Here is the story of my first half-marathon (with Team in Training) for those of you who haven't heard it yet.

( Cut for length and pictures )

Lately I’ve been really enjoying my longer runs of 8-11 miles. Once I’m warmed up and hit my stride, I can just keep going for miles and miles. My mind shuts off to anything else going on in my life. Out of instinct, I purely think about my breathing, my posture, my steps, and make simple observations about things going on around me. Running has ( Read more... )

Traverse City Vacation
Day Two:  Dunes

( More vacation details. You've been warned. )

Traverse City Vacation
Day One:  Nostalgia
( Lots of details on my vacation )

I'm feeling better now, so I'm back to my training plan ( Read more... )

Today I set out to Gallup Park for a nice 6-mile run.  It's a beatiful day, about 65 degrees F, sunny, with a lovely breeze.  I was just about to Parker Mill when I passed a nice old man on the trail.  He gave me a thumbs-up as I ran by, and said, "Looking great!  Hang in there!"  This gave me a big smile as I waved back ( Read more... )

This Sunday we had a fundraiser at the Dexter Pub.  I saw a lot of familiar faces there and was happy to have some time to catch up with more than a few friends.  Everyone enjoyed a good meal (or two or three), some tasty beverages, and a fun time as all the seats filled up (particularly if they were there during dinner!).  After all was said and ( Read more... )

I used to be a "fair weather runner," only running when the weather was nice and I could "enjoy myself."  Clearly this is not the case anymore, as my training schedule and my eye on the race/end-goal has not allowed me any such luxury anymore.  Sure, there have been times (particularly during the Winter) when I've chosen to run on the indoor track ( Read more... )

This Saturday I ran 8.5 miles!  Psh, no problem.  I felt like I could have run a few more miles!  But lets not get too ahead of ourselves--increasing mileage too quickly can lead to injury ( Read more... )

As promised:  Article in the Dexter Leader RE: Abby and Me