What a good way to spend the 4th of July morning. Jaime and I did hill repeats. Not sure how many Jaime got, but I did 76. Had about 6742 ft. of gain, 12.2 miles, in 4 hours. Not bad, for our first time. Looking to do this again 1st Saturday of August, if you're interested.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday Updates
Got in about 55 miles last week, post San Juan Solstice. Not bad coming off a 100 mile week. Started on Wednesday, need a few days rest cause quads were still a little sore. My typical minimum run is 6 to 8 miles. So I felt those 8 on Wednesday. Did some other stuff through the week. Had a nice 10 up in Keller, TX on Sat. Ran 18 on Sunday. I am liking 2 a day workouts. 6 to 8 in the morning, and 6 to eight in the evening.
Went up to DFW over the weekend. Hung out with my buddy Bill as he was working on his motorcycle. Pretty rockin, custom bike. He's trying to get it ready for Sturgis this year. Also did some dancing with friends on Friday.
Love the new car. G37 Sport Coupe. Runs like a dream, drives like a dream!
Stopped through Austin on Sunday. Had lunch with Wade and JoAnna. Good folks. Finally down to 175lbs. I'm looking pretty lean now, finally. Going for 8 more, to get under 170. My weight in the Army (18 to 22 y/o) was always between 170 and 174. At 168, I should be able to run pretty good. It's getting way easier already, now that I'm 20lbs lighter. Need to get some iron in, help hold the muscle. Going to throw in a protein shake every night about 1 AM. That should do the trick and lean me out real nice over the next two weeks. I've got Tahoe 100 coming up and I would like to be 170 for this race. Shooting for sub-30 hours in a mountain 100 that has 22k of gain. Sub-24 would be awesome, but prob not at this point.
I'm on day 16 of alcohol freedom. That's a major step for me. Been 12 years since I did that. Only because we were deployed to Saudi in summer of '99 and you can't have alcohol there. My goal is 21 days, so I have to make it Sunday this week. It's not so bad once you give it up. It's not like you're really giving anything up, it's more like getting more. More out of life.
Went up to DFW over the weekend. Hung out with my buddy Bill as he was working on his motorcycle. Pretty rockin, custom bike. He's trying to get it ready for Sturgis this year. Also did some dancing with friends on Friday.
Love the new car. G37 Sport Coupe. Runs like a dream, drives like a dream!
Stopped through Austin on Sunday. Had lunch with Wade and JoAnna. Good folks. Finally down to 175lbs. I'm looking pretty lean now, finally. Going for 8 more, to get under 170. My weight in the Army (18 to 22 y/o) was always between 170 and 174. At 168, I should be able to run pretty good. It's getting way easier already, now that I'm 20lbs lighter. Need to get some iron in, help hold the muscle. Going to throw in a protein shake every night about 1 AM. That should do the trick and lean me out real nice over the next two weeks. I've got Tahoe 100 coming up and I would like to be 170 for this race. Shooting for sub-30 hours in a mountain 100 that has 22k of gain. Sub-24 would be awesome, but prob not at this point.
I'm on day 16 of alcohol freedom. That's a major step for me. Been 12 years since I did that. Only because we were deployed to Saudi in summer of '99 and you can't have alcohol there. My goal is 21 days, so I have to make it Sunday this week. It's not so bad once you give it up. It's not like you're really giving anything up, it's more like getting more. More out of life.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
San Juan Solstice 50M
Went up to Colorado. Lake City exactly. I love the San Juan mountains, so back in Jan or Feb when the race opened up, I signed up again. I DNF out here last year. Since I didn't get into Hardrock, this will probably be the only time this year that I will be in the San Juans so I think I made the most of it.
Six weeks ago I barely made it out of the Grand Canyon on our R2R2R adventure. May 6th. I was not training and was drinking a whole bunch.
On Saturday, I ran a 13:29:40. I got there the day before the race. Took it slow the first 22 miles, feeling things out. Ate Zone bars and shot blocks and drank water, had about 20 S-Caps.
Needless to say, I am very pleased with my performance. Took it steady till mile 22 aid station, then started to pick up steam. From there till the end, I ran all sections that were not the actual 2 remaining climbs. Ran on the divide, the whole way. Running at 12,000 feet will make your heart beat. Passed about 20 people in the last 10 mile section, was running the downhills about 7 minute pace or faster. Pretty good since I started training on May 13th. I was alcohol free for 6 days leading up to the race. I'm at 10 days now. Also at 180lbs, down from 195 when we were at the Grand Canyon.
That is all!
Six weeks ago I barely made it out of the Grand Canyon on our R2R2R adventure. May 6th. I was not training and was drinking a whole bunch.
On Saturday, I ran a 13:29:40. I got there the day before the race. Took it slow the first 22 miles, feeling things out. Ate Zone bars and shot blocks and drank water, had about 20 S-Caps.
Needless to say, I am very pleased with my performance. Took it steady till mile 22 aid station, then started to pick up steam. From there till the end, I ran all sections that were not the actual 2 remaining climbs. Ran on the divide, the whole way. Running at 12,000 feet will make your heart beat. Passed about 20 people in the last 10 mile section, was running the downhills about 7 minute pace or faster. Pretty good since I started training on May 13th. I was alcohol free for 6 days leading up to the race. I'm at 10 days now. Also at 180lbs, down from 195 when we were at the Grand Canyon.
That is all!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Good Weekend
Went up to Southlake (north Ft. Worth) over the weekend. Actually left on Thursday night.
My boss works out of our Southlake office, plus it's a rather large office with quite a few employees. We have a corporate gym there with 2 trainers on staff. Since I'll probably be up there once a month, I went ahead and joined the gym. It's like 15$ a month, so shouldn't hurt the pocket book to bad. haha I took some of my Pavel training videos up there for them. Some professional development. Since I've been hitting iron for like 22 years and thought that Pavel knows what he was talking about, I figured they might get some use out of them. I hope I get them back though, they are about 40$ a piece.
Did an interval speed workout on the treadmill on Friday morning about 4 miles, and BS'd with the trainers a bit. They are pretty knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. Also did some deep front squats to help keep my hips flexible and loosened up. On Friday afternoon, I did a faster interval workout on the TM, where I went .5 miles at 8 min pace and .5 at 7 min pace, or something like that. Ended up with a 45 minute 10K. Not bad, getting some turn over.
Later on Friday, I went over to the 24Hour Fitness in Southlake to meet my buddy Bill. He was planning on doing some heavy deadlifts. I walk in and he's pulling 405 for 4 reps. So I was like man, that looks like fun!! I never lift with a belt, but I've pulled 385 plenty of times in the last 2 months, so I borrowed his belt, and pulled 405 for 2 reps. hhaha
Saturday was good, got to catch up with my buddy Rick and his two brothers. These boys are crazy. We always going skiing together every year and have a good time. Checked out where Bill is building his motorcycle at. Good shop, good folks down there. Later, I went over to McKinney to attend my step-mom's retirement get together. It was real nice, over at Rick's Chophouse in old downtown McKinney. Was able to BS some and spend a some time with my little sister. She is awesome and is making her way out there in life with fabulous success. After that, went dancing at Cowboys Arlington. Meet some friends out there, some lovely Louisiana girls. Spent all night dancing the two step! I used to do this all the time, but in the last 3 or so years I've not gone very much. So it was a real treat for me. Only had 1 beer, if you can believe that. Drank a ton of water though, b/c I was sweating like crazy!
Woke up early on Sunday, and went to church with Bill. He's into that quite a bit, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to go check it out. They had a good message. The message was, Ask God to change your heart, not your behavior. Pretty good.
My boss works out of our Southlake office, plus it's a rather large office with quite a few employees. We have a corporate gym there with 2 trainers on staff. Since I'll probably be up there once a month, I went ahead and joined the gym. It's like 15$ a month, so shouldn't hurt the pocket book to bad. haha I took some of my Pavel training videos up there for them. Some professional development. Since I've been hitting iron for like 22 years and thought that Pavel knows what he was talking about, I figured they might get some use out of them. I hope I get them back though, they are about 40$ a piece.
Did an interval speed workout on the treadmill on Friday morning about 4 miles, and BS'd with the trainers a bit. They are pretty knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. Also did some deep front squats to help keep my hips flexible and loosened up. On Friday afternoon, I did a faster interval workout on the TM, where I went .5 miles at 8 min pace and .5 at 7 min pace, or something like that. Ended up with a 45 minute 10K. Not bad, getting some turn over.
