When I get off of this mountain

 It has occurred the continuation of this hobby in its present form may have to change.  Being beat up, injured, or master shuffling around at 12-15 minute miles is down right slow.  The mind has convinced itself those times are especially good in seeking entertainment in a 100 mile.  After today’s 5.1 mile effort in the middle of 14 - 15 minute miles, the final curtain is nigh. 

 The process will continue.  The sun rises and the sun sets.  As much as having something on the horizon provides a modicum of incentive, it also feels foolish at this point.  Perhaps there are fresher fields out there.  Maybe other forces are in play behind the scenes.  There is no willing it to get better, when the better is sub 12 minute miles.  Bear Bryant said it, “Be good, or be gone.”

I’m ready for my close-up

It has been 2 weeks since I strained a muscle in my back.  Walking has been slow and awkward, but today was a bit better.  In the last mile I threw in .2 miles of shuffling.  Tomorrow the effort will be adding .2 for each mile.  The goal will be to cover 5 miles.

 I continue to look at 100 mile options in Florida.  Not sure if the body and mind could sustain a 30 hour effort.  As is typical, a particular training method has peaked interest.  The plan would require some faster efforts.  If it happened to move along and progress is made, then perhaps the goal could be 25-26 hours.  The brain and body is advising the most cautious method.  That involves a huge amount of walking.  My running is garbage as the 11:57:31 Ice Age showed.  A mere 2:29 from the finish line cutoff.  Not sure what has to give, but I don’t want to walk all day.  Not in a place with zero hills or elevation.

 Man I’m going to miss this someday.  

Long beautiful hair

 I’ve entered the non-runner universe.  Not by choice.  Suddenly the extra 10% of the day available means being filled with ideas and thoughts not of my own making.  

 When I’m running it’s my deal.  Adventure has already been had.  I transition right into work and the free time which surfaces is quickly filled with a small errand, or food.  As the evening approaches I am mindful of one thing (chore, dog, yard) that should probably get done and help keep my presence in the community and home somewhat in tact.  

 Not running can be polarizing.  It is a Five Man Electrical Band with the do this, do that, can’t you read the sign?  I’m not really kidding.  When running my day is being monitored by me as I squeeze in my stuff and not the world’s garbage.

 Too much time to speculate.  Not ready for that.  

No Winky’s in Wilmerding

 Whatever injury has been thrusted upon me will keep me from running for some time.  Forcing an hour this past Saturday was a mistake and pushed me further into the weeds.  Moving around in general is cumbersome.  A few people have offered advice and it makes sense to rest, take anti-inflammatory meds, and strap on this electrical device my wife showed me.  

 The pain is somewhere deep in the hip/back area.  That’s about as scientific as I can get.  In the mean time I’ve challenged myself to consume less calories and get up and move around ever so lightly every 15 minutes and accomplish some type of task.  It really makes one appreciate having the ability to move around.  

That’s not Frank!

 Non-movement is not a big part of me.  So after three zeroes it was time to make at least a mile.  It was difficult, but as the distance stretched out it became a bit faster.  About halfway small jogs were tossed in.  Finally the last 1.34 miles I did my best John Stephen Akhwari impression and just got it in.

 The effort was 4.3 miles at 14:40 pace.  This pace for a 100 mile is approximately 24:30.  Now take that in.  14:40 pace would be world class for me.  

 The show Alone was on and it helps me reflect some truths about these types of endeavors.  These folks are not rookies thrown into the harsh wilderness.  They take chances and make mistakes.  I’m no genius when it comes to long events such as 100 miles.  It is bigger than me.  Problem is the thought is always present now that the window is closing.  I’d like to try and train to figure one out.  Mistakes will be made, but I want to figure this out.  

Get out there and see it for yourselves

 A couple days ago I managed to strain a muscle in my lower back and aggravate the PF in my left foot.  Working outside and throwing things around like manhole covers can do this.  The sideline shall be my friend for awhile.

 So when trying to walk I have to bend way over and lurch to one side.  It’s almost the same look to those who are familiar with my 50 mile finishes.  Out in public it is the same walk.  Bending straight up is not an option.  People are so kind when they see me coming across the parking lot and will pause to hold the door for me 50 feet away.  A young girl sprinted to be able to help the old guy with the door.  People demonstrated apathy every time.  It was greatly appreciated, but at the same time a bit humbling.  This is a future glimpse.  

 I must have stated out loud my wish to participate in a 100 mile.  The wife was telling the neighbor at a July 4th BBQ that I was training for a 100 miler.  It is not quite like Adrian looking at Rocky from the hospital bed and saying “Win!”, but more of a cat is out of the bag moment.  I just might have to throw down one final time.  The excuses are piling up as I type this last sentence.

Oh beautiful for heroes proved

 I finish my 8.2 mile adventure at 10am.  It is now 85F and wonderful.  I wring out my wet socks, two t-shirts, and beak down my shoes to all dry in the sun.  I grab a Chek Cola and drink the hell out of that.  Sitting on the flower stoop a puddle forms.  I’m low to the ground.  I can smell ammonia from the sweat which has poured off me.  I repeat this almost everyday.  The shorts are washed in the shower and the t’s are recycled 2-3 times before they are added to the wash.  I go through socks like Tim (State Champ Tim) goes through .99 cent pancakes at BK.

 Adding clothes is a goal.  A goal of being ready to do a 100 miler that will never get signed up for.  Like many the prices of some events are comical so I ponder doing my own.  Not sure why this effort is being put forth when the TV says downing some fruit pills and having a door on my bathtub will change my life.  

 Florida is similar with drivers and runners.  I seek out places with minimal traffic.  Along the lines of a car coming either way every 1-2 minutes.  It still amazes me how some folks give zero quarter.  They have plenty of room to move, but refuse.  Some are even nice enough to smile and wave as I’m up in the weeds gathering bramble of all sorts.

 Went to a big free concert with food vendors and a big fireworks show last night.  Hoping this gets me off the hook for a double today.  The wife is making cheesy potatoes to take to the neighbors bbq.  Last night I was able to see an old friend.  Ever notice how you slip back into the same mannerisms and inside joke mode.  Doesn’t matter how many decades went by.  There was some good hilarity.

 Okay.  Time to become the other version of me.  Happy 4th.