Shocked

As I approach the conclusion of my stay in Germany, I discovered a surprising revelation. While it is widely acknowledged, I remain astounded by the weight gain experienced by Eric Chopin, the winner of the third season of Biggest Loser (December 2006). Despite his remarkable weight loss of over 200 pounds, Chopin has gained an average of one pound per week since winning the $250,000 prize. (For reference, please visit this link.)

In comparison, my own weight gain has been significantly slower, averaging 1.2 pounds per month since reaching my lowest weight of 216 pounds. Although I have not yet achieved the same level of success, I acknowledge that there is still potential for improvement.

The blog’s name, “Time to,” reflects my intention to take action and achieve my weight loss goals. However, I recognize that I have deviated from the established steps required for success. It is imperative that I rectify this oversight and take decisive steps to fix my situation.

The weather forecast indicates a gradual improvement in the weather conditions. (Munich experienced a storm today.) This respite from my routine has been both welcome and necessary. I have attached some photographs from my recent trip for your enjoyment.

First three days were busy

My ride to the airport got stuck at the office, so I decided to arrive 3 hours early, which ended up being 2 hours early. I was glad I had time to pack, which I left to the last minute! I was sure I had forgotten something.

The airport was almost deserted. I was shocked to have less than 10 minutes to check in and get to security. As I awaited my boarding, I was ashamed to admit I was looking around the waiting area to see who I would like or hate to get stuck next to for 8 hours. No one intrigued me enough to make me think, “They would be a good travel companion,” but I saw three people who needed two seats each and thought, “Please, God, no.” It reminded me of my last flight, where I had twice my weight right next to me. She declined my processed meal, gleefully taking it after her skinny-as-a-rail husband gave hers.

We boarded on time, and I played a game as people came toward me, stopped, and went into a seat around me. Goodie, I have two seats to myself; maybe not. This continued, and I realized I would be alone! I had a window seat, and the one next to me was comfortable. So, I started to sprawl out and prepare to enjoy the flight.

The first leg of the flight was uneventful. I chose “The Boy in Striped Pajamas” on demand. The ending was unexpected! It’s an independent film worth a look. I slept a little on the plane, taking a prescription sleeping pill after the meal. I dozed for two hours but woke from constant beeps when people called for help. Sometimes, it was simple, like not knowing how to turn on the light. I wonder if I’m becoming less patient or if the intelligence gap is widening.

We arrived 30 minutes early in Amsterdam, extending my 50-minute connecting flight to 80 minutes. My connecting flight was on the other side of the airport, and it was a long way to hustle with little sleep. As I was about one-third of the way, I realized I had forgotten my laptop in my tote. I ran back, but it was still there. What an airhead!

I arrived without any issues. We waited for a while, and boarding started 20 minutes late. Well, I don’t want to call it boarding, because we were put on a bus and carted across the runways to a plane in the middle of nowhere in the darkness. We sat on the bus, looking at the aircraft, for another 10 minutes before being told that the ice made walking to the plane difficult and that we had to board slowly. So we did. It was like the Texans driving in a snowstorm. Some people had no idea what to do on ice. It took another 20 minutes to put less than 30 people on the puddle-jumper-sized plane.

Then we sat and sat and sat. The first de-icing took a while, as the pilot informed us that we had lost our spot on the flight schedule and the control tower needed to find a place for us. Another 15 minutes before we moved. Then the most confusing thing happened. I had never thought taxiing on the runway could take 15 minutes or more, but it did! We just kept moving along at about 20 mph, crossed two interstate highways, and finally, there was a runway. I looked out the window and couldn’t see the airport. Wow!

We circled Munich for 10 minutes after arriving late, but finally landed. I expected customs to be challenging, but it was surprisingly simple. I walked to the baggage carousel, got my luggage, and left. Jordan almost got lost, but we managed to catch the train.

Germany reminded me of North Dakota: many farms and abandoned junk. What surprised me was the graffiti on the farms and the lack of it in the towns. Did it seem odd? Perhaps they leave it at the farms and have a graffiti patrol in the city.

