We leave for Cincy tomorrow - stopping by REI near Ann Arbor/Detroit to hit the anniversay sale...not to mention it's been 9 months since I've been in an REI and once you get used to having one 5 minutes away that amount of time away is HARD.
Only 3 more nights of sleep until the Pig.
I'm sure I'll do fine.
The race is offering text message tracking for runners...if anyone out there is interested in following my progress email me your cell phone number and I'll include it when I'm at the Expo.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Four and Change
4 Days, 22 Hours, XX Minutes according to the Flying Pig website.
Down to the last few runs, hoping to get in my last hill workout today if the weather holds off...heavy thunderstorms last night and the will sunrise happened about an hour and a half ago, you really can't tell because the sky is that dark with clouds. So, I'm holding off on my run until later this afternoon.
So, am I prepared? Think so. Especially with everything I've dealt with...my leg, the crappy weather (both during the winter and in April), the mixed up baseball schedule that really made it challenging to get my long runs in.
I do remember the point that was driven home by the Grand Rapids HM was that I needed to be more consistent with my training. Have I been? Yes, and no. I've done better, but if my goal is to move up to the full 26.2, I've got to do better. Maybe I need to go back to my idea of using this blog as a way to "hold my feet to the fire"...you know, put my training plan on here and hope that the 2-3 of you who are reading it will not let me off the hook when I rationalize my way out going for a run.
Starting to feel the nerves a bit about Sunday...1) while yes, I feel better prepared than in October, I'm afraid/nervous that I will be DFL. 2) Meeting some fellow posters in the 30s thread on the coolrunning.com forums (see link at right) and yes I'm afraid I'm going to embarrass myself. 3) Worried that asking her to get up with me and get to the race for a 6:30 a.m. start might be a bit much to ask of my non-morning-person-wife
I know, I know, I'm probably crazy.
Down to the last few runs, hoping to get in my last hill workout today if the weather holds off...heavy thunderstorms last night and the will sunrise happened about an hour and a half ago, you really can't tell because the sky is that dark with clouds. So, I'm holding off on my run until later this afternoon.
So, am I prepared? Think so. Especially with everything I've dealt with...my leg, the crappy weather (both during the winter and in April), the mixed up baseball schedule that really made it challenging to get my long runs in.
I do remember the point that was driven home by the Grand Rapids HM was that I needed to be more consistent with my training. Have I been? Yes, and no. I've done better, but if my goal is to move up to the full 26.2, I've got to do better. Maybe I need to go back to my idea of using this blog as a way to "hold my feet to the fire"...you know, put my training plan on here and hope that the 2-3 of you who are reading it will not let me off the hook when I rationalize my way out going for a run.
Starting to feel the nerves a bit about Sunday...1) while yes, I feel better prepared than in October, I'm afraid/nervous that I will be DFL. 2) Meeting some fellow posters in the 30s thread on the coolrunning.com forums (see link at right) and yes I'm afraid I'm going to embarrass myself. 3) Worried that asking her to get up with me and get to the race for a 6:30 a.m. start might be a bit much to ask of my non-morning-person-wife
I know, I know, I'm probably crazy.
Monday, April 30, 2007
That Soon?
Ok, according to the website we have less than 6 days until the start of the Flying Pig...starting to get a bit nervous.
Here's the deal: as mentioned following my first (and only HM) back in October, I was drastically under prepared (mostly due to an ability rationalize missing/skipping training runs) for the Grand Rapids HM. This time around I feel better prepared...especially in the last few weeks, but due to the unexpected reappearance of winter the first week of April and the havoc it wreaked on the baseball schedule, my training suffered a bit down the stretch. Not where I want to be, but I think training-wise I'm in a better place than October.
Ran 2:15 in October, so that is pretty much my goal for Sunday. Of course the Grand Rapids course is pretty flat. The Pig isn't.
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Jessica - kick some ass this Saturday.
Trevor - Congrats on the BQ this past weekend.
Maria, Bob, Larry, et al - sounds like you guys had a blast in Jersey. Will see some of you this weekend.
Without giving too many details (not sure how she would feel about it) please keep my Mom in your thoughts/prayers (if you do that sort of thing). She is dealing with some health issues right now and it would be greatly appreciated.
Here's the deal: as mentioned following my first (and only HM) back in October, I was drastically under prepared (mostly due to an ability rationalize missing/skipping training runs) for the Grand Rapids HM. This time around I feel better prepared...especially in the last few weeks, but due to the unexpected reappearance of winter the first week of April and the havoc it wreaked on the baseball schedule, my training suffered a bit down the stretch. Not where I want to be, but I think training-wise I'm in a better place than October.
Ran 2:15 in October, so that is pretty much my goal for Sunday. Of course the Grand Rapids course is pretty flat. The Pig isn't.
Keep your fingers crossed for me.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Jessica - kick some ass this Saturday.
Trevor - Congrats on the BQ this past weekend.
Maria, Bob, Larry, et al - sounds like you guys had a blast in Jersey. Will see some of you this weekend.
