Shallow Thinker

Sometimes we see things that we want and we eventually learn that we can live without them.  But sometimes, you just really, really like something and it sticks with you until you finally give-in.  I’m not like that…not at all:

It’s a GPS for running and it’s awesome!  It tracks speed, altitude, distance, heart rate, calories, average pace, bank accounts, life changes, and sex drive.  It’s pretty cool.  And I can hook it up to my computer and have the thing map out my run on google maps.  I can see what parts of my run were the fastest, slowest, highest heart rate, you name it.  I actually enjoy running with this thing, but my time has slowed way down because I’m too busy pressing the buttons and playing with it instead of concentrating on the road.  And, with all of this magical science, I have realized something about my running patterns.  I seem to run much faster going downhill than I do going uphill.  Isn’t that amazing?!

11:30 - I really do need to run today.  A nap would be nice, too.  The boss probably wouldn’t appreciate the nap.
11:35 - Maybe skip the run.
11:40 - Ah, I’d better go get dressed and run now because I won’t get a chance later.
11:50 - Oh, it’s cloudy out.  I guess that will keep me cool as I run.
11:51 - A little fine mist never hurt anybody.
12:00 - Oh, my, that’s a big hill.
12:02 - Looks like the mist is getting a little thicker.
12:05 - Rain.  Well, I suppose I would have gotten sweatty anyhow.  At least it’s not too bad.
12:07 - Alright, this is some thick rain.  I’ll run under the cover of these trees over here.
12:08 - I’m too wet for the trees to help.  As a matter of fact, I think I’m too wet for the rain to stick to me.
12:15 - Finish a water-logged run and realize that my special-made running shirt does not wick away the moisture as it promised.
12:16 - If I’m already this wet, do I really need a shower?

This July, I will leave behind my wild, carousing 20’s and enter the more responsible, calming 30’s.  On the eleventh, life changes from being spontaneous and care-free to structured and full of discussions about retirement  funds and political concepts.  In preparation for this, I made a resolution to get into shape.  For the most part, I’ve stayed on track.  Kelley has also been very supportive of the changes I’ve made in my daily schedule.  Of course, she’s probably about tired of all the changes.  We’re still “tweaking” the routine on a regular basis to find what works best.

I though you might be interested in a little more of the “why” instead of the “what”.  And let’s be honest, if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you probably don’t have much else to do, so you might as well read on.

So this was my thought process.  In my 30’s, I will watch my girls grow from small children into young ladies.  My career will most likely become cemented along a particular path.  The habits that I have formed going in will dictate what the person I am coming out.  By the time I finish my 30’s, I’m probably more likely to say “who cares” about my health than I am to say “let’s pump some iron.”  So, my theory was that this is my last chance to make a major change in my lifestyle.  This is the time to make my stand.

Well, that was my theory.  Yesterday, my boss came into my office and we discussed several topics, eventually covering working out.  He told me about how sore he is from his new routine that includes running and lifting.  His decision to start getting back into shape was explained to me as “You know, I turn 40 this year.  If I’m going to make a change, now’s my last chance to do it.”

Sorry, guys, it looks like I started my fitness routine about 10 years too early.  I think I’ll hit a couple of Mountain Dews followed by a buffet for lunch.  See you guys in a decade when it really matters.

I managed to squeak-out a second place in my age group at the Run4Missions 5k.  In addition, I got my personal best time in a 5K, so I’m pretty happy about that.  When I think back on the race, I figure that I probably could have shaved some more time, especially during the second mile.  But, I’ll settle for an official 23:51 for this year.  Not to mention, it gives me some cushion for improving next year.  (Race Results - if you want to make sure I’m not lying.)

I ran the first two miles tracking behind a gentleman that I work with.  I knew that he was much better at holding pace than what I would run on my own, so I used his wisdom to help set my pace.  Then, at the 2-mile mark, I met Kelley going in the opposite direction.  She was walking it with a friend and pushing pushing the girls in our jogging stroller.  So she turned the stroller around and gave it a push as I came by.  I grabbed hold and took them with me for the last mile.  I don’t think that it affected my time much.  Actually, it probably helped because as I started to push them, I heard them giggling and yelling “WeeeeeeEEEEEEeeee!”  Then they started yelling for me to go faster.

My ever-so-loving mother pointed out that next year I’ll have to race in a different age category.  In July, I’m hitting the status of  “old man”.  I looked at that age group, and I would have fallen all the way back to 6th.  I think maybe I should just retire while I’m on top.  Well, almost on top.

www.run4missions.com

www.run4missions.com

www.run4missions.com

www.run4missions.com

www.run4missions.com

www.run4missions.com

www.run4missions.com

Are you ready?  Maybe I am.  Maybe I’m not.  Here’s my history with the Run4Missions 5k.

2006
My first “official” 5K in several years.  Actually, I think it was my first 5K in a decade.  That includes official, unofficial, amateur, and imaginary.  I jogged a little leading up to the race.  The night before, I loaded up on carbs by eating a Chili’s with my family and the Fenimore clan.  My official time was 25:43.  I finished first in my age group.  I won a trophy.  But the most important detail is that I rocked the headband.

2007
I decided that it was time to get some work done.  I ran at least three or four times leading up to this race.  I was rewarded by dropping over a minute from my time and finished at 24:22.  The downside is that someone brought in some ringers and I didn’t finish in the top three in my age group.  You’ll note from the photos that I also shifted from a headband to a hat.  I did this because I didn’t want my opponents to see my eyes.  It’s kind of like playing poker.  If they could see my eyes, then they’d know which direction I was running.  This was a strategy to always keep them guessing.

2008
Um….well….um….you see.  There was this cake that was sitting all alone.  And my wife made me eat it.  Seriously, I would have set a course record in ‘08 because I trained for at least 2 days leading up to the event, but I was forced to eat this cake.  And then I had to watch a show.  And not just any show, but one where people act like animals.  It was crazy!  I can only hope that the race did not fall apart without me.

2009
The race will be on May 3 at 8:00 AM.  Rain or Shine.  I warn you…I have my game face on.  Well, I guess it’s really my “run” face.  You know, it’s the one where I look pained and out of breath.  Yeah, that one.  I trained for most of February and a couple of days into March.  I was busy in April, though.  At least my body will be rested for the event.  But either way, I’m going all out and I’m bringing home a trophy!  Think I’m lying?  Think I’ll puke my guts up before I cross the finish line?  Well you’re probably right on both accounts, but either way, I’ll be running.

Want in on the action?  No problem, there’s still plenty of time to sign-up.  But what if you live too far away and can’t make it for the race?  No problem there, either.  You can sign-up for just the T-shirt.  That way everyone thinks that you ran, but you never have to exert the effort.  Heck, if you throw in an extra $5, I’ll photoshop some pictures to make it look like you were there.  There’s only one question remaining…Are you brave enough to rock the headband?