eeek, so you had to ask didn't you!?!?! Well, lets keep it honest here... Running is in sad shape. I've not been able to get back into the groove since my injury in May. Yes, May. I've just found too many diversions and excuses, and constantly threatening to get back into it... I haven't forgone fitness or anything, just been biking more than anything.(I love my new bike, it's a speed thing...) I'll just be getting back into my normal schedule which had me up to 9's/13's when I was injured. We should do some runs together for sure, when you're here, we'll all go, the whole ollython and then some, eh? No idea if Grandma will do it, but that could be interesting...She's pretty tough! Don't know about your parents either, the more I read the more I'm thinking it'd be good to have people available at certain points to, yes, cheer us on, but also provide various snacks that we've trained on and know will contribute to our success...you know? Times haven't been to bad I'd say, but I definitely need to step it up to get to Boston. My short track is really decent in my opinion, but I'm still shooting for faster. I turned in a sub 6' over 2 miles, so I'm pleased, but need to go a lot longer to make it count. We can do this, all of us! I just need to quit loafing. Enjoy your adventure there, I brag about it and I know your dad does too!
XOXO
Adam.
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Now playing: Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - Make Me Smile
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Best Luck EVAR!
Oh My Goodness! What an awesome weekend I had, just a little too short. A huge thank you to Kelly and her friend Michelle and Tiffany for showing me a good time out on the boat, it was a real pleasure and getting all that sun was just wonderful!
I normally have Fridays off, but I stepped up and offered to cover for someones vacancy so that cut into my weekend. I left work Friday and did a bunch of errands at home, just trying to get everything straightened up. I resisted the urge to go see 'The Dark Knight,' but may not be able to much longer. Kept doing chores and tried to get to bed at a decent hour since I was going boating Saturday.
Saturday morning came and I was barely ready when Kelly let me know they were leaving so I could meet them at the boat launch. I grabbed my stuff as fast as I could and got on the road, but I still had to do a couple errands before I got out of town. I did those and right when I was getting out of town, Kelly asked me to grab a few things from the store. I grabbed those and was on my way. I had bought one of those Styrofoam coolers and was filling it with ice and soda, from the store, when I noticed Kelly unloading at the dock, this was about 10:30. I ran over to see if I could assist and immediately got in the water, which was surprisingly warmer than I expected. As we were loading the cooler onto the boat it totally exploded and the contents went everywhere.... It wasn't a total loss, but it was a mess. We got that cleaned up and got out on the boat, heading up river to a little bank where quite a few others were out partying and having a good time.
We stopped in and hung out with everyone there listening to music dancing, and just gathering the rays. People came and went, but overall we stuck around that area. We did some runs back to the dock a couple of times to get or drop off people and when we did that we would fool around int he wake or jump off the boat or whatever. It was fun and I was still amazed the water wasn't half freezing. It was really nice. On the 'beach' some of the boats had awesome stereos and they were playing tunes. Overall it was pretty mellow and enjoyable. No big problems were encountered to my knowledge and drama was minimal, thank goodness. I did a lot of mingling and trying to be conversational for the duration. At about sunset we started to head in and I helped them load the boat back up, set up their camp and fire and just hung out chatting. It was important to me to make some form of an apology to Kelly for being a jerk that last time I saw her, so I did that. I'm glad to have another friend again! While we wer sitting around chatting and eating I was sitting by the camp fire and I heard a rustling but thought it was the wind. All of a suddent eh girls jumped up and took off running the opposite direction shouting that there was a skunk, I couldn't believe it! I was affraid to get sprayed so I sat still for a while and then slowly made my way to the picnic table to grab a flashlight. I made it to the light and scanned aroudn for the skunk and finaly saw it down by the tall grass gnawing on something, it looked like a hot dog. I tried to scare the thing off but was afraid it would spray. It was actually kind of cute. It finally decided to move off when the girls came over after I said it was cute. I grabbed what it had been eating and threw it out towards the water. I finally pulled myself away at midnight and drove home, it was a great day! thank you Kelly, Tiffany, and Michelle!
Proof I'm pretty dang lucky(yes, I'm in there somewhere)!
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Now playing: Break - Enigma
via FoxyTunes
I normally have Fridays off, but I stepped up and offered to cover for someones vacancy so that cut into my weekend. I left work Friday and did a bunch of errands at home, just trying to get everything straightened up. I resisted the urge to go see 'The Dark Knight,' but may not be able to much longer. Kept doing chores and tried to get to bed at a decent hour since I was going boating Saturday.
Saturday morning came and I was barely ready when Kelly let me know they were leaving so I could meet them at the boat launch. I grabbed my stuff as fast as I could and got on the road, but I still had to do a couple errands before I got out of town. I did those and right when I was getting out of town, Kelly asked me to grab a few things from the store. I grabbed those and was on my way. I had bought one of those Styrofoam coolers and was filling it with ice and soda, from the store, when I noticed Kelly unloading at the dock, this was about 10:30. I ran over to see if I could assist and immediately got in the water, which was surprisingly warmer than I expected. As we were loading the cooler onto the boat it totally exploded and the contents went everywhere.... It wasn't a total loss, but it was a mess. We got that cleaned up and got out on the boat, heading up river to a little bank where quite a few others were out partying and having a good time.
