Feeling positive

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I had a fulfilling time with my son, who arrived on Wednesday evening. Despite working nine hours on Thanksgiving Day and an additional 34 hours from Friday through Sunday, I cherished the opportunity to spend quality time with him.

We secured tickets for the Gopher/Iowa game through a friend and attended the event. Despite the chilly weather, the experience was enjoyable. Additionally, my son had the chance to spend time with his extended family, including his aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, and grandparents.

For those unfamiliar with him, my son is currently pursuing his studies at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. Returning home allows him to catch up on sleep. At the age of 21, he possesses remarkable qualities and has demonstrated exceptional athleticism. Notably, he has twice assisted me in running Grandma’s, although he occasionally outpaced me. Furthermore, he continues to excel in tennis, as evidenced by his performance on the club tennis page. 

Here is a brief biography of the individual:

On Thanksgiving Day in 1994, an event would profoundly alter his life and the lives of those around him. We were visiting my father’s farm, where he had undergone a right-hand amputation. He is incredibly fortunate to have survived this ordeal. Remarkably, he has never succumbed to grief and has achieved great success due to his unwavering positive attitude. Of course, attitude plays a pivotal role in one’s life. For further evidence, I recommend visiting the website: http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/.

However, he acquired his current attitude and sense of balance from his grandfather, his mother, Neal Halberg, Tommy Valentini, Steve Wilkenson, and many others. Parents cannot raise a child to success alone; they rely on the support of others. Numerous individuals contributed to his transformation into the accomplished man he is today.

Despite the recent events, I found solace in spending time with loved ones this weekend. While I have experienced fewer tears in the years since the accident, the loss of cherished ones this year has been particularly poignant. It is remarkable how some individuals remain sheltered from the hardships of life.

For instance, Shelley has never experienced the loss of a human loved one. Despite facing significant challenges with two of her three beloved pets, she has managed to cope with their passing.

This weekend was both challenging and joyful, as I welcomed my son home. Listening to familiar songs on the radio brought back memories, and I found myself shedding tears when Dana’s favorite songs played. I admit that my reaction may have been perceived as unusual at the stoplight.

As many of you are aware, Dana had a profound impact on my life, and her untimely passing has left a lasting void.

Recently, I have been deeply affected by several tragic events. Firstly, a close friend committed suicide, followed by the loss of two others in a car accident. Later, in the late 1980s, my nephew drowned in a shallow body of water. These losses have had a profound impact on me this weekend.

Despite the immense pain and sorrow these events have caused, expressing my emotions through a good cry can provide temporary relief. The positive feeling that arises from a heartfelt cry often helps to alleviate the emotional burden. However, the loss of a great friend remains a challenging experience. I acknowledge that there have been many significant losses in my life, and there will undoubtedly be more in the future. Nevertheless, I strive to remember the most cherished moments with these friends, which often bring a sense of comfort and joy.

In 1988, I had a close friend who grew apart from me. This separation was challenging to accept, but when I see them thriving and happy, it brings a sense of fulfillment. Life presents us with various challenges, but as a resilient individual, I refuse to let them overwhelm me. I seize each opportunity and strive to make the most of it, just as a skilled catcher catches a ball and returns it for another pitch.

Today, I engaged in a conversation with an individual who inquired about the frequency of my laughter. In response, I expressed that I laugh daily because I can do so. Laughter has been recognized for its positive impact on one’s health. It is believed that laughing heartily for ten minutes can be equivalent to ten minutes of moderate jogging.

Reflecting on my day, which involved several emotional moments, I contemplated the potential benefits of crying. While it is true that we all experience moments of tears, it is worth considering the significance of crying. For those who claim to have never cried, I assert that their lives lack a certain depth and fulfillment.

The act of crying has a profound effect on me, prompting me to prioritize my physical well-being. This emotional release will likely motivate me to attend the gym more frequently. As I conclude this post, I am filled with a sense of anticipation, knowing that my son’s departure tomorrow will be met with a brighter outlook for many reasons. His return to school after a brief absence will undoubtedly be a positive experience.

