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!

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!