Without giving too many details (not sure how she would feel about it) please keep my Mom in your thoughts/prayers (if you do that sort of thing). She is dealing with some health issues right now and it would be greatly appreciated.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Standards
From the Oxford Dictionary:
• noun 1 a lesson about right or wrong that can be derived from a story or experience. 2 (morals) standards of behaviour, or principles of right and wrong.
I’m choosing to focus on #2 – “principles of right and wrong” maybe not in the evil/good (yes I listed evil first) connotation but we have an idea of the right way to go about doing things, both in our personal and professional lives. Believe me, as far as personal lives go, I’m a resident in a glass house so I’m not picking up any rocks…so the focus of this is, for the lack of a better term, Professional Standards.
Bottom line, I’ve let mine slip, and I’m not proud of that. Due to a host of reasons my mind has been elsewhere lately and that has affected my attention to detail. I work in a detail orientated profession…records must be kept, communication is a priority, and things can’t fall through the cracks and I have been going through the motions for about the last two months. It’s time for this to stop.
You’re probably asking why I’m putting this out there…some of you reading this might be surprised, I was too as I sat back and looked at how things were going. I was starting to slide into a lack of professionalism and it scared me, I needed something to refocus me.
That refocusing…wow, no matter how many times you hear it, “No” still stings. Even worse is the absence of information until after the fact.
I mentioned way back in January that I was applying for a job. Thought I was pretty qualified for the position, turns out my opinion differed greatly with that of the people actually making the decision (personally I am sticking by my guns). Funny thing is someone in the decision making process had the chance to tell me “you’re not in the running for this” three days after the committee met (we were at the same event, sat together, went for drinks at the same place later that evening) and chose not to do so. Interviews are being conducted this week.
I get it.
No time to dwell. Back on task.
So thank you, XXXX, for getting my head out of the clouds and back where it belongs: taking care of kids (is it ok to call college-age students “kids”?) who say “thank you,” who are appreciative of the little things you do for them and their teammates, who don’t have delusions of grandeur as far as their place in the scheme of things…basically doing my job.
Only better now.
• noun 1 a lesson about right or wrong that can be derived from a story or experience. 2 (morals) standards of behaviour, or principles of right and wrong.
I’m choosing to focus on #2 – “principles of right and wrong” maybe not in the evil/good (yes I listed evil first) connotation but we have an idea of the right way to go about doing things, both in our personal and professional lives. Believe me, as far as personal lives go, I’m a resident in a glass house so I’m not picking up any rocks…so the focus of this is, for the lack of a better term, Professional Standards.
Bottom line, I’ve let mine slip, and I’m not proud of that. Due to a host of reasons my mind has been elsewhere lately and that has affected my attention to detail. I work in a detail orientated profession…records must be kept, communication is a priority, and things can’t fall through the cracks and I have been going through the motions for about the last two months. It’s time for this to stop.
You’re probably asking why I’m putting this out there…some of you reading this might be surprised, I was too as I sat back and looked at how things were going. I was starting to slide into a lack of professionalism and it scared me, I needed something to refocus me.
That refocusing…wow, no matter how many times you hear it, “No” still stings. Even worse is the absence of information until after the fact.
I mentioned way back in January that I was applying for a job. Thought I was pretty qualified for the position, turns out my opinion differed greatly with that of the people actually making the decision (personally I am sticking by my guns). Funny thing is someone in the decision making process had the chance to tell me “you’re not in the running for this” three days after the committee met (we were at the same event, sat together, went for drinks at the same place later that evening) and chose not to do so. Interviews are being conducted this week.
I get it.
No time to dwell. Back on task.
So thank you, XXXX, for getting my head out of the clouds and back where it belongs: taking care of kids (is it ok to call college-age students “kids”?) who say “thank you,” who are appreciative of the little things you do for them and their teammates, who don’t have delusions of grandeur as far as their place in the scheme of things…basically doing my job.
Only better now.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Spoiled?
I'm standing in Meijer's tonight (for those of you on the west coast not to be confused with Meyer's) on the way home from tonight to pick up some last minute things to add to dinner...garlic bread and a bottle of wine.
I make my way to the wine aisle and after walking up and down it for 10 minutes I come to the following realization: I was completely and utterly spoiled in Oregon when it came to shopping for wines. The supermarkets there had an excellent selection of wines to choose from and were, for the most part, well organized so you could find the varietal you were looking for.
Not so much here, although they did have a EXCELLENT selection of Manischewitz.
I make my way to the wine aisle and after walking up and down it for 10 minutes I come to the following realization: I was completely and utterly spoiled in Oregon when it came to shopping for wines. The supermarkets there had an excellent selection of wines to choose from and were, for the most part, well organized so you could find the varietal you were looking for.
Not so much here, although they did have a EXCELLENT selection of Manischewitz.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Things
This post may seem random, but here goes:
Busy week this week - due to the winter weather in April we have a backlog of outdoor athletic events to muddle our way through this week: Baseball home games today (regularly scheduled), Thursday (make-up), Saturday (make-up), and Sunday (regularly scheduled)...all double headers so that 10 games (they play on the road Wed)in the next 6 days. Track decided to host a meet Wednesday night since they haven't been able to compete (they don't like to run in the cool/cold - good thing they don't compete in Oregon). So it is a fun week for me.
