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.