Stoney Creek

I ran 6 miles at the park,temp 28 and cloudy. I stopped to check my shoe and pinched a spot in my right shoulder. By evening I had a muscle spasm running down the right side of my back. Monday I saw my chiropracter and he beat me up real good. I'm calming down Monday afternoon. Hip is better. Left foot numb the last mile.

Stoney Creek

Ran 6 miles at the park with Marv. Didn't have to walk. Hip stiff but not in pain. 23 plus with sun, path salted and slushy. Glad to get a run in, weight is going up.

Hip

I looked in the Lore of Running by Nokes but found very little on hip injuries.
I googled running hip injuries and got more info. Standard treatment fot bursitis in hip is removal of fluid with a needle and cortisone shot. I'm not for that. Someone said massage heals it, so I've been doing self massage and it is better. Hope to run Wed.

Doctor

I saw the doctor for a checkup Tuesday and complained of a sore left hip. he wanted to send me for xrays but I said a running injury gets better with rest, so I have 15 days off. I have time to get work around the house done.
Tom

Paint Creek Trail

I joined Disco at the Duck Pond to run 6 miles but my hip was sore so I cut it to 4 miles. I'm mystified - I was fine after the marathon and the hip started Thursday to hurt and now it hurts to walk. I'll take a week off so it can heal.

Paint Creek Trail

I met Disco at the duck pond for a 5 mile run on the trail. 37 and cloudy, we met several people we knew and caught up on latest news. It's definately more pleasant to run with a partner.

Stoney Creek

Ran 6 miles at the park. Talked to Shirley. Legs tired from yesterday. Lost 4 lbs. this week. Time to rake leaves.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles in mist and 46 degrees. Right ankle tight so stretched twice.
Two younger women passed me and invited me to join them but I said I wanted to run slower.

Down Brewster

Ran 4 miles in 47 degrees and cloudy. Took 1 1/2 weeks off for sore achilles after race. Rest cures most things.

Cardboard Classic

I ran the Cardboard Classic this morning - 8k at independence Oaks. It's 2 loops around the lake with the first loop up a 200 foot climb and the second loop around the shore. I ran well and finished in52 minutes, 33/40. 10 minute pace with 12 min.pace for the hill, which I racewalked. Temps in the 50's and sun, a beautiful day. A young boy touched my shoulder as he passed, a nice gesture. My feet and ankles felt sore until the last mile.

New York Marathon

I was sore from running the trails yesterday, so I took the day off and watched the New York Marathon on my computer this morning. The resolution is not as good as tv but I get to watch the race and strategy unfold, rather than watch the edited version in the afternoon. Seeing an American win is exciting. Distance running is back and healthy in the US after a long hiatus. The Hanson brothers are responsible for putting their own money into a team and inspiring other teams around the country to form and train young runners in the marathon. Team training is highly successful.
I'm on the Cardiac Forum for heart patients who are athletes and some of them marvel at how I take rest periods. They think they will be detrained if they miss a day. They also get too injured to run! Isn't that telling them something?

Ski Trails, Stoney Creek

I ran a 10 k on the ski trails this morning in preparation for the Cardboard Classic next Sunday. The course is gnarly, with roots, rocks, hills, and leaf covered. After 3.5 miles I felt great and was running beautifully. It was 49, and rain near the end, but I enjoyed this run! Can't beat running thru the woods in the fall.

Paint Creek Trail

I ran 4 miles Wed. on the trail. Temps in 60's made it important to run in shorts and my new short sleeve red Saucony shirt. May not see those temps again till spring. Ran easy and legs a little tired at end. Lost 2 pounds too!

Detroit Marathon

Sunday brought mixed results from the marathon. My runner ran and finished and pushed thru the last 10k and I'm proud of her. She was undertrained and I helped her get ready in the last 6 weeks.
The news that 3 runners had a heart attack and died is sad and sobering. The marathon is not at fault, underlying heart disease is the problem. One was 26 years old. We don't have a way to screen people with no symptoms, short of invasive and expensive tests. A doctor on TV said quite often the first sign of heart disease is sudden death. Hopefully, medical science will discover a better way to screen everyone.

