Cold and Clumsy

Mt. Airy forest is a beautiful place to hit the trails in Cincinnati. There are long, uninterrupted stretches, gradual as well as intense climbs to keep us challenged, and many, many rocks and roots to test your knees, ankles and arches. I tripped over most of them on this cold and windy Saturday and left for home after 5 miles miles...sore. I haven't been on a trail in months, and my legs had joints had forgotten about what it can be like. Here are a couple photos of the trails. Some are easy while other sections are brutal like the infamous Stone Steps.

Ursuline Father Daughter Dance

What can I say? Hanley, her friends and I all had a great time. Dinner at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse followed by a very crowded dance at the Hyatt Regency downtown.

By the way, 14 miles last week...getting better every day!
TTFN.

House Guests...Oh, and I can run again!

What a trio! This week, Courage (left) is hosing some friends, Penny and Real. All is well, except for some casual rolls in deer poop this afternoon. Penny (Center) found the best load of droppings and had to jump in the shower with Maura. I didn't ask what they talked about during their intimate moment, but I'm sure is was just casual conversation :o). Anyway, everyone is getting along just fine except for me! My allergies are not multi-dog friendly!
Good new on the knee front...all is well thanks to good advice from Sophie and the aleve and strength exercise advice. I managed a solid 4+ mile run today with very little discomfort. I just have to remain disciplined in my strength and stretching regimen.
In other news, the Ursuline Father-Daughter dance is tomorrow night. Hanley and I are heading to the Montgomery Inn Boathouse for dinner with 7 other dads and daughters, then off to the Hyatt Regency for the dance. I think we are both nervously excited! It's her first dance...
Photos to come.

Take care and TTFN!

It's Getting Better!

You know, now that I think about it, Pateller Tendonitis is also called "Jumpers Knee." I've been doing a ton of swimming lately, and wonder if pushing of the wall too hard is causing this? Anyway, feels better today. As long as I keep moving, all is good. I did try (Stupidly) to run today, but after one stride I had to call it quits. I'll wait...
TTFN

Crap-WIll I Ever Recover?

Ok, so I went running last week, and have not run since...seems I have Pateller Tendonitis or bursitis. It is extremely painful to go down hills, ride a bike, walk, and whatever else I do. This sucks since Flying Pig training should be well under way. I have no idea what caused this, but it came on suddenly with a bang. I did run in the snow, which may have screwed up my stride, but did I mention this sucks?
This could take several weeks to fully heal from what I've read...:o(
More to come. Ack!

Sheesh! Post Something!

Well, the New Year is here, Christmas is past, and I am finally posting something, for God's sake! We all had a wonderful Christmas with Maura's family on the eve of, then off to my parents for Christmas dinner. I was a great time at both occasions, though I have to admit, I'm glad to be back at work at DeanHouston doing a lot of multimedia and 3D design...love it!
I recently entered a logo design contest for my sister-in-law's running club, VHTRC, and just found out that my submission was the winner! That is so cool and can't wait till they start using the design.
My hope this year is to train through the winter and run in the Flying Pig Marathon this May, then, maybe, head to West Virginia and run with the VHTRC group at the Highlands Sky 40 miler in June (with a new VHTRC t-shirt). We'll see how it goes. Cincinnati weather has been bitter cold the last week+, so training has been a bit slow.
That's it for now. Be happy and stay tuned!
A

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