Run fat boy, RUN!

I attended my annual physical this week. I’ve been working out regularly since November 1 and watching my diet aggressively since November 2. I’ve only run four times in that period, for a total of 12.8 miles in 2 hours and 5 minutes. I’ve also done a lot of other exercises.

• 269 bike miles over 15 rides (17 hours or just under 18 miles a time on average)
• 18 walking miles on 7 walks (5 hours and 20 minutes and 2.5 miles a time average); and
• 18.6 miles on the elliptical over 9 times (4 hours 45 minutes or just over 2 miles a time average)

I averaged 1.6 workouts daily, averaging 1 hour and 20 minutes. For the past 20 days, I worked 2 hours and 8 minutes daily. I feel better and optimistic about my Christmas deadline as I’m not pushing it. I only worked out when I felt like it. The physician reviewed my chart and said I was off the chart obese. We discussed that I’ve been obese for decades. I exclaimed that when I weighed 215 pounds, I ran a 25K in 2:36, completed a 4-hour marathon, and finished the Superior 50-mile in 13.5 hours. He recommended losing at least 87 pounds and ideally 105 pounds.

I know I’m fat, but I didn’t realize I needed to lose over 100 pounds because I’m 35 pounds less than when I ran my 5:45 marathon. Some co-workers pointed out that Jarred Allen of the Vikings and most running backs are also obese. The chart is just a chart. When I was 215, most people thought I was getting too thin and couldn’t imagine losing another 35 pounds to be healthy.

I’m still committed to waiting for decisions until Christmas and working out whenever I want. But after being told I’m so obese, I may need to rethink a lot more than that.

Carry on my friends!

Letter from the shopping center

Upon reading this, I immediately suspected that it could be a letter from Steve Quick, considering his recent luck and the numerous pranks he is capable of devising. Therefore, I extend my best wishes to Steve, as I can envision him engaging in several of these activities.

Dear Mrs. Quick,

Over the past six months, your ultra-runner friend has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Quick are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away.
5. August 4: He went to the service desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved the 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him, he cried and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4: He looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna Look' by using different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: He hid in a clothing rack, and when people browsed by, he yelled, 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loudspeaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed, 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!' and last but not least.
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.!

Regards, Manager

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Election Day and 47 days!

On November 4th, I cast my vote in a pivotal election that presented me with a challenging decision between two prominent presidential candidates, neither of whom aligned with my political views. While some individuals may perceive the process of selecting a candidate as arduous, I have resolved to write in support of Larry Peterson for the presidency and Don Clark for the Senate, as the choices of Norm, Dean, and Al have left me disillusioned.

In support of this cause, I advocate for the implementation of a tax increase dedicated to preserving clean water. While I acknowledge the potential drawbacks of imposing new taxes, prioritizing the environmental well-being of our planet is essential, particularly in the context of water scarcity. My primary concern lies in the possibility of misallocation of lottery funds, similar to the events that transpired in the 1990s with the LCMR. We must exercise caution and prevent such misuse of these funds.

Despite the challenges and disappointments I have encountered, I remain steadfast in my commitment to the electoral process. While the candidates I have chosen may not represent my ideal candidates, my vote can make a difference and contribute to shaping the future. My work stress has significantly decreased since applying for the SuperTarget position. The long hours and intense stress were taking a toll on me. I was pleasantly surprised to notice a significant drop in my resting heart rate, which had been consistently in the mid-70s, to just 61 yesterday. It’s incredible how stress can impact the body.

This morning, I checked the counter and was delighted to see that it would be 47 days until Christmas. I had hoped that by then, I would have recovered enough to start training for another attempt at the Superior Beast. The time off has given me ample opportunity to reflect on my previous failures and identify areas for improvement.

During the UMTR gathering, I decided that if I were to attempt the Superior Trail 100 again, I would adopt a different training approach. Instead of the usual 2-3 runs a week, I plan to incorporate a midweek speed workout and a Saturday run of 20-45 miles. This approach should provide me with the necessary training and recovery. My best running results have always come from giving my body ample time to rest and recover with solid workouts. However, when you enjoy something so much, it can be challenging to stick to a regular training schedule.

Regardless of whether I decide to pursue the 100, I still have a crucial goal to achieve: completing my 25th consecutive Grandma’s Marathon finish. This year marks the 25th anniversary of my first consecutive finish, and it’s hard to believe that I’m so close to reaching this milestone. This is my sole focus, and I can’t help but wonder what emotions I’ll experience when I finally cross that finish line for the last time.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

UMTR

The Upper Midwest Trail Runners Association (UMTR) hosted an awards festival, which I had hoped would bring together many people I wanted to see. We may have needed a larger facility if the people I missed could have made it. The weather was perfect, and the awards were outstanding. Don and Bonny deserved them. What would happen to this sport without that close group of workhorses? I’m going to name some, but there are many others with a passion. I can’t thank them enough; I’m sure they feel the same. I’m disappointed I don’t have the urge to run. Maybe it’s running burnout?

I did have the urge to bike. I was short of 50 miles for the weekend with the great weather. If I had known, I would have gone around the block a few times. I hope the Indian summer holds a few more days, but I think that’s a dream. It’s time for colder weather. Thank god I have a great workout room at the office with bikes, an elliptical, weights, and a treadmill. I may stay in and try the “Diane Farmer” training method for a while. I’m still deciding which TV show I prefer.

I hope you’re well. Remember to vote. If you need opinions, check out http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com. These funny elderly ladies have great posts about Sarah Palin and “Maverick my ass.” They’re feisty for their age and make me laugh.

Carry on my friends, carry on!