Later on Friday, I went over to the 24Hour Fitness in Southlake to meet my buddy Bill. He was planning on doing some heavy deadlifts. I walk in and he's pulling 405 for 4 reps. So I was like man, that looks like fun!! I never lift with a belt, but I've pulled 385 plenty of times in the last 2 months, so I borrowed his belt, and pulled 405 for 2 reps. hhaha
Saturday was good, got to catch up with my buddy Rick and his two brothers. These boys are crazy. We always going skiing together every year and have a good time. Checked out where Bill is building his motorcycle at. Good shop, good folks down there. Later, I went over to McKinney to attend my step-mom's retirement get together. It was real nice, over at Rick's Chophouse in old downtown McKinney. Was able to BS some and spend a some time with my little sister. She is awesome and is making her way out there in life with fabulous success. After that, went dancing at Cowboys Arlington. Meet some friends out there, some lovely Louisiana girls. Spent all night dancing the two step! I used to do this all the time, but in the last 3 or so years I've not gone very much. So it was a real treat for me. Only had 1 beer, if you can believe that. Drank a ton of water though, b/c I was sweating like crazy!
Woke up early on Sunday, and went to church with Bill. He's into that quite a bit, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to go check it out. They had a good message. The message was, Ask God to change your heart, not your behavior. Pretty good.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Class of 1996
We had our 15 year class reunion over the weekend. Coming from a small town, these are usually a pretty cool thing to go to, because you kinda know everybody. Figured I write up a little something to commemorate the event. Maybe you like it, maybe you dont:
Can you believe we're here
We've faced fears, cried tears
We drank a few beers
Through these years
Our hearts soften, those jeers of yesteryear
Listening intently do we hear, a cheer
Through these years
The good times, we'll hold dear
But our loved ones, we'll hold near
Through these years
Can you believe we're here
We've faced fears, cried tears
We drank a few beers
Through these years
Our hearts soften, those jeers of yesteryear
Listening intently do we hear, a cheer
Through these years
The good times, we'll hold dear
But our loved ones, we'll hold near
Through these years
Book Review - Selfish Path to Romanc e
Just finished up reading: The Selfish Path to Romance: How to Love with Passion and Reason.
What an awesome book. Here is the review I wrote for my Living Social: Books account.
I consider this book as must read for any one person or couple if they are seriously interested in establishing a relationship based on mutual respect, which will ultimately be both rewarding and fulfilling. The books has case study examples and at the end of each chapter, it has a workbook style format with questions that help you understand the ideas presented in each chapter. From our typical understanding of the word "selfishness" you may be put off somewhat. We often think of love as selfless and how we should sacrifice for others to prove out love, etc... This book throws those archaic relationship defeating ideas right out of the window and help you start anew, with an approach grounded in logic and reason. It is only through the use of our mind, can we reach the fullest expression of our humanity.
Here are some highlighted takeaways, from the book.
Romantic love is a strong, emotionally intimate relationship between consenting adults that combines an intense valuing of a partner on the deepest level and the enjoyment of sexual pleasure with that partner.
It is no accident that one of the most painful complaints you can make about your partner is that "He/She" makes me feel invisible, unimportant, like I don't exist.
Being "good" by sacrificing one's values destroys happiness and romance.
The code of sacrifice promises happiness by advocating a contradiction: the demand that one give up that which makes happiness possible.
Loving a narcissist is a frustrating, painful and ultimately heartbreaking experience, because they have unlimited wants but nothing positive to offer another person
True love is egoism a deux - egoism for two.
Real love is based not on mystery or fantasy but on causality. People want to be loved for specific reasons.
Anyone who wants to establish a long-term relationship is faced with the question: What's essential in a partner for my happiness?
The Platonic view that sexual enjoyment is shameful or wrong is profoundly insulting and unjust. Your body - with its capacity for sexual pleasure - is neither good nor evil; it is a fact of your nature. You are born with it, and this it's outside your realm of choice. To feel condemned for your sexual capacity is to make a mockery of morality.
A woman of substance surely wants to hear something profound about why she is loved - something specific about her character, mind, values, and way of approaching her career and life.
Alright, so get out there and get this book!
What an awesome book. Here is the review I wrote for my Living Social: Books account.
I consider this book as must read for any one person or couple if they are seriously interested in establishing a relationship based on mutual respect, which will ultimately be both rewarding and fulfilling. The books has case study examples and at the end of each chapter, it has a workbook style format with questions that help you understand the ideas presented in each chapter. From our typical understanding of the word "selfishness" you may be put off somewhat. We often think of love as selfless and how we should sacrifice for others to prove out love, etc... This book throws those archaic relationship defeating ideas right out of the window and help you start anew, with an approach grounded in logic and reason. It is only through the use of our mind, can we reach the fullest expression of our humanity.
Here are some highlighted takeaways, from the book.
Romantic love is a strong, emotionally intimate relationship between consenting adults that combines an intense valuing of a partner on the deepest level and the enjoyment of sexual pleasure with that partner.
It is no accident that one of the most painful complaints you can make about your partner is that "He/She" makes me feel invisible, unimportant, like I don't exist.
Being "good" by sacrificing one's values destroys happiness and romance.
The code of sacrifice promises happiness by advocating a contradiction: the demand that one give up that which makes happiness possible.
Loving a narcissist is a frustrating, painful and ultimately heartbreaking experience, because they have unlimited wants but nothing positive to offer another person
True love is egoism a deux - egoism for two.
Real love is based not on mystery or fantasy but on causality. People want to be loved for specific reasons.
Anyone who wants to establish a long-term relationship is faced with the question: What's essential in a partner for my happiness?
The Platonic view that sexual enjoyment is shameful or wrong is profoundly insulting and unjust. Your body - with its capacity for sexual pleasure - is neither good nor evil; it is a fact of your nature. You are born with it, and this it's outside your realm of choice. To feel condemned for your sexual capacity is to make a mockery of morality.
A woman of substance surely wants to hear something profound about why she is loved - something specific about her character, mind, values, and way of approaching her career and life.
Alright, so get out there and get this book!
Friday, June 3, 2011
May Training Updates
Didn't post much in May. So what.
The Month started off slow, but did R2R2R so that was cool.
Started training seriously on the 13th of May. Was working out of our Southlake office at work. They have a corporate gym there with trainers on staff. I don't use trainers. I've been pumping iron for 22 years, and run 100 mile races. I'm not sure exactly what they would be able to teach me. Maybe something I guess. Most times, when I'm motivated, it's internal motivation so I'm not looking for accountability or to have someone cheer me on or yell at me.
Started cleaning up my diet, and working out up to 5 times a day, 3 weight workouts, 2 runs. Not every day with 5 workouts, but everyday I have done something. Averaging about 10 to 13 miles a day running. Half-marathon a day will keep the doctor away!!
All that running gives you time for some introspection, so I've been doing some of that. Probably will write up a story about it in the coming weeks.
Going to start a 7 day hemp powder shake and fruit and vegetable diet on Sunday. See how that works. I was able to put on my jeans today and feel comfortable, w/o to much dunlap disease. Really hoping to get to 175 by end of June and under 170 by mid July. Haven't been that light since '98. Should be a running machine at 165 being as how I've been running at 185 to 195 for the last 4 years.
So. I'm pretty motivated right now, I hope it lasts.
The Month started off slow, but did R2R2R so that was cool.
Started training seriously on the 13th of May. Was working out of our Southlake office at work. They have a corporate gym there with trainers on staff. I don't use trainers. I've been pumping iron for 22 years, and run 100 mile races. I'm not sure exactly what they would be able to teach me. Maybe something I guess. Most times, when I'm motivated, it's internal motivation so I'm not looking for accountability or to have someone cheer me on or yell at me.
Started cleaning up my diet, and working out up to 5 times a day, 3 weight workouts, 2 runs. Not every day with 5 workouts, but everyday I have done something. Averaging about 10 to 13 miles a day running. Half-marathon a day will keep the doctor away!!
All that running gives you time for some introspection, so I've been doing some of that. Probably will write up a story about it in the coming weeks.
Going to start a 7 day hemp powder shake and fruit and vegetable diet on Sunday. See how that works. I was able to put on my jeans today and feel comfortable, w/o to much dunlap disease. Really hoping to get to 175 by end of June and under 170 by mid July. Haven't been that light since '98. Should be a running machine at 165 being as how I've been running at 185 to 195 for the last 4 years.
So. I'm pretty motivated right now, I hope it lasts.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
LDS - Review
Just completed reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Mormonism
I figured I'd write a review. Not sure who all has checked out the LDS faith, but it is a compelling faith. I sometimes post things on this blog that are of a religious nature, but not too often. You may be wondering why I decided to pick up this book.
I recently met a person, who in the first 5 minutes, absolutely captivated me. From her countenance and posture to her positive, friendly attitude she exuded confidence. The feeling is probably not mutual, but nevertheless I was intrigued. Well turns out she is a member of the LDS faith, so that's what prompted me to check out the book.
