yesterday

I ran 7 on the mill with 5 at MP - 49:40 altogether. So so.

Bought the projector along with the mount and a "bulb guarantee". Don't know about that last thing, but got a good deal on the projector itself.

Best Buy says they finally got my reward zone thing straightened out. Needed a new DVD recorder anyway, so we went and got one. It's defective, so I gotta return it. Best Buy STILL has the receiver.

The Art Auction

Debbie and I went with Kathy to an art auction at a Greek church last Saturday. We enjoyed the art itself, but the actual auction got old fast. We heard all about lithographs, which are copies of expensive art, but made to have "value" by having the artist sign and sometimes number them, or even make them. I wasn't buying into this stuff at all, but when one picture came up that Debbie liked, through a misunderstandin, we wound up getting it for $375. I was very upset - it was nice, but I didn't think it was worth it. The next day Debbie managed to get a refund. Much better now.

More on Identity Theft

I received an email last week - my check request / balance transfer had been processed against my credit card account. This alarmed me because I hadn't requested any such thing. I checked it out: $8,000, plus a $150 processing fee had been taken out - I called them immediately. I answered a mess of questions and they told me that I wouldn't be charged, pending the results from an "investigator". I want to file a police report, but they suggested I wait till I hear from the investigator. This could be up to 10 days away.

I keep checking my credit otherwise. I closed some old accounts today. I've also signed up for a newer, less expensive credit protection. And I added some passwords.

Don't know what else to do.

Today's Runs - 2006-03-02

Lousy going this morning - 4 in 30.5 with lots of holding on (to the mill) and lots of stops. Much better at lunch time: 3 in 21 with 6 x 400 in 90.

Today's Running - 2006-03-01

I did my 16-mile route with some hopes of doing it in a reasonable time. Maybe 8-minute pace or so. Didn't happen. While I felt smooth and strong, the time was very disappointing - 2:21. Oh well. It was cold (20 or so) so maybe that's an excuse.

I did manage to get a tempo run in on the mill when I got back - 3 in 20:29, plus another in 7:30 before I headed outside. If it wasn't for that mill, I'd be mighty slow.

Today's Runs - 2006-02-28

I did two on the mill before heading out to run with Dave and Amy. I'll say it's 9 with them in 78 minutes, although we did have a decent pace for most of it. Some snow and slush, and very cold (11F).

Yesterday and Today's Running

Yesterday I did 16 miles into and out of the cold (20F) wind in 2:16.5. Slow going out due to the wind, but decent coming back. Nice route with no Sunday traffic.

Today I stuck to the mill. 7 miles with 2 x (1600, 1200, 800) in 49 minutes overall. Here's the speed for each distance: 9.3MPH(6:27), 9.5MPH(6:18/4:42), 9.7MPH(6:11/3:06).

Half-way decent running, even though I felt sluggish. Originally planned to do more, but ran out of time. A bit of holding on. At least it's speedwork.

Today's Long Run

2 hours, 46 minutes with Dave, Amy and Brian. Pretty decent pace. Interesting weather - sunny, 40, extremely windy. Nice to get out to the parkway again. A few hills.

Yesterday's Run

They fixed the treadmill while I was gone last week and it worked good for me yesterday. I needed some more speed so I did 6 x 400 @ 90 seconds (10mph). Altogether 6 in 43.5 minutes.

My toe blisters were killing me last night. They don't *look* infected. Gotta take care of them.

Today's Run 2006-02-22

I missed by one mile my goal of doing 45 miles in 3 days spread fairly evenly. I did 16 with a 13 mile MP Monday, 14 with 8 x 1Mile Tuesday, and 14 miles including a 5 mile MP today. I also did 6 x 200 in 45. Was gonna do the 15 today, but my feet wouldn't take another mile. It's blisters on the ole toes. The 14 was in 1:41:39. Not bad considering the last 3 in total.

Great Run Today - Now My Feet Hurt

Today's run was an excellent one - especially following yesterday's 13-mile MP run, and last night's Thai Curry that wasn't sitting well with me. I did 8 x 1600 on the mill in 6:29 (half of each at 9.2mph, and half at 9.3mph). Altogether 14 in 1:38. Now just one more medium-length run for tomorrow.

But my feet hurt. My toes (the ole blacktoe) are one thing, but the bottoms of my feet hurt too.

Today's Run - 2006-02-20

Since I didn't want to pack the tons of cold weather running gear for frigid Minneapolis, I planned to run on the hotel dreadmill all week.

Today's run was pretty decent. 16 miles in 1:52, with 13 of them at marathon pace. The reason I'm not ecstatic is that I did have to hold on some. Maybe less-so than the last time I did this a few weeks ago in Hawaii. So decent is a good word for it.

Took a cold bath afterwards, but I'm still somewhat sore. The rest of the running week should be interesting.

Other Stuff

Kathy had us over for grilled catfish the other night. Very good food.

Debbie and I are still holding at our same weights, which are still down from before. Still being good on the diet.

We got out for some walks last week, including one at Hinckley, but now winter is back with a vengence.

I'm still researching projectors. Procrastinating as always.

We're working on the closets in the basement as well as the blinds over the electrical box.

I've been busy with work. Going to Minneapolis Sunday.

Today's Run - 2006-02-18

Good thing I ran long on Thurday. Good thing this was to be an easy week. Because today was miserable. Temps in the high single digits. Wind chills from 0 to -10. Snow. Blowing snow. Yech.

I started driving towards Broadview Heights, but the roads were terrible, so I turned back and ran from home. About 8 miles at about a 10-minute pace. About 78.5 minutes of suffering in the cold.

More Stupid Dan Tricks for Today's Run - 2006-02-16

The Stupid Dan Trick du jour? Same as Tuesday - if I happen to wake up at 3am, then maybe I'll do an extra 10 before the 10 with Dave. Just like Tuesday, of course, this is what happened.

But some things were different. It was raining off and on as I was headed for BVH. I started at 4:05 in the cold (47F) rain, and it got worse as I went on. It was a cold and wet 10 miles. I did it a minute and a half slower than Tuesday - 75:30. The rain subsided a bit in the last few miles.

Then I did the loop again with Dave. This time there was only a little rain. We did well - 81 minutes. This is one of our better runs together on that course.

I do believe I'm doing fairly well these days. But I'm still chilled to the bone from that cold rain.

Today's Run 2005-02-15

I wasn't gonna run at all, but it's nice now, and the forecast is for rain tonight - who knows about tomorrow AM. Nice noon-time run on tired legs. Thought about a second go-around, but too tired. 3 on the presidential streets in 24.

Bad News Good News

The bad news was that I'm back up to 160 on the newly calibrated scale. Maybe I'll check that calibration again.

The good news is that I had a really good run today. Typical Dan thinking: Last night I thought: I'll set my alarm for 4:10 or so as usual to meet Dave, but if I happen to wake up at 3, I'll get there by 4 and run one 10-mile loop before we start together at 5:15.

Of course this is what happened. Best news is that I did the loop in a PR of 74 minutes. That's about a 2-minute PR, but I'll have to check. Felt fine.

Now a 7 1/2 minute pace should not be such a big deal for 10 miles, but it seems to be on that course. I'll take it.

Dave and I picked up Amy and Debbie and I ran for another 93 minutes. I'll call it 21 total.

Today's Run and Encounter - 2006-02-12

Bob H, Greg D, Rita C, George Z, Tom B, and yours truly had a nice run in the snow and cold at Hinckley today. Tom and I did a few trails, a few bike paths and a few tiny little road hills. Bob started with us, but wound up with George going around the lake. Rita and Greg did some other dipsy doodles. Rita wore pants!! First time since last winter. She needed them - it was pretty cold out there. The second most exciting thing to happen was when Tom and I raced a snowplow to the stop sign at the end of a road. We won. And that's a good thing - had we been 2nd and 3rd, we'd have been plowed into the snowbank. Tom - stop me if I'm stretching the truth a bit here.

George and Rita, Debbie and I and Laura watched BBB perform with second third of the Elysium Trio at BW. Very good concert. Rita and George had to split, but the rest of us went to Nuevo Acapulco for some good Mexican food afterwards.

Twas a good day all around.

Other Stuff

Had Kathy and Jessy over for pizza last night. I made it healthy and low-fat, but it was still 7 points per piece. After Jessy went home we watched "Wedding Crashers". Funny, but too long - it dragged at times, and I didn't like the formula ending.

