Marinich - a paint spot

Lucky Dog

2012-01-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

I call him Lucky Dog, because he is next in line to be painted. His real name is Freeway, named thus as he was found roaming Rt 17 in upstate New York. A good dog that has been in the Marinich family for years. He belongs to my nephew Scott and his family. Stay tuned to see how the painting comes out.

I call her "Finally"

2012-01-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

Yeah, this on was long over due. I have had the photo in my studio for years, no kidding years. All that time must have been well spent looking at her and finguring out how to best capture this wonderful dog. Once I started painting the paint flowed easily off the brush onto the canvas. I think she is a beauty.

Sasha "Finally" 2012

Method to the Madness

2011-12-27T04:58:00.000-08:00

I thought I would show a couple other paintings that were delivered for Chirstmas.... the one on the very bottom is captured about half complete.

Baci

Willie

Leah almost there

Christmas Dogs... Sammy and Leah

2011-12-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

These two wonderful dogs were commissioned just recently. They are two good looking dogs. I just put the finishing touches on the paintings today. It was nice to relax and just paint while enjoying the Christmas spirit.

Both are 20 x 20 and live together.

Sammy

Leah

The clock is ticking...

2011-12-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

As we head quickly into the holiday, I am happy to have a few minutes to paint. The winter evenings can be so dark and dreary that I find painting lifts my spirit.

I also took a few minutes last week to complete the edit of my "script" I finished writing the script nearly two years ago and upon completion placed it in my file cabinet. It has since been brushed off and cleaned up, I think now I will give it a shot and send to the very few connections I have for an official "read". There may be no interest, however I am pleased with this little story and equally happy that I completed this project.

I may consider revising the script into a book for publishing.

Hey is anybody here?

2011-12-06T17:19:00.001-08:00

Just checking... It's been a while ya know

Well where have you been

2010-12-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Man, I find it hard to believe that is have been over a month since my last entry. Okay, I am going back to keeping track of life as I move through it and try to pack as much "life" as I can in my short time on this earth.

Some housekeeping. My last Marathon, Chicago, was miserable, happy to have participated and really enjoyed my time in Chicago with friends, however my inconsistent training showed in a poor time and significant cramping along the way.

Following Chicago, the next race started... launching the inaugural Worlds Hoppiest 5k Road Race. The race a huge success and we are already making plans for next year.

I have more to catch up on, but this is a start. I will close the blog entry with a recent painting for a client.

Same time tomorrow.

World's Hoppiest 5K Road Race | Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 | Saturday, November 06, 2010 @ 9:00 PM

2010-09-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.active.com/running/alpharetta-ga/worlds-hoppiest-5k-road-race-2010

Come join us ont enovemebr 6ht for a hoppin' good time.

Fooling myself

2010-08-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Last night was our first scrimmage for the AYFA Black Eagle… what a blast. I had a great time and the players did really well. I love coaching, the only way it could be better is if I could suit up and play. I do not think anyone would know, most of the players are taller than I am anyway. Jack did great, a few errant throws, but he hit 3 out of 6 passes, no interceptions and 2 passes should have been caught. The kids all played well.

At the end of the scrimmage, I was exhausted, but knew that an 11 mile tempo run was the start of my day tomorrow. Lately my running has been erratic and poor. As well as I did training for Hunstville and qualifying for Boston, I am 180 degrees in the other direction.

As my plan is not working, I have mixed things up… I slept in until 6:10, this gave me over 7 hours of sleep, I need more by my schedule would not permit more. I did wake feeling refreshed, but my leg was already hurting in anticipation of the upcoming 11 miles. Knowing that half my battle lately has been mental, I broke my run into two sections in an attempt to fool myself, a 6 mile out and back and a 5 mile out and back, that provided an area for refueling. My left leg hurt from step one and is still hurting. That’s is life, mentally, I was stronger, but not where I need to be yet.

I felt better on the last 5 and found myself enjoying the run a couple of time, (I know, that’s the idea right), at the turn a runner went by and I click on his heals with about a 25 yard gap. He must have known I was there as he dropped his pace the last couple of miles and I followed, at least I kept myself from running him down as I would in the past, that said, I did not let the gap increase.

Pace target was 7:38 I ran 7:31, mostly because I hit a 7:08 on the last mile with my rabbit in front. That part, of the run, I liked!

Sunday I will run 15 miles. Let’s see what the day brings.

Busy Signal

2010-08-24T05:44:00.001-07:00

Busy… that in a word is describing my life right now. With work, football, the boys, school activities and my other commitments, I am busy. Oh and I did not mention training! As for training, typically it is my salvation, that point where I can work off the stress of the days. However my training, specifically my running is in the crapper. I am out running thinking about the 2 million things I could/should be doing.

I need to keep myself organized and be judicious with my use of time.

weight up... speed down... uh not good.

2010-08-09T18:25:00.001-07:00

As bad as my last long run was, this was better. Great no, I was still fighting some running demons. My body and mind were fighting me the whole time. I just kept pushing on. I felt if I could get to the halfway point, all would be well. By 6.5 I was feeling good about heading back and knowing that every step took me closer to being done. Corey who was running behind me caught me with about 5 to go. I could have stayed with him, but knew that was not the order of the day. I kept my pace and moved along. My legs were getting tired but my mind knew I was nearly done. Interestingly I was running a 7:43 pace and that is slower than what I will need to run in Chicago.

With a good weekend, I enjoyed waking up today after a full 8 hours of sleep. The tempo run looked to be easy, but the reality is I struggled. All said, I got the work done and put the day in the books. Tomorrow is a swim, I will hit about 2,500 meters and try to pay attention to my nutrition. My weight is out of the park, 181.

who me... I'm just a little lost

2010-08-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

It has been so many days since my last journal entry that I have lost track of the number of days I have been training for Chicago. I think that alone tells you that I am missing something this time around. My last three long runs have gone from bad, to worse to awful. How bad… fell off pace with Corey, next, I did not hold pace for 18, last, my 20 miler was a disaster, with me stopping at mile 5 and walking. I salvaged the run but just barely and ended up adding 8 more the next day to achieve a cumulative mile total.

The tempo runs have been good, my track work is erratic, I am one, off or slow… anything but consistent. My weight is up, down, up, and I am tired all the time.

On a good note, football started this week and the range of talent means there will be a lot of coaching. I am enjoying the summer with the boys, the days are rocketing past.

This Friday I have a 13 mile run with Corey. It will be fast. Good.

Out on my Feet

2010-07-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

My run on Friday was a disaster. Though I was anxious about the run, I was also excited as Corey and I had an opportunity to run with Calvin and Evan I knew it would help time pass. Everything seemed to feel okay in the beginning. I stayed on pace and did not try to rush off, rather I cruised along never going too fast or too slow. As we neared the 10 mile mark, I was not feeling that great. My body seemed to lack any energy and my legs felt tired, weak. At the halfway point we dropped off Evan and picked up Hokan. I took time to eat part of a banana and a gel, a gulp of Gatorade and we were off. Calvin was only hanging for about 2.5 more miles and he’d be turning back. I struggled from the parking lot and felt myself really grinding to get up the first hill. Topping the hill, we had a brief downhill run and I was assessing my condition and trying to encourage myself to re-group. I needed to pull things together quick, the next 2 miles were all up hill, not steep, but a constant raising grade. My mind was really battling me as we ran. I hooked on Corey’s heels and locked in. Calvin dropped off, everyone said their goodbyes as he left the group. I was already in survival mode, I did not turn or wave, I just grunted. Things were looking dark for me and we were only at mile 12. What is going on.

At mile 13 I was done, out on my feet and completely wasted. I told Corey and Hokan, I am out. I may be stopping and shutting it down. It was just that bad, fatigue, lack of energy, weakness, I was in a fight and I was losing… badly.

Corey encouraged me to keep on going, I stayed the course, mostly due to pride. Mile 13 and 14 were difficult at best. The fluids at mile 14 did little to revive me and the gel was useless. I needed a jolt, and decide I would run into the Corner Deli for a coke. Corey and Hokan slowed the pace for me to catch up, but I never did recapture thedistance. Rather I watched as the distance grew. I had five more miles and no idea how I was going to finish the run. I thought how strong I had been the week before averaging 8:12 for 17 miles and here I was struggling at 8:23. Damn, pull it together. I gave myself a goal, it was less than a mile and I did this again. My 20 mile run was reduced to a series of 1 mile runs from mile 15 on. I did not stop, other than to replenish my fluids. My last fluid break a Holiday Inn breakfast bar, I ran in grabbed three glasses of mango juice and raced back out. I was on the home stretch, passing mile 18 and with 2 to go, I found renewed energy. My pace picked up and I felt confident I would finish. Corey and Hokan were already out of site, my goal was to get as close to pace as I could. I did not think it would be possible, as miles 15-17 were so bad. I was delirious and had no idea how fast or slow I was running during that time. Now however, each step now drew me closer to my finish and with a half mile to go, I began to sprint. I wanted this run done. Rounding the corner to my imaginary finish line, I saw Corey and Hokan, looking strong and fresh, they looked to have been done for a while.

I looked at my watch but had no idea if my time was slow or fast. My initial thought was too slow. Later I would learn that I was actually fast, 20 at an 8:23 pace. Good enough. The run really damaged me physically and mentally. But it also made me stronger, physically and mentally. I pushed for 8 miles when my body said not one more step. I ran when I could barely stand and I stood when my body wanted to fall. A good way to end week 4, I am glad it is over.

The weekend went quickly and on two occasions I lost track of the day. After affects of a taxing run. The highlight of the weekend was tubing with the family in North Georgia and going to the movies with Jack.

Monday brought the start of week 5 and the first time I had seen Jay in 2 weeks. He looked very thin and a bit frail from his bacterial illness. He ran strong as he Corey and I all started the weeks training together. Corey and I were running a 2 – 3 – 1 workout, 2 EZ, 3 at 6:14 and 1 EZ. Jay was easing back into the training with 4 x 1200. A good run and he was solid the entire time.

I felt challenged and sometimes at ease during my tempo workout. While driving home I realized I just ran 3 miles at a pace faster than my best 5K. Not bad. I hope to take this same strong run into Fridays 18 mile run at 8:11. I will be tested!

Weight 182.

How long you in for...

2010-07-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Wednesday. Monday I hit a good tempo run on the treadmill to start Week 4. The run was tough and I felt labored, but once I passed the halfway mark it seemed to get a bit easier. It felt good to run next to one of my buddies and see someone else that was grinding away at their workout, misery they say loves company, though I think I was the only one that was truly miserable as he seemed to glide effortlessly along the belt. Tuesday was a good solid day, for everything. I seemed to eat better and my workout was a good, tough swim, only 2500 meters. I will likely start to cap the workouts between 2500-3000 meters. Faster days on Tuesday and longer days on Thursday. I swam with Rebecca though she was typically 10-30 seconds ahead depending on the length we were swimming in the set. I felt bad that I was unable to give her a challenge and push her, but good that she was pushing me on every set. Our last set was a nice 2 x 200 with a speed pick up in the middle. We both commented on how much form we lost during the speed portion but as we reverted back to form for the last 50, our split did not drop. Swimming is so much technique and body position in the water, this was clearly proof. The remainder of the day was consumed with work, I did not move off my chair for the next 6 hours and it felt good to be so productive. The evening was uneventful and I was looking forward to a good night’s rest.

This morning I woke 5 minute before the alarm rang so I grabbed my gear and headed to the gym. The crowd was huge for our track workout, there must have been 10 people. Nice to see the dedication by so many. I went into today’s workout with a little bit of fear, at least concern. I had decided for the next few weeks I would try to hit the workouts for a projected marathon time of 3:15. This meant that I would be running the 5 x 1000 today at 3:44. Basically 45 seconds per 200 meters with the last one being 44 seconds.

My legs felt tired and stiff as we jogged down to the track. As we neared, I quickened the pace a bit just to better warm up. As everyone was mulling around I decide, it was time to go, clearing my watch, I was off. The first lap is always a little more difficult as the lungs have not completely opened and the muscle are still warming up. I kept my pace in check and hit my 200 time right on. My next 200 was a bit slow and from there I ran negative splits. The rest was a 400 jog/walk, that I did fairly quickly. Of the 5 X 1000, I hit my 3:44 mark on all but one, that one was fast, 3:42. Overall I was happy with my performance, the last 1000 was dead on hitting every split consistently, 45, 45, 45, 45 and 44. Perfect. Afterwards we all went for a bagel, and some friendly chatter.

The rest of my morning was consumed with work and a brief meeting with Jack’s orthodontist. Jack will be getting braces beginning July 27 & 28th. It will not be fun, but they will be off before he enters high school. The thought of him entering high school made me feel proud and slightly older all at the same time. Glad I am spending as much time with he and Wil as I can. The time goes by way too quickly.

Weight… 179.

10 to 7

2010-07-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up week 3. Building off a good day at the track, I wanted to continue to build on my fitness. Thursday was a strong day of cross training with Rebecca as we continued to inch the number of meters up by another 200. We have no interest in swimming 4500 meters, but 2500 – 3200 meters is good and provides the off day fitness that is important for our marathon conditioning. The day kept me busy, but my mind was really set on the next run, 17 miles. It seems once you get past 15 miles, you know you have serious work ahead.

Knowing the run was going to be a challenge, I made certain my body would be well rested. I put back-to-back nights of 7 plus hours of sleep. Though Jay was out for the week, I was happy to have Corey, Hokan and Calvin all join me for the first 10 miles of the 17 mile run. The pacing was a bit up and down and I know it was not my smartest run, but I enjoyed the company and did not mind that we goofed around with one another.

With 10 down and everyone off to stretch I was on my own. Part of me was missing the group, the miles just fly by, but a part of me was looking forward to the 7 solo miles. Not because I knew it would be easy, but because I knew it was going to be hard, physically and mentally and I needed to steel my mind to the pain and to the demons that creep in and tell you it is okay to stop. Not today.

I did give myself a small advantage, knowing I would be alone I wanted to run somewhere I could measure my pace, a weak link in my running make up, yep, and I know it. To that point I chose the Greenway, a simple downhill mile to the Greenway 2.5 out and back. The Greenway provides half-mile markers, and it is easy for me to keep my pace. The other advantage, it is flat and fast. On my run down, I cruised, leaning forward I let gravity take control my legs just rolled down the hill. Hitting the entrance of the Greenway, I felt rested, time to lock it in pace, focus on stride and keep my body relaxed. A quick mental check and everything seemed loose. I was looking forward to my next Gatorade stop, when I thought, hmmm, “I’m hungry”. The Gatorade will help, the miles are ticking by I have no gels, and I made a note to make certain I had fuel on the 20 mile run next week.

A quick glance and I can see that my pace is fast, certainly not a good way to run, but I am thinking about the last mile, a climb back to the gym and a cushion would be nice. Though I am fast, my pace is consistent and I take that as a positive during the last 6 miles. I finish on the hill weaker than I would like but I finish. I know next week I will need to feed better.

Running into Corey, I try with no success to do some math to see how I finished. I expected to be close or just a little over. I eventually quit trying to do the math, I am exhausted mentally and physically.

Later as I am working I see an email from Corey 8:12. Too fast. We talk about looking at adjusting my target time for Chicago… is that really what I am looking for? I like the idea, but decide to give it further consideration over the weekend.

Could I do it… I don’t know. Am I ready for the commitment that would be required, the reality is I am over committed already, something to consider.

Mental mistakes will cost you

2010-07-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

Day 17 – Chicago Marathon Training. Last night I went to watch my neighbor and his son as well as many boys I have coached in football play in the Dizzy Dean Baseball State Finals. They were in the winners bracket and needed only a single win to take the title as repeat champions. They jumped out to an early 4 run lead and things looked good… however the wheels came off in the second to the last inning. Mental errors, mistakes that should not have been made cost them the game and eventually the state title. They went on to lose the next game as well and ended up in second place, not bad, but frustrating. A good group of boys.

This morning, I woke up just before I was about to fall out of bed. I was literally right on the edge. I could sense it in my sleep and it woke me before the alarm went off. I laughed to myself thinking that I have not fallen out of bed in 20 plus years, but I nearly did today.

Getting dressed and feeling rested, I made my way to meet my friends for our track workout. I had a descending ladder workout, 1200, 1000, 800, 600, 400, I was fast on all of them. No discipline, mental mistakes, just like the boys last night. I was consistent, but my goal is to be consistent and on target, follow the plan and stay healthy. Mental mistakes are costly.

Better...

2010-07-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

Day - 16 Chicago Marathon Training. I woke this morning and felt rested. Amazing what happens when you get to bed a reasonable hour. It was a peaceful sleep too, no wild dreams and no waking up in the middle of the night. It is possible that I did not move once my eyes shut until the time I woke up.

With the start of Week 3 delayed due to Jay being sick, today I hit the treadmill for the tempo workout alone. I considered a run out in the cool morning air, but the reality is, I need the treadmill to keep pace and not cheat by going too fast.

The workout was straight forward, 1 mile warm-up, 5 at 7:24 pace and a mile cool down. I hit the treadmill with a bit of caution, the last time I felt labored during this workout. Today I felt better rested, and by the second mile, I knew today’s run would be a breeze. I was sweating, but my breathing and legs felt good and breathing was well under control, a very positive start to Week 3. After running I put a concentrated effort into stretching and my core workout. I have been neglecting both lately.

To stay on track, later today I will hit the pool. A nice 2000 meter lunch time swim with another training friend, Rebecca, who is also training for Chicago. Hoping Jay feels better soon.

Weight… I did not look too many ribs, chips, beer and junk over the holiday weekend. I’ll look on Friday.

