Bike Accident

Typing one handed. Truck pulled out in front of me causing me to hit the curb. Bike has a lot of damage as does owner.......most serious is left wrist fracture and no skin on my right thigh. Please keep me in your prayers as I am in a lot of pain. Thanks.

Where's Waldo?

Ok.
I'm still in the land of the living......

Sorry I've been out of touch for a month. November has been shall we say.....less than kind to me. I have had to switch shifts at work and than means working all night on Friday nights the weekends Nissan has extra production. By the end of the week, I am just too darned exhausted to do anything. My training has taken a severe nose dive.

Then there is another reason I haven't been there. Two words.....Deer Season.......and you can guess where I have been the days we haven't had extra production.

That leads me to this past week. I was planning on doing the turkey trot at fleet feet on Thursday before heading to Columbus for Thanksgiving and then coming back to run with everybody on Saturday, (as Steve Martin used to say....) "But NOOOOOOOOOOO!

It seems I have become "too mature" well, ok, just too darned old to be sprinting. Everytime I sprint, I pull a hamstring. Well this past week, I was at work on the treadmill and a great song came on. I was feeling good at the 1.5 mile mark, so I cranked her up from about a level 5 to a level 9. I was flying and feeling good. Then......."POP", my right calf went out and down I went. Yes treadmills really do throw you off the back end if you are not careful. I now know from experience.

But the pain of the treadmill didn't even compare to the pain in my calf. Today is Sunday, and this is the first day I could actually walk on it. I hope I haven't torn anything, I really don't think so. Since I could walk, I was bounded and determined to get some cardio in today. (you've seen how big I am....and Thanksgiving didn't have a chance with an appetite like mine. What's that Austin Powers character? "Get in my Belly!! I'm gonna eat you!!) Anyway, so I got on my bike today and went for three miles after church. It's pretty sore, but I think I'm on the mend. Lots of stretching and ibuprophen.

So, barring any unforseen circumstances, I should be out there this coming Saturday. Just look for the big slob whose in the camo who's gained a few pounds..........

Happy Halloween!!

Sorry it's taken so long for me to blog again. Work has been a bear!! And to make it worse, I have to start night shift next Sunday night until they hire a new night shift RN. It could be 6 days or 6 months.......

Saturday was a great day for a run. I enjoyed running with old and new faces. My weekends aren't complete until I go stretch everything out at Heather's yoga class. For those of you my age, you might remember the children's toy "Stretch Armstrong". That's kind how I feel after class, but boy do I feel better. I was in the clinic today showing the other nursing staff some of my yoga stretches, and they were yelling at me at how difficult they were. Heh, heh.....not to long ago, I wanted beat Heather, now I can't wait to see her on Sunday afternoons...........

Yesterday when I got home from yoga, I decided then would be a good time to clean out the gutters before it got dark. Remember one of my first blogs when I fell through the roof and everything went in slow mo in a deep bass voice yelling oooooooooooohhhhhh noooooooooooo! Well part two: ladder came out from under me and down I plummeted. Lucky for me it was the back yard grass and the fact that I have some 'cushioning' around my petite frame. I laid there for a second and realized that yes, I was stll alive and no, nothing was hurting too bad, so I got up and finished the gutters (with my son Chris holding the ladder this time.....)

I guess when you look at it, I should be pretty thankful for my large frame. I've been in car accidents and other such mishaps where the medical personnel would tell me a smaller individual would have broken or crushed something. It still gets a little discouraging to see people pass me on the running trails, but I have to keep telling myself, hey! how many 6'3", 275 pound men are out here pullin down 8 miles? Not to many by my count.

Maybe if this running thing begins to catch on, one day I too will be 5'8" and 175 pounds like the normal male runner (when I'm 106 or 107........ :-)

Where were you when.........?

Ok, so I've come out of hiding now that this week is just about over. I just got through reading Mark's latest blog and it help me put things into perspective. Might as well write about it, huh?

This week for me has been one of the most difficult weeks in a long time. All of my emotions bouncing around in my head have made me feel somewhat schizophrenic! (No offense to my crazy friends out there.....) I have tried to hold my head high, but people keep calling, texting, emailing me asking me if I finished and every time I said the word "NO", I felt like a piece of me died again and again.

So today, I finally looked at my dog and decided to take him for a walk. What a beautiful cool day!!! 77 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. CJ and I went for a two mile walk. And you know what? It was great to "just start over". There I was admiring God's creations and enjoying the weather and there was CJ doing his business looking up at me like he wanted some privacy.....

Finally, I decided to give the jogging thing a try. Ok. Not bad. Not too sore and not too many twinges of pain. Maybe the body is going to be ok afterall. I jog a little more and walk a little more. We get home and I do my yoga stretches outside on the back patio. I think back to something my boss said on Tuesday. He said, "well, you know if you had of finished and the race was a normal race, then it would have been just another marathon. But you weren't allowed to finish in a marathon that will probably be remembered in running history, and you were a part of it."

Wow, part of running history. Now even though that's kinda bad because a life was taken, that still kinda blows my mind, doesn't it yours? You know you'll always remember where you were when Kennedy got shot, Elvis died, the Space Shuttle exploded and of course 9/11. I guess if we all keep running, we'll always remember Chicago-2007 as our greatest challenge.

But it is what it is. It is now history and I must look forward to each day as if it were my last. Just like when that Ape guy hit Cimba with a stick in the movie LION KING. Cimba asked, "Hey what did ya do that for?" and the Ape Guy, said, "It does not matter, it is in the past!" Well, Chicago was my stick. But, just like Cimba returning to his home to reclaim his life, by going out today for a walk/light jog.....I am reclaiming my health, determination, sanity, and MY LIFE. For I am STILL a marathoner!!

The Cat in the Hat

Ok. So I'm tired of reading all of these heartfelt blogs and crying! My eyes can't take much more! So here it is 5 days to countdown and I'm looking at my last blog. What to write about?

Today, I will write about my white "TITANS" sun visor. Why you ask? Let's just say that both I and it have a lot in common.......

It was exactly around this time last year (Labor Day, 2006) that I was walking on the shore of Kentucky lake by my in-law's lake house. I happened upon this sun visor lying there on the shore. Like me this sun visor had "washed up" and was of no use to anybody. It was just lying there, feeling hopeless and worthless. I had just turned 40 and in the fashion as one who has a mid-life crisis would do. I looked in the mirror and asked, "Who are you? What are you doing with your life?"

I pick up this sun visor and examine it. It used to be a really good visor. Probably came from good stock. Doesn't seem broken or torn anywhere. I think it can be saved.

I take it back to the lake house, put it in the dish washer, and what do ya know? It comes out looking brand new! I try it on. It's a perfect fit. It has new life!!

I get back to Madison and decide during this mid life crisis, that I'm either going to purchase a convertible corvette or get back in shape. My wife being the bookkeeper that she is agreed upon the latter. So off we run....me and my new sun visor. Our motto is just like a traffic sign: New Life Ahead!! I begin to feel better both physically and mentally. My sun visor is still with me, mile after mile.

Fast forward to 2007. Marathon Makeover! 26.2! All of the training and sweating has begun to break down the sun visor and the runner wearing it. But the visor never loses hope that tomorrow may be it's last run so it better act right and keep looking good today. I take my sharpie and write on it ( we're friends now, so it was ok.....) I write things to remind the visor and myself what we are doing. I put, "I am a Marathoner!" and Chicago-Oct. 7, 2007 and "No Reserves! No Retreats! No Regrets". The visor thinks it's cool now that it has been tattooed.

So on Sunday, Me and that ole ragged sun visor are going to do the biggest run of our lives. I'm running for my dad, who was tragically taken from me in December, 2004 by a bullet that was meant for someone else at the age of 59. But before he was murdered, he had several heart attacks and cardiac related problems. That was the reason I became a nurse....to help him. And more specifically, a cardiac nurse (until the move to Nissan) to understand his condition. Thus the reason for running. I didn't want the same problems as my dad. But you know what? My dad is Heaven praising God with the angels and wouldn't dream of coming back.

My sun visor? It's running with me to remind me that while I thought I was washed up, I'm really just getting started. A little rough around the edges. A little worn down. But with lots of good miles to go!! So on Sunday when you see me with my White TITANS Sun Visor, remember that tomorrow is never promised and run like it will be your last. I love you, dad!