Sat and talked with Dave and Jill after today's run. Nice conversation.

We'll go out tonight for early Valentine's Day.

Today's Long Run 2005-02-11

Although I bonked yesterday, I had thought that that would be enough for the week. Maybe 10 to 15 today and then I'd quit. Didn't happen. Peer pressure from Dave and Brian got to me. We went down into the valley via Columbia and back up via Boston Mills, so there were no opportunities to quit until about 2 1/2 hours in. By that time I decided to run the last 2 (due to more peer pressure) and call it 20. Luckily the weather held - it was in the 20s with only a bit of wind and no new snow - and that had been the main reason that I had run long yesterday.

I didn't entirely bonk, but I couldn't keep up with those two going up the hills out of the valley. I was pleasantly surprized, however, when I could stay with them afterwards.

2:46. Call it 20.

Here's the interesting part: This is the second 80-mile week in a row, following a 77. I need a rest, but won't get it tomorrow because of DRNEO run. Probably Monday.

My Latest Bonk

Yesterday I did a 16-miler because I wanted to get some mileage in whilst the weather was runnable. I got up and out early and did a route I did a few weeks ago: Substation, Hamilton, Abbeyville, East Law to Metzger, up to 303, Myrtle, Hartneck, thru new subs, back on Hick Ridge, Manitaulin, Walnut Ridge & back. Great route!

Not so great a run. I think I bonked from lack of calories. First 5 were at 8-minute pace. Next 7 (short - to the rr tracks) were in 57. Those last 4, which are probably long, took 41 minutes. Didn't feel that bad tho.

2:18 - still faster than I was going in Maui.

WW and Today's Run

I was at 160 when we got back over the weekend, but after just a few days on weight watchers, I weighed in at 155 today!

I ran with Dave and Brian this morning - unusual for a Thursday. Glad I did. We did the old 10-mile loop in 84 minutes - good considering the cold and the poor footing.

Today's Run - 2006-02-08

A great effort, but not so great results.

Got a bit of a late start, so I drove to Hinckley in order to avoid the morning traffic around home. So it was 4 loops around the lake for 12 miles. Here are the splits:
24:54, 23:11, 21:19, 22:52 - 91 altogether.

I had hoped to be able to do the last 6 at MP - sub 7 minute miles. Almost made it for loop 3. Maybe it was the bad footing - there was 1" of new snow, and a bit of slush and ice. At least I got some hills and some decently fast running in.

Today's Run - 2006-02-07

About 10 miles with Dave and Amy in the cold wind and snow. It really isn't that bad - about 23F and only an inch or so of new snow, but it sure seems like it. About 88 minutes.

Weight Watchers

Debbie and I are both officially on as of Sunday. It's tough to keep track of these points, but I think it'll get easier. I get a lot of credit for the running. Even after 2 days, I can feel the weight coming off. Lost 2 pounds already.

Kathy has now lost 10 - she looks great. And Mike has lost 13, but he's not following the plan exactly.

Identity Theft

It happened to me. Before we left, got a call asking if we made an $11 charge in another state at a store on one of our credit cards. Sinde we did not, we were sent new cards with different numbers.

When we got home, we had some more ominous messages:
Did we request a different one of our credit cards to be sent to an address in Alaska. Since we didn't, that credit card will also be reissued to us.
Did we apply for new credit at Bank of America. This was the scariest because it means that someone has my SSN.

I checked another credit report. Everything is ok there. BOA told me to call one of the credit bureaus to place a 90 day fraud alert. I did so.

Looks like we're ok for now, but for how long? How did this happen? Even if we get through this for the short term, what's to stop it from happening again years from now?

Today's Run - 2006-02-06

Pretty decent run until the treadmill broke. Got an E5 Sensor Error and will have to make a service call.

Felt good - coulda kept going.

6 x 1600 at 6:39 (9mph for 3/4 then 9.1 for last 1/4)
Altogether 8 in 56.

Today's Run - 2006-02-05

Not too good. There was a snowstorm, so I decided to hit our mill. Was gonna do 12 miles with speedwork, but was so tired I could only manage 4 - 2 before and 2 after weights.

Home and Flower Show and Weight Watchers

Somehow Debbie and I dragged ourselves out of bed today and actually went out, picked up Kathy and went to the Home and Flower Show. Nice show with lotso stuff to look at. Didn't make any purcheses of any kind though. Last night Kathy was nice enough to have us over for dinner. Good for you stir-fry.

I'm counting the points as of today, along with Debbie and Kathy (who's lost 10 lbs!). I didn't do too good today - had to dig into my flex points by 7! Gotta run more and eat less.

Maui 2006

This will be a bit different from the usual tirades. Yes, this will be a special tirade... It will be different in that it won't just be a day-by-day account of our 2006 Hawaii trip. The reason? The trip itself was different this time. We didn't spend a lot of time or trouble to get there. We didn't spend a lot of money whilst there - at least no more than we had to. We didn't do a whole lot, but we did do some things. And finally, we only went to one island, instead of the usual two, and sometimes more.

The trip to and from was as nice and easy as a trip to Hawaii can be - we only stopped once in Houston, then came directly to Maui. Same going back.

We stayed at the Renaissance Wailea. It's a wonderful resort hotel, with all the amenities you can imagine. Unfortunately, it's slightly dated, and there are rumors that it will be turned into condos. This would be a sad development since we'd surely return some day. The Renaissance upgraded us to an oceanview room where we could hear the singing from the place’s restaurant as well as the drums of the local luau. They also gave us some free ice cream, and unlimited coffee and soft drink refills.

Not that we'd ever pay for such a thing as staying at this fancy schmancy joint. Those Marriott Rewards Points take some time to accumulate, but they sure pay off well. I should also mention here that the air, as usual, was based on NW frequent flyer miles. So our costs were mostly the rental car and meals.

Speaking of keeping the costs down, we did something for the first time. We attended a timeshare presentation. It was at the old Maui Marriott in Kaanapali, a place where we’ve stayed in the past when it was a normal hotel, and it was actually a very informative and interesting ninety minutes. Not that we would ever, ever seriously consider such a thing... but we got $150 in gift certificates to be spent on meals at our hotel out of the deal.

There was one other costly item. It really wasn’t that bad – fifty bucks each, and well worth it. It was Warren and Annabelle's Magic Show, back in West Maui/Lahaina again. Debbie and I don’t get out for these kinds of things much, but this was highly recommended. And with good reason - what a great show! Warren's magical skills are unsurpassed (how did he do some of those things?), and he was extremely funny as well. I, in turn, will now strongly recommend this show to anyone coming to Maui.

As usual, we ate well. It didn’t take too much to use our $150 credit, but the food at the Renaissance’s Palm Court dinner buffet was great. The famous onion rings at the resort’s lunch place, the Maui Onion were also yummy, but they did me in. Maybe it’s because one serving was about 8 pounds. Other joints we haunted:

A Saigon Café: Thai/Vietnamese place frequented by locals. Very good food and lots of local color.
Prince Court: In the Maui Prince Hotel, this was our fanciest, most expensive, and generally best meal. The $28 Entertainment Book discount was like a pebble off Mount Everest. But it sure tasted good.
Aloha Mixed Plate: Another place frequented by the locals. With authentic Hawaiian food. It included a lot of food found at the typical luau, but without the entertainment and high prices.
South Shore Tiki Lounge: Another local place, but more of a bar, with food as an afterthought. Food is never an afterthought to Debbie or I. They had a singer who was very good however.
Bada Bing: Very good Italian food. Entertainment Coupon helped here too.
Bamboo Grill: Yet another local joint. I loved the Thai food, but Debbie didn’t think the place was very clean, and didn’t enjoy the experience. Maybe it was because the chef came out to have a smoke in his best dirty white t-shirt.

Other food stuff: Not a whole lot of other restaurants for 11 days there. We had a fridge in our room, so we had milk and cereal as well as lots of fruit for breakfast, and lunchmeat/cheese sandwiches and chips for lunches. The chips and the bakery were not the best ideas.

Two of our three most exciting activities were whale watching and hiking. In the past, we’ve paid good money to go on whale-watching boats. This time we could watch the whales right from the shore. And they were very close by. We could even see them from our lanai. It was pretty amazing stuff. Some would slap their tails on the water multiple times. We even saw complete breaches, which I thought were rare: on different occasions, Debbie and I both saw the whales jump completely out of the water. What a sight!

