran 10 miles.
I suppose this is what I get for posting that I didn't lose as much fitness as expected. Damn karma! I didn't get much sleep last night, so hopefully the "fix" is as simple as a good night sleep.
Run: 4-miles, 50:29, (12:37 pace)
Not sure what to think about today's run. First 2 miles felt great. Stopped for a drink of water and never recovered after that. The last two miles included four walk-breaks. My legs feel like I ran 10 miles.
I suppose this is what I get for posting that I didn't lose as much fitness as expected. Damn karma! I didn't get much sleep last night, so hopefully the "fix" is as simple as a good night sleep.
Run: 4-miles, 50:29, (12:37 pace)
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Don't want to...
Didn't feel like running. Preston was quite ill today. Between his fuzziness, fever, and doctors appointment I was totally exhausted.
I convinced myself it was silly to skip an easy one-mile run. The run went good, but I still did not want to be out there. Surprisingly, I finished a little bit under my scheduled pace.
Run: 1-mile, 12:03, (12:03 pace)
A few days ago I bought a pedometer. I've heard over and over you should walk at least 10,000 steps per day. I'm not even close. What does that mean? Am I sedentary and not aware of it? For the last three days I have been between 3800 and 5100 steps. That's almost half of what I am supposed to walk. I don't wear it while running.... Wonder if I should count my running toward my 10000 steps? Interesting....
I convinced myself it was silly to skip an easy one-mile run. The run went good, but I still did not want to be out there. Surprisingly, I finished a little bit under my scheduled pace.
Run: 1-mile, 12:03, (12:03 pace)
A few days ago I bought a pedometer. I've heard over and over you should walk at least 10,000 steps per day. I'm not even close. What does that mean? Am I sedentary and not aware of it? For the last three days I have been between 3800 and 5100 steps. That's almost half of what I am supposed to walk. I don't wear it while running.... Wonder if I should count my running toward my 10000 steps? Interesting....
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
2 miles
At work.
Seven boring loops around the fire station. I didn't lose as much fitness as I expected. Run was relatively easy. I feel good. Suture site is tender from the friction of running.
Run: 2 miles, 22:49, (11:26 pace)
Also completed an upper body workout.
Seven boring loops around the fire station. I didn't lose as much fitness as I expected. Run was relatively easy. I feel good. Suture site is tender from the friction of running.
Run: 2 miles, 22:49, (11:26 pace)
Also completed an upper body workout.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
New Job
First day at Jersey Village FD, which is my new part-time job. Sucks to have 2 jobs, but I gotta do, what I gotta do....
Only worked 10-hours today. After work I had enough time to run at home. I could feel soreness in my legs late this afternoon. Soreness is always a welcome sign to me. It lets me know I did something.
My training schedule called for an 'easy day' mile. The pace felt slower than what I actually ran. The weather was really nice, so I suppose it's a weather thing.
Run: 1 miles, 12:01, (12:01)
Andrea and I did a few simple exercises at home, which included:
Lunges
Core planks x 3
Resistance band curls x 3
Squats
Wall toe raises
Only worked 10-hours today. After work I had enough time to run at home. I could feel soreness in my legs late this afternoon. Soreness is always a welcome sign to me. It lets me know I did something.
My training schedule called for an 'easy day' mile. The pace felt slower than what I actually ran. The weather was really nice, so I suppose it's a weather thing.
Run: 1 miles, 12:01, (12:01)
Andrea and I did a few simple exercises at home, which included:
Lunges
Core planks x 3
Resistance band curls x 3
Squats
Wall toe raises
Monday, October 06, 2008
2 continuous miles
Two miles through the neighborhood was a success. No walk breaks and I feel good, considering I had a 22-day lay off.
Run: 2 miles, 25:02, (12:31 pace)
Non-run related comment:
The Houston Texans sure make it hard to be a fan.
Run: 2 miles, 25:02, (12:31 pace)
Non-run related comment:
The Houston Texans sure make it hard to be a fan.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Test Run
It has been a long time since I've exercised. Ten days of hell at work due to Hurricane Ike. Lots of mandatory overtime, which was good since I had no electricity for 8-days. At the end of most days, the last thing on my mine was exercise.
The aftermath of the storm postponed my surgery till September 24th. No problems during the first 2 days of recovery. On the third day I had an allergic reaction to the chromic sutures. The exernal sutures are gone, yet the internal sutures have left me with a lot of swelling. Needless to say, these complications have delayed my running even more.
Today is my second day back at work. Figured if I can work, I can at least go for a walk. Elected to use the treadmill, hoping the surface would not have as hard an impact as the road. Ten minutes into the walk I decided to run, which was a lot more comfortable.
The plan is to see how I feel tomorrow morning and if all is well, run one-mile in the evening.
The aftermath of the storm postponed my surgery till September 24th. No problems during the first 2 days of recovery. On the third day I had an allergic reaction to the chromic sutures. The exernal sutures are gone, yet the internal sutures have left me with a lot of swelling. Needless to say, these complications have delayed my running even more.
Today is my second day back at work. Figured if I can work, I can at least go for a walk. Elected to use the treadmill, hoping the surface would not have as hard an impact as the road. Ten minutes into the walk I decided to run, which was a lot more comfortable.
Walk/Run: 1.05 mile, 18:40
The plan is to see how I feel tomorrow morning and if all is well, run one-mile in the evening.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Bad run
Trying to manipulate my running schedule to accommodate this damn storm. Today is suppose to be my day off, but I wanted to run because I think my chances to run tomorrow will be slim. Looks like my group will be housed at the Deerbrook mall.
Three miles along the greenbelt with Andrea and Lulu. It was way too hot to run. ON top of that, I've drinking nothing but iced tea, so I'm probably not hydrated properly. Then this mornings breakfast wasn't exactly pre-run fuel. I had to take a few small walk breaks. At one time I gave up and said I'll do it another day. Something came over me and I decided to get it over with. It hurt.
Run: 3 miles, 36:58 (12:19 pace)
Three miles along the greenbelt with Andrea and Lulu. It was way too hot to run. ON top of that, I've drinking nothing but iced tea, so I'm probably not hydrated properly. Then this mornings breakfast wasn't exactly pre-run fuel. I had to take a few small walk breaks. At one time I gave up and said I'll do it another day. Something came over me and I decided to get it over with. It hurt.