Kelvin Jones
Nissan Nurse
10/02/2007

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."
- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

I came across this quote while surfing the web at work over the weekend. Considering this was my worst weekend ever to run, it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. It seems ever since my 'cramping episode' last Saturday, I have been in pain ever since. I didn't run Monday, tried to run 4 miles with Phil on Tuesday and about fell apart, and didn't run on Thursday due to being so sore and in pain. Saturday, I had every intention of doing 10 miles. I just had to leave early to be able to do it before I had to be at work by 8am. By the time I made it to the crafts cabin, I knew my day was over. I limped back to the car and went home doing only 5 miles. I find it ironic that with two weeks to go, I am actually going backwards while listening to everyone having great runs. Anyway, enough about the whine party.......

So I'm having issues and don't know what to do. Then I read that quote from General Patton. That is so true. My mind quit on me before I finished my first mile. My mind controlled my run. When I didn't want to get out of bed Saturday morning, I knew it was over before it started.

Here are a few more quotes that gave me inspiration:
"Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize."
- Norman Vincent Peale, author

"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."
- Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and marathon finisher

"Hills are speedwork in disguise."
- Frank Shorter

"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat."
- Napoleon Bonaparte, legendary military leader

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and Sub-2:12 marathoner

As Chuck likes to quote from the movie Cool Hand Luke, I'm gettin my mind right, boss! I will take these final two weeks and give it all I've got! No Retreats!! Reserves!! No Regrets!!
I AM A MARATHON RUNNER!!!
(a bit of a tired, broken down, achy, slow marathon runner, BUT ONE NONE THE LESS!! )

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!!

Ok, here are my comments and thoughts about Saturday's run:

1. If you take a benedryl the night before, make sure you take it early enough to wear off when you get up at 3:30am the next morning. When the alarm went off, I didn't know which way was up. It was amazing that I got there fully clothed and my underwear was on the inside!!
And being the astute nurse that I am, at 3:30am I decided to take a 2-liter of Dt. Mountain Dew in the car with me to try and wake me up not thinking clearly enough that the caffiene would dehydrate me later.........go figure.

2. With a full bladder at the start of the run, make sure your cap light functions properly when you have to make a pit stop in the woods.
It seems that I am now covered with a poison ivy rash all over my body from one of my little 'treks' into the woods in the dark. I had to take a decadron shot and start popping Claritin Antihistimines as soon as I got to the clinic on Monday.

3. And if you do drink a liter of Dt. Mountain Dew, be sure to replace enough liquids and electrolytes so as not to have a crushing headache the last twelve miles so that you don't see two of everybody from your dehydration. I apologize to anyone if I seemed rather short at the end of the run. I was in a lot of pain.

4. If you are dehydrated, don't try and drive until you have enough fluids to counteract the cramping that has been occuring the last twelve mile of your run.
It seems I cramped up when I got in the car. Ok, no biggee. It passed. Then, by the time I got home, it took upwards of twenty minutes to try and get out of the car without cramping. My wife had to come help me out of the car. Then she had to undress me in the bathroom because I couldn't bend my legs. But oh my Lord! Did that ice bath and cold shower feel sooooooooo good!

5. After cleaning up and feeling better, remember to keep drinking fluids and replacing those electrolytes. I hobbled over to the couch to rest, and watch a nice afternoon of college football. It seems I dozed off for about thirty minutes. I'm laying there on the couch and thinking, 'ok, I need to go to the bathroom'. I start to get off the couch and that is when the most miserable time of my entire life began for the next 6-10 minutes. I like to think that I died and went to hell and back. ..........

As I got off the couch, both of my groin muscles and my other "male associated" area locked up completely and I began what was the worst cramp of my life. I have had broken bones, passed a small kidney stone, and had MCL/ACL damage to my left knee and none of those things even compared to the pain and agony I was feeling at that moment.

I tried to get off the couch thinking if I could just 'walk it off', I would be ok. But NOOOOOOO! I took a step and fell to the ground on my hands and knees. Tears were pouring out of my eyes as I howled in agony. In the background, I could hear my wife and son laughing at me as they later said that I was "screaming like a little girl". I don't remember much of anything as I almost blacked out from the pain, but I do remember asking her to shoot me and put me out of my misery.......

Finally, by the grace of God, it subsided after what Tamara said was about 6 minutes. I lay on the floor afraid to get up. They helped me up to the bathroom, laid me on the bed, gave me some ice packs to the areas and popped a flexeril muscle relaxer down my throat to knock me out. About three hours later, I got up, and then proceeded to eat and drink for what seemed like an hour. I devoured almost a whole pot roast, all but one piece of a pan of cornbread, a loaded baked potato, a bag of cooked mini carrots, and all the liquids I could stand. And then I was still hungry that night before I went to bed.

Moral of the story, hydrate.......hydrate.......hydrate........even with the cooler weather. Take your electrolyte supplements and stay away from excessive caffiene before a long run.

Sorry to ramble for such a long story...... I just finished my afternoon Dt. Dew........excuse I have to go to the little boys room now........:-)

And Now, The Top Ten List....

In the spirit of David Letterman, I would like to do the "Top Ten Reasons Why Chicago Is Going To Be A Better Run than Mississippi". Feel free to add to the list. Are you ready?

10. Humidity? What Humidity? Just like Lisa in California and myself in Kentucky, it was nice to actually be able to breathe again.........

9. Deep Dish Pizza. Cheesecake Factory. The miracle mile shopping extravaganza. I believe from a culinary experience, my stomach and tastebuds will thank me after all of the gels, and gatorade this year.

8. October!! I went to the doctor the other day and they asked me if I was allergic to anything. I said "Yes, August!!" I keep thinking back to the levee days......

7. Now is where you come in to finish.....Let's hear your thoughts!!

Kentucky, part II

Hey Everyone!
Sorry to have missed this weekend, but we are back at the lake house in Kentucky for the Labor Day weekend. I didn't run until today as my father-in-law wanted to play golf yesterday (how could I say no?). So this morning, I went back to my little high school track to do my 10 miles. I don't know how Saturday was in Jackson, but this morning, the car temperature said 70 degrees. There was a nice breeze blowing and very little humidity.

The problem is that it is really hard to do long distances without the group or running partners! I got so tired of going around in circles, but there was no safe place to run except the last place I wrote about (with all of the hills and blisters). So my legs were really sore from playing golf in the hills the day before when I got out of bed.

Needless to say......sore legs, running by myself with no motivation, and still tired from working doubles at work this past week, I managed to get 7 miles in before I gave up the ghost. But hey, 3/4 of it while on vacation is not too bad if you ask me.....

I have already decided that I will not run anywhere near the amount by myself as I do with a group. So I guess if I want to keep running, I better stay with all of you guys.

Well, gotta go, they are calling me to come have some cake and home made ice cream out on the dock by the lake. Suffering for the Lord, I am........

20 down, 6 to go!!

Great job everyone! I keep echo-ing everyone's excitement about doing so much yesterday. This time back in February, I was laughing at myself doing this many miles, but not anymore! I am a marathoner (a walking/running/wogging sort of marathoner, but one none the less).

I hear Chuck pulled a "Phil" Saturday. Why do all of the people I run with have problems??? Note to self.....Run alone, so you don't kill anybody! I'm glad everyone was there to help him. I should have stayed with him, but I was making good times and he told me to go on. That's the last time I listen to him....

Was it just me, or did it feel like I was running through water? My socks and shoes were so wet and slippery!! Talk about some new blisters from all of the sliding! Maybe I should pack an extra pair in my fanny pack.

I had to walk the last five miles with Vickie. I still had energy to run, but the ole hip flexors cramped up again. At least it was mile 14 instead of mile 6 like normal. I really believe the yoga class and all of those wonderful delightful stretches that Heather makes us do has made a significant increase in my mileage. I went tonight, and felt SOOOOOOoooooooo much better than when I woke up this morning. It's like I'm not even sore anymore.

People kept asking me what kind of 'drugs' I was on yesterday. All I can say is to go to www.hammernutrition.com and read some of their educational articles. I have learned a great deal about endurance athletics and what to do/not do. I am not trying to pull a plug for this company, (fleet feet sells some of their stuff) but if you feel compelled to order something, mention my name as a referral and you get 15% off your order. I really could tell a great deal of difference in my running and endurance.

Ok, I can't lie, I was really doing crack and had vodka in my water bottle........but that's our little secret......

Reflections of a middle aged man

Well guys, I'm beginning to pick up on everyone's sense of urgency with 48 days left to go. Are you getting as excited about it as I am?? I just wish we could be that song I hear every now and then....."Wake me up when September ends". Just between us, I would rather skip the 20 and 22 milers if they are going to be as hot as the 18!! I know, I know,...training is good for us. So is eating broccoli, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.......