This review is not an attempt to explain LDS faith, per se, but I wanted to point out a few of the things I learned which I am in agreement with, and which I think are positive aspects of the LDS faith. (NOTE: I didn't really find anything I thought was negative.)
First is the concept of Original Sin. This concept holds that we are all born sinners and that man is born pre-determined a sinner. The LDS don't believe this, I don't either. If we were there would be no reason for free will or Christ for that matter.
Second is the concept of free will. With out free will, we could not be accountable for our actions because we had no choice. Free will is a concept embraced by LDS. The LDS focus more attention to the time Jesus spent praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, as opposed to other Christians that wear crucifixes symbolizing Jesus' death. This focus puts primacy on the concept of free will, and the importance of choice. Whether we choose wrongly or rightly, we must choose between a choice of alternatives. There is no getting around this, its the basic axiom of our condition as human beings. When you make no choice, you have inadvertently chosen. Through our actions we demonstrate our values. Whether our actions are in harmony with our short and long term interests is a subject for another posting.
Third is the equality between men and women. The LDS see all people as equal in God's eyes. Men and women may have different responsibilities, but one is neither held in a higher or a lower position. The differing responsibilities are complementary.
Fourth is the concept of eternal family. The LDS place immense value on family. From rearing children, fidelity, etc... In the LDS concept of the afterlife, we will be re-united with our family in God's presence. I didn't have the best family life growing up. I was able to see a lot of the wrongs things to do, and some good ones. For me, the family unit complete with the mother and father, is irreplaceable and a necessary part of raising children.
Fifth is consistency of the Church. The LDS has an established program that promotes stability in thought, worship, and actions so that all members regardless of where they have come to the faith, can feel a sense of togetherness and shared heritage.
There are plenty of gems in this book, I only wanted to point out a few things in this blog posting. If you're interested, I say pick up the book and give it a whirl, you may be surprised.
I figured I'd write a review. Not sure who all has checked out the LDS faith, but it is a compelling faith. I sometimes post things on this blog that are of a religious nature, but not too often. You may be wondering why I decided to pick up this book.
I recently met a person, who in the first 5 minutes, absolutely captivated me. From her countenance and posture to her positive, friendly attitude she exuded confidence. The feeling is probably not mutual, but nevertheless I was intrigued. Well turns out she is a member of the LDS faith, so that's what prompted me to check out the book.
This review is not an attempt to explain LDS faith, per se, but I wanted to point out a few of the things I learned which I am in agreement with, and which I think are positive aspects of the LDS faith. (NOTE: I didn't really find anything I thought was negative.)
First is the concept of Original Sin. This concept holds that we are all born sinners and that man is born pre-determined a sinner. The LDS don't believe this, I don't either. If we were there would be no reason for free will or Christ for that matter.
Second is the concept of free will. With out free will, we could not be accountable for our actions because we had no choice. Free will is a concept embraced by LDS. The LDS focus more attention to the time Jesus spent praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, as opposed to other Christians that wear crucifixes symbolizing Jesus' death. This focus puts primacy on the concept of free will, and the importance of choice. Whether we choose wrongly or rightly, we must choose between a choice of alternatives. There is no getting around this, its the basic axiom of our condition as human beings. When you make no choice, you have inadvertently chosen. Through our actions we demonstrate our values. Whether our actions are in harmony with our short and long term interests is a subject for another posting.
Third is the equality between men and women. The LDS see all people as equal in God's eyes. Men and women may have different responsibilities, but one is neither held in a higher or a lower position. The differing responsibilities are complementary.
Fourth is the concept of eternal family. The LDS place immense value on family. From rearing children, fidelity, etc... In the LDS concept of the afterlife, we will be re-united with our family in God's presence. I didn't have the best family life growing up. I was able to see a lot of the wrongs things to do, and some good ones. For me, the family unit complete with the mother and father, is irreplaceable and a necessary part of raising children.
Fifth is consistency of the Church. The LDS has an established program that promotes stability in thought, worship, and actions so that all members regardless of where they have come to the faith, can feel a sense of togetherness and shared heritage.
There are plenty of gems in this book, I only wanted to point out a few things in this blog posting. If you're interested, I say pick up the book and give it a whirl, you may be surprised.
Grand Canyon Report
Hey y'all. I was supposed to write this a few weeks back, but I've been busy. A whole, big group of us from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and some other places met up and decided it would be a fantastic idea to run all the way across the Grand Canyon and back in one day, about 50 retards. We all need medication.
Flew out with the San Antonio group, Tom, Kelli, Joe T., and Brian. Had fun BS'n. Waited around the airport b/c Kelli's luggage was misplaced. Finally, Jamie from Houston showed up at the airport in Phoenix about nine A.M. He was traveling up to the canyon alone, so I rode with him.
Stopped and picked up a sixer for myself, since I wasn't driving. Probably about 10AM. Jamie and I rode up to the canyon, hit the grocery store for supplies and a phone charger in Flagstaff, and some more beer. The lady at the Verizon store gave us all the details about the park, she used to be a ranger there. It was like hanging with family! Anyway, went in the east gate, and drove along the canyon up to where the hotel was.
Met up with Naresh who drove in from Cali. Crazy Indian! We spent the afternoon, shootin the shit, and drinking beers. Bedded down about 8 or 9 PM.
About 3:30 AM we hit the south rim trail head, all of the other folks had taken off so Jamie, Naresh, and I began our descent into Hades.
It was dusty as hell, I was in the back of our group eatin dust. The trail has erosion prevention posts all over, I can't see shit. My lights not good. Either bad batteries or I'm just getting old and need more light. Never fell down, but was worried about it as we were running down.
Got to Indian Springs, tripped on a rock which tweaked my ankle, let out a boisterous yell of "mother fucker". I didn't realize there were folks sleeping in tents about 10 feet away. Some guy yelled at me, go figure, it happens all the time. Stopped to fill up my handheld, and drain it. Jamie split off at this point, and it was Naresh and me. Got down to the river (about 7 miles in) as the sun was coming up. Made a few video recordings with my flip recorder.
Naresh was pushing the pace into Phantom Ranch, and then on to Cottonwood. I was having trouble hanging, cause I drank a shit load of beers the day before and had only run once since we were out at the Guads the second week of April. Oh well. I hung back. Naresh paid for his treachery.
I wasn't really into being at the Canyon. The whole time, I was still all compressed from the last few weeks of work that have been running me ragged and have been stressful. Never did get over that. Shit happens.
Once you get to Cottonwood, its 14 miles round trip up to the North rim and back and there is no water till you get back. I was going to turn around and go back, but my ego won the fight. Thanks ego, I was needing a good ass whippin.
Spent most of the time with big Roger. We always have a good chat, when we're running. Naresh was suffering, so I let him suffer on. Too bad, I got my own problems here buddy. Saw all the folks on the turn around, kinda lifts your spirits, when you realize that all you have to do is run/walk all the way back! Yippie!
North Rim was uneventful, except for the huge biting flies and the snow I put into my water bottles. Ummmmm, Ummmmm, good! It wasn't yellow, at least it didn't look yellow. Was having trouble breathing, one b/c we were at 8K feet and the other because I'm about 195lbs, so I'm feeling pretty fat. Especially at 5'6.
Started heading down, grabbed a samwich outta my bag, chowed down. My quads were hurting, so I walked quite a bit. Actually I probably walked 80% of the whole return trip. Most of the day I spent alone, I liked that. Put in a dip of snuff, man it really picks up your heartrate. Ooops. Plus it was hot as hell, about 110 degrees I heard.
Made it back to Cottonwood and filled up on water and grabbed another samwich. Started heading back to the big river crossing. This whole section is runnable, but I didn't feel like running, so I just walked and ate jelly beans. No thoughts really crossed my mind, you know like those "ah ha" moments where you figure out answers to the important questions in life like, "Who moved my cheese?" or "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Listen folks, one hand can't clap and nobody gives a damm about your cheese. Hell you'll just throw the cheese out when it gets moldy. I used to think that running would bring me closer to me or some crap. Maybe it did. But I was really having an issue being motivated out there. I came to the realization, that running is just a hobby, something to do. It coulda been fishing, hunting, collecting stupid trinkets and putting them in a curio cabinet or, you name it. Oh well.
The suckie part was, I've still gotta get out of this canyon. Shit man. It was a trek.
SO 21 hours later, boom, I'm at the south rim trail head. One step at a time baby. Kinda like life, one step at a time.
Flew out with the San Antonio group, Tom, Kelli, Joe T., and Brian. Had fun BS'n. Waited around the airport b/c Kelli's luggage was misplaced. Finally, Jamie from Houston showed up at the airport in Phoenix about nine A.M. He was traveling up to the canyon alone, so I rode with him.
