I woke up and read the headlines on the news--winter storm warning Thursday-Saturday. And I'm scheduled for a 16 mile run on Saturday. Snowy roads would make it so much more difficult. I didn't have to teach this morning, the roads were clear and it was in the upper 20s--so I decided to do the 16 miler today. I couldn't venture too far out of the neighborhood since it was dark for most of the run, but it was a beautiful morning. For people who know my running, it's a big deal for me to change my plans on the spur of the moment. When I have a distance in mind (usually 10 miles), if I don't go at least that far I will run past my house to finish it, even if it's only to next door.
I hope the weather clears up before everyone comes on Friday and Saturday. We'll have a full house this weekend. I can't wait to see so many people. There are only 10 tickets left, so we've done a pretty good job. Baskets are still coming in; we have a great variety.
The marathon course finally came out. It looks like a nice course. It is net downhill and the last 8 or so miles are along the ocean. That should keep it cool.
With all my activities, I am way too busy. I'm trying to train, get organized for the fundraiser Sunday and am extremely busy at work. I've got lots of projects going on; I feel I hardly have time for classes (and grading!). I was even carrying a huge hockey bag with the college mascot (Bengal tiger) across campus today. My students are reading at the local grocery store (Wegmans on Amherst Street, if you want to come) on Saturday morning, and the Bengal will be roaming the store trying to get children to participate. Everyone who comes will go home with a book. Hopefully it all works out.
Got our NCAA basketball tickets delivered today. Those games are so much fun to watch. We've promised Lindsay the tickets though if Syracuse is in this region. Billy signed up for the MCATs today--I guess there's no backing out for him now.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Spring?
It's above freezing today for the first time in a month! Twenty five degrees and clear roads this morning--been a long time since conditions were that good. The ski resorts are happy--a little snow everyday and cold weather. They've been able to stay open all winter. At least it's good for someone.
One week until the comedy club fundraiser. Had three people over last night helping to put baskets together. Had a newcomer helping--Linda is a basket expert. She did a nice job showcasing them. We have a wonderful assortment with lots of great items. Quite a few individuals and several businesses have really stepped up. Is it appropriate for me to bid on baskets? Should I use an alias? I really want to win some of them. Only about 20 tickets left. I really hope we sell out. Can't wait for everyone to come to town.
Katie had to bow out of helping as she became a victim of the Buffalo winter. Monday night she slipped on the ice and broke her ankle. She ended up with surgery to have pins and a plate put in. Ugh! It sounds so terribly painful, but she still has a smile on her face.
One week until the comedy club fundraiser. Had three people over last night helping to put baskets together. Had a newcomer helping--Linda is a basket expert. She did a nice job showcasing them. We have a wonderful assortment with lots of great items. Quite a few individuals and several businesses have really stepped up. Is it appropriate for me to bid on baskets? Should I use an alias? I really want to win some of them. Only about 20 tickets left. I really hope we sell out. Can't wait for everyone to come to town.
Katie had to bow out of helping as she became a victim of the Buffalo winter. Monday night she slipped on the ice and broke her ankle. She ended up with surgery to have pins and a plate put in. Ugh! It sounds so terribly painful, but she still has a smile on her face.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Hi Becky!
Just finished dinner with Becky and her mom. It is hard to stop laughing when she is over!
Seemed warm at 28 degrees and a swift breeze. It makes me sad that I can think of that as a nice day. We haven't seen above freezing in a month. Wish it could be 28 and clear roads. The layer of snow was slick this morning.
I made 14 miles yesterday. That's the longest I've run since the Ironman in 2005. I was snowing big puffy flakes most of the time, but I was still able to average just under 9 minute miles, negative splitting by a few seconds. It means I am getting stronger. I get annoyed that I can't try to increase the speed, but I will try to get strong enough to run 9 minute miles for the first 20 of the marathon. Then the last 6.2 can be what they will, and I should still be able to finish in 4 1/2 hours. It'll be my slowest by far, but I'll be satisfied with it--especially since my goal is to just have fun.
Wish everyone could watch Canadian Olympic coverage. They've just won their first gold medal and the young kid is now a national hero. Canadian coverage is so much more fun than American. Better stories, more varied sports, plus they're so serious and so patriotic. The only downfall so far--they actually showed the entire luge accident. It was horrifying to watch!
Seemed warm at 28 degrees and a swift breeze. It makes me sad that I can think of that as a nice day. We haven't seen above freezing in a month. Wish it could be 28 and clear roads. The layer of snow was slick this morning.
