A new week

So my rebuild continues...I try to maintain my "base camp" -30 minutes a day, five days a week. Distance is not the matter right now as it will be when training priorities flip, but time on feet is an important key right now. I've two weeks in and probably will stay right here until my tendinitis is completely healed. I noticed yesterday as I put on some dress pants that I've thinned a little! I do have a few pounds to lose and even at this low level of training some fat is disappearing! So a little positive in all the darkness I've been experiencing!
43 minutes today, felt good.....if you're racing enjoy! I miss it! Hope to be able to run one before Summer is out...Peace!

I'm still strange to most people!

My neighbor asked if I was getting ready to run as I happened across his path this afternoon...he was getting his mail..."nope, just finished," i said as the sweat dripped from every pore possible......I knew what he was thinking..."Wow...what a nut!" Man, the heat is wonderful! I've run and thrived in it for 30+ summers....I believe if you are smart you will definitely be a much skinnier and stronger runner if you can/will run in the heat.
Wear a white hat, be very hydrated...(this is a way of life, hydration that is)...start slow, go easy, you will adapt!! Then wait 'til Fall rolls around! You will be Superman or Superwoman!!
Today was my long run (LOL) 4.58 miles, the heel/ankle feels good! I will take it one day at a time but this week I put 15 miles on it and it's feelin' fine!! Happy weekend!! Peace!

Don't Push Me!!

My Achilles tendon is yelling at me!! I have run four days in a row and each day I have felt very well. The tendon still has some inflammation, I guess, it feels like it is burning when I over do, and after today's 30 minutes I notice a slight burn and stiffness.
I have to be careful to not push the tendon or ankle....I mean I really did a number on this puppy back in November! This is in no way a set back but I am not at 100% by any means. I will run once more this week, Saturday, and hope to see the ankle-tendon continuing to improve.
I am just now beginning to establish a base camp. If I can keep on I expect to begin increasing in a few weeks. Having some good friends over...hope we can get our minds off of the recent life changing event. I seem to be getting better faster than Sandy, but that is to be expected, this issue is hitting very close to her heart.
Hope you all are running and training well. I'm itching to race! Peace!

Summer, Reptiles, and Roadkill

As you probably have heard...I love Summer!! Although technically it is still Spring the temps seem so Summer like. Two negatives about Summer in the Ozarks but not deal breakers; Copperheads and roadkill. You know...roadkill really stinks! I had to run through a roadkill scene today. A poor Armadillo was massacred by someones vehicle. The Buzzards love it but man Oh man does it stink!! Whew! So bad you can taste it...yuck!
The snakes are sneaky and numerous. You really have to be observant or else you'll get a nice scare. Unless you like snakes? Especially the poisonous kind? Saw a green snake that didn't make it across the road and spied a couple of others along the road. The creeks are full of 'em. They do serve a viable service in the scheme of things, but....
Anyway...30 minutes of hard effort today. I took every hill and finished with two minutes of sub 7 min mile pace! I really need to continue to be careful and cautious with the foot, but it is feeling better...Peace!

T-Storms and a Pre-me?

Spring thunderstorms are popping up all over! Believe it or not I had great difficulty getting my 30 in today! I had to wait for a storm to get by, then I received a call from a person that considers me their Pastor but lives out of town and she'd given birth to her son but she was only 25 weeks along! She really wanted me to come see her and pray with her so I did. The baby weights 1.9lbs and is 13 inches long. I got to go in and see the baby. Amazing! They gave little Matthew a 1 in 20 chance of making it and so far he is doing well!
I got home...the phone rang.....then I finally got out the door....another t-storm moving in....so I ran up and down the lane in case the lightning and rain started...I made it!!!! 30 minutes!
I don't want to get to excited but my foot is feeling great! Peace!!

Running and Mountain Climbing

Did you hear about the 13 year old kid that made it to the top of Mt Everest? Pretty amazing feat! Certainly he had much logistical help and support yet he needed the want to and inner drive to do the work.
Running is very much like Mountain climbing! Here is a thought about one of the similarities:
Climbers have base camps, right? Runners need base miles. As climbers make the ascent they'll establish other base camps, so do runners...example; 12 miles a week base-20 miles a week base-then the summit!
I am trying to establish the first base camp! I have one week down! Pathetic! However, I am committed to not fall into injury again so I will be patient! I've been on this climb before, yet breaking the four hour mark in the marathon seems a long way up right now.
30 minutes of running in the 85 degree weather. Peace!

Long run, Huh?

Today I covered 3.65 miles! That is my long run! That really is kinda funny and sad at the same time. But I am at least able to run w/o any pain! I am trying so hard to get back to a solid base so I could begin marathon training. It isn't looking to good for a marathon this year, though. It all depends on the ankle and heel.
I will go one more week with 30 minutes a run, trying for five runs. I had a great round of golf yesterday. I was looking at carding another sub 80 but # 17 got me for a triple Bogey! Ugh! Finished with an 81.
My game is as good as it's ever been, I'm playing with tons of confidence. I hope my running game comes back as good. Peace!

