Saturday, February 26, 2011

WOW!!


This is for those of you who just can't get up and going with just a coffee. Holy crap that is crazy!! 32 oz can of Monster Energy drink. That's a heart attack in a can. Just say no kids! You would think this would just make you completely sick, or put you in the hospital. I couldn't believe it when I saw it on our trip home from Ohio. Crazy!! That's all I can say about that.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

7th Marathon


With the Little Rock marathon right around the corner, I'm getting a little anxious. This will be my 7th marathon. They say 7 is the lucky number. Now, with knowing what hills lurk ahead, I am not planning on a new personal record. But, I do plan on enjoying this race. Spending the weekend in Little Rock with my Pit Crew (Deb and Amy), and several other Muckas. Should be a great time. Hoping to have some new pics, and possibly some video to add to the results post.

Just checked my training log and realized I am 240 miles away from breaking the 5000 mile mark. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was breaking 4000. WIth my upcoming race in Little Rock, and the weather getting a little warmer, I'm going to concentrate on breaking that mark before the middle of April. Was hoping to run the Andrew Jackson Marathon with my buddies, Barrett and Todd. But, not looking to good right now. However, I have a great running partner who really motivates me on my runs. That would be my hot wife, Deb. :)

Happy running everyone. 5000 miles coming right up.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Almost Time

Exactly two weeks to go before Little Rock. Hoping I'm ready. My training has been off over the last month. Of course, with good reason. I think I tried to jump back into it too quickly. My legs are really sore right now. I took today off, skipping my 12-miler. I only completed one 20-miler during this training.

Little Rock is dedicated to my Mom. I originally signed up to run this race for the American Heart Association. I picked this charity due to my Mom's battle with heart disease. Also, the loss of others to this disease. Some of my friends have lost loved ones to this. My Mom fought the good fight but, was unable to win. This will be for her. I usually have a goal for time. My goal is to finish. I have raised more than my goal of $500 for the charity. Now I need to focus on honoring my Mom. She was so proud of me when I came home to run Columbus. This time, she will be running with me in Little Rock.

Friday, February 18, 2011

New Shoes


I won a pair of K-Swiss Konejo 2 running shoes off of Dailymile.com. I signed up for one of the Ford Team Challenges and was picked randomly to win the shoes. Just received them yesterday, and tried them out today on a 6-miler. So far, I really like them. Nice smooth ride, and my legs didn't feel as tired after my run. A little stiff in the forefoot but, I believe that had something to do with the angle of the road. I'll try them out on a flatter road tomorrow. You can't beat a free pair of shoes, especially when they seem to work just right for you. My research shows they are a stability shoe. I'm a neutral runner but, they are working fine for me so far. Who knows, if I get them broke in enough before the 6th, they just might be my race shoes for Little Rock.

A Day of Running in Tropical Ohio


I just wanted to add this quick entry to show you all what running in Ohio, in February, is all about! It was 20 degrees on this day. The fresh snow just added to the obstacles of ice and snow that already existed prior to this day. Enjoyed seeing the deer tracks along the way. I think there were some wabbit tracks as well.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

First Day Back

We made it back to Arkansas yesterday. Deb, Amy and I made the long drive back from Ohio. Amy went back to school and I went back to work. I had about 449 e-mails to go through at work. Several friends had sent their condolences. I think the Captain was worried about me because he tried keeping me busy. Kept coming by my office and talking to me, having me go around with him. Several of my friends asked why I was at work. Others said it was good I was back, to help keep my mind busy. The latter was better. Does me no good to let it consume my life. Not in a feeling sorry for myself kind of way. Mom would not want that.

The whole situation still does not seem real. The last two weeks are a blur. The one comfort I can take away from all this is mom is at peace and is no longer suffering. I actually called her cell phone today. She didn't answer. I was hoping to hear her voice on the voicemail but, no such luck. I left her a message telling her I loved and missed her. Wonder if she'll get that message in Heaven....

