Ten Things and a Cheese Head Medal

The weather still sucks in Chicago and I feel like a wimp for retreating to the treadmill after reading Marcia's blog today. She toughed it out and ran outside this morning. Anyway I will continue my first week of training tonight on the treadmill and head outside, rain or shine on Saturday for my 6 miler.

The Blue Moon is in and I'm still working the Wisconsin 1/2 Marathon angle with my wife. Heather told me I should because they have a cool cheese medal for finishing. I agree with her.

I have been tagged by Julie to list ten (10) things that make me happy.

Ten (10) things that make me happy!

1. The most obvious is running. I am happy for what running has done for me, what is has made me and the feeling of health it provides me.

2. Having Poker night on Thursday’s in my garage and the chance to BS with my buds makes me happy.

3. The sweet nectar that New Glarus Brewing Company creates makes me very happy and sometimes buzzed!

4. My wife and son always sometimes make me happy.

5. Spending 3 day weekends in Wisconsin during the summer make very happy and relaxed. I am grateful to have a getaway for my family and me to spend our summers at.

6. I am happy to have a steady job and to be employed. Some of my friends haven’t been as blessed as I have in that regard. It’s something I try not to take for granted.

7. Friends make me happy. Both the ones I see physically and the Blog friends I communicate with in cyberspace.

8. Building things make me happy. Back when I was going to college, I worked for custom furniture company and developed many valuable skills. I currently have a nice workshop and have built many pieces in my home and endless home improvement projects.

9. Being able to run with friends make my day. I don’t often get running partners so when I do, it’s appreciated.

10. Going to Wrigley field makes me happy. Nothing beats a cold beer and a ball park hot dog. Go Cubbies!

Training Day 1

Today officially starts the 1^st run of my 18 week marathon training program. The weather is kinda crappy so I will be kicking it off on the treadmill in the basement. I, like many others, have a love hate relationship with the treadmill. It’s nice to be able to run in the comfort of your home but I sure miss Mother Nature. I guess I need to suck it up, deal with it and be thankful I have an option.

I have been looking at my planned long weekend runs and found that there is the Wisconsin ½ marathon on May 1^st which is the same day as I have a 13 miler scheduled. My wife doesn’t want to run it, but I think it would a great way to train. It would be nice to have the crowds and water stations along the way. I am not sure if she is opposed to this race because of the $$$ or just because the preparation of getting there and logistics. I have a friend who is planning on running this (his first one) and it would be nice to be there, but I don’t want to cause animosity and leave my wife behind. I think this may be one of those damned if I do and damned if I don’t scenarios.

Since my doctor advised me to cut back eliminate alcohol for my upcoming blood test, I have graciously allowed my wife to choose the next keg for the kegarator. I am sorry to say that New Glarus will have to wait a while longer before I can return. She picked Blue Moon and it is supposed to come in today. I will go pick it up, pour her a glass and then try to persuade her to run Kenosha with me.

To Race or not to Race?

With the weather being in the positive digits, I have been able to run outside a few times since my last post. I was off yesterday for the Martin Luther King Holiday, so I was able to head out for a morning weekday run, which is never possible with work.

My official training plan starts next week, and I am a little nervous. The first few weeks are actually less running than I am doing now, but I keep peeking ahead in the schedule and see that 20 miler. I know I need to take one step at a time, but 20 miles is a long run.

I have a dilemma and need advice. There are a few upcoming races that I normally like to participate in such as the Shamrock Shuffle 8k and our local Lake in the Hills, Run thru the Hills 5k or 10k. The problem I have is they are both on days for training that indicate cross train and after runs of 13 and 16 miles. Should I run these for fun or skip all together and cross train? The Run thru the Hills is a race in my town and my son wants to participate in the 5k. He ran the 5k last year and I did the 10k and I have a few other buddies running in as well. I’m just not sure what to do.

I did my part yesterday to spur the economy. We purchased new appliances for the kitchen. We have been talking about this for a year or so and finally decided to do it. We are upgrading to all stainless steel from our current white. The current fridge will move to the garage and the rest we will donate to charity. They are in working order we are just looking for a more updated look.

