Category: running

Running…again.


B0001826

Originally uploaded by www.jonathantennant.co.uk.

I’m currently in the midst of a training program to run the Louisville Half-Marathon in October. I don’t want to divulge my secret training program lest other people will finish near the back of their age group and well off the lead. It’s a carefully planned design to not look fast at all.

Regardless, it’s what I’m doing these days, in addition to going to school. I started my senior thesis this semester and I’ll be graduating in May 2008. Finally!

Something witty about the tortoise and the hare should go here, but honestly, I don’t have anything.

Half-marathon training update here

I’m here for an argument…No, You’re NOT!

I’m always up for a good argument provided that the following criteria are used:

  1. I’m in it. I hate hearing other people argue. It makes me cringe and I dislike it.
  2. It’s a reasoned and logical argument that is slightly heated, but always knows to turn down the heat when it approaches boiling.
  3. Both sides can agree to disagree at any moment and the argument dissipates.

Now, with that said, I enjoy reading the letters to the editor in the local paper. I like to argue with the people in the paper because they tend to take my opposing viewpoint. They’re not always logical, but it’s always heated and I can agree to disagree at any moment and move on to the comics. However, in every case, the writer is always passionate about their particular view and proudly defends it to no one and everyone at the same time.

My favorites, of late, have been the vitriolic tirades both for and against the removal of I-64 from above Waterfront Park. It has been an interesting debate, if for no other reason than it has pretty much already been decided. The plan as I understand it now is to expand the lanes of I-64, build two bridges (one downtown, one east end) and flood as much traffic through the middle of the city as possible. The “alternative” as posed by those of the 8664 campaign is to remove the downtown section of I-64, build one bridge (east end), route all the traffic through Indiana, and bask in the sun on the Great Lawn, accessible via the new Waterfront Parkway.

I, personally, now propose a third idea which will be met with wild accusation as to its impossibilities and I fully accept the ensuing arguments, mostly because they will adhere to the rules set up in the aforementioned guidelines for an argument. My idea is to add a bridge on the east end of town because we could use one there, eliminate I-64 from 9th Street to I-65…and here’s the wild and crazy part…make the central business district (the area bounded by the river to the north, 9th Street to the west, Jackson Street to the east, and Broadway to the south) CAR-FREE, and finally, add light rail from several access points around the city to the CBD.

Now, those of you who don’t live here, probably don’t really care. But commuters and those of us who drive downtown occasionally could probably see the benefits of this arrangement. I think it’s worth looking at, but as I say, the dilemma seems to have already been decided by those currently in power. Let the argument begin.

In other news…

  • I’m thrilled with my new grill. The switch from charcoal to gas was easier than I thought. It provided some wonderful dinner before the Police concert.
  • Yes, the Police concert, which was awesome, but you should never walk from my house to Churchill Downs and back in flip-flops.
  • You’ll notice a new updated books section to the right. It is part of a new website proffered by my good friend, the Monsignor, at Le Petomane. As such, the books page will probably disappear as goodreads does all of that for me.
  • I’m going to be running in the Louisville Half-Marathon in October…so I’d better start training.

See you in the funny papers!

Odds and Ends

It’s Friday and I have a jumble of things in my head. I thought I’d go ahead and let most of them out onto the screen for your edification.

  • There is an article in the LEO this week by Stephen George that is excellent. It chronicles not driving a car for a month. This means walking, biking, busing, or hitching a ride with a friend. Because I am an avid supporter of riding my bike just about everywhere, I highly recommend it. I think you’d be surprised at how able you are to adopt a “less-car” attitude. If you don’t, maybe at the very least you’ll be nicer to those of us who are saving the gallons of gasoline for you. As well, I think that I may be riding the city bus for the first time on Sunday. We’ll see how it goes. It will certainly be a consciousness exercise if nothing else.
  • How about my boys of Beantown? The Red Sox are up 9.5 on the Yankees after sweeping a twinbill from the Tigers from the Motor City yesterday. That gives them the best record in baseball and a huge lead on taking the pennant this year.
  • I’m in the process of replacing the fence in the backyard. The stockade style that is slowly deteriorating around the edges is giving way to a new dog-eared picket which will hopefully make everything in the yard that much better. Pictures to come, I’m sure.
  • I’m currently reading a really good book called “Running and Being” by Dr. George Sheehan. In it, he talks about finding your Play in life. His Play happened to be long-distance running. I’m not sure what my Play is yet, but it’s important that we all find it. I’m certain that it will change your life immeasurably.
  • Finally, a political note…I was unsure why the USA had anything to do with the World Bank, so I looked it up. Thank goodness for the Internet. Apparently, the president of the World Bank is nominated for a 5-year term by the president of the US and elected by its board of governors, even though the World Bank is part of the United Nations governance system. As of 11/2006, the US held 16.4% of the voting rights in the World Bank, and since all major decisions require an 85% majority vote, you can see how the US would be able to pretty much control everything. I’m certain that the idea of the World Bank was a good one back in 1945, but now, it fairly reeks…possibly even Denmark-ian. And now you know…and knowing is half the battle.

