The Wife's Away and The Bed Buffet Is Open!

Preparations, sure it's good to adequately train but don't underestimate double checking your travel arrangements and gear before a marathon. Luckily last week, I began to review my travel arrangements and marathon registration materials, otherwise I would never have known when my flights were, what dates where my hotel reservations or the whereabouts of my race registration as I deleted the emails. After a couple of good hours of searching and phone calls, I believe I'm o.k. with the exception of the car rental as I can't recall if I actually made a reservation. Definitely recall going through the actions of price investigation but not whether or not if I made a reservation.

I think the 24 miler and work wore me out of training runs this week. (Truly wasn't part of my tapering plan) I'll live with my decisions and am not panicked as there was nothing I could do. I hope the cross-training of my daily bike rides work compensated to a small degree.

THE WIFE IS AWAY VISITING FRIENDS! WOOOOWHOOOO! I get the entire bed to myself, almost. I have dreams of eating pizza and KFC while reclining in my bed and being surrounded by my dogs who are equally enjoying this vacation! Oh, how I dare to dream big!

Hope everyone's summer is going well and is relaxing.

Let the TAPER Begin!

Four months ago I wrote about a new training program and not going over 20 miles for long runs. I lied. Not feeling confident and questioning where I will find energy and endurance for the last 6.2 miles after my 20 milers, yesterday's 24 mile long run was a confidence booster as I was able to maintain a comfortable, metronome 9 minute pace for the first 18 miles. The last six miles were uphill and facing a headwind with an approaching rain storm. By the way god, I requested the rain to cool me off during the run, not with four steps to remaining to the car.

T-Seidl you could relate to this training method: 2 beers and maybe four to five glasses of wine the night before. I played and I paid -- two-and-half quarts of Gatorade during yesterday's long-run.

Nervous for the marathon? No. Now, it's a matter of tapering and attending to pre-race details such as: setting a realistic finishing time; finding a cool, wicking shirt to match the shoes; break-in new shoes; creating a playlist for the ipod shuffle; course review of water station and bathroom locations, elevation and mile markers with identifiable landmarks; locating packet pick-up and pre-race pasta dinner; decision to carry a water bottle or not; itinerary review with respect to kenneling dogs, air travel, public transportation,sight-seeing of places of interest, securing Alcatraz tickets, sushi restaurant review etc. NOW, I'm excited!

In our instant gratification society, a marathon doesn't fit this society's paradigm. I can't wake-up one morning and buy a marathon. I can't sit in front of television press play, manipulate a video game controller or receive satellite transmission to receive a finishing time. Instead, a person has to commit to race by registering, paying a fee then commit to long-term training that affects all aspects of their lives and relationships. Typically, the instant gratification people don't understand why a person would subject themselves to this hassle. Why do this? Why waste hours out of your day --running? Why subject your body to aches and pains? What do you gain out of marathon? They may never know but I do.

Three weeks remain, nervous?

With mid-80 temperatures last Sunday but mid 60's today, thank god I decided to delay my final, longest run until today - a 22 to 24 miler. Nervous? No, but anxious to see how I do today...then, I'll be nervous.

My sister called from San Jose the other day to report it was 107 degrees and the air quality is terrible. Would they cancel the race in San Fran? Does smoke reach the Bay or do the off-shore winds clear the air?

Unfortunately Oblivious

With a lot on my mind recently, the last two days of running were completed in a blink of an eye. Deep in concentration about life issues and the path before me, I was oblivious to my surroundings. A bear or mountain lion could have been stalking me or even on my tail but I wouldn’t have notice. I hope the San Francisco Marathon will be just as easy with the exception that I’ll be enjoying the people and neighborhoods.

My Camera Sees Things My Eyes Can't See...

Yea, yea, yea...Sunday I ran twelve miles, felt great, ran fast but decided to stop due to a painful heal. But on to better news...the camera arrived! I do have a life outside of running and that is to serve my wife and keep her happy - just kidding. No, but seriously ...it is... just joking. Seriously.

A quick sampling of me installing the art purchased at this week-end's Art Fair. Perfect for our Northern Arizona porch.








Is it straight?

A little leg and bum to my handy work.










Enjoying the success of a job well-done. A little "house proud moment", I say.









A summer celebration...our typical front porch snack -- wine and cheese.



A dog as well, Splash (a.k.a. Girldog)

Preparations begin!

Parade, Art Walk, Horse Races, Orchestra with lasers, barbecue(s), movies, a little and long run, concert, drinks on the porch -- yep, another full week-end!

Doubt and Persistence

Today is Thursday, right? Typically I say, "Work doesn't define you. What defines you: what you do with your free time." Unfortunately, I take work very seriously and being anything less than perfect is unacceptable when answering to the public or officials, etc. One has to know every minute aspect of a project, otherwise a non-response indicates ineptitude. I only know of two professions where one's performance is immediately reported in the newspaper: athletes and government officials.

Public scrutiny...step into these shoes.

Last night, I awoke at 2 a.m. to review a project to ensure I knew the facts inside and out. At work, my boss through his line of questioning showed his doubt in me. I answered all questions. Trust, I knew you once -- a personal friend I knew well, now darts away in another's eye. Hence, I question my ability, intelligence and relationships.

