Easley Peasley

Dark Horse, Posscoon and Running Deer (post-run)


Note the sign on the right and its notation of the pending decline (or incline in our case). Welcome to Easley Hill.


Big Muddy - the beginning and the end. The alpha and the omega.


This picture was taken soon after I finished. I drank the contents of that yellow bottle quickly.


I wish I would have had a motorcycle, too.


Nike+: 12.24 miles @ 1:52:36 (9:10/mile)
Weather: about 50 degrees
Gear: I wore shorts and my black/red long sleeve top and my St.Louis 1/2 Marathon hat. I didn't remove any gear.

There are a lot of things I could write about this run. We started at Cooper's Landing and after a mile on the trail, in sight of the Big Muddy directly to our right, we meandered north up Easley Hill. We encountered a variety of farm animals, not excluding loose dogs on our heels. The smell of cow chips evidenced our arrival and 12-mile journey throughout rural Missouri. Somewhere along the line, I even managed to get lost and at the 12.24 mark on my Nike+ odometer, I stopped to walk the remaining distance (we only intended to run 12 miles). But none of those things will remain in our memory banks as long as the hills. The uphill battles were more than any of us expected and toward the end, my mood vacillated from humor to anger. We drank no water until the end.

Much thanks to Jason and Nic for waiting on me to finish and sharing their food. I deeply appreciate your patience.

In the words of Dark Horse, today's run was the "Hardest and most rewarding physical experience of my life today."

I don't know if I can say the same, but at the moment, I can't think of anything to top it.

I Run...

B-52 Baby, Way Up In The Sky!!!
Wildflower and Peacedog in Kansas City before a performance by one of our favorite bands. This was about the time that I left Columbia and took a job in Houston.

The following poem was written by my good friend and cousin Troy Paul Rickertsen. Ol' Wildflower stood by me when I got married in Rocheport last year. He's a poet. And a runner.

"Have you ever heard someone say... 'Why in the world would you run, unless you were being chased?'. Well, it's taken me the better part of two decades to understand why I am drawn to running. This touches a few of the reasons...

I run mostly for joy
I run to escape
I run to connect
I run to embrace my fears
I run for pleasure beyond pain
I run to seek answers
I run because this is the time
I run for obedience
I run out of honor
I run for speed
I run to feel high
I run through the lows
I run to test my limits
I run to learn of the human spirit
I run out of fascination
I run for others who can't
I run for some peace
I run to understand the gift
I run to say thanks
I run to remember the cost of His love

While there's time, share the lifewalk."

Blood & Sweat but No Tears

I'm not exactly sure what caused the outside area of my right ankle (pictured sock is inside out) to bleed, but I think it was the pant-leg zipper on my tights.

Nike+: 3.07 @ 25:16 (8:13/mile)
Weather: about 35 degrees
This was a nice run from the house and along Broadway to Fairview. It was great to start while the streets were still naturally lit. When I was returning, and heading west on Broadway, I could see the sun's rays still alive in the distance. There were many colors to be seen. Yellow, round headlights, green, red and yellow stoplights, red neon from Hy-Vee's sign. But the most impressive sight was the remaining residue of what was once the sun. It was gone, but still there. A reminder of its ability to keep shining, despite an inevitable evening of darkness to come. The sun gave up slowly, but with grace. Diffused red, orange, yellow and then matted black. Any pain I felt on this run, and there was some, reminded me that I'm alive and running toward, not away, from an inviting fire.
Here's the alternative:

Inside the abandoned Roosevelt Warehouse in Detroit, a body lies frozen in a block of ice. (Max Ortiz / The Detroit News)

Slipping and Sliding

I bought this album (tape version) with my buddy Troy at Wal-Mart in Moberly when I was in high school. Read on for its significance on this run.

