Marty's Run Around

2011-09-05T17:42:00.001-04:00

The last official day of summer , and 49degrees this morning. After Saturday being 100 degrees my official first day of marathon training was better than GREAT!

As I started at the office to head north on the Monon , I had decided to explore the new Westfield portion of the trail .

To my surprise after the asphalt ended at about 169th Street , it turned into crushed stone , and well it was great . I my opinion I hope it remains unpaved .

The weather was so awesome to run today , that I just kept heading North , wondering when the trail would end . Well at 5.6 out and the trail continuing northwest I figured the best thing to do was head back .

So after 7 miles , I wore the Garmin , it was time to see how I really did feel and if the past 6 weeks have gotten me in decent marathon training shape.

It has and I was able to comfortably drop my pace by 75 seconds per mile the last 4 miles and have felt great all day .

So now its time to quicken the pace during the week and look toward the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Half . Anything in the 1:30's will be fine because I don't think I have said the Big Sur Marathon in April is the prize.

Yep, first marathon in 6 years , also a bucket list marathon . Tough course , beautiful course , my type . I love rolling / hilly marathons as I am able to use all my leg parts instead of the same muscles mile after mile .

So all I hope for is a somewhat mild winter so I can get good long runs in . It looks like I will need to head to Eagle Creek for loop after loop up the hills ( not Big Sur type hills ) but better than Carmel hills ( lol )

Thanks to my buddy Doug for the challenge and Asics for the comp entry . All I need now is a buddy that has free airfare access

Fav Run : Monday May 16,2011

2011-05-16T09:00:00.003-04:00

Still my favorite running venue.

Prior to to course opening for the golfers, its just me and a few groundskeepers manicuring this great golf course.
Wooden bridges , and winding paths make this 7 mile run quiet, fun and why I run .

Runners are " not allowed " but I am in so early , stay on the cart paths and the grounds keepers have seen me since day 1 out there running, they just waive as I pass.

Never do I run at the my un-disclosed location on the weekends or after 8am, that time is for the golfers, its their domain .

For me this is my favorite place to run and has been for quite a long time . I just would like to share with others ( and I have with my buddy Doug ) but , being a bit selfish, seeing to many people seen out on the paths without golf carts would be a bad thing for me, so I will just keep in quite , just as the runs are !!

Been Awhile / Thursday April 28,2011

2011-04-28T09:20:00.004-04:00

Well it has been a while and since my last report it is still raining.

Out early, and it is daylight now on my early morning runs, but the rain does make the golf course a lush green as it can get

The paths are winding and the cart bridges over Cool Creek are just the hovering over a rising fast moving creek

My runs have been slow , the rain keeps me out of the trails on my mountain bike , but all in all spring hasn't been to bad.
I am ready for the temperatures to stay above 60 , and for the lawn to slow down its growing so I only have to cut it once a week , but that is spring.

May is a round the corner and I will head to Cincinnati tomorrow with End Result for timing and scoring of the Flying Pig Marathon and other races connected with the weekend. Then the 500 mini to run , next Saturday, drink some post race beer, head to Carmel to time the Pups cross country race for 4th and 5th graders and finish with another beer and the Kentucky Derby o the big screen

May is really busy , but I cannot complain, as I get to do whatever I feel like to these days

Back In The Saddle Again 3-27-11

2011-03-27T16:59:00.003-04:00

It didn't snow last night as predicted, the sun is out and it is 40 degrees and windy. So what to do ?

Rake the yard, watch the Indy Car race , NCAA tournament to see who Butler gets next Saturday, Nascar race , take a run, OR

head to Towne Run and shake down the mountain bike.

Well the bike won so air up the tires and off I go! 15 miles later I am back with a Mad Hatter IPA, some chips the last half of the race and then UK and NC in the NCAA.

The trail was in wonderful shape, the flooding did move things around and added a couple new obstacle's but if I were in riding shape it would have been really fast.

It felt great to start jump and weave thru the trails , each lap more comfortable . My running will now begin to improve .

Last year the riding motion helping my lower running parts stay very loose for my morning runs . My back felt great and the runs in the morning kept the cardio good so I could motor around the trails .

So with the extended weather forecast , I should be able to ride every night this week . That is good this time of year because a good 2 day rain can shut the trail down for a week or more .

The plan is to hit the River Trail Park for 7 mile run. After this ride it should be really good .

No Golf Today 2-28-11

2011-02-28T15:13:00.011-05:00

Water Sports

70 degrees at 2 A.M. this morning and raining like a mother. All that snow Friday , and all the rain last night, I knew my run today would be an inspection run of Cool Creek thru the golf course.

Did I think it would be a normal start along the cart path ? No, the path ended at the first cart bridge

I just cannot make it from point A to point B

I take the high cart path and on the edge of the sand trap are Ducks in Heaven, water everywhere

Cool Creek usually is just a babbling brook, and the one bridge I could get on I probably shouldn't have . Th e water was really moving fast.

This was why at the end of the bridge I had to turn around and find another way to the road and the flowing well trail, which I am sure is also under water

Yep, only a couple hundred yards in , see the bridge in the background. That's the bridge to cross little Cool Creek, and below is looking at it from 116th street, the only way to continue the run.

Ahhhhh. The flowing well, a place to get the fresh water to drink

Not today , the well is underwater . Makes you wonder when you can drink the stuff again ?

The golf course was a mess today and the groundskeepers will have quite a bit of cleanup , but the adventure run was fun once I made it to solid ground .

50 degrees tomorrow . The temps just keep teasing us , but it will be great soon . March is tomorrow , crappy weather isn't done, the HS boys basketball tournament starts and we are sure to have bad weather sometime during that .

Princess Run 2-27-11

2011-02-27T18:06:00.009-05:00

It was a beautiful day for a benefit run put on by Holly , Martha and Hillary ( that is what I believe ). It started out as a girl thing but a few men showed up to run with wife's or significant others or help at the cross streets aolong the Monon

I went with Robin knowing that afterwards was Granite City Brewery and I needed to run anyway. The deal was the ladies were to be dressed as princesses. No clock or times, just a very good time ! I believe close to 100 showed up to raise a litttle money , and all by word of mouth.

Martha ended up as Princess of Peace, as her outfit was all peace signs

Hillary was also all dressed for the occasion, because when there is a theme, Hill is all over it !

It was a great day and alot of fun for me , a short run, a flatbread pizza and 2 IPA's . Now at home watching the USA Indoor Track Championships, then the end of the good ol boys of Nascar, then I guess the Oscars, with a Magic Hat #9 and some popcorn.

Tomorrow morning needs to be 8 or 9 miles, rain or not!

Monon on Saturday 2-26-11

2011-02-26T11:57:00.003-05:00

On to the Monon this morning after the totally weird Friday morning snow storm.

Indiana from 70's and all the ice and snow finally gone , to a 50 degree Thursday evening and 6 inches of really heavy snow by 6am the next morning.

At least no ice was under it this time and by 3 pm yesterday the streets were dry. The Monon this morning was pretty busy at the mini training has picked up, so I had a easy outbound trip up north and then picked it up quite a bit back down, and still it feels pretty good.

Next Saturday is the 15K in Plainfield , no racin' just hopefully the 2nd two 5'k during the race can be quicker that the previous ones , at least that is the plan.

One thing I know is still for sure, unless Robin wants to get really cold , I think laps in the pool outside is still pretty far off. A nice cold 4" of slush on the cover.

It's hard to believe under that is crystal clear COLD water, but it's true. Soon everything will be warm again!

6 miles and pretty a good pace

Rainy Morning 2-20-11

2011-02-20T13:48:00.005-05:00

The past 5 days made this morning yucky, but still 100% better than the previous six weeks

So I had my chance with the rain to head out to my favorite course , along the river.

The grass has yet to green up but give it a month and this will be a plush golf course.

The river is pretty high, but not yet flowing over its banks and moving pretty quick

The bridge a bit slick due to early morning temperature , but it's a great addition to the run.

The River Trail is a very nice trail to run on and never crowded, only a bike or two ever and smooth and winding.

I love running thru all the seasons , but entering spring is the most refreshing. Being able to see nature
coming back to life, being able to run freely without watching every step.

Only if the trail would dry out , then everything woul;d be perfect!

First Race of the Year 2-19-11

2011-02-19T12:27:00.002-05:00

A beautiful day for the Polar Bear Run this morning. This is the first time I have run in this since it moved from UIndy back in the '90's.

My plan was a simple one,not to think about racing, I'm not nearly ready for that . It was to warm-up the first mile , done a 9:10 mile, pick up each after that by at least 30 seconds a mile .

Well that also worked as the last was 7:30 and if I weren't so overdressed it would have been better. No big deal , it is February and it will be a long year , and plenty of time to pick runs to go fast in .

I really need to get the legs stronger for the trail races , as those are what I am looking forward to .

So it was a great day , weather wonderful, roads clear so training can not start hitting a better pace.

I'm thinking 8-10 tomorrow morning and at my favorite place along the river before the golfers even think about it !!

Bird Legs 2-17-11

2011-02-17T11:34:00.003-05:00

Check out the WHITE bird legs. 7am and 53 degrees in February, it doesn't get much better for a February morning. It will be a lot better at 4 pm but that's time to get the bike out for a little spin.

Spring is coming , the temperatures will go up and down , but the ice is gone , snow pretty much gone , probably a great time to get fertilizer down in the yard so I can complain this spring about cutting the grass every 4 days , but warmer is good.

A pair of shorts and a shirt and your off . Its pretty amazing how my pace this morning was so much quicker. Not having to bob and weave to miss ice , just running in a straight line and covering the distance.

The gloves and hat will return sooner than later , but you can just about feel the warm sun daily now .

I am Melting 2-16-11

2011-02-16T08:58:00.006-05:00

I'm Melting

The sun is out and streets are for the most part dry. I revisited a loop that has been , well pretty much impassible for a few weeks.

The lake loop is a 2 lane path around the Bayhill Lake . Well it is a rubber bottomed monster swimming pool that they stuck in the woods and then built very overpriced homes on. What good is a lake ( pond / big pool ) if you cant have a jet ski on it?

I was a good idea back then when Carmel to the east was looking for more places to put houses. It is for me , a great area to run . Streets are nice and wide, paths here and there , so for me really no complaint., just really glad I don't have to pay for them.

the run was slow but weather was great. As for the lake loop, it is still pretty iffffy, but with 50 degrees today and mid 60's tomorrow, I may even get down of the golf course paths .

Hurry SPRING , 5 more weeks can't come fast enough !

2011-02-13T22:23:00.002-05:00

The Sun is Out

Westfield Monon clear , Carmel Monon Hmmmmm.....

Well here I am. After a major life changing the past 41 days, at least the weather has seemed to have broken, the sun is out and temperatures are above freezing.

The running has been short and slow when I could get out, and the couple times I got on the dreadmill it was just that dreadful.

Although my office has changed , I have my memories surrounding my desk and a great view outside
of the Monon Trail. Just think when I get a little tired of sitting or just need to go on a quick 4 or 5 miler , it's 50 yards away from me.

Still can't wait for the trails to open and get the mountain bike back out

Thursday Dec 16, 2010

2010-12-16T11:09:00.003-05:00

Virgin Snow Run
Music: It's My Life / Animals

Yep, the weather guys got it right again. After a 5:30 am call from the schools that there was a 2 hour delay, Robin heads back for some shut eye and I have a cup of coffee and decide to hit the road.

Its still very dark, but the brightness of the snow is pretty awesome.

So off I go 6am , into the virgin snow. The great thing this morning was the snow was very light so running was no problem.

With my trail shoe on it was no different than the muddy trails during the spring. Just stay forward with your weight on your mid foot and bingo.

The snow was coming down at a pretty good rate and as I finished the 5 mile trip, I was again shedding layers.

All warmed up a quick shoveling of the driveway , a shower and off to work

This kind of snow is great and the temperature was also sweet. Still it is not winter until next week and things won't always be this nice , but hey I can run and feel good doing it

5 Miles in fresh snow

Tuesday Dec 14,2010

2010-12-14T14:17:00.006-05:00

Just Cold

Other than this mornings temperature being 2 above zero, it was nearly a perfect for a run.