We dropped off my belongings at Jordan’s place and headed to Ulm, Germany. It’s a charming village with a church unlike any other I’ve encountered. This church is known as the Munster, Germany’s second-largest Gothic church, second only to the Cologne Cathedral. Construction commenced in 1377 and concluded in 1890, spanning an astonishing 413 years! It’s been a Protestant place of worship since 1530. The choir stalls from the 15th century are magnificent, adorned with numerous carved figures. The tower stands as the tallest church tower in the world, reaching a height of 161.53 meters and boasting 768 steps. Although I didn’t get to climb it, the prospect of such a challenging stair workout was intriguing. The tower’s exterior exuded an aura of fascination.

We also took a stroll along the Dona River, which was undergoing a fascinating transformation. The riverbank was a blend of different architectural styles. Additionally, we came across the redevelopment of a property downtown. The construction materials, including steel beams and brick, were surprisingly dated, with some estimated to be only 100 years old. The reason behind this demolition remained a mystery to us.

After a day of exploring Ulm, we returned to Munich by train (a two-hour journey). Upon our arrival, we headed to the grocery store and then home. Exhausted, I decided to make my bed on the floor and get some rest. I had taken Klomazimpam to help me sleep. However, Jordan woke me several times as I was snoring, which slightly concerned me. I feared that I might have a recurrence of my sleep apnea, an issue that plagued me when I weighed over 250 pounds. Fortunately, when I was in the 230s, sleep apnea never bothered me.

We slept until 11 AM, which was unusual for me. It was 2 AM back home. We spent the day at the BMW museum, which was fantastic. Afterward, we ate at a student pub called Die Bierstube, where Jordan said it’s common. The beer is the priority, followed by the food. I had a tasty rice/chicken dish called Feuertopf. We left the restaurant and headed downtown to Munich, where a protest was underway with numerous police officers present. We didn’t stay long and left early for Stuttgart.

I woke up at 5 AM and returned home at 10 PM. I did some chores, showered, and headed to the train station. The Stuttgart train ride was over 4 hours with transfers. We met a friend of Jordan’s and went to a restaurant where Jordan ordered me a Doener, which is like Gyro meat but dry and less tasty. We’ve been here for three days and haven’t found a great brat, despite Germany’s reputation for them.

We met Christiana at about 1:30 PM and toured the town before revisiting the BMW Museum. I’m a bit tired of auto history, so tomorrow we’ll avoid auto-related activities. We left Stuttgart at 8 PM and returned to Jordan’s place at 12:30 AM. I’m tired, but I wanted to post about our first three days while I have access. I walked at least 4-5 miles each day, but I didn’t run. 

Time to sign off. Carry on!

10 days since last post

Over the past ten days, I have maintained a consistent running regimen, running approximately two out of three days with a minimum of thirty minutes each session. Notably, I have completed two runs exceeding two hours in duration.

In conjunction with my running routine, I have adopted a low-carb diet, which has resulted in a noticeable decline in my strength and endurance. While I have incorporated weightlifting into my exercise routine, I have not experienced a corresponding increase in strength. My current running pace is comparable to what I achieved during my 100-mile run, which I completed between 72 and 77 miles approximately five years ago. Despite the occasional challenges posed by icy conditions on the river trail during the past weekend, I managed to maintain a steady pace of approximately fourteen minutes per mile. While my heart rate remained within the mid-thirties, I experienced significant resistance in my legs, making it difficult to propel myself forward.

Tomorrow, I embark on a trip to Germany, where I plan to avoid engaging in running activities. Instead, I have made arrangements for extensive walking, but running is not on my itinerary. Upon my return, I will schedule a follow-up blood test to assess my progress and consider discontinuing my low-carb diet. I have a particular fondness for pasta, and my current dietary restrictions, which prioritize 55% protein, 25% carbohydrates, and 20% fat, have proven to be a challenge. I adhere to a meticulous food tracking system, closely monitoring my intake. However, this approach has proven to be arduous, particularly for me.