Nike+: 6.27 @ 52:53 (8:26/mile)
Weather: somewhere between 20-22 degrees
This run felt good. Didn't really know what to do when I arrived home since I was looking at another dark trip. Treadmill or outside? There was snow and ice on the edges of the road, but I decided to say f-it and go out into the tundra. I wore tights, the black Zoot shirt, hat, gloves, headlamp and wristband.
Things were quite cold in the beginning, but after a quarter of a mile or so, I warmed up. My face was cold but eventually it got the idea. To help my sense of place and space, I turned down the volume on my iPod. I felt like I wanted to hear what was going on around me - especially since I ran along Stadium for so long.
To my surprise, I saw another runner at about my 4-mile mark along Stadium when I was headed up to Rollins. He was wearing black and no gear to light him up. Quite dangerous in my opinion, but if you're going to die, getting hit by a car is probably a quick and good way to go.
The most dangerous part of the route was running up Stadium to Forum. There was snow and ice under my feet and I did a little slipping and sliding. In some instances, I neared traffic to avoid the mush. It all worked out.
I steadied my pace for most of this journey - kept things under control and didn't push too hard. Really felt good.
On the last 1/2 mile or so, U2 came on my iPod. They played my favorite song from the old days and I couldn't remember the name of it. Does this mean I'm losing my mind? Ok, let me think....I refuse to google it. It'll come to me. And when it does, I'll write its name on this blog.
Bad
"I'm wide awake. I'm not sleeping...."
I just needed to put my mind to it I guess. That was for you, Po.

Six Weeks Down, Twelve Weeks To Go

Running Deer and Yanni (3-time marathoner)

Nike+: 3.01 miles @ 27:08 (9:00/mile)
Due to the snow and ice, I decided to run on the treadmill at Anytime Fitness. I took it real easy on the first mile and eased my way into things. I started at about a 10-minute mile and slowly sped up to finish in 27 minutes. I have no idea what pace I should train at to run a marathon. Although it's obvious, the slower I run, generally the better I feel. I think I'll slow things down in expectation of the long runs to come on Saturdays. On the longest training run so far, I averaged about an 8:30/mile but have no idea what to expect for a marathon. The real goal is arriving at the starting line in good shape and making it to the finish line.
This morning I walked Sly at about 6:45 am and there was untouched snow on the ground. The sky was dark and the atmosphere was quiet. It was quite nice.
Spoke with Yanni tonight. He's run 3 marathons - all in Chicago. Maybe we'll run one together someday.

Mighty Burr Oak, McBaine, Missouri

Because it was so cold, the sweat that dripped from my hair onto my shirt froze.

We ate at Lucy's (in McBaine) where the food was not healthy, but the atmosphere was pure medication for the country soul. Where else could you find an American flag with John Wayne's face on it? After a 7-mile run, Mary drank a Jack and Coke (my grandmother's favorite drink).

Nike+: 7.19 miles @ 58:18 (8:05/mile)
Let's start with the weather. At 10:30 am, it was about 15 degrees, but felt like zero. I wore two layers up top - my white long sleeve shirt and the black long sleeve shirt that Mary gave me for Christmas. Down below I wore my black tights, a pair of shorts on top of them and a pair of sports underwear underneath them. I also wore my black hat and gloves and listened to my iPod. I started out somewhat cold, but not too long into the run, I warmed up and unzipped my black shirt to cool off. I also removed my gloves at about the 6 mile mark and stuffed them into my tights.
Nic, Jason, Mary, Cat (a newcomer) and I met at the MKT/Scott Blvd parking lot and carpooled to McBaine in Mary's car. Cat is the only one of us who has run a marathon. She did so in San Francisco and plans to run another one in St. Louis as part of the Team in Training program.
After a difficult week, I ended on a high note. This turned out to be a great run. The sun was shining and the landscape was beautiful. It felt good to get out of Columbia and experience a variety of senses.
We ran two loops around the Burr Oak tree. It was fun to watch Jason and Nic ahead of me as they separated from the pack. Because there was so much openness and the entire trip was flat, I could see all around me. And it felt good.
Probably because I ran faster than I should have, I struggled to speed up at the end. I think my lungs were tired.
After we finished and stretched, we drove to the mighty Burr Oak and took a few pictures. We all felt pretty good and ventured to Lucy's for some lunch. It took awhile to warm up, but we were entertained with country music on the jukebox and a colorful waiter who treated us with some small-town hospitality. And my cheeseburger was quite tasty.
It was a nice way to spend the morning and early afternoon.

