If there is any confusion....

I am now located at Recast in Iron. You can find all my blog postings at that site :)

See you there!!

Recast In Iron

So, I've reached a major decision in my life. I've talked about it a few times on this blog. I've even chronicled some of my timid beginnings. But, now I am officially committed to it. I've told my wife ;)

What I plan to do is complete a Full Ironman in 2010. Yep, that's it. I will race an Ironman. I will continue my running journey. But, now I've added two more sports to my plate and I will only be updating my new Ironman blog. Tell your friends....join me on another journey!!

Without further ado:

i*ron man (also i*ron*man)
noun
(esp. in sporting contexts) an exceptionally strong or robust man.

• [often as adj.] a multi-event sporting context demanding, in particular a consecutive triathlon of swimming, cycling, and running.

My life is changed. I conquered the marathon last year. This fall, I will do so again. I am no longer defined by what I cannot do. I am defined by what I can.

My journey is not over. I will continue to be more than I think I can be. I will embrace my desire to overcome.

I will be an Ironman. I will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles in one day. I will triumph over my fear.

I will retool my body and mind to accept and welcome the pain of extreme endurance. It will take time. But, I will persevere. I will persist. I will continue.

Transformed. Altered. Remade.

I will be Recast In Iron.

2008 Flying Pig Half-Mary Race Report

What a great race!!!

Cincinnati does a great job. This race actually reminded me of the Richmond Marathon. The people were incredibly friendly and the runners were great. We had a great time.

The race itself was great as well. The weather was perfect. Cool, clear blue skies. The course was wonderful. There are some hills, but nothing that was overwhelming. The hills in the Charlottesville Ten-Miler were worse than the ones in this race.

A few things stick out that I wanted to mention:

• Around mile 2, the race crosses a bridge into Kentucky. The bridge is one of these big arch bridges, which was pretty cool. But, what was really great was that the wind was whipping through the steel girders that support the bridge which somehow caused the wind to whistle as it traveled through the bridge. It actually sounded like an Enya song. How cool!!
• At mile 5, right before the start of the hills, the race went through a part of town that was mobbed with screaming spectators. It was GREAT!!!! If there was ever a time I felt like a superhero it was then :)
• Miles 5-8 were nothing but hills. They were long and the grade was a little steep, but like I said, nothing impossible. At the top of the last hill, Elvis was on hand to sing a version of Bridge over Troubled Water to us.
• Around mile 9 or 10, the race goes down a huge hill....it lasts for like a mile (at least it felt like it). I think I like running up hills rather than running down them. It sounds counterintuitive, but man, downhill running jostles your legs a bit.
• The finish line, as always, is great. It was packed. There must have been like 3 or 4 thousand people there.
  

I would absolutely recommend this race to anyone. It was really one of the better experiences I've had while racing. Oh, and one more thing, I ran it in under 2 hours. Official time 1:58:32. I got my pig butt!! Woot!

Thanks to Steph's sister and her fiancee for putting us up while we were there. Also, thanks to her friends for driving them around to the different spectator locations to see me. Thanks everyone :)

Later!!

Weight: 155lbs
Exercise:Running 13.1 miles
Weather:Beautiful weather

2008 Flying Pig

Steph and I leave today for the 2008 Flying Pig Half Marathon. Woohoo!!!

It looks like I'll be the only representative from our family who will run it. Steph decided she doesn't want to try the hills (I can't blame her). Anyway, we'll spend the weekend with her sister and then return on Sunday after the race.

See you soon!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Weight Training
Weather:Overcast, warm

Jason Becoming Ironman (T minus 2 years)

I don't know who this guy is, but, damn, I want to go do one right now :)

Yoga?

So as I go to my second Yoga class tomorrow, I was wondering what other folks felt about Yoga and its ability to help with your running?

Any comments are appreciated :)

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles, Swimming
Weather:Cool, overcast.

