TTT

1) Happy

2) Holidays

3) Everyone

This week has been hectic and I've been exhausted but next week is a vacation week! Everyone is getting into the holiday spirit and so am I. What little gift-giving has been purchased and we are still having Spring-like temps here. No snow and it doesn't bother me at all!

So I hope everyone indulges in whatever makes them happy and I'm looking forward to 2012 being the year of the Cheetah! Speed baby.......

Peace

Tuesday's Thoughts

Wow, we haven't been hit with our normal December snow storm and it's almost Christmas! I can say this with confidence after seeing the extend forecast!

Is it just me or is anyone else wondering about this strange weather pattern??? It was in the 40s last night when I ran.....

I partayed with some old-time runners and they went down Memory Lane big time. They were throwing out names and race times from the past that were amazing. Back then if you didn't run a  sub-four hour marathon there might not be anyone at the finish line....

Have you ever trained for a half marathon but did full marathon mileage early on in the training cycle?

I'm still not sure what races I'll run in 2012. Should I base it on the race charity? Should I go with my traditional ones? Should I travel?

Took part in the 12K of Christmas on Sunday. Each kilometer we were suppose to eat and drink something in the Christmas theme. I just continued drinking the High Life to ensure everything stayed within me!

Who runs on Christmas morning?

Three Things Thursday

1) Why is when we get warmer temps anytime in the Winter it's accompanied with thousand mile an hour wind?

2) Have you got your latest issue of 'How to Make 2012 Your Year' magazine? How many of you will be making drastic changes in your training? How many of you will be coming back from injuries (Red) to make up for 2011?

3) Okay, I need to renew my subscription to Running Times, so I'll know how to run in the heat and what kind of bra I need......

Peace

Wednesday's Why???

Why did they let the older Black lady back on the Biggest Loser Finale? I know that losing one pound is an accomplishment but it was obvious that she wasn't in the game from the beginning.

I understand the reason as to why they have the more mature contestants on the show but unless they can age-grade some of the challenges (which would lead to changing them for women too) it's always going to be tough on them.

I have had two consecutive runs where everything seemed to go right! So I am never running again!

I'm going out on top...........

Is it just me or is gravity making every one's numbers on the scale incorrect?

How can I hurt my knee sleeping? That's right, I just woke up this morning and started limping. Damn old body!

I don't see how anyone can live in Alaska this time of year, what do they get about 30 minutes of daylight?

I'm going crazy and it's not even December 21st yet! I guess I should break out the lamp to take care of my lack of sunshine.........

Peace

Monday Moanin'

Never go drinking with a bunch of runners!

Oh my aching head..........

We had our annual Running Club Holiday Party on Saturday, I think I'm still suffering from the effects of it......

What a great group of people............

Okay, where is that aspirin???????????

T.G.I.Funny

Okay, so all of you were laughing and making fun of me in regards to my obsession with killers while running in the dark.

Well last night proved all of you wrong!

No, I wasn't killed or even attacked. But I did encounter another person on the track in the dark (insert scary music)!!!!

Here I am running in my running vest with a headlamp and just looking the part of a runner, when all of a sudden I notice the silhouette of a person approaching the track!

I really couldn't make out if it was a male or female but I kept an eye of them. I didn't notice if they were carrying a knife or rope or any kind of weapon but they were on the track.

So as I got closer to this person, I noticed that they were wearing a hoodie and sweatpants. Who wears that crap to run/walk on the track at night in the cold? That's the normal attire for killers.....

As I passed them, I made sure that I was passing with a burst! Making sure that they would have to exert some energy to catch and kill me. It's amazing how nothing hurts or how much faster you can go when your life depends on it....

I'm sure that my speed and massive build gave him second thoughts about killing me!

So I survived another run in the dark.... but I'm sure I'll see that stranger again.

Peace

3 TT

1) When did the color of your running assemble have to match for a run? I'm seeing pictures of Tall Mom on the Run and others and we're talking fashion statements! I remember when I would get ready for a run using the smell test!

2) I'm getting my miles in in the dark but I'm not liking it! When do the days get longer???? Is it possible to get some Mole-like evolution thing by spending so much time in the dark?

3) I've noticed a really bad pattern in my winter running pants. They are all wearing out in the crotch! Is there some kind of patch I can iron-on to prevent the rush of cold air from entering my nether regions? Just asking you Marhta Stewart types..........

Peace

Wednesday's Why????

Why did I drink that Chocolate milk after yesterday's workout? I'm lactose intolerant and my stomach was growling and churning the entire afternoon. I was a frequent visitor to the restroom. Stupid milk!

Did you happen to see the Biggest Loser marathon? Why do they have the older participants stay out there for over ten hours? The winner came in in just over five hours and the last person was ten hours!

Why do they make the women wear those corsets to look like they're really trim around the middle?

How could they age-grade the marathon to make it a little more competitive?

I ran with my Tuesday run/drink group and they kicked my ass! When did they get so fast? Don't answer that question......

Everyone is setting up their 2012 racing calendar, so why haven't I???????

My pants are getting tighter around the waist, why????????? Don't answer that.

Peace............

Tuesday's Thoughts........

Isn't it amazing the relationships you build or have built from running or just working out? I've read numerous post where bloggers are meeting up and forming lasting relationships. Could you imagine if a majority of the world were runners, what kind of planet this would be?

My niece is doing better but she will eventually need a heart transplant! (Sad face). I went to visit here and she was sleep with the entire room dark. I didn't stay, does that still count as  a visit?

Okay, I'm getting over the serial killer thing when I run at night but what about the roving pack of thrill seeker killers? That's what was going through my head as I ran around the track in the snow and wind last night! Damn I hate snow and wind.........

Green Bay Packer Stock Offering is only $250 per share and an additional $25 for shipping and handling! I missed out on the one in 1997 because I was cheap!

We're looking at temps in the twenties for the weekend, so I have to get really creative to get my team out on the road! Even Klondike bars don't work in the winter..........

Lastly, I had a post workout Chocolate Milk. It wasn't bad but it wasn't a BEvERage either.......

Core and strength!

Peace.............

Three Things Thursday

1) Okay, I've been tagged to do the 21 random things and the Versatile Blogger thingy. So now I have to actually think about what I'm going  to post! Damn you Marlene and Jeff!

2) It's funny to read about the folks in the Southern states starting their track work and gearing up for the race season.Here in the Mitten state we're in the process of hibernating and not seeing your neighbors for the next three months!

3)I ran circles in the dark this evening at the track. I saw a few folks walking and or course each one was a potential serial killer! Damn, I have to stop watching Dexter.........

Peace

Wednesday's Why????

Okay some of these might not be running related but I need to know why!


Why wrap that jacket or sweater around your waist, we still see your butt?

Why do running apparel companies always make women's tights not cover their ankles?

Why do people whisper at work? I hate it and it's always the same ones! C'mon, we're all adults(almost)...

Which is better, a New Year's Eve race or New Year's Day race?

Do women look at men butts as much as men look at women butts in a race???

Out and back, point to point or loop race?

My niece had the ventilator removed yesterday but she is not out of the woods yet. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers.

Okay, here comes the boss again, I wonder if he reads my blog????

Peace...........

Tuesday's Thoughts

Well we've been hit with a couple of events here in the Mitten state that has kept me away from the computer lately. Unfortunately Sandy's Dad passed on Thanksgiving after a long battle with illness and my oldest niece was hospitalized with what we've diagnosed as a 'Thyroid Storm', she's in ICU with congestive heart failure.

Okay, while I have a minute........(at work, so don't tell anyone).

Who doesn't wave or speak to another runner? Isn't it the code?????

Can you believe I'm being reeled into another first time race? It's going to called the Sham-Rock N Roll.....

I think I scared the hell out of Megan of Watch Mego Run at the Turkey Trot when she finished. I yelled out her name while handing out water and she gave me a 'who the hell are you' look! That's what she gets for posting so many photos...... HA

My son took all of the great weather back with him to California, Damn kids.............

Oh, my boss just walked pass......... time to go........ LOL


Peace

Wednesday's Why????????

Why did I say I would volunteer for the Turkey Trot? 6:00 AM on an off day? WTF???????

Why are Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots so popular?

