Trip to the Windy City

I took a trip this week. I just had to get away. I started off in Indy. That is a wonderful town. I loved the Civil War memorial downtown. Then went to Springfield, Il. Had a great time at the Abraham Lincoln Museum. I would recommend it to anyone. They really did a great job with it. Then ended up in Chicago. Saw the lights at night and all. Wow....whats a great time. Didnt really want to leave. Found a wonderful bike trail along the tracks in Glenn Ellyn. Ran two different times for about 14 miles....wish I had trails like that around here.

wow - 64 degrees

I had to run this morning, it was only 64 degrees....NICE! I ran 5.36 miles.....felt really good. My miles have been down but my body just needed to slow down and enjoy life again.

I did well at both the Findlay and Maumee Bay Duathlons.....plus its been nice getting back on the bike again. It seems like it would take forever to get back into my marathon pace again, but its nice just to slow down. :0)

Flag City Multisport Celebration

Finished in 15th in the sprint duathlon....1st duathlon of the year. The weather was perfect. I told my self I was just going to have fun and enjoy it. I had x-rays on my left ankle & lower leg 2 days before. They came back positive & the Dr. said I could run if I felt up to it. My time was 1:28:40. It could have been so much better but I was holding back to play it safe. I also blew past my turn around spot during the bike ride by about a 1/2 mile or so.....LOL....oh well. Its over and I finished with a smile.

RT

NIce and easy

54 degrees, suns out.....just took it easy. Did my normal morning 5k. Felt great, now a cup of coffee & might get the bike out.

7.5 miles.....

Taking a break. Today was the perfect day to run (69 degrees) and the sun was out. I did 7.5 miles after a week rest. Just have to do it from time to time. I felt guilty, but my body needed it. I figure I'm not really in training now, so taking a rest will be good. It also give me a chance to get on my bike again. I did 25 miles yesterday. I can tell its been a while, but my body felt good.

RT

The perfect day!

The weather was perfect today to run. 52 degrees, sun out and just a slight breeze. I did a nice 7.5 mile run then kicked back and finished a book. A very nice Sunday morning.

52 degrees afterwork

The weather was perfect. I did a 6 mile run tonight. 52 degrees is perfect. My time was 49:20. Not to bad after a few days off. It felt great :0)

A few days off

Today was my 1st day back after a 5 day rest period. Sometimes your body just says STOP, so I did. My left ankle has been bugging me on/off that last half yr. or so. It seemed like after the Toledo Marathon I just had to take it easy. Today I ran 5 miles...You could tell I'd not run for a while. But the ankle felt OK. My plans are to gradually get back into it, however I'm not going to kill myself. I plan on getting the bike out and focusing a little more on it as the weather gets better. Over all - Pretty Happy with the day.

RT

Glass City Marathon

4th Marathon under my belt. As most of you know I've been training for another long run.

Well I did another marathon Sunday in Toledo, Ohio. It was the Glass City Marathon, It's only about 45 minutes from my house, so it was an easy drive. I like that.

I wasn't planning to set any records, I just wanted to finish with an "ok" time. I went up with my wife and an other very good friend. This friend , She has been in/out of the hospital due to complication of cancer several years ago. However with 78 full marathons under her belt. She decided to give this race a try, after all these types of people live for the challenge! LOL, She ran 12 miles with me last Saturday with no problems, then another 5 Thursday. All seemed good.

The race started at 8:00 A.M., The weather was calling for temperatures in the 80's and a little wind. After about 4 or 5 miles, I could tell she was struggling. However she kept pushing on. I could tell it wasn't going to be her day. We would run a while then jog or walk as needed. It was no longer about me, it was all about helping a friend and runner while she needed support. We made it about 12 miles before she elected to call it a day. Its really not worth killing yourself over a run. Besides, if I were struggling because of health, I would hope one of my friends would be there for me to. I gladly do this, after all, she's always been there when I was training and needed help. She really has nothing to prove. After all 78 Marathons.....Wow.

The race started back up for me. I new I was way behind everyone. But I was determined to finish regardless. I went back out after 12 at a fast pace for the next 5 miles or so. It felt ok, but the sun was now out in full strength. 82 degrees and here I'm 35 to 40 minutes behind most of the runners. Dang.

Now its about me finishing. I tried to get plenty of water, gue & Gatorade every mile or so. Now it 85 degrees and I have another 6 miles to go. Wow....I was dying. My navy blue shorts and light blue cycling shirt had turned white from the salt and swet leaving my body. I ended up walking 20 to 30 paces about every mile at the check points. My legs cramped, chest was tight and head was pounding. The sun is a terrible thing. I just wonder what the run would have been like it we'd have gone out and stayed with the pack like we were planing?

