Run # 477 - The End of Streak # 1

While I've joked about it in the past and knew it would someday end, I honestly didn't think it would come this soon.

Sunday was my last run on this streak. I say "this streak" because I'll start a new one today but I need to define a new goal of how long I want it to last.

My biggest problem I felt after hitting the year one mark was a combination of things: I stopped training for marathons, slowed down considerably in terms of time, and - perhaps most importantly - I didn't have my sights set on a date to clear like I did when I started this initially.

I have done a terrible job keeping this blog updated as well, which obviously didn't help me any to keep it going, even though I did.

Officially, the number for streak one is 477 days.

Why did it end? I felt terrible pretty much all day on Monday and, as I have done numerous times, decided to fall asleep around 9 pm and go run around 11:30 pm. When did I wake up? Exactly 12:26 AM.

I will learn from this experience and become a better runner because of it.

It wasn't easy, but it was worth every day, every element of weather, every city, and every supporter and person who told me I couldn't do it as well as those who said I could.

So with that I'd like to again thank my readers of this blog, especially the one or maybe two who didn't quit checking it months ago as well as everyone who ran with me.

I'll let the few people who've read this know the new link for Streak # 2 once it is up and I'll leave you with the following:

"To fail is a natural consequence of trying. To succeed takes time and prolonged effort in the face of unfriendly odds. To think it will be any other way, no matter what you do, is to invite yourself to be hurt and to limit your enthusiasm for trying” - David Viscott

Run # 429 - The Fred Norris Run

Ran by Sirius' building today in NYC. Saw Fred Norris get out of a cab on his way to work. I said 'morning Fred' and he said 'what's up dude?'

It was pretty cool.

An Update at Long Last - July 2008

What was once a daily (or an attempt at a daily) blog update has now become a monthly update I guess.

That's ok with me as long as the streak continues...which it does.

No big highlights worth mentioning in the last month...I guess a run in Laughlin, Nevada would have to be the most significant jaunt I made.

For the first time during the streak, I had started a run and abruptly had to stop at .75 miles or so because I ran into a guardrail/dead end; so a new mile had to start and it wasn't fun..around 7 pm in Nevada on a June night.

Upcoming highlights abound, however.

I'm in Minnesota again this coming weekend for three runs and then off to New York City...a run in Central Park there should be pretty exciting.

Until then I'm still running in the dreadful AZ heat...run # 421 is set for Sunday, July 13th.

I am alive and so is the streak....

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know dedicated reader.

I am so far behind in updating the blog I'm surprised you still have a reason to live.

One of these years I'm gonna update it so you can read the glory of run # 383, #384, and #385 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico...including the barbwire incident.

Then there were run's 386 - 391 back in Phoenix, run #392 in Minnesota, and run # 393 in Phoenix again.

Laughlin, Nevada will be the next out of town run I do.

In other news, the SF Marathon has been scratched from my schedule. As I've always said, no headphones allowed, no deal for me.

Run # 382 - The Pre-Mexico Trip Run # 2

A repeat of # 1, an exact duplicate....until I realized I needed to get cash.

So, out of nowhere really, this became the latest/earliest run of the streak.

I started it around 3:30 AM and ran to the bank to use the ATM.

Then I walked to the C-store for a couple of drinks.

Pretty adventurous in my book.

And now it's on to Mexico.

Run # 381 - The Pre-Mexico Trip Run # 1

Tuesday, June 3

Did you miss the dates? I got a lot of reader e-mail complaints so they are back...unless I forget again.

So I'm going to Mexico in about 8 hours at the time of this writing.

Don't want to spend my first day there having to run so I developed a plan.

I'll do Tuesday's run at 11:45 pm...this is it and I just did it.

So tomorrow's run (# 382) will be done around 1 AM or so June 4.

12 minutes for the first run (a hill run)

I'll be interested to see if I do better in a few minutes here.

The blog will be down until I recap runs # 383, #384, and #385, all of which will take place in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Check out the resort. Here is a link.

Thanks for reading.

Run # 380 - The Keisha Run

This one is named after a waitress of mine I once had the pleasure of being served at a local Denny's.

Her name was Keisha (duh) and while running this specific route that night I felt she did a good enough job to earn the naming rights.

So, Keisha, if you ever read this, I hope you're honored.

Run # 379 - The Downtown Phoenix Run

Somewhat of a classic run.

I stopped by the office to lift weights and then tour our beautiful (sarcasm, yes) downtown area.

Ran by a motorhome, a lot reserved for drug dealing, you get the picture.

Also stopped by my friend Vince's loft.

Then I managed to find my way back to the office without incident.

Here's a tip if you're ever bored: go downtown and run around for a while.

It's not boring if you pay attention to the people and sketchy landscape around you.

Run # 378 - The Party Run

Saturday, May 31

Like how I'm adding the date of the run to the blog now since I rarely update it same day?

I knew you would.

I called this one the party run since I passed an outdoor "kegger" on the way.

Runners like me enjoy being hooted and hollered at by drunk people.

I'm thankful for headphones and it always makes me run faster when people yell at me.

Run # 377 - The Diamondbacks Hill Run

Friday, May 30.

After watching the Diamondbacks lose- what their 6th straight? - I went for the hills.

Well, the hill that is.

A late night Friday run.

Typical for me.

Run # 376 - The Migraine Headache Cure Run

Running has often cured headaches for me.

This run was no different.

I barely made it because I wanted to puke to start but I felt better along the way and finished strong.

My reward came in the form of the headache returning even worse. I guess I should have kept running.

Run # 375 - The One Headphone Run

Decided to run to Summer Moon/Sleeping Moon for this one.

An old pair of headphones I realized why I no longer wear were with me.

They kept falling out so I went with just one.

I probably looked pretty odd but the annoyance of the situation led to me running with anger. At least that's what the look on the face of the pizza guy I passed suggested.

Run # 374 - The 20th St. Run

My ambition to run to 16th St. and back was thwarted with a typical decision to only run to 20th St.

