Nice 10 mile run yesterday...

Now this will not happen often in the next few months, but yesterday was beautiful outside. The temps in the upper 40's and no wind. What a great day for a long run.

Per the new Garmin, i ran 10 miles at a 8:14 pace. Much faster then i intended but it felt natural and maybe i am picking up some speed. My weight issue seems to have subsided from adding a few pounds. Could be the season w/combination of quitting smoking.

Anyway, the garmin still has a few kinks to work out but man, is it a nifty little tool!!!!

Start the video it makes a cute little soundtrack, if you're still reading

Anyway, the biggest Christmas surprise was having my oldest daughter, Allison, with me for the holidays. This was the first christmas with us. She's 12 and i've never pushed for it cause of the distance and i thought it would best to be with her mother most of the time.

This Christmas, she decided to come visit us, and although it was a shock to her mother, we were thrilled. Sure it was a little more stress for the Fun Guv-wicked-step-mom, but she handled it awesome. Since we spend most of the holidays with the Fun Guv's fam, i was a little concerned for Allison's christmas. But she even asked her mom to stay a few extra days passed Chrstmas day. Now really, kids love christmas and even though Allison in 12, she's still a kid, and to watch her sibblings open gifts could have been difficult for her.

It wasn't difficult though, cause Fun Guv's family made Allison part of the family this year. What a treat to watch. And even though i have been part of their family for many years now, Allison was not.

And yes, a 12 year old can be a pain in the a$$ sometimes but Allsion was great and Fun Guv's family was amazing.

Anyway, i think my little self-indulgent, therapy riddled posts are coming to an end with regards to the Holidays.

All things being looked at in perspective and with the Christmas stuff being put away tomorrow, this years holidays have been a change.

After watching the family dynamics more than usual and watching all my children interact for the first time, i think emotionally i was at my breaking point when my in-laws expressed pride in my running and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

It wasn't the garmin itself as much as it was the thoughts behind the garmin.

Additionally and lastly to this post, i am approaching my one year anniversary of running. 1/7/2006 for the record, i threw on a pair of sneakers and ran my first mile, sorta, tipping the scales somewhere between 245 and 250 lbs.

How do you measure a year in a life?

Inches, miles, laughter, strife.....Love?

thanks for reading....

No new running stuff.... but to continue my post-christmas string of post(s);

i still am amazed when i receive a comment from people just searching the internet for stuff. George, thanks for the comment. Keep up the fight, and hopefully more and more survivors will be found. My efforts with local ACS and Relay for Life have taught me so much about support and community. Also, my page-a-day calender today mentions that per capita, americans volunteer more time than any other country.

Movin' on

Saturday was my day with Dad and rest of the family. My Aunt Jane, see previous post, is actually the ex-wife of my Uncle Dave, my dad's brother. They've been divorced about 20 yrs but she has always been part of the family. She helped Mom through her cancer. She never misses a birthday card for the kids and even throws a couple dollars in the card for them.

She has told me it's cause their grandmother can't, so she does. It's small, but means so much cause she's always just done it.

My Uncle Dave was always the uncle i was most familiar with. He's stands about 6'5" and to a small child he was bigger than life, and still is to my inner child. Alas, he's had his share of personal demons to deal with, and seems happy living in Grand Rapids area, but we rarely see each other.

He was able to attend our family Chrismas on Saturday. Unfortunately his wife could not, but he was there. As we all got ready to leave, i wished him a happy Christmas, knowing Christmas Day was still two days away. He replied, it already is, cause he was able to spend it with his family. Fun Guv thought he was choking back a tear as he said it. The moment touched me greatly. Like i typed earlier, we rarely get to see each other.

Anyway, back to Aunt Jane. She took the moment to give Uncle Dave and gift to give to their Granddaughter. It was small token, but on his way back to GR, he was stopping at their sons to visit for Christmas and see his granddaughter. It was a little impromptu, ok very impromtu, so he was unprepared to take anything.

i don't think any smaller gesture could be any more meaningful. An ex-wife to give a gift to an ex-husband to give to their grandchild. Fun Guv and i are both children of divorce, so we've seen the worse-case scenarios.

This wasn't it. This was no pretense. How many ex-es would have used this moment against another ex? How many ex-es would have used this moment as leverage to play favorite?

She didn't, and that's why Aunt Jane is Aunt Jane, and not ex-Aunt Jane. That's family.

Just a couple small moments that made this holiday season different.

More to follow....

thanks again for reading, through my terribly self-indulgent therapy riddled post(s)

Garmin 305 update:

Well, it went for a little 5 miler yesterday evening and i gotta admit to loving the new tool. i haven't done anything with the HR moniter yet, but the stats provided were totally helpful.

As i use it more, i can see it really being the perfect tool to hit my goals for the year. Now, it's all on me.

Needless to say, thanks to Fun Guv for the guest post after Christmas for the stock photo of the new Garmin. i really do have the best in-laws in the world.

It was a complete surprise. Even Fun Guv had no idea.

I had been looking for a used 201 on ebay.

Rarely does a gift emotionally touch me. Christmas itself has been a difficult time for me since my mother passed away.

Since the blog is a journal of my thoughts, i thought i would try to type why Christmas is hard in this post. Plus if you are still reading beyond my running update, you must be friend and i enjoy sharing... maybe it's therapy??

My mother, Jewell, was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer late 90's. Merkel Cell Cancer. It strikes mostly fair-skinned and red-headed people, of which, Jewell was both. Typically, on the shoulders and higher. It is/was hard to diagnose early because the growths begin under the skin, spread like a stawberries, and then poke through the surface. Initially, like pimples, except keep growing.

Another link

Anyway, eventually, hospice took over and Mom was sent home to try to enjoy her final weeks. I get that all cancer is bad. There is no worse diagnosis for anyone. And i am glad for friends and family who have battled their cancer successfully. But unlike many cancers, Merkel Cell is extremely visable, and as it grew, overtaking mom's face, to the point one eye swelled shut, she became a shut in, embarrassed to leave the home due to her appearance.

Christmas Eve 1999, we had our last family Christmas together. My sister and i, see dumb video from my dad's Christmas two posts ago, stayed at Mom's that night with spouses, and at that time, one kid each. Christmas morning we exchanged gifts. btw...we gave mom a new robe she never got to wear and a batch of homemade chocolate chipcookies, she ate those. Mom started to get a headache and to his credit, her oncologists came out to see her. He was prepping us for an extreme turn and offered to give Mom something for the pain.

She refused cause she didn't want to be a zombie on her last Chrismas. How's that for gumption?? It was fairly shortlived though... Soon after the Dr's visit, Mom went to bed to rest and never left the bed again.

Mom's body held on for a couple days after that. The hospice workers were great. My bank made me go back to work in Detroit, 'cause of the Y2K panic. So i received a call from my Aunt Jane that Mom was gone.

Anyway, oddly enough, Dec 31st 1999, the biggest party in a millenium, where was i? Funeral. Me, ...Mr. Biiiiiig Party.... Belushi-esque in reputation....

Anyway, since then, Christmas, is always the day i remember as my mothers last day. i put on a good show for the kids, i mean c'mon it's still Christmas. But it's never been the same.

This Christmas was little different though... more on that next... and not 'cause of the Garmin either.

but for now...

thanks for reading

I have the best in-laws in the whole wide world

Needless to say I was in shock when I opened my christmas presents and found this...

Anyone know how to use it?

Bob? RR? Anyone?

Right now it's just a real expensive watch. I think I've gotten it figured out, just haven't had a chance to use it though.

Gonna take it for a test run, hopefully tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it goes.

Christmas fun!

Just goes to show that you're never too old to play with Barbies. Mike & Kim (his sister) relived some childhood memories by playing with our neice Sydney's new Barbie before she got a chance to. Of course you know you've seen everything when they give Barbie a dog that poops and her a poop-picker-upper!

A Zen Moment... or two....

Arcaner tagged me with an interesting tag. Since i read his last update at my office. Again, 'tis not the season for a new mortgage. i have some time today, i have a client with an appointment for 1:30-2:00 ish, yippeee!!

Anyway, the nearest books in my office are things like; Who Moved Your Cheese?, The One Minute Sales Person, StressBusters, etc.... Little inspirational books, none of which are 123 pages long. Then i remembered a book i am never without. It's kinda a thing for me. That's right, the nearest book to me with at least 123 pages is....

"Road Atlas" by Rand McNally

Is this a book? Let's assume so, but as there aren't things like sentences, or paragraphs, or diction, or such... what can be on page 123??? Actually it's a map, duh it's an atlas, on 122 & 123...

