Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Whaddya know...

Things seem to be turning a corner, in a positive way. The last couple of weeks, and probably not coincidentally since I've started riding, my training has picked up in quality. Tonight I ran 10 miles under 75 minutes. This is much faster than I've run in some time. The first 5 went in 34:15, and really wasn't too much of a push. There's hope after all!

Speaking of hope, or better still hopeless, the weather forecast for the next couple of days looks pretty bad. Temp in the 30's, steady rain, wind steady at 35 mph with gust of up to 50 mph? This is exactly why I have a gym membership. I hope to get out to run, but there is no hope for an outside ride for the rest of the week.

School is almost over for Christmas break... if it wasn't for the whole Mayan thing, I'd be looking forward to it. I don't want to get my hopes up just to have them crushed... ;)

Looking forward, the next planned run is Saturday, 8 AM at Parkview. Distance is up to 10 miles.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A load of splinters

Used to be I knew where I stood in the world. I had the same friends, ran with them every day, and eventually our routines became so intertwined it was difficult to tell one from another.

Then came Strunk.

And Allen.

And Galloway.

And a whole host of other rebels who find ways to fracture and fragment our happy collection of athletes into ever smaller and more diverse clusters of exercise opportunity. Ah! Vive la difference!

Allen, Strunk, and I ran only 5 tonight, but it was much earlier than the regular Parkview Pack (tm). It was out of necessity I betrayed the stalwart regulars - Erin had a swim meet tonight. It was either early or not at all, and being the strictly mercenary athlete that I am, I went for it.

We had a rolling discussion of various topics. I was shy about my opinions of course, but with a little coaxing, Allen and Strunk were able to coerce me to share my views. It was cathartic to say the least.

Basically it eventually boiled down to whether or not there is more or less evil in the world than before. We also talked about the Mayan foolishness coming to an end. My standby remark is the religious should know better because "only the Father knows the time and the day". The very fact everyone is pointing to Friday is reason enough to know it isn't Friday.

"Maybe he'll come Thursday", says Strunk.

Damn. I wish I'd thought of that one.

Hey! I composed some free-form poetry today for my students. Wanna hear (er, read) it? Here goes!

*Ahem*

Axe Wearers
Oh, wearers of axe,
Offenders of olfactory senses,
How your frustration must wax,
No girls break down your fences.

You laid it on thick,
A green cloud about your head,
Yet no chasing mob of chicks,
Like zombies in "Walking Dead".

So here's great advice,
Don't do as you did before.
If it isn't "Old Spice",
I say, "Less is more".

Monday, December 17, 2012

Another good day

I wish I could say that with complete honesty. This splitting headache makes that impossible. I'm assuming this outdoor riding has given me a sinus infection, thus the headache. Hopefully it'll be worth it down the road.

("Down the road"... get it?)

Got a good lift and run tonight. No, really! Despite the headache, I went for the lift. My head was splitting the whole time, and I didn't know if I really wanted to go for the run. I suspected that once the run started and my nose started running, the pressure would subside. Only one way to find out.

First few steps out the door and I knew the run would be just fine. I felt good, in the hips, in the legs... I can feel the strength beginning to return. I forget how important riding is to my ability to run. I was able to hold nearly a 7-flat pace for the first 3 miles, something I haven't done in a good long while. There wasn't any push to it either, it was simply there.

The next 5 with the guys went just as well. Wes and I broke off the front and had a rambling discussion of whatnot. We wore the others guys out with it, so I suppose we didn't break away as much as they let us go. I can still say I ran 8 right on one hour, or 7:30 pace overall. That's a good run.

Tomorrow Erin has a swim meet. I will try to pick up with Strunk and Allen at 3:50 at Parkview. I know Allen will be there... will Strunk?

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Christmas parties and training

The Gillespies were kind enough to open their home to us last night, and it was a great night of fellowship and food. I didn't win any of the prizes, but it was okay; Leisa did. We can share.

This morning started off early if not bright. Dan was supposed to meet me at Parkview. His text warned me he would not make it, so I started the early portion alone. Three miles before the group, alone, in the dark. I soldiered on.

The rest of the gang showed at 8 AM, and we headed out for another 5. A few of us broke off the front early, and in the end it was Miller and myself. We chatted about training and such. Near the end of the run, as we pulled onto Brian Lane Way, we could see two figures closing behind us. Michael and Bartlett we trying to catch us by the end. My cruel calls to Michael to "work for it" produced a final spurt, though it fell short.

I had considered running a couple more, but my hip got markedly more painful toward the end of the run. Since we were going to ride in the afternoon, I passed. I think it was the right call.

Allen, Roy, and I met at Allen's church in Mitchell at 2. The plan was to head to Huck's and then return. It was not exactly warm, there was a slight breeze from the southwest, and the sky was overcast, even threatening rain. We were not to be deterred.

It wasn't a fast ride. Who cares? It is December 16th, and we were riding outdoors! We stopped at Huck's for the obligatory drink (I bypassed the candy bar), and we headed home.

This is a pretty good start to the next riding season - several outdoor rides already!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Wow

*Disclaimer: gun enthusiasts may want to stop reading here.

It's been a long time since news bothered me like this. I clearly remember when I heard about 9/11. I remember Columbine. I remember Oklahoma City. This one bothers me more.

The whole thing became clear to me at the gym. The TV was on, a couple of guys were watching the report, then the first thing that came out of a guy's mouth went something like this:

"Well, now they'll come after my guns."
"Yeah, you know Obama has just been waiting for a chance."
"Yeah! He sent 90,000 rounds of ammunition to Egypt, and look what that got us."
"Ted Nugent for president! At least he won't take our guns!"

Wow. Just... wow.

My step-father was a gun dealer. I own guns. I've been around them and people who love them all my life. I know the culture, I totally get it. This one conversation finally crystallized something that gnawed at me about many gun enthusiasts for some time. Far too many value owning guns more than anything else. I wish this type of conversation was in isolation, that I'd never heard this type of talk before. Sadly, it isn't, and it isn't.

More than that, the frank callousness, the total lack of empathy, was chilling. This man was more worried about his guns than 20 dead kids. Think about that. Where was his soul?

Maybe I'm overreacting here. There are certainly reasons I might. I spent 17 years in a school such as this one. I've dealt with this age group for most of my life. I can guess that a few of those adults killed today gave their lives trying to protect those kids. My heart is broken. What does it take before we finally admit we've paid too high a price?

Personal liberties should not be given up lightly. Amen! But how many high profile shootings have happened in the last two weeks? It's funny, because there was a discussion on the run the other night on this very topic, which I started partially in jest. Ironic. We disagree wildly within our group, and that's okay. However, let me state categorically my position on the issue, lest there be doubt.

Enough is enough. No one needs a personal assault rifle, period. Nor do they need the larger clips, etc., etc. I'm not against hunters or hunting; Guns designed to kill people (specifically) have no purpose in the hands of private citizens. We have to have the courage to look the issue directly and deal with it. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Loading up

Last night was a busy athletic night - for me for a change. For the last few months athletics have been more about others, either my team or Erin, and my return to fitness has been slow coming. The ice may be cracking, if last night is any evidence.

I left work, the sun shone bright, and I considered what next. My original plan for the day was to lift, run early, run with the group, then go back to the club and spin. That would give me more miles, but it would spread the workout over several hours. Hmmm.

Once again I considered the weather. I didn't see my breath while outside. I checked my weather app, and it said 47 degrees. Wind was light, and there was no bite to it. Daylight was the main issue. Could I sneak in 20 miles? If so, it would be worth giving up 3 miles of running - the qualitative difference between spinning and actual road riding is significant, I think, enough to be roughly equivalent overall workouts. And let's face it; any time you can get out on the road in December is time well spent indeed. 

It would be the ride!

It was cold enough to put on the boots and thicker gloves. One long-sleeve IronBill issue tight-tight shirt, NorthFace knockoff jacket, long tights over biking shorts, and it was time to roll. I wondered if passing on the head gear would be a mistake, but the temperature was borderline. 

The ride went quickly. I'm not trying to push on the bike - for cryin' out loud, it's December after all - I just wanted to keep the legs turning over. The slight southeast wind only barely affected my pace. The wind was so slight that if I had any fitness at all I wouldn't have noticed it. 

Daylight was waning enough I felt riding home on the highway was the better option. It gets dark shortly after 5 now, and I would be pushing that number by the time I got back to Bedford. While I had purposely avoided riding aero on the way to Mitchell, on the way back I folded over and got smooth. The speed immediately shot up, and I carried the highway leg 23-25 mph average. I'll take that this early!

Climbing sure isn't fun. There aren't many hills on this course, but I felt them all. Not in the "omigosh-I'm-dying" sort of way, more like "I can't believe how slow I'm going" way. That's the difference between indoor and outdoor riding to me - quad strength. My overall turnover actually improves after riding inside, but my quad strength declines. I will have to lift to compensate if I'm forced indoors too much this winter.

I passed Bartlett on the way back home. That meant the run was close to starting. I hoped to be able to sneak in a couple of miles before the group started, but alas, a little home confusion thwarted that plan. I was getting hungry too, and since I planned to go to the lift right after the run, it was time to grab some fuel. 