See you in the funny papers!

13.1

We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon. ~Emil Zatopek

You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming. ~Frank Shorter

I did it. I ran the half marathon again this year and I finished in the near miraculous time of 2:32:23. I’m still awaiting pictures, but when they’re here, you’ll be able to see me in all of my fashionable glory. And now, that I’ve run two half marathons, I have the half marathon bug. I spent most of yesterday looking up half marathons in other states to see about running there. I’m researching the Indianapolis Half in October. That seems like it would be really nice. But I’d like to try something exotic…like the Bar Harbor Half in Maine. It runs through Acadia National Park. Now, that would be cool. Thanks to my mom and my godmother for their support at the end of the race. And, if you ever have the chance to sit in traffic with them, enjoy it to the fullest, because once my godmother starts really driving…you’ll have to hang on for dear life.

In other wonderful news, the semester is over and I am only awaiting my grades. My exam on Monday was interesting to say the least. I’m wondering just how much bullshit I can write, before I begin to question whether I even know what I’m talking about. But it’s done now and we’ll see how it goes. I’m taking the summer off and then I start my senior thesis in the fall. I’m actually looking forward to that process. I think it’s going to be very interesting.

Finally, if you haven’t checked out the Movies, Books, Concerts, Events pages lately, they’ve probably been updated. Especially the Movies one. The Independent Film Channel is wonderful, I highly recommend it for a variety of films.

See you in the funny papers!

Light at the end of the tunnel

I’m approaching the end of the semester which has elicited several emotions. I’m dreading finals (one on Wednesday and one on Monday); I’m thrilled that the semester is basically over; I’m relieved that I handed in my major paper yesterday; and I’m anxious about starting my senior thesis in the fall. All of these emotions coupled with the onset of mowing season (yay.) and the desire to be outside more (not mowing!) have collided into a weird mood. And the fact that the Red Sox swept the Yankees (ha, ha!) this weekend sweetens the deal.

I had a great weekend with C in St. Louis. We attended the Juan/Michelle wedding and it was beautiful. Image provided by Ballparks.com Located in a gorgeous church on the SLU campus, it was perfect weather for a beautiful wedding. Also, got to meet some very interesting people, most intriguing were Karen and Mahshood. And Karen, if you somehow read this some day, thanks for the tip on Robert Smithson. If they didn’t live so far away, I think we could be great friends. I was also able to get a tour of the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis which is gorgeous. It’s amazing what $400 million will buy you. All in all, it was wonderful.  And, I got a new hat to go in the collection.

In other news:

  • I was able to begin planting in the backyard last night. We have 5 new arborvitae in the ground as a precursor to planting a new flower garden. Also, if you have a nice old birdbath that’s in decent shape, we’d love to talk to you about rescuing it.
  • The mini-Marathon is this coming weekend. I feel like I’m in pretty good shape. I think we’re going to have decent weather. My goal time is 2:28:51. You can see a March to the Mini update here.
  • My Red Sox are in first place after a 3-game sweep of the Yankees this weekend.  Way to go boys!  Looking for a pennant this year!  And, maybe another ring!  WOohoO!
  • Looking forward to a vacation in a couple weeks, C and I are going to Hilton Head for a relaxing getaway.  Many thanks to T & P for the use of their condo.
  • I’m gonna need some new running shoes soon as I’m approaching 300 miles on the ones I’m currently running in.  I think I might switch from adidas to something new.  It depends on what the running store recommends.  Pearl Izumi has some nice SyncroFloat shoes that look very comfortable.