The roads were pretty much clear, the wind was very light, I even started to shed layers as the run continued.

Winter , other than ICE, is a great time to get a good base of miles in . As long as you are dressed for the conditions , all is good .

Be smart, the weather shouldn't stop you from going outside . Sub Zero or hot and high humidity you just need to be smart, then you can enjoy the run .

Friday Dec 10,2010

2010-12-10T15:35:00.007-05:00

30Degree Heat Wave

As cold as it has been this week, this morning was a heat wave. Only 30 degrees but no wind and a half inch dusting of overnight snow.

I headed to my favorite course, the River Trail and golf course. It was wonderful

During the winter when the weather usually is not the best for running, this morning you didn't want to stop. I actually was hot by the end, the end that was extended by 3 miles because of the beautiful morning .

Tomorrow morning is more of the same , so get one in then because old man winter will return the first of the week

Tuesday Dec 7,2010

2010-12-07T17:42:00.003-05:00

Brrrrrrr ... Squared

Like yesterday morning , this morning was pretty cold, 2 below cold. But after yesterday the wind wasn't a issue this morning.

Headed out on the old trusty Huddleston Loop. 6 miles of wide neighborhood roads, and a loop around the lake.

It was a good run and the water in the lake sure looked cold, as ice is beginning to form around some of the edges .

Not much else exciting about the run , just that I am able to , and feel great doing it .

I am still looking forward to spring, but this is the choice you have for living in Indiana , 4 beautiful seasons

Monday Dec 6, 2010

2010-12-06T17:21:00.003-05:00

Brrrrrrrrrr

This morning was cold. The usually calm pre dawn was pretty windy this morning.

12 below zero wind chill ands 9 actual temperature.

Still need to go out and run, and after all these years of running not having the right gear is a pretty lame excuse for standing on the treadmill.

So out the door and down to the golf course,hoping the wind would be lighter . Good try but this run is going to be cold.

After a few minutes the internal furnace kicked on and other than my eyelashes sticking together ( forgot the Vaseline them ) the run became really good .

You can run every day if you want to , you just need to go out the door . If the door just won't open, turn to the dreaded treadmill.

99 % of the time , once moving outside it turns out to be very enjoyable

A frosty 5 miles , spring a short 3.5 months away

Saturday Dec 4, 2010

2010-12-04T11:10:00.003-05:00

First Snow Run of the Season

I can't remember when I didn't run on the first snow of the season. Flurries don't count, snow that covers the ground does.

Today was the day. The morning snow was awesome.

Out my door to the golf course to start, the sign is up , no golfers today, but for me I can ramble where ever I want to .

I am the only one around

It is a good thing I know the cart path , because yesterday mornings green grass is now smooth white snow.

While the winter elements make running a bit more challenging, the quiet and beauty of a fresh snow fall make the run great.

No need for a snowfall to stop you, just dress for the conditions and after a couple minutes everything is just fine

6 miles and ended up overdressed

Sunday November 28, 2010

2010-11-28T19:47:00.004-05:00

Frosty Morning

no traffic in here

Blue sky's this morning , 30 frosty degrees, but this is what it is all about !

As long as you have the right gear to run in , this weather is beautiful.

The run started as usual on the cart path at the golf course

e in the neighborhood. The grass frosty , all the leaves on the trees now are gone , and so are the golfers.

I get a mile on the path before I exit and head out on a preferred course of the day , but as I was running down the path i kept hearing a woodpecker.

As I headed east it continued to get louder and I am looking in the trees as I pass

Ahhh, up near the top , with it's big redhead , cracking away at a branch was, let's call him Red

Trust me , ol Red is up there , and after I snapped the picture, he or her , Red flew off.

I continued on my run and enjoyed every step.

Winter is nearing and these days are becoming few and far between.

As a runner, the winter is base miles. Don't have to be fast , just go out and run and enjoy the blue sky's even if the temperature is below freezing

6 miles working on my cadence . 180 per minute perfect

Thursday Nov 25, 2010

2010-11-25T11:14:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving Day Run

Well at least it was 52 degrees out this morning. I didn't want to go to the organized runs held around on this day, instead headed to the paved trails and the cover of bare trees.

It was coming down pretty hard , but inside the cover of trees , the run was actually nice.

Only passed a few people, everyone else was either at the mega-turkey runs or bagging it due to the rain.

But when you run, and running is just a life style, a thing you do everyday without thinking , today was pretty nice.

I think that living in Seattle this would be just a normal day .

You adapt to the changes in weather, just that Indiana's changes are huge swings more that work your way into them

Enjoy the day , cold is moving in for its 3-4 month residence. The next think to look forward to is the first day of winter, the shortest daylight of the year.

After that downhill to spring and the days start to get longer .

6 easy miles in the rain

November 13,2010

2010-11-10T08:32:00.005-05:00

A pretty good week

After a busy last 10 days , runs that amounted to only 5 miles a day , a few mountain bike rides

things are beginning to shake out

Ran the DINO race today , and found myself 60 points behind in the series. The last race was today and I knew who I had to beat.

Well running thru the beautiful trails at Fort Harrison , I wasn't fast but I was well ahead of my competition so I thought I probably would win the 2010 series in the old man category

Come to find out I lost by 3 points , or 10 seconds . I thought all year points were awarded by place in age group. Wrong, place in race, backwards from 200.

1st place 200, second 199 a point off in reverse. 30th place 170, get it.

So as I crossed the road today and had 600 meters to go , and 6 people ahead of me , had I known the overall place counted , I lost by 3 points . I even let Adam go ahead of me at the finish .

If he were racing he would have been further up than me ( he is a kid still ) but was just jogging along with me .

The 6 in front of me with 600 to go would have been no problem, but I just jogged in . Ahhh

Oh well ! Running these days are really just for fun, and healthy, but a little hardware would have been nice .

The trails at Ft Harrison are " way good " and I am sure I will head out there more this winter

Ft Harrison was my stomping ground 25 years ago, so why not go back and relive the good old days, even if it is much slower

Did manage to get some mountain bike riding in before the rain . Days on the bike are getting fewer and fewer .

November 2, 2010

2010-11-02T08:53:00.002-04:00

Frosty Fall Morning

Out a bit later this morning , after watching the Colts show what they were made from last night.

Out the door and into the golf course, frost covered the ground and the sun began to rise .

These mornings are great , 35 degrees, no wind , and the sun. '

Once running and your body begins to warm, you feel like running all day . Their will be tough runs in f the following months , but after you get out the door ,the cold weather is no problem.

Tonight I have a date with the mountain bike , as that season for riding the trails is getting closer to the end.

5 miles and felt great

Tuesday October 26,2010

2010-10-26T08:44:00.002-04:00

Beat the Storm

Up early to hopefully beat out the storms today. As the weatherman tracked to the minute when the storm should arrive in Central Indiana, I downed my coffee and prepare to head out

High wind is pretty tough thing to run in. It makes it a little eerie when it's dark out , very dark in the golf course that are lined with very big trees.

Heading thru the cart paths out our front door, a lot of wind and cracking noises from the trees above.

This is natures way of tree trimming or getting rid of the branches that have died off, but it makes for interesting running. If you hear a very large CRACK ....well !

Once out of the golf course and back to the road , the wind isn't easing up at all , the clouds are heavier, drops of rain are coming down and as beautiful as yesterday morning was today looks like a shorter run .

At least I got it in , and we do need the rain . Still we are in Indiana, and they say a nice end of the week , but snow could happen at any time , because it's Indiana

2010-10-25T17:40:00.003-04:00

Whatta Morning

Out in the dark this morning to my favorite short loop, the River Trail and Prairie View .

6:45 and really dark back along the trees and the river, but with a temperature of 62 it was as good as it gets .

I guess my mountain bike wreck soreness has left my body and my pace in the dark was good.

As I turned to the golf course , still pitch black outside , but the full moon had enough light the concrete cart path showed up like I had night goggles on , it was awesome.

My pace never slowed and as the daylight cracked over the trees and daylight came quickly.

It would be so nice if every morning was like this morning , but I do live in Indiana and it may snow by the weekend

Tuesday October 19,2010

2010-10-19T07:53:00.006-04:00

Ready to run again !!

It has been over a week since my mountain bike slam down wreck in Brown County.

The bike is fine, my ribs and upper chest and right arm are good enough to get going again

I had a couple short runs on the cross country course last week , but just that dead pain made it just uncomfortable enough to take a break

So yesterday I had a good run on the grass, and this morning , in the dark 5 miles on the road.

I can still feel it but nothing I can't deal with . I actually felt like coming off a short taper, my legs felt great

So I will take the bike out to the trails tonight and put in a couple laps , and up again in the morning and get back to what is normal to do before the day gets under way. RUN

Friday October 15, 2010

2010-10-15T15:30:00.002-04:00

Still A Little Sore.

I have had a couple runs and bikes since my mountain bike slam down last Sunday. My legs feel great , but the pounding of the run make me a little uncomfortable so I have been staying on the cross country course.

It is better but it is going to take another week for the soreness to go away and then I will resume my miles.

Same goes for the mountain bike , riding is fine but the jumps and bumps are a little rough, but I know what ever I do , I am not hurting anything.

It is going to be a great weekend , so I need to get some of the honey do things off the list , do some big time fall trimming in the yard and watch the Colts Sunday night

I will do a 6-7 mile run Sunday morning , it will be slow but need to get back to running

Monday October 11, 2010

2010-10-11T16:18:00.010-04:00

The Brown County Breakdown 60 mile Adventure

Everything was packed and ready to go as I went toward the coffee pot. I needed to be out the door at 6:30 for the trip to Brown County for the mountain bike event called the Breakdown.

My loop was 60 miles to Nebo Ridge , hopefully without accident , flat, ripe off any bike parts or worst end up in the hospital

I made it to Brown County as daylight broke for the 8am start with 600 other bikers.... mountain bike variety

I proceed to check -in and get my wristband that gets me into the Hoosier National Forest about 25 miles from the start. Like a DNR officer is going to be standing in the trail checking ID

So I get my gear on , it is a little cool at the start, but with temp's heading to the mid 80's I need to stay for 20 minutes into the ride and I will be plenty warm by then

The Garmin is cleared out and ready to go , Camelback on with 70 oz of water, 6 gel packs, 2 extra tire tubes ( hope I don't need them ) extra chain ( really hope I don't need that ) cell phone ( it has coverage most of the time ) I.D. ( in case the worst happens ) personal needs out of the way , so I am ready to go !

The bad part of this event is the first 11 miles, even worse the first mile . In my starting grid 168 strong its a race to the trail head, first in gets a clean shot at the first climb. Trust me, that's important.

Unlike running , you don't really warm-up , you have 60 miles to do that, but that first 1-2 miles is a sprint and look down at the Garmin and the heart rate is 170 and haven't seen the first hill yet.

The 11 miles to Hesitation Point is a lot of climbing , some tight switchbacks and the rock garden.

Death waiting to happen, no place for the timid. You have to concentrate and keep moving at a steady pace.

Weird thing , the harder the obstacle, the faster you need to go. If you can roll over the stuff quickly you tend to stay upright, and thru this part you don't want to fall...... it a big drop to the bottom and chances of things breaking are pretty good.

It's a pretty long train heading thru the rocks , and the rocks were winning. They are tough and the very dry conditions in the trail didn't help.

No moisture on the trail and traction is as bad as a lot of mud

About 1:20 from the start you made it out on Hesitation Point, and the view is beautiful. All that cranking uphill this is what you get.

I have a gel and a bottle of energy drink and head back into the connector trail heading to the campground.

This part is really fun and fast. It does have another section of rocks , but going downhill not to much trouble . ( remember that )

Pretty wide trail at this point , heading thru the campground and then catching the horse trail down to Tim's Cabin.

This is a low spot in Brown County and is at the 20 mile point.

