MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

SEE YOU ALL IN 2008!

KEVIN

Peace....

He's Making His List!!

The Internet really IS the best thing ever invented, and it's only at Christmas that I truly appreciate it. While you nutty woman (I use that term in a loving way) get up at 2:00 am the day after Thanksgiving to shop, there I sit, mouse in one hand, Starbucks Venti in the other, and blast through my shopping list faster than you can say I Love You Al Gore!

Seriously, I have ordered so much over the Internet I now have to stop so I have something to buy when my wife and I take a day off work to shop together!

It's the only thing that keeps me from screaming BAH, HUMBUG at the top of my lungs during this time of year. I'm not a shopper at all! I can't stand the crowds. I can't stand waiting in lines, I can't stand wasting a tank of gas trying to find a parking space in the same zip code as the mall I'm shopping at!

So, along with my Christmas shopping, my running and cross training are going pretty well. I've been running (although a lot less miles) 4 times a week and getting my swole on ;-) twice a week.

I STILL wish there was some way I could make myself enjoy lifting weights like I do running. I always feel very good AFTER I lift, but I generally have to make myself get to the gym and lift. But I'll keep it up, or try anyway, and see how things go. Is should be easier to keep it up during the cold winter months!

So that's it from Cincinnati. Hope everything is going well in your part of the world. Maybe you should let me know how it's going over at The Extra Mile Podcast!!!!!

Peace....

4 Day Weekend!

So after taking it VERY easy on my foot, and "thinking" it was all getting SO much better, I decided to run longer yesterday (6.5 miles). My foot felt "ok" for the run but got a bit painful last night.

So, being the smart runner I am, I got up this morning and met my running buddy at 5:30 this morning for another run. SOMEONE HELP ME!!!

Well, as you could guess, it's hurting quite a bit again now!

Here is the REAL issue... I am ADDICTED!

Seriously, I am. and so are you.

If I take more than a day or two off running, I sit around feeling fat, sluggish and like a real bum. Stop laughing, SO DO YOU! You know you do!

I take a day off to lift weights, and after I am finished, want SO badly to head out for a run too! Nothing else makes me feel this way.

So what to do? I have NO idea!!

The best I think I can hope for is to continue to struggle with this, knowing I need to take a few days off and not run 24X7. I KNOW lifting is good for me, maybe JUST as good as running. I KNOW taking a day off here and there is good for me, maybe better than running so often!

It's not like any of this is new to me. I've been doing this for 25 years. It's just that the older I get, the louder my body screams at me!


So, unless one of you has the magic answer for me, I'll just continue to try to talk myself into doing what I know is best for me, and sit down at the computer every now and then and vent.

Everyone have a PERFECT Thanksgiving!!


Peace.....

When It Rains....

It Pours!!

I started my new plan about 2 weeks ago, and I was off (my rocker maybe)!

Cutting back to 4 days a week running is WAY easy when your foot hurts! But I don't recommend you use that method to stay on target.

Also, my plan was to hit the gym for a full body workout twice a week.

Oh, there's also that part about eating better. Can't forget THAT either.

Well folks, Kevin gets a D+ for his first 2 weeks!

The running went fine, but I totally failed the others. My wife inviting me to have lunch with her one of my lifting days, so I only made it once the first week. And I won't go into the eating part. Suffice to say we still had some DAMN Halloween candy in the house!

As if that weren't enough, I got hit with the Mother of ALL colds this week (apologies to all you mothers)!!

It's not just the annoying kind either. It's more like the "cough till I get a headache and my abs are sore, sleep in the guest room, leave me alone" kind!

So this week will not be a good one either. But I guess if it IS going to rain, then let it pour and get it all done with! Hey, it makes me feel better thinking this way.

I'll muttle through the best I can with the hand I've been dealt, and move on, once I can actually breath again! Stay tuned...


Peace.... *Couch, Cough*

My NEW Plan

I began running in January, 1984 and have since logged every mile I have run (I know what you are thinking!). In that time, I've run 5573 times, covering 34,905.6 miles, for an average of 6.26 miles every time I head out of the door.

In that same time frame, running is pretty much all I've done to stay "healthy".

I've gone through periods of lifting weights, riding my bike, eating better, and all the rest, but those have never lasted like running.

I've pretty much asked running to keep me healthy and in shape all these years and it's really done a KICK ASS job!

