I managed to get my last workout of 2009 in this morning. After that workout, this is where I stood:
Swim: 330500yrds, 187.8mi
Bike: 1120.8mi
Run: 411.7
Total: 1720.3mi
So for the year, I'd say I did pretty good. Now, I just need to set my goals a little higher for 2010.
12.31.2009
12.30.2009
oh the perils
Almost everyone I talk to about running can come up with a good reason not to run. They either have an excuse about how they think it's boring, or you can get hurt. There's quite a list of reasons NOT to run really. I've heard these quite a bit lately...
-You could get chased by a dog
-You could turn an ankle
-You could get lost
-What about the aches & pains
-Doesn't it tear up your knees
-Shoes are expensive
-It's too hot/cold/dark/bright/early/late/etc.
Yea, there's many. But, lately, nobody has mentioned about the toes. The little toes to be exact. Now, I'd like to take the time to tell you a little about the toes...
I finished the long run last Saturday and felt great. Nothing ached. Nothing was sore. I felt good. It was when I took my shoes off, I noticed a small problem. One of my toenails was a light shade of purple. Not gross mind you, just purple. It didn't hurt, so I didn't worry about it.
I ran again yesterday. First run since I noticed the new toenail. Well, again, after the run, it was a little more purple. Except now, it's taken over my whole toenail.
Somehow, from the beating I've laid on my feet, my one toenail is revolting.
-You could get chased by a dog
-You could turn an ankle
-You could get lost
-What about the aches & pains
-Doesn't it tear up your knees
-Shoes are expensive
-It's too hot/cold/dark/bright/early/late/etc.
Yea, there's many. But, lately, nobody has mentioned about the toes. The little toes to be exact. Now, I'd like to take the time to tell you a little about the toes...
I finished the long run last Saturday and felt great. Nothing ached. Nothing was sore. I felt good. It was when I took my shoes off, I noticed a small problem. One of my toenails was a light shade of purple. Not gross mind you, just purple. It didn't hurt, so I didn't worry about it.
I ran again yesterday. First run since I noticed the new toenail. Well, again, after the run, it was a little more purple. Except now, it's taken over my whole toenail.
Somehow, from the beating I've laid on my feet, my one toenail is revolting.
I guess the good thing is that it still doesn't hurt, which means I can just keep ignoring it. And we all know what that means right? I can keep on running...
By the way, I'm 10 days out from the first race of 2010! See you at the finish line folks..
12.29.2009
now I'm registered
I've signed up and been confirmed for my first race of 2010. That was quick and has really made me realize just how quick things are moving.
The countdown has begun...
It's the Red Nose Run 10miler to benefit the Ronald McDonald House
Just a couple more runs left and then the "taper" will begin for this one. But, don't worry, there's another lined up for Feb right afterwards.
So, here we go!
The countdown has begun...
It's the Red Nose Run 10miler to benefit the Ronald McDonald House
Just a couple more runs left and then the "taper" will begin for this one. But, don't worry, there's another lined up for Feb right afterwards.
So, here we go!
12.28.2009
Holiday Wrap-up
The Christmas Vacation is over and things are getting a little more back to normal around here. Well...normal at least.
We traveled south to visit with our parents this year for the holiday season, which isn't far from normal. We did the Christmas Eve with my parents and then Christmas Day with Bethany's family. A great time was had with both families and it was truly a great way to spend the extended weekend!
Of course we both had great Christmas's and mostly just enjoyed the little break from work. Not too bad if you ask me!
Also, we went and saw Avatar 3D. For those debating, you should definitely check it out!
Hope you all had as much of a great holiday break as we did.
We traveled south to visit with our parents this year for the holiday season, which isn't far from normal. We did the Christmas Eve with my parents and then Christmas Day with Bethany's family. A great time was had with both families and it was truly a great way to spend the extended weekend!
Of course we both had great Christmas's and mostly just enjoyed the little break from work. Not too bad if you ask me!
Also, we went and saw Avatar 3D. For those debating, you should definitely check it out!
Hope you all had as much of a great holiday break as we did.
12.22.2009
12.20.2009
the cookies
After the "long run" yesterday, I came home to help Bethany with the massive amount of cookies we needed to prepare for all of the upcoming social events.
We needed cookies for the Sunday School class, her office, and my yearly office party. So we needed quite a few. She made the dough, rolled it out, and started cutting, while I started making the icing and preparing everything else.