We stopped in and hung out with everyone there listening to music dancing, and just gathering the rays. People came and went, but overall we stuck around that area. We did some runs back to the dock a couple of times to get or drop off people and when we did that we would fool around int he wake or jump off the boat or whatever. It was fun and I was still amazed the water wasn't half freezing. It was really nice. On the 'beach' some of the boats had awesome stereos and they were playing tunes. Overall it was pretty mellow and enjoyable. No big problems were encountered to my knowledge and drama was minimal, thank goodness. I did a lot of mingling and trying to be conversational for the duration. At about sunset we started to head in and I helped them load the boat back up, set up their camp and fire and just hung out chatting. It was important to me to make some form of an apology to Kelly for being a jerk that last time I saw her, so I did that. I'm glad to have another friend again! While we wer sitting around chatting and eating I was sitting by the camp fire and I heard a rustling but thought it was the wind. All of a suddent eh girls jumped up and took off running the opposite direction shouting that there was a skunk, I couldn't believe it! I was affraid to get sprayed so I sat still for a while and then slowly made my way to the picnic table to grab a flashlight. I made it to the light and scanned aroudn for the skunk and finaly saw it down by the tall grass gnawing on something, it looked like a hot dog. I tried to scare the thing off but was afraid it would spray. It was actually kind of cute. It finally decided to move off when the girls came over after I said it was cute. I grabbed what it had been eating and threw it out towards the water. I finally pulled myself away at midnight and drove home, it was a great day! thank you Kelly, Tiffany, and Michelle!
Proof I'm pretty dang lucky(yes, I'm in there somewhere)!
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Now playing: Break - Enigma
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sun, Rafting and Bar-B-Q
I have to admit I'm still threatening to get back on top of my running habit, but I've still been biking tons, it's good! I really like my new bike and I'm nearly convinced to get some clip-in's but the ones I'd like are so dang expensive... I'll wait.
I did do a running competition last week though, it was probably the most horrible day to run so far. There was a lot of wind and blowing dust, I swear I inhaled enough to make me sick. It was a small field of runners due to the weather I suppose, but I stuck with it and was able to get 2nd in my age group. The next one will be better, especially since the weather will be... I hope! My time was slower than I expeced, but I do blame the wind for that, as well as the fact I rode my bike over to the site, that was 11ish miles. Good cross-training, just not so good before a running race. The ride back was horrible as there was a complete and total headwind. I didn't try pedaling hard against it, but I tried to keep pedaling. It must have take twice as long to get back home as it did to get to Pasco.
My sister finally got me in the boat with her on the brand new "Blue Steel" raft. It was my first float and was pretty good. The water was freezing and nobody went in, but we did get splashed and that was freezing. We floated the same part of the river twice, and finished the day with a stop at the local Bar-B-Q which, according to my roommate, was suitable. I'd consider himt he expert in this regard as he is very zealous about Bar-B-Q and the south. It was a good weekend.
---------------- Now playing: Outlaws feat. Bez Lennon - It's Not French, But It's F*cking 'Aving It... via FoxyTunes
I did do a running competition last week though, it was probably the most horrible day to run so far. There was a lot of wind and blowing dust, I swear I inhaled enough to make me sick. It was a small field of runners due to the weather I suppose, but I stuck with it and was able to get 2nd in my age group. The next one will be better, especially since the weather will be... I hope! My time was slower than I expeced, but I do blame the wind for that, as well as the fact I rode my bike over to the site, that was 11ish miles. Good cross-training, just not so good before a running race. The ride back was horrible as there was a complete and total headwind. I didn't try pedaling hard against it, but I tried to keep pedaling. It must have take twice as long to get back home as it did to get to Pasco.
My sister finally got me in the boat with her on the brand new "Blue Steel" raft. It was my first float and was pretty good. The water was freezing and nobody went in, but we did get splashed and that was freezing. We floated the same part of the river twice, and finished the day with a stop at the local Bar-B-Q which, according to my roommate, was suitable. I'd consider himt he expert in this regard as he is very zealous about Bar-B-Q and the south. It was a good weekend.
---------------- Now playing: Outlaws feat. Bez Lennon - It's Not French, But It's F*cking 'Aving It... via FoxyTunes
Monday, July 07, 2008
Don't let my Nike+ mini fool you
I've actually been pretty active. Riding the bike everyday to work and almost everywhere else, including a 40 miler(approx). It's a heck of a lot easier than riding the mountain bike all over. Not that I don't like to, but it's such a heavy bike and this new street bike...isn't! It's pretty fast, and with the tailwind through Pasco, I was flying pretty fast! The ride back on the Kennewick side, not so fast and I was getting spent. Bike did fine until I got to Howard Amon park and one of the shifters started to act up. I was stuck in a low gear and that made the rest of the bike a bit tougher, but I survived. Shifter is fixed now and my rides to work have been just fine.
I've been remiss on my running, but I'll be getting back into that TODAY! I'd been planning on doing the Righteous Richland Sprint Triathlon, but with my lack of training I bailed. So that's two events this season I've bailed on, I'm giving myself the excuse that it's my first season, but I'm not going to bail on any more. Next are some cross country runs in Pasco, just for fun. Then the Aquaman Duathlon, run/swim/run. Should be some good events. Not to mention the Marathon in October. Oh, and I'll be doing double workouts too.
People have been getting to me lately. Just the underhandedness of the way they choose to go about things. It's not as if it's my business, but really, your suggestion that we remain friends, that I not be lost to you as such, yet you hide something from me and I have to find out from everyone else; not that it wasn't obvious, but really, I'd rather hear it from you. The only difference is how I'd deal with it now.
Plan A, get new job. Plan B, go back to school.
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Now playing: Cut Copy - Future
via FoxyTunes
I've been remiss on my running, but I'll be getting back into that TODAY! I'd been planning on doing the Righteous Richland Sprint Triathlon, but with my lack of training I bailed. So that's two events this season I've bailed on, I'm giving myself the excuse that it's my first season, but I'm not going to bail on any more. Next are some cross country runs in Pasco, just for fun. Then the Aquaman Duathlon, run/swim/run. Should be some good events. Not to mention the Marathon in October. Oh, and I'll be doing double workouts too.
People have been getting to me lately. Just the underhandedness of the way they choose to go about things. It's not as if it's my business, but really, your suggestion that we remain friends, that I not be lost to you as such, yet you hide something from me and I have to find out from everyone else; not that it wasn't obvious, but really, I'd rather hear it from you. The only difference is how I'd deal with it now.
Plan A, get new job. Plan B, go back to school.