Ontario, Canada... who lives in Ontario???...Arcaner

Where's Tommy Chong when i need him.... "FAR OUT, MAN"

Why do i always have a road atlas? So i always know where i am headed.

Cue sounds of multiple fingers being snapped, or ice tea being stirred.

Thanks for reading

No one is safe from Fun Guv's candid camera...

Alas, poor Jimmy is too young to realize the embarrassment of being secretly video taped by his mother. He was auditioning for his sister. American Idol....here we come.

...Or Dancing with the Stars....i've been teaching Jimmy some nice moves, eh?

Unfortunately, i've been too busy at work to update much lately, ha ha, righhhttt. Like eveybody wants a new mortgage for the Holidays. No, it's been more of a crappy computer fighting me at every attempt to post something new..

Anyway, on to the running update.

i have a 3 day streak going of 8, 4, 4.5 miles. Not sure if i can go much longer due to scheduling around Christmas. In the next 5 days, 3 evenings are tied to office/family parties and the other nights are nights of bartending. I'll try to squeeze in a short run or two.

i think i can get a nice Christmas Eve morning run, and i can't wait for the look on Fun Guv's face when i lace up the shoes Christmas day. So much for a surprise now as she is sure to read this.

i never have learned to ask for forgiveness instead of permission. major flaw, but at the tender age of 38, not one to easily change.

I would like to get another 4-8 miles in this week to get back to the 20 + miles a week routine. Weather has been great for early winter, and i haven't been nearly hit by a car in a week.

My new years resolution, stop punching, kicking, yelling, whatever... at cars that nearly hit me. It's true, i'm gonna be a kinder, gentler Mike. After all, What would Dean do? Doesn't that sound a lot better on a runners wristband than Livestrong?

From now on i'm just gonna smile and wave. honest. i mean it. But it's a new years resolution, so you never know....

And i have taken the smoking counter off the blog. Cause, i don't think i need it. i'm still not smoking, although i did have a few smokes over a few beers last weekend. OK not a great thing, but a great thing was that i didn't rush out and buy smokes after having a couple. A month ago, no way, i'd be on my second pack by now.

Lastly, i have a running partner. Fun Guv has cousin who lives close and has decided to start running. So, i have been helping him find a running store for shoes, finding websites to assist his running questions, and we have gone out twice this week running together. He has a bit of an athletic background, so i am sure i'll be eating his dust soon.

For now, the company is great, and although we've taken more walk breaks than i usually do, the pace has been a pleasant, build a base, pace. He's already talking of marathoning at the Bayshore and Chicago. He watched a little of the DVD from Chicago and fell in love. Not with me, the Chicago marathon....

...Could be he figures this guy, me, 15 years older and out of shape did it, so can he.....

Cause that's what i'm all about, y'know making the world a better place for the next generation....

Thanks for reading, watching, listening, etc....

Just playing with YouTube




He sure does make his daddy proud!!! Wonder if he's got the gay gene.

Thanks Santa, for the advice to stop eating his cookies and milk

Welcome to the Santa at the Henry Ford Museum. Fun Guv snapped this shot as he scolded me for the trail of crumbs he found leading to our bedroom from the kitchen.

Additionally, after being scolded by Animal for wearing white ice skates, i guess after Labour, canadian spelling, eh, Day, and not being manly enough. Since this comes from a man who used to Perm and Frost his hair, i'm feeling a little insecure.

So i give you a favorite new holiday tradition, Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village. See, they loan, skates to you there. Loan, get it...you walk into the tent, and someone hands you skates based upon size. But in addition to the effeminite skates, there was....

...chestnuts truly roasting on an open fire, real living reindeer, awesomely the real Santa who seemed to know all the children's names, carolers, brass bands, a blue grass band, Model T rides equipped with the same heating devices used in olden time, ie a blanket, and fireworks to end the evening. What great event to attend, sorry bout the ugly skates.

Anyway, it rained a lot yesterday, but it was fairly warm for December and so....a nice 5 mile run. i seem to have selected a training program which begins February 5. As the date approaches i'll put more of the plan online. i have cautiously selected what appears to be a fairly aggressive schedule, but it only calls for 16 weeks and 3 days a week. So it can adjust easily to real life.

Since, i have no dreadmill, i can't wait to start doing some speedwork in, gasp, February. What are the odds we'll have the two warmest February's on record in a row?

Right now the plan is to enjoy the holidays, get concerned about diet after the new year, maintain a steady 20-25 miles a week. Hit the new schedule running long and slow.

Smoking hasn't been a concern at all lately. This is normally where i screw it up. i have to remember to update my counter, that's been the biggest thing.

Thanks for reading

Man it was a cold saturday.

So i haven't mentioned that my step-mother-in-law, for the sake of ano...annom...anominity.... errr....privacy, let's call her Lady Addy, bought me a gift for finishing my first marathon.

A book called "I run therefore I am, Nuts". Anyway, it's a collection of essays by a guy who lives in the Detroit area. It's very funny, to me, and to other runners, but to the non-running majority of people, laughing about tapers, shoe fetishes, pace and streaks, not too funny...'cause they don't get the lingo. And so a review for those of you who have not read it

So although Lady Addy is interested in reading the book when i am done, i am not looking too forward to deciphering the code for her.

Secretly, i believe, Lady Addy wants to run. She dreadmills a walk a few times a week, and shows interest in the mentality of running. And although i encourage her to see her doctor and go real slow, she just replies, "ooh, i can't run"

Yes, you can!!

Since marathon training is, for me, 16 weeks, or 112 days long, i have some time to pick a plan. i figure i have about 45 days to not worry and run to just...run. This is really why i first started. To get off the couch. To meditate. To get into a less round shape. For me, this is the "base" that has led to pushing to further limits.

So from a meditative, pondering view. As running yesterday, and Saturday for that matter. i noticed some new artwork spray-painted on the sidewalk.

"KKK"

WTF??? Really, why??? Did you know at "The Palace of Auburn Hills" there is no KKK row? The rows letter AAA, BBB, CCC,.... JJJ, LLL? Why no KKK? 'Cause it's offensive.

So, really, in a state where Affermative Action, Gawd that spelling just looks wrong, was recently on the ballot, and AA was rejected for University admissions and Government employment cause we have come soooo far as a society, why do i see "KKK" spraypainted on the sidewalk, of my predominently lily-white neighborhood?

And, kinda funny, peculiar way... After reading through some interesting, sections of the New Testament, i'm not too sure if Jesus would be thrilled with the way we celebrate, or even that we celebrate, his supposed birthday. The parables are nice though.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING??? READ THIS HEADLINE

Anyway...thanks for reading.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

taken from the John Lennon website, see link above

Dec 01, 2006

Forgive UsDecember 8th is near again. Every year, on this day, I hear from many people from all over the world who remember my husband, John Lennon, and his message of peace. They write to tell me they are thinking of John on this day and how he was shot and killed at the prime of his life, at age 40, when he had so much life ahead of him.

Thank you for your undying love for John and also for your concern for me on this tragic anniversary. This year, though, on December 8th, while we remember John, I would also like us to focus on sending the following messages to the millions of people suffering around the world:

To the people who have also lost loved ones without cause: forgive us for having been unable to stop the tragedy. We pray for the wounds to heal.

To the soldiers of all countries and of all centuries, who were maimed for life, or who lost their lives: forgive us for our misjudgments and what happened as a result of them.

To the civilians who were maimed, or killed, or who lost their family members: forgive us for having been unable to prevent it.

To the people who have been abused and tortured: forgive us for having allowed it to happen.

Know that your loss is our loss. Know that the physical and mental abuse you have endured will have a lingering effect on our society, and the world. Know that the burden is ours.

As the widow of one who was killed by an act of violence, I don't know if I am ready yet to forgive the one who pulled the trigger. I am sure all victims of violent crimes feel as I do. But healing is what is urgently needed now in the world.

Let's heal the wounds together.

Every year, let's make December 8th the day to ask for forgiveness from those who suffered the insufferable. Let's wish strongly that one day we will be able to say that we healed ourselves, and by healing ourselves, we healed the world.

With deepest love,

Yoko Ono Lennon

New York City 2006

i seem to have been abandoned by my muse

Not sure why, but again i've been a dull blogger.

i think the car, sewer, holiday combo of stress may have taken me out of good blogging mode.