In this case I was actually pressed for time and didn't start this run until 11 pm.

The highlight of this one for me was avoiding traffic as, for some reason or another, I stepped out in front of an oncoming car but had a good 4 or 5 seconds to run past it.

Run # 373 - The Forerunner Returns for Aimless Mile Run

I do enjoy running aimlessly whenever I feel like it.

Monday night was one of those aimless nights.

I ran fast by my standards, with about an 8:30 mile, for just over a mile.

Run # 374 on Tuesday, May 27th.

Run # 372 - The No Music, No Watch Mile

A run down to Summer Moon and back where I went "neanderthal style."

I define that as no music and no watch; I enjoy doing this from time to time. Well, not really but when I am too lazy to go back upstairs to get my I Pod and watch, I do a run like this one.

Run # 371 - The Hill Run

If the Hoh Run was a favorite in 2007 (and I think it was for a few months), the Hill Run is a favorite in 2008.

I still think it's funny how small and short it is compared to Nikki's Knocker, and what's primarily funny about that is how I think about it almost every time I run it.

I should try Nikki's Knocker again soon.

Run # 370 - The Blades of Steel Run

I took another timeout from one of the best video games ever to run just over 1 mile.

The streak is alive and well.

Unfortunately so is this blog.

Maybe in the coming weeks/months/years I will find a reason to have an entertaining blog.

In the meantime, thank you for continuing to check in.

Run # 369 - The Sleeping Moon Downpour Run

In an odd turn of events, the weather in AZ went from 112 at the beginning of the week to 54 and pouring ran by Thursday.

It was around 11 pm and raining cats and dogs when I started this one so I chose to run down the water filled street by my house to Summer Moon (that I've re-named Sleeping Moon) lane.

The rain felt great as usual but I was soaking wet by the time I was done.

I'm still not sure if the shoes I wore have dried out, but it was well worth it.

Year One in Review

I'm taking a time out from my current game of Blades of Steel to review Year One. As you may have read, I received a Nintendo Wii for my birthday. The Wii is great for many reasons but the ability to download and play games from my youth is especially tremendous. Blades of Steel is highly addicting and I can't stop playing.

So run # 365 took place in Denver on Sunday and I really wanted to post with some highlights from year one. I've decided I'll post bullet points to make it easier to read through.

• I want to start off by thanking the following people for actually running with me during the streak: Chuck, John,Derek, Erich, Amy, Chris, Steve, Bobby, and whoever I'm forgetting but I think that is it. Also thanks to those who I ran with during the Tucson Marathon and P.F. Chang's Marathon.
• I'd also like to thank my Ragnar Relay teammates. They are Zack MetroMint, Biscuit/Bushman, Chris, Tyson, Paul, Pat, Jerry, Sarah, Panda, Dan, and Dan. That race gave me my best mile time during the streak over more than a mile run when I ran 2.9 miles during my second leg, got passed by a guy with a mullet, finished as strong as I could and ended up puking at the exchange. This was after I slept sitting up in the van and was running on just a few hours of sleep at the break of dawn.
  
• Speaking of the relay, I have to mention and thank Nikki's Knocker for giving me character. I'm not sure I've ever been happier than when I finished that one.

Now on to some more thank yous/ highlights:

• I want to thank John again for telling me I wouldn't make it to 3 months of the streak.
• I want to thank Chuck again for telling me I would make it at least a year.
• I want to thank the cops for radaring drivers by my house. It was fun to run by you and have you look at me with anger.
• The girl who pulled over and yelled something out the window at me was definitely a highlight. I still wonder what she said.
• The drunk girls who yelled something to the effect of "we just saw your life flash before your eyes" as they slowed down to avoid hitting me.

Which reminds me to offer some numbers here:

• Total number of near collisions with a car: 3
• Total number of collisions with a person: 1
  
• Total number of times I fell: 1
• Total number of times I watched Chuck fall into a bush: 1
• Total number of times I puked: 1
• Total number of times I ran in street clothes: 1
• Total number of kills during the relay: 3 or 4
• Total number of times I was called disrespectful: 1
• Total number of times I discovered a snake: 1
• Total number of times I thought about ending the streak: 56

The Hoh run was an early favorite but it was 2.25 miles long.

The "mode" of the streak is by far a 1.0 - 1.3 mile run over various courses and I honestly wouldn't want to have a streak of 3 miles every day like some do. It's really incredible that there are people who do that because I would have given up by now if that was the minimum.

There are many more highlights I can't think of without going back and reading through the blog.

With that being said, I'll keep the blog up but I'm not sure how often I'll update or how extensive it will be in year 2. The USRSA requires me to have a record of the runs, and I'll use this space for that, but I've found I just don't have the desire or motivation to make this even remotely interesting.

Thanks again to all for making this a memorable year and thank you for reading.

Run # 368 - The Wii Run

Run # 367 - A Slow Mile

Ran this one on May 20th, 2008, exactly one full calendar year after I started the streak.

Run # 366 - Year # 2, Run # 1

Run # 365 - The End of Year One Run

It wasn't pretty as I'm pretty sure Denver's heat and air isn't quite something a person like me gets accustomed to easily after a year of running mainly in Phoenix.

I ran along Cherry Creek again and took the Forerunner with me even though it didn't work that well.

I didn't feel too much adrenaline but I felt great after I was done.

A longer recap will follow with some highlights and thoughts from me on year # 1.

I also have a few people to thank who will never read this blog.

Run # 364 - The Downtown Denver Run

You were correct, downtown buildings seemingly disarm the Forerunner.

It's strange that didn't happen in Phoenix, but understandable considering how weak downtown Phoenix is when compared to downtown Denver.

I ran a short portion of this one downtown, but then crossed over to Cherry Creek for a while before looping back to my hotel.

After drinking the night before, something I don't recommend to prepare for running in the sun, I felt sluggish the entire time.