Swims like a Rock

That's my new Native-American name. So, I had my swim clinic today. Apparently, I'm not that bad of a swimmer from my waist up. My problem is that my butt wants to sink. And, according to my instructor, it's because I'm not kicking correctly.

It seems that you are supposed to kick with your hips, which then forces your upper body up, which then allows me to turn my head and breathe like I should. It also will keep me from wearing myself out. Right now, when I swim, I lose my breath pretty quickly and it's because my arms and shoulders are pulling all of my weight. My instructor tells me that once I solve my kicking problem, I'll be able to swim with less effort and for longer periods.

So, I got two drills that I'm supposed to work on that will help me keep my butt up. Ok, if you read that sentence out of context......ok...nevermind. Anyway, I'll be doing that for the next few weeks as well as attempting to normal swims.

I ran 3 miles today and also weight trained. Tomorrow is 3 miles and my swim drills. Joy.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles, Weigh training, swimming
Weather:Cold, overcast.

What a weekend!!

My legs are going to fall off :)

I ended up going to the gym on Friday for my normal weight training, which was great. It was what happened later that tired me out so much. Earlier in the week, I decided to be proactive about my hamstring problem (as well as just stretching in general) and took my first yoga class. It was at 9am after my workout. All I can say is WOW!!!!!

Yoga is all that.

Yeah.

It is.

I'll be going back this Friday and then I start a beginner's cohort. I think it'll really help with my flexibility.

After my class, I then decided to go for a bike ride. Mind you, Fridays are usually rest days for my legs. I ended up riding 15 miles. Then, on Saturday Steph and I did a 6 mile run.

Whew!!!!! I'm surprised I made it :)

I did 3 miles and weight training on Monday and will do 3 miles and weight training tomorrow. In addition, I have a swim clinic tomorrow evening (where I'll learn once again that I have the swimming capability of a rock).

Cheers!!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Lots :)
Weather:Beautiful

3 more miles

Got three miles in today and it felt great. My leg almost feels like it did before I injured it. Whew!!! I get so worked up about racing and adding the injury made me a tad more nervous than usual, but I think I'll finish the half just fine.

Steph and I are staying with her sister who lives in Cinci. There's a story here, so hang on :)

My decision to begin training for a marathon was influenced indirectly by Steph's sister. We visited her in May of last year and, while there, I read an article in her local paper about the Flying Pig Marathon. I can remember the article pretty vividly. In fact, I can remember where and when I read it, which for me is amazing as I can't even remember what I had for breakfast.

Anyway, the article was about this woman who decided to run the Flying Pig as her first marathon. She was a twin and her and her sister were both going to run it. I think the sister had already run it once before. It was pretty inspiring and I decided that I should consider doing it. Well, I'm not running the marathon, but I'll conquer the Flying Pig Half next month thanks to Steph's sister. If we hadn't visited her, I may not have gotten the marathon bug at all :)

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles
Weather: Beautiful

Mucho Better

My leg is better today. Maybe the swimming helped? Got me. But, nonetheless, it feels much better. I lifted and ran 3 miles today. The 3 miles felt good. I still notice the tightness in my hamstring, but I was able to complete the 3 with no problems. I may do 3 again tomorrow and then no run on Friday. I'll swim again and then lift on Friday.

I agree with Andrew on getting some lessons, so I contacted a few folks around town. We'll see what happens.

Cheers!!

Weight:158 lbs
Exercise:Weight training, Running 3 miles
Weather:Beautiful

Finding Jason

So I felt like Nemo today.

I did my first swim. It stunk!!!! I think I am meant to only exercise on land. Nevertheless, I got through it :) I intended just to do some drills that I picked up from my Triathlon 101 book. It worked out about as good as I could expect I guess.

However, I can't even swim a lap without some problem with my breathing. I want to hold my breath when I'm under. The problem is, when you swim, you can't do that. You're supposed to exhale and then come up for a breath.....yeah that doesn't work out so well for me ;)

So I'll be giving it another shot on Thursday. We'll see what happens.