Stopped and picked up a sixer for myself, since I wasn't driving. Probably about 10AM. Jamie and I rode up to the canyon, hit the grocery store for supplies and a phone charger in Flagstaff, and some more beer. The lady at the Verizon store gave us all the details about the park, she used to be a ranger there. It was like hanging with family! Anyway, went in the east gate, and drove along the canyon up to where the hotel was.
Met up with Naresh who drove in from Cali. Crazy Indian! We spent the afternoon, shootin the shit, and drinking beers. Bedded down about 8 or 9 PM.
About 3:30 AM we hit the south rim trail head, all of the other folks had taken off so Jamie, Naresh, and I began our descent into Hades.
It was dusty as hell, I was in the back of our group eatin dust. The trail has erosion prevention posts all over, I can't see shit. My lights not good. Either bad batteries or I'm just getting old and need more light. Never fell down, but was worried about it as we were running down.
Got to Indian Springs, tripped on a rock which tweaked my ankle, let out a boisterous yell of "mother fucker". I didn't realize there were folks sleeping in tents about 10 feet away. Some guy yelled at me, go figure, it happens all the time. Stopped to fill up my handheld, and drain it. Jamie split off at this point, and it was Naresh and me. Got down to the river (about 7 miles in) as the sun was coming up. Made a few video recordings with my flip recorder.
Naresh was pushing the pace into Phantom Ranch, and then on to Cottonwood. I was having trouble hanging, cause I drank a shit load of beers the day before and had only run once since we were out at the Guads the second week of April. Oh well. I hung back. Naresh paid for his treachery.
I wasn't really into being at the Canyon. The whole time, I was still all compressed from the last few weeks of work that have been running me ragged and have been stressful. Never did get over that. Shit happens.
Once you get to Cottonwood, its 14 miles round trip up to the North rim and back and there is no water till you get back. I was going to turn around and go back, but my ego won the fight. Thanks ego, I was needing a good ass whippin.
Spent most of the time with big Roger. We always have a good chat, when we're running. Naresh was suffering, so I let him suffer on. Too bad, I got my own problems here buddy. Saw all the folks on the turn around, kinda lifts your spirits, when you realize that all you have to do is run/walk all the way back! Yippie!
North Rim was uneventful, except for the huge biting flies and the snow I put into my water bottles. Ummmmm, Ummmmm, good! It wasn't yellow, at least it didn't look yellow. Was having trouble breathing, one b/c we were at 8K feet and the other because I'm about 195lbs, so I'm feeling pretty fat. Especially at 5'6.
Started heading down, grabbed a samwich outta my bag, chowed down. My quads were hurting, so I walked quite a bit. Actually I probably walked 80% of the whole return trip. Most of the day I spent alone, I liked that. Put in a dip of snuff, man it really picks up your heartrate. Ooops. Plus it was hot as hell, about 110 degrees I heard.
Made it back to Cottonwood and filled up on water and grabbed another samwich. Started heading back to the big river crossing. This whole section is runnable, but I didn't feel like running, so I just walked and ate jelly beans. No thoughts really crossed my mind, you know like those "ah ha" moments where you figure out answers to the important questions in life like, "Who moved my cheese?" or "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Listen folks, one hand can't clap and nobody gives a damm about your cheese. Hell you'll just throw the cheese out when it gets moldy. I used to think that running would bring me closer to me or some crap. Maybe it did. But I was really having an issue being motivated out there. I came to the realization, that running is just a hobby, something to do. It coulda been fishing, hunting, collecting stupid trinkets and putting them in a curio cabinet or, you name it. Oh well.
The suckie part was, I've still gotta get out of this canyon. Shit man. It was a trek.
SO 21 hours later, boom, I'm at the south rim trail head. One step at a time baby. Kinda like life, one step at a time.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Some Bible Stuff
I was asked, by a friend, to answer the following questions:
1. What is sin?
2. Are all people sinners?
3. Do people become sinners because they sin or do they sin because they are sinners?
4.What is God's penalty for sin, if any?
5. Are there penalties that occur on earth for sins in a person's daily life?
The following are my responses:
1. Sin is what one does when willfully violating the laws and morality in the Bible.
2. Yes, except Jesus b/c if Jesus had been a sinner then God could not have sacrificed him. In the Old Testament all sacrifices had to be the most pure gifts. Logically then, God could not sacrifice anything, including Jesus, that was less than pure.
3. No one is a born sinner. To say one is born a sinner is to say that free will does not exist. Sin is a product of mans free will. But you would not be able to classify one as a sinner, who didn't know the difference, if whether or not a sin was committed. When the Bible says, let no man judge, it's b/c no man can know what the defendant knows, except God.
4. God's penalty for sin should be clearly ascertainable in the Bible - hell. But God gave us an out, b/c he knew no one could keep his laws/morality. That out is Forgiveness. When we ask for forgiveness, what we are actually saying is, "I recognize I screwed up, which means you must be honest with yourself." What that means, is that you are consciously recognize God's law as supreme which is what he wants in the first instance, and in the second, he would like for you to follow his law to the best of your ability.
5. No - I think it's clear in the Bible that all men (persons) will be called to account on judgment day. Any mis-fortunate event, if it's cause is attributed to some so called "sin" , would be erroneous.
1. What is sin?
2. Are all people sinners?
3. Do people become sinners because they sin or do they sin because they are sinners?
4.What is God's penalty for sin, if any?
5. Are there penalties that occur on earth for sins in a person's daily life?
The following are my responses:
1. Sin is what one does when willfully violating the laws and morality in the Bible.
2. Yes, except Jesus b/c if Jesus had been a sinner then God could not have sacrificed him. In the Old Testament all sacrifices had to be the most pure gifts. Logically then, God could not sacrifice anything, including Jesus, that was less than pure.
3. No one is a born sinner. To say one is born a sinner is to say that free will does not exist. Sin is a product of mans free will. But you would not be able to classify one as a sinner, who didn't know the difference, if whether or not a sin was committed. When the Bible says, let no man judge, it's b/c no man can know what the defendant knows, except God.
4. God's penalty for sin should be clearly ascertainable in the Bible - hell. But God gave us an out, b/c he knew no one could keep his laws/morality. That out is Forgiveness. When we ask for forgiveness, what we are actually saying is, "I recognize I screwed up, which means you must be honest with yourself." What that means, is that you are consciously recognize God's law as supreme which is what he wants in the first instance, and in the second, he would like for you to follow his law to the best of your ability.
5. No - I think it's clear in the Bible that all men (persons) will be called to account on judgment day. Any mis-fortunate event, if it's cause is attributed to some so called "sin" , would be erroneous.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Cookies and Applesauce
Went for a run after work. From work to Gold's Gym is 5 miles, unless I stop by the house then it's 6. Left work on a run, tried to run intervals to work on speed, but have been cutting calories. So I got about 3 miles in, and started feeling all shitty. Was averaging 8 min pace, with my intervals. I run past a Starbucks, so I dropped in. I always keep some money in my hand held UD bottle. I had the most exquisite 1 dollar per table spoon apple sauce they sell. Of course they brand it as apple/grape fruit (whatever) organic, bullshit. USDA organic probably means nothing, other than this shit was grown in the dirt, not a lab. I was sweating all over the counter, because I'm a fatty. So I got the magic apple sauce and a cookie. Yea, you know the cookie monster, that weird blue thing from Sesame Street on PBS. Oatmeal raisin is my fave. So after my blood sugar spiked, I was rollin.
Did a few standing one arm dumbbell presses with a 105 dumbbell. Don't hate, pussies. Was gonna do some squats with 315 but my pussy was on fire, so just left. Ended up with 8 miles once I got back home, but my truck was still at work. Got the bike out of the garage, rode it up to work to get my truck. So 3 miles on the bike. Went to Hooters had some chilli. Was pissed b/c the girls ain't what they used to be. Had 3 22oz Modelos. Talked shit to the bartender. She got pissed, I don't give a damm.
Did a few standing one arm dumbbell presses with a 105 dumbbell. Don't hate, pussies. Was gonna do some squats with 315 but my pussy was on fire, so just left. Ended up with 8 miles once I got back home, but my truck was still at work. Got the bike out of the garage, rode it up to work to get my truck. So 3 miles on the bike. Went to Hooters had some chilli. Was pissed b/c the girls ain't what they used to be. Had 3 22oz Modelos. Talked shit to the bartender. She got pissed, I don't give a damm.
Smells
You know, call me a puss or whatever. I don't care, but I was not interested in running after work yesterday. Wind was gusting up, not sure how fast but it was pretty damm windy. I had already ran 4 miles yesterday morning before work so I had some miles in the bank. Hooters was doing a customer appreciation day yesterday and giving away 10 free wings with purchase of a drink.