As I watched television this evening, I observed an interview with a single mother of fourteen. This has been a topic of numerous conversations that I have listened to but have not actively participated in throughout the past week. The more I learn about this situation, the more perplexed I become by how anyone can reasonably expect to support fourteen children alone financially. I have one child myself, and that presents significant challenges. However, as my former professor would often say, what constitutes “proper” parenting?

I have witnessed the struggles of families with five or six children, and I want to know if you and I would be willing to support these families financially and many other children in similar circumstances. While I may never fully comprehend this situation, it is a possibility that I cannot dismiss. I am not expected to fully grasp it. These individuals never fully understand when I mention Al Holtz and his remarkable 150-mile run last year. We all have our unique traits, but the traits that many of us share and that I share are not a burden on the taxpayer. Although I may be making an erroneous assumption, that is the only conclusion I can draw in this particular situation.

After careful consideration of my potential race options for the 2009 season, I have concluded that the most suitable race for me is the Grandma’s race. While I acknowledge that I am currently running more frequently, I find that regular running lacks the excitement and motivation that I seek. I enjoy outdoor activities and running itself, but the prospect of a structured race does not excite me at this time.

I recently discovered a valuable resource compiled by a fellow blogger, which includes a comprehensive list of podcasts related to running. I recommend exploring this resource: http://mwrunfar.blogspot.com/2009/02/running-podcasts-continue-to-grow.html. I found several podcasts that I found engaging and informative. In the meantime, I must prepare for my upcoming 4,800-mile journey to visit my son and enjoy a relaxing vacation. While maintaining a routine with a highly active 20-year-old male may not be particularly soothing, we share a strong bond and create wonderful memories together. This is my second extended vacation since 1999, and I am eager to unwind and recharge.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Comments from other blogs - merged the blogs

Wayne

Have a great vacation, Londell!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 11:21:00 PM CST

Kel

I think lots of us struggle with motivation to run during the winter months - I know I do. Spring (and more daylight hours) cure a lot of ails ;)

Have a wonderful trip Londell!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 8:24:00 AM CST

Karen G

It's unfortunate that the low-carb approach isn't working out for you. 
Have a great time in Germany!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 9:41:00 AM CST

SteveQ

Going to Germany and not drinking beer... such a waste. Have a great time; I know how much you've been looking forward to it.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 10:18:00 AM CST

Mike W.

Relax, rejuvenate, reconnect and then return to the trails. Have a great time.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 9:49:00 PM CST

Alm,ost 60 degrees warmer

The last time I ran outside, it was 16 below zero. Five days later, I got sick and couldn’t do much. A terrible germ had killed half the staff at work, and it seems to have taken Matt Patten too. I was thrilled to wake up after six hours of sleep. I couldn’t miss the chance to run outside.

I went to the Minnesota River bottom and ran for two hours. The footing was mixed, with shaded areas of ice and hills to climb through slush. My foot sank four inches as I ran. I wore only a short-sleeved T-shirt over a long-sleeved one, and I was comfortable the whole time.

I tried a trick I read about to improve my Nathan bladder. I turned it upside down and sucked out the air. It did improve the ride, as there was no sloshing. However, it was more complicated to fill the bladder with air. I’ll test if it’s a kinked hose.

I also don’t like powders in the backpack bladder, so I filled straws with Gookinade powder and ate them like Pixi-Sticks. I prefer this to drinking stick drinks, which I spill occasionally. I’m interested in trying this again. Have others tried such a thing?

Anyway, I am so glad to be getting outside. I had some pains I did not like, but that is what happens when you take time off, at least.

Carry on my friends!

Tire flip, headphones and other rambles

I read an article in the Star-Tribune yesterday about a man’s attempt to run 93 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours. Initially, I thought Diane Farmer, the queen of treadmill training, should challenge him. However, I realized many people could easily achieve this. Adam, who can flip a tire, can run over 100 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours. Most successful ultra runners are humble.