To echo what Micah blogged about, yoga class has been very helpful. I know Heather, the instructor thinks I hate her (I did call her a evil, evil woman......) but it's really not her fault if she does these poses and stretches that make me scream for my mommy........No seriously, it's tough for anybody that has never done this sort of thing especially big ole 280 lb men. I think it has made a difference in my running. I used to get these hip flexor cramps around the 5-6 mile mark. Now, since yoga class has started, they have stopped. It's really cool having a runner as a yoga instructor who understands where you hurt and what parts are sore. (She still is evil..... :)

If you would have asked me twenty years ago while I was sitting in the ATO fraternity house at USM drinking my favorite beverage of choice and chasing the co-eds what I would be doing in 2007, I can PROMISE you I would not say..."I want to train for a marathon and take yoga!" I also said I would never be a nurse back then either when the teachers asked me too, but who knew????

In September, I turn 41. I can honestly say that my 40th year of existance has been a good one. Better health, better frame of mind, less doubt and discouragement, and new friends. Thanks to Marathon Makeover, I hope the next 40 will be great!!

Train on Marathoners!! No Reserves!! No Retreats!! No Regrets!!

Well, I really don't have much to say this week except it's too darn hot!! The run Saturday went well and I felt great. It was probably due to running indoors all week at a hotel on a treadmill. Phil and I ran last night around 9pm and felt horrible! I'm already more tired today than I was all last week. I bet this week's nine miler won't be as fast or strong, but let's hope for the best.

Last night while driving home, I was listening to an interesting story on American Family Radio (92.5) on the life of William Borden. He was a missionary that lived a short life and made such a huge impact. You can read about him at: http://home.snu.edu/~HCULBERT/regret.htm. In the back of his Bible he wrote, "Say no to self and yes to Jesus every time." But he also wrote something that I think not only correlates to your spiritual walk, but your thoughts about the Marathon coming up. In the back of his Bible he wrote three very important things about his life:
1. No Reserves
2.No Retreats
3. No Regrets

When I run on Sunday the 7th, I am going to leave it all out on the streets. Nothing left in the tank, no backing down from the challenge, and no regrets of how slow or fast I will have done it. I think that I will adopt this philosophy for the rest of my running life, and hopefully, it will be a daily reminder of how I am to live my regular life as well. At the end of each day as I lay my head on the pillow, I want to look back and tell myself: "no reserves, no retreats, and no regrets."

So you think my yoga is funny, do you????

Just in case any of you need any comedy relief this weekend, I will be doing a show on Sunday at 4pm in Ridgeland. It's called the yoga class. First of all, let me tell you what I am NOT:

1. Flexible. I thought doing 18 miles was tough...... I look around at all these women and they are stretching away. Meanwhile sweat is pouring from my head as I am trying to maintain balance, and having my muscles feel like they were on fire. Have you ever tried to hold a position longer than five seconds when you have a body as big as mine???? I don't think so!!!

2. Female. It was pretty obvious that the females in the room are far more flexible than the few men that were there. My goodness, I was not aware that I was supposed to be able to place my hands under the soles of my feet.......while standing.........for a long, LONG time..........

3. A "flat belly". I believe a person's girth has a little something to do with not being able to put their hands under the soles of their feet........while standing.......for a long, LONG time.........and still try and be able to breathe. For those non medical people out there......oxygen is my friend, and I don't want to make it mad and leave any time soon. So those of you that were there on Sunday probably got tired of hearing me trying to catch my breath simply because I still have a keg and not a sixpack.

4. Flexible. Did I say that already?? I know my hamstrings felt like they were going to rip in two several times that day.

5. A prisoner...... At least not yet. But if that yoga instructor keeps going the way she was going, I swear I will have to have a talk with her in a back alley!! (just kidding, please don't take seriously......)

That's ok. Keep poking fun at me. I'll keep trying to stretch. Any of you men out there that still think women are the weaker sex should try aerobics and yoga. I promise you it will give you a new respect for these people.

See ya Saturday!!

Ode to a very hot day.

18 miles
Long way to run.
Tripped and fell...
Hurt out in the sun.

Tried to smile, but mostly whinced.
Saturday was the hardest ever since,
I believe I was born, but oh well...
What can you say about the day from hell?

Iced in the tub.
Still couldn't stand.
Slept for a while, then needed a hand,
up out of bed with lots of TLC
It hurt to even pee!!

Start to loosen up with a few pain killers
Felt even better at the party with some Millers,
And good food and conversation. All these MMr's
are my inspiration....

Gone to Hattiesburg for the week.
Sitting in a class that's not for the meek.
Hope you all recover better than I am doing.
From my waist down feels like I'm unglueing.

18 miles
Are we insane in this heat?
Bring on October, we can't be beat.

I enjoyed the 8 miler on Saturday. I was actually doing ok! Phil has always been a great running/training partner and I hope we can remain friends long after October. Anna has been a great addition to the duo. She is great to run with and never complains the whole way like I do!! (If you've never run with me, I critique myself the whole way until Phil says, "Just Shut Up!!").

I was in and out quickly on Saturday as I had to attend Referee school. I thought it would be fun to do jr. high and high school games and get paid for them. I told Tamara that would be our 'fun money' in Chicago. Of course, I can't wait to see how a XXL Zebra will look. I also have to shave my facial hair for that 'professional look'. I haven't seen my upper lip in 14 years!! So, in the future, when I show up on Saturdays and you don't recognize me, that's why.

I am dreading and looking forward to Saturday. Dreading the 18 miler (hopefully, my foot will be a little better after my trip to the foot doc on Wednesday) and looking forward to the butt challenge. I love a good butt!! (and the BBQ'd type is good too!!). I'm still working on mine. You know how most men have 'buns'? I still have the whole loaf!! :-/)

Has anyone seen my legs???? I think I ran them off on Saturday. I was pretty sore on Saturday and Sunday due to not stretching and not ice bathing afterwards. I went out like a lion and came in like a lamb. My left foot is driving me nuts! I probably couldn't have made it as far as I did if I didn't change shoes at the halfway point. I've made an appointment with a specialist at the end of next week to see about some other options besides what I've been doing per my physical therapist. I want to make sure it is plantar fasciatis and not something else.

It was kinda cool Sunday at church though. People would come up to me and ask me why I was limping, and I would casually just say, "oh, my foot hurts after running 16 miles, that's all." Like it was just an everyday event. I loved watching people's jaw drop and then the comments that would follow......It's pretty neat being in another level as far as exercise go. Not that I'm cocky or anything.......but I do have a little swagger to go with my whine.

It was nice to meet Vicki's husband on Saturday. Seems like a nice guy (no matter what Vickie says about him! (ha!)). Shout out to Cookie for helping me with Phil. It was great to have a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope available. Maybe I'll start bringing mine on Saturdays and keep in my car in case we need it (and I hope we don't).

I need to go to Target or somewhere and buy some air fresheners for my car. Maybe some Febreeze. My big ole sweaty self getting home each week has wreeked havoc on the interior of my car. Even putting towels on the seat gets soaking wet. My wife got in the other day and said, "my gosh! did you fart?" I knew I shouldn't of had those beans for breakfast........:-)

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Not much to talk about this Monday. The weekend went by pretty uneventful. Saturday's run felt pretty good except for the slight inclines.
Sunday, I stopped by Brewster's Ice Cream over by the resevoir. They were having an all you can eat ice cream contest. No, I know what you are thinking.....I didn't enter it. I wanted to, but Tamara talked me out of it. The winner ate two and a half quarts in 10 minutes. I really think I could have taken him, but we'll never know......... I have won my share of eating contests before. (36 pieces of pizza at a buffet. One chocolate cream pie in 2 minutes and eight seconds) but ice cream is the only thing I eat slow. I'm always the first to finish my plate when everyone eats, but last to finish when I eat ice cream. So I don't know if I could have done it. If I had all day, I think a couple half gallons might do it.

But alas, I di-gress. I'm trying to look like I have a six pack and not a whole case. I'll never be long and lanky like Scotty, but hopefully, this marathon thing will help me get close to maintaining my ideal weight for the rest of my life.

(Screw That! I still want my ice cream!! So much for self reflection.......I must have had another out of body experience......)

Best of Times, Worst of Times......

Well I'm back from Vacation and I only gained three pounds. That's pretty impressive considering how much I eat! I did do two miles on Thursday morning as the family unit was waiting to go sightseeing on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.

I was going to do the 15 miles on Friday, but we went to the Schlitterbahn all day. If you've never heard of it, it is the world's largest and best waterpark. We had sooooo much fun and I was sooooo tired. Ok, I'll do my 15 on Saturday.