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Now playing: Cut Copy - Future
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Rewriting the new bike
I've burned my eyes out staring at and trying to rewrite my cover letter and make it awesome and poignant. And, say what's important without going over a page. It's below a page, but still a little long I feel. Currently I'm sick of looking at it and really feeling this is one of those weaknesses that I need to really improve on and make a strength, I just get so sick of it though. AAAAAARGH. I'm taking a break and going to dwell on it while I head down to Portland for Avenue Q and a family get together.
I'm anxious for Avenue Q, I get to dress up for the show. This is something that I enjoy. I admit my vanity, but I really do love to get dressed up, wear and look my best and be seen... I find it fun and I like to see how others look and what's in vogue. Of course the atrocities that some people try to pull off are pretty entertaining as well!!! I try not to pass judgment, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Reminds me of the formal I went to for new years...oh my gosh, ladies, there IS a difference between tasteful and trashy, please recognize the difference.
I'm stoked I got my new bicycle today!!! It's so cool, and I even got to ride it! Let me tell you it's a real joy to ride something so lite and nimble across the streets and I'm anxious to to get more miles on it. First, new tires and pedals. I'm just paranoid about punctures and I've been really pleased with armadillos. They make a 700 x 23, so I'm planning on picking some up in Portland. The bike came with clip in, but I don't have bike shoes and am not anxious to get any, so I'll also be looking for toe clips/cages for a little more power. Lastly, I need a more healthy seat and will be ordering that later after I try the one I ordered for the mountain bike...
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Now playing: John B - Take me home
via FoxyTunes
I'm anxious for Avenue Q, I get to dress up for the show. This is something that I enjoy. I admit my vanity, but I really do love to get dressed up, wear and look my best and be seen... I find it fun and I like to see how others look and what's in vogue. Of course the atrocities that some people try to pull off are pretty entertaining as well!!! I try not to pass judgment, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Reminds me of the formal I went to for new years...oh my gosh, ladies, there IS a difference between tasteful and trashy, please recognize the difference.
I'm stoked I got my new bicycle today!!! It's so cool, and I even got to ride it! Let me tell you it's a real joy to ride something so lite and nimble across the streets and I'm anxious to to get more miles on it. First, new tires and pedals. I'm just paranoid about punctures and I've been really pleased with armadillos. They make a 700 x 23, so I'm planning on picking some up in Portland. The bike came with clip in, but I don't have bike shoes and am not anxious to get any, so I'll also be looking for toe clips/cages for a little more power. Lastly, I need a more healthy seat and will be ordering that later after I try the one I ordered for the mountain bike...
----------------Now playing: John B - Take me home
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Just writing for the sake of it
yes, no notable title, nothing of real interest, just writing to write and let things out or just muse about them. Bought a new bike, it's no fixie, but it looks bad a$$. I'm anxious to get it, it looks super fast and it's carbon fiber so it shouldn't be half heavy! I also bought a new saddle/seat, it looks decent, but I hope it doesn't make my bikes look to blah, it just isn't as sleek as a traditional seat. The seat can be found here. We shall see.
I've been thinking a lot about work and jobs lately and just how much I'm displeased with my current work environment and how much favoritism gets shown toward individuals simply because they subscribe to more traditional life styles. They have the wife, the family, the kids, etc etc. It just seems to me that a great deal of preference is paid to these individuals simply to accommodate them because someone like me is more versatile, yet through some irrational idea, also less desirable.
Big thing that's been on my mind lately is just a whole list of all the things I would like in a woman... This could be really extensive and at the same time it feels a little presumptuous and stifling. And I argue that away by saying, "why settle." I don't feel that I settle in other situations, but maybe I'm not seeing the whole picture. Anyhow, if I ever get this list created you'll see it here.
Other big thing on my mind lately, where the hell do all the people my age, with my interests, my motivations etc etc meet. I swear television has absorbed most people...and admittedly I'm guilty to some degree...
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Now playing: ABC - When Smokey Sings
via FoxyTunes
I've been thinking a lot about work and jobs lately and just how much I'm displeased with my current work environment and how much favoritism gets shown toward individuals simply because they subscribe to more traditional life styles. They have the wife, the family, the kids, etc etc. It just seems to me that a great deal of preference is paid to these individuals simply to accommodate them because someone like me is more versatile, yet through some irrational idea, also less desirable.
Big thing that's been on my mind lately is just a whole list of all the things I would like in a woman... This could be really extensive and at the same time it feels a little presumptuous and stifling. And I argue that away by saying, "why settle." I don't feel that I settle in other situations, but maybe I'm not seeing the whole picture. Anyhow, if I ever get this list created you'll see it here.
Other big thing on my mind lately, where the hell do all the people my age, with my interests, my motivations etc etc meet. I swear television has absorbed most people...and admittedly I'm guilty to some degree...
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Now playing: ABC - When Smokey Sings
via FoxyTunes
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Organic conversations with missed calories.
I've been getting more consistent with my running lately, it's good. The temperature has been climbing which I love and I've been trying to take as much of it in as possible. Getting more serious about my health and diet. Best thing I've found so far is Organic milk...never in all my life have I been a big fan of milk, just didn't really like it. But I'm sold on Organic milk, it's delicious! It tastes nothing like non-organic milk and I don't mind paying extra for it, simply because it tastes so good. I'm also very keen to try some grass fed beef, but having limited success finding a decent source for that. I'm very anxious to try it and I'm surprised to learn my father is interested in it as well.
I'm trying to get a decent source of healthful calories in as little volume as possible. I just can't, nor do I want to, eat that much. This makes it difficult for me to get healthful calories, and when I do, I feel too full. If anyone can suggest good healthful caloric low volume sources, I'm all ears!
I think the biggest thing I'm missing these days are the conversations... so good.
