Thursday, December 17, 2009

Nov 16-Dec 17: I Need More Life!

I continue having a hard time balancing exercise, life, and work. Work takes over more and more and more and more... I am working on exciting stuff and it pays the bills in these scary days when unemployment is double digit, so I guess it could be worse. But, I do seem to fail to find time to update this blog. As a result, I fear that when I look back (OK, if I look back) I will find that I didn't say anything that will help me remember what ever I might be looking back to see. Anyway, here I am.

I have my sights set on the Ironman 70.3 Augusta, GA in 2010. It looks like Team in Training will be sending a team and I reckon I will get on it. I'm a little intimidated at the notion of raising $3500 given my time management problem. But, folks who know say it won't prove to be an issue.

We went to Dempolis, Alabama's Christmas on the River this year and had a blast (I also did well in the 5K see results below). J.T. Thomas was the Grand Marshall and he set in the Grand Marshal vehicle right in front of us for 10-15 minutes and we chatted. Seemed just as nice as he did on Survivor. Survivor is the only thing I watch on TV besides the news. So, it was cool to chat with him. I don't know why I didn't do the "let have a picture with you thing." Here are some pictures the whole celebration though:



John sold popcorn to as part of the Tiger Cubs fund raiser. And, for meeting his goal he got to throw a pie into the face of the troop leader. It was fun to watch and for John fun to do:



Betsy and I did Sip-n-Strokes together again. It was a blast, but I was the only male in a group of about 30 people. Guessing I am expressing my feminine self:



Notice on my December 9th run, the following story:
A truck passed me going the same direction (on the other side of the road) and crashed! It fishtailed and left the road right in front of me. I ran as fast as I could to where it left the road and found it upside down with in a raveen with water in it. I yelled, "are you OK?" The response was a resounding, "yes."  And,  a teenage boy climbed out unharmed. I was so afraid I was going to find a bloody mess in the car. I waved down a car and asked the driver to let the boy use her cell phone. I wasn't carrying one and his was not working after getting soaked in the water. He called his house. You could tell that his mother answered. He said:
Let me talk to Dad. Yeah, I'm fine, but I need to talk to Dad please. Dad, I have had an accident.....
His Dad arrived and showed compassion and concern. His first action was to simply hug his son. I hope all ends well for the boy, Lou.

Podcast Listening

Phedippidations
Cranky Geeks
Accident Hash
Fitness Rocks
Has Monte gone commercial? iTunes did not load show 150 from my collection at mevio.com. The site, Fitness Rocks, now shows a Subscribe button seems to want to set me up for a monthly charge. Now, I have to decide if I want to pay I reckon. I emailed Dr. Monte and he indicated that iTunes should work and that 1 show a month will continue to be free. iTunes did work. This is one of my favorite podcasts and I know production is not free or cheap. I may subscribe just to offer support.
This American Life

Exercise Data


December 17, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
10 Miles
Time:
1:35:24
Heart Rate:
145
Pace:
9:32
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-49°
Humidity-48%
YMCA,
Birmingham, AL
Swim

Distance:
700 Yards
Time:
17:55

December 15, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
6.23 Miles
Time:
59:25
Heart Rate:
150
Pace:
9:32
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-59°
Humidity-94%
YMCA,
Birmingham, AL
Swim

Distance:
1000 Yards
Workout:
4 X 50 yards even laps-sprint odd laps-smooth, work on stroke
200 yards kick, with or without board
200 yards free, easy!
4 X 50 yards even laps-work on arms, odd laps-work on legs
100 yards sprint
100 yards easy


December 13, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Mercedes Course (well almost)
Running

Distance:
13.39 Miles
Time:
2:06:10
Heart Rate:
150
Pace:
9:25
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-53°
Humidity-93%
Route

 
December 12, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Jingle Bell Run at Greystone Elementary
Running (ran with John, school event)

