Heat Wave........

Is it possible that I am already done with Old Man Winter? For Chicagoland this has been a mild winter (knock on wood), but I still feel the need to be done with it. I need warmer temps and longer days. I mean, I gots some training to get done. AND I miss my bike! Bike I do love you!

O.K., I moved up the long run to today because of the heat wave. Yep, it was 20 degrees when I departed at 9am. Tomorrow the projected high temp is 15 degrees with massive winds and wind chill. It was a no brainer.

The plan called for 6 miles and I gave it that and just a bit more. I am still working on slowing things down when I run outside. Most of the experts state that a novice should be running his long efforts slower then his anticipated marathon pace. Well, I want to run a sub 4 hour marathon, which puts my "anticipated" pace around 9 minute miles. It seems sooooo slow though. I just need to remind myself that the goal is 26.2 miles at 9 minute pace and training runs of 7 miles at 8 minute pace will do more harm then good in the long run. I think? Who knows?

While I was gearing up, or walking around the house in my Under Armour TIGHT cold gear shirt, the wife blurted out; "You are a freakin machine!" Thank you honey.

Tonight is date night. We have some baby sitters (yes it takes two to handle my little angle) dinner and a movie in our plans. Yep, A Real Movie at the Theater. Yeah for us. Unfortunately, the movie we want to see, Blood Diamond, is not playing nearby, but we will find something. Later.

Scrubs, The Musical.....

With all the BEAR excitement I forgot to mention something about my favorite TV show, Scrubs; I FREAKIN LOVE IT!

Coffee Bucks killed me. I mean it was subtle and not so subtle all at the same time. Every scene had someone holding their Coffee Bucks cup. You know how people hold them so you can see that they are not just drinking gas station coffee, but some real gourmet Coffee Bucks coffee.

Scrubs, The Musical, which I watched last weekend (TiVo), was just pure brilliant comedy television with a touch of heart and feeling added in. It has to be the best 30 minutes of television I have ever seen. Yes, I said EVER! Good times.

The workouts have been solid this week. I am sticking to Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon training plan fairly well. I am making the required mileage and then some. I move the weekly rest day between Thursday and Friday depending on work & life. You can follow all of my exciting training by clicking on the sidebare link to my log over at Buckeyeoutdoors.com.

I am not a big fan of the cross training, but that is mainly due to the limited options this time of year present for me. Unless, I get to the gym I really do not have any at home cross training options. I am thinking about busting out one of the wife's yoga DVDs for this weekend planned cross training??

Now the core strengthening is something I have developed a nice little at home routine for. Some sit-ups, push-ups, chair dips, scissor kicks and what not. I actually am seeing some results already. It is crazy how fast things can tone up when you don't have 40 lbs of fat insulating it. :) Later.

SUPER BEARS!!!

BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS
Make every play, clear the way to victory! Bear Down, Chicago Bears
Put up a fight with a might so fearlessly! We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation
With your T-formation. Bear Down, Chicago Bears
And let them know why you're wearing the crown! You're the pride and joy of Illinois,
Chicago Bears, Bear Down!!

10, Feels Like 2........

Yesterday was my long run day and I had no desire to log an hour on any treadmill. So, at 9am I geared up running style and went to it. Actually, I did 4 minutes of warm up on the treadmill. This way I could step outside into the depths of winter and immediately begin my run, which I did.

It was an hour later and 7.16 miles before I stepped back into the warmth of home. I spotted two other runners while I was out there. I battled the elements, my body, and my mind. It was a very satisfying run!

Now I am off to prepare for DA BEARS!!!

Later.

Present Tense

Time to stop dwelling on the past and focus on the future. 2007 is well under way, so let's get some work done.

I like goals. I like stating my goals. It makes them real. It makes me accountable.

2007 Goals

3/18/07 March Madness Half Marathon 13.1 Mile Hilly Course. Already Registered.

6/16/07 Horribly Hilly Hundreds 124.2 Miles with 10,700 feet of elevation gain.