Yippie, now I can eat for free and spend the money on extra beer. So I decided to blow off my afternoon workout, and go drink beer and eat wings. I got the naked, boneless wings with a side salad. (healthy option) I was enjoying my big daddy, 22oz, Modelo Especial at the bar and having a good time, watching the TV. Then some son of a bitch walks up, sits down a seat or two away. This asshole was wearing enough cologne for 2 draft horses. Fuck man, you just ruined my whole day.
You may not know, but I hate a lot of smells. Like two fat chicks running at the park who smell like laundry detergent or downy sheets. Like the old cougar at the gym who's wearing perfume. It's not gonna help lady, you look like sandpaper and your cooch probably sags more than your titties. The smell of the crap people spray after they take a dump. Light a freakin match. Matches smell good. Your spray smells worse than your shit. I really hate the smell of rotten boiled eggs, but I don't have those at my house so I'm okay.
I do like the smell of leather candles or vanilla ones. Also the smell of pork chops frying in a pan. The smell of scotch and wild turkey 101. The smell of my last girlfriends panties wasn't too bad either. (j/k i knew i'd get you)
Anyway, so I'm sitting there, trying not to kick this freakin dudes ass. I can move, but I gotta payout and plus the tables I like to sit at are taken. So I'd have to sit in the back and you don't get to watch the girls and give them shit while they are carrying a heavy ass tray of food. I order another beer, thinking that it might help. But, the dude musta had some extra in his pocket and keep putting more on. So after only 2 of those biggies, I took off. Man, I wanted to drink it up, like at least 4 or 5.
Went on home, tried to sleep. Couldn't. Got a text from my buddy Bill about how he squatted 315 for 4 reps. I texted back with, drank 44oz of beer in 20 min! he gave me some shit. So What. But, couldn't sleep so I went out and ran 8.5 miles. Not fast but just running. Came back, drank another beer, and read about Iceland's Economic Collapse a book I am working on.
Yippie, now I can eat for free and spend the money on extra beer. So I decided to blow off my afternoon workout, and go drink beer and eat wings. I got the naked, boneless wings with a side salad. (healthy option) I was enjoying my big daddy, 22oz, Modelo Especial at the bar and having a good time, watching the TV. Then some son of a bitch walks up, sits down a seat or two away. This asshole was wearing enough cologne for 2 draft horses. Fuck man, you just ruined my whole day.
You may not know, but I hate a lot of smells. Like two fat chicks running at the park who smell like laundry detergent or downy sheets. Like the old cougar at the gym who's wearing perfume. It's not gonna help lady, you look like sandpaper and your cooch probably sags more than your titties. The smell of the crap people spray after they take a dump. Light a freakin match. Matches smell good. Your spray smells worse than your shit. I really hate the smell of rotten boiled eggs, but I don't have those at my house so I'm okay.
I do like the smell of leather candles or vanilla ones. Also the smell of pork chops frying in a pan. The smell of scotch and wild turkey 101. The smell of my last girlfriends panties wasn't too bad either. (j/k i knew i'd get you)
Anyway, so I'm sitting there, trying not to kick this freakin dudes ass. I can move, but I gotta payout and plus the tables I like to sit at are taken. So I'd have to sit in the back and you don't get to watch the girls and give them shit while they are carrying a heavy ass tray of food. I order another beer, thinking that it might help. But, the dude musta had some extra in his pocket and keep putting more on. So after only 2 of those biggies, I took off. Man, I wanted to drink it up, like at least 4 or 5.
Went on home, tried to sleep. Couldn't. Got a text from my buddy Bill about how he squatted 315 for 4 reps. I texted back with, drank 44oz of beer in 20 min! he gave me some shit. So What. But, couldn't sleep so I went out and ran 8.5 miles. Not fast but just running. Came back, drank another beer, and read about Iceland's Economic Collapse a book I am working on.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
10th Marathon
Ran my 10th marathon on Saturday. This was a trail marathon and cheaper than a road marathon which, in my view, road marathons are way overpriced. This one was special. My friends Jeff and Cheri put on a marathon for their wedding. It was pretty fun. Out at Warda. I have never run there before, but back in 2000 to 2003 I used to drive by the place about 4 times a month, and it was only like 60 miles from where I grew up. Pretty cool. Ran the whole race with my buddy Gordon. Talkin shit the whole time. I really did have a blast. Didn't beat that damm Russian Dmitry, but oh well. I was gonna whack him with a stick when he passed us, but decided against it. Carried this chick on my back over the finish line. She's lucky I didn't take her in the woods and have my way with her. But thought that would be a little much. Wore a breech cloth the first loop with hurraches. Went native till I started chaffing like crazy. Pretty good pics. Woulda been better if I could have worn it the whole time and been 20lbs lighter. hahah.
Drank some beers after the race. Went out there with my buddy Scott, but we only got like 4 hours of sleep the night before because we drank beers and bullshitted till 1 AM.
Went to the wedding on Sunday. It was real nice. Lots of Jeff and Cheri's trail runner friends showed up, plus of course, family and friends they know from their other life pursuits. The ceremony was awesome, a little chapel south of Austin. The dinner was excellent. Got home about 12:30 last night.
Ran to the gym after work today. Did a fast mile about 7:15 pace on road. Did a fast hill, and then eased on into the gym. 3 miles. Did 4 sets of my clean and jerk with a front squat. Did 315 deadlift for 4 reps. Did 2 sets of 1 rep with 100lbs dumbell one arm, standing arnold press. That was cool. Got a ride home with a buddy from work. Didnt feel like running back. Not bad after a marathon on Saturday.
Drank some beers after the race. Went out there with my buddy Scott, but we only got like 4 hours of sleep the night before because we drank beers and bullshitted till 1 AM.
Went to the wedding on Sunday. It was real nice. Lots of Jeff and Cheri's trail runner friends showed up, plus of course, family and friends they know from their other life pursuits. The ceremony was awesome, a little chapel south of Austin. The dinner was excellent. Got home about 12:30 last night.
Ran to the gym after work today. Did a fast mile about 7:15 pace on road. Did a fast hill, and then eased on into the gym. 3 miles. Did 4 sets of my clean and jerk with a front squat. Did 315 deadlift for 4 reps. Did 2 sets of 1 rep with 100lbs dumbell one arm, standing arnold press. That was cool. Got a ride home with a buddy from work. Didnt feel like running back. Not bad after a marathon on Saturday.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Moonlight
Since it's like the biggest moon tonight in the last 20 years, figured I'd write a poem to commemorate the event.
Through window, moonlight glows
A depression left in your pillow I see
You've never been further from me
It's been our companion and friend
On the beach, in sand it glowed
Our bodies entwined in love throes
It reflected off the lake
Between us, love we did make
We gazed upon it in fields of flowers
Our love, it's awesome power
A depression left in your pillow I see
Come back to me
Through window, moonlight glows
A depression left in your pillow I see
You've never been further from me
It's been our companion and friend
On the beach, in sand it glowed
Our bodies entwined in love throes
It reflected off the lake
Between us, love we did make
We gazed upon it in fields of flowers
Our love, it's awesome power
A depression left in your pillow I see
Come back to me
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
No Guarantees In Life
Well I found out today that the General Manager at the Chick-fil-a in Selma died this past weekend from a massive heart attack on his way home from work. He was 54. I didn't know Dan personally, but I go to the place at least 5 or 6 times a week. Every time I went into the store, he would be working a register, filling orders, or drinks just like his lowest level employees. He always had a smile and really set a great example for his workers and for the culture of the restaurant chain. He probably didn't have to do that, but he did and it was one of the main reasons I used to go there so often. Also because I liked the food.
There really are no guarantees in life. My own dad was 43 when he passed on. Here one day, and then gone the next. For me, I don't want to sit on my death bed having regrets for all the things I wish I would have done. That doesn't always mean how many races you do or how many places you see. It also means, how did you treat your neighbor. Did you smile and say hi, or did you just walk on in the house. It means, not compromising your integrity and being magnanimous. Things like that.Eevery day you wake up, you've got an opportunity to try again. One of my favorite quotes is:
It's not how many times you fall down, it's how many times you get back up.
So no matter how much you screw up, you have free will, and you can fix it. You can not fix the past, but you can fix your future.
Ran 6 miles, kinda crappy. Think I was dehydrated or something, just didn't come together very well for me. Was at Gold's. Working on heart rate training. I have decided on the clean and jerk with a front squat for time and reps, will probably be the single best exercise to increase the strength and size of the heart and it's ability to move massive quantities of blood. Besides actually running wind sprints, this movement is one I will be focusing on quite a bit. Using 135 barbell right now. Went 3 sets of 5 and 1 set of 4. Try it, and you will see what I am talking about. You can take your HR from 110 to 180 in about 10 seconds.
