Thanks Sat and Steve for the advice. I looked at the long range forecast for Leadville and it looks pretty good for the 1st day of the race and through Thursday. Sunny and cool but it looks like it will be pretty chilly at night low 30's. But when do the Weather folks ever get it right.
I am debating on how heavy a jacket to bring...a ski jacket or a mid weight jacket that will be easier to pack where I can always layer under it. My brother says go with the Ski jacket. Anybody have any other thoughts.
Steve, I have a home equity line I hope that will be enough. I had hoped to put a new roof on the house but I guess I can wait till next year.
Took the day off...busy at school and did some shopping. Was hoping to play some golf tomorrow but the weather is not looking good. If no golf will run uphill on the treadmill for 30/40min and do some stretching and stomach work.
The Finish Line
The Knuckleheads
The Last Day
Our Running Buddies
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Day 153 & 154
First a BIG THANK YOU to OLD Goat Steve for his response on navigation. I should have asked him this question a month ago I would have slept better. If I make it to Vail I am taking him out for a beer at one the bars there.
Took Tuesday off...got my passport photo. Now I am down to couple of things but nothing big.
Today, I got the new cell phone and one Helen,Katie and Freddy. Katie and Freddy have already figured there phone's out. They are helping me figure mine out.
Ran 6.5 today and did my usual Y thing. It was not a great run felt rough and it was humid again.
Spoke to my brother tonight...George, Glucose tablets they sell them at Walmart or any drug store. He says they are better then eating chocolate or gel drinks. He says we need to pack a warm jacket for nighttime and morning. He also laughed about the 6 shirts he said after the 1st mile each day it is not going to matter whether you have a clean or dirty shirt. He maybe right.
Took Tuesday off...got my passport photo. Now I am down to couple of things but nothing big.
Today, I got the new cell phone and one Helen,Katie and Freddy. Katie and Freddy have already figured there phone's out. They are helping me figure mine out.
Ran 6.5 today and did my usual Y thing. It was not a great run felt rough and it was humid again.
Spoke to my brother tonight...George, Glucose tablets they sell them at Walmart or any drug store. He says they are better then eating chocolate or gel drinks. He says we need to pack a warm jacket for nighttime and morning. He also laughed about the 6 shirts he said after the 1st mile each day it is not going to matter whether you have a clean or dirty shirt. He maybe right.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Day 152
Two weeks from tonight we will have hopefully completed the 1st leg and had our 1st campfire chat!!!
Relatively peaceful Monday. However did not accomplish any tasks ie new phone and passport photo. Went to a Verizon wireless store broke into a cold sweat...had no clue what to do. Family plan, single plan, National Minutes plan etc...text messaging, email, music, GPS, TV(LCD or Plasma), broadband etc. Buy one get 3 free with a two year plan on Tuesday with a full moon if you are an Aries and you plan to Vote for Obama!!! I will try again tomorrow I did some research tonight on the internet. I did check Verizon's Colorado coverage ...west of Buena Vista looks shaky, Vail is ok, but my broadband card may not work on some days. So I may not be able to post on those days.
Went to the Y today for a light workout. Walked up hill for 40 minutes tried to maintain a 15min/mile pace. Finished with a light jog just to keep the legs moving. Did some upper body work as I think my arms are getting weak with all the running I have been doing. Also went back to doing push-ups. Hope to tighten up thing before the race.
Looking forward to meeting Old Goat Doug I think we share the same views on Hillary. My wife Helen was a raging Liberal when we met. She use to throw mashed potatoes at me when we would discuss politics. Now she is right of me and Rush Limbaugh. How about those Russian they are not winning enough Gold Medals so they have to invade another country to change the subject. Sore losers!!! By the way any Russians running in this race...that will make for interesting campfire chats.