Where is my spirit... have you seen my spirit

2010-07-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Day - ?... 15 Chicago Marathon Training. I have not yet fallen in the groove. I seem to be going through the motions, but I have not found myself fully committed. I have made all the runs so far, but my diet, well, way off. I have hit all my extra workouts, but not all my lifting or core. Week 2 ended strong, the 15 mile run was a few seconds better than pace, but I was weak in the middle miles. I did pick it up at the end, but again it was not a great run. I think the best part was the fact that it rained, it made the temperatures drop and brought a little fun to the run.

I need to find my running spirit.

Ah... Rested.

2010-06-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Day 9 – Chicago Marathon Training. Sleeping in can be a good thing when your body is trying to recover from strenuous training, this is especially true as you grow older and are at greater risk to injury. After a tough run yesterday, I knew I needed sleep. I set my alarm for 6:00 AM with a goal of hitting the water by 7:00 AM. Waking after 7 hours of sleep, I felt good, my body was recharged and ready for a good workout.

In the water, I felt charged with energy and the swim felt easy, though it was only a mile. I will target another good night sleep and watch my nutrition as I start removing the “junk” from my diet. Hopefully these changes will result in a better Week 2 of training.

Only 19 more miles!

2010-06-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Day 8 Training for Chicago Marathon – Well the first week is done, and today was the first day of Week 2. Last week started off just as I thought it would. I felt strong and I was prepared to enter marathon training with a great base of fitness. The first two runs of the week were good. The tempo was very easy and the track workout, though tough was not harder than I expected. However Friday’s run was difficult. It was only a 13 mile run, and the pace a simple 8:08 per mile. The run however was terrible. I hit the distance and the pace was held at 8:04, but I felt like garbage. Every part of me was tired. It was not the running the wore me down rather, it was totality of this thing we call life, work, running, volunteering, the play, family and kids, I was over committed and I knew it. My commitments pushed me to cut the number of hours I could sleep, that results in a lack of recovery and by Friday I was done, completely fatigued. I finished the run on fumes.

Last night I went to bed early with the resolve today would be better. It was not. My legs were dead again today. As for my conditioning, I felt good, though it was hot and I was sweating like a sprinkler on high, my breathing was good. The legs, just felt lifeless. The concerning part is today’s 7 mile tempo was at marathon race pace. I ran at 7:35, which should have felt easy, but it did not… and to think in 15 weeks I need to run that pace for 19 more miles!

Though I am struggling right now, I know that it will get better, and that this is a part of the work to prepare my body. I also know that Friday’s long run that was so bad, was a great test mentally, to teach myself how to run when there is nothing in the tank, to fight back the demons that want you to quit and to keep on pushing when everything says stop. These are negatives that I can turn into positives.

A busy day of work and several meetings today. My weight is starting to drop… 179, goal 172 for Chicago.

Chicago training Day 1

2010-06-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

Day 1 Training Chicago Marathon – My first thought when I woke up was “Day 1”. Yep this is the first day of training for the Chicago Marathon on October 10th. The workout today a simple tempo, 2 EZ, 2 @ 6:54 and 2 EZ, 6 miles total. I must admit, I was excited to get started with the 16 week training program.

Meeting Jay at LFT, I laced up the new shoes I bought myself for Fathers day. Nothing better than a new pair of shoes. The warm up was ez as it should be, the 2 at pace were fairly easy as well. A couple miles of warm down and I was done.

The day ahead will present other challenges, plenty to do at work and a list of other task. The day will end with my first rehearsal for Fame. Likely this is be my biggest challenge of the day.

Weight… Corey talked me out of checking my weight until Wednesday. Stay tuned.

I did not see that coming

2010-06-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well I thought the most difficult part of my day would be my run this morning, I was wrong. I felt good and my conditioning and leg strength was okay. Even my weight was better, 181, heading back down to the 170’s. I had a stack of business calls and meetings that needed to be addressed and contracts signed. Again more difficulty. But again, challenge met and passed. Good business was accomplished today.

Next, I had an interesting little opportunity that presented itself; this appointment would be just after lunch. For anyone that knows me I enjoy acting, however business travel and life in general has kept me away from the stage, since college the only real acting I had done was a stage play of Treasure Island, on a bit of dare from the family and an exercise to demonstrate to my children the importance of challenging yourself I auditioned and ended up landing a lead role as Long John Silver, a summer series for 13 shows. I had a blast. I was even asked to stay on as part of a traveling group doing skits, but time and business travel dictated otherwise and I essential hung up the acting while I buried myself in business.

Well an opportunity was knocking again, a part in the stage play of Fame. Specifically Mr. Myers, the Drama Teacher. Having never seen the play or movie and only knowing a bit about the premise, off I went with no expectations other than an opportunity to challenge myself once again. I think it is great to put myself out there from time to time just to remember I am still alive.

Showing up, I had little direction on what to expect, as I entered the building the place was buzzing with 20-30 theater students, it presented a palpable energy. Weaving my way through the energetic students I find my contact and pleasantries are exchanged. She is the theater director, an outgoing energetic person with great enthusiasm.

No time was lost, she knew what she wanted, and quickly said, “let’s see what you have”, “Can you sing? Dance? Where have you acted?“ Sing! Dance! Of course this was Fame… certainly there would be singing and dancing. My mind is racing as I am recalling my abilities… Looking back I am not sure how this happened but I said, Yes, with all the confidence in the world. Great, follow me.

I followed behind her and the Movement Director as we made our way through a maze of rooms and hallways, stopping at small room next to a piano. Once again, I have put myself in a place to see if I can meet the challenge. The instructions were brief and simple, I am going to “sing” and I want you to follow along with the piano. Ready. There was only one answer, “yep.” And so it went. I expected that it might be a crash and burn right there, yet as she provide a tone and pitch, I followed, up and down a scale repeating, lower still, repeat , lower still, repeat… While I am mimicking the tones and pitch, they are both shaking their head approvingly. Now back up… the scale. Still good. Finally I said, that is as high as I can go. Surprisingly singing got an overall approval. Great, not likely, but serviceable, sure.

Next came the read. Hey, no sweat, this is what I love. The acting… I was so confident in this area I felt it would be a slam dunk. Just the opposite. For reasons I cannot begin to understand and what will likely bother me for years, I just could not nail this one line, the rest were good and I feel I took the direction well too. My best… not even close, but okay. I am not sure why, I just was not hitting my best.

Let’s keep moving… we move to a dance studio. I am thinking I may have survived my train wreck on the acting, and I know I can do better and I am still feeling confident. Now the Director of Movement/Dance, takes the lead. Follow me she says. We stand in the center of a dance studio and she begins to show me some simple moves and asks that I shadow her as the music played.

After watching and practicing a couple of moves, it was my turn. A swagger up, 2, 3, 4 pose, arm in air, and drifting down to the side, saunter to the left, pose, and swagger back 8 steps. Inside my mind is racing until I finally said to myself, listen to the music and think loose hips.

We do the number about 3-4 times and we are done. The Movement Instructor places her hand on my shoulder and says “he can move” and nods to the Theater Director. I smile to myself and tell her that I appreciate the gracious comment.

Unfortuantley I still have the bad read that is sitting over my head like a dark rain cloud. They ask to for me to try it again, not all the lines were bad, but one, an important one I just blew. I try again, this time… no better. I just did not hit it. Rats.

They take my number and I am given the “we’ll give you a call” Oh well.

I really thought the singing and dancing would be my downfall. That I ended up being okay. Great, no let’s not be ridiculous, but again, serviceable. However my acting, the thing I felt I would do so well, I blew it. Could I do this part, yes! I think I would be great. But today.. ugh.

It reminded me of a bad race or a bad wrestling match. You know you are better but you cannot find it that day or that match. I thank them and head to the car pleased that I had the guts to stand there where others might have said, what… no way.

Sitting in the car, I pretty much knew I blew an opportunity and it was my fault. That stings. I must have repeated the line 20 more times since, but that is easy, I did not hit it when it counted. Grrrrr. I am not a big fan of failing, I can accept others making mistakes but I have real difficulties with my errors.

I do not tell anyone about my lunch “appointment” and I finish the rest of my work day. Tonight I’ll make something on the grill, drink a beer and think about the possibility as I lay down to drift off to sleep.

I know I will be frustrated and the most difficult part of this day will be accepting my failure. I’ll tell myself, "hey you tried" in an attempt to find solace and eventually I will drift off to sleep.

Tomorrow will be another day.

UPDATE: The next day I was called... I got the part!

Ambush

2010-06-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2010

Ambush… I was coming home from a great workout during lunch. I had met Jay for a cross-training swim workout, the distance was not too long, but it was tough, especially the 10 x 50’s we both held pace. Most surprising from the workout was the 100 all out, I had expected to hit a 1:44 – 1:50, I was hoping for a 1:40, but I deal in reality not fantasy. I had a plan for this 100 all out, but after swimming my arms off with the previous sets, I figured I was worn out, and really needed to focus on stroke and form for the first 50 and the second 50 would just be a gut-busting, lung crushing push. It rolled out as I had planned but to my surprise, I hit the wall and my watch said 1:29!!! Nice. I’ll take it. Anyway, back home I cut through the backyard and Kim is standing there with Wil. She ask me if I have my phone and keys. Uh, yeah, sure. She takes them. Wallet? Yeah. She takes that and ducks. Wham, Splash, Wap… I am being nailed by water balloons. Wil unloads, Kim scurries up the stairs and she joins in the fun. Clearly Wil has been planning this all morning. I stand there and take it all in good fun. Once drenched, I take the offensive and grab the hose. Superior fire power always wins. I know better than to dowse Kim, but Wil is fair game and the tide quickly turns. A cease fire is reached and we both change into dryer clothes.

The afternoon is filled with work and is productive. I look forward to my upcoming double header in softball. Though the expectation is killed by the reality. I start the game off with a fielding error and end up with two fielding errors for the night. My bat is not much better. Grrrr. The only saving grace of the evening is a hard hit triple that opens up a scoring barrage by our team, and turning a double play.

A few beers afterwards with my teammates ease the pain. Progress is also being made on a new project. The Worlds Hoppiest 5K. More to come.

Wearing next to nothing, it was hot as an oven

2010-06-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well I made it out the door for my run today, nothing too terrible as far as distance, but man was it hot. Jay and I both had early commitments which pushed us to a lunch time run, high noon. Better yet, hot noon! The temperature could easily have been 100 degrees; I don’t know for sure, I did not want to look.

Dressed and ready to go, we started off, it took only a few short steps for my body to bead up in sweat. Before I was through with the first mile, my running clothes were drenched. It looked like I ran through a car wash; it felt like I was running inside my oven. The only difference was my oven did not have the humidity, so running in the oven would have been a bit more comfortable. The pace was supposed to be slow… we hit an easy 7:30 per mile I think the burning pavement may have prompted a faster leg turnover.

Getting closer to the start of training for Chicago 6 more days!

All good things come to an end

2010-06-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Monday… whew. The last few days have been a tornado of activity, I‘ve had a number of good workouts and a couple I’d like to forget. There is not much that I can take away from the training other than, I was getting it done and that counts for something, not much but something. I have managed to keep myself in the pool, that makes nearly a month now and I could feel the conditioning coming back as my times are dropping. My last long run was miserable, after prolonging a trip to the doc, I need to go check on my leg, typically it breakdown in a couple of miles, hurt like hell and eventually numb up. My last run it hurt from the first step and days afterward.

The better part of the past couple of weeks is having my family visit, the days speed by filled with too many laughs and several heated games of spades. Nothing more fun than setting your sibling in a game of spades, bragging rights feel soo good.

Next week starts the official training for Chicago… I have a week to sort out my leg issue and drop a few pounds.

Ah Morning!

2010-06-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning and I felt good… I had no urgent items that need to be done, I had no workout to rush off to, I would hit the pool at lunch. The bed felt comfortable, the sheets felt cool and crisp as I stretched and took in a deep breath. Ah morning.

Once down at the office I plowed through a stack of work with an early morning energy, my sharp from a good night rest. The clock neared the lunch hour and I actually was looking forward to the pool. I have been steadily increasing my distance in the pool, while maintaining my pace. Today I would do my warm up and a series of 100’s, 50’s and 25’s with the intent of mixing some speed into the drill. Thursday I will go longer again. I am happy to report that my pool conditioning is getting better and I have now hit the pool for 3 straight weeks.

Late in the evening the boys and I played a serious game of kickball, and I must admit, I love that game as much now as I did as a child. Tomorrow is track as we draw days closer to the beginning of training for Chicago. Really need to work on my weight. Track workout will be pushed to noon at Jay’s request. No problem, I’ll watch the NBA finals with our guest tonight.

Sir William

2010-06-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Monday. Wow what a weekend. It was nice to ease into the weekend with a few vacation days. There was so much to do leading up to Wil’s birthday, that coupled with the fact that Diane and Harry were visiting, I really enjoyed being able to spend time with my sister while not being hurried by work to get ready for the party.

Wil’s Birthday on Friday went off without a hitch, mostly due to the planning and hard work of Kim and the extra help from Diane and Harry. The party itself was fun, the water slide a big hit only to be followed by the “warrior dash” like competition held in the back yard for Wil and all his guest. The inner athlete came out of Wil as he blew by the competition to take the overall competition. Kim’s parents also came up for the party and that made it even more special. The night was capped with Wil’s friend Jimmy sleeping over.

It was an early night for Jack and I though, we had a race the next morning, well at least Jack did, I was still deciding if I was going to run or pace Jack. I really wanted him to run alone, but I thought I would see how he and I both felt in the morning. Race morning came early, we woke at 5:45 AM and we were at the race site by 6:30. This gave us plenty of time to register and warm up. Diane and Harry joined us to cheer on Jack. Warmed up and ready to go, the race started. I felt better than expected as the adrenaline rushed through my body. The first mile was too fast, 6:06, but I felt good, mile two I was hitting 12:28, so I was back on pace and by the end of 3rd mile, I had dispatched all but one runner in my age group, the other guy was a clear minute ahead. Not much I could do there I finished with a 19:52.

A few comments to the other racers I headed back to see Jack, good timing too. He was nearing the 3 mile mark and had a runner in his age group running slightly ahead of him. I yelled “time to lower the hammer” He did at the same time I was saying it, clearly he had the same thoughts. Opening lead, I yelled hit the corner and sprint, he did. The other runner tried to answer, but Jack just picked the pace up further to widen the margin. Jack and I both took home second AG, a good Saturday morning.

Sunday came and we ended the celebratory birthday weekend with dinner at Medieval Times, Wil’s requests. I spent the few extra bucks to have him knighted. He took the whole process very seriously. Totally worth it as he beamed, with his robe, tunic and wooden sword the King presented the proclamation of knighthood upon William. Sure is fun being a dad.

This morning it was back to work. A 4:45 AM wake up I was in the pool swimming by 5:15, only 1,500 meters, I chased the swim down with a nice 4 mile tempo run. It felt difficult, more so than I expected, but I was happy to run along side Corey and Jay, it has been a while.

Weight… Let’s not discuss.

Don't Blink...

2010-06-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

How is it possible that a week has nearly passed since my last entry. I can tell you it feels like I have only blinked my eyes. A good run on Monday with Jay combined with a swim seemed to have set the mood for a week of fitness.

Tuesday was a wash, but I knew that would happen and thus the reason for the swim on Monday.

Wednesday was track day and I had a guest join me, Jack! He woke early with me and we made our way to the track. I was running 5 x 800 at a sub 3:00 pace. It was not really pretty. Last week I ripped them off with my slowest being 2:58 and an average of 2:56. Not the case on Wednesday, I did not exceed the 3:00 mark, but I came close, times were 2:57, :58, :57, :59, :59. My legs were just tired. The best part of the morning was having Jack there. He ran the straights and walk/jogged the curve. He did well and ran about a mile and a half of track work including the warm-up and cool down he ran 3.5 miles. Good work. The funny part of the morning was when the “boot-camp” trainer who was there working with a group saw Jack and told him it was nice to see a young athlete at the track rather than sleeping, playing Playstation and drinking Juicy Juice. Too funny, I'll use that all summer.

Today I was able to get my swim in that is now 4 in a row… I am picking up my distance through I am still struggling.

Weight… way too high, 183.

Beer, Wings and Chips... oh my!

2010-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Friday. Oh wonderful Friday. I went to bed last night dreading the run this morning. Dreading might not be the right word, it seems that with every long run, I have a bit of anxiety, not because I am worried about the distance, rather it is how I will feel. Besides, this 10 mile run is half the distance of the runs I will have coming up in the next two months. Perhaps it was the fact that I would be running solo. I used to love running solo, but recently I have come to enjoy running with my friends. As I typically do, I woke up minutes before my alarm went off.

Grabbing my gear I was out the door. As much as I thought I would be running solo, the moon was big and bright this morning. Nearly full, the moon was smiling down on me as I trekked off into the night.

The pace felt good, I expected that I would hit about an 8 minute pace, though I had hoped it would be better, especially as my target for Chicago is 7:32 for 26 miles. But Chicago is months away and right now it is all about fitness. I check my breathing, and I felt good. My legs, not too bad considering the workout I had on Wednesday. All systems go… Somewhere between the second and third mile my calf knotted up, sharp and painful. What was that? I kept running and in flared up two more time, a bit of a nuisance, and it hurt, but no stopping, I just ran through the pain and it went away.

Running solo gives you time to think, there is peacefulness running solo and your mind is able to clear out the clutter. This is especially true on a longer slower run, the faster runs, tempo and track, my mind is like a siren going off the whole time, but long runs I get some great thinking done. Today was fitness. I have been sitting on three (possibly two) legs of a four legged stool when it comes to fitness. I am getting all my runs in, my head is in the game, but my cross training has been weak lately and my nutrition has been garbage. Almost literally garbage. Wings, chips and beer the night before a long run, really? I’m smarter than this. I felt great during my marathon training for Huntsville because I was aware of my food intake, however, lately I just intake food, any food. My weight is up to 181 again and I feel it, it is like wearing a fat suit of lethargy. This week has been better as I am cross training again, but the next month I need to make a conscious effort to better my food choices, not diet, not starve myself, but just eat better.