But as I turn 50 (yuk), it's obvious to me that I need more now. I need to give running a break and some help!

So, starting right now, I'm backing down a bit on the running. Not too much because I LOVE it too much. But I think moving from 6 back to 4 days a week is realistic. I'm also going to begin lifting weights a modest 2 days a week and start putting WAY more effort into eating healthy (DAMN you Halloween!).

I need to lose 15 pounds, the healthy way, and just take an overall better approach to my health!

So now I've put myself out there. Lets see if I can do this!!!!

Peace....

I feel MUCH better!!

First of all, THANKS for all your concern and help!

I last ran 4 days ago. Haven't run a step since! Instead, I've been on the Elliptical every day since. Certainly not close to a run workout, but better than nothing, and it doesn't hurt my foot at all! :-)

For the past few days I've also taken ibuprofen pretty regularly, and stretched the foot a lot! It's feeling 1000% better now. Doesn't hurt at all unless I press on it. So maybe I won't press on it!

Today, after my hour on the elliptical, I ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill to see how my foot would feel. NO PAIN!!!

I'm SO pumped about this! We leave for Destin Friday morning and I LOVE to run on vacation! There is no better way to see a new place than on foot! Turn my Garmin on and go! SWEET!

So we will check back with all of you next week when I get back.

Everyone have a GREAT week and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Peace.....

OUCH!

So, if I read this right, I now have Plantar Whatever!


It started last week with a very small pain in the heel of my foot. *Take a day OFF Kevin!*

So, the next day when I of course ran, it started hurting a little more *You dumby! Take a day off!!*


So, of course the next day when I ran, it hurt so much I had to stop and walk.


From what I read, it hurts when you first get out of bed in the morning... Check.


The condition starts gradually with mild pain at the heel bone often referred to as a stone bruise... Check.


You're also at risk if you walk or run for exercise... Uhm, Check.


So, now what?


"About 90 percent of people with plantar fasciitis improve significantly after two months of initial treatment". WHAT? TWO WHAT? HA! (this is where those of you with virgin ears plug them) POOP ON THAT!!


So now I'm taking ibuprofen, pulling my hair out on the elliptical, and telling myself every day DO NOT RUN SILLY!!


Oh, before I forget, does anyone know who the TOP RANKED football team in the nation? Maritza dear, do you?

Peace....

ANOTHER Change Of Plans!

So, before I begin, can anyone tell me how THE Ohio State Buckeyes are doing this year? huh? ;-)

Number 3 in the country for the "College Football Challenged" among you.

Well I'm afraid a few things in my life have jumped up to bite me in the butt and it doesn't look like I'll be running the half marathon in Columbus this year :-(

So, I think next Friday, my usual long run day, I'll head out for my usual long run and let my Garmin GPS watch tell me when to stop. I just hope my body doesn't overrule my Garmin and make me stop sooner!!

But the week after that we are hoping a plane for Florida for a few days of the sun and beach!! CAN'T wait for that! Although I'm a little worried about how Connor will react on his first plane trip. He will be a little over 7 months old by then. We shall see. Any "tips" on plane travel with babies?

Peace....

Anyone Paying Attention?

Anyone paying any attention to College Football??? I mean besides ME!! ;-)

Hey, I put 4 kids through this darn school and I'm going to pay all the attention I can!

This is by far my favorite time of the year. The leaves turn the most beautiful colors ever, the weather turns cool and crisp, the apples begin to fall off the trees, and the Buckeyes start moving up the polls!!

My blogging has obviously taken a back seat to The Extra Mile Podcast. Sorry about that. I still read all of your blogs though! So you all better keep it up.

My running has been pretty good also. Averaging over 30 miles per week, which is a lot for me these days, with some speed work through in for good measure.

My DOLL BABY (see picture above) is able to sit up all by himself and has 2 of the damn cutest little teeth poking through on the bottom of his mouth that you have ever seen (breast-feeding mom isn't as excited about the teeth as I am)!

Besides the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and "Kick the Couch" 5K road race, I'm getting rather excited about taking a short vacation to Florida at the end of them month (I wonder if Chris and Maddy get excited about traveling to Ohio)!! This will be our first trip away from home with Connor, and obvisously his first trip in an air plane.

So there ya go... all up to date with what Kevin's up to. Everyone hang in there and good luck with all the races coming up!

Peace....