Distance:
1 Miles
Time:
9:00 (estimated)
Pace:
9:00 (estimated)
Weather:
Mostly cloudy
Temperature-40°
Humidity-40%
December 11, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
9.15 Miles
Time:
1:26:06
Heart Rate:
141
Pace:
9:24
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-29°
Humidity-56%

December 9, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
9.1 Miles
Time:
1:26:07
Heart Rate:
144
Pace:
9:27
Weather:
Mostly cloudy
Temperature-60°
Humidity-88%
A truck passed me going the same direction (on the other side of the road) and crashed! It fishtailed and left the road right in front of me. I ran as fast as I could to where it left the road and found it upside down with in a raveen with water in it. I yelled, "are you OK?" The response was a resounding, "yes."  And,  a teenage boy climbed out unharmed. I was so afraid I was going to find a bloody mess in the car. I waved down a car and asked the driver to let the boy use her cell phone. I wasn't carrying one and his was not working after getting soaked in the water. He called his house. You could tell that his mother answered. He said:
Let me talk to Dad. Yeah, I'm fine, but I need to talk to Dad please. Dad, I have had an accident.....
 His Dad arrived and showed compassion and concern. His first action was to simply hug his son. I hope all ends well for the boy, Lou.

December 8, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
9.13 Miles
Time:
1:28:21
Heart Rate:
Forgot monitor
Pace:
9:40
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-50°
Humidity-87%

December 6, 2009: Demopolis, AL
Running

Distance:
2.89 Miles
Time:
27:33
Heart Rate:
141
Pace:
9:31
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-29°
Humidity-82%
Route
iPod died. iPhone was loaded with old stuff. Got distracted and never finished the run.

December 5, 2009: Demopolis, AL
Jingle Bell Run 5K
Finished 11th overall, 1st in Age Group


Distance
3.1 Miles
Time
48:56
Heart Rate
164
Pace
7:41
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-60°
Humidity-47%
Route
Results

December 4, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
6.19 Miles
Time:
58:39
Heart Rate:
147
Pace:
9:28
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-44°
Humidity-55%

December 3, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
9.13 Miles
Time:
1:30:00 (estimated watch was dead)
Heart Rate:
Watch was dead
Pace:
9:51
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-43°
Humidity-76%

December 1, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
5.01 Miles
Time:
50:14
Heart Rate:
132
Pace:
10:01
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-33°
Humidity-92%

November 29, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway - Montclair
Running

Distance:
17.01 Miles
Time:
2:47:19
Heart Rate:
136
Pace:
9:50
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-47°
Humidity-83%
Route

November 27, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
4 Miles
Time:
38:57
Heart Rate:
140
Pace:
9:44
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-37°
Humidity-79%
YMCA,
Birmingham, AL
Swim

Distance:
1000 Yards
Workout:
4 X 50 yards even laps-sprint odd laps-smooth, work on stroke
200 yards kick, with or without board
200 yards free, easy!
4 X 50 yards even laps-work on arms, odd laps-work on legs
100 yards sprint
100 yards easy

November 26, 2009: Birmingham, AL
33rd Annual Montclair Run, Sam Lapidus Run


Distance:
3.1 Miles
Time:
48:56
Heart Rate:
164
Pace:
7:41
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-60°
Humidity-47%
Route
Results


November 25, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
9.17 Miles
Time:
1:26:04
Heart Rate:
145
Pace:
9:23
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-52°
Humidity-86%


November 24, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
4.01 Miles
Time:
38:09
Heart Rate:
141
Pace:
9:30
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-52°
Humidity-88%


November 23, 2009: Birmingham, AL
YMCA
Swim
Distance:
1000 Yards
Workout
4 X 50 yards even laps-sprint odd laps-smooth, work on stroke
200 yards kick, with or without board
200 yards free, easy!
4 X 50 yards even laps-work on arms, odd laps-work on legs
100 yards sprint
100 yards easy

November 22, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway - Crestline
Running

Distance:
13 Miles
Time:
2:05:29
Heart Rate:
144
Pace:
9:39
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-52°
Humidity-82%
Route