With my mind clear, I focus back on my running. Six miles have passed and I feel pretty good, The toxins are working their way out of my body and I am going through my checklist on form, breathing, good, upper body, relaxed, good, left leg is a little sloppy, rather than a smooth transition, I am heal striking and slowing my pace, I correct my stride and the pace smooths out, it almost seems easy.

After a while I look at my watch, I’m nearly done, an ascent up Mount Westside crest that hill and it is nearly downhill for the last two miles. The hill is more labor than I anticipated, but I chalk that up to my lack of cross training and keep on pushing up.

The finishing miles are uneventful, done, 10.1 miles, 1:15:25 for a surprising 7:24/mile pace. Somewhere I must have picked up some speed while exercising out my food demons. Not a bad way to start the morning.

Getting My Groove On

2010-05-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday. Yet another few days have passed. We are well into first week in summer. The simple joy of a water balloon fight, playing “punch buggy”, summer movies and hanging at the pool. We’ve done it all so far. I am still relishing my Age Group win at the Warrior Dash, though a good part of it may have been luck, I’ll take it.

Coming off that event, I am trying to string together a good month or workouts that will have me ready to start the marathon training in less than a month.

I started swimming again on Tuesday as a cross-training exercise, and track yesterday was great, 6 X 800 all under 3:00 minutes, 2:53, :54, :56, :57, :58, :57. Not bad. But I still think there is more left inside. I hit the pool again today but never found my grove in the water, but I kept going and finished my work.

My weight is good not great at 181’ish, I really need to be trending down this month to a more reasonable 175. I think hitting 168 for the marathon would make it possible to go sub 3:20, my goal for Chicago.

I finally have some traction with my script. Though the last time I read it I did like it as much as when I first finished writing it, but that is typical and important. I will edit and change the areas that are weak and put a little more edge to it as well. I think the dialogue needs some work as well. Happy that I having a shot for a development read.

Warriors, come out and play...

2010-05-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Monday.

Yesterday was the Warrior Dash. I woke early and headed over to Corey’s house. I knew I was excited as I woke long before the alarm went off. Picking up Corey at 7:00 we hit the road.

Corey and I have both raced more times than we could possible count, but today was going to be different, we were not racing, but rather, heading to our first Warrior Dash. Neither of us knew what to expect, at least I did not. It can be best described as a 5K meets and obstacle course. But as we had never done that before we were treading into a new area. We had hoped that Jeff and Jay might join us and have it be a real guys event, but they had passed. Too bad.

Immediately upon arriving we knew that the days was going to be a blast. We had missed one part of the description, 5K, check, obstacle course, check, and party! Wha-hoo. The place was packed and it was still early. Typical runners Corey and I checked out the course and had a few people give us the run-down of what to expect.

Just prior to the first wave going off, we warmed up and made our way over to the start line. For the next 6 hours, runners’… better, Warriors would be launching in groups of 500 every 30 minutes. That is 6,000 people and this was the second day, it had sold out on Saturday! Corey and I figured they raked in about $1 million over the two day weekend.

It was determined that this was going to be just for fun, no pressure, no racing and do not get hurt, in less than a month we would start training for Chicago. Lining up, warmed up we fell just behind some very eager runner, with a blast of fire and cannon shot we were off, I should say Corey was off… I quickly caught up and thought, ah.. too fast. But rather than voicing my concern I fell in nicely behind him as he cut a path for the first mile.

After the first mile the fun began… the obstacles upon reaching water’s edge, we traversed 2 x 10 planks submerged in the water for 25 yards, hoping back on land briefly before jumping into waist deep water and trudging, diving, swimming for the next 50 yards. Exiting onto the beach, we rounded a corner and ahead lay waiting 40 yards of tires, rather than stepping in each tire hole, I ran the side walls… much faster. A series of three walls came next and each were quickly dispatched, EZ-PZ.

A short run was interrupted by a 15 foot wall and to be climbed by rope and foot, think Batman and Robin style. A dash to the cargo nets and another 15 foot climb, first up and then down, again not too bad. A quick sprint over some junked cars, Corey had the perfect “Starsky and Hutch” slide as I leaped up and over.

Next came the ascent, not a nice even footpath, but rather an ever narrowing path, with branches and roots and rocks and mud, each of them trying to grab your ankle and throw you to the ground, if the climb did not have your heart racing, the treacherous footing did. High knees and loose ankles were in order as you bound from footing to footing. Reaching the top most people stopped and took a breather. No time for that... ahead were 20 yards of small dark tubing and the only way through was on your hands and knees, this was fitting because at this point, you were out of breath and heading into that postion anyway.

Exiting the tubes it was a now a downhill dash, speed versus safety, legs seemed to fly wildly as you ran down the hill. Racing down a narrow muddy, root and rock covered trail. Just as you gained speed you would hit a felled tree or logs to impede your path. Calculating jumps and looking downhill for safe landing were paramount to eliminating a major face plant. Too fast came to mind on several precarious jumps while trying to maintain downhill speed.

In the near distance you could hear the roar of the crowd, further calling you to throw caution to the wind. The crowd noise came at the same time you had to make a sharp left turn over a creek with a slime covered rock that begged you to take a chance and use it as a place to land, no way.... over the rock.

Emerging from the downhill run, a quick left was followed by a quick right and a 15 foot drop down an embankment. I recall looking ahead and seeing a guy hosing down the slick muddy surface as I was running at top speed. I thought briefly, “I got a bad feeling about this” smiling to myself I picked a path and made like a goat, hop – hop – hop – splash, right into 3-4 feet of mud, soupy-gooey mud. It was in my mouth, ears, everywhere, I would find a lot of it later in the shower, I was covered. No time to worry about that, there were 400 people behind me and I did not feel like being at the bottom of a dog pile in the mud.

Wading through the mud while ducking under 4 sets of barbed-wire that were progressively lower as you went forward. The first three were easy, the last one left its mark on my back like racing stripes, I did not feel it at the time, though I did hear the crowd gasp when it happened. Good thing I was not wearing a shirt, true Warrior Style!

The next 100 feet looked easy enough, mostly a muddy surface. The reality was you were running on grease. It was slick and a mis-step would put you on your ass or your face. Clearing the mud another beach and 4 lumber-jack log sitting in waist deep in water, up-over, up-over, four times. By this time you were with the crowds as they cheered you on, a quick assault of a wood and 2 x 4 wall, it was time to sprint. The cheering fueled the fire… ahead you could see the flames. Real flames, about 3 feet high, too high to hurdle completely you cleared the burning logs (Duraflame) and went right through the fire. 25 feet later, done. Warrior.

What a blast. I had a great time, Corey and I grabbed our free beers and ate turkey legs like we were, well, Warriors.

Sitting down we later hooked up with two other great athletes who had also completed the Warrior Dash earlier. Now fueled by a few beers, and having a good time, it was casually thrown out that we should run it again… a consensus was reached and we did, though this time at friendly pace, it was much more fun as we cheered and jeered each other on.

The great part about being an athlete is the cool people you meet and great things you get to do, strangers hours before and now Warriors together. Best part of running... see great places, do great things and meet great people.

More beer, music, and fun we raced one more time as the day came to a close for us Weekend Warriors. Gathering our gear we headed our separate ways each committing to race again next year or consider an adventure race some time later this year. Perhaps the Red Speedo Dash in December or the Fig Leaf 5000 next April.

The end to a great day was briefly hampered by me losing my keys, but they were eventually found and the ride home was filled with memorable stories of the day. A big thanks to Corey for hanging with me to collect first place AG and also helping me track down my keys. I’ll not live that down for a while and to our new friends, thanks for the fun time!

Up in the air

2010-05-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Friday… Wow this week has flown by. Literally, as the majority of it was spent on planes and travel. The east coast to west coast trip is always a good time, but coming back it rough. As always I try very hard to keep myself on east coast time, but getting up at 2:00 AM to run really does not work, especially when so many of my work obligations take me into the late hours. Overall I put a couple small runs together and hit the weights a few times.

It was good to connect with a number of colleagues, “talk shop” and share some good stories. Hooked with up a running friend that used to run with Steve Prefontaine. Later at the same party I met two ends of the musical spectrum, Merrill Osmond (yes Donny and Marie’s brother from the Osmond Brothers) and the guitarist from the Talking Heads. Cool night.

Had my first Randy’s Donut at Randy’s Donuts while driving to LAX. It was great and warm, met the owners, they talked about Ironman 2 and how the shop was in the movie.

As fun and successful as the trip was, I hated not being home for the boys on the last day of school today. Looking forward to getting home and kicking off summer on Saturday and the Warriors Dash on Sunday!

Can you keep a secret

2010-05-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday. Well yesterday I got up early to meet Jay for our Friday run. We had talked about this run on Thursday while having beers with our buds, Jay and I agreed to meet at 5:45. As we both knew we were running on Saturday, but did not want to let others know we had decided to run. Jay thought the conversation was just a front. So there I stood Friday morning at 5:30 waiting. Jay did not show. Funny.

This morning was different. Jay called at 6:10… where are you. On the way. With Jack in the car, we arrived at the race site. A local 5k/10K… a few hundred people. I have had a bad cold that started Monday and I am just now as I am typing this feeling better.

Connecting with Jay, I said I would likely pace him for two miles and fade back and run with Jack. This was to be Jack’s 2nd 5K. Warm up rituals done, I felt my breathing was restricted from the congestion. Standing at the starting line, I looked around there were horses on the course, a good number of strong runners. Starting near the front, there was the typical burst of speed. Jay looked like he was gliding. A very confident runner with strong legs and conditioning. As we neared the first half mile, I shared that we were going out too fast… there was no response from Jay and I did not want to affect his race, so I tried to keep myself quiet. As we neared the first mile, I could see the lead runner, a young high school runner, he was hitting the mile marker. I looked at my watch, 4:25, WOW! I said Jay we are too close to the front and need to slow down. However, we were hitting a downhill and the pace stayed as we crossed the first mile at 6:18. Too fast.

The next mile started with an uphill, though gradual, it was a consistent grade that lead to a brief flat and a sharp downhill. I took advantage of the downhill to lengthen my stride, I leaned forward and let gravity takeover while I took a bit of a breather. It was short lived but allowed me to catch a couple of runners. Next came a sharp uphill, I kept my pace and picked off another runner. I knew at this time the race was half over, though I did not want to look at my watch, that fact did give me a boost of energy that I carried to the 2 mile mark. I heard them yell out 12:45, too fast again, but this time on pace, with a little less than a 6:30 mile. I took an assessment of how I felt. Breathing. Not good, very restricted. Legs, tired… yep just as it should be, after all I’m running hard. Laughing to myself, the entertainment is interrupted. I hear bikers Chris and Brian who just happened to be out for a 50 mile bike ride. They call out Jay and my name. Go figure. SO much for a secret race! Secret blown and now two friends cheering us on, I decided that stopping was not an option besides; nothing fuels you more than being cheered on by those you know. I put my head down, grit my teeth and ran on.

Hitting Main Street Alpharetta, I knew I had a good long downhill followed by a tough uphill. Time to catch some more people. I set my sights on the next target and was able to pass several on the downhill and two on the uphill. Cresting the hill and now getting ready to press the pace, I saw one more person ahead, I thought they may be too far ahead and nearly decide to settle as they were considerably younger, yeah right. I looked at my watch it read 17:23, I figured 2-3 minutes more, go hard. I picked it up. The distance was closing but so was his lead. I broke into a hard sprint and narrowed the gap to 10-15 yards. My legs were now moving independent of my body as I sprinted past the other runner with 100 yards to go… turning the corner I saw the finish line… 19:50 is my PR. The clock read 19:43… I knew I could not break it, but I did not want it to be 19:51… :47, :48, 49….:50 crossed… Done! 19:50. Not bad.

Grabbing my card I felt that I might have perhaps won my age group… I was 7th over all so… perhaps. Dropping my card in the box, it was 2nd in the age group. The winner was 18:50 (yikes) the masters winner was 18:28 (double yikes).

Jay came in right behind me and we swept the bottom of the podium for 2nd and 3rd place. It was a good run. Congratulating Jay, I went back and watched as Jack came in strong. He finished in 27:14, that is 30 seconds faster than his last race. We thought for sure he would have some hardware but was just off the podium with a 4th place. It is a tough age group 10 - 14 for Jack who is 12, but he did really well.

Later I took the boys to see Ironman. But not before a call from Corey asking about the secret run. Good friends and a good laugh.

One small sip for man, one giant chug for mankind

2010-05-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday an accomplishment was achieved, a goal obtained, a place of recognition awarded. In life it is important to mark those moments in time that help define you as a person.

Perseverance, determination, conditioning, sacrifice… I have used all the words on my little journey as I travel through life. On July 15,th 2006, I stepped up and made a commitment, in writing knowing full well that it would not be won in days, weeks, months, but in years. Yes years. For anyone who reads these random thoughts you already know I tend to fixate on achieving my goals; being a good father and husband, doing an Ironman, qualifying for the Boston Marathon… all of these are worthy and a true test of those words above, though none require the span of years to achieve such singularity and a place of prominence.

Last night, at 7:35 PM, May 13, 2010, I completed the odyssey I began Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 5:47:06 PM, 1398 days, 1 hour, 48 minutes and 17 seconds later, on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 7:35:23 PM, an entire 3 years, 9 months, 28 days, 1 hour, 48 minutes, 17 seconds. I drank my 125th unique beer at Taco Mac and was officially recognized and honored with my Bachelors Degree in Brewniversity at Taco Mac.

The selection was perfect and fitting GD Hercules IPA. A very heavy aroma of Hops and the distinct grapefruit smell that makes your mouth water before your lips hit the mug. Served in the well earned 20 oz mug, the flavor seem enriched as I shared a toast with my fellow friends. My name will forever hang in honor as a member of the Taco Mac Brewniversity, I will hold my degree with great pride and use this knowledge gained from enjoying the variety of flavors around this great world to enlighten other beyond their simple Mich Ultra or Coor’s Light, to expand their horizons to the delight of their taste buds.

For those who have supported me, my wife, children, family and friends, I thank you. To my stomach, that distended when one more was called for and to my well muscled liver I again say thank you.

Robert C. Marinich

Slow, slow... s-l-o-w.

2010-05-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Woke up early, my arm seemed to move independent of my body to hit the snooze alarm… twice!! Finally my mind took over and I was out of bed and off to the gym. Today was an EZ day, 1 mile warm up, 2 miles at 6:54 and 1 cool down.

I figured this would be a piece of cake, after all I was hitting 6:23 on my last 5K. As I started running my quads we barking, immediately. What?

The first mile went by and I picked up the pace, Things were feeling good and I was working hard to keep from going too fast. I did too good a job. I ended up at 7:09 for the second mile, too slow. I hammered it a little more and ran a 6:47, for the second cum total of 13:56. Worse, it was not good, I labored. Dang. Likely there are half a dozen reasons, all I know is I was very angry with these results.

Off to the airport, and I’ll get to see my brother tonight, that is cool.

Show Time

2010-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I woke up this morning and hit the streets running. Jay and I had not run together for a while and it was good to know we had a 10 mile run to catch-up. Jay has been training pretty hard so I was concerned with how I would hold up. My legs are just beat up these days though I am not doing much cross training, I am fighting fatigue. Sure enough, my left leg “quad” went down immediately. It hurt the entire run. I think Jay was in a similar state though. He had been pounding the bike and the Tuesday ride burnt is legs too. So there we were two aging athletes getting it done.

The last few days I have been getting ready for an art show, I have several new pieces that I am hanging and I am happy I signed up for the show as it has forced me to start painting again. I miss painting and enjoyed getting paint on my hands again. I hung the show yesterday and it will open tonight. A one night show, complete with music and nude body painting. This will be neat. It cost about $60 to hang the paintings, so I hope to at least break even, though honestly I do not expect to sell anything.

I have full day of work as I prepare for meetings next week. However I am really thinking ahead, after work, I am taking the boys to IronMan II. After that dinner and down to the show.

Carl 12 x 12

Moe 20 x 12

Zelda 20 x 20

Uh... Cow!

2010-05-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well the month of Aprils is over and May is already in full swing. I have been lacking in my journal writing and keeping my page up to date. Let’s face it, life is busy. There is too much to provide a long winded update, though I could do it, trust me I could do it in great detail, so rather I will hit some high-lights.

The boys are doing great, Wil’s soccer has been amazing and he is averaging about 2+ goals a game. Jack is doing well and over the past three weeks he participated in the spring AYFA football combine. He ended up taking first in 4 of the timed events and second in the fourth. As good as that is, he knocked it out of the park with his first 5k, running a 27:50, for a sub 9:00 minute 5K. Nice Job Jack. Kim continued to amaze us all by balancing everything, life, family, chores, wife, mother, friend and daughter.

I had a few highlight too, I picked up the head coaching job for AYFA, 7/8 graders, closed some good business deals, welded in my first patch panel on the Mustang, tied a PR for a 5K with a 19:50, (note: I thought my best 5K was a 19:21... wrong I looked at my bibs, yes I save the bibs from my races and write the times on the bib, the best time… 19:50, in 2005), so I tied my best ever.

Last but not least, I have an art show coming up. I did this for two reasons, one, it is nice to make some extra money, and two I have not painted in about 18 months. I needed to get back into it. Last night I painted this cow for the show. It felt good to be painting again. This is a little loose compared to my previous paintings, but I wanted it to be more spontaneous. His name is Mick and he will be at the show on Friday night. Come tot he show Friday and say hello to Mick.