State of mind - mine hasn't been the best the last few days...I fear a crossroads approaching that might effect things, (Before anyone jumps to conclusions T and I are great...more professional related that I refuse to discuss on here because I don't know who might be reading this) and I'm afraid that it is effecting my mood/demeanor/outlook a bit much. Which is why I'm glad I made it out for my run this morning...helped me clear things out a bit.
18 days, 21 hours until the Pig...am I ready? Not sure, but I am looking forward to it.
Busy week this week - due to the winter weather in April we have a backlog of outdoor athletic events to muddle our way through this week: Baseball home games today (regularly scheduled), Thursday (make-up), Saturday (make-up), and Sunday (regularly scheduled)...all double headers so that 10 games (they play on the road Wed)in the next 6 days. Track decided to host a meet Wednesday night since they haven't been able to compete (they don't like to run in the cool/cold - good thing they don't compete in Oregon). So it is a fun week for me.
State of mind - mine hasn't been the best the last few days...I fear a crossroads approaching that might effect things, (Before anyone jumps to conclusions T and I are great...more professional related that I refuse to discuss on here because I don't know who might be reading this) and I'm afraid that it is effecting my mood/demeanor/outlook a bit much. Which is why I'm glad I made it out for my run this morning...helped me clear things out a bit.
18 days, 21 hours until the Pig...am I ready? Not sure, but I am looking forward to it.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
100,000 and counting
Miles that is. Not me running, but on my Saturn. The odometer rolled over that number some time last week, however I wasn't able to witness it as T had it that day (due to the possibility of a baseball game - yet another lovely feature of my job, the baseball field is about 10-15 minutes away from campus and the city who owns it has wisely not turned the water on at the field, so everything must be taken from campus to the field. So on game days I have to switch cars with T and drive the Explorer).
That's 100,000 after almost 10 years, one cross country move, and 500 miles per week commuting that first year in Oregon...not a bad deal when you factor in that I've put about $800 total in upkeep beyond oil changes.
Training for the Pig is going quite well...I'm back to logging consistent miles here the last few weeks and starting to feel like I'm making progress.
Have a great weekend people...the sun might actually be out here in Michigan today.
That's 100,000 after almost 10 years, one cross country move, and 500 miles per week commuting that first year in Oregon...not a bad deal when you factor in that I've put about $800 total in upkeep beyond oil changes.
Training for the Pig is going quite well...I'm back to logging consistent miles here the last few weeks and starting to feel like I'm making progress.
Have a great weekend people...the sun might actually be out here in Michigan today.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Uhm...Excuse Me?
Can anyone tell me where spring went? Yesterday at 5:53 PM the temp was 55F. Today at the same time it was 30F with a light snow falling.
IT IS APRIL F*CKING 4TH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE SNOWING.
Oh, that's right...I live in the midwest again! The place where you can have all four seasons in one day!
Damn Michigan weather.
On another note - any comments/suggestions on the "running log" in the right hand column of the blog?
IT IS APRIL F*CKING 4TH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE SNOWING.
Oh, that's right...I live in the midwest again! The place where you can have all four seasons in one day!
Damn Michigan weather.
On another note - any comments/suggestions on the "running log" in the right hand column of the blog?
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Comments
Thanks Erin...and from what I gathered reading on the cluster map website is this: while it updates everyday, you have to have a certain % increase in order for it to show up.
Other than that I don't know...maybe your IP server is in some super-secret bunker out there on the west coast?
T showed me the website for the cluster map...I'm going to blame her.
Other than that I don't know...maybe your IP server is in some super-secret bunker out there on the west coast?
T showed me the website for the cluster map...I'm going to blame her.
Monday, April 02, 2007
First Quarter Review
Now that March is officially over, thought I would take the time to see how my running is shaping up compared to list time last year (no injuries, setbacks, etc).
Month | # of Runs 2006 | # of Runs 2007 | 2006 Mileage | 2007 Mileage |
Jan | 11 | 16 | 45 | 83 |
Feb | 10 | 15 | 38 | 68 |
March | 14 | 15 | 55 | 62 |
Total | 138 | 213 |
So, there it is…despite all the issues that I’ve dealt with these last 8-10 weeks I have:
1) Been out on the road more times that last year
2) Run more miles
According to my cool log/spreadsheet as of today I am 37.4 miles behind in my goal of running 1000 miles for the year, but when I look at the comparison above, I’m ok with that! Lot of days left in 2007.
Oh, 33 days, 20 hours left until the Flying Pig HM.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Surprises
I get home last night, dusty, tired, and windblown after a less then spectacular baseball game to find a box from UPS on the porch. Let's see, the stuff I ordered from REI came Monday, T's FR 205 came Monday...I haven't ordered anything, and I don't think she has...so I look at the box. From a friend in Oregon. I bring it inside. To my surprise I find a six back of Deschutes Mirror Pond!!!!! There was a nice note.
Honestly, I was completely floored. It's gestures like this that show me that I really do have friends in this world...not just co-workers.
I left a message for T (she was teaching) and basically said the same thing - don't ever let me say that I don't have friends in this world.