Run: 3 miles, 36:58 (12:19 pace)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
New Day
It's official, yesterday was a crappy day. Hurricane Ike has cancelled my long awaited vacation to float the Guadalupe River and the highlight of my birthday dinner was celebrated at the drive-thru window of McDonald's.
Oh well, it's all behind me. Today is a new day!
At work.
Administration has put all firemen on mandatory overtime starting at 12pm tomorrow. They also advised we could be here upwards of 4-days, depending on the damage. At least it will be good money.
Ran a single mile this evening. Beautiful skies with the feeder bans of the hurricane overhead while the storm is still 400 miles out in the Gulf. I'm exhausted from all the preparation work we have to get done with incidents such as this one. Most of it is overkill to a nauseous level, yet I understand why we do it.
Run: 1 mile, 12:07, (12:07 pace)
Oh well, it's all behind me. Today is a new day!
At work.
Administration has put all firemen on mandatory overtime starting at 12pm tomorrow. They also advised we could be here upwards of 4-days, depending on the damage. At least it will be good money.
Ran a single mile this evening. Beautiful skies with the feeder bans of the hurricane overhead while the storm is still 400 miles out in the Gulf. I'm exhausted from all the preparation work we have to get done with incidents such as this one. Most of it is overkill to a nauseous level, yet I understand why we do it.
Run: 1 mile, 12:07, (12:07 pace)
New Age-bracket
I've entered a new age-bracket. It doesn't make a difference for a slow runner like myself, although I'd probably be kicking some serious ass IF I was racing in the 80+ category.
Like so many other people, it's just another day.
Is it just me or is life a yo-yo... consisting of a series of ups and downs? Yesterday was a great day. Today hasn't been bad, but it's heading in that general direction. My checking account gently reminded while paying bills that I have more outcome than income. Then my fairly new washer, which recently went out of warranty died. Now I have to juggle my schedule to accommodate a person I don't even like...
Uhhh, life!!!
Due to the change in my schedule I ran mid-day on the greenbelts. It was hot and humid, but that wasn't too big of an issue. My biggest problem was boredom. Lulu is a horrible conversationalist!
Run: 2.5 miles, 30:46 (12:18 pace)
Several of the greenbelts have pedestrian tunnels under major roadways, so runners don't have to cross the roadways. On rare occasions a punk kid will "tag" or spray paint something on the concrete. I find it interesting that it's seldom anything offensive and the greenbelt maintenance crew usually has it removed within a day or two.
Anyways, while running today I saw that someone decided to spray paint the outside wall of the tunnel. I thought to myself "Where else do the 'punk kids' spray paint stuff like this?" Even our bad kids are pretty good!!!
The picture below is another reason I love Kingwood.
Upper body workout and 77 push-ups. I am tired of these push-ups!
Like so many other people, it's just another day.
Is it just me or is life a yo-yo... consisting of a series of ups and downs? Yesterday was a great day. Today hasn't been bad, but it's heading in that general direction. My checking account gently reminded while paying bills that I have more outcome than income. Then my fairly new washer, which recently went out of warranty died. Now I have to juggle my schedule to accommodate a person I don't even like...
Uhhh, life!!!
Due to the change in my schedule I ran mid-day on the greenbelts. It was hot and humid, but that wasn't too big of an issue. My biggest problem was boredom. Lulu is a horrible conversationalist!
Run: 2.5 miles, 30:46 (12:18 pace)
Several of the greenbelts have pedestrian tunnels under major roadways, so runners don't have to cross the roadways. On rare occasions a punk kid will "tag" or spray paint something on the concrete. I find it interesting that it's seldom anything offensive and the greenbelt maintenance crew usually has it removed within a day or two.
Anyways, while running today I saw that someone decided to spray paint the outside wall of the tunnel. I thought to myself "Where else do the 'punk kids' spray paint stuff like this?" Even our bad kids are pretty good!!!
The picture below is another reason I love Kingwood.
Upper body workout and 77 push-ups. I am tired of these push-ups!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Woo-hoo!!!
I'm having a GREAT day.
Okay, it's time for a small confession. You may recall I recently visited NOLA. What very few people know is the REAL reason behind my visit to the Big Easy. The fact is this was a "vacation" that had been planned and paid for several months in advance. The trip was "secretly" scheduled around the RRCA Running Coach Certification class hosted by the New Orleans Track Club.
The class was amazing. I've read lots of running books, but this class showed me how little I really knew about designing a safe and smart training schedule. So much of what I've read in the past is performance-based. I was skipping vital and fundamental steps to proper adaptations. Now I'm better prepared to build my own schedules and hopefully I'll do so in an informed manner. And when the time comes, I hope to help other beginning runners too.
The class lasted two days, but it really should be a 3-day class. Each day we started on time, stayed late, minimal breaks, with very short lunches. It's a lot of good information. I highly recommend this class to any runner of any ability. Nearly half the students in my class have no intentions of coaching. They simply wanted to enhance their ability to build personal training schedules. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you don't need a huge following of runners to benefit from this class. I only regret not taking it sooner.
After lots of reading, today I finally finished the online test and I'm proud to say I PASSED. It's official; I'm a certified RRCA Distance Running Coach!!! I want to take a moment to thank long time RRCA Running Coach Steeve, who helped me with a hand full of questions I was struggling with. Thanks Steeve, you Rock!!!
Kind of weird for a grown man to be this excited, huh?!?!?!?!
Moving on...
My hamstrings have been really tight all day. I didn't think I worked out all that hard yesterday, but my legs tell a different story.
Andrea and I ran an easy mile around the bayou. The path is mostly dirt and short grass along the brim of the bayou. Stayed on pace and my legs felt good.
Run: 1.0 miles, 12:13, (12:13 pace)
Okay, it's time for a small confession. You may recall I recently visited NOLA. What very few people know is the REAL reason behind my visit to the Big Easy. The fact is this was a "vacation" that had been planned and paid for several months in advance. The trip was "secretly" scheduled around the RRCA Running Coach Certification class hosted by the New Orleans Track Club.
The class was amazing. I've read lots of running books, but this class showed me how little I really knew about designing a safe and smart training schedule. So much of what I've read in the past is performance-based. I was skipping vital and fundamental steps to proper adaptations. Now I'm better prepared to build my own schedules and hopefully I'll do so in an informed manner. And when the time comes, I hope to help other beginning runners too.