The Letter

So, when I was 12 years old the guy that wrote this song moved into our neighborhood. His name is Wayne Carson. All the girls were ga ga over him! They'd stand out in front of his house singing this song!! He'd speed up and down our street on his Harley with his buddies. Eventually he moved away but the memories are vivid! Today I mailed a letter. I sure hope it carries the emotion I felt as I was writing. Letters can carry great weight and impact. I hope this one does.... Today was a good day on the roads! 30 minutes for the third time this week. I may not run tomorrow as I might go golfing! I always carry my bag when I go for the sake of exercise but also I feel closer to the game. Hope all is well with you! Peace!

Running and the Woodpecker

Well my youngest son has gone back to college town. He has to hold onto his job over the Summer, I'm proud of him as he's making great grades and holding down a nearly full time job. We will miss him!!
Today we are expecting drenching rains. I got out early, the sky overcast, nary a breeze, sound travels far and seems to be magnified in these conditions. The most dominate sound was of a Woodpecker! He was hammering away on some distance deciduous delectable.
I am now at a plateau point. I am going to "try" to run five times a week for 30 minutes a pop. I am allowing the heel and foot to mend as I have gradually increased stress.
As I made the turn for home I heard another Woodpecker! Hammering with incredible speed for the prize! I likened this to running. We know where the reward is....we work hard for it...sometimes we are rewarded, sometimes the prey escapes, yet we do not quit! Ever hunting and hungering! One other observation: He's not satisfied if he does find satisfaction...there is always that ever recurring hunger...just like a runner....hungering for a PR, to break a barrier.
Yep...runners are like woodpeckers! 30 minutes of good effort...Peace!

Count the blessings

Yep, must remember to count up the blessings! Today I was able to run....somewhat....I'm continuing the building process. I managed thirty minutes today with some extended running time with brief respites of walking. I still believe I will come out on the other end...the lean mean running machine I see in my mind. Hey, congratulations to Marlene!! She broke the 4 hr barrier in the marathon. I think this is a great accomplishment and inspiration! Way to go friend!!
Sandy and I are still on this emotional roller coaster dealing with a devastating family issue...it has been good to have my College boy in town. He and his girlfriend are going out with us for dinner tonight. Looking forward to it....peace!

Life is full of surprises!!

I have to say I do love life. Regardless of the troubles, trials, set backs, sudden changes, life is still a joy! Today I am really excited because my youngest son is coming home from College for a surprise visit today!! Sandy doesn't know about it...hee hee...He's finished his Junior year with excellent results but has to stay down there in order to keep his job. I asked him if he could come home for his Mama's sake and he made it possible. So I have to keep this secret!
A really nice day with steady rain and/or drizzle. I've increased my running time to 29 minutes and I am excited about my gradual recovery! I am thankful for my blogging friends, you all are awesome!! Peace!

Persistent

Have you ever known a persistent person? Someone who never lets up until they have reached a goal or gotten their way? You? Runners are persistent! We deal with naysayers and a multitude of other detractions. Yet, we make it so often to the finish line! It takes focus, guts, drive, smarts, humility, and patience...never giving up!!
I often wonder what it's like to give up!? I can't really think of anything in my life that I've quit! Even a job....or a friendship....in my mind I persisted in a proper way.
Now, after years of injury free running there is a negative persistence the dreaded injury! I am healing but man is it taking a long time! I managed 28 minutes today. The last three days I have been overwhelmed with an issue....not able to disclose....it is like a dagger to my heart and I am dealing for the first time in my life with what I think is depression. I'd like to quit everything sometimes! But I'm still me....never been a quitter and I cannot start now! Peace

Roller Coaster Ride

Silver Dollar City is a huge amusement park nearby. They have several roller Coasters. One is called "Fire in the Hole!" I remember riding that ride and it breaking down half way through making us walk out of the ride. Very interesting and exciting! That's how we are feeling as we go through this time in our lives.....even the roller coaster has broken down!We each will go through troubles, it is good to have someone with you...

I finished out the week with a short, brisk walk with my Sweetheart, talking and helping each other think this through.

This has been the best week for exercise I've had in some time and I am thankful my body is responding. I had five days of walking/jogging/running!

Maybe next week the pattern will continue and the ride will get fixed! Peace!

Sicko!

Any of you ever get nasty comments written in Mandarin? I have a translate page and some of these comments are pure D nastiness. Some are genuine but it's a shame someone has to come to a decent page and put that stuff out there, o well....there are sickos everywhere!
I am really running this week..possibly over doing as I have the tendency to do but I want to at least try...the heel and foot actually felt good again but I know I am pushing the envelope...
27 minutes on the road....having times of peace as the storm keeps raging...hope you all are well. Peace!

Day Three-

Life moves on....today I logged 26 minutes on the road. I actually felt very good and at one time it felt like the old days; when I felt effortless as I flew along the roads knocking off 7':30s, alas it was short lived. Foot feelin' good!!!!
Sandy and I and the other hurting parties are being surrounded by love at this time. We see each day as new and filled with hope even though our hearts are shattered. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, I appreciate you all. Peace!

Life is tough

I never did post Monday's run of 24 minutes, it went well. Today I went for 25 minutes and I am still feeling quite well. The heel and ankle problems seem to diminish ever so slightly every day.
I wonder if a person could ask for their fellow Bloggers to say a prayer for them....me and my Sweet heart are going through the most devastating situation a person could imagine. Our lives, and those very close to us, have changed for ever and we are weeping like we never have...at least we have each other...it is not a death in the family but seems almost worse....I wish I could tell you but it wouldn't be proper....bottom line....life (at times) is tough...peace....