Twin Cities or Bust... With a lotta help from Above!

I officially began training for the Twin Cities Marathon this fall on June 1st. It is refreshing to have a "goal" in mind and an event to focus on. I am training to set a Personal Record of under
3 hours and 48 minutes (actually ... 3 hours and 40 minutes) or faster. This summer will find me training in a manner that reflects the balance I have talked of often in my earlier blogs.

Running 4 - 5 days a week; biking 1 day a week; and incorporating the P90X exercise program in an adapted manner to build my endurance and lean muscle. It is a time commitment, but it is exciting.

After only 2 weeks, I can notice a difference in my attitude at work, my endurance when I run, and how well I sleep at night. I am cautiously optimistic that I will be able to maintain and increase my physical stamina without injury because of the variety.

With the added hours for training, I am finding I am more efficient in everything else and am eliminating the "slack" areas that seem to simply waste time.

I found a t-shirt in my closet that reads... "finding balance ... one step at a time". That is going to be my goal this summer. One step at a time, one pedal stroke at a time, one push-up at a time.
Including special times for my family one hug at a time and one kiss at a time. The Twin Cities Marathon isn't simply about me. It is a way for me to seek creative ways to maintain quality family time in the hectic summer business environment!

I am finding all of this to be possible only when I include God into my everyday routines. I don't talk much of my "faith". I am finding the more I let go of my personal desires and independent work attitude; the more I allow time to listen to what God may be saying to me; the more successful I am at everything. I have been wearing a chain around my neck for over 15 years that reads "With God, All Things are Possible". Big sigh..... thank fully, God is patient. I love the solitude exercise provides me and the opportunity I have everyday to slow down and listen.

Steady as I go

The past two weeks have been pretty intense at work so my running has been limited. I am still finding time to exercise in moderation ... 2 - 4 times per week. Monday and Wednesday evenings have taken me to the hockey rink with Joseph where I get to play "roller hockey" for 3o to 90 minutes with the little "squirts". It is great mental therapy and a pretty modest workout for my legs.

I have biked once to Dalton and back ... 16 miles round trip from the arena. I am reminded every time I back how much I really enjoy this activity.

I am adding into my gradual progression of training a stretching/lifting routine on the Pilate's home gym and the ab circle pro. It seems that a wide variety is best for me at this time as I am still trying to get my ankle 100%.

I am feeling good about the progression for Marathon training which will begin in earnest on June 1st. The biggest challenge for me at the moment is to remember to take my time and not overachieve.

STEADY AS I GO IS MY MOTTO!!!!!

Whew.... I did it!

Tonights run was difficult. I need to remember to ease into things. Ran for one hour while Joe rollerbladed at the rink. The first 20 minutes I had stiff legs and labored breathing. I got real comfortable the next 30 minutes and felt good. As usual, however, I over-did it and found myself 10 minutes from my pickup, sore legs, and a real sore ankle. I did manage to still run up the hockey arena hill to get to the pickup :).

Reminder .... The race is not to the fastest ... it is for those who keep on!

I need to remember to show patience and not over extend myself all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back at it .... Finally

Wow, it has been 3 months since my last post. :( Hurt my ankle just before Christmas and I am slowly recovering. How frustrating. I have been slowly finding my stride but it takes a ton of patience and dedication. Just when I think I am feeling good, it seems to hurt again.

Anyhow ... I signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon in October 2010 so I have to work thru the pain and get back to a regular fitness routine.

Today, I biked 18 miles with Jean (my wife). It was a nice day and my ankel felt about 90%. Was fun to pedal again. Remember my post earlier when I got road rash???? Well, it was Jean's turn today. She was following me up a hill on the highway ... being ever so cautious to stay on the right side of the white line.. looking down so she wouldn't have to see the hill we were climbing. As she was looking down, she didn't notice the road narrow and the pavement end as she continued into 1 inch deep loose gravel :( She now is sporting a bit of road rash on her left hip as she took to the pavement in a slow motion wipe out.

Looking forward to many more posts as I finally find my stride and get back into a routine!
I will be running 4 - 5 days a week and biking 2 - 3 days.

Happy day!!!

Pat

Beware of Road Rash!!

I bought a "trainer" for riding my road bike indoors last week. Included was a DVD of a professional biker that was my virtual trainer. He paced me perfectly for 44 minutes and 50 seconds. I varied my pace and perceived effort during this time to simulate riding outdoors, up hills, on curves, and in a pack of other riders. It was as if I was truly in a bike race so the time went incredibly fast. With 10 seconds left, the trainer challenged me to race him to the finish line. I realize this is only a virtual trainer, but a challenge is a challenge. I pedaled as hard as I could, gaining ground on him. My pace timer "clocked me at 29.7 miles per hour when suddenly, my bike disengaged and sent me sailing to the side, bouncing off the wicker/iron chair. I was "clipped in" with my shoes as the ceramic tile floors cushioned my fall. My back took the brunt of the crash. Well, as you can see, I didn't win the race! It wasn't as bad as it looks. :)

I travelled to Ohio on a quick trip with my wife, Jean to pick up a "homemade onion ring" automated machine from Thurs-Sunday. 15 hours each way. Exercise was non-exisitent during the trip, but I did take advantage of each rest break to stretch and relax from the cramped sitting in the car.

The road rash is healed and I am ready to get back in the saddle for another bike ride. I think I will let the trainer win this time.

Happy Day

I started the day with a 5 mile run with my wife Jean and my running friend (Steve Castle).

First run of the year with snow on the ground. It is refreshing to live in a climate where we experience all four seasons! The footing was a bit slippery, but the converstation and companionship along the way were excellent. Jean and I run at different speeds, so we have to be creative in our running routes. We always start out togather, then as I get my first "wind" I pick up my pace and tell her I will see her back at home. Steve is new to Fergus and is quickly becoming a good friend. The talks we share on our runs are always enlightening. We are able to recap our lives without complaining or bragging. The one rule we follow seems to keep us focused on what God has in store for us and what we must do to remain true to His purpose.

With the start of winter running, I was reminded of the importance of "layering". I started out very comfortable, but within minutes found my outer layer didn't breath well and quickly turned into a "sweaty" runner. I had to manage my pace, and adjust my stride to make sure I didn't "overheat or chill". I didn't have drinking water for this run, so I had to be careful to make sure I didn't dehydrate and overexert.

After running, a relaxing sauna, and then a quick shower; I found myself reflecting on what "layering" does in my life. I have found that exercise always clears my mind of things that I have been encountering. I am constantly reminded that I consist of many layers that, when viewed individually, don't amount to much. When pieced togather, however, these layers are what make me who I am. It is so important for me to be aware of this as I go through life. I have to keep moving forward, pause when necessary, adjust course if needed, then continue on.

As I continue on, I try to remain steadfast.... Don't get too excited about the good things, or too depressed about the bad. Each step has a purpose, each stride has a reason.