Marathon #8 and a birthday

Well, that's done. I am now 62 years old, and I covered 26.2 miles on said birthday. Oof. Who thought that might be a good idea?!?

Actually, it was a beautiful day to run. Maybe the best weather I've had for any of my 8 marathons. It was a crisp 35F at the start, and maybe got up to 50 by the time I was done. Not a cloud in the sky and only a few moments of slight breeze here and there. 

That was the good part.

I've had this Columbia City, Indiana marathon on my radar for years. It's only 30 minutes from our house, and I don't mind a 2-loop course. I do, however, mind running on an "open" course of almost entirely country roads where you're either going up or down the entire way! Ugh. It was a bit brutal. The blacktop roads are so steeply crowned, and it seemed there was soooo much traffic. I think some of it (maybe most of it) was spectators driving around. And while none of the hills were huge, they just wore on me. Of course the worst one is about mile 25 1/2 as you come back into town.

Anyway, I survived. The first look wasn't even too back. The marathoners and half marathoners started together, so there were more people. I averaged a 9:30 pace and didn't feel bad at all. However, I could tell the second time around would not be the same...

I think mile 15 was my first 10-minute mile, and somewhere around 16 or 18 or something I started walking a tenth of every mile. At 20 or 21 I started to consider having to walk in the rest of the way. I also started feeling really alone. It seemed like miles where I couldn't see anyone else, and I started to wonder if I'd missed a turn and was going to be lost on the back roads of redneck haven. I also had trouble judging whether I was going uphill or down.

I was still on track to break Oprah's 4:29 when I finally made it to mile 25, walked my tenth of a mile, but when I tried to start into a jog... it wouldn't happen. I was toast. I'm not sure how much longer I walked, but I was finally able to muster a trot when I came into town and made it across the finish line. It was right around 4 hours 33 minutes, and my watch said 25.35 miles.

My cheering section (Jane, Carrie & Anna) was relieved to see me, and I was happy to see them. There was actually a nice little crowd cheering people in at the finish. They also had water and soup, which I didn't think I would be interested in, but it tasted pretty darn good!

As far as overall health: I was fairly calm the night before and even the morning of. During the race I developed some tightness in my left calf, but never felt any knee pain, had no chafing or blisters, and really didn't feel bad at all other than just tired legs. However, as the day(s) went on, I think this is probably the sorest my legs have been after any marathon. I'm still having trouble getting up and down stairs today, and my left calf is more sore now than it was while running. I'm sure everything will be fine, and it's probably forced me to take some time off from running - which maybe isn't a bad idea. I didn't take any time off after the marathon this Spring.

As for the practical stuff: I went to bed maybe around 8:30 the night before and got up around 4:30am. Had a couple cups of coffee, and my usual pre-run breakfast of peanut butter and jelly on toast, and otherwise dinked around until we pulled out about 7am. We arrived in CC in the dark right about 7:30-ish, parked, found the porta-potties, and pretty soon Carrie & Anna joined us.

I started out wearing my gray cap, light blue T, blue Brooks jacket, gray shorts, Creeper toe socks, gloves, and the new Brooks Glycerin 20 (8 1/2) shoes. I was plenty warm with the hood up, and never really sweat too much. When I came around toward the start after the first loop I took off my jacket and gloves though, and changed into a dry long sleeve dark blue shirt. I probably could have went with a short sleeve T, but depending on the breeze and the sun I wasn't too bad either way.

I carried my 12oz water bottle and stored 3 gels for each lap. I debated whether to carry the water bottle, but am glad I did. Not only to keep the gels in, but as I feared, the water station that was 2 miles from the finish - which was there for the half - was all packed up and gone when I came around for mile 24. WHY DO PEOPLE SHUT DOWN WATER STATIONS BEFORE THE MARATHON IS DONE!!!! I don't know what in the world these people were thinking. Fortunately I'd refilled my water bottle, so I was okay, but I bet there were a few runners that really needed it. 

Anyway, I'm glad I did it. Yes, it was a challenge, but, then, I guess that's kind of the point. 

I think there were 88 marathoners, of which I came in 53rd(?). I was surprised to find out the next day that I got 2nd in my age group actually! I think there were maybe right around 100 half marathoners, and I'm not sure how many did the 5k.

One thing that I did notice was the number of women running the marathon seemed to far outnumber the men. I'm not sure if that's normal or not, but it's the first time it's stood out to me.