Overnight, did I become stupid? Do I not know my profession? Christ, I passed certification, earned a Masters and attended a Ph.d program (of course, didn't finish, otherwise the initials mean you can't question me.) Is it me? Once infected with Doubt, Trust only comes when riding it out to Success.

Doubt, you caused me to miss my runs yesterday and today: yesterday because I had to prove you wrong and today because you wore me out with your unending questioning. Doubt, I fear you're invading other aspects of my life, especially where you don't belong.

Thank god for Persistence! I love you, Persistence. But did I mention Alcohol to numb all of you?

This will be a good Fourth week-end.

BTW, the camera arrived but can't retrieve it from the Post Office until Saturday or Monday - Merd!

What's another mile between mind and body?

Oops...

This year, when running my twenties, I thought nothing of my slower time as prescribed pace by the running schedule. Sunday's twenty mile long run, just finishing would be an accomplishment as I was side tracked with blisters, but nonetheless to be a good mental state I simply needed to achieve this distance/goal with four weeks remaining.

I'm not saying the run was easy by any stretch of the imagination but it was better than the previous twenty. Strangely and perversely, I get a kick out of the long distance runs because my mind is challenging the body to overcome it's pain. There is quite a persuasive dialog between the mind and body -- like a devil and angel perched on each shoulder.

Finally rising early enough for a 6 a.m. run, I finished the twenty on Sunday and now feel I'm almost ready for the race, though I just don't know how or where I'll get the energy for the last 6.2 miles -- a common thought I have before a race but always manage to finished.

After Sunday's run, I jumped, well slid into the car, and decided to measure the distance as I recalled last year it being 20 miles. This year, the pavement stretched or the earth gained a few pounds as the mileage was slightly over 21.2 miles --oops. The question/statement now changes to: don't know where I'll find the energy for the last five miles.

Other stuff:
Bought a new camera! Yay! Back to personal photos, dinner preparation and other postings than solely about running.

Buckwheat pasta is the way to go.

Has anyone bought/worn a singlet from www.wearyournumber.com ? How's the fabric, quality, sized, etc? Opinions are appreciated. I don't want an iron-on, rubber-like transfer.

Fact: I never wore a singlet before. I thought singlets to be the running apparel for accomplished runners, yet I'm finally considering to wear a singlet. Not saying I'm accomplished, just feeling thin enough now -- don't want to look like a stuffed sausage.

t-seidel: you can't resist the temptation...it's too powerful...race day, crowds, sense of accomplishment, Gu (!), commitment/schedules -- it's all fun. After finishing your Masters, then what? Then what, I ask you...then what?

In retrospect...

For those training for a marathon, this is a must read, Body Check, a short blog entry about refueling on a long run.

It is Saturday morning, shortly again like yesterday, I'll dress with my running shirt, shorts, tape, mole skin and socks, leaving my running shoes as the last piece of clothing article to put-on. Can I finally run today?

Robison52 wrote a comment, "Well, this month is definitely a BIG learning experience for you...undoubtedly things will get easier," causing me to review my blog for the month June and beyond. Indeed, I learned there are lessons to be learned: start slow; pacing oneself; ill-fitting shoes do not magically change over night; etc. More importantly, I confirmed my suspicions my work affects my emotions and my personal time away from work. Damn, I need to become positive and write more upbeat articles!

Resolution: Change personal outlook and separate work from life.

(Buy camera immediately.)

Post Entry: Successful run! Long run tomorrow.

Training, what's that?

I vaguely recall what training was - running on a daily basis to scheduled distances and times. Sure there is a schedule posted on my fridge but the writing in the frowny faces would get me depressed.

Injuries are killing me and my goals. Over the past three years, I never, or very rarely had a blister, now I have multiple blisters and I'm not used to the recovery time. Each time I run, I seem to make them worst. Now, I'm taped, covered and mole skinned and taking time off such they heal. The Kayano's are now yard shoes, expensive yard shoes. My goals are constantly re-adjusting for this race. I'm complaining.

Today, I just can't do it.

When do you determine, "Today, I just can't do it, run that is."

However, my Will says, "Yes, get out there! It's only 7 miles."

The swollen blistered feet, shoe horned into the comfortable running shoes, altered how I stood -- delicately to avoid throbbing pain. I could only imagine how my stride would then change, perhaps causing further injury. Yesterday, standing in full running apparel it occurred, "I just can't do it today. You're on your own."

Other stuff: Now that we've paid-off some bills and have money in the bank, I've been surfing the net for a replacement camera and can't wait to purchase one. The photos add a creative aspect to my life.

Writing of creativity, I wish my job had more creativity. Maybe, more of everything that it lacks. (cryptic)

Update on the Miloman, my dog, he's walking fine and chipper with the drugs. Meaning, he's barking a lot and sometimes through the night to the point I've been sleeping on the couch to be near him to calm him or sooth his loneliness. It's more like a "Mrrrrrphh" than a bark: earning a new nickname, "Murphy". What I do for my dogs...what I do.