The class lasted two days, but it really should be a 3-day class. Each day we started on time, stayed late, minimal breaks, with very short lunches. It's a lot of good information. I highly recommend this class to any runner of any ability. Nearly half the students in my class have no intentions of coaching. They simply wanted to enhance their ability to build personal training schedules. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you don't need a huge following of runners to benefit from this class. I only regret not taking it sooner.
After lots of reading, today I finally finished the online test and I'm proud to say I PASSED. It's official; I'm a certified RRCA Distance Running Coach!!! I want to take a moment to thank long time RRCA Running Coach Steeve, who helped me with a hand full of questions I was struggling with. Thanks Steeve, you Rock!!!
Kind of weird for a grown man to be this excited, huh?!?!?!?!
Moving on...
My hamstrings have been really tight all day. I didn't think I worked out all that hard yesterday, but my legs tell a different story.
Andrea and I ran an easy mile around the bayou. The path is mostly dirt and short grass along the brim of the bayou. Stayed on pace and my legs felt good.
Run: 1.0 miles, 12:13, (12:13 pace)
Monday, September 08, 2008
Pre-work run
At work today.
Last night I talked with Josh on the phone about running before work. The plan was to meet at the station and run 2.5 miles through the city.
It was a challenge getting the kids awake and ready for school that early, but I made it happen due to the commitment we made the night before. I arrived at the station at the exact time we discussed only to learn Josh was still on the other side of town. With a limited amount of time, I took off running solo. I ran to Humble FD station two. The route there and back was exactly 2.5 miles.
Good run, but the sidewalks and roads were in rough condition. I could feel the uneven terrain in my feet and lower back. On the return trip I ran with the girl's high school cross country team for half a mile. I always assumed they ran much faster, but we pretty much ran the same pace.
Run: 2.5 miles, 31:08. (12:28 pace)
This evening I completed a lower-body workout, 71 push-ups, and 45-seconds jump rope.
I'm barely able to stay on the 100 push up challenge schedule.
Below is a picture for my buddy, Josh aka: "Bisquick". On the outside he looks solid... all warm and nice, but when you look closer he falls apart in a flaky-crumbly mess!!!
Last night I talked with Josh on the phone about running before work. The plan was to meet at the station and run 2.5 miles through the city.
It was a challenge getting the kids awake and ready for school that early, but I made it happen due to the commitment we made the night before. I arrived at the station at the exact time we discussed only to learn Josh was still on the other side of town. With a limited amount of time, I took off running solo. I ran to Humble FD station two. The route there and back was exactly 2.5 miles.
Good run, but the sidewalks and roads were in rough condition. I could feel the uneven terrain in my feet and lower back. On the return trip I ran with the girl's high school cross country team for half a mile. I always assumed they ran much faster, but we pretty much ran the same pace.
Run: 2.5 miles, 31:08. (12:28 pace)
This evening I completed a lower-body workout, 71 push-ups, and 45-seconds jump rope.
I'm barely able to stay on the 100 push up challenge schedule.
Below is a picture for my buddy, Josh aka: "Bisquick". On the outside he looks solid... all warm and nice, but when you look closer he falls apart in a flaky-crumbly mess!!!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
G.I.D. (girl I'm dating)
You don't have to dig too deep in this blog to see that I'm dating a new woman, Andrea. She's been good for me both mentally and physically. Andrea and I dated 10+ years ago, well before my marriage to Erin. Back then she was looking for something serious and I was still young and playing, so we drifted apart. As fate would have it, Andrea called the station to see "how I was doing" a few months ago. Our friendship blossomed into a serious relationship and I couldn't be happier.
It's exciting to date someone whom you share so many interests with. It's a bonus when that interest includes RUNNING.
I had the kids this weekend. We had a lot of errands to do, so it turned out to be busy. Any other day, the run would have been blown-off. Andrea and I decided to run separately which enabled both if us to run and still have time for the other things that needed to be done. It's these little things that really make me happy. I really think running (or any sport) is a solid base for a healthy relationship, no pun intended.
Run: 1 mile, 12:09, (12:09 pace)
Your training partners are key to your success, and friendships based on your runs together are strong. - Bill Rogers
It's exciting to date someone whom you share so many interests with. It's a bonus when that interest includes RUNNING.
I had the kids this weekend. We had a lot of errands to do, so it turned out to be busy. Any other day, the run would have been blown-off. Andrea and I decided to run separately which enabled both if us to run and still have time for the other things that needed to be done. It's these little things that really make me happy. I really think running (or any sport) is a solid base for a healthy relationship, no pun intended.
Run: 1 mile, 12:09, (12:09 pace)
Your training partners are key to your success, and friendships based on your runs together are strong. - Bill Rogers
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Soap Box
Woke up at work this morning to the best weather we've seen in a long time. As soon as I got home I changed into my running attire, loaded Lulu in the truck, and took off for East End Park. Schedule called for 2.5 miles at 12:15 pace. Perfect run with the exception of one issue that is progressively getting worse...
Damn irresponsible dog owners!!!!
East End Park is probably one of the most beautiful parks I have ever had the pleasure of running. It consist of several wooded miles of well maintained crushed granite trails and long wood bridges that weave in and out of the rivers bank. Lot's of people like to take their dogs to the park. Kingwood is in the City of Houston, which has leash laws. Kingwood has gone as far was opening a Dog-park off Northpark, but East End Park is NOT considered a dog park. People assume since they're in the woods, they don't have to put their dogs on a leash. Today I ran with lulu, who was on a leash. We passed no less than seven other people with their dogs and only 2 of them were on a leash. Now here's my complaint.... three of the dogs charged us, growled, and ran Lulu and I off the trail. This pisses me off. I'm abiding by the law and I'm scared to use our own trails. People think they have a right to break the law because, "My dog doesn't bite". This is bullshit!
I like dogs as much as the next person, but c'mon. I had to kick one dog in the head because he was nipping at lulu, which in return was pulling my arm out my socket via the leash. HPD doesn't seem to care. A couple months ago, I spoke to a bike patrol officer and he said for ME to remind them there are leash laws in the city limits. What the fuck are we paying cops for anyway? There is more to law enforcement than drugs, assaults, and theft. Do you're job you donut eating bastards.
Maybe I'll buy some pepper spray. Although, that brings me to another dilema... I'm not sure if I should spray the dog or the stupid-ass dog owners. You're right, maybe I'll spray both!