I crossed the line in 5 hours 10 minutes and 8 seconds. Not a good time, but you know, it really didn't matter. I did it anyway. That medal around my neck is better than most could ever dream of. Plus I felt good knowing that I stayed with my running buddy when she needed it, regardless it she encouraged me to leave her behind or not. That's the way it should be. There will always be another race. :0)

RT

Last long run

Ok, I did a 12.5 mile run today. Now I just rest up for the weekend, maybe one more short one Thursday. Lets hope for good weather Sunday.

RT

I signed up for another marathon

Well it had to be done. It seems as my plans for a marathon in May are getting even more complicated. so instead of missing out on what I've been working for. I decided to sign up for a marathon this weekend! Yes this weekend. Am I ready? Time will tell. I'm not looking to finish in a fast time. Just to go out and have fun. Hopefully finish. I really haven't put in to many long runs yet. That the only thing scaring me. LOL. Wish me luck :o)

Gaining weight

It's amazing how quick you can put the weight back on. I tell you, I've had a few days off due to weather and just needing a break. I've gained a few back way to quick. I know with the holiday and all. But you really need to watch it! I NEED TO STAY UNDER 190! Rob get your head back into it!

Just way to nice out.

Well I got off work tonight and the weather was calling me. It was about 46 degrees and the sun out. Today was the first day I've run outside in shorts. It felt great! I ran 7 miles in about 59 minutes. Nothing to set a record at, but still not to bad. Will try another long run Saturday morn.

RT

A little speed work

Today was one of those sort of nasty days....Windy, 31 degrees, damp & light rain at times. I told my self I was going to run & stay close to the house. I only did 2 miles, however I did go over to Donnel Track and wanted to see what kind of time I could do a 400 in. I left my winter gear on and tried a lap. I really havent ever timed myself. I ended up doing a 1:14 lap. Not to bad! Gives me something to work on.

RT

I had relation in the 57th OVI

The Battle of Shiloh - April 6th, 1862
Head Quarters 57th Regt. OVI
3rd Brigade, 5th Division, Dept. of Tennessee, April 11th, 1862.

Editors Courier and the Jeffersonion:

Sirs, - Availing myself of the presence of A. Bushon. esq, of Findlay who is in our camp tonight, having arrived this afternoon, I drop you a line. The people of Hancock and vicinity are doughtless anxious to hear from their freinds and relatives in the 57th. We have passed through the most terrible battle that has ever been fought in America - perhaps in the world. I have not the time to descibe it; I could not do it if I tried. It is indescribable. The deeds of valor and individual daring performed by our soldiers on the 6th and 7th days of April, are unsurpassed in the annals of history.

Goose Attack

I'm sure most of you have had a goose flap its wings and run at you, however I had an attack by one this week about 7 miles into my run. I enjoy studying about the Civil War. So its not uncommon for me to run past the local training camp location here in Findlay, Ohio. It was called Camp Vance back in the 1860"s. Its a wonderful location along the Blanchard River. It's hard to imagine what was going on here about 140 yrs. ago. There is a paved path which is perfect to run along the riverbank now. I was going at a good pace when all the sudden I heard a strange noise from my rear so I slightly turned my head to see what was behind me. As I did a large goose smacked the back of my head nearly knocking my hat off. I never even saw it coming. The only thing I can imagine is that a nest was close by and it just happened to be flying in and saw me there. It was a full attack with the intent to kill. LOL.
I smacked it with my fist and pushed it away. It then flew around and turned back at me. This time coming full speed at me from the front. I attempted to hit it out of the air as it came in again. As I swung I twisted my left ankle. The pain shot up my leg but I continued to run from the seen. It's amazing how you adrenaline starts pumping when something like this happens. It finally stopped its attack so I was able to limp to a stop. I ended up walking about 100 yards thinking if I stop moving my ankle would swell and get worse, so I bit the bullet and decided I'd jog at a slow pace the next 2 or 3 miles home.
I've never heard of a goose attacking from the air, only on the ground. I took 3 days off just to make sure my ankle was feeling better. Today I did a little over 11 miles...It felt great, but I tell you, as the sun started to come up this morning I heard a flock of geese flying over head. My heart started beating fast and I made sure all my directions were clear. It makes you wonder.

Discovered Facebook

If you have never gone to www.facebook.com you should try it. I'ts alot of fun and gives you the chance to talk and meet with friends you haven't seen in years. You can also join and meet groups of people who enjoy the same type of activities you do, such as....Running, marathons, Civil War, Sports, antiques cars etc. Its a lot of fun.