Carry on, my friends.

Another run, fatigue, memory loss and etc.

I completed another 2-mile run, which was relatively enjoyable. While the process was somewhat unpleasant, the sense of accomplishment upon completion was gratifying. The Strassburg sock has proven beneficial in alleviating Plantar Fasciitis (PF) symptoms, although I experience a peculiar toe pain in the morning. Despite this, I would prioritize the toe pain over the morning PF pain.

Larry and Colleen Pedersen can benefit from a tennis match next weekend. My son’s visiting from Colorado, and I’ll miss it. If you want to meet great people, help them, and burn off post-Thanksgiving calories, check it out!

A friend suggested the Wild West Relay. If I return next year, I might have my son and others try it. It’s 36 legs and 200 miles, with several 7-12 team runners. Entry is about $1,300. I like the Flatliners (all runners live below 2,500 feet). Minnesota qualifies! They have structured formats, such as Helter Skelter, where anyone can run whatever they can. Leave Fort Collins and head to Wyoming, then southwest, over the mountains! Any interest?

Consider the Colorado Relay for a shorter race. Both sound exciting! This event can motivate me. I have a few weeks to work at least 70 hours, so I’ll tackle one week at a time. Have a great Thanksgiving and take care of yourselves. Before I start, a cartoon sent to me by a friend puts all this talk about the "pat down" in a different perspective. See to the right.

I lose my memory after a third week of 75-80 hour workweeks, including Saturdays and Sundays, with over 26 hours on those days on successive weekends. I used to worry, but I no longer do. Remarkably, people tell me what I accomplished, and I look at them like, “Where have I been?”

I started to compare this to my long-running efforts, and wow, I’ve had some training runs that have lasted over 20 hours! As I look back, I recall a common phenomenon: once I reach a certain level of fatigue, my body enters a kind of autopilot mode before it crashes.

Like the 2008 ST 100 attempt, I recall so much of the race until about 4 a.m. (20 hours after the start). Then the memories fade, and by the 25th hour, I am totally unaware of what happened. My mind just shut down. When I quit at 28 hours, my mind regained control of the body, and that was the end.

In these long weeks, I have found the same thing. I go into autopilot. I float along. I am much more productive when I am aware of my surroundings. It is an interesting phenomenon. It would be interesting to study it. However, I sadly do not recall who I spoke to or what I said. This could be dangerous. However, the consensus of others is that my facts are significantly accurate and that I can answer much more detailed questions on the fly. This is just strange.

Taking an extra vitamin B12 supplement can help reduce this activity. I used to take a Multiple B vitamin daily, but I’ve been skipping it lately. I should consider taking it for two weeks and tracking my progress, as I have two more challenging weeks ahead before returning to a 50-hour workweek. Sometimes it’s frustrating, but I’m glad to work through this job difficulty. Many friends would love to be in my situation, so I’m not complaining; it's just the facts.

I just read a sad article about Mike Broderick, who was 53 when he passed away on November 4, 2010. He was a remarkable athlete, having completed the Western States 100 in August, the 50K Green Lakes Endurance Run, and a marathon and half-marathon in September. Sadly, he battled aggressive lung cancer.

Mike, a lawyer, decided to pursue his passions for running, coaching, and teaching. His knowledge of running was so extensive that he became a sought-after coach. I only had the chance to meet him once, and he reminded me of myself with a bit of a lack of tact, but we were also funny and charismatic. There’s that remarkable trait of finding happiness in running, no matter the outcome—whether you’re first, last, or somewhere in between.

One website posted an email from Mike that read:

"It turns out that the shortness of breath and other symptoms I have been experiencing over the past several weeks are not due to pneumonia. I apparently have lung cancer and am now in the process of further testing and evaluation to determine the extent to which it may have spread and to begin a course of treatment."

He died just weeks later.