Okay, I'm done.
The run was great. A couple new trails have been cut and it would appear it has shortened my mileage when I run the outside perimeter. Usually it's 2.9 miles. Today my watch read 2.40 miles for the outside loop. I ran a little past my car to get the needed 2.5 miles. I think it's worth re-measuring with my bike. Something tells me my garmin wasn't 100% accurate in the trails. If indeed it is correct, I ran 30-seconds slower than scheduled. It felt like I was moving faster than my 12:15 pace.
Run: 2.71 miles, 31:52, (11:46)
Finished the morning with a mid-body workout. My chest is sore from yesterday's push-ups, otherwise the workout went good.
UPDATE:
I couldn't resist, I HAD to take my bike and measure the trail. The loop is 2.66 miles. I made changes to my run time above.
Bike: 2.74 miles, 15:56, (10.24mph)
Damn irresponsible dog owners!!!!
East End Park is probably one of the most beautiful parks I have ever had the pleasure of running. It consist of several wooded miles of well maintained crushed granite trails and long wood bridges that weave in and out of the rivers bank. Lot's of people like to take their dogs to the park. Kingwood is in the City of Houston, which has leash laws. Kingwood has gone as far was opening a Dog-park off Northpark, but East End Park is NOT considered a dog park. People assume since they're in the woods, they don't have to put their dogs on a leash. Today I ran with lulu, who was on a leash. We passed no less than seven other people with their dogs and only 2 of them were on a leash. Now here's my complaint.... three of the dogs charged us, growled, and ran Lulu and I off the trail. This pisses me off. I'm abiding by the law and I'm scared to use our own trails. People think they have a right to break the law because, "My dog doesn't bite". This is bullshit!
I like dogs as much as the next person, but c'mon. I had to kick one dog in the head because he was nipping at lulu, which in return was pulling my arm out my socket via the leash. HPD doesn't seem to care. A couple months ago, I spoke to a bike patrol officer and he said for ME to remind them there are leash laws in the city limits. What the fuck are we paying cops for anyway? There is more to law enforcement than drugs, assaults, and theft. Do you're job you donut eating bastards.
Maybe I'll buy some pepper spray. Although, that brings me to another dilema... I'm not sure if I should spray the dog or the stupid-ass dog owners. You're right, maybe I'll spray both!
Okay, I'm done.
The run was great. A couple new trails have been cut and it would appear it has shortened my mileage when I run the outside perimeter. Usually it's 2.9 miles. Today my watch read 2.40 miles for the outside loop. I ran a little past my car to get the needed 2.5 miles. I think it's worth re-measuring with my bike. Something tells me my garmin wasn't 100% accurate in the trails. If indeed it is correct, I ran 30-seconds slower than scheduled. It felt like I was moving faster than my 12:15 pace.
Run: 2.71 miles, 31:52, (11:46)
Finished the morning with a mid-body workout. My chest is sore from yesterday's push-ups, otherwise the workout went good.
UPDATE:
I couldn't resist, I HAD to take my bike and measure the trail. The loop is 2.66 miles. I made changes to my run time above.
Bike: 2.74 miles, 15:56, (10.24mph)
Friday, September 05, 2008
Half-way point of Push-Up challenge
At work today.
Rest day. Two weeks ago I adjusted my mileage and started running 6-days a week. I've decided Friday will be my "off-day". Although my legs feel strong, I'm trying to let them have a little R&R.
I'll be glad to run tomorrow morning. My head is a little foggy. I could use a nice slow run.
87 push-ups. I'm at the mid-point of the push-up challenge.
Rest day. Two weeks ago I adjusted my mileage and started running 6-days a week. I've decided Friday will be my "off-day". Although my legs feel strong, I'm trying to let them have a little R&R.
I'll be glad to run tomorrow morning. My head is a little foggy. I could use a nice slow run.
87 push-ups. I'm at the mid-point of the push-up challenge.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Near miss
By 9pm I had decided to put off today's run and run on tomorrow's off-day. Just before bed I had a change of heart. Lulu and I ran a loop configuration around Alison's elementary school. Great run. Weather was wonderful. Didn't even break a sweat till I stopped.
Glad I ran. As much as I'm an emotional eater, I also consider myself an emotional athlete. I've had better days and I'm glad I forced my lazy-ass out the door.
I feel better now that I've run.
Run: 1.25 miles, 15:13, (12:10 pace)
Glad I ran. As much as I'm an emotional eater, I also consider myself an emotional athlete. I've had better days and I'm glad I forced my lazy-ass out the door.
I feel better now that I've run.
Run: 1.25 miles, 15:13, (12:10 pace)
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Lonely Run
I've grown accustom to running with people, both at home and at work. Today was just me and Lulu on the greenbelts. Gotta admit... it was kind of boring. Ran at 3pm. You think it would have been hot, but the temperature wasn't an issue. The pace was a little off my 12:15 mark.
Run: 2 miles, 24:54, (12:27 pace)
I lack the motivation to do my scheduled mid-body workout. Maybe later I'll get a second wind and get in the gym. I doubt it.
However, I did 78 push-ups.
Fired Up 5k pictures:
Alison
Andrea
Bill and Preston
Run: 2 miles, 24:54, (12:27 pace)
I lack the motivation to do my scheduled mid-body workout. Maybe later I'll get a second wind and get in the gym. I doubt it.
However, I did 78 push-ups.
Fired Up 5k pictures:
Alison
Andrea
Bill and Preston
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Having Fun!
At work today.
It's been a busy day, easily twice our typical call volume. The emergency room staff said a large percentage of their patients are LA evacuee's. Hmmmm...
Easy, easy, easy run. I have something neat going on with my legs. My legs feel tired and heavy during the day, but when I run they feel great. I also seem to be acclimating to the heat. The fire station weather sensor read 91 degrees with a heat index of 103. During my run I wasn't bothered by the heat whatsoever.
Slow easy running is nice, I might be on to something!?!?!
Run: 1.25 miles, 14:52, (11:57 pace)
It's been a busy day, easily twice our typical call volume. The emergency room staff said a large percentage of their patients are LA evacuee's. Hmmmm...
Easy, easy, easy run. I have something neat going on with my legs. My legs feel tired and heavy during the day, but when I run they feel great. I also seem to be acclimating to the heat. The fire station weather sensor read 91 degrees with a heat index of 103. During my run I wasn't bothered by the heat whatsoever.