It looks similar to this, but only one squat and then repeat the movement:
There really are no guarantees in life. My own dad was 43 when he passed on. Here one day, and then gone the next. For me, I don't want to sit on my death bed having regrets for all the things I wish I would have done. That doesn't always mean how many races you do or how many places you see. It also means, how did you treat your neighbor. Did you smile and say hi, or did you just walk on in the house. It means, not compromising your integrity and being magnanimous. Things like that.Eevery day you wake up, you've got an opportunity to try again. One of my favorite quotes is:
It's not how many times you fall down, it's how many times you get back up.
So no matter how much you screw up, you have free will, and you can fix it. You can not fix the past, but you can fix your future.
Ran 6 miles, kinda crappy. Think I was dehydrated or something, just didn't come together very well for me. Was at Gold's. Working on heart rate training. I have decided on the clean and jerk with a front squat for time and reps, will probably be the single best exercise to increase the strength and size of the heart and it's ability to move massive quantities of blood. Besides actually running wind sprints, this movement is one I will be focusing on quite a bit. Using 135 barbell right now. Went 3 sets of 5 and 1 set of 4. Try it, and you will see what I am talking about. You can take your HR from 110 to 180 in about 10 seconds.
It looks similar to this, but only one squat and then repeat the movement:
Monday, March 14, 2011
Change of Plans
Well Leadville and Tahoe are out. I found this race called La Ultra - The High.
Actually from one of those targeted ads on the right hand side of my facebook page.
Other than actually climbing Denali or something like that, this is the ultimate high altitude, mountain, running adventure. And, BTW, I freakin hate being cold and camping at night and being cold in a sleeping bag, so no Denali like stuff for me. I submitted an inquiry on-line, and the RD gave me permission to run the race. My credentials are pretty light, judging by the standards of the 3 people who ran it last year, but I am excited and pumped. My only real qualification is finishing Hardrock 100 last year. This is in the foothills of the Himalayas, the most bad ass mountain chain in the world. In northern India.
What is actually pretty coincidental, my Tahoe and Leadville trips, I bought the travel insurance. First time ever. So I should get a refund on the ticket. The Tahoe race entry I can roll to next year. Not sure about Leadville race entry.
I still will have to train hard. I will need a very,very strong heart. Need to figure out how to do heart-ups or or heart-presses/curls or something.
Anyway, went for 7.5 miles today, slow. Ran over to Gold's did a little stretching and some easy lifting to work out the kinks from Saturday.
Actually from one of those targeted ads on the right hand side of my facebook page.
Other than actually climbing Denali or something like that, this is the ultimate high altitude, mountain, running adventure. And, BTW, I freakin hate being cold and camping at night and being cold in a sleeping bag, so no Denali like stuff for me. I submitted an inquiry on-line, and the RD gave me permission to run the race. My credentials are pretty light, judging by the standards of the 3 people who ran it last year, but I am excited and pumped. My only real qualification is finishing Hardrock 100 last year. This is in the foothills of the Himalayas, the most bad ass mountain chain in the world. In northern India.
What is actually pretty coincidental, my Tahoe and Leadville trips, I bought the travel insurance. First time ever. So I should get a refund on the ticket. The Tahoe race entry I can roll to next year. Not sure about Leadville race entry.
I still will have to train hard. I will need a very,very strong heart. Need to figure out how to do heart-ups or or heart-presses/curls or something.
Anyway, went for 7.5 miles today, slow. Ran over to Gold's did a little stretching and some easy lifting to work out the kinks from Saturday.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
4:46 50K. Hip, Hip, Hurray!
Yea, you read that right. Fast. Second fasted pace I've ever run. But, overall I had the best race I have ever done. Managed my hydration, salts, and fuel perfectly. No issues. Had 2 gels per loop on 1st 2 loops, and 3 gels on the last loop. Drank 2 to 3 16oz water bottles per loop. (loops were 10 miles). Had coke at almost every aid station, for all 3 loops. Oh and 6 Scaps per loop or so, about 2 per bottle. To run a 9:13 average pace, you gotta dip down in the 8min 7:30 zone, quite a bit. First loop ran alone, got into a spot and it almost seemed like I was the only guy out there. Second loop ran with Brain Ricketts. This due is like 6'4, he's running 8min pace, looks like he ain't even moving. I had trouble keeping up. Had to weave in and out of all the 10 milers here, which is always fun. Parted ways at the 7 mile aid station on loop 2. Kinda eased in behind some other dude that running a good race, but he was running 9ish. Seemed a bit slow, but I needed the recovery. Came in on loop 2, looking good. Left on loop 3, behind the same dude, he was starting to slow down, so I went on around. In the first half of the loop, I passed about 6 or 7 50k'ers. And then didn't see anymore. Up on the damm, I was running 7:50. Popped smoke on some ass! Anyway, was by myself the whole loop. Finally, walked about mile 6.5 of loop 3, but really just stopped for a second. Thinking, shit man. This fuckin blows. Anyway, I pulled up my big boy shorts. Hammies were screaming from all that speed work earlier in the week. Which paid of nicely, by the way. Was about 1'500 yards from the finish line, still in the trees. Freakin did a superman and busted my ass. Ran the whole race and fell down at the very end. Oh well.
Ended up 3rd in my age bracket, again. Beat my 50K PR by 22 minutes, and still got 3rd, just like last year. Arrrrgh. When I got done, I busted out my party hat and glasses. Drank about 7 beers, while still at the park. And they had fajitas, so that was cool. Ate some of them. Meet a new trail runner from Austin, told her to get hooked up the the Hill Country Trail Runners. She kicked ass, 5 hours. She is also a soccer player, so she has one hell of a running base. And, she is pretty cute too.
Anyway, left the park. Stopped off at Hooters to celebrate a bit. Had about 3 more. Sat there BS'in with one of the girls that used to work there, was hanging out with her parents, and her sister (still works there). Anyway, she was lookin hot. That party fizzled out, so I got on to the house. Poured a vodka neat, it wasn't going down well at all. So busted out some Becks. Had about 5 more tall boys.
Surprisingly, I don't feel like total shit today. I'm moving good, feeling good, little bit of a headache. haha
Ended up 3rd in my age bracket, again. Beat my 50K PR by 22 minutes, and still got 3rd, just like last year. Arrrrgh. When I got done, I busted out my party hat and glasses. Drank about 7 beers, while still at the park. And they had fajitas, so that was cool. Ate some of them. Meet a new trail runner from Austin, told her to get hooked up the the Hill Country Trail Runners. She kicked ass, 5 hours. She is also a soccer player, so she has one hell of a running base. And, she is pretty cute too.
Anyway, left the park. Stopped off at Hooters to celebrate a bit. Had about 3 more. Sat there BS'in with one of the girls that used to work there, was hanging out with her parents, and her sister (still works there). Anyway, she was lookin hot. That party fizzled out, so I got on to the house. Poured a vodka neat, it wasn't going down well at all. So busted out some Becks. Had about 5 more tall boys.
Surprisingly, I don't feel like total shit today. I'm moving good, feeling good, little bit of a headache. haha
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Yea, It Sucked
Was going to bag my run after work, but those NB Minimus were calling my name. Damm fine shoe. Kinda wanted to see what I could do after a week of speed work. Went for 9 miles, averaged a 8:29 pace. Had trails, road, urban terrain, hills. Not bad. Felt great afterwards. Kinda makes me wish I woulda started those 800's about a month ago. Was trying to get a feel for what pace I should try to set on Saturday at the prickly pear 50K. I really would like to go 4:30, but that's probably a stretch at 8:50 pace. Prob, try to keep it at about 9 pace for 20 miles, then hopefully under 9:30 for the last ten. Gotta use all my experience to make sure I fuel right and stay hydrated. Anything under 5 would be bad ass, but under 4:45, I'm going to get wasted and party to celebrate!!! One of the girls from "the office" was in a bad car accident a while back and is doing physical therapy to recover her ability to walk again. So I'm dedicating my 50K run to her. If all goes well I may beat my PR by 30ish minutes. We will see.
No day is promised to you. Make the most of each day. An old acquaintance of mine believes in re-incarnation. So he used to say, the body is just a temporary vessel, so ride the fuck out of it, you'll get a new one.
Well he could be right, I don't know. But, I rather like to go with. God gave you this body, don't waste it. If you can do, then do. I don't run for God per se, but he probably enjoys seeing you pursue the limits of the potential that he has endowed you with.
So, I'm going to give it all I got, and see what I come up with.
No day is promised to you. Make the most of each day. An old acquaintance of mine believes in re-incarnation. So he used to say, the body is just a temporary vessel, so ride the fuck out of it, you'll get a new one.
