Not enjoying my new friend, the chest cough.

Posting from my new PING account, wondering if it will get to twitter and FB?

The 2008 Phillies are in the World Series!

I can't believe that the World Series starts tonight (Wed 10/22/08) and one of the teams in it is my favorite from Childhood! Not since 1993 (15 years ago) have the Phillies played this much October baseball, and we all know what happened that year (Mitch Williams/Joe Carter). Hopefully this year they redeem themselves and bring a pennant back to the city of Philadelphia, we NEED one!

Go Phils, and I predict they win in 5!
Game 1 (Wed 10/22) - WIN
Game 2 (Thu 10/23) - LOSS
Game 3 (Sat 10/25) - WIN (back in Philly)
Game 4 (Sun 10/26) - WIN
Game 5 (Mon 10/27) - WIN

So, parade next week? You guys all in? GO FIGHTINS!

Picture Post - Baltimore Marathon!

Here are some pictures from Natalia's team relay in Baltimore this past weekend:

(again, click on the sideshow for the full album)

Picture Post - Early Fall Pictures

Here are some pictures (mostly from September). I know its been a long while since I posted so wanted to get this going at least.

Click on the slideshow for the full album:

9/18/2008 - Running Update

Last week I went to see Dr. Feehery. He confirmed my suspicion that I had a stress fracture. In fact, I had 2! Luckily, they seem to have healed. He gave me some inserts for my shoes and gave me an agressive stretching program to increase my flexibility. I also have started running again, if you would even call it that.

I have to do 80% walking, 20% running. So in my 15 minute routine, I get a whopping 3 minutes of running. I can gradually work up to 20 minutes, then start working the percentages down. It will take a while to get back to actually running for 20 minutes, but hopefully it will be worth it.

Won't be long before I need to get in shape for the next race:
http://www.americanodysseyrelay.com/

2008 Outer Banks Trip

We took a week and headed down to Corolla, NC for a vacation. We were originally invited by my Dad and Debbie to stay in their great house but we took the opportunity to combine a family vacation with a family vacation and got our own place. We were able to take Lucy this way too! A great time all week!

- Dinner each night at Dad's place (couples took turns cooking). We made pasta and homemade sauce on Thu night
- Beach each day, pool each day, lots of swimming and sand!
- Lucy got some great swimming in after a rough first night (vomitting, a......LOT)
- Haley got some great pictures of us all on the beach after dinner

All in all a great time reconnecting with family and getting some much needed relaxation in! Thanks to Mom and Bill for saving our trip by lending us their Subaru Outback when the Murano decided to die out on us 2 days before leaving for vacation.

2008 Outer Banks

Pictures - Reliving the days of UD

What seems to be becoming a yearly tradition, a bunch of friends from UD get together and have a great weekend reconnecting. Phils Game on Friday, Golf Sat morning, and BBQ saturday PM.

Summer BBQ

Pictures - Small Group BBQ

We had a BBQ at our house for small group at church! Everyone had a great time swimming and eating and enjoying some fellowship!

Small Group BBQ

2008 Beley Garden

Here is the start of our 2008 Garden. We got a late start this year, these pictures are from about 3 weeks ago so already we have quite a bit different scene, but here they are. Any comments? Suggestions?

The Veggies/Fruits:
Tomatoes, Lettuce, Squash, Yellow Peppers, Green Peppers, Green Beans, Carrots, Cucumbers

The Herbs:
Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, Dill, and Basil

2008 Garden

Review - Les Miserables @ the Walnut Street Theater

Natalia and I were fortunate enough to score some free tickets to this show this past friday night (6/6/08). We have seen and are very familiar with the music and story line, so we had high expectations. However, we combined those expectations with those that we have of the Walnut Street theater performances we have been too.

We have seen 2 prior shows there, one was good, one was poor. However, we felt ripped off leaving both. Not the case with Les Mis though. We felt like the actors did a really GREAT job and the production of the show was top-notch. Its been probably 7 or 8 years since we last saw it on Broadway, but outside of some stage production differences, this seemed like the real deal! The singing was great, the music was great, and the Walnut Street theater did a fantastic job. Not bad for 199 years of experience! ha!