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Now playing: Death From Above 1979 - Girl U R Lovely
via FoxyTunes
I'm trying to get a decent source of healthful calories in as little volume as possible. I just can't, nor do I want to, eat that much. This makes it difficult for me to get healthful calories, and when I do, I feel too full. If anyone can suggest good healthful caloric low volume sources, I'm all ears!
I think the biggest thing I'm missing these days are the conversations... so good.
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Now playing: Death From Above 1979 - Girl U R Lovely
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The thirty some-odd post wall
I'm now into the 30's for my postings and I feel them waining. Much like my speeches, which I haven't been able to complete more that 3 for no other reason that I'm lacking the initiative and a good topic. I believe I've remedied that now, think Sports Nutrition. I've been reading about it a bit lately, been trying to apply it to my diet, and I believe I could speak about it for at least a few minutes.
Speaking of hitting walls, it seems like I'm hitting a wall with running. I haven't really gotten back into the swing of things since my injury, things keep interrupting and I took so much time off for the injury... The last few runs have been pretty horrible feeling. One last week was horrible because my lunch was still bothering me, and just all the runs lately have been much weaker in comparison to April when I got my 100 miles in a month. I believe some of this is related to my diet, I'm getting lots of calories, but it's at a very high carbohydrate cost, and that is making me feel icky when I run. Of course running into the wind last night didn't feel good anyway...
Enough griping, here's my weekend summary: Friday, Bicycle polo - not quite the death trap I thought it would be, but there's plenty of potential. I had a good time and the group was really nice, so that made it pleasant! I'm really enjoying getting out and attempting all these great sports and I'm fortunate to be healthy enough to do so. Did some laundry that evening and left for Seattle in the AM. Drive was nice and uneventful, it was sunny when I left and when I got to Seattle it was rainy, big surprise. I don't mind the rain at all though and I went straight to my friends' apartment. Cecilia was there as well, a new friend who I actually went to High School with, she's cheerful and that's pleasant. Allan, of course, was there with his brother and we all just chatted a bit. Allan and I went out to a burger joint he's been raving about for ages and I finally got to go this weekend. Red Mill Burgers, it was good, but the server girl, I could totally see her thong. Any other circumstance and I wouldn't have thought twice about it...
After dinner Allan and I went to see Zohan. It was funny. Then we hung out at his place and I finally went to see Crystal Castles. They were good, but way too short of a performance. the crowd was decent, a surprising mix, and I had a good time. Met Allan later at his favourite bar and then several of us went to his place and crashed. Next day was the nicest I've seen in Seattle and I sat by the window, with a great view of downtown. Later that evening I drove home. I was a way too short weekend all in all.
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Now playing: HEALTH - Tabloid Sores (Lovely Chords Remix)
via FoxyTunes
Speaking of hitting walls, it seems like I'm hitting a wall with running. I haven't really gotten back into the swing of things since my injury, things keep interrupting and I took so much time off for the injury... The last few runs have been pretty horrible feeling. One last week was horrible because my lunch was still bothering me, and just all the runs lately have been much weaker in comparison to April when I got my 100 miles in a month. I believe some of this is related to my diet, I'm getting lots of calories, but it's at a very high carbohydrate cost, and that is making me feel icky when I run. Of course running into the wind last night didn't feel good anyway...
Enough griping, here's my weekend summary: Friday, Bicycle polo - not quite the death trap I thought it would be, but there's plenty of potential. I had a good time and the group was really nice, so that made it pleasant! I'm really enjoying getting out and attempting all these great sports and I'm fortunate to be healthy enough to do so. Did some laundry that evening and left for Seattle in the AM. Drive was nice and uneventful, it was sunny when I left and when I got to Seattle it was rainy, big surprise. I don't mind the rain at all though and I went straight to my friends' apartment. Cecilia was there as well, a new friend who I actually went to High School with, she's cheerful and that's pleasant. Allan, of course, was there with his brother and we all just chatted a bit. Allan and I went out to a burger joint he's been raving about for ages and I finally got to go this weekend. Red Mill Burgers, it was good, but the server girl, I could totally see her thong. Any other circumstance and I wouldn't have thought twice about it...
After dinner Allan and I went to see Zohan. It was funny. Then we hung out at his place and I finally went to see Crystal Castles. They were good, but way too short of a performance. the crowd was decent, a surprising mix, and I had a good time. Met Allan later at his favourite bar and then several of us went to his place and crashed. Next day was the nicest I've seen in Seattle and I sat by the window, with a great view of downtown. Later that evening I drove home. I was a way too short weekend all in all.
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Now playing: HEALTH - Tabloid Sores (Lovely Chords Remix)
via FoxyTunes
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
More on the surface.
Now, it's not that I don't want to have actual connections with things or people, I do. I just want to make sure I'm not neglecting something and give as many things a go round. I also want those connections to be very...transparent. I don't want to give off the appearance that I'm strongly associated with one thing in particular, more that I'd like to give the appearance of being vaguely involved with many things. Connected, yes...Attached, vaguely.
Along with this I'm trying to throw out all forms of nostalgia...even though I've managed to foil that with my last purchase...the complete X-files, every season plus the movie... oh well, I only did it because I missed a few seasons over the years, so I'm playing a bit of catch up, and admittedly I do enjoy it... sign, still vestiges of my idealism.
Music, I don't know that I'll be able to escape nostalgia nor a deep connection with it...but some battles aren't worth fighting. New artist of the moment below:
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Now playing: Ladyhawke - BOTV(Van She Tech Turbo Fire Engine Remix)
via FoxyTunes
Along with this I'm trying to throw out all forms of nostalgia...even though I've managed to foil that with my last purchase...the complete X-files, every season plus the movie... oh well, I only did it because I missed a few seasons over the years, so I'm playing a bit of catch up, and admittedly I do enjoy it... sign, still vestiges of my idealism.