Take me home country roads, er' air

2010-04-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Friday. I just spent the last several days in Denver Colorado. All work related, but I always try to make sure I have some fun. This time though the fun was limited. The days were filled with business meetings and doing the “grip and grin”. I felt the show was successful and it is always good when you get to spend time with your clients.

I really wanted to make certain I took any free time and put that to training. The Wednesday track workout was limited to the treadmill running mile repeats. The first mile was interesting as the treadmill said I was exceeding the speed limit, funny. I had to keep pushing the button to speed up. It did make the first mile pass quickly. Between the 1st and 2nd mile I switched treadmill. It was better and did not have a speed limit. I was doing 3 x 6:15, with a ¼ mile RI between. The second mile seemed to require some effort, but the third mile… tough. Halfway through I thought what is going on, why am I so winded.

I fought my body telling me to slow down or stop and held the pace. I was frustrated. It was not until I looked out the window and saw the Rocky Mountains and remembered, oh yeah… no O2 up here. I felt a lot better after that realization.

The next day I knew that I wanted to put some work in, I hit the stationary bike in the early morning until I had worked up a good sweat, at which point I hit the weights and did my core work. This was followed by a quick shower and shave and way too many meetings.

After the meetings ended I considered the chance of me actually making my 8-10 mile run happen on Friday with more work and a long flight home. I realized the chances were slim. Waiting for a Tornado (yeah a tornado) warning to pass, I grabbed my shoes and headed outside to trial. I was filled with exuberance, I like running in new places and Denver has great trails that run along creeks and rivers. There was a head to one of the trails near my hotel, lucky.

I knew this time my location so I told myself to keep the pace in check. Nope. It did not happen. I went out too fast. Within a mile I was dealing with leg pain, and it felt like I was breathing through a straw!

I kept running and cut the distance to 5-6 miles. Not exactly the workout I was looking for, but I did get a run in and I was working hard. All things considered, I’ll take it and move to the next week.

Heading home today… really looking forward to seeing Kim and the boys.

Life good... Menchies EVIL

2010-04-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

I find myself on a plane yet again. The price of doing business, I do not mind the travel, I do mind being away from the family. I knew today would be a long day, starting at 5:00 AM in Atlanta, and ending late in Denver. That did not keep me from wanting to have a good run, especially after an inspiring run by my good friend Corey in Boston, a smoking 3:11:29 is impressive, even better he dropped 6 minutes off last year’s time. With thoughts of next year’s race in mind, it was easy to get out of bed and put on the running shoes.

I would be running alone this morning, thus I would not have the benefit of Jay’s Garmin. With the energy from hearing about Corey’s race, I knew I would have to temper my enthusiasm during the run. I planned on five miles at tempo with the first mile being just under 8. Sure enough I hit it just under 8 minutes, not bad, not fully warmed up I had a hill in front of me that would take care of that. I found myself breathing hard and more than warmed up at the top of the hill, my pace quickened and I averaged at about 7:30, basically I went too fast on the second mile. Mile three was mostly downhill, Mile 4 rollers and mile five trended downhill the last mile was run at 6:40, clearly too fast. My average was 7:17 for 5.38 miles. I was up and down on speed, but was happy that I was outside running and enjoying a great morning. I thought about the fact that Corey ran this for 26.2 miles… Nuff said. Humbling.

I will miss Wil’s soccer practice tonight, as well as a game of basketball with Jack. I have not spent much time on my journal in the last 30 days, but I have spent a considerable amount of time with Kim and the boys, I'll take that trade off. Though wish I had posted Wil’s game on Saturday, 4 goals! He is a very good soccer player, he knows where to be and understands passing and finding the goal. Fun Stuff.

This past Sunday I dragged Jack to the AYFA Combine, I only did it as I knew he would enjoy the experience, I was right. He was very excited to tell me how he was the top athlete in his group for the speed and agility drills, and top three in the 40 yard dash. He thanked me for working with him on speed and weight training. Good kid.

The family discovered a ice cream place call Menchies… we have already been twice, this could be trouble for my weight.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-03-31T05:11:00.001-07:00

Today is my Mom’s birthday, she would have been 84 years old. She is deeply missed. A great Mom, she had a wonderful sense of humor. She and my father were great parents and I am one of the lucky one’s to have grown up in such a caring family. By the time I came around, my parents were well into their forties, I do not remember my dad being young, he was always older, though vibrant and active.

I know that as a father, and as parents, Kim and I started later in life, that has driven me to stay active, to play with the boys and much as possible and to keep myself healthy and in good shape.

This morning when I woke I almost forgot it was track day, I did the unthinkable and hit my snooze alarm, when suddenly it hit me, track! I bolted out of bed and made my way to the gym. Part of staying in shape is my time spent at the track. Today was 6 x 800 @ 3:07… at times it felt too easy at others, it felt difficult. I was right on pace today, 3:07, 3:07 and 3:06. Jay hit, 3:01, 3:03 and 3:04. Not bad, but really I want to do better. I want to this drop down to the sub 3:00 mark before I start training for Chicago and later Boston.

A full day of work will keep me busy, but the reward is softball tonight. I hope to do better than last week, I was in a funk, I’ll also remember my “cup” this time, the line drive I caught in my “personality” was rather painful.

Before the night ends, I’ll toast my Mom’s memory with my brother over a shot of Southern Comfort, her drink. I remember the warm wonderful moments and say thank you for all she gave.

A difficult month

2010-03-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

The month of March has nearly passed, this month brought tragedy and left us with heavy hearts and a mind full of questions and “what if’s?” We walk through life so casually, barely stopping to notice how precious and how fragile a gift we are given. However the suddenness when our moment is over is as cold and hard as a slap in the face, it shakes you to the core and forces you to take notice and account.

As you grapple to bring understanding many things are put into perspective, the so urgent items that must be done are no longer that pressing, the great frustrations become only an inconvenience, and worrisome not an issue. Opposite of that smaller gestures increase in magnitude, hugging your child, telling your wife you love her, the pleasure of a good rain, or just being with those you love, are insatiable.

You reflect on the good parts of a person’s life, and you help those who grew with that person, raised them and guided them, as they struggle with the reality of a terrible loss and the tremendous void in their life and their hearts. The voice that they will never heard again becomes an echo, the person they will never see again, fades away only captured by photographs, flash points in their lives. You share memories and you know that the memories that are so painful and sharp right now in their abrupt absence will bring warmth as time passes.

Life is a gift, it can end quickly and without warning, live every moment and love your friends and family.

Health Network, Social Network... Just Network

2010-03-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. Day 57.

Frustration. I cancel the early morning swim so I can make a breakfast meeting. As I walk outside the rain I had listened to during the night has turned to snow. There is a mix of rain and the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen. Cool, odd and a bit eerie, but cool. Arriving downtown, my breakfast meeting is late. An email lets me know how late… he is in NY! Rats! I could have put my swim in, a swim I really need. Oh well. I take the time to get some extra work done.

The show I am attending is huge. It perhaps the largest healthcare show, the booths and time spent preparing for this show for many companies is easily in the millions. I stop and wonder, if this much time and energy was put into interoperability and transparency in healthcare cost, the administration of healthcare in the country would be a lot better. The fact is our healthcare is second to none, but a third party system of payment has created a payment and reimbursement mess that distracts healthcare providers from their true mission. The clinical mission.

It is getting better, technology and a push toward greater patient responsibility, re-introduce consumerism to the healthcare market will help. We have already seen as banks become increasingly more important as the insurance companies look for ways to reduce their liability to our well being.

At the end of the day, the insurance company's best customer is the one that pays their entire lifetime and drops dead immediately with no prolonged complication or artificial support to exist, essentially we are better off dead to them, at least by the ledger.

No time for deep thought today, heading out of the show I am searching for a place to connect… inside the building for too many hours I am ready for some fresh air… it is cold air, but it feels good. I head to a coffee house that is on my new favorite part of Atlanta, the West Side!

Entering the coffee house 9 of 10 people are on their laptops. Social networking. I have to laugh, uh, turn to the guy next to you and say hello. I am not a coffee guy, but the hot chocolate is yummy with a cool whipped cream design on top. I find a couch and am lucky that Monica, Ross, Phoebe, Rachel, Chandler and Joey have just left, plenty of room for me.

I hit the emails and settle in for a few good hours of work. I’ll sit here a while longer than it is off to yet another evening of meetings and entertainment.

Shhhh... I'm rabbit huntting

2010-03-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Monday. Day 56.

I sleep in, a bit of recovery from a late business meeting. I know there are more in my near future. I am scheduled with business meeting for the next three nights. I know that my run today will be important and provide me a good feeling of overall fitness.

Meeting Jay at the gym, we select our treadmills. Corey is also there as he is hitting the weights and getting his “pins” back under him from the 20 miles run he had on Sunday. The first mile is EZ as we warm up for a 3 mile 7:03 pace. Hitting the first mile at 7:03 takes some adjustment. I am really not as warmed up as I would like, but by the time I hit the back half of the first mile, I am feeling fine. Lungs working, legs working… my breathing normal and controlled. I consider briefly speeding it up, but know that is not the best idea, not yet at least. I enjoy the run, even though it is a TM. My ipod is keeping me company with a random selection of tunes that each seem to put me in a better mood. All too soon the run is over. Put it in the books, done.

At home I put on my “shiny” clothes and head for another afternoon of business calls and an evening dinner meeting. It goes long into the night. We hit a new restaurant, I am a bit concerned when I see rabbit on the menu, I typically do not eat anything I can hunt in my back yard. The meal is good, I pass on the rabbit but thoroughly enjoy a wide pasta noodle and turkey leg meat in a wine and Cajun sauce. I end the evening with a chocolate cake and at my suggestion have them top it with a ginger ice cream. Yummy. The Chef compliments me on the idea of pairing the ice cream with cake… uh really. Guess he has never been to a birthday party.

I had expected to swim in the morning, though an email dictates otherwise. I now have a breakfast meeting, downtown. Work calls… conditioning will wait another day.

Comb your hair, stand up straight

2010-03-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Sunday. Day 55. As much as I would like to work on the Mustang today, I need a kid fix. When I started my restoration project, I made commitment to work on the ‘Stang every day even if I did no more than clean a bolt. So… I clean a bolt, and twist a few more. Objective met, it is kid time. We play, inside, outside… even just hanging around. The time is well spent and it is my hope that these investments in time pay dividends to their future well being. It is my hope to never look back ans say, I wish I spent more time with the boys. I do it as much as possible.

Plays turns to work as evening draws near. Once again, I dress up again speed off toward downtown for a meeting. Arriving at my destination early I catch the last of the USA versus Canada Hockey Game for the Gold Medal. Very cool with the US tying the game with 24 seconds to go, only to lose in overtime, but what a game. The crowd goes crazy when the US ties and the bar passes around shots of vodka on the house to celebrate the US silver. Cool.

As my work colleagues gather the conversation is a mix of business and pleasure, though underpinnings for a business transaction is laid out. The meeting is good and new business opportunities are built. Success. Run in the AM is pushed to the mid-day. Good thing, the night runs long.

Why You Fifthly *astard

2010-03-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

Saturday. Day 54.

Fifthly. I am just filthy. I spent the morning scraping the “gunk” off the Mustang. After too many hours working on an area of the car that likely no one will ever see, I am done, not with that part of the project, I just need a break.

I go inside and spend a few minutes playing with the boys. The afternoon runs by quickly and soon I have to head to the charity event. I shower, scrub myself down and dress myself up. If you put me next to myself an hour before I would not look like the same guy.

The event is well attended, clearly over 200 people and it is in a hip, trendy section of Atlanta, what I would call the “New West Side” I like the vibe.

The evening moves along as I do the "grip and grin" smiling and talking art. I stay for 2 hours, but they still had not started the live auction and I am tired. I head home and wish the event coordinator the best success for the evening and the charity. I later learn that they raised $45,000. A success and more than last year.

At home the there is a party next door. I head over, share a beer and a few conversations. The night ends quickly and the pillow feels really good.

water equals conditioning

2010-02-26T06:32:00.000-08:00

Friday. Day 53. The alarm yanks me right out of the middle of a dream. I am startled and it takes me while to figure out what is going on. There is a big difference between waking up at 5:00 versus waking up at 4:40. No wonder I am startled when the alarm rings.

Grabbing my gear I am dreading the run. I like this run, but I know that my conditioning is slipping. The time I have taken away from the pool during the month of February is taking a toll and it is this run where it really shows up.

At the gym, I layer up, the temperature is a very brisk 25 degrees, but he wind is dropping it down to 18. It just feels cold. The run is not long, an easy 8 at a 7:33 pace. Starting, the first mile is not too bad, I am having difficulty with my breathing, but mostly due to the cold air, it is preventing me from taking in a deep breath of air. The next mile is a gradual uphill climb, the legs and lungs are warming up but he extra effort is evident. Mile 2-3 is just ridiculous. It is up and down, with a big uphill net gain and rather than pace this part of the run, we were hitting it. Well jay was hitting it, I was hanging on thinking this one is tough. My other thought was an immediate understanding of just how much conditioning that swimming twice a week was providing. At the end of January, I was killing this course and this run was far easier. A month ago I ran our 8 mile LT run at a 7:16 pace. Today we ran the 8 miles in 7:22, but it felt much, much harder.

March is coming next week and I will be back in the pool.

Okay let's try that again

2010-02-26T06:31:00.000-08:00

Thursday. Day 52. Work calls. I make it to the gym at lunch and for the second straight day in a row, I have to cut the workout short, yesterday I did not make it out of the locker room before I needed to head back for an unexpected meeting. Today I made it through two stations of weights and had to head back to the take care of work issues. No work out again. This is not going to help.

The day ends well as the boys and I watch the Olympics on the couch. Tomorrow will be a tough workout.

Wil's Spirit

2010-02-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

Wednesday. Day 51. Track day. I feel sluggish. I woke up several times during the night, I also know that I am feeling heavy, I ate far too much yesterday. Arriving at the gym, I sit waiting for the gang. My usual exuberance for track is not with me today. Today I will just get it done.

Typically, I am wanting to push the speed, not today, I just do not feel right. Perhaps the lack of sleep, perhaps my bad eating habit yesterday, the cause is unknown. The workout is 6 x 800 at 3:07. A ridiculously easy pace, that would usually leave me wanting to go faster. Not today. My problem might be the reduced condition from not swimming. Who am I kidding; I know that is the cause. I need to get back to the pool.

As we were running back from the track this morning I thought I would share an interesting little story. We Marinich’s as a family we have been watching the Olympics every night. It has been great as we talk about the athletes, the competition and all the positive things that go along with athletic competition. At dinner, Wil asked, “Dad, why are we watching the Olympics.” I told him it is our opportunity to see the power of the “human spirit”. He paused, thought about that for while then said, “Wow, I like that.” “Let’s keep watching.” Pretty cool.

As we sat at the gym stretching post run, I realized I see the human spirit around me every day; my friends, the other athletes, as each of us take time to improve ourselves, physically and mentally. This morning was a small example, each of us this morning could have easily said, no, not today, Corey’s banged up toe, Jay and I suffering from lack of a good night sleep, or Susan’s desire to not run in the cold. We all had a choice, but really in the end there was no choice, we were all going to do our workout, it is ingrained in our spirits, our desire to be better, not just better athletes, but people.

The frustration from the run slips away as I consider these ideas. I did the workout, It was actually faster than prescribed. Though I was not ripping it up today, I won the day. My “spirit” persevered, and though it did not land me on the medal stand, I will walk with a greater pride having won a small victory.

The Spotlight

2010-02-23T18:02:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. Day 50. No workout today, however… Spotlight Artist of the week, “nuff said.”

http://www.chairishthefuture.com/

Cramps, a Busted Toe and no Water...

2010-02-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

Monday. Day 49. I stayed up too late watching Canada versus USA in hockey. I watch about one hockey game every 4 years. I must admit, this one was a good one to watch. Waking up I am beat, I turn on the Blackberry hoping that Jay might want to push the workout time to later… a long shot, but I am really tired. Checking my messages… yep. Jay is not feeling well, done in again by a turkey burger, I told him not to eat those things, but this time it worked in my favor, sorry Jay. I rolled over and gabbed some much needed Zzzz’s.

I grind out the morning at work and hit the gym at lunch. Unexpectedly, I run into Corey who in the locker, he is looking a bit rough. I ask him if he ran on Sunday. One word answer, “nope”. Something is up. Down might be the better a description. Corey goes on to tell me while at Lowes, he had a board of MDF land square on his big toe, the “captain of the toes”.

Looking at the toe, he will lose that nail. With all the work he is doing to prepare for Boston, I hope it falls off soon. It would be better if it does. The only other option would have been to drill the toenail, but he would have had to do it yesterday when it happened. I’ve done it myself, it hurts, and sounds really gory, but it works.

Jay is feeling better and we need to knock out a tough workout. 1 EZ, 1 (7:03), 1 EZ, 2 fast, 1 EZ, 1 fast, 1 EZ. A tough workout indeed. Jay guts through the cramps and pains, hard to do, but he did it. Corey even with the wrecked big toe grinds out his workout, clearly internalizing the pain.

I forgot my water bottle, however with Jay running through cramps and Corey running with a broken toe, I did not want to complain. Sure enough, Corey bails me out with his water bottle. Thanks bud, I was getting pretty dry.

Weight, well I have been reluctant to step on the scale. However I drum up the courage and am rewarded with a pleasant surprise 178. Yeah.