I just ran a mile yesterday as my leg was sore. I think I pushed it a little too hard on Sat. We'll see what I run tomorrow. Probably just 1-2 miles. I really want to be in good shape when I do the Cinci race. BTW, do you know the medal for that race is a pig butt? Ha!!!!



Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Swimming
Weather:Beautiful

Long Run

Steph and I put in 6 miles today. I hadn't planned on running that much, but my leg felt pretty good so I gave it a shot. I felt pretty good...funny thing is that my calves were tight afterwards. My hamstring is still a little sore and I think my other leg was compensating again. So it was an odd run. Nonetheless, it felt good.

We came home and then mulched the yard....aghh!!!! I hate yardwork. Next week, I think I'll do 5-5-5-8. Then the week of the half, I'll do 5-5-5-13.1. That's the plan anyway, we'll see how it goes. Also, next week, I'm starting my swimming. I fully intend to sink like a rock, but if I don't start now, I'll never do a triathlon :)

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 6 miles
Weather:Beautiful!!!!

Ice, Ice Baby

So this 4 times/day icing routine is hard to do. Especially if you work. I look like an idiot sitting on an ice pack. But, I'm doing it :) Yesterday, I lifted and then ran about a mile. I kept my pace very slow. Today, I ran 2 miles. My leg feels pretty good, but I'm still compensating for it with my other leg. That means that while I'm completing my mileage, my one healthy leg is covering more than its share of the load. But, nonetheless, I'm getting some miles in. I still feel like a slug though. It's amazing how missing 1 or 2 days of running makes me feel crappy. I need my FIX!!!!

I've also started a more rigorous stretching routine (using Kevin's suggestion) so I hopefully won't have many more injuries like this one.

Tomorrow is a rest day. Saturday, I think I'm going to try 3 or 4. Steph is running 8 or 10 I think.

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 2 miles
Weather:Sunny, warm.

Take two aspirin....

I just got back from the doctor and my official diagnosis is a strained hamstring. There is no bruising so that's a good thing. I was told to ice it 4 times a day and then he gave me a prescription for some heavy duty ibuprofen. He seems to think I can still do the half in two weeks. So I'm pretty happy about that. I'll head to the gym tomorrow for my weight training and I may walk on the treadmill...we'll see. I also may give swimming a shot.

He told me that I am not anywhere as flexible as I need to be. In fact, he says that's why I probably hurt myself to begin with. I guess I should also mention that my Dr. is the head of sports medicine for WVU. Anyway, I need some advice from you guys on stretches for my legs, specifically my hammies. Any ideas?

It seems I've been on a youtube kick for a little while. So in order to not harm the streak....ha!!!!



Weight:158lbs
Exercise:None
Weather:Beautiful, cool.

2008 Ambulance Chase 5k Race Report

What a race!!!!

Steph and I, along with some friends of ours, completed the 2008 Ambulance Chase 5k yesterday. The weather was overcast and chilly. Perfect running weather :) Steph had a great time of 27:47. She finished 4th in her class so she almost placed.....woohoo for her!!!!!

I, on the other hand, did not fare so well. The race went great for me until I got about 300 yards from the finish line. Up until that point I was running 7:10-7:15 miles, which is phenomenal for me. I thought I would finish around 21:30 or so. So I turned the last corner to head towards the finish line and blew out my hamstring. Yep, I pulled it pretty bad. I ended up walking across the finish line with 24:26, which isn't bad at all (until you factor in that if i hadn't injured myself I could had finished in the 21 min range). I also would have placed I think....the guys who did place, passed me as I hobbled to the end.

I can't say I'm happy with my performance although I guess I should be. 21 was soooooo close.....agghhhh!!!!!!

