Here's a picture of my two youngest kids all dressed up for Halloween this year:
Huh? There's no picture?
Oh yeah, I know what it is... I didn't get to see my kids this year. Silly me!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Holy Crap!
Has it really been that long? Serious neglect has been going on obviously.
Oh well.
I need to ask Leigh how to put music on this thing... Leigh?
Anyhow...
May 19: Ogden Marathon. 4:01:03 So close to coming in under 4 hours, but not quite enough. Damn!
July 24: Deseret News Marathon. 4:15:17 An 8 minute improvement from '04 when I ran it, but my brother Russ beat me. Damn!
August 25: Park City Marathon. 4:20:28 Again, significant improvement over my previous two PC efforts, but I could have/should have done so much better. Oh well.
September 02: Grand Teton Trail Marathon. 6:13:48 Now before you say anything, understand that this took place up in the Grand Teton's! The start was at 8,000 feet and at mile 2.5 we were up as high as 10,000 feet. This was one tough mother! I don't feel bad about my 6+ hour time in the least.
September 15: Top Of Utah Marathon. 3:57:16 FINALLY!! I broke 4 hours somewhere other than St. George! (Honestly, I thought Ogden would be the place, but I guess not.) Still, Russ came along and beat me again. Damn!
October 06: St. George Marathon. 3:44:19 Huge surprise. Ran with Russ and Jerry. Finished with Jerry. Russ beat me again. Damn! It was a very good race though. The temps were cool and it was just a beautiful day!
No more marathons this year. I'm done.
I did go mountain biking on Saturday (October 27) with Jerry. We had a good time. I got beat up though. I hurt worse today than I did Saturday. Go figure.
Oh well.
I need to ask Leigh how to put music on this thing... Leigh?
Anyhow...
May 19: Ogden Marathon. 4:01:03 So close to coming in under 4 hours, but not quite enough. Damn!
July 24: Deseret News Marathon. 4:15:17 An 8 minute improvement from '04 when I ran it, but my brother Russ beat me. Damn!
August 25: Park City Marathon. 4:20:28 Again, significant improvement over my previous two PC efforts, but I could have/should have done so much better. Oh well.
September 02: Grand Teton Trail Marathon. 6:13:48 Now before you say anything, understand that this took place up in the Grand Teton's! The start was at 8,000 feet and at mile 2.5 we were up as high as 10,000 feet. This was one tough mother! I don't feel bad about my 6+ hour time in the least.
September 15: Top Of Utah Marathon. 3:57:16 FINALLY!! I broke 4 hours somewhere other than St. George! (Honestly, I thought Ogden would be the place, but I guess not.) Still, Russ came along and beat me again. Damn!
October 06: St. George Marathon. 3:44:19 Huge surprise. Ran with Russ and Jerry. Finished with Jerry. Russ beat me again. Damn! It was a very good race though. The temps were cool and it was just a beautiful day!
No more marathons this year. I'm done.
I did go mountain biking on Saturday (October 27) with Jerry. We had a good time. I got beat up though. I hurt worse today than I did Saturday. Go figure.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Item's of note:
First: my really, really, super-good friend from Cali ran and completed the Western States 100-mile Ultra Marathon yesterday. That's her pictured above. It's from the back side of Timpanogos during a training run we went on last year in the days prior to our running the Squaw Peak 50-miler.Here's a link to her blog: http://turborunz.blogspot.com
She is just so freaking awesome, I can't even begin to express! She finished in 29:43:38, and has had nothing but good to say about her experience. I was invited to be on her crew, but life and work and a lot of BS got in the way of my going. Maybe next time.
Secondly: Father's Day was a week and a day ago. All four (yes four) of my kids showed up at my parents for our family dinner. That in itself is not only a miracle, but it was pretty darn special to boot. My kids gave me a teddy bear. Very cute. And it talks to me: tells me Happy Father's Day and says how much it loves me. (OK, so it's a recording of my kids that got stuffed into one of the hands of the bear. Still very cool.)