The options were slim - our grocery stock is low right now. Salvation came in the form of a teriyaki-flavored beef jerky stick. I grabbed it, ripped it open, then headed out the door, slow jog and fast chewing. It had the desired effect, both on my stomach and the faces of the group when I ran up eating it. 

We did our five with little incident. My hands were a bit cold at first (I'd grabbed the jerky instead of gloves), but they warmed soon enough. The run concluded, it was time to lift. 

I've pulled this triple before, and I was sure glad I'd hit the jerky. A workout of over 2 hours is no small thing for me right now, and putting the strength training on the end of it makes it a real challenge. See, as a weightlifter you get used to hitting certain numbers, but on weight and reps. Additionally, any serious lifter I ever met is pretty Type A about those numbers. Consistency makes great lifters, but it can also get them hurt. Trying to do the regular routine when physically depleted is an easy way to get cramps or a serious muscle pull. Never mind you might not hit your numbers... you might hurt yourself enough to miss workouts or workout elements for the next few sessions. The struggle is to push as hard as possible without pushing over the line. Take it to the point you can feel the cramps almost coming on, letting up right at the line.

The jerky gave me just enough energy to get the job done. It's not like I'm trying to get really big, that would be very much counter to being a good triathlete, though I don't mind a little size if it helps me feel better and helps my swimming. I'll have to be careful about body weight during competition season. I expect I'll have to settle for an additional 5-10 lbs. over what I would usually see. It will make the run slower, but it might make the swim/bike faster. The trade off might be worth it.

Today: run with Galloway and Strunk, Parkview 3:50?

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Home stretch

The semester draws to a close, classes are ending, and yes, the long-held tradition of losing the will to live (academically) is alive and well amongst my students. I'm the tall guy standing in front of the room who makes noise until the bell rings and they can leave. It's temporary, but oh, I hate it when they get to this point. It seems a bit worse than normal this time, too.

I stepped on a scale, more to shock myself back to reality than to hope for loss. I was surprised that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was 5-10 lbs. better than I feared. Huh. Don't know how that happened.

My mileage is creeping up. Slowly, very slowly, it's building. However, the important thing is total time exercising is going up quickly. If you add in the spinning and weight lifting, I'm putting more and more time in.

The path going forward is clear; cut out the sweets. But it's Christmas! How do I do that?! ;)

Tonight I will run, lift, and maybe spin. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Erratic, but here

The posting has become somewhat erratic, as most things in my life right now, but I'm still here. It's hard to set this as a priority right now. A lot of stuff happens, not all of it appropriate for print, so I set this chore aside.

This blog is mostly about training and those I train with, and with that, there isn't a great deal to put down. It generally goes, "Blah blah hips blah blah blah sore blah blah blah too fat". That's not very interesting in the grand scheme of things.

Philosophically, I suppose I'm struggling with the rapid decline of my athleticism. I don't find myself thinking about racing anymore, I think about participating in events. I don't think about how well I can do, I think about who else will be there to do it with me.

There is nothing wrong with that mindset in most cases. It's hard to imagine how one could fully enjoy any of this without like-minded friends to share the experience. On a personal level, the danger is more insidious. With no clear athletic purpose (other than to finish), there is no reason to train hard. With no hard training, the athleticism declines even more rapidly. It's a downward spiral to pointlessness.

Can the carrot of health benefit be enough to carry the day? Yes and no for me. I will always train somewhat, but hard enough to be even a mere shadow of my once "less-than-magnificent" self? Probably not.

What I've typically done when in this bind before is find another way to approach the problem. When I couldn't run 5ks anymore, I focused on marathons. Then triathlons. Then the cycling portion specifically. The problem is the options are narrowing sharply. Eventually, there will be no carrot.

The bright spots currently are lifting and cycling. That lifting could even figure into the picture is a testament of my desperation. Still, if it somehow gives me a path to better athleticism, I'm going for it. As for cycling, I was never better than last year. I'm hoping to do as well next year, but being a year older and on the wrong side of the downslide will make that a tall order.

I suppose God provided an avenue to continue to enjoy endurance athletics, if only vicariously. I'm so glad to be coaching again! 

Friday, December 7, 2012

A couple of rides, and the preseason begins

December is the start of riding preseason. It may be hard to get outside much, but that doesn't excuse us from trying to get some riding done. This week, I've managed to do both.

Wednesday afternoon was nice enough to get out to ride, and I put in 20 down to Mitchell and back. Couple that with a nice run and a lift, and the brick workouts have already begun.

Today was a mini brick - sorta. I lifted, then jumped on the trainer (at the gym, no break) rode 40 minutes. It's nowhere near enough but enough for now, the first week. I'll have to find a way to balance the workout schedule and swim schedule, and then a true rhythm of the week will develop. Then it will be easier to build the mileage.

The cross-country banquet was last night, and with that the season is officially complete. I'll still need to start contacting the girls with regards to their training through the winter, and I will soon do that. I've been waiting to see what Kathy will commit to (Spring Mill training). Time is running out though. I will proceed with something in the very near future, one way or another.

Tomorrow there will be a small group (at least) at Parkview, 8 AM. 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Closure

Part Seven in the Tribute to Norm Series

Closure
If there is anything in this life that is certain, it's that life does have an end. Our time on this planet is limited, there is nothing that can be done about that beyond perhaps delaying the inevitable. When it's all said and done, we all pass on.

What's really important then is how we spend that time. In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus spoke of gifts, spiritual and otherwise, and gave examples of how people choose to use them. In his examples, Jesus illustrated how there are some that do practically nothing with the gifts they have, those that do some good, then some who accomplish great things. The passage closes with the comment (depending on your version of the Bible): "To those that have much, more will be given. To those that have little, even that will be taken away."

What does it mean? God formed you specifically to accomplish His work. The more willing you are to get on  board with Him and work toward His goals, the more you accomplish. In the process, you may find talents you didn't know you possessed. More directly, one should recognize something obvious; if one has a talent, it's because God intends for you to use it for His good.

If we apply biology to this topic, it's worthy to note how the body handles energy. When you use a certain part of your body, the body will feed it, enhancing its ability to continue to perform the particular function. The more you use it, the more it's fed, usually even growing in size or capability. The nervous system is stimulated to create more connections, blood flow is increased, muscles strengthened, all the things necessary to prepare the body to work efficiently. The opposite is true as well. Body parts that are not used will not be fed. Muscles atrophy, blood is shunted away, and the body part diminishes.

To me, this is a perfect example of how the Bible and science are in perfect agreement. Jesus promises those who work for the body of Christ will be "fed", that they will grow (in spirit), and their abilities will grow.

As I look at the part of Norm's life I shared, I can't help but feel humbled by all the people he managed to touch and improve through his kind nature and caring spirit. Norm always thought of others in everything he did. He wasn't flashy... okay, he was flashy, but in a goofy, down-to-earth way. I marvel at his energy, how he could go so many directions at once and juggle it all. He had so many talents, and he never let any of them go to waste.

That, friends, is a life well-lived. It challenges and inspires us to live better, live larger in our walk in Christ, to do more for our fellow men. We are lucky to have other members of our group of similar caliber, those who spend their time caring for others in all they do. Knowing people like this, being in their presence, can elevate us all. Remember Norm, but better still, be like Norm, and challenge yourself to step out and use those talents God gave you to help your fellow man.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Snapshots

Part Six in the Tribute to Norm Series

Snapshots
There are so many other Norm stories to share...

How about the time he and I were running down the road, and I spotted an angry parent of one of my students. We made eye contact, she looked at her husband, then pulled that wheel, hard, in our direction. Yeah, she was that crazy! Norm was looking the other way, but I shoved him hard, and the car narrowly missed us both. This is not an exaggeration in any way - that lady was trying to kill us (me in particular). Still, Norm owed me his life that day.

There was the time Jimmy, Norm, and a few others ran the Tuscon Marathon. Norm flew into the Phoenix airport, but had been deathly ill. They wheeled him out of the airport in a wheelchair, and all the others wrote him off for the marathon the next day. Wrong. Norm ran it anyway.

When Glenn Robinson played for Purdue, I thought I'd never here the end of the "Big Dog" talk. I was never so glad they were put out of the tournament short of a Purdue NCAA championship. Norm was hardly bearable anyway... how it would have gone otherwise is difficult to put into words.

Norm infamously stayed at the track during the tornado warning in the overnight hours of the Relay for Life one year. That is a team player! I would have been long gone.

I could go on and on. Norm was one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable, and he will be sorely missed.

Tomorrow: Closure

Monday, December 3, 2012

Part Five: 19th Century Trekkie


Part Five in the Tribute to Norm Series

19th Century Trekkie
I can't remember the day I first saw Norm in his reenactor uniform, but I do remember the impression: it's not Halloween, so why are you dressed up? I thought it was a joke. Then I found out about the dancing. Incredible! Was this guy trying to make it easy for me to tease him?

The rabbit hole went deeper and deeper. Turns out Steve Duffy was into it too, and, to my surprise, there were whole groups of rabid reenactors who enjoyed ballroom dancing. Pinch me, someone. I must be dreaming!

But it was no joke. Once I figured this out, that he really took it seriously, I didn't have the heart to tease. I'm sure he would have taken it, probably even expected it, but I just... couldn't. It was clear he loved it. Everyone has odd tastes I suppose, I have mine, so why deprive Norm his?