So, it was a nice day for a run in the country. As for the rest of my birthday, we came home, I looked at my phone for a bit, soaked in the tub for awhile, took a shower, and we went to Cork'n'Cleaver for supper and had filets, baked potato, and salad bar, with a bottle of wine. Not a bad day.

At the finish line

I got a rock

Five things friday (halloween, voting, saints)

Holy cows and pigs, how in the world is it November already??? And it's like in one day the trees are almost bare and it feels like... November. You know what else it is? It's Fridayyyyyyyy!

1. Last night was Halloween in our neck'o'the woods. We had maybe more trick-or-treaters than I anticipated considering the rainy cold evening (which still wasn't a lot). Plus, I swear almost no one on our block had their front light on. It was us and one of the Burmese refugee houses across the street. I love that a woman and a couple small kids stood out front of their house in the driveway with a big bowl of candy and waved people in. Unfortunately I ate too much chocolate myself and had a hard time falling asleep last night...
2. I also voted yesterday. Yep, for President and everything! Well, not everything. There were a couple things I didn't have any idea about. I was surprised there were five options for President. I also didn't remember that my little piece of paper you get after you sign in lists me as having "no party." Which is true. I'm not a partier, at least not politically. There have been many times I've voted both ways. Not yesterday though. This country is so partisan-divided, and the GOP seems so over-the-top, I just went with all Dems. I just can't see giving in to the far right. Their weirdness is one of the only things that's ever trickled down (from federal to local politics). Btw, did you know it is now legal to place bets on American elections? Not that anything could ever go wrong with that! Geez.
   
3. Speaking of which, I saw an American flag with DJTs face superimposed over the stars and stripes yesterday. I mean, what in the actual world, people!?! And, yes, there was a couple outside, who I assume live in the house with the flag, and they completely fit the redneck, hillbilly profile of someone you'd imagine would fly such a flag. Ugh. What can you even say?
4. You know what else is weird... It hasn't even registered in my brain that it's my birthday tomorrow. And I am totally fine with that! Not that I mind getting older. I don't. In fact, I actually prefer it! It's just that I haven't even thought about it. Jane has asked me a few times what I want for my birthday. I honestly don't want anything. I don't need anymore stuff. I think if I can drag my ass out of bed, run a marathon, maybe take a nap, and go out to eat with my love... That's not a bad way to spend a day!
   
5. "Since it's earliest centuries, the church has set aside a day to remember the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us in the faith, stretching across the centuries and around the globe. However hard it might seem to follow the way of Jesus in our own time and place, this is a day to remember that we may be crazy, but we are not alone." - Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Happy All Saints Day, my friends! 

The last run (before the marathon)

Am I ready to run a marathon this Saturday? Well, um, I don't think anyone is ever really 'ready' to run 26.2 miles (at least not at my pace). However, I have done all the necessary training... So, let's say I'm "prepared." Mostly.

This week was easy-breezy. I did a 3-mile run Tuesday and 2-mile run yesterday (both followed by the customary 1+mile walk). Now it's two days of rest and then... The marathon.

I don't recall if I've mentioned that I drove the course last week. Ugh. That was maybe a mistake. I had no idea it was so hilly. Undoubtedly the hilliest course I've run - marathon or otherwise. But still...

I feel pretty good. I have no aches or pains other than an occasional ache in my left knee, which is probably more from how I sit on the couch than running-related. I've taken better care of my feet this year by soaking in a mixture of Epsom Salts and Baking Soda, and the use of a pumice stone; plus the size 8.5 Brooks Glycerin 20s fit me like Cinderella's slipper. Also, the upper respiratory "thing" I've been dealing with the past couple weeks seems to have finally cleared up. 

Mentally I feel pretty good too. The first year (2018) was good because I was excited and was around a lot of other people who were either running it too or were simply just excited for me. That's really the only thing I miss about not working: I don't really have anyone to talk about training and running in general with. But the nice thing about not working is I don't have the stress to deal with. In fact, I'd say that I am a much calmer person overall. Hopefully I'm not as difficult and don't make as many bad decisions as I used to.