Getting better

2010-02-22T18:06:00.001-08:00

Sunday. Day 48. Breakfast, groceries, errands… Check, check and check. Back at Home, Kim knows I am on a quest to get the car done for late spring. She tells me to go play. The results…

Let the sunshine in

2010-02-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday. Day 47. Even as a grown man, I wake up every Saturday like I am a little kid, with thoughts of Spanky from the Little Rascals singing, “Oh it’s Saturday, it's Saturday”. Nothing but fun for me today.

Hopping out of bed, I head down the stairs and start making breakfast for the family. Family fueled for the morning, I head to the garage, the Mustang is waiting.

It is my goal to have the floors done this weekend. I have been spending the last few weeks cutting, grinding and welding, replacing the cancerous rusted metal with nice clean new steel.

My goal is to restore the Mustang to a nice “driver” condition, nice enough to turn heads, but not so nice that if I want to take it for ice cream, I don’t worry about the boys dropping it on the floor.

Here is what the floors looked like what I started.

This is progress... Looking forward to cruising in sunshine this spring.

Well he only ran 40 miles

2010-02-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

Friday. Day 46. 4:40 AM up early, I am feeling the effects of a few beers and staying up too late, but worked called I also like this client, I consider her a friend and really enjoy her company, a great spirit.

This morning I am inspired, earlier this morning, a gym friend started a personal journey, a person challenge consisting of a forty mile run. Before joining him for his last 4 miles, Jay and Corey and I had a 10 mile run at 7:30. Corey was doing more than that, he too started the day early and was hooking up with us after he warmed up with an 8.2 mile run.

Together Jay, Corey and I started at 5:15 AM. The pace was consistent, ranging from 7:28 – 7:30. Corey hung towards the back, he was simply in cruise control mode. He knew what he need to do and was locked in for the workout. Jay seemed to hold back the first five miles but clearly had the back half in mind. I struggled. My left quad went down early, and was hurting by the third mile. I knew it was going to be a tough run for me today. Ah yes, another character building run. Just finishing the fifth mile Jay turned it on and I played catch up for the next 5 miles. The weaker I got, the stronger he became. I was holding on for the last mile, the run was finished, the time was met, but the difference was Jay ran strong from start to finish, I ran well from 1-5 and was on the edge for the last 5 miles.

The lack of swimming in the past few weeks has taken its toll and my conditioning has slipped as my weight has increased.

Arriving back at the gym, there is a group of runners waiting for our friend to arrive as he finishes his 36th mile! We see him enter the parking lot escorted by a group that joined him at mile 22 and more again at mile 30. High fives all around, and cheers of support, a few chants of 4 more, 4 more, and the group of now nearly 20 runners take off as he finishes his 40 mile personal challenge.

Way cool. I had planned on running the last four but looking at the clock and the large pack of runners, knew it was time for me to go… he had the support of many and one more would not be noticed.

I thought about the human spirit and the positive energy that he brought to so many with the courage of his personal 40 mile challenge, all I can say is wow!

One more for the road...

2010-02-19T06:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday. Day 45. Life is about finding a balance… I lost my balance today, work started early and ended late. Meeting a client over cocktails until late in the night, this will make getting up at 4:40 much more difficult.

Go ahead... make me mad, see what happens

2010-02-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

Wednesday. Day 44. Track day. Nothing puts me in the right frame of mind like starting the day at the track. Better, it is cold and windy. The weather is mean, too bad… I’m in a bad mood and that just make me more angry, meaner. The warm up to the track is faster than normal, I am anxious to get it started.

At the track the wind is picking up, it will hit us right in the face while we run. With a lap to clear the track I can feel the wind pushing as I round the first curve, literally trying to push me off the track. Too bad, I’m here and I am not leaving.

I suck in the cold air, pulling it deep into my lungs. I am ready. 10 x 400 @ 1:31, I am the aggressor, my first 200 I am fast, 41 seconds. I want to keep the pace, but know there is more to come. The wind is strong but it really does not both me, I find myself wanting to yell as the winds howls down the track. The harder it blows the faster I want to run. I am tired of the pulling back the reigns. The times are not consistent, and range from 1:24 – 1:30. I want to let the horses go… a few more weeks of restraint and that is going to change.

At the gym during lunch, I can feel my body getting stronger, a couple more weeks and I will start pulling off the weight.

February 16, 2010

2010-02-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. Lost... just lost. Today the bear won. Tomorrow I fight, bring it!

Lost Identity

2010-02-16T04:51:00.001-08:00

My computer lost it's identity yesterday. Last night I did something unusual, I completely shut down my computer. Little did I know that this little box that helps me make my living would get lost, not physically, but it forgot who it was. When I went to log on in the morning, I gave my Microsoft three finger salute, typed in my user ID and password... nothing. Huh? Thinking I mis-typed, I repeated the process. Same result. I felt like Rocky in the first movie, looking in his hat to make sure he had remembered the locker combination. I remove my cheat sheet of passwords and sure enough... same results. After 40 minutes with support trying every backdoor combination to allow me entry, it was decided... nothing could be done.

When I asked our tech guy what happened he shared that, "my computer forgot who it was". He said the only thing I could do was to send it back to Dallas, that plugging it back into the main network, rather than VPN, would ground the system and help it remember who it was.

I thought about that, for a moment and have to admit, I too am feeling a bit like my computer every once in a while. I forget who I am, what I am doing and why I am doing it. I expect that all of us have desires of not being just ordinary, but extraordinary. Each night during the Olympics I see the extraordinary, those who's dedication and drive propel them to the elite in their sport. But it exist beyond sport, we see it in business, entertainment, government, those who are truly extraordinary. There are days I can find that drive inside myself, but lately I feel ordinary. There are those that say ordinary is good, I'm not sure that I would agree, at least not for myself.

During my workout I struggle, it was not too hard, 1 mile EZ, 3 miles at 7:03 (I did 6:58, due to the treadmill) and 1 mile EZ, but my mind kept thinking about being extraordinary. Done, I was more frustrated than when I started my run.

I was now in a foul mood. Is this it. Is this me, not what I pictured, who am I really. With my computer losing it's way, it seemed to be a mirror held up to my face. I too have lost my way.

Back home I see the boys and we hang out, playing a few games and running a few errands. my bad mood starts to dispel and I begin to remember, who I am, I begin to understand that though I may not have reached Olympian levels, I am extraordinary to those that matter most to me, my family.

My mood brightens, though I do have lingering thoughts about the unfinished dreams. I have not lost my identity, but I believe there is more I am capable of being.

Really Big Balls

2010-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing says love like a plate of bacon. It is Valentines Day. Our life is pretty good, two great young boys, and a wonderful wife by my side our gifts are pretty simple to one another. The remainder of the day… painting.

Driving around the neighborhood later in the day, we rate the snowmen of Breirfield. Some are classic, some are no more than a lump of snow, one looks like a totem pole, likely by accident.

Perhaps the best is just three huge balls. They are so big, that the kids likely could not lift them to stack one on another. So there he lay, disassembled, a giant snowman laying in wait. He would have dominated the other snow people. All of Alpharetta could have been his, great potential, such a waste.

Chinese Fire Drill

2010-02-14T16:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday. Day 40. Friday night was spent playing in the snow. All of us were outside building a snowman, having a snowball fight, even Kim was out playing in the white stuff. Nothing better than snow in Georgia.

With snow on the ground when I wake up, the day is spent painting in the house. We are about to pull a four room switch… My studio is going to become Jack’s room, Jack’s room is going to become Wil’s room, Wil’s room, the guest room, and the guest room will become the studio and Kim’s office. This will take the computer out of our bedroom. Whew. A lot of work coming up.

This is like a Chinese Fire Drill with the extra fun of painting!

Sleep comes easy.

I'm dropping the hammer Harry

2010-02-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

Friday. Day 39. Long run day. Jay is traveling, I am running alone. Well not really, I decide to meet Corey and run along side him on the treadmill. This is my second time on the treadmill this week, but lets face it, I did not want to go out and run 8 miles too fast.

The workout was pretty simple, 8 miles at 7:33, there is not 7:33 pace on the treadmill, but there is a 7:30. A quick warm-up, just walking. Stop the machine and start it off. Go…! As always, the first mile and a half is difficult, not hard, just difficult as my body, heart, lungs, legs are warming up. Once warm, I find myself feeling good. On several occasions the pace just seems easy. If anything, I am just bored. I enjoy talking to Corey, it helps pass the time. The six miles are so controlled that I decide to pick it up. Easing it up for mile 7, I am still fairly controlled. I decide to give it a little more on the last mile. With mile 7-8, I drop it from 7:20 down to 6:40. It feels good.

Stepping on the scale, 179. Finally, back under the 180 mark. Nice way to start the weekend.

90 minutes late... really

2010-02-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

Thursday. Day 38. No swim. The day is filled with work, but my mind is on Jack. About a month ago during his yearly check up his doc said his spine had a good deal of curve to it and we needed x-rays.

The x-ray tech read 14 percent beyond normal. A month later here I am in the pediatric orthopedist meeting with a spine specialist. Arriving early, I am we are seated in the examining room. There we sit for the next hour and thirty minutes. I was furious, by the time the doc came in I was ready to share how unprofessional it was to be this late and how angry I was.

When the doctor finally came in, I could see he was having a bad day. He came in and it took a while for him to gather his composure. I can imagine he had a difficult morning delivering rough new to parents. He was actually relieved to see Jack, reading his x-rays, he let us know that the “tech” did a poor job reading Jack's x-rays and that “curve” was well within normal. Good news.

The doc apologized for being late and that we were so understanding.

After he left Jack looked at me and said, wow, I’m impressed. Looking at Jack I asked him what he was impressed with. “With you Dad, I really thought you were going to rip him a new one for being so late”

I just smiled.

A bunch of babies

2010-02-10T05:18:00.000-08:00

Wednesday. Day 37. Track day. A good group will be meeting at LTF for our workout, Corey, Jay, Ann Marie and Susan. Steve is also too meet us. Driving to the gym I am well dressed for the weather. Looking at the outside temperate gauge, it reads -5, WHAT… I look again in disbelief and see that I have hit the Celsius button. Oops. 24 degrees. That’s better, but still cold.

In the locker Jay begins pleading, really pleading, for us to run inside. He tells me the whole gang wants to run inside, I am the only one who wants to run at the track. I fight it. More pleading and peer pressure. I finally give in, fine. I strip down to my tights and actually find a pair of shorts.

The work out is not that tough and not that long, 1 mile warm up, followed by 1 mile at 6:30, a 400 RI, a 1200 at 6:18 pace, 400 RI, 800 at 6:10, 400 RI and 400 at 6:03 pace. We finished with a 400 RI and a mile cool down.

I found the workout to be pretty easy. I worked a couple of times, but I was equally relaxed at times too. Overall thought... not much work was done, too easy.

A busy day today and a trip to the doctor for Jack. Nothing serious hopefully.

It is my goal this evening to finish the passenger front floor pan. After that I will wire wheel the welds and coat with paint. This weekend I will grind the welds and paint again. It is my goal in the next two weeks to have the entire interior a single primed color and ready for some Dynamat.

Weight… unknown.

Work... no swim

2010-02-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. Day 36.

Swim day… but not for me. I am packed with meetings and my day will start early. I do not expect to finished the work day until after 6:00 ah yes, a nice 12 hour work day.

I expect to have the drivers side front floor board welded in. It is taking time, but at least I am doing it right. There is a certain satisfaction to restoring the car by myself. Is it going to be perfect, not likely, but that is okay too. My goal is for the car to look great, and drive well. I expect that the car will get scratched and dinged, and that is fine, I want it to be a driver and if it were a perfect restoration, well, if it looked that good I would not drive it as much. I need to post some photos.

Hard Work Pays Off

2010-02-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

Monday. Day 35. With the Super Bowl last night, Jay and I decided our tempo run would take place at lunch. The extra sleep was good and I felt well rested when I woke up. Meeting at lunch time, the weather was very agreeable for running. Nearly 50 degrees. I had originally thought two shirts, but ditched the second shirt after some consideration. Good call.

Jay and I were both a bit nervous, about this run, a 1 EZ 5 tempo and 1 EZ, the tempo was 7:13. It was decide we would run the Greenway, an easy way to warm up it is exactly 1 mile to the first marker and provides markers the entire distance.

Off we went, the warm up is mostly down hill and at one point we were already running 7:17. I looked at Jay and said, “ hey we better reel this in” He agreed.

Hitting the one mile mark, I hit my watch and off we went. Jay was strong and dictated the pace for the first mile. I was thinking this seems fast. Sure enough we were running a sub 7 minute mile at the first marker. Jay say’s, “Bob we have to back it off”… it never happened. It seemed that Jay drove the pace for the first 2.5 miles and I drove the pace for the last 2.5 miles. The pace was uncomfortable, except for a few points where I felt strong, though that was mostly toward the end when I knew I was nearly done. The cool down mile was difficult as we were now climbing the hill that we ran down during the warm up. Clearly we were not running 7:17 like we did on the warm up.

Back at the gym I started running the numbers, we ran 5 miles at a 6:49 pace. Not what we were supposed to do, but it felt good and answered a question that that had been sitting at the back of my mind, how was I going to run a sub 7 mile pace on race day. Now I know the training is paying off. Need to keep up the hard work.

Weight. 181. Still bad.

FIRE!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

Sunday. Day 34. It is like a hangover. The loss and lack of a restful night sleep have taken their toll. The good breakfast at Mel’s helps ease the sting of the loss and the coke for breakfast gives me a little pep to get the day started.

Back home, Jack's football season is over. It started in July and after 7 months, we are done. Whew. I am exhausted. The next few weeks I will be focusing on the Mustang and my training.

Today, I have a goal of fitting and welding in the front floors and repairing the bad welding job on the rear floor. I had ground out the bad weld yesterday and did a much better job welding in the rear floor this time. Good for me. That corrected, I start fitting the fronts, first the left, next the right. I measure twice and cut once. I am getting better, perhaps due to me practicing patience.

I start welding in the harder of the two front floors, the driver side. It is going well I am being methodical. I did weld through one area and I am disappointed, but I know what to do, I will simply patch it.

As I am welding, I see a flame coming from under the car. FLAME! Oh no. FIRE.! I hop out of the car, I am thinking it is the undercoating. Smartly we have fire extinguishers. I yell, “FIRE”, Out of the House!” I do not want anyone in the house if there is an opportunity for this to get out of control. I also know that if I can not get it out, I will push the car out of the garage.

Grabbing the fire extinguisher, I pull the pin and look for the trigger. Where is it? I stop and think what Kim said when she put out the kitchen fire "it has to be easy". I see the trigger. I pull and in seconds the fire is nearly out. I look under the car, it is not the undercoating, rather it was a piece of cardboard soaked in leaky transmission fluid. Dumb. I pull out cardboard from under the car and take it to the driveway. I stomp the rest of the flames out. I had forgotten about the cardboard. A hot piece of welding slag smoldered and caught the cardboard on fire.

I spend the next hour and a half, cleaning up the mess from the extinguisher and wiping everything down. I remove any other items that might possible “catch” from the spattering weld. It was just that small piece of cardboard, but it was enough.

I call it a day after cleaning up the garage. I will not weld again until I have a new fire extinguisher, I will actually buy two news one. The evening is spent making spedies and enjoying a good Super Bowl.

HOSED

2010-02-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday. Day 33.

I woke early and made the family breakfast, pancakes. After experimenting the last few Saturdays, I think I finally figured out the right temp and time. One word, tasty. The family is filled, good thing, we have a football game today and it is cold. Everyone will need the fuel to stay warm. The rest of the morning was spent working on the Mustang. The floors are cut out and prepped for the welding on Sunday.

Around 10:00 we start getting ready for the game. The other game is very competitive, however, we are battling the ref’s. We have 23 flags thrown at us during the game. The game comes down with us leading after Jack running in two touchdowns to us stopping them. Jared a friend of Jack intercepts the ball in the endzone. Game over…wait no a late call, the ref says it was trapped. A total BS call. As I watched, the ball was caught in the air, and the player landed on his back to make certain the ball never saw the ground. Bad call. We end up losing in triple overtime. More flags were thrown. I am bitter. The rest of the day I work on the Mustang, but my mind is racing. I am mad. At night I toss and turn and finally at 2:00 AM I am wide awake. It takes me until 4:00 AM before I finally let it go and fall asleep.

I do not mind being outplayed, I do not like losing, but I do not feel bad when we are beat, that did not happened though, this makes me angry.

I am wearing a fat suit

2010-02-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

Friday. Day 32. Last week I thought I had a tough run. I guess I can not tell the future, if I could I would have known that today would make last week look easy. Set the stage, 37 degrees, windy and rain. The rain, was less like rain and more like cold little daggers. The moment the run started, the rain cut through the various layers and within a half mile I was soaked. The first mile was at a 6:55 pace, too fast. Dialing it back Jay and I set into our 7:33 pace. Though the pace today seemed difficult, why, no idea. Fatigue, stress, diet, weight, unknown. Perhaps the fact that I did not swim and lost an edge with my conditioning. No matter. I can not turn back time, only keep moving forward. Running forward.

Next few miles I normalized my pace. However just passing the 5 mile mark, there was a gradual mile climb, into the face of the wind. Brutal and I spent a lot of energy. By the time I hit mile 7 and typically start feeling great, I was done. My legs burnt. Lungs, ragged breathing. Mentally, done! Jay, however was hitting his stride and looking strong. There was no time for let up, rather it was time to look inward. A test, mentally, physically. At one point, my left leg just quit. Too bad, keep running.

With a mile to go I knew I would finish. Every step hurt, but I finished and stayed on pace. I have to admit, I was angry, sure nice to finish, but it was a bad run. This will likely stick with me for a while.

Work will keep me busy today. Too wet and cold for practice, we’ll go into the football tournament with essentially no practice. Later tonight is the basket fund raiser at school, that will be fun.