• No one is really training for anything at the time.
• No one really cares about their finish time
• It can be snowing
• You have to wake up early on an off day

I think I asked the same question last year......

Is this really the biggest bar night of the year? I've never gone on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.....

Well have a great time doing whatever you choose to do.

Peace

Tuesday's Thoughts

We had our first Team in Training clinic yesterday evening and it was a huge success! The folks at Hansons Running Shop treat us so well. I purchased the following for $2.25................

That's right $2.25, after using my $25 gift certificate and a 20% discount.One of the participants spent over $300 on footwear and apparel! This got me to thinking, 'how much is too much'????

I sometimes feel like a kid in a candy store but after years of running, I have a ton of stuff.

Can't i run in the base layer top from Target??? Does it have to be $75????

Team in Training has a new partnership with Nuun. If you purchase the grape flavored 15% goes to TNT, isn't that great?

Do you think the first Turkey Trot occurred after Thanksgiving dinner?

Did they run from Plymouth Rock to another destination for the finish?

Would you run in this?

I have to be at the volunteer check-in at 6:00 AM on Thanksgiving morning, don't they realize it's a holiday?

Peace

Let the Weekend Begin..................

I'm just practicing, they go by so fast.......

Okay, so I wanted to get lazy and not go for a run because of the wind but I happened across Christy's post and had to get my ass outside. If this woman can run in the cold, wind and darkness of Alaska, I could run in sunshine and wind. That's one of the main reason that I stalk you guys, because most of you are Badasses.....

I have been running with a nagging pain that I think is tendinitis in my right ankle area.

I volunteering for the local Turkey Trot on Thursday and plan on wearing my Packers jersey. It's always fun to get those lion's fans going before they start their tailgating.....

My son will in town from California, so he'll be moaning about the weather even if we don't have snow!

Just like a lot of you, I've ventured out to Wordpress to see if a new look is in order. Since I stare at a laptop all day, going home to get creative isn't something that I look forward to.

Okay, now get out there and run like the wind...........

Peace

Let the Training Begin........

The leaves have fallen from the tress and the temps are hoovering around the freezing mark. So that means, it's time to train!!!

We're a small team this season and I'm tall....

It was so nice out that we had to run a little further than the schedule......

They're still smiling, I have to fix that.

The plan is to have more alumni come out to help keep everyone motivated when the temps drop and snow covers the path. It;s funny how November is a down month for runners in the mitten state. Most are recovering from Fall marathons or haven started training for their Spring marathon.

It was nice to be back out on the path.

Peace.......

Three Thang Thursday

1) TNT Kick-off tonight! I get to see all of the participants for the Spring 2012 season. Sandy is actually on the Tri team and will be training as a participant for the first time!

2) I ran in the dark the other evening and forgot how much different it is! Not only was my sight limited due to darkness, I was stupid enough to have my iPod with me. I couldn't see or hear. What if Dexter was looming in the darkness waiting for me? I had forgotten how much I depend on seeing the ground and having my foot strike accordingly.

3) I have to paint the mile markers for our local Turkey Trot this weekend. Now I hope each of you appreciates the little things about races that most of us take for granted. In the olden days(before Garmin) runners would actually had to see a mile marker to click the lap button on their watch to get their splits. I know it's like living in the Stone Age but it happened. So the next time you're in a race and see a mile-marker, think about the poor person that had to go out there and explain to the police what they were doing............

Peace

Tuesday's Thoughts

Okay, doing strength training is suppose to make you stronger right? Well, doing dead lifts(with probably too much weight) has reeked havoc on my running! I'm getting lower back spasms after about two miles of running? WTF?

There a re a lot of over-weight people where I work! (Don't judge)..........

There are a lot of really fit looking people at the gym! (Don't hate).....

I can't chew gum and run................

I'm still not running after work in the dark! I just don't trust those drivers yet.........

Team in Training Kick-off is Thursday....... Yikes, now I'm a coach again!

Peace.............

T.G.I.Fnnnnn COLD

Wind and cold temps have descended on the mitten state and I'm not ready!

I'm still walking around in my Spring jacket.....

Why is 40 degrees colder now than in the spring???

Well, we concluded our Team in Training informational meeting and it looks like the team will be a lot smaller. We've really noticed the effects of the recession on our team lately. So as one of the staff so wisely put it, the participants will get more one on one time with the coach.

Those lucky guys!

We have a special event tomorrow. Our local (Hansons) running store is hosting a special send-off for their team Olympic marathon hopefuls. These men and women will be headed to Florida to continue their training before the marathon in January.

I t should be fun and a great way to show them how proud our local running community is of them.

So we'll get to rub elbows with some pretty fast folks!

Okay, now I have to go find my winter coat and gloves............. Brrrrrrr

Peace

Wenesday's Why???

In a tribute to Andy Rooney.............

You ever wonder why.................

Those really fast runner that never win, what do they feel like? I mean can you imagine always coming in 12th place?

Do you ever go to a race and look for people that wear the same shoe as you????

My fav is when you see a runner with terrible form and it looks like they're going to die, but they are ahead of you in the race??

Why do those teenaged kids love running without shirts in Winter races????

Why is there always one old naked guy that wants to walk around and talk in the Men's locker room??

Tuesday's Thoughts

Winning must make everything feel great. You notice the winners of the NYC marathon were still running with flags and celebrating after crossing the finish line but the runners finishing after them were exhausted and doubled over?

Dark at 5:30 PM? Cmon Man!

Great article in Runner's World regarding the number of Blacks involved in endurance running. I always thought it was funny being Black and chasing after White guys! I've been known to yell, "stop him, he's got my wallet'" during a race...........

I remember when November was the start of the off-season..........

Don't forget to pull out all of your illuminated clothing..............


Peace...........

TTT

1) There was an article stating that there will be approximately 15,000 DNS for the New York City! Now I'm not sure of how much each of those individuals paid for registration but even at $75 each, that's a lot of money. I remember when you could sign up for a marathon the same day, except that first one in Greece!

2) Mary Claire Orenic is the 'Happiest Woman in the Country' and she doesn't run????

3) I actually wore out a pair of running shorts! WTF?????????

Wednesday's Why?????

Why do older people stop exercising or engage in any kind of regular physical activity?

Is it because we don't have the hip trending workout gear?

Is it because the GPS looks like it's not moving?

Is it because the young ladies at the gym keep complaining to the gym manager about us?

I can't figure it out but there must be a reason......

Most of you out there in Blogland plan on continuing your exercise routines well into your twilight years but what about the majority of Americans that either stop or have never begun?

The National Institute on Aging has instituted a Go4Life campaign aimed at getting older people active.

So if you know of any people of my generation that have become couch potatoes, get them up and moving.

I'm hoping to keep going until the Big Guy in the sky says stop!

Peace.........

T.G.I.Frost????

Well I guess it's that time of year when the grass is covered with frost and if you keep your vehicle outside, you need to do some scraping!

Which brings up today's PSA for all you runner types.....

We all know how to dress for the darkness, so we illuminate our bodies like Christmas trees.

But what about those morning runs when the sun is shining bright and the birds are chirping but a knuckle headed driver was in too much of a rush to clear all of their vehicle windows?

I witnessed one of my neighbors do just that. SHE (it's always the ladies) backed out of her driveway with the driver side door open(she neglected to remove the frost from the driver side window. It took her several minutes to exit the sub-division because she couldn't see the traffic flow in both directions (remember her windows were still frosted over). She proceeded to make a right turn and almost collided with a kid on his bicycle! I observed all of this just from driving behind her.........

So once again, when you guys are out there getting in your physical activities be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you have eye contact with those oncoming drivers..

Have a great weekend.

Peace.......

TTT

 1) Wicked Halloween Races on Sunday morning. I'm the Start Line Coordinator for this event.I get to wake up at the butt crack of dawn and drive for an hour to tell folks where the start line is............ Just kidding........ yeah



2) I have less than a month before I'm back to coaching a brand new group of runners to complete a marathon or half-marathon. I can't wait to inflict some pain on some folks!

3) I am taking a note from that Great runner at Discom-BOB-ulated Running. I am thankful for having the opportunity to run and exercise even on those days that I may think are Craptastic! There are so many individuals out there that can't workout or take part in any physical activities.So remeber, there is No such thing as a BAD run............