I know I was going to post some photos of my garage I finished but have not. Here a re a few. Oh well, better late than never. This is a continual work in progress, as long as my wife doesn't kill me.

Happy running!

On the Wagon

I know I have disappeared for a while, but I’m back. My knee healed up after a week taking it easy and I was back to my normal routine in no time. Thanks for all the comments and support.

The Holidays were relaxing and I was able to have a few weeks at home to spend with my son while my wife worked. Along with the relaxing holidays came a few unwanted pounds from a few too many beverages and unnecessary grazing. Now I need to get rid of about 8 pounds to get back to my summer weight.

I have researched a few training programs for my upcoming Marathon and decided upon Hal Higdon’s 18 week plan. I have about 2 weeks until I start my program, but I am excited to begin this journey.

I have been having cholesterol & triglyceride issues for some time and have been working with my doctor over the years to get the right balance of medicines that don’t tax my liver but are getting my numbers down. Unfortunately, my last blood test was not good enough and my doctor has referred me to a cardiologist. I think this is in part due to liability issue on his part, but nonetheless I went last night. I was told that the cardiologist thinks my numbers may not be as bad as they are showing on the testing. He feels that a false reading may be occurring and wants me to start new medicine and go for another blood test in 6 weeks. On top of the new test, he wants me to give up all caffeine, alcohol and limit sugars so we can see if the test is accurate. This is going to be tough as I start each morning with a cup of coffee and on occasion have been known to enjoy a nice cold beer or two. It will be tough, but I will give it my best to adhere to the Doctors orders. The only saving grace of it is that I start my training program in a week or two, so I can shift my focus to that.

Once I have cleared my body of sugar, alcohol and caffeine I am supposed to get retested and hopefully this will divulge the real numbers at a much lower level. I hope this is the answer, because after years of watching my diet, exercising and taking medications I am starting to get a little frustrated.

Last weekend my wife, Terri and I went to our local running store (Dick Pond) for a first of the year fun run. We have never done this before and thought it would be a nice way to start the year as well as try and meet others with similar interests in our own area. We were the first two at the store on Saturday morning at 8:00 and the temperature of 0 degrees out. For a second, I thought no one else was going to show. It turned out that five others strolled in and all first time to the fun run as well. It was a nice eclectic mix of ages and running skills and we only went for a short 3-4 mile run. Afterwards they made pancakes on a griddle right in the store and had pastries and coffee from Caribou. They even had four raffle prizes. Terri won a pair of gloves. When we were leaving, after Terri picked up some additional running stuff on clearance, they gave us a bunch of food to take home. My son was pleasantly surprised that we brought him breakfast. Aren't we thoughtful?

Good news is the weather here in Chicago is starting to warm up. We will be in the upper 30’s this week and hopefully for the weekend. Running in 0 degree weather sucks!

Happy running and hope to post again soon.

Knee Jerk Reaction

Since I signed up for the Madison Marathon I have found out the friend I was supposed to run with might not be able to run. He has a serious injury that may require surgery and will be out of commission for a few months. I am not going to let this deter me.

I have been able to go for a few longer runs on the weekend 10.5 and 9,5 the past few weeks and felt pretty good. Monday I was at the back door grilling and stepped backwards into the house and onto the dog who was behind me. I stepped on her paw and immediately jerked my leg up smashing my knee into the door frame. I still am feeling a bit of pain especially when I go up and down stairs.

I feel like a slacker, but I haven't been running since Sunday. I know I should rest it, but I feel very guilty for not running. I don't know what I can do that doesn't impact the knee. By the way the dog was fine. I never hurt her, she's pretty quick for a 13 year old Jack Russel Terrier.



Anyway I am frustrated that I can't run and don't want to push it to injure myself. On the other hand, this is the worst time of year to not be able to get out there with all the extra calories that I will be eating and drinking.

I also made another road trip to Madison this past weekend for a beer run. Unfortunately, I can't buy New Glarus Beer here in Illinois and I have to go to Wisconsin. I made the trip worth it since things are cheaper in Wisconsin compared to Illinois.






Any suggestions about the knee would be appreciated.