Anyway, I head to the DR. tomorrow and then see what happens. My leg feels much better today than yesterday as I've been R.I.C.E'ing it as well as eating some Motrin. I'm going to take this week completely off and then see how I feel next week. If things look ok, I think I may still be able to do the half in Cinci, but we'll play it by ear.

I should kill David for talking me into 5ks :)



Cheers!!!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:None.
Weather:Cool, Sunny.

Jason...triathlete?

I've been thinking about this for a while. Since I've been bitten by the running bug, I've been looking for ways to make it more challenging. I've been very happy with my decreasing running times as well as the benefits I've seen from my weight training. I'm also very happy with the race lineup I have for this year. But, as many of you know, I am, in reality, Batman. And unfortunately, my personality keeps me from being happy with running a marathon. I have to keep pushing it. So, that's what I'm going to do. Push it.

Unlike my running goals, which included me completing a marathon as my first competitive race, I won't be shooting for the Ironman right out of the gate :) But I think I can do an Olympic Triathlon with the right training. My thought is I'd do it in 2009. So, I signed up with a local club that brings together multisport athletes. I also signed up for a swimming clinic put on by this same club for the end of this month. I think my swimming will be the biggest obstacle to completing a triathlon.

Nevertheless, my ultimate goal is to complete a full Ironman. So here's to a new chapter in my life. Wish me luck!!

Cheers!!!



Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 6 miles
Weather: Warm, Sunny

Ambulance Chase 5k

On Sunday, Steph and I will run the 2008 Ambulance Chase 5k here in Morgantown. It raises money to provide legal services to folks over 60 who can't afford it. Steph and I have never run a race as short as a 5k, so it should be fun.

I weight trained and ran this week. My schedule is/was 5-5-5-6-3.1. Once the 5k is done, I'll be back to 10/12 mile long runs until the Flying Pig Half. It terms of my weight training, I have a little secret.....I'm actually starting to develop abs...woohoo!!!! I'm not at a six pack by any means, but I can at least see them now :) As many of you know, I hate ab work. If there is one muscle group that I hate to work, its my stomach. But, over the last few weeks, I've worked in some crunches and oblique stuff that has really made a difference. I also think it has helped me bump up my run times as well.

I'll give you a race report after Steph and I finish the 5k. Until then, cheers!!

Oh one more quick thing (and don't watch if you are easily offended). This has to be the funniest thing I've seen in a while. Have fun with all that California!!!



Weight:157 lbs
Exercise:Running 5-5-5, Weight training MWF
Weather:Warm, Beautiful.

I am Jason...

You know my first name. Today, I let you know my last...

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Weightlifting
Weather: Cold, rainy.

And I thought my gym had problems....

Grabbed from Andrew.

Weight:158 lbs
Exercise: Running 4 miles
Weather:Cold

The best laid plans...

So, I thought I wasn't going to run on Monday, but I ended up doing 3 miles with Steph. She was headed out the door Monday afternoon and I couldn't resist going with her. Man, I really am addicted to running.

Today, I ran 4 miles and lifted. I then shot some basketball. Tomorrow, I'll run 4 again and then 8 or 10 on Saturday. Our next race is the Ambulance Chase 5k here in Morgantown. This is an annual event that raises money for a group that provides legal services to people who can't afford it. My wife is a lawyer, so we participate every year. We're pretty excited as this will be the first year we've run it.

Cheers!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Running 4 miles, Weight Training
Weather:Cold, Sunny

Charlottesville Ten-Miler

We had spring break this past week at WVU. So, I decided to visit my dad in Virginia. On my ride to his house, he told me that the Charlottesville Ten-Miler was on Saturday. This race has been around for 33 years and, in fact, my dad has run it twice. I had planned on doing an 8 mile run on Saturday, but since I was going to be around the C-ville area, I decided to register for the race and run that instead of my eight miler. I'm glad I did. The scenery is wonderful. You get to run through the Univeristy of Virginia campus and the great city of Charlottesville.

