Thank You 2013!

"Dig deep, do things" - Scott Jurek

Proud

It has been a big year and I am so grateful for all that has happened. Gratitude here is not a new thing, but I am also quite proud looking at this last year. I pushed myself harder than I ever have and claimed a new PR on my marathon by over 12 minutes, not to mention picking up two more finisher medals. I started a new and challenging job and am excited that there is not enough time in the day now. Chris Rock said that's the difference between a job and a career. I am proud of my home and family and truly feel gratitude there. It's been a big year and I am quick to see the grace but I am also glad to take a modicum of satisfaction in seeing several jobs well done.

Gratitude

One of the cool thing about the holidays is how the everyday can look just a bit different. I am not talking about the fact that most of us have moved a tree into our living room and transformed the outside of our homes into amateur vegas decor. I am talking about how we have the chance to savor our environment a bit.

Disconnect

With continued tech in all areas of my life and for the most part a welcome addition, it has been a relief to be more unplugged this season. There was a radio ad last year that joked about what a wonderful day it was to be outside staring at a phone. I have tried to put mine away a bit more. While traveling this year, I have forgone the computer coming with to enjoy being more unplugged. It helps. 

Cup of Ritual

Cup of coffee. It's one of my favorite things. It's not just the flavor and quality of the drink but the sentiment that accompany's the beverage. I have bonded for life with friends when asked to get a cup of coffee at just the right time. The habit of meeting someone for a cup of coffee is such a pleasure. I love the everything about it. During this time of family and friends and traveling, it truly is one of my favorite things to just sit down with someone among the hustle and bustle and just enjoy the time together.

Boxing Day in Ohio

There's a degree of calm that is a welcome relief after a big day. We traveled on Christmas and now have the wonderful opportunity to celebrate with the Ohio family.

It's a great treat to be here!

Merry Christmas!

From me to you, have a Merry Little Christmas!

Gratitude for Family

It's been a good year! I am thrilled to have a chance to enjoy the holidays with my family and loved ones this year. Within the course of the next 48hrs, I will have the chance to see quite a bit of my family. It is a blessing and one I try not to take for granted for a moment. So many folks are unable to have these moments, I try and continue to remember that while celebrating.

Algorithm Fail

I am impressed and slightly unsettled by the sophistication of online advertising. A first I thought the fact that some of my favorite sites had ads on Facebook or wherever was kinda cool, but then it started getting more precise. If I looked at a particular Bears hat, it started appearing every time I logged on to Facebook. While this was amusing, it started to frustrate me a little during this holiday season as I have been doing my Christmas shopping and just surfing for said Bears hat on my own for fun. Yet every time I hopped on Facebook, what I wanted personally kept popping up there as if teasing me to get it.

Then I figure out how to beat the system. I went on the websites that kept teasing me and pulled up a bunch of items I had no interest in. Voila! No more temptation. No thank you Facebook ad, I do not need that KC Chiefs t-shirt!

Christmas Visit

The gifts are purchased and being wrapped. Our bags are coming out today for travel. Even the fridge is showing signs of the impending quiet time ahead. Our Christmas extravaganza with family's in both Colorado and Ohio is our second most unconventional travel this time of year. There was the time we rented a car to leave at the airport and had brought a reclscued dog with us from Chicago to leave with our family in Ohio, but that was a tough itinerary to beat.

In any case, it's a treat to get to see everyone this year. That is really the coolest gift.

Hi

Conan Visits The American Girl Store

Holiday Time

I am new to the regular hours type of job. Generally I have been working in industries that amp up this time of year. The prospect of finally getting to enjoy the season with my family is so beyond wonderful, I am having difficulty grasping it fully.

None the less, I am getting a bit giddy for the upcoming holiday time and our trip to Ohio. I love visiting out there and Tiff's family is always so wonderful to be with.

Cold Run

I have said it before and I'll likely say it again but running on snow is fun! With the right layers, the cold is a whole lot of fun, especially if I have the chance to hit the snow right after it has fallen. I know I live in Colorado and it seems like everyone here is beating the door down to get on the slopes this time of year, but hitting the parks and trails here in town on bike and running shoes. The winter chill doesn't bug me as there are easy ways to stay warm. It's also fun to not have a lot of people to deal with.

How'd that happen?

The great Richard Prior uttered a few words after being diagnosed with MS that have always come back to me when I get slowed down. He said, "God can make you take five." I was knocked out after a questionable meal yesterday that left me staying home today. It truly takes some questionable culinary maneuvers to turn vegetarian food into a knock out meal. Honestly, it is impressive. 