Heat Wave - 50 degrees at run time, January 22nd

Nike+: 3.12 @ 25:25 (8:07/mile)
After several days of cold weather, it was nice to get out there and only wear a t-shirt up top. Down below, I wore my black tights. The trip was a little cooler than I expected, but still not too bad.
I started at my normal spot (next to the office) and headed southwest - just followed the trail for about 1.54 miles and made a u-turn. When I ran under the tunnels at the end, I couldn't see where my feet were landing. It was blind faith that got me through there.
Saw several people on the trail - even a large group going the other way.
Students are now back on campus and everything is much busier. I appreciate the energy but also find it distracting. Gotz to focus.
At the end of this run, I was ready to stop and catch my breath. My lower legs definitely hurt so I stretched out a little bit.
Tomorrow is Saturday and I plan to run with Posscoon and Dark Horse at 10 am. It's going to be about 15 degrees with a zero windchill.
We've all had less than a stellar week and are looking for some inspiration. We're headed west to a river where a mighty oak both whispers and shouts its presence, "I am here. Hear me roar!"

If the treadmills are occupied, go run outside

Nike+: 5.03 miles @ 42:54 (8:31/mile)
I decided to go to Anytime Fitness and run on a treadmill. However, they were all full. I did a few sets on bench press to kill some time, but nobody got off a treadmill. So, I put my cold-weather gear on and went for a 5-miler. Nothing like paying for a gym membership and not being able to use its facilities. Are these New Year's resolution folks? Almost two years ago I joined Anytime Fitness at this same time of year. I was a New Year's resolution person, too.
On my run, I re-traced the steps of Sly's walking route when we used to live on Kendallwood. It's about 2.5 miles, so I ran it twice. I felt like I was running somewhat fast, but was somewhat surprised at the end to discover that I ran slower than yesterday. I wasn't too bothered, though. I was just glad that I got out there.
This is the 6th week of marathon training. I'm getting tired of running in the dark and the cold, but that's just how it is right now. Gotz to keep going.
It's been an exceptionally negative two days. I have been attracting treble frequencies at almost every turn. I need to change my alignment and get back on track. Catch a fire.

Running Deer and Headlights

Nike+: 4.57 miles @ 38:07 (8:19/mile)
I started this run about 6:50 p.m. after finishing up with some stuff at the office. The temperature was approximately 20 degrees. I wore black tights, a black wife-beater, my black/red top, my black hat, my black gloves, my headlamp and my blinking wristband.
To be honest, I was not in the mood to run or do much of anything tonight. But that's where commitment enters the picture I guess - doing something even when I don't want to do it. I can't say this is a particularly strong trait of mine, but I'm taking it one day at a time. Putting one foot in front of the other.
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and today Barack Obama took the presidential oath of office. Even though I voted for Obama, I didn't think he'd win. I simply didn't believe that Americans would elect a black man to the presidency of the United States at this point in history. It's a good thing I was wrong. I'm not sure how much Obama's tenure will effect me, but I have to hope that his administration will positively benefit many of those who Bush failed to serve. Can't say I care too much about politics, but I'm not apathetic either. I had the opportunity to photograph the 44th president and stand right in front of him w/o any other photographers in the room. Before doing so, I felt quite privileged. Afterward, I felt miserable. Yes, Obama looked directly into my camera, but there was no real interaction. The event was staged. Perhaps I'm just ungrateful. I really do wish I could feel better about myself, and the world, in these types of situations. What's the ideal situation for me to photograph? I really don't know. I used to think that being a photographer would be the best thing in the world for me - the realization of a dream. But, I'm really no different than when I came to MU to study. I do a real good job of second-guessing myself and wishing that I could do better. I'm not sure what my problem is, but it's always been there - a thorn in my side. At 36 years of age, I feel about as comfortable in my skin as I did at the age of 18. Have I made the most of the opportunities to come my way? In a word, no. I am a wonderer. An unfocused soul. A man on the run.
When I walked out of my office tonight, the air was cold and the sky was dark, but I knew I'd warm up. Is this a metaphor for life? Will I make it through the cold? To the top of the next hill? Or will those oncoming headlights get the best of me? There's a thin, invisible line between them and me. But if I keep my head up and my feet moving, I'll get to where I'm supposed to be. I can't control those around me.
I watched Slumdog Millionaire yesterday at the Ragtag Theatre. It's a great film about a have-not in India making it onto Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and winning the jackpot. Each question and answer solicites a flashback from the protagonist's life of child abuse, poverty and destitution. I posted a note on Facebook about the fact that I had seen it and within a day, a couple of people responded with criticism about the movie. I didn't ask for their opinions but they nonetheless offered them. I wonder where this negatively originates? Are people projecting their own failures? Am I not allowed to enjoy something w/o some shithead offering his/her 2 cent, half-ass observation? This is a learning lesson for me.
The more I write tonight, the more frustration I feel. Perhaps this is a good place to end.

