T h i s * i s * i t

In a philosophical mood...

2012-01-13T04:53:00.000-08:00

When we admit the truth, See reality for what it is, We come away stronger and more powerful.

Our destiny is what we make it.

There are no warlocks nor wizards, angels nor demons, nor supernatural creations of the human mind to blame for our situation.

Every single moment of our consciousness is a rare gift. Be grateful and do not waste it.

Our destiny is what we make it.

I do not worship a God, but I have faith that something exists. I worship life. Life is a true gift from the unknown power and the unknown truth of the creation of our life.

God is personal, and cannot be defined the same from one person to another. There is something more than what we know, or humans will ever know with our limited intelligence. It is so simple humans cannot understand it. This is God.

-niCk

I Wish You Peace.

2010-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

His words are simple
Love and peace for everyone
When do we begin?

A star shines brightly
pointing to a path of peace
the road less traveled

All you need is love
Waiting on the world to change
Someday at Christmas

Look at the bright star
What in the world could it mean?
It will show the way

Montgomery Half-Marathon

2010-10-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

I've viewed so many articles, race reports and news clips about this event, I don't know what's left I can say about it.

Drew's race report covered the event pretty well from front of the pack perspective, putting in PR (Personal Record) on his quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Amanda's blog post covered the event well, also. She is quickly moving up list of fast local females who consistenly leave me in the dust. She also PR'd at this race.

My running buddy Kym Klass, a local reporter for the Montgomery Advertiser, has (at least) two articles in today's paper. An "Extra Mile" column about riding in the lead car, and one about Virginia Jacks, who worked at an Italian Ice place I like to visit.

Pictures from the Montgomery Half-Marathon can be found here.

I got to the race very early, as usual, and did some walking around the area. The other regular early birds were around as usual. The weather was great, not too warm or cool.

The event was well organized and started on time. There was plenty of support and cheering neighbors along the way, much improved over last year. The beginning of the race is a two mile climb to highest point in the race, then flattens for awhile, running through several historic neighborhoods, college campuses and the Governor's Mansion. At mile 10, they throw in a curve ball, a short steep section along Perry Avenue, and another just before the Capitol. Get past those, and the home stretch is (mostly) all downhill.

I didn't have my fastest pace, like many of my running buddies did, but it wasn't my slowest either. I wanted to beat my time from last year at this race, and I accomplished that.

The post race festivities were also well-organized. Plenty of post-race refreshements, a band, and lots of activities. It was an overwhelming success for the city of Montgomery.

MGM Half-Marathon Training - Final Weeks

2010-09-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

It's coming down to the last few weeks. The training is right on schedule. At the same time I have also started training for another half-marathon I will run on November 13. The only thing I'm adding to the mix of running is short "faster than race pace" runs once or twice a week after I have finished with my days training. I will gradually lengthen these "sprints". I have finished 1 miles, and 1.15 miles sprints on my last tempo training day. After I complete this race I will also start to add in longer intervals, from 400m to 800m, and more, yes I said more, rest days. Harder training requires more rest. "The most important day in any running program is rest. Rest days give your muscles time to recover so you can run again. Your muscles build in strength as you rest." - Hal Higdon

The next few weekends require long runs of 11 and 12 miles, before a cutback week in the days before the race. I will be up in Athens, Alabama this weekend, visiting Grandkids and running a 5K with my Daughter. Sunday, for my long run, I will take advantage of the scenic and historic Richard Martin trail, a "Rails-to-Trails" project, which runs from Athens to the Tennessee state line. I have previously used this great trail which runs through the middle of a Civil War Battle site. The trail is built on an old railroad bed, eliminating steep hills and providing plenty of shade.

The last long run, the weekend (Sept 25) before the race, I plan on running with the group meeting downtown at the AlleyBAR to have a last run with the new friends I have made training for this race. This will be my last update before the event. I will post a race report after the completing the half-marathon.

MGM Half-Marathon Training - Week Eight

2010-09-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend before beginning week 8 of the training plan started a 9-mile long run. The weather was slightly cooler, and the morning stayed cloudy for most of the run, which is great for running. I decided to meet with the group training for the half-marathon which meets at the AlleyBAR every Saturday morning at 6:00 AM. The organizers of the group were shuttling people to various points on the course so they could all end the training run where the actual half-marathon ended. If you wanted, you could also arrange to be picked up at various spots along the course. I decided to do the beginning AND the end, but I’d take a shortcut to reduce my miles. I ended up at 10.3 miles, but that distance included a few walk breaks on the hills near the end of the route. The group is growing larger every week, and the camaraderie during these training days is very motivating. We gather afterwards to rehydrate, socialize and learn from each other. It is a very diverse group.

Sunday I ended up 5 miles around my neighborhood. It was supposed to be a pace run, but still being achy and stiff from the previous days long run, I decided to run it at an easy pace, and skip the pace run. Most of my long run from the previous day was at my race pace, so I figured I had it covered anyway.

The training for the rest of this week was close to what the schedule called for, with some extra runs and miles thrown in to increase my weekly mileage.

The weekend plan will be running with friends on Saturday morning, and resting Sunday for the River Region Runners (R3) 28th Annual 5K/1 Mile Labor Day Run on Monday. Since I’m scheduled for a race pace run of 5 miles, I will keep going after the race for another couple of miles. The weather is looking like it will cooperate and give us unusually tolerable weather for this race. I’ve been told by the race director that there will be a selection of rehydration beverages other than water and sports drinks available after the race.

MGM Half-Marathon Training - Weeks 6 & 7

2010-08-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

Week 6 ended with a disappointing finish at the 10K race scheduled on my training plan. I was on my usual race pace, finishing the first half (5K) faster than my previous 5K finish, until mile 4. I hit of a wall of heat, humidity, and sunshine, which stole my energy and motivation to keep running. The bully knocked me down, and I had a hard time getting past him.

My next run on the plan was a 4 mile "race pace" run. I moved that run to Monday morning because of travel plans. The temperatures where I was staying in Northern Alabama were forecast to be in the upper 60's. I woke up before sunrise Monday morning and paced back and forth waiting for enough light to run on the back country roads west of Athens, Alabama. The air was drier, and the temp was around 66 when I finally headed out the door at 5:30 AM. The first part of my run was down a long driveway, then out to the road. It was better running conditions than I've seen in months. Within the first half mile, I was greeted but three big dogs, two of them just barking and growling, but one was a playful Black Labrador Retriever (Sam)which accompanied me for about half of my run. He would run past, then stop and wait for me to pass him, then he'd run ahead of me again. I think this took my mind of of my running, and I ended up with a faster pace than I planned. It was an amazing sunrise run. I fell a little short of my target distance, but with the faster pace, it was a good training run.

We're now at the end of week 7. The weekend plan has a 9 mile long run and 4.5 mile pace run. I haven't decided what I'm going to do. I'm trying to be more spontaneous, people tell me it makes life more interesting. I'll likely hook up with one of the running groups on Saturday, and then make plans for rest of the weekend.

MGM Half-Marathon Training - Week Five

2010-08-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

I finished week five of the training plan with a little bit of apprehension, the easy part of the training was about to be over, week Six will be the last "easy" week. After this week's 8 mile long run, and next week's 10K race, I will have to start into 40-45 minute tempo runs, and 9 to 12 mile long runs while the heat of the summer is still blasting us, and draining my energy.

I know I need to slow down in this heat, but that is easier to say than it is to do. Running is sort of a meditation for me, I zone out and before I know it, I'm overheated and need to cool-off for a awhile. For this reason, I've been doing more workouts on the treadmill to keep my pace in check, but treadmills are dreadfully monotonous when compared to running on roads or trails. But, we do what we need to do to accomplish the goal.

The high point of the week was the fun diversion of the River Region Runner's (R3) Prediction Run on Tuesday, and the weather graced us with lower humidity and a nice breeze, which allowed me to run faster than I predicted. However, I was honored with winning "3rd Hottest Male" Award. Whatever criteria they used to come up with that label, no one knows. The best part of the night, was the great turnout of runners and supporters which made the event very enjoyable. There were young and old, new and experienced runners, H.S. track athletes and middle-aged road runners, hashers and tri-athletes. Since I've been a member, I cannot recall having such a diverse crowd for this type of club event. Thanks for the great evening.

Weekend Training: I plan to finish an eight mile long with the group who are training for the Montgomery Half-Marathon at 6:00 AM Saturday morning at the Alley Bar, then try and meet up afterward with the Saturday Shakespeare group for the coffee and breakfast. Sunday I will try to get a pace run in (4-5 Miles), probably on a treadmill, since the outside heat and humidity is still stuck on high.

MGM Half-Marathon Training - Week Four

2010-08-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

I switched weeks 3 and 4 of the training plan I'm following so I could run the 5K race I have planned this weekend. This was a "step-down" week for me. Fewer miles, easier runs, more rest days. We need step-down weeks to allow our bodies extra recovery and healing time from the increased training intensity.

I did my usually strength and stretch day on Tuesday because I ran in the rain on Monday. My total mileage for the week beginning on Monday is only 11 miles. The hot weather also has me hitting the treadmill more than I like. I did last Sunday's 7 mile long run on a treadmill with the A/C and fans on high. I'll be glad when the weather is more tolerable for running.

Saturday: I'll be at the Woodstock 5K (30th Anniversary) in Anniston. I will do 1 mile warm-up and a 1 mile cool down afterward.

Sunday: 4 - 5 miles. Might be out in the neighborhood, might be on the treadmill, it all depends on the heat and level of humidity

MGM Half-Marathon Training - Week Three

2010-07-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

Week Three

Montgomery Half-Marathon Training

I have been sticking to the Hal Higdon's Intermediate Training Plan, but adding in some extra miles on the shorter runs. Three miles seems too short on most days I'll be trading in this weeks 5K race for a 7 miler either Saturday or Sunday. The 5K will be next Saturday at the Woodstock 5K (30th Anniversary) in Anniston.

Saturday: Training runs for the Montgomery Half Marathon start every Saturday at 6 A.M., at the Alley Bar, 166 Commerce Street. Because of the heat, I will be there at 5:30 A.M, to avoid the sun. 5 - 7 miles planned. I'll then relax with the Saturday Shakespeare running group for some post-run coffee and fellowship.

Here is a link for information about the Saturday morning group runs, anyone is welcome: Saturday Morning Group Run.

Sunday: 4 - 5 miles. This weekend’s Sunday run will start between 5:00 and 5:30 AM in the Sturbridge neighborhood. If anyone would like to join me, meet me at corner of Sturbridge Drive and Plantation Crossing: (Tentative) Map

MGM Half-Marathon Training - Week Two

2010-07-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Week Two - Montgomery Half-Marathon Training

I have been having some ankle issues. Ankle is very sore just above the heel, right side of left ankle, painful in the morning, and when I begin running, feels tight the rest of the day. It was feeling better by the end of the week after using some heel lifts in my shoes.

Day 1: Strengthen & Stretch Day - Circuit Training. - Leg Curls - Leg Extensions - Crunches - Back Extensions - Calf Lifts - Squats - Inner & Outer Thighs - Pull-ups - 121 Pushups (15 Minutes) - 1 Mile slow run before and after stretching

Day 2: Three miles + 1 Mile warmup.

Day 3: 30 min Temp run: A tempo run is defined as a run as close to your race pace as possible. If your goal is to finish the half at an 8:00 min pace, then your tempo run should be at that pace. It was a struggle today. 80* at 5:00 AM, super muggy and no breeze. It was supposed to be a tempo run, but I never found my tempo. Managed to keep an > 8 min pace for 3.5 miles, 26:15, but then had to slow down to a easy pace to finish up the run.Also did an easy 2.2 mile treadmill run in the evening to loosen up before a stretching session. It's too hot to run outside

Day 4: The 3 Miles scheduled extended a little due to my good mood. Hit the treadmill to escape the heat, incline set 1, A/C turned up, fan on high. I was feeling good, this was easy. I guess it's about time increase the incline.