Perspective Adjustment

It's been a day of wait thus far. Without delving into personal details, Tiff and I have had an adventure today that drives home several reasons for gratitude. Our day 's task was far from being a horrible endeavor, but it was a tougher one. It made me aware of how fortunate we are and that while the constant attitude of gratitude I strive for would keep the shock of a days reminder from being too tough, apparently I underestimated how much you can be grateful for. Tiff and I are very fortunate both in health and to have the friends and family we do. We are actively trying to improve our quality of life and doing what we can to to help others.

It's far from perfect, but it's a damn good life.

Days like this strengthen those feelings. It makes me all too aware how many people do close are struggling. It also reminds me how many more seem to not realize how good they do have it. While annoying to acknowledge, when I'm stuck in traffic it also means I have a ride. That sort of perspective keeps me sane. Life is too much of a gift to squander it over minuscule crap.

I certainly don't want days like this too often but they are helpful in remembering all that. 

The Band

I got to see an old friend last night and the subject of our old improv group came up. We truly had a great run up in Ft. Collins years back and have since seen SOOOO much bas improv. We were trained to hold a particular standard that most of us have not taken in anywhere else. We had some fun talking about old times and as more of us make CO home again, the joke of putting the band back together kept coming up. Sure it may happen, but not in time for First Night Ft. Collins.

Locked Out

I'm not sure whether or not my routine lack if security is a good thing or not. I have a soft top jeep and usually ride my bike downtown. More often than not, my things are out in the open. I just had a light swiped from my bike that reminded me how put in the open. While my regular lack of being complete locked down is disconcerting, I wonder if there becomes an endless cycle when you start start locking up. In a way it reminds me to keep perspective. I am not foolish and take precautions, but in the end I must accept a degree of powerlessness. It keeps me humble. 

Hit Hard Again

I am still trying to absorb that my hometown has once again become the headline news for a high school tragedy. I heart goes out to those affected by todays events. I truly wish there were some signs this will no longer continue but the difficulty of an unexplainable tragic event is a solution might require some sort of explanation. Seriously, how can we get this to stop?

That perhaps though is a question for a later date. For tonight, I pray the people affected may find some comfort and not be alone.

Simple Love

xo

Winter Love

It truly is the most magical time of the year…

I do adore this time of the year. The world transforms into such beauty. Scarves and coats come out and hot cocoa sounds better than it ever has in your life. The twinkle of Christmas lights and street lights so early in the evening invites us to cozy up and enjoy where we are at. It's truly wonderful.

Of course, if you are like me, a fresh coat of snow means an amazing blanket to run upon and collect ice in your beard. That's me though. I like my cocoa after sweating a little first.

Good Review

This year I have been focused on 3 areas of "good" and am pretty happy with the results for the most part. On the eating "good" front, I am surprised to say I have almost converted entirely to a vegan diet. For a considerable time I said I leaned vegetarian. Now I would say it's a 90/10 vegan to vegetarian diet. I gave it a hell of a test too with over 1200 miles logged thus far. I truly feel great!

The good music part has been a exploration of more jazz and indie work. I am still not able to identify different pieces that easily as I am mostly just listening to the radio and audible is my worst learning style. None the less, a high tempo rift makes me smile every time. I am also loving the mesh of modern stuff I have stumbled upon. Finding "Girl Talk" was a wonderful find and will forever remind me of the Denver Cruiser Night I heard it first.

The good sleep is still a work in progress. Sleep and I have not gotten along well my entire life. I have most consistently wished it was not necessary at all or that I could just have a button and make it happen. In effort to get more "good" sleep, I have tried to go to bed earlier and more regularly get up at the same time. While training, I was up at 5:30 a lost every morning to get some miles before work in. I still don't sleep too well, but I keep trying. Put the body in the right place and hope it works.

It has been fun to focus on these 3 areas all year. I do appreciate the difference when given a choice. It is also nice to know that I have been monkey free for three and a half weeks. 2013 has been pretty all right!

Decembrathonist

December is a weird time for a marathoner. I am still savoring an amazing season with 3 marathons that began with a PR of 12min faster than ever before. none the less, I am starting to get the restless urge to know where the next big race will be. I am targeting a couple or three smaller races through next May, but I am excited to know when I will get that 26.2mi run in again. I know it's getting bad when last nigh I considered reaching out to an ultra running friend about suggesting a beginner ultra (those are races that usually begin at twice a marathon distance).

The races I am flirting most with next year are Portland, Chicago, and a couple others. I'd love to find a fun Spring marathon that would not require heavy costs in travel. I don't have much interest in doing Colfax again, but will be excited to help my friend training for it. Look out icy Sloan's Lake laps!