Tienken

Marv and I ran 6 miles on Tienken to Squirrel. My legs felt good and we pick up the pace the last mile. Usually I take a month off after a marathon, but I wanted to see how I felt running this time so I'll resume training. Temps - 32 to 39, sun.

Lakefront Marathon

Lakefront Marathon

The big controversy after the race was the disqualification of the top 2 women for rule infractions. I don't see a problem. The rules are the rules, especially for elite runners looking for prize money. These rules have been around along time, don't runners know there are rules in racing? Who cares if my son gives me a water bottle at 15 1/2 miles, I'm not taking money for running 26.2 miles!
Tom

Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee

Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee

Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee

Lakefront Marathon

Lakefront Marathon

Lakefront Marathon

Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee

Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee

Marathon

I got new shoes Thurs., ran an easy 4 miles Friday, drove to Wisc., ran 3 miles easy Sat. morning, did the Smoky Bear kids race with my 3 year old granddaughter, and ran 5:05 Sunday at Lakefront. Except for a brief surge, I was running 10 minute pace and wasn't going any faster, so at the 1/2 I decided this was my last marathon and started having fun. I danced at 24, sang Elvis songs, told people my son said this was a 5k, and smiled and waved.
I can't get faster at my age and breaking 4 hours was always my goal, so I accept I won't reach that goal. I lost 19 pounds this year and I'm in great shape for 61, so I count it a success.

Trouble

I dropped my Rodeo off Tues. night for a brake job, and they dropped it off the hoist, breaking the back left window and denting it. I ran 2 1/2 miles to pick it up Th. and 2 1/2 miles Fr. to drop it off for the window, and 2 1/2 miles Sat. to pick it up. I worked Sun. and missed my run and trying to catch up on work Mon. missed that run. I was feeling antsy in Church Sun. night so I'm getting the training effect kick in and expect a great race.

Stoney Creek

I ran 10 miles at the park today. Temps in 60's and sunny, I did a 4 mile warmup and ran well for 3 before I had to run/walk the last 3. Still not recovered from training. Eager to see what I've got on raceday - 2 weeks.

Stoney Creek

I was pressed for time so I ran 4 miles Friday morning and hurried thru the day.
Sat. I drove to Stoney Creek and ran 6 miles, the first 4 easy and picked up the last 2. Faster.
The day was sunny and the wild flowers were out and a cross country H.S. meet ran next to the bike path. Wonderful.

Tienken

Ran 6 miles this morning. 4 miles easy and 5th at 10 min. pace, then 9 min. pace for a while in last mile. Past a radar machine saying 48 mph! Guess I'm improving.

Me at the Crim

Photo of my first race with Hanson Team colors.

Stoney Creek

Ran 10 miles at the park this morning. I wanted 16, but my legs are trashed. Right calf is sore. Means I did a good job in training. Taper starts now, 3 weeks from the marathon. Interested in how much pace shows up for the race.

Stoney Creek

I did a 4 mile warmup and was joined by a younger woman for a brisk 6 miles at 10 minute pace average. Sunny in 60's, a cool breze, perfect running conditions.

Paint Creek Trail

I ran 10 miles easy on the trail today. Dropped to 9:13 pace for a while. 77 degrees, but the air was cool.

Military Ridge Trail

I ran 20 miles in Wisconsin while visiting my daughter and family in Cross Plains. It was 49 with the sun low @7:30, as I ran west 1 mile, and came back to stretch and get a water bottle. The sun was streaming thru the trees as I went east 3 miles and came back. I shed the jacket and long sleeve shirt and headed west 3 miles and came back for a third bottle. It was getting hot and I slowed the last 6 miles going east and finished in 79 degrees. The wild flowers made the run spectacular with fields of yellow daisies.

Stoney Creek

I ran 20 miles at the park - 52 degrees and windy. I wore a long sleeve shirt and a jacket and was barely warm enough. Especially cold by the lake. I was joined the last 11 miles by Chris, a young woman training for the Detroit marathon, her second. I gave her lots of advice, regalled her with running stories, and will send her a schedule. Stood in the lake after and watched windsurfers dart across the lake. Felt good all the way, though I had to slow and run/walk at the end for Chris.