Peace

Wednesday's Why????

Okay, why is she on the Biggest Loser? Can someone explain it to me, PLEASE.............

I know it's about looks and even the Black guy is just eye candy for the ladies.....

Is Bob Harper addicted to tattoos?

Still, its one of my fav reality shows........ (the only one, until they come out with the running reality show)

Peace

Tuesday's Thoughts......

So Kara Goucher is changing coaches and joining the OTC Elite group. I wonder if there is an OTC Non-Elite group. When you stick elite on there it implies that there should be other groups. How about the OTC Behind-the Middle-of -the Pack group?

What do you call the people behind the middle of the pack?

Am I the only one that competes in a Spinning class? The bikes aren't moving but I need to have my feet going faster than the people next to me????

Okay, so regular push-ups aren't hard enough now I have to do handstand push-ups? I hate Crossfit!!!!

Are you rethinking your running routes because of the early arrival of darkness? I'm tempted to just go to the track and run in circles, it's so much safer!

Okay, everyone get out there and get a little sweat going!

Peace.........

Is the Running Done?????

This is always a strange time of year in the Mitten state for running and fitness.

All of the fall endurance events are winding down and people are putting their bikes in their trainers, except the hardcore mountain bikers!

I know that you're still running and will continue to throughout the winter, just like me.

I'm reading that some of you are even getting into the gym.

Well to ensure that I can maintain my Clydesdale figure, I too have been spending more time lifting heavy objects.

I have fallen in love again with Crossfit!

Now I'm not talking about joining a box and spending hundred of dollars a month but just the idea and exercises associated with it. I love getting in a workout in thirty minutes or less.

I think my lower back muscles have finally recovered from the WOD on last Thursday!

So what are you doing, now that the running is done?

Peace............

Wednesday's Why????

Why do I think I'm still in my Thirties?????

I am suffering from Delay Onset Muscles Soreness (DOMS)......

How do those folks on the Biggest Loser get away with 8 hours in the gym and you never see them aching the next few days?

I have been trying to hit the strength training hard and it is paying off with pain!!!!!

Remember the pain in your ass when you did lunges for the first time in forever?

OUCH.......

Freep 2011

What a great day for a run with a few thousand friends!

The day started too early but that's what marathoning is about, getting up before the butt crack of dawn.....

I had a plan on how I was going to spectate, run, cheer and overall enjoy the whole event.
But alas, plans are made to be changed!

Get to the start line and meet and greet folks that I knew.
(Got up later than planned and hurried to the start line as the National Anthem was being sung)


Cheer and take a photo with B.o.B.
(Never saw her the entire time she was here, tear trickles from eye)

Take photos of all the folks I knew.
(Ditto excuse from previous)

Watch the start of the race from about a quarter away from the start to see all the folks I knew.
(Made it to a spot about a quarter mile away from the start but it was still dark and I couldn't find anyone)

Head back to the hotel and change into running cloths.
(Headed back to the hotel but kept being stopped by folks that I knew that were volunteering and even had a coffee with one of them. He insisted on buying me one!)

Cheer the front runners as they came out of the tunnel from Canada.
(Drinking coffee and talking to volunteers)

Run a few miles with some of the 1/2 marathoners that I knew would need assistance towards the end of their race.
(Finished coffee and searched for a Porta-Potty)

Make it to the 1/2 marathon split to cheer for them.
(Got close but started seeing full marathoners that I knew, even got a photo taken)

 

Make my way to mile 24 to help hand out beers for the full marathoners.

(I did actually make it to the Beer check in time, although I had to run on the course in my jeans and Packer hoodie!)

Hand out beers and yell words of encourgaement.

(Accomplished)

Yell out words of encouragement for people I knew.

(Actually did a little running with some folks. One of our faster marathoners finished in 2:44 and I ran with him for about a quarter mile. He was kicking my ass and he had already run 24 miles! I also ran with Detroit Runner Jeff, he wasn't having any fun at the time and didn't even want a BEvERage????)

We got him back to running and he met his goal time of sub-4!

Lastly, I wanted to get with my Tuesday running club and celebrate with food and refreshments at a local restaurant.
(Accomplished and enjoyed)

So there you have it, another long day in the 'D' but well worth it!

T.G.I.Freep..........

This is the Detroit Free Press Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend and wouldn't you know the weather has changed!

It got me to thinking about words or phrases that you don't wnat to hear if you running a marathon.

• Temps below normal
• Gusting up to......
• Cancel those outdoor plans
• If you're a duck...
• July like temps...
• Unusually cold..

But I'll still be out there with camera in hand running with and taking photos of  all the peeps that I know!

Peace...........

TTT

1) Tigers - Those damn baseball games are really cutting into my sleep! How can a 4:00 PM game go until almost midnight????

2) The Freep - This is the Detroit Free Press Marathon weekend and people are getting psyched! People are coming from far away places like Cleveland and even Florida! Who would leave Florida to run 13.1 miles in the Motor City?

3) It's getting dark! It's dark in the morning and it dark when I get home from work! Is this happening across the entire country????

Peace......

Tuesday's Thoughts

Am I a 'Couch potato' for watching Ironman Hawaii and the Chicago marathon this weekend?

Why don't the elite runners do a cool-down????

I'm debating if I should hand out BEvERages at Mile 24 of the Detroit marathon or support runners by running?

How many of you actually think about going faster in the middle or later portion of a race?

Do you have a local competitor that you always race against?

Have you ever been in a race and found yourself near runners you knew were faster than you and you said WTF????

Are you ready for some marathons?

Peace.............

TTT

Happy Friday Eve!

1) We had a great time at the track yesterday and no one died! Since most of the group are training for shorter races we ran 200s and they killed them. It's amazing how much pain can come from 200 meters.

2) Sandy is going to be in Chicago this weekend taking the TNT folks to their hopefully not hot event! If the weather Gods always choose Chicago to be warm, they should have a marathon every weekend.

3) I'll be spending the weekend getting out winter stuff and putting away summer stuff Time for the neon colors to shine!

Peace.........

Wednesday When????

From reading a lot of Blogs out there in the Blogesphere, there seems to be a lot of advancement in everyone running, biking,swimming careers. So the question that I pose today is 'when did you come to the realization that you were there?'

You had reached a point when it was fun and you knew this is what you wanted to do.

When did it hit you that you might just be good at this?

When did you feel like you were one of the community?

Just wondering.............

Peace

Spinning Wheel Go Round

It's that time of the year when I need something other running!

Oh that's right, I was suppose to be swimming.........

As you can see I can get distracted easily.......

Okay, the swimming thing isn't happening as I had hoped it would have. so I packed the bike shoes and shorts to get my spin on.

I haven't been consistent with the bike in quite some time, so I'm not sure what to expect. I just want to get my heart rate up for an hour......

Stupid Wind.......

I hate wind!

It messes up my hair!

It moves my neighbor's leaves into my yard!

It makes running into it no fun.

I thought about missing out on two hours of sleep and going to cheer at the Brooksie Way 1/2 marathon, but then I knew Monday morning was just around hte corner.

So after two cups of coffee, I jumped outside with gloves, long-sleeved and short-sleeved T-shirts on.

Why do we forget about running in wind and cold? Oh, that's right because it was over a year age!

Thank you Mr. Robert A. Bruce for having the idea of advancing the treadmill!

Peace........

T.G.I.Funny

You ever have the urge to just run in an inappropriate area?

I love seeing the looks that i get when I just take off and start running for no apparent reson.

Why can't we run in the supermarket? Is it a liability issue?

I am sooooooooooooo having fun not worrying about an impending race!

When was the last time you just ran because you could?

Have a great weekend out there and remember it's not how fast you go but how good you look!

Peace.........

Three Thang Thursday

1) Have you ever been forced to alter your route or just postpone a workout because of a major sporting event? Well, since our beloved Tigers are in the playoffs against the Yankees, we have to move our Tuesday evening run. Our scheduled pub is a big sporting hangout and there is no way we would be able to run through the streets of downtown Detroit with all those Tiger fans! We actually have to relocate to the burbs to run......

2) Since some of my participants have opted out of running half or full marathons, the track workouts will be scaled back to concentrate on speed again! While most of you endurance animals are focusing on your marathons, we're focusing on 5k & 10ks again.