Thirdly: I've been riding my road bike quite a bit lately. Well, maybe not quite a bit. But on Wednesday last week we (we is a few people from the hospital that go on a ride once or twice a week during lunch) headed on up Provo Canyon and South Fork. At the turn-around point, I suddenly got a flat--a rip in the tube near the valve stem. Fortunately, we managed a fix and we all got back safe and sound. Prior to my flat though, we had two of the other riders come unclipped somehow. One turfed it right in the middle of a major intersection in Provo. The other one managed to stay seated but busted off her bottle cage somehow. It was quite the afternoon.
Today I rode my bike up AF Canyon from Grandma's place. Eighteen plus total miles. I only rode up to the Timp Cave Center and then back. AF Canyon is a tough canyon to ride up!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Mountain Biking without the boy...
Yeah, I went without the boy.
It was Monday night--I had gotten work off at the theater and headed up the canyon at 5:30 after finishing my day at the hospital.
Up AF Canyon again to the Timpooneke Road and from there I pedaled around to face of Timpanogos. It's a rather rocky and bumpy road, but I still like it. And I wanted to see if I could reclaim some of the items I lost back on June 02. No luck there, but I did have a good time. Total time for the ride was just a bit over two hours.
Here is a panoramic pic of the view north (AF Canyon and northward):
Here's a pan-pic of the south end of Utah Valley from the north end of Timp--the point I turned around:
And lastly, here's a pic of the northern-most end of Timp:
It was a nice ride. That is until I took the trail down Bear Canyon to Mutual Dell where my car was. Steep, rocky, steep, and rocky. I won't do that again. I had a good time.
It was Monday night--I had gotten work off at the theater and headed up the canyon at 5:30 after finishing my day at the hospital.
Up AF Canyon again to the Timpooneke Road and from there I pedaled around to face of Timpanogos. It's a rather rocky and bumpy road, but I still like it. And I wanted to see if I could reclaim some of the items I lost back on June 02. No luck there, but I did have a good time. Total time for the ride was just a bit over two hours.
Here is a panoramic pic of the view north (AF Canyon and northward):
Here's a pan-pic of the south end of Utah Valley from the north end of Timp--the point I turned around:
And lastly, here's a pic of the northern-most end of Timp:
It was a nice ride. That is until I took the trail down Bear Canyon to Mutual Dell where my car was. Steep, rocky, steep, and rocky. I won't do that again. I had a good time.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Mountain Biking with the Boy
Corbin and I had planned to go mountain biking over Memorial Day weekend but a warped rim spoiled those plans. But we got that fixed this week and headed up American Fork Canyon this morning for a ride along the Timpooneke Road.
Just me and the boy up in the mountains on our bikes.
It was a bit warm, but we didn't care much. And Corbin, being 13, wanted to show his old man a thing or two right off the bat; so for the first couple of miles all I could see of him was his back side from a distance. He was in one of the mid-range gears and was out of his seat putting way too much effort into climbing up the road. Eventually, just as I knew he would, he ran out of steam.
We rode about 3 miles up around the north end of Timpanogos and then turned around and rode back to Mutual Dell. At the turn-around, however, we stopped to drink some water and eat some peanut butter crackers. We chatted a bit and headed back down the road.
Corbin has little fear. He was always a good distance ahead of me and moving at a pretty good clip, rocks-be-damned. Me, I'm a bit more cautious. OK, a lot more cautious. Eventually we made it off the dirt road and onto the pavement--and we both turned on the after-burners the remaining distance.
Upon arriving at the Dell, I noticed that my wedge (under-the-seat bike bag) was open. "How did that happen?" I asked myself. But what really chapped my hide was the fact that everything that was in the wedge was gone! And to think, I almost threw my brand-spanking-new cell phone in there. What happened, I think, was when we stopped to eat the crackers I just didn't zip up the bag. And I'm going to beat myself up for 3 weeks for being such an idiot! Total loss in terms of dollars? Maybe $15. Nothing much, but still.
Anyways, the end result of the afternoon ride was positive (and a distance of only 9 miles). I don't work next weekend--I think we might just go and do it again! Fun!
Just me and the boy up in the mountains on our bikes.
It was a bit warm, but we didn't care much. And Corbin, being 13, wanted to show his old man a thing or two right off the bat; so for the first couple of miles all I could see of him was his back side from a distance. He was in one of the mid-range gears and was out of his seat putting way too much effort into climbing up the road. Eventually, just as I knew he would, he ran out of steam.