Relatively peaceful Monday. However did not accomplish any tasks ie new phone and passport photo. Went to a Verizon wireless store broke into a cold sweat...had no clue what to do. Family plan, single plan, National Minutes plan etc...text messaging, email, music, GPS, TV(LCD or Plasma), broadband etc. Buy one get 3 free with a two year plan on Tuesday with a full moon if you are an Aries and you plan to Vote for Obama!!! I will try again tomorrow I did some research tonight on the internet. I did check Verizon's Colorado coverage ...west of Buena Vista looks shaky, Vail is ok, but my broadband card may not work on some days. So I may not be able to post on those days.
Went to the Y today for a light workout. Walked up hill for 40 minutes tried to maintain a 15min/mile pace. Finished with a light jog just to keep the legs moving. Did some upper body work as I think my arms are getting weak with all the running I have been doing. Also went back to doing push-ups. Hope to tighten up thing before the race.
Looking forward to meeting Old Goat Doug I think we share the same views on Hillary. My wife Helen was a raging Liberal when we met. She use to throw mashed potatoes at me when we would discuss politics. Now she is right of me and Rush Limbaugh. How about those Russian they are not winning enough Gold Medals so they have to invade another country to change the subject. Sore losers!!! By the way any Russians running in this race...that will make for interesting campfire chats.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Days 148,149,150 & 151
I can not believe it is almost here... two weeks from tonight we will be at the pre-race BBQ.
Well, George your sock recommendation worked. Picked up a pair on Thursday.
Friday was a brutal day but at least it was Friday. Got to the school and forgot we were having our fire suppression system tested. Spent the early morning running around the school telling everybody not to worry about the alarms. Then the landscaping issue we had a month ago was going to be corrected. Eventually it was.... but not without a significant amount of time and aggravation. I was not able to go to lunch until 2:30 which put my run in jeopardy. I needed to run to test the new socks and trail shoe. Ran 6.5 had hope to run 8 but time was against me. Luckily George's sock suggestion worked. Legs and feet felt fine and went back to my root trail and had no issues. Back to work and the HEALTH DEPARTMENT was there for an inspection!!! On a Friday afternoon if you can believe that. Everything was Ok. Finally the landscaping was done at around 6:30. I went home and had a couple of Buds.
Saturday, the weather was perfect...low 60's. Ran 9 miles...no pack and just tried to rip it. It was a good run and I felt strong. Unfortunately, it was mostly pavement and I ran it in trail shoes so my legs were a little sore. I even got competitive the last mile I pushed to over take another runner something I never do. Just getting cocky!!! After the run went back to buy a bunch of those socks. On my way back I found a great trail to run along the Delaware river... of course I find it at the end of the training. Did I mention I have lived in this area for over 18 years!!!
Today, George and I spent time on the phone going over gear and food items. We both found towels that are paper thin and will fit in our packs and luggage without taking up any room. I think I am halfway packed hope to be finished by next Saturday. STILL NEED TO GET THAT PHOTO thing taken care of!!! Also need to get a new cell phone tomorrow.
Oh went for a 4 mile hike in the rain gear to see how it felt. It was raining!!! I am not a complete Knucklehead!!!
Well, George your sock recommendation worked. Picked up a pair on Thursday.
Friday was a brutal day but at least it was Friday. Got to the school and forgot we were having our fire suppression system tested. Spent the early morning running around the school telling everybody not to worry about the alarms. Then the landscaping issue we had a month ago was going to be corrected. Eventually it was.... but not without a significant amount of time and aggravation. I was not able to go to lunch until 2:30 which put my run in jeopardy. I needed to run to test the new socks and trail shoe. Ran 6.5 had hope to run 8 but time was against me. Luckily George's sock suggestion worked. Legs and feet felt fine and went back to my root trail and had no issues. Back to work and the HEALTH DEPARTMENT was there for an inspection!!! On a Friday afternoon if you can believe that. Everything was Ok. Finally the landscaping was done at around 6:30. I went home and had a couple of Buds.
