Happy Birthday Mr. President

Well she wouldn't sing for my birthday...in fact she won't even return my phone calls, but alas, I have turned 35 anyway.  

In celebration, I ran 35 kilometers this morning.  That's almost 22 miles to those of us in America.  Good times, good times.  Thanks to the Pink Flash for starting out with me.

So a little rest was in order, a little "Looney Tunes", some scallops, and some steak.  This was of course after a 15 minute ice bath and a smoothie made by my beautiful wife, she's the best.

Tonight our band "Saved" is rocking the Assembly of God motorcycle rally.  Gotta go, the fans are calling.  Peace.

"I was blinded by the devil, born already ruined, stone cold dead when I stepped out of the womb.  But by His grace I have been touched, by faith I have been healed, by His hand I've been delivered, by His Spirit I've been sealed 'cause I'm saved..."- Bob Dylan

Hey all just a post to promote the band.  We are opening for a semi-big band in two weeks.

Check it out:  Shine FM

Tough speed workout this morning, but I got through it ok, hit my times.  Only 87% humidity at 5 am this morning...YEA!

Peace.

Valpo Tri

"A trophy carries dust, but memories last forever." -Mary Lou Retton

Well, last weeks Valpo Tri was a blast, Ben and Devin were the best (around:)).  They hooked me up with a good home cooked pre-race meal, great company and a place to crash.  Thanks guys.

The race itself was tough.  The day started with a nice hard rain and two claps of thunder that delayed the race by 30 minutes.  After a surprisingly long swim, we rode on some very slick roads with rain pelting our faces.  I nearly wiped out around a corner and had to blow through it to keep the bike upright.  We weren't on the bike very long though before the sun came out and heated things up.  The run went ok, although my legs were of course wobbly from the bike.  Everything was soaked, so I wound up with some killer blisters on my arches.  Good times, good times.

The next day brought a 20 miler on the schedule followed by a long nap and loafing most of the day.  

Tempo

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You gotta love a guy who wasn't afraid to tell people his middle name was Waldo.

Not a lot to report, tempo run today.  Things went well.  (Thanks Carol for the H2O!)  I have been running off the beaten path a little lately.  Today I did the tempo portion of my run in the cemetery.  It was quiet and relaxing.  Lots of trees.  Last Sunday I ran a mile and a half on the railroad tracks.  It wasn't as fun as I thought it might be.  If I could have lowered the crossing arms as I went past, it may have been more fun.  It was a little too uneven to really enjoy any kind of change of scenery.

Anyway, I think I am going to rest tomorrow since the Valpo Tri is on Saturday.  It should be fun.  My main man Ben and his lovely, pregnant wife have graciously allowed me to crash on their couch.  I have been biking some, so I hope to best my last years time...we'll see. 

Speedwork

Have you seen this runner?
Tough run this morning.  6 mile warm-up followed by 4 miles of intervals at the track.  Whew!  What's interesting is that I keep finding things.  Saturday I found a dime and a folding ruler, Sunday I found a dime, then a nickel, then two pennies, then another penny and today I found a baseball!  I wonder what the rest of the week will bring...

A Penny A Mile

I got a little change in my pocket goin' jing-a-lina-a-ling, call you on the telephone baby, give you a ring...

-The Georgia Satellites

I recently read in "Runner's World" about a gal who paid herself a dollar a mile as a reward for training for a marathon.  Well, I do way too many miles for that kind of budget.  However, the kind citizens of Rensselaer paid me a penny a mile this morning.  Thanks to help from the "Pink Flash" (pictured above) I picked up 18 cents around our fair city this morning.  I of course left it on the step of the CRC treasurer.  Sheila, you can make a donation in my name to the Human Fund.  

Quick dose of protein then it's off to church.  Don't forget to check out 26.2 or Less.

Fourth of July

Bicycle bicycle bicycle

I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle

I want to ride my bicycle

I want to ride my bike

I want to ride my bicycle

I want to ride it where I like

-Freddy Mercury

Myself and 3 other members of the CRC rode to Francisville today.  36 miles round trip.  I was a good day for a ride.  It was about 62 degrees when we started, very little wind and the sun was out.  When we got back, I did a 6 mile run.  It was on the schedule for today and right know the schedule is king.

I started what I call "my heavy training" for the Chicago Marathon June 24th.  It involves running usually 6 days per week along with strength training and biking as I can fit them in.  The schedule includes "speedwork" twice a week as well a "long run" on Sunday.  I have stuck to the schedule without fail so far (although it was close one day!).  It is tough and tiring but I know it will be worth it come Chi-time.

Having said all that, it probably goes without saying that I have spent the rest of the day getting reunited with my couch.

By the way I had the idea to do another blog, thanks Sheila for brainstorming with me on ideas.  26.2 or Less.  Check it out.