We rode about 3 miles up around the north end of Timpanogos and then turned around and rode back to Mutual Dell. At the turn-around, however, we stopped to drink some water and eat some peanut butter crackers. We chatted a bit and headed back down the road.
Corbin has little fear. He was always a good distance ahead of me and moving at a pretty good clip, rocks-be-damned. Me, I'm a bit more cautious. OK, a lot more cautious. Eventually we made it off the dirt road and onto the pavement--and we both turned on the after-burners the remaining distance.
Upon arriving at the Dell, I noticed that my wedge (under-the-seat bike bag) was open. "How did that happen?" I asked myself. But what really chapped my hide was the fact that everything that was in the wedge was gone! And to think, I almost threw my brand-spanking-new cell phone in there. What happened, I think, was when we stopped to eat the crackers I just didn't zip up the bag. And I'm going to beat myself up for 3 weeks for being such an idiot! Total loss in terms of dollars? Maybe $15. Nothing much, but still.
Anyways, the end result of the afternoon ride was positive (and a distance of only 9 miles). I don't work next weekend--I think we might just go and do it again! Fun!
Monday, May 14, 2007
5 Days to Ogden
Nothing last night, but then I really didn't think I would.
Apathy.
But I woke up early this morning so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting in the hours at work and still getting in a decent "long" run during lunch.
And so, I'm planning on 8 or 9 miles today at noon(ish).
Of special note, my Hay sent me a text yesterday wishing me a happy "Parental Role-Model" day. How sweet was that!? And then, we were texting back and forth until 11:30 last night. Good times.
Apathy.
But I woke up early this morning so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting in the hours at work and still getting in a decent "long" run during lunch.
And so, I'm planning on 8 or 9 miles today at noon(ish).
Of special note, my Hay sent me a text yesterday wishing me a happy "Parental Role-Model" day. How sweet was that!? And then, we were texting back and forth until 11:30 last night. Good times.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
6 Days til Ogden
Six days to Ogden and I fear my hopes of a sub-four hour marathon have been dashed by laziness and a lack of dedication.
Still, if I can redeem myself somehow this evening and possibly even tomorrow and Tuesday, I may still come away from Saturday's race with a 3 in front of my time.
I hope.
Fingers crossed.
But more important than all of that: Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Sorry I wasn't able to come up for dinner. I think a lion's share of the credit goes to you in my surviving the past 3 1/2 years. Don't know what I'd have done without you. Just so you know--cause I have shown a gross inability to let you know in other ways and by other means--I love you and appreciate everything you've done for me!
Still, if I can redeem myself somehow this evening and possibly even tomorrow and Tuesday, I may still come away from Saturday's race with a 3 in front of my time.
I hope.
Fingers crossed.
But more important than all of that: Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Sorry I wasn't able to come up for dinner. I think a lion's share of the credit goes to you in my surviving the past 3 1/2 years. Don't know what I'd have done without you. Just so you know--cause I have shown a gross inability to let you know in other ways and by other means--I love you and appreciate everything you've done for me!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Salt Lake City Marathon: April 21, 2007
In a way, I almost feel like I've sold my soul. I swore, or nearly swore, that I'd never give Devine Racing another penny after what they did with the Salt Lake City Marathon and the 2006 date change. Well, after they reversed that date change this year, I somehow convinced myself that I needed to run it.
Still, I ended up having a pretty good time.
The weather was the big question in the days and hours leading up to the start. Weather predictions had a high for the day vacillating between 40° and 50°, and the chance for precipitation between 10% and 30%. If the drive up Saturday morning was to be any indication of what the race would be like, it was going to be wet. Fortunately, it wasn't.
I arrived at the Energy Solutions Arena (formerly the Delta Center) and boarded TRAX and headed east to the starting line. I found myself alone amongst hundreds of other runners and bikers. Oh well, I've been "alone" since February 23, 2004. I can handle it.
The Bike Tour got started at 6:00 and I was a casual observer of that. One poor guy was clipped into his bike raring to go, but got stopped due to the ebb and flow of the crowded start. My guess is that he unclipped his right shoe but leaned left. With his left foot still clipped in, he couldn't get back up. With the help of others he managed to almost get back up twice only to fall back down each time. Finally, he got all the way up and humbly exited the scene.