As for my running, all is gping well. Last week I tried trail running for the 1st time out at VanBuren State Park. It was a totally different type of work out. Thats what I was looking for. I think by using different muscles has to be a good thing. The only thing I really didn't like was the horse riders also use the same trails from time to time. So there where pleanty of tracks and holes in the path you had to watch for.

RT

Got the moutain bike out

Ran 15.3 miles yesterday, felt ok, but the legs are sorta tight. I got the moutain bike out & put air in the tires. Went for a nice little 5 mile ride. Was nice to get out side again.

RT

14 Mile Run

Longest run I've done in a while. I got up and out of bed Saturday morning. The weather was about 23 degrees and windy, off I went. I met my friend D.K. at 5:30 AM. We started at her house and headed East we went. She was hoping for 20 miles, but I had to call it early at 14 miles. Just not enough time to get home shower, shave & back to work by 9:00 AM. Oh well, 14 isnt to bad. It felt great to get outside again. Even if it was cold. I have no idea what the wind chill was, but it was ok in my winter running gear. Can't wait for spring to arrive. I'm ready to get the bike out again.

RT

P.S. did 3.54 today at the YMCA over lunch. Just wish I had more time.

Treadmill Record Run

I went to the Y over lunch, told myself I was going to go for a half hour at a record pace for me. The last time I tried it, my shoe came untied after 22 minutes..LOL, never fails. Oh well.
I set the speed at 7.5 mph and kept the pace for 25 minutes. Then I bumped it up to 8.2, then 8.3, then 8.4, then 8.5, then 8.6 mph to finish. It wasn't easy, but I felt great after it was over. I ran 3.89 miles in 30:39. I find the road miles are so much easier then the treadmill.

RT

Just a nice day

I was at the Y by 5:40 this morning, we did a Core Abs class starting at the free weights. It was different but I think I like the regular classes better. I was also able to get 10 minutes in on the bike aswell. After class myself and 3 others went for a nice slow pace run out by the horse farm. I got in 4.10 miles. You know, it really felt good to jog at a 10 minute pace.

RT

P.S. may go for a longer run later in the day.

Most of the snow is gone

The weather has been warmer the last few days. Yesterday the roads and sidewalks were rather nasty. My feet were soaked from all the slush & water after about 5 1/2 miles. Today was much better. I figured I'd take advantage of this and put in a long run. I logged 13.1 miles. It felt great to finally get off that treadmill. Now lets just cross our figures that it stays like this a little longer.

RT

New Website

I have been keeping track of my running/Biking/Swim/ Strength training on a really cool website. It's at www.ontri.com . Not only do I keep logs on fitness, I also keep track of all the food & the calories as well. Wow, I never knew how much I eat. It's no wonder so many people are overweight.

My training is going well. I still need a ton of work in the water. I swam for abot 45 minutes today during lunch. Also did 6.77 miles on the TM at the Y tonight. Logged about 15 miles on the bike about 5:45 this morning & even did a little Ab's training as well. I am feeling stronger. Just need to keep pushing myself.

RT

Swimming

Well I've decided I'm going to learn the proper way to swim. Wow, I s_ck! LOL
As you know I'm in pretty good condition, however I'm really having problems breathing while I swim. It seems like I just get tired to quick. I've been to the YMCA 3 times this week. I'm thinking positive. It's just going to take a while. I've managed to run 82.5 miles so far this month. I've also been doing 2 Bike Spin classes weekly & also 1 core ab's class per week. Its working my body hard. But I'm sure it will have to help come warmer weather. Like I said, I plan on a Triathlon with year. Wish me luck.

RT

spin class

I was only able to get about 27 miles last week. The weather was typical for this time of year. Snow, Ice & slush. Yesterday was the 1st I'd been out in a while. The roads had snow on then, but was still able to get 7.47 miles in. It was only 19 degrees out, but it felt good to be on the road again.
Last week I also added a different addition to my training. I did a core ab class on Tues. and a bike spinning class in Wed. and Friday. Wow, I was sore! They both really work you hard. I think I'm going to keep them both in my work out schedule. Even if my miles are down, that will be a true benefit for my body.
Wish me well.

RT

I hit my goal

I did it. Over 1000 running miles in 2008. The day before the new year I needed 10 more miles. I knew the weather was suppose to get bad. So I said to my self, It's now or never. I set out after work at a good pace. In 1 hr & 56 minutes I put on 12.2 miles.....I did it! My legs were sore but it was worth all the hard work over the last 2 months.

I took off a few days to rest up and enjoy the holidays....But the whole deal starts up again 2maro morning....I'm going for 1200 for 2009. Wish me luck.

RT