We were watching the show and recognized one of the cast members too! That is odd, right? Natalia's high school love, his wife, was in the show! Unfortunately we had no way of getting back stage or of letting her know we were there, but it was pretty cool to see her up on stage and singing!

It was a late night though, the show ran exactly 3 hours, it was about 12:15am when we got home. Made for a short night, but our NEW babysitter worked out great!

6/032008 (Tues) - Run

Another very beautiful day, though once I hit the road it was hotter than I expected. Shins hurt this time, both the right and the left, and now, a number of hours later, my right shin really hurts. I think more than last year but I can't be sure. I am a tad dismayed by the pain and with hesitation considering my treatment options...

Run: Temperature was 79, Sunny and Rather Warm
2.05 Miles
17:25 Minutes - 8:30mile avg
Total Miles 2008: 109.46 Miles

Spirtual Gifts Inventory

For our small group we were asked to take a spiritual gifts survey. Since we are a fairly new group it would be good to know where we have gifts and how to better use them. So, I took mine last night, its a 98 page questionnaire that asks you how you feel about certain statements and if it is true about you. Then it asks you to add up your score and choose the top 3 numbers, and those are your top 3 areas of giftedness.

Here are mine (and a short description of each), and I was a tad surprised, but the more I think about it, the more I might tend to agree:

Teaching (19 points) - Like to research mounds of information and then simplify, help to apply to lives of listeners. Unlike prophesy not just interested in conviction but also instruction. Spiritually gifted teachers appeal to the will as well as the mind. Has a thirst for knowledge, a thirst for God's will and word, they are focused on changing lives with the Word, burdened to help people understand truth, usually like groups, feel "if only the people understood-they would obey because it makes sense".

Craftsmanship (18 points) - Excellent detail oriented, hands-on kinds of people. Handy with tools and usually have the tools. Derive a sense of fulfillment through seeing tangible resources made available to the ministries.

Administration (16 points) - Observers of systems and strategies; then they want to execute the best procedures, organized and efficient. They are the ones who take responsibility for attaining the goals articulated by the leaders--once the goal is set they set the procedures to reach them.

Its funny because my top 2 "gifts" are things I don't feel very adequate in. Administration, I can handle that, but teaching and craftsmanship? I wonder though, the more I think about those 2 things, are a teacher and a craftsman ever satisfied with their work, or are they always reminded of what they did wrong along the way, striving for mistake elimination?

Sometimes I can work on a project and have put a lot of time and effort in, but some part of me always harps on the the things I did wrong so that I can do better next time. Next time your at our house, ask me about the backsplash tiling job, or the wiring for the under cabinet lights, oh, and the 3 ceiling fans I just hung, all look great (so I am told) but all the errors scream at me.

just a little insight for a change...

5/29/2008 (Thu) - Run

Beautiful day for a quick run! Went out and felt good. I will say, I thought I was running a bit faster than I did so I was a tad disappointed but it was faster than last time I ran the same route. Guess I am slowly getting out of shape (or, good shape at least).

Run: Temperature was 66, sunny and beautiful
1.75 Miles
14:03 Minutes - 8:02 mile avg
Total Miles 2008: 107.41 Miles

May 23, 2008 - Philly Segway Tour (VIDEO)

3 minute video compilation of our segway tour in Philly. I'll just say, riding the Segway was awesome! They are very touch and weight sensitive. We had a blast!

Stay tuned to the end for some free styling on both of our parts!

5/25/2008 (Sun) - Run

So we have been meaning to use the girls up the street for babysitting for a long time. This week I got a revelation and an excuse to try them out as a bit of meet and greet, get to know us and Ryan. We had them come over after Ryan's nap to meet us, then they would stay and play with Ryan while Natalia and I went for a run together! Something we haven't done together since the grand old days of living in Hoboken!

