Happy Thanksgiving

On Thursday, Maura and I did the 100th anniversary Thanksgiving Day race in downtown Cincinnati. Maura walked the 10k course while I ran. The weather was perfect for running...a little chilly, but all good. I had a great time of 47:17, just over 7:30 per mile and Maura finished just about an hour later. Great day!

7th Grade Champs!

Nagel Middle School beat three other teams, Milford, Kings and Loveland, to become the 7th grade champs! WOO HOO!

T'was a foggy morning in Cincinnati today. I snapped this on the way to work down at Lunken Airport. This shot overlooks the golf course. High temp was about 65 and perfect weather fora lunchtime 4-miler. Legs are getting stronger and confidence is high for a good running season.
The StoneSteps 50k is on Sunday, but count me out unless I'm feeling strong enough to do a portion ofthe run.
TTFN

Cool Clouds of Cincinnati

We've had a really rainy couple of days, but it stopped for a little while this afternoon. The sun was trying to break through over this tower in Over the Rhine, but no success.
No running for me today...had a double workout yesterday with a swim in the AM and an afternoon 5-miler.
TTFN

Cooler Weather is Here

Temperatures are finally settling to the mid to upper 60s, which has been great for running. I always thought I was a warm-weather runner, but these temps are perfect! And although I still get sore, the IT band and right knee pains are not as chronic as they were last month...thank god! Runs have been slow and steady and I try to walk down the steep hills to reduce the stress.
More to come...gotta go back to work!

FItness & Volyball Updates

Still undefeated, Ursuline freshman continue to dominate the Cincinnati volleyball courts. Hanley, number 8, is doing well so far, usually starting as the Right Hitter. This is a very competitive program, so she is going to have to stay focused and give it 100% every time.

Greta's team also continued undefeated. She plays the entire rotation and has a very good serve. Her future looks very encouraging! I don't have their team photo yet, but will post when I get it.

Meanwhile, my running is getting off to a slow start. I think I started too early after my knee injury (while tiling the bathroom. Huh?). I took about 2 weeks off, focusing on swimming and some cycling, but went for a run today and the pain resurfaced after about 2 easy miles. It's probably time to see the Orthopedic doc to get some diagnosis and PT.

Volleyball Update

Ok...as of tonight, both of the girl's teams are UNDEFEATED!
And that is all I need to say.

Oh, and my stupid knee still is in pain. No running for over a week, but still keeping up with swimming and biking.

A new Lifestyle...Ack!

Well, the girls have started their season off with a bang! Ursuline played Saturday and beat Lakota East in a close match-up, then turned right around and pulverized Turpin (My alma mater) 2 games to zip. Greta's team, the Nagel Nighthawks stepped up and beat Norwood easily in two games.
No photos from Greta's game, but she played an awesome first match, and ultimately won the game ball!! Way to go.

On the running front, I've been struggling with some IT and knee issues the past few weeks, which has been really frustrating! So, I'm taking it easy, icing and stretching, and focusing on swimming, weight lifting and cycling until I'm back on the trail. It sucks...big time! Running is such a stress reliever and I miss the miles.
Anyway, TTFN

East Fork Trail Run

Last weekend was the final race of the Dances With Dirt Trail series. This race was different in that it started the slowest from the series starting first, with the faster runners starting later in hopes that we would all finish close to the same time. As it turned out, the elite runners caught up with everyone at about the 4 mile mark in the 5 mile race and passed us all like a herd of spooked deer. And while it was impressive to watch these fast CC runners explode through the trails, I think it left all the slower runners little bit stunned by their approach.
Anyway, I was able to rally at the end for a happy 44:15 finish and a great after-race brunch catered by Heather Poast. It was a great time!

Fench Park Trail Run

The French park trail run, 3.1 miles, was tough. The race began with a 1/4 mile sprint downhill through mowed grass and mole hills before entering the woods. The strategy in this run was to be conservative early on, then kick into gear the last mile or so. Needless to say, the initial downhill got me a little excited and I pushed too hard early on. I paid the price, as the last 1/2 mile was uphill. Ouch, I didn't see that coming! Anyway, I finished in 28:25 on a warm, muggy morning, though I have to admit, the trails were awesome.
The IT band takes a hit from these event, but if I keep on the roller, it helps!
The last event in this series is in July 19th for a 5.6 mile race through some cool East Fork Lake trails, followed by a brunch. Going to be a great time...the trails are addicting.

