Two races into the season thus far (a fourth and a first in age group), both road races. The first big trail race is under two weeks away. I recently visited a big local state park with wild scenic trails, to get practice on trails similar to what I will race in a few weeks.Continue reading “Note To Self: Take Those Trail Signs Seriously Next Time”
Category Archives: Competition
First Race, New Season, I Am Back!
It’s Monday, a sort of recovery day if going to kickboxing, washing floors, draining the air conditioning line, and (later on, weather permitting) mowing the lawn counts as recovery. Hey, life’s daily chores are still here, race or not. It was a good race on Sunday, considering I had not raced since February’s injury. IContinue reading “First Race, New Season, I Am Back!”
Olympic Optimism For All
As of this writing, the U.S. is leading in the overall medal count. And more than a few armchair athletes are getting ideas about dusting off those running shoes, inline skates, skateboards, bikes, basketballs, badminton sets, volleyball nets, and other exercise equipment, to get into the game again. Or get their toddlers into it, thinkingContinue reading “Olympic Optimism For All”
Wanted: A New Trail View
I like the trails I currently run on. There’s sand, gravel, shade, some roots and ruts, occasional water puddles, and even high grass as an option. Oh, and very nice restrooms and cold water fountains. But I need a new outlook. Something different and challenging, something that tests the brain and feet. And the knees,Continue reading “Wanted: A New Trail View”
Racing A New Normal
I know I am feeling good and positive when I look at the racing schedule and start adding races to my calendar. But it’s a new normal, courtesy of Stage 1 arthritis (both knees) and a repaired meniscus (right knee, 24 physical therapy sessions). The over-the-counter arthritis meds are helping considerably, and so is anContinue reading “Racing A New Normal”
Vacation And Run, Swim, Bike Too?
I am not the sit-on-the-beach-with-a-girly-drink type when it comes to vacations. Not a fan of cruises, either. I don’t love big tour groups or buses full of sweaty tourists heading to crowded “must-see” sites. I like to be active. I prefer to set up daily activities, print them out, and create a notebook to remindContinue reading “Vacation And Run, Swim, Bike Too?”
More Things I Learned: Anytime Is Right And Sweat Is Good
To continue with Phil Daoust’s words to the wise from The Guardian article: The best time to exercise? When you can: If you search “best time to exercise” you will get thousands of results. This article does a good job of the pros and cons of different times of day for exercise. But studies, research,Continue reading “More Things I Learned: Anytime Is Right And Sweat Is Good”
Things I Learn From Other People: A Series
I had the good fortune to come across an article from The Guardian newspaper online (paywall warning, but you can read one article for free) that really struck me as wise words from a fellow who is “getting older and better” at the same time. Phil Daoust was obese, unwell, and did little to helpContinue reading “Things I Learn From Other People: A Series”
Rehab Is Done; Normal Lives Again!
Twenty-four physical therapy sessions. The hardest work I’ve ever done. And they’re over. And I am running again. Not hard or fast but at least back to 5K distance. I am also retired from full-time employment, I’ll take both of those as a mark of success. I am looking for part-time work while I buildContinue reading “Rehab Is Done; Normal Lives Again!”
Halfway Through The Race Season Already? And What’s Next?
Seems a little unreal, actually, but here it is, early February, and I am planning March, April, May, and June (it’s too hot to race in July and August here). Except for a small issue involving a strained knee ligament (and with runners, almost all issues are small, even when they aren’t), it’s been aContinue reading “Halfway Through The Race Season Already? And What’s Next?”
Old Is Serious...Aging Is Hilarious 