I also realized this was my 2nd day in a row of running during the middle of the day, something I'm completely against but do only when it's absolutely necessary.

It will be again for run # 365 on Sunday, when I plan to re-visit the Cherry Creek and complete year one of this streak.

Run # 363 - The Downtown Phoenix Run

This run was done prior to me leaving for Denver.

I only had about 15 minutes and I didn't enjoy the heat as it was about 4 pm when I started.

I ran aimlessly, with the highlight of running through Valley Metro's Central Station where someday I might catch the lightrail.

I also continued my tradition of running along the lightrail tracks, which is probably something I'll do even when the lightrail begins operation.

Run # 362 - The 16th St. Run

Saul Williams' "List of Demands (Reparations)" is a pretty good running song.

The Forerunner says I ran about 2.15 miles in 17:54:13, good for 8.19 minute miles.

Run # 363 in Downtown Phoenix on Friday.

Run # 361 - The Run # 1 Re-Visited Run

I ran the same route I started the streak with since I determined tonight will be the last night I could do it before 365.

It's about a 2.7 mile stretch around my neighborhood and I did it in just over 24 minutes..9 minute mile pace that again is too slow according to my "Virtual Partner," - the Forerunner.

Tomorrow I plan on running to Lifetime and back and Friday I will probably just do a short 1.3 miles or so before I head to Denver for Saturday and Sunday.

I am sort of perplexed as to how I'll exactly feel when I hit 365. I really don't think I'll be overjoyed, but I'm curious as to how I'll react when I cross the 1 mile marker that day. I wouldn't be shocked if I tripped and fell.

I will stand by my statement to many others though that I will hit 365 even if I have broken bones in both legs.

Many have also wished me luck in getting there as well and to all of you who aren't reading this I say "Thank you."

Run # 360 - The Downtown Run

The setting was beautiful downtown sunny Phoenix.

Right outside of the beautiful Arizona Republic/azcentral.com building.

I ran about 2 miles or so with very few highlights.

Running along the light rail was fun until the cops showed up.

I'm not sure if anyone has ever been arrested while merely jogging, but I know people have been cuffed and stuffed after trying to run away from police.

In this case, I just jumped off the rail line and kept going along the sidewalk, past homeless people, trying not to breathe in the black air.

The best part was having my watch and I Pod back on, and wearing my normal running attire vs. the khaki short look.

Run # 361 is next.

Run # 359 - The Khaki Shorts No Music No Watch Run

At many points throughout all of time, people have run at least a mile with no watch on and no headphones blaring music into their ears.

However, I wonder how many times someone has done it in the modern age, all the while wearing khaki cargo shorts.

At least one I know for sure.

Run # 360, with the hopeful return of my watch and music, is next.

Run # 358 - The Schmuck Run Part 2

I just had to run to the Schmuck sign again to see if it was real.

Indeed it was so I passed it and ran a bit further than the inaugural Schmuck run.

Seven runs to go.

Run #357 - The Hill Run

I must say this run was hard to start and finish.

I put it off until about 11 pm and I'm getting bored with running the same short routes.

The problem is I'm having a tough time finding the ambition to run further but I have this feeling that once run 365 comes and goes I will be able to return to the non-streaking days of old when I would do long runs on the weekends with no hesitation.

We'll see what happens. The SF Marathon is still on August 3rd and, although I think I could finish it today, I still want to "train" for it and see what time I can muster.

Run # 356 - The Schmuck Run

Tonight I ran with no music and in a hurry.

I thought about how slow I ran the past few nights so I intentionally tried to run a bit faster on this one.

My breathing was labored and I hated not having music.

However, the sign I saw while running the back portion of this down the street and back run made it worth every pain and negative thought along the way.

Apparently a man named Frank Schmuck (that's right!) is running for some sort of political office.

Check 'em out at TeamSchmuck.com

Would you vote for a schmuck?

Run # 355 - The Forerunner says I'm Slow Run

I trust the Forerunner with my life and tonight my 1.4 mile trek was just over 13 minutes long. The math says I'm running a slow 10 minute mile these days if I don't get too pumped up by the music or intentionally sprint at points to bring my time down.

I did notice last night that the Hoh run was much slower than the 4th of July Hoh run I did last year and I'm not sure I chalk the slowing down up to my intentional lack of effort some nights, poor ability, bad running form, burnout from the streak, or all of the above.

To me, time really isn't an issue. It's just about keeping this thing going.

I have told many people I'll keep doing it past 365, and I have every intention to.

Why?

Definitely not to set a record or because I want to run myself into the ground, until I get hurt, or because I want to move up the list at runeveryday.com, etc.

No, it's really simply because I don't think I'll be able to stop. Especially without feeling really terrible about quitting.

I can't imagine the feeling of waking up one morning with the realization that I couldn't even muster a mile the night before.

50 marathons by the time I reach age 50 is my only other goal I've expressed to any one else.

Qualifying for Boston someday would be nice, even running a sub-4 hour marathon would be a feat for me.

But this streak has been for me what I've always thought of it as: a goal I set on May 20th, 2007 and am now on the brink of reaching.

Beyond that, I really have no clue what it will become.

I've read the horror stories of guys having heart attacks during their streaks, running the days their kids are born and graduate. Running the days their parents die, even being physically attacked by animals and neighbors, all the while still waking up the next day dead set on running.

I guess it's a positive addiction to have, but like I said, my times aren't necessarily improving but I'm not sure I've tried to improve them with any strategy that's been proven to work.

I just make sure I do at least a mile everyday.

One thing I know for sure is this: during this entire year I have never finished a run feeling worse than before I started it, and to me that's probably the only reason I've made it to this point.

Run # 354 - The Hoh Run

An old favorite revisited.

It's been a long time since I ran the Hoh, so I felt tonight was a great time to do it again.

Run # 355 tomorrow.

11 runs to go.

Run # 353 - The 16th St. Run

In a stunning turn of events, I left the Forerunner at home for this one.

Carrying only my I Pod, I ran about 2.25 miles or so and felt completely dead after I was done.

