Okay, so its over! the race is this week and I haven't run in two months. I've returned to my fat bastard way of living. I'm so pissed off at myself for dropping the ball, but I have learned something in the process. It simply is not my time! That's not an excuse, just reality. I'm working three jobs right now and trying to find time to train is damn near impossible. Someday, my life will get easier and things will fall into place. Does that mean i'm giving up? Fuck no! I start training again tomorrow, for what I don't know, but it starts tomorrow!!
P.S. being a Boston sports fan right now is just damn ridiculous!!..ross
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
update from Ross
Okay, enough already, I know it's been forever since my last post!! A lot has happened and I'll fill you in as briefly as I can.
I have only had two runs since then. One was a terrific 11 mile classic a few weeks back that couldn't have gone any better. 6 Days later I tried to run 13 during a heat advisory (okay, I'm a fucking moron). I only managed 9 very scrambled miles and it took days to recover.
I have been so busy at work it has been incredible. I've been working from 6 to 6 and it hasn't left a lot of time for running, never mind the fact that after dealing with asshole parents all day I am totally drained.
To top all that off, I have had some sort of stomach/gall bladder infection/aliment going on for the last 9 days. Forget running, eating and sleeping have been painful. I took my first pain free breathe today. This month has sucked so far.
Okay, so where do we stand? Ken is reluctant to come up and run this thing alone with my half hearted training that's been going on. If he comes up he will be sacrificing a family Reunion at Disney and I can't handle that pressure on me. I told him to go ahead and bail on Manchester, I'll be talking to Todd and Bib tomorrow. I'm going to tell them the following: I'm going to try to get back to training, I make no promises to anyone about my readiness for Manchester. I plan to run that race on 11/4 with a prayer of finishing, that's all I can say! My apologies to all if I let anyone down by letting my training fall behind!! I'm still going to give it the college try..sorry Ross
P.S. Ken, I really might have found Jesus, I wouldn't make that shit up!!
I have only had two runs since then. One was a terrific 11 mile classic a few weeks back that couldn't have gone any better. 6 Days later I tried to run 13 during a heat advisory (okay, I'm a fucking moron). I only managed 9 very scrambled miles and it took days to recover.
I have been so busy at work it has been incredible. I've been working from 6 to 6 and it hasn't left a lot of time for running, never mind the fact that after dealing with asshole parents all day I am totally drained.
To top all that off, I have had some sort of stomach/gall bladder infection/aliment going on for the last 9 days. Forget running, eating and sleeping have been painful. I took my first pain free breathe today. This month has sucked so far.
Okay, so where do we stand? Ken is reluctant to come up and run this thing alone with my half hearted training that's been going on. If he comes up he will be sacrificing a family Reunion at Disney and I can't handle that pressure on me. I told him to go ahead and bail on Manchester, I'll be talking to Todd and Bib tomorrow. I'm going to tell them the following: I'm going to try to get back to training, I make no promises to anyone about my readiness for Manchester. I plan to run that race on 11/4 with a prayer of finishing, that's all I can say! My apologies to all if I let anyone down by letting my training fall behind!! I'm still going to give it the college try..sorry Ross
P.S. Ken, I really might have found Jesus, I wouldn't make that shit up!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Time to Empty My Mind!!
I usually only talk about running here but today I'm going to get some stuff of my chest. I've been so busy at work I haven't had time to talk to my friends about anything, so here goes. I'll start with today's run and then I'm going to ramble about a bunch of other shit!
Today's run was awesome. I ran over 6 miles at Mines Falls. I felt great the whole way, I could have kept going but I'm saving myself for a big run this weekend. Unlike Sunday, today's run took little effort, I felt great from the first step, I ran my best 6 miles in months. I'm totally fired up right now. There is nothing like a great run!
OKAY, HERE GOES:
I was recently asked about my thoughts on Barry Bonds. My feeling is that baseball sold it's soul to the devil when McGuire and Sosa where saving the game after the strike. Baseball didn't give a shit then, only now that their sacred record has been broken are they outraged. I don't think you can blame Bonds for that. A lot of guys took roids, he is the only one to break 755. Is he an asshole, Absolutely, but he is also a great player. When you look at his body of work, he may be the best ever. Don't forget all of the gold gloves he won. The guy could flat out play. A complete 5 tool player. Besides, the year he hit 73 homers he had the best strato-matic card I have ever seen. Though I have to admit, I'll take my '86 Oil Can Boyd card into battle with Barry any day. If Boyd pitched game 7 in '86, we win, no doubt about it!!
How the fuck could Francona put in Gagne in that spot in Sunday's game. Are you fucking kidding me! Enough said!!
Garnett is a beast, he can only help. Allen couldn't stop me from scoring. I hope they do get Reggie Miller, I don't care how old you are, if you can shoot, you can shoot! He will help them late in games when the score is tight.
Have you heard Hillary's latest campaign slogan" If you sit when you pee, vote for me". If she wins, I'm moving to Canada. She personifies the "C" word!!
Don't buy anything from China! They will put anything in there goods to bring the price down.
I still support the war in Iraq, because I believe that it is not about Iraq, it's about Iran. Trust me folks, within 5 years, we will be in a conflict with Iran. They are the leader of the band and must be dealt with accordingly.
Ken is getting snipped next week. The doctors say 2 or 3 weeks with no running. Ken says he'll be back in a week. I think he is a crazy bastard. If he tries to run in a week he'll be tripping on his swollen sack! That's why I'm waiting until after the marathon.
Wouldn't the only fair punishment for Micheal Vick be to put him in the ring with of the the dogs he trained.
That's all for now, thanks for reading, Ross
Today's run was awesome. I ran over 6 miles at Mines Falls. I felt great the whole way, I could have kept going but I'm saving myself for a big run this weekend. Unlike Sunday, today's run took little effort, I felt great from the first step, I ran my best 6 miles in months. I'm totally fired up right now. There is nothing like a great run!
OKAY, HERE GOES:
I was recently asked about my thoughts on Barry Bonds. My feeling is that baseball sold it's soul to the devil when McGuire and Sosa where saving the game after the strike. Baseball didn't give a shit then, only now that their sacred record has been broken are they outraged. I don't think you can blame Bonds for that. A lot of guys took roids, he is the only one to break 755. Is he an asshole, Absolutely, but he is also a great player. When you look at his body of work, he may be the best ever. Don't forget all of the gold gloves he won. The guy could flat out play. A complete 5 tool player. Besides, the year he hit 73 homers he had the best strato-matic card I have ever seen. Though I have to admit, I'll take my '86 Oil Can Boyd card into battle with Barry any day. If Boyd pitched game 7 in '86, we win, no doubt about it!!
How the fuck could Francona put in Gagne in that spot in Sunday's game. Are you fucking kidding me! Enough said!!
Garnett is a beast, he can only help. Allen couldn't stop me from scoring. I hope they do get Reggie Miller, I don't care how old you are, if you can shoot, you can shoot! He will help them late in games when the score is tight.
Have you heard Hillary's latest campaign slogan" If you sit when you pee, vote for me". If she wins, I'm moving to Canada. She personifies the "C" word!!
Don't buy anything from China! They will put anything in there goods to bring the price down.
I still support the war in Iraq, because I believe that it is not about Iraq, it's about Iran. Trust me folks, within 5 years, we will be in a conflict with Iran. They are the leader of the band and must be dealt with accordingly.
Ken is getting snipped next week. The doctors say 2 or 3 weeks with no running. Ken says he'll be back in a week. I think he is a crazy bastard. If he tries to run in a week he'll be tripping on his swollen sack! That's why I'm waiting until after the marathon.
Wouldn't the only fair punishment for Micheal Vick be to put him in the ring with of the the dogs he trained.
That's all for now, thanks for reading, Ross
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday Seven
I ran seven tough miles yesterday. I never felt right and I new 3 minutes into it that it would not be an enjoyable run. In fact I was scheduled to run 9 miles, but around mile 3 I made the wise decision to break it off at seven and call it a day. No sense in pushing it if it isn't there. I'm not sure why i felt so weak, it may have been the heat , it was around 90 degrees when I started.
For the first time, I really am doubting myself, I cant even imagine running 26.2 miles right now. The half marathon seems like so long ago. I am having the hardest time staying on top of my training program. Work is crazy, and I just can't make any free time. I'm even driving the limo again so it's now becoming much harder to squeeze in my training runs. I just spoke to Ken, he is a training machine. He just pointed me in the direction of a new program, it looks like I might be able to keep up with this one. We shall see. Todd is nursing a pulled calf, and I have a feeling that the CIA has called Bib again. Stay tuned for more info..ross
For the first time, I really am doubting myself, I cant even imagine running 26.2 miles right now. The half marathon seems like so long ago. I am having the hardest time staying on top of my training program. Work is crazy, and I just can't make any free time. I'm even driving the limo again so it's now becoming much harder to squeeze in my training runs. I just spoke to Ken, he is a training machine. He just pointed me in the direction of a new program, it looks like I might be able to keep up with this one. We shall see. Todd is nursing a pulled calf, and I have a feeling that the CIA has called Bib again. Stay tuned for more info..ross
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Ken Called, Ross answered!!
Ken, I got your message the other day! It's been a crazy 10 days, I'll call you soon to fill you in, I can't write about it here. Anyway I responded with a 5.5 mile run today in 90 degree heat with a foot of snow on the ground while side stepping two tornadoes as I ran up hill both ways. Yippe kiyaa mother fucker, I had balls down to my ankles today. It was a great run. I had a perfect warm up routine, 3 cups of coffee and a couple of smokes..gotta go..talk to you folks later
Song of the day- How's it gonna be- Third Eye Blind
Song of the day- How's it gonna be- Third Eye Blind
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
A kick in the Ass from Ken
As i mentioned the other day I haven't been running much. In my mind I had valid excuses for slacking off on my training. That was until Ken called me yesterday. He asked if Bib had kidnapped me. Ken had a real nice way of giving me a kick in the ass, a much needed motivational speech. The thing with running is that if you run all of the time, the training is actually fun, but once you take a break starting up can be brutal. The fear of the brutal return can actually make you stay away longer making your return that much tougher and eventually quitting for good seems like a good idea. I may have been headed down that path until Ken reached out to me. Thanks Ken!!
So there I was today, a week removed from being the Modern Day Warrior slugging out six brutal miles in 90 degree heat. Actually my legs felt pretty good and my wind wasn't terrible, but it was brutal. It took a lot out of me. I ran slower than I have all year. You could have timed my two laps around Mines Falls with a calendar. But the important thing is that I was out there training again.
I have the district tournament for my tennis team this weekend and after that I can really focus on running. I have stopped playing hoop at the gym and I feel fresher already. The ankle feels better everyday I don't play hoop. I didn't stop hoop on purpose, I've just been buried at work so something had to give. It is actually working out well, I think my body needed a rest. I'll talk to ya soon...Ross
Song of the day- Sullivan Street by the Counting Crows!!
So there I was today, a week removed from being the Modern Day Warrior slugging out six brutal miles in 90 degree heat. Actually my legs felt pretty good and my wind wasn't terrible, but it was brutal. It took a lot out of me. I ran slower than I have all year. You could have timed my two laps around Mines Falls with a calendar. But the important thing is that I was out there training again.
I have the district tournament for my tennis team this weekend and after that I can really focus on running. I have stopped playing hoop at the gym and I feel fresher already. The ankle feels better everyday I don't play hoop. I didn't stop hoop on purpose, I've just been buried at work so something had to give. It is actually working out well, I think my body needed a rest. I'll talk to ya soon...Ross
Song of the day- Sullivan Street by the Counting Crows!!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Update from the "Modern Day Warrior"
It's been a while since my last post which by now you know that means I haven't run in a while. Yes, I am concerned, very concerned about falling behind in my training and yes my focus has been everywhere except the marathon. The last two weeks I have been playing a ton of tennis. I played in the best local tournament I've ever been a part of. Check out www.danaball.org . My friend John runs the tourney and he does an amazing job.
Last weekend was the singles tournament. In the first round I had to play a very good young player from Londonderry. On my entry form I listed my name as "The Modern Day Warrior"! Okay I stole that from my favorite wrestler as a kid, Kerry Von Erich from the totally dysfunctional Von Erich family. In tennis I think of my self as a warrior because I don't have the skills to beat a lot of people, but i refuse to be out hustled or out worked. Sure enough this match was perfect for me, a young player with more skill against my hustle and experience. As always I started of slow and was down 4-1 in the first set. Then I found a game plan and worked it nicely to take a 5-4 lead. Normally young players crumble when losing a lead like this, but to this kids credit he fought back and won the set 7-5. I lost the second set 6-3. Every time I had a chance to break this kid down he hit a huge shot. I've never seen anything like it. I kept waiting for him to shit his pants and fold and he never did. This kid is obviously tournament tough.
This weekend was the doubles tournament. This is what I live for. I can play doubles with anyone at this tournament. I played with my buddy Rob, he is as steady as they come. We rolled through our first round and then had to play the # 3 ranked 4.5 player in New England. Keep in mind that Rob and I are only 4.0 level players. We really needed to play at a high level to compete and we did. We had an absolute war yesterday. Rob and I both played exceptionally well. We ended up losing 7-5, 6-2 but we gained a lot of respect out there. Nobody watching gave us a chance and we represented well.