A Change of Direction

Well, it's time for me to make a change in direction, with this blog anyway.

I feel like this blog has become a blog only about my GREAT family and a lot less on my life. So lets mix it up a bit!

All these huge changes that I had coming in 2007 have come and I have survived! Whew! So now it's time to get back to blogging about what I do and what I love.


So although I'll still talk about my perfect family ;-) I'll be throwing in a lot more about another love in my life, my running.

As most of you know, from The Extra Mile Podcast, my running has been not so good until recently. I've struggled to keep up with my time goals and my mileage. But that is changing!

The air is crisp now, and my running is starting to keep up! It there anything that makes a runner happier than to step outside for a run and smell that "Fall" smell? I can smell the leaves, the apples, the cool air, and.....






OHIO STATE FOOTBALL!!!







So even though it's only mid-September, I am officially starting my fall right now!!!!!

OMG!! Mid-September? It's like 4-6 weeks till "The Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and "Kick the Couch" 5K road race!

I have NO idea if I'll be ready for this or not, but who cares!!!! I'll do it and have a blast!

My long run has been just (did I say JUST?) 10 miles and I have to tell you, I wasn't a pretty sight at mile 9! So I figure I can drag myself another 3 miles to the finish line. We shall see. But I still have 5-6 weeks to train, and that's really a lot of time to add 3 miles to a long run.

So there you have it, my change in direction.

Oh yea.. one last thing... other that Chris, are you all listening to The Extra Mile Podcast? It's really quite fun and if you are training. I really think you will enjoy the company on your long runs. If not, there is of course a money back guarantee!





Peace

Click HERE for the latest episode of The Extra Mile Podcast

I Have Changed My Mind!

If you have been listening to The Extra Mile Podcast, you will know that my running has really been suffering lately with the 95-100 degree temperatures I've been running in here in Cincinnati. It's hurt my training goals as well an my spirits. And I bet this may be happening to some of you as well (I won't bet a LOT of money though)!

But honestly, after our last episode, I have decided to to completely change my mind and, more importantly, my attitude!

It now seems SO silly to let Mother Nature ruin my running fun! Why the heck do I care if I have to stay in on the treadmill on a day when it's 100 degrees outside? Who cares? Why do I care that I have to walk a little and run only 5 miles when my schedule calls for 7? What the heck? Really!

I REFUSE to lose sight of why I REALLY run.. it's a damn blast and it makes me feel SO good!

You would be amazed if I were to line up every friend I have (you all included) and then ask them each to raise their hands if we met through running. I have no doubt that 90% of them would raise their hands! And as if that were not cool enough, think of it this way...






How many friends would I have without running? Pretty darn lonely!!





So no more! If Mother Nature wants to be like that, so be it! Have your way woman! I do not care anymore! I will still be out there running, ever so slow, maybe walking, but out there! And when she decides to lighten up on me, I'll get back on my training schedule.

No Biggy..

Peace....

Changing Perspectives

It totally amazes me each day when I think about how the birth of a baby can completely change the way I look at the entire world!

My Pre-Connor life continues to fade quickly in the rear view mirror and I say Good Riddance!

Why would I care that my wife and I can't go on our usual nice vacation this summer? Punta Cana will still be there long after the last of the Pampers are stuffed deep in the Diaper Genie!

Why would I care that we don't go out to eat at nice restaurants these days? Filet Mignon will wait. The spit up on my shirt needs to be addressed right now!

The new car I had my heart set on will still be on the show room floor in a few years. The jogging stroller will be empty before I know it and no new car will ever compete with a trip around the block with the jogging stroller.

In the blink of an eye, (well, actually in the 10 minutes of an emergency C-Section) my life was turned completely on it's head, and I have to tell you.... Looking at life upside down is damn sweet!

Peace...

Where The Heck Have I Been????

I feel like I haven't been keeping up this blog, which to me means I've not been staying in touch with my friends! So for that I'm sorry!

It seems a lot of my free time, which isn't very much, is being spent on The Extra Mile Podcast.

Now I'm NOT complaining. I'm loving what Chris, Nigel and I are doing over there, but I miss all of you guys!

My training has been going rather well. Getting the miles in, along with a couple of good "quality" runs in each week. I feel like I'm getting much stranger and in better shape and if this 1000 degree weather ever breaks, I'll FLY!!

Things have slowed down (as much as they can slow down with a 4 month old baby) at home.