Off to a Wind-power seminar...

"I wish I knew how to quit you!"

"I wish I knew how to quit you!" For some reason, we gravitate back towards a relationship that soured long ago. Hope fools us to believe, "This time it will be different." Yet,after the initial pleasantries the blisters begin to re-appear. Am I an idiot to return to you? Damn Asics Kayano 14's!

Why did you change when the 13's were so good to me? I know, you had to grow, better yourself if you will, or the relationship would stagnate. But, it was perfect! I don't understand?

Yes, the relationship was perfect for me. Now, I roam the streets and internet looking for someone just like you...your old version of yourself, the Kayano 13's or if I'm really lucky, the 12's.

After this week-end's race I found myself actually stating, "I'm having a bad shoe relationship this year," which raised some eyebrows, yet perfectly acceptable during Pride Week. With the race only five weeks and a few days away, I'm not happy with my shoes. Tonight, once again I wore the Kayano's 14s, hoping for magic and came home eight miles short of my twenty mile goal with huge blisters -- nasty blisters that when poked with a needle, a fountain sprang forth. Sick.

Lost and Gaspin In Aspens!

Flexibility to juggle schedules is the key to success when running. As my wife and I are sushi junkies and not wanting to miss our traditional Friday night sushi, the wife decided to treat me to a sushi lunch such that we could have our pre-race pasta dinner for Saturday morning's, "Gaspin' In the Race". Another key to running success is not to alter your pre-run/race routine which obviously, I did all for the sake of sushi. Soon after lunch there was a noticeable change in me -- to everyone. I became lobster red, anxious, couldn't breath and somewhat itchy, so much so that peoples' wide-eyed expression scared me when they asked, "Are you alright? Did you just run or something?"

Working at City Hally does have it's advantage as the Mayor was willing to run to the local store to purchase Benadryl, but being anxious I refused the offer and ran down to the store myself fearing any time delay would leave me dead. Upon my return, one of the medics from the Fire Department took my blood pressure. With a 110 over 70 b.p., I was actually quite surprised since I decided to forgo my high b.p. medication for nearly two months now. I have yet to find a local physician so this was my personal test before I have a physical before the marathon.

Felling agitated to hell, I was not a pleasant person to be around due to an apparent allergic reaction to shell fish. When I'm sick, I'm a dog wanting to be left alone, which is unfortunate for my wife who is still trying to learn my body language and was on the wrong-side of a response to her gentle touch.

Well-rested with 10 hours of sleep for the 15k race, I determined to have a nice, easy race as I figured to be mathematically eliminated from the Summer Running Series as my average for three out of five races would not make the top-nine cut as the remaining two races truly benefits standing due to a larger field.

With a squawk from the megaphone, the race began and rather than being a rabbit to keep up with the elite racers, I held back and literally inhaled their dust for the first mile and half. No kidding, my mouth was covered in dirt from the trail dirt. Having tun the course last year, I quickly learned the 8,000 foot elevation and 8 3/4 miles of constant elevation changes wears and tears your leg muscles apart and the name of the race "Gaspin' In Aspens" is quite appropriate for a lung-burning, trail race.

A slow start was something new to me. I kept a nice constant pace all the while monitoring my breathing such that it wasn't taxing. Surprising to me, I caught-up and passed a person that I'm normally ahead of and never see throughout a race. Then, around mile three, I caught-up to my rival, Nat-the-sixty-seven-old-running-marvel. Here, I created a strategy to just stay comfortably behind him by 50 to 100 yards until the end of the race where I could pass him at the finish. Reading his body language though, I could tell he was struggling a bit by his removing the bandanna to wipe the sweat from his head. Still my breathing was unlabored while I slowly closed the distance on some downhill portions. Unfortunate for Nat but fortunate for me, the water station was unmanned and two runners in front of him were slowly pouring cups out of the Gatorade spigot. Nat stopped and I saw this as an opportunity to pass, thereyby placing the burden upon him to catch-up to me.

With a new group of people in front of me, they became my next goal. I would not look behind me to assess Nat's position. Sure enough, I caught-up to the next group and passed a couple of people and chit-chatted a little bit. I learned they were from Phoenix and weren't acclimated to the elevation as their breathing revealed, however the 80 degree didn't bother them as it did to me. This shaded run through the Aspens was cool to them, as one guy told me he just ran in 106 degree sun the other day.

Typically, I never speak during a race but I used an uphill opportunity and my third lung, to psyche-out my competitors. As they gasped in the Aspens, I warned them about the other upcoming hills, "Yea, even with a third lung I find these hills challenging."

"You..(wheeze) have...(wheeze) a third...(wheeze)...lung?"

"Wouldn't know it today, but yes. That first hill was long but the remaining are even more steep and tough."

"How many (wheeze) more?"

"Oh, there are a few. Was this the third or fourth? I forget. It's the last hill in the open field and intense sun that really zaps your energy before the finish. I won't talk anymore as I see you and I need to concentrate to get to the top of this one." And, you can't see the top of the hill! I passed him.