So, Trevor, without further delay: Thank you. It was an unbelievably nice thing to do. Much appreciated.
Honestly, I was completely floored. It's gestures like this that show me that I really do have friends in this world...not just co-workers.
I left a message for T (she was teaching) and basically said the same thing - don't ever let me say that I don't have friends in this world.
So, Trevor, without further delay: Thank you. It was an unbelievably nice thing to do. Much appreciated.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
75 and Counting....
75th post today...not sure what the gift is for that anniversary. Hard to believe that I've been at this since July. Oh, how time flies.
On to real business...been about a week and a half since I've checked in. Running is going...ok. I've been out the last two mornings with good results, despite the Hand of God wind this morning. I'm just trying to get used to running again. You know, actually getting up out of bed and getting out the door. Trying to ease back into slowly so I don't end up injured again. I'm trying something new over on the right hand side for posting training info. Right now it's set for the last 4 runs. Feedback would be appreciated on how it looks, etc.
The other challenge now is trying to work my running into my professional life since baseball season has started. Like this last weekend, I was at the park Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so the real challenge is either trying to get my runs in before I have to be at the training room (typically 3 hours prior to game time - so this Sat/Sun games start at noon. You do the math) or having enough energy to go for a run when I get home.
I'm taking it easy...only goal right now is to try and rebuild some of the aerobic base I had back in Dec/Jan.
On to real business...been about a week and a half since I've checked in. Running is going...ok. I've been out the last two mornings with good results, despite the Hand of God wind this morning. I'm just trying to get used to running again. You know, actually getting up out of bed and getting out the door. Trying to ease back into slowly so I don't end up injured again. I'm trying something new over on the right hand side for posting training info. Right now it's set for the last 4 runs. Feedback would be appreciated on how it looks, etc.
The other challenge now is trying to work my running into my professional life since baseball season has started. Like this last weekend, I was at the park Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so the real challenge is either trying to get my runs in before I have to be at the training room (typically 3 hours prior to game time - so this Sat/Sun games start at noon. You do the math) or having enough energy to go for a run when I get home.
I'm taking it easy...only goal right now is to try and rebuild some of the aerobic base I had back in Dec/Jan.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Race Day!
I’ve bored both of you who read this with the details of my right calf/leg issues lately and thought I should share some good news on that front:
The cool thing about my shirt is that on the back is a map of Pre's Trail in Alton Baker Park. Unfortunately forgot to get a picture of that.
I ran in my first race since Thanksgiving (didn’t really race that one) today, the Spectrum-Health Irish Jig 5k. Wasn’t shooting for a PR or anything…in fact my goals were to:
1) Run fairly even spits (8:57, 9:10, 8:54, 0:58 for 27:59:20 according to my chip, I had 28:00 on my FR 305 – mile two had some rolling hills and I had some people issues)
B) Make it through the race without my leg hurting = check! It is a little sore-ish now, but nothing that is going hang around long term.
So overall it was a good morning. Unfortunately for T, we left the house at 7:50 a.m. and it was probably 25F and she isn’t a big fan of early Saturday mornings and cold weather. But, she was there for me, and she even looked somewhat happy.
Start Rant:
Those of you who are reading this and run, or think you might start keep this in mind. When you sign up for a race, unless you plan on your finishing time being under 20 mins DO NOT START AT THE FRONT OF THE RACE. Even more so, if you are planning on walking the event START IN THE BACK. I am really self-conscious about being slow in races and as a result maybe I start too far back, but there is no way I should be passing people walking between 0.75-1.0 miles of a 5k when I’m running a 9:00 pace. You were too far forward. Move to the back.
End Rant.
So those were my people issues.
I can honestly say that I feel like I lifted a huge weight off myself when I decided to drop to the HM at the Pig. Leg has felt better, I’ve gotten some good runs in, and I’m generally feeling pretty good. Now I just need to stick with it as life gets busier again with baseball starting to play home games this week.
I’ve found a website that I’m going to start linking to for the two of you reading to see my training log. It will be easier for me to put the info there and link to it than to try and cut/paste it here.
Off to drink beer – it is St. Patrick’s Day afterall!
The cool thing about my shirt is that on the back is a map of Pre's Trail in Alton Baker Park. Unfortunately forgot to get a picture of that.
I ran in my first race since Thanksgiving (didn’t really race that one) today, the Spectrum-Health Irish Jig 5k. Wasn’t shooting for a PR or anything…in fact my goals were to:1) Run fairly even spits (8:57, 9:10, 8:54, 0:58 for 27:59:20 according to my chip, I had 28:00 on my FR 305 – mile two had some rolling hills and I had some people issues)
B) Make it through the race without my leg hurting = check! It is a little sore-ish now, but nothing that is going hang around long term.
So overall it was a good morning. Unfortunately for T, we left the house at 7:50 a.m. and it was probably 25F and she isn’t a big fan of early Saturday mornings and cold weather. But, she was there for me, and she even looked somewhat happy.