7/14/07 Ride Across Indiana 160 Miles, One Way, One Day.

10/7/07 The Chicago Marathon 26.2 Miles. Already Registered.


Mileage goals for the year will likely just happen as part of my training, but they are 2007 cycling miles and 703 running miles.

I plan to ride several other centuries (The Sudden, The Udder, The 4th Metric, The Psycho's Double, & The BFNIC), but these are open for consideration due to family and this new commitment to running.

As you can see I have become or WANT to become a runner. Why? Well, I am enjoying running as the temps have turned colder. AND, I have two lifelong friends that will partake in this Marathon Journey with me! It should be very interesting.

This year will be different then last year. I will start this year physically fit. In fact I start this year being in the best shape of my life. My current half marathon training has me up to 20 miles a week. I very much look forward to Spring Time and hopping on the bike to see where I am at as a cyclist.

What are you 2007 goals? Will I see you at any of these events? Now get back to training. Later.

Almost Done With 2006, but.......

January 2006


April 2006


August 2006


November 2006

Transition......

My life took a turn for the better in 2006. At the start of the year I realized I was a 32 year old, 6'3'', 236 lbs., inactive, unhealthy, and unhappy person. I ate to much, drank too much, and argued with my wife too much.

As we roll into 2007 I am still 6'3'', but little else is the same. I am 33, physically fit, healthy, and 170 lbs. Personally I am happy and more in love with my wife of almost 10 years then I have ever been. I am a cyclist and a runner. I even have thoughts of becoming a Marathoner and a TriAthlete.

In 2006 I cycled 2508 miles. This included five organized centuries (one day 100 mile rides), the one day one way 160 mile Ride Across Indiana, a just for fun solo self supported 85 miler, and one organized metric (one day 62 mile ride). I developed a love for padded lycra and spent way too much on a carbon fiber beauty.

When the temps turned colder I morphed into a runner. I ran a 5K in Sept (24 mins) and was hooked. Then it was a 10K (50 mins) and another 5K (23 mins) in late November. I ended the year with several 20 mile weeks and 264 total miles for the year.

As I went from couch to bike to 10K the weight kept coming off. For me it was all about Calories, Calories, Calories, and Calories. I counted every single one. Fitday.com was my thing. A great site for anyone looking to shed some pounds.

At years end I had a daily calorie average of 2800 and dropped 66 lbs. I didn't starve myself, but I did go to bed hungry in the beginning and it was the jump start shock I needed.

It is a science; you need a 500 calorie deficiency per day, every day, to lose one pound a week.

My wife played a key role in all of this. She managed the home base while I was off riding the summer away. She supported me and encouraged me to do the crazy things like ride 160 miles in one day on a bike. She was genuinely happy for me every time I succeeded at one of those crazy adventures. Not to mention she has lost 50 lbs. doing Weight Watchers. She didn't do any meetings or order any food. She just borrowed the books from a friend and followed the plan on her own. Congrats honey you look fabulous!!

Alright, that was 2006. I have blogged too much. Later.

Review and Goals

After a fabulous year it seems only right that I review and reflect on my successes and failures. Plus, I am a big fan of goals and I have some lofty ones for 2007. This aint a tease, because to do that it would mean I am silly enough to think anyone else cares. The review and goals are coming just not right now. This post is really only a test for me using the email to blog post feature. Two years of blogging and I did not know you could email in your blog post! Who knew? Cool. Later.

 

 

Hello 2007.......

Happy New Year Blog World!

06 was a fantastic year for me and my family. I hope the same was true for you. If not, be done with 2006 and focus on the future, 2007. I plan to reflect on my 2006, blog a write up and some pictures and what not, when I get a chance. However, I first must head off to Taco Bell to pick up lunch. It is our Tradition for this day! Last year at this time the Bell was one of triggers to jump start me on my road to fitness. Good times. Later.

This Just In....

Pizza Hut & All You Can EAT = BAD!

Wait, or is that gooooood?!?

Well, anyway, it sure WAS good!

Therefore, I must run and run fast.