Not sure what my problem is, but I'm not quite back to 100% health.

10 miles on the canal on Saturday at 5 AM.

My theory is if I keep typing that last line enough, I'll eventually (this weekend) get off my ass and do it.

Run # 352 - The Hill Run

Another hill run on a night where I aspired to run at least 4 miles.

It simply didn't happen as my body decided sleep was more important.

My computer has also decided it no longer likes the Garmin software, so until I fix that, the blog will remain mapless.

Hopefully when my longer runs do return so will the maps, but then again this blog will probably fold after I hit the 1 year mark of the streak.

Run # 353 on Tuesday.

Run # 351 - Two Lifetime Runs

As promised long long ago, pictures/graphics have returned to the blog. I ran to and from Lifetime on Sunday.

Above are screenshots of what Garmin can do for you.

Run # 350 - The Forerunner is Awesome Run

Did I mention I'm a big fan of the Forerunner 405?

Why I never had a GPS watch before earlier this month I am not sure.

I'm sorry I missed the 10 miler with you this morning, but I took the Forerunner along instead on a run just over a mile.

I didn't feel completely terrible, but the thought of doing another 9 made me nauseous.

Run # 351, marking two weeks away, is tomorrow.

Run # 349 - The Sleeping Moon Mile

An old favorite short run, I kept the streak alive while I felt like shit.

Just over a mile to keep it going.

I'm closing in on 2 weeks.

Run # 350 tomorrow.

Run # 348 - The Thursday Augustana Run

Ran with the new Augustana album "Can't Love, Can't Hurt."

I'm probably the only man in the universe who did that last night, especially while wearing a Forerunner 405.

I feel special and proud, and I'm also getting sick.

But the streak continues.

Run # 349 on Friday.

Run # 347 - The Forerunner 405 Run # 1

1.4 miles with my spectacular new watch.

The thing is amazing.

I never thought I'd love a watch. I do.

Run # 346 - The Tuesday Khaki Shorts Run

Dressed in a t-shirt and khaki shorts I began this 1.1 mile run with a theory I'd run faster because of the khaki shorts and accompanying belt.

I was also wearing my Roos tennis shoes and, while not necessarily made for running, they felt good.

I think I ran faster than I normally would have.

I'm not sure though because I had already boxed up the Forerunner to go back to REI.

Run # 347 tomorrow with the NEW Forerunner.

Run # 345 - The Monday Mile

For some strange reason I just can't seem to consistently run 3 miles per day with "rest days."

I think the block is due to me just wanting to get to May 20 to make it one year and official.

At least I hope that is it.

10 mile run FOR SURE this weekend.

I have to prove to myself that, even at a slow 9 minute mile pace, I can still do 10 miles and not feel like I hate running all of the sudden.

Run # 346 tomorrow.

3 weeks from today and I'm sending in my certified streak letter.

Run # 344 - The Sunday Night Mohave Sprint/Run

I wanted to mix it up tonight and run the 1.3 miles to Mohave in a quick time.

So I started sprinting.

That didn't last long.

Slowed down and then felt like sprinting again so I did.

I never really know if keeping a steady pace all the time is better or mixing in quick sprints is better.

I know quick sprints for 2-3 minutes is good, but is 45 seconds of all out, wanting to puke running worth it?

I guess I don't care.

I care more about being within 21 days/runs of my goal.

Run # 343 - The Logan Roadhouse Saturday Night Run

Dinner tonight was a Logan's.

Not only had I never been there, I'd never heard of it.

But my gut feeling was the steak would be good. And it was.

This was a Mohave, roughly 1.3 mile run prior to dinner.

Run # 344 would be a repeat, sans the steak.

Run # 342 - The Friday Night Suns Game Demolition Run

I was in a damn quick hurry to get this one done, shower, and head to watch the Suns get destroyed by the Spurs.

I wish I had waited until after the game to do this one since I was slightly upset by the Suns performance.

Run # 343 tomorrow.

Run # 341 - The Hill Run with a New Thursday Twist

The glory of the Forerunner is I don't have to do the same path twice on the basis of knowing exactly how far it is.

My ambition (as a ridah) tonight was to run to Lifetime, lift weights, and run back home. It didn't happen.

I had no desire and the wind was blowing too hard.

So I planned a hill run but then decided to mix it up, running up and down the hill and then a detour until I had just eclipsed 1 mile.

I cranked up Quietdrive on my I Pod, watched the Forerunner keep climbing just passed 1.2 miles and called it a night.

Run # 340 - The Wednesday Night Hill Run

Unmotivated, tired, uninspired, weak, hungry, you name it.

I was in no mood to run, let alone walk.

I was in bed by 8:30 and it took my weak willpower to flop out of bed and into running shoes.

A 1.3 mile hill run later and the streak is alive.

Run # 341 - 2 potential Lifetime Runs...are next.

Run # 365 is calling, chanting, my name.

Run # 339 - The Tuesday Night Weak Run

A break from training as I literally did just over a mile.

But the streak is what really matters most at this point.

And I'm supposed to have these "rest days."

Run # 340 tomorrow.

Run # 338 - The Monday Night 3.6 mile Wandering Run

Near a canal, through a cookie-cutter neighborhood of houses, in a mountain trail area in the pitch dark, nearly face planting, running through two gigantic rocks, easily having broken an ankle, leg, knee, you name it because of no lighting, I just ran around tonight as part of the marathon training.

3.6 miles is considerable for the streak but I'm determined to be better prepared for the SF Marathon than I have for any other.

Run # 337 - A 2.8 Mile Sunday Night Run

I love the Forerunner because I always know now exactly how much further I need to run in order to get to an even number.

Tonight I didn't want to finish at 2.79 so I easily cruised another .01 miles to reach 2.8.

Run # 336 - The Saturday Afternoon Streak Start Run while Drinking

Saturday afternoon in April in AZ with friends in town most often means alcohol consumption.