The other activity that I’m willing to discuss is the hiking. Debbie and I walked every day. There is a 1.5 mile (each way) walkway along the ocean to connect all the resort hotels in Wailea. If we did nothing else, we did that walk. It also made for great people and whale watching. But the big hikes were really big. We did three:

1) Lahaina Pali trail. It heads up the west Maui mountains and back. We could've gone to the other end, but then would've had to arrange for transportation back. It was 5.75 miles, but the 1600 elevation climb over rocky terrain was extremely tough. And coming back down in the afternoon heat wasn't any easier. Took 2 1/2 hours to get up there and 1 hour 50 minutes to come back down. But what views! It wore us out, but what a hike!
2) Waile'e Ridge Trail. It was almost as difficult as the Lahaina Pali Trail, but we didn't have to contend with as many rocks, and there was a bit more shade. This one was also on West Maui, but on the cooler/wetter part. The views were unsurpassed the whole way. The valley below was unbelievable. We hiked the 4.75 mile, 1500 foot elevation climb in about 4 hours. Once again, coming down the steep hills was almost as challenging as going up.
3) Pipiwai Trail. This was our third and last Major Hike, and it was a very nice one. About 4 miles round trip, and about 600 to 800 feet up, it was easier than the others. At the end of the trail was Waikomo Falls, which cascaded hundreds of feet down. There were other falls and many pools as well. It was another beautiful place here in paradise. The hike took about 4 hours. Probably the hardest part about this one, however, was the drive to and from it. Located at Oheo Gulch near Hana, the driving round trip was over five hours. But, as I like to say, the joy is in the journey.

Other slightly less exciting activities included driving around the larger east end of the island twice. You wouldn't think that a simple drive around an island (well, most of it) would be such an adventure. But the "Road to Hana" is justifiably one of the most famous drives in the world. The beauty of the many waterfalls and ocean and mountain vistas did not disappoint. We had lunch in Hana (there really isn't all that much there - it's the journey that's important) and then drove on to Oheo Gulch. This was formerly known as the Seven Sacred Pools – until someone figured out that there’s not seven pools, and they’re not sacred. We kept going around the south end of the island, thereby violating our rental agreement because the road is rough and somewhat scary. Now we're worried that the rental car police will come after us. The south end is spectacular in it's own way, but much dryer. All in all it took us 9 hours to drive the 100 to 150 miles that first time. Debbie was ill afterwards. It must have been the stressful hike the day before combined with the rough road on the trip. The second round trip was counter-clockwise, and we didn’t stop hardly at all, except for the Pipiwai Trail.

One day we drove to upcountry Maui and walked through the Kula Botanical Gardens, and also stopped at Sunrise Market and Protea Farm. That was a nice, easy day.

We did some exploring in the areas south of the Renaissance - Makena, Big Beach, Le Perouse Bay, etc. This is the area that I run to almost every morning. And speaking of running, I did a lot there, especially on that deserted road down through the lava flow to the dead end that feels like the end of the world. It was exciting, mostly because it was extremely dark. Dark enough to be hit by a bicyclist coming down a hill at me. That happened there last time, but this time I had my headlamp for protection and vision.

I also did a bit of snorkeling and swam in the cool ocean after each day’s run.

The rest was active relaxation. Reading, watching the waves, watching the sunsets, etc, etc. That was the best part.

My Runs on Maui - Jan 24 to Feb 3, 2006

01-24
Starting out from the Renaissaince Wailea, the same joint that Rita and George have been known to frequent, I headed south into the early morning darkness. After a couple miles I finally went by the last of the big resorts in the Wailea/Makena area. That's when the darkness really enveloped me. It's happened before - the time I was hit by a bicyclist coming fast down a hill, when neither of us saw the other. But this time I was wearing a bright headlamp around my waist. It made a huge difference, and I wound up collision-free, but the darkness was scary nonetheless.

I began hearing them rustling in the bushes in the sides of the road. Every now and then, one or two would make more of a fuss and fly away. These were "Rita's Chickens" - the ones that accompanied her on her run in these parts. They may have accompanied me, too, except they were spooked by me going by in the dark. Not that I wasn't spooked myself, you know...

It got even spookier as I reached the end of the road, because there is *nothing* around. Nothing.

I made it out in an hour, 13 minutes, and back (the cocks were beginning to crow now, because it was getting slightly light) in an hour, 11 minutes. I figure it was about 8 miles each way. I'll do it again - maybe more than once.

01-25
Tired legs - tired everything today. I just slogged around Kihei (and back on the busy highway) for an hour 55 minutes. I'll call it 13.

01-26
14 on the hotel dreadmill (1%) due to the pouring rain. Pretty good going though - I managed 11 miles at MP (75:22). Not too much holding on. 98.5 minutes total.

01-27
I did the run to the end of the road again today. This time it was even more interesting - I saw the Southern Cross and two shooting stars. It was even darker than last time due to the new moon. But those stars sure were bright.

More chickens rustling in the dark again. And something else too - a night hawk or owl flew along with me for a while. If I didn't know better, I'd say it was a chicken.

Anyway, I ran better this time, probably because I knew a bit better where I was going. 72.5 minutes out, and a semi-swift 69 minutes back.

Being a Software Engineering Metrics Consultant has at least one major drawback. I just *have* to measure everything. This meant driving the course I'd been running... Running with the assumption that it was at least 8 miles each way. It turns outh that these slow 16 milers I'd been doing are instead *extremely* slow 15 milers. Oh well - at least they are extremely slow 15 milers in Hawaii.

I should say that the course is very hilly. And I've already mentioned the darkness, which is still a problem despite my light. I've now run a few other places here in Makena, Wailea and Kihei, but this course remains the most challenging, exciting and fun. I'll keep at it.

I did do the course again on Sunday, and Tuesday. Could knowing the distance make me run faster? Splits for Sunday were 69.5 and 66.5 (1:16), and Tuesday they were 69.5 and 64.5 for a 1:14 (woo-hoo). One of the exciting things about the course are the stars. I mentioned the Southern Cross - I've been seeing that fairly regularly, as well as shooting stars. Great - except it's tough to keep my eyes on the dark road.

And I've noticed that as I hit the buffet some evenings, my light - that I have strapped around my waist above my navel, has begun pointing up. I call this the big belly syndrome.

One Monday, 1-30, I did 15 miles in 2:14, but not on the usual course - I just explored new roads aroung Kihei and Wailea.

01-31
This time it was the usual course again. And I done good - at least incrementally so. Splits were 69.5, 64.5 for a 2:14 - the best yet. Another enjoyable and adventurous trip.

02-01
I didn't have much time (we were to drive to the other side of the island), but I wanted to get another 15 in, so I stuck to the mill. Fairly good - with the first 13-mile MP in quite some time. I did begin holding on too much for mile 12, but then mile 13 was hands free again. Altogether 15 in 1:45, with the MP in 90 flat.

02-02
Last time for the 15-miler to the end of the road. At least for this trip. Just as enjoyable as the other ones, and the fastest yet. Splits were 67.5, 63.5 for a 2:11. Saw the southern cross again.

At least each of my five runs on the course got faster. I enjoyed them all. I think my fitness level has improved since the vacation began. I may squeeze in one more easy run.

02-03

Just 5 easy, slow miles around Wailea in 46 minutes. Lotso hills.

Today's Running - 2006-01-22

What a great run today. It was cold (about 27) and frosty, but a wonderful day for a run. I got to Hinckley Lake early enough to do 12 before the rest of the Dead Runners showed up. And they were a most excellent 12 miles. The 3-mile splits were: 24, 22, 20.5, 20.5. So I can call the entire 6 miles for laps 3 and 4 a tempo run. First 6-mile tempo in a long long time. I felt good, and although the hills were tough, I did good too.

Things slowed down when the gang arrived, because we hit the trails. Mostly about a 9.5 minute pace, although some seemed faster. Lots of hills out there today, too.

Debbie met all of us at DoubleSides for breakfast afterwards.

Here's Rita's take:

Dear neodeads,
Dan Horvath, Dan Fox, listgod Bob Hart, Tom Bieniosek,
George and I met at Hinckley this morning for our hour-or-so run.
Dan H ran 12 miles before the rest of us arrived. We stood
for a bit waiting for the 8:30 am start time as the men
exchanged kidney-stone horror stories. We were all
thinking of Charlie Kirchner this weekend.

