Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Summer!!

Oh Yes!!! I am so happy! Summer time weather is here!! We will be at or near 90 all week for the highs! It makes for such easy running! I love it!!! Managed 40 minutes today. I am trying to increase the time variable right now with speed work following on down the road.  I may not be able to run tomorrow as I am considering a trip to Joplin. Hope all is well with you! Peace!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Appreciation...

Funny.....today as I was out running a guy hollered at me.."Happy Memorial day!"  I thought it was nice he wanted me to be happy...and happy I was as I enjoyed our Summer-like temps! I really got happy when I passed by a large group of people celebrating the holiday in their yard.....a kid yelled at me and all he said was "it's a Runner!" I felt really good about his comment because kids tell it like they see it and he saw me as a Runner! My pace was only in the 9's so really nothing to write home about.
   I truly do appreciate our Veterans and those who gave their lives for our freedom. You are not forgotten!!
 I also have a renewed appreciation for life! After my time in Joplin ( I am prob going back Wednesday) I realize that everything can be blow to smithereens-SMITHEREENS : fragments, bits (the house was blown to smithereens by the explosion). So true! The houses were blown to smithereens! People had written signs that said "God saved us" "Looters will be shot" "Put down the camera and pick up m a shovel"
  What's amazing is that people survived through this F5 Vortex tornado! Yet all did not survive. I spoke with a man that told me of his experience the night of the twister, he said he hasn't been able to sleep because every time he closes his eyes he sees the carnage.
  So I appreciate this day! I am glad I could run, even when that car load of punks heckled me....I just smile, love, and go on! 80 minutes of running today!!! Peace!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Off to Serve

One part of me doesn't want to go to Joplin.....I don't want to see the destruction, heartache, reality, it's easier to ignore and say so sad, too bad and go on with my little life...such is that selfish side of mankind, yet another part of me wants to give anything I can to help those who are hurting, to try to be a blessing, to help, to be source of encouragement to those who have been hurt. To take love to them in the form of hard work and involvement. So we are off to Joplin in the morning. OHC, the church I Pastor will take a team to begin debris clean-up and also some recovery, I am suddenly in a quandary! The Southern Baptist Convention is actually the third largest Disaster relief agency in the country, and I am trained as a Chaplain (on the job ice storm 2007, btw the guy who trained me was the lead Chaplain at the Oklahoma city bombing), they are needing Chaplains and I have been called....so decisions! I'm leaning on sticking with my folks for now and seeing where the need is.....
  Well I did manage to run yesterday and today at least 30 min both days! Tomorrow is out so I won't get the 6 days in this week....but it's not about ME!! Peace!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tornado

 Well, we have experienced a terrible event here in SW Mo.. The city of Joplin, which is about 80 miles from here, was hit by a deadly, horrific tornado, 3/4 mile wide 7 mile long path of destruction (EF4). So far 117 people have perished. The scenes are indescribable, and the emotions unbearable....our church is mobilizing with hundreds of others to go help with clean-up, yet the bad weather is making the progress difficult. Even now more severe weather is forming to the West and the potential for deadly storms is high.
  It is heart wrenching to see your neighbors suffering like this, you so want to help, but we must let the experts and authorities direct the proceedings. God willing we will be able to get there this Thursday with chain saws, strong backs, water, and hope! After all that is all we have....some of the stories coming out of the storm are emotionally wrenching, seeing a childs body covered by a tarp with a doll next to her...we cried like babies...., hearing of a graduating senior being torn right out of his truck......
  I hope my son Evan will go with me...life must always be kept in perspective! So fragile, so precious.
 I had to do a tread-mill run yesterday because it was constant lightning all day! Today I was able to go outside but it's still ominous....30 min yesterday, 34 today...Peace!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Week end

So my little plan of running every day but Sundays is still in existence! I haven't found myself failing on this plan....seems my running has been real messed up over the last year and a half. I remember busting my butt on hills, week in and week out, and I will tell you that really made a difference in my strength and speed! I believe in hills, but then I feel off and lost all of it!
  I'm in a real inconsistent funk right now. Maybe Summer will help? I put in 22.37 miles this week. That's the most in a long time....sad...but the feet, heel, legs, all feel pretty good. I think I ought to be able to continue with this plan....just keep running every day! At least 30 minutes. Yesterday I did 36 minutes, today I did 32 minutes....tomorrow I will rest (maybe....I'm getting greedy) then the streak will start again. Hope your running is going good! Peace!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Better than nothing?