Slow easy running is nice, I might be on to something!?!?!
Run: 1.25 miles, 14:52, (11:57 pace)
Monday, September 01, 2008
Fired Up 5k
Almost flaked on the Fired Up 5k. Technically, you could still say I flaked, since I didn't "race" this morning. This is the home of my PR and therefore is one of my favorite Houston area races. Unfortunately, it's nearly one-hour from Kingwood. With Andrea and both kids in tow, I had to wake up at 4:30... and we still barely made it there in time. After registering, we started wondering how we were going to logistically run the race with the kids. Alison is a great runner, but 3-miles is out of her range. We decided to run the family 1.5 mile/run-walk.
As soon as the 5k runners were passing the finish line, we changed our mind again. We took off walking behind them and decided to start "running" after we reached the 1-mile marker. Andrea and I started running, while Alison and Preston hitched a ride on the stroller. With about 1.5 miles to the finish, Alison jumped out and ran the rest of the way in. My schedule called for 2 miles at 12:15 pace. I was dead-on pace.
Alison and Andrea finished ahead of me. That little girl makes me so proud. She was excited to run. It broke my heart, because she put it all out there, she maintained a nice consistent pace with a GREAT finish line kick. She was disappointed she didn't get a "finishers metal", like most kid races give out. She asked me over and over to check the results to see if she won anything. We spent the next few hours telling and showing her how proud we are of her. Even got her mother to call and tell her she was proud of her. After a few hours we finally pulled her out of her slump. It is hard for her juvenile mind to process that she passed 20-30 people without a single runner passing her and she received nothing for her effort. I suppose there was a life lesson to be learned this morning.
Saw lots of Strider buds; Steve, Lou, Barry, Chris, Tim, and a lot others... my mind is fuzzy.
69 push-ups. I've DEFINITELY stopped liking the push-up challenge!
Run: 2.11 miles, 25:51, (12:15 pace)
As soon as the 5k runners were passing the finish line, we changed our mind again. We took off walking behind them and decided to start "running" after we reached the 1-mile marker. Andrea and I started running, while Alison and Preston hitched a ride on the stroller. With about 1.5 miles to the finish, Alison jumped out and ran the rest of the way in. My schedule called for 2 miles at 12:15 pace. I was dead-on pace.
Alison and Andrea finished ahead of me. That little girl makes me so proud. She was excited to run. It broke my heart, because she put it all out there, she maintained a nice consistent pace with a GREAT finish line kick. She was disappointed she didn't get a "finishers metal", like most kid races give out. She asked me over and over to check the results to see if she won anything. We spent the next few hours telling and showing her how proud we are of her. Even got her mother to call and tell her she was proud of her. After a few hours we finally pulled her out of her slump. It is hard for her juvenile mind to process that she passed 20-30 people without a single runner passing her and she received nothing for her effort. I suppose there was a life lesson to be learned this morning.
Saw lots of Strider buds; Steve, Lou, Barry, Chris, Tim, and a lot others... my mind is fuzzy.
69 push-ups. I've DEFINITELY stopped liking the push-up challenge!
Run: 2.11 miles, 25:51, (12:15 pace)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Pissy
I must be getting older, because I sure am getting a lot pissier about small stuff. All this hurricane panic is really getting under my skin. It just doesn't make sense. The news is escalating all the storm-hype, which is nothing new... but c'mon, the freakin landfall is almost certain to be more than 250 miles East of Galveston!!! Last night the anchorman was interviewing people from NOLA, who had evacuated to Houston. Are they really that stupid? Why drive 6-hours to a city that is 40 miles from the coast. Drive NORTH idiots!!!
Even my job is showing signs of ciaos. It's always nice knowing that people call the Fire Department when they don't know whom else to call. We take incidents that are completely out-of-hand and we organize the ciaos and if luck is on our side we're able to mitigate the incident. Over the last couple days our administration was considering mandatory callback of every single employee to active duty during the storm. I'm not sure what I think about these idea. And out of respect for the FD administrations authority, I will keep those thoughts to myself. I do know when the average citizen sees city officials "panicking" they feel their sense of fear is warranted.
As always, just my opinion.
Ran with Andrea while pushing the stroller and Alison joined us on her bike.
Run: 1.01 miles, 12:20, (12:13 pace)
I had plans to run the Fired Up 5k. I'm worried I'll drive 50 miles to find out the race has been cancelled. The site says nothing either way. If anyone knows the intentions of the RD please, please, please let me know before I drive out there tomorrow.
Even my job is showing signs of ciaos. It's always nice knowing that people call the Fire Department when they don't know whom else to call. We take incidents that are completely out-of-hand and we organize the ciaos and if luck is on our side we're able to mitigate the incident. Over the last couple days our administration was considering mandatory callback of every single employee to active duty during the storm. I'm not sure what I think about these idea. And out of respect for the FD administrations authority, I will keep those thoughts to myself. I do know when the average citizen sees city officials "panicking" they feel their sense of fear is warranted.
As always, just my opinion.
Ran with Andrea while pushing the stroller and Alison joined us on her bike.
Run: 1.01 miles, 12:20, (12:13 pace)
I had plans to run the Fired Up 5k. I'm worried I'll drive 50 miles to find out the race has been cancelled. The site says nothing either way. If anyone knows the intentions of the RD please, please, please let me know before I drive out there tomorrow.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Bulls-eye
At work today.
Scheduled 2 miles at 12:15 pace. Finished within 4-seconds of my projected time. Weather station said 91 degrees and 100 heat index. It was hot, but it wasn't a big deal. Mileage was continuous.
Run: 2 miles, 24:26, (12:13 pace)
Upper body workout.
I really fill good and I'm happy.
Scheduled 2 miles at 12:15 pace. Finished within 4-seconds of my projected time. Weather station said 91 degrees and 100 heat index. It was hot, but it wasn't a big deal. Mileage was continuous.
Run: 2 miles, 24:26, (12:13 pace)
Upper body workout.
I really fill good and I'm happy.
Friday, August 29, 2008
No running
I probably understated how easy yesterdays run was. It might have been the easiest run I have ever ran, albeit only a single mile.
Today is my only off day this week. I'm trying to run 6-days a week. I've replaced a couple off days and threw in some really easy stuff... like yesterdays single mile.