His appetite for the role playing developed, grew, and culminated in his bit part in the movie "Gods and Generals". This must have been the highlight of his reenactor journey - rumor has it he was on hand for every showing of the movie in the Bedford theater, and I always imagined him sitting in the front row, dressed in his Confederate greys. That may or may not have been true, but it sure sounded about right. This was the only point I grew slightly concerned, like maybe he'd found a new calling.

The whole thing had the feel of a diehard Trekkie. You know, those guys that dress up like Klingons, learn the imaginary language, then collect in large cities where no woman is located within 10 city blocks? I'd never really thought much about reenactors, but they are rather cultish, like 19th Century Trekkies.

Norm brought it back to center when he started the History Festival with NLCS. Using the reenacting to teach kids made it all make sense, gave it a purpose, and the kids always enjoyed it.

Anyway, it was always better to see Norm in grey than in black and gold... ;)

Tomorrow: Snapshots


Here is one of the snapshots taken today at the Norm run.We had around 100 people show up to support Annette and family, and a little bit of money was raised to start a scholarship fund. The weather couldn't have been better, and though the dress scheme was a poor choice for the failing light, everyone completed the event without incident.

I would be remiss if I didn't relate how the run started with an honorary lap around the track, which your author race-walked in memory of Norm...


Sunday, December 2, 2012

Part Four: More fun in the heat

Part Four in the Tribute to Norm Series

More fun in the heat
That first year of running together demonstrated a couple of things: first, though Norm had started ahead, he wouldn't stay ahead for long, and; I was bad in the heat, but he was worse, by far.

The next year we'd both signed up for the Indy Mini, my first Indy. I'd failed to complete the Crane Mini that first year, and I needed some redemption. I was better trained, so much so that I even signed up for the Louisville Mini the week before. I planned back-to-back minis, not recommended, and I would pay for it.

Louisville had been cold and rainy, Indy the opposite. It was the first year Indy paid for professional Kenyans to run, the first year of going really big, and there were many more firsts. This was the first year Powerbars went really big, so big they were being handed out to all runners in their goody bags. Many runners, inexperience with such technology, decided to get an edge by eating it right before the race.

(An aside: never try new nutrition at the starting line. It's a clear invitation to disaster.)

We lined up, several of us, but notable was Norm, Galloway, and myself. We took off, each with different time goals in mind. Many of us had just run terrific races at Louisville, and hoped for more, but the heat soon dispelled any such dreams. It was in the lower 70's and climbing, humidity in the 60% plus range, dewpoint was high... yup, bad long distance racing weather. What had race quickly turned into a run. No matter - it just wasn't a day for good times.

It became something worse for many others. Those Powerbars were coming back up all over the course. Runner after runner was doubled over roadside heaving up the gooey masses. It was becoming miserably hot, and everyone was beginning to suffer.

Though it took forever, the event did finally end. Galloway and I met at the prearranged meeting area and waited for Norm. Time dragged by, and Norm was far behind his projection. That was no surprise, we had all been off, but it was really getting to the point we were worried. His reputation in the heat by this time was well-known, but just as we were about to panic, we could see his staggering body lurching our way. We yelled, waved, and he staggered by. We couldn't believe it. We knew he had to have seen us, but when he didn't come back, we went looking for him. We found him, leaning against a tree, incoherent. When he finally came to, he had no idea how he'd arrived at the tree. In fact, he remembered very little of the long race he'd just run, which likely as not was a mercy.

Tomorrow: 19th Century Trekkie

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Part Three: Norm hates heat

Part Three of the Tribute to Norm Series

Norm hates heat
As my running developed, Norm was also reaching his peak condition. He always seemed an unlikely runner: he was barrel-chested, thick-boned, and his carriage was never more than a shuffle. Still, he could run, and for a while there could run under 8-minute pace on most regular runs. Norm was running many 5ks, 10ks, and even did a couple of marathons (broke 4 hours!). In spite of everything, Norm could run.

That isn't to say things always went easily. It would be fairer to say Norm was successful despite all the odds stacked against him. His most serious obstacle was without doubt heat. Norm could not stand up to the heat.

It was obvious why. Remember the barrel-chested, thick boned description? It's doubtful his body weight ever dipped below 190 lbs., and at that weight, the thick core would create immense quantities of heat that no amount of sweat could vent. His body would simply run itself dry trying to dissipate his high temperatures.

Once, during that first summer of our running together, he and I decided to go down old 37 (now Dixie Highway). We planned to run from the boat ramp, to the intersection of new and old 37, then double back. Distance was about 7 miles, it wouldn't have too many hills, and we knew someone along the course who could give us water.

That was important, because the day was sweltering. The humidity was high, the temperatures in the late morning were already climbing, and our pace suffered. It was tough going out, and though the trip back was mostly flat to downhill, it seemed like forever away.

Norm was normally pretty glib during a run - at least when he could breathe - but on this day he grew quieter and quieter. For the non-runner, someone growing quiet is a reliable sign things are going awry. Norm wasn't so much quiet as he was disconnected, even incoherent. He was still running, but the noise coming from his mouth was making marginally less sense than he normally did (okay, a lot less sense than normal). He was in trouble, and I knew it.

I couldn't just leave him. I didn't think we could get back to the car. Thinking fast, I knew the cemetery had a fountain. If there was water in it, no matter how dank, it just might save Norm. So I pushed him into the entrance of the grounds, gambling the fountain would have something in it.

It did. It was tepid, stinking, and brackish, but it was there. I didn't hesitate. I shoved him in, head first, into the water. I rolled him completely in, soaking him up to his shoes. It didn't take long. As he cooled down, his awareness came back, and he was quite surprised to find himself sitting in a fountain.

We finished the run, given we were a little over a mile from the finish, and Norm was none the worse for wear. I'd never seen anyone lose consciousness and remain on their feet before, so I was more than a bit amazed at what I'd seen. Turns out it wouldn't be the last time.

Tomorrow: More fun in the heat

Friday, November 30, 2012

Part Two: A life-changing bet

Part Two of the Tribute to Norm Series

A life-changing bet
We hadn't worked long together before we became pretty good friends. His job necessarily intersected mine in a regular way - my class size was large, and the demographics of the area ensured I had many students in need of his services. Our personalities, or rather, his personality was such that forging a friendship was easy. Not only that, it was a necessity; we, along with Tom Kirkman and Mike Fields, were the only men in the building (excluding Mr. Bohling, but as principal, we didn't travel in the same circles).

Fall passed to winter passed to spring, and as the weather warmed the other guys gathered to run one day. They asked me to join them. I was a power lifter at that time, at the height of my strength (my nickname back then was "Big Bill"), and I'd always been able to run. "Sure, why not?", I said.

Tom was definitely the leader of the group, being an ex-running coach. The regular path was to start at the 16th and Highway #37 intersection and run to the Oolitic light, a distance of about three miles. Tom's methodology was direct as it was simple - we staggered the run so we all finished together. Specifically, the slowest guy went first, then the next fastest, then the next, then the fastest. The sub-idea was to beat your expected finish, meaning you individually finished ahead of everyone else.

Being the studly man I was (or thought I was), it fell to me to take the last slot. It made sense, as I was the youngest and (apparently) most fit. Common sense would suggest I should be the fastest. Norm, ever the instigator, tossed out what I thought was an insane bet. "I bet I beat you for three miles!"

In my head, my inner-Deckard shouted, "NO FRICKEN' WAY!". Outwardly, I scoffed, and promised it would not, no, could not happen.

Once at the starting line, Mike started out. Tom followed at the preset time interval, then Norm. I went last. Being the novice road runner, I of course tried to make up all the distance at once. As I recall, there were several minutes between us (such was their confidence in me). I was great for a mile. Then I wasn't great. Then I wasn't good. Then I wasn't even bad - I was horrible! I drug myself in, quite sure my suffering would be rewarded with the gloating I would heap upon Norm.

Oh, there was gloating. And it was heaped. On me.

Norm had bested me by maybe 20 seconds. Now I could try to make excuses. I could suggest that side-by-side it wouldn't have happened. I could suggest my pacing could have changed things. But you know what? When you lose, own it, and congratulate the one who beat you. Norm won, fair and square, so I did the honorable thing. I walked right up to him, stuck my finger in his chest, and said, and I quote,

"That will never happen again!"

Our lives take twists and turns, it's part of the adventure, and often we can't see around the next bend. Sometimes we can't even look back to discern how we arrived at our current destination, but in the rare case, there is absolute, crystal-clear clarity about when our lives changed forever. For me, this instant marked one of the most dramatic course alterations in my life.

You see, I kept that promise. I immediately started training - a lot. Norm and I were so competitive on every level, I couldn't allow him to win anything. From that moment on, I stopped being a weight lifter. I became, overnight, an endurance athlete. My first week post-loss was 40 miles, and it only went up from there. Within months, I ran my first 5k and 10k. It turned out I had some talent (broke 18:00 on my first 5k!), and my life became running for many years to come.

But that's only a fraction of it. Running soon brought me into a whole new circle of friends, people whom I could easily describe as the best friends I've ever had, indeed they are my family, and they are also the highest caliber of human beings anyone could ever know. They are diverse, talented, funny, warm, and caring, just as Norm was, and it's because of him and his silly bet I'm a part of their lives.