Day 5: Today. “Rest”. Rest days are the hardest part of the training plan.The plan for the weekend:

Saturday – 6 Miles: Training runs for the Montgomery Half Marathon begin every Saturday at 7 A.M., at the Alley Bar, 166 Commerce Street. I will be there at 6:00 A.M, then hop on over to join my usual Saturday running group for some post-run coffee and fellowship.

Here is a link for information about the Saturday morning group runs, anyone is welcome: Saturday Morning Group Run.

Sunday – 4 miles: This weekend’s Sunday run will start between 5:00 and 5:30 AM in the Sturbridge neighborhood. If anyone would like to join me, meet me at corner of Sturbridge Drive and Plantation Crossing: (Tentative) Map

MGM Half Training - Week One

2010-07-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Posted my first week of Training at my alternate blog site: MGM Half Training - Week One

Montgomery Half-Marathon Training

2010-07-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

It was exciting to hear the Hyundai Half-Marathon will now benefit the Joy to Life foundation. I'm sure the 5K and Half-Marathon races will attract even more support and participation, if the success of the local Walk of Life 5K is any indication.

Running in our communities is becoming more popular the longer I live here. The number of races, and the numbers of runners participating in those races, is steadily increasing. When I first moved Montgomery, I rarely saw other runners out in my neighborhood, now I rarely see a day where I don't see several runners (and walkers) while I'm out on my daily training runs.

Are you a runner? Do you run at least three times a week?

Starting this week (July 12) you will be able to follow and participate in training with me for the upcoming Montgomery Half-Marathon. In order to allow more participation, I will be following Hal Higdon's Intermediate Training Plan.

The reason I'm doing this is to help myself while helping others in the local community. I need you to help me maintain my focus and motivation to complete my goals for this race. I'm not looking for a PR (Personal Record), but I do hope to improve my performance from last years race and increase interest for this event.The first Sunday "long" run will be July 18, will be five miles or longer. The length of the long run will gradually increase until we are doing 12 miles the Sunday before the Half-Marathon.

I'm open to suggestions on places to meet. Last year's training Sundays started at the Alley to take advantage of the actual route used for the race.

I only recommend this training for people who are in good health and can run at least 3 miles comfortably. This time of year will be warm and humid, so we will be having early Sunday mornings runs to deal with the heat. I hope I can convince some to join me to start the Sunday long runs at 5:30 or 6:00 AM, so we will miss the hottest parts of the day.

The training schedule has a 5K race scheduled for the third weekend, and a 10K race on the sixth weekend. I will be swapping the 5K weekend with the fourth week of training so it coincedes with the Woodstock 5K (30th Anniversary) in Anniston. The sixth weekend's 10K Race will be the Woodland Wallahatchie 10K in Pike Road.

I hope to see you out there.

Road Running is a potentially hazardous activity. No one should run unless they are medically able and properly trained. They assume all risks associated with running, including, but not limited to, falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather (including high heat and/or humidity), traffic, and the conditions of the road, all such risks being known and appreciated by the participant.

Cotton Row & Cahaba River Ramble

2010-06-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

COTTON ROW: On Memorial Day I ran the Cotton Row 10K in Huntsville, then accompanied my Daughter Allison as She ran the 5K for that race. Add a 1 Mile warm up, and I completed over 10 miles and it took me about a total of 1:37 to do the distance, and I took it very easy that day, didn't push myself. I was there to enjoy the festivities. We had nice cloudy weather, and anticipating humid conditions, I kept myself well hydrated to prepare for the race. The temperature was very tolerable for the 10K portion of the race, but it did start getting warmer for the 5K.

For weeks before the race, I had been warned about Cotton Row's "Hell Hill". "You can skin your nose going up that hill"; a friend told me. The first half of the course was all uphill which ended in a steep quarter mile hill before starting to descend. I was prepared and I even ran the hill while most other people walked it, got over it without a problem. It was a great race thru the heart of Hunstville to commemorate Memorial Day.

(Click on the pictures to view them in a larger format)

Cahaba River Ramble: That Cotton Row hill was nothing compared to facing the hill at the end of the Cahaba River Ramble, but I must confess, I was not as prepared for this run as I had been just a week before.

After a short hour and half road trip from Prattville, Mike, Heather and myself arrived at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, south of West Blocton, Alabama on US Highway 24. I had been canoeing on the river before, and it's just as I remember it, very scenic and shady, small rapids. The river rapids and the famous Cahaba Lilies (shown on the website) blooming on rocks in the middle of the river, added to the awesome scenery of the along the river.

The temperatures were warm, and the air was about a muggy as it can get around these parts, but there was lots of shade.

The registration process was quick, and we all had extra "schwag" in our bags, although not all of got the same goodies. The first sign of trouble was when we learned that the race would start late because the "hovercraft" guy didn't show up, so we were waiting for the canoe guy, which they needed in order to set up one of the aid stations.

The race got under way about 15 minutes late. The first part of the run was on a dirt road, and it seemed like we were at the turnaround for the 5K in no time at all. Immediately following that point we had to cross a creek. The water was only about knee deep, if that, and there was a rope to help us get across. Then the trail went beside the river for about a mile, in soft sand. Soft sand is not easy to run on. Once the trail branched away from the river we were quickly into a lengthy uphill portion which had me walking more than running. After the 5K turnaround, there was only one water stop about at about the 4 mile mark (which we would pass again at 6 miles). At this point sweat was pouring from me and I needed the water. At the top of the hill (mountain?) we had a very nice breeze, but the sun was beating on us. We came to the turnaround for the 10 mile race quicker than I expected. It did not feel like 5 miles. We turned around and headed back down the same way we came up, except it was mostly downhill this time. I made up for lost time soaring down the hills. Mike, who is usually a slower runner than myself, took advantage of the downhill portion and pushed way ahead of us. We got down the mountain, ran in the sand, crossed the creek and were back on the dirt road heading for the finish.

At this point we're feeling good. Less than a mile and a half to go. YEE-HAW. Then we turn a corner and there is two guys standing in the middle of the road not letting anyone pass. WTF!?! They point to the trail, which was been marked by small orange flags, going straight up a very steep incline. I turned to Heather and said; "Did you want to trust two country men telling us to go off the main road into the woods?" The orange flags marked the way, so I guess it was to be. Climbing slowly up that incline was most winded I've ever been in a race, it didn't help I was getting very dehydrated and felt a little dizzy. As slow as I was going, I was actually passing other runners who had decided to stop completely to catch their breath, some even sitting on the ground. That was the most brutal hill I've ever had in a race, it was even steeper than the infamous road on the Meteor Crater 5K.

The run finished about a mile after we topped that last mountain. It was my personal worst (1:59:--) for a 10 Mile run , EVER, but I don't expect to do well on trail runs because I like to take my time when I'm on the trail and enjoy it.

I think if I ever do this run again, I'm going to do the 5K and jump in the river after I'm finished.

Sunrise Run Therapy

2010-05-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

I went to bed last nice and set my internal alarm clock to get me up at 3:00 AM. I don't know why, but this always works for me. The last thing I'm thinking of when I doze off, besides trail running fantasies, is the time I need to get up. It has only failed me a couple of times, but never when it mattered. I have not used an alarm clock in over 12 years.

So anyway, I went to bed with the intention of getting up early and getting out the door by 4:00 for a slow early morning run. I didn't quite make that time, because of internet distractions; it was 4:20 by the time I got out the door. It was already warm, and I could tell from the dew on the cars, it was a little humid. This was the morning I transition to my summer running routine of sunrise running. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed running at this time of the day. I stayed at a comfortable pace and felt like I keep go for many more miles, but had to quit after an hour, it was a workday. Words fail me when I try describing how much better I feel in the mornings I have a run. I must do this more often, like at least two or three days a week.

Lately, I have been more focused on races, trying to schedule interval and tempo days, and meeting running buddies for group runs. While I like the diversity and social interaction of that type of training, it is these solo early mornings which made me a running addict. Taking my time, easy pace, letting my mind wander and enjoy the beauty of the beginning of the day which puts me in a great mood. The fabled runner's high is achieved. It would have only been better if I could have had another 30 minutes of running therapy this morning. Maybe next time I'll take the day off of work. I'll just call in and say I feel too good to come to work.

National Hemp Day

2010-04-20T02:29:00.000-07:00

It is April 20 (4/20). In honor of the this date I propose we make this National Hemp Day to raise awareness of this valuable cash crop which is illegal to grow in the United States. It is illegal to grow hemp because law enforcement has a hard time distinguishing this plant from its intoxicating cousin. Hemp products are not illegal, hemp food and textiles are available everywhere.

I become aware of hemp products while researching my problems with eczema. In previous years my eczema would flair up in the spring, and I would take olive oil to help ease the itching, but I still had problems. I heard that Hemp Seed Oil was a natural cure for this itchy rash problem. It worked better than I thought it would. This is the first spring in ten years I've not had any problems (knock on wood) . I know it may be psychosomatic, whatever works. The oil is kind of expensive, $20 for 24 ounces, but I found a place online that sells organic hemp seed oil for half the price of the Natural Food stores. I also love the nutty flavor. I use the oil on my vegetables and to make popcorn. It stores well in the refrigerator and does not become thick. If used in cooking, use only low temperatures.

I also use a milk like product and a protein supplement made from hemp seeds. The milk is quite good on cereal. The protein powder I use when I make chocolate/banana/strawberry ~~smoothies~~ protein shakes. It doesn't dissolve and adds a nutty flavor to the drink. They also make a nut butter from the seeds which I haven't tried yet. Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritionally complete foods available.

Hemp can also be used to make textiles for clothing. It is a superior fiber to cotton, stronger and longer lasting. During WWII farmers were allowed to grow hemp to make rope for the military because of its superior strength.

It is natural bug resistant crop so pesticides are not needed, and grows well in different types of climate.

It is unfortunate the farming of this important crop is not allowed in this country, fortunately other countries don't have such shortsighted laws. I can't believe it is illegal to grow certain plants in the U.S and we have to waste the benefits of this plant for farmers and consumers.

Racing at Talladega

2010-04-11T14:01:00.002-07:00

I dedicated my run today to the late Paul Lightfoot, NASCAR enthusiast.

Racing at Talladega is what I did today. Yes, I was on the track racing the Talladega 21000 at the Talladega Superspeedway. I can't help but think what my former father-in-law would say about it. OKAY, It was not NASCAR , no loud motors or crashes which caught his attention. I doubt he'd be interested in seeing a bunch of runners desecrating this holy temple of NASCAR by having a foot race on this race car track. Still, It was quite an experience, and I think he would have enjoyed just being there.

Before the race, the runners gathered in pit garages doing there last minute prepping before the 21000 meter race. I was looking for the start and finish line, I asked one of the crew getting this race underway. He pointed down the speedway and said; "right there, where the start banner is.." I looked down the speedway and saw nothing. He pointed at the embankment and told me it's right when the straightway starts after turn 4. Then I saw it, the tiny banner, a good 3/4 mile down the track. I was expecting a banner across the entire track, but the track is huge, and the banner was the size which would span a normal city street.

We slowly made our way down to the start area. The race started a couple of minutes late, because of long lines at the five (yes, only five) port-a-potties, which was the one thing they need to improve on. Somewhere during the race we passed a field with hundreds of spare port-a-potties, it's not like there's a shortage of them in the area.