I made 14 miles yesterday. That's the longest I've run since the Ironman in 2005. I was snowing big puffy flakes most of the time, but I was still able to average just under 9 minute miles, negative splitting by a few seconds. It means I am getting stronger. I get annoyed that I can't try to increase the speed, but I will try to get strong enough to run 9 minute miles for the first 20 of the marathon. Then the last 6.2 can be what they will, and I should still be able to finish in 4 1/2 hours. It'll be my slowest by far, but I'll be satisfied with it--especially since my goal is to just have fun.
Wish everyone could watch Canadian Olympic coverage. They've just won their first gold medal and the young kid is now a national hero. Canadian coverage is so much more fun than American. Better stories, more varied sports, plus they're so serious and so patriotic. The only downfall so far--they actually showed the entire luge accident. It was horrifying to watch!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
I know the best people
I got an e-mail the other day from my good friend Becky. She can't come for the fundraiser, but wanted to know if there was anyone who might want to come but not be able to afford a ticket. I couldn't think of anyone, but then the next day I got an e-mail from a student at Buffalo State. I am the faculty advisor for a philanthropic sorority. They are putting together a basket for the fundraiser and a few of the girls would purchase tickets, but not all could come because they couldn't afford it. I sent the e-mail to Becky, and she is buying 4 tickets so the girls can come. Is that the nicest thing ever?!
We went to the comedy club last night for a show, just to see what it looked like, how it was set up. We had a lot of fun. It was a good comedian from LA. For our show, I'm assuming it will be the owner of the club, who is also on a morning radio show. He is usually very funny.
We went to the comedy club last night for a show, just to see what it looked like, how it was set up. We had a lot of fun. It was a good comedian from LA. For our show, I'm assuming it will be the owner of the club, who is also on a morning radio show. He is usually very funny.
Now we have to put in the miles
Bob and I have entered the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon, have our hotel reservations and have made plane reservations. Now we just have to get the training miles in. I've got a start, as I did 12 miles yesterday--15 degrees with 15-20 mile winds, but I did it. Just the thought of San Diego puts a smile on my face (warm, great place). We're going a couple days early and staying an extra day to try to get some lactic acid out of the legs. The morning after the Boston Marathon, I got on a plane to London--and it was hard to get off it. We'll take the next day to walk around!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A sign of good things to come?
It was a beautiful, clear (but extremely cold) morning today and I saw a shooting star. That is quite an unusual sight--I'm not sure if it is because there are so few shooting stars or so few clear mornings. It's probably been a couple years since I've seen one. I also noticed the sky getting lighter towards the end of my run. That is always a good sign!
Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1
Why does February seem like the longest month of the year?
It's the month of the Comedy fundraiser. I think it is going to be a success. I love the looks of the attendees list already. It's a nice eclectic group of people of all ages. The basket collection (for raffle) is also going well. Lots of very generous people! With all the help I've had--Katie is so organized--it's been pretty easy for me. I feel like Katie, Marilyn and Tammy are doing more than me for it, especially Katie.
Time to pull out the marathon training plans--4 months to go. I'm not following any plan. Will just gradually increase my Saturday mileage until I'm up to 20 miles. I'm already at 11, so it can be very gradual. My weekday mileage is fine. I'm too old to do big jumps in mileage and I'm not allowed to increase intensity, so it will just have to be a slow, steady run. When I qualified for Boston, I ran in the 3:30s; I'm afraid this will be an hour slower, but I have to tell myself that is okay. I am doing this to have fun! Kally and AJ need to start making their plans. They are young, so if they don't follow the schedule religiously, it should probably be okay. Bob's the one I worry about; he's been having leg problems. Hopefully they'll straighten up in the next few weeks. With all the hardware in his ankle though, it may be tough--and painful--training.
It's the month of the Comedy fundraiser. I think it is going to be a success. I love the looks of the attendees list already. It's a nice eclectic group of people of all ages. The basket collection (for raffle) is also going well. Lots of very generous people! With all the help I've had--Katie is so organized--it's been pretty easy for me. I feel like Katie, Marilyn and Tammy are doing more than me for it, especially Katie.
Time to pull out the marathon training plans--4 months to go. I'm not following any plan. Will just gradually increase my Saturday mileage until I'm up to 20 miles. I'm already at 11, so it can be very gradual. My weekday mileage is fine. I'm too old to do big jumps in mileage and I'm not allowed to increase intensity, so it will just have to be a slow, steady run. When I qualified for Boston, I ran in the 3:30s; I'm afraid this will be an hour slower, but I have to tell myself that is okay. I am doing this to have fun! Kally and AJ need to start making their plans. They are young, so if they don't follow the schedule religiously, it should probably be okay. Bob's the one I worry about; he's been having leg problems. Hopefully they'll straighten up in the next few weeks. With all the hardware in his ankle though, it may be tough--and painful--training.
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