I've thought often of that bet over the years, chuckled at it, marveled at how easily Norm could play me, like a maestro on his violin. I'll always remember that moment, only now that chuckle will be followed by a tear...

Tomorrow: Norm hates heat

Thursday, November 29, 2012

The week of Norm

As reported yesterday, Norm Taylor has indeed passed away. It's a terrible loss to the community in multiple ways. Norm was one of the good ones, a unique personality that left his mark on all that knew him.

Platitudes. I hate them. They say everything and nothing at the same time. Like Polonius of Hamlet, it all winds up being long-winded gibberish.

Allow me to follow another track. I've known Norm for well over 20 years, worked with him closely (at times), and of course trained with him. Perhaps a better way to express the loss would be through several stories that reveal his character.

The Beginning
I first met Norm when I was teaching at Lincoln Elementary, back in the fall of 1990. There had been federal grant money made available for a new program, "Home/School Advisers" they called them, and Norm was one of the first hired. The position was nebulous, amounting to liaison work between school and home. The job would require the counselors to make home visits (something pretty much unthinkable now) in an attempt to facilitate the home/school relationship.

Such a position required people of special character, those with outgoing personalities that could say what needed to be said without offending. Such a position required tact, grace, reserve.

Norm walked into my room, shook my hand, and asked me where I went to college.

"IU Bloomington", says I.
"Naw, BOILERMAKERS ALL THE WAY!", he shouted, and it was on.

Now I'm not really clear on whether or not it was his style to be antagonistic or if he had an innate ability to read people to the point he knew exactly who he could push, and how far. Maybe it was a little of both, but in my case, he had a willing antagonist. I can't be sure who started it, him or me, but we were soon exchanging jokes back and forth.

Norm was shameless. I had a virtually unlimited supply of Purdue jokes at my disposal, and he could never dream of outnumbering my list. However, he adopted the tactic of coming back the next day, repeating my jokes to me, but transposing the characters. He didn't care I would protest, that made it all the more fun for him.

I finally got him though. I needed a joke he couldn't transpose, and searching the list, I found one.

"Hey Norm, why does Santa Claus wear red and white?"
"I don't know, why?"
"He hates Purdue too!"

He scowled, shook his head, a clear acknowledgement he'd been owned. Even he couldn't switch that joke around.

Tomorrow: A life-changing bet

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Sad news

As of this writing, news on the grapevine is one of our beloved members of our running community has passed away. I won't divulge a name here yet in the very much hopeful event the news turns out to be wrong. I did receive the new via a reliable source, and the events described rang true. 'Tis a sad day indeed.

I could post a lot of stuff about work and training, but I have to say, I'm not very much into it right now. I'm going to let this unfold a bit, let it sink in, then I will come back in another post tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Back hurts... again

Hate it. Back hurts again, just when the mileage starts up. I am building, but it's discouraging.

We had 10 of us out there tonight, 11 if you count Rowan. Who would have thought so on a coolish fall evening with darkness falling? I snuck in a few miles before the group met, then struggled in the back half of the run. Oh, well. Tomorrow is the same plan, except I will lift as well.

Things have to kick off soon. Cycling, swimming, more miles... triathlon season will be upon us before we know it. The season is made in the months before the actual season.

I am working on a couple of laptops as we speak. Yes, I have homework. It's worth it. We'll soon have another lab ready for school at no cost to the corporation. That's a win!

Off to bed. I'm so tired right now!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Slow going

Happy 16th Birthday, Erin!

Thanksgiving is over, thank goodness. It was a trial in some ways (personal), and it is with no small relief I've seen it pass. Sure, there was good in it too, but I'm still glad it's over.

Work is still there. Though we had a five-day break, today opened with pretty much the same thing I left all those days ago. On the bright side, I've managed to refurbish 15 laptops, providing a lab we didn't have two weeks ago. That allows more flexibility with regards to some of our required standardized testing, such as Acuity. If I could somehow double that number, well... it would just be sweeter all around.

It's easier said than done. The pool of available machines has dwindled significantly. Those that remain will probably require quite a bit of delicate soldering to fix - a skill I'm not sure I possess, and requiring knowledge I certainly don't. I can gain the knowledge, I might develop the skill, but it may be useless pursuit. The machines are quite old, and who knows how long the fix would last.

On to training, I've tried to creep the training levels up a bit, with mixed success. I am getting more mileage, but as expected, the soreness of my hips has climbed as well. That will never end, it's obvious, so I will have to work around it as best I can. Next week is December, and with that I have to begin cycling. My plan is for 60 miles a week. If I can do that AND run 40 mpw, that would be solid. My lifting will also pick up a bit. Beyond that, and only if there is time, I would like to swim once a week. That's the thumbnail of the plan as it stands.

The Bub's Patties and Pups challenge is in serious jeopardy. Bub's wants $150 to rent the room. Uh-oh. We've decided to turn Jimmy loose on them. No, don't feel pity. They asked for it. Back to work. Computers to refurbish. ;)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Computer frenzy and Abe Lincoln

The two aren't connected in any way other than I have had occasion to talk about both in the last 24 hours. We'll start with the former and move to the latter.

Our corporation was informed it would have to conduct all ISTEP testing from grades 3-8 completely on computers. Never mind we don't have nearly enough computers to do this, or that the state has crippled our system with budget cuts every year of Mitch Daniels's tenure; we'll have to find a way, some way.

For my part, I'm trying to recover some discarded laptops. It isn't easy. Many have bad keyboards or other parts, and I'm having to cannibalize them to create complete systems. How long they'll last, who knows, but we might get closer to making it through the tests. What I can build is only a drop in the bucket for what we need, and since the state is completely inflexible about staggering the test so we can rotate kids through our labs... well, I don't know what we can do. Glad I'm not a principal or superintendent.

I will push forward until I run out of equipment. After that, the scavenger hunt really begins. Wonder how it will go over when I ask for unused teacher iPads...?

On to Lincoln... Jimmy and Dan have both seen it, and both have raved. Jimmy wanted to talk about it, wanted my opinion on it (before I saw it), but didn't want to spoil it. Dan assured him I didn't know anything about Lincoln, so whatever I might contribute would be useless anyway. Oh, contrare! While not an expert on Lincoln, I do know a few things.

My one comment, which was immediately contradicted by one tall, nordic, and non-laughing member of our running family, was along the lines of, "With regards to Lincoln being known as the great emancipator (which he does deserve some credit for being), if he could have ended the war without freeing a single slave, he would have done so." This observation was pretty much rejected outright. Well, in my defense, I offer a direct quote:

 "My paramount objective in this struggle is to save the Union, and it is not either to save or destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slaves, I would do it, if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it." - Abraham Lincoln

The Emancipation Proclamation was a tool to unite the North against the South, nothing more. This does not mean Lincoln was anti-abolition - hardly the case - but the perception of Lincoln with regards to slavery is often over simplified.

If you look at the Lincoln/Douglas debates, while Douglas argued that states could continue to decide for themselves forever the issue of whether or not slavery could exist in their home state, Lincoln refuted by saying the Union would have to choose one way or another, it could not continue on the way it was. This is commonly taken to mean he was anti-slavery in the comment, due to his affiliation with the Republican Party. It is safer to say Lincoln was pro-Union, by whatever means necessary.

Look at another quote by Lincoln, spoken in 1858 during that aforementioned debate:

"I will say then that I am not, nor have I ever been in the favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races . . . There must be a position of superior and inferior, and I... am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race ... I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position that the negroe should be deprived everything."

Lincoln was a great president, perhaps the greatest, but history has reshaped our view of who and what he actually was.  

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Post Donut Run Post

Yesterday was the 2nd annual donut run, this time an official "Krispy Kreme Challenge". Seventy-two runners made the field, with our own Jake Fiddler coming out first, Roy Ritter coming in second. For the two of them, the difference was small, a mere 30 seconds or less. Jake ran faster, Roy ate faster. Epic battle!

I think though, for me, the most amazing feat of daring-do came from Sarah Lee. As the only female challenger, she represented hard. Not only did she eat all 12 donuts, she finished the run well ahead of her son Evan. Far, far ahead. There will be some well deserved ribbing in the Lee household for some time.

I want to thank all of you guys for helping out. There is no way such events could be held without you. We are truly blessed to have so many good friends willing to pitch in to make these things happen.

I wasn't worth spit the rest of the day after the event. It's been tough at work all week, and in a way, it was lucky for the race it was. I have been doubling down on my job, teaching of course, but also formatting and repairing laptops. I'm doing it to help bridge the substantial gap we have between students and the numbers of available computers, made imperative by the unfunded mandate by our loving state officials that all ISTEP tests be conducted online entirely, grades 3-8. The simple fact is there aren't enough computers to do it, probably in most schools around the state.

Why did this help the race? Because one of the laptops I salvaged turned out to be crucial to the results yesterday. My personal computer pooped out, at least to the point it wouldn't have been usable. I had the presence of mind to take a backup computer, a bit of personal brilliance on my part.

Looking forward, there is of course the Give Thanks Run on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. This is Allen's race, and it's a great one, for a great cause. We'll all make that one again!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Fear Not!