To get some idea of how long this track is, after we started, we passed the one mile mark before making the first turn on the track, we'd hit mile two less than halfway around the track.

One thing which surprised me about this race was the number of steep inclines we had to negotiate. We climbed to the walkway above the embankments at mile two, one hill outside the speedway about mile 3, a steep incline coming into the grandstands after mile 6, then a slow steady climb up to the top of the opposite embankment, through the tunnel, which is a steep decline followed by a steep incline which went under the track and back inside the track for the last four miles which were on the track again.

The race was well managed, with plenty of water stops, a good post-race party courtesy of Jim-N-Nick's BBQ, and the availability of beer, a required recovery food. I can't say that I want to do this again, but I was glad I had this experience. It's another one of the Alabama Half-Marathons I can check off my list. I still have a few to do in Anniston, Mobile, and Huntsville to finish my list.

I wasn't expected a great finish time (1:48:50), as I had mostly stopped interval training after my last half-marathon because of stubborn tendinitis and sore ankles from races in January, February and March. I was hoping a slower pace would cure these chronic problems without having to stop running, like I had to do last year for two loooooong months. The slower pace is helping and I hope I can start doing intervals again at the end of the summer as I train for my next half-marathon.

The weather also played a huge part, as temperatures in the 40's quickly gave way to sunny 70's and almost no shady areas along the route. The sun zaps my energy. On one part of the course, running through the grandstands, I was passing people left and right because we were out of the sun, but as soon as I got back out in the sun, I had to slow down and those people got the chance to retake their lead.

I would recommend this race to all runners for the unique experience of racing on a NASCAR track.

Lucky Day?

2010-03-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Last weekend it felt like all the planets were aligning for me as I prepared for the Seaside Half-Marathon. The training was completed, I tapered as recommended the week before the race, the weather reports were positive, my mood was relaxed and I was mentally prepared. I was also finding pennies, heads-up, wherever I went the day before the race. The race seemed easy, painless and very well organized. Everything fell neatly fell into place to make a great weekend.

However, the karma of last weekend must have stayed in Destin, because I had no such "luck" for today's St Patty's Day "Lucky" 7K. This inaugural event was not very well organized. I won't go into detail, because Drew already posted a race report which covered most of my frustrations. Although I did a pre-race warmup, and a second warm-up on their 1 Mile race, I completely forgot my stretching routine. I had an excellent pace hitting the two mile mark, but the my right hamstring started cramping on me, and the last two miles were a struggle. I had hoped to stay with a cool kids, but Drew, Kym, Stephanie, and Amanda, all pulled away from as I faded to a limping trot on the last mile. I finished at a slower pace then the Half-Marathon last week. The delay of the race had made me anxious and brought bad fortune to this event. I have a history of doing poorly whenever races are delayed. Is this a mental problem?

I liked the rain, and being with my favorite running buddies, so the day wasn't a complete waste of time.

I will now take a few days off to let my hamstring heal. Really I will. Really.

Pieces Falling Into Place at Seaside

2010-03-08T04:54:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month since my last post. I apologize for the rare sightings, life, and better distractions have kept me from writing as much as I like.

Since my ankle troubles at Hog Wild, I've had a few other "setbacks" which have seemed to work out for my benefit. I've had days when the ankle hurt so bad, I couldn't manage to get going unless I downed some painkillers before running. It has taken three weeks of daily ice therapy to mend the ankle, and it has finally quit being a problem last week. Still sore at times, but not as bad as before.

On February 21, some running buddies and myself went and enjoyed a awesome running event in Jacksonville Florida at the 26.2 with Donna. Team Shakespeare relayed our awesome running buddy Dave (The one with a the bright yellow shirt) while he completed the full marathon. It was a fun time, and I think I benefited greatly by having a slower pace that weekend, I came back and feeling "light and bouncy" (Kym's phrase) the day after the trip and ran 10 miles, super easy.

What happened next, I was not ready for. Upper respiratory infection. I don't get them, and I don't know if that's what is was. I've always heard about others getting them, but I've managed to avoid them. The Tuesday after returning from Jacksonville I did 1 mile intervals and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest, I could not breathe, I was up all night trying to force air into my lungs and breathing so labored it hurt my back. All the doctor said it was probably a chest cold or an upper respiratory infection, gave me some meds and sent me to bed. When I was finally breathing again later that afternoon, I slept for 10 hours straight, which is very unusual for me. I had to take three days off of running, but came back that weekend to run a 10K and took first overall male Masters (40+) award, even though my time wasn't great.

After that 10K, I only had a week to prepare for Seaside Half-Marathon. I tried to do 10 miles the Sunday after the 10K, but I only made it nine. It was weak and I felt exhausted. I was not fully recovered from whatever illness had knocked me down and the 10K from the day before. It took all I had to complete those nine mile. I was bummed, thinking Seaside would be "just another" race. My depressed mood was soon lifted away on my next interval training day. I did four half mile sprints, and they were easy and fast. WOO-HOO. I think the time I took off by being sick actually forced me to rest my overtaxed muscles and improved my fitness.

I went into to Seaside feeling great and optimistic. I was not only prepared physically, I had the mental part whipped. My goal was to come in at 8:00 min pace or better. My result was about 7:54 pace. I accomplished that goal and set a new PR for myself to beat. Another thing I noticed right away, I'm also not as sore as I was after the last two Half-Marathons I've done, Chickamauga and Auburn.

Here are my Seaside splits:
1 - 8:00
2 - 15:43
3 - 23:23
4 - 30:20
5 - 38:05
6 - 46:15
6.5 turnaround 50:22
7 - 54:12
8 - 1:02:18
9 - 1:10:05
10 - 1:18:16
11 - 1:25:52
12 - 1:34:12
13.1 - 1:43:27

We could have not asked for better weather for the race, upper 30's to start, making way for sunny 60's with calm winds. It totally makes up for the miserable weather we had at this race last year. Although I had a great time, I will not be doing this race again. There are too many other races, in other places, that I want to do.

In the next week I will post more about the things I did this week and the days before the race which I think helped me accomplish my goals.

The Tiger in the Tank

2010-02-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Your workouts are not complete until you refuel, with carbs and protein, to repair and recover from your workout.

I learned that lesson well this weekend, after my 15K in Dothan, and didn’t have anything to eat until almost 4 hours after the race. Although I didn’t feel sore after the race, the next morning I woke up with sore muscles which had never been sore before. I have sore ankles for the first time after a road race. I've had sore ankles from trail runs before, but not from running on the road.

I usually carry at least a banana and a Clif bar with me, even to races, just in case they don’t have post-race food, or the other runners finish it before I get a chance to partake. This time I didn’t, because I figured a well-organized race such as the Hog Wild should have plenty, but they only had food I didn’t eat. That’s no excuse, I could have taken off for a grocery store and grabbed some food, but I wanted to socialize with my running buddies, some of which I hadn’t seen in a year, as well as my running friends from Montgomery.

Every workout routine should have the post-workout refuel within the first hour after the workout is completed. Even if you feel good, you may not feel the damage you’ve done by skipping a post-workout meal until the next morning.

Lesson learned.

Going Hog Wild

2010-01-31T05:46:00.000-08:00

Great news. I set a PR (Personal Record) yesterday at the Hog Wild 15K, my fastest 15K ever. As good as that sounds, it really wasn't that great, this was my first 15K.

My time was 1:13:47, which is about a 7:54 pace, probably a few seconds less because the course measurement was a tenth of a mile too long, 9.42 miles. The pace was right on track for my future goal to finish a half marathon at an 8:00 min pace or less. Hopefully, I will accomplish that this year. I can finish ten miles at that pace, but after that, I fade.

I have nothing but good things to say about the new course for the Hog Wild, which was extended this year from a 5 mile length. The new course is less hilly than the old and took us through heart of Dothan. The start / finish line were set up on front of the civic center. Although I heard people complain about hills, there were no big hills like old course out by Westgate Park.

However, the facilities out at Westgate Park were MUCH better than the place they used yesterday. Next year, I hope they consider using the Civic Center. The Depot Off Main was totally inadequate for the crowd this race attracted. Bathrooms were limited and many men (me included) started going out behind the building rather than wait in line. The size of the building couldn't accommodate the number of people who showed up, and we waiting in this building for warmth, packed in like sardines. The beer and food were mostly gone before much of the 15K runners had finished because the 5K runners got to it first. The noise inside this place was more than I could bare. I had a good run, but didn't have a good post-race experience.

Another thing I hope they change; at least have something to accommodate those who don't eat meat or pork products. Did they have bananas or any fruit? NO. Gatorade, or Powerade? NO. They had Pork Beans and Rice, Pepperoni and Sausage pizza (no plain cheese pizza?!?), pork rinds, packaged cookies, and soda-pop. That was the after-race refreshments (GAG!). All the things I avoid, well except for the soda, but not when I'm dehydrated.

Hey Dumb Ass, It called HOG WILD for a reason. It is to celebrate one of the south's staple food products. It's not The Hummus Hoedown, Broccolli Burnout, or Squash Sprint.

I know, I know. But you'd think they'd have bananas and Gatorade at least. This is what or bodies need after running 9.3 miles. Is it just me, or does this make sense to anyone else?

We also had some distressing moments in this race. One of the runners from Montgomery experienced dehydration and had to be rushed to the ER. This women usually runs about the same pace as me, and then passes me at the end. This time she took off and stayed ahead of me until the last mile. I come up on her in the last mile, she was limping and wheezing, I asked asked her if she was OK, all she said she went out to fast. She never made it to the finish line. Not long after I passed her, she was rushed off by EMTs because she was having seizures. I checked on her later, she was doing much better and released from the ER later that evening.

Runners! Remember to drink plenty of water and pace yourself. Even on cold damp days, runners can become dehydrated and overdo it.

Love the new course, didn't like the new location's facilities and refreshments. I hope they improve these things, this was always a race I've enjoyed.

Life Is Meaningless

2010-01-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning at 3:30, excited by the anticipated morning run. Another iteration of my life is about to begin. My thoughts were about the utter futility and meaninglessness of life.

Maybe some of us have too much time on hands to think about stuff like this.

I did have a wonderful run this morning as the sun rose. It was cool, breezy and clear. I had an egg sandwich and a beer afterward. Sure, life is meaningless, but some days life is also good.

I did another 2.5 miles in the late afternoon, just for fun, and feeling guilty about the breakfast beer. HHMM, that extra run burned about 300 calories, I can have another beer. I really should become a hasher.

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"What A Wonderful World"

2010-01-24T04:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday with friends
sun shines on a cloudy day
I am lucky guy

Kick My Butt

2010-01-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

I'm back from the beach and a little depressed. Don't feel much like writing. Trying to catch up with a lot of missed sleep.

I hope seeing my favorite running buddies at a local race tomorrow will lift my spirits.

Today I rested.

Why Do You Run?

Mileage Stats:

Jan 21: 3.5 (Intervals) + 4.5 (Beach run)

Week: 34

Year: 94

Recovering and Training

2010-01-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

One of my running buddies asked me the other day; "What training plan are you using?". I didn't have an answer for him. I didn't know if I was going to run the half-marathon I did this last weekend, so what I've been doing is training to maintain my fitness and not hurt myself. I don't want to go through another "no-running" recovery period.

So I'm just kind of "winging it". Every week I try to fit in one or two interval days, Tuesday through Thursday, a long run Sunday or Monday, a pace run on a non-interval day, several comfortable recovery runs with two days of complete rest, one which I do upper body workout. I'm not going to stress myself to keep up with a training plan, I've done enough of them to know what I need to do. I don't have any goals except to keep running and having fun. I always seem to do better when I quit paying so much attention to specific goals. This week I'm trying to keep it easy until my calves quit whining

Today I went to the outdoor track to run intervals, but I backed off the intensity and number of repeats to a point where I'd be six weeks before a half-marathon, since that is how long until my next half-marathon, 4 x 800m 3:35/3:45/3:40/3:42. The first one was a little too fast, so I intentionally backed off a bit, It felt good to be off the treadmill, but I'm feeling a little pain in the area I injured last year, so maybe I'm not ready for this. I'll see how it feels tomorrow.