That's O.K. Things are looking up as Fun Guv and i are know proud owners of a new-used Town & Country. Fun Guv is thrilled to have a new car/minivan.

The sewer/basement will work itself out, just part of being a homeowner. The dirt mounds are beginning to settle, by spring all will be right for landscaping.

Fun Guv is adjusting to cold weather running better that i thought she could. Her mile run is getting quicker and soon i bet she'll be adding a little more distance. i think there's less walk in her run/walk now as well.

As Jesus is the reason for the season, i've jumped ahead again in my bible reading and have gone straight to the New Testament. i'll go back to Isaiah later.

i've had some trouble with my blogger lately. Mostly work related computer/filter stuff. Sorry i have been unable to always comment to other blogs when i've liked. Of course i should be working.

Anyway, as we approach Dec 8th, i've been a little focused on John Lennon. i found this and i'm not sure if i am more amused by the appearance of Bill Bonds from 26 years ago or struck by his commentary on Dec 9th.

For the record; i do own a gun, a 12 gauge, from my deer hunting days of yore. The gun is at my fathers house.

What else can go wrong???

Anyone ever have their sewer collapse? Not fun. Although Jimmy seemed to enjoy watching a back-hoe dig a 10 foot trench through our entire yard, Fun Guv and i had to cry.

See, we have a huge tree in our front yard, and apparently the roots had finally destroyed any semblence of terra cotta plumbing running to our city hook-up. And while the advantages to your front yard being a septic field results in greener grass, the back up of sewage in the basement...not so nice.

Let's just say the neighbors are panic-y that they can be next, and woe to the listed for sale home, since every car driving through our neighborhood passes our home..

How's this for home value?

But all is not lost, as it will take time for the mound of filled ditch with new PVC plumbing to fill and compact. So now we have a 3 foot mound through our entire front yard. It will be a slow process as our ground is clay. And since the season is changing we will not be able to landscape until spring. Whooppie!!!

Additionally, looks like my running habit may have practical uses, as yesterday the head gasket, on my car blew. So i am carless, until we figure out how to pay for a new car after paying for a plumbing job from hell. Or a dig to hell.

At least i can run to and from home and the office at an under 8 minute mile pace.

Or at least could, until using lame excuse of stress to buy smokes, cause i'm made of money and the extra 5 bucks wouldn't have made a dent in the 1000s of dollars in new bills.

Oh, it's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!

Thanks for reading

Great Post Race report....

i'm thinking we've got a good team here with Fun Guv subbing in a post race report.... but people where's the love? My bride needs a little feedback. i'm sure somewhere in my 10's of readers, or just 10, or less, someone could validate her.

Writing on validation, RR; glad to hear you are feeling better. The Vike's may cause a little less puking than the Perc's. i've been given both and i got a little woozie from the Perc, not a drug to take and then go to the office btw....

Vike's... not a big deal. i had the big ones and could still enjoy a beer or two. Not a recommendation mind you, just my personal experience.

Anyway, the race was fun. As i was hoping to PR, i set out quick. i didn't realize there would be a split mat and after looking at my watch, and realizing halfway took only 22-23 minutes, i knew a PR was in the bag. So, i slowed down a little, relaxed enjoyed the surroundings.

i was shooting for 50 minutes, but as i returned to Fun Guv and the kids, around mile 5 and ran over to high 5 Mack and Jimmy, it hadn't been 40 minutes yet. I was seriously flirting with breaking the ever elusise 8 minute mile mark.

Anyway the smoking thing is going good. i've noticed a slight increase in weight, but as long as i stay under 210 through this proccess, i'll be o.k. Also with the holidays on the horizon, i figure i can start the new year worrying about diet. i'd like to hit the Bayshore about 185-190.

Toughest thing about smoking...Monday mornings...after being in the bar all weekend tending, i seem to get itching for a smoke from all the exposure to smoke in the air.

Thanks for the support on the stopping, not sure if it's helped, but i feel faster.

thanks for reading

The Turkey Ran the Turkey Trot!!!

And it was a PR

Fun Guv here. Mike's schedule is just so jammed packed this holiday weekend he hasn't had time to post about his fabulous Turkey Trot experience. Someone has to fight with the outside lights & decorations and get them up, though the big challenge this year was not highlighting the 3' tall by 15' long pile of dirt in our front yard. I'm sure he'll post about it soon, it's driving him nuts.

Anyways....the trot info. He said the route was nice, he liked it and he got a nice sweatshirt for his efforts. There were a ton of runners this year, more than I think they ever imagined would run it ~ the fact that it was a relatively balmy upper 30s lower 40s end of November morning probably had nothing to do with it. His only complaint was the end of the race...1. you had to walk a little ways from the finish line and go inside Cobo Hall to get your post-race water etc and 2. they didn't have enough post-race replenishments available. He was only able to get water after waiting in a line. The power ade (or whatever brand it was) was all gone by the time he got there, it probably didn't help that they weren't overly securing the line and people who were there to meet up with runners were helping themselves. Plus the umpteen trillion 5K runners got there first and pretty much wiped it out. No offense, but don't you think those who ran 10K maybe needed the replenishment a little more than the 5K runners???? But other than that small thing it was a very well organized, nice little 10K.

His stats...he's quite proud of these....

10K total time 48:36 which equals a 7:50 mile (wahooooo!)

His split was 22:18

He was number 795 out of 4,968 overall 10K runners and in his age group # 102 out of 370

He was so darn speedy all I could get was a picture of him going by in a blur! This is just past the 5 mile mark ~ almost done!

Actually I do have another picture just before the 1 mile mark (it was directly across the street from the 5 mile mark, which is where the kids & I were sitting). Since he rode down to the race with my uncle and was going to have to come find us when he was done running we decided to bring a couple of our cowbells so we could ring them and he'd know where we were (pretty smart huh?) I told him we'd be right in front of either the State Theatre, the Fox Theatre or the Hockey Town Cafe, but when we got there I saw a huge open spot right on the curb on Woodward on the I-75 overpass, how could I pass it up? We were only right across a side street from Hockey Town, it's not like I was too far off.

The cowbell did it's job, he saw us! A couple of the other runners got a big kick out of it as well ~ notice the guy right behind him ~ Mike screaming that he needed more cowbell was also pretty amusing. Of course we got some really strange looks and questions from the people sitting all around us.

I don't think the kids will be up to getting up at the butt-crack of dawn just to watch dad run again anytime soon. I honestly can't say I'd blame them ~ they look like a couple of homeless street people. But they did enjoy the parade and for being outside in the cold so bright and early they were very good and honestly didn't complain even once. Maybe we can make this an annual tradition in our house.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!






I dare you to watch the whole thing. You know I'll be listening to the whole thing at least once on turkey day....it's a tradition (one that Fun Guv just loves)

Here you go Scott, thanks for the tag.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
hmmm, should i shave?

2. How much cash do you have on you?
$140 ~ don't ask me why, i just do

3. What’s a word that rhymes with “DOOR?”
whore ~ it's the first thing that came to my mind and i was looking at my wife

4. Favorite planet?
:-( It was Pluto, those bastards...Planet of the Apes is pretty cool, Planet P had lots of MTV air play in the 80s with "Why Me", Interplanet Janet is a galaxy girl

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
Fun Guv

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
Stars & Stripes Forever

7. What shirt are you wearing?
Kiss Destroys Tiger Stadium, bummer Scott so sorry they ran out

8. Do you “label” yourself?
yes ~ all the world is a stage and we are merely players
or i guess in the simplest terms you label us as you see us...a jock, a beauty queen, basket case, nerd, the criminal. i guess that's how we see ourselves

9. Name the brand of your shoes you’re currently wearing?
i'm not wearing shoes, but the ones i just took off were my old Nike Air Pegasus

10. Bright or Dark Room?
yes, or actually a white room with black curtains

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
he needs to figure out how to use his cell phone and he's a great kisser

12. What does your watch look like?
It's shaped like RJ from Over the Hedge and has a ringed tail furry band that velcro's around my wrist ~ very chic

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
basking in the after glow of, you know, stuff

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
Welcome to Verizon Wireless

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?
18 Mile & Hayes ~ right around the corner

16. What’s a word that you say a lot?
c'mon

17. Who told you he/she loved you last?
Fun Guv

18. Last furry thing you touched?
Schubert

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?
2 ~ caffeine & nicotine

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?
what the hell is film?