It's been very, very busy, and yes, I've neglected my blog. Sorry, had to happen. It's a function of time.

However, if you've been in a vacuum since my absence, let me catch you up on a few things...

  1. Romney lost
  2. Obama won
  3. America won
Okay, that was the obligatory political statement. 

Now, if you're still reading, let's move forward. There are many events planned in the next few weeks. What are they?
  1. Donut Run - Saturday, 9 AM, BNL
  2. Thanksgiving Run - Mitchell, Thanksgiving Day
  3. End of Time (Mayan Calendar)
  4. Christmas
  5. Hope's wedding
  6. Bub's Challenge
We are still mulling around as a group regarding plans for next year. We are considering what races need to happen. Will we do a full or half Ironman? What marathons? What triathlons? Trying to nail it down seems to be a bit of a problem. 

Let's keep it simple for now. Tomorrow a few of us are starting early from Jimmy's, 4:45 for three miles before the main group. 

Monday, October 15, 2012

It's over, and now back to the regular

Cross season is over. I've coached forever, but I've never enjoyed a group as much as this one. That's not hyperbole, that's fact. They are just plain fun, and their personalities mesh almost perfectly. It's a special group.

Though I miss working with them, I'd probably better turn my attention back to taking care of my own fat body. I've ballooned up a bit, no surprise. I can lose the weight, I'm sure of that, but I'm not looking forward to hurting in the low back again. I'm hoping this break from hard training has provided a chance to heal a bit.

I'm going to continue to lift. That's something that has gone well and gives me a positive vibe. How well that meshes into running remains to be seen.

Tried to ride the other night. Went 20 miles, all in aero, then of course my back hurt the next day. I'll ride again, but I won't ride aero. I'll see how that works.

Tomorrow night is conference night at school, so I won't run. I will pick it up Wednesday. Run or ride Thursday morning? 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Been away

Not really. I mean, yeah, I've been away from you guys, but I've been here too. This coaching thing eats time, as anyone who's done it knows. Only so many hours in a day, that's for sure.

Speaking of coaching, I added a link to the girls' site on the right side of the page. Easy access!

I watched Chelsea and Zoe race yesterday on the BNL course. The Cutters were racing Mitchell, and they pretty much shellacked them. Chelsea pulled away at the end, beating Zoe in convincing fashion. I root for both, but I can't say I would have predicted it. Zoe was so much stronger over the summer. On top of that, Chelsea normally doesn't run well in the heat. She is a gamer though, and that makes up for a lot. Great job by both girls, because really, there was no one else in the same time zone.

Ran up to Martinsville and picked up a new (used) car. Yes, we got a Miata, or as Erin put it, a "Me-HOTTA". When they first came out way-back-when, Leisa fell in love. The roots of that love derived from the Fiat Spider 1600 I owned (and used to teach her how to drive a stick). Her comment was, "Someday, when those things are 20 years-old, I'm going to own one of those". Her patience has been rewarded, and I get to check off another bucket list item for her. It's an emerald beauty with low miles and only minor surface scratches in the paint.

In a completely unrelated topic, my sadistic side was sated lately when I caught a sale on micro R/C helicopters at Circle K. I bought one and took it to my classroom. I flew R/C for years, and was pretty good at it, and since these things are gyro-stabilized, it was a snap. The kids Ate. It. Up! The beauty of it was we are working on an entrepreneurship project dealing with, of all things, foam R/C aircraft!

That wasn't the sadistic part. No, my secondary (and darker) purpose was the dog. I knew the chopper would score big in the dog department - if only the dog could catch it, which she couldn't. You cannot imagine how expert I am at holding the chopper just above the height a Westy can jump. If that wasn't bad enough, Erin has gotten on to it and can tease the dog as well as I can. Maybe better. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Final Tuesday Night

This was it - the final Tuesday night ride of the year, officially. I can state for sure I will not be back next Tuesday. No way.

We did the same pace line rotation as last week, though this time with fewer riders. Five of us did it: Dan, John T., Jimmy, Galloway, and myself. Strunk's empty slot was filled by Dan this week, who took on the task with gusto. When the pace stressed him to the limit, he channeled his inner Strunk and fought back into it. When he fell off, he found a way back in. When he fought his way to the top of lost river on my wheel, I handed him the lead as quickly as he caught up. Yup, heck of a ride for Dan.

Rand didn't do poorly either. While it may be true he wore a skirt to a man's workout, he did redeem himself almost completely by holding us at bay for nearly the entire ride. Not as easy as it sounds, since the winds definitely did not favor an individual ride.

The five of us did catch him, though not until the end. I had to make a break earlier than I would have liked, since Rand would have beaten us otherwise. Jimmy jumped on the wheel, and well, the predictable happened. Jimmy got his victory by a hair.

Rand, Jimmy, Allen, and Galloway ran after, while Dan, John T., and I went to Wendy's. Other than the irate customer throwing a fit over a sandwich and me getting a bite from Dan's sandwich it was business as normal.

From here on out I think it's going to be runs on Tuesday. Office? Parkview? We'll see. I likely will miss either way.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The routine is coming back, somewhat

So now school has gone on for a little over a week, and the routine is settling in. It's like last year, but different. Coaching certainly rearranges my afternoons, but that's fine; I love doing it. It has curtailed my training, which has rearranged my midsection. Sure, you folks have politely avoided mentioning it directly, but your wide-eyed stares at my belly haven't gone unnoticed. I'd be gawking, too. I must look like a two-legged Jell-O mold running down the road.

Kathy dropped some times from last year's races over, and I've been pouring over them. Interesting stuff. I broke it down for the girls here, if you are interested. I'm happy to say we're doing better than I thought, given what's been going on.

The five miles this afternoon didn't feel difficult, though I think I was wearing an old pair of shoes. I honestly can't tell. I buy the same kind all the time, and since they all look alike, it's easy to mix them up. I've so many miles on all of them I don't think it really matters much.

As for the run, we broke 40 minutes without any effort. That's okay by this fat boy's standards. Dan nearly broke his body.

Tim and Bill
Ran down the hill
To see which one could go faster

Kathy broke out
Without a shout
And Dan came tumbling after

We finished the run, Dan having fallen off the back, which often happens. This is the first time in a while I didn't drop off and finish with him, and man, I wish I had. Apparently near the end he tumbled on the sidewalk and busted himself up. He was dripping blood as he finished. He's okay, those Nordic types are a stoic breed, but I felt bad for leaving him. That dang fraternization clause we have in our contracts sure hinders safety...

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Boy, that was fun!

It was supposed to be the last Tuesday night ride of the season. We would do pace line once more, retire the structured workouts for the winter slumber, and begin again late next spring.

Dan and I rode Sunday, and we mulled over the best way to finish the season. "Why not try a different pacing technique? We could rotate constantly, like the Tour de France. We haven't tried it before... let's!" And so it was settled, inasmuch as we resolved to broach the topic during the Tuesday ride.

Very little resistance was met, so we proceeded with the plan. What plan? Easy. The leader would pull for 10 seconds (enough time to overtake the person who had just pulled off the lead). Then the leader would pull out to the left (no tap necessary), and the next person would immediately come through. The idea was to have a constant rotation of riders on the front, keeping everyone fresher.

Of course there were the minor misunderstandings and some rough edges to work out, but all in all it was a resounding success. We kept the group intact for most of the way, and even had a large cluster going for the sprint finish. We averaged 24.2 mph, which included a wait to allow riders to regain. It's easy to see that, given a little practice, this would be the way to best any team time previously posted, perhaps even surpassing the Holy Grail of Pace Lines (30+ mph average).

Okay, okay, you're probably wondering who won the sprint. In brief:

We were nearing the end. Strunk was still on, but it was a real push to hang in there. All credit is due here, because Tim was on the hairy edge a few times. It was a gutsy ride.

Anyway, we were rotating quickly, enough so I couldn't be sure where I'd be at the break point. In the last 100 yards it was clear I might come on exactly on the break. Quick mental calculation had me on the front (fresh), Strunk right behind me (tired), and everyone else behind him. It was the best possible scenario for me, because I only need a few bikes lengths separation to to win.

So my turn came up at the line, and I jumped, right away. This caught the group by surprise like I hoped. By the time folks had sorted out what happened, I was too far gone to catch. I carried 30-31 mph smoothly through the half-mile stretch, not really going quite all-out, and listened for the approaching wheels. None came.

Okay, I'll be the first to admit, it was a cheap win. It fell into my lap and I couldn't resist. John T. was way out of position because he helped Allen get back to the group, Jimmy had just come off the front, and everyone else parked directly behind poor Strunk. It was punching down.

But I did it anyway. I looked at my "WWJD" bracelet (What Would Jimmy Do) and knew what I had to do. A win is a win!

Monday, August 20, 2012

First meet

I'll tell you gang, I wasn't sure what to expect.

Just one week ago, we had a disastrous tempo workout. Only 5 girls finished. The rest struggled to finish a mile at walking pace. I was seriously considering running only 5 runners tonight. I'm glad I didn't.

Read the race analysis.

Here's something I haven't told them yet - every girl (except the last girl) beat the time for the All-Time Top-25 list for BNL. Granted, 5k isn't that old, but hey, it feels good to be on the list.