Start Rant:Those of you who are reading this and run, or think you might start keep this in mind. When you sign up for a race, unless you plan on your finishing time being under 20 mins DO NOT START AT THE FRONT OF THE RACE. Even more so, if you are planning on walking the event START IN THE BACK. I am really self-conscious about being slow in races and as a result maybe I start too far back, but there is no way I should be passing people walking between 0.75-1.0 miles of a 5k when I’m running a 9:00 pace. You were too far forward. Move to the back.
End Rant.
So those were my people issues.
I can honestly say that I feel like I lifted a huge weight off myself when I decided to drop to the HM at the Pig. Leg has felt better, I’ve gotten some good runs in, and I’m generally feeling pretty good. Now I just need to stick with it as life gets busier again with baseball starting to play home games this week.
I’ve found a website that I’m going to start linking to for the two of you reading to see my training log. It will be easier for me to put the info there and link to it than to try and cut/paste it here.
Off to drink beer – it is St. Patrick’s Day afterall!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Jitters
Early morning at work, so I'm home this afternoon...too bad I had to drop the car of to have the rear shocks/struts replaced.
Good week of running so far...did 11 miles Sunday (ok, that was technically last week since I go Monday to Sunday for my "running week" but still!) then 5 Tuesday and 6 Thursday. I'm only running every other day for awhile to see how my improving leg problem holds up...so far so good.
Running in a 5K tomorrow, the Spectrum Health Irish Jig. Yup, there will be green everywhere. There is a prize of $100 for the best dressed leprechaun! Not going for the prize, but I will be wearing green. There should be pics posted tomorrow after the race.
Keep your fingers crossed that things will go well tomorrow, and then I've got 10-12 on the schedule for Sunday.
Good week of running so far...did 11 miles Sunday (ok, that was technically last week since I go Monday to Sunday for my "running week" but still!) then 5 Tuesday and 6 Thursday. I'm only running every other day for awhile to see how my improving leg problem holds up...so far so good.
Running in a 5K tomorrow, the Spectrum Health Irish Jig. Yup, there will be green everywhere. There is a prize of $100 for the best dressed leprechaun! Not going for the prize, but I will be wearing green. There should be pics posted tomorrow after the race.
Keep your fingers crossed that things will go well tomorrow, and then I've got 10-12 on the schedule for Sunday.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Announcement
After much deliberation I have made a decision concerning the Flying Pig Marathon:
I'm not doing it.
My leg is feeling much improved, however, I feel I am too far behind in my training now to make it safely through the full 26.2 miles. As a result, I notified the organization that I would like to switch to the half-marathon and was notified this afternoon that the change has been made. So, I'm still running that day - wouldn't dream of missing out on meeting so many of the people from coolrunning.com - but I will not be making my marathon debut.
While it was a difficult decision, I do feel that it was the right decision. Now my goal is beat my time from the half-marathon I did back in Oct.
My goal is still for the Flying Pig to be my first marathon, just 2008.
On a much more excited note:
T is in training!
Of her own accord she decided to sign up for the 5K of the 5/3 River Bank Run here in Grand Rapids on May 12. There will be pictures.
I'm not doing it.
My leg is feeling much improved, however, I feel I am too far behind in my training now to make it safely through the full 26.2 miles. As a result, I notified the organization that I would like to switch to the half-marathon and was notified this afternoon that the change has been made. So, I'm still running that day - wouldn't dream of missing out on meeting so many of the people from coolrunning.com - but I will not be making my marathon debut.
While it was a difficult decision, I do feel that it was the right decision. Now my goal is beat my time from the half-marathon I did back in Oct.
My goal is still for the Flying Pig to be my first marathon, just 2008.
On a much more excited note:
T is in training!
Of her own accord she decided to sign up for the 5K of the 5/3 River Bank Run here in Grand Rapids on May 12. There will be pictures.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Spring Break 2006
We came up with the idea to spend 2-3 days in Chicago over spring break once I knew for sure that I wouldn’t have to work that week. I mean, what better way to spend the middle of the week than going to Chicago? I’ve been before, but this was going to be T’s first trip there so we had to do some touristy things.
Tuesday
The trip started with our train ride from Holland, MI to Chicago – even though I’ve been to Chicago, all of my previous trips there were either in a car or on a charter bus full of drunken college kids (ah, those were the times!) so to save a bit on gas/parking/and having to navigate the streets of downtown Chicago we decided to let Amtrak do the driving for us! We did, however encounter some “mechanical issues” (something with the automatic switches at crossings) so we ended up arriving in Chicago about 2 hours late. To say the Mrs. Patience didn’t do to well at the end when we were at a standstill about 30 minutes outside of the city would be an understatement. That and she was suffering from a wicked head cold and was not feeling 100% as we left. The one bright spot of the train ride was the excellent coffee they had available – Green Mountain – if only we could buy it in Grand Rapids!
We arrived in Chicago and made it to the hotel – Millenium Knickerbocker right off the Magnificent Mile – to check in and figure out what to do with ourselves. We headed over to the Water Tower Place for a quick bite to eat and we were off for a little shopping on the Mile. Didn’t buy anything of real substance – but we were both amazed at the number of women wearing fur! Guess it’s a downtown Chicago thing.