3) Read an article about smart washing machines. Since most of us have twice or in some cases three times the dirty laundry of 'normal' people, we should have a vested interest in washing machines. The article posed the question, "If your washing machine could have a custom setting, what would it be?"

Peace..........

Wednesday's Why?????

OMG! I have been slacking on blogging and Facebooking, is that a word? When I get home from work, I don't want to be near a computer unless it's my Garmin!

Why do we over do it in the gym when we know better but for some strange reason(the other guy working out next to you) we do those seven thousand extra reps?

I can honestly say that I am STUPID and guilty of this....... Oh my aching legs.

I must have done about fiddy thousand front squats with just the bar!

(subject change) Will the entire over fifty team get eliminated on Biggest Loser?????

I wonder what plan B is when there is only one person on a team for the team chalenge?

(subject change) Okay, everyone is in taper mode here in the mitten state and of course the weather is perfect for running.

In a few more weeks we'll be taking out the long pants and caps.............. I know, you really wanted to be reminded of that.

Peace.........

T.G.I.Fs......

Was this week extra long or what? And to top it off, summer has officially ended!

I can feel the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) kicking in.......

If they won't let us bring weapons to work, they should at least let us drink!

Hey, what about a Flashmob Running thing? Okay you go to a local restaurant or bar and the group just disrobes into their running stuff and bust out the door to the sounds of Chariots of Fire!

Do any of you Hash?

I just got an email from my son asking my advice on him getting in a few miles in the rain before the Drinkend starts. I responded only real runners 'start' their run in the rain! Maybe I should have said 'young' instead of real?  LOL

This is the 20 miler weekend for a majority of people in the mitten state, so I may go out and support some folks.

Okay, time to get this party started..........

Peace

TTT

Yay for Friday Eve............

1) Today was treadmill Thursday and I didn't care about how fast I was going. I went totally on 'feel'. Everytime I would feel my leg hitting the front of the treadmill, I increased the speed.

2) I have a participant training for her Black-belt in the martial arts and one of the requirements is a two mile run in under 18 minutes. This seemed like an impossible thing for her to do when we started in the spring. Well, she has been sub-eighteen for the last two months and loving this 'running' thang!

3) I'm thinking of venturing into the pool and get my hair wet! I have my goggles and speedo packed, I just need to find a time of day when the pool is empty! My swimming stroke isn't the best and it's been years since I was in the water.

Peace.............

Wednesday's Why?????

Now that I've slowed down dramatically in my running speed, I can now pose the question of 'why are we so fascinated and driven by speed?'

When is fast going to be fast enough?

When is it going to be okay just to be running?

Why do I have to compare myself with me 10 years ago?

Why can't I enjoy running pain-free at any speed?

I'm not going to qualify for the 2012 Olympic team in any running event but I sometimes run as if it were possible.

I've purposely taken off this year from racing but I still think about it,

I go to the track and run in circles until I'm folded over at the waist, so that I can????

Why do I have to always think about being faster than that shadow that follows me?????

Biggest Loser Agian???

I love this show!

I had a craptastic run but it was a run.

The ad runs make those good runs feel so much better.

Okay back to watching some more television.........

Monday Musings.......

Just stuff that goes through the mind of a runner......

Shouldn't everyone at work look their best on Mondays, I mean they've had all weekend to get ready!

What would you do if you were actually leading a race, would you freak?????

Where are all those folks that were running in May????

Am I the only person that looks at race results and starts with the Masters???

Why can't we run through the halls at work?

Do you realize how lame it sounds when you tell people you watch a marathon on television?????

Can't wait to get my Runner's World issue on running in the cold!

Peace.........

I'm a Slug!!!!

That stupid heart-rate monitor put a big crimp into my running. I was actually thinking about those high numbers too much!

I decided to go old school and use my Polar to get a second opinion.

Well fortunately the Polar gave me some realistic numbers, so I was able to run and smile....

Wait until you guys get old and you'll understand.

I've been watching the Crossfit Games on ESPN and really getting motivated to get in my workouts.

The plan is to incorporate some spinning and strength training in to the running routine.

Let's see how long this last. LOL

Peace................

Wednesday's Why??????

Why the hell is my heart-rate monitor saying I'm running at 235 bpm????????

What zone would that be in?

Now I'm thinking of becoming a walker!

See what happens when you get old and out of shape?

Peace...........

Team in Training Coach Dies at Nation's Triathlon

Just a quick post to mention that a Team in Training coach from North Virginia died at the Nation's Triathlon yesterday. I didn't personally know this gentleman but we hate when this happens at any event.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/cyclist-dies-in-washington-triathlon/2011/09/11/gIQAaAwbLK_story.html

TTT

1) Damn, did I get beat up about wearing gloves! You guys almost made me feel like a wimp. What about Kara????

 

2) You're in the middle of a track workout and the wind is brutal but it starts to rain and rain hard! What do you do? Well we're stupid and we stayed int he wind and rain and finished what we started. Should have had my glove!

3) I'm not sure why but the drive home from work is starting to make me react like an infant. You know how when you put an infant into the car for a drive, they fall asleep? Well, when I get home I am soooooo ready to go to bed but I have miles to run. Fortunately, I have you bloggers to keep me honest. Who could miss a run when people like Marlene is doing doubles and triples? Jeff is running 8 miles before work and those crazy Nuun women ran without sleep. Damn I hate you guys!

Peace

Wednesday's Why????????

I had the opportunity to attend a wedding of a TNT coach and Ultra runner this past weekend.

Boy, can we runners drink!

After talking to a lot of them, I began asking the question, "Why do we continue to workout, run, compete?"

I know I've asked this same question here, but this time it was truly conversational. t was amazing to hear the differences between the younger runners and the older runners.

Why do we look at the driver of a vehicle with a 13.1 or 26.2 bumper sticker it?

Are you wearing gloves to run in yet, if not why am I????

Why don't more races have BEvERages afterward? Told you runners can drink....

Okay, time to get the heck out of Dodge....

Peace

TTT

1) T.G.I.F... Today is my Friday, albeit the unofficial end of summer! I HATE this time of year and I don't want to hear about cooler temps and leaves changing colors................... I love green leaves!

2) Leg strengthening, do you incorporate it into your normal training or is it an off-season thing? I have to continually work on my legs to keep my knees in check. They say we lose muscle as we get older. Damn, I'm in trouble.............

3) The track workout was a total success. I had the team do a workout they performed one month ago and everyone ran faster and more consistent in just one month! Okay, the temps were cooler (still hate this time of year), but they are getting stronger and faster.

Okay, I am outta here.........

Peace

Wednesday's Why???????????

Here we go again.......

Why is it I can use a Porta-Potty in mid-August with temps in the nineties and not have a second thought but cringe when I use a public restroom?

Why is two miles so much longer on the track than just running in the streets?

Why did my Tuesday evening Running club only have one keg for our annual 8k race last night? We ran out of BEvERages before the last walkers finished.

Okay, tonight is track time............

Peace

Tuesday's Thoughts

Okay, more stuff that is Running through my mind!

Are runners the only people that take photos of their shoes to share with others???? If I have a pair of Brooks Trance, do I need to take a photo????

Were there any Girl fights on the Nuun Female Bloggers relay teams??????? LOL

Is Oprah still running?

August was one of the lowest mileage months of my running life??

Is my job hurting my running???

Will I be still running at the age of 85????

Am I the only one thinking about 2012 already?

Who is going to be my High-maintenance TNT participant and what is their story going to be???

Okay, time to hit the gym and get my run on!

Peace........

T.G.I.Funny

Okay just more random crap running through my head, so I am officially posting about running!

So we all know how cool we are and it shows in our running. Well what about the rest of our life???

Since I try to get to the gym at lunch, I have to bring my lunch in one of those dorky personal cooler type bags. I might as well have on glasses with the tape on the side when I walk into my office.

Can't they make a cooler looking cooler?

Because I spend all of my disposable income on running stuff, my work/nightlife attire tends to suffer. Who knew casual shorts were suppose to be long? So Tom Selleck Hawaiian shirts are out of vogue???

Why don't people walk around smiling more? Just the simple fact that they're walking should be enough!

