Tuesday 2-27-07

No exercise today. Slept late. Went over to Tuscaloosa to see our daughter get inducted into Phi Eta Sigma national freshman honorary society. We are so proud of the hard work she is putting in.

This is our two children over at the University of Alabama. Our son is in school at Troy University but he came over with us to support the accomplishments of his sister.

Monday 2-26-07

Great start to the day! Swam 1 mile in about 40-42 minutes. I felt the best I have swimming since I was 10 years old competing in AAU events. Maybe this old man can get in shape.

Weather was absolutely gorgeous. Clear, around 70 degrees.

Sunday 2-25-07

The rains came this morning but I managed to get out and do 4.5 miles in 42:00, 9:20 pace. This course around Lakebottom has a monster hill going back up 17th St. For all you Columbus natives, you know this hill beside Columbus HS. It is over 1/2 mile long and deceptive. As you look up the hill you see what looks like the top but when you get there (where Wildwood Ave crosses) you still have more uphill to go! A cruel reality for someone struggling like me. Someday I will get to where this hill won't kill me. Not now, however.
I have a little pain in my right heel/achilles. I attribute this to the severe out turning of this foot. When it lands on the ground it is pointing out at an approximate 15 degree angle. I can exaggerate my step to turn my foot back in but it feels quite unnatural. For all you blogging podiatrists out there, what is this condition called and how do I address this? A good page for information on running ailments... http://www.drpribut.com/sports/sportframe.html

Went to church at our home church, Morningside Baptist.

Friday 2-23-07

Swam one mile this morning in 44 minutes. I felt great, probably the best yet.

Back in town from my trip. I think it was a successful week. Had some good response from customers, but it is good to be back home.

Thursday 2-22-07

Up this morning for a run at the hotel before my trip home. I ran 3.65 miles in 35:25 or a 9 min 45 sec. average. Yes, rather slow, and I hurt to beat. My legs were sore and my stomach ached. I guess the swim the day before took some out of me but geez, when am I going to get in shape?

Flight leaves at 11:20.

Wednesday 2-21-07

Up at 4:00 this morning. I had to meet a customer early this morning so I had to get an early start. We met at the YMCA in the northwestern part of Houston and I swam.
What a great place! the pool had eight lanes and was well lighted and though the water was not heated, it was mild enough to not be uncomfortable. I swam one mile in probably the fastest time yet. But another first for me was I did the whole thing without stopping. At the pool in Columbus, one end is very shallow so I usually only do a flip turn on the deep end and stop very briefly on the shallow end. Well, this pool was nine feet deep the full length so I did flip turns at both ends and did not stop or break my breathing routine for the entire one mile. I felt great.

I weighed in at 208. First time under 210 in several years.

Had good sales calls during the day. I am ready to head home on Thursday.

Tuesday 2-20-07

Up at 5:45 this morning. Worked out in the hotel fitness room. 40 minutes on the elliptical machine which corresponded to 3-4 miles.

I saw customers in Houston, drove to Lufkin and met a potential customer and back to Houston.

Monday 2-19-07

I am traveling out of town today. Left early in the morning and arrived in Houston for a sales trip. No exercise today.

Still sticking to the diet; only 4 more days to go.

Sunday 2-18-07

It was a good day. Having rested on Saturday, my plans were to run today, but, I decided to ride my bike instead. It was still a little cool and breezy, temp around 52. With the wind, it was chilly. I bundled up and took off. 10.7 miles in 44:00. It is a good course, moderately hilly ... see here

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=700329


Attended church at Morningside Baptist and heard a great sermon. Kellye worked today so I went by myself. I feel led to pursue a ministry opportunity that is going to require a great deal of faith. Please pray that I will know God's will in this matter.

Friday 2-16-07

Up at 4:00, 3:50 actually. I had a speech to give this morning so I was on the nervous side. Had my regular New Mayo Clinic Diet breakfast and off the the YMCA. Swam 1 mile. Felt really strong, did it 42 minutes.