Right after the Suns suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the most disgusting team in the NBA for a multitude of reasons - the San Antonio Spurs - I hit the streets.

I ran the route that started the streak and I'm about to compare times.

The funny thing is that I felt like I was running slow, but I think I actually ran about the same time I did it in to start the streak - about 335 days ago....

Run # 337 tomorrow.

I'm closing in on it.

Run # 335 - The Friday Night Hill Run

A popular run as of late and on it I learned a big lesson: charge the Forerunner or turn it off.

I left it on by accident and it ran out of batteries midway through the run.

I was pissed - I really wanted it to beep at me as I was running too slow up to the hill.

Run # 334 - The Thursday Night Toniko Run

Needless to say, I love my new Forerunner.

What's incredible about it is that it actually stores the map for me, so if I forget exactly where and how far I ran (when it's over a mile) it comes in handy.

This one proved that the "Toniko" run - a run to Toniko street and back - isn't as long as I thought it was.

It's 1.3 miles vs. 1.46, but I'll take it.

Run # 333 - The Forerunner 305 Wednesday Night Run

A simple Mohave run tonight again to test out my amazing new Forerunner.

I bought a 305 simply to hold me over until my 405 arrives.

Check it out here.

Run # 332 - The Tuesday Continuation of Some Marathon Training

So the SF Marathon is August 3rd.

This 45 minute run (one of the longest of mine since the Ragnar Relay) was solid.

I had no route whatsoever but ran along a busy street, a canal, and an area at the base of a mountain in North Phoenix.

I'm 6% sure I saw a pack of coyotes or at least one. It was dark though and I immediately ran the other way.

I'm afraid of being eaten alive, even though coyotes only eat small dogs/cats/other small creatures, correct?

Run # 331 - Two Lifetime Runs on a Monday Night

I always enjoy these because it's 1.6 to and 1.6 back from Lifetime Fitness.....

Of course, while at Lifetime I walk around a bunch of people lifting weights and attempt to do so myself.

The hill on the way back though is my favorite part.

It's coasting all the way home after it and when I run and lift weights I feel like I have more worth than when I don't.

Run # 330 - The Sunday Mohave Run

I've found a new way to spice up my blog: add the name of the day of the week to the title. I know that is going to wow my reader.

I did a simple run tonight while the day was spent by much more incredible people and athletes doing much more incredible things.

One of those people is my friend Chuck, who finished the Ironman with a performance that not only was amazing among those who finished, but even more amazing considering many other competitors were unable to finish the race.

Congrats again, Chuck.

Run # 329 - Saturday Night Toniko Run

There used to be a time in my life when I would be very depressed if I wasn't able to go out and "socialize" on a Saturday night.

Now in my life I would have been depressed had I missed this run.

It was another that came down to the wire as I procrastinated doing it as I had planned to procrastinate.

36 to go.

Run # 328 - The Hill Run

Another classic that I've done multiple times during the streak. I'm going to consider using it regularly when my marathon training resumes next week (assuming next week isn't a nightmare like last week was).

Run # 327 - The Toniko Run

A 1.46 mile classic that I ran in about 12.5 minutes.

Run # 326 - The Exactly One Run # 2

An absolutely terrible week at work has made my marathon training stall a bit although the streak is alive and will not be stopped.

Run # 325 - The Exactly One Run

There is a path in North Phoenix that I've driven with my car and cross-checked on Google Maps.

I like to do it when I'm ultra lazy.

So I call it the Exactly One since it's, you guessed it, only one mile on the dot.

Run # 324 - The D-Backs Home Opener Aimless Run

After watching the D-Backs dismantle the Dodgers, I started this run pretty late. It was about 11 pm and I had no route, just decided to run for about 12 minutes, so I'm fairly certain I got the mile in.

Run # 323 - Another 2 Lifetime Runs

Run # 322 - Mohave Run

Run # 321 - The SF Marathon Training Run # 1

20 minutes was all I did on a night I think was supposed to be an "off" day.

I'll do a light run for #321 and then #322 will be the first "long" run of the training - a six mile trek.

Run # 320 - The Long Lifetime Run

Run # 319 - The Sleeping Moon Mile

Even though I realized long ago that the street I run to is not called Sleeping Moon...rather it's Summer Moon, I still think Sleeping Moon is cooler.

So run # 319 is in the books and # 320 will start the marathon training.

45 runs to go until I submit my streak to the USRSA.

Run # 318 - The April Fool's Day 3 Mile Run

Well, I was proud of my effort even though no one fell for it.

Special thanks to Chuck for commenting that my last post was an April Fool's joke, but also saying that if it wasn't he hoped I was ok.

I spent April 1 getting ready for April 3 when I start the "Chicago Program," a marathon training program suggested by Hal Higdon.

April 3 - August 3 will be my 4 month training period for San Fran, and I started with a nice run just over 3 miles.

# 319 tomorrow.

Run # 317 - The End of the Streak Run

While I feel defeated and mostly in shock, I must come to grips with the fact that I just didn't accomplish my goal of running at least one mile every day from May 20th, 2007 - May 19th, 2008.

It's hard to write about how/why the streak ended, so I'm choosing not to elaborate at length right now.

I'd have to pull out the measuring tape to see if I actually made it a mile and the streak really is intact (I honestly think I made it .8 miles before the freefall), but it's probably in the best interest of my body if I just realize it's over, rest for a few weeks, and maybe start a new streak.

It's the price you pay for sprinting down a hill, headphones blaring when you lose your footing, literally tripping over yourself and you end up diving back into the safety of the sidewalk after you had spilled onto a street with a 45 MPH speed limit - cars coming at you down that very same hill. Talk about life flashing before your eyes.

My ankle is probably just severely sprained, I'm icing it as I type, and I hate the idea of paying a doctor to tell me it is (or worse) and then sitting out, all the while realizing I came within 48 days/runs of something I really wanted to do.

Life goes on I guess. This streak doesn't.

