Severe thunderstorms overnight. Lots of downed trees this morning. I really don't remember so many severe storms in the "past." I mean, thunderstorms, yes, but high violent winds and damaged trees, no, I just don't think it happened as frequently. Probably my imagination.
Linda and I drove up to Benchmark this morning and I was lucky enough to find a pair of trail running shorts I was looking for and this afternoon I got to try them out. I like the shorts but it was just too hot for running. At least for now because I'm just not properly acclimated.
Anyway, I ran for about 45 minutes. The effort is what counts.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Today at EI
It was blisteringly hot with humidity to match on the trails. The air was saturated with water and very little breeze. However, the trees formed a nice canopy that shielded me from the sun with the exception of the few meadow areas. I was accosted by a very, very large black snake then greeted enthusiastically by a box turtle who closed up with alarm when he realized I was about to step on him. I've been looking for a box turtle for Aiden but this little guy was too early in the run and too far from the car. Every 4th of July we join friends and family at Ryland Lakes Country Club and they have several turtle races that the kids participate in. I think Aiden would really have fun with that.
My run was about 90 minutes; I couldn't stand any more even so it was a good workout.
My run was about 90 minutes; I couldn't stand any more even so it was a good workout.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Weekend Wrap-up
I had a great Father's Day weekend!
Let me start by getting up to date with the running aspects of things. Tuesday I went into work around 08:00 to assist with the production of a video highlighting the eICU. I left after that was finished and came home. In the afternoon Linda and I went out to EI for an hour's run. The trails were in fair shape; muddy in the low-lying areas but otherwise OK. Wednesday I had Education Council at work and got home around lunch-time. Again, we went out to EI but the trails were very muddy. It was hot and very humid. I enjoyed the run but it was only an hour or so.
Worked all day on Thursday and Friday. Despite my best intensions I just couldn't get it together to run even my short 3 mile loop after work. I was just not into it!
It took Linda and I a long time to get moving on Saturday. Neither one of us were much into doing anything. We finally decided to cut the grass and finish up some other yardwork. I guess we finished a little before lunch. It was hot with some pretty intense sunshine but there was a nice breeze. I decided to go for a run. That was a mistake. Nothing like wind, sun and heat to smack you down. My ordinary 8 mile loop turned into a death march. I had plenty of water. There was a nice breeze so it didn't feel all that hot but I just felt terrible. Ended up walking most of the last 1.5 miles. To cap things off I was really dehydrated. It seemed that I couldn't drink enough to get rehydrated. Looking back on it I suspect it was the wind, heat, sun combo that did me in.
We went to Linda's cousin's daughter's wedding that evening. (Say that three times!) It was at the Bell Event Center in Over the Rhine. A very nice place. Everything was very well done and the food and drink was excellent. However, that dehydration thing came back in the form of a vice like headache as the evening progressed. No one had any aspirin so I didn't really get any relief until we got home. Again, I couldn't drink enough water to take care of things.
Father's day was a nice easy and relaxing day. Ian and Ciara called early and Colin came to the house mid-afternoon and stayed for dinner. Linda gave me a great coffee mug and gift certificate to Borders.
Ran this morning for 2 hrs. Overcast, hot and humid but there was a cooling breeze and I felt good. It was nice to get some quality miles in without feeling horrible like Saturday.
Let me start by getting up to date with the running aspects of things. Tuesday I went into work around 08:00 to assist with the production of a video highlighting the eICU. I left after that was finished and came home. In the afternoon Linda and I went out to EI for an hour's run. The trails were in fair shape; muddy in the low-lying areas but otherwise OK. Wednesday I had Education Council at work and got home around lunch-time. Again, we went out to EI but the trails were very muddy. It was hot and very humid. I enjoyed the run but it was only an hour or so.
Worked all day on Thursday and Friday. Despite my best intensions I just couldn't get it together to run even my short 3 mile loop after work. I was just not into it!
It took Linda and I a long time to get moving on Saturday. Neither one of us were much into doing anything. We finally decided to cut the grass and finish up some other yardwork. I guess we finished a little before lunch. It was hot with some pretty intense sunshine but there was a nice breeze. I decided to go for a run. That was a mistake. Nothing like wind, sun and heat to smack you down. My ordinary 8 mile loop turned into a death march. I had plenty of water. There was a nice breeze so it didn't feel all that hot but I just felt terrible. Ended up walking most of the last 1.5 miles. To cap things off I was really dehydrated. It seemed that I couldn't drink enough to get rehydrated. Looking back on it I suspect it was the wind, heat, sun combo that did me in.
