Heat Acclimation & Pondering Life

2 Posts in one

I received a photo from my wife showing 10 inches of snow, and a -2 on the car thermometer on the way to school this morning.

Me... I was (and still am) enjoying mid 80's in Houston/Austin/San Antonio. I would feel bad, but I am the man brining home the bacon. You know.... the guy working so hard his fingernails are worn out. Okay.. I have it easy.. I am a salesman. But still... I do what many can't.

I ran Tuesday night in San Antonio at the Emile and Friedrich Park. That is an awesome little loop. Lots of rocks, but warm and fun.

Took Wednesday off (because I really did work hard).

Thursday - Ran around the streets of North Houston.

What was strange was... I ran 7-8 miles, and it felt like nothing. I ran slow, but this new form conserves energy really well.

Which brings me to Zumbro. I feel like I "should" do it, but I just don't want to suffer. Every morning I wake up and say "no way", but by the evening I think "I could do it". My body forgets how much suffering is involved in these, and I know that could be an issue.

I had great advice last weekend on the long run. John T(a MN legend), told me "You could do it relaxed and fun - mid pack, but only you can decide if you have that in you". John understands that some people (me) just can't run a race where they put it all on the line. It was not a compliment or insult, just the plain reality.

I hate showing up to races unprepared. Actually, I never show up to races unprepared. I just don't show up if I am not ready. In 100's, nobdoy is truly "ready", just like having kids. You just have to pull the pin and go for it. But one can be prepared, and that is a loaded word.

If it were not my 40th birthday, I would say "no way". But something just keeps tugging at me saying "what a way to turn 40". Many people sit on their ass and celebrate walking up the steps to work. Many people fear turning 40 or complain about it. I am actually looking forward to it. I hated being a kid, and always wanted to be a grown up. For me, it might be a way to show people "I am just getting started...pal".

My marriage has never been stronger than it is now. I have a beatiful, awesome wife. I have 4 great kids. I enjoy my work more than I ever have. There is minimal (if any) doom on the horizon. God has given me many gifts I don't deserve. Life is great.

Maybe one of my gifts is being a testament to living a happy life, and enjoying it in a symbolic way. This would actually give me purpose and motivation to do Zumbro more than anything.

There were times in the last 4 months when I thought I was done with Ultra running. Seriously. One morning I woke up and actually said "I am done'.

Maybe my "competitive" days are over. But to me "competitive" is relative.

There are only a finite number of "blue tarps" out there, and I already have my fair share.

More to ponder

28 years late to a U2 concert

I was in Denver this week and connected with Joe Z (former resident of MN....) for a nice and easy run in the foothills of Denver. Okay... easy for Joe, but a beatdown for me.

Cruised through one of the many parks in the area, climbing from 6000ft, breathing hard. Joe asks "you ever seen Red Rock?".

Me - "No.. but lets go". I knew it right away as the cover of U2's "Under a Blood Red Sky".

It is quite a site to see. But the stairs... the stairs would even make brothergrub and taterTodd cry for help. This picture does not do it justice



But the view was worth it. Joe even said "we have to take the stairs to earn the view"



This picture really does not capture the beauty, but it gives you an idea. And.. I stole these off the internet.

It felt good to run hard. It has been over 2 weeks of abrupted sleep with coughing and just no energy.

I managed to miss only 1 day of running this week, and I have plans for Sat and Sun.

Saturday I am running with old man Jim. Luckily he is recovering from surgeries or I would be dreading tomorrows run.

Sunday is the Afton opener for me. If I can bust out 31 miles there, I very well might sign up for Zumbro.

Anybody interested in joining us, be at the parking lot at 6am for the 1st loop, or 9am for the 2nd. (unless the trails are too slushy and muddy.

I am having a pint of "Confusion Corner Coffee Stout" as I write this. I came out nice, but needs a few weeks to mellow out. "Getting Chicked Ale" came out real nice. Gives a nice bitter taste... just like the guy on the label was feeling

Winter Sucks

Need I say more

Labels

Proper consideration goes out to "brothergrub" of the Lapham Peak Trail Runners. He made this label.


Still working on Confusion Corner Coffee Stout



On the running front, been sick all weekend.

Might try to do a long run next weekend as a deciding factor about Zumbro. Anybody interested in heading down there next weekend for a long run?