Training log

I've kept a training log since I started running. Why do I run? Quick answer, its "me time". Really started off as a new years resolution for 1989, the year Darrell was born. I quit smoking on December 11, 1988 after my last exam of the semester at MTSU. Dad was a runner, so why not.

First couple of years, my log was just the daytimer or calendar where I wrote my appointments. I'll need to dig through some boxes to find those books to record the mileage for the years 1989 through 1992. I've got the logs from 1993 all in one place. Found the entry from my first race. "Rudolph Run" December 1993. I ran a 22:40. Still have the stocking hat from that race. Speedy makes fun of it all the time. I like the ablility to thumb through the old logs to see what's worked and what hasn't.

During my marathon obsession, I had a spreadsheet with times, dates, and other tidbits to try and get the "boston qualifier". Boston Dreams has a blog that chronicles his attempt to get to Boston. My ramblings will never approach the level of writing from that site. Very talented young man, just hasn't hit the right combination to punch his ticket. But, what's going to happen to his blog when he does get his time?

Speedy suggested I start using running2win's website, started January 1. I'm impressed, almost tempted to give up my paper log. Almost.

Post script, I did indeed stop using the paper log. To much time to put in to r2w and the paper log. Cool thing about that website is the ability to track others logs with the log tracker. I use the name "oldman" and follow speedy's log "jlcar74".

Cold !

Coldest day of the year. Depending on which weather service you believe, 10 or 14 degrees plus wind. Putting the wind chill in the single digits. Thermometer on the car said 12 degrees at the start and 13 degrees when I finished.
I planned on going 15 miles at Spain Hill. Paul was supposed to meet me, but I couldn't get confirmation. Sure enough he didn't show, that sealed the decision to only run 11. First 2 miles were brutal cold, but really only felt it in my thumbs. Everything else was pretty warm. Did the Grady duct tape trick on my shoes and it worked like a charm. Feet stayed toasty warm the whole way. Saw a coyote just at the 2 mile mark, right before I stopped for a duece. Next couple of miles felt great and thumbs warmed up. 3 big dogs on the rise up to the 4 mile hill. Luckily?, the owner was out. I stopped to pick up some rocks, because they didn't seem to be to friendly. The owner kept them at bay as I passed. He didn't seem to be to thrilled about it. Complete opposite of everyone else out here in the country. Seems like more dogs were out today, but some of the regulars slept in.
At mile 6 it took a while to break the ice off my water bottle to get a drink. Stopped on the top of the first of the "dolly hills" to pee and drink. Water bottle opening was frozen solid, had to open it up and drink "slushy" water. Even though I was feeling good, not cold, the frozen water confirmed my decision to do 11 miles and not make the left to tack on 4 more miles. Last mile I was really tired and glad to be done, but not cold. Duct tape toes, ski mask and double tights were the answer.

tractor 2

Bob and Tim went and looked at a Kubota L3010 this morning and ended up buying it. Here's a couple of pictures.

Mileage

Week 3 of my increase to running 6 times a week and increasing my mileage. Actually feel pretty good. Stopped doing speed work. This actually gives me more energy for the daily runs, and the average pace has dropped. I still go real slow on the golf course by myself. If need be though, I am able to keep up with speedy and Pointzone on their easy or recovery days.
Next week I'll cycle down on mileage, a little. 3 more weeks and then I'll start back with the speed training. Probably just hills to start. Then some tempo one day and 200's another day.(Allen Ethridge workout)
11.2 race at Percy Warner Park, tomorrow. This is just a fun run. Be cool to see how the fast folks attack the hills, probably just the once as they zoom by on 3 mile hill. Going to be cold and windy, with a chance for snow. Love running in PWP. Just need to have a little left to do 15 miles at Spain Hill with Paul on Sunday.

tractor

Going to look at a tractor this afternoon. I know zero about tractors. Bob, would like to have a small tractor for the farm. He's been looking, but doesn't really know if the small compact tractors will get the job done. Talked with his cousin last night and thinks the John Deere 755 will work. Think that't the one we're going to go see.
The farm has lots of rocks that need to be moved, a pile of tobacco stalks to be reduced and a pond to rebuild. The compact tractor should work. Only difficult thing will be to get someone to deliver it and all of the implements.
Well, change of plan. Bob has decided he doesn't want a wieny tractor. He wants a 30-40 hp tractor, bigger than the compact tractors. Oh, well. I think the compact tractor would have been adequate.
Stopped and made a pitstop at Cannonsburg this morning in the middle of my run. Forgot about all of the old tractors behind the chapel.(Paula and I were married there in 1985) They have a collection of unrestored tractors from the early 20's through 1950. Pretty cool, basically just a giant engine hooked to a giant differential with a seat on top.

Pictures

Weekend is here. Think I'll try to get some pictures posted to the page. Slept in this morning, that is until Lance woke me up a 5:30 am. Time to get going anyway. I'll take his picture, get one of Paula and find a current one of the boys.

Plan is to post old and new pictures. We've got boxes of pictures that need to be organized. I haven't found out how this page does pictures, size limits and such. This blog thing is all new to me.

Post script: Should any of the pictures on this blog belong to you and you do not want them posted, let me know via email. I google most every picture to add a little color to my blog.