On the way down to the cabin is a blast, at one point I was at 24 mph for about a mile , weaving thru the ruts and rocks.

On a mountain bike you cannot be scared, respect yes, relaxed a must or bad things can happen

Hitting a big rock on a downhill is hospital time for sure

Even at that speed I was on the brakes, or I woulds have been going 40. I am old and know my parts don't need any trauma to them

The cabin , another chance to refuel and get ready for the tough Nebo Ridge climb, and 20 mile loop back to the cabin

I had a chance to have Joe adjust the shifting , as something on the way down must have hit the derailleur as it wasn't shifted real smooth, and I needed it to for the rest of the day

Off to Nebo, and about 3:15 into it and it's getting hot. I have seemed to be with a group of 6 guys for the majority of the ride so far and we are going at it together.

Once up on Nebo Ridge its little climb after little climb, then a nice little stretch of downhill and back to jeep path to return to the cabin

From years past, heading out of the cabin and back to Hesitation Point is HARD. The first half mile is like straight up and staying on the bike in all the loose dirt is just about impossible .

Then for the next 5 miles ( 1 hour of granny gear ) its everything you can do getting to the top.

You have to miss the rocks , and just keep going. Heart rate back up to the 180's

At the top finally you get a break for a few miles the back to the rock gardens, but this time you,ve been going for 6 hours and getting tired.

You need to concentrate or bad things can happen.

Remember when I said the downhill thru the rocks wasn't bad..... it was coming up.

All was good, my new bike handles the bigger stuff so much better, but I thought I had a good line on these monster rocks, I was out of the saddle cranking, I was in the right gear, then

a body slam on this big ass rock...... hurt, really hurt

As I laid there for a couple minutes to get my breath, inspect the damage to me , well the only way back to the car is finish the ride... so off I go, slower but moving with about 10 miles to go

At this point the trails were not packed as people were scattered over 20 mile's or so

That was my only problem all day but it was a good one. Actually it was the first wreck all year for me all year

Well I made it back to the start, with more dusty dirt on me and the bike when I showered it looked like mud flowing off

It was a great ride . 6:45 and the goal was under 7 hours. I am sore from the wreck today , my elbow has a pretty good cut, no broken ribs ( Dee checked them out ) just sore on the side of my chest, point of the Gary Brackett slam , and hip a little sore from same slam

Other than that it was a great day, really tired , but I will run in the morning

And for all that fun ... this is what you get.

Leadville is still on the bucket list !!!

Wednesday Sept 29, 2010

2010-09-29T17:30:00.002-04:00

Cool Clear Mornings

Been off the blog for a week , but boy it is funny , us runners.

At the end of September,running in warm humid weather day after day, and the past 3 dark mornings , temperatures in the high 40's.

Wheeeew, it a bit nippy out. Long sleeves so you can pull your hands in , and yes lightweight long running pant.

Now if I were finishing with sun , the beautiful warm sun beating down , shorts all the way , but it 5:30 in the morning and dark 'til pretty much 7am.

Now in February when the temperature is the same high 40's , yee hoo a heat wave and shorts are a must!

Can't complain, I can run and even in the heat, give it a few minutes and all your body knows is that it's another run

One thing is , breathing is so much easier and the light air makes you feel really good !!

Wednesday Sept 22, 2010

2010-09-22T16:50:00.005-04:00

Season Change

At 11:09 PM tonight Autumn arrives. 12 hours of daylight 12 hours of dark.

In my case 86% of the time for the next 6 months I will run in the dark. The only bad times to run in the dark is ICE. Won't do it, but that's down the road a few months

Thru the dark months we have lots of indoor things to do , lots of sports on the tube , some good TV shows , and if no good shows on TV always pop in a DVD .

I have seemed to get out of my mini-funk running, or really just look back at the journal , 4 pretty hard weeks , so I needed a easy week.

6 miles Tuesday morning , 20 miles hard on mountain bike last night and 7 mile run this morning in , could it be , RAIN !

A nice steady few days of rain would be awesome . Everything and everyone needs the rain.

It will keep be out of the trails with the bike if it truly happens , but the trail would turn into a tacky race track. Big speed and maybe that sub 20 min 5 mile loop.

My Air 9 , locked down for the trip home

Monday Sept 20,2010

2010-09-20T08:22:00.009-04:00

cool school bus

After a long weekend , back out running, kids heading back off to school, a great looking sky , and the promise of no rain and heat again this week .

this morning's sky

With Fridays run being not so good , I knew Saturday was a off day . The cross country meet went off without a hitch. 10 races all together. Really tired and after a tuna casserole for dinner, a shower I attempted to watch the Indy Car race but found out the results the next morning in the paper.

cross country finish line

Sunday morning , well got up at 7:30 , which for me is late. By the time got moving around and the promise to work in the house, that promise standing for quit a while now , I bag the run and hope to ride the bike in the late afternoon .

The room exchange took all day , a couple trips to here and there for stuff, and getting close to Colts football.

No run that's Ok , as I probably need a day or two off.

Colts win, and look like Colts should look. Peyton got his little brother again , and Eli must feel like Peyton did last week, beat up.

sorry bro

The 5 miler was good, not fast this morning , but good . Time to head off to work , and if I get home early enough maybe a trip thru the mountain bike park on the Air 9.

2010-09-17T07:27:00.002-04:00

Slow Morning

As good as the runs have been the past week, the past two mornings have been SLOW.

Don't feel bad, maybe a little tight in the back again but just not much drive in the ol' legs.

So tomorrow a total day off of running and biking. That is not to say I won't be busy.

The FlashRock cross country meet at the church. It's big ! 2054 High School runners in 6 races followed by 600 4th and 5th graders in the PUP running series.

Preparations for the race are done , shirts printed , bib numbers and timing tags ready to go, coaches packets waiting.

Last night I marked the course and painted the start line and starting boxes. This morning we will put up the finish line area fencing. This is the prelude to 7am tomorrow when everything happens.

At the crack of dawn tomorrow volunteers arrive to eagerly awaite the arrival of about 5000 people on the grounds. Parking folks park a couple thousand cars, at the bus parking say 90 school buses.

The first race is at 9am but the place will be packed by 8:15, a huge colorful tent city. Knock on wood this is the 4th year for the meet, and things go pretty well, but everything has to be in place for it to happen.

So tonight I will get a mountain bike ride in and get ready for a full day of fun at the cross country course , and watch a lot of kids hard work pay off at the finish line .

5 mile slow

Wednesday Sept 15, 2010

2010-09-15T15:13:00.006-04:00

Hammered Towne Run

Last night after a good morning tempo run on the cross country course, I headed to Towne Run to see what kind of lap I could turn on my mountain bike .

The first lap of 5 miles was a warm up, drank some water and looked around at the other people around , timing it to get a clean run.

I is like F-1 qualifying, every one on the track , you just try to time it so you don't have to pass anyone , a clean run

At 6pm on a great night the park was pretty full, but I thought I found my spot. Garmin running, tire pressure low to grip the dry, loose dirt its into the trail , trying to keep wheels on the ground instead of getting air . ( just like downhill skiers, in the air you slow down )

Things are rolling, a couple slips on the loose stuff on hard turns , and at the turn to head back
I am rolling. The goal sub 20 minutes.

Thru a couple curves and a switchback, I see some one ahead, and knowing the trail only risky places to pass.

MAN, I get behind this slow dude, ( fake picture ) But I do get behind a guy and he makes a attempt, poor attempt to move over, and I just about saw my life flash by me as it was a real risky move on my part, but I was on pace. I still can break 20.

Around another blind turn , flying , a guy I guess picking his butt. Time goal gone , momentum gone , mojo with the trail gone.

Still a pretty killer lap of 21 minutes, but I had it, I know I did.

Wait until it rains a bit and the trail gets tacky, the 17 minutes that the young bucks did during the time trial could drop further, and the old man on the Air 7, WILL break 20

The run in the dark this morning was again wonderful, just dark. I thing my fav run tomorrow morning, the golf course by the river

15 miles on mountain bike last night and 5 run on road this morning

Now this would be a rush. Downhill at dark, with lights in the mountains .

Tuesday Sept 14,2010

2010-09-14T08:02:00.005-04:00

Runnin' on the Grass

The Cross Country Course and running on the grass. No better way to treat your legs to less pounding, and take your mind off traffic hazards in the morning.

The once golf course like turf, has taken a hit with the hot dry summer, so for the racers this course is like a track. It will be very fast during the FlashRock XC Invite Saturday.

2000 high school runners in 6 races. I would love to see in rain nice and steady after that , the course needs water .

The run today was a tempo 5K on the course, and I felt very good. Mountain Bike tonight of probable 20-25 miles.

View from top of the hill to the finish

Monday Sept 13,2010

2010-09-13T07:57:00.005-04:00

Out Early

Up at 4:45, Robin off to 5am swim, so a cup of coffee and on with the shoes for a hopefully great start to the week .

It is strange that running in the dark you seem to be moving faster, the miles seen to go by quicker. It may be because you are most paying attention to you surroundings and not worrying as much about how you are feeling.

This dark clear morning was a perfect temperature, no wind and I felt great. I was in a very comfortable pace from the get go.

As dark became daybreak I found myself heading south down Hazel Dale Parkway for 3 miles .

I have done this 3 mile stretch often, and it is easier heading south than north.

It's not a hill but just that gradual incline over a long distance that you feel. Doesn't hurt or anything, you just notice it.

The same thing when I ride my bike to the downtown store, going easy, coming home that gradual up all 18 miles.

So as the run began with no breaks in stride due to the time I ran, it was feeling so good I thought about adding a 3 mile loop until the first stop.

Morning traffic at a place I needed to cross. It seemed like I stood for a hour. By now the flow was gone , that short stop and stand just said jog down this way and jump onto the golf course an head to the barn.

A mile and a half thru the path, well it was a good cool down, think positive, because the first hour was heaven

9 miles feeling fine

Sunday Sept 12, 2010

2010-09-12T10:48:00.002-04:00

Jabbering

Back to the Monon this morning after a absence of about 3 weeks of running on it. A wonderful cool morning.

The journey headed north thru Westfield and as usual it took my first couple miles to get in the swing of things.

Once to the end of the line , a touch of the barrier and head back to Carmel. As my pace began to pick up , I see heading toward me Lucie and Judy just girl talking and moving at a nice pace.

I started think back to the day, the Sunday morning runs from Dan's house to Fort Harrison. That pre-devolopment at the north and east of the fort.

Are usual 15 mile run , we jabbered for the first 12 miles about anything and everything. It was great because back then easy was 6 min pace .

Seeing Lucie and Judy brought it all back. It was great , as the miles would just click off . That's the beauty of running partners during long runs , it diverts your attention .

Back in those days we jabbered away, but we always knew what would happen the last 3 miles .

That 3 mile mark was at the bottom of Boy Scout Road hill. A long tough climb.

The great thing about those runs were as we got closer to that left turn , the conversation ended, game faces were on, and who got back to Dan's house first.

It was a race and the end of the long run and we all gave it all up. It didn't matter what time of year it was if you didn't make it back under 16 minutes you were a dog that whole next week.

Those were the day's , great memories. So without a jabbering partner today , I did a memorial last 2 miles. It wasn't close to the old day's , but back to back 7:15 and felt great doing it.

Miss being young and fast, but looking forward to being like Billy, in my 80's and still going!

Saturday Sept. 11, 2010

2010-09-11T11:48:00.004-04:00

Frozen in your head

I had run that morning and just gotten out of the shower, and as usual the CBS Early Show was on .

Getting ready for work , drinking coffee and hearing the breaking news of one of the towers on fire.

At first , for about 15 minutes it was thought that it was just a fire.

Then still watching the TV you see this jet crash into the other tower.

I was like most Americans, I just watched and was shocked. Then to here another crashed heading for the pentagon , and conformation of terrorist attack made it even more shocking.

I just watched as they crumbled to the ground a image that will remain with me as long as I live .