Although NO ONE has ever loved fatherhood more than I do, and I absolutely loved raising my 4 older children, the experience of raising this new baby is like nothing I've done before.

The diapers are just as poopy ;-) , changing my shirt all the time when it gets spit up on still sucks, and not being able to run out of the door anytime I want can still hamper my night life (yea right.. in bed at 9:30 every night!). But there is something different this time around.

Maybe it's that I'm just in a different point in my life. Maybe I don't get flustered like I used to. Maybe I'm about finished trying to climb this corporate ladder I started working on almost 30 years ago now, but it's different in a GREAT way!

If I have 30 minutes of free time, I suck up this kid in my arms and try like HECK to teach him to say "Daddy". He's no where close, but I'm more patient these days too. If he's awake, he's in my arms or we are playing. Yea.. he's completely spoiled. Neighbors pick him up and he cries for mom or dad. Too darn bad. Live with it. No guilt here!

So I'll keep doing The Extra Mile deal in my spare time and update this blog when I can, but please accept my apologies in advance if my postings are not quite as often as they should be.

It's not because I don't think of you all. I still read what you are saying on your blogs. I haven't disappeared...

I have a baby to spoil...

Peace...

It's All Downhill From Here!

What a year it's been for me so far, but after this past weekend, it's ALL downhill from here!



Everything went perfectly at and my oldest pulled off a fantastic party for all!

More later after I've had a chance to catch my breath!

And seriously.. I KNOW I'm a proud father.. but does anyone know any Exec's at GERBER? ;-)

Peace...

Another BIG Weekend for Kevin!

Yep, that's ME over there. The one in the middle!

I gained a new PERFECT baby son just 15 weeks ago and now, after 27 years, I'm losing one of my PERFECT daughters. :-(

After almost a year long engagement, with Daddy in complete denial, in just a few short days I will be walking my baby down that isle and turn her over to another man. *Sigh*

But I've decided that this is ALL good. Just another great moment in this unbelievable year in my life!

So I've got my seat belt strapped tight and I'm ready for the ride... well, at least until I have to dance with the beautiful bride.


For those of you who are NOT listening to The Extra Mile Podcast (and I'm taking names), my training for a couple of half marathons this fall is going pretty good. I now have a training plan I will read in detail, digest, and begin tackling it first thing next week after my big weekend! It always tends to re-energize me when I have a goal and a plan. We shall see. Hopefully the weather will cooperate too and the MILLION degree heat will subside!

Everyone have a GREAT weekend and let you know how I survived this weekend soon.

Peace....

TAG! I'm IT!

Melisa tagged me, God love her.. ;-P

So here goes.. 6 wierd things about me:

1. I am a total Beatles NUT! In fact, just last month, on June 18, I bought a birthday cake and we celebrated Paul McCartney's 65th birthday!

2. I am addicted to my iPod! In fact, there are 3 people in my house (including my 3 month old son) and there are 5 iPods!!!

3. I am SO anal with logging my running! Don't believe me? I began running on January 1, 1984 and have logged EVERY run since. In case you are interested... As of the end of May, 2007, I have run 34,307.8 miles in 5473 runs since I began running. That's an average of 6.27 miles every time I head out of the door. NOW you believe me?

4. I proposed to my wife on LIVE BBC TV at the end of the largest 10k road race in England. Check it out, Paragraph 15: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/117/117593_great_run_bonanza_for_charities.html

5. I am also addicted to Podcasts. I listen to NO radio anymore.

6. I have this blog and am helping with a podcast, but my wife has never read or listened to either.

There you have it. Hope you still talk to me after you see how weird I am!

Kevin

DON'T MAKE NIGEL TRACK YOU DOWN!!!

Hello,

I hope you don't mind me dropping you a quick email to tell you about a new podcast that I'm involved with called the 'Extra Mile Podcast'.

It's a new podcast which has been put together by Marathon Chris, Kevin Bonks and myself to follow the progress of runners during the current training for the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon in October 2007.

In each episode we'll have audio updates from a number of runners to let you know how they are doing with their training.

We're also looking for other runners (like you!) to maybe drop us an audio comment from time to time to let us know that you are out there, and how you are doing with your training. If you'd like to contribute any audio (1 or 2 minutes in an MP3 file would be great!), then visit the podcast web site at : http://www.theextramilepodcast.com/

If you'd like to subscribe to the new podcast, you can subscribe in iTunes, or with other podcatchers, using the two buttons below :


In Episode #1 you can hear us introducing the show and there's even an appearance by a certain Mr Steve Runner !