So, the only thing left to do is try to get plenty of sleep, rest, and at some point I need to get everything ready for the morning of the marathon. It looks like the rain may hold off (at least as of right now) but the temps are still a little iffy. It should be somewhere between 35-40F at the start, and maybe just up to 60 by the end. I haven't yet decided on shorts, long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt, jacket, gloves; whether to carry my water bottle or not; phone or not; how to carry gels, and what I might want to take to change out after the first loop (or not). I also want to have a cooler for post-race snacks/drinks, because I'm not sure what/if they will have there. So there are still a few variables up in the air that will likely be morning-of decisions. I'd at least like to have everything accessible, and may just pack it all in the car just in case. :)

Otherwise, yep, looks like I will likely make it to the starting line Saturday for marathon #8. The bigger question is if I can make it to the finish! You just never know. Four and a half hours is a lot of time for any number of things to happen.

And... have I mentioned that I will be running 26.2 miles on my 62nd birthday?!? Yeah, that was kind of why I ultimately chose this one. How often is that gonna happen? Plus, it's a "veterans" marathon, so I thought I'd do it in honor of my old man. God knows I never did anything for him while he was alive, and it's a bit overdue, but I did have a boatload of respect for him. I wish he hadn't been the high school principal, so I could have been proud of my dad like most people are. I guess I always felt like that wouldn't be "cool" since all my friends and basically everyone else in our small town in some way always thought of him as the "enemy" in some way or other. So, hopefully I can spend some soul-time reminiscing over the course of the day.

Now I'm going to go try to vote - if I can find a place that doesn't have a mile-long line!

The politics of peace

I said I would post more about The Politics of Peace event our church hosted last Wednesday night (7-9pm). I will, but, boy do I wish I'd remembered my notebook! There was so much good stuff - much that I thought I would surely remember later - but, alas, you know how it goes... I didn't/can't. 

What I do know is that it helped me a great deal as we approach next week's American Presidential election. I thoroughly enjoyed every speaker/singer. Andy Squyres hits so deep in my soul with his combination of humor and gut-wrenching honesty; Melissa Florer-Bixler brought her Mennonite fire that lit a spark in my dry bones; and Winn Collier - perhaps the perfect person to wrap the evening together - spoke with such a pastor's heart to remind us that, yes, miracles are real, and peace IS possible. 

Anyway, I apologize for not taking notes or remembering better. Here's the little snippet that was used to advertise the event:

In a season marked and marred by political polarization, outrage, and fear, we’re coming together to explore and celebrate the politics of peace. How might the Kingdom of God illuminate a way forward at the height of a contentious election cycle? How might we boldly engage in the front-lines work of peacemaking and truth-telling in a time when division and half-truths seem so pervasive? We’ll re-imagine fresh answers to these questions and others as we rally together in a spirit of hope and renewal.

Guided by the voices of scholars, pastors, practitioners, and artists, this evening will feature messages, music, prayer, and space for interaction.

That's about all I've got. Though we did buy four coffee mugs from Andy, and I took pictures!

Josh VonGunten (Canvas Pastor)

Andy Squyres

Melissa Florer-Bixler

Winn Collier

Five things friday (photos, food, pharmaceuticals, and heart)

Wow, I thought the signs of Fall were in full swing last week... As I look out the window just now it's all yellow, red, and green. I want to take it all in before everything goes brown.

1. I've recently been going through old pictures (trying to find some of Isaac's baby pics). Such great memories. It makes me wonder what it will be like in the future, now that no one actually prints pictures anymore. Yesterday I downloaded the Walmart app with just that intention (phone to print).
   
2. Eating out. I don't normally eat out unless it's with the love of my life (that would be Jane, in case you weren't sure). This week is an exception. The two of us did go out for lunch one day in Minneapolis, but I have two others by myself, and a third where we will both meet with another couple. In fact, I'm getting ready to go meet up with my old Skyline Y friends in about an hour. I love that they include me in these monthly-ish meals still. We're going to a new place called the Bru Burger Bar (at least it's new to FW).
3. Wednesday I had lunch with Melissa Florer-Bixler, author of 'How To Have An Enemy'. Our church hosted a "Politics of Peace" event that included her, musician/writer Andy Squyres, and Winn Collier. I will write more about that next week because it was outstanding (imho). The lunch was as well. It wasn't only me and Melissa. Actually, it just occurred to me that it was the staff and elders of our church, and me and Melissa. I didn't even notice that day that I was the only oddball. Anyway, I was so glad to be invited. We had a nice chat about church, politics, kids, and Mennonites (she wants us to become Mennonite). I also had a fun chat with just her on the walk back to our cars. She is super intelligent, but also very down-to-earth, and quite fun.
4. I wanted to make #4 about the statistic I saw that says 75% of TV ads are for pharmaceuticals (because that is wrong on so many levels), but instead I want to share a new word I learned this morning: "orthocardia, which I found in a Michael Reeves book. He argues that in addition to right thinking (orthodoxy) and right living (orthopraxy), we need a right, true, straight heart (orthocardia)." I love that. (H/t for both these items)
5. "Let our whole body, then, be preserved in Christ Jesus; and let everyone be subject to his neighbor. Let the strong not despise the weak, and let the weak show respect to the strong. Let the rich man provide for the wants of the poor; and let the poor man bless God, because he has given him a community that can provide for his needs. Let us consider then, brothers, the matter out of which we were made, how we came into the world, from utter darkness, as if emerging from a grave. He who made us and fashioned us, prepared his bountiful gifts for us before we were born, and introduced us into his world. Since, therefore, we receive all these things from him, we ought to give him thanks for everything; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." - Clement of Rome (Common Prayer: ALFOR)