That about covers it.  See you in the funny papers!

The Run is the thing.

Admittedly, I don’t have a lot of long-term focus. It has taken me an inordinate amount of time to complete a degree of higher learning from my alma mater. I have the most meager of skills at playing the organ, because I only managed about a month or two worth of lessons before my teacher left town and I didn’t bother finding a new one. And my gardening skills lasted roughly a half a year, then I just let the tomatoes take over the yard. So, I don’t have the best track record for accomplishing tasks that I start.Papa John’s 10 Miler, 2007

However, running is something that I set goals for and accomplish. Last year, my goal was to finish the half marathon (which I did). This year the goal was to run faster (every race has set a new PR) and to finish the half marathon in 2:30 or less (still to be decided). So, apparently, I can set goals and carry through, but it has to be on my terms. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of opportunities in life for you to set goals and complete them on your own terms, there are always someone else’s rules to follow. Even my Lenten sacrifice of meat for 40 days ran into some issues with the “rules” laid down by various religious sects as to what constitutes the 40 days, is Sunday a feast-day and therefore not part of the 40 days, do I still have to abstain from meat during those 40 days. This is merely an example…and a minor one at that. Because honestly, I don’t think God cares if I eat bacon on the 40th day or the 45th day, or at all really.

So, not that I really had a point when I started this post, I’m basically just rambling about goals and the need or desire to finish them. See me at the finish line on April 28. March to the Mini update

See you in the funny papers.

Reclaiming TV and other stuff

ROME (Reuters) – The president of Italian state broadcaster RAI has lost his uphill battle to scrap highly popular reality TV shows he considers base and degrading from its channels, at least for now. Claudio Petruccioli had recommended RAI drop the programs from next year, saying they “put people into environments that are both unrealistic and coercive, leading inevitably to unreasonable if not degrading behavior.”  Link to rest of the story

Okay, here’s something I didn’t suspect I would say, but I think that Italian TV may be on to something.  This story is very dear to my heart oddly enough.  Now, I’m not saying that TV should be censored, but I think that we as a society should take a long hard look at what we consider entertainment and possibly rethink some of the shows we bother with.   And, I’m not even talking about Supernanny and Dancing with the Stars now.  I’m talking Fear Factor and Survivor and the guy who just repeats “Git-r-done” over and over.  These shows are detrimental to society in my opinion.  Also, possibly NASCAR and the infomercial guy who screams at you to buy Oxiclean.

In other news, I’m currently in the midst of Holy Week.  I’ve got 4 services and a choir rehearsal under my belt.  Only 4 more services to go and then I’m done until April 15.  My voice is shuddering as I type this because I’m fighting off a host of allergy symptoms in addition to this cold snap which if I remember correctly is termed “dogwood winter.”  I’ve been downing antihistamine and hot chocolate in mass quantities.

I had another flat tire yesterday, so that’s part of what I’ll be doing tomorrow is replacing the inner tube.  It’s very frustrating to find a flat on your main mode of transportation.  And for those of you who don’t know, you can’t just open the trunk on a bike and put on the spare.  It’s a lengthy process and a pain in the butt…and of course it’s the back tire with the chain and all.  Very exciting.

And on top of all that, the grass needs to be mowed, I’ve got 5 shrubs to plant, a project due in Quant. Methods that I’ve barely started on and, OH, I’m running 13 miles at the end of the month and I haven’t even run this week at all.

So, in lieu of doing any of that…here’s the Friday Five:

  1. What’s your routine when you sit down to read a newspaper? Sports section first, always.  I flip immediately to the baseball scores, specifically the Red Sox to see how they did and then to the standings to see if they’re ahead of the Yankees.  Today was a good day.  Read about Dice-K’s performance here. Then, if I have time, I check out the political cartoons in the back of the main section and then the obituaries.  My mother says if you’re in the obituaries in the morning, you don’t have to go to work that day.  Sage advice in my opinion.
  2. When you fire up your web-browser on a typical day, what’s your browsing routine? I usually check my gmail, then I open up my website to check if there are any comments.  Then I check the latest posts from Boing Boing and New Scientist.  I might stray over to Facebook after that, or I might get down to work…depending on my mood.
  3. It’s time to tidy up your living space!  In what order do you normally tackle things? I generally start with dumping all the recyclables in to the bin.  Then, I replace everything in a nice tidy order.  If I’m really cleaning, I’ll actually put away things that don’t need to be out and I’ll sweep the floor.  Dusting is always last on my list of priorities.
  4. Holy cow!  It’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping!  How do approach this annual, sometimes-daunting task? I check with C to see if she’s thought about it.  She will then set about buying and wrapping gifts with my invaluable, albeit limited, input.  I really have very little to do with the process at all.
  5. What’s your method for paying bills?  C likes to write checks.  Would that it were up to me, I would pay everything I could online.  Still, she generally writes out the bills and I make sure we have enough money in the account to cover the checks she writes.

So, that should just about do it for today.  See you in the funny papers!

Life is a highway

I ran today. I ran ten miles, which if you’ve never run 10 miles, is a long way. I’ve run 10 miles before and it’s not easy. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I’ve never really run that far. I’ve run most of it, but I usually walk some. Today, I ran the Papa John’s 10-miler and I finished in 1:53:55 which, for those of you can’t do math, is pretty slow in the running world. It’s about a minute slower per mile than my race two weeksPapa John's 10-miler ago. It doesn’t put me in the top 50% of my age group. Still and all, it was better than my race last year. And, it was more effort than you put into your Saturday. Plus, to top it off, I mowed the yard when I got home, so there. And, as my wife will attest, I really didn’t train all that hard for it. Even when she insisted that I should be running instead of eating the last of the Triscuits. So, I only have myself to blame. But honestly, if you’ve seen the course, it really is very difficult for a person to run that far.

We started at Kroger at 3rd and Central and ran south to Iroquois Park, into the park and around the 3-mile loop which is chock full of hills (Damn you, Olmsted!)…but here’s the worst part in my opinion…the long trip north on Southern Parkway/3rd Street. It’s like the longest, straightest, flattest street in the world (even though it doesn’t look that way on the map). It seems as if they’re adding on to it as you run. Then there’s that final hill at Central Avenue…and to add insult to injury, once you’ve entered the stadium, you still have to run around the field.

I know, it sounds as if I don’t enjoy it. There are parts of it that I don’t, but I think, for me, the best part is the competition and the feeling of accomplishment. I ran 10 miles today. And, it was a beautiful day to run 10 miles. I’d do it all over again, just not tomorrow or anything.

In addition, there is an ulterior motive. I’m training for the mini-Marathon (March to the Mini update) and that requires an effort of 13.1 miles, which, based on last years’ run, makes this one seem like a walk in the park. It’s amazing how much further 5 kilometers is. But there’s nothing like receiving that medal at the end of the run. “Congratulations, you ran far and made it. We appreciate the effort.”

But now, I’m resting comfortably on the couch and I’ll be able to sit all day tomorrow and relax.

See you in the funny papers!

A new season

Can you smell it? Yeah, that’s it…breathe it in, deep. It’s like the feeling you get right before a thunderstorm when everythingBaseball is crisp and your senses are fiery. Close your eyes, picture yourself there. The open expanse of grass, the smooth feel of leather beneath your fingertips, the warm sun bearing down on you as you step across the lime onto the field. Yes…it’s baseball season. Opening Day is Sunday and that begins a tour of 162 days through the greatest season of the year. I’m so excited I can barely stand it. Every year I get like this and I practically want to leap out of my skin at the prospect of a new year. I love baseball. And, until late September, early October, I’m going to bore you with it. Unless you’re a fan, then come on down, have a beer, and we’ll discuss bizarre statistics until we can’t see straight.

In other news, I’m still running. I haven’t written much about it lately because I haven’t been running much. The workload at school has been getting to me. I have a project due in a month and I’m dreading working on it. Anyway, I’m running…tomorrow…ten miles. I should be fine. I’m not worried about it. The good thing about running is you can continue to do it and you don’t have to worry about lugging your equipment home. You’re usually wearing all of it. It’s not like a flat tire on a bicycle or a car that’s out of gas. If you live close to me, there’s an image in this morning’s paper of the route we’ll run. If you’re out and about tomorrow, look for me, I’ll be the one with the running shoes. Ha, ha!