At what age did we stop dancing to the music in our cars????

If it's called 'Pop' culture, why can't this Dad keep up?????

When did women start holding the doors for me????? WTF!

Okay everyone in Louisville or wearing Hoodies to the Coast or just limping around NYC(Red), have a great weekend!

Peace

Three Thing Thursday

Okay, I'm almost out of my running funk. These pills are really helping.............

1) The Crim - This will be the second consecutive year of missing one of my fav races. It's billed as the Crim Festival of races in Flint, Michigan but the biggie is the 10 mile race. I've always said that this is the perfect race distance. The math to figure out pace is easy and it's not metric. I'll be chasing a little round ball while people are sweating their asses off!

2) I am still loving the track for my runs after work. I haven't come close to being hit by a car while running on the track!

3) Minimalistic shoes are the bomb! I have fallen in love with my New Balance. My calves and right knee haven't but it feels good to hit the track with them.

Wednesday's Why???????????

Why is it that I keep misplacing my running Mojo????

I think my running is ranking right up there with blogging about running and reading other running blogs.

I always knew I was a procrastinator but not about running!

I've gone golfing and hit the gym, just to avoid running.

I'm reading great post about the Nuun Women's team participating in the Hood to Coast relay and Detroit Runner Jeff testing out various running products.

I actually logged 8.45 miles last week, and I wasn't injured.......

I know that part of it is not participating in a race this year but still...................

Hey, it's Fantasy Football season almost.............. See something else to distract me from running...

WTF??????/

Peace.

T.G.I.effin........... right.

Okay, today will be just random thoughts that run through my head. Sort of a brain dump to clear it for the weekend.

What if there were no ramifications to running over pedestrians with you vehicle?

Are we still pedestrians when we run?

Why is it a race bib when we wear it around our waist?

Remember when chocolate milk was bad for you?

Why don't they give out slices of bread as a post-race treat?

Why do most runners hate to walk?

If I moved to the West side would I have to change the name of my Blog?

Have a great weekend and remember, it's not how fast you go but how good you look!

Peace

TTT

Work is........


1) Kicking

2) my

3) ASS

Tuesday's Thoughts

So remember that idea you had when you and your buddies were sitting around drinking?
Yeah, the one about setting up an obstacle course with mud, fire, climbing and jumping. There would even be BEvERages at the end so you could brag about how good you did.

How can I hurt my knee playing golf???? WTF

Do you enjoy your rest days as much as I do? Almost to the point of making two consecutive rest days???? Okay, maybe not in a row.................... damnit

Who ordered this cooler weather, I'm not ready for it??????

My blister came from those stupid minimalistic New Balance shoes and running san socks! Just kidding, I love those things........

How exciting would a Reality show about a runner training for a marathon be? That's what I thought too, maybe have celebrities dance and get graded? Nah, they both sounds lame...........

Peace

Weekend Recap......

Damn I hate these weekend recaps, they only remind me that it's time to get back to the work grind!

I had a Craptastic run on Saturday! It started with me sleeping in because I deserve it. I'll be back out with the team before I know it, so every Saturday of extra sleep is like gold.....

So when you sleep in, you have to pay to the weather piper. It wasn't hot but it was warm and humid.

I started off and knew that something was wrong from the beginning. I always know those first 10 minutes for me are the toughest. I can talk my self out of or into a workout in 10 minutes.

Well I kept going, knowing it was going to get better.

It didn't get better, I just had to bite the bullet and keep going.

If anything could go wrong it did.

• My water belt started chafing my waist
• I started developing a blister on my left foot
• I was running in quicksand
• I was actually finding loose change on the road, which meant stopping/starting
• Vultures started circling above me
• Walkers were passing me

It got so bad, I was wishing one of my neighbors would drive by and save me.

Thankfully Sunday was the total opposite, I was able to redeem myself and get in a quality run while the rain drizzled upon the road.

Hope everyone had one crappy run this weekend too!

Oh, come on misery loves company.

Peace

TTT

1) Sandy and I went to run a really small race that benefits a local community college's track team. We've run it the last few years and enjoy doing a mid-week race. I always enjoy signing up as Brett Farve. Have you ever signed up as someone else or in an erroneous age group? The really funny part was I didn't cross the finish line so the race organizer was yelling out if anyone had seen Brett Farve........ Why didn't I use Ben Dover?????

2) I know a lot of women enjoy 'chicking' us guys at the finish lines of races and I can relate. At yesterday's race there were more teenaged kids than us old farts. So I had the opportunity to 'old fart' a few of them.

3) Why is it okay to fart when you're running with a group of friends but not to do it in a non-running public venue? Is it okay to fart in the restroom? Just asking...............


Peace.......

Tuesday's Thoughts

Why attempting to play a round of golf with some buddies, I noticed something that might apply to quite a few of you 'runners' in Blogland.

I was the only person walking and carrying their clubs! Now I admit that I'm cheap and can't imagine paying to get in a motorized cart to chase a ball and I do own a pull cart. But for the life of me, I enjoy the walking and carrying the extra weight!

It really got me to think about my legs and other endeavors that I assume my legs should be able to carry me through.

I use the stairs instead of an elevator unless I'm going to the 111th floor of a building.

I ride my bike to the store, if the items can fir into my saddlebags.

I have a push mower to cut my lawn, although it is propelled.

The other part of this is the expectations that friends and family have of me now.

Do your non-running friends think you can run anywhere on earth and not need a vehicle????

Do they think all you do is exercise???

Do neighbor kids look at you strangely???????

Okay time to eat my granola and sit on my balance ball at my desk!!

Peace

TTT

1) I am in love with the track! With the heat wave that we have been going through, I am only 200 meters away from water at any time.... I know that it's not the same as running the trails or encountering new and scenic locales in your city but I am getting my run on and sweating like a pig!

2) I subscribe to a thousand running email newsletters that I scan and save for reading later in the day. Of course between Blogs and 'real' work, I never get to them but I refuse to unsubscribe for fear of missing out on something. Is that just a Ken thing??????

3) My job is making me fat! I am doing a ton more sitting at work and not getting up and about like a few months ago. As I've mentioned in a previous post the 'Liar' is displaying large numbers when I step on it and my pant's buttons are screaming for mercy. I'm attending a lot more meetings and getting stuck at my desk, so I need a change sooooooooooooooooooooooooooon.

Peace

Wednesday's Why???????????

Okay it was big news around the Mitten state that Kwame Kilpatrick was released from jail.

Upon his release he was given a bus toke(which he didn't need because a Cadillac Escalade was waiting for him) and two condoms.

Two condoms??????

It's normal protocol to give males condoms when they leave prison????? WTF??

Okay, yesterday was a track day and it occurred to me that we all need short-term memory lose to do it.

You know how you feel once you completed whatever the workout is, when you're out of breath and everything hurts?

Well, you have to forget all of that in your recovery and start all over again........

But on the other hand you need long-term memory to remember that you did that track workout when you're racing!

Oh the mind games we play....

Peace

July Recap

July was HOT as HELL!

I'm actually enjoying the fact that I don't have any races on the calendar and I can just run for the enjoyment of running.

I stepped on the lying scale and was shocked at the number that appeared on the broken apparatus. I'm also wondering why my pants are getting tighter around the waist too!

July was always the month of prepping for a Fall marathon and ensuring that the body was ready before you dished out the money in August. It seems like a lot of folks just sign up and then figure out if they can handle the training.

July was also the month to really get acclimated to the heat so you could race in August and die!

I always remember co-workers asking if I had been on vacation from my running tan! Have you been asked that yet?

Okay August, I know the days are getting shorter and the 'Back to School' sales are around the corner.........

Peace

TTT

1) I was awaken to the most severe leg cramp that I've had in years! I'm talking about a Charley horse that caused me to scream out profanities in the middle of the night. This baby was intense and not going away any time soon. I massaged and tried to walk it out but it was stubborn and was taking it's own good time to go away. Why does a leg cramp make me think of a heart attack?

2) We had another great turnout for the track workout and now people are starting to come up to me and ask what the heck are we training for? I joke and tell them the 2012 Olympics.