Weight. 181. Yes, I am wearing a fat suit. No wonder.

He ran out of his shoes

2010-02-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Thursday. Day 31. Swim, no. Sleep, yes. Work, oh boy. Lots of work. The evening was football practice, the highlight of the evening was watching Jack literally run out of his shoes as they were stuck in the mud. Funny.

Tomorrow 10 miles.

One For The Road

2010-02-04T05:09:00.000-08:00

Wednesday. Day 30.

Track Day. No Corey, he is out for the count with a fever. Jeff is recovering from his first LAX practice, so it is Jay, Anne Marie, Susan and little ol’ me. The girls are doing a bunch of 400’s while Jay and I tackle 4 x 1000 at a respectable 3:55. The first one is like nearly perfect, I hit each 200 with negative splits. It is fairly easy though my lungs and legs are still warming up. The last 200 of the first 1000 was hard, but it is suppose to be hard. The next 1000 was just a little more challenging. Jay took us out fast, 44 seconds for the first 200. It was hold on from that point on, we finished well. The 3rd 1000 was a bit of a mystery. We had figured that if we ran 0:46 for the five 200’s we would be where we needed to be. I started us off, 0:46, the next, 0:47, 0:45, 0:46, 0:46. Great right. Nope, somehow we finished 3:56, or one second over. Go figure. We were satisfied but easily could have greased the last 200 to keep us under 3:55. The last 1000 was run well ending in a 3:52. Good work at the track. A nice cool down run to the gym and done.

The day brought a good deal of work, but there was an opportunity to hit the weights for lunch. The weights are low weight high reps. I just do not need to add the bulk.

More work, followed and kept me busy until the evening came. As our buddy Jeff was ending his tenure at Textron, we decide to all hoist a beer in his honor. Though Corey was not there, he was with us in spirit. It was decided that we needed to do this more often… Imagine that, I have only been asking them to meet me for a beer for the past 2 years! Life, Family and Jobs happened and with all of us juggling our schedules it is not surprising. Perhaps as summer rolls around we can look at beers on a Wednesday after riding bikes.

Evening was spent with the family reading bedtime books and catching up on the day. Lucky me.

Weight 181 So disappointing.

I'm a Groundhog

2010-02-03T06:28:00.001-08:00

Tuesday. Day 29. Groundhogs Day. Well Phil did see his shadow, so we are in for six more weeks of winter. Nothing but a full day of work for me… too much to do and too little time to get it all in. Putting my head down now to work.

Damn Turkey Burgers

2010-02-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Monday. Day 28. Sleeping was decide at about 5:00 PM Sunday night. I enjoy the extra hours of sleep and feel like my body is well rested and ready for an active week of work, training and parenting. Each individually is a enough, but combined, I need to be well rested.

Meeting Jay at 11:30, he is there on the dot. Today is a six mile tempo run, 1 EZ, 4 at 7:03 and 1 EZ. One word, tough. The warm up is always an issues as your body is shocked into responding to an increase in breathing and heart rate, and just as you seem to be adjusting it is time to increase the speed. That first mile, at 7:03 goes rather quickly and through I am efforting, it is not exceedingly difficult. Mile 2 is here and it is going by a little slower. As I did during my last tempo, I started with 40/10ths, and I am working my way down. It makes the time/distance go by quickly. Midway through mile two, I am again feeling the effort, but it is not as bad as the last two miles from last Friday. I keep running. Around the start of the third mile, I see Jay decrease the speed on his TM. Looking over, I ask, did I miss something… no. Cramps, GI issues. Ouch. I ask if he wants me to slow my pace, he says to continue, so I do. After a few tenths, Jay ramps up the speed and continues the workout, how, I have no idea how, but he does it and finishes the distance. Pretty tough to do. I keep on pace and soon I am on my last mile. It feels good. I stride the last few tenths easily and feel controlled. During the cool down I hit my heart rate, 171. Too high and likely higher on during the fast pace. Oh well, just keep working on it, it will lower, or explode.

After the run I ask Jay what he had for dinner the night before. Turkey Burgers. There you go... likely mixed with too much fiber.

Work, kids, work and sleep make up the remainder of the day. I also work on a painting project for Kim. Tomorrow is swim, but I will be missing it. Too much work I need to jam this week.

Weight 179.

28 - 0 for the good guys

2010-02-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday. Day 27. Up late last night with my date. What a hottie. Morning comes and we are off to Mel’s. A big plate of bacon and the Sunday paper greet us at our reserved table. I really enjoy our Sunday breakfast.

Mid day brings Jacks football game. He is a little off on his passes, they are high, but still goes 3-4. I let Jack call many of the plays during the game, he does a great job managing and calling the game and we will easily, 28 – 0. Next week starts the tournament. I must remember to “Coach-up”. I’ll need to get him out throwing the ball this week. Very important.

The remainder of the day is errands, working on the car, playing with the boys and all the stuff that makes up life. The weekend rolls by too quickly.

Rocky, Rocky, Rocky

2010-02-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2010

Saturday. Day 26. Rain. It just keeps coming. Jack’s football game is cancelled, so the afternoon is free. I work on the car and make a good deal of progress.

The highlight of the day came early though. The boys were asked to clean up their rooms. While walking by Wil’s room, his door was cracked open just a bit. Peering in I saw he was done cleaning his room, though now he was on the floor doing push-ups. As I stood there watching, I saw him get up and start fiddling with his ipod. I thought, does he not know how to use it? It hit me , he was looking for a particular song. Smiling he hits play and turned up the volume. It is the theme from the movie Rocky! He grabs his weights and starts doing curls, towards the end he is grunting to finish his set. With no pause, he hits the floor and is now doing sit-ups.
I quickly rush downstairs to tell Kim. We both smile and watch. Later in the day, I tell him he is looking really strong, the smile on his face could not be any bigger.

That night both the boys are out, Jack at a “mini lock-in” and Wil sleeping at a friends. Kim and I have a date, Miltons for dinner and a movie, Hangover, at home in the basement theater.

Nice day.

Weclome to Hell

2010-01-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

Friday. Day 25.

Yesterday is gone, there is nothing I can do about the abysmal workout from the day before.

Today, meeting Jay and Corey at LTF, it was time. A tempo run on the treadmill. I am not much for being a mouse on the wheel, but, it teaches leg turn-over, pace and forces the body to respond, the alternative is to fly off the back end of the treadmill that would not be good.

This morning was not going to be easy, another 9 mile run to bookend the 9 mile run that started the week. Monday’s 9 miles were run at a 7:17 pace, today would be different, but equally or more difficult. The run was 1 mile EZ, 2 miles @ 7:03, 1 EZ, 1 @ 7:30, 1 EZ, 2 @ 7:30, 1 EZ. When you first look at it, not so difficult, wrong!, The first mile was slow, but hard as my body was not quick to respond. The temperature at the gym was also high and the sweat started pouring in the first quarter mile. The next two miles the speed increased and work was being done. Clearly this is going to be tough run. At the end of the 2nd fast mile, I was ready for 1 at an EZ pace. My breathing recovered nicely, though my legs were feeling sluggish from a hard training week. The next fast miles was not too bad. Based on the speed, it went really quick and was very manageable. The next mile EZ the breathing again returned to normal, but the legs were having trouble keeping up. I knew the next 2 fast would be a test, mentally and physically. I was not let down. My heart rate soared, my breathing quickened and my legs burned. Welcome to Hell. I typically try not to think about a “count down” until I am almost done with a run. With these last two miles, I started counting the tenths of a mile from the first foot strike…20/10 to go…

My mind was fighting the fatigue of my body and over-riding any protest by my legs, lungs to slow down. Sorry were going to finish this and be stronger for doing so. I dug deep and with each passing 10th of a mile I was getting closer to my way out of this personal Hell. I steeled my resolve and continued on and eventually the miles passed. During the last 1 mile EZ, I checked my heart rate, 176! I would not be surprised if I was in the mid 190’s during parts of this run. I would say there were a few moments that my breathing was controlled and my pace controlled, but there were an equal number of times I was on the ragged edge.

Finishing, Jay said it best, “that was a hard run, but it will pay-off somewhere down the road” I agree!

I enjoyed running next to Jay, sharing the agony, and Corey who ran so smooth and relaxed, it was inspirational. Corey I appreciate the extra water, I went to the well often and it was dry when I was done. Thanks!

Weight 179 – Better!

Today I Was a Rock

2010-01-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

Thursday. Day 24.

Some days you just rock… That was not today. Today I was a the rock. I woke feeling out of sorts. Tired, drained, not sure if it was fatigue or lethargy. Either way, I briefly considered not going to swim and taking the few extra hours to rest my body and perhaps my mind. The little voice in side me said “No… get up” so I was up. Everything took a little longer this morning and I was fighting my common sense that said… you need rest.

I knew I had to get home early to get the boys off, my goal was just get in as much of the workout as possible. Standing on the pool deck I was in the water. It was warmer than usual and I expected as the first few hundred meters went by that I would “snap-out of it” and my body would start responding. Nope. It was not working. My workout up until today had been good, great in fact, but this day was a struggle. I knew that my judgment this morning was like clouded by my pride. I needed rest and my body was telling right now loud and clear.

Frustrated. I finished one more set and hopped out of the pool. Nothing good was going to be accomplished in the pool this morning. I need to cut my losses and get some rest.

Tonight I will go to bed earlier and tomorrows run will be filled with anger. It is a tough run tomorrow and I am going to be ready to give it hell.

Weight 181 (Grrrr)

Ready... Wrestle

2010-01-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

Wednesday. Day 24. Track for me is a day of cleansing. I put all my frustration, all my angst, self-doubt and any other garbage that is festering inside my mind or body and I run it the hell out of me. Track days are singularly focused. It is perhaps not as pure as a long run, but I find it jumps starts me and puts me in good spirits the rest of the day.

Meeting Jay and Corey at LTF we were off. Corey was running 3 x 1600 @ a 5:50 clip. Jay and I had a ladder workout, it looked like this:

1 x 200 @ 0:44
200 RI
1 x 400 @1:31
400 RI
1 x 600 @ 2:19
400 RI
1 x 800 @ 3:07
400 RI and

This was repeated going back down for a total of about 3.75 miles. We were fast on all of the intervals, but not overly so, except the first one that I ran in 40 seconds, (sorry Jay) but the rest were within 5-6 seconds. A couple were, hard and a couple were easy.

The remainder of the day was uneventful, though filled with a day of work, meetings, calls and deadlines. After dinner the boys and I went to a wrestling meet. It was great and the wrestling was pretty good too. It brought back a lot of memories. I had great success wrestling though really never appreciated it until well after my wrestling career in college was over. The boys liked watching, but clearly the Marinich wrestling linage will end with me as they had no interest. Wrestling is a sport that you must love, or forget, it is not a casual sport.

The night ends quietly, as it should

Motor Boat, Motor Boat

2010-01-26T05:55:00.000-08:00

Day 23.

I did not move the whole night. I woke in the exact same position that I went to sleep in last night. I do not remember making in through the first sentence of my prayers. I briefly wonder if the roast beef dinner has some type of sleeping powers.

I feel rested considering it is 5:00. At the end of my street, I see Melissa’s car I decided not to cut her off and I follow her in to LTF.

The work out is strong, lots of warm up, and a main set that is focused on endurance with speed pick ups. The work out is 5 x 100, EZ followed by 100 Fast, 4 x 100 EZ, followed by 100 fast, you get the idea. Shane, in our lane (nice rhyme) does the majority of the work this morning. I take one turn at the 100 fast. It kicks my butt and I barley make our time. I felt like a windmill and all I could think of the whole time as “Motor Boat Motor Boat” but I could not remember the rest of the song we chanted in the pool as kids. I still can not remember the rest of the song.

Overall, I felt weak in the pool today, likely due to the big run on Monday. Hope to have better success on Thursday.

Work, lots to do. Several errands to run and I hope to finish the floor board on the Mustang this evening. Tomorrow is track and all will be right with the world again.

Weight 180.

Monday, January 25th, 2010

2010-01-26T05:32:00.000-08:00

Day 22. As the Giants are not in the playoffs, I had essentially adopted the Vikings. The game was way too close, the Vikings were outplaying the Saints, but would blow great gains with dumb turnovers. The turnovers would eventually cost them the game. I woke feeling as if I had a hangover. Thinking if I could only turn back time, I could whisper in their ear, take care of the football and you’ll win the game. Oh well. Tough to watch.

With the night lasting longer than expected and the weather forecasted to be miserable for the early morning, I decided before I went to bed that I would sleep in and run at lunch. The bad part about running at lunch is it gives you all morning to think about it. This was not easy run, but a tough solo 9 mile run. I had a lot to think about.

At the gym I met Corey, we both had our work to do. Pulling out my iPod, it had accidentally turned on in my gym bag and was now out of power. No music. Just me… okay, I know how to do this. Stepping outside I was off.

After the run, I had an email from Corey asking , “How was it?” This is what I shared with Corey in an email.

BRUTAL. I felt good starting out, I really had a controlled pace. Running down Marta, I could feel the wind pushing me, sometimes when the wind is at our back, you do not know it until you turn around, today, I could feel the push, so I just rolled down the road. At the first mile I was 6:52, a good 41 seconds fast. Uh oh. No worries, besides, I had the wind to my back easily explaining the faster time. However, as soon as I passed the first mile I was stood up by a gust of wind that did not let up for the next 3 miles. It was like being smacked in the face with a shovel. I felt like I was running with a bungee cord attached to my back. By the time I was at the turn at Hwy 9 my legs were cooked, not only that my back hurt! WTF??? I thought why, why does the small of my back hurt, that has never hurt, never. It hit me, I realized, I was leaning into the wind for the last mile and half.

I finally found shelter from the wind and surprisingly, my time was right on, I had held the 7:30 pace for the last 3.5 miles. The only problem, I was parched, my mouth was full of cotton, I could not spit and I was cold from the whipping wind. With a 30 second cushion, I stepped into the Corner Deli and grabbed a fountain drink, slammed it in and kept running. I used my cushion and a little bit more.

At mile 5, I was now 10 seconds behind. Okay, that was the stop. Keep pace. The next mile I ran even telling myself to not make it up in one mile. At mile 6, I was only 7 seconds behind, so I ran a 7:30 and had picked up 3 seconds. Good for me, smart running. Feeling good I knew I had only 3 miles to go, I felt my stride lengthen as spirits brightened. I locked in my pace and was lucky to catch all the lights at every intersection.

Closing on the 7th mile I looked at my projected time… 52:51, I hit my landmark, looked at my watch it read 51:41, huh.. that can not be right, I just ran a 6:30… no, must have the wrong landmark.

I know without a doubt that the church on Academy is mile 8. Somehow I must have screwed up, I did not increase my pace, no way, not that much. I keep myself even and for the last couple of miles I actually feel good. With the church approaching I look at my target time, 1:00:24. As I run by the church I glance at my watch, the reality… 58:35, really? Really? I am nearly two full minutes ahead.

The last mile I cruise in though the last ¼ mile is difficult. Finish time… 1:07:57… my time 1:05:55.

Actually it was better than that as I over ran my end point, but considering the start of the run, I’ll take it. Overall pace, 7:17 per mile. Way too fast.

The wind really screwed me up, my pace erratic plus I was freezing for the first 4.5 and too hot for the last 4.5.

Overall… I knew it would be tough. I have not built such character since the single digit ice run prior to Huntsville. Glad it is done.

A tough run like that make the rest of the day go easy, work is easier, homework is easier, everything was easier.

At night I made a great roast beef dinner, with mashed potato, gravy, carrots, it was yummy. Not as good as my mom would make, Kim reminded me, but pretty darn close.

I had hoped to work on the Mustang, but Jack wanted to check on a new phone, so off we went. Jack is hitting that age where he is transitioning from boy to young man. Wow.

Back at home, the evening is slipping away fast. Wil is heading to bed. I look at the guitar, no time to practice, rather I run upstairs and read him “Ten Apples Up On Top” a classic.

With Wil off to sleep, Jack and I watch Myth Busters until we are both chased to bed by Kim. Sleep comes quickly.

Who Will Win?

2010-01-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday. Day 21. Championship Sunday. Colts versus Jets is the first game and Vikings versus the Saints in the evening game. I really do not have a “horse in the race” but I hope for good games.

Breakfast is early, a great 3 egg omelet and roasted home fries. We all enjoy our Sunday routine.
The morning and early afternoon is spent working on the Mustang. I have half the floor in but will not have it completed today. I did manage to take an hour and help Jack finish his “prop” for acting class. He needed to make a pair of pants. He did a nice job.

The afternoon and evening will be spent sucking up the last few hours of football. Soon enough the season will be over. Not to much beer though... I have a 9 mile run in the morning.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

2010-01-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Day 20. Saturday… I love Saturday. No where to go and nothing we have to do. I spend the morning working on the Mustang. Man that project is taking longer than expected. I thought welding the floors in would be a snap, maybe take the weekend of perhaps a week. The reality is that is going to take me over a month! I have to admit this process is forcing me to practice my patience. I managed to burn myself with the welder from “popping” slag. It burned through my sneaker right on my foot, ouch!

Later in the evening I pick up a couple of Jack’s friends and we go to see The Blind Side. Wow what a movie. It made me wonder, in the same situation, would I have taken in a stranger. Would I have held out my hand to help another. I like to think that I would, but that said, how many time have I missed an opportunity to make someone's life better.

At home late, we are all tired. I fall asleep on the couch watching the Jackson Barrett Auto Auction.

Come on

2010-01-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

Day 19.

Wide awake. It is 3:01 and I am absolutely wide awake. So much for going to bed early last night. I guess my body only wanted 6 hours of sleep. I laid there, but no success. Finally, 4:00 AM hits and I decide my opportunity was missed. Time to run. It is early and colder than I expected.