And... it's Friday... in the Fall... how Fantastic!

We went to see the baby

We had a nice visit to Minnesota to see the newest grandchild. We flew out of Fort Wayne Friday morning (10/18) and flew back to the Fort Tuesday evening (10/22). Flying is not cheap, but it's so dang easy. We're 5 minutes from our airport, and they are 15 from theirs; plus the direct flight on Delta is only like an hour fifteen minutes. It's hard to pass up. And Grandma wanted to spend as much time as possible with Wynn!!

I do have to say, the fourth grandchild is just as special as the first three. It doesn't get any better, and certainly doesn't get old! He is the sweetest thing and allowed us to hold him and stare at him almost the entire time we were there. And, aside from a few times when he would open his eyes and try to hold his head up, he's a great sleeper!

The only downer of the trip was the old dog (Crosby) was not feeling so good. Isaac and I took him to the emergency vet after we got there Friday. They 'hope' he just had a bulging disc that was causing him pain and making it difficult to move. The vet hopped him up on Prednisone, Codeine, and Gabapentin. He had trouble standing and going from standing to sitting or laying. He was pretty wobbly and actually fell a couple times. By the time we left, the medicine seemed to be helping, but at fifteen years old he was still moving pretty slow. We were afraid he was going to die while we were there, and I'd say it won't be long. He was such a good boy though, as was Tig (the 3-legged dog). She was much more concerned about the new baby though, and making sure the humans were taking proper care of him.

Anyway, we mostly just hung around the house the whole time there. We ordered pizza one night, but otherwise Jane or Isaac cooked. We went to the store a couple times and got supplies, and Jane and I had lunch down the street one day. Fortunately there is a grocery store within walking distance (.4 miles), and there are all kinds of restaurants and such about a mile away - which could easily be walked to as well (it's all residential). It's a great neighborhood.

I did my 12-mile run Saturday along the Mississippi River. They have a great trail system, and it's only three blocks from their house. I ran 4 miles down to Minnehaha Falls Park, turned around and went back plus 2 miles to downtown Minneapolis (past the U. of Minnesota). It is really pretty, although from their house to downtown is quite a big hill. When I did my 4-mile run Monday I just went the other way to avoid the incline. 

All in all it was a pretty swell time and that baby is awesome!

Five things friday

I am no scientist but I would say Fall is upon us! How do I know? The leaves. Look out your window, go for a drive, or a run. It's breathtaking - maybe in more ways than one. For as much as my eyes like this time of year, my sinus and respiratory system do not. Such is life. Anyway...

1. I believe October 15th may be the earlier I've ever turned the furnace on. And, yeah, yeah, I have no idea why I always try to see just how long we can go without turning on the heat... But it was 63 the other morning and I was like, "This is stupid, I'm firing up the furnace!" And we did.
   