My Mom told me it was like hearing about Pearl Harbor only this was live in front of your eyes .

A moment in history we will never forget.

As I drove past a Carmel Fire Station this morning at 8:47, all the firemen were out in front of their truck standing in a moment of silence.

As for this mornings run , a strange liquid was falling from the sky. RAIN , could it be ?

It was wonderful to get wet during a run from something other than sweat, but we do need some rain. Although I wasn't as happy as this guy, the raibn is good .

For selfish reasons if it rains steady all day that would be great. The cross country course would get much needed moisture, the mountain bike park will get tacky again and make for great riding, and our yards need to give sprinklers a break.

Now remember just a steady soaking rain , I still want to ride Sunday on the mountain bike , but if not rain hard enough to wash all the loose dirt and dust off the trail so when we can get back in , the tires will stick like glue.

5 miles this morning , Long early morning run tomorrow

Friday Sept 10, 2010

2010-09-10T16:49:00.006-04:00

New Cross Country Loop

Another beautiful, cool morning and it is Friday so my run on the cross country course at Northview.

The course grass is in a dormant time, and after the run I asked Marcia how much rain will it take to come back

It will take a few steady rains , but its not dead. Hope we get some soon during the semi state meet , it is beautiful as it was early this year

Near the end of my run , I headed to the new woods loop and it is all the way thru and it will really be nice next year.

The enterance in woods heading in from the southest corner

After the turn to head north , the low area has been built up with dirt and drainage underneath to keep it from sitting in water.

Now that the foundation is down, its make it wider and grind out some stumps and the 800 meter loop with be ready to race on .

Running at Northview is good on your legs , challenging on you heart, but most of all wonderful for your mind.

It's there anytime for you to run on , even if you don't know each course , just follow the paths

4 miles easy

Thursday Sept. 9,2010

2010-09-09T10:00:00.003-04:00

Long Sleeves

3 mornings in a row of great running weather. Today though the first morning of long sleeves.

49 Degrees , still no wind, just beautiful weather.

As I made the trip around the lake, I am sure the cold water would have felt warm with the outside temperature at 49.

The forecast is for more of the same which doesn't hurt my feelings, but never fear the heat and humidity will smack us at least one more time .

Short Fast 4 miles, Mountain Bike tonight

Wednesday Sept. 8,2010

2010-09-08T08:35:00.004-04:00

Not much to say but, It dosen't get much better than this !

The early 7 mile run 52 degrees, no wind , NO HUMIDITY, at the start was a bit chilly.

A few minutes into it , wow , what a great run. You can't say it enough , but all those miserable hot , humid runs make days like this worth it. It was effortless this morning, and the pace was equally effortless.

I could take this all 365. Maybe when I retire I can find somewhere with weather like this year around .

Tuesday Sept 7, 2010

2010-09-07T08:48:00.002-04:00

Back to Normal

Labor Day over, so that is the unofficial end of summer. All the schools are back to work, most vacations are complete.

This is the time of year when things begin to turn over. Yea we will have more hot humid days, but we will get a little weather shock here and their, like Saturday morning's 49 degrees and low humidity.

It's all good . As a runners those cool mornings make that hot training seem worth it as you just seen to glide during the run.

As for me it will be back to running mainly in the dark for 6 months except on the weekends , but that's OK. I'll hit the trails with the bike as long as they hold up, hopefully well into November.

A great early morning run and I will finish off tonight in the trails again. No trespassing today, I am sure I will be spotted

Monday Sept 6, 2010

2010-09-06T18:53:00.012-04:00

Labor Day Stress Relief

on my new Air 9

The final Kids Triathlon I will ever time and score again was today. PARENTS are psyco. Wanting to fight , screaming , acting like fools because they think rules don't apply to their kids .

So as soon as I can leave , off on my mountain bike. Brown County would have been best , but after a extra hour straightening out the kid tri results , again because rules don't apply to MY KID, I decide to enter the no trespassing zone, or " You Can't Ride Here "

The mentality must have rubbed off after race , rules don't apply to me

After the ride from the house to Towne Run Park, and a lap thru the trails it was off to no mans land . I did let Robin know of my location for if I didn't show up at home after a few hours, the search could be limited to a small area.

It was a Hamiton County , You can't do that ride

Enterence to the asphault and gravel grave yard, around the next

turn is granny gear range, about 30 degees UP!

The back side is certain death, a 100 foot or more drop.

I am too old , so I turn around and fly back to bottom , it was fast

Then out of there and across the street to , Well lets call it the mega hole !

Past 2 do not enter signs and this is the top edge looking down , say a mile.

After clearing the last barricade , the winding roll down was really cool.

it's a BIG hole

Near the side, the sign said falling rock DANGER

I don't think my bike helmet counted as a hard hat

Water shooting out of the side of the mine,

its quite a ways down to bottom

Don't think I should head into shaft, that really would be bad trespassing,

plus don't want to spend Christmas in there

Hmmmmm!!

COOOOOLD water draining from mine, must be some danger to mining,

but drowning would be last thing I would think of .

The ride out was in my granny climbing gear for 8 minutes or so

and you get a small burn by the exit, but it is really fun, or

just riding somewhere you are not suppose to

Where the water goes eventually, and a 4 mile trail around it.

No Trespassing

A awesome 2 hour ride , used all my gears during that time

and Sam Adams Summer Ale at the end , 3 to be exact!

Back to running tomorrow morning, hope for 10 threw the golf courses

Another " No Runners Allowed "

2010-09-03T15:43:00.003-04:00

New Trail shoes, thanks to the nice people at Montrail. The Mountain Masochist !

These look heavy but very light and on the cross country course this morning they were great, but so was the early morning weather . Perfect

The course is suffering the effects of this brutal hot dry streak, but when the races start in a couple weeks , it will be a race track.

The other cool thing about the shoes are the bottom.

Gryptonite !

I wonder if this is a sub-compound of , melted off
Kryptonite

Awesome,

just like the run

Thursday Sept 2,2010

2010-09-02T09:01:00.012-04:00

What a Week

Well it's been a week since I last sent up a blog, so here is the recap.

Its been hot , but this morning back to my favorite place to run for 7 great miles. Start at River Road trail and make my 3 mile loop thru the golf course

With all this heat and sun, the course is as green and plush as ever. The groundskeepers are awesome .

As usual , they all wave at me as I pass, in early before golfers hit the links . I am lucky or as long as they have worked there, they have always seen me a couple times a week in and running, so it must be OK

Running and mountain biking has been good, and the past Saturday was the 5th DINO trail run

I needed to continue to get points in the series, and Southwestway park was the course.

I remember it from the mountain bike , and its narrow , winding and Saturday , really dusty.

I sneezed for hours afterwards, and managed to get 2nd in age group. No excuses and I knew who my competition was from many years of running.

As I was peddling my wares at the tent, everyone else was warming up . I got about a 2 minute jog in and I DO NOT have that 800 meter speed anymore.

That was the race, the first 800 meters on horse path where you could pass and position yourself for enterance to trails .

Onec you hit the trail it was single file and nowhere to pass. I managed to see my competition about 12 ahead of me, but in between were those weekend jocks that can bust out in the front for the photo opps, later to die the big death.

So even with only 12 runners between us the gap grew, as he had faster people in front of him and I had bumbling dead meat to try to get around.

Oh well , 2nd in race but still first in series by a good bit. Out there agin in October so I will try to warm up a little better and give it my best 800

So after the race my Grandson got my number and started running around like a madman

And what better than a Qdoba buritto at 10 am, and it was free

Loaded up the ride and back to Carmel!

Then Sunday, long run or MotoGP ? Moto GP

Awesome, alot of this

A lot more racing

More of this at Ducati Island

Then a lot of this

After the good run this morning, out on the trail tonight with the bike!!

Wednesday August 25, 2010

2010-08-25T08:06:00.005-04:00

On This Day

On This day in 1965 The Beatles movie HELP was released in the United States. I remember I went to the Emerson to see it . My $1 bill in hand and another $1 for popcorn , coke and candybar

That was about the time my running career began , 10 years old , fall track at IPS #71. For me it was cross country as we had to run around the school 2 times on the grass . It was about a mile total. It was called the long run, and it was last because it was boring for parents to watch.

The big event was the 50 yard dash, on the grass but EVERYONE thought they were a sprinter. That is one thing at 10 I knew for sure , I wasn't at all fast, but I could run forever.

Still like that today , as I have aged , the speed has slowed but the run is still a blast. 7 great miles this morning , still dark and overcast the whole way , but just like the past once my mind drifted , the pace quickened and by the end , all though not fast , I was down to 7:30 pace.

The mountain biking is one of the reason's . I can get my need for speed on the bike and I can really get my heart rate up hammering out 20 miles like last night thru the trails .

I have also got my posture better for running , and can keep up a good cadence running at average of 170 per min. Just like the bike , I have found my gear and it is a high cadence also .

Everything works together, and in the end I am much happier and healthier

Run 7 miles at good pace / 20 miles on mountain bike hammering

Tuesday Aug 24, 2010

2010-08-24T08:21:00.003-04:00

Worn out shoes

After a busy weekend, 7 wonderful road miles yesterday and hit the grass for 6 this morning , and with weather a bonus , it put on my Avi-Stoltz Trail shoes.

I really like them but this is the only pair of shoes over the past ga-zillion years that I have issue's with rubbing my heel.

Rubbing it until its red and starts to blister. Again today with the grass wet after 4 miles I felt the burn.

Yea and then I began to try to change my gait to finish up, but with DINO trail race this weekend I sure don't need a raw heel.

So I stop and consider just heading back to the car, but why not finish up barefoot?

Off come the shoes and socks and with about a half mile left, the dew on the grass was cool to just about cold , it felt pretty good. Well it felt really good .

I know what my buddy Doug is now talking about. I may need to keep this up a couple times a week at the course. Training in my racing flats on the road feel really good, but this barefoot thing is pretty cool too!

5 miles on grass, last run on old trail shoes . New Montrail's should be here this week !!

Sunday Aug 22, 2010

2010-08-22T20:48:00.007-04:00

Busy Sunday

A Sunday without a run, darn it. I had the Kids Racing for Kids Triathlon to time and score at 9am, so needing to sleep in and rest that took the run out.

After I got home went to breakfast / brunch , then headed to southside for my Grandson Kyle 4th birthday party. It was a good little bash, got to see Sarah and Todd's new abode, and it too was nice.

But what did ol' grandpa do but throw in the new Niner in the back of the car , and Southwestway Mountain Park was only 4 miles from their house.

Great party but the trails are a callin'

Unlike my home course at Towne Run Park ( a race track ) this is 8.5 miles of pretty techanical trails. Not a place for a newbie.

This particular part of the course " sucked", about 400 meters at a granny gear grade, full of big roots. and that one cluster in the picture was the widow maker. The picture doesn't do it any justice.

I finally made it all the way up on the 4th time after finally finding the right line up and the right gear to be in . The new bike has the RIGHT gear for this .

This is a place were you have to practice at, you get skills on a course like this . Its not fast like Towne Run, but in time will be as fun.

A lot of pretty great views at certain parts of the course, looking down at the White River, the same river that Towne Run lines.

This has a lot of wooden bridges to cross, skinny single track with drop offs of 75-100 feet, logs to jump, rocks, gravel all kinds of hazards.

It's sharpens your skills for sure.

So after a hour and a half, a few tumbles with no damage to bike or body, load her up and head back north.

I need to make Southwestway a every 10-14 day ride, it will only make a better rider of me .

Also it is next Saturdays location for the DINO series.

I 'll run on Saturday and it looks to be a challenging run, and I may race the bike there on Sunday , or go to Moto GP.

I'm thinking the park will always be there, Moto GP just Sunday .

Friday Aug 20, 2010

2010-08-20T17:29:00.003-04:00

Easy Day on the Grass

After last nights shakedown 20 miles on the new Air 9 mountain bike , and some pretty good miles this week , this morning was back to Northview and the cross country course for 4 miles.