Post 10-Miler Summary

I ran somewhere between 10.2 and 10.5 miles yesterday. I intended to meet Jason and Nic at 1 p.m., but due to a hold-up on my end, we postponed the Saturday run until 2 p.m. I wore the black top that Mary gave me and black tights. No hat or gloves. The temperature was about 45 degrees and felt like about 35. Although we didn't notice the wind on the first few miles, it hit us hard and heavy when we turned north on Providence after leaving Green Meadows.
I warmed up quickly on this run - particularly when I hit the Forum hill and trudged upward. I thought seriously about removing my top, but when I hit the Providence pavement at about the 4 mile mark, I changed my mind. The wind cooled me down - considerably. I zipped up my top to keep warm. Along the way, I passed traffic leaving from Mizzou Arena and the basketball game. I moved faster than traffic.
As I came down the Providence hill, I could see Jason and Nic ahead of me. When I reached the bottom, they were running underneath the MU overpass at the top of the hill. I never saw them ahead of me again.
In front of Schnuck's, a guy in a SUV almost pulled in front of me because the driver didn't look to the right before pulling out to make a right. I raised my arms to the side and yelled something that probably included an expletive. I found out later that Nic experienced the same situation in front of Wilson's at about the 2-mile mark. Nic banged on the car's hood.
When I entered the MKT at mile 8, I was low on energy and decided to try the goo pack that Jason gave me. I believe it was made by Cliff Bar. I have never eaten one of these before. It was extremely dense and gooey. I had a difficult time getting it down. I held on to the pack for the rest of the run - about 2 miles - and took little swallows as I finished up.
As I reached the finish line, Jason and Nic awaited my arrival. I slapped both of their hands before stopping at about 1:29. They finished about 10 minutes ahead of me. My Nike+ watch read 10.45 miles which would mean I ran about an 8:32/mile. I am quite pleased w/ my time.
Cardio-wise, I felt pretty good, but my legs definitely hurt. I was glad to stop and rest. This proved to be one of my most challenging runs thus far. Jason said it was one of his best. I couldn't say the same, but am hoping the next long one is a little more comfortable.
After coming home and stretching, I laid on the floor for about 30 minutes. I was tired. I then took a long, hot shower.
Mary and I joined Nic and Tana at Jason and Kristina's house for dinner. They made beef kabob's that were quite tasty. Many ounces of goodness were consumed.
We left at about 1 a.m. and called it a day. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and evening with good friends.

10 ten X

Photo and poem by Posscoon

remember
as the sun is masked
as the temperature falls
as the drunks are relieved of their nightly duty
as the air is thin and glasslike
as the winter butterflies scatter
as our temperatures rise
as our muted steps dissolve the frozen tundra beneath our feet
as we stride down through the centuries
down through these carefully mad trails

remember
we are the outsiders
the odd ones
the hustlers
the trespassers on new territory
unfamiliar, sudden, never before experienced-territory
we will traverse this throbbing winter ferment
our magnificent motors of blood and flesh
our organic centrifuges
propelling us against the wish foraged wind
spreading us internally
preventing our brains from sinking into our lungs
not even the snow shadowed moans of the mkt
can stop us


Nike+: 10.45 miles @ 1:29:23 (8:33/mile)

Connect

Mr. G

Yesterday, Thursday, a plane crashed into the Hudson River. All 155 passengers survived. The media is calling it "Miracle on the Hudson." The cause was most likely a flock of birds that flew into the engines.
The passengers on US Airways Flight 1549 had about a minute to think about the fact that they were going to crash. The Today Show interviewed a few of those survivors this morning. One of them said that when she prepared for the crash, she held the hand of a passenger next to her - a stranger. Prayers could be heard throughout the plane. In a moment of pending death, I have no idea what I would do. But I like that strangers held hands. We all have a will to survive and a will to connect. In the words of Mr. G, my brother warrior and a Bengal tiger, "My mission is to connect."
When I was finishing my walk this morning with Sly, I saw the same woman I saw yesterday who was smoking a cigarette in her backyard. She waved at me and I waved back. We all share addictions.
My mom called last night and told me that I probably shouldn't walk in the morning w/ Sly when it's so cold - might get frostbite on my face. When the passengers on Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson yesterday, the temperature was 21 degrees and the water temperature was about 32 degrees. When I woke up this morning, I knew it was -5 outside. I wore two scarfs.