It's better than I could have hoped for. And I'll tell you, that Danielle/Shelby combo was a thing of beauty. The way they worked together to break girls down, to keep one another in the race... outstanding!

We have something to build on. We still have a chance to do well in conference, and hopefully we'll be ready for Sectional. We just need a little luck on the health side...

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Pace Line Tuesday

I was wrong. I would have sworn last week was my last Tuesday ride. Who would have thought I could manage another one? Give credit to the girls; they did their jobs, getting themselves out on time (actually, a bit early).

We wound up with nine riders (okay, ten if you count DfO). Dan, John T., Miller, Jimmy, Mike, Troy, Allen, Greg, and I pulled out of the parking lot right on time - a first in pacelinedom. The winds were from the northwest at 5-10 mph, which was quite noticeable on our way out. It would definitely impact the ride back negatively!

Greg was visiting, this being the last week before he moves into college. He and Mike have hooked into Strava, a website and app where you can create segments of courses that others can ride and rank themselves on. Mike had created a Strava course on, you guessed it, our 10-mile time trial course. Greg wanted the high score.

We didn't talk much about the plan on the way out as everyone was involved in small group conversations here and there. I was turning it over in my mind though, especially as I watched Greg warm up. He was itching to go for a good time, of that I was certain.

Would we break into two groups or stay in one? If we stayed in one, Greg had no real shot at the record. We had to go two. Our group was comprised of Miller, John T., Greg, and me. What happened to Jimmy, you ask? He wimped out. He "volunteered" to take Galloway's place in the other group. Cop out!

John T. kicked it off with a strong opening surge. He took us to 27 mph, held it 25-27 for a couple of minutes, then tapped. That wasn't bad at all considering the headwind we faced.

Greg was next. He too pulled it into the 27 mph range, but held a bit better average for a bit longer than John T. We were off to a pretty good start!

Miller was next. He took over going into Bromer, where the wind pretty much hits you square in the face. On top of that, he had the first climb. It was a tougher section tonight due to conditions, so his speed wasn't as high as the others. He topped the hill, then struggled a little to bring the speed up to his starting speed. To be fair, this section just above the first hill is harder than it looks under the best of circumstances, which these weren't.

Miller tapped, then I was given the lead in the stair-step down. Up to 27, slowly, then it dropped into the 25-26 area. Any little rise dropped me down under 25, but I tried to bring it right back above 25 the second the terrain leveled. This I was able to do over and over, so I stayed on. Miller had the first hill; my mind was made up to get Lost River.

I topped Lost River at a measly 16-high, but as soon as we went over the top, we dropped right down and took it to 25+. At this point, I tapped.

John T. was on again, this time not as strong. The wind was beginning to take its toll. He held it through the rollers, giving over to Greg as we prepared to climb the last hill.

This turned out to be a fatal mistake for John T. Greg was F-R-E-S-H! He blasted uphill into the wind at 25-26 mph, topping at nearly 24 mph. John T. Was G-O-N-E. I was snapped off the back, having failed to anticipate how well the speed would be held and being caught in too high a gear. By the time I shifted down, Miller and Greg broke away. What was first 5 yards became 50 in a heartbeat.

Now my work was cut out for me. I judged I could catch them. It was going to be tough, because time was running out. We were right at a mile to go, and the break hill is one-half mile from the end. Half a mile to cover the 50 yards. And Greg on the front, pouring on the coals.

Close it I did. I got to them 100 yards from the break, and gathered myself. I felt I could stay on the wheel of anyone trying to take off IF I could anticipate the move properly. Greg had the lead, Miller followed, and I was on the end. The setup was perfect for me.

What to do? My best bet was to let Greg do the work. That would leave me Miller. Miller is faster, I'm stronger. I would have to time my jump to be far enough out to prevent Miller's speed from being decisive. So, with a little over a quarter left, I jumped.

I slid by Greg smoothly, not decisively. I was trying to posture strength I didn't really possess. I was also amazed Miller didn't pound past me right away. This might actually work!

Then it happened. Greg made a comeback. He overtook me, grunting with every pedal stroke. I knew I couldn't stay with him. I figured Miller would be right on his wheel, but amazingly, he wasn't. And that's how we finished - Greg, IronBill, and Miller. John T. came in about 30 seconds later.

It was a good ride. Our group had ridden pretty darn well together as a team, only losing John T. at the end. We averaged 24.8 mph, not our best, but hey, season is over for all of us, we had a headwind, it's how it goes. It felt like a good effort to me, anyway. Heck, I overheard Greg say his heart rate went over 200 - at least if I couldn't win, I made him work for it. ;)

Great meal afterwards at Wendy's. Wouldn't you know it? They finally get their act together as our season ends. For two weeks in a row service has been stellar. Sure, they ran out of Berry Salad after Jimmy ordered (leaving poor Dan in the lurch), but aside from that we couldn't ask for anything more. It was a fun night that ended all too soon.

Monday, August 13, 2012

And.... we're back!

*flick*

And just like that, the switch between summer and work is flipped. One cannot comprehend how it is, to be off for a couple of months every year, then go back to work as if it never stopped, unless of course one is a teacher. It's like living two different lives, in a schizophrenic sort of way. There is no transition; it's on/off.

Today was the regular first teacher day stuff - meetings, meetings, and more discussion. Being a tech guy, I also had the added task of aiding many teachers in getting their computers up, getting logged on, opening mail, etc.

This was the first day practice was after school. We did hills on the course, finishing in time for me to make a dash for the run (or is that a run for the dash?). It would be tight, but I felt I could squeeze in a couple miles with the guys.

My plan was to catch them on the back half of the five, but I'd sent a text stating I was on my way. As I neared home, I was about to park and get changed, but I guessed the guys might be waiting because of the text. I went up the alley, and sure enough, they were there. Okay. I was in cargo shorts and had a worn-out pair of running shoes. Close enough! Stripping off the shirt, I was ready to go.

I should do this more often. Dan and I brought up the rear of the run, and we went a tic over 41 minutes. That's pretty good compared to what we have been doing. The cargo shorts didn't hurt me at all, apparently.

It was a bit past six, and I was hungry, but there was the lift thingy to do. I was already sweaty, so there was nothing to do for it but go for the lift. The place was pretty busy. I had to alter my workout a bit, which is okay. Lifting has to be changed periodically anyway, and I suppose it was time.

So, the ride tomorrow... possible? Maybe. Depends on the girls. If they get right on things, yes. If not, no. We'll find out then. 

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Dormant, almost

I know I'm not writing much right now, but there's not a lot to write about. My training is at the lowest point it's been in years, and I don't have a lot of contact with the rest of the group at the moment. That leaves very little of interest to my readership, so I don't usually drag it out.

I guess I could report on the Girls' Cross bake sale today. They raised over $500, which gives them (along with the car wash money) plenty to buy sweats and T-shirts. They did this on their own, too. This is an organized group of girls, they know how to set their goals, prioritize, and get tasks done. I also like how they cooperate with one another. Very nice!

Cicero was today. From Jimmy's brief report I got the following:

Josh Anderson - 10th overall, 1st in his age group
Jimmy - 15th overall, 1st in his age group
Steve - 23rd overall, 2nd in his age group
Roy - 23rd overall (that's what Jimmy reported!), 4th in his age group
Robin - 46th overall, 6th woman, 1st in her age group
Arlene - a bit behind Robin, no results beyond that.

That's a good effort, I'd say!

Running in the AM, riding in the PM. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Hot, again

Man, will this heat never end? Over 100 degrees again today. It's supposed to get much cooler this weekend, but I'm becoming pretty cynical about it. I'll believe it when I see it.

Dan, Galloway, Jimmy, and I ran at 5. Since the humidity was so low we didn't suffer as much as we might, which is good I suppose. It still slowed us down. Thank goodness for Polar Pops and shaved ice!

My calf is sore again. That was inevitable, given the workouts this week. I'll have to be very careful about the hard stuff I do with the girls. I'm getting too old to jump into hard workouts without being properly trained.

School starts Monday. Fine by me. I'm not enjoying this weather anyway. Might as well work.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

"Aaaaaaaagh!"

The question: what is the last sound Allen makes before entering a cornfield?

Tonight was the final time trial of the 2012 season, and it was interesting in many ways. We had 21 riders total make the event, the largest number all year. We had 7 women, also the largest group yet. Ten riders participated in the time trial, and with a slight headwind, it was a slightly tougher ride than anticipated. However, the times were legit!

As near as I can remember, the order was Roy, Allen, Strunk, Troy, Mike, Galloway, Jimmy, Miller, John T., and me. This order appeared to be just about right because I didn't hear a lot of people speak of being passed. We also managed to bring it in front to back within around 5 minutes, a good target goal.

We allowed one minute between riders, making a total gap of nine minutes between the first and last rider (at the start). This has always seemed the perfect space of time, providing a target for everyone far enough way to be difficult, but not impossible, to catch.

