Planting Seeds

Just wanted to give a quick training update.  Things are going well and I'm anxious for some races.  I've lowered the weights and upped the repetitions and cut back my protein intake all in an effort to drop a few pounds and retain lean muscle.  I've still been using Honey Stinger products during longer sessions just like I have since I started running years ago.  Also, started using ábloc Nutrition Endurance Recovery protein after longer workouts during the last month and I really like the results and taste.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my training buddy over the last 20+ years of workouts, chocolate milk.   Good for recovery, good for breakfast...just plain good.

Sorry this isn't full of my normal expansive thoughts, but training and nutrition is what has been on my mind and felt like sharing.

Hope everybody is out there making the most of, and enjoying, everyday.​

Definitely give ábloc Nutrition a try! Just follow the link below.

​http://www.ablocnutrition.com/products/drink-mix

Windex and Goals

So I've had this weird kind of acceptance/happiness/clarity the last few days.  Life and bigger picture questions, that I could barely even comprehend a few months ago, are coming into focus.  Now granted, this might be a premature happy, happy joy,joy blog, as I've not really formed any answers yet, but it still feels hopeful...and encouraging.

Also, I think I'm going to get a chance to work on one of my goals for the year, patience.  More than losing weight (I've been skinny) or more than getting better at running (I used to be ok...or at least contented with my performances) and even more than finding a job I like (I've had 1 or 2 that in hindsight, I've enjoyed and should have stuck at), I want to gain patience.  Never been good at waiting and/or hoping and/or waiting for things to come to fruition.  I'm a pragmatist and I believe in the various strengths I possess which makes me easily frustrated.  I believe there is an answer to everything and with either my mind or muscle it should be rather easily apparent.

As I'm getting older...or maybe more faithful, I'm trying to learn not to push.  Put in the time, effort, prayers and dedication and things will work out...more often than not in a pleasant, possibly unexpected manner.

So despite my hatred of that stupid meme that's been floating around the last few years, I'm going to do my best to Be Patient and Keep Calm.

And so I say "nice to meet you"

I'm excited to be back running. And with the return I've concentrated on the things most returning runners would...breathing is getting better, knees feel strong, times are improving.  However, tonight I got reminded of one of my favorite parts of running...people.

By nature I'm relatively shy, with two exceptions: the 3-11 drink range and when running/racing.  I remember my first half, the course, the rain, my shoes, the blister, but most of all the talking.  I'm middle of the pack on...on a good day and that first race was. It's funny how something as simple as "this suuuUuuucks" wheezed out on an uphill soaked from rain can spark 6 miles of conversation and stories and laughs.  Since that time I've encountered so many great people in races.  The 2010 Chicago Marathon where I ran 2-7 with a nice lady that eventually realized it wasn't her day and told me, actually had to convince me, to go on without her.  It's hard to tell what's a subtle plea for encouraging words and ass kicking and what is a true mind or body is DONE.  So again, same race, ran miles 19 where I "liberated" a bag of ice from an aid station on an 83 degree day and proceeded to share that bag with a girl right up to and through the finish line.  And just to show I'm not biased, during the Harrisburg Marathon, my first, ran 15-23 with a guy who was also of a larger build and we had a great time.

At any rate, my point, I think I had one, was that more than time or medals or whatever, you can gain humanity from races/running.  Pushing down your own pain and cramps to force a smile and a head nod with a quick "you're doing great" or "how ya feeling...pfff me too, but at least beer soon" or whatever is called for, can, maybe should be your measure as a runner.  Or maybe the humility to accept encouragement in your hour or mile of need.