Thursday Run: Nike+: 3.0 @26:26 (8:47/mile)
Again, the cold weather kept me inside. I ran on the treadmill at Anytime Fitness after work.
Weight: 176.4 (before), 175.0 (after)

Round and Round (Remember RATT)

Nike+: 5.02 @ 42:39 (8:29/mile)
Due to the cold weather, I opted to do this one inside. Yea, I ran outside on Tuesday night and froze my goods, but Wednesday was worse. The wind was for real. Jason secured me a guest pass to MU's rec. center, so we drove over there after work and met up with Nic for some 5 mile action. The track is 1/6 of a mile so I had to do about 30 laps; I didn't even try to keep track of the number. Instead, I just watched my Nike+ watch for distance. In the end, my watch read 4.95 at the end of the run. I ran an addt'l 1/2 lap to meet my goal. Jason and Nic finished ahead of me (Nic started before we arrived b/c he's too good to wait on us) and although he was finished, Jason joined me for a couple of laps at the end. I ran mostly on the outside lane although sometimes I cut into the second lane. The graduated corners were somewhat of a pain. Lots of people were running and all 3 of us had to do some dodging. For the last couple of miles, I followed a bigger guy and paced off of him. I passed him on my last lap to make myself feel better.
Can't say I really enjoyed this run as much as an outside one, but it wasn't too bad, either. My legs tightened up a little after I finished and they're still tight this morning. I stretched out last nite and Mary taught me a yoga move for my upper thighs.
This morning, Sly and I left the house at 6:50 for a walk. Almost frozen, we finished about 25 minutes later. I heard on the radio that the wind chill in Columbia was -19 windchill. Yes, that's negative. My glasses were fogged up pretty good and my right cheek was so cold it hurt, but Sly didn't seem to mind. He just kept sniffing and sniffing. I don't know how those kids stand outside on a morning like this and wait for the bus. I also saw a woman standing outside of her house in the backyard smoking a cigarette. I guess she's not allowed to smoke inside. Hope I never get that addicted.
Did some reading last nite in Hal Higdon's marathon book. He wrote about over-training and how it often leads to injuries. My number one hope for the run is to remain healthy and to show-up in good shape. There are so many possibilities for injuries. One thing I always remember when I'm training is: respect the distance.
A nice consequence of training with two other people is the liability to each other. After his rental car broke down on Tuesday while he was driving around northwest Missouri, Nic went out and ran on the MU track at 11 p.m. That's some solid shit. He said the run was a good de-stresser. I think that's partly why all 3 of us are enjoying the journey thus far.
Weight: 177.2 before, 174.2 after (scale at Rec. Center)

Coldminers

Nike+: 4.41 miles @ 36:50 (8:21/mile)
Weather: 16 degrees (windchill was lower)
Although I was not sure about running outside b/c of the cold weather, Jason inspired me to get out there instead of hitting da' treadmill. He had already run 3 miles this morning but was in da' mood to run some more. So, we headed to J-Ro's after work where we geared up and headed out. I wore black shorts on top of my black tights, a black wife-beater, the black, long-sleeved shirt that Mary gave me (the same one I wore last Saturday for the 9-miler), black gloves, my black running cap, a flashing wristband, an ID wristband, a Nike+ watch and a headlamp.
We started at Jason's house and ran a little more than 4 miles through the neighborhood. Even though I couldn't feel my manhood at the end of the run, I'd have to say it was a good run. I'm really glad I skipped the treadmill drudgery.
J-Ro and I both wore headlights in the darkness. We were coldminers - above ground and in da' cold.
When I arrived home, I discovered that Sly shat on the floor again. This time in the laundry room where there's no carpet. Mary and I don't know what's wrong w/ him. May have to go to the vet.