3) We were pleasantly surprised to be joined on the track with about 20 women of varied age and sizes. I noticed that they were stretching and talking and then they started a group prayer. Turns out these women are part of a group called 'Run For God'. What a great way to get people off the couch and into an activity. I just scanned their website and it appears you can start a chapter in your church too.

Peace.......

Test Drive

I had the opportunity to take out theses for a test drive with my Tuesday evening running/drinking club.

The local New Balance store and rep brought out a few of their minimalist shoes and racing flats for our group to try.

This was a great idea since I wouldn't purchase a pair to try out and possibly not like!

Well I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have any issues with the MT10. I did keep the run to just two miles and I was definitely pounding the pavement. I did feel like my right knee was taking a little more than normal pounding but nothing to stop the run. I finished and was able to walk, which sometimes isn't the case.

So I may be following the flock over to the minimalistic craze.....

Peace

The No Exercise Weekend............

I did absolutely so exercise over the weekend.

I handed out water at a fluid station Saturday morning at a local 10k. It was nice to see a bunch of friends running and I didn't even have an urge to be out there with them!

I left the race and actually ran some errands, like a normal person on Saturday morning...

I can't remember the last weekend that I didn't run....

When was the last weekend you didn't run and you weren't injured????

T.G.I.Fast

No, I'm not talking about my running speed or lack there of.....

I'm talking about having blood work done and not being able to eat. Is it just me or is this the time when I could eat a 57 Chevy?

In just the 10 hours require to fast (seven of which I'm sleep), I have cravings for any and everything.

Needless to say being the trooper I am, I got up and ran this morning to once again beat the heat. Of course all I could think about while running was food!

It's amazing how 70º temps feel once again.

Is the heat the headline story for your newscast?

Once again I pulled out my 2002 Runner's World to learn how to run in the summer heat!

Some things never change...................

Peace

TTT

1) Stupid alarm clock! It went off this morning but I was no mood to get out and run in the early morning darkness. I actually laid in bed and talked myself out of it until I fell back to sleep. Mmmmmmmmmmmm sleep.

2) Track workout in HELL. People actually showed up for the weekly track workout. I had to improvise because of the heat and we mostly just did 400s. I did have my one kid do the normal workout because he's a kid. It was hovering around 94º while they were running. We have tons of fluids and of course no shade.

3) We've had two Team in Training coaches resign in the last month! I know it's a huge committment and one of the coaches is getting married but it got me to thinking, how much is too much? I enjoy what I'm doing and I know coaches get burned out but WTF! Ha, imagine being able to sleep in on the weekends, Nah I'll do that when I die!

Peace

Tuesday's Thoughts

I pose this question to a few of my team members recently and got some puzzled looks.

Why don't you run faster???

Do you think about your running when you're running?

Do you try to slow down when you're running into a headwind?

Do you increase your stride length when the wind is to your back?

Do you run the tangents when you're racing?

Do you wear underwear? Just checking to see if you were still reading.....................

Okay, time to jet out of here and get my sweat on..................

Peace

Monday Moanin'

Another weekend has sped by and the work weeks begins.

We experienced temps in the 80s this morning at 6:00 AM! WTF, this is Michigan!!!!

Luckily this is a rest day for me, so I didn't have to get out in it and leave a trail of sweat.

Had some running friends participate in the Vermont 100 mile race this past weekend. These guys are truly nuts and a few of them had to drop for various reasons. Talk about a DNF, do I stop at mile 40 or mile 76????? That's just crazy..

The really bad part is one of them is attempting the Grand Slam of 100 miles races. He finished Western States last month and then the Vermont race. He's committed to running and finishing, no if and or buts.

My run yesterday was a 'shade run'. No particular route in mind just looking for shade. It made for an interesting route.

Okay time to get back to work............

Peac

The Heat is ON..............

OMG! It was hot at 7:30 AM and I was out with the team at Stony Creek...

I decided to get off my ass and run with the group because I have been a slacker for too long.

I knew if I stayed home and ran alone, I would either go slow or go short....

I need the peer pressure of other runners...

I should have carried water because the temps really went up fast and of course the humidity was there too.

We're expected to get temps in the nineties all of next week, so I'll be setting the clock to get out in the AM.

Oh why do we do this?????

Peace

TTT

1) I SUCK big time! I have not entered or participated in a race this year! It really hit me when I was taking with another runner and we were discussing upcoming races(that I will probably not participate in). The really bad part about it is I don't feel terribly bad about it.......

2) Track time is getting to be fun and the number of runners is growing. We had a really varied group yesterday. Even had a kid that has to run sub 13:00 for two miles for soccer......

3) I've asked in a prior post but I'm old and forgetful. Who takes a multi-vitamin and does it really help? I'm thinking of taking one to supplement my crappy summer diet. Maybe this will give my some pep in the evenings.

TGIFar

Okay I've been writing about the heat, well this morning I decided to do something about it!

I'm typically an evening runner except for the weekends when I can properly get my body ready in the early morning hours....

My body is a regular machine when it comes to my morning routine. I have my cup of coffee and then get ready to read an article or two from either Runner's World or Running Times. If you don't know by now, I keep all of my running material in the Master bathroom, doesn't that sound nice?

So I went out the door thinking that my body was cleansed and ready to put in the miles. Well, was I wrong......................

I didn't get too far when my stomach started signaling me that we needed to stop running, right NOW!

So I gave it the old college try but alas I had to get back home and ready for work.

So as you can tell from this post, I'm a morning pooper and shouldn't deviate from my routine......

How does that crazy Canadian do it??????

Peace

TTT

1) TNT Track workouts are awesome! I love seeing those folks run in circles with the sweat pouring down. I also like the fact that other people see them and are just as impressed with their efforts.

2) I know that I'm preaching to the choir because we all love running(some days). So, why is running used as punuishment in some other sports? Wouldn't it be funny if the track or cross country coach made the slow runners shoot free throws or take batting practice? We see a lot of this at the track with the football coaches for the little kids.

3) Even with the heat wave that we've just encountered, I cannot get my ass out of bed in the morning to run. I see where the Crazy Canadian has gotten in her run and I'm still drinking coffee. I luv my sleep........

Peace

Damn U Bloggers.................

End of June and halfway through another year!!!!!

I wouldn't know this except all of you are blogging about this crap......

I guess I should get the Xmas decorations out, since 2011 is over......................

Okay, let me take my meds and calm down.

I think I logged more mile in January than June............. WTF????

I think I'm allergic to my job and the ride home..... I feel great until I get into the car to drive home and deal with the crappy traffic.

As you can tell, I'm having my end of summer meltdown. The days are getting shorter and I might as well prime the snow blower............ WTF????

Happy Canada Day to all the folks to the south of Detroit....

TTT

1) Happy Canada Day and Fourth of July weekend. Being so close to Canada, it's always funny how much more we know about the country than other parts of the USA. Does the same hold true for the state that border the country to the South of us????

2) Speed-work is funny. It kicks your ass while you're doing it but the recovery makes you think you can continue. There should be a way to remove your brain and re-insert it after the workout. Not only would it be less weight to lug around but you wouldn't be thinking about the pain.....

3) Does July 4th kick off summer for you or are you lucky enough to have started in May or June? We only have a few more weeks according to the calendar and the weather is still trying to figure out what to do. Bring on the heat!

Peace.........

Wednesday's Why???????????

Why is appearance sooooooooooooo important to us????

Why do we judge by a person gait or what they're wearing?

I'm not saying that we're runner snobs, but looking good is important to us......

I ran with my buddy that was attempting to do 100 miles for Relay for Life in a wife-beater and cut-off jeans........... SO I didn't look like a runner but did that mean I wasn't a runner?

I think we've all been in races where we see someone with a terrible gait, but they're ahead of us!

How about the guy in the cargo shorts that flies pass you?

So does size really.............. wrong post.

So are we running snobs????????????

Peace

Wow Weekend

This was an interesting running weekend for me. It started with a 4:00 AM wake-up call to make it to the start line for the Solstice Races.

My official title is Start Line Coordinator, which means answer any and all questions that arise at the start, since I will be the only race person there!

I had the opportunity to see a lot of familiar faces including Jeff from Detroit Runner.

We had over 3500 participants in all of the races which included a Maui Mile for the kids. The winning kids were neck and neck at the finish line with a time of 7:03 and one of them couldn't have been more than seven!