Tomorrow would have been Run # 318. I guess Run # 1 will be whenever I can muster it.

Run # 316 - The Mohave Run

Run # 315 - The North Mountain Run

While I didn't actually go up any hills, I found a way to run through/around North Mountain in North Phoenix.

I'm not 100% sure that's what it is called, actually I don't think it is, but the name is good enough for me.

This was about a 2 mile run in 84 degree heat and I was spent.

San Francisco Marathon training starts Thursday.

Run # 316 on Sunday.

Run # 314 - Another 20th St. Run

Run # 313 - The Lifetime Run

Ran with Chuck around a loop that goes to and from Lifetime Fitness.

A quality workout day for me since I ran and I also did what appeared to the unsuspecting as lifting weights.

Run # 312 - The 20th Street Run

Run # 311 - The Near End of the Streak

I barely made this one I was so tired.

I honestly pondered just not running as I took a nap at 10 pm and barely woke up at 10:50.

I started the run at 11:30, running over one mile or so in about 12 minutes.

Brutal.

Run # 310 - The 16th St. Run

Becoming a new favorite of mine, my new goal is to be able to do this one in 16 minutes. Tonight I finished in 18 or so.

Run # 309 - The Cut Off Keisha Run

A simple mile on a boring Sunday night.

Run # 308 - The Rocky Point Run # 2

Run # 307 - The Rocky Point Run # 1

My proudest run of the streak.....

Run # 306 - The Hill Run

Run # 305 - The 16th Street Run

Run # 304 - The Cut Off Keisha Run

Run # 303 - The Warm AZ Run

Aptly titled due to the fact that it was in the 50's vs. the 30's of Nevada.

Run # 304 on Tuesday, March 18th.

I've decided to start training in April for the SF Marathon on August 3rd.

Run # 302 - The Final Reno Run and a Reflection

While on this Reno Run (note that I just like typing Reno Run since I'm a fan of alliterations), I thought about all the cities and states I've run in during the streak.

Here are the ones that came to mind during this run and while I am writing this.

In no order whatsoever:

Phoenix, AZ
Lake Pleasant, AZ
Tonto National Forest/Nikki's Knocker, AZ
Kansas City, Missouri
Omaha, Nebraska
Seattle, Washington
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Reno, Nevada
Milton, Wisconsin
Johnston, Iowa
El Cerrito, California
Austin, Texas
Black River Falls, Wisconsin

Run # 301 - The Reno Run Day # 2

Pretty non-descript as I repeated the first Reno run, only this time with no music.

Again, if someone told me years ago I'd someday be running in Reno, especially with no music, I would have really thought hard about not taking up the sport.

Run # 300 - The Cold Reno Run

It's been a while since I've run in 30 degree temps, but it wasn't about to stop me.

I ran around a man made lake around my hotel, which I later determined had island greens for the driving range connect to it.

The wind was atrocious during this won, and I ran along side a highway for a while as well.

If someone would have told me years ago that I'd be running alongside a highway in Reno, I'm not sure I would have wanted to live.

Run # 299 - The Reno Run

I'm off to Reno, Nevada today where run # 300 will take place tomorrow.

Run # 298 - The Mohave Run

Run # 297 - The Tuesday repeat of Monday Run

Run # 296 - The Monday Night Cut Off Keisha Run

An Apology to My Reader(s)

I need to apologize to anyone who reads this blog at anytime.

First and foremost, I need to apologize for it's lack of depth. I had written a while back with a pledge to update it with more lengthy posts, a return of the maps, etc. and none of that has come to fruition.

I continue to find it is easier to keep the streak alive than it is to blog about it.

I also need to apologize to those who are still looking to read about my experience during the Ragnar Relay Del Sol - especially my teammates.

I just haven't committed to writing about it although I recall in detail most everything I'd like to say. I'm sorry for telling you I'd have more to come, dating all the way back to the Snake Run, and I'm not sure when that time will be.

Perhaps I will include my thoughts when I close this blog out. If one thing is 100% sure, it is that I will write at length about my experience overall during this streak and I'll comment more on whether or not I'll choose to continue it after run # 365.

My apologies again.

Run # 295 - The Hill Run Sunday Morning at 4:45 AM

Run # 294 - The Hill Run Saturday at 10 PM

Run # 293 - The Modave Run

Run # 292 - Chuck's New House Run

Run # 291 - The North Phoenix Hill Run

Run # 290 - The Super Tuesday II Run

Run # 289 - Another of my "hill" runs

After my experience with Nikki's Knocker, these other hills I pick to run on just pale in comparison.

While I was intimidated by NK at first, I feel she allowed me to look forward to bigger and better hills to train on.

Unfortunately, the areas around my house are pretty flat, so I ponder longer distances on the flat areas with shorter runs up bigger climbs whenever I can.

Run # 290 tomorrow. I'm hoping for another sheet cake at 300.

Run # 288 - The Pre-Pubescent Nikki's Knocker Run

Formerly called the Hill Run, this one had to be re-named after my experience with Nikki's Knocker.

It's so small in comparison it reminded me only of a fraction of what Nikki's adult size, augmented knocker was like.

Somewhat steep, but not nearly as thick.

A solid recovery run of about 1.3 miles in 11 minutes.

My legs hurt but it felt good to stretch them out.

The streak continues.

77 days and counting until decision time.

Run # 287B - The Ragnar Relay Run # 3 - The Nikki's Knocker Run

The much anticipated pre-run, run, and post-run coverage will be added soon.

Run # 287A - The Ragnar Relay Run # 2 - The Mullet Pass Run

The much anticipated pre-run, run, and post-run coverage will be added soon.

Run # 286 - The Ragnar Relay Run # 1 - Holy Shit It Was Dark

The much anticipated pre-run, run, and post-run coverage will be added soon.

Run # 285 - The Pre-Relay Mile

Run # 284 - The Snake Run

More on this crazy run to come...

The picture is worth a thousand words. This is what I found in my driveway at the end of this one.