I hope you enjoy the new show, and don't worry, Running From The Reaper will continue as normal (look out for a new show later this week).

Regards

Nigel
http://www.runningfromthereaper.com/

The Worlds Newest Running Podcast!

OK, I KNOW you are all sitting around chewing your nails wondering what I have talking about in my past couple of posts. What the heck is this "project" I've been dropping hunts about??

Well, the wait is over!

Check out the worlds newest running podcast that MarathonChris, Nigel and I have been working our little fingers to the bone over for the past few weeks.

THE EXTRA MILE PODCAST

But this one is different!!!! It's NOT just a podcast to download and sync to your iPod and head out of the door. It's a podcast we want.. no, need your involvement with!

Almost every one of you who reads my blog, without exception, have been talking about running either a half or full marathon this fall. That's EXACTLY why this podcast came about! And now it's time for YOU to step up!

Get over to our website at :

www.theextramilepodcast.com

download the first show, give it a listen and then contribute!!!

Trust me, I am going to bug each and every one of you to participate! This can be a blast, so get involved!!!

More about this later, but I wanted to get a posting out right away and get you all on board.

Peace...

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

I have been SWAMPED for the past week! And one of the things that has taken a back seat has been this blog! Sorry.... to any of you who care! ;-)

Work has been NUTS lately! I won't bore you with the details, but I've been doing the job of 2 people all year now and it's just caught up with me for a bit lately. But no worries... I'll beat this thing!!

I have, however, managed to keep up with my mileage.

With all the things going on, my running has continued to be a priority. I make sure that, either very early in the morning or at lunch time, I get out for my run.

My total mileage has also been good. It's been anywhere from 35 to 42 miles per week. However, it's all pretty much at the same pace. No track work, no hill work, no speed work... nothing. And I know I need to change this if I am going to run any faster than I do now.

I have NO plan right now, but it's something that I know I need one.. isn't it? Anyway, I'm working on that too. Stay tuned....

All is still PERFECT with my cutie son at home.

Daddy had a very nice Fathers Day last weekend and a thought came to me as I played with him.

I've beed a Dad for a long time now, and I LOVE it. But it's been several years now since I've been a Daddy, and there is nothing like it!

I ask you now... Any University of Michigan fans out there reading this? ;-)


Peace...

Another exciting weekend!

Another college graduation this past weekend! Three down, two to go! God only knows how much it will cost when Connor goes!

The ceremony was a lot better than I was expecting.

First of all, the weather was PERFECT in Columbus last Sunday! Very sunny and warm but very low humidity. Just the way I like it!

Secondly, although I must tell you that I have never been a fan of his, the guest speaker was former President Clinton and he gave the best speech I have ever heard.. ever! Think what you will about that man, but boy is he ever a public speaker!

And I always LOVE being inside Ohio Stadium, where my beloved BUCKEYES play on Saturdays during the fall!!



My running continues to go VERY well, at least the mileage does. I went past the 40 mile mark last week including a long run of almost 9.5 miles. At this point, my base is clearly well established enough to begin half marathon training for my fall race. You ready Melisa? ;-)

Enough about my fall running for the moment... except to say.. no, I shouldn't. It's a secret! It's a very cool project a few of your blog buddies have been working on that I hope, and think, you will like. That's all I can say, really.. well, except maybe you should hear more very soon about it. really.. NO MORE!

Peace...

A Quiet House Once Again

Family is SO nice to see, but there is also something to be said for having your house back and things returning to "normal" once again. Don't you think?

We had about 15 people in the house this past Sunday for Connor's baptism. What a perfect day it was! Needless to say, Connor did NOT wear the dress!! (Kevin- 1, Wife-0) Also needless to say, he was perfect during the baptism also. Slept for about 99% of it, only waking to voice (loudly) his hunger in the car on the way home.

An entire weekend of great food and great family. Life is good.

On the running front....

Since my house was full of "babysitters", I was able to get some good running in this weekend. My wife and I actually ran together for the first time since July 3 of last year! How special was that!