Also, Holy Week begins on Sunday, Palm Sunday that is. I’m doing three services that day, so if you’re bored come on down and look me up. I’ll be the one in the choir robe. Ha, ha! I have 3 services on Palm Sunday, a choir rehearsal on Wednesday, a service on Thursday, a service at a different church on Friday, and 2 services on Easter. That’s right, I’m “holier-than-thou”. Right now, I have enough “frequent choir” miles to go straight to heaven. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

And now…the Friday Five:

1. If you could suddenly speak one language fluently (that you don’t currently speak) what would it be? I think I would choose French. I like the sound of French as it rolls out of the mouth. I already have Spanish (mostly) and I think French would be a good addition. I might also like Mandarin, being as how there are more Chinese in the world than anyone, but I think I would enjoy French more.

2. If you were to suggest a foreign film, that you really enjoyed, what one would you suggest? I absolutely love L’auberge Espagnole. It’s about several foreign students gathered in Spain for a semester of education, well, I guess it’s more about the one student and his relationships with everyone else, but it’s a really good film. We have a copy somewhere. Also, if you’re reading this and you have my copy of “Hoosiers”, I’d really like to have it back. I can’t for the life of me remember where that film went.

3. If you had to call another country home (other than the one you currently live in) what one would you choose? Well, I’ve really only had experience with four other countries to have any real sort of comparison. I loved the climate of South Africa, the weather climate, not the political climate. I loved the history and bustle of France, although I might get tired of the tourist thing, but never the butter or the cheese. Plus, then my fluency from #1 would really come in handy. I didn’t see much of Canada, but it seemed a lot like here with a better transit system. And Mexico, well, I could definitely get used to Mexico provided I was able to stomach the water and live in the Yucatan. Still, I think I would choose France. It seemed the best choice. I don’t think I could choose a country sight unseen.

4. If you went out to buy an import music CD, what one would you buy? I would definitely get either Irish traditional music or something by Ali Farka Toure, I think he was from Mali. Both of those would be good choices for import CDs.

5. If you were to chose an ethnic dinner, what would it be? Now this is difficult. I love all sorts of food from all over the world. I love Pad Ke Mao from Thailand. I love Dublin Coddle from Ireland. I could definitely go for more springbok from South Africa, and some biltong to go with that. I enjoy fresh French bread and butter, with a little wine to wash it down. And, I’ve even been known to enjoy the curry and lentils from India and doro wat with injera from Ethiopia. I think I would love to have a dinner that encompassed the United Nations.

That about does it. See you in the funny papers!

Waves

A clamor of bodies crowds into the street.  The icy fresh wave of cool morning air, whistling through the mob, beats a hasty path down the asphalt toward the western edge of the city.  A silent wave hushes the crowd as the anthem to a nation breaks the stillness.  More huddling against the cold; more shuffling, anxiety to begin.  An explosion and the people surge forth, slow at first and then bursting out into the sunlight, away from the cold gray edifice.  Waves of energy cover the crowd as they move up the hill, reaching ceaselessly toward the sun as they forge an eastern path.  Puffs of cold breath evoke past steam engines as the wave of people crashes down upon the street, beating a steady tempo against the morning.  And the race has begun.

Yes, this weekend was the Rodes City Run 10K.  It was a glorious race for me.  I managed a steady pace throughout the race and did not fall into my typical slump when I rounded onto Lexington Road.  I ran it in 1:04:14 which was a new personal best for me.  The March to the Mini continues.

Unfortunately, spring break is over now and the crush of the semester begins anew.  I’m looking forward to parts of it, and other parts, I’d just soon avoid altogether.  C and I did get to see a movie yesterday which was a nice change of pace from our usual Sunday hibernation pattern.  Also got a chance to have dinner with S & C at Kaelin’s which was a very nice evening event.  This vegetarian issue that I have is starting to wear on me.  I long for the texture of meat.   I don’t so much crave beef, but I long for the flavor of chicken or sausage.  Bacon is also high on my list of wants.  I miss bacon.  But, only two more weeks and I can go back to being an omnivore.  It has been nice to have a decent intake in vegetables and I have a newfound respect for the ability of vegetarians to eat in an increasingly meat-filled world, but it’s just not a lifestyle I care to partake in.

See you in the funny papers.