Working

They often say you should do what you are passionate about. I have pursued this lofty, yet wickedly insolvent, path for many years. I have a wealth of great experiences but no much in the way of financial rewards for them. As I contemplate making the shift towards marrying the two I find myself wondering where they might meet. I hold a variety of skills and abilities but still seem uncertain where they might best serve all my goals. That's where effort and faith are meeting up. Most of the people I know with great jobs have found them indirectly. I am hoping my road is on its indirect path right now. 

Workin' Through

I have yet to hold a job where there doesn't seem to be some adverse element to contend with. Whether that be slow business or just individuals that see things differently than I do. While there is always the temptation to say they are wrong or things would be better in another job, that seems a waste of time. They are always there. Without the option to just not work (which personally would drive me mad), I have come to the conclusion that no matter how ridiculous these folks seem to be, I can not avoid them. My happiness therefor can not be tied to there acting differently than I would wish. A wise man once asked me,"would you like to be happy or right?" As infuriating as that question can be, it more often than not seems accurate in the small things.

22 Miles

Today was my last truly long run before the taper period of my marathon training. As has been mentioned previously, I have tweaked my training plan some on this go round to make it more strenuous. It has mostly included hill repeats and speed workouts. I also amped up the mileage each week and added a new 22mi. run to the end of the build up. I usually just do a couple 20mi.'s and begin scaling back as has been recommended by many sources. I saw one plan that included this monster 22 mi. i it and was intrigued. I dropped it in and have been thinking about it since mid January.

Today I gave it a crack. I also routed my course to pretty much follow the Colfax Marathon. It was interesting. While it may sound odd to say that each week's increase of 2 miles makes former milage easier to hit, I am still surprised when what was once a goal becomes a benchmark. Today's 22mi. had no other comparison's but to actual marathon runs. It took an hour and a half just to warm up to the idea while I was out there. Even 20mi. didn't feel as far away to finish as today's did. I was not enthusiastic once actually out there for quite a while.

Then I settled in and hit some less traveled roads for my running. It started feeling better. I was impressed and relieved.The marathon course will be easier for sure with more runners, aid stations and occasional glimpses of my support crew. None the less, I felt pretty damn good about my dry run (no pun intended) and my longer long run.

Hello taper period!

Spring Time Musings

The weather is warming up and Spring fever is kicking in. There is that urge to purge and clean out the winter dust. To open the windows and not pile on several layers is one of those joys of  Spring. I love listening to baseball (thanks cable deal) and feeling the sun on my arms. While I love the snow, I must admit there is a rejuvenating element to this time of year like no other. I can't wait for the rain to come. 

Calm

Early Bird Special

My work day doesn't start till much later today, but I hopped up early with Tiff to get some work at home finished. I don't know when it happened, but I now feel much more productive early in the day. If I can tick a couple things off my to do list by 8am, I feel like it's going to be a better day. It also helps a lot when I have the time to take our dogs for a good walk right away. I know they appreciate it, but for me it just gets me a little more locked in for the day. So far, today is off to a good start.

My Saturday

I had today off from work. While it is nice to have a weekday off, it's unusual to have anyone else off on the same day, even if they don't work a standard work week. Ergo, I often feel guilty doing anything less than productive on the midweek days off. I wouldn't think twice about catching a movie on a Saturday, but a Wednesday? Delinquent!

Today I decided, somewhere between hill repeats 3 and 7, I was going to go grab a good breakfast before diving into work for the day. I also knew I would immediately try and start talking myself out of it when I got home so I raced into a change of clothes and hopped on the bike right away. It was a nice escape and some damn good pancakes. Seriously, if you live in Denver or just pass through go grab a bite at Snooze. It's worth the wait you will even find at 10:30 on a Wednesday.

My Saturday had a pretty tasty start.

At Ease

It was one of those days where everything just feels easier to deal with. I am not entirely sure why. Sometimes even just keeping a good song in my head helps deal. Today, I was just at ease. I accredit some daily practices but for what it is worth I am grateful to have one of these. It made the ride at the end of the day that much sweeter.

Ride to Run

We are getting another Spring snow storm. I decided to celibate with a quick ride to REI go get some much needed running gels. The feeling of riding through snow is exhilarating. I am glad I opted for the lobster claw gloves having underestimated the last several snowy days on the bike. With the right layers, it is just fun. There is also a feeling of appropriate when considering I was going to an outdoor adventure store to get something to help me run longer. Why would you drive for something like that when you have another option?