Had to re-group my push-up challenge schedule. I started over on level one of week three. The workout is still plenty tough. Almost didn't finish again, but I managed to get them in as prescribed.
64 push-ups
Today is my only off day this week. I'm trying to run 6-days a week. I've replaced a couple off days and threw in some really easy stuff... like yesterdays single mile.
Had to re-group my push-up challenge schedule. I started over on level one of week three. The workout is still plenty tough. Almost didn't finish again, but I managed to get them in as prescribed.
64 push-ups
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Great, short run.
My legs felt sore and heavy all day. They ached so much I wondered how in the world I would finish one mile. Forced myself out the door with the help of Andrea and Taylor. Completely shocked at the results. The mile was smooth and easy. Shooting for a 12:15 pace, but I'm still coming in a little faster than scheduled. I know.... don't get too excited, its only a few seconds.
.... aaaah, reaping the benefits of hard-easy adaptations.
Run: 1 mile, 12:04, (12:04 pace)
.... aaaah, reaping the benefits of hard-easy adaptations.
Run: 1 mile, 12:04, (12:04 pace)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tour de Art Run
Road Runners Club of America "Run at Work Day", Houston edition.
Great run. If you've never run this event, it is a DO NOT MISS EVENT....
I've run twice and still can't wait!!!
Great run. If you've never run this event, it is a DO NOT MISS EVENT....
I've run twice and still can't wait!!!
Ex-haust-ed!!!!
At work today.
Co-worker and friend, Tom Miller joined me for a 2-mile run. The scheduled pace was 12:15 min/mile. We covered the distance in 24:11, 12:06 pace. Not too shabby. As we started our run, the fire station weather sensor read 91 degrees with a heat index of 103. Trust me, it felt like every bit of 103 and MORE.
Run: 2.0 miles, 24:11, (12:06 pace)
84 push-ups.
Today I started my third week of push-ups. Up to this point the 100 push-up challenge has been easy. For whatever reason, I could NOT finish all the push-ups, as prescribed. I actually did the appropriate number of push-ups, but it took several extended rest breaks to finish them.
Completed a lower body-workout without any issues.
I'm tired.
Co-worker and friend, Tom Miller joined me for a 2-mile run. The scheduled pace was 12:15 min/mile. We covered the distance in 24:11, 12:06 pace. Not too shabby. As we started our run, the fire station weather sensor read 91 degrees with a heat index of 103. Trust me, it felt like every bit of 103 and MORE.
Run: 2.0 miles, 24:11, (12:06 pace)
84 push-ups.
Today I started my third week of push-ups. Up to this point the 100 push-up challenge has been easy. For whatever reason, I could NOT finish all the push-ups, as prescribed. I actually did the appropriate number of push-ups, but it took several extended rest breaks to finish them.
Completed a lower body-workout without any issues.
I'm tired.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
...almost
Not quite a mile. The plan was one easy mile at 12:15. I overlooked the fact that I turned my watch on for the 0.10 walk. When I saw the mileage on my garmin as 1.0 miles, I shut it down... not realizing what I had done till now.
Walk: 0.22 miles, 3:48, (18:02 pace)
Run: 0.89 mile, 10:48, (12:08 pace)
Found our race results from Sundays NOTC 3-mile anniversary race:
Bill: 33:00 (11:00 pace)
Andrea: 32:28 (10:49 pace)
Walk: 0.22 miles, 3:48, (18:02 pace)
Run: 0.89 mile, 10:48, (12:08 pace)
Found our race results from Sundays NOTC 3-mile anniversary race:
Bill: 33:00 (11:00 pace)
Andrea: 32:28 (10:49 pace)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Lots-o-Exercise
My newest training schedule called for a 2-mile run at 12:15 pace, yes, you're reading that right... 12:15!! Andrea joined me for another great run through the greenbelts, joined by her daughter on her bicycle. We walked 0.20 to our start point, ran 2 miles, and walked 0.20 miles back to the house. The numbers look like this:
Walk: 0.40 mile, 7:00 minutes, (17:30 pace)
Run: 2.0 miles, 24:10 minutes, (12:05 pace)
The run was within 25-seconds of what it was suppose to be. Very happy about the pacing. At home we did a mid-body workout, followed by 59 push-ups.
Finally ate some "healthy food" and I feel so much better.
Walk: 0.40 mile, 7:00 minutes, (17:30 pace)
Run: 2.0 miles, 24:10 minutes, (12:05 pace)
The run was within 25-seconds of what it was suppose to be. Very happy about the pacing. At home we did a mid-body workout, followed by 59 push-ups.
Finally ate some "healthy food" and I feel so much better.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
NOTC race
Just walked in the door from my trip to New Orleans. What a whirlwind of fun and excitement!!! One thing strikes me really odd.... I enjoy taking pictures and I always have my camera with me, but I didn't take a single photo the entire weekend!
This morning Andrea and I ran the New Orleans Track Club "45th Anniversary Race". NOTC is a HUGE club and they had some nice perks, yet I noticed some fundamental flaws at their race. On the positive side, we received an awesome tech shirt and an embroidered "cool towel". On the flip side.... only 4-porta cans for a large crowd. I know you can never have enough porta cans at a race, but the line wasn't the issue... by the smell, it seemed they were all "full".
The 3-mile race started late, because the prior one-mile race didn't have a cut off time. Not a big issue, but they allowed everyone the opportunity to finish the mile race, which included a few 20+ minute walkers. Essentially, that pushed the main race back 15-minutes.
Another issue I saw, but did not affect me was the finish line shoot. They had separate female and male shoots, manned with three people. This wasn't a chip-timed race, so everyone needed to stay in order AND get a finish slip. I saw countless people leave the shoot without ever getting a slip and witnessed even more people accidentally changing their position in the shoot before receiving their slip because they didn't know what to do. As I said, this had little to do with my race and me.
Both these issues don't amount to much for a walk-runner like me. I was a bit surprised for a club that states they are the 6th largest running club in the US. What did "bother me" was with the volunteers, which seemed to be club members. I interacted with a couple volunteers, which seemed less than friendly. Don't get me wrong, they weren't yelling or cussing, but they were stern, to say the least. My perceptions lead me to believe they didn't want to be there. Just my dumb ole 2-cents.
