Been a while

It has been a while since I wrote, but that doesn't mean I haven't been exercising. I've been doing some running on the treadmill, and some running outside too. I have also been getting on the recumbent bike, plus doing a variety of other things, just to mix it up a little.

The weather was in the low 70's this morning and the running was nice. I did a few miles up at the park and got home before the rain. I haven't run at the park for a week or so, and it was nice. There were a few people running or walking, and a few kids on the playground. It won't be long before the weather changes and some people complain about the snow and the cold. A lot of the biggest complainers will be the same ones that didn't leave the house all summer because it was too hot, or too wet, or too nice inside.

Enjoy the day, everyday

I have been running more lately, though I haven't been blogging much. Most of my running has been on the treadmill, playing games with myself using different paces. I've also been watching the Olympics quite a bit, cheering on the U.S. even though they can't hear me. Yesterday we watched as Oscar Pistorius, of South Africa, came in 2nd in a 200 qualifier. Oscar is a double amputee from almost birth (he was a baby). Some people think that he has an undue advantage using carbon-fiber "feet." Personally I say if you are worried about that kind of "advantage" there is no rule saying that you can't hack off your lower limbs and get carbon-fiber ones. Unless of course you are not willing to stand behind your accusations. This kid is obviously NOT Oscar, but feel free to look at him, then look at your legs, then YOU decide who probably has the advantage.

Run with abandon, with whatever you have.

I felt the need to mix it up a little today. I have been slowing down a little this summer with work and all. So I went to Nay Aug Park, did a few miles that included a hill run and a few things to play on. The weather was a little cooler than it had been lately (still in the 80's though) so out and about I went. The pool is of course open and there were people around. There were walkers, runners and pets here and there. A few people that looked moderately homeless were there also, mostly sitting at the picnic tables. Mostly it was pretty quiet though. I had no problem getting in everything that I wanted. I highly recommend enjoying the weather whenever possible. 

Fun in the sun

Road Rash: the weather was nice again today, perhaps a little humid. I did not realize it initially, but by mile 4 or 5 I had a pretty good sweat going. I was about 1-1 1/2 miles into my run when a chunk of sidewalk jumped up and snagged my toe. It was really no big deal. I fall once a year or so. The 1st thing I do is look around to see who might have seen me. Then I get up, curse and start down the road again. I only mention it because if you run and probably even walk, you are going to trip from time to time. Nearly everyone does it, it is never fun but it usually is no big deal. I am at times forgiving of mistakes. I say that "the only one that doesn't make mistakes is the person that doesn't do anything." The same could be said for falling. You will not ever have to worry about scraping your knees or elbows if you stay on the couch. One other side note. For a decade or so I taught karate and part of that was doing falls & rolls. Notice that my elbow is scraped, my wrist isn't broken, and my face is still pretty (well, kinda). When you fall, TURN YOUR HEAD -- BEND YOUR ELBOWS--- GET YOUR FOREARMS IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE.... DO NOT REACH YOUR ARMS OUT... Your forearms might bleed, but if you reach out, your wrists will break.

Go for a run and, have a nice trip.

The weather was nice today, none the less I hit the treadmill. The thing that I have grown to appreciate about the treadmill, is that I can control the speed better. I can set the speed at a 6 minute mile pace (or 9 minute mile pace) and teach my muscles how to move at that speed. That gets into my brain and my muscle memory. To be able to rely on my muscles to move at a specific speed, my muscles have to know what that speed feels like. That way I can train to run a 30 minute 5K, or a 20 minute 5K. I can also teach my muscles a speed that is currently beyond my long distance capability. I can run at a 4 minute mile pace for any where from 1 to 4 minutes than slow down to a 8 minute pace before my heart explodes, or I trip and get shot out the window behind me from the treadmill. Then fast again. I have almost total control. I don't trust that the treadmill is 100% accurate (though I do believe it is close), that is why I have ALMOST total control. I could also do that at a track with more accuracy, but there is not an accessible track nearby. So, if you have a treadmill, or a track nearby, do a little speed play. It will make the run a little more fun and a little more exciting. Indoors or out, do something beside "VEG."

Be active, be happy.

Easy Run -- Today was our first full day back from Georgia and I needed to run. I haven't run since Wednesday, so I went out and pounded the pavement for a few miles.  I did ok at Peachtree, it was a lot of fun and I recommend it to anyone. One side note: to do Peachtree I had to take a train into Atlanta. Then there was a couple mile walk to the start line, and after the race, there was a couple mile walk back to the train. THAT walk is what kicked my heiner. It was mostly up hill and I was a bit tired by then. None the less, I do recommend a "Party Run" like  The Peachtree 10K. There were bands and quite a few fans and well wishers. There were even a couple bars offering their wares for runners. The winning time was just over 27 minutes, my time was a bit longer. It was doing the event that counted to me, not winning. Since I have done 10 K's before I did not even get a PR (personal record). It was a PR for a 10 K as a Master Athlete (Over 50), because it was my only 10 K since I turned 50. All in all, I had a good time though.

Run... Race...Socialize... Enjoy....

I

The weather was nice this morning, so it seemed like a nice day to go outside for a run. I did about 4 or so miles in the sunshine, soaking up vitamin D and maybe a touch of melanoma. I do not get a whole lot of sun and I think some is good, but more is not better as far as ultraviolet rays go. None the less, you need to get out sometimes, get the stink blown off, and get a little exercise. Try not to run when the sun is its hottest, but do try to get a little sun. It wouldn't hurt to throw on a little sunscreen either. You break a little sweat, check to make sure your pores are clear and your sweat glands are functional, and you get to burn a few calories. All in all, not a bad deal.

Sunshine or rain... enjoy the day