Monday, September 29, 2008

The Speidel Reunion

It's a rare opportunity when the Speidel brothers get together. This weekend, we had that opportunity, though bitter sweet. It was my Uncle Dick's memorial service. Yet, despite the sad circumstances, it was great to get everyone together to share stories, photos and laughter.

We had a great collection of Speidel family including Scott, Kathy, Conner and Nancy, RaeAnn and Reeve, Liz, Erin and Kate, Champe and Lisa, Russ and Walter, Whitney, Uncle Jack and Nancy, and Rusty and Sophie.

Anyway, the plan is to get together again under more positive circumstances...
Let's do it!

TTFN

Sunday, September 21, 2008

How's My Training Going?

Well, I'll tell you...
I have had a few good weekends, putting in a 14 and 12 miler in over the previous two weeks. But I have a nagging pain that just doesn't seem to get better. It's right at the top of my femur...a sharp pain that kind of wraps around my butt! After about 10 miles, my legs start to go almost numb and I just shut down and start walking. Sciatic nerve, perhaps? This has put a major cramp in my training for the Stone Steps 50K. My hope was to do a 17-20 miler today, but soreness and heat pretty much screwed that up; I managed 7 miles; and with the race in mid October, I may have missed my window for getting in a quality long run before the taper.
Speaking of Stone Steps, turns out Hurricane Ike, which paid us a visit last Sunday, really tore up the course. According to one runner who checked it out, the trail is littered with fallen trees and limbs. I guess it is up to the Cincinnati Park Board to take care of this.
Anyway, I will push on and probably still give it a go. I always seem to find added stamina when I'm running with others.

See you next time!

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Lost Yet Another Friend...and Uncle

These "Lost Another Friend" posts are getting old and I don't like them. But, unfortunately I regret to say that my Uncle Dick passed away this morning around 7:00am from complications from cancer. He had been fighting this awful disease for quite a while and it finally got the best of him while vacationing in Cedarville, MI.

Surrounded by son, daughter and friends, he passed peacefully in his beloved vacation home on LaSalle in the Les Cheneaux islands. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ironically, this photo was taken at the memorial gathering for his wife Liz, who also passed away from cancer. But finally, they are together once again, enjoying peace and love in heaven.

It's not fair, and while I dread these posts, but I don't want to forget the people that have touched my life.

TTFN