I'll confess I didn't have a lot of confidence I'd do well. I've had to run with the girls the last two days, and as fate would have it, they were hard workouts. Without WinD to lead the hard stuff, I'm forced to take on the task. Yesterday we did Jimmy's heinous quarter/half/quarter/quarter/half/quarter workout, and since I lead it, I ran it harder than I have all summer long. Hey, girls kept with me, so I was forced to push to see what they could do! Today, after evaluating the splits, I decided to piggyback on a tempo run. This too was a challenging run, and so it was with tired legs I arrived at the start of the ride. I guess I'd also add my hard training has been over for a couple of weeks now, so I'm completely out of the race mentality at this point.

I went last - probably as well, because John T. and Miller had both run intervals today at lunch. While that leveled things some for all of us, I still have carried the fastest speed all summer, so though hope was dim for a catch, I resolved to give it my best.

It was not an easy ride. First, the headwind, though light, was noticeable. It wasn't enough to overpower, just enough to slow you down. The secondary effect of the wind was, since it was so dry out, to completely dry out the throat. It got to the point of being difficult to breath because of sinus drainage that hung in the back of a dry throat. Thank goodness I had water in an aero system; those that didn't suffered much more.

I didn't think I'd ever catch John T., but finally, after 6.5 miles, I did. There was no way I would catch Miller. I could see him, but there wasn't enough distance left to get it done. I got close, no more than 100 yards separated us in the end, but that's as close as I could get.

Apparently I missed the excitement. Allen, "Mr. Excitement", decided to get an exact stop on his Garmin. Unfortunately he can't hit the stop button and steer a bike at the same time - he went off road and into the cornfield. It is too bad there was no film on this, because I can promise you it would appear here. That Allen... he's been a veritable gold mine of comedy this summer!

So, what are the results tonight? Let me relay the numbers, in ascending order (speed):

  1. Josh - 28:20 - 21.1 mph
  2. Troy - 27:30 - 21.8 mph
  3. Roy - 27:20 - 21.9 mph
  4. Allen "Cornfield" Burris - 26:52 - 22.3 mph
  5. Jimmy - 26:46 - 22.4 mph
  6. Mike - 26:41 - 22.4 mph
  7. Strunk - 26:39 - 22.5 mph
  8. Galloway - 26:20 - 22.8 mph
  9. Miller - 25:13 - 23.8 mph
  10. John T. - 25:08 - 23.9 mph
  11. IronBill - 23:49 - 25.2 mph
There was an excellent second group that took an easy tour of Amish country west of Highway 37. It was a good time (except for a thrown chain and lack of chivalry! - heh). It's too bad this didn't start earlier in the summer. 

Of course we capped it all off with a nice visit to Wendy's, and believe it or not, we actually got served relatively quickly. It was a nice time, especially the part where we ribbed Allen for getting off road. 

So another season comes to a close. I hope the group continues to meet on Tuesdays for a while longer - I can't due to practice schedules, but there's no reason why the bulk of the folks couldn't continue on. 

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Nice Ride

I slept in this morning. It's something I plan to do from now on Sundays, at least until cross is over. I need one day a week to recharge, and I'm going to take it.



Dan, John T, Leisa, and I did a shortish ride from Lighthouse. John T. had a short time to ride, so we all adjusted. Who cares? We were just out there for an easy ride.



I will likely run in the morning with the girls. There are plenty of things going on tomorrow night and the next day.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Only the second run this week

The all-night relay took it out of my legs. Hamstrings in particular seemed singed, and I knew it was time to rest them. This week, I did. No doubles, low mileage, few runs. Bike limited to 20 miles. Slow swim. The only thing I picked up slightly was lifting, and that wasn't much.

Today I ran five miles, down to Hillcrest and back. The hamstring didn't bother me at all, but the low back did. I've been a bit lazy about the core strength, and I'll have to get back on top of it. Other than that, it wasn't a hard run, despite the over 80% humidity and 76 degree dew point (!!).

Most of my time has been put into the girls, which is the way it should be. I've also been going into work, so my mind is decidedly off my own training for now and onto more germane issues. This too will pass, but it's a necessity of the time of year.

Leisa and I did get a nice ride this week, going out on 337. We brought it home right before dark, thoroughly wringing everything out of the day.

Allen and I will be meeting tomorrow at 10:30 AM at Lighthouse Books. Anyone and everyone is welcome.  

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Yay! The lab is fixed - for now!

Finally, after the swim tonight, I decided to give my lab a whirl. I skipped going by this morning, figuring it would be a waste of time. Surprise, surprise, it was working when I got there! Now I can go in and finalize my classes before we get started. Please, let it be done!

Speaking of the swim, I am happy to report Allen swam 500 yards tonight without the assistance of any flippers or flotation devices. That's right, he swam 500 yards! He looked good, too. Ladies and gentlemen, we have entered the realm of Ironman possibility now. The dream is alive!

I didn't run or ride today. I am happy to report I am happy to be resting. For now. I caught a glimpse of my stomach in the mirror. Uh-oh.

One more run or ride this week. Allen and I are planning to meet at Lighthouse at 10:30 AM Saturday morning. All welcome. 

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Making friends (as usual)

To all my (former) Twitter followers, sorry for my rather innocuous post earlier today regarding Olympic results. In this day of DVR, I've come to realize I cannot speak sports with my friends - unless it is delayed up to one week past the actual event (witness: Tour de France).

Work is creeping back into my life. Half my day ever day now is consumed with work-related activities. Not looking for sympathy, but I don't get paid for it (for you GM guys that are about to go on about overtime).

Speaking about work, I hope my lab does when school starts. As of today, it doesn't.

Took a ride this evening, finishing even as the sun set. It was really nice.

Not much else to discuss, so that's it for now. 

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Weird night

Storms threatened to end our ride tonight before it ever started. Bearing down from the northwest, a developing line of storms seemed certain to collide with the Bedford area, spread through Mitchell, and eliminate any possibility of cycling.

Nature, it seems, was toying with us.

As usual, the storm divided, bypassing Bedford altogether. Even Mitchell received precious little of the rainfall, and Highway 337 was only dampened. It was all bark and no bite.

Twelve of us showed up, not letting H20 stop us from having our workout. Sure, we had to abbreviate it somewhat, but in the end we all did ride.

There was no pace line. The distance was too short, the roads too wet, and the riders too indifferent to the situation to push our luck. It was a wise move. Nothing to be gained by a bad wreck on a meaningless night of training. Most everyone is tapering anyway, so the risk wasn't worth it.

Wendy's was delicious, as normal. We were even served in a very timely fashion. My guess is management was under scrutiny. I didn't wait more than three minutes for my fries. That, my friends, is a record for Wendy's Mitchell.

Short run tomorrow, unless I run with the girls. We'll see what happens!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Ran with the girls

I know I said I would take a break from running, and I guess I should add a caveat to that; I will take a break from competitive training. I needed to run with my girls this morning to help control the pace. WinD is on vacation, so the only person left for the job was me. We ran 6.5 miles, the first three faster than my fast girls wanted to go. Someone has to drag them!

After that it was to the gym, where I had a good lift. I tore it up. The place was a smoking ruin when I left, patrons huddled together and shivering, trying to comfort one another. It was awesome.

I took my awesome body to work, where the computers and network were completely unimpressed with my physique. There's a name for that condition, not being impressed with my physique... it's called "women". Therefore I will now rename my lab "Woman".

I found a way to work around the limitations five techs created on Friday (who by the way were trying to solve problems, not create them). Still, it won't work in a lab setting. The problems will have to be resolved, or I'm going to be in a world of hurt.

Just got the tweet - Cicero Triathlon swim is cancelled. Not that there was ever any doubt it would happen, but it's clear this race was never meant to be this year. I hope you folks have a backup race picked out. Columbus this Saturday would be a great alternative.

Pace Line Tuesday tomorrow!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

A different mindset

It's weird to be in recovery phase at the end of July, but here I am. For years I've gone through August before the break, and even then it was a small one. Often I'd have a marathon lined up for late October/early November, so there wouldn't be much time to relax. Not so this year. I'm coaching again.

Our practices officially begin Wednesday, and from that point on, they come first. I won't quit training altogether, but it will get curtailed extremely. I'm thinking riding after practice until daylight savings is over, then limited running. This will give my hips and calves a long time to recover, something they've not had in years. It can't hurt.

Changing topics a bit, here's a great big shout-out to Rand for winning his first 5k. Is it an ominous sign it was the "End of Days" 5k? Will there be a plague of locusts now? I dunno, but he seemed pretty happy today. Maybe he likes locusts.


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Much needed rest

My hamstring did not like the run last night, so I am not running again until Saturday. After that, I don't know when I'll run again. It might be weeks.

This is the perfect time for a break, I think. Girls Cross has started, my racing season is over, and I'm feeling drained. Time to rest.

Leisa and I will get out and ride some, and I will make a couple more Tuesday pace lines, but beyond that I think I'm going to enjoy the relaxed approach for a while.

Went to work today - got a mess there. Five techs in a room and not one of them can sort out why the wireless doesn't work. There's a joke in there somewhere, I just can't figure it out. All I know is it's on me.

Daughter #1 is moving back in for the next school year. This will bring challenges, but I miss her a bunch. Here's hoping it goes smoothly.

Tomorrow is the Girls' Cross carwash. Whether or not we make money is not important - I want the girls to bond. Let's have a good day!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Huge pace line night

If I counted correctly, there were sixteen riders starting tonight, including more women than ever before. Kathy, Arlene, WinD, Lori, Jamie, and Leisa all took part. It was a cool thing to see.