As we age, we all come to perceive life as inherently precious. It is during such moments that I find myself compelled to reflect upon my own reflection, not as a fat, unfit runner, but as an individual who has been granted another breath, step, and moment to either cherish or squander.

May we all cherish our loved ones, friends, and even those we may not like on Thanksgiving..

I want to close with a story I heard today:

A man was running behind an Amish Carriage which had a bumper sticker that read:

"Energy efficient vehicle. Runs on grass and oats."

This was on one bumper, and on the other, it read:

"CAUTION: AVOID THE EXHAUST!"

Carry on, my friends, carry on!

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Beth

Very sad about the loss of someone who had so much to give. Yet another reminder that life is precious. I hope your work schedule settles down so that you can get some rest and enjoy the precious. Take care and Happy Thanksgiving.  Friday, November 26, 2010 at 5:51:04 PM CST

All the world's a stage

From Shakespeare’s As You Like It, I had an English teacher in 11th grade who was particularly fond of it. I called it crap back then, but slowly, I began to appreciate literature. The class had to memorize the entire passage! She insisted it was the most excellent comparative analysis of a stage and life, comparing it to the seven stages of a man’s life: infant, schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, pantaloon, and second childhood.

I recall missing only four words. What does this have to do with anything? I last heard or desired to hear those words in 1978. Lately, especially when I’m alone lifting weights, doing yoga, or drifting off, they repeatedly spin in my head. I’ve recently reviewed many lines and decided to write them down to verify my accuracy. Then, I wanted to look them up to see if I was on the right track. Here’s what I recalled, with the missed words in bold/italics and the incorrectly added words in quotes:

All the world's a stage,

And all the men "are" and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,

Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms;

And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel

And shining morning face, creeping like snail

Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,

Sighing like "as hot as a" furnace

That’s all I recalled accurately. I didn’t remember much, as I only reached the lover! It’s unrelated to this blog or running. But it makes me wonder why I have recollections of decades ago—recollections I didn’t care about or want to relive. I repeat this often during the day. It might be due to a midlife crisis, a mental exercise that the close-to-50-year-old mind plays on itself. It made me recall the best mid-life crisis story I’ve ever heard.

A man who was married for over 25 years looks to his wife and says, "Honey, 25 years ago, I lived in a cheap apartment, had a car that barely ran, slept on a sofa bed or a floor, watched a black and white 12 inch TV but every night I slept with a hot 25-year-old blond! I have a great house, two great cars, several bedrooms with many nice beds, and a 50-inch Plasma TV, but I sleep with an average 50-year-old woman. So, Honey, I think you are not keeping up with the rest of the things in my life."

The wife turned to exclaim, "Go find the hot 25-year-old blond, and I will make sure you are living in a cheap apartment. I may not even let you have the car, and the sofa bed would be the best you could wish for!"

Reminiscing is not a good thing after all. But then, "All the world's a stage."

Carry on my friends - Carry on!

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Steve

Londell, you bring up an interesting observation about how, when you get older, you recall obscure events and things for no apparent reason. I've noticed the same thing. I particularly recall people and events from days long past when I'm running and my mind is very relaxed. It's almost as though your brain is performing some kind of memory dump. I tell ya, the human mind is a strange thing. BTW, thanks so much for taking care of my feet at Sugarloaf. It was great to see you out there. Take care, my friend and carry on!  Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 10:24:12 PM CDT

Terrible too's

 I am experiencing a slight improvement in my condition. I have been diligently documenting my weight fluctuations daily throughout this month. Daily weight measurements provide valuable insights into my progress. Over the past ten days, I have experienced a significant range of weight changes, with a peak of 10 pounds and a low of 6 pounds. Interestingly, my weight has been 4 pounds heavier than it was two days ago, but it has decreased by 6 pounds compared to ten days ago. These fluctuations are quite peculiar. I will continue to closely monitor my progress.