After the cattle ran in front of me and around mile seven, I caught-up to his buddy and I was on his tail the entire time which seemed to bother him. The trail running advantage was to me as I didn't have to worry about finding a path for foot placement. All I had to do: assume he took the best route; watch where he stepped; and have nearly the same foot placement and avoid rocks, holes, branches, etc. I could tell my trailing him pushed him to run faster to gain some distance between us, but the wouldn't happen. Soon, the last hill in the field came into view along with an aid station.

Whereas he grabbed a cup and continued running, I took a short walk ensuring to gulp the entire cup, then run. I figured, I had a third lung and local's advantage. Sure enough, passed him on the uphill and never saw him again. Unfortunately, I saw two people gaining upon me and this time, and the only time, had no one in front of me to break the trail and lead the way in foot placements. Quickly, due to the elite runners in front of me who seemed to run across the orange flags and bury them in the tall grass, it was difficult to find the trail, yet I managed.

The last mile is the only flat place on the course and they were gaining on me and now, I was being pushed beyond my limits, yet I tried. Soon, my lungs were at capacity and my calves began to twitch every so often. Normally on pavement, I could manage but an uneven surface with rocks, ruts, and changing surface had thoughts of injury.

Jeff, standing along the course clapping his hands, offered encouragement, "Way to go! Only 1,000 yards left!"
"How close are they?"
"Thirty yards."
"Shit!"
Soon, I heard footsteps. Next, Mark passed me and I mentally I succumbed that he would beat me, yet there was one more runner behind me. Soon, Jane was on my shoulder. My legs twitched more telling me I couldn't keep up with her kick. One more runner was behind me with 100 yards to go. I pushed. She pushed. I held her off by 8 seconds and finished with a 83:39, a new course PR for me and I finished 7th in the Masters Division! I'm happy!

So for an easy leisurely race, I rocked it! Perhaps, I learned new race strategy?

As for my Wife who boasted of never posting a DNF, there is always a first. She, her "Running Nemesis" and a guy named Andrew were exchanging leads among them. At some point and time, they were experiencing a runner's high and lost sight of the course. Only after her "Running Nemesis" checked her gps and saw they were at 10.5 miles, nearly a mile over the 15k, they decided they were lost. Continuing to follow 'a dirt road', they made it back to the local highway where they hitched hiked and found a ride back to the start line atop of hay bails in a pick-up truck. What a quitter!

Good-bye Her Little V-dub

(To Terry Jack's, "Seasons in the Sun") Goodbye Her Sweet V Dub

Goodbye to you, my trusted friend.
We've known each other since we're thirty-seven.
Together we drove the streets.
Never stopped at Burger King or Mickey D's
Greasy fries never found between your seats.
Goodbye my friend, it's hard to leave,
but all the SUV's cough and choke the air.

Now, little cars are everywhere.
In the bike lane we'll be there.
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.
But the gas prices climbed
and miles per gallon were out of time.
--

As a result of a successful "Bike to Work" campaign, my wife's V-dub became a casualty as we found no further need for her. She served my wife well bringing smiles when they drove together. I'm sure she is serving her new owner equally well. In the end by us working for the same employer and finding the joy of biking to work every crisp morning with mountains in the back drop, the poor German car became expendable.

Now, we're a one car family of the best car ever made -- the Honda Element. This car does everything from car camping, hauling garden supplies to even balancing our checking book. My god, there is now money at the end of each month!

With the money from the sale, we paid off credit cards and our finances are looking better by the day. Perhaps shortly, I could even purchase a digital camera and once again return this blog to it's once, albeit short, glory days!

37 days to the marathon...it will be a tough day...I no longer have hopes of achieving my desired time but will still attempt it. These past weeks have been tough for week-day runs. I hope the aerobic activity from biking pays-off.

Nine

Hot, hot, hot! Sunday's temperature quickly reached 80 and we weren't even up yet. Flash backs of cramping muscles and heat radiating upward from the asphalt truly didn't motivate me Sunday to run, instead a full day's of landscaping with lemonade breaks persuaded me.

All day, I committed myself to the backyard hanging trellises upon our fence for flowering vines which I love. Aside, I bought an extremely large Medved print of vines covering a Mediterranean window which is now found hung in our guest bedroom. Part of the reason for sudden garden obsession was due to the guys in the back installing their patio next to our fence. Like the neighbors but I'd like a little privacy screening because you know how guys and barbecues are... next, they'll be yelling something about Johnsonville Brats and climbing over the fence.

Although it was not running, I shoveled, hammered, planted and sun-burned from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. perfecting my backyard garden where, I hope to eventually escape from a hard day's work in the smells of flowering beds, bushes and vines. I call this a well-deserve trade-off from the long runs of Lake Mary, although the schedule only showed a short, long-run of 14 miles. Next week is another 20 miler - I'll be ready and the lounge chair and lemonade waiting for my recovery in the backyard.

Back to reality...the summer series results came out and my competition is the same as last year -- Nat. In the Masters Division they have nine pairs of trail shoes to give away to the top nine finishers. Guess where I am? Number nine and on the bubble. Crap! I need a fantastic finish on Saturday's Gasp'in In the Aspen nine mile race for my average to increase above 60 percent. Nine... alot of nines in this last paragraph. There should be a Sesame Street reference here counting to nine.