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
still working on that, I'll tell you when I get there

22. Your worst enemy?
myself or my bride or bizzaro mike from the opposite universe or maybe just punctuation

23. What is your current desktop picture?
Schubert

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
i have a laptop not a desktop

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
fly ~ I'd rent myself out and make a million bucks
oh wait, how good am i at landing? don't want to be mr. hinkley on greatest american hero

26. Do you like someone?
i hate people

27. The last song you listened to?
The Freshman by Verve Pipe, it was on the radio

28. What time of day were you born?
I don't remember, it was so long ago

29. What’s your favorite number?
3 it's the magic number

30. Where did you live in 1987?
Tate Hall at CMU

31. Are you jealous of anyone?
sure

32. Is anyone jealous of you?
why? what is there to be jealous about? oh please, covet my life

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?
Room dad in Mack's kindergarten class. Didn't know anything happened until the kids went to music and we were told to turn on the tv.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
i don't know, it's never happened

35. Do you consider yourself kind?
well, i think you have to be cruel to be kind in the right measure so i guess that's a yes

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?
my upper arm/shoulder

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?
german would be good so i could finally understand the words to 99 luftballoons ~ i know luft is not really red. vulcan would be nice so i could understand what mr spock's first name really is
eskimo's have 17 words for snow so i'm kinda curious about that too

38. Would you move for the person you loved?
yes and that was a smart move on my part

39. Are you touchy feely?
i guess.

40. What’s your life motto?
eat drink and be merry for tomorrow at least ye may die ~ saw it on the wall of a sanitarium near where i grew up

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times?
there are no 3 things i have on me all the time, i'm a minimalist

42. What’s your favorite town/city?
traverse city

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
a soda ~ diet coke and a hershey bar with almonds

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
uh......you're assuming there was a first time

45. Can you change the oil on a car?
yes

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?
she thought about crashing my 20 year reunion

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry?
you rat bastards, throw that in my face again, you know i'm adopted

but i do know my grandfather (not my great-grandfather) fought in the spanish-american war, he was born in 1870

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?
a tux for the kings ball back in april

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now?
no

50. Have you been burned by love?
who hasn't?

Nitmos tag, you're up!

O.K., RR wants to know how i did a marathon and at a fairly good time and my lungs didn't explode.

It's a little tough to explain. i trained just like everyone else did. i just smoked. Totally dumb, i get that... and really, i kept waiting for some epiphany moment of lapsing into a coughing fit and throwing the smokes away, forever, well before my 20 mile run.

It never happened. As a matter of fact, i was so nervous before the marathon, i had a smoke at the hotel before heading downtown.

i'm as surprised as anyone about my time, but... i am a little bit taller than most runners, my strides are longer, i don't think i work as hard as say someone 5'6" to run the same distance. Sorta like NBA centers, a person can't train to be 7 foot tall.

i do recognize the problem and i am trying. Thanks for the support.

So, anyway, i hate traffic and rude drivers. We all do as we, runners, have to occasionally dodge cars, trucks, SUVs, etc...

i, like most i imagine, run on the sidewalk opposite of traffic so i can see traffic as it heads toward me whenever possible. So once again, last nite, here i am in the middle of a lit parking lot entrance to the local high school, and a stupid woman in a minivan slams on the gas to turn into the parking lot quicker than i can cross. i am partially through entrance before she starts her turn. Unbelievable....and frightening...

So as momentum carries me into the side of her minivan. i have two choices:

1, try to stop, unsuccessfully and run into the side of her van, face first, or;

2, throw my foot up into the side of her van and try to push back to avoid getting run-over.

Guess what i choose?

And yeah, i hate to admit, it felt a little satisfying to not only defend myself from physical harm, but to see the jump in the woman, and the van for that matter, as i kicked against the van to throw myself back.

it was a little louder than expected...

it left a little bit bigger dent than expected...

Cause i'm a little bit taller and heavier than a lot of runners, and i seem to go at a good clip...so i am reminded of two laws i learned from high school, oh the irony, physics class

Force= Mass X Acceleration

For every action there is an opposite but equal reaction.

As i continued along the sidewalk, i wondered how she would explain this to her husband. i just kept running. She didn't stop for me and i didn't feel like stopping for her.

"i hit a runner in the crosswalk, in a well lit area"

"So, you hit a pedestrian?"

"yeah"

"and you think we're going to file an insurance claim?"

Thanks for reading

RR....hope the scope goes/went well.

Back to Running

Yesterday was a wonderful 10 miler. My kind of run as the weather was a brisk 40 something out and the wind was out of the north.

So, off i go. Shorts, a running T, and a sweatshirt, out the door for what i hope will be about an hour and a half.

It's so amusing to watch the snow begin to fall in the middle of a long run. i wasn't sure what i laughed at more. The idea of running through another long winter or the looks on drivers faces as they drove by me. Some idiot out in shorts running North, against the wind, with snow falling.

Finished in about and hour and 13 minutes. That just sounds too fast, but i remember the time 10:55 when i headed out and the clock read 12:08 when i returned. That seems real fast to me and at the time it didn't feel like i was running faster. The route was my consistent 10 mile route for marathon training, and it had always taken at least 1:20 in the past.

There could be something to the notion of not smoking....except... i bartended and a huge group came into the hotel. All 20 something's, all sport biker's, all smoking and celebrating a birthday. Man... after an hour of inhaling 2nd hand smoke, i was going nuts... it was so unbearable... first chance i could i bummed a smoke...tasted like crap

Movin' On

Thursday, in addition to being the one day i can play Alice's Restaurant on our stereo, will be the Turkey Trot, downtown motown. Right before the parade. It should be a fun 10 k. As this will be the 2nd ten k i've ever done, i'm hoping for a PR. Fun Guv has an uncle who is going to run it. We're making plans to head downtown together. It'll be his longest race. He just started running and has done a 5k.

Very impressive, though. To take on a new sport at the age of mid 50 ish, like running. Sorta inspirational in it's own way. i thought taking on running at 37 was tough.

Luckily, he won't be kicking my ass just yet. i should have plenty of time to finish, grab a water, maybe a banana and settle in to watch and cheer for Uncle Earl to finish.

Thanks for reading

Football is just a game

This man was the entire state of Michigan. Everything good and bad, whether a MSU or UofM, or any...,everybody in between..., wrapped in a human body.




Rest in Peace

God Bless Bo

Not the best, but what really happened to Bo?

Confession of a Running Blogger

i'm not a gear-head. When it comes to my car and motorcycle, i usually have someone who is handy work on my machines. However, there is one thing i learned about engines when deciding on new pipes for the Harley. See, baffles not only restrict noise but also the air flow, hence loud pipes for after market piping, and so loud pipes do more than save lives, people may not see me, they will hear me. Loud Pipes provide speed.

If any machine is to operate faster. The faster air goes in, and the faster air goes out; the faster the machine.

Well, in this 101st post of my running thoughts of a runner, i've got to come clean to those who read this blog and do not realize that i started running, trained for a marathon, and completed a marathon while maintaining about a half a pack a day smoking habit.

It was just easier to keep smoking.

I remember a college vocal professor had a hand written sign posted on his office door. I never took music classes, but was a member of the music fraternity, ...sad....but social. Anyway, the sign read...

"you can be a smoker who sings, but you can't be a singer who smokes"

I guess some of that statement rings true, cause today i feel like a smoker who runs...

So i am in day 2, of not smoking. Day one was easy, today is a little rough. A big question right now. Is my addiction stronger than my commitment to running faster?

Holy Death Wish vs. Life Wish Scenario Bat-Freud!!!

Anyway, wish me luck, Great American Smoke Out is right around the corner.

Thanks for reading

Well...i had planned on detailing the factors that helped determine that the Flying Pig just will not work this spring. And i was hoping to do so in as diplomatic way as i could, to not incur the wRath of a Running Rabbit, 3R's, appropriate for referring to a school teacher, eh?

Since L*I*S*A let the news out, let me at least confirm that i will be unable to fly with the piggies this spring.

Two huge factors weigh real heavy. First, it is Fun Guv'nor, names ringing a little truer now, lol, and lowly little me, Mr Man,'s 12th anniversary of at least 4 or 5 years of happily being married,... to each other,... in a row

so that's a biggie. it really is and she did not ask me not to run in Cincy. But since she's just starting to run i don't want to burn her out with another big marathon.

The other factor is my daughter, Allison, whom i rarely get to see. She lives up north in the Traverse City area. Since the Bayshore is on Memorial Day weekend, it gives me an extra day in the oh so few and far between weekends and moments we get to spend together.