Cold This!

It's been super cold everywhere lately. I have heard nothing but how cold it is outside and often how crazy I am personally for riding my bike still. My friends in Chicago never got tire of laughing at my shorts throughout the winter. Well, as it is so cold thinking of much else has been impossible, I present a couple dudes in skirts. 

Enjoy the laugh!

Christmas in Capitol Hill

Last year my wife and I had just moved into our new home the day before Thanksgiving. Our Christmas decorations just remained in the living room for the season. In fact we didn't know what our place looked like without a tree in the room for several weeks after moving in. We both felt a bit rushed on the season, but made the best of it.

As a couple kids that still just love a magic of the season, we were both pretty excited for Christmas this year! So far it has not disappointed. In fact , not since we left Chicago have we had the chance to enjoy with a home court advantage the magic of a city decked for the holidays. It's a different type of special.  Having become more familiar with our neighborhood this year it has been delightful to watch it  with lights and tinsel.

Our tree is up in our window and our wreath is hung on the door. I even set out a bowl of candy came Hershey kisses today. It's fun to enjoy and believe in the wonder. 

Yeah, Winter!

I do love the cold. Even when it dips down to the single digits. It's interesting to see how people react though. There are far less people out and about and  the roads are far slower (which is a degree of a relief from the folks that rage from red light to red light). The people you encounter seen to be a bit warmer and there is the mutual, "wow it is cold out!" that seems to be a universal way of saying we are so in the same boat.

For the most part I have no troubles with the frigid. I layer more when I jump on the bike and ride a little more in the lane (legally I am to ride as far over as is safe). I have yet to be out so long that I don't have enough great layers to get through.

Biking in the Snow

Winter's First Party

Our first real snow storm hit today and it's a heck of a storm. The temperature dropped 60 degrees in the last 36hrs and snow has been steadily falling. Due to the quick freeze and the extremely low temp's, the city has shut down for the most part. It's a good day to stay in if you can and take comfort inside.

If you are out and about in the Denver area and see someone in need, please use the following number:

"With this storm, many of the homeless don't have shelter. The city is launching a huge effort to make sure that everyone has a warm, safe place to go. 

If you see someone in need, call (720) 913-2000 and they will send someone over to assist that person."

We can make a difference today just by looking out for each other.

Guest Blogger Today on Dwell

I had the privilege of making a guest blog appearance on Dwell today. Ergo, I am double dipping the entry here on Stupie, heh.

http://www.dwell-denver.com/blog/denver-neighborhood-hot-spots-must-know-about-coffee-houses.html

No Photoshopping

This picture has not been doctored in anyway. It is exactly as the camera caught it the night Tiff and I went to Maggie Malone's in LA to see the bar the kick started Flogging Molly's notoriety. There is just something I love about this shot and all it's "imperfections." It reminds me exactly of the feeling that night, which was a pretty good night.

I dig being reminded perfection is overrated.

Bike Reminicing

It seems now a miracle my friend in Chicago just kept the bike I left there when I moved to LA with Tiff. He stashed it in his basement and damn near forgot about it. A year and a half later, back in the Windy City, I was shocked when I called and he still had it. It has been 5 years now that I have been back on this bike and now in 2 different cities, doing the urban commuting, snow or shine. It needs some work, but it continues to perform. I've missed every door opened in front of me and only hit a couple cars, but never badly. When I pulled up this picture of the first winter getting it back, I had no idea how much I was going to love riding it. It's like the adage says:

"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach the man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to ride a bike and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring." - Desmond Tutu

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Even Hockey Players Can Use a Boost Sometimes

Have a smile on your Monday!

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.

Sometimes you just need a comfy place to curl up...

1 week...

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!

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...

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.

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.

Once Again Into the...

3...

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!

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.

Heh.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Some of the Reason I Ran Today

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.

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.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Enjoy!

What Exactly Am I Doing?

I am deep in unchartered waters here with my double header of marathons. Ordinarily I am pretty confident on exactly where I am in the process, even the quiet freaking out in the weeks before the big run. This is different though.. I am not running almost at all to give my legs maximum time to mend from the last marathon. It might be heeding caution a little too heavy, but I am trying to err on the side of too rested than tired and injury prone. I can slug my way through 26.2 miles on heavy legs, but a blown ITB would make that pretty tough.