Let's see. My training plan has me scheduled for a 4 mile barefoot beach run tomorrow. I guess I'll be heading to the Gulf. Trying to keep it fun, I'll be back on Friday. If you don't hear from me, it is because I decided to become a permanent beach bum.

Mileage Stats:

Today: 4 (Intervals) + 4 (Run for fun)

Week: 26

Year: 86

Bully Hills

2010-01-17T04:24:00.000-08:00

I knew from the beginning, my lack of hill training would be factor in my finishing time at the Auburn Classic Half-Marathon. The places I train are very flat, or have short hills. In Auburn, the hills, while not very steep, are very long. Much like the Montgomery Half-Marathon, there is a bully of a hill near the end of the race, and it knocked me down several times.

I started out with a nice, even, not too fast pace of 8:oo. I usually check how I'm doing at mile 1 and 2, then not again till 7. Mile 1: 8:25, Mile 2: 15:55, Mile 7: 55:25. The voice in my head shouted "YEE-HAW". It's where I wanted to be, just maintain this pace.

There is a new feature on this route since the last time I ran this race. A new neighborhood street had been built cutting across the bike path just before the turn around. It turned the path into a roller coaster, very short steep downhill, cross the street, then a short steep uphill. Since it was just before the turn around, you had to go through this section twice in a short time, messing any hope of maintaining a constant pace, because it was impossible to run fast either up or down the roller coaster. I think it was just before mile 7, so it was another reason to cheer myself at being at my target pace. I only wanted to maintain that pace through mile 10, I knew the last few miles of the race was ALL uphill.

Somewhere between mile 8 and 9 I started getting strange sensations in my legs, like they were about to give out. A few times it felt like I was about to lose control of the legs. Am I dehydrated? Electrolytes low? I had my mid-point energy gel and was eating jelly beans. (Thanks Heather, for the Jelly Beans in resealable packets.) Then I started getting these strange sensation in my arms, like a little pulse of electricity was shooting down my shoulder to my hands every few minutes. What the ...? I slowed down, started focused breathing, going to make sure I stopped for Gatorade when I could.

When we made the turn to run the small section through "Wright's Mill" subdivision, I slowed, grabbed a full cup of Gatorade, took a swig because the cup was very full, squeezed the cup so I could keep running while sipping the drink. While I was focused on this task I ran head-on into a faster female runner who was coming back from the turnaround in the neighborhood. Spilling most of my drink on us and the ground. I barely had a sip left. Luckily there was a turnaround and I'd be back at the water stop in about a mile. The second time I just slowed enough to take a big swig then threw the cup on the ground right away. Mental note: I need to get a bottle to carry my own drinks at these races.

I hit the 10 mile mark at 1:21:??. I was off my goal pace now. At Chickamauga, I hit the 10 mile mark at 1:19:??. And the hardest part lay before me. There was a bully standing between me and the finish line. The bully knocked me down several times, he taunted me to stay down, but I kept going and finally got past it. Another female runner at the same pace had a coach with her helping her past the bully, and with their help we forced the bully to pick on someone else. Sorry guys, he was a big bully. if I could have knocked him flat, I would have.

The last half mile felt good, downhill after a long uphill. Then another bully met me just before the finish line. This one held on to me from behind, with the finish line in sight. The last .05 of a mile was a steep climb to the finish line, I really think they should move it to the bottom of the hill. My goal was to beat my previous attempts at this fight. I succeeded. Unofficially 1:49:40.

My worry about the weather was needless, it was almost perfect running weather. The bully hills near the end of the race had the bully winds on his side.

I'm feeling good and not too sore. I probably do a slow 3-4 mile run later today. (I did 4)

Mileage stats:
Today: 4
16 Jan: 14
Week: 18
Year: 78

Go Away, Black Dog. Shoo!

2010-01-14T05:06:00.000-08:00

One thing I've done with this blog in the past is to write down my dreams which affect my moods or are significant or vivid enough to have be stuck in my head all day. Sometimes these dreams have me waking up laughing or in a particularly good mood, even when they are about emotional times in my life. I have had running "nightmares" the night before a race, where I show up late, or can't find the start line, but then I wake up and feel a great sense of relief to realize it was just a dream.

However, last night, I had one of those dreams about running which made me wake up with this overwhelming sadness. I wonder of it was the dream, or just the result of my current bout of depression which started on Tuesday, and seems to be getting stronger today. Other people's laughter, innocuous remarks, and stresses at work make me want to burst into tears. Is it just a chemical imbalance?

The dream took place at the beginning of race, doing my usual "getting ready" routine, walking around talking to people as they pin their numbers on their shirt, talking to the race officials and friends. I walk up to this group of runners standing around a table pinning on their 'bibs'. My number was 9. I place my bib on the table where others have placed thier bibs, I pick up some safety pins, and when I go to pick my number, I can't find mine. I turn over several, but they are all other numbers. Other people help me look, but we can't find it. I remember talking to the race officials saying I lost my number to see if I can get another number, but they say I'm already in the system. I try to get a piece of paper to hand them at the end of the race, but it is raining and when I try to write on it, the paper falls apart. It is just minutes to the race, and a girl walks up to me and asks what I'm going to do, and I can't think of anything, I just shrug my shoulders. She then reaches in her pocket and hands me a folded piece of paper. It is my race bib. I'm relieved, and I say "Thank you". She looks at me surprised, then walks over to the guy she is with and says; 'I can't believe he said thank you". I think about her statement while I'm trying to pin on my bib, and realize she was playing a joke on me, or trying to keep me from running. Why? That is when the sadness hits. The race starts, but I don't run, I walk back to my car and drive away.

On a side note, can anyone name a famous black dog? (Don't anyone say "Snoop Dog") I was trying to think of one for the title of this post, but couldn't.

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Backing Off A Bit

2010-01-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to back off the mileage a little bit for the race on Saturday, but as I try to do that, the weather is teasing me with almost perfect running conditions, cool and dry. I can go at my normal pace and barely break a sweat, so my 3 mile run planned for Tuesday became 5 miles. The "easy" 3 miles on Wednesday had me running faster than usual and barely feeling it, and then 3 miles became 4. "Just one more" the voice in my head screams. I submit too easily.

I will be taking Thursday and Friday off from running, even though the weather is supposed to be fantastic, and the race day forecast is rain. Lovely. Mother Nature's wicked humor. You think I care, go ahead, hit us with your worst. Whatever.

Mileage Stats:
12 Jan - 4
13 Jan - 5
Week: 25
Year: 60

Cold, Cold, Cold

2010-01-11T04:20:00.000-08:00

Although we had ice and snow in the forecast this week, it never amounted to any more than a few minutes of sleet or snow. I was hoping for more, despite closing and delayed opening, the roads Friday morning were as dry and passable as any other morning. The only thing unusual, was the long lasting cold spell.

The running days this week have been a lessons on how to dress for a cold run without overdressing and getting too hot and sweaty, or under dressing and have body parts screaming in agony. I've enjoyed the cold because I seem to perform better, but I've cussed it when my hands felt like they had been hit with a sledgehammer.

Since it rarely gets cold enough around here to get your money's worth from good cold weather gear, I've had to make due with a cotton /* gasp */ hoodie and wearing rolled up socks over my gloves as make-shift mittens. This last month has been the only extended cold snap I've experienced since moving to the south ten years ago. I must be getting used to it, the last few days it has not seemed as bad to me, even if most of my other running buddies are still complaining. The only time I really get uncomfortable is when I'm running into the wind, but the discomfort seems to energize me. I'd rather run in the bitter cold, than not run at all. I also prefer it to running in extreme heat and humidity we have here in July and August.

I'll be running the Auburn Classic Half-Marathon this Saturday, the temperatures are supposed to be in the 30's, with a chance of showers. Two years ago I ran this race with those same temps, but on a windy day with HEAVY rain and snow. It was the most miserable conditions I had EVER experienced, muscles cramping, hands numbs, and every part of me chilled to the bone from being completely soaked, there was no way to stay dry. I hope this year will be better. I'm not setting a goal. I would like to finish in my usual window around 1:50, but Auburn has many hills. I haven't been doing any hill training the last few months because I'm still nursing tight abductors, but they are feeling better than last year and no longer affecting my groin.

Mileage Stats:
Jan 10: 8.5 (AM) + 2.5 (PM)
Jan 9: 5
Week: 16
Year: 51

Training

2010-01-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

Did intervals on the treadmill today, did easy run through the neighborhood yesterday, 5 Miles each.

Mileage stats:
6 Jan - 5
7 Jan - 5
Total for year and week - 35

Running Quotes

2010-01-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

I get a daily e-mail with a Runner's World's quotes. The last few weeks I've received several which match my philosophy about this ~~obsession~~ ~~addiction~~ ~~pastime~~ lifestyle.

"Running is my private time, my therapy, my religion." - Gail W. Kislevitz, writer

"I can't imagine living and not running." - Paula Radcliffe

"Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running." - Sarah Condor

Today I did treadmill intervals at the gym , 800m, 3x3:30, 2x3:22, incline set to 1, 400m recovery jog between(2:15), 800m warmup and cooldown. I added in a 4 mi easy afternoon run after work for a total of 8 miles.

Mileage Stats:
Today - 8
Year - 25

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Rest Day

2010-01-04T17:10:00.000-08:00

Today I took a break from the cold, windy, punishing amusements of Jack Frost and did a light upper body workout inside. I'm officially signed up for the Seaside Half-Marathon. Tomorrow I plan intervals, on the treadmill at the gym. Today's high was 34 with 15 mph winds.

Mileage stats:
No change

Chilly Sunday Miles

2010-01-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

Although the temperatures reached the 40's today the wind chill was way below that. I started out my long run in the sunny afternoon, feeling very comfortable for the first 3 miles, but then I made a turn and was facing a cold breeze, then the sun started getting lower, and I noticed the puddles in the shady areas were still frozen, then I was in the shady areas becoming frozen. Even with gloves, my hands went numb, which 7 miles later, were torturing me with a pain that felt similar to them being slowly crushed. I need running mittens. Other parts of me felt the cold, but my fingertips were the only part that were in pain. Filled a sink with warm water and soaked my hands til the pain and numbness were gone. I will be getting those mittens very soon.

I managed to keep my pace at a comfortable 8:30 minutes, running the first three miles at an 8 minute pace, then forcing myself to slow down.

Mileage Stats:
Today - 10
Year - 17

Saturday in the Park

2010-01-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

I went for a relaxing easy run this morning with the Saturday Morning Running and Coffee group. It was a sparse crowd today whose main goal was to get the run over and get to the warmth of Starbuck's. I was giving myself a break today (not at McD's) to prepare for a long 10-12 mile run tomorrow. We had one new runner today, Sandy, who is training for the Mercedes Marathon (full) in February.

Stats:
Today - 3 miles
2010 - 7 miles

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T02:58:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try and post daily updates of my training, races, daily mileage, and mileage for the year. I always start these things with good intentions, but never keep them up. This blog is going on it's fifth year, although the updates have been pretty rare lately, I'm going to try and post at least the stats.

