Sunday, May 28, 2006

The Race is Over - The ride home

We are on the way home and I thought I would provide a quick update on the relay this weekend in Burlington, VT. We drove up yesterday, got into town around 1:30, got registered for the race and then went to Church St. to do a little shopping. For those that have not been to Burligton VT, Church St. is a really nice outdoor shopping, eating and just fun place. Nice stores and nice restaurants.

We then had dinner at Uno Pizzaria and then went to the lake front which was beautiful. I will try to get some pictures up later.

Got back to the hotel and got to bed early.

Jennifer and I got up at 5:55 am to catch the bus to the starting area. Matthew and Kathryn caught the bus that was about 45 minutes later. The race started at 8:05, Jennifer had the first 2 legs which totaled about 8.5 miles. Matthew took the third leg, which was about 6.5 miles. I had the fourth leg, which was about 5.6 miles and Kathryn had the last leg which was about 5.4 miles. We finished around 4 hours, 25 minutes total time for the team. (Official results will be available on the web site and I will update) All in all, everyone did really well and our times were good.

Linda and Angie were able to get to the race area and see most of us at least sweat a little. It was hot - aout 82ish when I ran.

More to come when I have time and more specifics. Really makes the half marathon a reality.

Friday, May 26, 2006

The Big Relay

It is a couple of days before the big relay in Vermont and it seems as though the team is just not ready. I had planned to have a couple of really good weeks of running to get into peak shape. Well as fate would have it, the Monday after the proms, I started on a five miler and really put the peddle to the metal and bruised my hamstring. Over the past couple of weeks I have been resting it and only doing short slow runs. It seems to be ready for the relay, however, I do not feel 100% so I will probably hold back - do not want any permanant demage. Jennifer has really not been on her marathon training so she is not at peak. Kathyrn will be OK but she has been playing softball so she has not been running any longer distances. Finally, Matthew has been nursing an injury all year and thinks he is healthy, however he has not been running most of the season. The good news is that we are doing it for fun and a "roadtrip". We are leaving tomorrow and returning Sunday night. Linda got a new van, Honda Odyssey so we at least get to ride in luxery. It should be fun.

Kathryn finished her softball career up last night. The team lost to Sutherland in the second round of tournament play. The team and Kathryn had a good year. While we all enjoyed the 8 years of many softball games, we are ready for the next phase of life for the girls and us.

We are having some work done on our back yard, new patio, trees and deck so that we can spend more time out there. We are hoping it gets completed prior to the girls graduation. Work continues to be a challenge, we laid off 4 people this week which is very difficult. It really puts a great deal of stress on everyone. I let 2 go and they were the most difficult meetings I have had in years. We still have a number of challenges ahead of us for the next few months, however, I am confident that we will come out of it and get to the next level. I could write a book on the road traveled with this venture.

Will report on the events of the relay in Vermont upon our return.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

It's Prom Day at the House

It is Senior Prom day and the house is buzzing with activity. Kathryn had practice this morning, Jen and I went out for a run and Linda was putting the finishing touches on the after prom party. The girls, including mom, then went to the tanning booth. Jen and Kathryn are now off to get thier hair done, make-up and whatever else one must to do get ready for the prom. It is exciting, this is the start of the end of high school for them. They have worked hard this year and now it is time to kick back a little and enjoy. The next phase of thier lives is going to be starting soon.

We are all getting ready for the relay we are going to be running in Vermont in 2 weeks. Actually, I am not sure that the girls or Matthew are really ready. Matthew has been hurt a great deal of the running season and the girls have not really been training. We all have short legs in the relay so we should all do fine.

I took it easy this week in terms of both running and eating..... I needed a little break. I am however going to kick it for the next two weeks. Going to get my weight down 5 pounds and get 28 miles in next week and then 15 on the week of the race. My speeds are in pretty good shape and I am feeling good during my runs so I am confident that I will be ready for the week.

Well, off to the rest of the day - Linda and I are chaparons at the after prom safe celebration tonight so a little nap is probably in order for the day.

I am going to report of the daily progress over the next week or so to get some focus going. See you tomorrow.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Turning up the Heat

The weather has really taken a turn for the better - we are starting to see 60 and 70s for our highs. It really helps the running, takes a lot less time to warm the body up. A pretty good week last week, got in a 10 miler in under 2 hours. Weighed in on Saturday and am back down, 239.5 - dropped 5.5 pounds. First time I can remember being uncer 240 in forever......

Need to stay focused all of it longer - once I hit 230, I will set the next goal - not sure what it will be yet. The running and the healthy eating have really helped keep the stress of work in check. We are definantly in a lag until one of the deals hits - this is the part of dealing with large companies that makes you crazy - not enough pipeline, not enough customers, too long of a cycle, you name it and it is part of what we do. However, when you win, you win big and really make a difference for your customer. Stay positive and stay focused.

The girls are doing great - schools have been chosen and the AP exams are under way. After they get there exams done, they can start to enjoy thier last year of high school. What a great time for them.

On a final note, I met with the Mens group we have at church and we all agreed that there seems to be a great deal of negative stuff being presented all the time. Sometimes it feels as though there is nothing you can do. Well, one thing we agreed is that we have to make small differences every day and not try to solve it all at once. I am thinking about starting another blog to just make mention of all the great things people are doing to help other people in this world. WE ALL NEED TO HEAR GOOD NEWS because there is a lot to go around.

We will see how it goes.....