Well he could be right, I don't know. But, I rather like to go with. God gave you this body, don't waste it. If you can do, then do. I don't run for God per se, but he probably enjoys seeing you pursue the limits of the potential that he has endowed you with.
So, I'm going to give it all I got, and see what I come up with.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Books
I've been wanting to write about my love affair with books.
My grandma taught me how to read when I was two or three. I don't actually remember this but that is what she used to tell me. I used to read encyclopedias in the second grade, and the third grade I read most of the Greek mythology. I didn't understand it all, but Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts, Medusa, Diana, Hermes, were all pretty bad ass stories. In the sixth grade I read all kinds of Louis L'Amour. With the classic line, "the attack broke just as quickly as it had begun" I read Lord of the Flies in the 6th grade, cause it sounded like a cool story, but I didn't get as much out of it as I did in the 11th grade. My senior year in high school, they kicked me out of art. Which wasn't a big loss, I thought making clay pots was stupid as hell. I guess they thought they would punish me by making me a library aide. They were wrong. I loved it. The librarian was a little off, but a pretty nice guy I guess. He let me have like 50 books they were going to discard because they were so old. I read books mostly, and never figured out the Dewey decimal system. So what. In the Army I used to read all the technical manuals, field manuals, SMCT, and regulations for fun. For the last 10 years, I get to read technical manuals at work. They are pretty dry, but I just skip through the bullshit, and get down to the nitty gritty. They are fairly complicated, but not like programming. That shit is hard. Not my style. I started building my library about 10 years ago. I used to spend 100 a week at Barnes and Noble, or half-priced books, or Boders. Now I just buy on Amazon. With the advent of the Kindle, it has been predicted that books will go the way of the dodo bird, and that may be true. I bought one in 2009. I read like 5 books on it the first 2 months. It is a nice product, I won't lie there. I was really excited about it. But, I don't use it much anymore. I've got about 1,000 books. Probably comes out to a ton of books. ha. They range from classical novels, to history, economics, politics, sociology, etc.. Hell I kept almost all my books from college, since I didn't have to pay for them. In history, it ranges from Greek and Roman, all the way up the modern era. I have been buying quite a few books from the Mises Institute. I can't stop. I read most all of Hemingway, and currently working on Erich Remarque. Just wherever my thoughts, lead me, there I go grabbing another book. I'm bad about reading a hundred pages, and starting another book. I wonder sometimes, when I die, "WTF is my sister going to do with all these books?" Who knows, maybe they can be donated to a library, if they even have real books then. If not, maybe the will just end up in a landfill. Anyway, don't ask to borrow any. You'll never return 'em anyway. If I like you, I'll probably just give you the damm book, and buy another copy.
If you are not much of a reader, try it sometime.
My grandma taught me how to read when I was two or three. I don't actually remember this but that is what she used to tell me. I used to read encyclopedias in the second grade, and the third grade I read most of the Greek mythology. I didn't understand it all, but Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts, Medusa, Diana, Hermes, were all pretty bad ass stories. In the sixth grade I read all kinds of Louis L'Amour. With the classic line, "the attack broke just as quickly as it had begun" I read Lord of the Flies in the 6th grade, cause it sounded like a cool story, but I didn't get as much out of it as I did in the 11th grade. My senior year in high school, they kicked me out of art. Which wasn't a big loss, I thought making clay pots was stupid as hell. I guess they thought they would punish me by making me a library aide. They were wrong. I loved it. The librarian was a little off, but a pretty nice guy I guess. He let me have like 50 books they were going to discard because they were so old. I read books mostly, and never figured out the Dewey decimal system. So what. In the Army I used to read all the technical manuals, field manuals, SMCT, and regulations for fun. For the last 10 years, I get to read technical manuals at work. They are pretty dry, but I just skip through the bullshit, and get down to the nitty gritty. They are fairly complicated, but not like programming. That shit is hard. Not my style. I started building my library about 10 years ago. I used to spend 100 a week at Barnes and Noble, or half-priced books, or Boders. Now I just buy on Amazon. With the advent of the Kindle, it has been predicted that books will go the way of the dodo bird, and that may be true. I bought one in 2009. I read like 5 books on it the first 2 months. It is a nice product, I won't lie there. I was really excited about it. But, I don't use it much anymore. I've got about 1,000 books. Probably comes out to a ton of books. ha. They range from classical novels, to history, economics, politics, sociology, etc.. Hell I kept almost all my books from college, since I didn't have to pay for them. In history, it ranges from Greek and Roman, all the way up the modern era. I have been buying quite a few books from the Mises Institute. I can't stop. I read most all of Hemingway, and currently working on Erich Remarque. Just wherever my thoughts, lead me, there I go grabbing another book. I'm bad about reading a hundred pages, and starting another book. I wonder sometimes, when I die, "WTF is my sister going to do with all these books?" Who knows, maybe they can be donated to a library, if they even have real books then. If not, maybe the will just end up in a landfill. Anyway, don't ask to borrow any. You'll never return 'em anyway. If I like you, I'll probably just give you the damm book, and buy another copy.
If you are not much of a reader, try it sometime.
Ah Hell
Dammit, Larry was right. Shouldn't be doing speed work everyday. I knew that, but hell push the limits.
Hammies were tight today, opted for 3 mile run at lunch, but at a much faster pace than my typical 10 min pace. Didn't have garmin, but prob was around 8:15, 8:30 pace.
Ran in the NB trail minimus after work, for 5 miles on the most rocky trail in Texas, Cibolo Creek. Check it out on Facebook, Cibolo Creek Running Club. The NB Trail Minimus ran like a champ. Once again, I pushed hard, averaged about 160bpm on the heart rate monitor. Not sure the pace, but pushed myself.
Read that the Army is re-vamping their PT test. Probably b/c all the douches they get coming in cain't pass it. The new test, is pussy. Read about it on the National Guard Facebook page.
Next hipster I see, I'm gonna choke 'em out.
Hammies were tight today, opted for 3 mile run at lunch, but at a much faster pace than my typical 10 min pace. Didn't have garmin, but prob was around 8:15, 8:30 pace.
Ran in the NB trail minimus after work, for 5 miles on the most rocky trail in Texas, Cibolo Creek. Check it out on Facebook, Cibolo Creek Running Club. The NB Trail Minimus ran like a champ. Once again, I pushed hard, averaged about 160bpm on the heart rate monitor. Not sure the pace, but pushed myself.
Read that the Army is re-vamping their PT test. Probably b/c all the douches they get coming in cain't pass it. The new test, is pussy. Read about it on the National Guard Facebook page.
Next hipster I see, I'm gonna choke 'em out.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Today's Training
Worked last night till 3. That sucked. Got up about 9, so went to work.
It was just peachy.
Decided to do my lunch sprints against my better judgment.
Ran 6 200 meterish sprints, should be real close to 200 meters. Averaged 33 seconds.
After work, went for some 800. They sucked ass. The high school track/field had some stuff going on, so went over to the middle school.
Ran 5 800, averaged 3:14 pace, with best at 3:05.
Little bit of an improvement over sunday at 3:23 average. This is only my first week, so will see how it goes. Hope to be motivated enough tomorrow to run some sprints at lunch. Feels pretty bad ass. I just want to big buckle at Leadville, Big enough for a Texan.
Prob shouldnt do speed work everyday, but I'm not going to listen to anybody. Tough shit, its my training, I'll do it my way. Till I blow a hammy. hhaha.
It was just peachy.
Decided to do my lunch sprints against my better judgment.
Ran 6 200 meterish sprints, should be real close to 200 meters. Averaged 33 seconds.
After work, went for some 800. They sucked ass. The high school track/field had some stuff going on, so went over to the middle school.
Ran 5 800, averaged 3:14 pace, with best at 3:05.
Little bit of an improvement over sunday at 3:23 average. This is only my first week, so will see how it goes. Hope to be motivated enough tomorrow to run some sprints at lunch. Feels pretty bad ass. I just want to big buckle at Leadville, Big enough for a Texan.