So that's it, I've been playing a ton of tennis, we have the district tournament next weekend from my team. But honestly, the Dana Ball is my Superbowl. That's what i get pumped to play. Now that it is over I can start running again. I hope I haven't fallen to far behind. ..Talk to you soon..ross
Last weekend was the singles tournament. In the first round I had to play a very good young player from Londonderry. On my entry form I listed my name as "The Modern Day Warrior"! Okay I stole that from my favorite wrestler as a kid, Kerry Von Erich from the totally dysfunctional Von Erich family. In tennis I think of my self as a warrior because I don't have the skills to beat a lot of people, but i refuse to be out hustled or out worked. Sure enough this match was perfect for me, a young player with more skill against my hustle and experience. As always I started of slow and was down 4-1 in the first set. Then I found a game plan and worked it nicely to take a 5-4 lead. Normally young players crumble when losing a lead like this, but to this kids credit he fought back and won the set 7-5. I lost the second set 6-3. Every time I had a chance to break this kid down he hit a huge shot. I've never seen anything like it. I kept waiting for him to shit his pants and fold and he never did. This kid is obviously tournament tough.
This weekend was the doubles tournament. This is what I live for. I can play doubles with anyone at this tournament. I played with my buddy Rob, he is as steady as they come. We rolled through our first round and then had to play the # 3 ranked 4.5 player in New England. Keep in mind that Rob and I are only 4.0 level players. We really needed to play at a high level to compete and we did. We had an absolute war yesterday. Rob and I both played exceptionally well. We ended up losing 7-5, 6-2 but we gained a lot of respect out there. Nobody watching gave us a chance and we represented well.
So that's it, I've been playing a ton of tennis, we have the district tournament next weekend from my team. But honestly, the Dana Ball is my Superbowl. That's what i get pumped to play. Now that it is over I can start running again. I hope I haven't fallen to far behind. ..Talk to you soon..ross
Monday, July 16, 2007
Weekend Recap
I'm not sure where to start. It's been a busy few days. I played hoop at the gym on Thursday at lunch. I almost got in a fist fight because this asshole kept hammering me. He finally tossed me into a wall and that was it, I snapped. We had words and had to be separated. Bottom line, this guys a fucking prick, but I had a good workout.
On Thursday night I played tennis, didn't play great but had another good workout. I really need to get my serve going, it has been very inconsistent as of late.
On Friday, I was tired and hungover from a late night of tennis. I managed to make it to the gym and played hoop to sweat out my booze.
I did not run one of my scheduled runs during the week, way to busy at work. Totally unacceptable, but just couldn't find the time. On Saturday I ran 3 miles and everything felt great. It was quick and easy.
Yesterday I ran 9 miles. I ran through Saugus and Wakefield. This 9 miles was brutal, a lot tougher than any run at Mines Falls. It was all pavement with a lot of hills. I felt worse yesterday than I did when I ran the half marathon. My wind was fine, but my legs were killing me. Surprisingly my ankle felt pretty good, but the rest of me was dying. I think running on Saturday didn't help my legs on Sunday. When I ran the half marathon I had several days off before that and my legs were fresh. I'll need to remember that.
My legs felt like rubber today, I left the house this morning determined not to play hoop to give my my body a rest. I went to the gym to lift a little, and sure enough the hoop gang was down a player and they found me. I played for an hour, but honestly I didn't play hard, I couldn't.
This week I'm scheduled to run two 3 milers, a 5 and a 6 on the weekend. I am also involved in a singles tennis tournament so I have to plan my running in order to allow myself to have fresh legs for that. I'm not much of a singles player and will most likely get my ass kicked anyway, but I'd like to be able to compete on fresh legs. I'll keep you posted...ross
On Thursday night I played tennis, didn't play great but had another good workout. I really need to get my serve going, it has been very inconsistent as of late.
On Friday, I was tired and hungover from a late night of tennis. I managed to make it to the gym and played hoop to sweat out my booze.
I did not run one of my scheduled runs during the week, way to busy at work. Totally unacceptable, but just couldn't find the time. On Saturday I ran 3 miles and everything felt great. It was quick and easy.
Yesterday I ran 9 miles. I ran through Saugus and Wakefield. This 9 miles was brutal, a lot tougher than any run at Mines Falls. It was all pavement with a lot of hills. I felt worse yesterday than I did when I ran the half marathon. My wind was fine, but my legs were killing me. Surprisingly my ankle felt pretty good, but the rest of me was dying. I think running on Saturday didn't help my legs on Sunday. When I ran the half marathon I had several days off before that and my legs were fresh. I'll need to remember that.
My legs felt like rubber today, I left the house this morning determined not to play hoop to give my my body a rest. I went to the gym to lift a little, and sure enough the hoop gang was down a player and they found me. I played for an hour, but honestly I didn't play hard, I couldn't.
This week I'm scheduled to run two 3 milers, a 5 and a 6 on the weekend. I am also involved in a singles tennis tournament so I have to plan my running in order to allow myself to have fresh legs for that. I'm not much of a singles player and will most likely get my ass kicked anyway, but I'd like to be able to compete on fresh legs. I'll keep you posted...ross
Friday, July 6, 2007
Great eight!!
I blew off my Tuesday run, I had played hoop earlier in the day and I just didn't feel like I had the legs for it. I think my hoop days are coming to an end, at least on days that I am scheduled to run. I don't want to quit playing hoops because the guys I play with are terrific people and we have a ton of fun, and for the first time in a decade my jump shot shows signs of returning to form. (Stu, you definitely couldn't check me right now!!)
I ran eight miles last night, legs felt great and the wind was fine too. My ankle gave me a lot of trouble, it was tight the first mile as always then loosened up. Somewhere around mile six it began to throb pretty bad and by the time I finished I had shooting pains in the ankle. I limped the last half of a mile. I spent the night pounding Motrin and beers with a bag of ice on my ankle. I have a few days off now, hopefully it will heal up a bit. If it doesn't, I'll need to see a doctor because there is now way I can run a full 26 with the pain I finished with last night.
That's all for now, heading on vacation, I'll check back Monday...ross
I ran eight miles last night, legs felt great and the wind was fine too. My ankle gave me a lot of trouble, it was tight the first mile as always then loosened up. Somewhere around mile six it began to throb pretty bad and by the time I finished I had shooting pains in the ankle. I limped the last half of a mile. I spent the night pounding Motrin and beers with a bag of ice on my ankle. I have a few days off now, hopefully it will heal up a bit. If it doesn't, I'll need to see a doctor because there is now way I can run a full 26 with the pain I finished with last night.
That's all for now, heading on vacation, I'll check back Monday...ross
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Another day in the woods
I ran 3 miles at Mine Falls yesterday. It was slow as hell, but I don't care. My legs were heavy as hell after running 5 on Sunday and then playing hoop 2 hours before yesterdays run. I'm starting to think that I may have to stop playing hoop, for one thing it's not helping my ankle and it definitely takes some energy out of my legs. Maybe I'll just play hoop on my non-running days.
I spoke to my three teammates yesterday, and so far it's all good. I'm a little worried about Bib, He has set himself up to bust his ass the next couple of weeks and I'm afraid he might get injured. Rest is key for recovery and can't be ignored. I have another 3 miler scheduled for today, I'll keep you posted on how that goes..ross
I spoke to my three teammates yesterday, and so far it's all good. I'm a little worried about Bib, He has set himself up to bust his ass the next couple of weeks and I'm afraid he might get injured. Rest is key for recovery and can't be ignored. I have another 3 miler scheduled for today, I'll keep you posted on how that goes..ross
Sunday, July 1, 2007
A Beautiful Day in Bridgewater
I'm Back!!! I have returned from the world of indifference that I had spent the month of June in. I woke up with an edge this morning. Today was the target day for the official training program to begin. 18 weeks until the big day, time to stop fucking around! My program called for a 3 mile run today, but I needed to do 5 today because getting time to run later on this week may be an issue. I'm on vacation later in the week, so I'm front loading this weeks running.
There was one thing I needed to do before I got my run in today. I had promised myself I wasn't going to do this, but I just had to go for it. I called Bib's house. I asked him if he was ready to start his program and he through some shit answer out. He wished me luck on today's run and said " it's a beautiful day for it". That's when I said "It's a beautiful day in Bridgewater too". Next thing I know Bib says "you got me, I'll go running today". That made my day. I haven't spoken to him since, not sure how it went, but it's a start and that's all that matters. Carpe Diem Pappy!!
My five mile run went well, very well! After not running much in the last month, I felt good, wind was fine and legs were strong. The only issue was my left ankle. It's been bothering me on and off for a while. Today it felt like I was running on a raw piece of steak! I've been dealing with this gimpy ankle for 20 years, I'm hoping this will pass as it normally does. The ankle may end up being one of my biggest obstacles in this journey. Besides for the ankle, the run was great, it felt great to be back out there with a purpose, I'm ready to start kicking ass again.
I'm going to get going, but I want to thank my friend Ken, he has been such a source of motivation and support. It really helps me to know he is kicking the shit out of his training in the Florida heat. Ken, your the balls..tnx Ross!!
Song of the day...Don't stop believin' by Journey
There was one thing I needed to do before I got my run in today. I had promised myself I wasn't going to do this, but I just had to go for it. I called Bib's house. I asked him if he was ready to start his program and he through some shit answer out. He wished me luck on today's run and said " it's a beautiful day for it". That's when I said "It's a beautiful day in Bridgewater too". Next thing I know Bib says "you got me, I'll go running today". That made my day. I haven't spoken to him since, not sure how it went, but it's a start and that's all that matters. Carpe Diem Pappy!!
My five mile run went well, very well! After not running much in the last month, I felt good, wind was fine and legs were strong. The only issue was my left ankle. It's been bothering me on and off for a while. Today it felt like I was running on a raw piece of steak! I've been dealing with this gimpy ankle for 20 years, I'm hoping this will pass as it normally does. The ankle may end up being one of my biggest obstacles in this journey. Besides for the ankle, the run was great, it felt great to be back out there with a purpose, I'm ready to start kicking ass again.
I'm going to get going, but I want to thank my friend Ken, he has been such a source of motivation and support. It really helps me to know he is kicking the shit out of his training in the Florida heat. Ken, your the balls..tnx Ross!!
Song of the day...Don't stop believin' by Journey
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Cowboy Up!! And a bunch of other Shit!!
Wow, it's been a long time since I've blogged or ran. June has been a total waste. If this was in the middle of my training I'd be screwed, but since I don't need to start until next week I'm feeling okay with everything. I do feel like I am starting from scratch though and that pisses me off. It's like all that work was meaningless in someways! But if nothing else, I took off weight and gave myself some confidence to take on this endeavor.
One Up, One Down!! Good news to report, My friend Todd has committed to the endeavor. I'm jacked about this, he is a great friend and a terrific athlete. I'm really stoked to have him join the team. On, the other hand, I'd say Bib is all washed up, doesn't seem to be his year. It's getting too late for talk, it's time to put some miles in and after talking to him last week, I don't think he's up to it.
Physically, I haven't felt great all month, I've been nicked up with stupid little shit. Most of all my motivation has been a huge issue. I just haven't been able to get myself going. I know this has a lot to do with work, been absolutely buried there and will continue to be for a while.
So that's pretty much a recap since my last post. I did have a great fathers day, and I'm also another year older since my last post. So now I say it's time for me to "Cowboy Up". I need to pick up where I left off and get that kick ass feeling back. I know it will only take a run or two and I'll be back!
This has nothing to do with running but I'm going to bring it up anyway. Does anyone else feel like we are losing the battle to the losers of civilization. We are in a war on terror and Paris Hilton is the top news story? Are we as a country for fucking real? People are all worried about that blond bimbo, they are missing important issues. Do you know the legislature in Massachusetts just voted down the ballot initiative on same sex marriage. This wasn't a vote to allow or disallow it, this was a vote to put it on the ballot and let the voting public decide. The elected officials of that state felt those citizens who elected them weren't smart enough to vote on gay marriage. It's a fucking injustice. But the sad thing is people don't care, they are not talking about it, they are to worried about the Porn queens jail time. Hey , sorry I got political, I usually don't on this site, but I had some shit building up and needed a release, til next time...ross
One Up, One Down!! Good news to report, My friend Todd has committed to the endeavor. I'm jacked about this, he is a great friend and a terrific athlete. I'm really stoked to have him join the team. On, the other hand, I'd say Bib is all washed up, doesn't seem to be his year. It's getting too late for talk, it's time to put some miles in and after talking to him last week, I don't think he's up to it.
Physically, I haven't felt great all month, I've been nicked up with stupid little shit. Most of all my motivation has been a huge issue. I just haven't been able to get myself going. I know this has a lot to do with work, been absolutely buried there and will continue to be for a while.
So that's pretty much a recap since my last post. I did have a great fathers day, and I'm also another year older since my last post. So now I say it's time for me to "Cowboy Up". I need to pick up where I left off and get that kick ass feeling back. I know it will only take a run or two and I'll be back!
This has nothing to do with running but I'm going to bring it up anyway. Does anyone else feel like we are losing the battle to the losers of civilization. We are in a war on terror and Paris Hilton is the top news story? Are we as a country for fucking real? People are all worried about that blond bimbo, they are missing important issues. Do you know the legislature in Massachusetts just voted down the ballot initiative on same sex marriage. This wasn't a vote to allow or disallow it, this was a vote to put it on the ballot and let the voting public decide. The elected officials of that state felt those citizens who elected them weren't smart enough to vote on gay marriage. It's a fucking injustice. But the sad thing is people don't care, they are not talking about it, they are to worried about the Porn queens jail time. Hey , sorry I got political, I usually don't on this site, but I had some shit building up and needed a release, til next time...ross
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Back at it!!