Turning the Volume Down.

Today's 20 mile run went smooth in hind site. While I was on it, it was a struggle to be sure. Aches were intense and the drive was low. Being tired and hungry definitely comes out when running that long. What I was thrilled about was that I headed out with a heavy head, all sorts of bothers and troubles that had been weighing me down for the last couple days. As the miles piled up, the worries diminished, as if the volume was getting turned down. They were still there, but the tooth was gone. I appreciate that more than anything else about running. No matter how far I go, when I am done I have run. That fact alone makes most days better. It's worth lacing up.

Good Dogs

I have sat down to write this post a couple times already and looked over to see both my dogs staring at me wagging their tails. They had that feisty look of "you can try to come catch us" going. Sure enough each time there was scampering and tussling and eventually just a lot of ear rubbing. It may seem like an inane observation of my home life this morning, but there is a point here. Plus, don't I write inane observations everyday? The point is that over the last week I have been utterly drawn into checking the news everyday to find out updates. I have been wanting to know what is happening in Boston and hoping for resolution. With last night's apprehension, there feels a degree of relief from that urge to know. I firmly believe there is no justice in this situation, but closure can begin to a degree now. The point I promised, was my dogs kept engaging me in the present and the now. They just wanted to play and I needed the simple reminder to be here now. Good dogs!

Fast Fridays

Every Friday, I lace up with some reluctance. Friday's are speed workouts. Unlike the rest of my training, speed remains one workout I dread that never seems to be getting easier. Each week I head up to the park and zip two laps at an "uncomfortable" pace. In total it's about 3 miles of speed and a mile warm up and cool down. As I returned home a clicked off my watch. I saw mile paces well below my routine pace. I have been in the mid to upper 8:00 range for regular runs and today I saw my fast laps were between 6:24 and 6:34 per mile. It finally hit me why this workout keeps staying tough. I am getting faster each week right now. Ergo, each week remains at an intensity I have not done before. While that is a gratifying realization, it does not help me dread Friday runs any. I am consoled in that I have one more week of tough running before my taper period. Progress is cool, but the will to lace up each week is it's own victory.

Giddy

Ever just wake up feeling giddy over something? You can't put your finger on it and you remember enough of your dreams to know it wasn't that. It just feels like an excitement you can't put your finger on. You race through your days plans and then your week's and still there is nothing to explain why you feel excited? That's my day. I still don't know what it is, but it feels like something very good is about to happen. Regardless of the outcome, it's a good feeling to have. 

Weather!

It's April and there have been winter storms for the last few days. That doesn't bother me in the least. At  least here in Colorado we are still facing a severe drought this year. What kills me are all the fools that are bitching about the snow. In Colorado, the weather is anything but predictable, especially in the spring. How is this such a shock? Also, why do they site that it IS spring as an excuse to whine? As if nature issued our calendars? It's aggravating. I hate the dun and heat, but am sure as hell not going to complain about it this summer. It's weather. One of the few things in our automated world we don't dictate. If its not destroying your home or endangering your family, just deal. 

No Words

Facing the aftermath of another senseless tragedy in Boston yesterday, I am a bit speechless. I can't understand and stomach that these events are becoming more common. As a marathoner this one seemed to hit home a little more and I can't really understand it.  My incredibly talented wife wrote this yesterday for Facebook and I am reposting it here as well. Her words were profound and beautiful and a true reminder that while I am lost in my emotions of grief and rage and confusion, over Boston, over Sand Hook, over the Aurora theater shootings, that I must concentrate on the light.

From my wife:

Tiffany Carter Coleman

I watch Troy work so hard to run marathons. He has run five so far, and this year is working extra hard to shave minutes off of his time. In the snow, in the rain, in the freezing cold, in the blistering heat, in the wee hours of the morning and after a full workday, he laces up, heads out, and runs. As someone who runs for pleasure, I don't understand why anyone would want to run 26.2 miles, endure ice baths, ferocious blisters, bleeding nipples and hours of isolation with nothing but you and your will propelling you forward. But each time I watch them run, those marathoners, it is a moving experience. You can see the struggle, see them promising themselves that for just the next step, for just the next breath, they will not quit. I've seen a man with an injury cross the finish line, a daughter under each arm, holding him up. Seen people in full costume running for charity. Saw a blind man running with a guide. A blind man. I've seen people stop and heard the crowd cheer them on, tell them they could do it, to keep going. Saw my husband running and at each mile, he had the biggest, broadest smile lighting up his face. It's inspiring. Your heart leaps when the one you're cheering for crosses the finish line. You feel lazy and flubby as they limp to get their medals, sweaty, wearing that shiny astronaut blanket, choking down water and gooey gel packs. And you get it, you get why they do it--until they start training again and you don't get it, why anyone would want to do this. But they do and it matters to them. Weeks of training, hours of running, wills of steel, so they can do it. What an accomplishment. And what a shit thing to do, to bomb a marathon (or open fire in a movie theatre, or shoot little kids). What a wretch of society, who was probably just pissed off that things haven't gone his/her/their way. I hate the bleakness and I hate the darkness, but I am not giving up on the light. And Troy's going to run another marathon next month, and I admit that right now, I'm a little scared. But he's going to go and I'm going to cheer him on, because that is what you do when you don't give up on the light, because in the end, the light wins. In the end, the light wins.

