Friday, June 29, 2012

The Turtle Principle

  Of course it's cliche'.....we've all heard it....slow and steady wins the race....yet recently I've seen some fast turtles! They can flat get with it! This "Turtle Principle' is so true...the turtle has a destination and is stubborn in determination. She won't quit, stop, or turn....on to the goal little by little.
  Living a fulfilled life....a life that discovers the desires of the heart must follow this principle! Know where you are going! What does it take to get there? Do it!
  Today I knocked off another 9 miler of hard hills! All before the oppressive heat. We are setting all time records here! Can you say "Heat wave!" I wondered why my pace speeds are slower? Hills...heat...(old age)
  Oh well..life goes on one step at a time! Peace!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

It's bad!

 The lack of rain or drought, it is getting serious out here! Again I watch as many of my first year saplings die. Even though I water them there is nothing like rain!
  One thing I do know....it will rain again! The concern I have now is regarding fireworks usage. The country is often a gathering place for city folk during this specific holiday. As a runner I have come upon several sites where they have "celebrated" our freedom. Yes we are free to litter! Love the paradox of life!
  It is such a tinder box out here I am greatly concerned about the fire danger. I will be on edge as I hear the bombs burst in air and see the rockets red glare.
  Yesterday I got out early and ran my 9 miles. I am hitting lots of hills and so far the achilllies is holding up. I felt a little sluggish and my pace was a tad slower but that's okay...still averaged 10's. The heat is sneaky and can bite you like a Brown Recluse!
  Today is a rest day...thankfully...it's supposed to hit 102....record setting temps btw..
  Hope you are well! Peace! (praying for rain!)

Monday, June 25, 2012

Extreme run (for me)

  I decided to head for the forest today. This is a beautful area to run...along a creek with beautiful forested hills all around. The gravel road (trail) is rough and at some places smooth, steep, shaded, and very secluded!
  The degree of difficulty is raised because of the steepness of the hills and the rough trail...so 9 miles today! Very enjoyable. I got it in before the oppressive heat and only saw one car (on my road) and three people! I was very pleased with my overall pace and believe I'm on the right track with my training. Now we will see how the achilles will respond to this run. Peace!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Summer is upon us

  It is very hot and dry here. I am losing first year saplings and there is nothing I can do about it....I mulched the remaining ones and gave them some water.
  My heel is feeling strangely better?  I decided to talk a 2 mile walk with Sandy then do my run. I opted for a short run with 4 X 1/4 miles segments with a 1/4 rest. I averaged 1:56's for the quarters. This is a good pace for hills, mid-day sun and heat. I am pleased. So next week I plan on continuing to build, three 9 milers and Saturday speed! Peace!

Friday, June 22, 2012

BD run

Another year of life in the books. I don't mind getting older because it beats the only other alternative! I do enjoy life! Today I enjoyed running. My third 8 miler this week and my best pace speed, too. So I will go out and celebrate by eating some Italian, catch a movie, get some ice cream and start another year! I plan on leading, loving, and racing this next year! Hope you have a good one! Peace!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

I tried....

 Famous last words- "I tried". I've always been an adventurer! I love new places, new challenges, and new ideas. I like to give new things a try....you?
  I can't remember where I read this idea but one elite marathoner said for strength and speed training they find a hill that takes 7 minutes to run up at nearly all out pace. Well...that's hard! I have more than enough hills but 7 minutes is an eternity! I managed 3:15 on my first try before I had to pull up...however, that was the best time I ever posted coming up that hill!
  I finished my 8 mile run with my head up and my time down! So two 8 milers this week.....maybe tomorrow off and another 8 miler Friday? Maybe I should run 57 miles in honor of my birthday on Friday?......let me think about that....uh...NO!
  Hope you are well! Try something new today! Peace!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Heat taxes

 Of course this is a no brainer for a veteran runner-heat sucks the life out of you! Yet it really makes you so much stronger, if you survive! Today the temps are soaring into the 90's and humidity is high. I tried to get out early but not too successful with that :)....by mile 5 I was toasting out but held on to get my 8 miles in...it took 83 minutes so my pace was slowed but I am still feeling strong. I really need some focus and a goal because I seem to be building? Hope you are well! Peace!