Almost everyone ran in shorts today.

This morning's encounter was greatly enhanced by the
company of Tom Bieniosek's older daughter Genevieve
and her boyfriend Bren, both visiting from Maryland.
They are very fit young people who tackled the hills
of Hinckley with aplomb.

The course seemed hillier than ever to me today! We ran from
the lot maybe a little faster than usual? Dan H seemed
not a bit tired, in spite of his 12-mile warm-up. Drat.
We departed the paved path at the crest of the first hill
in favor of the frozen trails.

A downed log across the trail inspired us to consider
cross-training in the form of power lifting. Listgod Bob
declined, saying that the only thing that would move
if he tried to lift the log would be the disks in his spine.
For the supple among us (including George and Bren and
maybe Dan Fox, but certainly not I), the log provided the
chance to practice hurdling technique.

From there we split into groups going different directions. I
went with the group that set out for the Buckeye Trail, which
seems to go only uphill from that point. After the largest,
longest, I-had-to-walk-a-bit hill, we descended slightly and
eventually reached a road (I don't know which one) that
intersects State Rd, so we returned to the pavement. Dan
Fox remarked that the decision to run on the paved surface
and the ensuing damage to his legs will certainly shorten (by
minutes!) his lifetime running career. On the plus side,
the rolling ups and downs of the roads provided a clear
preview for Dan Horvath of what running on Maui will be like.

Bob Hart and I charged down one of the longer descents,
reminiscent of the early days of the neodeads.
Back then, Joe J, Charlie, Tom, Bob, Mike George, and
any other of those guys overly burdened with testosterone
would plunge down the hill from Carriage Trail to the towpath,
with utter disregard for downed logs, ruts, rocks, and rough
surface. Yikes! I always held back, avoiding what could
be truly breakneck speed on the rough trail.

Today on the smooth pavement I was much braver. I need
to practice my downhills for Boston anyway, so I kept up
with Bob. Dr Tom and the two Dans stayed behind us a bit,
but they all passed us easily on the ascents.

En route back to the parking lot, we encountered Bren running
solo. He turned to follow us, and soon afterwards we met
Genevieve running solo. She turned and was swept up in
our wake as well. We reached the lot after this tough (for
me) run that lasted a mere 58 minutes and measured
5.93 miles on my Forerunner.

All together again, we used Bob Hart's tripod and George's
camera for a group photo (next email) before we got too chilled.
Girl Scout Trefoil cookies were served, and the running gods
were toasted with hot dark-roasted coffee---with the customary
neodead additive---by those who brought their freaking coffee mugs.

Debbie Horvath joined us afterwards, breakfast for nine at
DoubleSides. Dan Fox got the Boca burger; perhaps he should
have got two in order to build strength for Rocky Racoon in 2 weeks.
We talked for a long time about digging wells, gmail,
the early days of the World Wide Web and Mosaic and bitnet,
strange dialects and inflections in the American English language,
upcoming neodead race agendas, lost Boston t-shirts, and
a town called Athol. So many conversational threads
escaped me but these are a few.

After the encounter, George and I entered I-71 northbound just
before what looked like a coyote bounded across the ramp in
front of us. Dan Fox, I assume you saw it too?

No plans for next week yet.

Debbie Got Home and Yesterday's Run

I ran with Dave, Debbie and Amy in the cold cold wind and rain today. The temp dropped about 15 degrees in minutes. I didn't need much mileage, so I cut the misery short. Call it 8 miles. Hardly worth the trip to BVH.

I picked Debbie up from CAK. She had a fun couple days in Florida, but is happy to be home.

I looked at treadmills with Dave yesterday afternoon.

Now the final packing and other preparation for Hawaii.

Today's Runs and Shortest Workout Ever Exchange

I blaized a new trail today. Something I've been wanting to try, but never quite did: a combination of my two 11-mile routes. Substation, Hamilton, Abbeyville (all the way to East Law), then East Law back to Metzger, and up to 303, then Myrtle, Hartneck, thru new subs, back on Hick Ridge, Manitaulin and back. I'm calling it 16, since GMAPS Pedometer still can't get through the new subs.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! The nice weather (50!) and early start helped. I may try to get out again.

Time: 2:17:30. Most miles were in the 8:30-8:40 range.

I'm on Zicam. Just felt the slightest hint of a cold yesterday, and thought I'd better hit the Z. I feel better now, but I'll stay on it for another day or so.

I got out at noon for a second run. It was still nice - low 50s and cloudy. I didn't want to drive anywhere at noon, so I just did the President's route - 3 miles at tempo pace (20:35). I felt great!

Here's an exchange between me and Rita regarding treadmills.





Well I just *have* to chime in on this one. Rita, I thoroughly enjoyed your
post. I must say that I felt the same way about treadmills the first few
times I rode them. Even now, after a thousand or two mill miles, I cannot
say that I enjoy a treadmill run in the same sense that I enjoy any
particular outdoor run. And even now, I couldn't possibly run even one mile
on the mill without watching a tv to pass the time.

I can't handle indoor tracks because of the constant turning, not to mention
dodging the dreaded walkers. I suppose if they were 8 laps per mile or
better, I wouldn't mind them so much. For my speedwork, I do enjoy the
challenge of outdoor tracks.

Back to dreadmills. There was a lively debate on the big list several years
ago. I had gotten past the initial boredom stage, and understood their value
as a training tool, but I had decided that they took the joy out of running.
I therefore swore off them for a year. Laurel Park took the opposite side,
arguing that they: 1) were great training tools (which I didn't dispute) and
2) could indeed provide running enjoyment and fulfillment (which I did
dispute with great vigor).

Now I have my own mill, with which I have a love-hate relationship. As long
as there's something on the tube, I can go quite a long way on it. After a
sort-of-planned very slow month in December (when the mill was in dry-dock),
I set it up in January and things turned around. Combined with the milder
weather, that mill has given my running quite a jump-start. I can even do
speedwork again. (Most of my mill runs turn into speedwork sessions, since I
still can't wait to get off the dang thing.) When the weather's decent
outside, I'll stay off the mill. But it's great to have it as an option for
the bad weather days. I need all the training help I can get.

See you all Sunday. Outside.

Dan





----- Original Message -----
From: "Rita L. Cognion"
To:
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 12:33 AM
Subject: shortest workout ever


> OK, maybe it was not the "shortest workout ever," but it
> was a lot shorter than I'd intended. I'm just not accustomed
> to running indoors.
>
> Facing an icy path and no YakTrax yesterday, I decided
> almost on the spur-of-the-moment to buy the last half
> of a one-month membership to Omni Fitness Center in
> Middleburg Hts. I drove the 3 miles to the facility, then slipped
> on the ice a little as I walked across the lot to enter the building,
> and I felt glad that I was about to escape the uncertain footing
> for awhile.
> Only $28 gets me an indoor running environment, with no ice,
> no need for screw-shoes, no YakTrax, until 31 January.
> I can run in shorts every day here!
>
> As soon as they took my photo for the ID, I went to the
> locker room, put on my shorts and running shoes, and
> headed for the treadmill. My aspirations were big;
> I expected to knock out 6 miles or so. Dan Horvath does
> this all the time, right? No problem.
>
> Oh, I was so wrong. Big problem! Time just drags on the
> treadmill!
> There was a TV, but i couldn't bear to look at it, some talk
> show crap or something, so instead I stared at a nail-hole on the
> wall in front of me, just above eye level. I hoped to attain some
> zen-like peace and flow in my running. And I ran endlessly it
> seemed, and frigging slowly too! The meter on the treadmill
> revealed that I had not even gone one mile yet after almost
> 10 minutes. What hell is this?!
> I upped the speed of the treadmill (why do their gauges and
> meters have no units or dimensions? Very poor practice!
> For example, what speed is "6"?) and I started making deals
> with myself. "Just hang in there for 4 miles, that will be
> enough for today. After all, it's a new surface, etc etc."
> Then after 12 or so minutes, which took an eternity to
> pass, I told myself: "OK, just do 20 minutes, whatever
> distance that is. You're halfway there! You don't need to
> run any longer than that for your first time on this odd surface."
> Then at 20:17, and some fraction over two miles (!) I
> abandoned the thing, with the bright idea to head upstairs
> to the indoor track.
>
> Twelve laps make one mile on the outside lane. At least there
> are units I can understand. Laps. Miles. And unfortunately, eons.
> The story did not change. After 1/4 mile, I realized that it takes a
> very long time to accumulate enough laps to make one mile. The track
> is better than the treadmill, but it was still torture to make those
> rounds. Hamster in a wheel. I did something like 1.25 miles
> and called it a day.
>
> The added insult is that while running on the track, one can see
> out the top-floor windows, and the outdoors looked unbelievably
> friendly from that viewpoint. I was dying to be out there!
>
> What do people do with their minds when they run indoors?
>
> After my miniature workout, 2 miles here, one mile there, I kicked
> myself into the shower, thinking I'd just wasted 28 bucks.
> But then as I walked to my car in the parking lot, I slipped on the
> ice again, and I remembered the reason I joined and promised to
> give it another shot...the next time it's unbearable outside.
>
> On the bright side, the 2-wk membership buys me a back-up
> plan until my replacement YakTrax arrives. But what torture.
>
> I'll see you folks outdoors.
> -----Rita