I finished in 1:27:04, which is around an 8:49/mile pace (959th out of 2111). I'm very happy with that. I was about 10 minutes off of my dad's best run for the race. I'll beat his time next year :)

I also got another sweet medal...woohoo!!!

Steph did her 8 miles this weekend back in WV. I took today off as my legs are a little sore. The hills really punish you if you aren't used to them. I'll run and lift again on Wednesday. This week will be 4-4-8. Next week I'll be back to 5-5-5-10.

Cheers!!

Better gas mileage

It seems like my running is getting easier. I am consistently putting down 8:30/miles during my easy runs and I can't tell you how happy I am about that. I never thought I'd run faster than a 10:00 mile. When I first started running, I tried to go out and run my fastest mile. It came out to 9:30. Right now, I could probably run a 6:30-7:00/mile if I really wanted to (although I'm not going to try). Woohoo!!! I'm getting faster :)

Steph and I did our long run (6 miles) on Saturday. We are taking it easy after the half-mary last weekend so we only ran 12 miles total last week. This week, I'm going for 4-4-4-8. I did 4 today (and lifted) and I feel great. I also decided to shoot a few hoops while I was at the gym.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 6 miles Sat, Running 4 miles today, Weightlifting
Weather: Cool, Sunny.

It's for your nipples....

Ha!!! Double Ha!!!!



PS. got my 3 miles in at the gym. 6 planned for Saturday.

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles
Weather: Cold

Tired Legs

I was back in the gym today. Did my normal lifting routine and then hit the treadmill for 3 miles. Whew my legs are tired. Felt good afterwards, but during the run I thought my legs would fall off :)

I'll do 3 again tomorrow and then 6 on Saturday. Then I'll do 4-4-4-8 next week. We'll see how it goes. I'm going to take David's advice and look at some shorter races while I train for the Flying Pig. There is also a local half-mary in June that I think I might do. I'm going to put it on my schedule, but we'll see.

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, Weightlifting
Weather: Rainy, warmer 55 degrees.

Shamrock Dolphin Challenge (8k and Half Mary)

Woohooo!!!!! I'm a Dolphin!!!!!

That's right. I completed both the 8k and the half-mary at the Shamrock Sportsfest this weekend in Virginia Beach. That means that I completed the Dolphin Challenge.

Steph ran the half as well and her father and step-mom walked the half, so it was a whole family outing. We had such a great time!!!!

The 8k went really well for me. I did it in 42 minutes which is like super fast for me. The pace was like 8:37/mile. Woohoo!!!! I didn't know I could run that fast. I overdressed a little for this race, but it turned out ok. The weather this weekend was tricky. We had rain and winds out the yazoo Saturday night after a beautiful day. So we had some concerns about what to wear for the marathon on Sunday morning. We figured it out though.

The race itself started off great except for the fact that I didn't use the restroom like I should have before it started. Yep.....so at mile 1, I had to stop and go....I waited in line for 7 minutes!!!! That's right, I lost 7 minutes. So, I spent the remainder of the race catching up. So, I think I could have actually run a sub 2 hour race if I hadn't stopped for that stupid portajohn.

Here's the lesson: Always, always, pee before you race.

The rest of the race was non-eventful. I did pretty well I think. After I crossed the finish line a guy came up to me and shook my hand and thanked me for helping to pace him. He said I helped him for most of the race. That felt good :)

Steph did really well too. She completed it in 2:13. Woohoo for her!!!! Her father and step-mom also did great as well!!!!

Steph, her dad, her step-mom, and bunches of family friends have the Richmond Half on their schedule for this fall. I've got the Flying Pig Half and then the Marine Corps Mary and that's it for the year.

We can't wait!!!!

Cheers!!