For dinner we decided to head over to Rush St and see what we could find – both of us were in the mood for Italian and we happened upon this small restaurant that turned out to be quite possibly the best Italian dinner I’ve ever had! Papa Milano (951 N State St, Chicago IL 60610) evidently is a local landmark…small, nice atmosphere, and the food was unbelievable! I had the lasagna and T had the chicken marsala (she made some comment about wanting to swim in the sauce and I came close to licking my plate the red sauce was so good), and desert was on the house! Highly recommend at stop there the next time anyone is in Chicago.
Wednesday
This was our big “tourist” day as we went to the Museum of Science & Industry to see the Bodyworlds 2 exhibit. Since there was no photography allowed in the exhibit we don’t have any pics to share (unless I scan the postcards we bought) but you can appreciate it visually by poking around the website.
The exhibit was awesome – all of the hyperbole in the world won’t come close to doing it justice – and educational. We were both in that little kid “wow” mode for the two hours that it took us to make it through the exhibit. Some things that stood out:
The individual body parts that compared normal, healthy tissue to the diseased version, such as the knee arthritis, cirrhotic liver, lung tumors, the joint replacements, there was a comparison of a normal person to an obese person (cross section lengthwise) that was jaw dropping.
The whole body specimens were breathtaking – it was often hard to believe that they were real human bodies and not artificial, that’s how real they look following the preservation process. The ones on display in this exhibit that I/we liked the best: baseball swing, exploded man, ballerina, and the figure skaters.
Bottom line – if you get a chance to see it, it is WELL worth the money (and for all you Oregon people according the website it will be in Portland June 7 – Oct 7, 2007 – GO)
After Bodyworlds we made our way through the rest of the Museum and spent a good bit of time in the U-505 exhibit (a real, restored German U-boat from WWII), even taking the on-board tour.
With this being our last night in Chicago I knew I had to take T to get some authentic Chicago style pizza, so off to Gino’s East (on Superior) we went. Great food, great beer (for me at least T still wasn’t 100%) – Goose Island Honkers Ale, which might be the best ale I’ve had since Mirror Pond– and T signed her name on the wall. Ok, so did I, even put “Miami Evans Scholars” under my name…what can I say I was feeling nostalgic!
Thursday
Last day in the Windy City…T was quite the trooper. Despite how she was feeling she said she was up for the walk from the hotel to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Spent a couple of hours taking in all of the great works… “Nighthawks”, “American Gothic”, “Paris Street, Rainy Day”, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte”, and many of the works of Georgia O’Keefe jumped out at us. We had a leisurely walk back to the hotel – with a stop at Chipotle for lunch, even took some with us for later! – and then made our way to Union Station for the train home.
Both of us in front of the Art Institute - ok, I didn't really trust the homeless guy to take one of both of us. He did, however point out to T the sign showing the start of Route 66:
Over all, great time - most of that may have been the company, because even though the cold had almost beaten her into submission, there is no one else I'd rather hang out with than T, in Chicago, Grand Rapids, or anywhere else!!
Now just need to try and enjoy the last days of spring break while trying to accomplish things around the house, and getting my pig training back on track.
Tuesday
The trip started with our train ride from Holland, MI to Chicago – even though I’ve been to Chicago, all of my previous trips there were either in a car or on a charter bus full of drunken college kids (ah, those were the times!) so to save a bit on gas/parking/and having to navigate the streets of downtown Chicago we decided to let Amtrak do the driving for us! We did, however encounter some “mechanical issues” (something with the automatic switches at crossings) so we ended up arriving in Chicago about 2 hours late. To say the Mrs. Patience didn’t do to well at the end when we were at a standstill about 30 minutes outside of the city would be an understatement. That and she was suffering from a wicked head cold and was not feeling 100% as we left. The one bright spot of the train ride was the excellent coffee they had available – Green Mountain – if only we could buy it in Grand Rapids!
We arrived in Chicago and made it to the hotel – Millenium Knickerbocker right off the Magnificent Mile – to check in and figure out what to do with ourselves. We headed over to the Water Tower Place for a quick bite to eat and we were off for a little shopping on the Mile. Didn’t buy anything of real substance – but we were both amazed at the number of women wearing fur! Guess it’s a downtown Chicago thing.
For dinner we decided to head over to Rush St and see what we could find – both of us were in the mood for Italian and we happened upon this small restaurant that turned out to be quite possibly the best Italian dinner I’ve ever had! Papa Milano (951 N State St, Chicago IL 60610) evidently is a local landmark…small, nice atmosphere, and the food was unbelievable! I had the lasagna and T had the chicken marsala (she made some comment about wanting to swim in the sauce and I came close to licking my plate the red sauce was so good), and desert was on the house! Highly recommend at stop there the next time anyone is in Chicago.
Wednesday
This was our big “tourist” day as we went to the Museum of Science & Industry to see the Bodyworlds 2 exhibit. Since there was no photography allowed in the exhibit we don’t have any pics to share (unless I scan the postcards we bought) but you can appreciate it visually by poking around the website.
The exhibit was awesome – all of the hyperbole in the world won’t come close to doing it justice – and educational. We were both in that little kid “wow” mode for the two hours that it took us to make it through the exhibit. Some things that stood out:
The individual body parts that compared normal, healthy tissue to the diseased version, such as the knee arthritis, cirrhotic liver, lung tumors, the joint replacements, there was a comparison of a normal person to an obese person (cross section lengthwise) that was jaw dropping.
