Still pluggin'

I continue my adventure with the hill repeats. 9 of 'em today on my nearly 1/10th 12% grade hill. The Garmin battery died but I'm sure I managed a little over half an hour all in all. Bad weather moving in....it is Winter after all! Looks like ice, snow, sleet, rain....I wish I hadn't burned up my treadmill!
Off to Branson....must go to a conference. Peace!

Leadership

I'm big on leadership. Servant leadership that is....it functions quite well in the world and brings great results. One of the axioms that must be remembered in order be an excellent leader is this one: "Face the brutal reality" What that means is simple-be honest! Truly assess the reality of each and every situation and circumstance. Establish where you stand, how you react, what's your impulse, involvement, blind side? Too many people are living encased in a make believe world! Breakout and live to your fullest!
Enough preaching.....I've faced my brutal reality today! I've been a slacker runner! I have been lazy and wimpish. Today I ran again!! Three days this week! Every other day as I've planned, with hill repeats each time! I feel good! The brutal reality is how will I exist? Brave or beaten? Courageous or cowardly! I choose to take charge and lead!
5 repeats today! Peace-best of luck to Meg and BS in their marathon!!

Feel the Burn, Baby!

Today the weather changed!!!! Yesterday it was 60 and sunny...I rested, today 40 and blustery...I ran. So I do an easy warm-up of around 15 minutes, I start feeling the "fat burn" evidence that I've been laying off exercise and laying on the pounds! I'm happy! A good sign! So I hit the hill repeats again! 7 of them and I jogged back down on each one. Here's what I'm doing...burning more calories in less time! I am sucking air but lovin' it! Maybe I'll be back to a regular course of training, soon? I seriously doubt I can be race ready very soon but if I can JUST KEEP on the very other day pattern!!!
Well, much to do today, The African Choir is in town, also, I hear through the faith based grapevine that several Haitian orphans may be making their way to Springfield. Sandy and I have been talking......Peace!!

What are you..out of your mind?

So I ran 12 hill repeats today!!! That is really stupid! I'm so out of condition and have virtually no miles since the marathon in November, and I opted for a 485 foot long 12% grade 10 times with two climbs twice as long. I really feel like I got a work out, though!
It took 31 minutes and I walked down on most of them....I will tell you I haven't sucked air like this in a long time......could it be I am needing to blow the cob webs out?
Funny.....even in the doldrums you all haven't given up on me! I even had someone start following as recently as yesterday....they believe in me! I will tell you the struggle with running like I used to; and the reality of now, is very difficult to accept. I am older. My body is just not responding like it used to, I am not complaining for I rejoice that I am able to run in any manner, it is just the hard truth. When 8's were an easy training pace now they are an elusive HM pace!
Such is the way of life....on another note Sandy and I will be hosting some folks from Uganda this Thursday night. The Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda will be performing at OHC (the church I Pastor) it's going to be BIG!!! OHC is also blessed to have been supporting a Missionary in Haiti, we have been hearing from them and we will be sending some resources soon. Peace, all!

AHHHH...

A break from the cold!!!! These nice days have made it easier to get out the door. Thanks, friends, for the words of encouragement. I ran another 30 minutes today. I continue to try to rebound mentally, and think I'm progressing.
My goal still remains every other day running. We will see. I've not done well lately. Today was different, cleaned the garage from all the nasty road residue...salt, etc, and felt the call to run! I'm taking Lindsy's advice and I'm realizing how good I feel right now! Peace!!

Doldrums

Well, I am struggling. It has been very difficult getting out the door for a run. Yes, I can list 18 excuses but I've always overcome them before?! I'm just in the doldrums. Here are some truths in regards to my current reality:
1) Too much "rest" is weakening me in body and spirit!
2) I am losing fitness as fast as the Polar ice cap is ice.
3) I want to run but find my resolve is weakened like a termite infested board.
4) I've been through this before.
5) I'm pretty sure I'll come out of the doldrums.
6) I've been pickin' the banjo a bunch!
Needless to say...don't give up on me friends!! I'm still reading your blogs and pulling for you. Today I forcefully decided I would run! 30 minutes of it and I felt pretty good! Peace!

In My Underwear!!

Catchy title, huh? But it's true! I ran in my underwear today-3 degrees with a -20 wind chill. Okay! I had my long john pants on outside my tights. I have searched for a metaphor to illustrate the intensity of the cold but to no avail...it is nearly brutal. The wind actually tries to take the fun out of the run! However, I made it fine and actually feel pretty good about myself! I am staying on track and hope to be race ready by 3/27. There's a very nice HM in Springfield on that date. I ran a 1:55+ last year and I'm sure I can beat that time.
Well, here's hoping you are well and that the southern breezes will come again....soon!
Totals-3.01 miles-Peace!