2009 in Review: Last year I only did 25 races, down from 35 races the previous year, but I have made many more valuable friends through the local running club and an informal group that meets every Saturday morning at a local park. I took an eight week break from running this summer because of an injury, but it didn't take me long to work my way back to running my best half-marathon. I'm encouraging more runners to get out and train with others and get involved, and like me, make goals, make it a social activity that's healthy for spirit, mind and body. I have never been as anchored to a place as I am now with the group of runners who have befriended me. Thanks to these people, you know who you are.

Starting 2010: The first day brought together R3 runners to start the year off right with the Annual New Year's Day Chili Run. This year we had the best turnout since the tradition began. It was cold and damp, the rain gave us a break, but not the wind. To my surprise, I was not chased by any dogs. The post-run chili, beer and mingling with other runners was enough to take the chill out of all those who participated. It was a good time.

I won this unique door prize at this event, it's just what I needed:

The run was 3.3 miles, my time was 25:04. I did a cool down of about a mile after the run.

2010 Miles: 4

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May Peace Be With You

2009-12-25T03:29:00.000-08:00

BattleField Report

2009-11-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

Chickamauga Battlefield Half-Marathon. The plan was followed, although I strayed from the plans a few times, for the most part, the long runs, intervals run, and maintenance runs, paid off well.

At the beginning of the half-marathon I found two of my fellow runner friends who had about the same pace I wanted, I wanted to stick with them and come in close to their finish.

The unexpected cannon boomed for the start the race, giving me an extra shot of adrenaline I didn't need. As always the start in the pack was slow, too slow, I need to get going. I stuck behind my "pace" friends for about half a mile, but I needed to run, so I took advantage of a sharp turn and shot past them, thinking they'd catch up later on. I felt strong and I needed to go, but how long could this feeling last? I knew it would catch up to me and I'd have to slow down, but when? I reached that at mile 10, which I finished in under an 8 min/mile pace.

I finished the Half-Marathon with room to spare. With the problems I had been having for the past year, I had only wanted to meet last years Half-Marathon time, but finished with 3+ minutes faster than my best finish last year. My pace buddies? They came in a couple of minutes after me, so I never got that far ahead of them.

All things fell together harmoniously. The course was relatively flat, the weather was perfect (for running), and a great bunch of friends to share this experience. The friends, the great fall weather and the after race food (rice & beans and banana pudding) reminded me of the things I love about the south. Looking forward to the next one already.

Here is another perspective on this race: THE EXTRA MILE: Racing brings barriers to overcome, walls to break through

Poor Pitiful Me

2009-10-05T05:56:00.001-07:00

The training has been going well, however at much much slower pace than the last couple of years, as I don't want injure myself again. I keep my Battlefield Plan updated with my actual training and the number of weekly miles.

The abductor strain is still giving me problems and always feels tight. My physical therapist said it is because when the tendon heals, it becomes less elastic, something about the grain or muscle fibers healing differently from the way it was. She described a fix for that, but it sounded more painful than the injury, so I will just live with it.

Last week was supposed to be a step-down week for me, and then on to a nine mile long run this week. So I decided to combine my 5 mile long run last week, and the nine miler this week so I could use Montgomery Half-Marathon as one of my training runs.

The day after I signed up I got sick, was down for two and half days and couldn't keep any food in me. By Thursday night, I was severely dehydrated and my head felt like it was going to explode. I had been to the clinic twice with no improvement, the first time the antibiotic they gave me made me feel worse. On Friday morning and I was certain I wouldn't be able to make the half-marathon. All I wanted to do was sleep. I crawled out of bed about noon on Friday and was feeling better, but very weak. I was hungry, which is a great feeling, although my head was still felt like it was in a vice. I started with chicken rice soup and worked up from there to sandwiches, chips, veggies, and Clif Bars.

By Friday evening I was better yet, but still didn't think I could do the half-marathon. I went and picked up my race packet anyway. By Saturday morning, my stomach was still not quite right, but I went ahead and headed out for the race, still not sure if I'd run. With the excitement of the crowd, fellow runners, and running buddies all around me, I was pumped and ready to go. I finished in a respectable time, although slower than past halfers, I was happy to finish. I ran for the first ten miles, took about a half mile walk break, then running for the last 2.5 miles. The route was great, the weather was good, the only hard part was a hill going up towards the State capitol at mile 11. I finishing in 1:58:18.

The bug had forced me to take a three day break from running. I felt weaker than before any previous half-marathon, I hadn't been training to complete for this long of a race yet, and I wasn't able to load up on carbs in the days before the race, so, considering the circumstances, my finish time is not so bad.

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Raindrops Keep Falling...

2009-09-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

Today was another rainy day calling me out to play. A steady warm rain which fueled my urges.

"Go Run" a voice shouted in my head. "No", I said, I need to rest. "Just go slow, a nice easy one. Go out and enjoy it", the voice urged.

I gave in to the voices in my head. What a wonderful run it was, on my suburban running tracks. Almost idyllic.

I wasn't the only one enjoying this rain.

I pass a young military man dressed in the new style Battle Dress Uniform, crisp clean high and tight haircut. A blond baby girl with chubby cheeks asleep on his shoulder, her face turned out for the world to see, I think; "what a great picture that would make".

A half mile later I'm passed by a couple of giggling girls on a motorized scooter, the both wave, smile and yell "Hi" as they pass.

Later I turn into one of the newer sections of the neighborhood, and there is more kids out playing in the rain. Two girls, I see often when I'm out running on this street, are out splashing in a huge puddle, acting like they don't see me, but then just I pass, they turn towards me, bend down and scoop water up with their hands to splash on me. I give them a big smile letting them know I approve of their mischief.

I go by the lake and couple of teenagers are out fishing in one of the many ponds.

About a mile later I pass two older women out for a power walk, we exchange Hi's and "love this weather" salutations. I pass them again about mile later and they cheer me on like I'm in a race.

I finish the run in the park where I placed a bottle of water earlier. There is a graying black Labrador retriever playing tennis ball fetch with his owner.

Remember, all this happened in the rain.

Kindred spirits.

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Bridge to Court Square

2009-09-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

I'm getting attention from Running is Funny. I've been getting kind lazy about updating my blog, so I thought I better post and use the shout-out to my benefit.

I'm reposting one of my better running posts from a few years back (April 2007)

Last night we had a run to commemorate the restoration of a famous Montgomery landmark. This run was mainly a event for local high school and youth sports teams to have some fun and publicize the reopening of the roundabout around this fountain. Since the whole city was invited to participate, and the running club I belong to was managing the course and timing, I went to help and participate.

I didn't mind all the pre-teen and teenage kids in the race, I usually have no problem running faster than them. I didn't mind the police and fire academies having teams, I can whip past them in the last half. I usually come in about the same time as the first female finisher, and that doesn't phase me, I've only been a runner in the last half of this life, so far, and being as fast as the fastest girls is good for me, I'm a very small guy.

Last night there was a small teenage girl that was ahead of me for the first half of the race. She made me feel really old. She ran the whole race in jeans, and barefoot. She came in a little behind me, and didn't even break a sweat, while sweat was dripping off of me.

I'm glad she got one of the awards, she deserved it.

Maybe I need to start learning how to play shuffleboard.

Battlefield Plan

2009-08-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

I will be slowly be building my mileage for Chickamauga Battlefield Half-Marathon, November 14. There are 14 weeks between now and race day.

Chickamauga Battlefield Plan of Attack

No, this isn't anal, it's good planning.

Porno Wine

2009-07-31T05:28:00.000-07:00

This classic work of art (1895 bicycle advertisement) is now considered "pornography" in Alabama, and the wine that uses this label is now banned.

Un-freaking-believable!

P.S. Sales of the wine haved boomed. What could be better than free advertising courtesy of Alabama law makers who have nothing better to do than to judge whether artwork is pornography

We're Pregnant

2009-07-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

So I get excited phone from a familiar female voice.

Caller: "Hi, it's {{cell phone garble}}"

Me: "hang on a second" (I go turn off the music I have playing because I didn't quite understand who I was talking to"

Caller: "Guess what?"

Me: What?

Caller: "we're pregnant!"

My brain's internal search engine is still trying to identify the voice.

Me: "That's great, if it's good for you"
Caller: "Yeah, we're excited" (that did it, now I recognize my daughter-in-law Kelley's voice)

Grandchild number three on the way.

Mellencamp Intermezzo

2009-07-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

just another day
watching girls walk by on street
that's alright with me

Bonus: Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)

(The last line of my previous haiku become first line of this one, its called a daisy chain, feel free to participate, inspired by Mad)

On the Eight Day

2009-07-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Not much to tell. My weekend "long" run was a slow three miles (don't snicker) at the popular Shakespeare park near my home. I still have problems, but they don't seem to be as bad or last as long as they did back in June. Today I did a cross-training day at the gym with weights, elliptical sprints and slow two mile jog on a treadmill (too humid today to be outside). All seems to be well (I am knocking on wood). Other than that, today turned into a nice boring Sunday, and now it is threatening to rain, I will probably for a walk in it. Don't worry, I'll be wearing my special anti-lightning hat, it's worked every time (so far).

revolving planet
mixing air and swirling clouds
just another day

Literary Canine Blogging - Sawtelles and Enzo

2009-07-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

As soon as I read the first synopsis of Oprah's book club pick The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, I was interested. The story of the development of a fictional breed of dog, and it's effect on complex family relationships and history, started having a strange and familiar pattern as I approached the last third of the novel. It is a familiar tale retold in a new setting.

It is not light reading, and demands attention even as detailed dog training sessions make you want to skip ahead to more interesting parts. The pace of the book changes from a slow drag to rapid sprint, with much mystery and suspicion. The interactions and bonds between humans and dogs are inspiring, and not too over dramatic to be unbelievable. I have heard many complain about the ending, but the ending is more like what happens in real life than most novels present. It is a dark tragic tale, with moments of light and hope, and a meaningful ending that can be interpreted many different ways. I don't like to give spoilers, so that's all I'm going to say. Those who've already read it will know what I mean. It was a long book and took me over month to complete, as I've been I little overwhelmed with life, work and play, since the beginning of the year, and couldn't devote much attention to finishing this novel, and the sometimes slow pace of the story at times had me pushing it away frequently.

How would I rate it? I don't know, yet. I think I need to read it again before I know if I like it. Many stories I read, like The Road, are much better the second time, I think because I'm able to pick up details which were overlooked the first time.

I did finally get to this book, and I highly recommend it, even after only one reading. The character of Enzo, and the voice in his head, will stay with you long after you've finished this book. Heart-wrenching and uplifting story of family, love and loyalty, it is a well-crafted story from the point of view of a human's best friend.

“The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and--best of all--the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach to us about being human. I loved this book.”
-- Sara Gruen, Author of Water for Elephants

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My Return

2009-07-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

This post marks my return to blogging and my return to running after an injury.

I'm not supposed to be running yet. I have been walking two to four miles every day since my last day of running on June 23. My injury doesn't seem to be getting better, in fact it the first couple of weeks of rest, it felt worse. I have two different diagnosis from two physical therapists, two different ways to rehab. No one is certain, so I guess the next step would be an MRI, many of my friends have suggested it. I'm not going to do that. I'm tired of wasting all this time and having no better results than self treatment.

I know this is a stubborn injury, it takes long time to heal, it might be a stress fracture, so I will just deal with it. I will return to running with a smaller stride, slower pace, and quit being so frustrated with everyone's different opinion, even the experts, who poke around but still are only guessing.

Day 1: I'm out with my Saturday Morning running buddies, I intended to only walk, but the urge to run was so great that I did one mile at a very slow 10 minute pace. It felt great. I get home, it's still early, the weather is great, so I do another slow mile. Good news, the running didn't aggravate my abductor strain, I didn't feel any soreness at all. The usual tightness and soreness are still there, but it didn't make it worse.