Hope you all are doing well. Take care of yourselves. Someone would be devastated if you weren't here any more.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Goodbye Mom

Mary Wise, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and one of my best friends. As we grow, we tend to take things for granted. We take for granted things like: what I can't get done today, I can do tomorrow; the Buckeyes will always have a winning season; and most of all, our parents will always be around. My mom taught me a lot as I was growing up. She taught me how to bowl, "keep your arm straight, like someone is handing you money and you're reaching out to take it", never put your hands on a woman to hurt her; when walking with your woman, keep her on the inside where she is safe and it doesn't look like you're trying to sell her; she taught me that playing "squeezy hands" with your loved ones was a silent way to let them know you love them. She taught me, as a man there is nothing wrong with opening doors for your woman. She told me once, when I was young, she didn't want to have a Son because she didn't want Uncle Sam to take him away to be killed in a war. Upon my joining the Air Force, Mom told me how proud she was of me.

Mom didn't graduate high school but, had no fear in helping me with my school work as I was growing up. She sent me to Catholic School to try to do better for me. She worked hard throughout her life. 18+ years for Robertshaw just for them to move the company out of the country. That would crush an ordinary person. Not mom! She went back to school and gained her diploma. From there, she attended Columbus State. Now of course, Mom was the cougar on campus before they knew what cougars were all about. :) Unfortunately, mom had another set back. She suffered congestive heart failure. I was in Mississippi with my family. We came home to check on mom and told her not to do this anymore. If she wanted us home, all she had to do was ask. :)

As the years went by, mom suffered many set backs. But, mom has always been a fighter. She battled through each and every incident. When I came home to run the Columbus Marathon in 2010, I was ecstatic! I was coming to my hometown to run a big race, and my family would be there to see me! By this time, mom was in a motorized chair an on oxygen. Do you think that stopped her? I didn't think you would believe it either. She was out there! Right around the 10 1/2 mile mark, in Schiller Park, there was Dad, Sis and MOM!! Mom was helping hand out water to the runners. She didn't see me until I was right in front of her. I thought she was going to fly out of her chair. I gave her a big ol sweaty hug and kiss, asked her to hold my sweaty gloves, and took off. I can still picture the smile on her face, and the energy she gave me to continue on with my run.

If you didn't know Mary, you missed out. Come sit with our family and listen to the wonderful stories. She had a great impact on many lives. She is very loved, and will be missed more than you can imagine.

One last time Mom, TOUCHDOWN BUCKEYES!!!! Now we have to wait for the extra point. :) I love you Mom.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Brrr, it's cold in Ohio!!

Well, we've been in Ohio for almost a week now. I've been able to get in a couple runs, in between spending time with Mom at the Hospice Center. The first run was ok except for the ice on the hill. It was a little slippery going up the hill but, more challenging coming back down the hill. I was able to get in 6.2 miles on this run. Met several friendly people along the way, and one very friendly Border Collie. The next run was in 20 degree weather, coupled with snow and ice. By the time I finished this run, my legs were completely numb. I think I'll include my thermal underwear on tomorrow's run. The snow was fun to run in. However, when it landed on my eyelashes, it didn't melt. So, I had to keep wiping it away. This run was a little more challenging. Mainly because the dog I met on this run was very protective of his yard. No matter how far in the street I stayed, he kept his barking guard up. He stayed in the yard and I stayed in the street until I got past his yard. Hey, I respect your protectiveness big boy. :) By the time I finished my run, my feet and legs were numb. As soon as I went in the house, my legs started to itch really bad. I think the ice bath notion went out the window very quickly!! Hot shower was on the menu and quickly served.

I think I will try to convince Deb to get me some coldgear from Under Armour. Maybe it can be an early b-day present. About four months early. :) Stay warm, and stay healthy everyone. February is National Heart Month. If you can't think of a good reason to exercise for yourself, think about those who would be devistated if you were no longer in their lives.