Possibile

It's an nice snowy April morning. I made some pancakes and had a great walk with the dogs. It's been a wonderful way to start the day. Although it's technically my Friday as far as work goes, there is always a new start feeling to Mondays as well that personally I find a degree optimistic too. Perhaps it's that I am looking for something that I feel certain I will find. Not sure. To me Monday's are as much a fresh start as some see Spring itself. You put a Monday like this in Spring and well that's a double shot of possibility. All this might be the pancakes talking, but if that's what they are saying, I say let 'em talk.

20 Mile Run

Today's long run reached the 20mi point. Ordinarily this is as long as I go before a marathon, but this tweaked training I will be doing one 22mi in a couple weeks. What's funny to me is how each week the long run always seems so far and yet passing the previous long run distances doesn't often raise an eyebrow when once it's not the final length. For instance, back in January, my long run was 10mi to start and it as tough. But it was as tough today doing twice as far. The process is amazing each time how it works and eventually gets me to where I can run 26.2 miles.

Pure Joy

Bike Therapy

Today was my day off. While I have a lot always on my docket for a day off, one thing I had planned today always uplifts my spirits. I rode my bike. I am by no means a hard core bike rider, decked out in spandex with assorted sponsor logos all over. What I am is a guy that really likes my bike and really likes getting to use it for function. I rode out to meet some friends for coffee and the over to the grocery store. That was it. Just a couple errands in my neighborhood, but I got to wheel through the streets and traffic to take care of things that needed taking care of. It felt faster than dealing with parking and ton faster than walking. I don't know what it is, but hopping on and riding always makes my concerns that much less. After a couple blocks they are almost distant memories. I love that. I always need a place to head to, but I do love it. I am also all too grateful for the Chrome bag I have to make all this possible.

Bad Religion show

Last night I had the chance, thanks to my wonderful wife, to see Bad Religion in concert. They have long been my favorite band and I have only had the chance to see them a couple times. It was a tremendous gift and I could write volumes on my wife's thoughtfulness. Hell, I probably will. Who are we kidding?

Yet I digress.

It was fantastic to see the show last night. They played some of my favorite songs and I was impressed at the presence of a band with decades of experience performing. The put on a powerful, high energy performance that was awesome to take in. It reminded me of how different it is to experience music, not just hear it. I was also yet again moved by the powerful lyrics that has made Bad Religion a long lasting favorite. It was an all encompassing great experience.

I almost didn't go.

Right now, extras feel unnecessary. Going to a show felt like an indulgence that "shouldn't" be entertained. Regardless of the ticket being a gift, it felt irresponsible when so much else needed to be done. I could see that it meant more than my entertainment to Tiff for me to get to go. That one of the many ways I know she loves me.

I also thought about my buddy Scott scraping together cash to see one of his favorite performers in our destitute days in Chicago. He said the experience will last him a lifetime, the money wasn't as significant.

I'm glad I went. For the love and the experience and just a chance to see people doing something powerful they have done and loved for so many years.

Monster Post Run Smoothie

In the spirit of Thug Kitchen,  here is a fantastic smoothie I developed. It's sweet with a slight zing and definitely packs some protein punch. You try, you like!

Monster Post Run Smoothie

• 10oz Almond Milk
• 4 Strawberries
• 1 Frozen banana
• 1 Big hand full of spinach
• Dash of Bee Pollen
• Dash of Flax Seed
• Dash of Chia Seeds
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper
• Honey to taste

Gearing Up

Today was my first real run since getting back from Chicago. I am launching into the hellish 3 weeks of training and bracing myself for some tough runs. As though Mother Nature wanted to help, it was a balmy 18 degrees out before the wind chill. I'm ready for the challenge of long miles but will welcome not having frozen fingers. 