I’ve been sick all week and haven’t slept much. I’ve been monitoring my sleep and pulse rate, and I’ve slept only 20 hours in 6 days, which is less than 3.5 nights. I’m now on autopilot and forgetful. I hate taking sleeping pills, but I think I need to buy some. They make me feel depressed.

I ran yesterday and felt good. I completed 3.1 miles in 32 minutes. Grandma’s Marathon no longer bans headphones, but they still encourage people to avoid them to enhance the race experience. I entered. I’ve said it many times on this blog: I had a goal in 1985 to run 25 consecutive years. I have 24! I’m unsure if I want to fail, but I’m already nervous. It doesn’t seem like an accomplishment until I reflect on life changes, injuries, and other obstacles I’ve overcome.

Saturday looks like a great day to go outside. I finally have three weekends where my tennis team only has me working a match daily, which is nice. However, I then have three weekends where any training is impossible, as I spend 12-14 hours a day playing tennis.

Starting March 21, I’ll have only one weekend of tennis until May 16, so I plan to focus on weight loss and training for 6 weeks. Until then, I aim to build a consistent base of 20-30 miles a week. Over the next 8 weeks, I plan to increase my average miles to the high 40s and gradually reach the 50s. At that point, I’ll decide whether to work an aid station at the Superior 100 or attempt to run it again.

I’ll be in Munich, Germany, with my son in 2 weeks. I’ve never been there, so it should be exciting!

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Comments from other blog - merged the blogs

Adam

I hope you get caught up on that sleep! Several people contacted me when they saw that story. Some wanted me to do the same thing on the same day! No thanks. Hopefully, he can raise some money for the cause.

Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 11:34:00 AM CST

Anonymous

I say the best way to see a new place is by rolling past you on foot at 7 mph. I hope you get out for some runs. Enjoy your trip!

Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 4:32:00 PM CST

SteveQ

The guy says he's always gone up to 28 miles - he'll hit 40-45, slow to a walk, and quit at 50.
Guaranteed.

Friday, January 30, 2009 at 10:18:00 AM CST

Diane

Thanks for the honorable mention, Londell! As I read the article, I thought the same thing: I knew many people who would be able to do the same thing. I wonder how/why he got the press.

I agree with Steve's prediction.

Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 4:13:00 PM CST

    

        

Cold and Flu

Currently experiencing severe midsection pain that has displaced and significantly hindered my physical activity, I have been unable to resume my work for the past three weeks. Seeking medical attention, I was diagnosed with a potential sports hernia. While the efficacy of Icy Hot for sports hernias remains uncertain, it has proven beneficial in alleviating my discomfort.

The pain has subsided this week, but I have subsequently contracted a cold. This is an unusual occurrence for me, as I have not experienced such severe symptoms in several years and have never been absent from work due to illness. The cause of my cold is uncertain, but it is possible that the cold weather and outdoor activities I engaged in last week, including running in temperatures as low as 20 degrees below freezing, contributed to my discomfort.

Despite my desire to continue training, I am currently unable to do so. I am not overly concerned about this matter, as I will be departing for Germany in three weeks. Upon my return, we can plan and prepare for our outdoor trail running adventures.

Carry on, my friends, carry on!

Regular runs?

The title might sound a bit off-putting, but it actually means I’ve managed to run three times this year, which is about 8 miles in total! Now, I know that might not seem like a lot to some of you, but let me tell you, months ago, I had absolutely no desire to run again. I had no urge, no joy in lacing up my shoes and heading out. So, this is a pretty impressive number of runs and miles for me!

Is it cool to run again? (No pun intended) I haven’t run much since the ST 100 attempt. My current runs are short, fast, or athletic in nature. I enjoy the outside, especially short runs of 2.5-3 casual miles. It’s simple and easy. I want to run more, but January will be a minimum month due to four weekends of tennis. I have long workdays on Fridays and Saturdays, and I work 8-9 hours on Sundays. After tennis, I usually sleep. I’m focused on training for Grandma’s. I’ll see what happens when the snow melts. I plan to run at least 3-5 miles every other day in January. If I don’t, it’s okay. I’m thrilled to run again.