Now i'm not saying this is written in stone, but it most likely will not be my year to fly with the pigs. And of course, i reserve the right to have strange things happen which will allow for a change. It's my perogative...not as a woman, but as Bobby Brown!!! Not sure what this means, just go with it.

Another thing. L*I*S*A, great???? minds must think alike. So i'm thinking of updating my video's with some home grown Michiganders. And i think "turn the page"!!! Great tune. Bob Seger... Then i see the update of her blog. Good call, but...since i didn't want to appear redundant...or stalker-like...at a whole different twisted level beyond Blogshere,... Let's go with another not so recognized as a Detroiter, but really it makes sense if you've ever visited here... IGGY POP!!!

Next Posts.... Real appropriate if you know what Wednesday is....if not...good for you...besides the first day of Deer Season..... Confession of a Running Blogger!!!

Thanks for reading

First things first:

Gotta give some thought to running today. Fun Guv'nor seems to enjoy the new shoes. She is still working on a run/walk route of about a mile. Good for her. Seems like she has received lots of support from her friends around town.

Also thanks to the RBf'rs out there for the well wishing.

i did a little speed work today. My how many days in a row experiment, ended yesterday. Due to planning around life. It can't all be running, as much as we would all like it to be.

Today though, i went for what started as a little 4 miler. Don't you know as i passed the local high school, i couldn't resist the track and did two laps at 1:35 per. No Yasso 800 here, just a lap, a minute rest and another lap.

Then, a nice run home.

OK.... if you only read for running, go ahead stop here.....

I gotta admit to being tired today from staying up late and watching the voting results. i couldn't be happier. See, even though everything i did or didn't vote for, didn't go my way, i'm very happy with the end results. hint hint...that's called a compromise, Georgie-boy

It's totally short lived as they're all crooks, but give me a day or two to enjoy the feeling of hope. Cyncicism will reign again soon enough, but c'mon give a happy day.

Cause, i love my country and the freedom it allows, and so i present the ultimate compromise....

KID ROCK!!!!

Why Kid??? O.K. unpause the video and i'll explain....

Well, he's an eastsider, and a metrodetroiter. His guitar player is a former classmate from Traverse City. He represents the Detroit area well. We are a little red-necky, we love cars and we love our home and Detroit. We can talk bad about this area, but out-of-towners, keep your mouth shut.

This video was shot at the State Fair Parking Lot. See the State Fair is the oldest fair in the US. i remember listening to Kid on the radio the day the video was shot. He had a couple request: monster trucks, bikers, hot chicks and American Flags. This video was to be shot in detroit on a chilly autumn day, and it was a celebration of the good things in Detroit.

Not bad for a parking lot, on the edge of detroit. Real close to the trendy areas of Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge and Huntington Woods.....

Maybe not... i love my area...but please, out of towners, take a look at the real State Fair neighborhood.

This is my wife's favorite blog, after all the RBF'rs of course, and a reason to cry over the fate of my home. As wonderful as Chicago was, and is; it's such a reminder of what Detroit used to be, and how hard it will be to come back.

Anyway, i nice shot out to Russ. Thanks for Stalking and commenting on the blog recently. Another Bayshore runner. Good For you. Even if i do flying pig something tells me to go "up north" that weekend. Maybe to just lend support. Hell, i might still run it......

Thanks for reading

Fun Guv'nor converts to Running Mania!!!!



Behold, the shoes!!!

Now, like any american husband, i have invested numerous dollars on trendy exercise equipment. As a matter of fact, i have most likely spent less than most, so numerous is an overstatement. We have no eliptical coat racks, or stationary drying racks. At worst, i have a solo-storage rack for whatever holiday decorating materials are upcoming. We also have one adjustable step-stool, which came with an aerobic VHS tape. At least the box said there was a tape, can't say i've seen it.

Anyway, i think the shoes are great. You gotta love shopping for shoes, and being able to chat with the clerk about her olympic tryouts, 100+ mile weeks, running Chicago in about 2 and a half hours vs 4:10:17 and Lance Arm-not so-Strong- as he thought he'd be, all while being helped in a totally postive commitment to help a new runner, in this case Fun Guv'nor, get started in a positive manner. Holy Run On Sentence Batman!!! You ain't seen nothing yet!!!

FG's gonna take the new shoes out for a run today and see how they feel.

Alas, i have voted. i get to bitch. For the first time i can remeber i actually voted for 2, that's right 2, republicans. So, although i favor liberalism, i try to see the forrest through the trees and vote as an independent. Or is it trees through the forrest, i always seem to confuse my metaphors.

As i looked a the ballot in Michigan, it occurred to me, if i wanted to, if could have...

...voted in a manner, that ensured we could all have jobs as independent sales reps, meeting our up-line over coffee at Denny's, and taking the occasional hunting trips together paying our extra stamp for a Dove license, and with that extra money generated and not being used for DNR and Conservation, and it could be used to provide additional funding to schools, and where all the white male teachers can pad their pensions, and since no new science supplies are needed as we now teach intelligent design where else will the money go?

At least i know where to get my new closet organizer...

Thanks for reading...

Outta my Monday Moanin' Mind (i sooo miss reading Bob Talbert)

i've been putting in a lot of miles this weekend. It's been great to run with no thougths of an future marathon or race. i think i'm done with organized running for the year. It's getting a little chillier. So now it's just run for the enjoyment and health.

i've done 4-6 miles every day for the last 3 days and i think i'm gonna push to see how many i can do in a row. i think three more as Thursday starts at 7:30 and goes straight through to midnite.

Needless to say, some quick hits on my thoughts while running:

Being an adopted child let me say that Madonna; kiss my a$$. You want to adopt, great, but i'm not buying the way you are going about it. Also, drop the fake accent. Nobody from Rochester Hills, has that accent. Angelina; i think you've done some great work in Africa, and i believe you have the best intentions. Unfortunately, if adoption becomes trendy for the privelaged, how de-humanizing can it become?

Also, from an adopted viewpoint, Tom Cruise; Kiss my a$$, too. Glad you have a new child, but to call the experience you're greatest moment? Why not call your adopted children, second class siblings, cause where do they stand in your experience as a parent?

My parents are my parents, my sister is my sister, end of story.

i ran mile with the Fun Guv'nor Saturday morning. Run/walk, that's ok. It's been fun.

Kudos to John Kerry for sticking to his guns and not allowing the neo-con chicken hawks, to pervert an apology out of him. Rush, go back to attacking people with parkinsons, and popping pills. Bill, i'm an SP and proud. Go back to your sexual harrassment problems and then tell me how you are founded on christian principles. Unless, your principles deal with crystal meth and homo-erotic rundowns. Mr Kerry, had you shown this same conviction two years ago, you'd be president today. So, not huge kudos, but keep trying to pull the extreme right back to a center. It's getting hard to be so far left.

And being left, let's say hooray to the state of New Jersey. Going back to my viewpionts on gay marriage. i don't view this as legislating from a bench, but making sure eveyone is treated equal. Also why i favor AA policies, alas to the plight of the poor white man. We've had it so rough throughout the history of this nation.

And, regarding the bible, which i am slowly still working through. i found a passage, not sure if it's in Psalms or Isaiah as i'm reading both which says something like; Beware of creating laws that limit the freedoms and favor a group of men, or something like that. It's not a quote, but i'm noticing a different God, as i read the bible, than the one preached about on Sundays, by evangelicals who seem to know that their flock doesn't seem to read.

Lastly, i had lunch with an attorney friend last week. As the elections are soon we discussed our political viewpoints. Thoughout our pleasant conversation we really hit on some middle ground, with regards to fiscal and social policies. Our argument on the middle ground was if our middle ground was left or right. He thought my opinions were soundly based on conservative, although not to the extreme right, values. While i found his beliefs to be liberal, but much more liberal than todays liberals in office.

i think if we had had a beer or two, instead of lunch, we would have solved all the worlds problems.

thanks for reading

So a little construction. No major changes. Just moving and adding and updating my profile.

It's not done yet, but soon.

Anyway, here's the deal.

Flying Pig Marathon is my 12th anniversary, ooops. I mean c'mon 12 in a row, that's the sweaty sock year right???

Now Fun' Guv'nor is totally cool with the occasional running weekends, and believe me, would normally love a weekend someplace new, yeah stunning Cincy, whoo hooo, how 'bout a tour of WKRP, oops tours, that was York PA.

Another positive, ok the only positive to missing the flying pig, is that i would most likely spend the entire weekend singing that damn theme song.....