We went to Linda's cousin's daughter's wedding that evening. (Say that three times!) It was at the Bell Event Center in Over the Rhine. A very nice place. Everything was very well done and the food and drink was excellent. However, that dehydration thing came back in the form of a vice like headache as the evening progressed. No one had any aspirin so I didn't really get any relief until we got home. Again, I couldn't drink enough water to take care of things.
Father's day was a nice easy and relaxing day. Ian and Ciara called early and Colin came to the house mid-afternoon and stayed for dinner. Linda gave me a great coffee mug and gift certificate to Borders.
Ran this morning for 2 hrs. Overcast, hot and humid but there was a cooling breeze and I felt good. It was nice to get some quality miles in without feeling horrible like Saturday.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Yesterday's outing at EI
I wanted to get a post in this morning before going off to work. This is going to be a busy week.
Saturday's run was followed by cutting the lawn and completing other errands. We ended up going to the store late in the afternoon (after a nap) and deferred our frequent Saturday practice of church followed by Burger 'n Beer. Instead we had steak and beer at the house. I ended up going to bed by 21:30 as per usual.
Sunday morning I woke up feeling pretty fatigued. We went to 08:00 Mass at St. Pius and I didn't have coffee beforehand. I noticed the difference. After Mass we stopped at Starbucks then came home for breakfast. Afterwards we went to the discount card shop and bought anniversary, birthday and graduation cards and did some other miscellaneous shopping. Lunch was a light affair of fruit.
Mid-afternoon we went out to EI for some exercise. Linda walked and I did a slow run. It was very humid and warm. The trails were very wet and muddy in a lot of places. They were still in good shape but it was clear that the persistent rain was taking its toll. In some places there were some trees down which suggests a heavy storm came through recently. I ended up running the technical trail which involves a lot of steep ups and downs and requires a lot of effort. All in all it was a good run. So for the weekend I ended up with about 3hrs and 45min of cumulative running. I'd say it was about 18 miles or so.
Saturday's run was followed by cutting the lawn and completing other errands. We ended up going to the store late in the afternoon (after a nap) and deferred our frequent Saturday practice of church followed by Burger 'n Beer. Instead we had steak and beer at the house. I ended up going to bed by 21:30 as per usual.
Sunday morning I woke up feeling pretty fatigued. We went to 08:00 Mass at St. Pius and I didn't have coffee beforehand. I noticed the difference. After Mass we stopped at Starbucks then came home for breakfast. Afterwards we went to the discount card shop and bought anniversary, birthday and graduation cards and did some other miscellaneous shopping. Lunch was a light affair of fruit.
Mid-afternoon we went out to EI for some exercise. Linda walked and I did a slow run. It was very humid and warm. The trails were very wet and muddy in a lot of places. They were still in good shape but it was clear that the persistent rain was taking its toll. In some places there were some trees down which suggests a heavy storm came through recently. I ended up running the technical trail which involves a lot of steep ups and downs and requires a lot of effort. All in all it was a good run. So for the weekend I ended up with about 3hrs and 45min of cumulative running. I'd say it was about 18 miles or so.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Finishing the Week
Out of bed at 04:00. Coffee, a bit to eat, off to the bathroom and out the door at 05:00. 15 miles at Lunken in 2:40. A little slower than I'd like but not too bad.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Happy 100th Birthday Dorothy !
Oh that all mornings could be so nice!
Sunny, warm with a nice breeze and quiet. The only noise being birdsong. I think most of the kids in the neighborhood were still in bed.
Ran a Banklick circuit. 4 and 1 intervals for 90 minutes. After yesterday's run I was kind of slow and a little stiff and sore but as the muscles warmed up things were OK. It's just really nice to be able to get some quality runs in 2 days in a row.
Still waiting for new Buzzy pictures. I'll get them up as soon as Ciara sends them.
Talked with Ian last night (well I didn't, Linda did). He's in Seattle after flying cross country for some kind of training/practice for a "rodeo" he's going to participate in later this summer. I guess it involves dropping troops/equipment and seeing which air crew can be closer to an established ground target.
It's my Great Aunt Dorothy's 100th Birthday today. We're going to drop in for the party at Rosedale Manor this afternoon.
Sunny, warm with a nice breeze and quiet. The only noise being birdsong. I think most of the kids in the neighborhood were still in bed.