2. For those of you monitoring my health numbers, my BP the day after the doctor visit was 126/80. About what it was before the dreaded appointment. My doctor actually asked me why I thought my blood pressure went so high in his office. I didn't know how to tell him that I honestly think HE has a lot to do with it. He may be a great person, but we just don't have a good . . . connection . . . and I should probably try to find someone else. He makes me nervous and I simply don't have much confidence in him. I don't/haven't felt this way about all doctors.
3. To be perfectly honest, though, I'm thinking my anxiety over doctor visits has more to do with me, and... control. For instance, even at home, the first time I take my BP it is almost always high, because I'm wondering "Where will it be this time?!?" If it's not too high (which is almost always the case), the next reading will be significantly lower. That's why an AFib episode is so unsettling. Because there is nothing I can do about it! I can't make it go away, or straighten it out, or lower it, or anything. I suppose many people are like this to varying degrees. Perhaps that's why aging usually fosters a more humble approach to life. Believe me, I'm trying. It just ain't easy.
4. We are almost done with our class at church on How to Talk About Politics. I don't know that I've learned a lot, but I was somewhat taken aback by something shared in class last week. One participant had talked with her mother (whom she knew was voting for trump). She said her mother actually admitted, "I see one candidate as evil and the other as a Socialist." When asked why she was choosing to vote for the "evil" candidate, she responded: "I'm voting with my pocket book. Trump's policies were good for me financially."! You know, I think that may be a more popular opinion than many are willing to admit. I have two thoughts: 1) I don't know that it's true, but 2) I also don't know that there is any better way to say money (or Mammon) is clearly the god you worship. When your personal finances take precedence over morality, ethics, the way lives of other human beings may be impacted... I mean... I guess I can see this from a worldly perspective... but not from someone who says they are a follower of Jesus. At least that's how I see it.
5. "Lord, remind us that we are resident aliens, called to be in the world but not of it. Show us today what it means to live as though your kingdom has come, while trusting that it is still coming. Amen." -Common Prayer: Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, p. 509

Okey doke, it's Friday my dear reader folk! Do your thang!

Dr. visit - annual physical

 I had my routine annual physical exam this morning. Ugh.

For starters, when I arrived, I discovered they have changed the layout of the clinic. There are several different doctors offices and various other things, and it used to be you checked in at your particular place. Now everyone checks in at the same place right when you walk in the door at the main desk (which makes some sense). Of course, even though I had supposedly checked in online, I still had to fill out three more papers when I arrived. 

I finally got called back for my 8am appointment around 8:15. My vitals were not the best:

Weight: 159 (not terrible, but I've put on about 5 pounds in the last month)

BP: 148/96 (what??)

HR: 60 (this was the only good thing)

The doctor was of course concerned about my blood pressure. I showed him my at home results. Until this morning it had been normal - minus an occasional hiccup here and there - except it had actually been 153/86 at home this morning before I went to the doctor. I don't know why I get such anxiety before going to this doctor. I've been dreading it for weeks now.

I also tried to tell him that I haven't been feeling very good for a few weeks. Sinus pressure, can't seem to clear my throat, ear ache, cough, etc.. He suggested I start using Flonase for allergies. He never even looked in my ears or at my throat! I'm also supposed to take my BP every day for two weeks and email him the results.

Otherwise, he ordered me to get a lab done for cholesterol, get the flu/covid/rsv vaccines, and next year I need to do another Cologuard.

He listened to my heart and lung and rechecked my BP, and that was it. I was out the door in 30 minutes.

This visit wasn't as bad as some of them have been. I still don't have a lot of confidence in him though. He constantly shakes his one leg when talking to me (which makes me nervous), and at first he asked me why I'd never completed the Cologuard test he ordered. I assured him I had, and he finally found the results apparently somewhere they shouldn't have been. He was also surprised that my heart rhythm sounded 'normal' because he said the EP doctor still had me listed with persistent afib. I dunno... maybe it's not him, but the whole Lutheran Health Network just doesn't have a very good reputation. Maybe it's their whole system. Or, maybe that's just the way the entire healthcare field is now. I wish I had a doctor who would talk to ME, and listen to ME, and not just look at their computer and see what tests I was due for. Whatever.

All in all, I was glad to be done with this. Hopefully my BP will fall back to a normal range, my labs will be okay, and life can move on...

Infinitely better than zero

Not a lot to say today, but I do want to keep this advice from James Clear's 10/10/24 newsletter in mind. I think it is helpful. 

Sometimes we can get overwhelmed by all there is to do. So this is good to keep in mind...

"Two is twice as good as one, but one is infinitely better than zero.

• One minute of making sales calls is infinitely better than zero minutes.
• One minute of meditation is infinitely better than zero minutes.
• One minute of writing is infinitely better than zero minutes.

Sure, it might be ideal to spend an hour doing these things, but one minute gets you in the game. Now you're learning. Now you're improving. Now results are possible. One doesn't seem like much, but it's something real. At zero, you're still dreaming."

