Man, has it gotten tough to keep my web logs up to date! It has been a while since I posted. Thankfully, my exercise regimen has not been so lax. I have managed to at least keep a minimum training level, running at least three times a week. I have decided to try to run a marathon. After reading in the July Runners' World mag about simple training programs I have decided, injuries not withstanding, that I can complete one. The target is the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, AL on December 8. the 16 week training program actually started Monday of this week so I on my way.
Ran an easy 3-1/2 miles this morning. Temp was 80F with 76% RH.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Wednesday 7-11-07
How long has it been since I have last posted? I know I have been too lax of late but it is time to get back to my journalistic duties.
I am sure we have all heard a fish story of the "one that got away" but I have one just as good...This morning I was up at 4:00 and actually ahead of schedule as I left the house at 4:50 for a run through the neighborhood. Taking my usual 5 mile route which goes down to Lakebottom park back up to Hilton Avenue, down to Auburn Avenue and home, I had an interesting encounter. Having lived just off of Hilton for a year and a half, I knew there were owls that lived in the woods off Macon Road and Hilton. This morning, as I made my way up Hilton just a block from Macon Road, I was caught by the shadow of a large wingspan passing by and I immediately knew this was no small bird. I looked up to my left on the power line on the left side of the road to see a beautiful screech owl. I admired him for a few seconds then turned my head to continue on my way. Just as I did, the winged shadow went by me again but this time the bird was making more than a casual pass at me. It actually swooped down with his claws outstretched and made an attack at the top of my balding head. I ducked and yelled at it and abruptly changed course to dissuade any further attempts. The owl flew back up to the power line and continued its gaze upon me as I am sure it bemoaned "the one that got away".
I am sure we have all heard a fish story of the "one that got away" but I have one just as good...This morning I was up at 4:00 and actually ahead of schedule as I left the house at 4:50 for a run through the neighborhood. Taking my usual 5 mile route which goes down to Lakebottom park back up to Hilton Avenue, down to Auburn Avenue and home, I had an interesting encounter. Having lived just off of Hilton for a year and a half, I knew there were owls that lived in the woods off Macon Road and Hilton. This morning, as I made my way up Hilton just a block from Macon Road, I was caught by the shadow of a large wingspan passing by and I immediately knew this was no small bird. I looked up to my left on the power line on the left side of the road to see a beautiful screech owl. I admired him for a few seconds then turned my head to continue on my way. Just as I did, the winged shadow went by me again but this time the bird was making more than a casual pass at me. It actually swooped down with his claws outstretched and made an attack at the top of my balding head. I ducked and yelled at it and abruptly changed course to dissuade any further attempts. The owl flew back up to the power line and continued its gaze upon me as I am sure it bemoaned "the one that got away".
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday 6-11-07
Today is the first day of my new training regimen for the next triathlon/running event I am planning to do. My son insists that I go ahead and set a goal for the next event and start training specifically for it. He is right.
I ran a slight bit under 5 miles today. Started before 5:00 and the temp. was already 75 degrees. I'll be running early for the rest of the summer. I felt pretty good with no pain except tired legs.
I ran a slight bit under 5 miles today. Started before 5:00 and the temp. was already 75 degrees. I'll be running early for the rest of the summer. I felt pretty good with no pain except tired legs.
Saturday 6-9-07
The big day for the Ft. Benning Triathlon is here. This will be my first tri and hopefully I am prepared enough to have a respectable finish. My son, Steven, and I did the first two events together. He decided not to do the last event which was the swim.
The event was well attended with over 200 participants. This was a "sprint length" reverse with a 3.1 mile run, 12.2 mile bike and 550 m swim. I ran a 25:30 run, 46:00 bike and the swim was ?. Thanks to Ft. Benning personnel for a well planned event. It was a good first event for me and I plan to do more. I was certainly motivated to train harder and be better prepared the next time; especially as I passed the little 10 year-old blonde haired girl on the cruiser bike half way through the bike portion. I rationalized she was only doing the bike and had started several minutes before me. Who knows? I do know I was out-matched by a majority of the other racers. I can definitely get better.
The event was well attended with over 200 participants. This was a "sprint length" reverse with a 3.1 mile run, 12.2 mile bike and 550 m swim. I ran a 25:30 run, 46:00 bike and the swim was ?. Thanks to Ft. Benning personnel for a well planned event. It was a good first event for me and I plan to do more. I was certainly motivated to train harder and be better prepared the next time; especially as I passed the little 10 year-old blonde haired girl on the cruiser bike half way through the bike portion. I rationalized she was only doing the bike and had started several minutes before me. Who knows? I do know I was out-matched by a majority of the other racers. I can definitely get better.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Sunday 6-3-07
Rode 24 miles this AM. Started at our house and down to Riverwalk and almost down to Ft. Benning and then back. Noce weather, but I was pretty tired by the end. Average speed around 15 mph.
Tuesday 6-5-07
Perspective...we all need some now and then. That is all I can say about my running attempt this afternoon. With the Ft. Benning triathalon coming up on Saturday, I decided to time myself on the running portion of the tri and see if I could maintain an eight minute mile average speed. Well, it helps to have some perspective of the kind of shape you are really in; not as good as I thought. The first mile clicked by in 8 minutes but it went down from there. I ended up running the 3.1 miles (5 K) in a little over 27 minutes. Feet, legs, hips all felt fine but my stomach was killing me. I only hope this Saturday will go better.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Friday 6-1-07
After a two week hiatus, I was back in the pool this AM. I swam 1/2 mile with the goal of just trying to get back in the groove. I have been sick for most of this week and haven't exercised at all until today. So, just doing anything was an accomplishment. The Ft. Benning triathalon is one week away and i wish I was more prepared but I am going to focus simply on finishing.
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