Baby, if you ever wondered, ....wondered.... whatever became of me, I'm living on the air.....

Oh yeah, someone get me a pickaxe to take out my minds ear.

But stinky runners not quite = romance, Cause i'm such a romantic

Anyway can we make a marathon weekend hold a little romance? Probably not.....

But if everyone pleads with her, she needs validation too, RR.

So it may be the Bayshore

Anyway more to come, still a little dust and sawdust around the keyboard from the rehab

thanks for reading

Final Post First Marathon Thoughts:

First let's say after thinking about the marathon for the last week, i am hooked. Marathoning is a blast, i can't wait to do more. What will be next? Not sure yet, but soon i'll have a plan. RR makes a strong argument for the Flying Pig, and since i might be able to run at her pace, i could spend 26.2 running 5-10 feet behind her. It might just be the best thing to see in Cincy.

Second, we already have room reservations for Chicago next year, but i would like to do a spring marathon as well.

Third, prior to the big run, when Lisa and i were saying good-bye to our sig. others, Fun Guv'nor gave me a hug and a kiss, told me to run strong and then said something i've never heard from her. "i'm proud of you."

This is something i've never heard before. We kiss and hug and say we love each other daily, that's not new. But that she was proud of me. i think more than anything, that statement carried me through any pain i felt during the big run. Thank you, i'm proud of you too, for so many things and i'm sorry i've never told you.

Fourth, meeting all the other RBF'ers at the post race party. What a thrill, thanks Barb for doing the leg work. Thanks to all the other bloggers for being there. And to those of you bloggers who couldn't, 1000 lashes with a wet noodle. You were missed, but i hope you felt the great vibe generated by all the positive thoughts from the meetup, as you made your way home from Chicago.

Fifth, i went for a run Wednesday after the big run. It was a simple little 4 miler. Mostly i ran to work out the kinks left over from acid built up in my joints. It was great to hit the road again. After all, I'M A MARATHONER, it's what we do. WE RUN

Sixth, i need to spend a little time on updating the look of the blog. So rehabbing it may take some time, it may be a longer time between post. Please stick around as i make some subtle changes.

Lastly, i could go on forever with my thoughts of the big run, but i need to stop. Content wise, the blog will remain the same. Thoughts of a runner as he trains for life as a runner, peppered with whatever strikes my muse that day.

Thanks again for reading

Now that i've hit the most embarrassing moments....

Let's go over the best moments:

Wrigleyville....heard a local pep band playing the Superman Overture... how cool was that?

Old Town Chicago.... next huge crowd, crowds were large almost the whole route, but this was another level

Passing the 4:30 group leader...this was tough, lots of folks in this group, but at the 12 mile mark, i had visual evidence of making up time from my #1/#2 break at the two mile mark

Halfway....

.....A picture says a thousand words

Somewhere around 16 or 17 miles when i realized i wasn't tired yet. This was an great moment for me. My strides were long and even, great breathing still. i thought i would be hurting but wasn't...yet

Little Italy, again huge crowds, not as big as Old Town but a great boost, which led to...

Mexican Town, a little bigger crowds, a little louder, another boost, neat moment...guy with tequila shots, with all the fixin's, i admit to being tempted, but no, not today

30K mark...

Again 1000 words here

About here a stitch started but i wasn't going to stop until 20 miles, and

rest doesn't really make a stitch go away, keep going then...

Chinatown, loudest crowds, rowdiest excited folks yet. Funny how the stitch went away here, never to be felt again

Around mile 22 i took my first walk break through a water station, i had slowed down a little at the others this was my first stop to walk. It felt good

The last 800 meters was phenomenal. The roar of the crowd, the excitement. Finding an extra boost of energy, high five-ing spectators. And as i approached the last 200 meters, and was beginning to lose steam, i saw the best site of the entire 26.2

Lisa, MacKenzie and Jimmy in the stands.

i never thought i would see them.

What a boost, crowds and cheers be damned!!

i swear i ran in a vaccum the last 100 meters

Lisa was able to snap this picture at the end.

Then it was time to revel in the moment. Get my mylar blanket and medal, a rub-down and a frothy beverage.

What a day!!!

of course, best shared with friends and family...

Nitmos and i

and with Mac

Thanks for Reading

Next final thoughts after the Big Run

Why a 40 minute 5k to start the marathon?

While i wait for Fun Guv'nor to upload some great pictures of the marathon, let me fess up to an embarrassing moment.

i had to pee.

i had to pee as soon as the horn went off to start. i'm not sure what i did different from any other race, but it was cold. i did have a bottle of gatorade standing in the corral to start, and then, i had to pee.

i thought as i ran it would go away. Noo, not today. It was a bit chilly.

At 2-2.5 miles, i saw a couple port-a-johns, so...

i stopped, and waited in line, and waited, and waited.

As thousands of runners went by...even Lisa noticed me as she went by, waved, and i think, giggled as i stood waiting for my turn, rocking for foot to foot, heavily into pee-pee dance mode.

I swear i thought when i finally got out of the port-o-potty i would be the last person in the race. Less the 10 people behind me in line.

So finally, finally, i get in and start doing my business, when the old churning belly feeling kicks in and i realize it's better here then down my shorts in three miles sooo....a little bit more time to my stay....

eventually....

So now, i'm out hitting the streets again and noticing i'm with the 5:30 pace group.

It may have been a little earlier then expected, but i put the hammer down there. I ran, i had 12 minutes to make up, and thank god, 24 miles to do it in. But, hell, i just had a long break i was good to bust out the longer strides. Plus, there seemed to be a little added bounce in my step.

Being a sub 9 minute miler,it feels great when running with people over 10 minute mile. I felt like i was flying passed people. For the next 18 miles, ran at 8:40 per mile.

I estimate my pace time was increased by 25 seconds, due to the stop.

My goal, make up enough time to be halfway at 2:10, which i did, and finish with a 2:00 second half. I was real close.

At the 12-13 mile marker i ran in front of the 4:30 pace leader. That was a great feeling.

Anyway, thanks Bob, for hoping i was helping another runner at the start. i wish it was the case.

Plus, although i think i may have finished under 4 hours, it's hard to say because i was so focused on slowly picking up time. i might not have pushed so hard had i not had to stop.

Regardless, the race was amazing.

So eventually more details will follow as i get some pictures to post as well.

More less embarrassing details, This tops it for me.

Thanks for reading

MICHAEL PASSMORE | Bib #17412 |
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI - UNITED STATES | Age 38 | M | USA


START 5K 10K 15K 20K HALF 25K
8:16:49 AM CST 0:40:31 1:07:54 1:35:59 2:03:47 2:09:40 2:31:08
30K 35K 40K Finnish
2:59:24 3:28:18 3:58:04 4:10:17

TIME Chip Time: 4:10:17 Clock: 4:28:06 Pace: 9:32

Placement Overall: 14046 Gender: 9924 Division: 1959

Well there's the Stats and i'm thrilled.

What the heck could've slowed me down the first 5k?

After all the 5k's after that were all the the 27/28 minute range. Then i did slow a little after 30k, but what could it have been?

Why so slow?

More on that later and hopefully a pic or two, Fun Guv'nor got a great one as i finished. So glad to see her and the kids at the end.

Chicago rocked, albeit a little cold. It was amazing. More on this later just wanted to put some stats out.

Thanks for reading...

Any advice on how to change my profile as it no longer should look towards my first marathon. additionally, running the marathon was not the hardest thing i ever did. Those things are being a good husband and father. Funny how 26.2 puts life in persepective

Since this is most likely my last post to the blog prior to the big run, i have a few housekeeping items.

Bib# 17412

if you care to stalk my progress from afar on Sunday, that will help.

Also if you are unsure of how to stalk my progress, it can be done through the chicago marathon link. See Chicago 05 video at the right side of the screen.

if you need my full name to do so: Michael Passmore

to the RBF'rs: i do look so forward to the chance to see some of you, before and definitely after the big run. If prior to the race i'll be with the chick with all the graffiti on her shirt. i'm wearing blue shirt, grey shorts. White Duct tape spells out MIKE on the front. My 3 children and Fun Guv in white duct tape on the back. i'm still debating on how to throw an old english D on the shirt.