I Took the Plunge!

I can’t believe it but I just signed up for my first marathon. I am registered for the Madison Marathon May 31, 2010. I am excited, happy, nervous and scared all at the same time. I know many of you seasoned veterans out there have run this sacred 26.2 before, but frankly I never thought that I would be here. I have a long road ahead of me for training, but in my mind the first step was registering and now it’s for real. I verbally committed to do this with a friend of mine a month ago and I signed up first. I am going through with it even if he doesn’t. Call it my bucket list or what have you but I need to do this for myself and prove to myself that I can do it.

Whew! Did I mention I signed up for a marathon today?

Seriously, I have been non existent out here but have been training still. I have been getting around 18 hours/week for the past month. I know I need to kick it up big time to prepare for what’s ahead, but I feel confident that I can follow a plan and get it done. I will certainly be keeping all of you in mind while I’m training. You will be that voice in the back of my head telling me to keep going, when I feel like giving up or slacking. I do appreciate all your input, advice and stories you share through your own blogs and it makes me feel as I am there with you. Although I would feel more like I was a participant if I could attend Jamoosh's 12 Beers of Christmas, but unfortunately not this time.

On the Garage front things have progressed wonderfully. I have the floor painted, walls done, molding installed and flat screen installed. I have some touch up painting on the molding to do and then I will post some photos.

Even though I haven’t posted forever, I have been trying to keep up and post on everyone’s blogs. Having trouble finding spare time to read everything and post myself. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.

Vet-Run 2009 Race Report

I have been nursing a cold (hopefully not H1N1) the past week but still managed to drag my but out for a few runs. I figured I would try and sweat the cold out of me by running. Unfortunately, I couldn't shake it and am still taking cold meds this morning again.

Last week I managed to get out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday prior to my Sunday morning 10K. I managed to get in 20 miles for the week, which is great since I have been slaking throughout the month of October. I feel like I am getting back on track. It 's funny how I can run this mileage sick, but last month being healthy, I had problems. I think motivation and burnout were my bigger issues, hopefully past me now.

We have had unseasonably great weather in the Chicago area the past week and the weekend was no exception. Sunday morning was the most perfect running conditions you could ask for. My wife , Terri and I headed out to the race Sunday morning and picked up my friend Billy to join us. We also met another couple at the race. I always enjoy running when you have a great group of friends there. I love having the support and being able to support them as well. Anyway, the race was to support Veterans and they had a whole series of events to pay homage to our Veterans. They had opening ceremonies before the race with military present and even a flyover with a WWII plane. They even had the moving miniature Vietnam wall on site. What an impressive site to see.

The race went off without a hitch. They ran a 5k and 10k simultaneously so things were a bit bunched up at the start. It took a good 1/2 mile for the crowd to break into their pace groups and from there everything was fine. Like I said, we had spectacular running weather with blue skies, sunshine and temps in the 60's. Unfortunately I knew I wasn't going to PR since I was on dayquill, but nonetheless I still felt good. It really felt great to be out in the sun and running in November in Chicago. I ran the course with my friend Billy until the split where the 5k and 10k separated. Billy was itching to get moving a little quicker and I told him to go and not let me hold him back. I slowed down during miles 4 and 5 but picked it up again from there to finish strong. I unofficially had a time of 55:45. This is about 3- 1/2 minutes off my PR time but I am still happy. When I crossed the finish line my two friends were there to greet me and we stayed and waited for my wife and my other buddy's wife to finish. Everyone in our group crossed within minutes to finish under an hour.

Last year when I ran this race it was my first 10k ever and longest distance run to date. I feel like I have accomplished a lot since this point last year. I have completed 2-1/2 marathons and numerous 10ks and 5ks throughout the running season in 2009. I look forward to 2010 and what it may bring. I think I am going to try the Madison full Marathon this May and see what I can do. I know I need to get my ass in gear and stay the course for some heavy duty training, but I think I may be ready for this next step. It is encouraging reading everyones journey in blog land and seeing how you progress in your own training and racing. I hope I can keep motivated through this great support network of people out here.

My buddy Wes had his camera and her are a few photos.