Ran a Banklick circuit. 4 and 1 intervals for 90 minutes. After yesterday's run I was kind of slow and a little stiff and sore but as the muscles warmed up things were OK. It's just really nice to be able to get some quality runs in 2 days in a row.
Still waiting for new Buzzy pictures. I'll get them up as soon as Ciara sends them.
Talked with Ian last night (well I didn't, Linda did). He's in Seattle after flying cross country for some kind of training/practice for a "rodeo" he's going to participate in later this summer. I guess it involves dropping troops/equipment and seeing which air crew can be closer to an established ground target.
It's my Great Aunt Dorothy's 100th Birthday today. We're going to drop in for the party at Rosedale Manor this afternoon.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Big Black Snake!
Hah! Got your attention didn't I?
Ran at EI this morning for 2.5 hours. It was cool at the start with a nice breeze and some hazy sunshine. However, as it approached noon it started getting very warm and humid. Of course by then I was pretty fatigued so I probably felt it more. For the first 2 hours I had the trails to myself but as I was finishing up the "advanced" circuit I encountered a family on their mountain bikes enjoying the day.
I saw a turtle.
I did see a black snake. It was about 4 feet long and I took several pictures of it with my phone but I haven't figured out how to get those pictures to this blog. I did send them to Buzzy but I don't know if he got them (on his mom's phone).
Buzzy had a big adventure over the weekend. His dad took him "camping" in the backyard. They made a fire, roasted marshmallows, sang songs and then slept in a tent. It was reported to me that Matt woke up around 4 am and noticed that Buzzy's arms and ears were cold so he took him in the house to finish out the night. It sounds like they had fun. It certainly was fun for Papaw to hear Buzz talk about "camping."
Ran at EI this morning for 2.5 hours. It was cool at the start with a nice breeze and some hazy sunshine. However, as it approached noon it started getting very warm and humid. Of course by then I was pretty fatigued so I probably felt it more. For the first 2 hours I had the trails to myself but as I was finishing up the "advanced" circuit I encountered a family on their mountain bikes enjoying the day.
I saw a turtle.
I did see a black snake. It was about 4 feet long and I took several pictures of it with my phone but I haven't figured out how to get those pictures to this blog. I did send them to Buzzy but I don't know if he got them (on his mom's phone).
Buzzy had a big adventure over the weekend. His dad took him "camping" in the backyard. They made a fire, roasted marshmallows, sang songs and then slept in a tent. It was reported to me that Matt woke up around 4 am and noticed that Buzzy's arms and ears were cold so he took him in the house to finish out the night. It sounds like they had fun. It certainly was fun for Papaw to hear Buzz talk about "camping."
Friday, June 5, 2009
Another Late Afternoon Run
Linda and I spent all morning looking at appliances at various places. By the time we got home for lunch it was already 2 o'clock and the grass still needed to be cut. Since we bought the John Deere rider (with Charie) that's not so much of a problem because Linda rides and I push/trim so we made quick work of things. Then I got to run.
So, I left the house about 15:45. It was very sunny with a cool breeze. I guess the temperature was in the low 70s. I again ran 4 and 1 intervals and tried a different route that included a lot more hills. I kind of like the challenge of hills. Total run time 88 minutes. Not bad.
So, I left the house about 15:45. It was very sunny with a cool breeze. I guess the temperature was in the low 70s. I again ran 4 and 1 intervals and tried a different route that included a lot more hills. I kind of like the challenge of hills. Total run time 88 minutes. Not bad.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday Afternoon on Banklick
The most difficult part of maintaining a blog is figuring out how to title your posts. I could write a whole lot more if I didn't spend so much time trying to figure out what to call what I write.
Anyway, I did an easy 8 miler out Banklick and back this afternoon. It was overcast, humid and cool. I wore a long-sleeved shirt which was a little bit of overkill but I hate being cold. Heat I can take even when it hurts performance. I did 4 and 1 intervals for about 90 minutes. I ran a negative split which was my goal. I ran the first 4 miles in 47 minutes and the back 4 in 43. That's the way you want any run to work out: finish faster than when you start that way you always have something left in the tank if it gets tough at the end. You can always sprint to the finish. There's nothing worse than dragging a sorry ass up the last hill and watching your watch to see if you can stop!