12 miles

So I did my 12 miles this Saturday in the driving snow. Woohoo!!! I dig running in the snow, it makes me feel like Rocky or something. Steph was planning on doing her 12 this Saturday, but she decided to wait until the weather got better. So I ran my 12 on Saturday and she did her 12 on Sunday. Both of our runs were good. I forgot what 12 miles feels like, so I was a bit more tired than I was expecting, but it felt pretty good.

I ran 5 yesterday and will do 5 tomorrow and Thursday. Then I'll get another 12 in next Saturday. I'll taper the next week in anticipation of the Shamrock.

I've been weight training 3 days a week as well. I have to say that I'm more tired when I do both the weight training and the running. When I get home at night, I'm pretty much down for the count. But it's a good tired :)

Woooo!

Rainy, dreary Saturday run

Steph and I got our long run in today in the worst weather. It was cold and rainy. Blech!!! We toughed it out however. I did 10 and she did 12. Next week I'll do 5-5-5-12 and Steph will do the same. She'll then begin her taper while I continue on the 5-5-5-12 pace. I want to get two 12 mile runs in before the Shamrock.

Other than that, not much to report.

Cheers!!!

The crazy backpack guy

So I've been doing most of running indoors on a treadmill. It's been pretty cold and since the sun doesn't come up when I need to run, I've decided to do my short runs at the WVU Rec Center. I still do my long weekend run outdoors (which reminds me that I have to pick up some pepper spray....Steph and I have had some run-ins with a dog the last few weeks).

Anyway, I usually get to the gym around 6:30am. Well yesterday I saw something I've never seen before. There was a guy who must be preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail on the treadmill next to me. You may be wondering how I know that he was preparing to hike...well, the nutjob had on full hiking regalia. That's right, he had on the boots, shorts, shirt, etc. which, in itself, is not that weird. What weirded me out was the fact that he had a full external frame backpack on. So for my entire five miles yesterday, I had Ranger Bob walking next to me.

What makes it worse was that everyone was staring at him and, of course, since I was next to him, they were staring at me (or at least I think they were). Good times....

Tomorrow, Steph and I will get our long runs in. She's doing 12 and I'm doing 10.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 5 miles
Weather: Indoors.

Sometimes it's so hard to keep up the blog...

Sorry for not posting lately. I've been so busy!!!!

My dad had back surgery earlier this month, I've been running, I took up a martial arts system that's a blend of Aikido and Modern Arnis, I've been weightlifting on a consistent basis, I've been teaching, I've been setting up and running a few new projects (read companies), and Steph and I have been traveling. Sooooo, sorry for the delay :)

Anyway, things have been going well. My foot has almost healed. Steph ran 10 and I ran 8 last Saturday. I've been running 5 miles three times a week and then my long run on Saturday. This weekend, I'm going to up it to 10 miles. We have a little under a month for the Shamrock Half-Mary and I want to make sure I'm trained for it. Steph is doing great with her running. I'm so proud and happy for her.

Ohh, Steph and I booked our vacation for this summer. We are staying here....of course, its at the Outer Banks. That's where we go every summer. After the week there, Steph has to come back home in order to work. I, however, get to learn how to sail. I'm traveling to Charleston, SC to take part in a live-aboard program where I will spend a week on board a sailboat with one other guy learning how to sail.

I'm going to try and keep the blog up-to-date. Sorry again :)

Cheers!!

Super Wednesday

Got in 4 miles again. Actually, I think I got in more than 4 as the stupid treadmill reset itself about halfway through the run. In addition, as it was a new treadmill I was using and not the normal one I use, I forgot to start the timer when I started running. Doh!!!! Anyway, my foot still feels sore, but it certainly is better than what it was.

I also lifted today. I thought I could increase to 40lbs for my stuff, but nope...it looks like I'll be at 35 for a while. I was really looking forward to getting some preacher curls in, but the curling bars were used by other people the entire time I was there. That's the one thing I hate about going to the gym. You have to wait for the equipment. Oh well.