Florida and Today's Run

Debbie is flying with Mom to Florida today. Debbie will be back on Saturday. Hope they have a good trip. I'll be taking them to the CAK airport.

I just did a mile on the mill this morning. Maybe more later.

Florida and Today's Run

Debbie is flying with Mom to Florida today. Debbie will be back on Saturday. Hope they have a good trip. I'll be taking them to the CAK airport.

I just did a mile on the mill this morning. Maybe more later.

Today's Run - 2006-01-18

I have a love/hate relationship with my treadmill. I was just starting to think that I really do love it after all I put it through, and it stopped on me as I started my 20th mile out of 20. No idea why it stopped, it just did. Perhaps it was the heat, or it just got tired. I started it back up and it stopped again, but then it did ok after I cleaned it and let it cool down more.

So I did get my 20 in. It was about the same as last Saturday's run, with a 4-mile tempo during miles 16-19. Still some holding on for the last couple miles. 2:30:30.

5MI splits: 39, 38.5, 37.5, 35.5
Tempo - Miles 16-19 in 27:36

My weight is going the wrong way. I'm back up to 160 and I don't know why.

Today's Run - 2006-01-17

11 miles in Broadview Heights. I started with a 1/2 hour alone, where I did 3 times up Boston hill. Then I hooked up with Amy and we did another hour together. No Dave.

Today's Run - 2006-01-16

Only 2 on the mill. I was pretty tired from the last couple days. Broke out the new adiddas ozweego trail shoes, which I'll take to Hawaii for hiking. They seem good for running though.

Two Cars in the Garage

We managed this over the weekend. Of course the basement's a mess. That'll continue to be the case until Debbie finishes the workroom walls and floor.

Had czarnina at Kathy and Mike's on Saturday. Yesterday we had them over for rotisserie chicken.

Debbie and Kathy are doing the weight watchers point thing.

Today's Runs - 2006-01-15

I started with 6 on the treadmill, including some 1/4 mile hill repeats at 6% elevation. Then I drove to Peninsula to run 6 extremely slow miles with Rita, George and Bob Hart on the icy towpath. Here is Rita's account of that run:

Bob Hart and Dan Horvath and George and I enjoyed
an icy run this morning on the towpath, heading south
from Lock 29. The thermometer in the car read 23F when
we pulled into the parking lot, so I debated with myself on
wearing long pants or shorts. The decision to wear shorts
was clinched when my husband said that to do so would
be insane. The coldest part of me turned out to be my hands.

The most eventful part of the run for me was the failure of
the YakTrax on my left foot. One of the metal springs broke
in half, so it doesn't stay on my shoe anymore. I had trouble
keeping it on my shoe last week also, but I didn't realize till
today that it had failed.

After our somewhat uneasy hour-long run on the icy path, we
had hot coffee and Bailey's and Pecan Sandies quickly in the
parking lot. No group photo, even though Bob Hart brought his
tripod, because we were freezing then and wanted to get to the
heated restrooms to change clothes. But George had run only
4 miles, and he says he took some photos of me and Bob and
Dan H returning to the parking lot at the end of our hour.

Breakfast was at Panera in Hudson afterwards, where we
decided we'd like to go to DoubleSides again.

Today's Run - 2006-01-14

After 60F yesterday, I awoke to a snowstorm today. Driving towards Broadview Heights to run with Amy and Dave, I made it a mile into the storm before turning back. It was a real blizzard.

Onto the mill I went. Been a while since I did a 20 on it. But 20 it was. And not too bad either. After a hard shutdown due to a 1-2 minute electrical outage in the early miles. I got into a rhythm. My 5-mile splits were: 40, 38, 38, 35.5 for a total time of 2:31. Miles 16-19 made up a 4-mile tempo in 27:32.

I'd call this a great run except that there was some holding on. I've held much worse on other occasions, but I've gotta watch myself.

Afterwards I tried the old cold bath trick for the first time in a couple months. At Tahoe they were saying 15 minutes was the amount of time we should be in the cold water, so that's what I'd been doing. Today, besides the cold, my muscles seemed to be in pain from the position and from the cold water. I couldn't make it past about 2 minutes.

Track

I made it to the track today for the first time in a couple months. And it was a great workout!

After the warmup, I did a 3-mile tempo run that felt *very* easy. Then I did 4 x 1200, all just under 5 minutes. The whole thing felt nice, and I actually had to hold back a bit. I wasn't exhausted afterwards. The nice (38F) weather and nice sunrise helped too.

The tempo was in 20:27, and the 1200s were at an average of 4:54.

Basement Progress

A few days ago we moved the desks to the new office (wasn't easy). I've been moving tons of other stuff down as well. Debbie is finishing the doors and moulding. We're also finishing off the work room. Lots going on.

158

Ain't I a skinnie minnie? Lost 4 lbs since Christmas - maybe a couple more.

I only ran 2 miles on the mill today. Was still tuckered out from yesterday's lack of sleep, run, walk around Hinckley Lake and work in the basement.

Today's Run - 2006-01-10

Dave was out of commission with the baby and all, but I drove to BVH and ran with Amy and Debbie F. anyway. Decent run throught the old hood. 11 miles in 90 minutes.

Today's Runs - 2006-01-09

Another decent 11-mile run. In fact, it was very similar to last Thursday's run over the same course. Same overall time, but a slower start and a faster middle - same overall time - 87.5 minutes. It was warm (mid-40s) but felt cool due to the strong winds.

Since I was so frustrated at the slow start, and the miserable failure for my attempt at a tempo run, I stepped on the mill and did another 3 miles in 20:26. There. Now I have my tempo run.

Weight is going the right direction. Today I was down to 160, waivering on 159.

Today's Run - 2006-01-08 - and Maui Discussions

I did my 2 laps around Hinckley Lake in 47.5 minutes, and then the rest of the gang (Rita, George, Bob, Tom, Greg, Dan) showed up. Dan, Greg and I did the trails for about another 6 in 55 minutes. Nice icy morning. Nice hills. Nice scenery. Nice run.

Afterwards Debbie joined us at DoubleSides. Not bad food and decent prices. We talked a lot about Maui - including Rita's job interview there and ours and their trips. With that and reading the book, Maui Revealed, I'm excited about going. It'll help that I've got work the prior week.

Here is Rita's perspective for the day:

Dear neodeads,
It was a fun and well-attended encounter this morning.
Thanks to Dan Horvath of the Fuchsia Sporthills for
organizing it.

George and I pulled into the lot to find Greg Dykes and
Bob Hart waiting there. Dan H was already on the
road/trail, where he had run for an hour before meeting
the rest of us. Dan Fox arrived in his immaculate big
white truck and we departed. The parking lot was a
bit slippery, so I put on my YakTrax for their first outing
this winter. Several of us wore shorts.

As we started down the trail, Dr. Tom drove past in his
car, so we looped back to the lot to meet him. He wore
shorts also.

Our larger group broke into smaller clusters as we ran.
I ran with Dr. Tom for most of the run. George and
Bob were with us for the first loop, and they seemed
to enjoy their discussion of witchcraft. The Dans
must have pressed on ahead. I don't know which
group had Greg Dykes in it.