November 20, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
8.09 Miles
Time:
1:13:24
Heart Rate:
148
Pace:
9:04
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-68°
Humidity-35%

November 19, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
9.14 Miles
Time:
1:26:27
Heart Rate:
148
Pace:
9:27
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-48°
Humidity-71%

November 17, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
6.21 Miles
Time:
1:00:25
Heart Rate:
141
Pace:
9:43
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-53°
Humidity-89%

November 16, 2009: Birmingham, AL
YMCA
Swim
Distance:
1000 Yards
Workout
4 X 50 yards even laps-sprint odd laps-smooth, work on stroke
200 yards kick, with or without board
200 yards free, easy!
4 X 50 yards even laps-work on arms, odd laps-work on legs
100 yards sprint
100 yards easy

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Nov 10-15: Running, Swimming, Reading, Scouting, And Shoe Goo

I spent most of the week in San Francisco. I was worried about the 5-6 pounds I have lost over the last 5-6 months, but I found them in California. It is a sign that I have a harder time eating right on the road. I also had fewer workouts. You can tell that conferences are not organized by people that believe that daily exercise is a significant part of EVERY day. Well, at least not enough exercise to help me work up to my 70.3 Triathlon. I am planning on doing Augusta's 70.3 on September 26, 2010. It looks like Team in Training here in Birmingham may be taking a team to this event. If so, I expect I will sign up with them. I have met the coach and know several of the other people that will likely be going. And, it will help get money to help with finding cures for Leukemia and Lymphoma. A good deal all the way around.

I did, however, learn a lot about the Blackberry especially from a development perspective. There is a lot more to the Blackberry than I thought. I saw examples (e.g., 7Digital) of applications that really rock. I am excited about the opportunities for learning and doing more in this regard. I also finished a very simple, but finished an application for the iPhone while I was there. So, flexing my technical muscle and enjoying it. I love learning.


I have started reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougal. I keep hearing that others in the running community are reading and commenting accordingly. So, my curiosity got piqued. I like the start of the book. Now, to see if I find enough time to make a dent. Should be an easy read.

My Brook's Beast running shoes have started wearing down on the left heel. In fact, they have been wearing through the first rubber layer in less than 200 miles! I wear an ankle brace on that foot. I have been wearing the Brook Beast for years. But, I know this shoe has more miles of service remaining. So, I am using shoe goo to extend the life. I just can't fathom changing shoes every 175 miles. I think it is going to work. I have had 1 run on the shoe shown here (after applying the goo).




John's Tiger Cub troop visit Hoover Fire Station # 8. They had a great time and John got to put on a firemen's suit:


Podcast Listening

Fitness Rocks

Phedippidations
Cranky Geeks
This American Life

Exercise Data

 
November 15, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway - Crestline
Running

Distance:
15 Miles
Time:
2:23:17
Heart Rate:
143
Pace:
9:33
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-42°
Humidity-92%
Route

November 13, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
3 Miles
Time:
28:38
Heart Rate:
145
Pace:
9:32
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-61°
Humidity-56%
YMCA,
Birmingham, AL
Swim

Distance:
1000 Yards
Workout:
4 X 50 yards even laps-sprint odd laps-smooth, work on stroke
200 yards kick, with or without board
200 yards free, easy!
4 X 50 yards even laps-work on arms, odd laps-work on legs
100 yards sprint
100 yards easy

 
November 12, 2009: San Francisco, CA
Handlery - Fisherman's Wharf
Running

Distance:
6 Miles
Time:
52:01
Heart Rate:
143
Pace:
8:40
Weather:
Scattered clouds
Temperature-52°
Humidity-74%
Route

November 11, 2009: San Francisco, CA
Handlery - Fisherman's Wharf
Running

Distance:
10 Miles
Time:
1:29:25
Heart Rate:
147
Pace:
8:55
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-54°
Humidity-86%
Route