We had a nice run, thought it was fairly warm. We went at Natalia pace since I knew we'd both be comfortable and hey we made it. Natalia is becoming quite the runner, though I do think she missed her music stream via my iPod shuffle. She had to put up with my conversation though instead!

Run: Temperature was 77, sunny and a tad warm
3.30 Miles
34:18 Minutes - 10:24 mile avg
Total Miles 2008: 105.66 Miles

By the way, the babysitters did great and worked out and we are excited to have them, AND so close by!

5/21/2008 (Wed) - Run

Got a quick run in at lunch time on Wednesday. Glad I got it in, but my shin pains seems to be creeping back into the picture. Probably not a good sign at all. I am thinking I am going to have to suck it up and get x-rayed if I want to continue running. Right now, the pain is not noticeable when I am not going up and down stairs though (or running for that matter).

Run: Temperature was 60, sunny and beautiful
1.75 Miles
14:11Minutes - 8:06 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 102.36 Miles

Natalia's 5K - Kennett Run Sat 5/17/2008

#429 came in and kicked some butt. After an 5 year hiatus from running at all let alone a 5K race, Natalia did great. Her training routine was strict, 3 days a week, increasing little by little.

Saturday was the culmination of that, and she finished with flying colors, in a time of 30:33. She was pretty happy with her time!

As with most runners, one race ends, we wonder what is next. She seems to be carefully considering her options, but for this one, congratulations honey!

5/13/2008 (Tues) - Run

My last run as a 30 year old! ;)

Didn't get a second run in last week but decided to pick up the pieces and run again today. It was a beautiful lunch time run. Just a short one, I am still testing out my legs. The good news is, the shins feel great so far. I only hope that trend continues. This run puts me over 100 miles for 2008! Only about 28 miles short of the total miles I ran all of last year...

On another note, Natalia will be running the Kennett Run (5K) on Saturday. She has been training for the last 7 or so weeks and has been doing awesome. Perhaps she has keyed into a new passion? After Kennett, she has her target set for a 5K in August.

Run: Temperature was 63, sunny and beautiful
1.50 Miles
11:10Minutes - 7:27 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 100.61 Miles

Rest in Peace with Jesus Grandad

Grandad (John Beley) spent his last few weeks in a tough place, and he was called home, probably with great joy, on Tuesday May 6, 2008. He left behind quite a legacy, one I am sure that many men could not match, considering my dad has 16 grandchildren of his own, and my dad had 3 brothers and 1 sister to add to those numbers. Here is Grandad's obituary, courtesy Beaver County Times:


John Beley, 89, of Fair Oaks, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Pristine Pines Retirement Village, Franklin Park.

Born July 4, 1918, in Findleyville, Pa., a son of the late Martin and Kathryn Mazurek Beley, he was a retired draftsman for American Bridge Corporation with 44 years of service and a former auditor for Fair Oaks. He was a member of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ambridge. He was an avid gardener, golfer, and bowler, and enjoyed making homemade wine. He showed a strong interest in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beley; a brother, Theodore Beley, and a sister, Ann Ling.

Surviving are four sons and daughters-in-law, John and Debra Beley of Avondale, Pa.; William and Rebecca Beley of Fair Oaks; James and Pauline Beley of Economy, and David and Diana Beley of Economy; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jo and Rick Oliver of Liberty Township, OH; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Helyn Swobe of Sewickley, and Mary Tani of West Palm Beach, FL.

Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until time of Panachida Service at 7:30 p.m. in the JOHN SYKA FUNERAL HOME INC., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Translation of the body will follow to St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Family and friends will meet Saturday at 9:45 a.m. at the church where a funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery.

Members of the Beaver County Special Unit will meet Saturday at 11 a.m. at the cemetery to provide full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Delaware Valley Chapter, 2004 Stroul Road, Suite 208, Broomall, Pa. 19008.

5/6/2008 (Tues) - Run

Its been over 8 weeks since my last run. My shins felt good before I went, I gave them plenty of time to heal and the pains have been gone for about 3 weeks now. Its actually been really nice, though I am just sitting around getting out of shape and blubbery.