Running with Tom, I eventually realized our groups had
spread out so much that we could neither hear nor
see any of the others. I hoped Tom knew where we
were going. I'd been relying on Dan Horvath for directions.
Tom said he knew where we were, and his word was
good, so eventually we got back to the parking lot.
We ran for about an hour. Two loops I guess.
I was completely disoriented, just keeping pace
with Tom, who seemed to know our orientation
at all times. Thank heavens, if I'd been alone, I'd
probably still be out there, circling blindly somewhere.
All I need to know is which way is north and where the
lake is, and I'm good, but both bearing points were lost
on me today, and I felt lost. But I saw blue blazes so
I know i was on the Buckeye Trail for awhile.

Back at the lot, the people who brought their
freaking mugs :) enjoyed hot coffee with Bailey's.
We toasted the running gods and took some photos
(one in the next email.)
We ate the World's Hardest Butter Cookies, made
by yours truly at around 11 pm last night, and some
much more palatable Fig Newtons provided by
Greg Dykes.

Tom left us to drive to Pittsburgh, and the rest of us
reconvened at DoubleSides, where Debbie Horvath joined
us in a cozy U-shaped booth. [We talked about hawaii
a lot.] Boca Burger is the first burger listed on the
lunch menu, winning Dan Fox's praise. Oatmeal listed
on the menu pleased me. It's not Ari's---George and I
paid $11 for two breakfasts---but it's a bit more civilized
and not as smoky. I can't say much for the coffee,
but that's true at Ari's also.

We talked about ultras (go figure) and running with dogs.
We noted how lucky Greg Dykes is that he can just
pick up his chihuahua and carry him when the little
dog gets too tired to run anymore. This is after about
1/4 mile, Greg said. We talked about Bob Hart's next
home, wherever it will be. We pondered the whereabouts
of Joe Novicky, who has fallen silent on the list lately,
and discussed which fall marathons might be nice for
Bob Hart and Dan Fox. When asked, Dan Horvath gave
us his stats from the Tahoe Triple, but he reported only
his finishing time each day, and not the itemization
of how many miles he had run on each different pair
of shoes, and not what the average pace per shoe was.
Maybe he'll go home and tally that for us.

I'm beat now; so are you if you're still reading.
Next I'll send you an email with the photo attached.

Happy Orthodox Xmas and happy new year.
Hey, Joe N, keep in touch.
----Rita

Today's Run - 2006-01-07

I ran long today with Dave, Amy and Brian. The rest of them didn't go so far, but I wanted enough to call it 20. We ran in Broadview Heights and surrounding areas - Dave needed to stay close to home.

Not too bad. Some of it seemed to be at a really good pace, but the last few into the cold wind were slower. I did a few more after that, that were slower still. I'll call it 20 in 2:45.

Today's Run - 2006-01-05

Not a great run, but a pretty darn good one. Best ever on this course, but that's not saying all that much since I've only been running it recently. And I wanted to break 7 mpm for a tempo run for the stretch on Sleepy Hollow but only did the 3 in 21:53. So yeah, I'll take it.

Glad to be still (mostly) improving.

Today's Run and Baby G

Did 2 on the dreadmill today. Nothing big. A bit tougher than expected though.

Baby G was born yesterday. Mario is 6 lbs and 20 inches. All the G's are doing fine.

Going to see Mom today. Got her travel to Florida all set, so we gotta get her ready now.

What Got Into Me?

Today I did my Substation 11-mile run in near-record time: 87 minutes. Even when I was in good shape I rarely did better. Today's run included another tempo run (in 19:40) as well. The last 4 (in 34 minutes) were a bit of a struggle, but this was a very good one. Don't know how that happened.

After some weights, I did another 2 on the dreadmill. Maybe it's the dreadmill that got me out of my doldrums.

New Years Eve and Day

During New Year's Eve Day, Kathy gave me a buzz haircut. Debbie had been afraid to tackle it, but Kathy had confidence. 1/4 on the sides, and 3/8 on top. I love it! And so does everyone else. No more combing hair over the top of my head. No more worrying about my hair being mussed up. And it actually looks good. I don't look any more bald than before. I love it.

Went to Kathy and Mike's for their annual party. Stayed till about 1:30. Dave and Carol stayed at our place that night.

On New Year's Day morning I went to run with Dave, then on to Solon to pick Mom up and bring her back. Besides all of us, Kathy, Mike, Jessy, Mike and Laura came for dinner of roast pork.

Today (Jan 2) we're taking the decorations down. Debbie's tummy is hurting.

Yesterday's and Today's Runs - 2006-01-02

Yesterday I did about 10 easy with Dave on the parkway in 87 minutes.

Today I hit the mill for a tempo run once again. About the same as the other day - 7 in 50.5 minutes with the 3-mile tempo in 20:23. Still 0% elevation. Still no holding on.

The first 2 of today's miles were in the Nike Frees. 1st time in them for a long time, and these were only the 2nd and 3rd running miles in them. Wasn't bad at all.

Still doing weights too.

3263 in 2005

The highlight for 2005 was undoubtedly the Tahoe Triple. I'm pretty durn proud of that. My other racing was mediocre at best. The 3:12 at Huntington wasn't bad, but I had been after 3:10. Boston (3:32) was really bad, and Cleveland (3:18) was somewhat of a disappointment as well.

The only other race where I did just about as expected was the River Run 1/2. I was hoping for 1:28 and I got it. A few other shorter races weren't bad, but none were really good either.

The mileage (3,263) and average pace (8.15) were about as expected.

I guess the key is weight. I sort of lost sight of this throughout most of the year - especially towards the end. I need to keep it in the equation.

Today's Run - 2005-12-31

Last run of the year was a pretty good one. I'll call it 19 miles in about 2:40. It was with Dave, Andy and Amy - mostly on the hike and bike trail. Most of it was at a decent pace.

Now I gotta work on a 2005 year in review. Maybe tomorrow.

Speedwork!

Yes, I actually ran a little fast. Not super fast, but faster than I have for a month++. Felt pretty good. First time on the True treadmill since April or May. 3MI tempo run 20:24. 7 altogether in 51. My new paradigm is 0% on the True, but NO HOLDING ON!!

I also bought 2 pair running shoes at Champs for 19.99 each.

Today's Run - 2005-12-28

No matter what I do, I just can't seem to get down to 8 minute pace. I started out running the first two in just over 16 minutes, but then gradually slowed more and more. I'm still glad to be running pain-free. I think I'm getting stronger. 11-mile new subs course in 94.5 minutes. No stops.

Still doing weights 4 days a week. Weight is back up to 164.

Christmas

Christmas Eve was Sandy and Nancy's party. About the same as usual - lots of fun and games.

On Christmas Day we went to Jen and Cliff's. It was way way out in N. Bloomfield. Took an hour, twenty minutes to get there. Neat place. 3 horses, 15 or so dogs, 4wheeler, etc. Good food and good to see everyone.

Yesterday (boxing day) we visited with Kathy, Mike and kids. Also went out to Tony Roma's.

Today's Run - 2005-12-27

Nice and easy with Dave and Amy. We went on the Parkway - it was nice to do that again. 10 in 85.

Christmas Day Run

On Christmas Eve Day I did about 6 miles in about 49.5 minutes - already reported. on Christmas Day I wanted to get a 20 in, but got started too late and ran out of time. I did get 16 - at a decent pace. I ran up and down Substation and Laurel and finished in about 2:14. Not baddddd.

Today - 2005-12-24

I ran 6 miles at a decent pace - about 49.5 minutes. Actually broke 8 minute pace for the last mile.

Went to Aunt Hattie's funeral. It wasn't too stressful for Mom.

Picked Valerie up at the airport. We're about to head to Sandy and Nancy's for their annual Christmas Eve party.

Basement Progress

We got the ceiling finished on Tuesday, and the carpet on Wednesday. It is really nice. Still got a lot to do, but it looks almost done.

Aunt Hattie

Aunt Hattie died of a stroke on Wednesday. Thank goodness I got Mom over to see her just before she left the planet. We're worried about Mom, and have asked her many times to come stay with us short or long term. She says no, so maybe we'll try to get her to Florida earlier than planned.

The visitation is today, and the funeral is tomorrow, Christmas Eve Day. Veronica and Barry are coming tonight, so they plan to attend tomorrow. We'll take Mom today.