Men in Black...Woman in Blue

Posscoon, Dark Horse and Running Deer

Pookie-Face

9.34 miles at 1:20:26 (8:36/mile)
On Saturday, we met at 10 a.m. at Scott and the MKT for our long run - a 9 miler to end our 4th week. The temperature was about 27 degrees w/ a 15 degree windchill. There were even snow flurries in the air and light accumulation on the trail. Nic, Jason, Mary and I all started together and ran the first mile as a pack. High on caffeine pills, Mary sped up and ran ahead of us until she hit the halfway mark for her run - somewhere between 3.5 and 4.0 miles out. The men in black ran about another .75 miles to McBaine where we turned around. Nic and Jason ran together while I served as the anchor man behind them. Along the way, we experienced snow and wind in our face. The terrain of bike tire rivets challenged my feet and occasionally caused me to twist and turn, but all in all, I laughed and enjoyed some Mistress for Christmas on my iPod. The scenery of open landscape was surprisingly inspiring as I trudged along in the middle of rural America.
As I neared mile 7 and went from heading north to heading east, Jason and Nic increased their distance from me. I could still see them, but only as distant vertical black matchsticks.
At mile 8, my upper legs began to tighten up a little and I unzipped my black top to cool down my upper body. As I neared the end, Johnny Cash's Running Kind came on and it was all good. Mary cheered me on to the finish line where everyone seemed to be in good spirits. She bought us Gatorade's and I drank a blue one.
Nic, Mary and I then went to Kostaki's for a post-run meal while Jason headed back to his crib. I ate a gyro and fries, and drank a couple bottles of goodness.
Later, I celebrated my mom's birthday in Arrow Rock with Mary, Abby and her mom.
Have to say it was a good day. Didn't even have to use my AK.

Inside, Not Out

Nike+: 3.01 @ 24:45 (8:13/mile)
Ran on the treadmill yesterday at Anytime Fitness. The machine read 3.06 @ 26:00 (8:29/mile). I think the treadmill's recorded time is slower than my actual speed. I always feel beat to hell after getting off of that thing. It's much easier to run outside.
Then went home to discover that Sly shat on the carpet downstairs. Mary was not happy. She refused to eat Sloppy Joe's w/ me.
Now getting ready for 9-miler tomorrow when it's going to be less than 30 degrees outside. Today's high is about 55. Go figure.

Snow Flakes and Darkness

Nike+: 5.31 miles @ 44:50 (8:26/mile)
Good run. This is similar to or maybe exactly the same run I completed with Jason on November 11th w/ about the same pace. I was intending to run 4 miles but b/c I felt so good, I decided to keep moving. The weather was cold and the sky was dark. It was a good day to get out and run. And I wasn't alone. I saw two other runners, both heading up Stadium Boulevard, going west when I was going east. They ran on separate sides of Stadium and were not together. I was the only one wearing a headlight, but the man on the north side of Stadium was wearing a reflective vest. The woman who was heading up while I was heading down, wasn't wearing any gear to light her up.
Along the way, I saw snowflakes and everything was beautiful.

5K Revisited

Tuesday was chilly and I debated whether to run inside or outside. I literally paced in my office for a few minutes and tried to decide - treadmill at Anytime Fitness or outside. I took a look out of my blinded office window and saw nothing but darkness and cold air. I decided to run outside.
The first 1/2 mile was a little chilly and I could see my breath quite easily, but things got better. I wore my black 1/2 zip that Mary bought me for Christmas, black tights, my running hat and gloves. To lighten things up, I also wore a headlamp and a wristband w/ red blinking lights on my right wrist. Because there were street lights, I think I could have made it w/o a headlamp, but it's all good.
When I passed the track next to the MU Rec Center, I thought I saw Nic running around it. I was wrong. I found out later that he didn't run until about 6:15 p.m.
I finished a little more than 3 miles in 24:55 - 8:12/mile.
To make me feel like shit, I should also note that Jason ran 3 miles in 19:37 (6:35/mile) at the Rec Center inside track. But he's a skinny mf-er. And also a wanker.
While I was running, I tried to pay att'n to the music on my iPod, but I struggled to do so. I kept coming back to the run and how I felt - which generally was pain. But not pain in a negative way - simply pain as a feeling w/ no real judgement attached to it. I think I need to run slower to swing from pain to enjoyment. But I also know that I can always slow down at any given second. It's a security blanket that I sometimes use - especially going up hills.
Had an interesting chat w/ Nic today about pacing. He hopes to maintain a consistent pace in the marathon from mile 1 to mile 26. I read in Hal Higdon's book that this is a difficult task. Most people start out too fast and slow down during the last 13.1 miles. I don't really know enough about the experience to comment, but I imagine things get real saucy at mile 20 when the body runs out of fuel. I have some fear about when this happens, but for right now, it's all about a 4-miler that awaits me this afternoon. Don't know yet where I'll run it.

