Saturday, November 30, 2013

Checking it Twice...

While I have not been shopping this weekend out of principle, I have been considering my holiday shopping. My list seems longer than ever, the people I want to get something for. I am excited, but a little daunted by the sheer numbers of people to buy for. Beyond that though, there are quite a few people that I could shoot in the dark and try and get something they would like, but wish truly they would write a list out. It is so much more gratifying to get something that someone wants. To me that doesn't seem like a cheat so much as a chance for people to grow together the list of things they might not ordinarily buy themselves. Also, if they are at all like me, there are a few things that they just seem never to get around to get.

Perhaps Christmas lists are a bit silly, but they do help.

Friday, November 29, 2013

It's Not Actually a Holiday

It's early on Black Friday and I am up due to an unbelievably early appliance delivery. Tiff and I have no interest in flocking to the stores today as the madness does not seem worth the savings and I have been the poor shmo wearing the name tags today too often to not see how tired they are from the relentless stream of ugly humanity in their faces. Sure it's their job, but increase the en masse they face and give them a higher than average demand perspective and that just makes for a tough day at work. We all have those.

I am still a bit mystified by this whole Black Friday thing. It seemed to me that it began a bit as a joke and now almost rivals Thanksgiving in anticipation and attention. Hell, some companies did not even wait till Friday (what, midnight was just too late??) and started opening shop yesterday evening. I get the deals are good and the timing is right, but it's a manufactured "event" and we all seem to just go along with it. Thanksgiving used to be a day where at the very least you did not have to work and may enjoy a good meal, depending on where you were going. Now the very folks that could count on that one day are being called in sooner and sooner so the folks that didn't have to work can get some big savings. Ah… bitterness…

I suppose it seems like a fair takeover though. Unless you put you textbook down in 5th grade and learned nothing else about the pilgrims and indians after this famous meal, you know the rest of that amiable relationship over a turkey did not pan out well. Greed and demand took over and the rest is generally unmentioned history. I suppose it makes sense we'd develop a shopping holiday to indulge in this disposition.

I, again, have no problem with the idea. The execution is what bugs me. If the stores open on Thanksgiving for Black "Friday," you don't have to go. If you are shopping to take care of you Christmas shopping and buy gifts for everyone, you don't have to wait a month to be nice to people. Lastly, if you don't like the way a business handles sales (carrot dangling) and crowds or even how they seem to treat their employees (as in what time they demand they be away from their families), don't shop there. I can rant. You can complain. Ultimately it is your dollars they will listen to. That right there is your vote.

Trust me, that vote means a lot more than telling an abused clerk/waiter/barista how tough it must be to work on a day like this.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Turkey Free Tradition

It was a wonderful return to a tradition I started in Chicago. I biked to the Turkey Trot today to run before a fabulous feast. It was a treat to bike there and participate. I run all the time, but it was fun to be lined up on a "fun" run today. I also loved that my entry went right to United Way. My last race was in New York and a completely different atmosphere. One thing was the same though. There were a lot of people excited to be there. This time though, I was trying to stay off of the dog tails in front of me and not get run over my hyper, turkey clad runners. There was a simple pleasure to get to the race by bike and participate, do some good, and earn an extra slice of pie. As an added bonus, I get to wear the most atrocious shirt I own!

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Sour Cream Apple Tradition

A long time ago, in a tiny studio apartment in Chicago I stumbled upon a recipe for a Sour Cream Apple Pie. At that point my friends were still compiling a Thanksgiving feast almost pot luck style, but with a tad more organization. Having never enjoyed pumpkin or pecan pies, I decided to give this a crack. So as to not tempt disaster, I made one a few weeks in advance to see if it was any good. I am of the school that anything baked is best right out of the oven. This pie was horrible right out of the oven.

Thoroughly bummed that I would then need to eat the rest of this pie myself (studio and little money for food), I tucked it in the fridge to endure it the next day. Having a left over burger from work or pie to chose from, I opted to try the pie again. Turns out it was best chilled overnight and for the record, that was not in the recipe. It was good. I made it for my friends and it was a hit. I made it each year we got together as my regular offering.