At the gym, I meet Jay, watches set we are off. The first few miles are tough, very tough. My breathing is erratic, my stride is uneven. My left leg breaks down like it did when I was training for the marathon. Though this should be an easy pace, I am struggling. I push forward. I keep telling myself that it will get better and it does, but not until mile 5.

The last three miles are uneventful, likely because it is mostly downhill. The goal was 7:33 per mile, and ended with 7:29.

Weight 180. Come on.

I Blew a Gasket

2010-01-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

Thursday. Day 18.

Swim day. I take comfort knowing on Thursday the swim is not as long, though it is typically more violent. I do not mind that as much, I typically excel when required to go all out for a short distance. Like a bottle rocket, I shoot off accelerating, explode all my fuel and than have nothing left.

I arrive at the pool deck a little late, but jump right in and put the warm up behind me. As expected the main set is a series of short, though intense swims, 9 x 200 with the last 50 held as a race between the 1 & 2 swimmer in the line, and rotate. We all push. The first 150 are controlled pace, but the last 50 is an all out gut buster. I felt like I blew a gasket. When it was my turn to lead my arms were barely moving, though I was able to dig deep for the final 50, and so it went until we had all gone twice. This was followed by 8 x 100. I was able to put in half the number, but had to hop out of the pool to put Wil on the bus for school.

The day will be busy with meetings from the moment I put my butt in my seat and will not likely stop until Kim flickers the lights for dinner.

I hope to have more progress on the Mustang this evening. Really want the area cleaned up and ready for the floor pan this weekend. I will work on measuring and cutting tomorrow. It is my expectation/hope that the next one will be easier.

Weigh 180 even. Rats.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

2010-01-21T05:37:00.000-08:00

Day 17. I actually hit the snooze alarm with the idea that I would get 5 more minutes sleep. Not a bad thing and I am not meeting anyone today for my run. Solo. As much as I thought 5 more minutes would help, likely I would have been better to just get up the first time.

Arriving at the gym, I pick a different treadmill than I usually run on, I thought I would change up the scenery. iPod on, I am ready to go. The first mile is clumsy as I am trying to get my pace and breathing. Just about the time I have it evened out, it is time to pick up the pace.

Today is 1 @ 8:34, 4 @ 7:18 and 1 @ 8:34. I increase my speed, the TM only has 7:19 or 7:13. I decide to do the first 3 at 7:19 and the last at 7:13 to even the pace to a planned 7:18.

As in the first mile, it takes me a bit of time to adjust. By the second mile I am finding my groove. Once I have passed halfway mark, my mind is thinking the worst is over and at that point, the run almost seams effortless. My cadence is good, my breathing controlled and the miles are ticking by quickly. During the third mile I think it is time for me to change my music rotation on the ipod. The last mile I increase the speed to 7:13 and I feel great, I feel like I am flying, and I am still in control of my stride and breathing.

Finishing, I hit the cool down and decrease to an 8:34. It feels clumsy and my legs seem to fall with a heavy thud. Speed is so much more fun!

With the workout over, I spend a bit more time than usual stretching, eventually finishing with my core.

At home the day is filled with meeting, meeting and more meetings. By the time evening rolls around I am whipped. We have a nice dinner with the family and sit around the table telling joke and sharing highlights of the day. Both the boys are obsessed with getting a "six-pack" The other night Jack and will each did 60 sit-ups and 100 push-ups. Wil said I have a "seven-pack".

As the kids shower, I spend an hour working on the Mustang. Progress is going slow. Removing the floor pan is taking more time than expected, but me practicing patience will help, the last thing I need to do is rush this part.

Tomorrow I hope to have the area cleaned up and start measuring to drop in the new floor pan. This will give me time to weld in the new piece this weekend. That is the plan.

Weight 179. Better

Hey, can you light the grill

2010-01-19T18:41:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. Day 16.

Rolling over is easy, getting up and swimming is hard. Character is built on sometimes the simplest decisions, off to swim. Standing on the pool deck looking at the main set of 6 x 400, I thought to myself, I must be building a lot of character today.

I worked on the Mustang after dinner… I had plans to drop the fuel line and clean up the spot for the rear floor plan. However, the once pliable 43 year old hose is now brittle and cracks as soon as I move the line one millimeter. Gas begins pouring all over the garage floor and me!

Curse words were flying, well in my mind. Thankfully, I had a back up plan, smart! I had made a couple of plugs, I quickly move into action and find that my back up plan is not going to work.

The plug causes the hose to crack more and gas is pouring out like I turned on a faucet… Not to worry, I had a back up plan to the back up plan. I direct the waterfall of gas into the lawn mower gas can.

Gas collected, I head off to the auto store and pick up new fuel line, a few 3/8 bolts and clamps, the problem solved.

Perhaps the funniest part of the evening was when standing there soaked with gas, Kim thought is best if I started the grill. Okay… Everybody Stand BACK!

Weight… still on the plus side of 180.

Monday, January 18, 2010

2010-01-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

Day 15.

Ah… Track day. After a rough start on the track last week, Jay is a bit concerned about holding a steady pace and ask to go first.

We hit the first 1600 meters, the laps are consistent and run in negative splits. Clockwork. An easy 400 RI and we are lined up for the next mile. Target, 6:30, I am right on the pace the first 1200… I am feeling a bit twisted but keep the pace for the next 200. The last 200 I open it up just a bit and we finish fast. Another 400 RI and we are off for an 800. It goes by without much effort. We finish and head back to the gym. With the kids off for the day, I take the time to do a quick circuit on the weights. It feels good to lift.

My weight… Heavy.

Good Guys Lose... Rats!

2010-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Day 14.

Sunday. Oh no, good guys lose. A tough loss. The boys had great plays and terrible plays. We were being blanked until the I turned over the play calling to Jack and let him call the plays in the huddle. Jack did great and made some key plays culminating in a TD pass.

He was able to drive the team down the field and score. It was great. Though we were dealt our first loss, the game was close, 6 – 14, but really we did not play that well up front and our blocking was lacking to say the least.

Following the game we went with some friends to watch the Vikings dismantle the Cowboys. It was great. We went to a noted Cowboy “establishment,” the silence was defining was the Viking score grew, that did not stop us from cheering on the Vikings. I would like to see Brett Favre push on to the next level and hopeful the Super Bowl.

I was able to get a considerable amount done on the Mustang this morning, but ran across an area while cutting out the floors that I will need to figure out.

The evening will be no work just hanging with the family, watch the afternoon Jet’s versus Chargers game and perhaps watch a movie at night.

Tomorrow we hit the track. A tough one. 2 x 1600 and 1 X 800 with a 400 RI.

Time to man up.

David versus Goliath

2010-01-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday.

Day 13. I am sitting on the couch, Jack is lying next to me asleep. Kim and Wil abandoned Jack and I as we watch the Colt versus the Ravens. It is no secret, I am pulling for Peyton and the Colts. I just do not like the Ravens. Maybe it is the fact they beat the Giants in the Superbowl years ago.

Sitting here, I can hear Kim is getting Wil ready for bed. We have had a pretty busy day.

I woke early this morning unable to sleep. I went down to my office to catch up on a few emails. After working for about an hour, I went back up the stairs to the kitchen and made some chocolate chip muffins for the family. Whipping up the muffins and sticking them in the oven I went outside to work on the car. I also pull my Miter saw out for Jay. He is prompt meeting me right at 7:30. I take this time to show him the work I am doing on the car. I point out a few areas that I might need his assistance. Who would have ever guessed that Jay would have an Associates Degree in Auto body Maintenance! That is another story. We talk about the car for a few minutes and I hand over the saw before Jay drives off.

Heading back inside, the muffins are done, they are just coming out of the oven as the family is finding their way downstairs. We all enjoy a warm breakfast.

I spend a couple of hours working on the car and even take the dogs for a walk. The time is starting to click by and soon enough it is time. Game time.

Arriving at the field we are short handed today. I have five boys out for the game, they are at baseball tryouts. That leaves me with nine players.

As we are huddled up the opposing team arrives. They are huge! The smallest guy on their team is the same size as our biggest guy! This is not lost on the players. Worse, I watch as the opposing team is pointing and laughing. I can hear them say hey, “look how small they are were going to kill these guys.”

Now I’m pissed. I gather the boys and I tell them what was said. I tell them what I have always said, football is played with your heart (courage/toughness) and head (being smart). I tell them we are going to play these guys tough we are going to hit them hard and not stop for the next 60 minutes.

We lose the coin toss, rats. We hold them on the first two downs, but on the third play, it comes. The bomb. A long pass for a touch down. A few players hang their heads. I tell them there is no time for that, forget it and go make a play.

The extra point is made and the score is 0 – 7. We get the ball and we march down the field. The boys are looking great and playing tough. We score! A great play with several key blocks and a fantastic run.

I decide to go for two point on the conversion. Jack make a great pass and Greg our end makes the perfect catch! 8 – 7.

The kick-off is good and we hold them on the next series. The play goes back and forth and we get the ball back and score again 14 - 7 on a touchdown run by Jack.

The game is hard hitting. There are good plays on both sides. The game is getting tight. I call the Statue of Liberty play and we score again, only to have a “late” flag come in. It was a bad call, that was not near the play. Oh well that happens.

The opposing team drive the ball down the field, however we stop them with 4 and long to go. Somehow the QB, break free and runs 30 yards for a touch down. No one needs to know how loug I yelled on that play. The score is now 14 – 13. The opposing coach goes for a 1 point conversion to tie the game. The play is up the middle their biggest guys against our smallest guys, a true David versus Goliath. The boys penetrate the line and pull the flag. YES!

We get the ball back and march down the field. Time expires and we win the day. What a game. I am so proud of this team. I consider it one of the best wins I have seen.

The rest of the day is spent working on the Mustang and I weld in my first patch panel on the floor. Ippolitos take out for dinner puts me in good favor with Kim.

Time for bed.

Friday, January 15, 2010

2010-01-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

Day 12.

Thursday Jay, Jeff, Corey and I all agreed to the Cracker Barrel Run. Basically, we are all going to run our “run”, coordinating starting times so that we could all finish at roughly the same time.

Great idea, however, somehow Jay missed the time and shows 10 minutes late. No worries. Jay and I see Jeff and coordinate times.

Jay and I hit it. Falling back to my old habit, I start us off too fast. The temps are far better than last weeks single digit ice run, but still cool enough that it takes time to warm up. The first few miles are difficult. I need to listen to Jay, my pacing is erratic. I am fast and I’m slow. Jay however, plays it smart, he lets me go ahead and reels me back in. We finally find pace and settle in on the back half of the run. We had a target of 7:33 and finish with 7:27. Not bad, but the run was not a smart run. I need to hold it back in the beginning and finish strong.

The run complete, we all hook up for a stretch, though my thoughts quickly run to breakfast. Cracker Barrel is calling. Corey, Jay, Jeff and I spend about an hour catching up, talking about everything and nothing as only good friends can. We all agree that Chicago Marathon can not be a run and done, but we’ll stay an extra day and enjoy the city, the food and the company.

I have a nice date with Kim at lunch and the boys have a great practice to end the day. We resume our football games on Saturday.

Practice was not without drama. The last play of practice, I am testing the defense. I roll left and throw back to the right. Our corner back, Jared, plays it perfect and jumps the route. A great heads up play. The bad part, he and Sean the receiver, hit. It is a collision. I run over and Jared is on the ground, I look at him and his nose if shifted to his right. It is broken! I ask him if he where he was hit. He points to his nose. Glad it is not his head. I look at the nose and it is a judgment call. He either has to go to the hospital or I need to put in back in place. I can feel the bone, it is movable. I put my thumbs on both sides of his nose and push it back in place. You can hear the bones and cartilage as I move it back to the center and I can feel it as I put it back in place. Tough kid.

Back home, the week is over. I am looking forward to the weekend.

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

2010-01-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Day 11.

I missed the Tuesday swim, so here I am Thursday morning on the swim deck. Besides, Mike said this day would be fun when I saw him yesterday. I am interested in what Mike considers fun.

I found out quickly, a good strong warm up followed by 10 x 3:00 minute fast. We have 6 in the lane and split the duty. The first 3:00 minutes we hit 1:75. Pretty good, this equals the guys in lane 3. Not bad. We stay pretty even with them as a group, but I am wearing out fast. I pull twice and I am nearly spent.

We do a quick 100 EZ to bring our heart rate back down and it is off to the next set. 5 x 100, and here is the deal. We need to do one of our 100’s as fast as we can. All out campaign to go first. I know if I do not go now, I may not have anything left.

A consensus is met and off we go with me in the lead. I throw out all caution, I start hard, my stroke is good and strong, I am pulling the water hard and my legs are turning. Hitting the turn I get a great kick of the wall, I go deep and pop up past the flags, my arms are turning the water, my legs are kicking while I concentrate on keeping my knees together. At this point my heart is already beating so hard I briefly think to myself, well this will either kill me or I will know that I have a pretty strong heart… keep swimming. The wall is coming, and I take a quick gulp of air and turn. This one hurts as I am running out of air, I still have a decent turn and length underwater. I have created a small gap between the swimmers behind me. I kick in another gear. At this point I am having difficulty getting enough air. I am fighting and keep telling myself that can put in a strong 100. I am looking for the wall, my breathing is erratic. The wall approaches and I have terrible turn. I have a short breath before I go under, my turn is shallow and I am out of air. I pop out of the water looking for oxygen. The poor turn disrupts my stroke, my stroke is gone, I bury my head in the water and increase my arm turn over to re-gain speed. My heart is about to explode, I can not pull in enough air to feed my lungs, I decide to forgo breathing with 15 meters to go I am pushing the water. My head is getting light and my sight is narrowing. I am giving everything I have. I have lost sense of where I am in the pool and I crash into the edge. I turn quickly to see my time as I am gasping for air, chest heaving, head pounding. Time 1:35! This is my best 100 in years. I feel great. Stacie comes in right behind me at 1:36.

I am feeling pretty good about myself, though I can barely stand. I think to myself, ha… top that. I gave everything I had.

My brief ego trip quickly turns to humble pie as over the next 4 x 100’s I watch everyone in my lane beat my time. My lane companions hit the following times, 1:34, 1:33, 1:28, and 1:25. Good for them. I believe the best time in the pool is a 1:01. Wow.

The bad part is that 100 left me useless for the last 4 x 100. I remind myself, I am stronger for this day.

Weight… 183!!!! F*%#

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

2010-01-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

Day 10.

I decide to keep my journal short this week. I have so much going on right now, work, family, training and life in general.

This morning I take comfort in the familiar track workout. Jeff joins Jay and I, on deck for this morning is 5 x 800 @ 3:03. I start off and I hit the first 200 perfect, the next 200 is slow, I am having difficulty finding the pace. I speed up and slow back down. The last 400 is bad and we end with a 3:10. I feel bad. I can tell that Jay is also frustrated. This is the first time that I have been slow on a target track day. Now I am mad. Jay is too!, He take the next 800 as the lead and we knock out a 2:54. I’m next, and equal the 2:54. Jay delivers a 2:56 on the fourth 800 and I pull a 2:57.

Jeff also looks strong as he is circling the track. It is good to have him there and I am excited about the idea of all of us running the Chicago Marathon together.

The run back to LTF is uneventful, but seemed difficult. My mind is drifting. I am a bit miffed that I did not hit that first time. It was not that I could not find the speed, I just could not find the pace. I was fast, slow, fast, I could never find it.

Weight, arrgh. I need to get my head together.

School House Rock

2010-01-12T15:25:00.001-08:00

Day 9.

This is typically Swim day, however, as I am in Dallas and there is an opportunity to run with my running mentor Bobalu, I take the opportunity for a great conversation and a great run. I am not let down Bobalu is in great form, dealing running advice mixed with good humor. The evening before, I invited a colleague from my office to join us for the run. He is a past marathon runner, looking to get back in running shape. Sitting in my car I arrive early and wait as the runners begin to show. I am happily surprised my workmate shows, after all the hour is early, 5:15, so good for him.

The new guy introduced to the group and we are off... The pace is reasonable so I will not worry about the extra day of running rather than swimming this morning. We cover an east 6 miles running just under 9 minute miles, basically a conversational pace.

The miles fly as Bobalu and I catch up. Chad is treated to the entertainment and knowledge of the 4 best things about running. Bobalu starts his running sermon about 2 miles out. I chuckle to myself and add commentary when appropriate. Always entertaining and educational while running with Bobalu, he's better than School House Rock!

After the run we stop at Starbucks with the gang, before I head back to the hotel. A quick shower, shave and breakfast and I am at the office.

I catch a flight home tonight, and hope to be in bed by 11:00. Morning with come quickly and find me standing with Jay, Corey, Jeff and a perhaps few others in the dark of the early morning at the Alpharetta High School track. The workout, 5 x 800 @ 3:03, with a 400 RI.

Only gone one night, but still I miss the family.

Weight… unknown.

Monday, January 11, 2010

2010-01-12T15:14:00.000-08:00

Day 8.

I am happy that I went to bed early last night, though I did not close my eyes until after 10:00 PM. I wake with my running gear ready to go. Today is tempo day and an interesting one at that. The run is 1 ez at 8:30 pace, 2 at 7:03, 1 ez, 2 at 7:03 and 1 ez. The run was done on the treadmill. I am not a fan of being the mouse on a wheel, however I also know the winter I ran treadmill was the year I had my greatest increase in speed. It is also a good way to “keep honest” with the pace.

I have to admit, I thought about the last run and worried, am I going to be okay. I chased away the negative thoughts reminding myself, I am faster than this pace. Sure enough, the pace is easier than expected. I feel good and truthfully felt like I should have been going faster. But that would not be the plan.