Run # 283 - The Zoo Run

Definitely my longest run of the streak since the PF Chang's marathon as it was just over 3.5 miles or so.

Featuring a classic route - the Phoenix Zoo and canal - Chuck "IronMan" Settles and I braved the early morning darkness to complete this one in 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 minutes or so.

Run's #284 and #285 will be as short as possible as the relay this weekend will be a challenge for me with a psychotic lead runner overseeing our team of 12 with the proud mercy of Donald Rumsfeld.

Run # 282 - The Hill Run

Run # 281 - The Post Marathon Mile

Running the same route I did the day after the marathon, I feel ok in the home stretch of the streak....the home stretch if I decide to quit that is after I hit 365.

Only a few people have gone for just one year or so and then quit....see those on the Retired list, but my right knee isn't in the best shape and I don't see how I could fully recover if I didn't quit.

I do always run on the pavement though and I will have to shift a lot to running on the canal if I want to go indefinitely.

Run #282 tomorrow with a highlight later this week as runs #286 and #287 will be the most interesting in quite some time.

Run # 280 - The Wakial Run

Run # 279 - The Hill Run

Run # 278 - The Late Night 1.5 Mile Run

Run # 277 - The Early Morning Mile

Day # 2 in a row of running early in the morning - 7:30 AM on my watch.

Just one mile and I was done.

Switching to being a full time morning running is going to take time, and by time I probably would guess around 30 years.

Run # 276 - The Return Home Early Morning Lifetime Run

Run # 275 - Downtown Seattle Run # 3

Run # 274 - Downtown Seattle Run # 2

Run # 273 - Downtown Seattle Run # 1

Run # 272 - The Rainy and Wet Summer Moon Seattle Scamper Run

I bolted through a downpour before quickly getting ready to head to the airport for a flight to Seattle.



I'll be visiting NikeTown in Seattle and run # 273 will feature a brand new pair of shoes and the Nike+ I Pod thing if I can figure it out.



Oh, and from the looks of it, an uphill and downhill track.

Run # 271 - The Valentine's Day No Music Run

From time to time, I'll be forced to run with no music. I don't enjoy it.

As a matter of fact, I hate it.

My lack of enjoyment for running sans headphones can almost be paralled to writing in and updating this blog.

I'm not sure which is worse.

Run # 272 before a trip to Seattle on 2/15.

Run # 270 - The Late Night Hustle Run

I barely beat the clock, starting this run around 11:40 pm.

I ran with a sense of urgency I didn't need, but it paid off as I think I set another PR for the 1.74 mile track I did in just under 15 minutes.

Run # 269 - The Beginning of the End of the Streak

Pending a blood test...whatever.

This could be the final 95 days of the streak as I'm starting to think, especially due to my terrible diet and lack of "recovery" "fuel/meals," I have noticed, literally through blood tests that I'm being negatively affected.

If I can offset that and my desire goes up again, maybe I'll re-consider.

As of today, if today were May 20th and one year was done, the streak would be too.

Run # 268 - The Softball Effect Run

Say what you want, but when you run to first, second, third, and trot home (not in one single play unless you're Chad Snow) during softball - after nearly a year away from the game, you feel it the next day.

It makes you feel 25 years older no matter what shape you're in unless you do this regularly.

This was my feeling today during my 1.14 mile run.

But I did it, and tomorrow is run # 269.

Run # 267 - The When You Were Young Run

I replayed The Killer's "When You Were Young" 3 times during this one and I set a personal record for the Toniko route. I was in a lot of pain at the end of this one and it was hard to breathe.

A big turnaround from how I felt just hours earlier, taking NyQuil early in the day is apparently not a bad idea.

Run # 266 - The Toniko Trot Run

The pain of the week has been consolidated in my right knee and the only advice I've been recently following is the same as I've tried to give myself many times: run slow....or slower than my usual slowness.

I've really never been as bored with the streak as I have lately, but I've always looked forward to running parts of it in other cities, much like I will this upcoming weekend in Seattle.

Run # 265 - The (Perhaps a Record) 3rd Lifetime Run of the Streak in One Week That Didn't Actually Happen and Turned Into a Regular Just Under 2 miler

Run # 264 - The Run Before the Pizza...and Beer

This turned into the run after the pizza and beer and, needless to say, it was miserable.

I slept for about a solid hour or so before doing it, and my shoe came untied midway through.

But it was a mile and a mile is a mile is a mile and the streak continues.

Run # 263 - The Return to Lifetime Run(s) Continue

Run # 262 - Tuesday Toniko Run

Run # 261 Yet Another Return to Lifetime Run(s)

Run # 260 - The Giants Won and I'm Stoked Run

Run # 259 - The Pre-Super Bowl Sunday Partially Backwards Run

I can say with confidence that I've never spent a Super Bowl weekend running each day..until this past weekend.

Nor have I ever prepared for a day of complete laziness like I did with this run.

I intentionally ran as slow as I seemingly could, including portions in which I ran backwards.

It was a cold, damp night and my motivation (for obvious reasons) was severely low, but it was another run for my little record blog and this is the entry.

Run # 258 - The Reverse Hill Bravery Run

Run # 257 - The No Super Bowl Ticket Run

I thought I would take this run in celebration of my Super Bowl ticket win, but it was not to be.

Best I've felt in a while when I started this and finished it.

I'm getting back into the habit of running really slow, mainly because I'm unable to run much faster.

My joints ache.

Run # 256 - Summer Moon Sprint Run

Run # 255 - The Interruptus Run

I started this one at about 11:45 pm and ran over 2 miles for this first time since the marathon.

I was fired up.

Use your imagination if you're wondering.

Run # 254 - The Return to Lifetime Fitness and Back Run

It felt good to run back to the gym to lift weights.

It didn't feel good to look at my watch and see I've lost about a minute in the time it used to take me to get there when I went regularly.

I wasn't pushing myself by any means, but I did more so on the run back and I don't think I lost as much time on that portion.