Today's Run - 2005-12-23

Another slow one. But it's the farthest I've run since my thon. And I'm still pain free. Dave and I did the TP for a while, then hit the roads and hills. 17 miles in 2:30.

Today's Run - 2005-12-21

Slow goin, but at least I'm goin. 11-mile loop thru new subs in 97 slow minutes. One of these days I'll need to get faster.

Yesterday's Run - 2005-12-20

It was cold. About 5F, with wind chills around -10 to -15. Good thing I was running with Dave and Amy - otherwise it would've been tought to get out. We started slow and gradually got faster. Stayed in the BVH hood for about 10 miles in about 86 minutes.

Life

We had Kathy, Mike and Jessy over for pizza on Friday. Kathy is having her lasik surgery today.

Saturday I bumped into Johnny and his two boys at Brueggers. Talked for a while - they may join us and Dave and Carol in taking Mom out to dinner tomorrow.

Yesterday we went to Mel and Carolyn's for a couples shower for Dave and Jill. Interesting home built in 1816 or so. Nice shower too.

Progress on the basement: yes, there is some. We're doing well on the fitness room ceiling. It would be great to finish today - we'll see.

Last Coupla Runs

I was so happy to feel better - maybe not 100% though, but better. At least I made it through Saturday's run without having to stop. About 9 miles on the snow-covered TP at about 9mpm, and about 6 on roads and faster. With Dave and Andy.

Yesterday was better still. No pain whatsoever. A very nice run on my usual 11-mile route down Substation. The slow time (96 minutes) felt like speedwork, so that was disappointing. At least I can run pain-free again though.

Now I can start to improve again. Got a long way to go.

Today's Run - 2005-12-14

Got home a day and a half early, so I went out to run at lunch time today, just after walking in the door. Got 6 miles in, but they weren't pretty at all. The calf is still sore - best I could do was 9++ minute miles (6 in 55 min) on the streets around home.

Basement Progress

Got a lot done over the weekend. Debbie and I did a lot and then Dave came over and we did some more. By Sunday the grid was completed, but there's still a lot to do. Debbie is working on it.

Yesterday's Run - 2005-12-12

The calf felt much better but not 100%. I decided to go for 15 one the MSP dreadmill at 0% elevation. Didn't happen. The calf hurt more and more beginning about mile 6 or 7. I only made it to 9, and had increased my speed to 7:30 miles. I did some weights and then 2 more slow ones to make 11 in 88 minutes. I've still got a long way to go.

Today's Run - 2005-12-10

The 'ole calf is still kind've bad. Andy, Dave and I took off from Station Road Bridge and went up the parkway hill. The towpath was covered with snow. I was worried about the hills and about running for 2+ hours.

The calf did hurt going up the hills, and seemed to be getting worse as we approached Broadview Rd. I decided to turn back, and Andy and Dave ran me back. Although the calf hurt, at least it didn't snap.

Final totals: 10 miles in 83 minutes.

164

That's about 6 pounds more than what I was. And about 11 pounds more than what I should be. The worst thing is that I can't run with this torn calf. But I'm gonna try today - stay tuned.

We got some work done on the basement ceiling yesterday. Debbie got the floor painted and most of the molding installed and stained during the week. We want to have all this stuff done before the carpet gets here Dec. 21. Too bad I have to head out again next week.

Today's Elliptical - 2005-12-07

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - for me it's Dreadmills, Ellipticals and Stair Machines. Only one on the mill - the calf is still sore and tight - I didn't want to snap it again. I spent most of the hour+ on the elliptical, generating a lot of sweat. Then I finished on the stair machine.

This injury is driving me nuts!

Yesterday's Run - 2005-12-05

Although my legs were sore from Sunday's snow/slush run, I had high hopes of doing some gentle speedwork on the dreadmill. Since it was to be so cold in MSP, I didn't even take my outdoor running gear. Nope, two decent dreadmill runs would be fine for me.

Since my legs were sore, I took some ibuprofen Sunday - the first in months. Even when I was in decent shape in late summer/fall, I wasn't taking it, except possibly very little once in a great while. Don't know if this had anything to do with my calamity, but you never know.

What was my calamity? My right calf was sore and tight as I got started. Exactly one mile into the run, it snapped. LOTS of pain, all of a sudden. I knew it was a pulled muscle right away. I did get on the elliptical trainer to do some more, but I knew I was done.

Now it hurts even to walk. I'll be out for a while.

Shower and Basement

Yesterday was Dave and Jill's Baby G. Shower. This was the one with Jill's family and friends. It was very nice. We were able to help a bit - mostly with loading the gifts.

Amazing how much more snow (maybe a foot) they have in Mayfield Heights. We did receive a few inches overnight.

Debbie and I have been making progress in the basement, but there's still a long way to go. Debbie will install molding and paint the floor before the carpet gets here. We've also been working on the ceiling. Took a lot just to get the outside frame up.

Today's Run - 2005-12-04

My legs were tired and sore already, and today's snow and slush didn't help. It was a tough one - a struggle the whole way. I did the 11-mile Substation/Sleepy Hollow Loop in 99 minutes. I'm hoping tomorrow will be better. I'll be in MSP - on the treadmill due to the cold.

Today's Run - 2005-12-03

Felt great today, even though it was cold and a bit snowy. Dave, Brian and I took off from Dave's and went to the towpath and back for 14, then for 1 more to Brian's. Felt great the whole way, even up the hill. I thoroughly enjoyed the parkway too.

Today's Run - 2005-12-01

Very good solid run (for these days) on a nice morning, on that nice new course. Steady the whole way. (New 11-mile course in 88 minutes).

Today's Run - 2005-11-29

Cold, miserable rain. I wouldn't have gone out at all, but I was to meet Dave and Amy. As it was, we only did about 8 miles in 65 minutes. I'm still shivering.

Basement Progress

We met Dave and Jill at Jaiper Junction for some excellent Indian Cuisine on plastic plates yesterday. This was after Dave had helped me get going on the basement ceiling. This was something that was hanging over my head lately. We managed to get all the main tees up in the office, and we placed a few tiles in to make sure they'd work. They do. I'm happy to see some progress!

Yesterday's and Today's Runs - 2005-11-27

Nice, easy run with Dave yesterday. We did 10 from my place, on Sleepy Hollow, Rocklyn, etc, back on Miner. Pretty slow - 88 minutes - but that's ok. Later on, Dave helped me on the basement ceiling.

Today I scouted out a new course. Figured out a very good one in that the traffic isn't bad at all. I took Substation,Sleepy Hollow,Muntz,Metzger,Myrtle,Hartneck,thru new subs,back on Hick Ridge, Stearns. It's 11, but I did a bit extra today to make 12 altogether in about 101 minutes.

Thanksgiving Weekend (so far)

What a great time. Val came home Wednesday evening in the snowstorm, and we had everyone over for lasagne (I made it).

Thursday we had everyone again, including Dave and Carol and Bill. Mom stayed home because of the snow. It did stop snowing, but was extremely cold. Good food!

Friday the girls shopped and I made soup from the bird. Good stuff. We played some games, including the new trivial pursuit and fact or crap.

Today we shopped with Kathy and tonight we're headed over to their place for prime rib.

Last Two Runs - Today and Turkey Day

Turkey Day was a blizzard. It was very tough going into that wind, and the snow hurt my face. An extremely slow 10 miles in about 96 minutes.

Today was slow as well. The footing was bad - there was snow, ice and slush about. It was still cold as well - about 25 with a wind chill. I did about 7 miles in the neighborhoods in about 65 minutes.

Today's Run - 2005-11-22

We did Dave's usual 10-mile loop in 84 minutes. Starting to snow/sleet at the end - glad we got finished. Supposed to be bad weather the rest of the week.

Busy Day and Today's Run - 2005-11-21

Just talked to Veronica - she had her identity stolen, but they caught the guy and she thinks everything's ok. I told her to check her credit cards and credit report.

The day was otherwise busy - cats to the vet, shopping, working in the basement (countertops - and the plumbing's almost done!) and work work.

The run was good - the usual 11 mile loop in 92 minutes. Fairly steady. Nice morning, but I hate that traffic coming back on Substation.

Connecticut and Today's Run - 2005-11-19

Debbie and I made good time on our trip to CT yesterday... just about 8 hours. No real problems. When we arrived we checked out Veronica and Barry's nicely updated kitchen, went to dinner at the Lime, which I really liked until I saw a roach on the edge of our table, then watched Star Wars III.