I have made it now for my family, my in-laws, and several friends. I may be the pie's greatest fan, but it always is well received. Having made it several years, it has become pretty easy too. What I love most about making it is the connection to all those Thanksgivings and so many great times with family and friends. Tonight I made it again, this time for my wife and my parents.

From that tiny studio to now, I am very grateful for all those loved ones I have made this silly pie for.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Thanks!

There are lots of people out there doing amazing things each and every day. We have our heroes that we regard highly whether they wear a team's uniform or a military one. Our firefighters, police, and lesser known civil servants that make our daily life move with less difficulty. What I am constantly in awe of though are the unsung heroes all about. For fear of sounding cliche, I am impressed with all you moms and dads, you students working your way through school, and the people that suit up each day with a name tag on trying to better their place one humble day of work at a time. To you delinquents trying to turn things around and folks that are immersed in grand life struggles but still manage to hold the door a moment longer than is comfortable to help someone out. To the people that don't need to say good morning, but do. to the drivers that realize driving is a privilege and offer a moment of that precious time to let someone in. To the people that keep trying to make us smile and those that keep us from crying. There are so many people out there doing some tremendous things no featured in a "news feed" or anywhere else. I admire your spirit and continued battle to make each day a tad better for having been in it.

I appreciate you.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Feet up Sunday

It is fantastic to be able to relax a bit over the weekend. After months of training and long runs, I am truly enjoying sitting back and enjoying time with my family. The cozy of the cooler weather and satisfaction of several weeks of hard work are truly putting me in an agreeable place to appreciate the oncoming holidays.

I'm a lucky guy and honestly I need to remind myself of that as it is all too easy to lose sight of the simple things that make life so rich.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Biking on Ice Again

We had our first, decent snow the last couple of days. I've been excited and nervous to get the bike out on the snow in the city. In Chicago I did it everyday, but in Chicago there were a lot of people that did. drivers were still on the look out for cyclists. While Denver has made amazing steps towards being much more bike friendly, I wasn't sure how far into the snow that would go. To my relief, there seemed as much attention as per usual paid. I felt more comfortable when I was riding outside of rush hours though. The crunch of bike wheels on fresh snow and ice is truly a great sound to hear again!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Turn Left


I've been logging some miles and doing my best to just not think so much. That is an interesting proposition when I go to jot some thoughts down. My approach has been that of counter intuitive action. If I feel like ass and don't want to talk, I ask how someone near me is doing. when I feel like isolating, I answer my phone. Basically I am trying to do the exact opposite of my well meaning, but entirely unhelpful instincts are telling me to do.

6...

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Not Paying Attention

To an embarrassing degree I have been consumed with my own shit all day. I believe this overwhelming self absorption should pass soon enough with enough time, but it is a bit frustrating to be so easily frustrated. It makes me appreciate the degree of perspective I regularly have as there are just not that many big issues.

While not a huge issue, I was snapped back to perspective when I got home to find one of our dogs quite sick. She's just not doing well but still within the realm of let's see if she perks up with some rest. The rest of my day seemed to lapse into an embarrassing recollection of moments.

For the perspective I am grateful, but wish it didn't take a sick puppy.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

More Than Three

I suppose it is a part of not wanting to accept feeling out of sorts, but my head has been full of judgement all day. Hell, it's fun for a couple minutes, but by midday it was clear the entire world was probably not being the asshole. I have heard it said and agree with the idea that when I encounter more than three assholes in a day, I am likely one of them. I surpassed my quota before my first cup of coffee was finished today. While there are bound to be days like this, it is frustrating to only claim victory in not saying everything that crossed my mind. Added bonus, I was so frustrated from being frustrated I decided it was time to give the running shoes some work. No pain and a decent time for barely logging a couple miles in two weeks. Nice to have a modicum of better breath as well.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Vicarious