My second Toastmaster speech is history! I think I did very well; at least that is what my fellow toastmasters and my wife had to say. I am starting to like doing this kind of thing. I never thought I would hear myself say that.

Thursday 2-15-07

It was cold this morning. At least by Columbus standards. I think it was somewhere around 25. Up at 5:00, bundled up and out the door. Ran/walked 4.5 miles . Part of the course was fairly hilly and I had to walk for part of the way. Time was still 43:45 or approx. 9-1/2 minutes per mile average.
My cardio system is still, pardon the pun, "sucking wind".

Wednesday 2-14-07

Happy Valentines day.
Up at 4:00, by the time I get woke up, eat breakfast and get dressed its out the door to get to the pool before all the lanes fill up. Swam 1 mile in a little under 45 minutes. I felt good but my arms feel like noodles afterwards. This kind of swimming has got to get me in shape. I have been challenged to swim faster by a couple of very fast swimmers that share the pool in the mornings. Thanks to them for setting the bar up high!
My weight is down to 213. Another week and half on this diet and I hope to be under 210 or less.

Temp outside is 40 with about 15 mph wind. It is supposed to get colder as the day goes by.

Making Progress 2-13-07

The car is coming along. Most of the suspension required for NASA SpecE30 racing is in. Looks pretty good. It has lowered the car about 2-1/2"










I know it doesn't look like a race car now but just wait. The series I am going to race in pits cars just like this with identical engines, suspension, tires, weight, etc. Makes it funner to compete.

Tuesday 2-13-07

Up at 4:30 AM. Ran 3.1 miles. I did not feel well, stomach hurt, legs were tired. I am glad to get anything in this morning.
Weather was mild. 45 degrees, cloudy. Looking for thunderstorms later today.

My brother sent me a auto racing suit that he picked up on ebay. It is awesome! I can't wait to wear it. Hopefully sometime later this year.

Monday, 2-12-07

4:00 AM came way too early. Do I have to get up now?
Swam 1/2 mile. I felt good; a little tired, though. I can tell I'm gaining stamina but it is just coming slowly. Weighed myself and still holding at 215. I started back on the diet last night so it's back to the regimen.

Sunday 2-11-07

Oh, to be young again! My 20 year old son, Steven, put me through my paces this morning on a 3-1/2 mile run. I think he was barely breathing heavy and I was out of breath. He is running track at Troy University and in much better shape than I. It was great to spend that time with him, though, and he gave me some good pointers on my running posture, stride, etc.

Weather was beautiful. Clear, cold, about 30 degrees.

Our children are back at school. It was a good visit.

My race car is all back together. I took it for a short drive around the block. It runs fine, though, I think I have some issues with the brakes I need to address.

Saturday 2-10-07

No exercise today. I slept later than usual, of course that is not hard to do since I am usually up at 4:00 AM. Our children are home from school so we went and had breakfast together.

Had to do some routine maintenance on my daughter's car while she is home from school. It was a successful venture and despite a few difficulties, had the job done by 2:00 PM.

Also spent some time working on my race car, as well. It is almost ready for driving even though it is going to be some time later this year before I can actually race it. Besides, I have to get a license before I can race.

Had dinner out with all of the family. Chinese food at Chef Lee's.

Friday 2-0-07

Up at 4:00 and to my routine. I have been on a crazy New Mayo Clinic diet and that involves a regimen of meals every day that includes the same thing every morning; two eggs, two bacon strips, half grapefruit. This is the second week of the diet and tomorrow I get two days of eating anything! Bring on the bread!

Temp. 45 deg., no wind. Nice winter weather.

Swam one mile. Approx. 50 minutes. felt good.

My kids are coming home this weekend from school. We should have a good time. My wife will be in heaven.

Thursday 2-8-07

Just created my blog site. A buddy at work has gotten me hooked but this is my first experience doing this kind of thing. As I mentioned in my blog description, this site is dedicated to some of my life passions and as I dive into these I want to share my experiences.