Faltering

I'm faltering in mileage and my mid-week runs. I can provide excuses: tired from work; rode bike to work instead of running; past success/experience to fall upon to finish (wrongfully so though); marathon only a component of my vacation; etc. I need to find the mid-week motivation or else my time will be a lot longer than I anticipated.

Work-related issues bring forth Powerball winning dreams.

Twenty mile -- Done.

Since last week's 20 mile bust and only 8 weeks remaining to the San Francisco Marathon, Sunday's planned 20 mile was an absolute must. No doubt about it, my ego hurt from the day before and my legs were a bit stiff, but I'm not a quitter. If anything, I'm more committed as a result.

So, what does one do with nervous energy after the race and before a big run? WE go to the nursery to buy plants for barren back and front yard. Would one visit suffice? NO! Two visits in the same day to purchase flowers, trees, shrubs, vines, etc.

In the end, my twenty mile run was at a much slower ten minute pace where I segmented the run into four, five miles runs. The first ten were run with my wife where we would run-walk at twenty minute to one ratio. The remaining ten had only one minute break at mile fifteen where I felt my legs to begin to stiffen. By mile 17.5, legs and feet were sore and something I need to work through as my calves usually cramp at mile 23 -- this is what I hope to avoid in this race. I would love to have a marathon without severe calf cramps.

The first of four twenty mile runs is complete. Only three more to go before the race.

On a personal note, I had my work review today -- not happy, nor overly distraught. Work reviews: does anyone enjoy these?

Can't Beat a Guy Who is 67, Even with a Third Lung

Seventeen seconds might as well have been two hours. Prior to the race, there was the normal, nervous chit-chat of being ill-prepared. Although Bruce asked if I wanted to run with him during the race, I politely declined explaining I just try to keep him in view as he is a much faster runner. My boss decided to run the 5k and join the conversation where I felt a bit jinxed as inquired as to what time I hoped to finish. Runners, at least I do, have an ideal 10k goal, mine is 47 minutes, but the reality which I didn't want to admit was a 50 minute race. I hated to admit this aloud but did so anyway.

After the Elder of the Tribe finished the sacred prayer, within minutes the race started and I was tailing Bruce as planned. The first mile or so is nothing but an ascent and dubbed the "killer ascent" for good reason: my heart was ready to jump out of my chest and my lungs, and I have three, were all burning. Two schools of thought about tackling the hill: go slow to save energy for the downhill portion or go for broke. I went for broke. Soon as I crested the hill, Bruce was no longer in sight.

Throughout the race I had to concentrate on quick foot turn-over; avoid rocks; keep heart in chest; and, try to breath. All the while I was doing fine until Nat, a long-legged 67 year old runner, catches and passes me. Last year, I barely beat Nat in the final standings Summer Running Series for the coveted Salomon Trail shoes. Last week's race, I finished ahead of Nat and believe I need to finish ahead of him again in order to place as I only have 3 races out of the 5 that I'm running.

Throughout the race, we were going back and forth but I could never firmly pass him as he has gigantic long strides for six foot guy and me, being only 5'6" have to make three to four strides to equal one of his! Little, short people, even with a third lung, should come to the realization that they are not meant to be competitive in sports, a few concussions and broken noses should be my proof from my high school days. Yet, the Napoleon Complex is my Waterloo.

Throughout the race I was never more than twenty feet behind and couldn't make up the distance in the final sprint either: apparently, this 67 year- old has a lot of energy left in him even to my 26 years his junior. Guess what? I didn't know he was 67 until I saw the times on the board and wow, I got beat by someone who is 67! What kind of office cooler discussion am I going to have?! On a man-scale of impressiveness, I'm ranking a one out of ten right now.

In the end, I didn't achieve my fantasy goal and was seventeen seconds slower than last year. It might as well have been two hours with the look of disgust upon my face as I crossed the Finish. Honestly with the pain in chest and burning lungs, I really thought my efforts produced a sub-50 minute race. Can't wait to see this race photo! I heard they changed the course though -- a convenient excuse for me.

RACE DAY TOMORROW!

The 25th Annual NACA Sacred Mountain 10K/5K Prayer Run is tomorrow morning where I hope to beat last year's time of 50:48. More importantly, I hope to follow my race plan of a few weeks back which is to keep-up with Bruce and hopefully finish around 47 minutes - not an easy task as the first mile is all uphill on a steep grade.

No time to write...must sleep which is a luxury these days as my dog wakes me every two hours at night because of loneliness, fear, anxiety or has to go outside.

The Lovers' Quarrel

After some incredible grilled brined, pork chops rubbed with a brown sugar, cumin and cayenne the other day, I decided to let the wife cook last night: she took me out for sushi. Love sushi and I love it when she cooks!

Today, not feeling so great due to the Sake and Sapporo bomber beer followed by the bottle Chardonnay at home and chocolate and strawberry dessert which I named, the "The Lovers' Quarrel" -- four strawberries placed between four pieces of chocolate with a fifth piece of chocolate remaining in the center. The quarrel begins over the last piece of chocolate.

