Holy cow…I hate that pic I’ve posted of me…but I’m too lazy to change it.  In case you all didn’t know I write these posts…at work during lunch.  While I’m “at lunch” i don’t have access to all of my old “pin-up” pics from my early modeling days.  HAHAHA HARDLY!!! I’ll see if I have anything better, but that’s the most clear pic I could find.  Plus it reflects me at about 30lbs heavier.

Anyway, I had a good run on Sunday…a quck 4 miles at a little over an 8 min pace.  This new pace is GREAT and quite a change from my old 10 min pace.  So, tonight I think I’m going to do the same “long” run as I did on Sunday, but by myself and see what pace I can maintain.  If I can do an 8:20-8:30 pace I’ll be VERY happy.  Anything better than that…look out…I may shoot for the Olympics. 

I’ve setting myself up for a challenge during the upcoming week of Thanksgiving.  We’re heading up north to visit family for the holidays.  Well, I’ve become VERY used to running in warmer weather down here in Florida.  I’ve run in the cold up there before but I’d really like to keep my running clothes to a minimum that i have to pack.  Of course now that I have a running partner to keep me motivated I will have to give this situation some serious thought and actually pack the full range of gear and on top of that, actually go out and run.

Anyway, I’m very happy with my progress and my steady increase in mileage and commitment.  I told my wife on Sunday what I was training for (Gasparilla Bud Light Challenge, 15K, 5K & 1/2 Marathon over 2 days) so, now she understands the obsession a little bit better.  Of course her response was, “everything I read says you shouldn’t run like that 2 days in a row.”  {Damn Runner’s Worlds in the bathroom}.   I said, fine, I’ll train for an ultra-marathon and run it in a day.     {no, not really}

I’ll keep you posted.

Sooo, how many of you thought…”Well there’s his one post and he’ll be gone again.”  Nope, I’m back again, and last night I was out running again.  I was sore all day yesterday and didn’t think I was going out for a run, but decided around 9 that I should otherwise I’d be mad at myself this morning.

Granted this run wasn’t long, but I took it around the block again and have every intention to keep doing it (every other day) until it gets easy and then start stretching it out longer and longer.  I’m not really “training” for a race, which is different for me.  I’ll be interested to see what this does for my motivation and my enjoyment of running.  I will note that I AM signed up for the Army 10-Miler in October, but still not committed, meaning, I may give my # to my sister or brother-in-law.
Here’s to another day of running!

CG

Yes, I know I said 2 months ago “I was back.”  Well finally on Saturday night I got off my dead butt and ran.  It was only a measly 1.11 miles, but I did it.    I didn’t feel any pain (that night), but I am sore today.  I can’t believe you take a little time off and fall so far out of shape.  Anyway….I’m gonna keep this short…I’m heading back out there tonight.

Stay tuned

I know that’s the question all of you are asking.  Well I’ve been “around.”  I can tell you all I have NOT run since just before the Disney Half-Marathon.  After getting over the brief bout of depression for not being able to run the race I did get to enjoy all that Disney had to offer and spend time with fellow runners, my in-laws, wife and son.  We had a blast but I will tell you it stuck in my mind like a badge of shame that I couldn’t run the race.

Since then I have been down-right CHICKEN to even try and get back out there and run.  I keep thinking I can still “Feel” where it hurts and just isn’t right in my shin and calf.  I’ve been promising myself for weeks that I will get back out there and give it a shot.  Well I’m taking this opportunity to “publicly” (because I have sooo many readers) to give it a shot tonight.  One of the motivating factors is the same for a lot of us…to get in somewhat decent “beach” shape.

So with that said…I really am back on the BLOG and I’ll let you all know how it goes.

Well, the last time I ran was last year…ugh..sounds terrible doesn’t it?  However, thankfully in this case it was only 2 days ago. HAHA  I know…I’m 12.  So, I guess the common theme across runner’s blogs right now are New Year’s resolutions.  I thought to myself, dare to be different and write about something else….NAHHHH.  My New Year’s resolutions are as follows (and they’ll be the theme throughout the year):

1.  Run more consistently.  I still need to let go of the T.V addiction and just enjoy life. 

2.  Figure out what big run I’ll do this year and sign-up ASAP. 

3.  Get out doors more with the family.   My son is becoming a computer/t.v geek.  I’d like him to play some sports and maybe a little run around the block occasionally with his daddy.  With that said, my son and wife both have new bikes for Christmas so…let’s get out there.

4.  Keep in touch with my friends better.  I got a text last night from someone I thought was my friend.  I’ll admit I didn’t recognize the phone #, but the message was something one of my friends would send.  Well this person responded this morning to my response and this time signed it…OOOOPS  I don’t know a Maria.  LOL   Anyway, since I’ve moved to Florida I haven’t kept in touch with my friends since I’ve moved.  I promise to do better.

 5.  Finally, I will track my time and distances on my blog this year.  My goal is to keep me a little more accountable for my running.  So, if you see my lagging…let me know!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  Let’s make 2008…..GREAT!!