After the race I wasn't able to stick around because that damn grass keeps growing and I knew I had a guy running 100 miles for the Relay for Life!

Now this was my first experience with Relay for Life but I think most of the participants walk around the track as teams for 24 hours. My friend was the only runner and it made for some weaving between people as we ran. I knew that I wouldn't be able to spend a lot of time running with him but I did want to show my support. We were averaging 12:00/mile including little breaks. He had quite a following from our local running club and a few people that were running with him in the wee hours of the night. Needless to say, this old guy slept like a baby.

So my volunteer Saturday turned out to be awesome..............

So time to relax and start the BBQ....

Peace

TGIFunny Stuff

Just heard the tag line to Cameron Diaz's latest movie 'Bad Teacher'.

She doesn't give an 'F'..............

Do people in countries that drive on the other side of the street also go up and down stairs that way?????

How can we use a Porta-John after 23,394 people but get grossed out when someone forgets to flush a toilet?????

I watched some of the USTA track event last night on my laptop, while watching baseball on television??????

What did I do before Facebook, blogging and cell phones?????

Did you know that 26.3 miles is considered an Ultra?????

Can the Western States 100 be ran on the east coast?????

Has Tiger Wood's game gone to hell because of his lack of nookie?????

If you had to come with a name for running shoe what would it be??????

Just stuff that roams around my mind.........

Peace

TTT

1) We are getting dumped on with rain the past few days and it's interfering with my runs. I hate having to re-schedule a run due to weather! Just the kind of runner I am.......... I remember the first three years of my running carreer,ever running in the rain.

2) I have a friend that is doing the Relay for Life as a One-man team! That's right he is running the 100 miles around a track alone.......... Think I need to get a new set of friends????? LOL... I have to go and run a few laps with him. I thinking of picking a time of day when I can smoke him.... Good friend I am, I know....

3) Volunteering as the Start-Line coordinator for the Solstice Races in Northville. So if any of you are participating and want to be in the front of the race, let me know. You may get trampled but think of the photo op......

Peace.........

Wednesday's Why???????????

This is a rhetorical why question today.

After yesterday evening's speed work session and showing those young whipper snappers what we old guys can do....

I was awaken to the reality that I am OLD................

My legs are dead!

Where is my walker?

Why did I do this to myself?

Who came in here and beat me with a stick?

I used to be able to run races on consecutive days...............

Oh the pain.

Friends don't let friends do speed work!

Peace

Seemed Like a Good Idea.............

Temps in the high eighties and the humidity about the same, so why not go to the group speedwork session????

I can honestly say this is one of the times when guys take off their shirts and no on cares. Women run in as least as possible and no one notices. It just get this shit over with!!!!!

Tonight we were doing 1km repeats, which I hate because it's metric! Just kidding..........

Every time I passed the 1/2 mile mark, I cursed the metric system........

This is also the time of year when they have a tone of high school kids out there, which sucks, because we old guys have to show them what we can do.................. I know it's a guy thang!

So it was a good evening to see a bunch of old friends and sweat out some BEvERages.

Now how do I replenish????????????

Peace

Tired Legs...........

Even though I know it isn't possible to contract 'tired legs' from other runners, it appears that it's something that is going around!

I kid you not, although I haven't hit with it yet quite a few runners around these parts have.

Sandy and I went out for a gorgeous Sunday morning run and she knew from the beginning that her legs were shot from Saturday.

Another runner friend we know had a craptastic long run this weekend and an ultra runner said the same thing.

Do you play any mind games when you run with a group? I was running with some of my TNT alumni and just for fun threw in some surges to see who would take the bait....... Of course they were on to my game and stayed at their pace but it has worked in the past.

Had a great Father's Day and even scored a gift card from a place other than a running store!

Sandy had her first encounter with poison ivy this season and I've been bitten by something other than a mosquito, it's been itching for three days now????

Okay, time to get this work week started......................

Peace

Runners Lie..............

That right, all you runners out there lie!

Today I was invited to join some of my former co-workers run the trails at Stony Creek. Now these guys are kicking ass and taking names with their training, but a couple of them were hurting a little with injuries.

So I took this as an opportunity to hang with the big dogs, since they were hurt!!!!

LIARS, pants on fire..............

They got me out there and I was sweating after the first 100 yards.....

We had a great time, talking and questioning how the hills kept coming. It was refreshing to be running with them again.....

So they lied, or at least weren't hurt as bad as they said. What lies have you told?????

We all know about these lies:

• You're almost there, just around the corner
• This is the last hill
• You're looking good

Peace............

T.G.I.F.

Now that TNT training is over, I have to decide what this coach is going to do on the weekends.

I could sleep in, mow the grass and yell at the neighbor kids! Nah, I don't want to be 'that old guy'.....

I could get on the bike and train for a century ride! Nah, then I would want to get a new bike....

I guess the only viable thing is to get up and run................

So even though I won't be coaching a team, I'll still be out at Stony Creek at some un-Godly time of the morning.. Yipee..........

Can someone remind me why I love doing this??????

Oh now I remember, The Running Redhead and Sun Runner both of them would die to run now!

Three Thing Thursday

1) I have become addicted to podcast, and I'm not just talking about running podcast! I find myself listening to them in the car, when I'm doing yard work and even at work! There is some pretty interesting stuff out there and some of it is even good. It's almost like the next step up from Blogging.

2) I've been eating like crap for the last few weeks and it's taking a toll on my running. I'm bringing my lunch into work but some days I just don't feel like eating what I've brought. I guess that's the little kid in me. Is it just me or does Summer make you eat less and more crappy stuff?

3) My season is officially over and I can sleep in on Saturdays! Do people still go out and party on Fridays?????? Just asking.............

Time to hit the gym

Wednesday's Why???????????

Why is it drivers will stop for you when you have a shopping cart but will run you down if you just walking in the parking lot? Is blood easier to get off than a ding from a cart?

Since most of you run thousands of miles a month, what parking spot do you normally take in the lot????

Okay I know when the weather sucks, it's nice to be close to the building but when it's not so bad???

Just asking, people look at me funny when I skip 324 spots to park.

Race Directors go Old School

Is it just me or is anyone else out there ready for a good cotton T-shirt from a race?

I was in love with the 'tech' shirts when races first started giving them to runners but enough already!

Now they're making the 'tech' shirts look like cotton????

Doesn't cotton look like cotton?

Here in the Mitten state a lot of the race directors are going with the two panel 'tech' shirt, which looks like crap when I don my cargo shorts for the BBQ!

Hey, any of you youngsters out there in Blogland remember when Runner's World had a T-shirt contest?

Speaking of Runner's World, they had a great piece on kicking cancer's ass and the charities that are trying to do it. Of course they also had the annual article about running in the heat! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Okay, I'm putting my soap-box away for now and getting ready to sweat!

Peace

Sunday is the Start of Something........

All of you bloggers that I stalk are kicking some ass and making me feel like $hit!

So on that note...... I have to get things in gear.

I'm talking about running, cycling and lifting like it's 1999....... I was much younger in 1999.

So today was an easy HR run in the morning, which had temps that seemed like September!

Now I'll go to the gym and get a little lift on.

It's a grey windy day in the Mitten state, so being in the gym won't seem as bad.....

The End of a Season

Wow, I can't believe that my 2010 Team in Training season is over!

Okay, I still have participants that will be traveling to Alaska next week, but today was our last group training.............. (tear slowly drips down cheek).

Once again it was an amazing season of people that were non-runners becoming endurance athletes!

Now I have to get my ass in gear and get my run on.......

Stay tuned for more details about that journey...........

Peace.............

Has it been that Long??????

Wow, how can I be 182,392 post behind?????

Okay, if you get a comment from me about your run a month ago, it's just me catching up on things.

I missed the great Blogger Meet-up in Dearborn, Michigan (we had our team 20 Miler that same day) and probably the birth of a few babies!

My Spring TNT team is getting ready to leave the nest and go off into the world of endurance events. They grow up so fast...............

My Summer team is reaching new milestones every week.

I'm actually running without aches and pains, which is really scary when I think about it....

I have fallen in love with podcast, who knew??????