Music, I don't know that I'll be able to escape nostalgia nor a deep connection with it...but some battles aren't worth fighting. New artist of the moment below:
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Now playing: Ladyhawke - BOTV(Van She Tech Turbo Fire Engine Remix)
via FoxyTunes
Monday, June 02, 2008
Surface pressure
The one thing that I really identify with most anymore is the idea, taken from a song, and society really, is that I want to “slide down the surface of things.” (U2- Even Better Than The Real Thing) It isn’t some unconscious reaction to society in general, although I think it exists in society as an affliction. I just have no desire to be that attached to anything. I remember times in my life when I was so attached, so into a thing that it became something I was identified with, almost a lifestyle. I remember those times and think to myself, “Shoot, I missed something there.” I’d like to be open to everything, well, not EVERYthing, just I don’t want to miss out on anything because I’m so drawn into something else.
The most significant manifestation of this in my life currently is athletics…I’m not a super athlete, but I have the ability to, at the very minimum, attempt any athletic activity. Certainly I’d like to do it all really well, but just participating in athletics is a pleasure for me. Not getting terribly serious about any one activity, and giving as many as I can a try. Though, bicycle polo looks like a death trap…
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Now playing: Tiga - Good As Gold - Original Mix
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Decision 2008
I've been looking up and down for a nice bike to race and ride around town on. I'm not anxious to throw down more than a grand for a bike, even though gas is getting outrageous. I think I'm finally onto the bike I'd like to get. Not as expensive as a super performance tri bike or anything like that, but still hopefully a fest little.... fixie/track bike. This is a whole new world for me, and I'm a bit intimidated by the idea of hopping on a bike with no brakes (traditional that is). It all looks very dangerous and I'm not super confident in my riding ability, especially sans brakes. I ride my MTN bike around town and do fine with it, but I do end up using the brakes. haven't had any close calls or anything serious, but I think if I'm riding a fixie it will put me into positions where I'm more likely to get into trouble. And if I'm planning to ride to work... morning traffic is a killer and I'd hate to be riding through that in the morning. I guess it's just going to take some getting used to all around though. Now just to get the bike.
Running has been not so hot this month, after taking a long time to recover from the foot injury, I'm been a bit hit and miss with day to day running. I think I've dropped a step or two and The last 3 miles I did really were not fun. It's incredible how much that recovery time affected my training. I just need to get back on it though and I should be fine. Sadly I've neglected many of my other chores lately, and now am debating a no show for tonight, when in fact I really need to get it done.
Running has been not so hot this month, after taking a long time to recover from the foot injury, I'm been a bit hit and miss with day to day running. I think I've dropped a step or two and The last 3 miles I did really were not fun. It's incredible how much that recovery time affected my training. I just need to get back on it though and I should be fine. Sadly I've neglected many of my other chores lately, and now am debating a no show for tonight, when in fact I really need to get it done.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The road to recovery is filled with boredom.
Finally, after 2 weeks I'm finally feeling at 100%, so I get to start running again!!! Thank goodness, I was seriously going stir crazy for a bit there. So what did I do you might ask, well... Mostly I did things to the point that I could keep off my feet. Luckily we've had some beautiful weather here and we have a hammock at the house, so I was out on that a lot. I tried to read, but kept dozing off. It was fine, but I'd prefer to have accomplished some reading, I've been so remiss in my reading and the list of books I want to read keeps getting longer...and longer.
Speaking of reading, I'll just make mention that I'm keen to start reading some books about sports nutrition. I made a point to up my protein intake while recovering from this injury, as I think it was muscle damage, and I don't know that it helped, but I was keeping it in mind. I'd like to get more knowledgeable about sports nutrition, that can only help me in recovery and training, and I need all the help I can get.
After the run/walk of Bloomsday I continued to rest the foot, but did more walking around and things. I was very conscious of my step/gate, and made sure not to limp, to the best of my ability. I think I've recovered well, and my foot feels good, so we'll see how I do running on it. I think I'll start with a 3.
I helped my father do some work on Friday, that involved driving his little tractor around and burying some root guard material in the ground. The little tractor is kind of fun to drive around, and I didn't have much trouble with it, but it was so dirty out there...I was filthy when I was done. I did chores at home after that.
Saturday my brother and I drove to Portland to see my mother for Mother's Day. It was a really nice drive and we made good time. We saw my mother for a bit, walked around downtown Portland for a bit then went for dinner at a nice steak house. It was very good, but not the best steak I've had, surprisingly. Thank you Bro.
I just followed the links to Parallels myspace page, and let me tell he's got some killer tunes on there.
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Now playing: Parallels - BacktoEarth.Mix.for.VALERIE
via FoxyTunes
Speaking of reading, I'll just make mention that I'm keen to start reading some books about sports nutrition. I made a point to up my protein intake while recovering from this injury, as I think it was muscle damage, and I don't know that it helped, but I was keeping it in mind. I'd like to get more knowledgeable about sports nutrition, that can only help me in recovery and training, and I need all the help I can get.
After the run/walk of Bloomsday I continued to rest the foot, but did more walking around and things. I was very conscious of my step/gate, and made sure not to limp, to the best of my ability. I think I've recovered well, and my foot feels good, so we'll see how I do running on it. I think I'll start with a 3.
I helped my father do some work on Friday, that involved driving his little tractor around and burying some root guard material in the ground. The little tractor is kind of fun to drive around, and I didn't have much trouble with it, but it was so dirty out there...I was filthy when I was done. I did chores at home after that.
Saturday my brother and I drove to Portland to see my mother for Mother's Day. It was a really nice drive and we made good time. We saw my mother for a bit, walked around downtown Portland for a bit then went for dinner at a nice steak house. It was very good, but not the best steak I've had, surprisingly. Thank you Bro.
I just followed the links to Parallels myspace page, and let me tell he's got some killer tunes on there.