It was a beautiful day and things went WELL. Felt no pain and didn't push myself at all. I am happy with my time because I know I could have run a lot faster. I'll run again at some time later in the week but the shins are still feeling great.

Run: Temperature was 71, sunny and beautiful
1.50 Miles
11:41 Minutes - 7:48 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 99.11 Miles

New Pictures Posted

The good news is I figured out how to tag in Picasa! (Ok, I can be slow). But I was always turned off by the need to tag each photo, but if you use key words (select photo and hit Ctrl+K) in the Picasa application, those get converted to tags online. In the application you can select multiple photos and apply one tag. Glad I did this because tagging each individual photo is WAY more trouble than its worth!

March and April 2008

Cleaned Up and Some Thoughts

I cleaned up my blog a bit. Since it has been around now for a good bit, maybe I can take better care of it!

So, rickbeley.com is expiring in May and I am thinking of not renewing. I am not sure that I need it anymore with all of the sites out there that can manage pictures/family news and all that jazz. I could just redirect it to point to my blog here, and just cancel the hosting. I am just not sure though where I will host the Christmas lists (the original motivation for rickbeley.com!).

Hope you are all doing well!

The Oprahfication of American Culture*

"She does so many good things..." doesn't fly anymore.

Perhaps her good works might excuse her for some of the things she does, but she is also leading millions of people into this "New Age" spirituality that emphasize the examination of self and lack of God (or even the need for God). I have told my wife for years that she was a bit whacko, but last week after watching the pregnant woman who is living as a man, I was convinced that this has to be the End of Days (those spoken of in the Book of Revelation). See clip below (there are five parts, but you can get the picture after one...I am sure.)



I felt captivated as my wife was watching this. In turn, I got sucked in and it was almost as though I couldn't look away. "Is the world ready for this?" No way! Although, I sadly know that the truth is, the world probably won't even flinch. Lets remember though, "Tracy" was created by God and he/she deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I have great concern for her, and more over the two step daughters, and soon to be newborn in her possession. I have great concern for what is becoming normal and acceptable though.

If you haven't guessed yet, I am talking about Oprah Winfrey. Sure, she has done a lot to help a lot of people, but now beware because she is pushing on a new form of New Age religion onto all of her devoted followers. I don't suggest you stop watching her , but just be weary of what she is pushing on you. Watch the video, its a tad hoaky, not really sure who is responsible for it, or if it is ALL based on fact, but the words she says are real. When your done watching, read this article about her new age beliefs.



*Title taken from Christian Research Journal Vol 31 No. 1

Interesting Theory on TV Show LOST

Its long, but enjoy!

http://timelooptheory.com/

3/9/2008 (Sun) - RUN Ceasar Rodney Half Marathon

(click for larger)

It was race day, a cool 32 degrees with a cold blustery wind. The conditions were not ideal, especially for those spectators who decided to chase us around Wilmington DE and cheer at different points of the race.

Its been one full week since the race and I haven't written about it because I was hoping for some media of the big event. Luckily those facilitating the race and Brightroom photography caught some of the historic moments! At the right is my dad who just crossed the finish line for the 25th (yes 25th) straight year. The middle is Jim who overcame some great adversity in his training to finish about 20 minutes ahead of his goal. I am on the left, and I also finished below my 9 minute per mile goal! All 3 of us had great races and did much better than we had hoped. Attribute that to the race itself, the fact that we were all there supporting one another to those cold souls out there cheering us on! (even the ones less than 4 years of age...)

All in all, it was a great day, and a great culmination of training and talking. I think (I know I am) we are all happy that the day is past and our bodies can begin the healing process. right now for me it seems my dad's sixty some year old body is recovering faster than the thirty year old frame I possess!

Run: Temperature was 32,windy and COLD
13.10 Miles
110:42 Minutes (1 hour 50 min 42 sec) - 8:27 mile avg
Total Miles 2008: 97.61 Miles

My official time is not in the picture, that is the gun time. It took us about 2 minutes to get up to the starting line after the gun sounded.