Well at least I'm running....my pace speed is terrible and alarmingly slow? Seems I get slower everyday? The hope of breaking four hours in the marathon sure seems distant in my mind right now. I'd sure like to achieve that accomplishment. I think my problem has something to do with carrying too much extra weight. I know, I know, people say, "you don't need to lose weight!" Yet I remember when I ran best I was gaunt and thin....so I'm working at it....I ran 40 minutes today and ate about 60% of norm today. I am getting serious about this....please hold on Mark!! One of the foundational principles in being successful according to Coach Wooden is being "industrious". It means to work hard. I'm a believer in hard work. Regardless of the outcome if you did your best you will be satisfied! Peace!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Daily running...

I felt creaky and tight today. I don't really stretch so yesterdays pick-ups had me a little sore. I just took it easy and cranked out 30 wonderful minutes of running bliss! Sure is a great way to rest! Hope you are well! Peace!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Some pick-ups

So, to me, running is more than one pace, it is often times of speed! So with the wonderful weather today, I decided to run a little longer and faster. I did 7X1min @ half marathon pace. Felt good....man I want to run far again. I need to be patient and keep this pattern going. I expect to be able to run far and faster again! Hope all is well with you! 32 min. today!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Graduation....

I have been able to keep the running going even through all the festivities this last weekend.
Maintaining my 30 minutes a day except for Sundays. The college boy is home....laying around...? Hope he gets a job...:) He's planning on moving back down to AR in a couple of weeks with hopes of employment down there...
  A big congrats to my friend Marlene for her recent BQ. Well done!!!!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Improvement

 Found a little strength today. My 30 minutes today felt good, easy, and a little faster, too. I sure hope to be able to keep my everyday pattern. I will be going to Evan's graduation Saturday. The youngest son is graduating college! Now he needs a job!
  I hope to get 30 minutes sometime Saturday. 32 minutes today! Peace

Monday, May 9, 2011

Record setting!

We set a record with our high temp today, 89 degrees! I loved it! Running felt so good, the ability to warm up quickly, sweat profusely, makes running in the heat a joy for me! Looks like we may have one more day of the heat then some more rain....much  needed for the babies(trees).
   30 minutes! Peace

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Saturday!

 A beautiful day!! Practically perfect!! I managed 4+ miles today and I did run 30 minutes yesterday, so I have gotten back to my running plan. Run at least 30 minutes every day but Sunday. I actually had some fun with my running today, I ran some hills and trails around the house. Hope you have a great evening and happy Mothers day!!
 Peace!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Still sloggin'

   I will not quit! I will run! I must run!! It is essential for my well being! Three days in a row and feeling fine! I hope to try to show some restraint and eliminate some calories every day. 10 pounds off is what I need! 30 minutes...peace!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

A Little Faster

Okay, two in a row....I ran a little faster. I've been showing good restraint when it comes to eating! Remember the day when you could eat as much as you wanted and more?! Buffet here I come!! The blessing of running! Well when you get older it doesn't quite work that way anymore. It seems the fat doesn't burn off as easily?! So I must watch it...a little...
  Ah, warmer weather, makes for nice running. 30 minutes....Peace! Btw...planted 50 more trees! I will post a pic or two soon...they are really growing well this year.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Restart # 12567

Seems to be the story of my running life.....go good...hit a bump.....go good.....hit a pot hole.....go good.....get sick......go good....my ability to stay consistent has been poor! I am back though for now. Resumed running every day today. Here's what happened; I got sick! A nasty creeping crud crawled up in me and took up residence, then we went on vacation and I was still not 100% so I took it easy. We were in Tennessee when those terrible tornadoes broke out. Really scary for a while! Hope you are well! Peace!

Sauna

      This is the most wonderful time of year! I love the heat and humidity! Yet I still get out earlier due to my advanced age! 4.4 miles! ...