It went something like this:
Yea, so we made a few cookies. The Christmas balls were made Friday and sent off to church on Sunday. Unfortunately, I didn't get photos of those. You'll just have to trust us that we made them. The rest though, were photographed for you.
The little light bulbs with their silver bases...
And iced. Well mostly iced...
And finally, all ready to go...
When it was all said and done, we boxed the following:
4 dozen for Bethany's office, 2 dozen for sunday school & 6 dozen for my work. That's a whole lot of cookies!
We needed cookies for the Sunday School class, her office, and my yearly office party. So we needed quite a few. She made the dough, rolled it out, and started cutting, while I started making the icing and preparing everything else.
It went something like this:
The little light bulbs with their silver bases...
Part of the mass army of cookies awaiting their icing...
Some of the candy canes with their first coat of icing...
This is the critical part: NEVER mix your coffee cup for your "excess icing cup". No matter how good it sounds, that much icing is not good for anyone!
4 dozen for Bethany's office, 2 dozen for sunday school & 6 dozen for my work. That's a whole lot of cookies!
12.19.2009
the long run...
Today's long run: 9 miles.
Total time: 90 minutes.
Well worth it! Now, time to go bake those sugar cookies (and not eat them) for the office Christmas Party...
12.17.2009
12.16.2009
just a rose
Bethany received a small bouquet of flowers after her defense, and we've been able to enjoy them for these last few days. It seems silly to not share them with everyone...
Almost a week and they're still doing pretty good...
12.14.2009
done.
Finally done.
Bethany has gone on to complete her Master of Science degree and successfully defended her thesis over the weekend.
We made the trip to Auburn University on Friday where she gave her 40 minute presentation then defended it in front of her faculty members. She won't lie, it was hard, but we're all proud of her for finishing. For those interested, here's the title of the defense:
Neonatal Exposure to Estrogen and Estrogen Receptor Agonists and Antagonists: Effects on the Adult Endometrial Proteome and Morphoregulatory Gene Expression in the Neonatal Uterus
After the defense, dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and we decided to make the return trip home. It was definitely a long day!
Congrats Bethany!
Bethany has gone on to complete her Master of Science degree and successfully defended her thesis over the weekend.
We made the trip to Auburn University on Friday where she gave her 40 minute presentation then defended it in front of her faculty members. She won't lie, it was hard, but we're all proud of her for finishing. For those interested, here's the title of the defense:
Neonatal Exposure to Estrogen and Estrogen Receptor Agonists and Antagonists: Effects on the Adult Endometrial Proteome and Morphoregulatory Gene Expression in the Neonatal Uterus
After the defense, dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and we decided to make the return trip home. It was definitely a long day!
Congrats Bethany!
12.09.2009
malfunction part II
There's been a few updates from our earlier malfunction that are definitely worth sharing...
I've talked to Frigidaire about the stove top, and they have been nothing but wonderful when it comes to working with the stove issues at hand.
As a matter of fact, they have been willing to pay $200 toward a replacement top, installed by a local parts supplier. They realize it was under warranty and that the griddle we used caused it, and still stepped up to make the customer happy. The only downside is that I'm going to have to pay for the installation.
And another note. I talked to Farberware, the maker of the griddle and told them what happened. Well, according to them, the griddle I used was not designed for flat top stoves, even though they did not put that on their product. After some complaints, and the comment that my stove is physically ruined, they have decided they will look into some form of compensation.
What would I like? The installation. Then the whole thing will be fair and paid for.
We shall see. But, either way, I love it when companies come together to keep the customer happy.
I've talked to Frigidaire about the stove top, and they have been nothing but wonderful when it comes to working with the stove issues at hand.
As a matter of fact, they have been willing to pay $200 toward a replacement top, installed by a local parts supplier. They realize it was under warranty and that the griddle we used caused it, and still stepped up to make the customer happy. The only downside is that I'm going to have to pay for the installation.
And another note. I talked to Farberware, the maker of the griddle and told them what happened. Well, according to them, the griddle I used was not designed for flat top stoves, even though they did not put that on their product. After some complaints, and the comment that my stove is physically ruined, they have decided they will look into some form of compensation.
What would I like? The installation. Then the whole thing will be fair and paid for.
We shall see. But, either way, I love it when companies come together to keep the customer happy.
12.08.2009
rediculously awesome contest
I mention Fat Cyclist a good bit already, but today is one of those days where I should mention him again. Late last week, he started with a little fun by writing an open letter to team radio shack stating that he should be picked up as a member of their team for several reasons.