Also, I went out for a slow "long" run yesterday. I had intended on doing a 7 mile run but felt better the more I ran, and couldn't stop thinking about running a half, maybe two, this fall, and I kept going! 8.75 miles later I was done. I haven't run that far since May 31, 2006! I was very happy to get that mileage in, but the happiness was dampened a tad later in the afternoon when the soreness set in. Still, a nice LONG run!

So there I was, laying in my bed last night, thinking about a fall marathon (NO comments please)! My last Marathon was October 9, 1995. I "Bonked" in that run, at least for me at that time, finishing in 4:27:20... walking and cursing. I'd PAY for a finish time like that now!

I've been lightly considered a marathon recently. I already know what YOU all are going to say. But we shall see. 26.2 is a LONG was from 8.75!!


I had what I thought was a BRILLIANT idea when all my Blog Buds started talking about running halves and/or fulls this fall and all of us tracking our training progress together. Check out what Chris has put together HERE.

How cool would it be for each of us to record a short wav/mp3 file about our goals/progress as we train. Someone would just have to "string" them all together with an intro and post them. We would do this weekly or bi-weekly and end the podcast in the fall after we all run our races and give our race updates.

Associate our runs to the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and I know Steve would give us a shout out! No doubt Nigel would too! Heck, maybe we could get the elusive Adam Tinkoff to mention it!

I ran this idea by Chris, and she gave me some idea of what this would take. Not much money, but maybe more time that I had thought. Anyway.. Just an idea. Anyone have all this time on their hands? ;-)

Peace...

Baptism DRESS for my son????

Big weekend coming up! Connor gets baptized on Sunday and we will have a house full of family in town for the big event! So my wife tells me that there exists a "family Christening gown" that her aunt is sending. All or many of the kids in her generation were baptized in this gown, and how nice it would be to carry on the family tradition.

OK, enough of the background.... I ask you... would YOU take your SON out of the house in this????? Gown? I think not! When did GOWN become a synonym for DRESS???

Two things I can tell you.. 1. Connor will NOT be wearing this "gown" this weekend and 2. He will be told as soon as he is old enough that Daddy had NOTHING to do with putting this thing on him or taking this picture! Hope no permanent damage has been done to my son!

;-)

On to more manly things...

I'm gearing up my mileage for a fall half marathon, which may be the half at US Air Force Marathon at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio in September with Melisa. We have been discussing either running together or at the very least meeting each other before and after the race. How cool would that be? Running the Air Force Half with a VETERAN!!

So I am increasing my base. I've steadily moved from the low 20 miles a week to the low/mid 30's. Still LOTS of work to do if I don't want to collapse, but there is a lot of time! I'll keep you posted.. unless I faint!

Peace...

On To My Next Challenge

Lets recap my 2007 so far, shall we? So far this year, my life has included the following:

• Had a PERFECT baby boy in March


• Turned *cough, cough* 50 in April


• Had a daughter graduate from Law School in May

Not bad for a full year, huh? But I'm not done yet! Here is what I have left this year:

• One son graduates from THE Ohio State University in June


• My oldest daughter gets married in July


• My other son graduates from THE Ohio State University in October

Not bad for one year huh?

The graduation last weekend went perfect, well, it went perfect and was very LONG!! Imagine 300 adults being named individually, walking across a stage, being "hooded", getting diplomas, and walking off. Not something I would recommend doing for the fun of it! But since one of my babies was there.. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! Check it out...

So next on my list is another graduation, only this time we are talking about a few THOUSAND graduates at Ohio State! I've already been through 3 OSU graduations (2 undergrads and one masters), so I feel like I could do it myself!

On the running front, my running is still going great, for me anyway! Over 30 miles a week and feeling very good every run. But I did maybe do a stupid thing... I told Melisa I would run the half marathon at The United State Air Force Marathon on September 15th! My thought was that it would be a good warm up for her since she is running The Columbus Marathonon October 21st. But I wasn't really expecting her to say YES! So once again I've made a commitment to a woman and had second thoughts! Story of my life ;-)

Peace....

Law School Graduation!

As if I don't have enough to be proud of lately, my second oldest child, Kelly, graduates this Sunday from Law School!!!!!

Our trips out of the house these days are all about timing! Feed Connor a few minutes before we leave, and he's golden! The car trip puts him to sleep faster than Sanjaya's singing!

So hopefully we feed him, make the 2 hour trip to Columbus while he snores, meet my kids for a bite to eat somewhere, drop Connor at my oldest daughters house to babysit, and get to the graduation by 1:00! Whew.. I'm exhausted just writing about it! One of my twin boys will be putting me through this all over again next month! I should be getting good at this by now.