Sunday I went for my first run since the half marathon. I ran 4 miles at Breakheart reservation in Saugus. It had been a few years since I've been to Breakheart and I forgot just how many hills are there. It was quite different than all of my other runs, very challenging. It's a 2 mile loop that I did twice, and it has a ton of steep hills. I thought I handled the hills well and felt great after the run, it was good to be back.
On Tuesday I ran 3 miles at Mines Falls. It was an awful run, i had too big of a lunch and felt it the whole way and my MP3 player died just after I started. Really nothing good to say about it, but it's over with and it's time to move on. I'm hoping to bang out a 6 miler sometime this week. In all I feel good, but the two weeks off definitely set me back some, but I'll find my stride again soon..dave
On Tuesday I ran 3 miles at Mines Falls. It was an awful run, i had too big of a lunch and felt it the whole way and my MP3 player died just after I started. Really nothing good to say about it, but it's over with and it's time to move on. I'm hoping to bang out a 6 miler sometime this week. In all I feel good, but the two weeks off definitely set me back some, but I'll find my stride again soon..dave
Saturday, June 9, 2007
The Mendoza Line
I did it! It took about four months but I finally hit the Mendoza line. I weighed in yesterday at 200 lbs even. That's my lowest weight since before y2k. I'm officially down 25 lbs and now only need to drop 15 more before the marathon.
Still haven't been running since the half marathon. But I'm back playing basketball and tennis and the ankle feels fine. A couple days off really helped. I plan on running through Saugus on Sunday, not sure how far yet. I might just do 4 or 5 and back that up with another 3 on Monday! I can't wait to get out there.
I spoke to Bib this week, he hasn't really trained at all. If he doesn't get off his ass soon he's going to be a November no show. I also spoke to Ken, he's been running his ass off and is really in good shape to start the program.
Hope it's all good on your end..til next time Ross
Still haven't been running since the half marathon. But I'm back playing basketball and tennis and the ankle feels fine. A couple days off really helped. I plan on running through Saugus on Sunday, not sure how far yet. I might just do 4 or 5 and back that up with another 3 on Monday! I can't wait to get out there.
I spoke to Bib this week, he hasn't really trained at all. If he doesn't get off his ass soon he's going to be a November no show. I also spoke to Ken, he's been running his ass off and is really in good shape to start the program.
Hope it's all good on your end..til next time Ross
Monday, June 4, 2007
Time to listen to my body
While I was physically recovering fine after last weeks race my breathing wasn't getting much better. I went back to the doctor, turns out I had a respiratory infection all along. I started antibiotics and took a few days off. I started feeling much better yesterday, I returned to the gym today and promptly twisted my freaking ankle playing hoop. It's not too bad, just a bit tender but I'm going to lay low most of this week too. I don't want to push it and end up with a nagging injury. I'm looking at a 7.5 mile race in Cambridge near the end of the month, so as long as I'm back for that I'll be happy. I'm pretty miserable now, a week ago I was so pumped after my run, but after not being able to do anything last week and with the ankle twist today i can feel myself getting cranky. I'll keep you posted...d
P.S. Does listening to Hillary make you want to choke on your own vomit, or does that just happen to me!!
P.S. Does listening to Hillary make you want to choke on your own vomit, or does that just happen to me!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
A RUN TO REMEMBER
I did it!! I finished the half marathon on Sunday. It was a great race through Boston and Cambridge! It's called a "Run to a Remember", as it honors law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Well the for me it will always be a run I remember. It was really well organized and the people, all 7,000 of them were great to be around.
When the M.C. said "Let's get ready to rumble" before the race, the place exploded with noise and the gun went off. At this point I didn't know how it was going to go. I still wasn't breathing right and honestly thought I would only make it a couple of miles before quitting. The first mile was a blast, one big swarm of people it was hard to think about anything, I was just taking it all in. Around mile 2 I started getting really concerned about my breathing, I couldn't find a rhythm. At mile 4 my lungs seemed to open up and I felt much better. By mile 6 I wasn't thinking about my breathing at all. A weird thing happened between miles 8 and 9, I got an energy blast and really picked up my pace and starting passing the pack of people I had been running with for the last few miles. When I hit mile 10 I was elated, that was a career high for me and I felt so strong I knew I would finish. Honestly, the last three miles were a walk in the park. I sprinted the last 50 yards to the finish line with a ton of people cheering me on. It was incredible!! This race was definitely the best athletic experience of my life, my greatest athletic achievement!!
My brother, his wife and my sister all came out to see me at several points during the race. I can't explain how much that meant to me, and how good it was to see a familiar face as I ran along! Thank you guys a ton!!
I finished in 2:30:49, just as I predicted. I'm really pleased with that time. I drank way too much water before the race and had to pee three times during the race. This cost me about 12 minutes waiting at the portable bathrooms. Besides, I was in the ER 48 hours earlier, so time was never a concern of mine.
I felt great at the finish, legs were a little tight yesterday, but back to normal today. I'm completely hooked. I'm looking for another race to run soon. I cant wait to go at it again. I've got the runners bug...ross
When the M.C. said "Let's get ready to rumble" before the race, the place exploded with noise and the gun went off. At this point I didn't know how it was going to go. I still wasn't breathing right and honestly thought I would only make it a couple of miles before quitting. The first mile was a blast, one big swarm of people it was hard to think about anything, I was just taking it all in. Around mile 2 I started getting really concerned about my breathing, I couldn't find a rhythm. At mile 4 my lungs seemed to open up and I felt much better. By mile 6 I wasn't thinking about my breathing at all. A weird thing happened between miles 8 and 9, I got an energy blast and really picked up my pace and starting passing the pack of people I had been running with for the last few miles. When I hit mile 10 I was elated, that was a career high for me and I felt so strong I knew I would finish. Honestly, the last three miles were a walk in the park. I sprinted the last 50 yards to the finish line with a ton of people cheering me on. It was incredible!! This race was definitely the best athletic experience of my life, my greatest athletic achievement!!
My brother, his wife and my sister all came out to see me at several points during the race. I can't explain how much that meant to me, and how good it was to see a familiar face as I ran along! Thank you guys a ton!!
I finished in 2:30:49, just as I predicted. I'm really pleased with that time. I drank way too much water before the race and had to pee three times during the race. This cost me about 12 minutes waiting at the portable bathrooms. Besides, I was in the ER 48 hours earlier, so time was never a concern of mine.
I felt great at the finish, legs were a little tight yesterday, but back to normal today. I'm completely hooked. I'm looking for another race to run soon. I cant wait to go at it again. I've got the runners bug...ross
Saturday, May 26, 2007
A Crazy Few Days
Hey, i going to be quick here because I don't have much time but I need to fill you in on what's been going on. I ran six miles on Tuesday, nothing major to report. Pretty normal run, actually my quickest six ever but I'm not running against the clock so I could give a shit. That's where normal ended for me this week.
After work Thursday I blew off a 3 mile run I had planned. I just didn't feel right, at the time I wasn't sure what was up I just knew I had nothing to give so I blew it off. I came home did some work around the house and put in all of my air conditioners. Well a couple of hours later I was really having a hard time breathing. My asthma kicked in, to much pollen in the air. I sucked it up through the night but went right to the emergency room first thing Friday morning. When I arrived I was working on 50% lung capacity, pretty bad shape.
The timing of this couldn't have been worse because I was planning a little surprise for you folks this Sunday. I planned to run a half Marathon in Boston, all 13.1 miles just for the hell of it.
So here I am, A day after the hospital visit, a day before the race. Oh what to do? The doctors did a great job with me, steroids, nebulizer treatments, oxygen and a few other gizmos. The had me breathing better pretty quick.I told them abut the race, they said if I carried my inhaler and promised to stop if i was having an issue than they would support it. The problem is, I am still nowhere close to normal, my breathing meter has me about 80%, my eyes are on fire and I don't have a ton of energy. My allergies are fucking killing me and this isn't a 3 mile race, it would be a career high 13 miles.
So, this is what I know, I have denied having asthma forever, I don't use it as an excuse, refuse to let it stop me from doing anything. I smoke sometimes just to fuck with it. I can't let it stop me. So tomorrow at 8:15 I'm going for it, I'll give it my all, I may not finish but I'm going to wear my big boy pants and go for it. I'll keep you posted...
Note to Beast: Is this the best you can come up with to stop me, an asthma attack before race day? You're so pathetic you make me laugh. Listen big boy, next time you better come up with something a little harsher!! It's going to take a lot to keep me from kicking your silly ass!!
After work Thursday I blew off a 3 mile run I had planned. I just didn't feel right, at the time I wasn't sure what was up I just knew I had nothing to give so I blew it off. I came home did some work around the house and put in all of my air conditioners. Well a couple of hours later I was really having a hard time breathing. My asthma kicked in, to much pollen in the air. I sucked it up through the night but went right to the emergency room first thing Friday morning. When I arrived I was working on 50% lung capacity, pretty bad shape.
The timing of this couldn't have been worse because I was planning a little surprise for you folks this Sunday. I planned to run a half Marathon in Boston, all 13.1 miles just for the hell of it.
So here I am, A day after the hospital visit, a day before the race. Oh what to do? The doctors did a great job with me, steroids, nebulizer treatments, oxygen and a few other gizmos. The had me breathing better pretty quick.I told them abut the race, they said if I carried my inhaler and promised to stop if i was having an issue than they would support it. The problem is, I am still nowhere close to normal, my breathing meter has me about 80%, my eyes are on fire and I don't have a ton of energy. My allergies are fucking killing me and this isn't a 3 mile race, it would be a career high 13 miles.
So, this is what I know, I have denied having asthma forever, I don't use it as an excuse, refuse to let it stop me from doing anything. I smoke sometimes just to fuck with it. I can't let it stop me. So tomorrow at 8:15 I'm going for it, I'll give it my all, I may not finish but I'm going to wear my big boy pants and go for it. I'll keep you posted...
Note to Beast: Is this the best you can come up with to stop me, an asthma attack before race day? You're so pathetic you make me laugh. Listen big boy, next time you better come up with something a little harsher!! It's going to take a lot to keep me from kicking your silly ass!!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
How many beers do you drink a week?
I had a physical last week just to get clearance to run from my doctor. Everything went real well and he said that statistically I'm a low risk candidate for anything catastrophic to happen while running the marathon. Low risk, what the hell does that mean? That scared me a bit.
Before I left the doctor asked me "how many beers do you drink in a week?". After 12 years of medical school this is the best he can come up with. The conversation went something like this:
Doc: How many beers do you drink a week?
Dave: What week?
Doc: I mean the average per week
Dave: Ya see Doc that's a real tough question to answer. I don't have a lot of average weeks. I have weeks that a real shitty and that's when I drink nightly, usually 2-4 beers a night, unless of course its a weekend then it could be 10-12. Now if it's a weekend of a shitty week during the hot summer, I could pop off 18-24 if I start early enough in the day. Now if it's a good week I may not drink at all, even on the weekend. If I do drink during a good week it's usually only on one night for one or two beers, unless I'm watching the Sox or Pats, then it could be 6 or 7 during the game. If I'm on vacation during a good week, I might be around 15-18, unless of course the kid's are with us, then I usually only have one beer at dinner.
Doc: Um okay, well keep an eye on that!
Before I left the doctor asked me "how many beers do you drink in a week?". After 12 years of medical school this is the best he can come up with. The conversation went something like this:
Doc: How many beers do you drink a week?
Dave: What week?
Doc: I mean the average per week
Dave: Ya see Doc that's a real tough question to answer. I don't have a lot of average weeks. I have weeks that a real shitty and that's when I drink nightly, usually 2-4 beers a night, unless of course its a weekend then it could be 10-12. Now if it's a weekend of a shitty week during the hot summer, I could pop off 18-24 if I start early enough in the day. Now if it's a good week I may not drink at all, even on the weekend. If I do drink during a good week it's usually only on one night for one or two beers, unless I'm watching the Sox or Pats, then it could be 6 or 7 during the game. If I'm on vacation during a good week, I might be around 15-18, unless of course the kid's are with us, then I usually only have one beer at dinner.
Doc: Um okay, well keep an eye on that!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Rain King
It's been raining for days again. Seems like April all over again. I played tennis last night (up late again) and hoop at lunch today so there really was no reason for me to go for a run after work today. But then the beast spoke "Hike up your skirt and show your world to me" (Dave Matthews-Crash) he said. 43 degrees and raining, but I had to prove to myself that I could run in this shit. The marathon is in November, it's entirely fucking possible that it will be 43 and raining on race day. So off I went to Mine Falls.
I was the only one on the trail today. I didn't see a soul during my 3 mile trek. I was the best runner on the course, the only person in Nashua with the stones to run in this shit!! It was absolutely one of the best experiences so far, alone in the rain, in the mud just knowing that I was the Rain King!! I ran fast, I ran slow and even ran a bit backwards (yes, I really did run backwards for a bit). It didn't matter what I did, I was the only one there. I yelled, screamed and sang my ass off with the rain dripping off my lid. I would have stayed all fucking night and just kept running, it was that good. I only had time for 3 miles today, but I cant wait to run further in the rain. It is such a good feeling, I can't explain it!! Well that's all for now, thanks for checking in..Ross
Song of the Day- What else?? "Rain King" by the Counting Crows, check out this lyric..