Dirt Days Trail Series-Race 2

Mt. Airy Forest was host to my second trail race in a four-race series, and it was a great one at that! Despite feeling awful in the morning from allergies, I forced myself to load up the car and head on out for the 9 AM start.

The weather was crisp and clear, perfect for a 10.1 mile, 2-loop run, and after a minute or two in the woods, I was feeling strong and remained that way for the 1:34 duration. The trails were in great shape with only a couple of sloppy spots from rains earlier in the week. The first loop got a little crowded, but it forced me to run conservatively early on, and once the groups thinned out on loop two, I felt strong enough to cut loose. I was running in my old Montrail Hurricane Ridge shoes which felt a little heavy, but the traction was very good; no major slips or spills!

Next race is a short one at French Park, but there are creeks involved!

TTFN!

Flying Pig Update

Well, it's Flying Pig time and unfortunately, I am not going to be participating this year. Sore IT band, a basic lack of training, and a hefty $70 late entrance fee have me a bit concerned about running this year. I may go down and cheer on the runners, but the weather is supposed to be rainy and cool. Good for them, but not so good for spectators. I'm OK with that, though. I have a trail race scheduled for the 16th, part of a 4-race trail running series I signed up for, so I'm going to focus on hill training and some speed work. I have to admit, the Pig is difficult to prepare for, as most of the training is January-March...and I'm not much of a cold weather kind of guy!
Anyway, best of luck to all...
TTFN

Lost Another Friend

Maura's mother left us on Sunday morning, April 19th after her battle with pancreatic cancer. The Sunday before, she spent Easter with most of the family at their home in Blue Ash, but the following week was the turning point. She died peacefully at the Hospice just up the street from her home.
She was also one of the very few readers of this blog...we will miss her terribly!

Now...this is scary!

Many years ago, in 1980, I attended Wittenberg University for a year. During that brief time , I made a few good friends that I recently reconnected with via Facebook. My old friend John found this god-awful photo from our freshman year.
Yes, that is me with fellow guitar player, now famous chef, Adam Votaw.
The guitar I am playing was given to me by my brother, Rusty...who is now a well respected musician in Charlottesville, VA.
I think the glasses and hair speak for themselves.
OUCH! It's amazing I ever got married and had children

Help for the IT!

(No, that is NOT me!) Relief has arrived, and it comes in the form of a simple, solid foam roll! Maura surprised me with one of these devices for our anniversary last week and it REALLY works. After trying to manage tight a IT band for months, just a few minutes of concentrated rolling across the outside of the leg not only eased the tightness, but also helped to relieve pain in my hips. It does hurt a little bit in the beginning, but the more I do it, the better it feels.
And the benefit...my mileage is finally on the rise in preparation for the Flying Pig in early May. Keeping the fingers crossed for this one. If I can stay health, my goal is to break 3:45.

More news: At the suggestion of a friend, I searched Ebay and found a really cool vintage Bear Bow from the early 1960s. I grew up shooting the Bear brand bow, so it's going to be cool to get this one up and running. I have a new string, just need to get some arrows and other gear, then we are in business! The only real problem is the draw weight...50lbs of pull to achieve a full draw. I tried it last night and it's going to be quite an achievement to get used to shooting this monster.

I Am So Done with Snow

OK...snow is fun and all, but not when it hangs around for weeks!! Well, finally this mess is starting to melt. Today is going to be in the upper 50's. So now, instead of snow, we have all these puddles of dirty slush. But that is ok by me.
Anyway, all is good in Cincinnati.
TTFN

Life is Going to Change!

Well, it's official. Hanley is going to be attending Ursuline Academy this fall! She passed the entrance exam last month and to our surprise, she is very excited to be joining a very special group of girls. Maura and I are excited as well...this is an awesome opportunity, and our hopes are high.