Well, Saturday we went up to San Marco at this world famous outlet center. Oh my Lord! We shopped until we dropped! (Cold water Creek, Talbot's, Tommy Bahama, Pottery barn, Coach.)You name it, they had an outlet for it. They even had a Saucony outlet and they guy told me that whenever I needed a new pair of shoes, to call and see if they had the style I wanted and they would ship it anywhere for just $5.00. The shoes I bought for $115 were for sale there at $69.

So then we go to the Dry Comal Creek Winery for P2 aka Phil Squared, aka, Phil Purser who wanted me to pick him up some high powered grape juice while we were in the area. So after doing a wine tasting of all of there brands, and feeling a tad tipsy as well, I ended up buying a total of 9 bottles.

And so, here I am. It's Saturday night and I haven't ran. I have me a myoplex protein shake and a poptart (sort of like a snicker's and a diet coke) and take a nap. I get up at 7pm, get dressed, and go outside for the best and worst run of my life...........

As soon as I walk out of the door, all of the oxygen immediately got sucked out of my lungs. It had rained while I took a nap and the steam was everywhere. If you've ever ran on a treadmill that was located in a sauna, that would be pretty close. I could hardly breathe. There was a circle of about 0.6 miles that I had scoped out when we got there, so I knew I had to run it about 30 times. Needless to say, my clothes were already soaked by the time I finished stretching.

So I start. It hurts because I have a hangover from the wine. It hurts because I have done nothing but walk, climb, stand and everything else involving my legs for the past four days. It hurts because I wanted to be with my family who was having chinese and then watching Transformers and I had to run......

And then the most amazing thing that as ever happened to me while running happened. I turned the corner and there were wild deer on my entire run! I counted 19 adult male and females, 4 fawns, two cats, and one real live road runner ( I kept looking for Wyle E Coyote).

They never ran. They would just stop grazing and stare at me pass. The fawns would be suckling their mothers and the adults would just look at me. By the time I had made about 10 laps around they didn't even look up at me anymore, and we are talking about two car lengths from the road. I wish I had a camera with me. It was truly a spectacular run for someone who sounded like they were having an asthma attack........

Well, to make a long story short.......I ran out of water, ran out of daylight, and was getting eaten alive by what I hope were misquitoes. I thought I was donating blood at one point. I was cramping so bad that I had to stop after 9.6 miles. The way I look at it, I did the other 5.4 while climbing in caves, climbing up water slides and walking around the outlet center. My wife thought I wouldn't even get that far.

We ended the trip by coming back through Houston and stopping at Dave and Busters (my son has always wanted to go there) and getting in last night at around 10pm. I'm typing as I'm yawning. Great trip, great food, and great times even if I didn't get the whole 15 miles in.......

Giddy-up Cowboy!

Thanks to all who commented on my last blog. It is so nice to know people care about you even when they just met you on a few short months ago, butt gaunlet and all! On a more somber note, my wife Tamara found a lump in her right breast that frightened us over the weekend. Luckily, on Monday pm, the radiologist drained a rather large cyst known as a complex cyst. It has already returned to full size again, but we are leaving for San Antonio on vacation in the morning. Please keep us in your prayers that it will not continue to grow any worse until we get back.
I will try and find a place to run where we are staying in Texas. I know it will be extremely tough doing it solo and not seeing everyone for encouragement. Maybe I'll eat some chili peppers before I start to give me some motivation! Just tell myself there is a glass of water just 15 miles away. I'll miss ya'll and see you guys on the 15th.

Good News!

Well today, the doc's office called and said my mole was non cancerous even though it looked like it. I told them while I was getting it taken off to go ahead and do a wax job on my back as well, but they wouldn't do it. (all together now.......eeeeeuuuuuuwwwww!!)

No seriously,

Then I checked my mailbox and got my results for the cardiac calcium screening. If you score >400, you need to have some work done. Mine was 0!!! Can you believe it? Big ole fat out of shape me who has felt like a ticking time bomb for twenty years was clear as a bell!! There was no evidence of any blockages anywhere around my heart! If you heard some high wind advisories today, that was just me breathing a sigh of relief! Thank you, Lord. Thank you! Maybe I won't be like my dad after all....... : )

Dinner at the Copa Cabana

Man, I'm still (buurrrpppp! excuse me!) full from Saturday night!! Sorry we had to bug out early. My wife Tamara was not being anti social, she was coming down with a migraine as we drove to the lake house. And yes, you are right.....I still don't know what she saw in me! (ha)She makes me look good.....

Two things happened to me today that I want to share:

1) I went to Baptist and had a cardiac calcium screening test done. This is a new state of the art test where they can actually see the calcium deposits in around your heart that can signal a blockage. So, instead of waiting on a heart attack, and then having a cath/stent insertion to see where your blockages are, they can detect them this way! (For those of you that didn't know, I was in the ER in 11/06 with chest pains and still have them even to this day). I did this for peace of mind if they don't find anything, and hey, if they do........let's 'git r done!' The best part is that it only cost $100 (no insurance accepted). If you or anyone in your family has a serious cardiac health history (my dad had two heart attacks before age 55), please go to http://www.mbhs.org/ and type in cardiac calcium screening in the search box.

2) After my screening, I went to my primary care doctor and had a pre-cancerous mole taken off my back. I have two scars on my face from a history of skin cancers in my family as well. I was glad to have it removed and sent to the lab, but I kinda got ticked off at my orders: No running or sweating until Saturday. (I've got five stitches) So, it looks like I'm laid up for the week.

What really ticked me off was that I ate so much food on Saturday and Sunday (Sal and Mookies off State Street. If you haven't tried it, please do!!!!!!) If I had of known I would be down for the week, I certainly would have made better eating choices. Back to the diet today!!

Thought for the week: "Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you change a person's life. For better or worse."

Since we've been in such a kum bi yah spirit this past weekend, I want you all to know that, because of each and every one of you smiling at me on Saturdays is the reason I'm so happy when you see me joking. Yes, I can be a goofball, but like I said in an earlier blog, we are never promised tomorrow. Even though my life has been changed for the better by all of you, I want my gestures and my actions to help you press forward to October and beyond. Ok, enough of the Barry Manilow writing....... : )

Nothing really new to report today. Went to Memphis after the run on Saturday to pick up my son. It really is amazing how much our grocery bill went back up this weekend!! I am at work doing a double (7am-3pm and then 3pm to 11pm) today, so no training for me. I'm getting enough walking anyway.........

Father's day was nice. My son got me this really ugly running hat (bless his heart). It's a Timberland outdoor performance hat with a retail price of $48.00. (Now I know my wife didn't pay that since it had a TJMaxx sticker on it.) I gotta tell ya, this thing is ugly! But like all good fathers, you will see me on Saturday wearing it instead of my usual white sun visor. I hope it works well........"because it's better to feel good dahling than to look good!"

It seems the pain in my heal is getting worse. I guess I'll have to get one of those arch strap thingys. I took a can of asparagus with me in the car to Memphis and I rolled my foot on it all day. I went to fleet feet and bought some good inserts with not much improvement. Thanks Robin for the link to the foot problems. I'll keep pluggin along.......

Take care this week. Train well, hydrate lots, and get ready for the half-baked marathon. Looking forward to pigging out with you on Saturday night as well. (I promise to shower first!)

What an awesome day on Saturday!! Wasn't it so much fun? I mean I had a complete 100% blast, didn't you? I couldn't wait to get home and do all the chores my wife had in store for me! I just didn't want Saturday to end!! I don't know about you, but I could have done another 12 miles or so. It was so nice outside, I could have ran forever!!!!!

("And now, a word from our sponsor.")

"Do you suffer from a post traumatic running disorder? If you are like hundreds of other crazy Mississippians, you may have what is known as 'The Runs'. Signs and symptoms include: getting out in horrid conditions to move at a quick pace; chaffing marks on your entire body, leg cramping and dizziness. More serious symptoms include thinking that you really liked having 'the runs' and telling people on the computer that you feel great! In these rare cases, seek immediate help so that they can slap the #$%&* out of you!"

Bring on July and August, Baby!! October's comin...........

Shiver Me Timbers!!

Well, here's another blog about how it is mind blowing to do 11 miles. I assume I will laugh at this when I'm doing 20 or so miles.......

I went home on Saturday and immediately filled the whirlpool bath with cold water and then dumped the entire ice maker from the freezer into the tub and hit the jets. This has become a Saturday ritual with me. Does it help? All I know is that my feet, ankles, knees, quads, and hammies are so cold that I forget they are sore. Word of caution here. Sit in the empty tub and then add water. Your body gets better adjusted to it. Let's just say the first time I filled the tub with icewater, and then tried to lower myself into it, I almost had a coronary!! I hit high notes I never knew existed in my bass like voice!! (Men you know what I'm talking about here.......)