I belong in the service of the Queen
I belong anywhere but in between
She's been crying
I've been thinking
And I am the Rain King
I was the only one on the trail today. I didn't see a soul during my 3 mile trek. I was the best runner on the course, the only person in Nashua with the stones to run in this shit!! It was absolutely one of the best experiences so far, alone in the rain, in the mud just knowing that I was the Rain King!! I ran fast, I ran slow and even ran a bit backwards (yes, I really did run backwards for a bit). It didn't matter what I did, I was the only one there. I yelled, screamed and sang my ass off with the rain dripping off my lid. I would have stayed all fucking night and just kept running, it was that good. I only had time for 3 miles today, but I cant wait to run further in the rain. It is such a good feeling, I can't explain it!! Well that's all for now, thanks for checking in..Ross
Song of the Day- What else?? "Rain King" by the Counting Crows, check out this lyric..
I belong in the service of the Queen
I belong anywhere but in between
She's been crying
I've been thinking
And I am the Rain King
Monday, May 14, 2007
Recovery Run
I went for a 3 mile recovery run after work today. The first mile was brutal, legs didn't feel so good. The last mile was really good though, the legs seemed to get loose and I felt pretty good. I couldn't help but think about the difference in the mindset needed for different distances. I can get through a short run thinking of nothing else but the sports page. I need a lot more focus for the longer runs. Anyway I'm starting to really enjoy this. I lost a couple of more pounds so right now I feel like I'm in a good place physically and mentally..tnx for reading - Til next time dave
8 Miles of Clarity
I went for a run in Saugus yesterday. I ran 8 miles with a healthy dose of hills. It felt so good to be out there. I started off with a cluttered mind and by then end I was relaxed and clear headed. I ran a good time for me, 10:50 min/mile. That's a good clip for me especially doing that distance.
I had a little help while I was out there. I ordered some gear online and I got to try it out. I got a belt that holds two water bottles, this thing is going to be a savior on long runs. I also had an energy gel called "goo", Sean recommended it. I couldn't really tell if it helped but I know it didn't hurt. The last thing I used was this stuff called body glide to prevent chaffing. I had a pretty bad episode of bloody nipples on my 9 mile run from the friction of my shirt. (Am I getting too personal here?). Body Glide worked great, no issues yesterday. I'd say all 3 purchases were worth it.
There is nothing like running through Saugus with great music. It was a perfect day and my music really helped me on the hills. During the run I decided to induct Alanis Morrisette into my own personal music Hall of Fame!! She sings with such energy and emotion it's incredible...that's all for now Ross
I had a little help while I was out there. I ordered some gear online and I got to try it out. I got a belt that holds two water bottles, this thing is going to be a savior on long runs. I also had an energy gel called "goo", Sean recommended it. I couldn't really tell if it helped but I know it didn't hurt. The last thing I used was this stuff called body glide to prevent chaffing. I had a pretty bad episode of bloody nipples on my 9 mile run from the friction of my shirt. (Am I getting too personal here?). Body Glide worked great, no issues yesterday. I'd say all 3 purchases were worth it.
There is nothing like running through Saugus with great music. It was a perfect day and my music really helped me on the hills. During the run I decided to induct Alanis Morrisette into my own personal music Hall of Fame!! She sings with such energy and emotion it's incredible...that's all for now Ross
Thursday, May 10, 2007
This ones for Bobby
I'm heading out tonight to my brother Bob's induction into the Suffolk University Hall of Fame. I'm so damn proud of him I can't explain it. I've learned so much from my brother over the years. We weren't always real close, when we were young he would root for the Yankees and beat the shit out of me for the remote control to the TV. But over the years we have become close, and he has always been there for me when I needed him.
Bob's getting inducted for his outstanding achievements on the tennis court. He is the best player I have ever been on the court with. Last year he whooped me 6-0, 6-0 in about 10 minutes. He did that on one leg. One of his knees is shot, he cant even move and he still hits balls I couldn't see. I think Bob could have been a hall of fame athlete in any sport he chose. He put so much effort into tennis it was mind boggling. If he had done the same with baseball, hoop or anything else I'm sure he would be just as successful. His determination to be the best and his competitive nature are amazing. Bob lives by "refuse to lose". If I played him in tic tac toe right now, he would be determined to beat me.
Growing up I always heard the little brother shit from all of my coaches. You know it goes like this -" Are you as good as your brother" or " you should have seen your brother play" or my personal favorite "I drafted you because I coached your brother". I never really let that stuff bother me and Bob was real good never to compare our success. I did use Bob as a sense of motivation and I always looked up to him. I followed him around to a lot of tournaments, keeping stats for him. I saw what it meant to play hard on every point
Bob, Congrats on the Hall, you deserve it. Thanks for everything!!
Bob's getting inducted for his outstanding achievements on the tennis court. He is the best player I have ever been on the court with. Last year he whooped me 6-0, 6-0 in about 10 minutes. He did that on one leg. One of his knees is shot, he cant even move and he still hits balls I couldn't see. I think Bob could have been a hall of fame athlete in any sport he chose. He put so much effort into tennis it was mind boggling. If he had done the same with baseball, hoop or anything else I'm sure he would be just as successful. His determination to be the best and his competitive nature are amazing. Bob lives by "refuse to lose". If I played him in tic tac toe right now, he would be determined to beat me.
Growing up I always heard the little brother shit from all of my coaches. You know it goes like this -" Are you as good as your brother" or " you should have seen your brother play" or my personal favorite "I drafted you because I coached your brother". I never really let that stuff bother me and Bob was real good never to compare our success. I did use Bob as a sense of motivation and I always looked up to him. I followed him around to a lot of tournaments, keeping stats for him. I saw what it meant to play hard on every point
Bob, Congrats on the Hall, you deserve it. Thanks for everything!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
The 7 P's
I ran Mine Falls again yesterday. I felt a lot better than I did on Friday. There was nothing happening, no real effort or emotion on this run. It was only a three mile run so it doesn't feel like a big deal. But I was looking at my training program today that starts July 1st. Between July 1st and race day, I need to put in 465 miles and many of them will be put in via a 3 or 4 mile run. After reading that I have a greater appreciation for these mindless 3 mile runs. These are the runs which will build my base allowing me the strength to go further. They will also be the recovery runs as I get deep into my training.
I've been thinking about this marathon a lot lately, a real fucking lot. The only way to do this is with dedicated training. That leads me to the 7 P's of life-Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. If I train right I won't have any issues. The 7 P's has always worked for me, it truly is what brought my career to where I am now. I know it will work for the marathon too.
I talked to my brother Bobby today about this journey. He's concerned about my age and weight. Bob was 29 when he ran his marathon and weighed 150. I'll be 37 and weighing 185. He wasn't negative, he was honest and there is a big difference between the two. I appreciate his honesty. Here is what I think about the situation, there are reasons and there are excuses. Age and weight are excuses for not finishing the race, being struck by lightning at mile 15 is a reason to not finish. One you can control, one you can't. If I train my damn ass off and toe the line at 185, I'm going to finish this fucking race, Enough said!! It's time to get excited about training, and the includes these piddle ass 3 mile runs..til next time..d
I've been thinking about this marathon a lot lately, a real fucking lot. The only way to do this is with dedicated training. That leads me to the 7 P's of life-Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. If I train right I won't have any issues. The 7 P's has always worked for me, it truly is what brought my career to where I am now. I know it will work for the marathon too.
I talked to my brother Bobby today about this journey. He's concerned about my age and weight. Bob was 29 when he ran his marathon and weighed 150. I'll be 37 and weighing 185. He wasn't negative, he was honest and there is a big difference between the two. I appreciate his honesty. Here is what I think about the situation, there are reasons and there are excuses. Age and weight are excuses for not finishing the race, being struck by lightning at mile 15 is a reason to not finish. One you can control, one you can't. If I train my damn ass off and toe the line at 185, I'm going to finish this fucking race, Enough said!! It's time to get excited about training, and the includes these piddle ass 3 mile runs..til next time..d
Monday, May 7, 2007
Note from Ken
One of the best things about this whole journey is sharing stories with my teammates Bib and Ken. We have always stayed in touch, but now we are definitely talking much more frequently which is great. It's also nice to know that I'm not the only having some bad training days. Here is an email I got from Ken.
Hey Ross,
I read your blog about running in the rain. I will keep that in mind for the future. However, you left out one important reminder for us Florida residents. Fucking lightning!!! I was running the other night - a 3 mile jaunt - when about 1/3 of a mile from my house - CRACK!! BOOM!!! Holy shit. I put it into high gear and started to sprint. Three more lightning cracks with loud thunder following quickly. They say lightning is as far away as the seconds it takes for you to hear the thunder. The first one was maybe 1/2 second. I nearly crapped my pants. I sprinted and then dry heaved about 100 yards from my house. As I got to my driveway my wife was getting into her car to go looking for me. I wanted to work on my speed but not like that. The worst part - it didn't even rain on me. That is how it works here in Florida - rain 1/4 mile away but none where you are - wild!
Hey Ross,
I read your blog about running in the rain. I will keep that in mind for the future. However, you left out one important reminder for us Florida residents. Fucking lightning!!! I was running the other night - a 3 mile jaunt - when about 1/3 of a mile from my house - CRACK!! BOOM!!! Holy shit. I put it into high gear and started to sprint. Three more lightning cracks with loud thunder following quickly. They say lightning is as far away as the seconds it takes for you to hear the thunder. The first one was maybe 1/2 second. I nearly crapped my pants. I sprinted and then dry heaved about 100 yards from my house. As I got to my driveway my wife was getting into her car to go looking for me. I wanted to work on my speed but not like that. The worst part - it didn't even rain on me. That is how it works here in Florida - rain 1/4 mile away but none where you are - wild!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
One on One with the Great One!!
I've been debating about writing this post for a few days. As much as I enjoying writing here, I try not to get to deep or personal. But I'm in one of my "what the fuck" moods so here goes.
When I run, all sorts of things come into my mind. Hopefully by the end of the run, they have all left and I have a clear mind. One of the things that keeps coming into my mind is my relationship with God. This has been a long twisted relationship for years. First it was pressured upon me as a youth, then I ran away from it as soon as I could. Back in my mid twenties I came back to God and got real religious for a couple of years. Then I ran away again. Well during a recent run I had a one sided conversation with the Big Guy (I guess when you are God you don't have to respond if you don't want to.) It centered around the famous Footsteps Poem. Here is the poem for anyone that hasn't heard it followed by some of my discussion with the Big Guy.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson, 1936
God, Where are ya? I'm going through some shit lately, job stress, family stress, paying the bills and I definitely get the feeling I'm all alone in this. Don't give me that shit about this is the time you are carrying me either. If you are carrying me now, you have a totally twisted fucking sense of humor!!
What if you don't even exist! Wouldn't that be something! If you do exist why do little kids get cancer and good people die young yet Bin Laden still roams freely? Why do priest touch kids, now that's fucked up. I know I exist, for that matter other people know I exist too. I got ya beat there. Maybe I'm God and your just a squirrel in my world trying to get a nut!! If you do exist I'm not looking for a handout. I'd rather you spend your time fixing whats wrong it the world. The last time I went to church the priest said that unmarried couples living together were sinners and one of the major problems of our generation. Are you fucking kidding me?? Was that really your message?? Aren't there a shitload of other things to worry about??
So here it is, on November 4th, I'm running 26.2 miles with or without you. (the last 6 miles would be a good time to carry me) I have a lot of miles to put in before then and I'm sure we'll be talking again. One of these days maybe you'll step up to the plate and respond. Well, that's if you actually exist.
When I run, all sorts of things come into my mind. Hopefully by the end of the run, they have all left and I have a clear mind. One of the things that keeps coming into my mind is my relationship with God. This has been a long twisted relationship for years. First it was pressured upon me as a youth, then I ran away from it as soon as I could. Back in my mid twenties I came back to God and got real religious for a couple of years. Then I ran away again. Well during a recent run I had a one sided conversation with the Big Guy (I guess when you are God you don't have to respond if you don't want to.) It centered around the famous Footsteps Poem. Here is the poem for anyone that hasn't heard it followed by some of my discussion with the Big Guy.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson, 1936
God, Where are ya? I'm going through some shit lately, job stress, family stress, paying the bills and I definitely get the feeling I'm all alone in this. Don't give me that shit about this is the time you are carrying me either. If you are carrying me now, you have a totally twisted fucking sense of humor!!
What if you don't even exist! Wouldn't that be something! If you do exist why do little kids get cancer and good people die young yet Bin Laden still roams freely? Why do priest touch kids, now that's fucked up. I know I exist, for that matter other people know I exist too. I got ya beat there. Maybe I'm God and your just a squirrel in my world trying to get a nut!! If you do exist I'm not looking for a handout. I'd rather you spend your time fixing whats wrong it the world. The last time I went to church the priest said that unmarried couples living together were sinners and one of the major problems of our generation. Are you fucking kidding me?? Was that really your message?? Aren't there a shitload of other things to worry about??
So here it is, on November 4th, I'm running 26.2 miles with or without you. (the last 6 miles would be a good time to carry me) I have a lot of miles to put in before then and I'm sure we'll be talking again. One of these days maybe you'll step up to the plate and respond. Well, that's if you actually exist.
3 miles of Hell !!