Saturday, the weather was perfect...low 60's. Ran 9 miles...no pack and just tried to rip it. It was a good run and I felt strong. Unfortunately, it was mostly pavement and I ran it in trail shoes so my legs were a little sore. I even got competitive the last mile I pushed to over take another runner something I never do. Just getting cocky!!! After the run went back to buy a bunch of those socks. On my way back I found a great trail to run along the Delaware river... of course I find it at the end of the training. Did I mention I have lived in this area for over 18 years!!!
Today, George and I spent time on the phone going over gear and food items. We both found towels that are paper thin and will fit in our packs and luggage without taking up any room. I think I am halfway packed hope to be finished by next Saturday. STILL NEED TO GET THAT PHOTO thing taken care of!!! Also need to get a new cell phone tomorrow.
Oh went for a 4 mile hike in the rain gear to see how it felt. It was raining!!! I am not a complete Knucklehead!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Day 147 The Quest Almost Came to an End
Not a good day....almost in a mild state of panic. Ran 8.5 in the 4H's mostly trail. Major trail shoe issues. Was hoping to have a nice trail run in the new shoes. I am not sure if it is a shoe or sock issue. It is too late in training process to be worrying about shoes and socks. Anyway my feet were swimming in the new shoes as they loosened up during the run. This caused my Achilles to start hurting which had not bothered me for more then a month. Not sure what to do at this stage. May go back to my New Balance 908's or try a thicker sock which may bring back the blisters. Not Happy.
While trying to process the trail shoe problem on today's run... I was on a trail with a ton of roots which I use for good practice. Well I was going at a good pace when I missed this root. Well I do not know how I did not wipe out. I caught myself and almost had a Whip Lash on the recovery.... pulled a muscle in my back. Had I gone down something would have broken for sure. Maybe its an Omen...good or bad I am not sure.
Well today was a big gear day. The pee bottle arrived along with the therma rest pad, duffel bag , the head lamp, medical kit and $60 worth on socks that I will now probably have to return.
I will sleep on the shoe issue...next run is Friday hope to have a solution by then.
While trying to process the trail shoe problem on today's run... I was on a trail with a ton of roots which I use for good practice. Well I was going at a good pace when I missed this root. Well I do not know how I did not wipe out. I caught myself and almost had a Whip Lash on the recovery.... pulled a muscle in my back. Had I gone down something would have broken for sure. Maybe its an Omen...good or bad I am not sure.
Well today was a big gear day. The pee bottle arrived along with the therma rest pad, duffel bag , the head lamp, medical kit and $60 worth on socks that I will now probably have to return.
I will sleep on the shoe issue...next run is Friday hope to have a solution by then.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Days 145 & 146
One final word on the pee bottle controversy…when it is pouring rain or blizzard conditions at night I will be warm and dry peeing into my bottle why you guys will be out looking for a TREE to pee against!!!
Anyway, Sunday night went for a five mile hike and figured out how to use the hydration pack I got 5 years ago from my brother. I am a slow learner if no one has not figured that out yet. Walked in my new trail shoes no issues there so far.
Monday, did a light work-out ran up hill on the treadmill for 45 minutes in the new trail shoes. Still no issues with the shoes. Did my usual work-out after the run.
Took today off. Spent time surfing the Internet looking for a solar powered heating pad!!!
Anyway, Sunday night went for a five mile hike and figured out how to use the hydration pack I got 5 years ago from my brother. I am a slow learner if no one has not figured that out yet. Walked in my new trail shoes no issues there so far.
Monday, did a light work-out ran up hill on the treadmill for 45 minutes in the new trail shoes. Still no issues with the shoes. Did my usual work-out after the run.
Took today off. Spent time surfing the Internet looking for a solar powered heating pad!!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Day 141,142,143 & 144
Well I wish I could say the cross training went well...but my golf game was horrible. Could not get on track. But I always enjoy playing golf with Rick as well as his step son Brian. It was pretty funny there was a cute young snack girl driving around the course...Brian and his friend must of spent $50 buying snacks from her. I think one them got her phone #. Oh to be young and single again!!!