The long night and drinks caused a hang-over where the back of your eyeballs hurt all day and into the night. In fact, I'm going to bed now.

Cut in Half

Panic or a reality check? Sunday’s run was cut short by, say about ten miles short of twenty miles. As previously written, what was my expectation as arrived late around 8:45 a.m. and running by 9:00.

Early summer arrived with temperatures in the low 80’s – a temperature I’m not acclimated to yet as when I ride to work the temperature is around 35 degrees with the dusk temperatures in the mid-sixties. With the sun high overhead beating down upon me and the heat radiating upwards from the asphalt, I knew we were in for a trying run. The U.F.O, yes there was a bright stationary object in the distance, didn’t provide enough distraction from the heat either. On our out and back run five mile segment, we tried running upon the dirt trail along the lake for some relief, yet it was only for a half mile or so.

After ten miles, the wife said, “I’m done.”
“So am I.”

We went home and bought a bunch of shade trees and planted them in our high-alpine, desert backyard.

So, where does that leave us? I still feel strong and capable whereas the wife lost the motivation for a marathon and has settled upon the half-marathon such that she could walk and enjoy our vacation and the summer. When we married, we ran a half marathon in the morning and married in the afternoon with a reception to follow. Her lingering thought: she couldn’t walk the next morning and enjoy the honeymoon. For my sake on the honeymoon, thank god for drugs!

Yesterday, I made the registration change but also learned that headphones are permitted on the course! Previously, I thought they were prohibited and runners would be DQ’d. Maybe, I’m confusing races? Any rate, this will be my first race where I’ll run to music and, hopefully, add some distraction and motivation during the last miles where I begin to cramp – another discussion (Is there a cure?)

Oh yea, I ran an approximate 46 minute 10k yesterday on one of the hilly courses. Saturday, is another 10k race in our summer running series -- this hill kills in the first mile.

June, It's Here - 20 miler today!

The night before we tell each other that we'll get an early start to avoid the heat and the sun's intense rays. You know that early start - 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30 a.m. By the looks of it, this week-end is no different as the wife's intense interest is upon the newspaper accompanied by her coffee, juice and toast. Meanwhile, I'm at the computer downloading a new song to add to my Ipod's playlist to add variety to my run.

For some reason, Sean Paul's song/video "Burn It Up" popped into my head this morning. I wanted to download the song but forgot the name of the song and the artist, therefore I resorted to Googling "Hits of 2003" and changed the year until I found his name, which at first I didn't recognize", and thought he has to be one! Sure enough, dumb luck won out. Also, I downloaded Podrunner's latest mixes which I truly enjoy because it is "trance/dance/electronic", words of genres that I have no idea what they mean, other than I can choose the beats per minute (b.p.m.) depending upon my running goals and the mixes seem to make the runs go quickly by taking my mind off events happening in my life.

So, with the sun fully risen now, do you think I can motivate my wife enough such that we could be out by Lake Mary by 8 a.m. for our 20 miler? By the way, she has fallen-off the training schedule with her longest run being 13 miles to date. Hopefully, she'll hit the 15 mile mark today as she promised. Believing training is taking too much of her time, she's lost the marathon drive and wants to focus on halves.

64 Days Left!

Due to life, the damn thing gets in the way of my training schedule, this last week's training was spotty again, yet I managed aerobic activity with my cycling to work and shorter runs. Thursday, my seven mile run was cut short due to exhaustion and an empty stomach -- no energy left as I was emotionally drained and forgot to eat. Yet, I march on and had good, quality hill runs of four to five miles along with the 10 mile daily cycling commute.

Sunday is the 20 mile run, the first of four 20 mile runs in this training program. In the past, my longest runs leading to the marathon was 24 miles, however I felt I wasn't benefiting from the long run so close to the race. Psychologically, I know I can run the distance and have the tools/experience to finish the race. Now, my marathon races are about finishing within a certain time as well as enjoying running through a new city followed by experiencing great restaurants and being a tourist post-marathon.

What can I say, I like my vacations to be active and to experience a city like most people haven't or can't -- closed off to the world (public/cars) and at street level! Hmmm...a good vacation for an urban planner.

A Little More Time

At the age of 28 finally realizing my dream of living in a small, Colorado ski resort town and buying a place of my own, it was time to complete my dream, not to get married but get a dog. Yes, marriage would have been too far of a big step for me but a dog for companionship I could handle -- a simple, uncomplicated relationship where the dog thinks the world of me, wants to be my side climbing mountains, hanging-out in the bar, chasing elk and sitting on the deck.

I drove down to Denver believing a Labrador, an ideal companion dog with a "dumb-fun" disposition and active, would be easy to find as it seemed everyone in Colorado had a Labrador. Instead, the world was against me with pet stores all being closed. Lost in Denver and upon a rural back road, I happened to spy an old, wood sign with painted letters, "Kennel- Dogs For Sale". Within the barn were a variety of waist high, large square, wood boxes with every breed of puppies available,except Labradors.

"Sorry, we just sold the last one. Seems as if everyone wants a Labrador these days."