 [Yes, that's a picture of my new grandson]

Five things friday

Lots of things going on today, but I am finally getting around to the ftf...

1. The Minnesota Horwedels have left the hospital and little Wynn is home now meeting the dogs (more importantly, they're meeting him). Apparently there was some concern about his blood sugar, mostly due to his low weight, but that seems to have resolved itself with steady eating.
2. Today is also grandson Bennett's 12th birthday. He has always been sort of the "easy" child. And what he wanted for his birthday this year was for all of us to go kayaking. So that's what we're doing tomorrow. We also got him some presents, because... we're his grandparents!
3. Today I did my 20-mile run. This is the high point of training miles (the longest pre-marathon run), and I am looking forward to the taper. It wasn't a "bad" run, but, then, how good can it be when running 20 miles? I always intend for this to last like 4 hours, because rather than worrying about speed you're supposed to try to match total time on your feet for the marathon (which I anticipate will be 4 1/2-5 hours again). I made it last 3 hours 45 minutes. I'm a little sore, but not too bad.
4. Tonight we have our "small group" from church. It's mostly just a social group consisting of the 'old people'. Once a month we get together, eat, and play games. I think this is our third time meeting, and there's supposed to be 20. We're also involved in a class now that meets weekly, and we're trying to learn how to have difficult conversation (about politics mostly).
5. “The things we do, do things to us.” Unknown

Btw, I did not witness the aurora borealis like so many others in the midwest did in the wee hours of this morning. I wish I had because it looked pretty neat from pictures. Such is life! 

For the wynn

Meet our newest grandson: Wynn Everett. Isn't he swell?! His mama looks pretty pretty too!

We were notified yesterday morning that contractions had started (apparently about 3am). It was around 6pm when we got a text that the pushing had begun. He was then born just after 9pm last night. He weighed 6 lbs, 7 oz., and is 20 inches long. 

They were using a doula and intended for everything to take place at a birthing center. It is located right next to the hospital, and at some point they moved to the hospital - apparently so they could do some additional monitoring of some sort - and that's where the birth took place. As you can perhaps guess, we have only texted with the son up to this point and don't know a lot of details. We hope to speak by phone this afternoon.

Anyway, as far as we know, everyone is doing fine. Ricci's mom is there to help, and we hope to make a quick trip to Minneapolis at some point too.

We are pretty happy and can't wait to meet Wynn, our fourth grandchild, and third grandson. He looks awesome!

New shoes time approaching, and dilemmas ahead

I have become a fan of these Brooks Glycerin 20 shoes. So much so that I bought two pair of them last year (though the second pair was 40% off).

The pair on the left got me through the marathon earlier this year, and I've been using them for "long" runs since then. I have a pair of Brooks Ghost 14s (which I wore for the Marathon last fall) that I've been using for my shorter runs. It's just about time to retire them.

These Glycerin 20s on the left will still give me plenty of training miles going forward, but I need to start breaking in the ones on the right. I will wear them for the marathon coming up in a few weeks. I actually wore them this morning on an inaugural 6 miler. I will probably wear them on a couple more runs before the marathon... maybe a 12-miler and then a shorter run. I need to make sure there are no "issues" - and I didn't notice any this morning - but I'd like to keep them fairly fresh.

My dilemma: 

I can currently get yet another pair of Glycerin 20s for under $100, and I'm not sure if I should splurge and get a pair for later next year (these two pairs should suffice for quite awhile yet). But, you know, I don't make any money and it's a little hard to justify spending too much on shoes...

However, as I mentioned, my Ghosts are at the end of the line for running, and I'd like to have another pair of them. I went several years running almost exclusively in Ghosts. That is, until last year when I fell in love with the Glycerin. But I like to have two different styles of shoes to alternate during training runs. So I kind of need another pair of Ghosts (unless, of course, I'd find something similar that I wanted to try). But then do I pass on getting the third pair of Glycerin 20s, or totally splurge and get both?

If they didn't change the shoes so much from year to year it wouldn't even be an issue. I'd just get some Ghosts. But they do. That's why I'm still wearing versions from a couple years ago instead of the newer iterations. And the issue is compounded by the fact the Glycerin 20 is a size 8.5 and the Ghost 14 a size 9. Will the newer versions of each fit the same? I don't know. So...

See how hard it is to be me??

Ugh.

Five things friday

Sometimes weeks just fly by and it's hard to believe it can Friday already... and October!