The primary question I am addressing is: How much weight loss is considered excessive once I regain my health? I have decided to prioritize cycling for the foreseeable future and incorporate running into my routine once I complete a 100-mile cycling journey—yes, in a single attempt. I have already completed several rides of 25-50 miles over the past month, so I am well on my way to achieving this goal. I have been diligently following my training plan and reading extensively for PF, and despite these efforts, I still experience some discomfort. Weight loss achieved through cycling may serve as a suitable initial step in my recovery process.

Many runners, particularly those new to the sport, make the “terrible twos” mistake. They become overly enthusiastic about running and increase their mileage, speed, and intensity too quickly. They mistakenly believe that “more is better” when it comes to running. Consequently, they often develop common overuse running injuries. Having experienced this myself, I can provide some insight into what constitutes excessive running. Some professional runners suggest the following guidelines:

1. Be more conservative with your running frequency, duration, and distance, especially early on. Gradually increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10%. For instance, if you start at 520 feet, increase it to 572 feet the next week, and so on. This means it’ll take 25 weeks to a mile. However, if your first run is 5 miles, you could potentially complete a 100-mile run in 6 months. Does this violate the 10% rule?
2. Pay attention to aches and pains. If the pain worsens while running, stop. I’d never run if this were true. At 50, what doesn’t hurt? Good. Does this mean I call in sick and stay in bed?
3. Take at least a day off. From what, everything, or just running? I need clarification.

My primary objective is to engage in running. However, I am apprehensive about initiating this endeavor due to concerns regarding my ability to regulate my weight. Nevertheless, I recognize the necessity of acquiring the knowledge to maintain my weight, and I may inadvertently overexert myself.

Despite my excitement, I anticipate experiencing a period of disorientation for the subsequent three weekends. Tennis will be temporarily suspended. Although I will not be playing tennis, I will be attending an official meeting in Dallas on Friday. Subsequently, I will return home for two weekends before embarking on a five-week consecutive run. This schedule coincides with the week preceding Christmas. It is remarkable how swiftly time passes as we age.

Recently, I encountered a perplexing concept that prompted me to conduct a thorough online search. To my astonishment, the information I discovered corroborated my initial impression. Given that a fellow blogger is currently experiencing a similar situation, I was uncertain about my own perspective on the shirt. While it possesses a diverse range of elements, it undeniably exhibits a creative flair.

Time to call it a night. Viking has depressed me, so I guess I should sleep well!

Carry on, my friends.

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

NJ

Just wondering if you've tried keeping your foot in a flexed position via a Strasburg sock or other contraption overnight. Once I did that, I saw huge improvements in my PF. Mainly because I could walk in the morning. I can recommend you if you need it (Target carries a great option). I hope you can heal that PF soon! It sure is a pain to deal with...I know! (no pun intended). Biking is great...a way to keep and build fitness but not hurt the heel worse! Good luck with the 100! I'm sure you can do it, but can you get that in before the snow flies this year?  Those rules you list out are meant to be a guide. Some people can blow the 10% rule out the window and others have to be more modest than even that. If you listen to your body, that's key,but most people don't know their body's well enough so they need rules/guides. For #3, that's individual. Rest can also be active recovery...ie Yoga, walking or hiking, playing football with the family, etc. (at least, this is my opinion on how I see this). Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 10:07:18 AM CDT

Beth

I've seen that shirt and I think it is funny. Don't know that I would wear it seriously, but I get the joke. Thanks for the shout out and for thinking about me. You and other runners have really helped me get through the last couple of months.   I agree with you on doing too much too soon. Better to take it slow. A 100 mile bike ride is a great goal and you are well on your way.  Time is truly flying, but it will be exciting to plan for 2011!  Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 5:01:05 PM CDT

PF - No not Changs

How many of you have battled Plantar Fasciitis (PF)? Most know its problems. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue on the heel bone’s bottom surface, extending to the toes. It can prevent you from starting. I’ve battled it since December. I tried rest, massage, stretching, night splints, motion control shoes (which caused my knee pain), cold therapy, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, ice rolling, and more, but the pain persisted. I’m considering corticosteroid injections, but I don’t like that idea. Does anyone have advice? Losing weight is a significant challenge, but it’s even harder when you're limping due to PF.