Friday was a busy day at work beginning of a new month. Ran 8+ miles during lunch time mostly trail it was hot. Then into the Y for some stomach and upper body work. The guys at the Y are giving me encouragement only three weeks from Friday till we fly out. After work we had our LL-Allstar party for the kids. It was a good night...the parents and the kids all had a good time.
Saturday, woke-up early and went for a 12 mile run before the weather got bad. Spent the rest of day trying to figure out what we should be bringing on the trip. Here is the list George and I have put together if anyone has any suggestions please COMMENT thanks.
Gear List
1. Rain Jacket X
2. Rain Pants X
3. Rescue Blanket X
4. Medical Kit X
5. Fleece Top X
6. Sleeping Bag X
7. Pad X
8. Pillow X
9. Towels X
10. Alcohol wipes X
11. Metamucil Mix X
12. Ultima drink X
13. Exceed energy drink X
14. Food packets ( 6days) X
15. 6 Running Shorts ? X
16. 8 Technical short sleeve tops X
17. Flashlights X
18. Pee bottle X
19. Cottonelle wipes X
20. Socks how many ? X
21. Running Pants ? X
22. Long sleeve shirts how many ?
23. Regular shorts?
24. Regular pants ?
25. Regular Shirts ?
26. Electrolyte Powder or Tablets ( required )
27. Flip flops ( camp fire shoes )
28. Warm gloves
29. Warm Hat
30. Body glide stick
31. High Calorie foods / energy bars
32. Jackknife
33. Books
34. Ear plugs
35. Ipod
36. Condoms and Viagara( George's item not mine)
37. Long stretch pants / compression shorts
38. Aspercreme
39. Advil
40. Sunglasses
41. Suntan lotion
42. Bug Spray
How we are going to fit all this in one bag is beyond me.
Hope to clear-up the shuttle issue tomorrow. Also waiting for a couple of more item that are on order. The critical one is the Therma rest pad. I have three of them but none of them fit into the Big Agness sleeping bag George recommended. Hope to get it by the end of the week.
Friday was a busy day at work beginning of a new month. Ran 8+ miles during lunch time mostly trail it was hot. Then into the Y for some stomach and upper body work. The guys at the Y are giving me encouragement only three weeks from Friday till we fly out. After work we had our LL-Allstar party for the kids. It was a good night...the parents and the kids all had a good time.
Saturday, woke-up early and went for a 12 mile run before the weather got bad. Spent the rest of day trying to figure out what we should be bringing on the trip. Here is the list George and I have put together if anyone has any suggestions please COMMENT thanks.
Gear List
1. Rain Jacket X
2. Rain Pants X
3. Rescue Blanket X
4. Medical Kit X
5. Fleece Top X
6. Sleeping Bag X
7. Pad X
8. Pillow X
9. Towels X
10. Alcohol wipes X
11. Metamucil Mix X
12. Ultima drink X
13. Exceed energy drink X
14. Food packets ( 6days) X
15. 6 Running Shorts ? X
16. 8 Technical short sleeve tops X
17. Flashlights X
18. Pee bottle X
19. Cottonelle wipes X
20. Socks how many ? X
21. Running Pants ? X
22. Long sleeve shirts how many ?
23. Regular shorts?
24. Regular pants ?
25. Regular Shirts ?
26. Electrolyte Powder or Tablets ( required )
27. Flip flops ( camp fire shoes )
28. Warm gloves
29. Warm Hat
30. Body glide stick
31. High Calorie foods / energy bars
32. Jackknife
33. Books
34. Ear plugs
35. Ipod
36. Condoms and Viagara( George's item not mine)
37. Long stretch pants / compression shorts
38. Aspercreme
39. Advil
40. Sunglasses
41. Suntan lotion
42. Bug Spray
How we are going to fit all this in one bag is beyond me.
Hope to clear-up the shuttle issue tomorrow. Also waiting for a couple of more item that are on order. The critical one is the Therma rest pad. I have three of them but none of them fit into the Big Agness sleeping bag George recommended. Hope to get it by the end of the week.
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