Well, apparently team radio shack thought it wasn't half bad, so they issued him a challenge - raise $10,000 for LIVESTRONG & $10,000 for the World Bicycle Relief Fund. But, for fun, if he were to raise $25,000 to each, he would be even more generous and throw in a brand new Trek Madone bike.
As he always does, he decided to have a little contest - Fight Cancer, help kids in Africa, and win a custom Fat Cyclist Edition super fly (mountain bike) or a Trek Madone (road bike) signed by Team RadioShack.
Seeing as how cool these prices are, he met their goal within 24hrs. Looks like he's in. But, it doesn't stop there...
The contest was modified ever so slightly by Team RadioShack. He'll go to their training camp and get to ride with the big boys, but now, if he reaches $50,000 for each fund (LIVESTRONG & World Bicycle Relief Fund), he'll throw in a fully paid trip to the finale of the Tour de France.
How's that for a response to an open letter?
So, if your feeling frisky, want to help fight cancer, help provide for the World bicycle relief fund, have the chance to win either one of the bikes, or go to the finale of the Tour de France, go check out Fatty's Contest and enter to win!
Just an update:
- As of: Tuesday, 10:00 AM: $79,482
- As of: Tuesday, 11:20 AM: $83,088
Well, apparently team radio shack thought it wasn't half bad, so they issued him a challenge - raise $10,000 for LIVESTRONG & $10,000 for the World Bicycle Relief Fund. But, for fun, if he were to raise $25,000 to each, he would be even more generous and throw in a brand new Trek Madone bike.
As he always does, he decided to have a little contest - Fight Cancer, help kids in Africa, and win a custom Fat Cyclist Edition super fly (mountain bike) or a Trek Madone (road bike) signed by Team RadioShack.
Seeing as how cool these prices are, he met their goal within 24hrs. Looks like he's in. But, it doesn't stop there...
The contest was modified ever so slightly by Team RadioShack. He'll go to their training camp and get to ride with the big boys, but now, if he reaches $50,000 for each fund (LIVESTRONG & World Bicycle Relief Fund), he'll throw in a fully paid trip to the finale of the Tour de France.
How's that for a response to an open letter?
So, if your feeling frisky, want to help fight cancer, help provide for the World bicycle relief fund, have the chance to win either one of the bikes, or go to the finale of the Tour de France, go check out Fatty's Contest and enter to win!
Just an update:
- As of: Tuesday, 10:00 AM: $79,482
- As of: Tuesday, 11:20 AM: $83,088
simple malfunction
So, we had a malfunction in the kitchen and now we don't know what to do about it. We decided to use our brand new griddle between the eyes of our stove and cook french toast for dinner. Seems simple enough.
Until you've let the griddle cool back down to room temperature while you eat...and then cannot remove it from your stove top.
That's right. The griddle cooled down before we removed it. We didn't think anything was wrong with it, until we noticed that it was stuck to the stove top for some reason. We had to heat the stove back up, warm the griddle again, and then remove it.
And then we found this:
Yea, that new griddle melted to the stove top. At no point did it smoke, burn, flare up, or anything. Just flat out melted. Luckily, it didn't curl the finish off the stove, but removed the finish from the griddle.
What's the square you ask?
Until you've let the griddle cool back down to room temperature while you eat...and then cannot remove it from your stove top.
That's right. The griddle cooled down before we removed it. We didn't think anything was wrong with it, until we noticed that it was stuck to the stove top for some reason. We had to heat the stove back up, warm the griddle again, and then remove it.
And then we found this:
What's the square you ask?
That would be the bar code from the bottom of the pan. I guess if we needed that for any reason, we have it. Personally, the pan can go in the trash for all I care.
Any suggestions as to how to clean and repair the stove top?
12.06.2009
Number 22
After last nights victory, Alabama has secured their 22nd SEC championship award and is set to play for the National Championship game in January.
I took some video of the game with my cellphone, but apparently the quality didn't turn out. Maybe with some editing, I'll be able to share.
Roll Tide
Just a few photos from the event...
And the postgame parties and festivitites afterwards...
Roll Tide
12.04.2009
four miles of awesome
Last night's run...
Too bad all of my runs can't go like this. Sure it was a little cold, but the run and the company completely made up for it. We set out to do a fairly easy 4mi run and it turned out to be a rather quick, pushed pace, 4mi run.