We had our first group training run in the wind and rain today and no one bitched about it, except me........

Once again, I am soooooooooo ready for some summer-like weather here in the mitten state.

Okay, I have to get back to reading post from March 15th, check you on the flip side......

MIA..............

Got some stuff going on in life that's preoccupying my brain!

We're still running and training, but not blogging or reading....

Three Things Thursday..........

1) I am amazed at the amount of running knowledge that we carry in our heads! We had one of our TNT clinics that we usually have an outside expert come in to share their advice to the participants. Well, our expert had a conflict and couldn't make it. So your truly had to step in and take the bull by the horns(I always wanted to say that). I came up with my agenda and listed all of the areas that I needed to cover and it was a lot! Everyone was really impressed.......As Homer Simpson would say, I am SMRT smart.........














2) Achilles tendonitis, nuff said..................... OUCH

3) I have over 90 running related websites bookmarked under 'Running' in Firefox! That doesn't include any Blogging sites. What the hell am I looking for? How the heck did we run prior to the internet? No wonder everyone is an expert now........... How many do you have????

Wednesday's Why??????????

Okay this isn't a running why but I keep seeing it and I have to ask.

Why are women walking around in sweatpants and short that display the word 'pink' on their butts but it's in different colors now?

Shouldn't Pink be pink?

Is it a regional thang or do a lot of the younger female runners turn their waistband inside out????

I'm thinking about calling ESPN about that Running Reality show..............

Tuesday's Thoughts..........

I've been following a couple of you crazy-ass bloggers that logged 200 miles in February! WTF???

I was going to brag about my 100+ but I guess I'll just go sit in my corner..............

I think even in my hayday, (which was back when hay was a commodity) I never logged that many miles in the WINTER!!!!!!

Do you realize how many pairs of running shoes you are going to go through?????

Don't you realize that bears hibernate during this season for a reason?

Dancing with the Stars has been on for 12 seasons and we can't get a good television show about running or exercise?????

LOL...... A running reality show:

• Wake up early while the rest of the world is sleep and go for a run
• Go to work and sneak in a lunchtime run or workout
• Get home and eat healthy and you're in bed by 9:00 PM so you can repeat the process

Okay, now I see why we don't have a show.

You ever look at your PC keyboard and wonder what slob has been using it?

Is it okay to get a tattoo of a BEvERage can and where could I put it????

Stay thirsty my Friends..............

Monday Again???????

This was definitely a Team in Training weekend for me!

Not only did we have our weekly group training on Saturday but we did it again on Sunday!!!!

A lot of the team works on some Saturdays, so I go back out to be with them and encourage...

We all know how lonely it gets doing your long runs in February!

I also had two team fundraisers to attend, one was a Mardi Gras party..... I didn't even bring home any beads.....WTF???

I finally had a chance to briefly speak to Jeff(Detroit Runner) on Sunday morning. He was done and we were just starting(Remember Mardi Gras the night before)........

It was different running in the park at a different time of day! It was like being at another shift at work.

We also had another TNT event that didn't go as planned. Our tri team holds an annual Bikini Mile to raise funds but for some reason the local police decided to put the kabosh on it! They claim that the event needed a permit to run through their streets?????

Needless to say it was a disappointment but it happens.......

So remember next time you're running in a bikini to carry your running permit with you!

So we bid farewell to another month and get closer to long days ans warmer temps.

Stay thirsty my friends............

T.G.I.Funny

I had a chance to go to my neighborhood gym during work hours today and the only people in there were old people, my age!

Do you look at people your age differently because of your workout habits???

More snow???? We are closing in on the most snow for February ever!

We merge the two TNT teams tomorrow morning! This is going to be like the Biggest Loser when the team met in the gym for the first time.

Now I have to split myself into four, we have people running four different distances and paces.

It's a good thing that I have a BIG personality and can project my voice.....

I love working with these folks.....

I'm still streaking and feeling really good, which means something is wrong!

Stay thirsty my friends...........

Three Things Thursday...........

1) Dean Karnazes is at it again. This time he is running across America with Regis and Kelly! Check it out: http://www.dadt.com/live/special/runacrossamerica/index.html

2) Does Dunkin Donuts sponsor a race in your are? They advertise running with Dunkin but they aren't a sponsor for any races in the Detroit area. I think it's a perfect fit. Can you think of another company that isn't obvious but would be a great race sponsor?

3) I'm trying pumpkin seeds after my runs, since I crave the salt! Potato chips have been counter productive in terms of losing weight. Now I have to know when to stop eating them, it's addictive..........

Wednesday's Why????

Why did they stop running??????

That's the question that I've asked myself several times about some of my old training partners.

I know that injuries are the cause for some of them but for others it's like they just stopped!

For the life of me I can't imagine not running. I know that when I'm 97, I'll probably have to stop but not until then.

I've talked to several people that have just stopped running for no apparent reason other than they stopped!

I know that I'm not running the same pace that I once did or there are no PRs in my near future, but I keep going.

For me it's like a bird not flying! How odd would that be to see a bird walking instead of flying????

I know a lot of you are still in the prime of your running career and can't imagine not running but some day it may happen. So cherish the moments that you're out there....

Stay thirsty my friends....

Tuesday's Thoughts

Today's dreadmill was like an episode out of Seinfeld! Like most people, I always choose a machine that isn't right next to someone. It's just the social nature of runners, we know how far our sweat can go when we get started!

So there was one guy on a treadmill at one end and me on the other end.

All of a sudden my treadmill just stops! Cuts off, no power......WTF????

So I go to the one next to it and start running, belt slippage.........

I hate belt slippage, plus it dangerous!

Move to the next one, no power!

Okay, now I getting closer and closer to this guy and I'm beginning to worry....

I finally get a machine to actually power on and work, but of course it's right next to the lone running guy! In my mind I'm wondering if this guy thinks I'm trying to hit on him (George Canstanza).....

Do you have a favorite treadmill or are they all alike to you???

How do you handle the sweatastic T-shirt after a treadmill run? Do you change into a dry shirt to finish your workouts???

I so want to spit when I'm running indoors...............

Are you a Peeping Tom runner? Peeping over at the runner next to you????

Where the HELL is Spring??????????

Yes it's Still February.....

We got dumped on yesterday and this morning....

I estimate at least a foot of the white stuff on the ground. Fortunately, this is a holiday from work and I got to spend it throwing snow.............

Am I the only one that uses a snow roof rake? I hate seeing those ice dams and icicles!

Sandy is still enjoying 80º temps in Florida visiting her father. Why didn't I go??????

I'm reading a lot of your blogs and it seems like the long runs during the winter are getting to a lot of you. I remember training for Spring marathons and it's tough, I'm constantly telling my team the same thing.

If it was easy, everybody would be doing it!

Will Wonder Never Cease??????

I still love the fact that runners talk about life when they're running and talk about running when they're not running.

I just found out that my new love(Garmin Foot pod) keeps track of my cadence!

That's right, I can track the number of foot strikes I take.

I am currently on the low-end(85 rpm) for most of my runs, so now I have something to work on.

Once again we had a great TNT training session for both season. It's still amazing to see the looks and expressions when people run further than they ever have!

We're going to get hit with some more white stuff, so it might be back to the dreadmill next week...... sad face!

February will be over in a few days, two months down already?

Stay thirsty my friends..............

Three Things Thursday

1) I ran outside in shorts yesterday evening!!!!! One of the TNT coaches has a hill training run for his Spring team and I ran with them to check it out. Turns out that they were running on part of the course for the hardest 10k in the world! I had flashbacks about running the race on the hottest day of summer. Oh and I got to use my headlamp.

2) Did that Boston announcement get enough conversations in the Blogsphere and other online areas? You would think that they raised the price of registration, which nobody ever seems to mention.

3) I purchased a pair of Brooks Adrenaline 11 and thought they were too snug. This lead me to finding a pari of my beloved Adrenaline 10 in my size, so I purchased them. So now I'm rotating three pairs of running shoes. Although the new pairs haven't been outside yet!

WTF Wednesday

Where's That Five minutes?????????

That is the question that will be going through runners heads for the 2012 Boston Marathon.

The B.A.A. has lowered the qualifying times for all age groups by 300 seconds!

As a email that I just received said, You better start training harder!