Warming up

It's nice to finally be able to get outside without needing a bunch of layers to stay warm. I managed four miles yesterday morning -- right before the rain showed up.

Eight days until the Wisconsin Marathon, which has now reached capacity (2,000 runners between the half and full marathons). I didn't realize it until now, but the "out-and-back south" portion of the race comes within a tenth of a mile of the Wisconsin-Illinois border before heading back north. Getting to that turnaround point (and the long return to the finish) will likely be the toughest part of the race. I hope I can keep it together.

To ensure a place in the special starting corral, I plan to wear a Cheesehead Cowboy Hat, like the one seen on this page. I don't know how comfortable it will be after 26.2 miles of running, but it should add to the fun factor of the race.

If you plan to be out there watching, let me know, and I'll watch for you as I run by!

Tapering? Not exactly

If this was a usual marathon training cycle for me, I'd have run a 20-miler over the weekend, and I'd be slowly reducing mileage until race day.

Things are different this time. I ran 3.5 miles on Saturday and rested on Easter Sunday. I've averaged just over 10 miles a week since the start of the year. My longest run was a 10-miler on Saturday, April 4. My weekly mileage will probably stay in the 10-15 range right up to May 2, when I'll try and fly for 26 miles 385 yards.

Will the "less is more" plan keep me moving at the Wisconsin Marathon, or is this a recipe for disaster? Only time will tell.

Hometown Run Machine

I finally signed up for another race. On Saturday, May 2, I will be running the Wisconsin Marathon, which starts just a few miles from my house. This should be an interesting one. The race is organized by some folks based in Chicago. I think they're hoping to get a lot of Illinois runners across the border. There's going to be a special starting corral for anyone wearing a cheesehead or some sort of cheese-themed clothing.

I'm not planning to set a personal best, as I won't be increasing my weekly mileage much in preparation for the race. I hope to finish in about four hours.

If you're interested in coming to see me race, let me know! If you live anywhere near me, you won't have to drive far at all.

2009 Q1

With winter making a late appearance over the weekend, I ran four miles on the the treadmill today. This puts me at 119 miles for the year, and 6303 lifetime.

What have I been up to? While I haven't been racing, I think I'm in pretty good shape. My weight continues to hover in the 165-170 range. As a part of a "Healthy Lifestyle Challenge" at work, I've been doing some kind of cardio activity for 30 minutes five times a week. I also lifted weights three times a week, so I'm a tiny bit more muscular then I used to be. :)

I might find a race to run in the coming weeks/months, but it's tough to say how far it'll be. The longest I've run so far this year is seven miles.

Now that spring is here, I'll try and post a bit more frequently.

Back out there, the sequel

I ran outside this morning, which was the first time since my last post. After doing so many "hamster miles", it's quite a thrill to run and actually go somewhere!

I'm still taking it easy -- no more than five miles in a single run. Will the coming of spring give me a marathoning bug? We'll find out.

Back out there

With the temperatures in the 40s, I ventured outside this morning for my first outdoor run in quite a while. It was a bit foggy, so I brought along the portable light that I got for Christmas. I managed 3.5 miles in about 32 minutes.

I still don't have any racing plans -- maybe when spring rolls around.

Taking it easy

While I am continuing to exercise regularly, I have definitely cut back on running. I didn't go outside at all in January, but I did run 3-4 "hamster miles" 2-3 times a week. I've also been using the elliptical trainer in the spare bedroom. I am also lifting weights 2-3 times a week. My weight continues to hover between 165 and 170, which is where I want to be.

So, the odometer isn't rising as quickly as it has been, but I'm staying fit. I'm not sure when the desire to run another marathon will hit me, but when it does, I'll definitely write about it here.

2008 in Review

I finished December 2008 with a mere 42.8 miles. However, I've spent a lot more time on the elliptical trainer in recent weeks, so my fitness level is still pretty good.

Here's my total mileage since I started tracking it in late 2004:

2004: 120 miles
2005: 1417 miles
2006: 1618 miles
2007: 1740 miles
2008: 1289 miles
Total: 6184 miles

Though 2008's total is the lowest in four years, I'm not slowing down by any means. I ran 14 races this past year, and I set personal records at 10 of them.

What will I do in 2009? It's still too early to tell. I'll probably take it easy for the next couple of months at least, but I may pick things up once the weather improves. I just might run a 50-miler in the fall. As usual, I'll let my faithful readers know as soon as I sign up for another race. Until then, keep on runnin'!

Winter Wonderland

I went out with two work colleagues on Friday morning for an annual tradition -- the "Profit Sharing Day Run". With a snow emergency declared, only THREE of us braved the horrendous conditions. We've had ten or more in the past.

We left the campus and headed east toward the lake. A very strong wind was hitting us in the face, which was not fun. I was wearing a ski mask to keep as warm as possible. I used my running mittens to shield my eyes from the blowing snow. We meandered south on not-too-busy streets and made our way into downtown, sometimes stomping through foot-deep snow.

After a mile and a half of running east and south, we turned and headed north on Main street. We eventually made the final turn back to the west. With the wind at our backs, the end of the run was no problem at all.

Three very cold miles in about 27 minutes.

The "before" picture: Ben, Rodney, Jesus (did not go outside), Ken

The "after" picture: Ben, Rodney, Ken

Luke 10:25-37

Yesterday afternoon, I managed to run four miles outdoors. It was my first outdoor run in at least a week, and with the weather turning quite chilly, I'm not sure how excited I am about going out there again anytime soon. There's always the treadmill.

About two miles into my run, I spotted a stalled minivan on the side of the road, less than 100 feet from a gas station entrance. The first time I ran by, I kept on going, but my conscience tugged at me (or was it the Holy Spirit?) and I turned around. I waved to the couple inside and asked if they needed some help pushing the van into the gas station. They accepted the offer, and the man came out to push alongside me while his wife steered. Shortly after we got the van moving, a third individual came from I have no idea where and provided additional support. In a few moments, the van was off the street, and I headed back home. It felt good to lend a helping hand, even if for just a moment.