I personally am very pleased with my 8:27 time. Its only about 10 minutes off my time from when I ran this race both times in my 20's. Thank you hills of southern chester county, and this will be the ONLY time I ever thank you. Makes me believe if I trained just a little harder I could have actually beaten my time from then, but my legs are not in good health.

Both of my shins are in rather poor shape at this point. I think it might be worth it to have an x-ray if I weren't too darn cheap to pay for one. So, hopefully they will start to feel better in the next week or so. I have not run since the race and don't plan too until they feel a little better.

As for whats next, who knows. The real challenge will be whether or not I can stay fit without a real training goal and without being able to run. Wish me luck!

3/4/2008 (TUES) - TEMPO RUN

It was warm out!

Ok, final big run before the big race on Sunday. I was going for tempo here, really trying to cut down on my 9 minute miles, 30-60 seconds and I think I achieved it. It was warm and windy and cloudy today, but who can complain about 60 degrees! I pushed myself pretty good most of the way on this fairly flat and short course. My legs felt heavy and tired though until about the last mile (isn't that always how it is?)

I was pretty pleased with the results though:

Run: Temperature was 60, cloudy and windy
5.56 Miles
44:48 Minutes - 8:04 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 84.51 Miles

So, in my 2 tempo runs I cut my mile average a good bit, just hope my legs and brain remember that pace on Sunday. Right now forecast says 41 and Sunny. That is probably the average temp I am used to running in the most so weather seems favorable. I hope they don't mind me listening to music.

I missed online registration too so I have to hike all the way into Wilmington on Friday to pick up my race packet and register ($45 grrrr). I hope to get a really short loosening up run in on Thu or Fri. Legs are pretty beat up right now with both shins hurting most of the time and my right hip sore when I sit! When I run, these ailments magically disappear though, so I can't complain too much. In a week I will be on the path to healing.

3/2/2008 (SUN) - TEMPO RUN

One week to go until the big race! Today I went out for a nice tempo run. Wanted to get my stride to be a little faster so I pushed myself a good bit here. I am happy with the results and will probably do another one of these on Tues or Wed. My legs felt tired during my run and my energy level was shaky at best. Need to better nourish myself for these things! Coffee and a pop tart for breakfast is not cutting it!

Run: Temperature was 41, Sunny, was actually pretty warm out
6.05 Miles
50:18 Minutes - 8:19 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 78.95 Miles

2/28/2008 (THU) - RUN

This will be my final long run before the race. Things went pretty well, though again, I mapped out a route that I had not driven and faced some of the longest hills to this point. For some reason, I think a region is fairly flat, where this is just not the case. I hope these hill will better prepare me for the race!

My next couple runs will be for pace, I'll try to shave 30 to 60 seconds off my mile time to get my legs used to running a little faster.

My muscles are pretty sore today (Advil worthy sore). I am also, .8 miles shy of the course, and I think I could have run that .8 miles in less then 8 minutes, so I think I can beat my goal for 2 hours! This is of course still a disappointing 20 minutes slower than my last stint in the CR...

Run: Temperature was 28, Sunny but Cold and WINDY
12.35 Miles
111:28 Minutes (1:51:28) - 9:02mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 72.90 Miles

2/23/2008 (SAT) - RUN

This was the one big one that was mandatory for me to get in before the race. 15 days until race day and I figured, it better happen soon!

Run: Temperature was 30, Overcast and COLD
10.22 Miles
93:19 Minutes - 9:08 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 60.55 Miles

I thank Natalia for encouraging me to get my butt out there and run. I did NOT want to go out and do this, especially after spending the morning in Harrisburg at the Horseworld Expo. But I knew I had to do it Sat or Sunday and the best day happened to be Sat, but it was getting late! I started my run at 4pm after mapping out a 5.1 mile leg out. Unfortunately the leg out included many roads I had never even driven on, and much to my dismay, what I assumed to be fairly flat ground was RATHER hilly ground. But hey, what else would you expect, right?!