Day 2: I wake up and I feel better than I have in a long time. I think the easy running actually helped. I go out for my morning walk and the urge to run hits me again. Don't worry, I'm taking it real easy, small steps, slow pace. I do 12 minutes and I feel the pain starting to come back, but after resting, stretching and icing the tendon, it doesn't feel as bad as it did six weeks ago, so I count my blessings. I'm also doing all the exercises the therapists recommend, and they hurt more than the run, especially the alternating one foot bridges. No more running until Tuesday.

So we'll see how it goes, and you can track my progress here.....

Off topic: Did you hear Michael Jackson has named his next concert tour after my blog, This is it? I'm so honored. I don't care the price, I'm going, it's the least I could do for this honor. However, I'm having trouble finding the dates and locations, every time I do a search I get a bunch of tabloid articles about him dying. What some journalists will do for a little attention is perverse. Can anyone help?

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Nonsense

2009-06-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

stick your right leg out
and you shake it all about
hokey pokey man

my left leg stays in
it is not allowed to play
time out is not fun

Pathetic Apathy

2009-05-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

laying on pavement
slow raise of hand to passers
must survive this mood

Star Trek-a-lot

2009-05-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

In honor of the new Star Trek movie, I give you the Monty Python version:

May Day

2009-05-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

tap tappity click
labor of cubicle slut
easy on payday

Are We There Yet?

2009-04-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

vapid virus vane
which way will witless wonder
poisonous panic

Fret Killer

2009-04-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

Do yourself a favor. Go to Fret Killer's channel on youtube if you want to be entertained. Awesome guitar playing on covers of classic folk, pop, and blues music.

Mad World - Again

2009-04-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

Because I just love this video:

Westful Reek

2009-03-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

couch becomes routine
books and magazines scatter
overrated sloth

Teased

2009-03-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

cool cloudy morning
ideal day for a long run
waiting room boredom

one two three four five
voices in my head screaming
do it do it now

Pirate Buffet

2009-03-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

nibbling on sponge cake
watching the sun bake tourists
margaritaville

(Facebook quizzes are so far off the mark it's ridiculous, if I'm any song of his, it's the I-95 song. Do you know that one?)

EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA:
Jack Johnson with Dave Mathews cover Jimmy Buffet
- It's as good as a snickerdoodle cookie.

"I gotta roll, can't stand still..."

2009-03-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

weekend without fix
I fall to pieces again
black dog sits on lap

(Image scraped from :Living with a Black Dog by Matthew Johnstone )

Inoperative

2009-03-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

pounding no pavement
end of a long five year run
exercise idle

Energy Drain

2009-03-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

the day is very bright

filling air with wasted sun

faux light lamenter

Green Day

2009-03-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

three day rain blessing
our view grows lush and scenic
landscape green on gray

Grain of Sand

2009-03-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

beauty of the world
delusion of human mind
good mental defect

Dreary Goodness

2009-03-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

wet wonderful day
showers from a higher source
true love from above

Intimacy

2009-03-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

I run in the rain
nature showers me with love
gets me hot and wet

Lemon Aid

2009-03-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

when life gives lemons
put the fruit in the freezer
hard yellow ammo

Sanguinity

2009-01-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

- Excerpt of Inauguration Speech Of President Barack Obama

Happy New Haiku

2009-01-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

the year has begun
smell of change twitches my nose
I need a shower

the sun is rising
prospects of hope and progress
to fill a big hole

now is the right time
to start off on the right foot
and make a left turn

do you know the way?
turns won't be clearly defined
San Jose is there

chocolate and beer
healthy foods with a bad rap
my way to start year

(Inspired by: Mad)

Yellow Squash Mystery

2008-12-29T04:43:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday I go grocery shopping. I get the same things almost every time. I go through the produce department and get the same fruits and vegetables every week. The last two visits I distinctly remember selecting five or six yellow squash, putting them in a bag and placing them in my cart.

I finish shopping, get home and put away my groceries, and no yellow squash. This has happened two weeks in a row. Last week I thought it might of fell out of the bag, so I look in the car, nothing, so I figured they were left behind at the store. Then the same thing happened yesterday. WTF?

I pay for my groceries with a debit card and I keep the receipts. I check both receipts from yesterday and last week, no yellow squash listed. What is happening to my squash between the time I pick it out and the check-out?

Another odd thing I note; the items listed on the two receipt are almost identical, even the order of the items on the receipt.

I think I need to resolve to add a little variety and spontaneity to my life. HHMM, lets see let me put that on my calendar for a week from Wednesday. I'll try something new every Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

There, how's that for being impulsive.

Wait, maybe I better reschedule that for some other time, it's already starting to stress me out.

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You Pulled your WHAT!?!

2008-12-23T13:05:00.001-08:00

I'm injured!

This is depressing. I'm on-call, stuck in town with nothing to do. I can't even run. I have to stop for at least a week.

I don't know if I'll make through the week.

Freaky Dude, what is keeping you down?

This

Second Opinion

It only hurts when I run.

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The Dog in the Hole

2008-12-18T04:27:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. It's been a while since my last post.

I missed a post celebrating three years of blogging (December 12).

I haven't made a list of my seasonal wishes for non-gifts.

I haven't been barking about what's wrong with the world.

Where are my raves about my favorite pastime and addiction (Can you guess what I mean?)

I didn't even comment about the Iraqi Reporter, who insulted Dogs, while trying show his love for our current lame duck President's liberation of the reporter's country. The President claimed he wasn't insulted and thanked the man for his gift of shoes. I do give Bush kudos for his fast reflexes, the reporter would have hit the Busheye if he hadn't ducked.

There are good reasons for my lack of blogging; apathy, workload, other interests, more reading, and mostly because of positive changes coming our direction.

The country is undergoing a change, political and economical, and my rants about those issues will be useless at this point. The economy is collapsing, as I've been warning about for two years here, and the political landscape is being molded into something more to my liking. I hope the new administration can bring back the optimism and fiscal responsibility we had in the 1990's, but I think it's going to take a long time to rebuild, restore, and progress towards a more peaceful, more forgiving, less materialistic world.

Another issue that has been missing is my usual rants about this time of the year. Well, now if the country can change, then so can I. So I will make the most of celebrating the Winter Solstice this Sunday with a long run, a few beers (with chasers) and a feast.

Wait a minute, Freaky niCk, isn't that what you do every Sunday?

Yes, it sure is! The reasons we celebrate this season should be embraced all year long. Then we wouldn't need a special time for charity, good will, love, peace, and merriment, and leave this time of year for brightening up the long dark winter nights.

whispers in the night
fresh air whirls around my head
chase me to the source

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Turkey, Chicken, Duck, Goose

2008-11-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

I spent Thanksgiving with my daughter and her family. Besides running a local race in Baton Rouge on Thanksgiving Day and eating a traditional Turkey dinner, look what else we did:

Allison's Lily Tattoo

niCk's Chicken Tattoo

When we got back home and I showed my tattoo to my granddaughters, the four year old said it looked like a chicken.

Unfortunately, the time went by too fast and didn't get to play with the granddaughters as much as I hoped.

I think I owe them a game of Duck, Duck, Goose.

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Not Today

2008-11-23T05:48:00.001-08:00

There will come a day when I can no longer do this.

Today is not that day.

cold clear breezy day
a crowd swarms through the suburbs
chasing away chill

Runners brave cold weather to race for food bank - Pictures

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E-Overload

2008-11-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

Too much e-stuff, the stuff that is supposed to make our lives easier, is actually making life more complicated. Am I wrong?

I've worked in the Information Systems development and management for most of my career, and I see things getting so complicated and convoluted, they have the opposite effect of their intent.

If the implementation of an automated systems becomes a management and security nightmare, is it worth the effort?

I'm ready for a career change.

Unsynched

2008-11-13T04:33:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those times when everything seems to be going your way, traffic lights turn green as you approach, and only your favorite songs come out of the radio. My psyche seemed to be synchronized with the universe.

That happened to me. Over the last month, the weather has been perfect, work slowed down, and I've had plenty of opportunity to train for upcoming races as well as running a race almost every weekend.

Then November came, after a brief rush of optimism, everything seems to be crashing down around me, work became quite busy and unpleasant, many unseen forces blocking my way, no time for running, traffic lights turn red as I approach, and all the music coming from the radio annoys me.

Is this only a state of mind?

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Friday First Dog Blogging

2008-11-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

What will be the first thing that our President-Elect will be taking care of? There is the matter of something he promised his two daughters.

Also, The VP-Elect was promised a "big dog" from his wife.

I'm liking these guys more everyday.

Meanwhile, back at the White House, the current first dog is a little grumpy.

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H.A.I.K.U. in the U.S.A. **

2008-11-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

The change has now come
time to restore and progress
the sun is rising

** BUI (blogging under the influence): MadHaiku

More Rhyming 17's for Election Day

2008-11-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

my ballot was cast
the election is soon past
the change will be vast

It felt like a test
to decide who will be best
to clean up the mess

lies slander and smears
the rhetoric brings us tears
exposes our fears

campaign ads and signs
litter roads airwaves and pines
lets hit them with fines

it is almost done
then blaming is soon begun
fallout will be fun

Good Choices - Bad Rhymes

2008-10-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

the hour is near
change is not for us to fear
there will still be beer

time to be like niCk
which candidate will you pick
not the time to kick

Obama McCain
your choice will not be in vain
but it might cause pain

the mud has been slung
the last-ditch songs have been sung
their lies from the tongue

McCain Obama
better listen to Mama
in voterama

anxious are VeePee's
they are only there to tease
then tossed to the breeze

Synchronicity

2008-10-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

Today (Sunday) is one of those days where I seem to be in synch with the universe.

What makes a Perfect Day for a Freaky Running Dork?

4:00 AM; I'm out of bed. I can't sleep thinking the weather is SOOOOO nice for a long run before the sun comes up. The weather is in the Mid 40's with nice light breeze. Make myself a large cup of coffee, CLIF Bar for breakfast.

I check my email, browse the news and some blogs, make some "regular" breaks for nature. By 4:45 I'm out the door for to start my warm-up routine. As soon as I walk out, a shooting star streaks across my view of the sky. Thank you, universe, for letting me know how great today is going to be. By 5:00 I start my run. No one is out, no cars on the road except the guy delivering the morning paper, whom I pass over and over again.

After 8 miles, my long run is complete and I'm starving, so I cool down by running (literally) over to Starbuck's for one of their new Vivanno Chocolate Banana smoothies, with an espresso shot, and a tall Pike Road coffee. The light of the new day is just beginning to make its mark. The run felt great, and nagging pains never seem to appear when I run in cool, dry weather. The euphoria is wonderful.

I walk home crossing usually busy roads that are strangely vacant of any traffic, save an occasional trucker who, like myself, probably didn't get enough sleep.

The time is approaching 7:00 AM, the sun has finally lightened the world, it is a breezy cool 48 degrees. Even though I'm in shorts and a long sleeved running shirt, that's still a little damp around the neck, I see people dressed like they were in the Arctic; cap, gloves and heavy coat. It feels so comfortable to me, yet these people act like it's frigid. I'm glad I did not grow up in the south.

I surf the intertubes some more, flip channels on the mind control machine. Then I see the Breaking News headline about something I had already predicted would happen. Colin Powell, one of the few Republicans I respect, endorses Barack Obama for President. I can't wipe this huge grin off my face.

By 9:00 AM hunger pangs set in. I fix myself an English Muffin Egg sandwich. My version uses turkey instead of ham on a whole wheat muffin (occasionally I use whole wheat pita bread). I have a light beer spiked with half a shot of whiskey. I insert a DVD into player and watch my latest Netflix disc, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Mediocre romantic comedy set in Oahu. I like romantic comedies and movies filmed in location I've been. I liked the subplot of the lead guy writing a musical puppet version of "Dracula".