I ran Mine Falls yesterday. 1 loop around for three miles. It totally sucked. My whole lower body was killing. I was still feeling the soreness from my 9 mile run. I didn't take any time off after that, I played hoop on Wednesday and Thursday, and tennis on Thursday night. I was so unprepared for this run and it showed. My time was very slow and nothing felt right. The best thing I can say about this run is that it's over. If nothing else it will help burn a few calories. I've lost 20 pounds since Feb. 1 and now I need to lose another 20 in 6 months. I'm pretty sure I can do it. If I can toe the line at 185 my chances of success greatly increase...that's all for now Ross
P.S. This is a note to the two couples walking side by side on the trail yesterday forcing me to run through the bushes to pass you. God, I hope you read this some day. Here is a tip: the trail is not wide enough to walk four across for skinny people. Now take into account that your wives weighed a combined 5 fucking tons it is really not possible. Your wives are so fucking ugly you guys should be walking in the other direction. One of the ladies looked familiar but I still can't place where I have seen her before, maybe I just didn't recognize her without the apple in her mouth and the sweet and sour sauce running off her back. So here is a little warning, If I see you ignorant fucks there again taking up the whole trail, I'm going to play a little game..it's called cow tipping!!
P.S. This is a note to the two couples walking side by side on the trail yesterday forcing me to run through the bushes to pass you. God, I hope you read this some day. Here is a tip: the trail is not wide enough to walk four across for skinny people. Now take into account that your wives weighed a combined 5 fucking tons it is really not possible. Your wives are so fucking ugly you guys should be walking in the other direction. One of the ladies looked familiar but I still can't place where I have seen her before, maybe I just didn't recognize her without the apple in her mouth and the sweet and sour sauce running off her back. So here is a little warning, If I see you ignorant fucks there again taking up the whole trail, I'm going to play a little game..it's called cow tipping!!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
A conversation with the Beast
Yesterday I ran 9 miles around Mine Falls park. I felt unstoppable. It was outrageous, I was so unprepared. I hadn't eaten a thing all day, didn't drink anything except 5 cups of Dunkin Donuts coffee. I just felt so good from the get go, I just let it rip. I knew 10 minutes in that this run would be special. So there it was a career high 9 miler with no issues. The legs got a bit heavy at the end so I stopped. But condition wise, I had more in the tank, a lot more. I'm pretty pumped up right now. My goal was to run 9 by June 1st, so I'm a month ahead. According to my Hal Higdon schedule, I'm 8 weeks ahead, so I'm feeling very positive right now.
The last 3 miles yesterday were very entertaining. I had a conversation with the beast. I'll recap it the best I can- "Fuck You, I'm coming strong. I won't be denied. I'm going to train so damn hard that on race day, I will taunt you for 26 miles. I no longer fear you, I don't even respect you. You are fucking with a legend. I know your thinking to yourself that I'm a legend in my own mind, but so be it. Aren't you a beast in my own mind? I can't even fathom the concept of not destroying you. The Rossamania reunion tour is on, and I'm going to screw with you for 6 more months before I slay you."
I was out of my mind last night during those last 3 miles. I felt so good, It was my first Gump experience, a little runners high perhaps. For the first time, I really knew I could do this. Thanks for reading, remember Rossamania is running wild-catch it!!
The last 3 miles yesterday were very entertaining. I had a conversation with the beast. I'll recap it the best I can- "Fuck You, I'm coming strong. I won't be denied. I'm going to train so damn hard that on race day, I will taunt you for 26 miles. I no longer fear you, I don't even respect you. You are fucking with a legend. I know your thinking to yourself that I'm a legend in my own mind, but so be it. Aren't you a beast in my own mind? I can't even fathom the concept of not destroying you. The Rossamania reunion tour is on, and I'm going to screw with you for 6 more months before I slay you."
I was out of my mind last night during those last 3 miles. I felt so good, It was my first Gump experience, a little runners high perhaps. For the first time, I really knew I could do this. Thanks for reading, remember Rossamania is running wild-catch it!!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Alone in the drizzle
I have been on vacation this week. I always worry about vacations because it is entirely possible to be 10lbs heavier at the end of the week. I got a good run in on Tuesday, around 4.5 miles. I felt great, could have went farther but didn't have time. We went to the Cape for few days later in the week. On Thursday night I knocked back a number of beers with my brother in law. I felt like shit Friday morning and by the time I had lunch with my wife I knew there was only one thing I could do. Eat crappy food and drink beer and my hangover would vanish. So i settled in for a nice greasy steak and cheese and a couple of pints of Cape Cod ale. I felt much better.
A couple of hours later the showers lightened up and turned to more of a drizzle. I suddenly got the urge to run. I remembered a conversation with Sean about running in the rain. He actually suggested it. It keeps you cool, and gives you the feel for it because it is entirely possible that it may rain on marathon day and you need to know how to deal with it.
So off I went on a 3.2 mile run around my brother-in laws development. I was alone in the drizzle, and I loved every second of it. I loved the feeling of the cool drizzle soaking me down. It was actually a really calm and enjoyable experience. I wish I didn't have the cheese steak and beers because my stomach didn't feel so great. I think Sean might be onto something here. That definitely will not be my last run in the rain.
I hoping to have a six mile run this week, if the weather is nice probably Wednesday. These three and 4 mile runs are like ordering a kids plate. They taste good, but there is not much there. It's time to fire up the grill..talk to ya soon ross
A couple of hours later the showers lightened up and turned to more of a drizzle. I suddenly got the urge to run. I remembered a conversation with Sean about running in the rain. He actually suggested it. It keeps you cool, and gives you the feel for it because it is entirely possible that it may rain on marathon day and you need to know how to deal with it.
So off I went on a 3.2 mile run around my brother-in laws development. I was alone in the drizzle, and I loved every second of it. I loved the feeling of the cool drizzle soaking me down. It was actually a really calm and enjoyable experience. I wish I didn't have the cheese steak and beers because my stomach didn't feel so great. I think Sean might be onto something here. That definitely will not be my last run in the rain.
I hoping to have a six mile run this week, if the weather is nice probably Wednesday. These three and 4 mile runs are like ordering a kids plate. They taste good, but there is not much there. It's time to fire up the grill..talk to ya soon ross
Monday, April 23, 2007
"You've Got Balls My Friend!!"
The quote "you've got balls my friend" of course comes from Paulie on the Sopranos. But it might as well come from me talking to my friend Ken. Ken is a big part of the marathon team and I'm psyched about it. When he says he is going to do something, consider it done. End of story, bottom line, if Ken wants to do something, shut the lights out..the games over.
I guess the best place to start writing about Ken would be second grade. That's when Ken came in and told me he was going to be an eye doctor. I gave him one of my "shut the fuck up and finish your twinkie" looks. Well, the kid never changed his mind. Today he is a very successful eye doctor. He is very driven, smart and relentless.
Ken was a good athlete. If he tells you about baseball, he'll mention clobbering grand slams by me. Well I wasn't pitching, I was in left field. If I were pitching I would have beaned your ass like I beaned Sandra so get over it. There was little doubt about Ken's best sport. He was a hoop guy. He was good at any sport he played, but he was a special hoop player. Ken was a great ball handler, good shooter, nasty passer and the smartest player on the court. He was one of the best players ever to come out of Saugus high school (disclaimer: Let's address this right fucking now- I know some asshole is all pissed off because i disrespected some under achieving asshole. Here is my take,Ken is the best player I ever suited up with and that includes two hoop Hall of Famers. I'll give you former Detroit Piston Alex Winn, and I'll give you Welby but that's it. Dr. Ken comes in at number 3. Ken could have scored 20 a game if asked to. We had two 20 point scorers on the club, who do you think got them the fucking ball...enough said). Sorry, that shits been building for years. That '91 team talks way to fucking much.
Anyway, i don't even know where I was. But I'll pick it up here, there are game changing plays and life changing events. When this shit is going down, you need the ball in your best players hands. Ken, was always brilliant at times when the games was on the line. When others would shit their pants, Ken would take over. We'll he's like that in life. While some people can't make a big decision to save their ass, Ken just keeps coming clean. He's made some big decisions, most of them dead on great calls. The thing that separates Ken, the decisions that aren't right, he fixes them. No fucking around, he goes to plan B better than anyone I know. A lot of us have a plan B but don't have the balls to use it. Not Ken, he's got balls down to his ankles. He doesn't give a shit what other people think, he just does what he has to do to make things right.
Ken, you are my point guard for life. "You've got balls my friend". I'm jacked up about running the marathon with you. You've got the toughest training assignment, down in the Florida heat but your also the best athlete on the team so I'm not worried....till next time ross
I guess the best place to start writing about Ken would be second grade. That's when Ken came in and told me he was going to be an eye doctor. I gave him one of my "shut the fuck up and finish your twinkie" looks. Well, the kid never changed his mind. Today he is a very successful eye doctor. He is very driven, smart and relentless.
Ken was a good athlete. If he tells you about baseball, he'll mention clobbering grand slams by me. Well I wasn't pitching, I was in left field. If I were pitching I would have beaned your ass like I beaned Sandra so get over it. There was little doubt about Ken's best sport. He was a hoop guy. He was good at any sport he played, but he was a special hoop player. Ken was a great ball handler, good shooter, nasty passer and the smartest player on the court. He was one of the best players ever to come out of Saugus high school (disclaimer: Let's address this right fucking now- I know some asshole is all pissed off because i disrespected some under achieving asshole. Here is my take,Ken is the best player I ever suited up with and that includes two hoop Hall of Famers. I'll give you former Detroit Piston Alex Winn, and I'll give you Welby but that's it. Dr. Ken comes in at number 3. Ken could have scored 20 a game if asked to. We had two 20 point scorers on the club, who do you think got them the fucking ball...enough said). Sorry, that shits been building for years. That '91 team talks way to fucking much.
Anyway, i don't even know where I was. But I'll pick it up here, there are game changing plays and life changing events. When this shit is going down, you need the ball in your best players hands. Ken, was always brilliant at times when the games was on the line. When others would shit their pants, Ken would take over. We'll he's like that in life. While some people can't make a big decision to save their ass, Ken just keeps coming clean. He's made some big decisions, most of them dead on great calls. The thing that separates Ken, the decisions that aren't right, he fixes them. No fucking around, he goes to plan B better than anyone I know. A lot of us have a plan B but don't have the balls to use it. Not Ken, he's got balls down to his ankles. He doesn't give a shit what other people think, he just does what he has to do to make things right.
Ken, you are my point guard for life. "You've got balls my friend". I'm jacked up about running the marathon with you. You've got the toughest training assignment, down in the Florida heat but your also the best athlete on the team so I'm not worried....till next time ross
3 Miles with Sean
Sean was in town over the weekend. We ran three miles around the lake in Wakefield. We were planning six, but we realized it's real tough to have a serious discussion while running, so we cut it off after 3 miles and went for coffee. Sean was nice and let me set the pace so I put it on super crawl speed. Sean could have ran that speed backwards but he was a real good sport.
It was so good to see Sean and his family. The run was good, but tougher than a normal run because I'm not use to talking while I run and i had no music. I have no idea of the time but it was slow.
But who gives a shit about the run. The fucking man of the hour was back in town, and for two hours it was like old times. We talked, we laughed and we made fun of every asshole that we saw. Those two hours could have been in 1987, 1997 or 2007...a great friendship doesn't change.
Seano, great seeing you..Thanks for everything!! your the fucking best!!!!
It was so good to see Sean and his family. The run was good, but tougher than a normal run because I'm not use to talking while I run and i had no music. I have no idea of the time but it was slow.
But who gives a shit about the run. The fucking man of the hour was back in town, and for two hours it was like old times. We talked, we laughed and we made fun of every asshole that we saw. Those two hours could have been in 1987, 1997 or 2007...a great friendship doesn't change.
Seano, great seeing you..Thanks for everything!! your the fucking best!!!!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Breaking bread with the team
We had a great night of practice Thursday night. It seemed like everybody was into it. For the first time in a while, we didn't rotate teams after each set. This allowed us to play a full match against another team. It was great. Very intense. I played my ass off, the best tennis I have played in month's and we still lost in a third set tie breaker. I love playing with these guys, they are so much better than me that they force my game to a higher level.
After we got of the court we went up and had a few beers. Gary works for a bread company and he brought some bread. We tore into a loaf or two like we had never eaten before. The stuff is incredible. Drinking beers with these guys is a blast. We only have 2 or 3, but after 3 hours of tennis they seem to hit you pretty good. We have a couple of Aussies on the team, They are real strong players and even better story tellers. I could sit there and drink beer and listen to them spin tales all night.
I was a little tired Friday after the late Thursday practice. I went to the gym and played hoop. I actually played pretty well. After work I was going to run Mine Falls but I just didn't have it in me. I went out to have a beer with Sean who is in town for the weekend.
I'm going to try to get a short run in today, and then a longer one with Sean tomorrow.
Song of the Day "closing time"- Semisonic
Till Next time-d
After we got of the court we went up and had a few beers. Gary works for a bread company and he brought some bread. We tore into a loaf or two like we had never eaten before. The stuff is incredible. Drinking beers with these guys is a blast. We only have 2 or 3, but after 3 hours of tennis they seem to hit you pretty good. We have a couple of Aussies on the team, They are real strong players and even better story tellers. I could sit there and drink beer and listen to them spin tales all night.
I was a little tired Friday after the late Thursday practice. I went to the gym and played hoop. I actually played pretty well. After work I was going to run Mine Falls but I just didn't have it in me. I went out to have a beer with Sean who is in town for the weekend.
I'm going to try to get a short run in today, and then a longer one with Sean tomorrow.
Song of the Day "closing time"- Semisonic
Till Next time-d
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Damnation Stuart
It's been so long, I can't even remember where "Damnation Stuart" came from, I just know we said one billion times when we were in high school.