My first mile was painful and slow (9:30), not to mention discouraging, but things only got better from there. After about 2 miles, my overdressing resulted in being rather soaked in sweat, which made the cold wind, rather cold. But once I hit that turn around point, I felt great. The pain in my shins lasted about my first 3/4 miles, and didn't hurt again. In fact, the rest of the run was rather pain free, though I am finding it hard to push myself because of what I feel is a real lack of strength in my shins. This might have something to do with building up my distance too fast.

All in all, when I was done I felt GREAT. Even today, one day later, I feel sore, but pretty good. Advil might have to get me through the next 14 days, but heck, bring it on. I hope to get one more long run in before the race, so wish me luck!! My pace seems pretty pushed at about 9 minute miles so I am not sure I will do much better than that (might of course do much worse!), so if I can keep it around 9 minutes, I'll take it.

2/20/2008 - RUN

This was a "stay loose" short run. After 8 miles on monday I wanted to give my muscles a chance to stretch out a little and run at a bit faster of a pace. Unfortunately after the 8 mile run, my shins have been getting the better of me. It takes about 1/2 mile of running to get them to stop, but the first couple steps are usually pretty painful. Once I get into it though, things seem OK.

Run: Temperature was 31, Sunny.
1.75 Miles
14:06 Minutes - 8:04 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 50.33 Miles

2/18/2008 (Mon) - RUN

What a day, we were pleasantly surprised with a 60 degree day with sun and a breeze! What a great day for a long run I figured!

I trekked out after work, I noticed that it had gotten cloudy. I checked the temperature and man, it had dropped all the way down to 51 and the wind picked up. No big deal, I figured the cold front was probably on its way in. I was planning to run about 8 miles so I knew I would be out long. I grabbed my ear muff things (which also help to keep my ear buds in) and headed out.

Things were going well, it was getting windy though and after about 2 miles I felt a couple drops of rain. Over the next half mile conditions began to worsen as it got colder, windier, and the rain picked up. By mile 3, it was pouring and blowing! It was interesting to say the least, but I kept going. What the heck, I was 3 miles from home, might as well go one more before I head back. So, off I went. By mile 4 my legs were starting to tighten up, I think because of the cold weather and rain, plus it was getting hard to see. Surely this rain had to at least slow down. I think it was motivating me to run a bit faster though.

At about mile 5 and half, my iPod shuffle went out. ARRGHHH. The battery was on the low side when I left, but it hadn't failed me yet. But then things started to turn around. The rain almost stopped, and I had a about 2 miles of gradual downhill to go before the final HELL mile, which consists of two HELL hills. Oh, and my Shuffle came back on! So I was cruising along and it was time for the last mile.

Hell Hill #1, just a brutal winding, probably quarter mile uphill, of which you can't even see the top. Rodney Adkins "If Your Going Through Hell" came on. I took it step by step and made it up no problem, maybe I am actually getting in some shape! But my work wasn't over, I had the final hell hill #2. After feeling pretty good about hell hill #1, I got into my neighborhood, 3/4 mile to go. The rain kicked up, the wind kicked up, and I basically could hardly see as water poured into my eyes. I hit the bottom of hell hill #2 and looked up and decided to attack it. At this point my legs were pretty heavy after running the first 7 miles so attacking it from an outsiders view might have looked quite laughable, not to mention the fool running in the pouring rain and wind persona I was exuding.

Up the hill, Jason Mraz helped me (which song, I can't recall). But I got up and had just one last big downhill and home free! Good news, I made it, soaked to the bone. So far, no sickness!

To me, this felt like a battle! I am glad I stuck it out and ran pretty well in the face of my perceived adversity. My pace is on track for the "less improved and slower rick" and if I can beat 9 minute miles, I think I will be happy with that (though I won't admit it out loud).

Run: Temperature was 51 when I started 42 when I finished, Heavy Rain and Wind.
8.18 Miles
71:50 Minutes - 8:47 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 48.58 Miles

A Weekend to Remember

This weekend Natalia and I attended a Marriage Retreat/Conference. It was called a "weekend to remember".