Humid again , but it still felt good on my legs. A planned day off of running tomorrow , but if it doesn't rain in the afternoon a few trips around Towne Run to continue to dial in the new ride.

This thing is fast. With the 29" wheels and hardtail frame , its full speed ahead. I'm in pretty good shape right now and yesterday on the ride couldn't believe the bottom end torque of this bike.

It was push the pedal and Vroooooom, and with that said it spins so well you don't quite work as hard . 20 miles and other being tired due to the heat , I felt great

Did I say the bike was fast and it got it's first coat of dirt on it . Just like your new running shoes, you need to get them dirty so they don't stand out.

They noticed at the bike park though, its pretty pimp looking!

Thursday Aug 19, 2010

2010-08-19T08:42:00.006-04:00

Still my Favorite Run!

Out just after daybreak and the humidity has returned , but along the River trail and thru the golf course was great !

Pretty thick fog around the water and the low spots , you can feel the moisture all over.

I have said before this route is pretty, tranquil , rolls and weaves, 3 miles of fine running.

What a way to start the day, and what a great way to finish tonight with my first ride on my just built Air 9 mountain bike. Trees stay out of my way !

Run: 7 miles and felt great

Wednesday Aug 18, 2010

2010-08-18T16:28:00.004-04:00

My New Ride and a Great Morning Run

A great morning to run. The humidity is creeping back but it was still a very good 7 miler.
Just for kicks, since I am working on my faster , shorter gait , during the run a couple time i wanted to get my cadence.

The best is at 180 steps per min. I ran the same the whole way and the times I checked I was at 181 as a high and 175 at low end .

This I am sure is why my glut is now feeling like old time , which is good

Also my Air 9 build is complete, and this is a sweet bike.

Red and Silver everything, and Niner's motivation on the top tube " Pedal Damn It! "

Power to the dirt , from my legs to this hardtail 2X 10 Sram XX Group. I can't wait to hit Brown County State Park, but first some fine tuning and getting all the important pieces to my liking.

7 Miles this morning at a nice pace

Monday Aug 16, 2010

2010-08-16T17:32:00.004-04:00

Out Early

Out early this morning, 6am , and the humidity did leave the area. It was sure a good run. Out at dark I headed to a virgin golf course to make a loop.

This one is a couple miles west of the house , and in the 70's was Carmel's high end course set in Indiana's largest apartment complex.

But in 2010,, and before the economy tanked , this place was scheduled to go down. It was going to be converted to a high end village , just what Carmel needs another of.

Now it would have been a definite upgrade to the neighborhood , but today it and its golf course are pretty sad.

As you know I am hitting all the golf courses I can and making a loop on the cart paths, and proof being a hole marker.

Mohawk had no markers, and 2 cart paths with a total of maybe 100 meters of pavement between them. So around the apartment parking lots and couldn't wait to exit the place.

The run was still good, after Sunday nights 15 miles on the mountain bike thru the trails at a very fast pace.

Another course down , and the next one will deliver some kind of proof.

Oh , the final piece of my new mountain bike is in my hands , and looks as by Wednesday its time to try it out

6 mile on a great early morning run

Friday 13, 2010

2010-08-13T07:38:00.008-04:00

Cross Country

Out on the cross country course this morning as the sun began to rise.

This is probably my second best run course every week. In the early morning, dew on the ground, trail shoes on the loops work all different parts of the body.

No cars to worry about, no noise, just in your thoughts as you wind the course.

Today is going to be another steam bath, but at 6:30, the low spots on the course ,where the fog had settled, had a very cool, wet feeling.

The hard work of trail blazing the new woods loop is moving along very well, thanks to all the college kids doing service work on the grounds. So with over 200 small stumps removed over the past few weeks , and the dirt from the new parking lot back near the loop, it is time for a trip thru.

As I took the south path at the cross, that leads you to the entrance of the woods, and wow, it is now reality

A couple hundred meters in I had to design the course to head back north due to standing water in the low part of the woods. With drainage pipes under path, the trail has been risen about 3 feet to cross the area back to area that is usually always hardpacked.

The trip thru is a half a mile, but it really adds to the whole course.

It won't be ready to race on this season , but next year it will be great. The woods loop will be added to my run every time now , as this will complete the 10K course.

Thursday August 12, 2010

2010-08-12T08:10:00.005-04:00

As I approached my favorite course to run, the sun was beginning to rise out of the east.

Still a thick fog was low along the river, but who would have thought that at 6:15 with the temperature 78 and 60% humidity, it felt good to run.

After the past few days , this morning was a welcome relief!

As I traveled my 7 mile trek, I noticed a lot of creatures hustling around the woods, and along the path close to the river.

I guess they were digging the morning also.

With school back on , and the boss heading off to swim at 5:15

the early runs feel much more refreshing. There is something about starting in the dark and see the day arrive

After work off to the mountain bike trail for a few laps. It seems to really be helping my running and that nagging glut. I can barley feel any tightness anymore .

My new Air 9 mountain bike should be ready to ride this weekend , can't wait!

Wednesday August 11, 2010

2010-08-10T18:58:00.007-04:00

Smokin' Hot!!!

It is so HOT and HUMID out , well this is what happens !

I tried to Google images of Smokin' Hot , Hot Runner , Sweaty Runner and you know what popped up on the screen ! Stuff that would get my blog shut down.

This past week has been pretty miserable, but if you just go slow it's not to bad.

Since Monday it has been up at 4:45 as the boss has headed off to swim before teaching school.

A little tired , but just a week or so and things will be fine.

This morning when I started at 6:15 it was still dark and 86 degrees. The only benefit was it was dark, no sun beating down .

I have been mountain biking in the late afternoons and running in the mornings , and my glut problem has vanished. It has to be the biking that has done something. The constant difference in pace, up hill, down hill that has either straightened or stretched those muscles involved , but whatever it feels great.

So I have a about 50 miles running and 100 miles biking the past 2 weeks and other than the oppressive heat and humidity things seem to be good.

That is the bonus , because the work scene is a little stressful , but that to will pass.

5 miles watching the sunrise

Wednesday Aug 4, 2010

2010-08-04T16:32:00.007-04:00

It is "Smokin Hot" outside . This morning out the door before 7am and it was 88 degrees and 80 percent humidity, and that was without the sun up and burning.

This morning reminded me of our trips to St. Lucia, a beautiful island in the West Indies. Sun rose at 6am and set at 6pm , and its 13 degrees 53" North of the equator.

What that means you are really close to the morning sun, and those morning runs were HOT!!

On top of that St Lucia is basically a pair of mountains , the Pitons, and that make the running extra tough Ahhhh yes, St Lucia has there own beer also, for after those hot, hot runs and its gooood ! This is random, but St Lucia's main export are banana's. They aren't the kind we get here, they are the best I have ever eaten. Sweet banana's and they export them mainly to Australia.

Anyway, after the run this morning a dip in the lap pool. First time for me this year. I keep it clean , and the water sparkling. Ya know the Robin has to have a nice place to workout if she needs to , or the grown kids to bring there buddies to cool off.

I must say , this morning the water was 76 degrees, and after the million degree run, I had goosebumps in the water. It was refreshing !!

Workouts the last 3 days

Runs in AM and hour and a half mountain biking hard in PM at Towne Run and now my back feels really good during the runs. Go figure

Sunday August 1, 2010

2010-08-01T10:41:00.006-04:00

Slow 3 Weeks

It has been a slow, nagging dead pain in my lower back the last 3 weeks. I have quit my chiropractic adjustment, thanks to insurance refusing to cover, and massages bi-weekly have become to costly in my mind. Between the 2 it's a nice car payment.

All said my back didn't hurt, just my wallet. The last week I have worked on changing my gait to a quicker turn over to take a little pounding off, and hitting the cross country course

e more.

Slowly its is feeling better. Funny I can hammer it out on the mountain bike and never feel any tweak of pain. And that is bouncing around and jumping things .
took Emma the Pug on walk thru the bridge section one night

The other place that I have been running is my un-disclosed golf course path. Maybe I don't notice the tweaks in the back because that morning run out there is so relaxing. the bridge sections are the best

So goes the running. I hope the back recovers in time to prepare for late fall marathon, but if not 7 to 10 miles isn't killing me yet , its just uncomfortable.

I may need to begin re thinking my goal of Jan 1st to train for Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race. It will be a different kind of hurt at 12,000 feet.

Oh Yea, Just got my new Niner Air 9 frame, the Sram XX group should be here in 30 days

and I start building my new pimp 2 - 9er Hardtail

Red and Silver

Today's Run

7 miles on Monon, best back has felt in a week

Monday July 26, 2010

2010-07-26T16:56:00.005-04:00

I Can Breathe !!

After taking both weekend days off of running, well I started on Sunday for 4 minutes and said " screw it " , tomorrow is supposed to be a lot better.

Well it was, for sure. Mid 70's and low low humidity. If you can make it thru all this thick July and August weather, these are the mornings that you wait for.

Yea the sun was out and no breeze, but you could breathe, and two days rest on the legs and it felt like I was off to the races.

Saturday night and Sunday I did get plenty of calories in knowing that today was going to be a good run via Sun King Pale Ale ( Saturday ) and Shiner Boch ( Sunday )

The headliners Saturday night at Rock the District in Carmel, The Why Store, and they are still good. Nothing beats a good lead guitarist in any band.

7 miles at a good clip

Music of choice today : The Why Store: Lack of Water ( no problem on run today !! )

Friday July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T16:07:00.004-04:00

A.M. trumps P.M .

As for the run this morning , still really hot and humid, but after last nights run at 6PM, the morning is the way to go!

Last night was brutal, the heat, the humidity, the sun all for a uncomfortable 5 miles that ended up 3 miles

This morning down onto the golf course and shade! 6 mile soaking wet but with shade 90% of the time it was good .

I also got another course marker picture, making # 2 on the journey of the 16 golf courses in Hamilton County that I am trespassing, no running on. With the latest weather forecast, this isn't letting up any time soon, so I just need to deal with it.

6 miles at a decent pace

Wednesday July 21, 2010

2010-07-21T12:09:00.007-04:00

Still my Favorite Run

A short drive to the River Trail Park, then a couple mile run to the entrance of Prairie View Golf Course.

Yea, a private club on the White River, at the far east side of Carmel. The preferred time to run on this " no runners permitted " is at daybreak or just a little past that.

The groundskeepers are arriving for there morning duties on preparing the course for the days activities, the sun is beginning to burn off the dew that has settled on the greens.

Then there is me, making that left turn onto the cart path to begin my loop around and thru the pristine , rolling course.

It is my most favorite run . It is a 7 mile loop that is beautiful, quiet, the occasional deer or two heading to the woods, and the groundskeepers that instead of screaming and threatening me just wave, and continue there morning work, and I continue my morning run.

Always on the cart path , never on the grass I have used this course bi-weekly for several years , so maybe they just think, hey no golfers here yet, have at it, plus as far as I know I have never seen anyone else ever attempt to run here.

My buddy Doug has been out here with me , but to date has never crossed his mind to solo it fearing if they don't see me he could be cut down by a Big Bertha driver at 300 yards.

Like Doug who has a mission to hop in fountains at all his out of town locations he can , mine is to document , by pix , hole markers from all the courses I trespass, scratch that, run on.

If it doesn't rain again tonight, the lawn needs a cut AGAIN.

Emma the Pug will need her walk, its tough on her with this heat

and Marty will need a Shiner, The best beer from Texas!!

Tuesday July 20 , 2010

2010-07-20T17:38:00.004-04:00

My run on the Cross Country Course at Northview was really humid, but what's new.

Today as is looped around the pine trees the screeching of "RT " the resident Red Tailed Hawk was perched on top of the pole along the course.

Screaming at something or searching for breakfast " RT " is a really big bird, and seeing him fly around the property is pretty cool.

I feel a little more relaxed not that I have NYC off the table. A local marathon is still very possible, but knowing that all the travel plans need not be made, I can hope the small hitch in my hip goes away and training can ramp up .

If that doesn't happen it won't be the end of the world because I am still running and enjoying it .