Okay, now I have a full stomach and a beer in me, watching a movie. I'm feeling very drowsy. It's nap time; time is 11:00 AM.

My afternoon naps are not usually very long, 20-30 minutes is enough to refresh me, but I think the long run, full stomach, beer, and euphoria effected me like a sleeping pill. I slept THREE hours. That's unheard for me.

I get up, do a quick check on e-mail and news, and head over to the bookstore for some more coffee and to browse books and read the latest running magazines. Then it's back to the house, start thinking about what to make for dinner, walk over to the store to buy some fresh vegetables.

Dinner consists of a Turkey sandwich, with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Spicy mustard, a few drops of red wine vinegar, and swiss cheese on fresh rye bread. I also have side of leftover black beans and rice which I freshen up with fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic and hot sauce. I steam some broccoli and yellow squash for a second side. Smithwick's Ale is my beverage of choice (Boddington's Pub Ale would have done nicely, also).

The euphoria just won't quit. The universe speaks to me again with a sunset which is a bright, beautiful, brilliant orange/blue masterpiece.

I'm going to end today by writing this post, take a hot bath, and read until I get drowsy again.

Perfect Day

***Crossposted in the usual place

Living Better

2008-10-16T04:34:00.000-07:00

I do not understand The "Health Care" system in the U.S.!

Doctors and Drug Companies have no incentive to make you well or find cures. How did our system end up this way? Doctor's do not profit if you are healthy, only if you are sick. If you are not sick, then they recommend unneeded surgery or treatments so they can profit from you. We no longer find cures for diseases because doctors make a ton of money form the drug companies to recommend drug therapies for their patients so they can keep the money coming in. This is an evil of the capitalist health care system we have in the USA.

If you are treated by a doctor, and he fails to make you better, you still have to pay him. If you have surgery that fails, and even if you die because the doctor was not successful in his procedure, the doctor still expects to get paid and will go after your estate to collect. There is something very, very wrong with this.

The focus on doctors should be maintaining your wellness, not treating you because you get sick from poor diet and lifestyles choices. Just like a car, which will last longer and run better when it is properly maintained thruough preventive and scheduled maintenance programs. I would much rather pay for scheduled wellness exams than to deal with the stress and anxiety of getting sick. While the treatment programs would still be needed in such a system, integrating the current system with programs of wellness will benefit everyone and reduce the extreme costs associated with the present system.

Like annual or bi-annual dental checks are a necessity for maintaining healthy teeth for a lifetime, the same thing principal applies to our bodies.

** Crossposted on Backroads of my Mind

WHO'S on First?

2008-10-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Country First.

Does that slogan invoke patriotism and allegiance for you?

Not me. It send chills down my spine. It reminds me of another leader who made had a similar slogan. "Deutschland Über Alles". Translated it reads "Germany above all" or "Germany over everything".

Is this the course of action you want in this country? No matter how immoral our character, you would still support it? No matter how unethical the practices of our leaders, you would still support them? Country First, Right or Wrong? Would you pledge allegiance to a country that support the rights of government over individual rights? If so, then you are not a patriot, you are an enemy to the ideals that founded this country.

The slogan "Country First" sounds greedy, self-centered, stubborn, and egotistical, not to mention it also goes against what people of faith believe, that one should always put God first, and God created all life on the planet, not only the life in this country. Even if we use God as a metaphor for the natural creation of the universe and the life within, it is still the result of this creation that should take precedence over man-made imaginary boundaries and ill-formed ideas we use to govern and provide for humanity.

Country First? I say NO. I say HELL NO. If my country is wrong, even if it is only my opinion, then I'm going to stand up and say something. Dissension is patriotic. It is political dissension that created this country and is a constitutional right. Our present leaders like to describe their own political dissenters as the same as those want to attack this country using violence, but it is not the same. It is possible to be a dissenter without taking rights away from people or causing the destruction of person or property.

If innocent people suffer because of a political ideology, then it is wrong, no matter who the aggressor. When our country causes the death and destruction of innocent lives and property, the our country is wrong, just like it is wrong when those kind of attacks happen to us. It is never righteous only because it is our country. Blind allegiance is ignorance. We are better than that, and we need to make this country always take a moral course of action, and when it doesn't, to stand up against it.

There are things our country is doing right now which are morally and ethical WRONG. We can't fight against our enemies for liberty, human rights, and fair justice if we are not the role models for those ideals. If you fight against an ideology which uses torture, the you can not use the same practices on your enemy, or you become the same as those you oppose.

As a member of the military I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic. To me that also means enemies within the government that wave an American flag or wear their patriotism on their lapel while insulting and ignoring the document that defines how our laws will be created and enforced in this country. It defines the architecture of our government and guarantees the right to dissent.

It is the people that create this "country" and keep it on a moral path. It will soon be election day, it is time the people speak up and let our representatives know of how we feel.

Country First? Right or Wrong? If you say yes, then you will be an loyal subject when fascism arrives.

. Crossposted on Backroads of My Mind

September Ends, Please Don't Wake Me Up

2008-10-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

Last month has been one to remember: Storms, evacuations, family, relatives, doctor appointments, travel, curtains shutting, stress, loneliness, failing economy.

Good Bad Happy Sad
Moments of Significance
Sun shines above clouds

It's life. It gets in the way of your plans. Life. Why can't we stick to the plan?

What's Next?

It's time for some Homeostasis and a Trail Run.

"Sing me to sleep,
Sing me to sleep,
I'm tired and I
I want to go to bed......"

- Asleep - The Smiths

Feeling "Infinite"?

Memorial

2008-09-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Friend, Retired Navy Veteran, Harley-Davidson and NASCAR enthusiast.

Paul E. Lightfoot SUFFOLK, Virginia - Paul Edwin Lightfoot passed away Sept. 23, 2008. Born in Sulfur Bluff, Texas, he was the son of the late Archie O. and Willie Maude (Cox) Lightfoot.

Paul was a proud retired U.S. Navy veteran with more than 22 years of loyal service, serving during both the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He had also been employed with the Virginia State Police as a motorist assistant. He was a member of Burdette Baptist Church, Suffolk Moose Lodge No. 141, VFW Post No. 2582 and the Fleet Reserve Association.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 51 years, Phyllis Neuman Lightfoot; one son, Daniel Lightfoot of Windsor, Va.; one daughter, Donna Nickerson of Virginia Beach; his brother, Harold D. Lightfoot of Mount Vernon, Texas; also missing him will be his four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Larry Cribb. Friends may join the family at Harrell & Hill Funeral Home Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. for visitation and at the residence at other times.

- Virginian Pilot

Shooting Star

2008-09-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

I arose before sunrise this morning to get a run in before the sun and the heat of the day made the temperature intolerable. After a quick warm-up and stretch, I started out running in my middle-class suburban neighborhood. I was running eastbound with a very nice breeze keeping me cooled off, thinking it was too warm and too humid and wondering when the cooler temps will be here.

As I zoned off in my thoughts looking at the first gleams of sunlight on the eastern horizon, a shooting star painted a momentary sparkling streak across the sky just above the horizon. Sweet. I love unexpected reminders of the universe's love.

Then, I thought, hey, that was a falling star. Was I supposed to make a wish, or is that only for the first star you see at night? I couldn't remember. So, I wished for better memory. No, wait, I can't wish for something for myself. It has to be unselfish.

So I for wished for more wisdom for all life on the planet.

At the same time, people lives were in jeopardy in Houston as the planet tries to balance it's health with Hurricane Ike which will cause major damage to human lives and property. I also wished Ike's impact on the human world will be minimal.

I got back Monday from the area south of Baton Rouge that was hit hard by hurricane Gustav, which caused major damage, but seemed to go mostly unnoticed by the big media outlets. They are still picking up the pieces, and Ike is supposed to be far worse. I felt guilty leaving the area when they needed so much help, but I had to get back to work.

We are powerless from the forces of nature, which can be dazzling, as well as humbling.

Crossposted on Backroads Of My Mind

Baby Steps

2008-09-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

I've been busy lately, running around the south, spending time with daughter and granddaughters who evacuated for Hurricane Gustav, then had to be driven back home last week. It was fun, but it wore me out.

Compared to the rest of Baton Rouge, the damage to their home was minimal. They got power back on Thursday, we drove back Friday afternoon. When we got to the house, the dogs had been in a kennel, inside the house for many hours, and were sick, and they made a horrible stinking mess. We had to get the dogs into the back yard, let them do their business, then carry them upstairs to get them washed, clean their kennels because they sleep in them, and clean the area where the mess was in the house and air out the stink from the house, while trying to keep two hungry tired toddlers happy. That was just Friday, after a long drive. Saturday my daughter cleaned out the fridge and I tried to go grocery shopping. The wait to get into Wal-Mart (YECCCHHHH) was 30 minutes, then an hour to check out. I decided to go to the Winn-Dixie down the road, but they were out of almost everything, so we could just get enough for a few days. We were lucky, they had Milk, Cold Cereal, Bread, and Lunch Meat and Sodas. My son-in-law has been busy working long hours until the power is fully restored. Plus, Grandpa niCk had to make time to play with the grandkids and bond with the puppies. I've been very busy.

Where they live there are many houses with no roofs, many trees that had demolished houses, trailers in pieces and flooding in many parts. They said the damage in area south of Baton Rouge was much worse than they saw with Katrina. Most people still have no power and won't have any for weeks. Many people are in public shelters. The noise of generators is everywhere, and every time you go to the gas station everybody is filling up several gas canisters for their generator. My Daughter's neighborhood lucked out because they were in a newer community without many big trees and I believe the power lines are underground, because I didn't see any lines on poles.

It going to take awhile for the area to recover, but little by little, without any more storms (Ike, you better stay away), everything will return to normal chaos.

Speaking of "Baby Steps", here is a video Running 101, from Jeff Galloway on how to start running.

Wet Willy

2008-08-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

No time for blogging. The weather has been perfect for running, which is rare at this time of year. Three days of rain, and today is looking like rain, also. Man, I love all this rain, time for playing outdoors.

Work has been busy, too, but I don't like to talk about that.

...and I have a new distraction.

Stay Wet!

Equilibrium

2008-08-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Recycled article cross-posted on Backroads:

Human nature is characterized by reason and tolerance. In a natural state all people are equal and independent, and as John Locke says "no one has a right to harm another's “life, health, liberty, or possessions.” " The last becoming the well-known "pursuit of happiness" guaranteed to all humans living in a just society.

With what is going on today in the in the U.S., we must remember that governmental check and balances and revolution is not only a constitutional right, but an obligation in some circumstances.

The nonsense going on with both political parties will continue until we demand and perhaps force change upon the system. These parties's, initially established to promote a set of represented ideals of our citizens, are now controlled by the money of special interest groups and have been scraping the original ideals and qualities on which they were built. These parties, in representing its member citizens, should be free of the influence of capitalism and religious groups.

Conservatism and Liberalism are the ideals these political parties are "supposed" to represent. Conservatism based on an approach to govern based on tradition and authority, and Liberalism being based on personal freedom and Progress. Usually, the Republicans have been identified as the conservative party, while the Democrats have taken a liberal approach, but we all know liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats (i.e. William Jefferson Clinton). The Liberal Republicans even claimed their own political party at one time. Of course if you go back to the origins of the Republican party, the were known as the Democratic-Republican Party at one time.