Today's my wife's birthday! When we fist met, she regarded her birthday with such excitement and festivities, it seemed natural that it fell in the midst of the fall big holidays. Her gusto is a little less than it was then, but what I love is that she still holds an almost child-like excitement towards her birthday. Even if she doesn't talk about it or ask for anything, I know she's excited for the day and I love her the more for it. It is a beautiful thing knowing and loving the things our loved ones love!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Paying Attention

It's my lovely wife's birthday weekend. we've made a variety of plans that are in flux as we see if the bug she caught this week is finally on its way out. I love birthday time, especially when it's not mine. It's fun to dote and celebrate for people we love… at least to me it is.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Throwback Thursday

On the Facebook a lot of people seem to like to "throwback Thursday" idea for posting older pictures. I occasionally indulge but not often. Today I thought I'd carry that idea over to Stupie with this tributary picture. Tiff and I's first trip to Colorado together. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

A Note to my PAWS Supporters

It took my head a little while to stop spinning after New York, but I sincerely wanted to thank each and every one of you that have frequented this page. Many of you have donated and offer words of support that meant the world to me! For my part, I raised a little over $1,600 for PAWS Chicago! Your support helped me wear proudly my PAWS singlet throughout the Mile High City and all five New York Boroughs!

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you!! As a guy used to running several hours alone and enjoys a little company on race day, you all became a part of the entire process and I can not believe how much I appreciated having you with me!

I know the biggest benefit though is that a few lost and abandoned cats and dogs will have the chance to get to a forever home thanks to the assistance you all helped provide.

I am humbled and grateful for all that you have done!

Still in a giving mood? I believe my link is still active for a little while longer.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Honesty vs the Marathoner

I went to yoga last night relatively excited to get my body working again. While I acknowledge the overwhelming need for rest, I am physically restless if I am idle for too long. Some maintain that you should do no running for a month after a marathon. I am not even looking into what is suggested for after two consecutive marathons.

The yoga classes I go to generally have some sort of theme like grounding, expansion, etc. Last night, the instructor wanted to focus on balance and being "wobbly." Without Tiff I wasn't too apprehensive as my tipping and tottering would be less embarrassing without the woman I love right next to me.

Class started off well and my legs felt pretty good, but the strength was short lived and the depletion soon came on. I needed to drop out of several poses to avoid flat out becoming flat out. The instructor made the comment that balance poses keep you honest, that there is no faking balance. Her point was immediately clear as true for me. I had to admire the boxy and degree of self bullshitting that as a marathoner I have adopted to a healthy extent. There is a blatant denial of several facts needed to embark on running for hours and several miles. You have to have a certain swagger towards it being possible, regardless of facts at times.

Yoga made me take honest stock of what my legs have available and with some frustration, I am accepting I need to rest up. It's needed and more importantly, to run depleted legs for too long, serious injury is possible. I'd rather be on the couch or bike by choice, that's for certain.

Not sure I can do that for a month, but here's to a rest period.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Veteran's Day

It's Veteran's Day today. I love that there is a day dedicated to the men and women that have offered and sacrificed so much. It seems a bit ludicrous to me that it's just a day, but such is the case for Mother's, Father's, and the like. It's a national offering.

Personally, I am very proud of my Dad as a veteran. I am also quite proud of my Father-in-law too, but more acquainted with my Dad's story. He served in the sixties during Vietnam. My Dad enlisted voluntarily and was ready to serve when it was time for him to do so. While many around him were in college to avoid going over, he was preparing himself for it.

I admire his resolve to something bigger than him at that point. Personally, I was far from being able to make such a choice at that point in my life.  I respect my Dad and all the men and women who have followed the same path. Their sacrifice and bravery, regardless of the where and why of it, continues to be a source of deep respect for me. They do what they do, without question, and we get to live more comfortably because of it. Men and women, like my father, are always out there for us.