It was certainly a weekend to remember. It was PACKED full of great information and high emotion. Not only was it GREAT to get away for the weekend (Hershey, PA) , but some very valuable information was shared.

I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for a weekend away with your spouse to find one of these. Whether your marriage is in top notch shape or packed with issues, this conference is going to add value. If you have any more specific questions about it, let me know, I'd be happy to share!

2/14/2008 (Thu) - RUN

For whatever reason, I decided to finally get a long run in! I was shooting for 6 miles and before I left I charted a 6 mile course and a 6.8 mile course. I was going to make a decision on the fly as to which I would choose based on how I felt.

I had run most of this route before so I knew the first 3 miles was basically a gradual uphill with a few steep descends in the first mile. However, this meant a nice breezy way home until the last mile, which had some NASTY uphill climbs. I felt great the whole way and things are looking good!

Off to Hershey for the weekend for a "Weekend to Remember". Hope to get a run in on Monday.

Run: Temperature was 31, Sunny Cold and WINDY (again).
6.82 Miles
60:53 Minutes - 8:56 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 40.40 Miles

Marco Island Pictures!

Marco Island Vacation

2/11/2008 (Mon) - Exploratory RUN

It was friggin COLD on this run. At one point toward the end of my run I was convinced I had lost an extremity. Luckily I didn't!

Went out for a run in a new direction and actually felt pretty darn good. I was not that concerned with my pace as I was with making sure my face was not freezing off.

Run: Temperature was 12 (YES, TWELVE!) degrees, and sunny.
3.43 Miles
31:17 Minutes - 9:07 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 33.58 Miles

2/8/2008 (Thu) - RUN

Great run this day. Legs felt great, pace felt decent.

Run: Temperature was 40 degrees, and sunny.
4.10 Miles
35:54 Minutes - 8:45 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 30.15 Miles

1/30/2008 (Wed) - Run (Exploratory)

My goal was to run for 40 minutes at the outset of this run. I got out about 12 minutes before my shin (not the shin splint side) cramped up to where i had to stop and hop. I turned around, ran through the cramp, and in about another quarter mile, it felt fine. I added some on the fly roads to my route and got to my forty minute goal.

Can't say I felt great or found the run pleasureful, but heck, I did it. 3rd time running in 6 days too. Trying my best to work through this rut. No one remind me about when the Caesar Rodney is or I might crumble! haha.

Run: Temperature was 38 degrees, and sunny AND VERY VERY WINDY.
4.21 Miles
40:27 Minutes - 9:37 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 26.05 Miles

2 More Picture Sets!

Ryan's Big Boy Bed

Early January Pictures

1/28/2008 (Mon) - Run

Still struggling here. I got myself out the door much easier this time, but the run itself was difficult. Felt like I was pushing but my time was in the end disappointing, along with the leg pain! Is anyone out there playing the violin for me or what?

Hopefully I am getting back on track though...second time I ran this week.

Run: Temperature was 38 degrees, and sunny.
3.65 Miles
31:33 Minutes - 8:39 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 21.84 Miles

1/26/2008 (Sat) - Run

I have lost my motivation, I have lost my will to run. Running without pain seems a distant memory. Don't get me wrong, this is not a lot of pain, but for whatever reason I am letting it mess with my head. I really had to force myself out the door this Saturday afternoon. This last week I have been hampered by a chest cold and deep cough, after recovering from a minor illness last weekend. The time for whining though is over and I was hoping this short run would get me back on track...

Run: Temperature was 34 degrees, and cloudy.
1.5 Miles
12:06 Minutes - 8:04 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 21.84 Miles

1/19/2008 (Sat) - Run

I finally, yes finally, got out for a run since last Thursday. It was awful, I didn't want to go for a run, and after about a half mile, I was ready to quite. But...I stuck with it and got a decent 3.30 mile run in. I am so far away from Caesar Rodney shape that it is sad. My shins are not getting better either, though running, if anything, seems to help them.