Great Day for a Run

Until my former blog makes it through the sensors and re-publishes, I have decided to start a new space to post running entries.  And this is it.

Yesterday was Saturday, January 3rd, and I ran 5 miles as part of Hal Higdon's Marathon Novice Training Program.  Jason and Nic joined me for the same route.  Mary ran a different route and completed 6 miles.  This completes my third week of training.

I'm not exactly sure what the temperature was, but I saw on the news last nite that the high in Columbia was 68.  I can't believe it was so warm this time of year.  I ran in shorts w/o a shirt and was still toasty.

We began at the MKT/Forum trailhead at 3 p.m. and ran west.  Jason and Nic ran ahead of me.  The trip continued to Scott Blvd. where we headed south to Nifong and then back east along Nifong to Country Wood Road at the top of a hill.  Country Wood Road took us back to the trail where my watch noted that I had completed 4.3 miles.  I ran to the original starting point and completed 5.3 miles in 44:07 which is a 8:18/mile.  My legs felt pretty good, but I was definitely tired and ready to stop.  Jason and Nic took one wrong turn on Nifong that included a quick neighborhood romp, but then were back on track.  They finished ahead of me.

Difficulties on this run included running up the Nifong hill and running down a hill on Country Wood Road.  While running downhill, I was a little worried about my knees, but tried to just let my legs go.  There were some loose pebbles and falling was a concern.  Fortunately, I arrived safely at the bottom.

There were lots of people on the trail - a consequence of the warm weather, I'm sure.   

First Three Weeks of Training

Week 3

January 2:

4.05 miles @ 35:30 (8:44/mile). Started at house and went west on Defoe, south on Brewer, east on Rollins, north on Bourn, west on Concordia, north on Loch, west on Braemore, west on Highland, north on Fairview, west on Kunlun, west on Faurot and north on Defoe back to Rothwell.
December 31: First Night of Columbia 5K: 

According to the official race results, I finished at 24:05 with a 7:46/mile average. This placed me 82/247 and 13th in my age division out of 17. If I had been in the 25-29 age group, I would have placed third. We started at 4th and Cherry, went east to 6th Street, south past Stadium and back around Hearnes Center. The weather was cold. My watch results were: 3.06 miles @ 24:08 (7:52/mile).  
December 30: 3.03 miles @ 25:29 (8:23/mile). Started at house, went south to Rollins, east to Fairview and south until the wooden fence where I turned around.
Week 2

December 28:

7.45 miles @ 1:07:48 (9:06/mile). This ran started at the house, went south on Rothwell to Rollins, east to Stadium, south and east to West Boulevard where I turned around and went south on Forum to Chapel Hill where I went west to Fairview, north to Rollins, west to Rothwell and north to beginning point. The weather was cold.
December 26: 5.22 miles @ 48:19 (9:14/mile) on treadmill at Mary's parents' house in Omaha.
December 25: 4.11 miles @ 37:00 (8:59/mile) on treadmill at Mary's parents' house in Omaha.
Week 1

December 20:

6.06 miles @ 53:19 (8:47/mile) w/ Jason. This ran began at the MKT/Forum trailhead, went east to Stadium, south on Providence to Green Meadows, west to Forum and back north on Forum to beginning point. The weather was cold.
December 18: 3.08 miles @ 26:23 (8:33/mile) on the treadmill at Anytime Fitness.
December 17: 5.16 miles @ 44:52 (8:41/mile) on the treadmill at Anytime Fitness.
December 16: 2.92 miles @ 23:49 (8:09/mile) at the track in the Rec Center w/ Jason during lunch. According to the track, I actually ran 3 miles in this same time which would be about a 7:56/mile.
December 14: 9.15 miles @ 1:29:53 (9:48/mile) on the treadmill at Anytime Fitness.