With all this down time though I keep getting that feeling that the big test is coming up and I have not studied. It's at least a new kind of quiet freak out. I am certain the boost of rested legs, adrenaline of New York and cheering spectators the entire way, more oxygen (thank you Denver training), and knowing I am representing the amazing no-kill center PAWS will carry me forward with ease.

Its Wednesday though. Too soon to really pack the bag so I remind myself of all of those point repeatedly and try not to magnify any aches I have right now.

A Picture vs 1000 Words

Seriously… I have this much fun doing this. :)

Missing Butterflies

I tried my first run yesterday with Tiff. It was a close and slow 2 miler. It felt pretty good too. I could still feel some of the deeper aches, so I will be playing it conservatively this week, but over all it was fantastic to get out there and run again! The usual anxiety I feel in the last weeks before a run seen to have been derailed a bit in the unusual nature of back to back marathons. ergo, I am not very nervous at all. I can tell it's pretty thorough too in that I don't feel the need to go buy any gear either. Consequently, I wonder if I am not focused enough? I know that's silly, but when the butterflies are as routine as Gatorade, you get curious when they aren't around as much. I also keep reminding myself that this is my first travel marathon in a long while and some my attention is focused on the logistics of getting there and around New York.

I am sure it will be good, but it feels all sorts of weird!

It's Been One Week Since...

Like déjà vu, I amine week out from my next marathon. I travel to New York next Friday night and am excited to not only run again but to do so in one of the greatest marathons in the world! I get a ton of energy from the folks that turn out to support. New York and Chicago have been my favorites so far for that. They were also my third and first respectively. This will be my eighth. With that knowledge I am hoping to truly savor this one , rspecially knowing I will be in for some good rest after.

The legs feel strong again and the aches are barely noticeable. Today's easy loop on a nearby park will truly let me know what I need to do this week. As always, I'll keep you posted. 

Simple

Hi.

Call to PAWS!!

My deadline for fundraising is officially the Sunday before the marathon I am running. That is this Sunday. As I was sitting chatting with my wife last night, I was struck by a surprising realization. I am tired! I mean, I am tired in a way I am unfamiliar with. The mental addition of fund raising and asking for help this entire marathon training has left an added weight as I draw towards the end of that particular stretch. To date, I have pulled in $1,565 for PAWS Chicago and feel confident they will be able to do a ton of good for their rescued dogs and cats. Who knows, that amount might have made the difference in life or death for some family's now treasured pet? I know I can't do what they can, ergo I am glad to raise money for them.

I know this is the weary before getting pumped back up over the course of the next week. This is the part where I let myself just know, "damn, I am really tired!" I have run almost everyday this year, been in fund raising since early July, and produced my 2 fastest marathon times (3:50:20 & 4:02:19). I am proud of that.

So here is one of my final pleas: If you have a chance to hit my site and donate, it would mean a lot. I am grateful, but more importantly it goes 100% to PAWS to do some real good! I am happy to add a company logo to my gear in New York as well if a sizable donation is possible. For those that have given so much, I am truly grateful!! I'd bring you all a cup of coffee and a doughnut this morning if I could. As sentimental as it sounds, you are all with me every step of the way on the course and off!

Thank you all!

Troy's PAWS page.

Needed Reminder

Enough said.

Loud Marathon Talk from NYC

The big race in New York is approaching and there has been considerably more hype than most of the races I have had a chance to do. Obviously it is the largest, bigger this year than ever before due to last year's cancelation. It also seems having lost the New York City Marathon last year and the tragedy in Boston this year, there is a strong sentiment to make this one great. It is being broadcast on ESPN 2 for the first time in 20 years. I am excited to be a part of it! It's a thrill to be able to run it. It is an honor to run it for a charity I believe in so strongly, PAWS. It is also a great feeling to run it and demonstrate to the world that runners, in particular the marathoners, are a tough bunch to keep down. We have laced up in countless races since Boston, but never before on such a stage as this. I am glad to be a part of it and grateful for the chance.

Recovering and Refocusing

I am happy to report I am up and moving at relatively normal speed. The pains are subsiding and I am refocusing on the next race in front of me. It was a thrill to be the sole representative of Team PAWS in the Denver Rock n Roll Marathon on Sunday, but on Nov. 3rd I will be joined by 9 other members. My deadline for fundraising is rapidly approaching and while I have achieved my agreed upon total, I am putting it out there that anything helps. If you are feeling generous, please hit the link below and donate. Even $5 helps keep this amazing no-kill shelter open.

I am proud to be able to put on my Team PAWS singlet a week from Sunday in one of the greatest marathons in the world. The support I receive here, on Facebook, and everywhere else has been amazing. I will not let you all down.

Troy's Team PAWS page