The weather was a good as it gets for late August. The race should have went better for us due to no fault of NOTC, but Andrea and I had a weekend full of eating massive amounts of Cajun Creole food with one night of entirely too many alcoholic beverages. The race time was just a couple hours ahead of TS Faye, which left NOLA overcast with a nice cool breeze. Due to my lack of training and horrific fueling, I was forced to take TWO walk breaks just to finish the race. Oh well, we had fun.
Not sure of our times and I haven't been able to find anything online yet, but..... I'm pretty sure I finished in the high 33-minute range. Andrea dropped me at the 2-mile marker and finished somewhere closer to low 32-minutes.
Funny thing happened Saturday night. After all our drinking on Bourbon Street Friday night, Andrea and I decided to walk to the French Quarter for a nice quite dinner. As we were walking on Canal Street I saw a man wearing a Houston Strider half-marathon shirt. As I was about to point out the shirt to Andrea, I realized it was Jim Phiffer. What's the odds of that? He wasn't there for the race, just a mini-vacation with his beautiful wife. I thought that was really cool to cross paths so far away from home with a Houston runner, who is no stranger to the winner's podium.
This morning Andrea and I ran the New Orleans Track Club "45th Anniversary Race". NOTC is a HUGE club and they had some nice perks, yet I noticed some fundamental flaws at their race. On the positive side, we received an awesome tech shirt and an embroidered "cool towel". On the flip side.... only 4-porta cans for a large crowd. I know you can never have enough porta cans at a race, but the line wasn't the issue... by the smell, it seemed they were all "full".
The 3-mile race started late, because the prior one-mile race didn't have a cut off time. Not a big issue, but they allowed everyone the opportunity to finish the mile race, which included a few 20+ minute walkers. Essentially, that pushed the main race back 15-minutes.
Another issue I saw, but did not affect me was the finish line shoot. They had separate female and male shoots, manned with three people. This wasn't a chip-timed race, so everyone needed to stay in order AND get a finish slip. I saw countless people leave the shoot without ever getting a slip and witnessed even more people accidentally changing their position in the shoot before receiving their slip because they didn't know what to do. As I said, this had little to do with my race and me.
Both these issues don't amount to much for a walk-runner like me. I was a bit surprised for a club that states they are the 6th largest running club in the US. What did "bother me" was with the volunteers, which seemed to be club members. I interacted with a couple volunteers, which seemed less than friendly. Don't get me wrong, they weren't yelling or cussing, but they were stern, to say the least. My perceptions lead me to believe they didn't want to be there. Just my dumb ole 2-cents.
The weather was a good as it gets for late August. The race should have went better for us due to no fault of NOTC, but Andrea and I had a weekend full of eating massive amounts of Cajun Creole food with one night of entirely too many alcoholic beverages. The race time was just a couple hours ahead of TS Faye, which left NOLA overcast with a nice cool breeze. Due to my lack of training and horrific fueling, I was forced to take TWO walk breaks just to finish the race. Oh well, we had fun.
Not sure of our times and I haven't been able to find anything online yet, but..... I'm pretty sure I finished in the high 33-minute range. Andrea dropped me at the 2-mile marker and finished somewhere closer to low 32-minutes.
Funny thing happened Saturday night. After all our drinking on Bourbon Street Friday night, Andrea and I decided to walk to the French Quarter for a nice quite dinner. As we were walking on Canal Street I saw a man wearing a Houston Strider half-marathon shirt. As I was about to point out the shirt to Andrea, I realized it was Jim Phiffer. What's the odds of that? He wasn't there for the race, just a mini-vacation with his beautiful wife. I thought that was really cool to cross paths so far away from home with a Houston runner, who is no stranger to the winner's podium.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Spicy?!?!?!
50 push ups. Lots of water in an attempt to re-hydrate after last nights drinking binge. Lots of walking around the French quarter.
I thought Cajun food is suppose to be spicy? Everything thus far has been good, but on the blah side. Maybe I'm too accustom to Houston's hotter than hell Tex-Mex salsa's.
I thought Cajun food is suppose to be spicy? Everything thus far has been good, but on the blah side. Maybe I'm too accustom to Houston's hotter than hell Tex-Mex salsa's.
Friday, August 22, 2008
NOLA
First official "out-of-state" run. Nice 1.5 mile run along the Mississippi River, near Woldenburg Park. Covered the distance in 17:17 with an average pace of 11:31. With so much to see along the waterway and the company of Andrea, the run seemed really short. Approximately 0.25 mile to the start point and 0.25 mile back to the hotel.
51 push-ups.
51 push-ups.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Solid Effort
The cooler weather left me eager to run all day, yet I waited for my running partner. It was dark by the time Andrea got off work, so we decided to do a little speed work on the lit streets of the neighborhood. The plan was to warm up with a walk, run 8 x 30/30's at 1-mile race pace, and cool-down with a walk.
Our plan was executed exactly as stated and our effort level was what I wanted for the short, albeit tough workout:
Walk: 0.32 mile, 5:26 (16:47 pace)
Overall distance/time for 8 x 30/30's: 0.78 mile, 7:05, (9:04 pace)
Walk: 0.86 mile, 15:49, (18:19 pace)
I also planned to workout in the gym but we simply ran out of time. We've been busy trying to get ready for our weekend trip to New Orleans. I started eight days of vacation when I got off work this morning!!! Woo-Hoo!
We are both excited about our trip.
Our plan was executed exactly as stated and our effort level was what I wanted for the short, albeit tough workout:
Walk: 0.32 mile, 5:26 (16:47 pace)
Overall distance/time for 8 x 30/30's: 0.78 mile, 7:05, (9:04 pace)
Walk: 0.86 mile, 15:49, (18:19 pace)
I also planned to workout in the gym but we simply ran out of time. We've been busy trying to get ready for our weekend trip to New Orleans. I started eight days of vacation when I got off work this morning!!! Woo-Hoo!
We are both excited about our trip.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Work and a few exercises
Busy day at work today.
Josh joined me for 48 push-ups and a small jump rope session. I followed those activities with an upper-body workout. Walked 1.76 miles in 30-minutes on the treadmill.
Josh joined me for 48 push-ups and a small jump rope session. I followed those activities with an upper-body workout. Walked 1.76 miles in 30-minutes on the treadmill.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Time Trial
Contacted numerous people for a one-mile time trial at the Bear Branch Middle school track. Lots of people seemed interested, but the only person that showed up was Andrea. A few items were stacked against us, such as:
We both ran the day before
I did a lower body workout yesterday
Late start, therefore hot and humid (10am)
Heavy breakfast
No pacer(s)
With all that was against us, we made the best of it. Andrea surprised the hell out of me with a finish time one-minute faster than expected. I myself, was disappointed and thought I could have run at least 30-seconds faster.