Thanks: last time to thank everybody, regrets if i miss anyone

to the family for their awesome support,
to all my in-laws,
to my extended family, Lisa, Mark, Scott, Tess, Annette, Steve, Drew, Hans, Lori, Lori-O and Gknee - my brothers and sisters from another mother,
to the Steers, King, Nitmos, and Hitman
to the people in the office, Kay, Carey, Janice, Kim, Rick and Mike- your support through this obsession has been tremendous. Mike your coaching has helped in more ways than i can say.
to Marc St Angelo, my college roommate and a tri-athelete
to the people at Hanson's Running for help with shoes and clothes, advice, and belief that i can do this
to Rich Miiller, not a typo that's how it's spelled, for running with me and being a good friend
to the RBF'rs
to Bob for throwing the link together, good luck, run strong, if i have a final kick in me i'll be thinking of you, and you finishing way ahead and hitting your goal
to Runner Girl, your injury and recovery continues to inspire me to do my best
to Barb, Little Ms Jayhawk, aren't you so far removed from your little medical concern a few months back?
to every blogger, i have stalked for advice and support and a good chuckle,
thanks
to the Mom's of the Mom 2 Mom website
to the Anchor Bay Rotary Club
to the Bloomfield Hills Local Business Network

If i missed anyone, i'm very sorry. Truthfully, every one i've been in contact with over the past few months should be thanked.

As this is my Debut as a marathoner, thanks for the lingo Bob, i'm very geeked to get underway. i have two planned for next year.

Unless, some tix for the World Series fall in my lap today or tomorrow we leave at 1:30. That is the only thing that can stop me now.

Lastly, in addition to all the people previosly mentioned, people whom i wish i could share this event, but, sadly, can't:

My Mom, Jewell
My Grandfather, Donald
My other brother from another mother, Steve

Thanks for reading

Wow, it's only a couple days away.

i guess i'm getting real nervous to start the marathon. It's a truly excitement type of nervous energy. Nothing new to marathoners, but new to first timers.

i'm sure i'll finish. Confidence is everything at this point.

It's more like a nervousness of a teenager looking to lose their virginity.

"what'll happen?"
"will i be forever changed?"
"how long will it go?"

More than likely the first marathon will take longer than the act of losing ones virginity.

Hell, the walk from my office to the copy machine takes longer than that act.

And quite honestly, i probably spent the more time training to lose my virginity than i have for the marathon. but that's another issue.

Anyway, i've read that many marathoners experience a brief depression after euphoria of completeing the run. i'm trying to avoid that by downplaying my excitement at this point.

i think that denying myself to feel great, about what i have done so far, has been a mistake.

i have a dear friend who has been prescribed mood levelers for the past few years. i never equated the negative aspect to them. As long as he didn't get real depressed, and potentially do harm to himself, i was happy for him.

We had a brief conversation about a year back and he explained how the down side to mood levelers was that he didn't get to experience the enjoyment while on them. Life on a even keel meant no extreme low moments, but also no extreme high moments of excitement.

How sad. This moment of clarity, and i understood, or emphasized with his ordeal.

Today, i realize, i have done this to my marathon experience. Now this was another moment of clarity, but no more!!!

i'll risk the depression. i know it may come. i am fore-armed for it. bring it!!!

i refuse to let my fears affect my happiness.

This is one of the largest, most prestigous, marathons in the world. i'm thrilled to no end to have the chance to run in it.

i am so glad to have met other runners online, at all levels of support and experience.

i am so thrilled to have the support of my wife, kids , our family, our friends, the lists is too long, but even friends i hadn't seen in years at my reunion offered encouraging words. And these were people that had never seen me when i was waaayy heavy.

So, Lisa, i'm with you. i'm gonna throw my name on my shirt. i welcome the encouraging words of absolute strangers while i run. i'm ready to let my thoughts be consumed with the big run.

i will run strong, finish stronger, and emerge a changed man. a finisher.

Last training run:

yesterday was 3.25 miles. This is the last run as the final two are technically jogs. 23 minutes, fastest time ever. but i refused to slow down cause i wanted to experience pushing through pain.

Chicago...bring it!!!

So today i'm putting in my number one song video to run to.

Heck nobody, really watches the video, it's just a toy for me to play with....

Sorta like training to lose one's virginity....

Thanks for reading.

Looks like somebody had a little bit of fun at their 20 year high schools reunion!!

And truth be told all these old people graduated from high school together in 1986. What the hell? We don't really look old enough to be 38, do we?
Fine, we do. No reason to placate.

Anyway, allow me to introduce the 1986 senior trombone section. Yep, band geeks. Totally not the coolest area of the school. Now, really it's a little cool to be a chick and play an instrument, but for the fellows... not really.

i wasn't quite Napolean Dynamite, but i was a bit of a lanky, unco-ordinated, pimply, shy, not-too-confident, big Greg Brady fuzzy haired....Crap....Gosh...Idiot....

i think maybe i was Napolean....

Anyway, going left to right we have: Kevin, Missy, yours truly, and Mimi

It was so great to see these guys, and, thanks to modern techno-stuff, so easy to remain in contact now, vs. 10 years ago at the last one. Christ, who even had a cell phone way back then? Let alone email, website, a blog??
This picture was taken shortly after midnite. 10 years ago we posed for a similar picture, and i wanted to recreate it to compare to last reunion. Can't wait for the 25th to do it all again.

i truly had a better time then i anticipated. And big kudo's to my bride. Huge Kudos for doing her best, trophy wife, ratchet up the breast, look hot, yet still remain casual, while we exchanged knowing glances and private mysterious chuckles throughout the evening.

This whole mid-life crisis thing is ruined when you totally love your wife.

So Thanks!!!! Big Thanks also to the organizers of this party!!!! A few people i was actually able to thank in person. If i missed you and you helped in any small way to create a wonderful evening, i so sorry i missed you, but thanks, a million times thanks, my kingdom for a thanks.

Back to Running:Had an absolutely frigid 5 mile run, saturday morning. Wind was out of the west and i ran north and south, in a down and back 5 miles along the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The view was wonderful. The constant side wind sucked real bad. At least, i wasn't rained, or shudder, snowed on. 8 more miles, in runs of 3,3 & 2 and bring it chicago. You're gonna be my new bi-otch.

Looks like i'm going to run the Bayshore marathon in TC next spring. A fellow class of 86'er is looking to run his first marathon at this one. 13.1 miles up the Old Mission pennisula and then back. Go figure, i haven't even ran one marathon and i'm looking to help an old friend get ready for his first.

My Bad:Not sure why, but my last post was terrible. Mea Culpa, and i'll try not to do that again. i was in a bit of a hurry, but still wanted to provide some update. Stupid, stupid, stupid combination. i'm still learning and developing my voice. Thanks for staying through the bad posts.

Tomorrow is my 20 year high school reunion.

i admit to going as just a curiousity. i really only have stayed in touch with one person from my graduating class. one out of 666, well 665 minus me, hard not to forget a number like that.

Anyway, this should be a fun weekend. Nicely, i should be able to squeeze a little 5 mile run at home out of the weekend.

Today was a bitter 3.5 miles. It's been a while since i bundled up in a sweatshirt and, egad, sweatpants. I even through the hoody on.

Man, it was bitter cold. i ran with the wind in my face for the final mile.

At least i had the headphones on to keep my ears warm.

Moving on the Tigers. i watched most of game one of the NLCS. i'm thinking that if the Tigers get passed the A's or vice versa, either team will destroy the National League Champ.

i normally don't watch the NL but the pitching didn't look great for either team.

And with the average pitching those teams have, only 2 two were produced. What are these teams going to do against either staff of the A's or Tiger's?

Of course, i'll favor seeing the Tigers in the World Series.

Anyway, i'll be away for a few days, enjoy the new video.

Can to see what i'll be doing this weekend? go here

thanks for reading

Bib # 17412

There it is. I'm ready to go.

Today was a nice 5 miler. Of course, it rained and was real windy. My kind of run!!!

A new thing i have just noticed about the taper. It's much less miles, but the intensity is back.

i'm attacking these shorter runs with new intensity i haven't ran with for a month. Oh yes, i ran the long distances and ran them with a slow pace. i felt i needed too. It was most likely the correct way to approach them.

i see now that my fear of the taper wasn't physical. i wasn't going to lose my training by running less. i was afraid of losing my intensity. i started last week with the shorter runs at the same pace as the longer runs. This is where i lost my some emotional attachment to the marathon. In some ways i almost felt like my approach to the taper was sabotaging my ability to finish strong in Chicago.

So, i have made a new effort to attack these new shorter runs. Somewhat out of a new curiosity. If i could run the long runs at a slow pace, where is my short run pace now?

Can i finish my three mile runs under 24 minutes? What about 5 miles under 45?

