WTF Wednesday

First understand that I like living in Cleveland. I like the changing seasons, the park systems (local and national), a bunch of great friends, professional (almost win it all, sorry JT) sports teams, etc. I like the fact that the running culture in the Cleveland area is strong enough to support a "world class" marathon.

If you remember I was dismayed with the 10k run associated with the marathon. Pace car went off course, 300 people followed, yadda yadda yadda. You can read about it here, Rite Aid 10k. I said that I wouldn't run the 10k again, especially after hearing bad reports from the marathon as well.



I find myself eating my words as I am now planning on running the 10k again. Just as I was getting interested in the race and adding to my schedule I found the add below in Running Times. Of course this add is in any major running magazine and I also saw in on the back of Ohio Sports and Fitness (more on that fine publication later, seriously it's a great local magazine).



See if you can find the most basic proofreading mistake. To much dependance upon spell checking.



I sure hope that crow tastes good come race day.

If you can't read the scanned image just look in any race magazine. I'm so embarrassed.

Game On

Two for Tuesday - Music Monday

Yesterday got too busy to post these vids. Somehow they seem appropriate for this past weekend. Classics.

What Happens at OU, stays at OU

However, when it's dad's weekend just about anything can happen. I visited Andrew and his friends at OU, Ohio University,this past weekend. I'll just provide one of my quick recaps. There might be pictures if any get sent to me.

Sammie

Drink beer

Powernap

Beer Pong

Pizza and wings

Jäger

Honesty

Drink beer

Bonding

Flip cup, Survivor Edition

131 Mills

Drink Beer

Mike

Table Tops

Absolut

Flip Cup

Pizza

Crutches

McD's Breakfast

Pancakes

Racquetball

And that was just in 24 hours.

I Got My Game On.

Music Monday - Cat Scratch Fever

I'm going to try and get back to some weekly features. I'm playing with the idea of Music Monday. Maybe find some different music, share some of what I like, playlists, videos, etc.

Here is the first.....

Baby it's cold outside

Here in Northeast Ohio the cold Canadian air has dropped on us putting the temps below freezing. Well below freezing....single digits overnight and nothing over 20 during the day. I managed to do my long run yesterday outside before the main drop in temperature.

Alot of people are surprised when I tell them I run outside in such cold temperatures. I think you just need to be smart with what you wear. I have a great jacket from Pearl Izumi. Once I put the right layers underneath I'm very comfortable without getting too hot.

12 mile training run yesterday. 1 hour 44 minutes. Overall it was a great workout and a beautiful morning. Hopefully my bike trainer ride today will go okay. My knees are a little sore from a slip on a patch of ice.

Be careful with the cold conditions but never let it keep you inside.

Game On

Because I Can

I thought I was off to a good 2008 with blogging and next thing you know you're busy and can't find the time to post. But I feel it was an important start for the new year and I need to get some thoughts posted.

Remember I was asking myself, Why? Why do I do what I do? There is really no profound answer here.....Because I Can. I listen to other people talk about the life changing aspect of running a marathon, finishing an ironman distance triathlon, cycling or running 100 miles. They have stories about how they were overweight, in a deep depression, unhappy with their life, battling cancer, etc. You name it and there is someone out there that has overcome adversity to reach their goal.

And that goal doesn't have to be athletic. Changing your life can be as simple as leaving a bad relationship, changing careers, or loosing weight through smart dieting.

So why am I left with "Because I Can". Because I realize that I am very fortunate to have the life I live. No major drama, excellent health, supportive family and friends, enjoyable career, etc. I try not to take any of that for granted. Hard work has helped me achieve all of these things, because I can.

Okay, so back to triathlon and training. Why am I doing this? I enjoy the health benefits. I actually enjoy the hard workouts that make me stronger. I like to see how I can push my limits. But there are also times when I am left feeling empty. When I finished IM USA I was happy. Thrilled with the results of my first Ironman. But somehow I wasn't as overjoyed as I thought I would be. I completed the distance....but there really was no doubt about that. No great epiphany, no I'm on top of the world feeling, more of a "Okay that's done, what's next."

My "first" marathon, Grand Rapids. I knew I would finish it. So when I did I was happy and relieved to be done with it. Never thought I would consider doing another. Felt it was harder than Ironman. But still didn't feel like a major accomplishment. It was just another thing to do.....why.....you.guessed.it....Because I Can.

Sometimes I feel like I trivialize the accomplishments. But I know that is not the case. I revel and bask in the glow and excitement of those around me who have also completed their firsts, be it 5k or marathon, sprint tri or Ironman. I get more satisfaction from them because they often start the journey thinking they may never be able to make it to the finish line. And when they do I love sharing in the victory.

I sit here thinking about the finish line. I cannot recall ever thinking I wouldn't make it to the finish line. Is it arrogance, confidence, determination? I don't know. I just do it....(repeat after me).....Because..I..Can. I know there is more to it than that. I can feel it simmering below the surface. What..is..it? Where am I going with this? I just don't know. I need to start digging deeper....somehow....some way.

There are so many things I can think of that revolve around these three little words. But right now.....what do these words mean for 2008?

A full race schedule culminating in Ironman Wisconsin and a possible marathon in the late fall.
Raising money again through the Janus Charity Challenge, beneficiary is Komen for the Cure.
Helping the young triathletes that have joined Snakebite Racing learn about the sport.
Putting my best effort forward at work.
Continuing to be the best husband and father I can possibly be.
Encouraging and maybe even inspiring those around me to achieve their goals.

So let's begin 2008 with a healthy and positive attitude. Thanks for listening. More to follow I'm sure....some of it funny (I hope), some of it serious, hopefully all of it happy. There will be plenty of food, training, triathlon, and all that other stuff that fills up our lives.......yeah....a full life.

Because I Can.....Game On

Do I Got My Game On?

I absolutely can't believe it. Aimee knows something about country music?!?!?!? Where did that come from? She told me to listen to Trace Adkins song "I Got My Game On". I provide you with the video. Maybe this will be my new theme song for 2008. Can you imagine me blasting this song from the top of Monona Terrace at IM MOO? Enjoy.



Game On

Why?

Why? I find myself asking myself that question, usually during a run....like.....tonight. Why was I out in the cold Northern Ohio cold of 18 degrees for a 40 minute run? Why am I working out as often as I do? I just complete the first two days of '08 training with back to back doubles.

Wednesday was a morning swim of 3500 yards then an evening spin on the rollers for an hour. Today, Thursday, was a morning swim of 2800 yards and an evening run. Why did I just do that?

So then my mind branches out beyond training and triathlon. Why? Work, family, relations....life.

I have never been challenged with that question from other people. Why do I swim/bike/run so much? I think my neighbors have just gotten used to seeing me head out for a run with the dogs or in my spandex for a ride.

I think I am posing the question to myself because I have read so many other bloggers that ask that question of themselves or have had the question asked of them.

After many a profound run or bike, I'm too busy counting during swimming, I have settled on the following answer.

Because I Can.

More to follow.

Game On.

Happy New Year - Two years later

Hard to believe but it was two years ago that I started this blog. Motivated by IronWil and wanting to capture the journey to my first Ironman I have met some amazing people around the world. I've even gotten to know some hometown athletes better through the blog-o-sphere.

I have my favorite blogs, browses through new ones, leave an occasional comment but usually just lurk around reading. As of late I have not been blogging much due to work but my journey to Ironman Wisconsin.

As part of my declaration of intent I will be participating in the Janus Charity Challenge. More details will be forth coming once I get my act together.

Here's to a great 2008 for all of my friends in the virtual and real world.