Run: Temperature was 36 degrees, and overcast.
3.30 Miles
27:36 Minutes - 8:22 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 16.69 Miles

1/10/2008 (Thi) - Run

This was my longest run since I took a shin splint break. I felt pretty good the whole time and though my shin still hurts while I am not running, it seems to bother me less when I am running. Glad I was able to get 3 runs in this week before our 4 night jaunt to Marco Island (and yes, my running shoes are packed)

Run: Temperature was 37 degrees, and sunny.

4.10 Miles
33:33 Minutes - 8:11 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 13.39 Miles

1/8/2008 (Tues) - Run

Its nice when its in the high 60's in December. Yeah, its nice, unless you are out running! The temp was a bit of a slowing factor, not to mention a lack of energy. Every day I run this route its like going into a boxing match with these hills, they win every time!

Run: Temperature was 66 degrees, and sunny.

2.54 Miles
20:39 Minutes - 8:08 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 9.29 Miles

1/6/2008 (Sun) - Exploratory Run with Dog

Sunday I was invited to run a double course (X-Country) by Jim over at Carpenter State Park. However, Jim decided he wasn't going to go. Once Natalia got done horseback riding, all 4 of us (me, nat, ryan, lucy) headed over. I was goign to run the old Cross country course (just not twice) and I wanted to take Lucy to see if she would keep up.

So I conjured up some old memories of high school cross country and ran the old course. It was great and Lucy was having a blast (until about mile 2.5). Running through the woods and those old trails really brought up some great memories of coaches pushing us, crowds cheering, one on one battles with other runners. Those were some good days!

Run: Temperature was 42 degrees, and sunny. It was getting dark though as it was about 4:30pm, the park was closing too!

3.10 Miles
29:00 Minutes - 9:21 mile avg
Total Miles 2008: 6.75 Miles

In high school, I broke 18 on this course and came close to breaking 17! I have a ways to go!

1/4/2008 (Fri) - Run

Fridays run was not one that I wanted to do. I completely almost did not run. I was cold and tired and grouchy, but thanks to Natalia I went out anyway! I am glad I did, not because it was a great run, but I felt great after and glad for doing it.

Run: Temperature was 36 degrees, and sunny. It was getting dark though as it was about 4:30pm.

3.65 Miles
30:52 Minutes - 8:28 mile avg

Total Miles 2008: 3.65 Miles

Christmas Pictures 2007

Christmas 2007

December Pictures Posted

Its been a while since posting pictures, but finally...i did it. These are all between Christmas and Thanksgiving. Also trying out picasa's embedded slide show feature:



If that doesn't work, here is the album link:

December Pictures

2007 Running Recap

2007, my New Years resolution last year was to become more fit and take better care of myself. I'd say I accomplished that through a new exercise routine. The waste on all of my jeans proves it (I think).

I have been keeping a running log since 1999. I ran the Caesar Rodney half marathon in year 2000 and also in year 2002. Yet in 2007 I have run the second most (recorded) miles in a year in my life.

Here are some stats:

Miles Run in 2007: 128.82
Hours Run in 2007: 17.97
Minute Per Mile Average in 2007: 8 minutes 17 Seconds

In 2002 I recorded approx 150 miles, a mark that would have easily been beaten this year had I not taken so much time off for my silly shins....Oh well, something to aim for next year!

12/31/2007 (Mon) - Run

New years eve run! Thought I'd get some miles in before 2008! Long run and my lungs felt it! I thought I was moving much faster than it ended up. But it was a really nice run, definitely felt in a zone.

My shin hurts when I run, so I am thinking that the shoes are not my savior. I have not been in so much pain that I can't continue though. I am going to push through this and see what happens...

Run: Temperature was 47 degrees, and sunny. It was getting dark though as it was about 4:30pm.

3.30 Miles
27:45 Minutes - 8:25 mile avg
Total Miles 2007: 128.82 Miles

12/28/2007 (Fri) - RUN

First time running in back to back days and it went pretty well, though I was pretty sore. My lower left leg is a bit of a mess it seems.

Run: Temperature was 45 degrees, and cloudy.

2.7 Miles
22:20 Minutes - 8:16 mile avg
Total Miles 2007: 125.52 Miles