Anyway, I spoke to my friend Stu (nicknamed after Stu Primus) last night. I was hoping to have him join our marathon team. I was going to give him the George Bush line " You are either with us or against us", but I don't want to pressure him into anything. Anyway, the good news is that the Ivory Ape has not ruled out joining us. He has til June to make a decision and I'd put it at 50/50 right now.
Stu, I hope your up for the challenge. That's if you think your man enough to hang with me for 26.2 miles. No pressure though!! ross
Anyway, I spoke to my friend Stu (nicknamed after Stu Primus) last night. I was hoping to have him join our marathon team. I was going to give him the George Bush line " You are either with us or against us", but I don't want to pressure him into anything. Anyway, the good news is that the Ivory Ape has not ruled out joining us. He has til June to make a decision and I'd put it at 50/50 right now.
Stu, I hope your up for the challenge. That's if you think your man enough to hang with me for 26.2 miles. No pressure though!! ross
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
BIB AND THE CIA
Well it's about time I tell you about my marathon "team". I'm running with two life long friends, Ken and Bib. I have been through so much with these guys, I think it's fitting that I will be attempting this crazy journey with them. I have known them both since elementary school. Today I'm going to focus on Bib (he is nicknamed after Hall Of Famer Henry Bibby), don't worry Ken you're next!
Ever since I can remember I have been close to Bib. We played every sport we could together at the school park. I always remember Bib as a terrific athlete as well as a real good student. As we got older Bib really focused on two sports, soccer and hockey. I didn't play either, so I was able to go to all his games. I often led the "Fuck 'em Bibby" chant at the hockey games.
Bib was a tremendous competitor. He worked his ass off in soccer, after watching him play I was always glad I didn't play that sport. In hockey Bib was a defensemen. He was a true enforcer, when Bib hit an opponent the kid would crumble. I've seen Bib dismantle kids along the boards. The only problem is that Bib didn't give a shit about the whistle. He smoked a few kids after the whistle, or before the puck even dropped. Bib was ready to body check his opponents when he got off the bus at the rink. I loved that shit!! He would just fly around and hammer people.
Bib went on to study and party his ass of at Babson. I've never seen so many beer cans in one room. How he actually got good grades amazed me, because he could party with the best. I spent a ton of weekends visiting Bib. The campus was only a thirty minute ride from Saugus. I was there so much the Babson police (BABO) got to know me personally. While I'm on that subject I wasn't going to steal the Dominos' pizza sign, I was only going to borrow it.
By senior year at Babson Bib had really settled down. He met his future wife and didn't party as much. I believe it was at this point that Bib first joined the CIA. I only figured this out recently, but I really think Bib is a covert CIA agent who fights terrorist like Jack Bauer from "24". Ever since college Bib has disappeared for weeks and sometimes months at a time with no explanation. Then he reappears and everything is fine. I only hope that the government doesn't need him on November 4Th. As much as I want to see Bib blow up Baghdad, I really want to run this race with him.
Even though I don't talk to Bib as much as we once did, he truly is an amazing friend. I always know that if I fuck up something in my life, he'll be there to help pick me up. I know that he can run this race if he chooses to. The kids a great athlete. We have been talking about running a marathon for twenty years. It just seems right this year. If he can find the motivation, he will whip the beast like he use to whip the players at the rink.
Bib thanks for everything...ross
P.S. Bib it only takes 12 minutes to get started.
Song of the Day "Accompany Me" by Bob Seger
Ever since I can remember I have been close to Bib. We played every sport we could together at the school park. I always remember Bib as a terrific athlete as well as a real good student. As we got older Bib really focused on two sports, soccer and hockey. I didn't play either, so I was able to go to all his games. I often led the "Fuck 'em Bibby" chant at the hockey games.
Bib was a tremendous competitor. He worked his ass off in soccer, after watching him play I was always glad I didn't play that sport. In hockey Bib was a defensemen. He was a true enforcer, when Bib hit an opponent the kid would crumble. I've seen Bib dismantle kids along the boards. The only problem is that Bib didn't give a shit about the whistle. He smoked a few kids after the whistle, or before the puck even dropped. Bib was ready to body check his opponents when he got off the bus at the rink. I loved that shit!! He would just fly around and hammer people.
Bib went on to study and party his ass of at Babson. I've never seen so many beer cans in one room. How he actually got good grades amazed me, because he could party with the best. I spent a ton of weekends visiting Bib. The campus was only a thirty minute ride from Saugus. I was there so much the Babson police (BABO) got to know me personally. While I'm on that subject I wasn't going to steal the Dominos' pizza sign, I was only going to borrow it.
By senior year at Babson Bib had really settled down. He met his future wife and didn't party as much. I believe it was at this point that Bib first joined the CIA. I only figured this out recently, but I really think Bib is a covert CIA agent who fights terrorist like Jack Bauer from "24". Ever since college Bib has disappeared for weeks and sometimes months at a time with no explanation. Then he reappears and everything is fine. I only hope that the government doesn't need him on November 4Th. As much as I want to see Bib blow up Baghdad, I really want to run this race with him.
Even though I don't talk to Bib as much as we once did, he truly is an amazing friend. I always know that if I fuck up something in my life, he'll be there to help pick me up. I know that he can run this race if he chooses to. The kids a great athlete. We have been talking about running a marathon for twenty years. It just seems right this year. If he can find the motivation, he will whip the beast like he use to whip the players at the rink.
Bib thanks for everything...ross
P.S. Bib it only takes 12 minutes to get started.
Song of the Day "Accompany Me" by Bob Seger
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Don't forget to hit the save button
So I just had a whole blog written about my friend Bib who is running with me, and I forgot to hit the fucking save button. Unreal, that's the shit from Mrs. Mchale's class that is suppose to stick with me. So anyway, here we are, I'm to tired to rewrite it, I'll get at it tomorrow.
While I'm here I might as well give you an update. I'm at my lowest weight in a long time, down 17lbs from where I started. I played hoop at the gym today and hopefully will pull a double session tomorrow with some weight training. Still dealing with another brutal storm, so running this week doesn't look good. Sean will be out later in the week, we are planning a six miler for Sunday.
Til next time..see ya Ross
Song of the Day "Better Days" by the Goo Goo Dolls
While I'm here I might as well give you an update. I'm at my lowest weight in a long time, down 17lbs from where I started. I played hoop at the gym today and hopefully will pull a double session tomorrow with some weight training. Still dealing with another brutal storm, so running this week doesn't look good. Sean will be out later in the week, we are planning a six miler for Sunday.
Til next time..see ya Ross
Song of the Day "Better Days" by the Goo Goo Dolls
Monday, April 16, 2007
A STRUGGLE TO THE END
Gary and I won yesterday. It was an ugly match. We played a couple of older guys that we should have killed, but it wasn't so easy. Old guys are tough because they have played so much tennis that they can find, create and use angles a lot better than younger guys. The other thing that presents a problem is the pace or lack there of. These guys were serving around 60 miles an hour. Gary and I see serves of 100 mph in practice all of the time.
We actually lost the first set, we just couldn't get into any rythym. It felt like someone shrunk the court on us, we just kept hitting everything deep. This can happen when you playing guys who don't hit with any pace, it can be real diifuclt to generate your own pace while controlling the shot. I played like shit in the first set, I was really keyed up before the match. I was listening to STAND UP by Ludacris. Bad choice, i was way to hyped up. I was trying to crush every ball instead of just playing percentage tennis. Sometimes you have to settle down a bit and live to play another point.
Second set we played much better and ended up taking the victory in the superbreaker.
It was a tougher match then we planned, but it was a victory so i'll take it.
To top it off, my truck would start after the match, thank God for the 99 to take the edge off, It's all good now. Thanks for Rick and John for sticking around to watch and thanks to Gary for helping with my truck...see ya dave
We actually lost the first set, we just couldn't get into any rythym. It felt like someone shrunk the court on us, we just kept hitting everything deep. This can happen when you playing guys who don't hit with any pace, it can be real diifuclt to generate your own pace while controlling the shot. I played like shit in the first set, I was really keyed up before the match. I was listening to STAND UP by Ludacris. Bad choice, i was way to hyped up. I was trying to crush every ball instead of just playing percentage tennis. Sometimes you have to settle down a bit and live to play another point.
Second set we played much better and ended up taking the victory in the superbreaker.
It was a tougher match then we planned, but it was a victory so i'll take it.
To top it off, my truck would start after the match, thank God for the 99 to take the edge off, It's all good now. Thanks for Rick and John for sticking around to watch and thanks to Gary for helping with my truck...see ya dave
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Quick Note
I'm going to be brief here because i'm leaving soon to play my match with Gary. Gary and I played great in practice and I think we'll be fine today. I was able to keep my focus and slow down the pace during practice which has always been a challange for me. I'll let you know how we make out later.
I went for a run yesterday, about 4.5 miles. Really enjoyable, it took away a lot of stress. These 4-6 mile runs are getting easy. I can't wait until I can step it up. My goal is to tourch Mine Falls for 9 miles by June 1st, and then be at 13 miles by July 1st.
Gotta run..Rossamania hits the courts in two hours.
Song of the day..."Old Apartment" by the Bare Naked Ladies
I went for a run yesterday, about 4.5 miles. Really enjoyable, it took away a lot of stress. These 4-6 mile runs are getting easy. I can't wait until I can step it up. My goal is to tourch Mine Falls for 9 miles by June 1st, and then be at 13 miles by July 1st.
Gotta run..Rossamania hits the courts in two hours.
Song of the day..."Old Apartment" by the Bare Naked Ladies
Friday, April 13, 2007
My Secret Beaning of Sandra Whyte
Yesterday, I talked about winning and losing. So I guess it's time to talk about my competetive nature. I've been competeing forever, always playing to win. So now it's time reveal a secret that will shed some light on my competitive nature.
When I was in little league I was a tremendous pitcher. My brother Bobby taught me to throw sidearm like Kent Tekulve. I perfected a sidearm riser that was virtually unhittable. I had one other pitch, a devestating out of control fastball. I couldn't throw the heat for strikes but it really kept the hitters off balance. As the season went on I became confident and cocky. I remember one game, I struck out 9 and walked 1 in three innings of work. A little Papplebon in the making. Together with Randy Penny we formed a great one two punch. So enough about me, you get the picture.
Sandra Whyte is possibly the greatest athlete to ever come out of Saugus. She was all world evrything in high school. Field hockey, softball and of course hockey. She went on to play field hockey and ice hockey at Harvard. At one time she was Harvard's all time point scorer in ice Hockey. After college Sandra played on the US National women's hockey team and eventually played in the olympics. You may remember that she was accusded of making fun of a Canadian players dead father ( a true Saugonian). Sandra denies this by the way. She was also very smart and one of the nicest kids I've ever known. When Sandra played little league she was a terrific hitter, a feared Wade Boggs type of line drive hitter. A very tough out for any pitcher. So now you know about Sandra.
One day at school my buddies were busting my ass all day about facing Sandra that evening. They talked a lot of smack about her lining hits all over the place on me. They really got into my head. I was freaked. I decided there was only one thing to do, I would bean her.
Sandra stepped into the box and got comfortable. I went into a full wind up, no pitching from the stretch for this one. I unloaded a fastball right at her skull. It may have been the hardest pitch I have ever thrown. Sandra ducked her head and raised her shoulder. Kaboom, smash kabaam. I beaned her in the shoulder. If she didn't move the way she did I may have killed her. She dropped like the titanic. The poor kid started crying as the coaches ran to the batters box to scrape her up. That would be her only at bat that night. I promised the kids at the lunch table that she would not get a hit off me, now it was officical. I had protected my ego.
As Sandra fell to the ground I turned around and winked at my second baseman. One problem, my dad liked to watch me pitch from centerfiled. I thought he was going to hop the fence and beat the shit eating grin off my face in front of my friends. Thank God he waited until later. My dad was bull shit, but he didn't go totally off. After all, how could he. He was the one who taught me the brushback pitch. He fully endorsed beaning the first batter of each game in the leg. He figured everyone else would be afraid to dig in against me.
So there you have it, I'm a competeitve freak with an ego and always will be. I will need that competive fire to finish this marathon. As for Sandra, I like to think that I helped "toughen" her up, that somehow this was a positive experience for her also. I don't think she knows I did it on purpose and she probably doesn't even rembemer it. I on the other hand will never forget it.
Up until now only a few people knew my secret. Well now its out, in print and off my chest. I feel so much better now. So there you have it. I don't regret the beaning and I'm not embarrased about it. It is what it is, two people competeing at a high level.
Sandra if you ever hear this story, I'm sorry and I hope you are doing well.
talk to you soon...ross
When I was in little league I was a tremendous pitcher. My brother Bobby taught me to throw sidearm like Kent Tekulve. I perfected a sidearm riser that was virtually unhittable. I had one other pitch, a devestating out of control fastball. I couldn't throw the heat for strikes but it really kept the hitters off balance. As the season went on I became confident and cocky. I remember one game, I struck out 9 and walked 1 in three innings of work. A little Papplebon in the making. Together with Randy Penny we formed a great one two punch. So enough about me, you get the picture.
Sandra Whyte is possibly the greatest athlete to ever come out of Saugus. She was all world evrything in high school. Field hockey, softball and of course hockey. She went on to play field hockey and ice hockey at Harvard. At one time she was Harvard's all time point scorer in ice Hockey. After college Sandra played on the US National women's hockey team and eventually played in the olympics. You may remember that she was accusded of making fun of a Canadian players dead father ( a true Saugonian). Sandra denies this by the way. She was also very smart and one of the nicest kids I've ever known. When Sandra played little league she was a terrific hitter, a feared Wade Boggs type of line drive hitter. A very tough out for any pitcher. So now you know about Sandra.