Despite being Labrador-less, this barn, containing nothing but puppies, was my heaven! If I could have let all the puppies out and sat on the ground with them, I would have never left. Nonetheless, it was nearing closing time of 4 p.m. and I thought there could be a good match for me. Luckily, the kennel had breed descriptions above the boxes and I came across one that stated something to the effect, "Loyal and protective of the owner. One of the more intelligent breeds of dogs which requires a lot of space, attention,exercise and places to run."

"Great! I live in the mountains and need a running companion." I picked the last puppy out of the box and was told I could sit outside with him where this black and white fuzz ball seemed to smile but could only hop, not walk nor run, side-ways. "Is there something wrong with his hips that he can't walk?"

"No, he's a puppy and has to grow into his body."

I heard about dogs with hip problems and didn't know if I could part with a dog if something were to occur where his hips locked-up. Yet, he was a cute fuzz ball and licked the tip of my nose. The $400 was worth it for puppy love.

Returning to my condo and not knowing what to name him, I saw a pair of Rollerblades sitting near the front door with the name "Mondo" inscribed upon the boot. "Mondo! That's your name - a good, strong manly-dog name!"

"Mondo, no!...Here Mondo!... Mondo, come!" I often would yell until I heard my neighbor above me reply to my calling, "Mondo?" Turned-out his name was Mondo! Well, this surely would be confusing. I'd hate for my neighbor to show-up at my front door every time I called, "Mondo, come!" Not to confuse Mondo, my dog, I changed his name to a similar sounding "M" name and called him, "Milo." He later earned the nicknames of, "World's Greatest Dog", "Miloman", "Smiley", "Dogboy", and the best of all, "Shmooookymonsterbuttdotcomdog" which he answered to.

Milo was the quintessential mountain dog - chased Elk, Moose; ate chipmunks; hung-out at the bar with me, inside the bar of course where I trolled; went to work with me and stayed under the desk; road in the cop car with me (won't go into that detail); skied, rather ran down the mountain; trail ran; and, the greatest surprise, would hook-up with unknown mountain bikers who road past my house for a two hour ride then return home -- apparently, I wasn't active enough for him. Milo, accompanied me to Kentucky where a fenced yard confined his outdoor adventurous spirit, at least there were squirrels to chase. Now, we're back in an Alpine environment of Arizona, each losing a step or two and perhaps, our fearlessness as we aged. We've been through a lot together.

Last Tuesday on my "death phone" (cell phone where I receive nothing but bad news), I received a call during my presentation to the Planning Commission, an untimely call. Returning home, I found Milo unable to walk or move his hind quarters. Sitting outside alone with him, his inability to move was grave. He struggled. He was in pain. The reality that I wanted to deny became evident as I had to carry him back inside.

Throughout the night, Milo whimpered and I held him. I tried sleeping next to him on the floor but dogs in pain often want to be left alone and he tried to limp off to another room. Tired and still awake by 4 a.m., I tried lifting him onto our bed to sleep next to him but he still wanted to be left alone and flopped-off the bed and limped away. I followed and slept on the floor near him.

The next morning I told my wife I wasn't going into work and taking Milo to the vet and he wouldn't be coming back home.

"What do you mean?"

I began to tear. "Look at him. He can't walk." This condition was rather sudden to us as over the months he formed a limp but nothing this severe. "I'll ask the vet if there is anything he can do before finally deciding."

With only two hours sleep, 9 a.m. slowly approached when the Vets office opened. There was no way now to avoid the reality and I began to cry -- all these memories and the desire not to lose my buddy. "I don't want to make this call," I shakily spoke through tearful cries. I did call. They could take him at 4:20 p.m. I thought this time would be good as I could spend the day with Milo outside in the grass on a nice, sunny 70 degree day.

Time seemed to slow down. The gentle breeze I could now hear. Milo sat in the grass and looked at me and I back at him.

We took Milo to the Vet and I teared during the drive and tried to hold back emotions and gain composure. I hoped for a miracle.

Arriving at the vet's office, Milo, rather Smiley, was happy to be there and began to excitedly, struggle-walk. He smiled broadly and eagerly sniffed the stacks of dog food in the lobby.

First, the Vet-tech examined him and he seemed to be moving "okay" -- a miracle! As soon as the Vet -tech exited the office then Milo's rear quarters gave-out and he slumped to the ground. My uplifted spirits fell with him.

After examining him, the Vet's diagnosis were five: L-S, Cushions disease, Kidney problem, diabetes or just old age. Four out of the five diagnosis had grim outcomes. The treatable and somewhat manageable diagnosis of L-S involved medications, one of which a narcotic. If there was any glimmer of hope, in this case only a twenty percent chance of hope, I would try it so as long the Miloman didn't suffer.

Milo was coming home with us! My reddened eyes came back to life as I walked Milo out of the office, leaving my wife to pay the bill. I needed to be alone with Milo. Honestly, for the first time in my life I experience tears of joy -- something, guys generally don't show.

Today, Milo seems to be walking fine, smiling and enjoying the backyard. I have a little more time.