Connor bought his mommy the Nike+ iPod Sports Kit for Mothers Day. It's a very cool chip you lace to your shoe (or buy a very expensive pair of specially built Nike shoes) and your iPod keeps track of your workout. You can upload your workouts to the Nike web site where it gets logged and you can run all sorts of neat reports and graphs. I wouldn't trade my Garmin Forerunner 205 (Get yours yet Melisa?), but it's a very cheap and very cool device, especially if you already have a Nano.

But Connor did this for dad actually! Dad IS going to run a half marathon in the fall, and the sooner we get mom back on the road, the greater the likelihood she will train and run the half WITH dad *Dr. Evil laugh*!! We did the Disney Half back in 2004 and had a BLAST!!

Right now I am looking at running the half at the Columbus Marathon on October 21st. I ran the full YEARS ago ( 1988 actually, 3:42:15) and loved the course. How much more would I love it only having to do HALF of it?? ;-) I bet I could get special dispensation from Steve Runner to run this one for The Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon. Anyway, that's the plan right now.

My running is going SO well these days that I am running the risk of injury! I'm at a point, psychologically, that I want to run every day, and kind of far! I even ran 6 miles yesterday morning, then ran another 3.5 at lunch! But it just feels so darn good these days!

My running partner at the gym in the mornings and I have decided to start picking up the mileage on our Friday runs, in preparation for a half. So this Friday is either 7 or 8 miles. Good thing I can SIT during the graduation this weekend!


Now for the Connor Update...


Guess who is 7 weeks old today AND slept through the night last night? Yep.. Daddy's boy did!






Peace.

How Far Will I go?

Check out this video of my little runner. It points out 2 things...

1. Just how darn cute this kid is
2. Just how GOOFY Dad will be to get him to smile!!!!

My running has been GREAT this week! Had 2 runs of 7 miles each and over 30 miles in 5 runs this week. Tomorrow (Saturday) will be a rest day! We are meeting my daughters soon-to-be in-laws for brunch. Think I should mess with her? ;-)

BIG day Sunday for the new Mommy in my house! Connor and I have a few surprises in store...

HAPPY HAPPY to all the mom's who stop by my little blog. No one appreciates the job you have more than I do!! Have a wonderful day and be safe!

Peace....

The Perfect Weekend!

If you are in doubt about who was in CHARGE at the finish line of The Flying Pig Marathon this past weekend in Cincinnati, I would suggest you look to the person driving the GOLF CART!! Actually, I would more strongly suggest that you get to safe ground!!!!!!

12,000 runners to get ready for, beginning at 5:30 AM on Sunday morning. Not sure how I can say this, but WHAT A BLAST!

It all went off without a hitch. Well, let me rephrase that... We were able to pull things together and give the appearance that there were no hitches. Actually, until you get involved with a race this size, and this level, you cannot imagine the hitches that are thrown at you!!

In any case, give it a shot someday. Having run races, most of you half or full marathons, you already know how appreciative runners are to the volunteers. Cut a chip off, wrap a blanket around them, give then the much deserved medal, and you can almost bring a runner to tears.

And I'll make it easy for you.... Come help ME next year in this one!! ;-)

My Mother-in-Law came for a visit this past few days also and my wife and I were able to sneak away to see The Lion King! Did I mention that my wife is a Lion King NUT?? So even though this was our 3rd time to see it, it never gets old. It's worth the price! And if it's the first time out of the house in over 5 weeks, who cares how good it is? ;-)

My running is going GREAT the past few weeks. I think it's tied to the weather in some way. I had a 7 mile run last week where I felt like I could go on forever! I KNOW you know that feeling! Made my day! Ran over 30 miles last week, which is more than I have had in a long time. Feeling absoulutly GREAT!

I leave you with this weeks picture of my little Ohio State Buckeye. Can I get a

GO BUCKS!!

Fly Like A PIG!

If ya can't join'em, HELP'EM I always say.

Have I mentioned that I am in charge of the finish line for The Flying Pig Marathon here in Cincinnati? Well if not, I think I just did.

I have been involved with the race since it's first running back in 1999. Having run 5 marathons of my own, one of my most vivid memories of ALL those races was the volunteer support. People rushing up to ask if I needed anything, handing me water, taking off my chip, wrapping a blanket around me.