Buzzy called this afternoon to wish Linda and I a happy anniversary. He was in good spirits because he got to play his video game. He's only 3 and I don't know if that's a good habit for him to get into but there's probably not a lot you can do about it these days. At least he'll be technologically savvy. Of course yesterday he was coloring and tomorrow he'll be doing something else. His last day of school I think is tomorrow and so far it looks like he won't be going to summer school. He's made a lot of progress in the couple of months he's been in school so I'm not sure it's a good thing that he's not in summer school. It's not like he doesn't have fun.
It's supposed to be a nice day tomorrow so hopefully I'll get another run in before I work this weekend.
I fixed Linda a steak dinner of filet mignon and we topped it off with cheesecake for dessert. It was probably better than going out.
Anyway, I did an easy 8 miler out Banklick and back this afternoon. It was overcast, humid and cool. I wore a long-sleeved shirt which was a little bit of overkill but I hate being cold. Heat I can take even when it hurts performance. I did 4 and 1 intervals for about 90 minutes. I ran a negative split which was my goal. I ran the first 4 miles in 47 minutes and the back 4 in 43. That's the way you want any run to work out: finish faster than when you start that way you always have something left in the tank if it gets tough at the end. You can always sprint to the finish. There's nothing worse than dragging a sorry ass up the last hill and watching your watch to see if you can stop!
Buzzy called this afternoon to wish Linda and I a happy anniversary. He was in good spirits because he got to play his video game. He's only 3 and I don't know if that's a good habit for him to get into but there's probably not a lot you can do about it these days. At least he'll be technologically savvy. Of course yesterday he was coloring and tomorrow he'll be doing something else. His last day of school I think is tomorrow and so far it looks like he won't be going to summer school. He's made a lot of progress in the couple of months he's been in school so I'm not sure it's a good thing that he's not in summer school. It's not like he doesn't have fun.
It's supposed to be a nice day tomorrow so hopefully I'll get another run in before I work this weekend.
I fixed Linda a steak dinner of filet mignon and we topped it off with cheesecake for dessert. It was probably better than going out.
Still Lucky after 32 Years
I'm a lucky man!
Today is our 32nd Anniversary.
Amazing how quickly time passes when you aren't paying attention and the older you get the faster it seems to pass; quite a paradox. You spend your youth wanting to be an adult and then you want your youth back. Well not exactly. I like where I am (what choice do I have) and enjoy what I have without wishing I had something else. I suspect Linda feels similarly. We have 3 great kids and a grandchild we adore. We're healthy. We have what we need and most of what we want.
I have a wife I cherish and respect.
I'm a lucky man!
Today is our 32nd Anniversary.
Amazing how quickly time passes when you aren't paying attention and the older you get the faster it seems to pass; quite a paradox. You spend your youth wanting to be an adult and then you want your youth back. Well not exactly. I like where I am (what choice do I have) and enjoy what I have without wishing I had something else. I suspect Linda feels similarly. We have 3 great kids and a grandchild we adore. We're healthy. We have what we need and most of what we want.
I have a wife I cherish and respect.
I'm a lucky man!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunny Mourning
That's a play on words. Linda's Aunt Ruth died on Friday and today was her funeral. A pretty low-key affair but it accomplished what funerals are meant to accomplish: a reunion of family, a chance to catch-up with others' lives, a new awakening of what it means to be family. With the exception of "cousin" Tom we hadn't seen the rest of the family since Linda's mom died in '95. So it was nice to see everyone again. It was sunny and it was very hot.
Afterwards Linda, Charie and I went to lunch at First Watch. We all had salads. But they were all different and tasty.
I tried to get out for a run when we got home. I could see things starting to cloud up but I left the house anyway. The farther I got from the house the more menacing the clouds, the louder the thunder and the more spectacular the lightening. I was concerned about getting cold and wet but I was concerned about getting struck by lightening. I turned around. What had been planned as a 2hr run ended up being 55 minutes. But all's good.
Things cleared up quickly and its now a lovely evening. The clouds and rain and thunder and lightening are due to return tonight and into tomorrow.
Afterwards Linda, Charie and I went to lunch at First Watch. We all had salads. But they were all different and tasty.
I tried to get out for a run when we got home. I could see things starting to cloud up but I left the house anyway. The farther I got from the house the more menacing the clouds, the louder the thunder and the more spectacular the lightening. I was concerned about getting cold and wet but I was concerned about getting struck by lightening. I turned around. What had been planned as a 2hr run ended up being 55 minutes. But all's good.
Things cleared up quickly and its now a lovely evening. The clouds and rain and thunder and lightening are due to return tonight and into tomorrow.
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