1. There are many days where I don't interact with another human being at all (other than Jane and the cat). Today I've already encountered a bunch. I worked out at the Y and had a nice chat with a retired high school principal who's also sort of a friend. When I worked there he used to come in before we opened and I would let him work out, and he'd already been out walking the downtown streets of Fort Wayne getting ready for his day even before that! He's one of those go-getter types. He said he's been doing substitute teaching since retiring, mostly on Mondays and Fridays, because he knows how difficult it is to find good subs, particularly on those days, and he wants to help out. I like him. He and his wife are both super chill and just kind-hearted down to earth folks.
2. I felt bad for the person at the pharmacy. I was picking up a prescription and didn't realize they weren't open yet. There was already a line though, so I took my place. When the cage opened there was a young girl standing there already looking overwhelmed at 9am on a Friday morning. And the first person got all huffy with her and stormed away after saying some nasties. Just a glance and I could tell the poor girl wanted to crawl in the corner and cry - at the very beginning of her day!! Personally, I've been on both ends of those encounters. When it was my turn I tried to put on a relaxed smile and showed her the receipt on my phone (they always seem to appreciate it when I've already paid and everything online and just show them a bar code they can scan). I tried to make small talk but she wasn't in the mood. She did finally mention she was doing three people's jobs and it was going to be a long day. Yeah, and they just opened, and it's Friday? Ugh. 
3. Immediately after that, as I'm driving home, I was stopped at a fairly major intersection. When the light turned green for me TWO cars continued through on a total red light crossing in front. The second of these vehicles was a white-haired old man driving a near-new looking four-door pickup truck with handicap plates (I can't even imagine what those cost: $70-80,000?)... and he gives ME the finger! I just put my hands up as I sat there with my mouth open. Like, what? All sorts of things went through my mind, and it finally dawned on me just how judgmental I am. I imagined this guy was probably a trump supporter, drawing a huge pension, doesn't tip servers, and says things like, "kids these days." I mean, honestly, yeah, I still think that. And that's my problem. Not that he doesn't have any of his own, but I need to admit mine. Ugh. Seems we've got a lot of work to do as a society...
4. I don't think I've ever read a book and then began reading it again right after I got done. I'm doing that now with Melissa Florer-Bixler's 'How To Have An Enemy: Righteous Anger and The Work of Peace.' I may have mentioned before that it's been a challenging book for me. She uses big words and it's a pretty deep subject matter. When I read it the first time it was like, "I think I get it, but I'm not quite sure." It's like I'd missed a key point at the beginning or something. As I started it again it began to make much more sense. Not that I understand it fully yet, but simply learning that "enemies" isn't a relational/personal thing, and that we're ALL part of the problem (and solution) has been big. She is speaking at our church later this month, and it should be interesting...
5. "Do not hurry as you walk with grief; it does not help the journey. Walk slowly, pausing often: do not hurry as you walk with grief. Be not disturbed by memories that come unbidden. Swiftly forgive; and let Christ speak for you unspoken words. Unfinished conversation will be resolved in him. Be not disturbed. Be gentle with the one who walks with grief. If it is you, be gentle with yourself. Swiftly forgive; walk slowly, pausing often. Take time, be gentle as you walk with grief." -- Andy Raine of the Northumbria Community (it might be helpful to take a deep breath, and read that through again...)
   

Alrighty, I've got a concert to set up for this afternoon; I'm bartending again for the show tomorrow; only one more 'long' run before the marathon that is now less than a month away; this past Wednesday was my last midweek 8-miler (and why are these 8-milers like the best?); and the grass is green again - even on this side of the fence! Be careful out there, even if you're not safe!

2024 fort4fitness

Another Fort4Fitness Fall Festival has come and gone. It's one of our favorite days to be FortWayne-ites!

According to their website, this event started in 2008 as a way of "helping northeast Indiana residents improve their overall quality of life through fitness events." We joined the fun in 2012, which is when I ran my first ever half marathon (and thought I could do anything!). We have both ran either the 4-mile, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon every year since.

This year Jane did the 10k and I officially did the half marathon (I ran another 6 miles before the event because my marathon training called for 19 miles on this day). She got 4th in her age group and 256th overall (out of 821+) with a time of 1:04:31. I got 10th in my age group and 355th (out of 777 overall) with a time of 2:12:43. Although, I swear, when I looked at my results the other day I was 379th out of 800-some. Who knows, or cares, really.