5K on cross country course / very humid

Friday July 16, 2010

2010-07-16T10:24:00.004-04:00

Give me a break already, 6am and drenched like a rat with this humidity. The run felt pretty good just whew, the thickness of the air.

I am trying to get my head back into training, tyring to get my gait altered so that dead pain doesn't return in my glut. Today it was fine , but only 6 miles.

I will take tomorrow off to time the National 10K open water swim championships at Morse.
Yep, that a 10K swim, 6miles in 85 degree water.

I will be under the tent, listening to my IPOD, clicking the button on the computer as the swimmers pass.

Good luck to them, and i hope to get my motivation back very soon on my running. It seems to be !

6 miles in 50 min, really hot

July 14, 2010

2010-07-14T13:40:00.003-04:00

Yep, France's 4th of July and another reason to have a beer, even though the French don't consider us Americans there buddies.

It was a beautiful clear morning, a bit on the humid side , but I headed to the cross country 8k course .

My motivation for NYC is heading south very fast as the nagging glut is still hanging around. The cross country course felt much better on it , but again the marathon is on concrete and the trail marathon in Brown County seems a better idea every day.

I need to get more miles on the bike and maybe that will help heal the parts involved , if not , OH WELL !

Oh , after logging a couple hundred miles on my trail shoes, this morning I felt a blister working up on my heel. What the ....... , new sample socks from a potential vendor was the only thing different ........... bad first impression.

5 miles cross country

Tuesday July 13, 2010

2010-07-13T16:13:00.005-04:00

As sad as it sounds, my training for NYC is at the point of maybe not. The reason is lame, but been there and done that , and with the butt still a dead pain over 10 miles, why not save the $1500 bucks it takes to go the big city. Also heading to a destination marathon alone isn't that much fun.

The towel hasn't been thrown in yet, but even if my parts feel better, Mr Tight is thinking saving the bucks may be the way to go.

NYC Marathon is totally awesome, just is Boston is, but I can always do the Monumental Marathon here at home and spend $4 in gas to get downtown, plus I haven't done that one yet.

Or even better , the trail marathon in Brown County where speed means nothing.

The decision will be made within the next few weeks , but right now it is 50 / 50

6 miles today , butt felt OK, but not great

Monday July 12, 2010

2010-07-12T08:53:00.004-04:00

As we start to get onto the depths of summer, heat and humidity seem to hang around.

My training for NYC is taking a set back, seems about 10 miles the old issue with my right glut starts talking to me .

I have tried to change my gait , by heading to Eagle Creek, running on the cross country course is the best, but the marathon is on pretty hard concrete.

I am back on the bike to spin and keep the heart rate up, and on the mountain bike ripping thru the trails all my parts are great, but after a hour of running , x&5@

So another week and I will try a couple different things to get my long miles comfortable. Still a little over 3 months to NYC, but things need to pick up shortly.

After 59 marathons, I don't need to slog thru one just to say I did it. Been there and done that!

July 7, 2010

2010-07-07T13:35:00.009-04:00

Who I Don't want to run with !

Spaniard's, they are a little crazy. Today marks the start of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona , Spain. It seems to have began in the 14th Century ( Lot's of drugs
involved they didn't know were mind altering back then) as a way to hurry the cattle from one point to another.

Here is the history

So this must be from the newly installed BACC (bad ass cow cam) .

I WOULD NOT want this bad boy on my heels .

This craziness goes on all week , beginning at 8am , when 6 bulls and 6 steers are released for the 826 meter run at 15 mph down the cobbled street.

If you are fast or lucky you are not one of the 200-300 injured each year. The odds are good that you are not killed , only 15 have been since 1910.

Running in Central Indiana has been pretty brutal the past few days, but we are to get a break tomorrow . So runs have been 5 miles and with Towne Run now open, Trail Riding

Last night the Niner Single Speed was ripping around the trails after the first lap I started hitting all the ramps and jumps . I have my geared full suspension bike , but it is really fun hammering on the single speed, and passing the youngsters

Cross country running tonight or trail riding , Hmmmm. It will be a last minute decision .

Monday July 5,2010

2010-07-05T14:07:00.006-04:00

Music: Nothing Else Matters, Metallica

Long Time , No See

Eagle Creek Park

I headed out to Eagle Creek this morning for a 10 mile run.

I have not been to Eagle Creek for a long run in years, although I did do the DINO Trail race this year, again that was the first time in the park in several years.

EC is probably the best place in Central Indian to train. You will always see a deer or two, all the road courses are mostly in shade, there are hills, not Brown County hills but hills.

All the road courses are marked, and water fountains are around, you just need to remember where they are .

The roads are winding to break up the long stare down paths like the Monon.
And off the road you can find a trail just about anywhere
After a couple laps of the 8K course and a couple extra turns here and there my run was done .

I am the kind that really doesn't like to journey to far to run. This sport is one where you walk out your door and go. But this is such a great place and I have plenty good memories of fast races in the park, it seems pretty unforgiving that I don't go there more often.

Maybe I will, but now a dip in the pool to cool off and Towne Run Mountain Bike Park finally opened today . Maybe a few laps this afternoon.

Thursday July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T17:11:00.004-04:00

Today on July 1st

Birthdays

Linda Ronstadt -64 / Slash from Gun's and Roses / Don Henley from the best , the Eagles / Whew ... Jo Lo, Jennifer Lopez - 30 / Mick Jagger - OMG 67 / Huey Lewis - 50 / Blondies Debbie Herry- 65 really / Ozzie's wife Joan , princess of darkness ? / and fiddy cent ( 50 Cent ) rap crap dude

This month we have Bastille Day , thanks France a reason to drink, 4th of July, we are free, another reason to drink, Racial Harmony Day in Singapore, Canada Day , a reason to have a Labatts

Since it's summer , the first college baseall game was played today. Amherst beat Williams College 73-32....... really...... its on the net!

This could go on for ever, but the first half of the year is behind us and running has been good up to this point.

A good easy run on the cross country course this morning, the weather was spectatular.

It is Thirsty Thursday at Robin's swim practice tonight, so on the bike to ride up there.

Can't get much better than that. Run this morning , bike tonight, a beer at the end !!

Wednesday June 30, 2010

2010-06-30T14:37:00.003-04:00

Goose Bumps

Early out this morning to take advantage of the cool summer weather.

Up the street and it was cool. Summer cool, winter hot 56 degrees and no humidity to speak of.

This is why running is enjoyable in the summer, that chance of a couple great days , being able to sleep with the windows open .

Goose Bumps don't happen to much in the summer Indiana months, but when they do happen you know its going to be a pretty good day .

You just gotta love those high pressure systems as the cross the state. Everyone just seems a little happier

Tuesday June 29, 2010

2010-06-29T16:26:00.002-04:00

Paul Bunyan Day

Today is Paul Bunyan Day in ......... Minnesota

This morning we received some of the Minnesota weather , low humidity and it sure was a relief.

During my morning run I was a pretty happy camper, even though I had time for only 4.5 miles

The weather will not last long, the weekend is back to same ole' same ole' but for a couple days it is a relief.

The year is half over after tomorrow , the days a getting shorter by 2.5 minutes a day, and Warren Township Schools start back to the fall semester in just over 4 weeks.

Remember Labor Day for school kids ??

4.5 refreshing miles

Monday June 28, 2010

2010-06-28T17:19:00.007-04:00

It's Coming

Pleasant weather is around the corner.

This morning I headed to the River Trail and Golf Course path, 7 wonderful miles.

Humidity was still around but not like lately. The longer I ran , the more you could feel the humidity drop, and did it feel good!

Thru the path in the golf course I say all kind of animals this morning. First a big red tailed hawk, looking for some breakfast.

Out of the high grass across my path , lets call him Peter.

As I crossed one of the wood bridges, this little guy only cared about his breakfast. Hope the Hawk doesn't see him!

Then out of the trees , across a green was a deer.

This is one of my favorite runs , and right at the end it rained and then the sun came out. I think it's going to be a great week .

Sunday June 27, 2010

2010-06-27T10:46:00.005-04:00

Music : Cello Song ( from the movie Blind Side )

I need a humidity break !

I am the one that doesn't mind the warm temperatures , but this humidity , I am done with already, and only a few days into summer.

With all the rain, and more today , the grass grows at a 3 day cutting pace and the bushes around the yard are growing faster than in a rain forest.

We have had to trim them twice already this year, and though everything is very green and looks great , it still zaps energy away from a persons body. Cutting and trimming is like a 2 hour workout , just walking behind a mower in the sun.

I guess if I didn't want nice green grass and pretty bushes around the yard, I could live i the desert. I could have my heat and 10% humidity, but that would get old too.

Just need to gut it out , NYC is in November and great odds of better weather

It would be pretty cool to have a ocean outside the back door.

8 miles , changed long run to Wednesday morning, 50 degrees . YeeHoo

Wednesday June 23, 2010

2010-06-23T16:49:00.005-04:00

80 /80

Music: Running on Empty

This morning at 7am my run started at 80 degrees, sun and 80% humidity

7 Miles was not all that fun, I was soaked with sweat and finally at 6 mile point did the unthinkable, stopped and walked a bit.

At that point I was getting no benefit of the run. My pace overall was OK but the last 2 miles was a death march.

I really should have opted for the bike ride to the downtown store, still hot but at least the breeze or the hot air makes it a little better.

I do not mind the heat and humidity, but sometimes it just wins out. Tough today , so just up a little earlier tomorrow and hope it is better.

But tonight pizza at Pizzology and Sun King's We Mac Brew! Sweet

A VERY HOT and HUMID 7 miles

Tuesday June 22, 2010

2010-06-22T15:06:00.004-04:00

How do I get Wet Today

Music: Rains Down in Africa, Toto

Big storms all night, and we now have to much water around.

The yard is growing so fast , and by the time it drys enough to cut it rains again.

So this morning , big rain. Watching the weather this afternoon was mid 90's and very humid. No doubt , water everywhere .

But this morning its pouring..... What to Do ??

On the radar it looks like a tiny window to run and not get struck by lightning. On with the shorts and look out the door until the rain slows from driving buckets to normal shower.

The temperature is great , the rain is kinda warm, no sun , OFF I GO !!

I would rather be wet from rain than heavy sweat evacuating my body.

The run was a bit quicker not knowing if deadly conditions would return and by the end of 6 quick miles the rain had stopped.

I did notice that a big part of the cross country course that sits on the highest point in Hamilton County looked like a river pouring off thee hillside and much of the southeast loop was underwater.

Come on sun, a race there Thursday night

2010-06-21T08:53:00.002-04:00

Hot and Humid

Music: Hot Fun in the Summertime ( Sly and the Family Stone )

Early wasn't early enough this morning. The sun was up fast and humidity was present and accounted for.

This week summer arrives, and this is just the beginning. Runs are better right now 5:30 to 6 am to beat the sun, still have the humidity, and after 8pm , you have heat but humidity dropping.

So as long as you have plenty of water in your system and are out listing to the conditions all will be fine, just a bit slower.

Remember this fall when the weather breaks and your runs become so easy because you can breathe and not have to push thru the heavy air !

6 miles , half cross country half roads

Sunday June 20, 2010

2010-06-20T13:25:00.005-04:00

Father's Day

Music: Cat's In The Cradle

A run on the Monon today on Father's Day.

Remembering my Dad who has been gone for quit a while.

My Dad loved going to the races with me. He would hang out at the finish line or pass out bananas at the finish.

He was at all the races I put on and helped Ken at his races. He didn't run, never did, maybe that was why he liked watching me , but he really liked the support roll at the runs .

My dad never had a enemy, would always go out of his way to help at anything, no matter what!

After he retired he was a yellow shirt at the 500 and loved that, not for the money just his personality.

After he passed on every race I put on after that on the back of the shirts was my Dad. Still at every race with bananas and water in hand ready to help out.

I am pretty much like my Dad, as they say the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree.