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Summer stride

 Most of you know I absolutely love Summer! Maybe it's because I was born on June 22nd? Often a first full day of Summer. So today it IS Summer out here! Hot hot hot!
   I went for a 2 mile walk with Sandy then took of for a little speed play. Even though I am not training specifically for any event I think it wise to run faster occasionally.
   So one mile warm-up then a 4 X 1/4 mile with a 1/4 rest between...I was managing slightly faster than 10K even with the hills. I have realized a significant and obvious truth in regards to running.....the lighter you are the faster you go!
  I lost those 15 lbs over the Winter and it has made such a huge difference! I want to go lower!!! 3.4 miles today-25.1 this week....I am building but for what? Peace!

Friday, June 15, 2012

A Good day!

  I like to think everyday is a good day! Today I went out with a desire to run 7 miles at a decent pace....mission accomplished! I knocked off 4 miles in the low 9's! It's hot and humid and I'm lovin' it! I managed the levelest route....still dozens of rises but my feet and ankles are feeling GOOD!
  Well three quality running days in so far this week. Tomorrow will be a shorter effort. I still hope to lose 10 pounds and get as skinny as possible! Peace!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Goin' Strong

I rested yesterday by taking a 1.5 mile walk, the Achilles was barking a little. Today I put in 7 miles of the flattest venue I could find out here....my pace a bit slower today? Might be the heat but my quads were somewhat sore from the good effort Monday. I am feeling good about where my training is right now and hope to achieve my goal of breaking 4 hrs in the marathon this year. Hope all is well with you! Peace!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Had Hills

 I arrived home Sunday only to smell smoke as I stepped out of the car.....my rear drivers side wheel well was smoking! Fire!!! Fortunately it never erupted into flames but of course car trouble is a fact of life! Taking it in today, I am blessed with a friend who is an excellent mechanic.
  So, I didn't drive it yesterday and decided to run to work! 7.57 miles of hard hills! I mean there are some dandies along this course. I was pleasantly surprised with my pace having only two miles slower than 10's and most the rest in the low nines.
  I had to deal with the mindless inattentive drivers, though. Seems it's worse than it used to be? Perhaps it's related to the obsessive attachment to the cell phone we see in our world today? Regardless, I was pushed off the road several times.
  I am thankful I am able to run and enjoy the outdoors. Hope all is well with you! Peace!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Rolling Hills

I'm pushing it! I have been running well....still have a little tweak in the left foot/ankle/Achilles but I am able to run. I boogied today! I did a one mile walk with Sandy and my Grandson Alex, he went to sleep so I took off...the pace was good the whole way with some really good splits over the hills...9:20's-9:10's.
  We are enjoying our time with the family and plan on a busy afternoon! Peace!

Monday, June 4, 2012

2K hill Baby!

  Yeah, my heels and achillies are a little "there" but not in a real bad way. I am on a mission (again) to lose more weight! Let's get down to the lowest possible level!!!
  I want to break the 4 hr mark in the marathon! So today I continue the gradual increase towards beginning another training segment. I went to the bottom of 2K hill and I made it back up in great shape!!! I even notched a 9:25 last mile! So a 5 miler today with 2K up a hard hill! It's a 400ft climb over 2K so it's a toughy. Well I am excited because the family is in town and we are having fun! It is good to see my little grandson Alex! Peace!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Life on Center

 I live on Center Road. It is really a beautiful area. The road runs on a ridge in the Ozark Mtns. It winds its way to the bottom lands where Bull Creek runs. Then it ends into the national forest. I live on the ridge. We are starting our 4th year out here! My trees are coming along although it is a real challenge to keep the saplings alive....I have already lost nearly 50% of this years planting.
   I scared up a deer during my cool down walk in our back yard area, the wildlife and foliage is abundant this year...I also have a ton of hills to run on....today I tried to stay in the flatest zones and my Achilles felt much better. I thank you Anne for the info and I will look into that. So 5.1 miles today and finished the week with 24+ miles.
  So looking forward to this week! My son Jared and his family are coming up for a visit. His sweet wife Jo and our Grandson Alex!
  I get to officiate a wedding tonight. Interesting deal...I will be doing the ceremony for someone I also baptized. This phenomenon is increasing! Guess I'm gettin' older:) Peace!

Friday, June 1, 2012

What?!

  So after a day off yesterday I go for a run and the stinkin' left Achilles is yelping! What!? How in the world could this be? I guess I'll just say it's an anomaly and hope that tomorrow there is no pain or burning. I just don't get it...I only have probably 10 pounds to lose before I am skin and bones so weight isn't a factor. I guess it's the hills...I do not want to go back to treadmill training! Today 4.1 miles...I will try to keep logging at least 20 a week and shoot for 160 pounds....that's all I know to do. 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! ...