I really have nothing. I just can not seem to get into this work thing. Can you? Do you enjoy what you do? The people you work with? The money you are paid?

Too many questions. I all really want to do is go home and run or ride or run then ride. I mean it is like 42 degrees outside! Later.

The Take.............

So I am like 33 some years old, but still love me some Christmas Gifts. This years take was pretty darn good. Don't you think so?

On a different front, I ran almost 22 miles last week. Along with the 30,000 holiday calories I likely ate up and I had a week of two Milestones!!

Merry Christmas to All!!!!

Later.

Holidays = GOOOOOD Times

Our Festivus Party was a great success. The Festivus Feats of Strength 5K was not. Too much drinky equals no runny!

I really do not have much to say. We don't have our Christmas shopping done! We will spend more time in our car then with the family were are traveling to see (two families to visit and not near each other). I ran 20 fabulous miles last week before my weekend binging. Holiday Chocolates and Treats are every where I turn. The just ended season of Survivor was the best in years. Scrubs has been awesome. I have discovered red wine. I miss my bike. Finally, I think I will have some more chocolate!

For not much, that was too much. Later.

Goals Are Good.....

"I hope to log a long, for me, run today or tomorrow. I would like to top the 10k mark."

See my training log to the right and you can see that it was OVER 7 miles for me today. My longest run to date at a pretty darn good pace if I must say so myself! Now if I could just get to sleep! Later.

Goals Are Good.....

But first let me tell you this week has been ridiculous. I had a Gourmet Steak Dinner at Sullivan's Steak House on Monday. Then a Gourmet Steak Lunch at the Wildfire Grill on Tuesday. Yeah, I said lunch, it was our office Christmas Lunch Spectacular. I ate like there was no tomorrow and it was fabulous. Tomorrow, it will be Turkey and Wine as we celebrate our annual Festivus for the Rest Of Us Holiday Party. I love the Holidays!!

It has also been a great running week for me. I have had some really solid runs both distance wise and time wise. The legs are feeling really great. I hope to log a long, for me, run today or tomorrow. I would like to top the 10k mark. It could be tough with all that is going on.

Goals, oh yeah, I like goals. I believe that stating your goals is very important as it makes them REAL. I am a big fan of this. Normally I just blog something or mention something to my wife without making a big deal about it. I am still formulating my goals for 2007, but have decided I will post them here and make a big deal about them! Good times.

2007 will involve some major running goals. However, do NOT worry cycling world you are still my first love!! All this goal talk has got me jazed. Or is that my No Fat Triple Shot Grande Latte???

Anyway, how about a goal? I will run a Half Marathon March 18th, 2007.

The Festivus Party is Saturday. How about a Feats of Strenght 5K on Sunday. Who's with me. Please note, I am well aware that I am not the originator of above used Festivus and Feats phases.

Later.

"Dude, the numbers don't lie. Look I am older, but still cooler, better looking, richer, and faster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

for those who don't know, this is lance training with the 07 discovery cycling team. he is having a conversation of sorts with levi after just dropping him on a climb.

Too Much.....

Footlocker was running its 30% off total order Friends and Family Deal this past weekend and I rarely pass up an opportunity to spend money. The coupon just makes me feel that much better about the purchase!

Before I knew anything at all about running I purchased some Nike Air Max Solas last April from Footlocker (see comment about coupon). Nike shoes fit me, work for me, and I have always wore them. Mainly to play hoops though.

The Air Max is a neutral shoe with pretty decent cushioning. I have had no issues logging over 150 miles in them. Wait, then why the heck did I buy new sneeks? Anyway, I picked up these 06 Nike Air Pegasus, the number one rated shoe for 2006 according to Runner's World.

I ran two treadmill miles last night and they felt great. Very light and fast feeling. My issue is I think they are too flashy. Not reflective flashy, but style flashy. I am big fan of the Nike yellow and black look, but the sliver seems a bit much. They come in your basic white and blue too? Is it too much? Later.

Still Snowed In?

