Chasing 3 Hours: The Need to Blog

Chasing 3 Hours: The Need to Blog: It has been a long time between blog posts.  I have not had much to write about, running-wise, so I went silent.  I missed writing my blog,...

The Need to Blog

It has been a long time between blog posts.  I have not had much to write about, running-wise, so I went silent.  I missed writing my blog, so here I am.  I've been posting pretty consistently for about 6 years and I think I will continue to write, even if no one reads them.  They are a wonderful reference for my running plans and I really enjoy looking back on some of the older posts.  Did I really run that many miles?  Wow, that was a pretty speedy 5K I ran back in 2012!  Good stuff and better memories.  Plus, I actually heard from a few of you, telling me they were missing my posts. 

 

I still don't have a lot to talk about in regards to my running.  Maintaining a base of 35 to 45 miles per week.  Throwing in some quality here and there and kinda thinking that I can get back into sub 1:30 half marathon shape by the time the Winter Carnival Half rolls around in January.  I go out on Sunday's and see how far I can run in 90 minutes.  I am getting close to 12 miles, so I am not too far away.  Looking for inspiration where I can, but really just enjoying my running and taking it one day at a time.

 

Lost a running friend this week.  I met Keith Ainsworth about 7 years ago while I was working at the Running Room and leading the Wednesday night run club.  We have ran together almost every Wednesday for those seven years, until pancreatic cancer slowed our runs to walks and those walks eventually ended last Tuesday.  Through 5 plus years of chemo, Keith rarely missed a run, never complained and never felt sorry for himself.  He handled his illness with grace, dignity and courage.  What an inspiration; the true meaning of perseverance.  Our Wednesday runs will never be the same.  RIP Keith.

Best,
Rick

What I Did Over my Summer Vacation

First off, let me tell what I didn't do over my summer vacation.  I did no competitive racing.  I had a couple of decent races very early summer, mainly off the fumes of my Boston training, then realized during the MDRA 15k that 30 miles per week of jogging and racing do not mix.  Really hit home today when I passed on the Victory 10k after 7 years in a row.

So, what did I do?

• I became quite good at reading and interpreting the Daily Racing Form.  I am a long way from making any money as a handicapper, but am currently a "break-even" sort!
• Went on a wonderful road trip to Montana with my (no kids) and rediscovered how much in love I still am with Kristen.  Nice to know that after 25 years we still have so much to talk about and enjoy each other's company.
• I got a colonoscopy; they are always fun.  The narcotics and muscle relaxants were worth the price of admission and finding out you don't have colon cancer is a plus.  
• I wanted to be able to list the fact that my yard was finally back in shape, but that didn't happen.  I did make an honest effort through June, but even with the extra time, I realized I just can't make myself do things I hate. How bad is it?  All I need is to add a broken down appliance and rusted out pick up truck to complete the "look." Looking forward to the day when we move into a condo!  I've been mowing the yard for most of the past 45 years and it has lost its charm!
• I have a new job title.  Business Intelligence Manager.  Enough said.
• I got new glasses.  Not a radical change. It was the same week as my colonoscopy.  I pretty much did all the health maintenance stuff in a week off this summer.  Eyes, teeth, complete physical.  Turns out I am okay.  
• I gained 12 pounds.  Yeah, I know, it doesn't show.
• Bought a pair of running shoes that weigh more than 8 oz.  I was feeling old and the extra cushion of some Brooks Ghosts was a welcome relief.
• I ran a 5k race that was almost 3 minutes slower than my current PR and the world didn't come to an end.  Turns out it's not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things.
• Discovered that 55 is a pretty good age.  I may have to work a little harder to get less than stellar results, but I think I am up for the challenge.

Now time to stop looking back and plan forward for the next "great" running or non-running adventure.

Rick

Chasing 3 Hours: Hitting the Reset Button

Chasing 3 Hours: Hitting the Reset Button: I think this is the second time I have had a blog post with this title, but this  time, I will be literally and figuratively hitting that bu...

Hitting the Reset Button

I think this is the second time I have had a blog post with this title, but this  time, I will be literally and figuratively hitting that button.  In about 9 days I will be entering a new age-group.  What better time to kick off a new phase of running and to reset my Garmin, wiping all the PR's that I have accumulated over the past few years?  Besides a marathon PR from 2 years ago is no longer a PR, it's hanging on to the past.  What fun will it be to wipe the slate clean and have my Garmin congratulating me on a regulars basis, "longest run!" "Fastest 5K!"  My July mile race will be a PR, the Torchlight 5K will be a PR.  I can't wait to turn 55!

Speaking of age groups, I raced the Brian Kraft 5K on Monday, my last race in the 50-54 AG.  Pretty happy with the result of 18:47, considering how little running I have been doing.  However, I am back to running 5 days per week, still at pretty minimal mileage.  The plan is to focus on some quality running and perform well at the Richard Hoska Mile and the Torchlight 5K.  From there I can turn my attention to the TC 10 Mile!

Chasing 3 Hours: It's Been Awhile

Chasing 3 Hours: It's Been Awhile: I haven't posted a blog since Boston.  In fact, I have done very little related to running since Boston.  No work-outs, no long runs, no...

It's Been Awhile

I haven't posted a blog since Boston.  In fact, I have done very little related to running since Boston.  No work-outs, no long runs, no writing about running, no talking about running.  Going for a run only when I felt like it, which wasn't very often.  It's been over 5 weeks and it feels right.  Sleeping in, being lazy, undisciplined, you know, normal.  Like I said, it feels right.  Normal.  Getting caught up on my long neglected yard.  Doing tasks around the house.  Heck, I just spent a Saturday, decluttering.  Seeing all the accumulated stuff in our basement (mostly kid-related) reminded me of a different time in my life.  A time when running was "just a simple hobby, a distraction."  Biding my time until the urge to set a goal returns.  Until that drive to start getting up at 0-dark thirty returns.  Or maybe it won't.  I think I am okay either way.  The fact I am writing a blog about running is telling.  Perhaps I am more ready than even know. Bottom line, not going to force it.  The way I look at it, I have 20 years or so, of  "quality" running left in these bones.  Marathon runs, 5k races, runs with friends, trail runs, runs in exotic places, wintery/snowy runs, hot/humid runs, accompanying folks on their "longest run ever," long runs with my daughter and everything in between.  It will all come back in due time