----------------
Now playing: Parallels - BacktoEarth.Mix.for.VALERIE
via FoxyTunes
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Some Bloomsday Factoids
| Finish Time: 1:31:09 | ||
| Overall Place: 13,684 out of 42,697 | ||
| Ran with a pace of 12:13 per mile | ||
| The average pace for 30-year-olds was 14:46 | ||
| Placed 253rd among people the same age Top 25 | ||
| Placed 135th among people from Richland, WA Top 25 | ||
| Placed 10,164th among people from the State of Washington Top 25 | ||
| Placed 6th among people with the same last name Top 25 | ||
| Placed 7,729th among males Top 25 | ||
| Placed 125th out of 243 among 30-year-old males Top 25 |
Now playing: Hollertronix - Never Scared
via FoxyTunes
Monday, May 05, 2008
Beautiful Bloomsday in the slow lane.
For the past week I've been being especially careful to not do too much on my injured foot. I had a couple days in which I didn't do anything, just rested the foot and laid around. It wasn't fun. I started getting to the point that I could walk on it and that was just in time for me to head to Seattle for Cut//Copy. They played an excellent show, a lot of fun and sold the place out. everyone was really cool and I really enjoyed getting to see them live, definitely worth going to see. I didn't get much time there so wasn't able to see my buddy Allan, but we spoke for a bit and we hope to get together for a baseball game or something! As I was watching Cut//Copy, I could feel my foot pop and then was able to put more of my weight on it, but it was still painful. I drove home after the concert and continued to rest my foot.
Mark, another buddy of mine invited me to a Pickle Ball tournament he was holding, so I went to that on Saturday. We had a nice time, ate some burgers, and played Pickle Ball and Wii. There were quite a few people there and the tournament went on for quite a while. After playing a couple games of Wii I left there about 10. I was had to go to Bloomsday on Sunday, so I had to get up early.
I set the alarm for 3 and got up about 3:30 to get ready for Bloomsday. My foot was still bothering me, so I fully intended on walking it, but I was going to do it regardless. I convinced Kate to follow through and go, especially since I'd be walking it. She did and we left for Spokane around 4:30/45. The drive up was nice and the weather looked good. by the time we got to Spokane it was clear and sunny with few clouds. It wasn't cold and wasn't too warm. We picked up our packets and headed to a drop off point to catch the bus down to the race start. We had to wait for a long time for our actual start time, and we just went to Starbucks for some snacks/coffee. After a bit we headed to the start and just stood around waiting for the start. After the start we jogged a bit, and I was surprised that my foot didn't bother me all that much. after getting through some of the crowd we walked a bit then jogged for a bit more. We were trying trying to keep an eye our for her brother who would be coming along behind us so we could run with him and somehow I was able to pick him out from the crowd as he ran by. We jogged and walked the rest of the way with a sprint at the end. I ran the entirety of "Doomsday hill" and was surprised how it wasn't as difficult as I expected, of course I hadn't been running much up to that point. After the race we got our t-shirts and went to a bar to shoot the breeze. we hung out for a while then Kate and I had to get back to catch our bus back to my car. The drive back was uneventful and we stopped at Kate's families for dinner then came home for a winning softball game. It was a great day in the sun!
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Now playing: Vostok - Airplanes Main Mix
via FoxyTunes
Mark, another buddy of mine invited me to a Pickle Ball tournament he was holding, so I went to that on Saturday. We had a nice time, ate some burgers, and played Pickle Ball and Wii. There were quite a few people there and the tournament went on for quite a while. After playing a couple games of Wii I left there about 10. I was had to go to Bloomsday on Sunday, so I had to get up early.
I set the alarm for 3 and got up about 3:30 to get ready for Bloomsday. My foot was still bothering me, so I fully intended on walking it, but I was going to do it regardless. I convinced Kate to follow through and go, especially since I'd be walking it. She did and we left for Spokane around 4:30/45. The drive up was nice and the weather looked good. by the time we got to Spokane it was clear and sunny with few clouds. It wasn't cold and wasn't too warm. We picked up our packets and headed to a drop off point to catch the bus down to the race start. We had to wait for a long time for our actual start time, and we just went to Starbucks for some snacks/coffee. After a bit we headed to the start and just stood around waiting for the start. After the start we jogged a bit, and I was surprised that my foot didn't bother me all that much. after getting through some of the crowd we walked a bit then jogged for a bit more. We were trying trying to keep an eye our for her brother who would be coming along behind us so we could run with him and somehow I was able to pick him out from the crowd as he ran by. We jogged and walked the rest of the way with a sprint at the end. I ran the entirety of "Doomsday hill" and was surprised how it wasn't as difficult as I expected, of course I hadn't been running much up to that point. After the race we got our t-shirts and went to a bar to shoot the breeze. we hung out for a while then Kate and I had to get back to catch our bus back to my car. The drive back was uneventful and we stopped at Kate's families for dinner then came home for a winning softball game. It was a great day in the sun!
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Now playing: Vostok - Airplanes Main Mix
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Benched by a half mary injury
AAAAAAAAAARGH!!!