After a quick stretch and shower I stand before the scale. Here we go. I feel fat, I did not get the exercise I wanted during the weekend. One step is followed by the other…. Weight 179! Better.

At home I get Wil on the bus with a hug and one for Jack too before he walks out the door making certain it is not seen by his friends, it is tough to be a 12 year old in middle school.
Work keeps me busy, a nice lunch date with Kim and I am packing for my trip to Dallas. My evening will be full as we entertain incoming partners. I will not sleep before midnight eastern time.

Before hoping on the plane I arrange a run with Bobalu while in Dallas. I look forward to seeing him at 5:15 AM

Flight to Dallas is uneventful... my favorite kind.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

2010-01-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

Day 7.

I slowly wake the family after putting out the dogs. This is the first Sunday in 17 weeks where I did not put on a Giants shirt, the season is over for the Gmen. With the family up and rummaging for warm cloths, I walk outside to let the car warm up. It is warmer that than the past few days, but still cold for Georgia.

Piling in the car we head to Mels’ for a good breakfast. I enjoy the routine, it is the only routine that we have, but it is a time to relax, read the paper, chat about the week that was and the week that will be.

Afterwards we run errands and head back home. I am working on setting up the air compressor and think I have finally solved the issue of where to mount the moisture trap and regulator. I had hoped to start working on the car, but one project at a time. Later Kim heads to lunch with a friend as the boys and I hang on the couch watching the last couple of games for wild card weekend. Wil whips up a batch of “Wil Nachos” his specialty. The hit the spot with out being too filling.

The patriots game is a waste, they just do not show up for the game and are outplayed by Baltimore. It is easy to turn off the TV and head outside and play. Jack and Wil versus me in basketball. It is fun as the hoop is only 7 feet high (so Wil can play) thus I instantly have become a fantastic basketball player, proportionally I am as big as Shaq. I take it easy on them, but as they like to rough me up, I can not help to keep the score close.

The evening comes and we hope that the afternoon game is more competitive. We are not let down. It is a barn burner, it started off all Arizona, but ends with a tight game in overtime won by Arizona. The score was 51 – 48 over Green bay. The game was all offense and Arizona could have won it in regulation but for a yanked field goal attempt by Rackers. Ironically the game is won n a defensive play on the second play of OT.

I’d like to see Kurt Warner win… he seems to be one of the good guys. The day is not spent just hanging on the couch, thought that would be easy, rather, I use this down time to enter the descriptions of the photo album and classifying each of the photos. I have about 8 hours of work on this so far and I am only a 8th the way through.

Diner is light, we are all still full from the holidays. Sleep comes easy.

Not Much Really

2010-01-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Day 5

Saturday. I slept in… well at least for me. I was up and at it by 7:00 AM. I woke up the first time at 3:00 and was wide awake. I woke up again at 5 and 6. Each time, I knew enough to roll over and go back to bed. Eventually I could take it no longer and headed down stairs to make everyone breakfast. Pancakes, hashbrowns, juice and assorted breakfast items.

After breakfast we all headed out for errands. It was my goal to start working on the Mustang today, however, I needed to run lines for the air compressor. Somehow I was fortunate enough to forget a couple of key components and will have to go back to Home Depot tomorrow to find what I need.

The afternoon was spent working on the photo album, chores, watching football and hanging with the boys. I make everyone dinner and I settle on the coach to just relax. Unusual but true. I was busy all day and an evening of relaxation was in order.

Last year at this time my brother and I had completed the first part of the Goofey Challenge, the half-marathon the next morning we woke and ran the full marathon, now that is goofey! The reality is I should not have been running at all, I was in bad shape, but committed to running with my brother for his first marathon. So there we were a year ago today. It was great to do that race with him. He did really well running his first marathon the day after a half marathon.

I hope all the runners have a great day tomorrow.

Friday, January 8th, 2010

2010-01-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Day 5.

It snowed last night and everything outside looks like a glazed donut. The schools are closed. The temperature is 12 degrees, the wind chill is single digit, it feels like 2 degrees. The run today is 6 miles at a 7:29 pace. I know this run and the speed should not be difficult. However, I have not been running this speed for the last several months. For the last 4 months I have been controlling my speed. Today will be different.

I know it is cold, but I am dressed for the cold. Jeff and Corey will be meeting up with Jay an I. This is our Cracker Barrel Run.

Meeting at LTF, no Jeff. Still nursing a cold. Corey, is upstairs, he will be doing his 15 mile run on the treadmill. Jay arrives and ask, outside or treadmill? Outside. No question. This one will count. Sure it is cold, bitter cold. Bitter freezing cold, but that is not the biggest issue. The snow from last night has glazed the roads in areas with ice, we will need to be careful where we step.

Some (Corey and Jeff) would say we were crazy for running outside, too slippery, actually it was not as bad as it looked. The slick areas were visible and we would adjust our stride and pace to accommodate the surface conditions. When we start the cold is felt deep in the core of the body. Breathing is abbreviated as my lungs involuntary prohibit me from pulling in enough air.

Typically after the first miles I am good, but not this morning. It is bone chilling cold. The pace is okay, but I know I am running. Just as I think, okay, I am starting to find the groove, Jay and I turn onto Windward and are faced with a strong freezing wind that rips through the body and makes you feel as if you are running naked. Worse the wind is strong and the effort to maintain pace is increased significantly.

Legs are pushing hard as we climb up the gradual hill on Windward. I am still breathing too fast trying without success to fill my lungs. Jay and I dance across the intersections and “fly” as we hit the snow covered sidewalks. This is a bigger effort than I thought it would be… damn.

I am hoping that when we turn onto Hwy 9 that the wind will stop… minutes later I would find that to NOT be the case. It is discouraging, I think to myself. That word causes me to pause. Courage is a big part of discourage. Toughen up. This is when you build character, this is when you build grit, a toughness. I become single minded. I do not care how cold it is, I do not care how windy it is, I do not care if the road is slippery, I adjust my mind and attitude. This helps. It does not make it easier, but my thoughts are about finishing and doing well.

Soon the wind is at our back, there is a slight down hill and Jay an I open up our stride. We are gaining time. Good.

Turning on Academy, we have made up time. I do not take my foot of the gas, holding pace. My breathing is better, though that maybe due to the fact we are running downhill.

Jay and I finish with a 44:55 for 6 miles. The reality is that is slow. I have run a 40:21, 10K (6.2 miles) and Jay faster than that, but considering the elements, and the fact this is the first time that I have purposely tried to add some speed to a run, I am okay with the effort.

Back at LTF, i head up stairs to check on Corey. He is on mile 11 of 15 on the treadmill. He looks good, his pace is 7:47. Despite being drenched in sweat he looks effortless in his run. Asking how he feels he replies with one word, "chaffed". Ouch... how bad I ask. "Nipples to crotch" Need anything... I he pauses and says no. I know the feeling. It is too late. I encourage him and hang there until he has less than 3 miles. No Cracker Barrel for Corey.

Weight. Too much. I let the “F” word slip out when I stepped on the scale.

Work was intense all day and did not end until nearly 7:00 PM. The kids though had a great day, they spent the entire day sledding and playing games with their buddies, a great no-school day. Too bad I could not have joined them.

The night comes swiftly and Wil crawls into bed with Kim and I, I do not blame him, it is warm and cozy. Unfortunately between Wil and I, the wigglers, Kim will not sleep. I challenge Wil to “Rock, Paper, Scissors” for the right to sleep in the bed. I win, but give up my spot anyway. I head to Jack’s room and take up residence on the bottom bunk.

Sleep.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

2010-01-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

Day 4.

It was the last thing I thought of before I fall a sleep and the first thing I thought of when I woke up. Swim practice. I have tried everything to change my negative position on my swim days. That fact is, it is the Rock I must strap on my back and carry up the hill. That thought alone, forces me out of bed. At least on Tuesday the water was warm.

Arriving on the LTF pool deck I see the gang. No Corey and no Jeff though. Jay is ready, as is Ann Marie, Stacie, Rebbecca, Susan and the rest. Mulling around waiting for the days workout.
A quick announcement on the rules of LTF Masters Swim Payment Process and it is time. I hit the water and it is notably colder than Tuesday. It is a full 150 meters before I stop feeling the water temp.

Warm ups are good, I work with my strap binding my legs together in an effort to fix my lower body in the water. It will help, I am just not there yet. We have a series of 100’s and 300’s. The 100’s go fast, the 300's are tough. I am building character this morning. An hour and thirty minutes after we start, we are done. As always, I feel better for doing the work than if I had missed the workout. Swim is great for building core, strength, flexibility and conditioning. One drill we did today was “knock-out”, you swim 50 meters and each 50 you reduce the number of breaths you take. I started at 17, my next was 10 and my last was 5. It was an effort. One person did it in 1 breath, and Susan, the Olympian, did it without breathing. Impressive.

I remember seeing a special on marine training, they would be forced to swim, in gear, with boots, 50 meters underwater without breathing, to make it worse, they made you jump in, do a somersault underwater and than start. Two divers would follow you to keep you underwater if you tried to pop up for air. Maybe in my youth, but today, uh… no thanks.

Jack was a car rider today, he has started drama and is enjoying his new semester. Wil and he both have small colds, all a part of Georgia winter and rapidly changing temperatures.

Work keeps me very busy today. The evening comes quick, and Jack needs help with homework. We spend about 2.5 hours on history and math. I am reacquainted with 9th grade algebra, (except Jack is in 6th grade). I have to admit, I am stuck on one problem and call my brother-in-law Harry for help. It is nice to have an ex-math teacher in the family.

Off to bed as the snow is falling, the kids are hoping for a snow day. A long run tomorrow and it is supposed to be fast. Bring it!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

2010-01-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

Day 3.

Cold. That is the best way to describe how I felt when I woke up. It was track day, though I had a little concern. Not about the cold, but the prescribed speed for today.

Over the past few months I have been training to hold my speed in check. Today I would have an opportunity to crack open the valve a little. Not an all out, and certainly not the 1:07 -1:10 I once ripped off in a quarter mile, but a 1:31 or roughly 10 seconds faster than I had trained for the marathon. It was my hope that it would not feel too hard.

Arriving at LTF, it was Jay, Corey (training for Boston), but no Jeff who is fighting a nagging cold. Corey had already put in two miles on the Treadmill, and darted off to the track, of all things I had to tell him, hey, I’m not warmed up yet slow down. I’m either learning of getting soft. I’ll go with wisdom for now.

At the track it seemed a little colder as there was nothing to block a wind that swept the back half of the track. Cold weather is tolerable if you are appropriately dressed. The sky was wide open, no clouds to capture the earths radiant heat, a nice winter morning, the stars made it seem peaceful, much like the quiet before the storm. After a quick two laps, we stripped to our track gear, mine, an Under Amour shirt, a long sleeve tech shirt, wind breaker and tights. Gloves and a hat an absolute necessity. We were ready to go. While Jay and I were setting our watches, Corey was off… He was on his plan, Jay and I are on ours. Watches ready, off we went. Rounding the second curve you ran into the wind, strong, but not unbearable.

As this was a new pace, it was difficult to find the cadence necessary for the targeted 1:31 time. At the two hundred I was fast, 0:40 and backed it off hitting the first lap at 1:24, Jay did better, 1:26. We never hit our goal time of 1:31, I hit a 1:30 on my last try. The other times were 1:28, 1:29. Not bad, the workout was 8 x 400 with a 400 RI. Work was done, but it was not too difficult. It felt good to add a little extra speed, but I was pleased that there was more in the tank. How much more, I do not know yet.

Running back to the gym, I started to feel the workout a little more, also the cold was setting in as my body temperature dropped from the reduced effort on the cool down run. A quick stretch and I was off to put Wil on the bus.

The day was filled with work and family. All good things. My weight. I refuse to mark it down. I am gaining weight. I feel like I am a bear getting ready for hibernation, everything I put in my body is turning directly into fat.

The Fifth Chinese Brother

2010-01-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

Day 2

Did not make it to bed before 10:20 last night… I felt it when I woke up, tired. Briefly considered that it was too cold to swim, with all the cold weather I would not have been surprised if the pool was covered with ice. Considering I paid for the month in advance, I was committed in reality that is the reason I paid in advance.

Arriving there was a good crowd and a lot of positive energy. I felt fairly good considering my lack of pool time these past several weeks. Mike was very gracious or sadistic, he purchased a restraining strap for my legs in an effort to reduce my scissor kick. It worked really well especially for the first 50 meters. Clearly this will help. It was obvious with that I was straining against the straps as I swam, to one point Mike quipped, “ …try not to get so angry Dr. Banner.” A good laugh. Very thoughtful and clearly he is doing his best to make us all better swimmers. Ann Marie has taken charge as the gate keeper, a good thing this allows Mike to coach without have to be the “bad cop".

The swim was good, though today I swallowed more of the pool than I have in my collective swimming lifetime. I felt like the First Chinese Brother swallowing the sea, I need to be the Fifth Chinese Brother. I tried not to think of the nastiness of that water. The bulk of the workout was a 1000 meter time trial. my time a dismal 19:50. The good part, lots of room for improvement.

The work morning flew by, and I had a great lunch with my favorite South Africa, Walter! It was good to catch up and talk about the future together.

The afternoon dragged, but that was good as I was able to accomplish a great deal. Evening passed by too fast and now it is time for showers, homework and bed.

Tomorrow is track, 8 x 400 @ a 1:31 pace. It will be faster than I have run in the last several months, but I am looking forward to the challenge. The temp is forecast at 19 degrees, but with the wind and moisture in the air it will feel like 10 degrees. Layers! Lots of layers!

Weight today 180.9 DAMN!!!! I am trending in the wrong direction. Time to toughen up.

1, 2... no 3..., 1

2010-01-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

Day 1

Though I went to bed much later than I had planned the time was well spent playing cards with Kim and boys. My head eventually found the pillows at 10:00 PM, so waking up was not too tough. Though I will have to do better tonight, if I am going to have a good swim tomorrow.

Rolling out of bed I was eager to get started. Today marks the first day back to training. Nothing better than a goal to provide a purpose to a workout. Making my way to the gym, it was a cold morning, I was actually glad that we would be hitting the Treadmill for this first run.

The plan today, 1 ez, 3 @ 7:00 minute miles, and 1 ez. Interestingly, I thought it was to be 1, 2, 1… so after the second mile, I felt good and it was over, however as I was pressing the down button on the pace, Jay let me know, “hey, one more mile.” Huh… rats. I cranked it back up and to catch back up I had to take it up an extra notch or two… it took me ¾ a mile to catch back up to Jay. By the time I finished my 3 miles at pace, I was beat. The mile cool down was good and I worked on my stride. I felt my stride was a bit erratic during this workout. I will need to work on this during the next few weeks.

A good stretch and some core workout, I was heading back to the showers and the dreaded scale. I was not looking forward to the scale. I have spent the last two weeks eating without thought. I expect to weigh between 184 – 186. With the moment of truth upon me, I step cautiously onto the scale… 180.5! I am pleasantly surprised. With my weight now in, I am focused on pushing for 175 for the 5K and 172 for the marathon in October.

The day is busy as I take two weeks and squeeze it into one day, but it is good to be back to work. At lunch I head to the furniture bank to deliver my painting for the upcoming charity event, http://www.chairishthefuture.com/ on February 27th. The painting exceeded their expectations. I am pleased that they like the painting and more that it will help them raise money for a worthy goal.

The remaining day is spent working and hanging with the family. My goal is to be sleeping by 9:45 for my swim tomorrow at 5:30.

The day before the first day

2010-01-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

Sunday.

Well So often we take a vacation and it seems to go by quickly, this one actually seemed to neither go by quickly or slowly, but seemed just right. I am ready to get back to work tomorrow.

The day starts well, Wil sleeps in late, though we still make it to Mel’s for breakfast. I was hoping that we might play a game of football, parents and kids, but it is too cold, freezing actually. The temperature was 19 degrees and never seemed to get much above the mid 20’s.

at the house the day is filled with miscellaneous chores. I finally set up the guest bedroom to tackle my last project. I fully understand that this project will 1) not be finished in one day and 2) be a bit tedious. My last project is to catalogue an old photo album with hundreds of original photographs ranging form 1917 – 1959. The photos range in categories of historical figures, military, architecture, and historical days. Of those that are captured in these photos includes multiple presidents, Wilson Truman, Franklin, and more. Other historical figures include; Eddie Rickenbacker, Richard Bong, “Wrong Way” Corrigan, William Bendix, Marlene Dietrich, Lou Costello, Fred MacMurry, Will Rogers, Charles Lindbergh, Henry Ford, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bobby Feller, Mel Ott, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Red Grange, Hitler, Mussolini, Bobby Jones, Joe Louis, and many more. It is my hope to have this catalogued in the next several weeks. As I complete the project I will likely post a few of my more favorite photos.

Jack and I head out to watch the Giants play their last game of the season. It is terrible. They Giants started with so much hope roared with a 5 – 0 record only to fizzle and whimper to a 8 – 8 season. Poor showing, a poor showing.

It is my goal to hit the bed early tonight. I have a lot to do tomorrow for work and personally. Also, after almost two weeks of resting and recovery from the marathon, I am itching to get started with training. So it starts. Tomorrow I will be at the gym, ready for the first day of training. This goal is about speed. I want to build additional speed, power and strength. I have targeted a 10K in March I use that race as a bench for a goal time at the Chicago 2010 Marathon. I will likely look at a few other races and perhaps a few sprints that I can participate in this spring.

I am not looking forward to stepping on the scale, I really did not practice any restraint with my eating during the holidays and it is going to be ugly. Oh well, I have to start someplace, so tomorrow I will step on the scale and mark my weight and day one of training will begin.