Prob shouldnt do speed work everyday, but I'm not going to listen to anybody. Tough shit, its my training, I'll do it my way. Till I blow a hammy. hhaha.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Some Updates
About 5 days after I got out of bed with the flu, I ran the Austin Marathon. Ran about 4;26 came out to about a 10:10 pace. Didn't run again till the following Thursday. Tried out the Merrell trail glove w/o socks. It's like the 5 finger, with out the 5 fingers. Rubbed blisters on both little toes, and my heels. I was not super impressed at all. I got persuaded to run the Cowtown 50k by Ganda Man. Talked with Derek Westbrook and we decided to shoot for 5 hours or so. Went to the race expo, picked up a pair of NB Road Miniumus. They ran like a dream. Had to put some tape on my ankles and toes where the blisters were from the trail glove. Derek and I were right at 2:30 at 15 miles, and it was humid as hell, so i figured that we werent going to make 5 hours, but we held on for a 5:15 finish. Derek ran a PR, i was about 11 min over my PR time. But, same as Austin ran right at 10:10 pace. Went out to RockSprings this weekend, for the Nuecues race. Was supposed to run the 50 mile. But, didn't feel it. So I stayed in bed and slept till noon. Could have done the 50K or the 25K but, blew them off also. I think I needed the rest. I typically, don't do that kind of stuff, but I am still feeling a little crap from the flu. oh well. I drove 2.5 hours so I could sleep for 13. Pretty nice.
Started my first speed work training yesterday. Ran 5 800 with a 400 recovery between. Averaged 3:23, with 3:15 being my best. Today ran 5 200 or so meter sprints. Felt okay. Also bought a george foreman grill. Going to get a little more serious about loosing some weight. At 190 now, 10 pounds down from when I had the flu. Going for 20 more, maybe by EOM April. Grill is bad ass. Also picked up a pair of NB trail minimus, havnet run much trail in them, so no reports yet.
Going to run the Prickly Pear 50K this weekend. Ran a 5:06 last year, going to try to run a 9:10 pace and come in around 4:40. That will be bad ass. So we will see.
Started my first speed work training yesterday. Ran 5 800 with a 400 recovery between. Averaged 3:23, with 3:15 being my best. Today ran 5 200 or so meter sprints. Felt okay. Also bought a george foreman grill. Going to get a little more serious about loosing some weight. At 190 now, 10 pounds down from when I had the flu. Going for 20 more, maybe by EOM April. Grill is bad ass. Also picked up a pair of NB trail minimus, havnet run much trail in them, so no reports yet.
Going to run the Prickly Pear 50K this weekend. Ran a 5:06 last year, going to try to run a 9:10 pace and come in around 4:40. That will be bad ass. So we will see.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Flu Sucks
Well I had a pretty good week. Did a 405 deadlift, and a 315 squat for 3 reps. Ran some fast interval work on the treadmill. Also did some fast runs on the road. Well fast for me, right now anyway. Ran to the gym on Friday at a 8:30 pace for 3 miles. Seemed like it should have been easier. I went in and lifted a little bit of weight, but everything hurt. So I just cruised back home. I woke up saturday morning, and kind of had the chills and sore muscles. I figured I was just tired from hitting so hard all week, so I went for a run to Starbucks, 3 miles there and 3 miles back. Had an expresso. I got home just in time to sign up for Cascade Crest 100 mile, I'm like 14 on the wait list so I should get in. It filled up in 8 minutes. I want to go run with my buddy Dmitry, it's his nemesis. He has DNF twice there, much like my two DNF at Leadville.
Cascade is the weekend after Leadville, so I probably won't go to Leadville this year. I was feeling tired, and coughing up flim so I went to sleep. Had the cold sweats, and chills all day and all night. I went to the doctor today, turns out I got the flu. So I'll be working from home tomorrow. The Doc gave me some tamiflu, so hopefully that works out. Probably will have a slow week this week regarding training, but once this flu passes, I just want to maintain. I have the Austin marathon this weekend. We will see how this goes. I havent been sick like this in like 6 or more years. I got my tonsils taken out in the second grade, so I don't get sick too often. Oh well.
Well best of luck to you and your training this week. I'll try my best also.
Cascade is the weekend after Leadville, so I probably won't go to Leadville this year. I was feeling tired, and coughing up flim so I went to sleep. Had the cold sweats, and chills all day and all night. I went to the doctor today, turns out I got the flu. So I'll be working from home tomorrow. The Doc gave me some tamiflu, so hopefully that works out. Probably will have a slow week this week regarding training, but once this flu passes, I just want to maintain. I have the Austin marathon this weekend. We will see how this goes. I havent been sick like this in like 6 or more years. I got my tonsils taken out in the second grade, so I don't get sick too often. Oh well.
Well best of luck to you and your training this week. I'll try my best also.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Goals for 2011
Well it has been some time since I blogged. I dug my self a big hole since September, drinking my ass off and not doing shit. So I paced a friend for 40 miles at RR100 this weekend. It totally kicked my ass. I haven't run more than 16 miles at a stretch (maybe 4 times total) since my DNF at Leadville back in August. However, I have managed to drink a shitload of beer and gain 20lbs (now at 200). Anywho, Saturday night was a wake up call from hell. Didn't get into Barkley, Wasatch, Hardrock, or Western. One kick in the pants after another. Must be blacklisted for that video I did this summer for a Hardrock. Who, knows. Maybe it's just bad luck.
So I've been talking things over with myself, and also my buddy Bill. Got some goals laid out I'm going to post publicly, so maybe I will have some more accountability.
NOTE: when I say 3 wheels or 4 wheels, that means 3 - 45lbs plates on each side or 4 or whatever number.
So here is what I got, before I turn 34 on 16 Nov 2011:
Bench Press 3 wheels. That's 315lbs (this will be pretty easy)
Squat 4 wheels. That's 405lbs (just did 315 yesterday, this will be easy too)
Deadlift 5 wheels. That's 495 lbs. (just did 405 today, shouldn't be too bad)
Run a 5 minute mile. (This will be freakin hard)
Run a sub 6 pace 10K. (this will suck ass too)
Run a 3:10 marathon, i.e Boston Qualifier. Planning for San Antonio Marathon 13 Nov.
25 Pullups. (I can do about 15 now if I really try, maybe)
Get down to 170 - 175 lbs range in body weight. Thats 25 to 30 lbs down from now.
Drink no more that 6 beers a week. That will be down from like 30+ a week
Okay, there it is folks. Keep me honest.
Also, updated my race schedule. I haven't signed up for Leadville or Bear, but we'll see how my running goes (been having knee isssues) before I plop down the cash. I am going to try and get into Cascade Crest this weekend, Dmitry and Naresh say they are going to try to get in, and the girl I paced this weekend. So I may have to scratch on Leadville since Cascade is the following weekend.
Signed up for a Realy for Life in New Braunfels in April. Should be fun. Here is the link to my page. Going for a 100k distance in 12 hours, but really would like to bust 3 marathons. (wishful thinking)
Also, this lady down in Corpus Christi is running around the Bay, like 65 miles. It's the last weekend in March, I'm planning on this. Should be fun.
Here is my motto for the year. It's adapted from Ludwig von Mises' motto.
Tu ne cede poena, sed contra audentior ito
It means: Do not give into pain, but proceed ever more boldly against it
So I've been talking things over with myself, and also my buddy Bill. Got some goals laid out I'm going to post publicly, so maybe I will have some more accountability.
NOTE: when I say 3 wheels or 4 wheels, that means 3 - 45lbs plates on each side or 4 or whatever number.
So here is what I got, before I turn 34 on 16 Nov 2011:
Bench Press 3 wheels. That's 315lbs (this will be pretty easy)
Squat 4 wheels. That's 405lbs (just did 315 yesterday, this will be easy too)
Deadlift 5 wheels. That's 495 lbs. (just did 405 today, shouldn't be too bad)
Run a 5 minute mile. (This will be freakin hard)
Run a sub 6 pace 10K. (this will suck ass too)
Run a 3:10 marathon, i.e Boston Qualifier. Planning for San Antonio Marathon 13 Nov.
25 Pullups. (I can do about 15 now if I really try, maybe)
Get down to 170 - 175 lbs range in body weight. Thats 25 to 30 lbs down from now.
Drink no more that 6 beers a week. That will be down from like 30+ a week
Okay, there it is folks. Keep me honest.
Also, updated my race schedule. I haven't signed up for Leadville or Bear, but we'll see how my running goes (been having knee isssues) before I plop down the cash. I am going to try and get into Cascade Crest this weekend, Dmitry and Naresh say they are going to try to get in, and the girl I paced this weekend. So I may have to scratch on Leadville since Cascade is the following weekend.
Signed up for a Realy for Life in New Braunfels in April. Should be fun. Here is the link to my page. Going for a 100k distance in 12 hours, but really would like to bust 3 marathons. (wishful thinking)
Also, this lady down in Corpus Christi is running around the Bay, like 65 miles. It's the last weekend in March, I'm planning on this. Should be fun.
Here is my motto for the year. It's adapted from Ludwig von Mises' motto.
Tu ne cede poena, sed contra audentior ito
It means: Do not give into pain, but proceed ever more boldly against it
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday
I was going to write a bunch of crap about my new years goals and all the things I would like to change this year. But, then I was like, awe fuck it. Updated my race calendar, maybe get some training in this year.
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