Well, since our son is still in Kentucky for a few more weeks, my wife wanted us to do all sorts of things as a couple this weekend. So after resting for all of twenty minutes after my bath, we go do her favorite activity.......shopping! I found it very difficult to walk around with her during the day, but several sit downs helped. I also went by Fleet Feet and got some new inserts for my shoes to help the ole plantar fas pain. The day ended with us going to see Pirates of the Carribean. I have never fell asleep in a movie, but the darn thing was three hours, it was dark, cool, and the seats were comfortable. I nodded off several times. I think they ended up killing Darth Vadar, no wait....Indiana Jones did find the Holy Grail, no wait....what was I watching?

Thar's Blisters In Them Thar Hills!!

Well today is Saturday and I certainly would have liked to join all of you for dinner at the Mac last night and the run today. We made it up to the lake house here in Kentucky about 11:30pm last night (late start leaving Madison) then up at 7am to get ready for the run. But where to run? Mom-in-law reported a high school about five miles down the road. So, I ask my wife to get up and go with me in case I break an ankle or pass out and no one will know I'm alive. Of course she was thrilled (not!).

So we get to this high school and sure enough a great track just like at Ridgeland and Madison Central. It was a nice cool 69 degrees and I was doing great! I discovered a new interval for me that seems to work. I ran 100 steps and walked 100 steps. I did my first mile in 12:36! (down from the usual 14-15 range). Then two miles came in at 26:15 (down from the 30 minutes). Things are going along quite nicely.....my wife is sitting there saying encouraging things like "wow, when you started, I was walking as fast as you were running!" and "my, you've gotten faster!"

As the sun started getting higher and clouds moving out, the temp was rising to 84 degrees and mile three and four started slowing down, but I did my four miles in 56:51 (down from the usual 1hour and 3-4 minutes!). I was stoked!! I was actually making good time and feeling good doing it. (Must have been the nice even track.....). Then, all of a sudden, all of these buses and cars started pulling in and unloading. I stopped to get some water and talk to one man. Wouldn't you just know it? They were having a county wide track meet today (they are still in school up here).

So they directed me to a park with a 'nice 2-mile route' another 5 miles down the road, so we hop in the car and off we go. (it was nice getting a 10 minute ride in the air conditioner). I hop out and stretch some more, and think, 'just three times around and I'll have 10". OH MY GOD!!!!!! The dreaded hills I was worried about, came out to bite me!! At one point on the trail, at the top of one of my 'smaller hills' I looked out onto the park and the top of some trees! If you've ever been to Gatlinburg or Pigeon forge, think hills like that!

Needless to say, I could only walk the trails and run the flat spots. I couldn't even run down or I might lose control of myself and start collecting things on the roll.....Anyway, the hills both up and down proved to be too much for my feet and I'm now the proud parent of several toe blisters. I could only make it back to the car after two laps thus only getting in 8 miles instead of ten. I hope to go back to that park this week and take some pics to post to prove I'm not lying. If anyone from this area runs in Chicago, they will fly! I will gladly take the small hill routes back home. My quads, my glutes, and my toe blisters will thank me for it........:-)

Well, I too will also harp on how beautiful Saturday was with the weather and the water. It was a good trip and one that I will sorely miss when the Mississippi heat returns for good until October.
I'm glad to see everyone had better times on Saturday. I was doing well up until the last two miles when my legs just cramped up and I had to walk it in. I was able to get to know Joyce better as she walked it in with me. She is an amazing woman and I found out we have several things in common. She certainly made the last two miles go by much easier.

I tried to 'grind it out' with Steve instead of wogging and I did ok for the first six miles. I would actually catch my breath when I started walking fast instead of jogging along with him.
This has gotten me to thinking seriously about speedwalking. I wish I could get that lady that spoke to us early on to come back to give me some pointers. Reading on the internet is one thing, but I need some instructions. With my stride as long as it is, I think I could do well with this without many screwups.

I'm just going to be honest. The longer the mileage, the harder it has become for a big 285lb man. I think if I can speedwalk, I will have a little easier time and not so much jarring on my knees. After about two miles, I feel as if I'm carrying a 2oolb backpack on me and the farther I go, the harder it is for my legs to pick up and move. We'll see how the week goes as far as training goes.

I will be up at my in-laws lakehouse at Kentucky lake this coming weekend, so you guys have a good run on Saturday. I can tell you this 10 miles up there will be murder as every road looks like a rollercoaster. I think the national park in Vicksburg may run close in some of the more 'flat' parts of Kentucky Lake. I will see how I do up there. It's usually 10 degrees cooler than whatever we are here, so hopefully, I'll still get to enjoy some cool weather.

I hope all of ya'll have a great week, wonderful run and a good Memorial Day Weekend. I won't be back until next Wednesday, but will be checking blogs, posts, etc. if you need me for anything......:)

Diamonds are a girls best friend......

I tell you, I am soooooooooo thankful for my hydration belt! That last leg on Saturday from the trail back to fleet feet in the sun was quite hot!! I was squirting water on my head more than in my mouth. I stopped and squirted a few people along the way as well. Poor Chuck looked like he needed an IV and Shelly had to sit on the curb a little bit as well. I shutter to think of how hot it is GOING to get! I may need my TWO water bottles on my person somewhere.

Somebody told me about a hat (I can't remember who) that has those refreezable gel packs in them. I'm off to search for one of those......needless to say, I may have to switch from my sun visor to a hat anyway. When I got home on Saturday, my little bald spot on my head was fried!! Too bad I didn't have any eggs with me. I could have had some protein grilling up there while I ran! (ha/ha).

I did my nine miles in two hours and twelve minutes. Not very fast, but at least I did it. Then a sobering thought came to mind.......when those little Kenyan winners cross the finish line, I'll be at only the nine or ten mile mark!! They could probably go tape a show with Oprah and come back after a nice dinner to watch me cross the finish line!!

Hope all you 'maternal females' had a great Mother's day! My mom came down from my hometown of Columbus this weekend and it was a great visit. After my dad's death three years ago, every visit is special and I take nothing for granted anymore. So the next time you see your loved ones, give them a big hug and tell them you love them because tomorrow is never promised.

On a lighter note, go to www.dickssportinggoods.com and go all the way to the bottom menu and click on 'outlet'. They have some pretty good prices for running clothes both summer and winter. I'm such a cheapskate. I don't pay full price for anything and never look unless it says at least 50%off. Good thing my wife is the same way, or I would probably be divorced. I try to buy her jewelry and she refuses saying it's too much money. God I love her!!!!!

Happy Nurses Week!!

Well, I was very impressed with everybody running the cannonball on Saturday. I felt like a bloated sea cow that was beached with the buzzards circling.....Lesson learned. Run your own race and do what you can do. Don't try and do other people's intervals or speed. I hit a wall so fast that I thought I was a crash dummy. I thought, "Oh My goodness! I've got six more miles to go!". The entire way back, I felt like my legs had concrete blocks tied around them. I kept look back to see if the mafia was trying to grab me to throw me in the river!! But hey, EIGHT MILES!! I used to not even bike that far!!

Shout out to Christa, who reminded me of woman on a mission. You go girl!! You left me in the dust. Shout out to Shelly who helped me make the last three miles. If you weren't there, I don't know how I would have finished. It was so cool seeing your family waiting for you at the finish line. Phil, I missed you being my running partner. my timing was all off with out you.

I think the worst thing was when you crossed the finish line and got your number, you saw all of these people standing around having a cold beverage, and yet you had to turn around and do two more miles. That was the hardest two miles of my life! I couldn't feel my feet and I have a heel bruise on my left heel. Not good living in a house with tile floors. Needless to say, when I got home, my son had not mowed our lawn or our two neighbor's lawns (which he gets paid for and I have to do all the edging because he does a lousy job....) So guess who got out in the hot sun and edged and blew THREE yards?? Yours truly, Mr. stupid. I couldn't move Saturday night.

I can only hope and pray that after nine miles on Saturday that I don't have any chores to do. Well at least my hamstring felt better (especially in that ice bath that night).

Keep up the good work marathoners! We will prevail.....We will come out alive even after seeing all of these doctors for pains, sprains, and tendonitis. We may be a few inches shorter, but we will make it!

I Smell Bacon!

While I am not one to moan and groan all the time, I'm really getting tired of my hamstring giving out on each run. The bad part about is that it will never heal unless I take three or four weeks off (which at my level of fitness and lung capacity, would be a nail in the coffin....)