Run # 253 - The Return from Omaha Hell Run

Run # 252 - The "Long" Omaha Run

Run # 251 - The Pre-Omaha Sprint

Run # 250 - The Run with a Bug Part II

Run # 249 - The Run with a Bug

In an effort to keep things interesting and see how fast a 20 lb dog can run for about 2 miles, I took a Bug (that's a Boston Terrier Pug) for this run.

For the first mile or so she did ok, but then she really started dragging.

Stopping was not an option.

So I think she realized this and picked it up.

The highlight was probably when she decided to pee on the fly. It would have been a lowlight if it didn't miss me.

It ended well but I'm not sure she is ready for more miles.

Run # 248 - The Del Taco Run

This is starting to look like a food (b)log as well as a running blog.

I guess I'm trying to mix up the posts a little and I feel good about coming up with new names.

In case you were on the edge of your seat, I did eat an entire pizza after running on Monday night.

On Tuesday night, I decided to eat first before running.

My meal of choice: Del Taco.

I really didn't eat it, I pretty much inhaled it and while I worried about paying the price later while running, I didn't.

It was just over a mile and included a slight hill.

It's still cold out and the boredom isn't subsiding.

Run # 247 - The Pizza Run

An enormous amount of pizza was waiting for me to devour when I decided to take this run.

I thought about eating it first like the slob that I am, but then had second thoughts as I headed for the door.

They say to take it easy for a month or so after a marathon and I've done just that since the past two.

I figure I probably ran a total of 50 miles or so between the December 2nd and January 13th marathons and I've only run about 10 or so since P.F. Chang's.

I still have aches and pains in both of my legs that come and go, but I only run once a day so it's easy.

The streak really has been easier to keep up than posting to this blog has been.

Run # 246 - The Hill Run

This run featured yet another car stopping to yell something at me, which is always fun.

Run # 245 - The Summer Moon Mile

I realized on this run to Summer Moon lane that I've been calling it Sleeping Moon lane. It really doesn't make much difference but I found it interesting that I could run to a certain street that didn't exist multiple times and have no clue.

I'd like to chalk that up to intense focus, but the reality is I'm just ignorant.

This run was done on a Saturday afternoon right before I went to play bingo.

I have a solid life.

Run # 244 - The Toniko Run/Sprint

Run # 243 - The Hill Run

I've re-named a run I like to do by my house that is just over a mile the "Hill Run" because it features a small hill I like to go up and down.

This run was pretty quick as it was windy and cold outside.

Whenever it is as cold as it was during the one, I notice pain in my knee and ankle, but luckily it always seems to go away.

Run # 242 - The Day 3 Recovery Run

I'm progressively adding back more distance - tonight was 1.74 miles.



I'm thinking I'm going to train for the next marathon, I'm just not sure where it will be yet.

Run # 241 - The Day Two Recovery Toniko Run

1.46 miles on a breezy night that started off well but ended up slow.

I started to feel much more pain as I tried to accelerate - and by accelerate I mean go from 3 miles per hour to 3.5 miles per hour.

The streak continues.

Run # 240 - The New Most Painful Run of the Streak

I believe I caught a cold during the marathon somehow.

I know for sure I caught arthritis throughout all of my joints.

This one was just another mile or so to preserve the streak. I was in pain all day, but there is something to be said about what happens when you put running shoes on, stand up, and walk outside with a mindset to run.

I started off trotting like I was 170 years old, but by the end I felt pretty good.

Run # 239 - The P.F. Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon

I improved my time from last year but still had trouble in the second half of this one vs. the first half.

Running the first 3 miles with the 3:45 pace group was helpful for my time, but I was in a lot of pain by the end.

Run # 238 - The Pre-Marathon Mile

Run # 237 - The Around the Block and Up and Down A Hill Run

Run # 236 - My New Favorite Run

Run # 235 - The Cut-Off Keisha Run

Exactly one mile (or about 1.1 miles) on a night where I was in a frantic rush.

I had no desire to run whatsoever, probably my lowest motivation of all days of the streak, but I completed it.

3 days until the next marathon.

Run # 234 - A Sleeping Moon Mile

Run # 233 - The Pre-Dawn, Pre-Rain Run

A repeat of last nights run just about 9 hours later. It was nice and cool and started downpouring just after I finished.

I set a goal to run early (before 6 AM) at least twice a week this year and so far it has worked.

However, it is week 1.

I'm ready for the streak blogging to end.

Run # 232 - A New Record for the Keisha Run

1.74 miles in 14 minutes. I did this one at 6:30 pm on Sunday night.

My intention is to do the exact same run tomorrow morning at 5:30 am.

We'll see how I do.

Run # 231 - The Around the Block and Up and Down a Hill Run

I decided to bring a hill back into the mix. Once again short on time and desire, I ran a quick 1.34 miles to keep the streak alive.

The hill was nice though and I enjoy the drizzle and cool temperatures.

I hope next weekend is like this for the marathon.

Run # 230 - The Most Painful Run of the Streak

Prior to this run of just over one mile, I felt like I was going to pass out. It was about 9 pm on Friday, January 4th.

I had a strong urge for sugar and I immediately began searching through my pretty much empty cupboards for something to cure me.

I proceeded to drink 3 bottles of water (48 ounces in total) filled with Crystal Light mix and I ate a great deal of peanut butter.

I had plans to leave my house at 10:30, so I had to start the run around 9:30 or so.

Words cannot express how bad I felt during this run.

Some streakers won't do less than 3 miles each day for the streak. For me, I'm taking the minimum mile more often than not these days, but it's just year one.

I'm pretty sure I'll keep this streak going past one year if I can make it, but the blogging will certainly end (that is if it really ever begins again).

Run # 229 - The Keisha Run #Something More Than 1

Run #228 - Another 1 AM Run

Run # 227 - The New Year's Day Return to AZ Toniko Run

Run # 226 - The RunTex Austin New Year's Eve Run

Run # 225 - The RunTex Austin Run 2