Tomorrow is just running (4 miles) and Friday is just lifting.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 159lbs
Exercise: Running 4 miles, Weightlifting
Weather: Warm 60 degrees.

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4 miles and some weight

I changed my lifting schedule a bit and am doing some incline and decline presses. If you haven't tried those, you should. They help more fully develop your chest. I also added some significant ab work and arms/shoulder work. Moreover, I increased my weight today. I usually do all my work with 30lb dumbbells. Today, I increased it to 35lbs and may increase it to 40 on Wednesday depending on how I feel.

There is a school of thought that says if you can lift a specific weight more than 10 times, you should increase the weight to a point where you can only lift it 6 times. Once you can lift that weight 10 times, then you increase it again. That way you are always challenging your muscles. Soooooo, that's what I'm doing. I'm also sticking with dumbbells as I feel like they work more muscles than just a barbell.

So I got 4 miles in today as well, which felt pretty good. My foot is still sore, but it actually feels better when I run rather than when I don't. Tomorrow is a rest day and then I think I'm going to do 4 miles again on Wed. and then the same on Thursday. I'm looking forward to doing 5 on Saturday. I have to begin to increase the mileages if I intend to race the Shamrock Half.

Cheers!!

Weight: 159lbs
Exercise:Running 4 miles, Weightlifting
Weather:40 degrees. Cloudy.

Good Saturday and 'Bodies'

Steph ran her usual 8 miles yesterday and I ran 3. My foot is still feeling better. I think I'm going to try for 4 tomorrow. If that goes well, I think I'll 4 on Wed and Thursday and then go for 5 on Saturday next week. If everything goes well and I continue to heal, I'll be ready for the Shamrock Dolphin Challenge in March. Slow and Steady :)

After our run on Saturday, Steph and I went to the Bodies exhibit. I have to say that I left there feeling more than a little creeped out. It wasn't the fact that the exhibit featured the disemboweled bodies of my fellow human beings. Science is good. And, anything that helps promote science in the masses is good.

It is more the fact that the folks in the exhibit used to be people. I know that sounds weird, but man, it is weird to see people with no skin and not think of them as people. Also, I'm not really sure where they got the folks who participated in the exhibition. My understanding is that they were from China. And, according to rumor, they may have been Chinese political prisoners. Now, I don't know that, but if it is true, I'm really upset that I spent 22 bucks for it. It's kind of like blood money.

Well, now that I've made this post really depressing. I'll leave on an upnote by telling you that I swear Steph and I saw a real live member of Whoville at dinner. She was about 75, but could have easily been a Who. Also, check out the video below Cindy Who....it's why I run ;)

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, Steph 8 miles
Weather: Cold, 35 degrees.

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Getting Stronger

So I got in 3 miles today and my normal lifting. I can tell that my foot is on the mend and, perhaps more exciting, is that I'm able to lift more weight than when I started...woohoo!!!! I'm now doing 30 lbs curls instead of 25. That is, I'm lifting 30 lbs in each arm. I do 12 reps in 3 sets. Next week, I'm going to start an inclined bench regiment.

Remember, I want to be able to benchpress my bodyweight at least 3 times by the end of the year. Looks like I'm on my way!!!

I hope I can get back in shape enough to get the Shamrock half-mary. Although I'm not pushing it, I can feel a little pressure to make sure I can run it. I had to have to miss that one too. I'm going to try for 3 miles again tomorrow.

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, Weightlifting
Weather: Rainy, cold 35 degrees.

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Woohooo!!!!

Man am I happy. I got in three miles today and I lifted. Woohoo!!! My foot feels pretty good; however, my legs are sore. I think since I took almost 4 weeks off, my legs got used to being flabby :) I can really feel the three miles. But its a good sore.

I'm also putting on some weight as I think my muscle mass is starting to increase from the lifting. I'm about 160 now.

I'll do 3 miles tomorrow (hopefully), lift on Friday, and then 3 again on Saturday.