On a lighter note, remember last week I told you to shoot me if I did more yardwork? Well, I did even more this weekend, then I had to set up for a big event for church on Sunday at Liberty park. I had to come back to work today to get some rest!! I told my wife, "no yard work next weekend!!" She said, "ok, just paint the shed." Wives and their 'honeydo lists'. Of course, how many things would get done without them? I probably would have sat down and watched the NFL draft all day long.......

Micah put on the bulletin board that they are running at the rez at 5pm. Just an FYI, Phil and I run at the Ridgeland High School track every Thursday at 6pm until the weather gets too hot if anyone would like to join us. I try to get over there on Tuesdays as well around the same time. Phil and I like Ridgeland better than Madison Central because of newer facilities and closer bathrooms!!

So on Saturday when you blow by me in Raymond and see me limping with my hammy, just yell, "I smell BACON!!"

Short of Breath

For all of you medical people out there, check out my question on the message board. It seems the more I run the less I can breathe. It's getting very depressing. I am not able to run more than a 45 seconds without gasping for breath! All tests normal. What's up????

I'm not as think as you dumb I am....

Boy! What a great day Saturday! It was like darned near perfect weather!! I was so happy to do my first five and six miles ever in my life!! (Breaking records weekly, now...)

So I get home at around 11am on Saturday and my wife asks me if I have any energy left to do some projects around the house. I told her, "If I go now, otherwise, if I sit down for a while, it's all over!" So she began to lead me outdoors to start some pruning and wouldn't you know it? Five hours and one landscape makeover later, Me, my wife, and my son are sunburned, exhausted, and ready to pass out! I hardly ever do that much yardwork in one day even WITHOUT running six miles earlier in the day. What in tarnation was I thinking??? Let's just say that you could have put me in a complete body cast on Sunday because that's how stiff I was!! My wife and I couldn't even stand up and sit down in church!
So, for future reference, if after running on Saturdays you hear me say something like "I've got to go do some things around the house.", take the nearest baseball bat and swat it upside my head!
Excuse me now, it's time for me to take my next dose of biofreeze and ibuprofen.........;)

Three blind mice.....three blind mice.....

Well it seemed I didn't need to take a shower on Saturday as I got one out by the Rez. Stan, Phil and I got about a mile and decided to turn it around. Three things I am allergic to:
1. Calories (they make be bloat up for some reason).
2. Gravity (I always fall, and never stay in mid air, go figure) and
3. Lightening strikes. Remember the old tv commercial, "It's not nice to fool around with Mother Nature!". Well at least we did something.......
The three of us looked like we ought to have t-shirts made up that reads, "Old Broken Down Farts of the world, Unite!!". Poor Stan had two knee braces on and was hobbling, Phil has some pain in his shin/knee and was hobbling, and I had my left hamstring wrapped so tight, my toes thought everything above them were on vaction. (I pulled it on Thursday's training run). To be honest, I was glad I didn't go 5 miles because I didn't know how my hammy would respond. I plan to go today and test it out slowly.....I just hope this increase in mileage will not leave us behind. "Wait!" "Don't leave me!" (as I see all of you non injured people blow by me!). I think we all need to pray for each other: ............"and give us this day.....joints that don't ache. And lead us not unto unseen potholes....and forgive us for tripping and we forgive others who trip us....."
You get the idea.

I'm Baaaaa--ack!!!

Well, the Master's have come and gone and my advice to Tiger, Phil, and Sergio was all wasted. What a beautiful course! If Heaven has a golf course, that would be it! It would have been a perfect trip if my car had not broken down two hours outside of Augusta.
It seemed that my battery cable snapped in-two and needless to say by the time by father-in-law came to my rescue and got me back on the road I was starving!! I left Madison at 7:30 am and did not get to the hotel until 6:30pm. Now those of you that have seen me know I can pack a few groceries away. Well, that night, we went to Lone Star and it wasn't my fault that they were having 'all the ribs you can eat night'! Now since I hadn't had anything to eat except some granola, grapes, and water, do you honestly think I was going in there to order a salad? The waitress was still wondering when I paid my bill how I could eat 4 full slabs of ribs plus my salad and those great yeast rolls. I told her, "the sign said, all you can eat!" (Believe me, I worked it off walking all day at the masters on that hilly course. TV doesn't really show how hilly it was)

Saturday was spent in Columbus seeing my mother for the Easter weekend. I got up and went to the jogging track by the local hospital there. Bottom line, I didn't pack warmly enough to run. I thought I was going to die when the wind hit my face!! I got my four miles in though and then had a salad for lunch. I thought of all ya'll and wondered if you were freezing your ba-tuttis off like I was!
Sunday was great at Pinelake Madison. I had to pick up 30 dozen donuts and make four batches of coffee for the church crowd. Then my cross training was 18 holes of golf with two friends and my son.
What a great week (except being stuck on I-20 for four hours on Monday). I missed all of you guys and look forward to blowin and goin this Saturday. Remember, I still am available anytime you need a friend to take to Shapleys or Amerigos or Pan Asia, but I promise I won't eat much (hee-hee............)

Goin To The Masters!!

Well, I will be out of touch this week. My father-in-law got four tickets to the Master's golf tournement this week in Augusta, Georgia. I am sooooooooooo psyched!! Golf is my passion and last year my wife said I thought more about golf than her! (Actually, it was just a little bit more!!). I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas.
Ok, if you want to know the real truth, Tiger Woods called me and told me he was having trouble with his swing again, so I have to go give some more lessons. He asked me to be his guest caddie during the practice rounds. But I have a problem. Phil Mckelson and Sergio Garcia found out I was coming and they have offered to pay me to be their guest caddie. Whom should I choose? Whom should I choose..........? (in my dreams, huh?) If I'm lucky, I might get an autograph or a picture.
I am going to try and train while I am out there, so I hope the hotel has a treadmill. I will not be there this Saturday. (My first miss, boo-hoo!) So I hope you all have a Blessed Easter and remember that our Lord and Savior is Risen!!

Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?

Not too much to blog about so far. Work has been so busy and son has so much homework and tests, I didn't get to run last night. I'm starting to feel guilty when I miss. I used to crack a sly grin and say, "ah shucks, I missed a day....." but now, I get upset that I can't find the time to go. Today looks like another day like Monday, but I'll run in the rain if I have to because I don't want to miss two in a row. I'll tie a picture of that bread in front of me as motivation like a horse with a carrot in front of him. Giddy up, Wilbur!.......

Everybody is doing great! What a nice time on Saturday. I tell you one thing I have noticed. I sure am sleeping better at night and have more energy in the day. My wife sure appreciates it when I finish the 'honey-do' list especially on Saturday afternoons after a run. Well, time to eat lunch now, even though it is 3:30. Busy, busy, busy........

Let's all sing Kum-by-ya!!

Isn't it amazing how we are coming together as a group? Each week we are meeting new people and making new friends. It seems every week I read someone else's blog and they are out there spilling their feelings about how tough it is, etc. and you guys are such encouragers!! I have never in my life been surrounded by such positive, motivated people as this group. Reading what you guys have to say each day makes me not want to miss any Saturdays with you. It's like our own little fraternity of people from all walks of life.
Sorry to be so drippy with my blog today. Can you feel the love??

Which came first? The chicken or the egg?

Ok, so I'm not the only one have a bad day yesterday (Monday). I thought I was taking a step backwards. Work was horrible, and then when I got out on the road to run, the first step I took felt horrible! It was if I was in slow motion and the rest of my body went, "oh no, not again....!" I suppose it can be chalked up as a character building day. I couldn't run, I couldn't breathe, and my shins started to hurt. So I only got in 25 minutes instead of 40-50.
I'm thinking that I must be pretty sorry until I read other blogs stating they had the same problems. I guess the planets must have aligned or something. But today is a new day and so I must have a new attitude, right?

So I'm at Abner's last night for dinner because we were rushed for a meeting and didn't have time to prepare anything. The Abner's on Pear Orchard behind the mall gives a 10% discount to police, fire, and healthcare people on Monday's. I'm sitting there eating when a guy comes in that looks like a runner. I guess I'm noticing this more because I looked at his shoes, and then at his special socks, and his shorts, and shirt....you get the picture. I wouldn't have cared this time four months ago. It's sort of like when I became a nurse and I would look at someone in the checkout line at Kroger and started thinking, "man! that guy has got great veins!" I guess you start thinking and acting more closely to what you're involved with at the time.

Well, it's time to get ready to run. I can only hope if that guy saw me, he would think I'm a runner. My luck, he would be thinking, "oh look! it's comedy hour at the track tonight!" (ha)

Who are you, and what have you done with my wife?