Most people don't consciously chose a side, it a reflection of their personality, in my opinion. I really don't have a choice in the direction of how believe people should be treated and governed, I use the wisdom evolution gave me and feelings of my spirit to guide me. I try to treat people the way I would like to be treated, however I've never been driven by the greed and materialism that seems to influence most people in the U.S. I've never been influenced by the promise of things, but rather by the progression of ideas. There is no right or wrong way to live, as long as you don't inhibit the rights and liberties of anyone else.

Personally, I have always leaned to the conservative side, but have a lot of viewpoints and opinions that most people would consider liberal.

I believe the best way to live is someone in middle ground of these two influences. I like tradition and routine, but believe that progress is as necessary to life as evolution. I like to have my personal liberties, but believe that some sort of government is required to limit the power, influence, and greed of those who take advantage of others.

It is best to try to balance these ideals, conservatism and liberalism, and not let one side have too much influence over the other. That is exactly what is currently happening in the U.S. It is time to balance these groups.

Thomas Jefferson was one of the most intelligent presidents the US has ever elected. In the present day, intelligent people stay far away from the nonsense of politics, but in his day it was actually an honorable profession.

That made me realize, that two of the basic founding philosophies promoted by the Republican party, in Jefferson's day, were sharp limits on the powers of the federal government, and the separation of church and state.

Look at them now. It is time to fire these imposters that have hijacked the Republican party and created a government which is beginning to give itself too much power and becoming controlled by the influence of the religious conservatives.

Elixir of Life

2008-08-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

Anointed

Touched by Heaven

Enlivened

Chatter on my window

Excess brings abundance, Denial brings lifelessness

Love from above

Nature's reign on me

Rain Happy

2008-08-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Under the weather
Physically, Mentally, Literally
Exhausted without cause
Cleansing rain, much impurity

The Black Dog is scratching on my back door.

Friday Dogs in Bama Films Blogging

2008-08-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Home State Premiere, August 10, at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery. Tonya S. Holly and star of the film, Lily Matland Holly will be in attendance.

Inspired by a true story. With her faithful dog and pet rabbit in tow, young Lily Strickland (Lily Matland Holly) leaves her mother (Amy Redford) and grandparents (Diane Ladd and Lee Majors) behind to embark on a purposeful journey: to find where her father disappeared at sea years ago. But she also leaves behind her mother's new boyfriend, Dean (Richard Tyson), a man with a disturbingly dark side that only Lily has seen firsthand.

Filmed in Alabama, Award Winning Independent Film: When I Find the Ocean

For showtimes and ticket information, please visit: http://www.capritheatre.org/

The film is also already available on DVD and thru NetFlix.

Ok, so the customer reviews on NetFlix aren't so great, but most complain about it being a sappy family drama, and I like those kind of movies, so it won't stop me.

One reviewer states "The dog was the best actor and deserves an oscar". Well, yeah. duh! That is enough of an endorsement for me.

.

It was so humid.......

2008-08-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Haiku Version:
(inspired by MadHaiku)

sultry summer rush
hot wet gasping thick moist air
running in the south

Long Version:

This last Saturday's race was HOT, like last year, but more humid.

I'm so sick of this miserable heat. Please September, come quick.

Dew was still forming on my car as I drove to the race, it wouldn't dry even as I was driving, with wind hitting the windshield. The wipers on my car could not keep the outside of the windows from fogging up. It was 75 (F), which means the dew point was 75 degrees or higher. It was 85 at race time and I was sweating standing still.

SOOOOOOOO, that's my excuse for running a disappointing time, the air was just too thick to breath. My time was off by about a minute, but so was star of the show, the Alabama State 5K champion. His time was off by about a 45 seconds from his great finish last year, even the Kenyans, who usually finish in under 15:00 minutes, didn't finish as well as the past.

Three summers ago I would have been more than satisfied with that time. Then, my 5K average was around 25 minutes, and some slower race times. I thought I was past my peak, and couldn't take the heat here in the south. During a routine physical I complained to my physician of not sleeping well, sore muscles and tendons, and RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome). He noted that my iron levels were a bit low, and referred me to a neurologist to treat the RLS. I knew that my iron was low, because for the first time in my life I had been turned down for blood donation only a week before the physical. The neurologist took more blood to check my ferritin count, a component of blood iron that isn't checked during routine physicals. I received a call the next day from the neurologist's receptionist. She said that I needed to go to the store and get some iron supplements and start taking them right away. The effect was immediate, soreness disappeared, RLS stopped, and my running pace quickened without much effort. It was not just low blood iron, but low ferritin. The low ferritin was causing the low blood iron and not allowing for proper recovery after my runs. Why was the ferritin low? It was a combination of my active lifestyle, excessive sweating (I grew up in much milder climates), and a vegetarian diet. I have since modified my diet, but I still sweat too much in the summer.

Fellow Montgomery Runners
From left to right: Ron, Jim, Diane, and me (# 356)

Friday Canine Companion Blogging

2008-08-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

No time for blogging. Going on a weekend trip to the RRCA Southern Regional 5K Championship. I don't stand a chance against these elite runners, but I get to socialize with them, which is all I want to do.

This is what I want to do when I retire. No, not become a Canine Companion, raise them.

Click it, it's a link!

Peach Pie and Getting High

2008-07-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

I started my day on Saturday 3:00 AM. I can barely sleep the night before a race, this night was no different. I ate my pre-race breakfast of oatmeal with raisins, dried cranberries and walnuts and, about 30 minutes later, a Clif Bar and a big cup of coffee.

The race Saturday morning was in Auburn, about a 45 minute drive away. Auburn, being a major university town, is more runner friendly than other places around Alabama. The course was hilly, but shady, through the neighborhoods around the University. The heat and humidity took it's toll on me, and I did not do as well as I hoped. That's the way it goes, summer in the south, so it wasn't surprising.

The Church sponsoring the run was having a Peach festival, and there were lots of free peach treats after the race. Peach Pie, Ice Cream, Cheesecake, cobbler, and the baskets of Peaches were the prizes. As if the whole south was in synch that day, I heard the Peaches song on my way to the run, and my race number was 42.

Going to the Country, gonna eat a lot of peaches...

The plan for the rest of the day was to go home, take a nap, then drive to Birmingham to do the Trak Shak 5K Retro Run that evening. This is not unusual for me, if I can find two races close-by that I can schedule in one day, I will.

After my nap, with dreams of dogs and Granddaughters, I got up and starting prepping for the evening run. I turned on the weather channel and saw a big area of rain heading for Birmingham and Montgomery. At first I thought that it would be good to run a race in the rain, I always do very well in the rain. The Trak Shak run has a big party afterword, and that would be ruined, and many people would not show up because of the rain. I'd like it, I love to be in the rain in the summer here, but most people don't like to be rained on.

I was also thinking how lovely it would be to go for a long run in the rain. So as the storm approached, I cancelled my Birmingham plans, put on my running gear, waited for the storm front to pass, and went for a long, wet, wonderful run in the rain. It rained for three hours.

The world made love to me. I was in euphoria for the rest of the evening.

Friday Book and Blog Dogging

2008-07-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

I hear that Starbucks has these new "healthy" smoothies, so I run over and try one of the Chocolate Banana beverage/meal. It is very good. Yes, I have smoothies for dinner sometimes.

I'm standing there as they make my drink and I see this new book they are promoting The Art of Racing in the Rain a story from a dog's point of view. The author is Garth Stein

The book's narrator is a philosophical thinking dog. This will most likely be the next book I read, and the cover jacket synopsis told me this is the kind of story I'd love.

Dogs, Rain, Racing, Philosophy. It's like they are marketing directly to me. The racing is car racing, but at least they know how to get my attention.

GARTH STEIN is the author of three novels, The Art of Racing in the rain, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets (winner of a 2006 PNBA Book Award), and Raven Stole the Moon. His play, Brother Jones, was produced in Los Angeles in 2005, and was hailed as "brimming with intensity" by the LA Weekly. He teaches writing to students from second grade to adult, and lives in Seattle with his family, including Comet the quadruped.

- http://www.826seattle.org

Success?

2008-07-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

Addendum to my last post: Responding to the "great job" comment from the PostSecret postcard I posted.

The next postcard on that blog talks about how unhappy a person can become in a stressful job.

Most of my career I've had great, interesting, and seemingly important jobs. When I first started in my present career, I loved the work and would do it for fun when I wasn't working. It was software development. Slinging code is much like solving complicated math word problems, which is somewhat easy and fun for me. I don't enjoy it as much anymore, it has become so complex and mismanaged. I've been dreaming a new career, but what?

I have a great job and work with wonderful people, but I desperately want to run away from it. I've had jobs that I like better, and I've only had one job that I really hated (worked for a Major TeleCom Corporation). I'm afraid to leave a good job, not knowing what's next for me, so I stick to my "lead role in a cage", but dreaming about something else.

Some people thrive on change, others hate it. It's not so much the change that I dislike, it's the unplanned or unforeseen consequences of the change that stress me, so I stick with cold comfort.

Running over the same old ground.
What have we found
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.

I'm just rambling.........

The American Dream

2008-07-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

When I was 35 I bought a home.

I loved the house. It was in a perfect location next to a park with easy access to hiking trails and bike paths. You could walk out the front door and bike or hike to the city, or the wilderness. For someone like me who loathes driving and dependence on a motor vehicle, the location of the place suited me well.

Even though finally I fulfilled the standard of success in the U.S., the ownership of that house was not only a heavy weight to bear, it felt like ball and chain. Almost like a virtual prison, disabling my freedom.

We sold the home four years later, as a result of my divorce. I've not had a desire to buy another home.

Why is home/land ownership an "American Dream"?
Why is it so important for us to declare "mine, mine, mine"?

Turn OFF

2008-03-29T04:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to azgoddess for reminding me to turn out the lights tonight.

Find something to do which can be done in the dark......

.....like Dancing.

Running with Glen

2008-03-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

I met up with Glen around Tallassee and ran around 4 miles with him. He was trying to go 100 miles today, which would take him well into Georgia. He did over 60 yesterday, and is feeling strong for his final push to Savannah. He is setting new records.

While we were running, Glen put his trip in perspective:
Dean Karnazes made headlines when he did 50 marathons (1300 miles) in 50 days (in all 50 states).

Glen will do almost a hundred marathons (> 2500) in less than 40 days.

We did a Podcast interview, before I turned around and he pushed on.

Keep on Zzzooming, Glen.....

Update: He made 101 miles on Saturday, and 80 on Sunday. Around 160 miles to go...

From Glen's website:
March 25, 2008 Update:
Glen has reached Tybee Island, GA and has successfully finished his journey! His total distance is 4,233 km in 37 days 1 hour and 18 minutes. Congratulations Glen!

4233 km = 2630.264 mi (or more than 101 marathons)

For Nancy: Dog Blogging Friday

2008-03-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Even your dog has a blog

Max The Golden Retriever

Update on Glen (from the previous post): He will be running through Montgomery this weekend, I hope to meet with him and maybe run some miles along side him.

I've been extremely busy with other distractions, little time left for blogging, but I still browse the blogs. See Ya round the blogosphere.......

Ultra-Running Extremist

2008-03-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

Meet Glen R. Turner.

He is more than just a runner, more than an ultra-runner.

He is a Journey Runner and Zzzoomer, averaging 46 miles a day.

He is running all the way across the U.S., then he will be running around the world.

Want to know more? Go to his website and check him out, and support him if you can.

Glen Turner Running & Zzzooming - Running Across America Blog

Thank you Carole, for bringing this to my attention, I will make sure I catch him as he comes through Montgomery. More links and articles about Glen can be found at Carole's blog

Quietly, Into the Light

2008-02-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

Apathy has taken control of my blog time.

The voices are still there, shouting as loud as ever.

I have found a way to block out the yelling in my head.

The voices stop when I look directly into the light.