Well, I am not, but a major part of the Midwest is. Family in Southern Illinois is and has been since Friday without power. It is like freezing outside! I hope they are bundled up real good.

I have been running, mostly on my shitty treadmill in the basement. I bought this piece of crap about 5 years ago for the wife when she just had to have one. I knew she would NOT really use it, so we went on the cheap. It was something like $300 bucks at Sports Authority. It is a Pro Form whatever. She did not use it.

Now, it is I paying for being such a cheap arse. I have logged over 100 miles on that thing this past year. I used it to get my weight loss started and then cross train in the summer when time would not allow me to ride. It has always been hard to run on, but lately it has been making odd noises and I stain to log miles that I can run outside with no issues.

Yes, I am telling you I need to shop for a new treadmill. I am talking fitness club level treadmill. My initial research has lead me to believe that I will be spending at least $2000 for one. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Speaking of the gym, I made it to the YMCA yesterday for a run and some weights. Oh boy, running on that Nautilus treadmill sure was nice. I could have ran all day. I even managed some incline for 300 feet of climbing. It was a nice 3 plus miles. Hence, my new treadmill jones.

On the camera front the FujiFinePix F20 did NOT cut it and I returned it to Best Buy. Looks like it will be more cash for a Canon SD700. Does it ever end? Later.

Snow Day

After a day of Media Hype it finally Snowed. It wasn't 12 inches for Chicagoland, but it was around 5 inches of wet, messy, and hard to shovel snow. Basically, every thing was shut down yesterday. No Work or School for my household.

Does the snow mean an end to my running career?

Anyone know anything about point and shoot cameras? I had a nice one that was left out in a rain storm. As a result the Canon Powershot S500 now works when it wants to, which is very rare these days.

So, I picked up a FujiFlim FinePix F20se. The above picture was taken with it. Out of the box I am unimpressed with the pics it produces. I need a point and shot camera that takes good pictures in low light. Basically, one the wife can use to take millions and millions of pictures of the kid. The Fuji pictures are no where as clear as the ones the Canon took. Wait a minute..........why not just get another Canon! Brilliant!

Later.

This just in....

Booze is bad for you. It leads to eating. I manage food well when boozing it up, but it is the hangover day that kills me every time. Like today, I am just eating and eating because I had some beers at a Work Function thing last night. Not that it matters as I weighed in this week, yes I still weigh in on Tuesdays, at 170 pounds. Well, 169.4 to be exact. A quick flashback to January 2006 will show my weight was approaching 240 big ones at that time. Crazy. What was I complaining about again?

SCRUBS is back tonight. Finally something to watch on TV. Great freakin show that I suggest everyone check out. Of course, I will TIVO it and watch it this weekend, so keep your Scrub thoughts to yourself.

Weird, but I am really looking forward to running tomorrow. That is if the evil doer of a snow storm doesn't take out the entire Midwest. Could the Media blow this thing up any more? I mean how many times do we need to see that lot of snow plow trucks and giant pile of salt?

Later.

Turkey Wrap Up

Doesn't a Turkey Pita Wrap just sound delicious right now?!?

My Thanksgiving Holiday has come and gone way to quick. The past five were something else. I consumed Thanksgiving Dinner like it was my first and last ever. Man, it was soooo good. At the time I knew this was too be my first of two feast, but I still had 3 full plates of turkey goodness.

Thursday night the wife and I caught some type of nasty flu bug that laid us up for two days. Due to the sickness we had to skip the trip to her family's feast and headed home Friday afternoon. Friday,Saturday, & Sunday were spent chasing the little one around house and napping.

The weather has been off the charts for late November in the Midwest. Temperatures have been above 50 for days now, but yet my road bike sits idle in the garage. I do miss my bike. I wish I could ride my bike.

I did manage to log 12 miles running in the last 5 days and over 15 for the past week. Check out my training log over to the right. I am a big fan of stats, well my stats for my workouts and training. The log at BuckeyeOutdoors.com is a do it all and track it all and as far as I am concerned a must for the serious fitness freaks. Check it out. Later.