It went like this:
Mile 1 - 9:36/mi
Mile 2 - 9:13/mi
Mile 3 - 8:57/mi
Mile 4 - 8:50/mi
Typically, each mile is supposed to be a little faster than the previous, which it was. But for something that was supposed to be an easy 4mi, we were pushing pretty hard on this one. The best part, we really didn't feel like we were pushing. We felt like we were cruising and comfortable.
Maybe we were crusing because it was cold, or maybe we were cruising because we were thinking of eating afterwards, but for whatever reason, it was an awesome run!
This just makes me want to go run again...
Too bad all of my runs can't go like this. Sure it was a little cold, but the run and the company completely made up for it. We set out to do a fairly easy 4mi run and it turned out to be a rather quick, pushed pace, 4mi run.
It went like this:
Mile 1 - 9:36/mi
Mile 2 - 9:13/mi
Mile 3 - 8:57/mi
Mile 4 - 8:50/mi
Typically, each mile is supposed to be a little faster than the previous, which it was. But for something that was supposed to be an easy 4mi, we were pushing pretty hard on this one. The best part, we really didn't feel like we were pushing. We felt like we were cruising and comfortable.
Maybe we were crusing because it was cold, or maybe we were cruising because we were thinking of eating afterwards, but for whatever reason, it was an awesome run!
This just makes me want to go run again...
12.02.2009
final movember
Movember is over.
As I mentioned, I joined in, and grew a 'stache to help raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Our team successfully raised a little over $1000 and had lots of fun with it.
And then I shaved it. I was happy. Bethany was happier.
As I mentioned, I joined in, and grew a 'stache to help raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Our team successfully raised a little over $1000 and had lots of fun with it.
And then I shaved it. I was happy. Bethany was happier.
12.01.2009
Turkey Day
We had family come visit us this Thanksgiving, and there was fun. What more could you ask for?
For Wed night, while there wasn't much to do, we simply played yahtzee and wii.
The real fun began on Thursday though. That's when the food showed up...There was a stuffed turkey (yankee white bread stuffing)
Bethany's mother made the yams...
My grandmother helped with the mashed potatoes...
My sister supervised the cranberry salad...
And we ate ourselves silly. Also on the menu was cornbread dressing, green beans, dinner rolls, and more dessert than we needed.The favorite was the frozen cranberry salad though...
The Thanksgiving meal was fantastic, and the best part was the company!
a flat...
Good thing it's not Monday. It might have turned out a little worse.
As I'm sitting at work, I get a call from Bethany. "I have a flat tire. I'm in the parking lot outside the neighborhood. It's cold. Can you come help me?"
What normal husband wouldn't? I thought about telling her to try her thumb, but it was cold, so I didn't say anything.
I showed up, put on my gloves, and proceeded to help change the tire. I say gloves, but you need to realize these aren't your everyday gloves. These were my running gloves. My somewhat still wet running gloves.
For those wondering, black running gloves do not go with business attire, no matter how hard you try!
We(I) changed the tire and noticed the BOLT protruding from the thread. Where we(she) picked up a 4" bolt, beats me, but it was there. Off to the mechanic we go...1/4mi down the road. They took care of us, plugged it, and got us back on the road. Not too bad really.
While we were there, we took advantage of the $5 off the oil change and had that done too. Might as well, if you're already in the shop...
And one more thing, it pays to go to the same shop repeatedly simply because they start to recognize you and the car. It almost feels like they actually care a little...
Good morning Tuesday...
As I'm sitting at work, I get a call from Bethany. "I have a flat tire. I'm in the parking lot outside the neighborhood. It's cold. Can you come help me?"
What normal husband wouldn't? I thought about telling her to try her thumb, but it was cold, so I didn't say anything.
I showed up, put on my gloves, and proceeded to help change the tire. I say gloves, but you need to realize these aren't your everyday gloves. These were my running gloves. My somewhat still wet running gloves.
For those wondering, black running gloves do not go with business attire, no matter how hard you try!
We(I) changed the tire and noticed the BOLT protruding from the thread. Where we(she) picked up a 4" bolt, beats me, but it was there. Off to the mechanic we go...1/4mi down the road. They took care of us, plugged it, and got us back on the road. Not too bad really.
While we were there, we took advantage of the $5 off the oil change and had that done too. Might as well, if you're already in the shop...
And one more thing, it pays to go to the same shop repeatedly simply because they start to recognize you and the car. It almost feels like they actually care a little...
Good morning Tuesday...
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