Yesterday instead of wogging for 30 minutes, my wife wanted to take the dog for a walk since we've let the little booger get too fat. Well, as we were walking she says to me, "I can't believe I'm going to tell you this, but I was thinking about selling the black chair/ottoman in your office and putting a treadmill in its place." At that moment in time I almost tripped because I was so stunned at her comment. She is such a frugal little bookkeeper that she hates buying things that she thinks won't get used. (You've heard the saying that a treadmill makes a good shirt hanger....) I guess she has finally bought into the fact that I am really doing this and it's kind of inspired her to walk more.
In all actuality, I should have seized upon her moment of weakness and told her I needed some new golf clubs as well..........Anyway, that will come in handy when the weather may be too hot or wet outside so I'm off to look in the classifieds........

Power to the People!

I'm going to give myself a pat on the back. Last night, I wogged (run one minute, walk one minute) for 45 minutes and did 3 and 1/4 miles! Now I know many of you are thinking "is that all?" but for me, that is the most I have ever traveled. And the best part is, I will be breaking that record as the training goes by! I am really excited about the prospect of all of this. I went to the track at Madison Central last night and there were two or three young 'springy-type' guys that were just blowing by me. I kept thinking to myself, "yeah, come talk to me when you've let yourself go for twenty years!" I'm sure it looked like the tortoise and the hare, but I'm still proud of my accomplishments. And you know what? I was the last guy at the track after all the speedy gonzaleses of the world had come and gone.
As I was running alone in the setting sun, I kept visualizing the crowds of people along the route yelling at you and clapping for you. I felt my tempo increase as I looked at the empty stands thinking they were skyscrapers. And when I had finished my last sprint and I sat all alone in that stadium stretching....hearing nothing but my heartbeat and my breathing.....I thought to myself, "life is good......"

Good to the last drop........

So yesterday, I'm running errands after church and I decide to go back to Marshall's to return my Navman (GPS running gizmo) and get my $40 back. I'm thinking this was such a steal at $40 when the tag said 'compare to $169.99'. So today it's slow and I'm on ebay and I type in Navman. Lo and behold, there are three for sale. How much? $20 plus $20 S&H for a total of $40! I'm so glad I took it back because it didn't work anyway.

While I was up in Memphis Saturday afternoon, I stopped at a sporting goods store and bought the April 2007 copy of Runner's World. The people that were talking about this issue were right. There was a ton of good information in this issue. Since I'm trying to give up soda pops, one of the suggestions was to take club soda and juice (with splenda). You know, it wasn't half bad! Still gave me the carbonation I was wanting. I just have a splitting headache from my caffiene withdrawal.
Picture an addict on the street begging for more stuff......."c'mon man! I just need a little hit, that's all!" "I promise this is the last time, really!" In all reality, I feel like some Frankenstein monster with his arms out yelling....."MUST HAVE CAFFIENE!!" Now I know what your thinking and yes all my teas, and coffees in my house are DE-caffienated. The only jolts I ever got were from my pops! I'm thinking about sneaking over to another department and finding their coffee. Then when no one's looking, take a pinch between my cheek and gums like I used to do when I dipped snuff in high school. Can you dip coffee?

Look! Up in the Sky! It's a Bird! It's a Plane....

Did you know you can't sneeze with your eyes open? Not that it really matters, but since I can't think of anything to say today, I thought that would be appropriate. I've tried to sneeze with my eyes open and I just can't do it.
In case you need some encouragement today, check out owhit.blogspot.com entry today. I think he spoke for many of us about wondering if we can make it. We can by the Grace of God!
I signed up online for the marathon, so there is no turning back now! (well.....there might have been if we could get a refund, but since we can't and I'm a cheapskate, I want to see a return on my investment......ha!)
I'm looking forward to seeing new friends on Saturday and meeting more friends. So far, this seems like a great little community with the same goals in mind. If I can ever be of service to you (you know like, let you practice your back massage techniques, or you need someone to take out to Shapley's) please don't hesitate to ask! No, seriously, I was just kidding about the back rub. Now a good steak is another thing.....

And The Truth Shall Set You Free...

OK, So I have a confession to make. In yesterday's blog, I sounded all mightier than thou when I mentioned that I put back all of those running clothes. What I didn't tell you was that I passed by the clearance rack at Marshall's and saw this neat little gadget. As I began to look at it, I noticed it was for running. It's called the Navman and it's a GPS system that does everything from tell you how many calories you've burned to lap time and distance speed. Heck, it might even tell you the winning powerball numbers for all I know!
The original price was $159.99 and it was on clearance for $40. I thought, "this is too good to pass up!!" The problem is, I have yet to figure out how to turn it on! Even with all of the instructions, I can't get that little booger to cooperate! I have tried contacting Navman, but the phone number is in England and I've never called over to Europe. My emails from customer support keep telling me I'm filling out the wrong request. I really want to use this thing, but I might take it back and get a refund on my $40. Does anyone out there know anything about these GPS running gizmos? Your expertise would be much appreciated.

A friend of my sent me a few quotes, so I can't take credit for them. Here they are:
1. When I asked my friend how he was doing, he said, "Every day is a holiday and every meal is a feast!" I thought that was a nice outlook on life.
2. Then this morning, he sends me an email that ends with, "A friend will come bail you out of jail. A true friend will be sitting right besides you saying, 'Dang, that sure was fun!'. "
Now how can you argue with that?............

HOLY UNDERWEAR, BATMAN!!

So I was at Marshall's off of county line road on Sunday afternoon. I walked in and went straight to the exercise clothes and came across a bunch of XXL running stuff. I was like, "oooooh, there's a shirt in my size......aaaaaaah, there's another one!.......oh look, here are some shorts too!....." Now for those of you who don't know what I look like, it's pretty darn hard finding clothes that fit all of the time. I just can't pull things off of the rack like the average person can. You know how most men have buns of steel and a six pack? Well I have loaves and a 2-liter....
Anyway, so I'm standing in line and I'm thinking, "I don't need all of this! I can actually wash and re-wear what I already have, can't I?" My wife the frugal bookkeeper that she is, was really very happy at my financial decision to put everything back. I guess I'll treat myself another time.
I hope all of you are having a great week and staying well. I am treating so many stomach viruses and sinus infections here at the clinic. WASH YOUR HANDS!!! I cringe at the thought of hugging the porcelin (sp?) god in the bathroom. Not my best reccomendation for a weight loss program.......

Oooooh, I wish I were an Oscar-Meyer Weeeeiner!!

Well TGIF everyone! Hope everyone made it through the storms ok. It's been a long week at work and I've been helping my 14 year old study for his nine week tests all week. I'm so tired that I bet if I closed my eyes right now, I could fall asleep while typinzzzzzzzz. Oh sorry, must of dozed off there for a second.
Can you believe it's March already? I hope we have good weather for our training tomorrow. Mark and Robin are really conducting a secret experiment. Remember in science class when you studied about Pavlov and his dogs? Every time Pavlov would feed the dogs meat, he would ring a bell. Then he would ring a bell without any meat and the dogs would still salivate? See, just thinking about training tomorrow has already got me thinking about that bread!! Excuse me while I go to the bathroom to clean the drool off my shirt.........

Jumpin Jack Flash, It's a gas, gas, gas!

Have you ever seen that commercial where the woman starts out on her jog and her husband follows her everywhere in the car with the stereo blasting because she has no headphones? I'm thinking, "man, that woman sure runs a long way and fast too"! Now I know that is only a commercial, but I start to get winded after about 1/8th of a mile! The rest is just a lot of heavy breathing.
I have started taking Mark's advice about stepping with the opposite foot when a stitch comes and that really does seem to work. I'm still having to focus on the abdominal breathing. Of course, my belly's so big as it is that it looks like I'm in my third trimester about to give birth! So no one really knows if I'm breathing with it or not.
Hey, I ordered my little running id. That does make a lot of sense (especially when I pass out at mile 17 or so, hee....hee....).At least I look like a runner with all of my 'non cotton' sports wear. As Billy Crystal used to say on Saturday Night Live, "It's better to look good than to feel good, dahling"! I may look the part, but I sure don't run the part. But before anyone chimes in, yes, I AM A MARATHONER!!!! You know the old saying....How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! So far I'm on the little toenail of the back foot.......

Thought for the day: "If you're green you grow. If you're ripe, you rot. Never stop being green and learning to grow." - Ray Kroc, Founder of McDonalds

I'm coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs.....