Today's run was my most enjoyable ever here in Connecticut. I did my usual West Rocks / East Rocks run, but this time I started following the arrows that had been painted on the roads. I'd seen them before, but never followed them this far. They are the markings for a five mile race and led back to a school for the start/finish. The 1-mile mark was on East Rocks. It's a very nice course, and I'll do it again next time.

Altogether with the usual 6, the 5 for the course, and some extra back and forth, I figure I ran 13 miles in 1:46. Most of the measured course miles were at about 8 minutes.

Today's Run - 2005-11-16

Easy does it. I couldn't even get myself out the door this morning due to laziness, but I did so at lunch time. An easy 3 on the Presidential streets. Not too bad - 25 minutes.

I'm still sore, but not too bad. Been hitting the weights all week for the first time since April or so.

Today's Run - 2005-11-15

It was cool and rainy - not my favorite running weather. But Dave and I trudged through most of our usual route, cutting it a bit short. Somewhere in there I lost the key that I always pin to the inside of my shorts. Debbie had to come and get me as I waited at Dave's.

Huntington Marathon

The Tahoe Triple a month and half ago caused me to get into pretty good shape. Of course those times were slow as expected due to the elevation, hills and overall distance. Would I be able to rest, train myself back into shape and then taper in five weeks time in order to run one decently fast single thon?

More importantly, a year and a half ago I ran a 3:10 in Cleveland, but I haven’t faired as well in several tries since then. Would I be able to get back to that level this time?

And most importantly, what kind of nut would drive nearly 5 hours alone to Huntington, WV, run their little race, and then hop right into the car and drive home?

Yes, folks, these and other questions would be answered at the Huntington Marathon, also known as the HealthyHuntington dot Org Marathon, also known as the Marshall University Marathon. I had seen all three names at different times over the weekend. I decided I’d just call it the Huntington Marathon for brevity.

The ride down was fairly uneventful, but brought back a few memories. Debbie and I lived in southern Ohio for several years, and for part of that time I worked in Huntington. I also earned my masters degree from what is now Marshall U. We moved away almost twenty years ago, but parts of it looked familiar. After checking into the Roof, I went to the expo/pasta dinner. As expected, it was pretty small: I counted one vendor. The pasta dinner was actually pretty good, although the atmosphere left something to be desired. The friendly folks doing the serving were happy to inform me that the pasta was “Dean Ormish”. I didn’t know what I was supposed to make of that, but it really did taste good on that plastic plate (using the plastic fork). And speaking of friendly, I had forgotten how genuinely nice everyone was in this part of the country. From the race director (who was all over the place) to the race volunteers to the people at the hotel to the girls at McDonalds, it was service with warmth, and a smile. Made me want to puke.

The field was about the size I had expected: about 350 in the thon, with more in the half, the relay and the walk. Not bad for such a small town. The weather was acceptable: upper 50s at the start and 60s at the finish, with just a bit of on-and-off rain and some wind. The course was flat. How they managed to find 26 flat miles in West by-God Virginia was quite a feat. It did involve a bit of repetition, especially the parts around Ritter Park. The Park itself was as nice as I remembered it from my 25-year ago runs there. Most of the rest of the course was not especially noteworthy, but that was ok. So I’d have no excuses.

I got to my desired 7:15 or so pace right away, and quickly found myself running with a guy named Chuck from somewhere in Lake County OH, and a guy from Chicago. We got to the 10-mile mark whilst in the park at 1:12:30, and then the half-way point on some deserted road at 1:35:30. I was feeling great, and had to keep telling myself to be patient. Even so, I left Chuck and the other guy behind. At mile 20, I would let myself go; I’d unleash the beast. But until then I’d bide my time and run an even pace. 14 and 15 were into the wind and rain, so they required a bit more effort, but I stayed on pace. Miles 16-18 were with the wind, and I wanted to go faster, but I still held back. Even though I still felt strong, I mile 19 went by in a 7:38. It was possible that it was off, but this was a bit disconcerting after all the steady miles. Mile 20 (in the park once again) was back where it should be: 7:16. And I was back where I should be: 2:25:29.

Now it was time: Time to pick up the pace; time to become a madman. 7:10 miles the rest of the way would do it, but I wanted to run even faster. There was only one minor problem: my ole legs were a tad tired. 21 was still on pace, but 22 and 23 were in the 7:20’s, and then the last couple were even slower. I passed several people during those last few miles, but Chuck, who had caught up to me a few other times, passed my in the last mile. The Chicago guy was a minute behind.

The finish was in the Marshall U. stadium, on the field. Some volunteers tried to hand me a football to carry those last 100 yards, but I waved them off. That final sprint couldn’t erase the last couple slow miles, but it felt good. I finished in 3:12:39.

I got my age group award (first!) instantly. I got a massage after waiting less than five minutes. I got a couple pieces of pizza as I was walking out of the stadium and the pizza delivery gal was walking in (service with a smile). I drove home. I’ve had more painful long car rides, but not many.

So the answers were yes, no, and duh. And I’ll take the 3:12. But next year, I’m really going to unleash that beast.

Y'day Travel, Today's Run 2005-11-11

The work week started easy - I saw & enjoyed "Jarhead" in my spare time. It got real busy as it went on. Glad to get home last night. I'm fairly caught up...

Nice run in nice crisp (30F) weather today. I did the three mile loop on the roads across 303 in 23.5 minutes. I felt great.

Today's Run - 2005-11-09

I stuck to the hotel dreadmill because of the wind outside. Just what I wanted to do: 9 miles at MP (62 minutes). And it was easy! I know - it would've been tougher outside, but I'd have managed. I'm real happy with this one.

Today's Run - 2005-11-07

I arrived here in the Twin Cities last night. No problems with the travel.

I was kind of sluggish today. I did about 11 miles along the Mississippi, including a loop of Nicolet Island. Time was 91 and a half minutes. The weather was decent - about 45 or so, warmer than expected.

Other Stuff

Went to Kathy and Mike's for dinner last night. Lots of laughs.

Debbie and Kathy went shopping today.

Brunswick Rec Center 5K

It was pouring rain when I drove the two miles to the start. Then it
stopped - it was merely extremely windy during the race. It poured like
crazy again as I was driving home. So I suppose I should count my lucky
stars. I had expected a very small turnout based on last year's small field
as well as this year's weather. Last year I had placed third overall with a
relatively slow time of 19:50. This year I thought I might be able to do
better. Hey - maybe no one else would show up at all, and I would win by
default!

As you may have guessed, this didn't happen. Although the throng of people
at the start line of the Brunswick Rec Center 5K didn't quite rival that of
the nearly simultaneous New York City Marathon, I was surprised that they
had more than last year. There were perhaps more than one hundred, and
dang-it, some fast guys too.

So I couldn't have been a contender. I finished somewhere in the top ten -
maybe seventh or eighth. Based on my training and last week's 5K (19:10),
this week's time was a little disappointing : 19:34. Yeah, it's faster than
last year, but it better be - I should be in better shape. And yeah, I could
blame it on the wind. Maybe I will.

I did get a trophy for first master. Nice to know I can still beat all the
40-year old punks. At least the ones in Brunswick.

Today's Run - 2005-11-05

14 miles on the towpath with Amy, Andy, Brian and Dave. Not too bad - 59 minutes out, 55 minutes back. Unseasonably warm. I felt a little sluggish - maybe cause no coffee.

Basement Progress

Spent all day Thursday shopping - bought counter tops, ceramic tiles and paint.

Got some of the rooms painted, including the stunningly purple (aka potty=trained purple) bathroom.

Today's Run - 2005-11-03

Another solid one. This time it was speedwork at the track. 3 x (1600, 1200, 800). About what I wanted. Better than last time. Times were 6:25, 4:41, 2:58, 6:25, 4:40, 2:57, 6:20, 4:41, 2:56. I did the eleven miles in 83 and a half minutes. Solid.

Today's Run - 2005-11-01

November already.

Dave and I took a different route: the parkway. Surprisingly, there was too much traffic, both on the parkway itself and on State. The parkway is still nice however - I miss it. 10.3 miles in 90 minutes. I'm gonna round up to 11 + extra time, for the log. I'll make it up next run.