Shooot, this is not good. Just when I signed up for Bloomsday and the Fiasco in Pasco!!!! Now, I have a minor, but debilitating injury. So, I ran a bunch to achieve my 100 miles for the month, I did it!!! It wasn't bad, I crammed the last 14 miles into one run, it went well, apart from a nagging pain in my foot. It started at mile 7.5, "I was too far along to stop," I thought, "I don't want to walk this far back home," I thought. "I CAN do this," I thought. So I did it. I was at a moderate, but constant pace. I even threw in a sprint to the last 500M, and I did it, all 14 miles, no breaks, no stops. My feet hurt, but not as bad as expected. It was good. I ate well that night, I went to bed early, I massaged my feet... I woke up, I could not put pressure on my right foot. I grew very concerned. I went about my day, noticing that it didn't get any better, couldn't walk on it normally, and limped around on my heel. I made calls to get it looked at...1st place, can't see me until 5/14, no good; 2nd place couldn't see me until 5/1, not good enough; last place got me in today, thankfully! X-rays were good, no breaks, spacing good, bone structure is great...so what's the problem? Seems to be sore connective tissue, maybe I could benefit from additional arch support, take some aspirin for the pain and swelling, when it starts feeling better, gradually begin working back up to the distances I was already at, cross train on low impact...AAAAAARGH, this sucks, I so wanted to do Bloomsday in less than an hour, now, I may not even walk it...not cool. Never the less, music is saving my soul. I'm enjoying the following:
Lykke Li
Shooot, this is not good. Just when I signed up for Bloomsday and the Fiasco in Pasco!!!! Now, I have a minor, but debilitating injury. So, I ran a bunch to achieve my 100 miles for the month, I did it!!! It wasn't bad, I crammed the last 14 miles into one run, it went well, apart from a nagging pain in my foot. It started at mile 7.5, "I was too far along to stop," I thought, "I don't want to walk this far back home," I thought. "I CAN do this," I thought. So I did it. I was at a moderate, but constant pace. I even threw in a sprint to the last 500M, and I did it, all 14 miles, no breaks, no stops. My feet hurt, but not as bad as expected. It was good. I ate well that night, I went to bed early, I massaged my feet... I woke up, I could not put pressure on my right foot. I grew very concerned. I went about my day, noticing that it didn't get any better, couldn't walk on it normally, and limped around on my heel. I made calls to get it looked at...1st place, can't see me until 5/14, no good; 2nd place couldn't see me until 5/1, not good enough; last place got me in today, thankfully! X-rays were good, no breaks, spacing good, bone structure is great...so what's the problem? Seems to be sore connective tissue, maybe I could benefit from additional arch support, take some aspirin for the pain and swelling, when it starts feeling better, gradually begin working back up to the distances I was already at, cross train on low impact...AAAAAARGH, this sucks, I so wanted to do Bloomsday in less than an hour, now, I may not even walk it...not cool. Never the less, music is saving my soul. I'm enjoying the following:
Lykke Li
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Late Rage, Old Days, and Golden Ages...
Where to begin? There's been many moons since my last post, and I can barely recall what I did last night...ARG!!! I've been running late for most of the that time it would seem. Never the less I've been able to keep up a bit with my training(only a few miles behind the goal). But I was actually pretty successful with the Rage in the Sage race. It must have been that iTunes gift certificate that my roommate gave me! I took 3rd for my age group and had a reasonable time 1:28:28!!! That's a little better than how I performed on my practice runs, but still room for improvement. Pretty good for a first timer and I got goodies and a wine glass with the even engraved on it! Next is Bloomsday and I seem to be shaping up ok for that...I'm projecting a sub 60 min completion time. About a week after that is another Duathlon. I'd like to have a new road bicycle for that, but time is running out and they just don't come cheap...
I'm now into a new age group for competition. It's the SO old(30-34) age group...oh my! I had a nice birthday on the slopes, which was pretty dang good for this time of year!!!! I should have gone the day before on the fresh stuff, but there was still some good stuff on my day! It was a nice day with my sister for a couple runs, and a couple of my friends. One buddy, Mark, and I had a small collision which left a cut on his face, but otherwise it wasn't bad. I felt horrible about it, but he said he was good. Hopefully he'll still board with us... Also I got treated to a last meal of my 20's dinner and a birthday dinner... and 3 batches of cookies!!! from Kate... It's been good.
Otherwise, I've been running, surprise, and looking for the Golden Age... There is this lyric that keeps bouncing around my head about it being the "golden age," and I just can't place the song. It makes me think a lot about the way things are going in the world right now, and I know there has got to be the golden age out there somewhere, but where?
New goals:
Run more stairs - I did some at Fran Rish and I just need to do more
Sub 6:30 mile - I've been consistently around 7:00...I CAN get that extra .30
Plyometrics - this will help my speed and explosiveness, I also need the variety in workouts
7 miles a day - Just trying to up my mileage
Misc:
I'm interested in Adventure Racing, used to watch Eco-Challenge and that always impressed me. I went ahead and bought a couple videos of Primal Quest. In planning for the Mt St Helens dash I'm setting a personal goal of doing a 6 mile an hour pace...So finish in 5 hours. I know the terrain is irregular, but I think this is a doable goal. I ordered an ultra light first aid kit for these type of adventures....
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Now playing: Kissy Sell Out - Kissy Sell Out Xfm DJ Set!!!!!
via FoxyTunes
I'm now into a new age group for competition. It's the SO old(30-34) age group...oh my! I had a nice birthday on the slopes, which was pretty dang good for this time of year!!!! I should have gone the day before on the fresh stuff, but there was still some good stuff on my day! It was a nice day with my sister for a couple runs, and a couple of my friends. One buddy, Mark, and I had a small collision which left a cut on his face, but otherwise it wasn't bad. I felt horrible about it, but he said he was good. Hopefully he'll still board with us... Also I got treated to a last meal of my 20's dinner and a birthday dinner... and 3 batches of cookies!!! from Kate... It's been good.
Otherwise, I've been running, surprise, and looking for the Golden Age... There is this lyric that keeps bouncing around my head about it being the "golden age," and I just can't place the song. It makes me think a lot about the way things are going in the world right now, and I know there has got to be the golden age out there somewhere, but where?
New goals:
Run more stairs - I did some at Fran Rish and I just need to do more
Sub 6:30 mile - I've been consistently around 7:00...I CAN get that extra .30
Plyometrics - this will help my speed and explosiveness, I also need the variety in workouts
7 miles a day - Just trying to up my mileage
Misc:
I'm interested in Adventure Racing, used to watch Eco-Challenge and that always impressed me. I went ahead and bought a couple videos of Primal Quest. In planning for the Mt St Helens dash I'm setting a personal goal of doing a 6 mile an hour pace...So finish in 5 hours. I know the terrain is irregular, but I think this is a doable goal. I ordered an ultra light first aid kit for these type of adventures....