Many of us are coming off a weekend of strenuous activity. Allen and Strunk did RaIN; Jimmy, WinD, and I did the Red Eye Relay. With that many riders feeling less than peak, and with the near 100-degree start, there wasn't a great deal of enthusiasm for going especially hard.

Lori, Jamie, and Leisa turned before Lost River Hill and headed back for the brick - a walk in Spring Mill. Arlene, Kathy, and WinD turned at Bromer, and pushed the pace coming back in a psuedo-pace line (they were packed, if not three inches apart). That left the men to carry on to the tree.

As usual there were two groups. Well, three if you count DfO, who shot off before we even organized. He called out, "Catch me". We did.

The first group left, leaving John T. and Jimmy with me. We planned to ride 25 mph, and if things weren't going well when we caught the other group, we'd join them. I was going to take long pulls (John T. suggested I pull all the way).

After a minute or so we began our chase. The wind was indeed favorable, and the agreed upon 25 mph was easy. EASY. Still, I said 25, so I was going to stick to that. Before long it became apparent the other group was leaving us. They were soon out of sight, something I couldn't have.

I was still on the front, so I set my mind to closing it down before I got off. I lifted the pace a little, listening for complaints from behind. None came. More and more it lifted, still no complaints. Still, the other group was out of sight.

When we got to Lost River, we finally caught sight of them across the valley floor. I was certain we could catch them, though it wouldn't be easy. If we pressed across the valley and took the hill hard, we'd be pretty close, if not past them. Through the valley we held nearly 30 mph, and still they were nearly atop the hill before we entered it.

We took Lost River Hill at over 20 mph, topping at 21, and down into aero we went, the pursuit fully engaged. I could see that, whoever was on the front, the pace was being driven. We were being held at bay by some aggressive riding. But it wasn't over yet.

Into the last hill, it was only a matter of time. I could see the gap closing, could feel the line ahead drawing closer, and we drove up the last hill over 20 mph again. At this point they had 50 yards. We topped 30 mph, and still the gap closed slowly. I now knew we would overtake them right at the sprint break line. I wanted to use that point to skit by at the call, avoiding anyone jumping on.

Too bad Mike spotted us so far out. He kept looking back timing the jump so that as we went by, it was child's play to jump on. A couple of others went as well.

I was on the front in the final stretch, 32.9 mph, pressing in a steady fashion. This time I had no doubt someone would go by. Who? John T. answered with a slow but steady approach, then pass. I started to put in a harder effort, then Dan went by as well. That was that. I was done. That's pretty much my top speed, even with a tail wind. I didn't really fade, I just couldn't go faster.

We finished at 22:13, a very good ride given the start was very tame. There is little doubt we'd have broken 21:30 if we'd gone after it earlier. Coulda Shoulda Woulda.

We topped it all off with a sub-par service at Wendy's, but a great time of fellowship. It was super to have the wives along, and I hope it's something we continue moving forward.

Ride Data

Monday, July 23, 2012

Still suffering

Let's face it, Red Eye Relay was a race effort for me. My left hamstring assured me of that fact in today's run. My shoulders are still sore, and if I remember correctly, I didn't run on my hands. That kind of pain only comes with a very strenuous effort.

We did 5 at Jimmy's, and I am proud to say I coasted. Hey, with the 12 miles I ran Sunday morning, I'm sitting on 17 miles of my 25 on Monday! Right now I don't see a run in my future tomorrow after the ride, but you never know.

Actually, my line of thinking is I'll really take it easy from here until school starts. I have no races left, I have a busy season coming, and this is my last chance to relax for a bit. I don't need to double, other than wanting to, so maybe I will, maybe I won't. Probably as often as not the weather will determine what I do. One-hundred-five degrees? No double today. Seventy-five degrees? Maybe a triple.

Pace Line Tuesday is tomorrow. Oh boy!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Magic Mike, Pappy D, and the Mud Dogs

Our unlikely troop of runners gathered at the Upland Brewery on West 11th Street in Bloomington late yesterday afternoon, ready tackle the annual Red Eye Relay. This event features 104 miles of running, broken into almost two dozen stages shared by up to nine runners in the open division. Our official members were WinD (team captain), Miller, Wes, Rachel, Jessie, Jimmy, and IronBill. Bo and Scott were designated floaters, covering for those unable to complete their segments of the relay.

With two vehicles in SAG, we were able to adequately cover the needs of all our runners. Rules stated we needed to have a trailing vehicle on our runners at all times, and believe me, when it got dark, you needed it. This race winds out of Monroe County into Morgan County, turning south only after reaching as far north as Martinsville. It passes through Brown County State Park, and I don't think I have to tell you what that means - hills!

Jessie and Scott started us out. Scott, the resident elite ultramarathoner he is, was going to run several of the legs with the runners so folks wouldn't have to run alone. This was awfully nice. Wes also contributed several extra legs, though he would later pay a price for it.

Jimmy, Jessie, and I had the most to worry about. Jessie hasn't run much at all this summer, practically nothing in fact. I haven't been much better, and Jimmy no more than me. My weekly mileage is 20-25 miles, purposely limited to allow my hips and calves to heal properly. While it's been an effective way to recover, it is a poor way to train for an all-night relay where you run multiple times with a short time span.

Jessie had no trouble. Jimmy had some hamstring trouble coming in, and aggravated it on his first leg, casting his further participation into doubt. This spelled disaster, because we had a time limit to finish, and WinD's original schedule had been quite aggressive. Under the best of conditions we would be pressed to meet the times. It was far from likely we would meet it now.

We were a little behind when I took the arm band for my first run, but decided, "What the heck!", and set out to make back some time. The segment was short, relatively flat with one longish hill. Scott and Bo were alongside, and with the conversation rolling freely, we flew through it. When we were done, we'd done a great deal to bring the schedule back.

Everyone zipped through their first segments, save Miller, who wouldn't get to run until past midnight, after my second run. We had picked up steam, and we were actually creeping ahead of schedule. Scott had run every leg so far, but when it came time for Miller to run, he took a break.

It was simple; Miller is a killer. He was going to tear it up, and everyone knew it. Muncie had not been the race he wanted. He'd been sick. He was due for a hard effort, and he didn't disappoint. He lit the road with burning heels, kicking up sparks with each powerful stride. And it was a tough one too. Some of the roughest hills of the course were on Miller's path, and he didn't blink.

One by one we started on our next segments, fatigue setting in a bit more with each journey. Good fortune did shine on us in a major way - the temperatures dropped into the lower 60's, making running much easier. That isn't to say we didn't sweat - ask anyone who wore a vest or headlamp after me! But it was manageable.

Staying up all night, driving down gravel roads, eating a variety of snack, exercise, and junk food, listening to the car radio, the snores of sleeping runners in the back seat... it's an experience. Things went surprisingly well, for the most part. We never had anyone lost, thanks to the experienced team members. Still, when sleep runs short and so many people are crammed together in tight spaces, there will always be moments of friction. They came, they passed, and we laughed about them later. Who am I kidding? I'm still laughing about them.

We didn't win, I'm sad to report. We didn't even podium. Who cares? This is an experience race, much the way Boston was this year. It's something any endurance athlete ought to experience once in their careers. I don't know that I will ever do it again (getting too old to stay up all night!), but I'm glad I did it. WinD did a great job organizing us (for all the grief we gave her over the schedule, she actually called it pretty close).

Runner of the night? Had to be Scott. Sixty-two miles run, all at a metronomic rhythm defying logic, machine-like. Runner-up was Miller. He took an impromptu change to schedule and was "gifted" with a hellish 2.5 mile category 1 climb late into the relay. Scott knew the course, and recommended walking. (Word to the wise: if an ultra runner with the pedigree of Scott says walk, walk) Miller ran it, all the way to the thin-air top. Never mind a swarm of bees attacked him on his first run, and he was anesthized with Benedryl, he did it anyway. Lesser humans might have begged off, but not Miller.

Moment of regret: my "Magic Mike" dance. I have a feeling I'm going to hear about this one. Forever.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Funny thing happened at the speed workout...

Did you hear the one about the guy who was pushing a stroller in the speed workout? He dominated all the other runners, leaving them by 10 seconds every quarter? Here's the punch line - he was running a fever when he did it. (ba-dum, PSHHH!) Crazy crap, that.

For myself, the heat is doing me in. I was toast after the run, and after today's ride, I was even toastier. I couldn't believe it when I saw Kathy, Jimmy, and Galloway pulling on their shoes for a run afterward - and Kathy had already run 10 miles! I felt bad about it until I got home, weighed myself, and realized I'd lost a ton of weight again. A run would have been out of the question.

I'm relieved my racing season is over, if the truth be told. Things are becoming too complicated schedule-wise, and I don't plan to spend what's left of my summer stressing over it. Might as well enjoy the time I have left and focus more on the girls. Anyway, the one race I did was a great one, so it's not a bad way to go out. I'm sure Galloway would agree with me on that philosophy. ;)

We're going to swim tomorrow at 8 AM. The girls will be there, but there's more than enough room. There will be a ride that follows (and I will be going SUPAeasy). I have to be ready to be stressed Saturday night.

Yuck!