Altogether, at least when I looked at the results page today, and if my math is correct, there were just under 1,500 total runners, broken down like this (which is a far cry from the almost 10,000 the first year we did it):

• 4-mile: 1270
• 10k: 821 finishers (plus a bundle who were disqualified for some reason)
• Half Marathon: 777 (interesting there were none who didn't finish??)
• Triple Crown (all 3 races): 48 finishers, plus 16 who didn't finish
• Virtual: apparently 3 overall
  

What makes this so much fun is not only the other runners, but all the volunteers and ALL THE SPECTATORS who show up to lend their support! So many people are doing something for the first time, or their best time, or the mere fun of it... and seeing so many people all along the course clapping, celebrating, and joining together in neighborhoods to encourage others... it's just the best feeling for me. I especially love the Oakdale neighborhood where the street is line with friends and neighbors partying and have it decorated in a Christmas theme every year (complete with beer shots).

My day actually started at 4:40am when I jumped out of bed, got dressed, and immediately went out and ran 2 miles. Then I took a shower, ate breakfast, and got dressed again. We left the house around 6:45am and headed downtown for the festivities. While waiting for Jane's 10k to start at 7:30am I ran another mile, then ran the first couple miles of Jane's race with her before turning around and heading back for my race start at 8:30 (so I got my extra six miles in spurts). I actually changed my shoes and clothes before the half because, while the temps were a near-perfect 60-ish, it was a bit humid and I was a sweaty mess. I was more than happy with my time of 2:12 in the half, because I wasn't intending to run even that fast. I followed the 2:15 page setters for much of the race and apparently they didn't understand that's the pace they were supposed to be keeping, because they were going way faster than that. Oh well.

I wore my Brooks Ghost 14 shoes (which I ran last fall's marathon in) for the initial 6 miles, and changed to my Brooks Glycerin 20s (which I ran this spring's marathon in) for the half. I wore toe socks for both, and ended up in my gray shorts, navy tank, and gray mission hat for the half. I also ended up carrying my 12oz water bottle. I wasn't going to carry water but it's become sort of a security blanket as I've carried it for so many races. It also held the 4 jells I ate over the 19 miles. I never did refill the water bottle, but emptied it and I think I stopped at every water station too.

It was a somewhat weird year in that Jane and I were both there to start her race. When she got done, though, she headed out to attend the granddaughter's last volleyball game of the year. When I got done I grabbed some water, chocolate milk, and food (banana, pretzels, cookie) and had my free beer. I chatted with so many people I knew, including the son-in-law who also ran the half. We hung around and had a couple more beers, then Jane returned from the volleyball game and soon after we all headed to a restaurant downtown where we met up with Carrie. My watch said I walked (or ran) over 41,000 steps for the day!

One thing I thought about while running this year is how I miss those almost "zen-like" moments at the start of races. I used to love that part so much. When you've put in all the training and finally get to the starting corral, and everyone is squashed in together and you're waiting for the cannon to go off.... I recall it being such a calm moment, just taking it all in. Somewhere along the way I've lost that. Either because there are so many other things going on, or maybe it's because I just take it for granted anymore. Like, even this, it wasn't just running a half marathon, and when I did do the half it was more just a training run rather than a "real" run (I was intentionally trying to go slow). I'd like to work at trying to get back to enjoying each race for what it is, and finding the joy and simply being able to do ... this. It's not something I should take for granted, and I don't want to be like that.

Anyway, I really do enjoy this event every year. Yes, I know, I have also complained so much about so many things... but I hope they never stop doing this. I also hope someday they can regain some of the numbers they've lost over the years. I don't know why so many local runners choose to not support local races and events. I guess there are reasons. For this year, at least, I was pretty happy with this day again. I'm glad.

Five things friday

Lemme see if I can come up with five things today...

1. I've grown weary/wary of reading articles, emails, and the like. I'm tired of someone telling me what I need to do, what/who I should be afraid of, and how I should feel.
2. I don't know if I need to 'buckle up' or 'hunker down.' I'd rather not...
3. It seems I used to cry easier. Now I mostly feel regret, grief, or just plain numb.
4. I can probably blame Fall for some of it. It's a very sentimental time for me. Football, flannel, bonfires, and such. A lot of good memories... and some others.
   
5. Rather than a quote this week I will share this video (note: you will likely need to verify you are human; and I'm hoping it works based on my apparent difficulty in being able to do so): https://vimeo.com/95254011?share=copy