A New Interest...Surprised?

I've been bitten by an unusual bug, unusual since I am at least 3 hours away from the coast. For some strange reason I'm interested in getting a SUP - that's Stand Up Paddle Board for other land-locked folks out there. They became popular in the Polynesian world decades ago. Basically it is a surf board that you stand on top of and paddle. I understand its a lot of fun, sort of like walking on water. I also understand it is an excellent workout for your entire body.

I'm interested in getting started since I have Lake Cameron, a mile long lake, one block from our house. Most likely I'm going to start with the cheapest board available - an inflatable one, and see if I like it.

Just waiting on warmer temperatures, both in the air and in the water.

One Week, But Who's Counting

Yea, one week from today G and I (and possibly others) will be headed to "da beach". Yeah, I know its still February and it was 25 degrees last night, but, just the thought of going to the beach "warms my cockles" which sounds a bit perverse but it really isn't.

We are going to be staying at the beach house of one of my friends; ain't it good to have friends with houses at the beach or Hilton Head for that matter.

As I sit here enjoying a cup of java and looking out the front windows at Lake Cameron I'm anticipating a wonderful day off and a good run of 4 or 5 miles. It will be so good to have the whole day to get my run in and then do whatever else I won't to do.

So, to all of my followers, I hope you have a great day and I'll see you when I can.

Work Schedule Takes Over

Ok, long day yesterday, long day today = no running, just working. Not good 10 days from race day. I'm hoping that, as the schedule eases up tomorrow, I can get runs in the rest of the week and that will be ok.

First week of Lent is now behind us and the Lenten discipline is still in place. I'm really having no problems; you just have to close your minds to those things. I guess that is why it is called "discipline".

No Knee Problems

Ran today; only 3 miles but I was mostly testing out the knee that has been bothering me a bit over the last couple of days. No problem and no residual pain. That's good. I won't be able to run tomorrow since I will be at church for about 12 hours. Not good!

Hopefully I will get my next run in Wednesday. Race day is drawing closer.

A Break in the Lenten Discipline

One of the lovely "options" in observing the 40 days of Lent is you get to "break your fast" on Sundays. Sundays are not included in the 40 days so we get a bit of respite to help us gear up for the next 6 days of discipline.

I'm so glad since this has been a long day at church, arrive at 7:30 am and get home around 5:30 pm. I'm now waiting on my lovely partner to get here and, together, we're going to enjoy a slice of cheese and a glass (or two) of wine - just the two of us.

My knee feels better today; I took Sparky the wonder dog for a long walk as soon as I got home and I felt no discomfort. Hopefully that will continue as I rise in the morning and go for a training run.

A Little Knee Discomfort

For the first time during my runs I had a bit of discomfort in my left knee yesterday. It caused me to slow down and walk for a couple of minutes. During the night every time I turned over my knee hurt so I got up and took some aspirin. That seemed to help.

This morning I had more discomfort so I took more aspirin. Hopefully I'll get over this so I can get back to my training. Basically I will take a couple of days off and see how it feels.

Bummer, dude.

Oh, and another thing. I did bad things yesterday. The long run and burning 14oo calories "gave" me the right to EAT! About 2400 calories worth. Bad boy. I still finished the day with a calorie deficit but it could have been a deficit bonanza! I'm doing better today.

And Ten Miles Later

We finished our run averaging 11 minute miles and felt pretty good about that. We should have disciplined ourselves early on with some walking breaks but we both felt energized and kept going. That resulted in some knee discomfort for both of us later on but we still finished with a good time.

Tomorrow I have to do some piano competition judging in the morning. Most likely I will go out for an easy 3 miler tomorrow afternoon. I won't be able to get in a run on Sunday due to scheduled activities.

So...next really long run will be the Seaside Half Marathon in 2 weeks. I'll do a variety of runs leading up to it with the longest being 6 miles. Hope to get a good night's rest; looking forward to that.

Ten Mile Run Today

Sarah and I will be heading out today on our last long run before the Seaside Half Marathon on March 7. We will be experimenting with several things: before run breakfast, hydration, energy supplements, etc. Mostly we will just try and enjoy the challenge. Looks like a nice day - sunny and high of 60.

I'm enjoying the process and looking forward to the race. I'm also enjoying the benefits that come with regular (almost daily) exercise and trying to use my brain when it comes to the food I eat.

I'm enjoying running with Sarah. I usually run alone; I find that having someone else there creates a faster pace. Interesting.

For the most part I'm marveling at this 62 year old body; my pace is about 2 minutes per mile slower than 20 years ago but I feel like I could get back to that pace if I did the training. I'm just enjoying "where I am" and not feeling so competitive about it. Maybe that's a true sign of being older!

Forty Six Minus One

We are now in the 2nd day of Lent and a focused dedication on a number of issues.

Yesterday was a long day at church which is typical of Wednesdays; however we had two Lenten services - 1 I sang for, 1 I played for and then the usual Children's Chapel and choir rehearsal.

Fortunately I got up early and was able to get in a chilly 3 miler; felt good all the way. I plan on a 4 miler this afternoon and then a 10 miler tomorrow with Sarah.

Hopefully more good food choices today!

Ash Wednesday

It's Ash Wednesday and about 30 degrees and cloudy. I've planned a lot of disciplines for these 40 days (plus 6 Sundays) - no wine, no desserts, smart eating and some type of exercise everyday. I've missed a good bit of training runs over the last couple of weeks because of weather and work. I've decided to do whatever is necessary to change that.

So...it's out the door early, in the cold Ash Wednesday morning since I won't be home until 8:30 tonight. I'm actually looking forward to the discipline and the results that it brings.

Half Marathon in 3 weeks

Last summer I saw a picture of how I look to other people and I was not happy. I'm ok with aging (I'm 62); I'm not ok with being overweight! So...after a long break from running I started my baby steps back...you know the routine, walk 90 seconds, jog 30.

After gradually building up to run 3 minutes walk 1 I decided I needed a motivator. I ran the NY Marathon twice in the early 90's but I knew I wasn't ready for that. Hmm...a half marathon would do the trick and, after a little research, I found one to my liking and timing in Seaside, FL. Several good reasons for this: 9 months training time, fairly flat course, and THE BEACH.

15 pounds and 3 inches off my waist later I'm on course to finish. No speed necessary; I expect to average around 11 - 12 minutes and finish around 2 hours 30 minutes. I'll be running with my stepdaughter, Sarah, recovering from her second pregnancy!

I'm also trying to use my brain when it comes to eating. We'll see how all this goes over the course of the year. I'm now at 185 and would like to lose another 10 pounds and settle in at 175.

I'll keep you posted.