Andrea:
2:11, 2:21, 2:14, 2:06
8:54!!!
Bill:
2:21, 2:13, 2:13, 2:04
8:52
We started the session with a 1/4 mile run, 1/4 mile walk, and a few basic stretches. After our one-mile run, we cooled down with a 1/4 mile run, and a 1/4 mile walk.
No push-ups today, but we did an upper body workout a few hours after the run.
Pictures compliments of Andrea's daughter, Taylor. Lot of pictures were taken, but only these 5 made it to the blog...
We both ran the day before
I did a lower body workout yesterday
Late start, therefore hot and humid (10am)
Heavy breakfast
No pacer(s)
With all that was against us, we made the best of it. Andrea surprised the hell out of me with a finish time one-minute faster than expected. I myself, was disappointed and thought I could have run at least 30-seconds faster.
Andrea:
2:11, 2:21, 2:14, 2:06
8:54!!!
Bill:
2:21, 2:13, 2:13, 2:04
8:52
We started the session with a 1/4 mile run, 1/4 mile walk, and a few basic stretches. After our one-mile run, we cooled down with a 1/4 mile run, and a 1/4 mile walk.
No push-ups today, but we did an upper body workout a few hours after the run.
Pictures compliments of Andrea's daughter, Taylor. Lot of pictures were taken, but only these 5 made it to the blog...
Friday, August 15, 2008
East End Park Run
I've missed enough workouts in the gym that I am sore all over from "starting over", again. I should have run yesterday, but I traded days off with today in an attempt to recover.
Ran 1.5 miles at East End Park. I warmed up and cooled down with a brisk 1/4 mile walk.
Walk: 0.50 mile, 8:01, (16:02 pace)
Run: 1.5 miles, 18:24, (12:16 pace)
I'm off work this morning to watch Alison finish her Cheerleading Camp. Pictures to follow. This evening while at work I completed a lower body workout, which loosened some tight muscles. The workout was preceeded by 48 push-ups.
I added a couple pictures from an Astros game that Alison and I attended Wednesday. If you didn't see it, that was a weird 6th ending. We're now 8-in a roll after a two team sweep. Go 'stros!!!!
Ran 1.5 miles at East End Park. I warmed up and cooled down with a brisk 1/4 mile walk.
Walk: 0.50 mile, 8:01, (16:02 pace)
Run: 1.5 miles, 18:24, (12:16 pace)
I'm off work this morning to watch Alison finish her Cheerleading Camp. Pictures to follow. This evening while at work I completed a lower body workout, which loosened some tight muscles. The workout was preceeded by 48 push-ups.
I added a couple pictures from an Astros game that Alison and I attended Wednesday. If you didn't see it, that was a weird 6th ending. We're now 8-in a roll after a two team sweep. Go 'stros!!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Alison Runs
Alison is always asking me to take her running. I've looked for information about advantages and disadvantages of running at her age. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information out there.
When we run together, I always allow her to dictate the effort level, although I try to keep her at an even pace. Most kids want to run "all-out", stop, then run "all-out" again. Alison is very disciplined at maintaining a consistent pace.
Today we walked a quarter-mile before starting our run. We ran, or I should say, I ran 1/2-mile. Alison ran in front of me with very little effort. On the way back home I walked a swift half-mile, which resulted in her jogging beside me. So, essentially she ran one-mile. Then we slowed down for the last quarter-mile and walked hand-in-hand the rest of the way home.
We both enjoy these moments. With any luck, her desire to run will continue and maybe help get dad out the door when he doesn't feel like it!
Walk: 1 mile, ~16:00 minute pace
Run: 0.50 mile, 5:43, (11:22 pace)
Afterwards I did a mid-body workout, followed by 33 push-ups.
When we run together, I always allow her to dictate the effort level, although I try to keep her at an even pace. Most kids want to run "all-out", stop, then run "all-out" again. Alison is very disciplined at maintaining a consistent pace.
Today we walked a quarter-mile before starting our run. We ran, or I should say, I ran 1/2-mile. Alison ran in front of me with very little effort. On the way back home I walked a swift half-mile, which resulted in her jogging beside me. So, essentially she ran one-mile. Then we slowed down for the last quarter-mile and walked hand-in-hand the rest of the way home.
We both enjoy these moments. With any luck, her desire to run will continue and maybe help get dad out the door when he doesn't feel like it!
Walk: 1 mile, ~16:00 minute pace
Run: 0.50 mile, 5:43, (11:22 pace)
Afterwards I did a mid-body workout, followed by 33 push-ups.
Running post for the 'ladies'
Naked man runs across america...
This is not something I would normally post, but it made me laugh. It looks like it's a good photo shop job. I could be wrong.
Enjoy!
This is not something I would normally post, but it made me laugh. It looks like it's a good photo shop job. I could be wrong.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Blogging slump
I haven't had the time or energy to blog lately. Sorry. Truth be known, there hasn't been much to blog about. All you've missed is a few short bike rides and walks around Kingwood.
I've not been working aggressively on my diet, but I'm proud to say the weight is staying in a reasonable range. Saturday I weighed 237, which is a lot better than I expected, given my intake.
Today I ran one lonely, pathetic mile at work. Wait.... that sounds negative, huh? I enjoyed my solo mile and it was without any issues. Ran one mile in 10:30. I also threw in a 30-second stride for good measure.
After the run I hit the gym for an upper body workout. I feel really good and I'm happy.
I've not been working aggressively on my diet, but I'm proud to say the weight is staying in a reasonable range. Saturday I weighed 237, which is a lot better than I expected, given my intake.
Today I ran one lonely, pathetic mile at work. Wait.... that sounds negative, huh? I enjoyed my solo mile and it was without any issues. Ran one mile in 10:30. I also threw in a 30-second stride for good measure.
After the run I hit the gym for an upper body workout. I feel really good and I'm happy.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Bike
Andrea and I felt the need to get outside and do SOMETHING. We biked to boat docks and back, which was 5.63 miles round trip. The trek took us 29-minutes with an average speed of 11.52 mph. Not to shabby, considering we were on mountain bikes.
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