If i can hit these targets, how do i feel? Am i drained or how much better shape am i in, now that i have completed these long training weeks?

Of course, i don't expect any of these short runs to make a difference in my time next week, but i have found a way that keeps my mind of something other then the big run.

I can now tackle the shorter runs with new intensity. The time is where i want, and my head is back in the game.

I hate to jinx the team but.....

How 'bout them Tigers!!! Bless you boys.

Two quick things on my drastic change of appearance from running:

First, i ran into yet another family member who did not recognize me, and

Second, i fear wearing my wedding ring as it fell off in the office last week, just fell of my finger. How odd, eh?
Fun Guv'nor thinks it's just an excuse not to wear it.

Thanks for reading

North Korea has nucular capability...

we think...maybe.... not confirmed but we're real sure....

the ground shook....they said it a underground testing....

But it makes great press....See we told you....

China Agrees...and they're Commies....

Well, it's good to know we are not going to invade North Korea anytime soon. After all, the American Empire only invades countries without nuclear weapons, not nucular. Shouldn't the leader of the free world, hah free, speak correctly. OK, maybe not a requirement, but a good idea at least.

And China...of course they agree. Aside from the socially repressiveness of China, they are our allies. That country now sees everything in hues of green light. Since China relies so heavily on US dollars to maintain their economy, of course they're gonna pooh pooh North Korea.

Truth is... if you look hard enough...nothing has been verified. It looks like nuclear weapons, N Korea says it has nuclear weapons, and if that country is known for anything...it's truthfulness.

If you look even harder. Conventional weapons can create the same results that N Korea claims are nuclear. The test not as strong as most underground nuclear tests have been. N Korea has already screwed up a rocket launching. Our press has already been misled this year about said failed rocket launch.

Failed or not, the first reports of that rocket launch were that the target was Hawaii. That would have been a blatent act of war. If true, and we all know what happens if you attack Hawaii, support for defending our country would have been extremely strong. A true attack response is a lot different than a pre-emptive war.

Look how we reacted to just the notion of WMDs. ok redundant, but you get the point

But, eventually the truth was a failed rocket launch not aimed at the US. The hoopla died down real quick. We didn't really react.

So, now, hhmmmm, isn't it just as easy to believe that N Korea is basically playing extreme Texas Hold'em with us. They've gone all in, and we're debating on getting a chance to see the river?

There is the same amount of evidence to support that claim as well. It just doesn't make for good copy.

i've been a little critical of Ford Motor recently. Looks like they are getting ready to dump some money into the Livonia plant. Although buyouts are coming, at least it looks like they are not giving up on Michigan completely. Let's hope for more good news.

Lower gas prices may increase sales of trucks and SUVs. Dear Lord, we never learn, do we?

Thanks for reading, again my not so much running stuff today, my running blog

Saturday was my last 10 mile run prior to the marathon.

It was nice out. The weather was perfect. Sunny. Warm. No Wind.

As i ran i encountered more runners than i ever had before. Now 10 miles for most people is a long run. Since this is the taper, i ran easily. It was strong and a consistent run. When i returned home i even mowed some of the lawn before showering. It was such a comfortable run.

i guess the taper has me a little emotionally drained. There was no eagerness to hit the road. i missed the nervousness of making a new long distance and pushing myself. 10 miles is a long way and ask me two months ago and i would have been excited to run it. But Saturday....not so much.... Ho Hum, just another middle distance run.

It was nice to run just to run.

Funny, as i ran i noticed a lot of other runners out. More than i had ever seen. i wonder how many, if any, were doing their big 20 miles for the Detroit marathon one week after the Chicago run?

Anyway, thanks to Lisa, i have a new toy to play with by adding some videos to the blog. A few months back, i blogged about favorite songs to run too. That's what i'm working with as the big run approaches.

There's even a brief running reference in this new one

enjoy.

thanks for reading

"what a piece of work is man"

-William Shakespeare

The recovery of the body amazes me. Yesterday was a short 5 mile run. i would have thought it would be a little hard after the 20 miles Saturday morning. It wasn't. It was the best 5 miles i ever ran.

Truthfully, i didn't do more than glance at the clock when i headed out. 7:20 something and a quick glance at the clock when i returned, 8:02.

i felt great the entire run and regardless of the clock, there was no lingering pain from Saturdays 20 miles. If anything, i felt stronger with such a short, eek 5 miles...that's short, run.

Anyway, i started this on Tuesday afternoon and am finishing Wednesday evening. Due to a schedule conflict, Tuesdays day of rest became to Wednesday's 10 mile run and today is now a rest day.

Weather wise i am thrilled as today was rainny and chilly. Last nite was perfect, Sunny and 71 out. There's not going to be many more days like this. Glad i was able to enjoy it.

Just some running housekeeping in today's post. i have to finish quick as today starts the NHL season and the Tigers need to get a win tonite.

Crap, and Lost is finally new. To much on....not enough TV's.

Anyone remember the Taxi episode where Reverend Jim worked a ton of OT to buy a wall full of TV's so he could watch every channel at the same time?

thanks for reading this all too dull, just running stuff post.

"Look.. if you had.. one shot, or one opportunity To seize everything you ever wanted.. in one moment Would you capture it.. or just let it slip?"

-Eminem

In this third chapter to what motivates me to run. Please let me throw some housekeeping. Ran my 20 mile run yesterday morning. Started around nine-ish, throw the watch away for the day, finished around 12:20 ish.

Stopped a few times for some scheduled water and pee breaks. It was rainy, again, like every other of the last few Saturdays, and a little chilly. So i started with a sweatshirt over my running shirt. i lubed up with body glide, had an apple, a carb bar, some water and headed out.

Let's just say with the wind, rain, and having a short 4 mile training run the night before. i am tired. i am really sore. The rain and having wet sweatshirt must have washed to lube away, as my thighs are raw, and i finally got to experience a shower with a raw, bloody nipple.

i got to say, not a big fan of this experience, the shower. The run though was great. i think a couple weeks of taper and recovery and i am ready to go for chicago.

Kudos to Lisa for her great run as well. First of many marathons?

Let me finish this little extended thought my typing that my motivation for running this first marathon is me.

i want to do for myself
i want to do it to show my children they can do anything they set their minds too
i want to push myself, physically and emotionally, harder than i ever have
i want to live in the moment and take the risk
i wnat to do the homework, follow the plan, and rely on a little faith to help me through rough times
i want to compete with myself and do better than i credit myself
i want to finish and realize that i have done something that most people would never attempt
i want to finish and know that i did my best on that particular day
i want to finish

i'm not sure if this really answers what motivates me.

But i hope this helps understand what influences me

"So here I go it's my shot, feet fail me not
This may be the only opportunity that I got"

-Eminem

thanks again for reading

"You've gotten awfully brave, awfully suddenly"

-Ernest Hemingway, from the short story...

The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber

My good friend Lisa, see blog link on the right side on your screen, emailed me recently and asked about my motivation, and what i am hoping to accomplish by attempting to complete the big run.

i'm honestly not sure. However, this question has led to this little series of posts that perhaps provide some insight. Thanks to my Anon. response correcting Marius vs Alexander. First, because i know now if i ever get serious about writing, i need a fact checker. Second, cause anybody who ever sat through Greek and Roman Lit. at Central would enjoy knowing how the professor erred on a big fact.

But, now, let's jump ahead a few thousand years...

Hemingway is one of my favorite writers. Not so much due to his detailed plot and descriptive nature, but rather his tone. For me reading Hemingway was all about the mood. He left out huge amounts of details in his writing, and most of his endings were a bit ambiguous. Mood and tone, though, does it for me. You always know how his characters feel, cause they're always real.

Francis Macomber is one of my favorite, along with Nick Adams (i grew up in the same part of Michigan), characters. Without ruining the ending, although by the title you can figure out what happens, Francis has a few brief true moments of happiness.

Hemingway's code is more obvious in this story than in any other. The details of the code go in so many directions, but for me....

Is it better to live long and unhappy and safe, or is it better to take risks, truly engage in the moment, and be vulnerable?

Also, if i make a decision to take this risk and make a conscious change. How does it affect the people around me?

'Cause Margot really flipped when Francis changed. It's a short story, go read it.

Good thing i don't own a gun, right Fun Guv'nor? Hope that doesn't totally blow the ending. What??!?, Bruce Willis was really dead the whole movie? Who'da thunk?

i think i can finish this little thought and tie all together into a nice little bow with my next post. i just might be able to answer Lisa question.

thanks for reading