Olentangy River Trail

Got another run in on the paved trail in Worthington, Ohio. It was 35 degrees and raining out but, I still got it in. Was only supposed to be a 5-miler but, my Garmin started acting up on me and I went out a little further than needed so, I got in a 6-miler. My Garmin went from my pace and mileage to date and time to compass and then froze. Not sure if it was the rain causing it but, it was frustrating. Once I finally got it back to my pace and mileage, I was happy. :) Well, like I said, it was raining today. I thought I would be the only nut running in this weather. Fortunately, there were a couple other nuts out there as well. That way I knew I was semi-normal. Now, when I was coming back, a guy came out of the woods kind of quick. And he wasn't dressed for a run. Kept me looking over my shoulder as I continued my run. He almost had that Charlie Manson look about him. All I know is he would be in for one hell of a fight had he got squirrely!! And speaking of squrrels, there were several out there. And that made me the most nervous as they were looking for nuts. And dammit, I'm not going down without a fight!! :)

Well, Mom is still in the hospital. She has been through a lot. She had a surgery today to put some lines in for her dialysis and antibiotics. She's sleeping right now. FINALLY!!! She has not been able to get any sleep for a while now. She sleeps for a minute, then wakes up in pain and screaming. Talk about feeling helpless. Hoping things will start to get better soon. Thanks to all my friends and family for the prayers.

Columbus Run

I really needed this run today. This has been one hell of a week. Found a paved trail, in Worthington, next to the Olentangy River. Parked at the high school, next to some BMWs and SUVs. The Monster Mazda will not be intimidated!!! Temps were in the low 30s with some wind. Running with snow around was pretty cool. Hoping to get more runs in while I'm here. I'll add pics another date.

In Columbus

Currently in Columbus, Ohio. Mom is still in the hospital and not looking good at all. The doctors want to have a meeting with the family tomorrow, to discuss Mom's "quality of life". Never a good conversation you want to have with your Mom's doctor. This is not good and not a decision I want to make.

Running with a purpose

I've mentioned it in past postings on here but, I want to say it again. There are many runners throughout the world. Everyone runs for their own reasons. Some run for fitness, some run to lose weight, some run because it is a requirement for their job, and some are just addicted to it. :) I first started getting serious about running because of where I work and the fact I needed to lose weight. Then, friends inroduced me to running various races. Running 5Ks and 10Ks were the extent of my distance running. When we moved to Texas, I took it to the next level and took on my first half marathon at the Cowtown race in Ft Worth, TX. Then, of course, I went even further and took on an ultramarathon. Thinking back, maybe I should have tried a regular marthon before going for the ultra. Oh well, it was a great experience and I'm glad I did it. Now, I am addicted to running marathons. Even though, during each race, I continue to tell myself this will be the last time I run a marathon. :) Once I finish, I'm ready to get through my recovery time and move on to the next race. My last marathon was the St Jude marathon, back in Dec. I am Jonesing for my next race. However, this race has a whole new meaning to it. After seeing how much runners help with fund raising for various causes (St Jude's, Team In Training, etc), I have decided to dedicate my running to helping raise money for worthy causes. And right now, I have chose the American Heart Association. It may be for selfish reasons due to the fact my Mother is going through such hard times with her heart condition but, I want to help make a difference. Mom is fighting hard to stay alive right now. She has been in the Ohio State University Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio since Dec 18th, 2010. She has endured to surgeries around her heart during this time and is touch and go. I thank God that she is still with us and thank the staff at OSU for taking such great care of my Mom. So, not only do I run for my own health but, I run for my Mom, and all others who suffer from heart disease.

Morning Run

Woke up just before my alarm went off at 4:00 am. Tried not to wake Deb up as I got dressed for my run. Of course, I'm not the quietest person. I may have said it before but, I'd like to say it again, I do not like running after work. I tried to get a 9-miler in last night and it just wasn't happening. After 6-miles, I had to call it quits. So, I am determined to get up and run before work. Hence the 4:00 am alarm. It was 40 degrees outside when I started. Little to no wind initially. Set out wearing my shorts and bright orange Saucony long sleeve shirt. Oh yeah, had my BUCKEYE beanie on as well.


And speaking of the Buckeyes, that was one hell of a Sugar Bowl. No disrespect to the Razorbacks but, it was a long time coming. And with me living in Arkansas right now, I bit my tongue quit a bit leading up to this game. I watched it from the opening kickoff to the final taking of the knee. It was one of those games where you couldn't miss a second of it because you never knew which way it was going to go. Great game Buckeyes!!!

Ok, back to my run. My goal was to be under a 9-minute pace. My legs felt tired but, I had plenty in me to get it all done. As I was running through one neighborhood, I think I startled two guys standing outside, waiting for a ride. Must have been construction workers because I don't know to many other trades that involve that early of a start to their work day. As I completed my first loop around the area, I was going back up the incline on Killough when I saw someone running right at me. Here I thought I was the only nut out running that early in the morning. We passed each other. I said "Hi" but, not so sure they heard me. About another half mile into the run, I saw someone with a turn signal flashing on their butt. It was another runner. Don't know if that person realized I was behind them because I think I startled them when I passed by. :) Well, finished up my run at an 8:23 pace, which was good for me considering the bad run I had the night before. Going to stick with these early morning runs. :)

Tired

Not sure why I'm so tired all the time. Deb says it is becuase of working all day and running so much. I don't know but, she's my wife so I have to listen. Ha Ha! Going to knock out a 9-miler after work. Hoping that gets my energy levels up. Gotta be ready for Little Rock, which is just about 8 1/2 weeks away. And, checking my fund raising log, I am up to $161.20 towards my goal of $500. Getting there. I'm thankful to all those who have contributed as well. Gotta love friends and family who want to help you reach a goal for a good cause. :)

Hope everyone is sticking to their New Year's resolutions of staying fit.

Donut Run

Would you run a race that required you to run 2-miles, eat a dozen donuts, then run another 2-miles? I actually read an article, in Runner's World, that was all about this kind of race. I can't imagine how someone even came up with the idea. Not only that, did they test the theory before they invited others to do it? Or did they just have a sadistic moment and decided to have others do it for their enjoyment? That's just crazy. Actually, kind of humurous but, I don't think I will be trying it anytime soon. However, if you are interested in it, go to www.krispykremechallenge.com to find out more about it. And, please, let me know how it works out for you. :)