Consequently, my tennis schedule is significantly reduced from February through April due to schedule adjustments. I have decided to decline my application for the Carson, California, event in April, as I am taking my first non-tennis vacation in several years. (I only had one in the past seven years?) Although Carson is primarily composed of chairs and top-level officiating, I should have the opportunity to spend more outdoor time with the reduced tennis schedule. I eagerly anticipate my actual vacation! A visit to Germany for over a week with my son in February. Additionally, I look forward to spending quality time with exceptional running partners over the weekend.

I am also contemplating the impact of my six weeks of Vitamin D therapy on my positive outlook on running. I have six more weeks to complete this regimen. While I have experienced a reduction in fatigue and an improvement in sleep quality, I recognize that further improvement is still necessary. I have also acquired DietController, one of the most comprehensive programs designed to monitor all aspects of diet and exercise. My primary objective is to avoid the nutritional imbalance identified in my blood tests seven weeks ago. It is astonishing how unbalanced I was, and I am grateful that the physician was able to pinpoint these issues. Regardless, my personal life has been somewhat peculiar, and I miss Dana more than ever. I am uncertain whether I fully processed her passing, but I am sure that I was heavily reliant on her for encouragement. Consequently, I am reliving our experiences three years ago, alone. It is difficult to comprehend that she passed away two and a half years ago, as it seems like just yesterday.

As I know, she’d want me and everyone else in this situation to keep enjoying life. Running is one of those things again; it just feels so good. I hope this keeps going, and I’ll see you all on the trails in the future!

Until then, carry on!

Random thoughts

I ran yesterday. And I ache today. I feel like a rookie all over again!

I’ve read many blogs about 2008 and eagerly await more in 2009. The recent messages tend to be overwhelmingly positive or negative, but everyone hopes for 2009. Surprisingly, we’re all better off than most of the world. We exercise, have food and housing, great friends, and smiles.

Despite our dislikes, some have had the worst DNF experiences. The death of a friend or relative is the ultimate DNF, ending our time with them and our desires. But I recall some of my own deaths. I keep coming back to the death of my 3-year-old nephew, Aaron. I often hear the words of an unknown pastor: “Aaron didn’t DNF; he lived his life fully.” His three years were full and complete, despite our expectations of life being 70 or 80 years.

It’s hard to shake off my expectations about my time on earth, including race times, distances, and weight goals. But life is dull and empty without them. Where’s the balance? I’ll never know, but I’ll think about it.

I’ve never been absent-minded. Perhaps that’s the wrong way to describe myself. Not intense enough? The truth is, I can’t stop thinking. When bored, my mind drifts, exploring situations and ideas. One day, I played the “what if” game: what if I were born a monkey? What if I could read minds? What if I hadn’t broken up with Shari Felted in high school? Then a more troubling thought entered my mind, and I haven’t been able to shake it since.

What if there were an epidemic?

What if a new disease devastates the population, and vaccines are scarce? This thought lingers in my mind. Epidemics are natural occurrences, similar to tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes, but they can be far more devastating. While natural disasters affect a small area, diseases transcend geographical boundaries, infecting anyone and everywhere. They spread relentlessly, leaving devastation in their wake.

In the event of a pandemic emerging in contemporary America, the question arises regarding the allocation of limited medical resources and vaccines. How would we determine who should receive treatment and who may not be prioritized?

It’s a tough choice when forced to play god. Who should be treated? The elderly, the sick, the mentally ill? Or the wealthy who can afford it? Who can make this decision? Morals and family ties complicate matters. How would you justify it? Kill a few to save many? It’s scary to think of such a situation. What would you do? It may be a moot question, but it occupies my mind.

As I began 2009, I thought about such things when I had nothing else to do. I think about things I can never answer or hope to answer. I’m thankful for what I have, despite my flaws and issues.

Carry on my friends, carry on!