I continue to bike, walk, and practice yoga to improve my balance. Yoga is the most effective. However, standing for hours is challenging, affecting my tennis officiating since I’ll be on my feet for 6-10 hours daily. I have assignments 8 out of the next 10 weekends, including volunteering at Surph the Murph. I need to minimize the impact of standing all day, as I limp for a few days after events.

Today at tennis, a 12-year-old boy acted out, making us frown. I recalled a story I told him to explain his behavior. Afterward, I felt bad for not running as much and have been grumpy. These life lessons apply to everyone, not just junior players. I’m sharing this story to remind you of the importance of controlling your emotions and being mindful of your comments to others. Enjoy!

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the fence. On the first day, the boy drove 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled. He discovered holding his temper was easier than driving those nails into the fence.

Finally, the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it, and the father suggested that the boy pull out one nail daily to help him control his temper. After a few days, the young boy finally told his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things angrily, they leave a scar like this." You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how often you say I'm sorry; the wound is still there. Ensure you control your temper the next time you are tempted to say something you regret later.

Carry on my friends.

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

SteveQ

Wow - you HAVE tried everything! Corticosteroid injections just make it hurt less. They don't do anything to solve the problem. If it's lasted this long, you probably have a bone spur in your heel, and it might require surgery to correct.  That sounds familiar.  Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 11:35:25 AM CDT

Anonymous

Sorry about your problems. I battled bad PF this spring/summer. I iced a lot and strengthened (pick up a bath towel with my toes). I switched to Superfeet Green insoles, and that helped. I also taped my foot using the low-dye taping method (you can google it). This taping helped a lot. Good luck. Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 8:54:54 PM CDT

Karen G

I did the injections- it's not for the pain it's to get rid of inflammation so you can heal. That is why sometimes you need more than one to get it to work. I am not aware of any bad things but I had good results and it did not hurt as bad as I thought it would.  Friday, October 1, 2010 at 11:34:56 AM CDT

Excited and busy

There have been four reasons for the decrease in blog activity over the past year. 

1. With two surgeries and recoveries, I have gained weight and just feel like crap. I have officially made the 50-pound point. That means I gained 50 of the 94 I lost in 2006. 
2. I need only a little physical activity to get me back on track.
3. The job that supports my habits has been exhausting. Although we haven't faced a layoff like many, we’re down about a third of our staff, and things are starting to pick up. I’ve been working 55-60 hour weeks, and my son and girlfriend keep yelling at me for not writing down the overtime. I get my job done, but I should write it down so the higher-ups see we need more staff. I also officiate tennis on weekends, but I’ve taken a few off and feel less exhausted.
4. I’ve accepted the nomination for USTA Northern Board and Sectional Chair of Officials. It starts with a low salary, but they add a zero every year. Like volunteering for races, it has built-in satisfaction.

In light of this, I want to share the Superior 100 volunteer time that has inspired me. The Surph the Murph is scheduled for a few weeks, and I anticipate receiving further inspiration as I aim to establish an aid station this year. I am hopeful for favorable weather conditions similar to last year, which would provide a comfortable and cool environment for the runners. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to spend 10 hours at a campfire while supporting my friends. 

If you want inspiration, see the link for this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU. 2024 follow-up:  Ben Davis gains all his weight back and more.  He is over 400 pounds. I feel for him as I have never been able to sustain lower weights unless I worked out hours each day!

I lost 3 pounds last week with good workouts. My right Plantar Fascia is still painful, so I may get a cortisone shot. I hate it, but it’s been all year! I biked 102 miles over the weekend! I love the cool morning rides. I may go the whole month without filling the car!

This is the peak of the season, just in time for the inevitable decline. May I join you on the trails soon? Please contact me if you are currently off the trails and wish to begin. As an overweight individual, I am slow and could benefit from the support. It is an enjoyable activity!

Carry on, my friends.