Long Run For Some Today

Concerts, bike shopping, running, travel and only three days to squeeze it all in before Tuesday work day. As I previously wrote, the Concert entry will wait as I have to learn how to upload video to the blog so I can do a "Then" and "Now" comparison of my wife at the Police concert -- she did appear in the Synchronocity Live video.

After this exhausting week-end, we delayed the long-run until Monday morning which was a wise idea with 50 degree, breezy and mild humidity which made it feel like a crisp Fall day. The first half of the 18 mile run was a warm-up at a comfortable 9:40 pace where I can sense there was some effort in my wife's breathing. Not feeling that she is not as well-conditioned as I, she decided to run 13 miles instead which freed me to quicken the pace a bit. I continued the next 4.5 miles at a 9:05, then completed the remaining 4.5 of the 18 mile run at a 8:13 pace while pushing through somewhat aching muscles. My mistake was not stretching afterwards...come to think of it, I didn't stretch to begin the run, either.

Feeling fine about the distance and the finish, yet have doubts about my overall pace to achieve my goal for San Francisco. Luckily, there are two months remaining to the race.

The Others!

Shhhhh! I think they are people in my house! Look! In the "man cave", there is a flowery tea cup with cold tea left within. Certainly, I don't drink tea nor would I choose a dainty, flowery cup. Wasn't there a movie about this same circumstance called, "The Others"?

Individuation! What ever happened to it?

The Police and Elvis Costello Will Have to Wait.

I'm digesting the Elvis Costello and The Police concert on Saturday night and coming to grips that I'm older. They're older, I'm older and so are the other concert goers with gray hair, wrinkles, lots of wrinkles and, in an instance or two, canes. One grandmotherly type creepily sprayed a portion of her hair pink. I'm in shock.

Figuratively, I knew all these concert goers years ago drinking in the parking lot, tight jeans, tans, leather mini-skirts and puffy 80's hair. Wow, has my generation changed, and for the better in some ways now that I think about it. Nonetheless, I could imagine them from another time. In short, too much to write about now as I'm exhausted but it was an incredible time and probably one of the best, well-performed concerts that would put contemporary artists to shame. I'm a fan.

Pop Up Video!

Mental break from training and all this damn snow! It' May for god's sake! The past two days, wet snow showers resulted in a couple of inches to accumulate, hence running outdoors is not all that appealing when you want to wear shorts and run in the sun! Clearly, the weather couple with an exhausting work week took a toll on our motivation -- only one significant trail run on Tuesday with cycling to work on Monday and Wednesday. So, at least there was some, although minimal activity.

How to get out of this funk? We're heading south to Phoenix for a 40 degree increase in temperatures and, more importantly, going to the Elvis Costello and the Police concert tonight!

My Pop-Up-Video moment: in The Police - Synchronicity live USA video a younger version of my wife was captured dancing in the video. Since I met her years later and eventually married her, I would never had guessed she was a video vamp and the girl in the video was her until I compared her dancing -- her moves remain the same then as they do today. Ya' know, in hind sight, it's hard to be a video vamp during the Izod/Polo era.

In 1984, the date I took to the Police concert eventually became a Hollywood actress starring in at least one movie and many character roles.

Pop Up Video!

Tired and Stress, Trying to Find Inspiration

Work just gets in the way of fun and goals. Stressed with deadlines and kept awake by my scared, lonely aging dog at night, I found myself exhausted by the end of workday and left with little motivation to run other than to the couch for a quick 4 p.m. nap that lasted until 7 p.m. Too tired to cook and too tired to call for delivery, if we had any place worthy to call for delivery, I settled for PB&J and glass of fat free milk. If I had Resee's Peanut Butter Cup, my house would have smelled like a first grade classroom.

As you may be aware, our Summer trip will be in San Francisco where we will be participating in the San Francisco Marathon. To find motivation and learn a little about the City, from our local library we checked-out the "San Francisco, Travel and Experience the World" DVD which provided some sights and sounds as well as preparation for a small dose of culture shock. Was the sometime odd person representative of the San Francisco culture or just an eccentric? So "shock" maybe overstating my emotional response of, "Hmmmph? That's a bit weird. Okay, why don't they tell us about the great dining or nightlife?" In the end, I should have read about the city, looked at still photos and used my imagination instead of the dvd.

Prepping for the next race - a "normal abnormal" advantage

Today, Tuesday(many post today in order to catch-up), we ran the course in preparation for the June 7th race which has a grueling first mile elevation gain. Once again, I went to the reserves, my third lung, and easily managed the climb whereas the wife felt the burn and had to walk. Third lungs, I better take advantage of the "normal abnormality" as the doctor called it.

Sacrificed Long Run for the Home Team -- the CAVS

The day after the race, we were to run 18 miles. Although we promised each other an early morning run, we didn't manage to make it out to Lake Mary until a little after 9 a.m. Although I was feeling fine after 9 miles, the day was warm, sunny and beautiful and it seemed as if we were to waste it by running the final 9 -- besides, the Cavs were playing the Celtics in game 7 and I'm a die hard Cleveland fan who loves to be consistently disappointed by my hometown team. In the end, they didn't let me down and lost, as typical Cleveland teams do.