One day at school my buddies were busting my ass all day about facing Sandra that evening. They talked a lot of smack about her lining hits all over the place on me. They really got into my head. I was freaked. I decided there was only one thing to do, I would bean her.
Sandra stepped into the box and got comfortable. I went into a full wind up, no pitching from the stretch for this one. I unloaded a fastball right at her skull. It may have been the hardest pitch I have ever thrown. Sandra ducked her head and raised her shoulder. Kaboom, smash kabaam. I beaned her in the shoulder. If she didn't move the way she did I may have killed her. She dropped like the titanic. The poor kid started crying as the coaches ran to the batters box to scrape her up. That would be her only at bat that night. I promised the kids at the lunch table that she would not get a hit off me, now it was officical. I had protected my ego.
As Sandra fell to the ground I turned around and winked at my second baseman. One problem, my dad liked to watch me pitch from centerfiled. I thought he was going to hop the fence and beat the shit eating grin off my face in front of my friends. Thank God he waited until later. My dad was bull shit, but he didn't go totally off. After all, how could he. He was the one who taught me the brushback pitch. He fully endorsed beaning the first batter of each game in the leg. He figured everyone else would be afraid to dig in against me.
So there you have it, I'm a competeitve freak with an ego and always will be. I will need that competive fire to finish this marathon. As for Sandra, I like to think that I helped "toughen" her up, that somehow this was a positive experience for her also. I don't think she knows I did it on purpose and she probably doesn't even rembemer it. I on the other hand will never forget it.
Up until now only a few people knew my secret. Well now its out, in print and off my chest. I feel so much better now. So there you have it. I don't regret the beaning and I'm not embarrased about it. It is what it is, two people competeing at a high level.
Sandra if you ever hear this story, I'm sorry and I hope you are doing well.
talk to you soon...ross
Thursday, April 12, 2007
NOTHING MAN
I'm like a caged rat right now. I can't wait to play tennis tonight. It's just a practice, but it's a big one. We have our last league match Sunday and I am playing doubles with my friend Gary. I played tennis with Gary at Salem State, so it's always fun to be on the court with him. We play a lot together in practice, but Sunday will be our first league match together. I'm getting jacked up for that. I'm going to bring it hard tonight, it's 3 hours away and I have my game face on already. This has nothing to do with running, but just wanted you to know where I'm at. I'm really keyed up right now, and looking forward to punishing someone tonight.
Our team is in First place and we have clinched a spot the district tournament and hope to be able to push through to the National tournament in the fall. My role on the team is not much different than when I played hoop for Saugus. I punish people in practice, play my ass off and hope to make them better. I don't give anyone a free point at practice on Thursdays. Sort of like when I busted Coco's balls (Coco led our league in scoring but never had an open look in practice). I 'm not good enough to start on this tennis team, but nobody takes me lightly.
Now that I think about it, my role as an athlete has always been a team/role player job. Even when I played at SSC, I played #2 singes with one job, go out and take a beating like a man. Everyone knew I had no shot to win at #2, but by taking one for the team, we were able to push everyone down the ladder and it made our team stronger. If nothing, it made me understand winning and losing. I appreciate winning so much, there is nothing like it. Fuck the stats, give me the "W"!!
I'm listening to Nothing Man right now by Pearl Jam. This is another song that blows me away! It's so God Damn perfect. Check out the lyrics:
Once divided...nothing left to subtract...Some words when spoken...can't be taken back...Walks on his own...with thoughts he can't help thinking...Future's above...but in the past he's slow and sinking...Caught a bolt 'a lightnin'...cursed the day he let it go...Nothingman... (2x)Isn't it something?Nothingman...She once believed...in every story he had to tell...One day she stiffened...took the other side...Empty stares...from each corner of a shared prison cell...One just escapes...one's left inside the well...And he who forgets...will be destined to remember...oh...oh...oh...Nothingman... (2x)Isn't it something?Nothingman...Oh, she don't want him...Oh, she won't feed him...after he's flown away...Oh, into the sun...ah, into the sun...Burn...burn...Nothingman... (2x)Isn't it something?Nothingman...Nothingman... (2x)Coulda' been something...Nothingman...Oh...ohh...ohh...
I love Pearl Jam!! I have to go now, time to mentally prepare for the fucking can of whop ass I'm going to bring out tonight...see ya ross
Our team is in First place and we have clinched a spot the district tournament and hope to be able to push through to the National tournament in the fall. My role on the team is not much different than when I played hoop for Saugus. I punish people in practice, play my ass off and hope to make them better. I don't give anyone a free point at practice on Thursdays. Sort of like when I busted Coco's balls (Coco led our league in scoring but never had an open look in practice). I 'm not good enough to start on this tennis team, but nobody takes me lightly.
Now that I think about it, my role as an athlete has always been a team/role player job. Even when I played at SSC, I played #2 singes with one job, go out and take a beating like a man. Everyone knew I had no shot to win at #2, but by taking one for the team, we were able to push everyone down the ladder and it made our team stronger. If nothing, it made me understand winning and losing. I appreciate winning so much, there is nothing like it. Fuck the stats, give me the "W"!!
I'm listening to Nothing Man right now by Pearl Jam. This is another song that blows me away! It's so God Damn perfect. Check out the lyrics:
Once divided...nothing left to subtract...Some words when spoken...can't be taken back...Walks on his own...with thoughts he can't help thinking...Future's above...but in the past he's slow and sinking...Caught a bolt 'a lightnin'...cursed the day he let it go...Nothingman... (2x)Isn't it something?Nothingman...She once believed...in every story he had to tell...One day she stiffened...took the other side...Empty stares...from each corner of a shared prison cell...One just escapes...one's left inside the well...And he who forgets...will be destined to remember...oh...oh...oh...Nothingman... (2x)Isn't it something?Nothingman...Oh, she don't want him...Oh, she won't feed him...after he's flown away...Oh, into the sun...ah, into the sun...Burn...burn...Nothingman... (2x)Isn't it something?Nothingman...Nothingman... (2x)Coulda' been something...Nothingman...Oh...ohh...ohh...
I love Pearl Jam!! I have to go now, time to mentally prepare for the fucking can of whop ass I'm going to bring out tonight...see ya ross
To Blog or Not to Blog
Hi gang, Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. I've been so freaking crazy dealing with shit lately that I haven't had time to do much of anything. Every time I thought about writing something, my mind was so full of crap that I just couldn't do it. I think the best time for me to Blog is right after a run, it's the only time I feel any peace in my life. For now, I'll do my best to recap the last couple of weeks.
On April second, I ran around Lake "Whatchmacallit" in Wakefield. I grew up down there and can never remember the name of the freaking lake. Anyways, it was a great day, nice weather in the 60's with tons of people out. I went around twice for a 6 mile total. I felt like a champion. I really had no issues with the run at all. I was a little sore the next day but not too bad.
Other than that, I've played hoop everyday and tennis on Thursday night. The weight showed signs of dropping, but after Drinking 17 beers and eating an Easter feast I'm back to where i was. I did go for a 5 mile walk on Easter.
It's snowing out as I write this, I really need the good weather to come quick. I feel like a caged rat.
Special thanks to JR for being an incredible sounding board and voice of reason in my life. Your friendship is invaluable.
Seano is coming out next week, if the weather breaks we are planning a run through Saugus for old times. If the weather is still shitty, we'll be drunk on route 1 like old times.
Song of the week "Glycerine" by Bush....don't let the days go by....see ya soon ross
On April second, I ran around Lake "Whatchmacallit" in Wakefield. I grew up down there and can never remember the name of the freaking lake. Anyways, it was a great day, nice weather in the 60's with tons of people out. I went around twice for a 6 mile total. I felt like a champion. I really had no issues with the run at all. I was a little sore the next day but not too bad.
Other than that, I've played hoop everyday and tennis on Thursday night. The weight showed signs of dropping, but after Drinking 17 beers and eating an Easter feast I'm back to where i was. I did go for a 5 mile walk on Easter.
It's snowing out as I write this, I really need the good weather to come quick. I feel like a caged rat.
Special thanks to JR for being an incredible sounding board and voice of reason in my life. Your friendship is invaluable.
Seano is coming out next week, if the weather breaks we are planning a run through Saugus for old times. If the weather is still shitty, we'll be drunk on route 1 like old times.
Song of the week "Glycerine" by Bush....don't let the days go by....see ya soon ross
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Music is my Drug
Wow!! I just had a great 3 mile run yesterday . Started out tough again and actually the first mile basically sucked. I could feel my lunch tumbling in my stomach. I am having great difficulty figuring out when to eat before my run. Today I waited two hours after lunch before my run, I don't think it was enough. I will need to figure this out, especially when the training/miles increase.
My music really helped me today. About a mile in, "the way I do" by Melissa Ethridge came on and I could feel myself pick up the pace. I immediately took my mind of the labor of running. Next was "Machine head" by Bush. Now I was Feeling real good and wasn't thinking of my stomach at all. Limp Bizkit's "My Way" was next. This song is so energetic and has a lot of meaning to me. I was on full throttle (Disclaimer: My Full throttle is still real fucking slow). I rarely do this, but I hit the back button again for a double shot of "My Way". I sprinted home. It's amazing the effect music can have if you let it take over. It was like taking a shot of speed during the run.
My weight has started to drop, I was down to 210 on Friday. I played hoop everyday at the gym. The basketball we are playing is crazy. 2 on 2 on full court. It's about an hour of sprinting. But I feel good and strong and it's helping me take the lb's off. I'm down 15 lbs now. I'm actually starting to take people off the dribble for the first time in years. What a difference the lbs make.
We went to an all you can eat Brazilian steak house lat night. I put on a show. I can't believe how much I ate. The waiters were amazed that I kept calling them over. A guy from the table next to us said I was the "beef eating champion of the world". I feel like a big bag of ass this morning, so I definitely will need to go for a run today. I'll keep you posted...ross
My music really helped me today. About a mile in, "the way I do" by Melissa Ethridge came on and I could feel myself pick up the pace. I immediately took my mind of the labor of running. Next was "Machine head" by Bush. Now I was Feeling real good and wasn't thinking of my stomach at all. Limp Bizkit's "My Way" was next. This song is so energetic and has a lot of meaning to me. I was on full throttle (Disclaimer: My Full throttle is still real fucking slow). I rarely do this, but I hit the back button again for a double shot of "My Way". I sprinted home. It's amazing the effect music can have if you let it take over. It was like taking a shot of speed during the run.
My weight has started to drop, I was down to 210 on Friday. I played hoop everyday at the gym. The basketball we are playing is crazy. 2 on 2 on full court. It's about an hour of sprinting. But I feel good and strong and it's helping me take the lb's off. I'm down 15 lbs now. I'm actually starting to take people off the dribble for the first time in years. What a difference the lbs make.
We went to an all you can eat Brazilian steak house lat night. I put on a show. I can't believe how much I ate. The waiters were amazed that I kept calling them over. A guy from the table next to us said I was the "beef eating champion of the world". I feel like a big bag of ass this morning, so I definitely will need to go for a run today. I'll keep you posted...ross
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Mr Jones...and me
I'm back. Sorry for not posting in a while, it's been a crazy week. The weather hasn't been any good for running. I played hoop everyday this week and played tennis on Thursday. My weight remains the same so I think I'm going to really need to put up some miles to lose some more lbs.
I got a couple of emails from folks who were thinking the beast was winning because I haven't been posting. The truth is, with the way the weather has been, I just haven't focused much on this quest lately, if I did it would only lead to frustration from not being able to run.
I did manage to get a run in yesterday, 2.5 miles with a lot of hills. I felt good, the hills sucked but it was a good run to get me going again. I was planning to run again today but it's only 37 out. I really need the temp to be above 50. The cold air kills my asthma.
When I was running all I could think of was the lyrics to Mr Jones by the counting crows:
"I want to be a lion! Everybody wants to pass as cats .We all want to be big big stars, but we got different reasons for that. Believe in me because I don't believe in anything and I want to be someone to believe!!"
I'm not sure why this beast is inside me, but I know that I need do to this. Maybe it's a self esteem issue, maybe I want to feel like a big big star. It could be that I have mis-identified the beast and that when it's over I'll still have a hole to fill!! I won't know until November 4th, but right now I need to run to bring peace to my life..see ya soon...dave
I got a couple of emails from folks who were thinking the beast was winning because I haven't been posting. The truth is, with the way the weather has been, I just haven't focused much on this quest lately, if I did it would only lead to frustration from not being able to run.
I did manage to get a run in yesterday, 2.5 miles with a lot of hills. I felt good, the hills sucked but it was a good run to get me going again. I was planning to run again today but it's only 37 out. I really need the temp to be above 50. The cold air kills my asthma.
When I was running all I could think of was the lyrics to Mr Jones by the counting crows:
"I want to be a lion! Everybody wants to pass as cats .We all want to be big big stars, but we got different reasons for that. Believe in me because I don't believe in anything and I want to be someone to believe!!"
I'm not sure why this beast is inside me, but I know that I need do to this. Maybe it's a self esteem issue, maybe I want to feel like a big big star. It could be that I have mis-identified the beast and that when it's over I'll still have a hole to fill!! I won't know until November 4th, but right now I need to run to bring peace to my life..see ya soon...dave
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Fat Weekend
I played my last hoop game Thursday night. We sucked and lost, but it's okay because I was mentally checked out of the league for a few weeks now. Of course we wentfor beers after the game and again I had a tired Friday.