The whole body specimens were breathtaking – it was often hard to believe that they were real human bodies and not artificial, that’s how real they look following the preservation process. The ones on display in this exhibit that I/we liked the best: baseball swing, exploded man, ballerina, and the figure skaters.
Bottom line – if you get a chance to see it, it is WELL worth the money (and for all you Oregon people according the website it will be in Portland June 7 – Oct 7, 2007 – GO)
After Bodyworlds we made our way through the rest of the Museum and spent a good bit of time in the U-505 exhibit (a real, restored German U-boat from WWII), even taking the on-board tour.
With this being our last night in Chicago I knew I had to take T to get some authentic Chicago style pizza, so off to Gino’s East (on Superior) we went. Great food, great beer (for me at least T still wasn’t 100%) – Goose Island Honkers Ale, which might be the best ale I’ve had since Mirror Pond– and T signed her name on the wall. Ok, so did I, even put “Miami Evans Scholars” under my name…what can I say I was feeling nostalgic!
Thursday
Last day in the Windy City…T was quite the trooper. Despite how she was feeling she said she was up for the walk from the hotel to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Spent a couple of hours taking in all of the great works… “Nighthawks”, “American Gothic”, “Paris Street, Rainy Day”, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte”, and many of the works of Georgia O’Keefe jumped out at us. We had a leisurely walk back to the hotel – with a stop at Chipotle for lunch, even took some with us for later! – and then made our way to Union Station for the train home.
Both of us in front of the Art Institute - ok, I didn't really trust the homeless guy to take one of both of us. He did, however point out to T the sign showing the start of Route 66:
Over all, great time - most of that may have been the company, because even though the cold had almost beaten her into submission, there is no one else I'd rather hang out with than T, in Chicago, Grand Rapids, or anywhere else!!
Now just need to try and enjoy the last days of spring break while trying to accomplish things around the house, and getting my pig training back on track.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Return from Vacation!
Back from the windy city...had an excellent time. The full trip report will take a few days, but I promise to have it up by Sunday.
Just back in from a run...a pain-free run! Didn't feel the leg at all over the 5 miles. I'm still really, really, really, really far behind in my training but today was a good day. Need to remember my running mantra "Just follow the schedule for today." It's from a friend on Cool Runnings (see the link to the right and find the 30's thread in the newbie discussion thread).
Stats on today's run:
5.10 miles 55:44 10:56 pace 159 avg HR
Not great, but not horrible considering the amount of down-time I've had!
Also, keep fingers crossed as I have officially applied for a new job - hope to know something in the next month or so...
Just back in from a run...a pain-free run! Didn't feel the leg at all over the 5 miles. I'm still really, really, really, really far behind in my training but today was a good day. Need to remember my running mantra "Just follow the schedule for today." It's from a friend on Cool Runnings (see the link to the right and find the 30's thread in the newbie discussion thread).
Stats on today's run:
5.10 miles 55:44 10:56 pace 159 avg HR
Not great, but not horrible considering the amount of down-time I've had!
Also, keep fingers crossed as I have officially applied for a new job - hope to know something in the next month or so...
Sunday, March 04, 2007
62 Days?
According to http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/ there are 62 days, 12 hours, 19 mins, and some seconds left until the marathon as I write this...ok, that actually scares me!
I'm so far off the reservation as far as training is concerned, due to lack of motivation, injury, illness, and crappy weather that I've really got my work cut out for me. With that said...
I just got back from quite possibly the best run (and shortest - 2.5 miles) I've had since sometime in early January. The leg felt awesome - even on the areas of the streets that weren't clear of snow. The limiting factor was the hacking cough that nearly doubled me over twice...the cough, the latest in the hurdles that have been thrown in front of me!
I'm blaming Bob's Sports Bar and my boss for this one...one week ago Friday he wanted to have a "staff meeting" and get a few beers after work. Not being one to turn down beers I went. Much to my dismay I haven't spent much time in bars lately and wasn't quite prepared to be one of the 4-5 people out of 30-35 in the place that wasn't smoking. To say I "smoked" about a carton of cigarettes would be an understatement! I smelled so bad when I got home that I stripped down, took a shower, and had T carry my clothes to the basement! Since then my throat has been scratchy/irritated and I've been coughing...not to say I may not have had a cold, but I'm blaming the smoke filled bar! Yet another reason to miss Oregon.
So I'm trying my best to get back on the training wagon - and the events of the last few days; the massage, increasing my stretching/rehab, and today's run give me hope that I'll actually be able to get in some quality runs over the next few days.
Speaking of the next few days - T and I are headed to Chicago on Tuesday for a mid-week, three day weekend. She's never been. We're staying downtown - and in case any Evans Alumni are reading, yes, we're staying at the Knickerbocker (rates were actually pretty reasonable for a downtown hotel). Bodyworlds is in town and since we're both nerds, we're pretty excited about that!
There probably won't be another post until we get back - and the trip will be photo documented thoroughly.