Today we say thank you, officially. It is my hope that every veteran and person in uniform does not need to wait for November 11th to feel the gratitude deserved.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Up and Running

I laced up today having enjoyed at least 3 pain free days. It was my first run since New York last weekend. More interestingly, it was my first run not involved in a training program since June. It was a fun, easy 2 mile run with Tiff. I was glad she wanted to go otherwise I may have had silly ideas of running through some pain that came up. Nothing bad, just some aches from some issues in my left leg. You fall off one stage in a show in Chicago carrying a guy on your back and your hip just won't let you hear the end of it. None the less it was fantastic getting out there and feeling the freedom on the run. I already have ideas for amping up my next marathon training program and a pretty good idea who I want to run for next. I believe my days of running without trying to help someone in the process may be over.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Day Off

It's Saturday and I am thrilled to feel the relief of having very little on my plate for the weekend! It has been a few weeks without something, a race or preparation, to get ready for. Even the consideration of an upcoming marathon is mentally taxing. I am relieved to be relaxed. As silly as that is to say it feels good. Beyond my legs, my mind has been in its own marathon for weeks now especially considering the never been tried double 26.2 mile run and all the unknowns it would present. Here's to a day off!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Live and Let Live

There was a bit on the radio yesterday about a man seeking approval for surgeury to relieve his weight problem. I found myself struggling in my desire to judge him. It's a quality I have grown to dislike, my mental judgement. While I have long learned the value of not saying all the things that cross my mind, I am still working on the mental game. What happens in my head affects my happiness as much as my actions. I also believe I have no authority to judge anyone. My opinions, even when popular, are just my opinions. While I would not make the same choices as someone like the man on the radio, it's his life and it does not affect mine. Live and let live is easy to say but doing it and more importantly thinking it is still an aim I am trying to achieve. 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Now What

I knew there would be a little bit of a now what feeling after so much work for the last couple weeks. To be honest, that has not kicked in quite yet as the tired is still n full effect. I believe after I get a chance to catch my breath this weekend, I may be looking for my next adventure. I am pretty sure I'll be lacing up this weekend though. My legs can only take so much time off, heh.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

26.2 Considering

When I think about my ambition in running this year, I am a bit shocked at what I pulled off. It's been a great year! PR in May and two marathons with Team PAWS including the epic New York City marathon last Sunday! Estes and Maggie Mayhem are glad to have home now! I am already tweaking future training to perform better. I'm thinking about how to resolve my old nemesis with shin pains after. I am ready to push harder and dig deeper. That all though is in the future. For now, I am going to heed the conventional wisdom of rest and give my legs and feet some time off. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

My Team

It was a thrill and a treat to get to run for PAWS on Sunday in New York. I was fortunate enough to meet some of my team on the way to the starting line. I am usually all smiles on the course, but knowing I was representing PAWS in one of the biggest races in the world, it was easy to do. I have never high fived that many people or shouted hello that much in my life. It was a thrill of a life time and I am so grateful.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Humble Honor

I love that after 34 years I figured out I love to run. I am proud as hell of having completed 7 marathons since I started in 2009. This and my last one are the first marathons I have run for a charity. That is an awesome feeling and I do try not to use that word frivolously. It is a humbling endeavor knowing how many folks donated money for PAWS because I asked and said I'd do this. Here's to a fantastic run tomorrow!!

So far as I know, it's not too late to donate:
Click here for my page.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Staying Focused

I fly out tonight on a red eye to New York City for the marathon on Sunday. It's a butterflies in the belly type of day knowing all my prep an planning is about to kick into motion. I am confident all will go exactly as it should, but there are still nerves surfacing right now. I will be traveling to one of the largest cities in the world alone and navigating around solo for the next few days. I consider myself pretty adept on this aspect, but it doesn't stop me from the occasional jitter. Actually running on Sunday will be the easy part, my course is laid and easy to follow. What I keep reminding myself of is I can not get on the right train until I am on the platform and to not concern myself too much with the unknowns till I can figure them out. I can do plenty of research, but like all of life, the moment I am in is the one I need to focus on. Besides, I know I will not actually be alone while I am there. Regardless of physical company, I have a wealth of help to rely upon and take great comfort in knowing where I am grounded. I am only alone if I forget all that.