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Now playing: Kissy Sell Out - Kissy Sell Out Xfm DJ Set!!!!!
via FoxyTunes
Friday, April 11, 2008
Stiff rest in sunny suburban pasta
It would seem I've been taking a bit of a rest from posting and running and all that I've been up to for the past month. It's been a really nice week, the sun has been shining a lot and I've tried to get out in it. I ran a 9 miler Sunday and that was the last huge run before this weekends competition. I've purposefully tried to take it easy. I ran again, working on speed, Tuesday and it sucked pretty bad. I just wasn't performing well. I did get a new best for the mile, 6:17, but it took a lot out of me and I was only able to barely squeeze out 2.5 miles. My opinion is that isn't good enough, especially considering how I felt. The next day my legs felt kind of stiff, I got busy at the house and had intended to run down to ULTY, but it got so late and I wanted to take it easy, so I just drove. It was so nice we played until probably 7:30 or 8. Again, my running wasn't up to par. Really slow compared to normal. I had endurance, but not my top speeds, and stiff legs. Yesterday I didn't run at all, just trying to rest my legs, and they still feel stiff, even today. I plan on running on them a bit tonight, to hopefully loosen them up. In prep for the race, I've been eating a lot of pasta all week. With all this sun, I've laid out on the hammock for the past couple afternoons for about an hour. It's nice!!!!
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Now playing: Midnight Juggernauts - Road to Recovery (Curses! Remix)
via FoxyTunes
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Now playing: Midnight Juggernauts - Road to Recovery (Curses! Remix)
via FoxyTunes
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Ultimately Running Late.
All last week I've been running late, I hate that. I don't think I woke up for the first ring of my alarm clock once. That only trickles down to the rest of my day. Dragged butt at work, Didn't get out of work in a timely manner, meetings ran late, then, to top it off, I ended up running in the dark, it was so late.
Monday's run was the longest I've gone. It was really good, took a while, but still good! unfortunately I succeeded in getting a blister on my foot. Not a big deal, just left it be, didn't even pop it, but tried to take it easy. I know I need to log miles in order to achieve my goal of 100 for the month, so I still ran on the blister. I did an easier run Tuesday, and it went fine, without too much aggravation of the blister. I took Wednesday off except that I was playing Ultimate, so that basically gave me sprint work. It was one of the nicest days we've had so far, 60 with no wind. I played well and ran pretty hard, still not much aggravation of the blister. Thursday was the latest day yet, I ran a bunch of errands after work, was preparing for a run when I remembered I had a meeting at 7. CRAP! That meant I was going to be running sometime after 9. Not that big a deal, but I don't have much in the way of night running gear.
I did go on that run, dressed in white, with a headlamp. It went pretty well, but then my blistered foot started to feel funny. It got to the point that I couldn't run on it. I decided to take a seat and take a look at what I was worried would be some kind of mess. It wasn't all that bad, just the blister had totally burst, and the skin was tearing away. I couldn't let that be, so I tore the rest of the skin off, only to reveal a smaller blister beneath that. AAARGH! I hobbled home and didn't get in until very late. I medicated it, and resolved to buy running specific socks.
I took Friday off from running. Tried to find somewhere in town that had the running socks I wanted...no dice. I did buy a pair from REI, but they aren't the ones I had in mind. Saturday was a long day for me. my foot wasn't bothering me that bad and I know I've still got to get miles. I put on those running socks, got all stretched out and went out to the race course for 'Rage in the Sage.' I did the whole course, in the wind and the sun, in 1:31:23. I don't have any idea if this is a good time, we'll see this Saturday at the competition! My blister didn't bother me at all, and it should be even more healed by then. Just need to keep training.
Planning continues for the St. Helens run, logistics may prove difficult. May just end up doing it twice or something crazy like that.
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Now playing: Corrupt Souls - The Singularity
via FoxyTunes
Monday's run was the longest I've gone. It was really good, took a while, but still good! unfortunately I succeeded in getting a blister on my foot. Not a big deal, just left it be, didn't even pop it, but tried to take it easy. I know I need to log miles in order to achieve my goal of 100 for the month, so I still ran on the blister. I did an easier run Tuesday, and it went fine, without too much aggravation of the blister. I took Wednesday off except that I was playing Ultimate, so that basically gave me sprint work. It was one of the nicest days we've had so far, 60 with no wind. I played well and ran pretty hard, still not much aggravation of the blister. Thursday was the latest day yet, I ran a bunch of errands after work, was preparing for a run when I remembered I had a meeting at 7. CRAP! That meant I was going to be running sometime after 9. Not that big a deal, but I don't have much in the way of night running gear.
I did go on that run, dressed in white, with a headlamp. It went pretty well, but then my blistered foot started to feel funny. It got to the point that I couldn't run on it. I decided to take a seat and take a look at what I was worried would be some kind of mess. It wasn't all that bad, just the blister had totally burst, and the skin was tearing away. I couldn't let that be, so I tore the rest of the skin off, only to reveal a smaller blister beneath that. AAARGH! I hobbled home and didn't get in until very late. I medicated it, and resolved to buy running specific socks.
I took Friday off from running. Tried to find somewhere in town that had the running socks I wanted...no dice. I did buy a pair from REI, but they aren't the ones I had in mind. Saturday was a long day for me. my foot wasn't bothering me that bad and I know I've still got to get miles. I put on those running socks, got all stretched out and went out to the race course for 'Rage in the Sage.' I did the whole course, in the wind and the sun, in 1:31:23. I don't have any idea if this is a good time, we'll see this Saturday at the competition! My blister didn't bother me at all, and it should be even more healed by then. Just need to keep training.
Planning continues for the St. Helens run, logistics may prove difficult. May just end up doing it twice or something crazy like that.
----------------
Now playing: Corrupt Souls - The Singularity
via FoxyTunes
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Mt. St Helens 30 miler
Here is a link to a rough map of the trail, Loowit Trail 216, surroinding Mt. St. Helens.
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/trails/locations/msh-0216-loowit.shtml
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/trails/locations/msh-0216-loowit.shtml
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