Great to meet new people on Saturday. The run was nice (except for the wind!!). And the cinnamon bread!! Don't get me started! I would have eaten the paper towels they came on if no one was looking. That stuff would make ya slap yo granny!!

Did I ever tell you how difficult it is to diet on Sundays? I attend Pinelake church (The Madison campus currently being held at Ridgeland High School). Guess who is in charge of do-nuts and coffee each week? Yep! It's me!! Now I don't know about you, but I can bet that NOBODY can resist it after picking up 15 DOZEN fresh hot do-nuts in your car early on Sunday mornings. That aroma wafting through your car and by the time you get to church, you are ready to rip open a box! I usually find myself gulping at least 3-4 within 15 minutes of setting them up. But wait, the day gets better. Sunday nights, I am a small group Bible study leader and my dinner usually consists of chips/dips, rotel, sodas, and of course some kind of dessert. Now those of you that have seen and met me already should know that by my sheer size alone, I can't be rude and not eat, can I? Sundays are just going to have to be my 'free day' as far as dieting goes. Hey today, I've got my yogurt, oatmeal, pita and hummus, and fresh fruit and veggies so I'm back on the wagon until next Sunday. Then those nasty little round demons will be taunting me again in my car! Oh the pain!! Oh the humanity of it all!! Curse you Do-nut Palace! Curse you!!!

Be vewy quiet....I'm hunting wabbit.....

Can you believe this weather today? I'm going to enjoy my wogging after work at the track (if it's not in use). Is it just me? Or am I the only one who likes tracks? I don't really like looking over my shoulder and looking around for cars and traffic. I like my oval, plus I know that four times around equals a mile. Problem is....I can't get past ten laps! I don't seem to be making much progress, but hey, it's still February. However with the track I see the same bleachers over and over, whereas on the road, I might spy something neat on the run. I guess there are pros and cons to each venue. Either way, I'm moving, it's kicking by behind, and I'm getting some cardiovascular benefits.

Thought for the day: "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill.

Billy Joel Tickets Anyone?

Well today, JackFM called me and told me that I won a pair of tickets to see Billy Joel in New Orleans on Tuesday March 6th. Since that is in the middle of the week and a school night at that, would anyone like to have them? I will give them to the first person for $100. No really, they didn't cost me anything, so I won't charge anything. Just make your check out to.....seriously the first person to respond gets them (and if you want to exchange with a chick-fil-a gift card or something, that would be great).

Spiru-Tein

Hey guys, with all of the health food talk this past Saturday, I thought I would chime in my two cents worth. My wife and I both drink something called Spiru-tein. It has soy protein, bee pollen, apple pectin, green algae, etc. It is an excellent meal replacement. I usually put a scoop in the blender with some skim milk and add some frozen fruit and a banana. You can go to www.naturesplus.com and click on the 'spiru-tein samples' at the bottom. They will send you a free sample of whatever flavor you want. I usually get vanilla so I can add, but the flavored ones like cherry cheesecake and pina colada, etc are also good. I get it at vitamin world in the mall, or your local health food stores like Health way on 51 in Ridgeland. I don't think I could have anything else for breakfast. Check it out if you want some good vitamins/protein that you can drink on the go. This commercial brought to you by.........

Mud and Nascar

So I'm unloading some boxes at a friend's house out in the back shed Saturday after our run. I hop back into my truck and all four of my tires yell at me in unison, "Hey you big dummy, we're stuck!!" Needless to say I spent the next five hours trying to get unstuck in the mud. Well, finally at 9pm, I was cold, wet, and covered with mud, only not the kind you pay lots of money for at a spa. After falling through my ceiling, breaking my fireplace glass inserts, and getting stuck in the mud, you could say that last week was not the best of weeks!!
I said that this week was going to be better than last week and guess what I got in the mail on Monday? An official letter from Coca-Cola stating that I had won a contest giving me two tickets to the Bristol NASCAR race on March 25! Needless to say my wife the big NASCAR fan that she is, WAS STOKED!!!! So don't expect me to run on Saturday the 24th as we will be on our way to the race.

Is it just me? It seems that during the last two weeks, I am eating three times more than I used to. After every training session, I come back with a ravaging appetite and want to eat everything in site!!! I can't seem to lose any weight because I'm taking in more calories than I'm burning. I'm waiting for the Super Foods book to help me out.

Help! The Sky is Falling!!

Well today I missed by XT day. Why? Let's just say that it had something to do with missing a step up in the attic and a big hole in the ceiling! I was getting some boxes down when I missed the area I was supposed to be following. As I was watching my foot go through the sheetrock, I thought about that Aflac commercial where the guy is falling off a ladder saying, "Do I have that insurance?" It seemed every thing suddenly became slo-mo. (Deep voice)Oooooooooooohhhhh Nooooooooooo!!!!!
Dropping the box, I lurched for a wooden beam slamming my ribcage and other parts of my body I don't care to mention. Thankfully, I think that is what slowed my fall. I hung for a second or two, and then fell to the ground. No broken legs, or blown out knees. Ok, so I'm still in the marathon race.....but sore as you know what! A lot of Ibuprofen, cold packs, and icy hot later, I just couldn't make myself work out today. I don't know about running tomorrow either. Maybe try a walk and go from there.
I will chalk this one up as the first of many obstacles in my goal for Chicago. So on Saturday, if you see a big ole guy kinda shuffling along, you'll know the reason I don't have my own home improvement show on HGTV.

Watch it wiggle.....See it jiggle.......

Great meeting people on Saturday. This is going to be fun (except for the running part! ha). Chris from Vicksburg made me feel right at home (XXL men of the world, UNITE!!). I'm looking forward to this Saturday and meeting more people. Today was a great day to run. Shorts and a shirt!

Can't I just shave my head and join a convent instead?

Well today is XT day (Thank God!) Since I lift weights, today and Sundays are easy days for me. Monday night I ran around Madison Central's track in complete darkness since I couldn't get out of work until after 7pm. Now I'm a big guy, but there's something a little scary about being all alone on a dark track in an empty stadium. The only thing you hear besides your I-pod is your heart beating and your mouth breathing. (Is that someone sitting in the bleachers.....?)
Anyway, I did thirty-five minutes. I ran 1.5 miles very slowly (most people could walk faster I suppose....) and then I walked the other 1/2 mile.

Last night, the track was being used. MadisonCentral girls were playing soccer against Starkville (the nerve!) I wondered if they would mind some big fat guy trudging around the track while they played, but I decided not to push the envelope. So my son and I went back to the neighborhood for a walk-jog for forty minutes. We made 2.5 miles! We would walk to a mailbox and then run to the next. Walk to the next, and then run to the next. You get the idea. It was amazing how much sweat one person could have for being out in 4o degree weather. My son was walking faster than I was running, but he's fourteen, very pliable, and at the age where he thinks he knows everything, but that's a whole nother story. I'm forty, stiff as a board, and feeling every wrinkle develop on my face.....every hair turn gray and leave my head......every skin cell start to look like onion skin on my hands. But I don't want to complain. God has blessed me beyond measure in the fact that I can actually get out and do this when so many can't. (Phil. 4:13)

Today, my legs feel like concrete, so that's why I'm glad it's my upper body workout day. The only thing I ask is that you say a prayer for my knees. They are starting to bark at me again. I may have to walk more than run for a while until I get them to behave! Anybody in Madison that runs after work is more than welcome to run with me at the high school track if its not in use. Just look for the big guy with a reddish goa-tee on Saturday standing around looking like he has no idea what he's doing!! :)

One small step for man......

Well, here we go! I'm new to "blogging" and new to marathons. I guess you have to start somewhere, or how about, 'you're never to old to stop learning' or some other well used cliche like that.

My name is Kelvin Jones and I am the 7am-3:30pm RN at Nissan in Canton. Thus, my title is 'nissannurse'. Very original, huh? (ha!) When I turned forty this past September, I thought about making some life changes (like most people do when they turn forty...) and so I started running. I have always said that I couldn't run because of too many old football injuries to my knees and on the first day, I thought my knees would revolt (as well as my lungs!). But the more I worked up to a mile, the less my knees hurt. Imagine that! No more excuses!

So, to make a long story short, I run a mile on M, T, TH, and F. I have been feeling so good, that I decided my New Year's resolution was to run a 5k this year. Little did I know that I would later decide to 'step it up a notch' and thus, nissannurse of the marathon makeover has evolved. Currently, I am 6'2" and come in at a very trim 290lbs. (very trim, indeed....HA!) One of my main goals is drop some poundages of course, all the while building self confidence of undiscovered levels.

As this is my first 'blog', all I can say is......stay tuned. This could get very interesting!!