I'm so far off the reservation as far as training is concerned, due to lack of motivation, injury, illness, and crappy weather that I've really got my work cut out for me. With that said...
I just got back from quite possibly the best run (and shortest - 2.5 miles) I've had since sometime in early January. The leg felt awesome - even on the areas of the streets that weren't clear of snow. The limiting factor was the hacking cough that nearly doubled me over twice...the cough, the latest in the hurdles that have been thrown in front of me!
I'm blaming Bob's Sports Bar and my boss for this one...one week ago Friday he wanted to have a "staff meeting" and get a few beers after work. Not being one to turn down beers I went. Much to my dismay I haven't spent much time in bars lately and wasn't quite prepared to be one of the 4-5 people out of 30-35 in the place that wasn't smoking. To say I "smoked" about a carton of cigarettes would be an understatement! I smelled so bad when I got home that I stripped down, took a shower, and had T carry my clothes to the basement! Since then my throat has been scratchy/irritated and I've been coughing...not to say I may not have had a cold, but I'm blaming the smoke filled bar! Yet another reason to miss Oregon.
So I'm trying my best to get back on the training wagon - and the events of the last few days; the massage, increasing my stretching/rehab, and today's run give me hope that I'll actually be able to get in some quality runs over the next few days.
Speaking of the next few days - T and I are headed to Chicago on Tuesday for a mid-week, three day weekend. She's never been. We're staying downtown - and in case any Evans Alumni are reading, yes, we're staying at the Knickerbocker (rates were actually pretty reasonable for a downtown hotel). Bodyworlds is in town and since we're both nerds, we're pretty excited about that!
There probably won't be another post until we get back - and the trip will be photo documented thoroughly.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Today...
Made it out for 5 miles this morning...footing was less than ideal due to all of the slush on the roads, but managed to find a route that wasn't too bad - nice little out-back/loop in my neighborhood. Leg felt good on the streets that were clear, not so good on the slush.
Run stats:
5.13 miles, 58:09 (11:21 pace overall - most likely due to the poorish footing) with an average heart rate of 157.
This was the third day in a row of running for me, and the second day in a row of doing my rehab for my leg, and amazingly IT FEELS BETTER!
If the weather holds tomorrow I've got 7 on tap after work (early practice so I should be home early afternoon with enough time to run before dark) which will be a good indicator of how the leg will hold up.
Maria – planning on a massage over spring break, when I have more time…and can I just say that I love still being allowed to take a week off of work in the spring and it not count against vacation! Ah, the life of academia!
If anyone reading this is interested the latest Steve Runner podcast (www.steverunner.com) on Pre is very much worth the listen.
Run stats:
5.13 miles, 58:09 (11:21 pace overall - most likely due to the poorish footing) with an average heart rate of 157.
This was the third day in a row of running for me, and the second day in a row of doing my rehab for my leg, and amazingly IT FEELS BETTER!
If the weather holds tomorrow I've got 7 on tap after work (early practice so I should be home early afternoon with enough time to run before dark) which will be a good indicator of how the leg will hold up.
Maria – planning on a massage over spring break, when I have more time…and can I just say that I love still being allowed to take a week off of work in the spring and it not count against vacation! Ah, the life of academia!
If anyone reading this is interested the latest Steve Runner podcast (www.steverunner.com) on Pre is very much worth the listen.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Not Sure...
Ok, what the hell is wrong with my leg? I've lamented about my leg pain in previous posts...got some miles in yesterday at the Y (Old Man Winter has decided to take up residence here in W. MI.) and my leg was SORE. Woke up today, still SORE. Did some treatment/exercises today at work...get to the Y for a run. First mile and a quarter feel like my leg is going to fall off...then suddenly discomfort/pain gone. Just made 3-4 trips up and down the stairs here...NOTHING. We'll see how it does tomorrow.
I've scrapped my training plan I was on and have gone with one of my own design (courtesy of Dr. Daniels' excellent book) to try and get me ready for the Pig. With 10 weeks until the event I'm dropping back to the first "phase" and I'm just going to log some miles over the next 4 weeks in an attempt to get used to running long again, and to get my weekend long runs back into the double digits. I'll keep you informed of course.
It's that time of year again and T and I sat down and did our taxes - big shouts of thanks go out to Turbo Tax and the Federal government for letting you deduct moving expenses. Let's just say we won't have to touch the savings to pay for our nice bedroom furniture.
Quick comment on the Oscars: that Helen Mirren...WOW!!!!!!!
I've scrapped my training plan I was on and have gone with one of my own design (courtesy of Dr. Daniels' excellent book) to try and get me ready for the Pig. With 10 weeks until the event I'm dropping back to the first "phase" and I'm just going to log some miles over the next 4 weeks in an attempt to get used to running long again, and to get my weekend long runs back into the double digits. I'll keep you informed of course.
It's that time of year again and T and I sat down and did our taxes - big shouts of thanks go out to Turbo Tax and the Federal government for letting you deduct moving expenses. Let's just say we won't have to touch the savings to pay for our nice bedroom furniture.
Quick comment on the Oscars: that Helen Mirren...WOW!!!!!!!
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