It was a decent run today, not as long as I wanted , but near the end as I was thinking about years back I looked at my Garmin which said my last mile pace was 7:15. I guess that was my gift for the day

Friday June 18,2010

2010-06-18T09:06:00.007-04:00

Cross Country

Not much better than running on a nicely manicured cross country course.

This morning , at Northview again , GPS on and the final run of the new college course, 8K , 4.96 miles, and the morning was great.

I am still having this nagging neck thing going on , but better this morning and the grass really helped .

Humidity is on the rise and a heavy dew on the ground as the sun has yet to heat things up.

It took just a couple minutes to get going and the 5 miles when by quickly. The new layout has plenty of variety even though you cover certain section twice, you are heading in different directions and the look is different.

Again , I am pretty bias to the place because it is my layout . But its pretty good, and the feedback from coaches and runners is wow, it is better, and more fun to run .

So if you get a chance to run there, you should . Even if you get turned around on the course it is still a great place.

Course markers will be up soon, as all the courses are now complete and measured

Tuesday June 15, 2010

2010-06-15T08:44:00.005-04:00

National Power Smile Day

OK National Smile Day, who would have thunk.

We do all need to smile, we have it pretty good. plus a lot less stress when you smile.

The runs have been a little tough the past 10 days , but with a smile on , you head out the door and put in the time and afterwards you always feel better.

That is way running , biking , swimming do for you, put a smile on your face no matter the workout good or not so good .

Being active is never bad.

The humidity this morning was again in the 90% range , and you still feel the moisture hitting you in the face as you run , and even Homer has a sudo smile on his face !

5.5 miles, and some big humid air

Monday June 14, 2010

2010-06-14T08:13:00.007-04:00

Flag Day

Today is Flag Day in the United States. Let her fly. We have all we have because of Old Glory like what happens or not.

99.9% of us would not change countries , no matter what they may say outwardly, period.

Now back in my day , the 60's there were lots to protest .

It has been reported and seen down in Louisinia, the US flag flying upside down. That is in protest which is legal last time I saw our rights.

Also there is etiquette in flying the US Flag

The US Code for flying the United States flag upside down is :

"If you are in dire straits or about to be overrun"

My thoughts on the folks on the coast in Louisinia is , go for it , dire straits is where they are along the coast, thanks to a few money hungry companies, that right now think money will take care of everything , so if the folks down there flay the flag upside down today, HEY they are in dire straits and being overrun.

Is that a gas pump or a 38 Special

This morning it was reported that it may take 20 years for life to resume in this effected area of the Gulf of Mexico

On the bottom , under the water is a sludge layer so thick nothing will survive. Wonder how BP plans on vacuuming the sea floor ??

As for the run , still like running thur thick soup, but no complaints from me. A weekend off of running, today was a 4.5 mile get back to it run.

I really needed a couple days off for a re-charge !!

Friday June 11, 2010

2010-06-11T08:50:00.003-04:00

TGIF

Humidity really out today, it's Friday and I hope this sluggish week of running is coming to a close.

Just one of those weeks where no run feels good, motivation isn't there , haven't been able to get out on trails with my mountain bike, and finally my poison ivy is gone. Yard Work, Baaaahhh but it is looking pretty good.

Another short run tomorrow with a road trip to Chicago and at least 12 again on Sunday.

The motivation needs to return , I hate feeling this sluggish!

4.5 miles felt OK just HUMID

Thursday June 10, 2010

2010-06-10T08:29:00.006-04:00

Down Week

It gets to me about every 3 to 4 weeks. I need a down week from running.

I still go out but this week has been very light.

I have got yo keep the parts in order, not over used, because the goal really in the first Sunday in November.

With yesterday off , this week has been pretty much on the cross country course. Me and my Garmin, making sure all the new layouts are right before using the meter wheel and setting all the K posts and direction markers.

At least during the runs its quiet and great scenery with a deer every now and then shooting thru the back loop. Pretty Cool

Tuesday June 8, 2010

2010-06-08T08:31:00.007-04:00

Today is World Ocean day. It is great to run along any Ocean Blvd, Gulf Drive and look out into the sea.

It sure is sad the the lack of preparation of a company that thinks only of the bottom line may have ruined the Gulf of Mexico , and a few states livelihoods also.

Watching on the TV and seeing the tragedy really make you think about how bad decisions can effect so many.

Here in the Midwest with no vast body of water to look you don't realize how big this really is , its not in our backyard. But we will pay for it, sometime down the road. The fat cat will loose a little right now but will get a full belly down the road. It's sad

Slow and tired 4.5 miles

Monday June 7, 2010

2010-06-07T18:54:00.005-04:00

Cross Country Season

The state HS Track season ended Saturday night, and the real running can now begin.

Cross Country, on the grass, where strength is needed.

So this morning 5 miles on the Northview XC Course. I am totally bias as this is the best course in the state for runners , spectators and coaching.

The footing is wonderful, the course is not difficult but it is not a flat racetrack. It has character , some challenging sections but just a pleasure to run on.

It now has a 3K, 5K, 8K course laid out so any kind of workout you want to do you can .

As you probably know I designed the cross country courses , and I am really happy how the courses have come out.

I cannot do everything, and the groundskeeper , Marcia, is better than outstanding. She is so proud of the entire property, but I think she has grown to have a soft spot in her heart for the XC course.

It takes a lot of maintenance to keep this this groomed, and I also put my time in every chance I get and jump on the ZTR and spiff the thing up.

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to cut the course, and with all the rain it needs to be cut about every 5 to 6 days .

So if you are ever go running at Northview and you see anyone cutting the course, tell them thanks , it is all volunteer work from people who just love to serve.

Also drop a line to the church and thank them, without the churches blessing , this would not be available for everyone to use.

5 miles this morning , dew on the grass, and crisp air to breathe !!

Sunday June 6, 2010

2010-06-06T17:30:00.004-04:00

Sunday Long Run

What a difference a day make when it comes to a front moving thru Central Indiana

Yesterday was like running in a oven, this morning just about cool. Yea 70 degrees but a breeze and 20 % humidity, a perfect combination for my 12 mile run.

As usual, to the Monon Trail and north to the end of the line, 165th Street.

Turn around and head back to the Monon Center then back to Main Street.

But with the addition of the new connector trail that goes to 146th a diversion I get a refreshing new look and a extra 2 miles

So a great day to run, followed by the balance of the day working in the yard ( a least not a oven ) dinner then the Blackhawks on TV

12 miles on a great day

Saturday June 5, 2010

2010-06-05T16:50:00.005-04:00

HUMIDITY !!

The run in Brown County in the DINO series today was like running thru air that you could cut with a knife.

The satrt of the run 78 degrees and 89 % humidity, in the trail it jumped by 10.

The first hill , a mile long and gradadully steeper, and mud was brutial.

My race started out with my heartrate at the max by the top of the hill. At the 2 mile mark I

finally recovered and my chance to win my age group was gone., I couldn't make up the 30 seconds , I could see him but flat Carmel dosent set you up for the hills of Brown County.

I did pass the another in my age group for a 2nd place, and I still have the series lead in my age group.

Lots of fun today , my buddy Doug ran great after a early prodection of I just want to finish.

Long run tomorrow , I hope the humidity goes down a bit

Friday June 4, 2010

2010-06-04T11:55:00.007-04:00

National Donut Day

A 1.5 oz. med sized donut 301 calories. As runners these baby's are cheap energy, a sugar buzz after 4 or 5 .

And in Indy , there are no better than Long's, HOT in the morning.

This place always has a line, and the 16th Street Store is the BEST!!

After a run ,I have and do make the diversions heading to the downtown store , to get a half dozen and a quart of chocolate milk before opening the store.

Long's is about 3 miles away , and when I park my car, they are GONE, 3 bites and they melt in your mouth.
It sure is a good there is no Longs Donuts in Carmel , it could be dangerous.

As for the run today , the Northview Cross Country course, in my

favorite trail shoes.

Nothing to say about run except the place is just awesome to run, and now that school is out teams are showing up to train.

DINO trail race tomorrow in Brown County, HILLS, buts lots of fun. Try for another win in old man age group .

Thursday June 3, 2010

2010-06-03T09:18:00.007-04:00

New Shoes On !!

Seems a little strange , but the movement among the running community on the minimalist shoes has got me thinking back to my beginning of running.

10 years old at IPS #71. Back then elementary schools had track. I was a little guy and sucked at every event but the mile run.

Mega long distance back then, but I guess at 60 pounds I didn't have much too carry around.

Thru my elementary and high school days , and looking back on all of it , none of us were ever injured. But also back in those days in the 60's we ran or rode our bikes everywhere.

If you wanted to talk to your buddy you ran over to his house.

My first running shoes were Chuck Taylors, because my parents said you can wear them in gym class also . No big deal , we all had Chuck's and they were fine

Off to high school, for me Arlington HS was the equivalent of North Central to Carmel now days.

We had 5500 attending AHS so all sports were a cut sport , even Cross Country and Track.

I was still pretty small for high school, and got cut from cross country , only 12 on the team, but I kept running, I did wrestle in high school, little worked in that sport , 95lb class .

Our coach ran us a lot during practice, then track again cut from team but could still run with milers on the road workouts. I was pretty much always last but still ran.

Then with my job money, real running shoes. They were awesome , something under your feet. But if you notice these mid soles are very low to the ground. Miles increased and

never any problems.

Then big upgrade to Adidas SL72, an Olympic year shoe, they were even greater. Look though , still very low to the ground.

Then the store, Runners Forum 1978, a kid in a candy store. I now have at my disposal, the latest and greatest in the running market. Rep's throwing samples at you , WOW

Adidas Marathon Trainer, my kind of shoe. Next to no cushion, firm mid sole , Chuck's with tread.

You could not destroy this baby, 1000 miles easy. Again no heel lift or fancy cushion. Everyone pretty much ran in these, and no injury's to speak of other than overuse, not knowing when to rest

So this leads me back to now, I have always liked a firm low shoe, to much cushion my butt gets sore, to much lift my knees feel it.

The theory on minimal foot ware is legit. It surly won't work for all, but everyone was a kid running all over the place at one time , and the last thing you thought about was your tech shoes, you just ran.

So on my runs lately I have been using my Brooks Green Silence racing flats to train in. They feel like the old days , firm , my gait is very smooth, still a little cushy, but at 56 years old my parts feel great .

Don't know if I will go all the way in , like my buddy Doug and the Vibrum 5 finger shoes, but they will be in the store this fall, but right now less is best , and when I get to NYC you never know what the day will bring

Wednesday June 2, 2010

2010-06-02T09:47:00.006-04:00

Running in the Rain

This morning was a 10 miler. 6 AM , daylight, but on the morning news , the weatherman says , heavy rain 18 minutes from Carmel.

He was right, but after 5 minutes of drowning like a cat in pouring rain, the run was pretty awesome.

73 degrees and a steady rain , is really refreshing. No sun pounding down, the humidity is not stifling and it,s just a good running environment.

At about 4 miles I made a change in direction and headed to Cherry Tree Road. This was the road back in the day most of the races passed over .

Brings back memories of the good ol' racin' days rolling down Cherry Tree.

The rain slowed down to a light drizzle but no sun or wind, it was great.

With the 10 miler in the books , and a Facebook notice about NYC Marathon, well I guess I have a little competition .

Haile Gebrselassie will run this year. The first time he will run a marathon in the USA. He is pretty good, 2:03:59 , for yes 26.2 miles, that is insanely fast, 4:44 a mile, 26 times in a row.

Well Geb, be ready , I'll be there and toe the line with you, but think of me after you shower and beer cause I'll only be able to hang with you for say 100 meters ..... 50 meters

Tuesday June 1, 2010

2010-06-01T14:42:00.006-04:00

Month #6

Today is the last month of the first half of the year.

Spring ends this month on June 20th, so that means summers starts June 21st.

In Indiana that only means heat and humidity, triathlons season is in full swing, fall marathon training has begun.

