Scary night with new beginnings

I reside in a secure building with mostly elderly residents, and Halloween is a non-event for us. I only know one person with children. I recall our midnight Halloween runs with friends, where I served as the designated driver due to my non-alcohol consumption. Many runners were intoxicated in their costumes, sometimes wearing birthday suits.

The 1980s were a different world. After marriage, children, divorce, and the departure of my children, I became distant from my friends. Recently, I attempted to contact them. Eddie passed away from prostate cancer, Kevin died under mysterious circumstances, and John succumbed to his war wounds. Scott, my best man, vanished without a trace. Gordy was mentioned in a Google search, but I couldn’t find him. This reflects life’s unpredictable nature, with both joyful and sorrowful endings and new beginnings. 

Lately, I’ve struggled with overtraining, causing fatigue, knee and hip pain, and exhaustion, even after sleeping long hours. Stress at work may be a contributing factor. I’m starting a new plan to regain my fitness and lose the 46 pounds I’ve gained since my 2005-2006 Superior 25K run. I don’t want to regain my pre-race weight, but it’s challenging. Many friends are running Surf the Murph tomorrow, but I’m out due to soreness. It’s also the year-end celebration for the Ultra group. 

Tomorrow’s the day! I’m going to celebrate and then get serious about my fitness goals. I’m aiming to lose 56 pounds (that’s about 1.3 pounds a week) before the Superior 100 next year. I’m still deciding if I’ll race in between. But I’ve got my computer ready for all the nutritional analysis and other stuff, and I’ll be using the same workout patterns I did back in 2006 when I lost a whopping 84 pounds. This time, I don’t have Dana with me, but I’ve got all the knowledge I need to crush it!

Carry on my friends!

Sad, quiet and slow

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy …  It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."

~Jacqueline Gareau, Boston Marathon (Champion in 1980)

The blogosphere has experienced a temporary slowdown. This could be attributed to the inclement weather or the general recovery of individuals after an arduous summer. Priorities have shifted to matters such as employment, family, and personal well-being. I have secured RSVPs for the UMTR Awards Fest, which promises to be an enjoyable event.

I find myself unable to shake off the memory of a particular post that deeply concerns me. It pertains to a fellow runner who is currently facing a challenging period. Despite her good health, her family has been plagued by a history of premature deaths. Karen consistently greets me with a smile whenever we meet for a run or participate in a race. This encounter often prompts me to question the reasons behind such hardships. Whenever I encounter this situation, I am reminded of the untimely passing of my three-year-old nephew, which occurred unexpectedly.

At the funeral, the Pastor said something memorable. He said, “Aaron has left us, and this is a sad time for many. Our perception of life’s length contributes to our sadness.” He explained that God has a plan for each of us. For Aaron, God planned a life of three years. He reminded us that Aaron lived each minute fully. He emphasized that the pain should be there, but not to add to it. Aaron lived his life to the fullest, and the Pastor asked us to do the same.

Life is a precious gift, and I make sure to cherish every moment with my loved ones. However, I sometimes forget to be fully present and engaged. I pray for everyone who is going through tough times, especially Karen. I’m doing great, but I need to remind myself more often to take care of myself.

Dana once gave me a bumper sticker that said, “The best things in life… are not things.” It showed a happy family surrounded by friends and pets. Whenever I feel a bit down, I remember this, and it makes me feel better. Some of my closest friends know precisely what I mean when I feel silly about something like the Orzo Salad incident. But there are some things in life that we can’t change, no matter how hard we try.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But I try to remember that the most important things are the ones that matter most. I’m deeply grateful for all the love and support I’ve received from everyone, and I hope that Karen finds the strength to get through this difficult time. I know she has the heart and soul to overcome any challenge that comes her way. I’ll keep her in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope to see her smile again soon. She knows how to live a whole life, regardless of its duration, and I hope she will live a long and healthy life, just like all of us.

Carry on my friends!

Blood boiled

Typically, I maintain a reserved approach to political matters. This is despite my undergraduate degree in Political Science and my current government employment. However, this year, I have discovered a fervent passion, albeit of the incorrect type, and its intensity fluctuates unpredictably.

This year, I prioritized the Vice President over the President. One candidate is older, and the other has a likely successor. I was disappointed with both VP announcements. I love McCain, but Palin ruined my vote for them. Then there’s the bizarre Norm Coleman and Al Franken fiasco, which is even worse.

Subsequently, I observed my esteemed Republican friend, Neil Peterson, respond to the Party’s actions. He voted in favor of the transportation bill to override the veto, but the Republican members of the state responded with childish tantrums and attempted to remove him from office. Consequently, he was unsuccessful in his primary campaign. Neil Peterson has accomplished more during his tenure than any other individual I am aware of. His allegiance lies with Minnesota, not a political party. 

Tonight, I called a Republican volunteer and snapped. I vowed never to vote for them again after the Governor’s two-year-old behavior and his party’s actions. I felt guilty, realizing I wasn’t better off than they were. Now, I’m torn between the President and the local elections. I need clarification, but I’m not alone in my concerns.

I am seeking clarification on whether this emotional distress and confusion are primarily attributed to my significant mileage reduction and irregular exercise regimen. Regardless, decisive action is imperative, and I am uncertain whether I am prepared to make such a choice, nor am I sure if I will be.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

I ran - enjoyed it?

I enjoyed a 5K at a 10-minute-per-mile pace during lunch. I was surprised to find it challenging, but midsection fat affects running. Before work, I used my difficult office elliptical for 34 minutes to cover 2 miles.

I may not run again this week, but the weather forces me to get out. I’m taking long walks along the river bottoms, experiencing the changing colors and exercising simultaneously. It’s perfect weather, and I can look up as I walk, unlike trail runs where I keep my head down.

Hope all are recovering well and ready to enjoy the cool weather.

Carry on!