Why We Run. May 2012. One year ago this weekend I ran in the Seattle 15K, my first big race since returning to running in 2009. This year I am not running in the Seattle 15K, instead opting tomorrow for the Capital City Half Marathon (my second half marathon). While I have some anxiety about how tomorrow will go, its interesting to note how much has changed in a year.Read more.
Not Quite the Future of Flight.May 2012. Each Mother's Day weekend, weather permitting, we are treated to an unofficial air show out of South Prairie Airport. South Prairie airport is a fly-in community with roughly 30 aircraft based there, including a stunt plane, two biplanes, and a restored P-47. Sitting on our deck watching a biplane do loop the loops overhead is big thrill for all of us, especially Nathan.Read more.
Civic Action. April 2012. Back in January the Puget Sound area suffered a major winter storm. 100s of thousand of homes were without power for days. We lost a lot of food to spoilage, and had a lot of cleanup to do in the yard. My biggest concern, however, was the Foothills Trail which has been my running sanctuary for 3+ years now.Read more.
When a Goal Becomes a Barrier. January 2012. Last week I accomplished a major goal: running 5 miles in under 40 minutes (39:44 to be precise). Three years ago I resumed running as an antidote to feeling sorry for myself about the poor shape I was in after a 10 year battle with back problems. I was 49, looking ahead to a significant 50th birthday, and in the "New Year's Resolution" mood. That meant returning to my first passion in physical activities, distance running. In the back of my mind I had the aspiration to run 5 miles in under 40 minutes by my 50th birthday (roughly 10 months later). My first day of running I covered a mile and a half, and had to stop twice to catch my breath. So 10 months wasn't nearly enough time to achieve my goal. I came close; my best 5 mile run that Fall was under 42 minutes. But I just couldn't close the gap. Read more.
There Is No Try. December 2011. My workout week revolves around 7 minutes and 45 seconds of hell. Several of my friends are surprised that I spend as much of my training time on the treadmill as I do. This time of year, when the weather is at its dreariest in the Pacific Northwest, I may spend three of my four workout days each week on the treadmill. My friends consider this boring, an activity that strips away all the most satisfying parts of running. But I've learned to respect the treadmill's unique advantages, and I draw satisfaction from what I accomplish on the treadmill. Read more.