We got hit with a foot of Snow on Friday, work was too crazy to go to the gym. Iy's too cold and nasty out to do anything out side this weekend. So I have been eating my way to happiness. Pizza, Cheese steaks and beer. ..talk to ya soon...ross
We got hit with a foot of Snow on Friday, work was too crazy to go to the gym. Iy's too cold and nasty out to do anything out side this weekend. So I have been eating my way to happiness. Pizza, Cheese steaks and beer. ..talk to ya soon...ross
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Mine Falls
What a great day! My thoughts of running before work did not pan out because my alarm clock (2 screaming kids) slept in. But I still had a good morning and felt very motivated today.
I went to the gym at lunch and lifted for the first time in 2 months. Not a lot of weight but enough with 3 sets of 15 reps. It felt so good.
After work I went to Mine Falls park in Nashua. Those of you from Saugus think (Breakheart). Mine Falls has a great trail run exactly 3 miles long. I started out weak as always, the first quarter of a mile I felt tight and my legs felt heavy. But then I loosened up. The trail was mud soup and it made running tough. My new sneakers now look like they are ten years old. The shady areas still had some ice even though it was 70 degrees. I plodded along slowly and had to pull to the right to let a couple of speedy runners fly by me. Seeing them blaze by brought me down some, made me feel like I didn't belong. But then up ahead I saw a runner running slower than me, so I made it my mission to catch him. I ran like hell and finally caught him, and then I realized the guy must have been 80 years old, it didn't do much for the ego but if nothing else it distracted me.
My music was perfect today, it started out with Jane Says by Jane's addicition. I was thinking that in order to run a marathon, I would need to make running my addiction. That was followed by Jancie Joplin, Rage against the Machine, Bush, Eminem and Kanye West to name a few. All of the music flowed and helped me push through the course.
Mine Falls is a wonderful place. It's a real flat course, easy on the legs. There a lot of people out running walking ect. They always wave hello. This place will be a key for me. I have run this course twice and I think I could do a 3rd lap without boredom setting in. I plan on doing all of my runs 9 miles or less here.
I finished Strong listening to "Mamma said knock you out" on the last leg of the trail. I felt great, I could have gone another mile or two but no sense in pushing it at this point.
Congrats to my brother Bob for making the Suffolk Hall of Fame! You deserve it buddy.
P.S. To the Beast- Fuck You, I'm coming strong, see you November 4th...ross
I went to the gym at lunch and lifted for the first time in 2 months. Not a lot of weight but enough with 3 sets of 15 reps. It felt so good.
After work I went to Mine Falls park in Nashua. Those of you from Saugus think (Breakheart). Mine Falls has a great trail run exactly 3 miles long. I started out weak as always, the first quarter of a mile I felt tight and my legs felt heavy. But then I loosened up. The trail was mud soup and it made running tough. My new sneakers now look like they are ten years old. The shady areas still had some ice even though it was 70 degrees. I plodded along slowly and had to pull to the right to let a couple of speedy runners fly by me. Seeing them blaze by brought me down some, made me feel like I didn't belong. But then up ahead I saw a runner running slower than me, so I made it my mission to catch him. I ran like hell and finally caught him, and then I realized the guy must have been 80 years old, it didn't do much for the ego but if nothing else it distracted me.
My music was perfect today, it started out with Jane Says by Jane's addicition. I was thinking that in order to run a marathon, I would need to make running my addiction. That was followed by Jancie Joplin, Rage against the Machine, Bush, Eminem and Kanye West to name a few. All of the music flowed and helped me push through the course.
Mine Falls is a wonderful place. It's a real flat course, easy on the legs. There a lot of people out running walking ect. They always wave hello. This place will be a key for me. I have run this course twice and I think I could do a 3rd lap without boredom setting in. I plan on doing all of my runs 9 miles or less here.
I finished Strong listening to "Mamma said knock you out" on the last leg of the trail. I felt great, I could have gone another mile or two but no sense in pushing it at this point.
Congrats to my brother Bob for making the Suffolk Hall of Fame! You deserve it buddy.
P.S. To the Beast- Fuck You, I'm coming strong, see you November 4th...ross
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Crazy day
I woke up experiencing EAS (explosive ass syndrome), Stomach killed all morning. By lunch I was feeling pretty good and played hoop at the gym. I still have a jump shot, but not much else. Was feeling great on the ride home and had plans of going for a run as soon as I got home. That pretty much ended when I walked through the door. My poor wife was suffering from EAS and my kids were completely out of control. It was absolutely pandemonium. That's when it hit me, finding time to train for this race may be the hardest part. Since I couldn't run tonight, I finished my ultra marathon book. This guy ran a 200 mile relay by himself. (If he can do that, I have to be able to run 26.2) Finishing the book got me pumped up and I thought about going for a run at 9:30, but I think it's best I wait until morning..talk to ya soon...ross
Monday, March 12, 2007
Monday Blues
I feel good after yesterdays run. I should, it was a short one!! I played hoop today, 2 on 2 for an hour. Decent workout. I really should have gone for another run but I didn't have it in me after work. I feel a little cold coming on, I think I need a good night sleep.
My weight has really hit a plateau, but yesterdays run help to refocus me on my diet. I had all fruits and veggies today, until I got home. I don't think the Whopper from burger king I had for dinner will do any good, but sometimes you have to say what the hell. I hope to break this plateau and start losing pounds again soon. ..see ya later ross
My weight has really hit a plateau, but yesterdays run help to refocus me on my diet. I had all fruits and veggies today, until I got home. I don't think the Whopper from burger king I had for dinner will do any good, but sometimes you have to say what the hell. I hope to break this plateau and start losing pounds again soon. ..see ya later ross
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Carpe Diem
I had a million excuses why i couldn't run today. I was too tired because we turned the clocks back, I ate too much for lunch, It was too wet from the melting snow among a bunch of other lousy excuses. Finally I put my big boy pants on and went for my first training run and my first jog since last August.
I jogged 2 miles around Saugus. I my first gut check came about 50 yards after I left my mother's house and realized I really did eat too many slices of pizza at Chuck E Cheese. After I broke through that wall the rest of the run was easy. I ran a slow pace as always, today was probably slower than normal. I opened up the run with Pearl Jam playing on my Mp3 That was a good sign. My new sneakers felt great. I didn't feel the pounding of the pavement at all. Thanks again to my friends at Runners Alley. Not to mention that it's the first time I've spent more than $20 on running shoes.
Jogging in Saugus always seems so much easier than anywhere else. I have so much history there. As I run past different places in town a lot of memories come to mind and occupy my mind as I run. I realized today how much I miss the place, not the new Saugus with the traffic and the houses on top of each other, but the old Saugus, the one with the small town feel to it. I miss the attitude also, if you are not from the town it's tough to explain but I'll try. Basically, people from Saugus look at everyone they meet from outside the town as an asshole until proven otherwise! Normally, we're right..talk to ya later...dave
I jogged 2 miles around Saugus. I my first gut check came about 50 yards after I left my mother's house and realized I really did eat too many slices of pizza at Chuck E Cheese. After I broke through that wall the rest of the run was easy. I ran a slow pace as always, today was probably slower than normal. I opened up the run with Pearl Jam playing on my Mp3 That was a good sign. My new sneakers felt great. I didn't feel the pounding of the pavement at all. Thanks again to my friends at Runners Alley. Not to mention that it's the first time I've spent more than $20 on running shoes.
Jogging in Saugus always seems so much easier than anywhere else. I have so much history there. As I run past different places in town a lot of memories come to mind and occupy my mind as I run. I realized today how much I miss the place, not the new Saugus with the traffic and the houses on top of each other, but the old Saugus, the one with the small town feel to it. I miss the attitude also, if you are not from the town it's tough to explain but I'll try. Basically, people from Saugus look at everyone they meet from outside the town as an asshole until proven otherwise! Normally, we're right..talk to ya later...dave
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Thursday night
I played tennis with the team on Thursday night. A lot of fun but I was out late again. When we get off the court at Midnight we have a couple of cold ones at the club. It makes for a long tired Friday. As I get closer to the race, I will need to stay away from Thursday night tennis.
Played Full court king of the court at the gym yesterday for an hour. I played with two friends that run like rabbits. I was exhausted. I was hoping someone else would show up so I could sub out. It was a great workout though.
I just got back from the only running store in New Hampshire (Runners Alley). They had me try on about 8 pairs of sneakers, finally I settled on a pair made by Brooks. I'm pretty excited about my new kicks, hopefully I will get out there soon. I was surprised, they put me in a size 11, I have never worn a sneaker that big before. They said they need to leave room for swelling, that is scary. If you ever need sneakers, this place was great!!
Hopefully I will be able to run in the next day or two..talk to ya soon..dave
Played Full court king of the court at the gym yesterday for an hour. I played with two friends that run like rabbits. I was exhausted. I was hoping someone else would show up so I could sub out. It was a great workout though.
I just got back from the only running store in New Hampshire (Runners Alley). They had me try on about 8 pairs of sneakers, finally I settled on a pair made by Brooks. I'm pretty excited about my new kicks, hopefully I will get out there soon. I was surprised, they put me in a size 11, I have never worn a sneaker that big before. They said they need to leave room for swelling, that is scary. If you ever need sneakers, this place was great!!
Hopefully I will be able to run in the next day or two..talk to ya soon..dave
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Fifty Fifty
I figure I have a 50% chance of finishing this thing. Either I finish or I don't. There you have it, one of those two things will happen.
I played some hoop yesterday, and going to play tennis now. I can't wait to get running. It's tough getting to a gut check during hoop or tennis. I'm also working on a lifting plan as part of my training. I don't want to get big and carry extra weight around, I have enough already, but I do need to get stronger.
I'm almost done with my Ultra Marathon book about Dean Karnazes. The first part was very inspirational, the second half is down right scary. This guy ran 135 miles in Death Valley during the summer. He's a little crazy! He seems like the David Koresh of running. Any way, it is a great read!! Talk to you soon...ross
I played some hoop yesterday, and going to play tennis now. I can't wait to get running. It's tough getting to a gut check during hoop or tennis. I'm also working on a lifting plan as part of my training. I don't want to get big and carry extra weight around, I have enough already, but I do need to get stronger.
I'm almost done with my Ultra Marathon book about Dean Karnazes. The first part was very inspirational, the second half is down right scary. This guy ran 135 miles in Death Valley during the summer. He's a little crazy! He seems like the David Koresh of running. Any way, it is a great read!! Talk to you soon...ross
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
242 and counting
Played some hoop yesterday and plan to play for an hour today. I can't wait to get started but the weather is killing me. It only got up to 12 degrees yesterday and today may not be much better.
I bought a book about Dean Karnazes last night. He is an ultra-marathoner. He runs 100 miles at a time, sometimes 27 straight hours. It appears to be the type of book I was looking for. There are a million books on how to run your first marathon, but I've got time before I need to read one of those. Right now I need inspiration!!..see ya soon...d
I bought a book about Dean Karnazes last night. He is an ultra-marathoner. He runs 100 miles at a time, sometimes 27 straight hours. It appears to be the type of book I was looking for. There are a million books on how to run your first marathon, but I've got time before I need to read one of those. Right now I need inspiration!!..see ya soon...d
Monday, March 5, 2007
244 days to go
No major updates today. Played some hoop at the gym, trying to get into shape. My weight is my biggest concern, I've lost 12 LBS since Feb 1st, but I think I need to shed another 30 before race time.
It looks like I'm going to use Hal Higdon's "Spring Training". It's a 12 week program that gets you ready for the real race training. It's basic, but it will fit in perfect time wise. I need to start that around April 1st.
I spoke to Bib today, he went running over the weekend. I can't see myself out there until the weather breaks. I spoke to Ken too, he was having a beer at the sox game!!..talk to ya soon...dave
It looks like I'm going to use Hal Higdon's "Spring Training". It's a 12 week program that gets you ready for the real race training. It's basic, but it will fit in perfect time wise. I need to start that around April 1st.
I spoke to Bib today, he went running over the weekend. I can't see myself out there until the weather breaks. I spoke to Ken too, he was having a beer at the sox game!!..talk to ya soon...dave
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Time to feed the Beast
Okay, here we go. For the few (very few) who have read this blog in the past, it is no longer dedicated to my political views. I am going to use this space for a different reason for the time being. Don't get me wrong, I still believe in everything that was written here previously.
There are 245 days left to train for the very first Manchester N.H. marathon, and at this moment it looks like I'm finally going to get the courage up to Feed the Beast. The Beast (a burning desire to run 26.2 miles ) has been inside me for years. It has taunted me, mocked me and made me feel weak!
I'm sure over the next 245 days I'll talk a lot about the beast, but for now I just want to let you know that this site will be devoted to my marathon experience.
I have verbal commitments from two terrific friends Bib & Ken, I've been through so much with these guys already, that it seems like a perfect fit to take on this challange with them!!
Talk to ya soon ...dave
There are 245 days left to train for the very first Manchester N.H. marathon, and at this moment it looks like I'm finally going to get the courage up to Feed the Beast. The Beast (a burning desire to run 26.2 miles ) has been inside me for years. It has taunted me, mocked me and made me feel weak!
I'm sure over the next 245 days I'll talk a lot about the beast, but for now I just want to let you know that this site will be devoted to my marathon experience.
I have verbal commitments from two terrific friends Bib & Ken, I've been through so much with these guys already, that it seems like a perfect fit to take on this challange with them!!
Talk to ya soon ...dave
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