When they stared this race in Cincinnati, having known a lot of local runners and organizers, I was asked to help out and JUMPED at the chance! The feeling of being on the other end of that water or blanket is one I will remember as long as I do the race itself.

So for the past several weeks, I've been involved in meetings, conference calls, emails and all the other stuff that goes into the logistics of making sure 10,000 runners have bagels and medals when they cross that finish line! It's always nerve wracking, but a blast!

The race is this Sunday, May 6! I'll be up at 4:30 AM to make sure I get there by 5:00 AM to get prepared for it all. I'm always NERVOUS about it all but it always works out. You cannot imagine all the things that have to happen to pull off just a finish line (WHAT No spoons for the yogurt???!!!)!! But it's all good.



All still perfect with my little "eating machine"! If fact, at this very moment my wife is at Target returning some "Newborn" diapers that no longer fit my little runner!





Still looking for that half marathon to point to. I "think" I want to do it in the September time frame. I'll keep you posted.

Peace....

In AWE!!

Yo, dog, check it out... (I feel like Randy Jackson from American Idol). That's Jen over there with the smile that starts at one ear and ends at the other! She did something way more important than just running the Boston Marathon last week. She made memories that will last forever! And to add to that, she met and actually spoke with St. Steven on this weeks episode of F'dip!

I've said this before, I'm a USER!

I see people set a goal, spend weeks and months working their butts off to achieve those goals, and finally let nothing stand in their way to achieve them, and I sit back in AWE of it all.

If you can read Jen's recap of her Boston Marathon run (http://runningstories.blogspot.com/), and not want to lace up your shoes and head out of the door, I find it hard to believe you are reading this blog to begin with. I've read her blog for a while now, as she runs, swims, and lifts weights (sometimes all on the same day!!), all because she had a goal and this is what she had to do to reach that goal.

It's not just Jen's Boston. It's Nigel's Stafford Half Marathon. It's Melisa's LaSalle Bank Half Marathon (that's her on the left Grrrrr ;-)

It's Cory running through the nasty hills and weather in Colorado, preparing for the Colorado Mini-Marathon (15 miles is Mini????).

It's Chris who has her hands in 1200 different things (I counted) and still finds time to run and put together a podcast, all the while bringing her family on the trip!

There are SO many more cool people training for races that I use all the time! I use them for inspiration. They don't lace up my shoes for me, but MANY times it's because of them I am doing it!

So what's my point? I KNOW I had one! Oh yes.. If you are not using them already for YOUR inspiration, try it! Read their blogs. See what they go through. Then lace'em up and get out of the door!

My guess is.. none of these people cares if you use them! Jen? Melisa? Mind if we use you? ;-)

All I know is, that until they tell ME differently, I'm gonna use them! I'm gonna use them to train for and run a half marathon this year. I'm gonna use them to lose about 10 more pounds before my daughter's wedding in July. I'm gonna use them to do whatever I need to do to achieve my goals. Join me....

Peace...

One Tired Puppy

It's not the fact that I am getting between 5 and 6 hours of sleep at night these days that is getting to me, it's more that those hours are not 5 or 6 hours of UNINTERPRETED sleep. That having been said, I would not trade our 2:00 am feedings for the world!

Connor sucks down that bottle like it's his last meal while he stares up at me. And after he eats, he just looks at me with those wide eyes and slowly drifts back to sleep. It's truly the best hour of my day! Now if I could convince Connor that we could also have that bonding time at 9:00 pm!

The progress I have been making with my diet and running have also been interrupted. My weight is holding steady, which is better than adding to it, and I am getting out of the door to run, but the total miles is way down. It seems I am always rushing to get back for some reason. Since Connor's birth, I have made it to the gym for my morning run exactly once. The first thing I have been doing at 3:00 am before climbing back into bed is to re-set my alarm from 4:30 am! I need to get back into that morning run habit so I know I have the time and I know it's out of the way for the day. Like I said before, I think a half marathon later in the year to point to would help with that too.

I always do better when I have some goal to point to. Some large event in my life I need to prepare for. Something to PUSH me. Know what I mean? It doesn't have to be something like having a baby or turning 50! Just an incentive of some kind.

The next big event in my life I need to get ready for is my daughters graduation from law school! That happens on May 19th. Plenty of time!

Peace....