November 10, 2009: San Francisco, CA
Handlery - Fisherman's Wharf
Running

Distance:
6.11 Miles
Time:
54:32
Heart Rate:
149
Pace:
8:59
Weather:
Mostly cloudy
Temperature-54°
Humidity-80%
Route

Sunday, November 08, 2009

November 2-8: Racing, Running, and Trick-a-Treating

I am extremely busy, so I am just going to update the data and drop in some pictures. My Brook's Beast shows seem to be wearing down at less than 200 miles which is a new development. So, I bought some shoe goo and patched up the heal so I can get more like my usual 400 miles.John had a blast during Halloween as you can see from these pictures. Our neighborhood celebrates Halloween wonderfully too.


Podcast Listening

Accident Hash
This American Life
Phedippidations
Cranky Geeks
IT Conversations

Exercise Data

November 8, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Brownell
Running

Distance:
13.04 Miles
Time:
2:04:28
Heart Rate:
139
Pace:
9:32
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-50°
Humidity-89%
Route

November 7, 2009: Birmingham, AL

Vulcan Run 10K


Distance:
6.2 Miles
My watch said 6.36
Time:
48:56
Heart Rate:
164
Pace:
7:41
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-60°
Humidity-47%
Route

November 6, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
3 Miles
Time:
27:22
Heart Rate:
140
Pace:
9:03
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-37°
Humidity-93%

November 5, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
6.21 Miles
Time:
59:08
Heart Rate:
138
Pace:
9:31
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-44°
Humidity-93%

November 4, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
7.01 Miles
Time:
1:06:05
Heart Rate:
140
Pace:
9:25
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-43°
Humidity-89%
YMCA,
Birmingham, AL
Swim

Distance:
1800 Yards
Workout:
100 yards freestyle
100 yards kick
200 yards freestyle
200 yards kick
300 yards freestyle
300 yards kick
200 yards freestyle
200 yards kick
100 yards freestyle
100 yards kick

November 3, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
3 Miles
Time:
28:11
Heart Rate:
145
Pace:
9:20
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-43°
Humidity-93%

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Oct 11- Nov 1: Exercise, Camping, and Other Excusions

Another few busy weeks. I have acquired a MacBook Pro and have managed to migrate from Windows and my Toshiba Portege. I will setting up the Portege for John, my 6 year old son. He has been sharing my wife's laptop as they play fishworld or something like that. He said to here, "I want a laptop." So, I know he will enjoy it. Work has been nuts and I have not been able to work out as much as I like, but I have done alright. I have kept up my running, but the other activities (swimming, cycling, and strength training) have waned a little. But, I can't just do it all.

My son and I went on our first Tiger Cub Scout camping adventure at Camp Comer near Fort Payne, AL, home of the band Alabama. It was call Camp Haunted. We shot BB guns, rode on a haunted hayride, did crafts, roasted marshmellows, and camped in the cold. About 10 minutes after climbing in out sleeping bags, I heard something hit the ground near us. I said, "John, you alright?" No answer. "John!". Then, my son said, "I'm outside the tent!" He had fallen off the cot (see the pictures from Flickr below) to the outside of the tent and right out onto the ground. He was unharmed and climbed under the tied flaps of the entrance to the tent and back up onto the cot. The rest of the night was uneventful. I woke up at 5:00 am and proceeded to make coffee using my backpacker stove and percolator. John, also got up. It was below freezing and he got cold. I tried to get him to walk around and warm up. Unfortunately, by time breakfast rolled around, he wanted to eat and leave because he was so cold. But, we had a good time regardless. Here are the pictures:



We enjoyed Halloween. John had a grand time of course. Betsy, I, and some friends of ours went to B&A Warehouse for Boo Halloween. We had a great time. Last night, Halloween, we had our usual neighborhood cook out. The children ran around and played until dark. Then, the trick or treating began. Betsy took John around and I maned our door and met the trick or treaters that came by. It was a good time. Here are the pictures from Boo Halloween as stored on flickr:



Podcast Listening Update

Phedippidations
IT Conversations
This American Life
Cranky Geeks
Fitness Rocks
Software Engineering Radio
Accident Hash

Exercise Data

November 1, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Brownell
Running

Distance:
13.04 Miles
Time:
2:05:00
Heart Rate:
140
Pace:
9:35
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-43°
Humidity-93%
Route

October 31, 2009: Birmingham, AL
YMCA
Swim
Distance:
1200 Yards
Workout
100 yards freestyle
100 yards kick
200 yards freestyle
200 yards kick
300 yards freestyle
300 yards kick

October 30, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
3 Miles
Time:
27:45
Heart Rate:
152
Pace:
9:15
Weather:
Mostly cloudy
Temperature-73°
Humidity-84%

October 19, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
6.19 Miles
Time:
1:01:25
Time is estimated as I forget to hit start on after bio stop.
Left ankle a little stiff and tender, but not bad.
Heart Rate:
144
Pace:
9:55
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-58°
Humidity-90%
YMCA,
Birmingham, AL
Swim

Distance:
800 Yards
Time:
17:34

October 28, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
8.02 Miles
Time:
1:17:15
Heart Rate:
143
Pace:
9:37
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-55°
Humidity-83%
Fell. Left ankle held up OK thanks to brace. Skinned right knee. Let's hope the prob is not back

October 27, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
6.3 Miles
Time:
1:01:50
Heart Rate:
143
Pace:
9:48
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-57°
Humidity-93%

October 26, 2009: Birmingham, AL
YMCA
Swim

Distance:
1000 Yards
Workout
4 X 50 yards even laps-sprint odd laps-smooth, work on stroke
200 yards kick, with or without board
200 yards free, easy!
4 X 50 yards even laps-work on arms, odd laps-work on legs
100 yards sprint
100 yards easy

October 24, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
3 Miles
Time:
27:48
Heart Rate:
151
Pace:
9:16
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-51°
Humidity-80%
October 26, 2009: Birmingham, AL
YMCA
Swim

Distance:
1000 Yards
Workout
4 X 50 yards even laps-sprint odd laps-smooth, work on stroke
200 yards kick, with or without board
200 yards free, easy!
4 X 50 yards even laps-work on arms, odd laps-work on legs
100 yards sprint
100 yards easy

October 23, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
6.19 Miles
Time:
1:01:25
Heart Rate:
143
Pace:
9:55
Weather:
Light rain
Temperature-70°
Humidity-81%

October 22, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running

Distance:
8.05 Miles
Time:
1:16:43
Heart Rate:
140
Pace:
9:31
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-61°
Humidity-62%

October 21, 2009: Birmingham, AL
YMCA
Swim
Distance:
600 Yards
Time:
14:34

October 20, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running
Distance:
3 Miles
Time:
29:47
Heart Rate:
145
Pace:
9:55
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-40°
Humidity-93%

October 18, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running
Distance:
9.17 Miles
Time:
1:29:19
Heart Rate:
144
Pace:
9:44
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-57°
Humidity-37%
Left big toe nail is ok, but is black now.
So, is right one, by the way

October 17, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Brownell - Irondale

Cycling
Distance:
45.09 Miles
Time:
2:45:11
Heart Rate:
129
Speed:
16.38 mph
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-46°
Humidity-76%
Route

October 12, 2009: Birmingham, AL
Neighborhood
Running
Distance:
11.19 Miles
Time:
1:42:55
Heart Rate:
142
Pace:
9:11
Weather:
Overcast
Temperature-66°
Humidity-93%
Just got back from Fripp.
Left big toe nail seems to have rubbed against shoe to the point of sensitivity and looks like it wants to come off.

October 11, 2009: Fripp Island, SC

Fripp Island to Beaufort

Cycling
Distance:
21 Miles
Time:
1:29:56
Heart Rate:
Not measured
Speed:
14.01 mph
Weather:
Clear
Temperature-82°
Humidity-62%
Route