By the time my race began, I had run across 3 persons of whom I have an association. One of which was going to allow me to run with her for as long as I could. (I made it one mile.) We lined up close to the 4 hour pace group and listened to a lovely rendition of the National Anthem performed by the One Voice Children's Choir. America's Mayor, Rocky Anderson, the biggest freaking idiot around these parts, said a few words and then they started us.
I almost made it a whole mile before I had to peel off and find a tree. I'll note here that it was the exact same group of trees, if not the same tree, that I peed behind in 2005. I lost my running buddy at that point and ran the rest of the way, all 25.2 miles, all by my little old lonesome self...
My splits:
Still, I ended up having a pretty good time.
The weather was the big question in the days and hours leading up to the start. Weather predictions had a high for the day vacillating between 40° and 50°, and the chance for precipitation between 10% and 30%. If the drive up Saturday morning was to be any indication of what the race would be like, it was going to be wet. Fortunately, it wasn't.
I arrived at the Energy Solutions Arena (formerly the Delta Center) and boarded TRAX and headed east to the starting line. I found myself alone amongst hundreds of other runners and bikers. Oh well, I've been "alone" since February 23, 2004. I can handle it.
The Bike Tour got started at 6:00 and I was a casual observer of that. One poor guy was clipped into his bike raring to go, but got stopped due to the ebb and flow of the crowded start. My guess is that he unclipped his right shoe but leaned left. With his left foot still clipped in, he couldn't get back up. With the help of others he managed to almost get back up twice only to fall back down each time. Finally, he got all the way up and humbly exited the scene.
By the time my race began, I had run across 3 persons of whom I have an association. One of which was going to allow me to run with her for as long as I could. (I made it one mile.) We lined up close to the 4 hour pace group and listened to a lovely rendition of the National Anthem performed by the One Voice Children's Choir. America's Mayor, Rocky Anderson, the biggest freaking idiot around these parts, said a few words and then they started us.
I almost made it a whole mile before I had to peel off and find a tree. I'll note here that it was the exact same group of trees, if not the same tree, that I peed behind in 2005. I lost my running buddy at that point and ran the rest of the way, all 25.2 miles, all by my little old lonesome self...
My splits:
- Mile 1: 9:36
- Mile 2: 7:38
- Mile 3: 8:18
- Mile 4: 7:33
- Mile 5: 8:07
- Mile 6: 8:36
- Mile 7: 8:41
- Mile 8: 11:27 (Port-a-potty stop)
- Mile 9: 8:49
- Mile 10: 8:30
- Mile 11: 11:53 (Port-a-potty stop #2-way early in the mile)
- Mile 12: 10:11 (Port-a-potty stop #3-way late in the mile)
- Mile 13: 8:49
- Mile 14: 8:29
- Mile 15: 8:44
- Mile 16: 9:06
- Mile 17: 8:48
- Mile 18: 11:01
- Mile 19: 8:51
- Mile 20: 10:01
- Mile 21: 9:40
- Mile 22: 10:00
- Mile 23: 10:26
- Mile 24: 9:52
- Mile 25: 10:46
- Mile 26: 9:37
- Mile 26.2: 2:50
- Total: 4:06:25
The cool thing about wearing a Garmin Forerunner is that it will tell you what your actual time moving was and, according to Garmin, I "ran" my marathon in 3:58:49! Seriously sweet!
I guess.
I won't allow myself to use that time for anything. Still...
So, there you have it. Happy now?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
CBS Fires Don Imus...
I don't like or dislike Don Imus. Never listened to a word he's ever said until this recent brouhaha over his comments regarding the Rutger's women's basketball team. Deplorable comments. Completely unacceptable.
Enough to fire someone over though? That I'm not sure of.
What really bugs me is the perception that activists Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were instrumental in his firing. I can't think of two more hypocritical people on this earth.
If the firing of Imus is the result of offense after offense after offense, fine. If it's a result of this one issue and two loud-mouth activists spouting off, not cool.
Enough to fire someone over though? That I'm not sure of.
What really bugs me is the perception that activists Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were instrumental in his firing. I can't think of two more hypocritical people on this earth.
If the firing of Imus is the result of offense after offense after offense, fine. If it's a result of this one issue and two loud-mouth activists spouting off, not cool.
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