Random Thought
Did you know :

On June 1, 1954, ( I was a 1 year old then ) the great Emile Zatopek ran the record setting 6 mile run of 27:59 (10k , 28:54) in Brussels Belgium

Also on June 1, 1998 Haile Gebrselassie lowered the world mark in 10,000 meters to 26:31 in Hengelo, Netherlands
What does this mean ? Nothing just thought it would be interesting, and it was probably more amazing feat in 1954 with surfaces, shoes nutrition not at level of now .

So June 1st , no excuses anymore, New York training is in full swing.

Sunday May 30, 2010

2010-05-30T09:51:00.005-04:00

Indy's Big Day

The biggest day in Indy is today in Speedway Indiana.

The Indy 500, the biggest single day sporting event in the world.

So after the morning run, a quick shower, so I can begin to sweat again on the 4th turn, its off to the race.

I am not much for the 6 hours before, sit a home a watch on TV and for the past several years I head to the track from Carmel via my Diahutsu Pick-up at 11:15am.

Here are the reasons:

Traffic near the Speedway at noon is nothing more than Sunday morning residential traffic

All pay spots outside have happened and that leaves anywhere for the little 4' by 6 ' ** 4 wheel drive truck

to go

I head into the neighborhood near the 3rd turn and its there every year .... my spot

Next to a telephone pole with that big angled cable attached to the ground. It's about 50 inches wide, thru grass ( 4 wheel drive ) and nothing to block you when you leave .... perfect

Nothing else fits or can get to it ... but the PUG Truck

A short walk to the stands, grab a beer, have a seat and within 15 min the fly over, and the race starts

From home door to seat 45 min, awesome, back home after pretty much the same

As for the run, no legs today so 5 miles . Lots to do today so why be tired

Friday May 28, 2010

2010-05-28T16:23:00.008-04:00

My Baby

4 years ago I was given permission from the Northview staff to plan , layout and organize a cross country course on the property.

This is not just a field behind a church, this is 88 acres of rolling beauty. Green grass, smooth footing, plenty of rolling terrain.

The church has offered so much support, and really thought , a little trail around the property, but I think a little bigger.

We have races as big as 1700 high school runners in the fall, and this year a college conference meet. The course gets used, every day by random runners and walkers, teams for practice and folks walking there dogs

If you have never been there to either run, walk or watch a cross country meet, there isn't a much better course in the Midwest.

Yea I am a little bias, it's my baby, my vision, my layout, my pain. Without the church's blessing ( thanks Mark ) this property would still be beautiful ( Marcia is the best landscaper in the world ) but the choice of running their wouldn't happen.

The church has gone thru a wonderful expansion, and with a new parking lot, version 4 of the course is done . I ran it this morning, Garmin on, having meter wheeled twice , and the baby is dead on.

Yea, coaches will be on it with their wheels and all sorts of numbers will be flying around. Its 20 meters long, or 15 meters short, but I laid it out, measured it and at this point I am the only one that knows the tangent for the distance.

It will be shared to all but if you are leading the race ever, take all the tangents you will run 5000 meters, but go wide on a couple of them the race is longer.

In the Indy 500 this weekend , if the right side tires are at the white line always , they to will go 500 miles, go high 10% of the race and the race is further.

That all said Northview is just a great change of pace, quiet, easy on your legs and just beautiful.

You should try it sometime, just park your car, ride your bike over and start running, you wont get lost.

Just a FYI that a new woods loop is in the making, just adding to the variety of the place.
As of now we have courses of 3,5,6,and 8k

Oh , I rode my bike again today after the run!! My Niner needed a rest.

Geezzzz, it's spring out, first time out of garage !!

Thursday May 27,2010

2010-05-27T08:48:00.011-04:00

The sun is Great !

Training in sun , heat and humidity has always been good for me.

I have always been able to handle heat.

The past 2 days I have put in alot, and feel really good.

After the bike last night I was still hungry and pasta with chicken hit the spot. Can't beat pasta anytime.

Still after pasta and a Shiner Bock, dig thru the fridge and ...Ice Cream ! I made quick time of that !

This morning out at 6am, for a very good 10 miler. I started a little slow, remember recovery just isn't quite as fast as it was 30 years ago , but after about 4 miles my pace was at my NYC starting pace of 8 min miles.

It felt fine as I was in the rolling part of the run ( Carmel Hills , yea right but it's all we got) and although the sun wasn't beating hot the humidity was pretty thick, but on I pushed getting into the high 7's for a couple miles.

Bit by bit I will get the pace down to my goal pace for NYC. If I pull it off GREAT, if I don't I sure won't loose any sleep over it.

I am just really glad to still be able to run and mountain bike, its a blast. When you run for enjoyment the benefits are so much better. Win or lo.. ( you never lose when you run ) , putting your foot on the start line , covering the distance and crossing the finish is a win win every time , and the time is just a number!

Wednesday May 26, 2010

2010-05-26T15:05:00.017-04:00

Run, Bike, Bike

As I age, I would take 80 and humid year around. Yea it is a little tough now, but your body will adapt to it.

As for today, a short 4 mile run and on the bike for the journey to the Downtown Indy store.

The Monon at 9am during the week is easy , mostly clear of people. Only 15.25 miles but I will get more on the return trip tonight as I use all the trail systems to get back to Carmel.

downtown a few miles away

This morning isn't as humid as yesterday, and sure beats cold and wind . This is great ,and have I said this is fun yet ? Who would have thought, great flats DT

Weaving thru the DT neighborhoods, I arrive. Next up a shower, yea we have one in the store,

122 N Delaware, the Downtown flagship store entrance

Looking at the clock after the refreshing shower, I am pretty hungry, and guess what is around the corner, a breakfast Burrito, YES

And as I am heading over for the great Burrito, Downtown Indy is in major fluff up mode for one of the best weekends of the year in Indianapolis, the Indy 500

Setting up grandstands on the circle for the parade

Not a cloud in the sky this morning

And a fountain, Oh Doug they are not on your list !!

And another, looks like a early morning run downtown and you get a 2 fer

Its a buffalo spewing water

For marathon runners the famous blue line. The line in which the marathon is measured. 26.2 if you stay on the line. But in this case , don't cross this parade line or you may end up in jail , a horse stomp on your foot, or a clown abuse you.

Looking at parade route north on Pennsylvania

A few of these sitting around , Camaro Pace Car

So , the morning has started out great and the saga will continue tonight, as the ride home will take a great route, wonderful views and a beverage waiting at the end.

Run 4 miles, Bike dt 15.25, back to Carmel 18

Monday May 24, 2010

2010-05-24T08:36:00.003-04:00

Beautiful Humid Morning

6:15 am, time to run and beat the heat.

With that said at 6:15 am in the spring /summer the humidity is way up there, as it was this morning on the River Trail .

I sent a text my buddy Doug last night with a few simple words that us runner guys understand.

6:15 river trail 7 , with the reply of see u there.

We guys are pretty simple, as a girl would have had a long conversation on clothing of the morning , where to go after etc.

Anyway Monday's are generally packed full of things to do . This afternoon will be the lawn cutting again, since yesterday was mulching for hours in the heat.

This grass thing is like every 3 -4 days. It looks great but man is in growing and thick green.

Then back to the mountain bike after a couple weeks of trails being closed because of the 12 days of rain.

With the bike again and my parts at a good stage again , I think it is time to start dropping the running pace on my shorter run days .

Just a little over 5 months to NYC Marathon, so now it is time to start cracking down

Sunday May 23, 2010

2010-05-23T10:57:00.003-04:00

Sun and Heat

A day off yesterday and a hour run today. My glut was at 95% good and that also is great.

Now hopefully I can get back to pre mini speed and distance.

So my Sunday morning Monon run , that will happen until NYC in November. You always know where you are and effort is compared , its is boring but a great training gauge.

This morning though , the new trail that heads east off the Monon just north of Smokey Row Road was in the plan.

Check it out and see where it dumps you off. This is a cool 1.5 miles, winding , wood bridges, shade , really nice. You are put out at 146th street across from LA Fitness .

So then I mad a turn west back to Monon , which is uphill, but on the wide path 1 mile back and continued north to the end of the line in Westfield .

Now that is a good addition, and a different look and extra miles.

This will become a addition that I will enjoy this summer.

Friday May 21, 2010

2010-05-21T08:29:00.003-04:00

Maybe!

A short 4.5 this morning and maybe a day without rain, at least during daylight hours.

Another expo this evening for the Geist Half-marathon tomorrow, and if forecast holds true hot and humid for the next week.

Only in extreme Indiana, weather changes in a heartbeat!

Day off of running tomorrow and long one Sunday.

Thursday May 20, 2010

2010-05-20T19:54:00.006-04:00

Number 12

What can I say, 12 days in a row of rain , and number 13 will be tomorrow.

According to local records , 14 is the record.

According to the forecast we won't match the record, but HEY, it's Indiana in the spring.

As for the run, felt a lot better , just really, really tired of rain.

Wednesday May 19, 2010

2010-05-19T16:24:00.004-04:00

OK , a Bit Better!

Ok a faster pace, shortened gait, reintroduction of my orthotics and new shoes.

I still can feel it in my butt, but it was much less of a deal today.

You would think after 47 years of running a person with more new shoes at his disposal wouldn't run his current pair into the ground, but I am pretty sure that is what I did.

So now I have to do damage control on my parts so I can continue to ramp up miles.

Things are heading in right direction and with weather improving I can get back on bike and get those miles in , they do help my running , ALOT

Tuesday May 18, 2010

2010-05-18T16:18:00.002-04:00

Indiana Weather

Yes, give it 24 hours and Indiana weather can change to some other season.

Not quite that bad , but rain every day is really getting old.

But WAIT, Saturday and Sunday in the 80's and humid ! This always takes your workout to a different level.

In Indiana you never work into weather, 80 to 40 to 90 all in 36 hours.

So at least I am going slow now trying to shake this glut thing. So slow in humid weather might feel better.

I just want it to quit raining

Monday May 16, 2010

2010-05-17T15:06:00.005-04:00

Rain Rain go Away

Up early today to get a run in before the rain , didn't work.

At about 2.4 miles here it came. I really feel more like a duck the past couple weeks.

With the rain the a little sun for a day so you can cut the grass , then it rains a couple more days .

So I will go out early again tomorrow and probably get wet again.

I am heading to Dr Karen for an adjustment this afternoon to try to get the stubborn glut to loosen up.

At least it isn't snow outside.

Sunday May 16,2010

2010-05-16T10:10:00.007-04:00

Is it spring yet!

Cloudy and overcast, great day to run but it should be spring. For the most part the past 4 weekends have been pretty ugly.

I need to get yard in shape, but the days I have off it is raining, or windy and cold, so summer please get here.

I for one do not mind running in the heat or humidity, its has never really bothered me .

This morning was again on the Monon Trail heading south this time and under the new tunnel at 96th street. It is pretty neat, but dark. So I am thinking the lights they have installed should be on, just because.

I remember one year at the Chicago Marathon on a bright day , as you went under the McCormicks Place tunnel for the first time at about 24 miles you couldn't see a thing. It was like the leaders and us regulars had someone throw tear gas at your face. Your eyes were dilating and trying to adjust, but it takes a bit of time.

Thats what will happen on this tunnel, just watch someone will go in the dark from bright sunlight and swerve in front of a biker and well the next year Chicago Marathon had lights on in the tunnel.

Would have liked to get a few more miles today , but right glut still tight and don't want to do anything crazy. I may take a spin on the bike today.

Thursday May 13, 2010

2010-05-13T08:42:00.004-04:00

Slow Movin'

Well I think things are getting back to a more steady pace , with all the post mini functions and preparations for the summers running season.

The 7 miles this morning were fine , still a bit slow for what I am trying to do in New York, but still going OK.

I can't wait to bike again to the downtown store, but its continues to rain on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and long range same next week.

I will run in the rain , but cycling , I am not a cyclist, I'm a runner by trade. I don't worry about crashing on my mountain bike in the trails, but something about concrete and cars on wet roads that concerns me.

After a easier week this week , Sunday a 12 miler and miles will head north.