Dog Run

I decided to try something new with my rest day run. After talking about it for a long time, I finally decided to take our dogs out with me. They are Westies and terriers are reportedly good for running dogs. I wasn't sure how our little princesses would do trying to run, but I figured I was only going to do a mile today and that would be a great introduction. To even the field a little, I wore my Vibram 5 Finger shoes that I must run slower in anyways.

It went great! We did not run the entire mile, but they did pretty good for trying a new activity. It also kept my pace way low and probably helped me get a little more rest out of a day I am not actually supposed to run on. We walked several times, but they seemed quite happy to be out beyond our block. Hopefully we will get more accustomed to this and they will be able to actually run with me for shorter distances. Regardless, it was goofy good fun today for all three of us. Plus, we all enjoy peanut butter rewards after!

Shamrock Shuffle Chicago 2013

Today's Shamrock Shuffle 8K was a ton of fun and worth every year I've had to wait. The course ran through the heart of downtown Chicago and couldn't have been prettier. Even the weather cooperated having rained and stormed all night the sun broke minutes before the starting gun. It was splendid. I ran faster than I planned but it wasn't an effort to make good time or set a PR. It just felt good. The increase in air Aline was exhilarating. While I am sure I did well based on my own experiences, there were hundreds that finished before me and after. I am proud though that there were many more behind me than in front. It was fun and I had a great time. I wasn't first nor last but have it one hell of a go. That's all I could ask for.

Eating It Up

I arrived late last night and made my way to my hotel by the airport. I was tickled to see a respectable Chicago pizza place within walking distance to my hotel. When I got to my room I put my bag down and dialed up an order for carry out. Right away I felt the at home in a way that only a place that has been home can. Now I admit, I probably didn't need to eat the while thing, but I sure was glad I did. This morning I've already snagged a Dunkin Donuts #1 combo and am giddy to dive in. It's a good thing I'm here for a race, it would seem I already to eat my way across the Windy City. Food is just a great way to reconnect though and no one does pizza like Chicago. 

Chicago Bound

I am about to head out for a quick trip to Chicago. I am heading out to run the Shamrock Shuffle. This is a race I have wanted and tried to run for years and am pretty excited to get out there. This race has so bedeviled me in the past, it held up my move to Denver just so I could do it only to find out it was the next week. It feels good to go do this. I have not done very much lately that has not been towards meeting an end. Redemption of rewards and a few from my brother made this all happen. I am pretty psyched.

Resolution Revisit

I'm revisiting this idea of the Year of Good. As we are now into April, the ideas of resolution are more memory than mantra, but I am still very interested in this concept. To recap, my resolution this year was to get as much Good Sleep, Good Music, and Good Food into my life as I could. I must attribute the food part to my wonderful and culinary ambitious wife. She has become an extraordinary chef and our near struck vegetarian diet has been above restaurant caliber. The good music has been a nice trend as well. Of late I have been truly enjoying jazz and blues more but my eclectic tastes have been able to hear more by tuning into Pandora with even so much as a song I enjoyed to start a station. The sleep, as was noted yesterday is still a tricky one, but coming around. For me, even awareness helps to make it happen.

Good Sleep.

I had the rare opportunity to sleep in today and I was reminded why that was one of my three pillars in my year of good. I woke up a new man and I can not tell you how good it felt. It's odd, but occasionally I need to sleep in just to remember why getting good sleep helps. The irony of writing this so late is not unnoticed though

Do Better

Once again up before dawn and at work. What's rattling about my head is how easy it is to rip something down and so hard to build something up. For that matter, even to stand for something seems difficult. I watch people close to me stand for things they believe with courage and honor. What's most admirable is when that stand isn't based on diminishing something else. A truly wise man helped me see that. He told me when I can stand next to someone ranting against even my my core values in peace, I will truly know those values. Now this may seem like great philosophy class sort of material, but it practical application is what has it on my mind. One of the values I hold dear is live and let live. Yet already at work I see myself wishing to tarnish others. I'm hoping to head back in and do better. 

Sun Rise

It's one of those early mornings you'd rather not be seeing if it could be helped. I'm a couple hours into my day and the the sky is ever lightening. There is something about watching the sun rise that is so intrinsically uplifting these days. It seems to hold an element of optimism. I'm glad to see it, even if I would rather be sleeping at the moment.