Cheers!!

Weight: 160lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, weightlifting
Weather: Cold and Windy 33 degrees.

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Treadmill Mileage

I went to the WVU Rec Center today and logged in 2.5 miles. I picked it up towards the end because treadmill miles and outside running miles just don't feel the same. Granted I'm not a big treadmill runner. In fact, this is like the 2nd or 3rd time that I've actually run on one. My foot is a little sore, but no worse than Saturday.

I also lifted today. I did my normal chest and arms routine. I also did this Ab machine thing that really kills. It feels like someone is pouring acid on my stomach it burns so bad :)

Wednesday will be my next run/workout day as tomorrow is full of meetings. i think I'll 2-3 miles again and see where I'm at. Slow, but sure :)

Cheers!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Running 2.5 miles, weightlifting
Weather:Cold, but I was inside.

Back in the Saddle

Whew!!! Sorry for the lack of posting recently. Things have been pretty hectic. And, to add insult to injury, I haven't run at all. Today was the first day back running. I put in 2 miles and I felt pretty good. My heel is still hurting, but it seemed to loosen up as I was running. Steph ran 8 miles today as well. After that, we joined some friends of ours for a bout of ice skating. The last and only time I ice skated I was in college. So, needless to say, it was a comedy of errors. I only busted my butt once :)

So I hope I'm on the mend. In the meantime, I've been lifting every other day and I even started swimming to try and keep my cardio conditioning.

All in all, I've been driving myself batty since I haven't been running, but with today's run, I think I'll be trying 2 again on Monday. Things feel so much better when I run. And because I'm addicted to it, when I don't run I get withdrawals :) Of course, I'll be keeping up with the weightlifting and I think I may be keeping up with the swimming too.

As faculty at WVU, I'm eligible for membership to our recreation center. So, last week I went in and signed up for a membership. My hope is that if I still need to hold back on running I can do other things to keep things moving forward. My half-mary in VA beach is a little over a month and half away and I want to be injury free when I run it. So, I guess its slow and easy for a while.

Oh, and lastly, I turned 34 on Friday. Woohoo!!!!

Cheers!!!!


Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 2 miles, Ice Skating 2 hours
Weather: Cold, 25 degrees.

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Lifting Today

So I got my lifting in today. I'm still not running, but my heel feels much better. I started ab work today as well. Ugh!!!! I hate ab crap. Anyway, I got it in. That's what counts. I hope to try a little running at the end of this week. I feel like such a slug when I don't run. I hope to not be as sore today as I was last week. We'll see.

Tomorrow is a rest day and the lifting again on Wednesday.

Cheers!!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Weight Lifting (Arms/Chest/Abs)
Weather: Warm. Felt like spring. 65 degrees.

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Steph completes her first Half-Marathon!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

She did great!!! The weather here was pretty stinky though. She had to run through rain and snow in 30 degree weather, but she toughed it out. You can tell she's my wife :)

I'll let her fill you in on how it went, but I can't tell you how happy and proud I am. My wife rocks!!!!!

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Updates, Updates

I'm still not running. My foot is recovering slowly and, like David, I have no desire to further hurt myself. So, it's a few more days off. I lifted on Monday and was so sore that I haven't lifted since. I may lift tomorrow depending on how I feel. It usually takes me a week or so to get to the point that I can lift three times a week with no soreness. I also tried to lift what I was lifting before I stopped last year and that was a mistake. I was lifting a pretty substantial weight that I can no longer get off the floor.

In more important news, I test drove the Jeep and hated it. I really wanted to like it, but I didn't. Today, I'm headed to the local Honda dealership to test drive a Honda Element. I really like the looks and options for it, but the drive will determine if I want it or not.

Finally, Steph runs her first Half-Marathon on Saturday. Join me in wishing her a good race.

Have a good race Steph!!!!!

Weight: 156lbs
Exercise: None
Wather: Cold, snowy.

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