Stoney Creek

I ran 12 miles at the park on a cool day. Said hi to my brother in law Rick on the first loop, and was joined on the second loop by Zuma, a young, tiny woman from Puerto Rico doing her last loop of 18 miles. I picked up the pace for her, but she did the same. At one mile to go we decided to slow. I met her husband and neighbor who swore he needed a knee operation. I asked where the pain was and told him it was his IT band. I showed him the IT band stretch, prescibed ice and orthotics, and told him he'll be fine in a week. He just started running in March and was overtraining for the Det. marathon. I told him to run the 1/2 instead.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 10 miles on trail in the rain, 58 degrees. Missed a couple runs because too much work.

Crim

I ran 1:43 at the Crim 10 mile race, 2 minutes slower than last year. It was cool, 58, and I was 6 pounds lighter, so I expected a better time. I was under 10 minute pace at the 1/2 but the hills slowed me down. Good kick at finish. Standing in line after for a drink, 2 young women came up and high five me and thanked me for pacing them. They were around me most of the race, I didn't know they were drafting off of me. They kept walking at water stops and getting in the way! It was a record field by 1000 and a huge Pro field, with US womens 10 mile championship.

Up and down Brewster

Ran10 miles 6 minutes faster. 66 with sun. Ready for Crim.

Up and down Brewster

Ran 10 miles on Brewster.

Stoney Creek

I was scheduled for a 20 miler so I arrived at the park a little after 7 with the sun a big red ball just over the trees. Temps were 68 with 91% humidity and the first 2 miles felt cool. Then it started to warmup and at 14 I was feeling bad from the heat so I stood in the lake (AHHH) to get the lactic acid out of my legs and went home. Better safe.

July 11, 2009

July 11, 2009

Stoney Creek

Ran 8 miles at the park, 68 + and sun. Got hot. Took a swim at the beach after. 50 mile week. Legs a little tired.

Up and down Brewster

Ran 8 miles in 69+ and sun. Hot at the end. New granddaughter this morning - Hope Danielle.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 8 miles on an easy day day. Legs tired. 69+ sun and humid.

Up and down Brewster

Ran 7 miles this morning with 9 minute pace in spots for speedwork. Weigh in at 179, 2 pounds lighter than my marathon weight last Oct. 60's with sun. Well ahead of last year.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 7 miles in 68+ with high humidity. Biker told me the storms over the weekend blew down lots of trees and it was impassible yesterday but it was cleared for today. August muggies!

Up and down Brewster

I ran 6 miles this morning, 72 humid and sun. Legs feel better. Found 2 golf balls near the course.

Stoney Creek

Ran 6 miles at Stoney. Had scheduled 12 but too hot and humid and legs were not recovered from last night.

Stoney Creek

It was pouring all day so I waited until it stopped around 4 and ran 11 miles at the park for 45 miles for the week.

Up and down Brewster

Friday morning I got up with Dianne and racewalked 2 miles with her in the neighborhood. I did some work and at 11:30 ran 8 miles down Brewster and up to Dutton Rd. and home. Warm sun and cool breeze. Great for running. While I was stretching at the light, I noticed a blonde woman smiling while she checked me out. I do have the best legs in the family.

Hanson's Team

July 4th I asked Keith Hanson if I could be on the team and he replied, "You're on it!" Last week I saw him on the trail and asked if I wore his singlet, would he want it back if I ran too slow? He said no. I told him I won the gold medal in the 1500 at MSO and he emphatically said I had to wear it. Today, with a coupon and a gift certificate I bought a Hanson's singlet and told the guy the story. He said, "See you at practice tomorrow morning!"
Tom

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles easy, low 60's and sun. Ideal.

Stoney Creek

Ran 18 miles. 63+ with sun and a cool breeze all the way. Stood in the lake after to get the lactic acid out. Felt great!

Stoney Creek

Ran 10 miles with Marv and was joined by a woman training for her first 1/2 Ironman. 59+ with sun.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles, 69+ and sun.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles Wed. and coached someone on stretching. 67 and humid.
Ran 6 miles Thurs., 59 plus.

Stoney Creek

Ran 12 miles and did some coaching. Met a new runner who is an extreme kayaker - 20 foot waterfalls. Ran 5 miles with her and gave her tips. Another woman complained she had hip flexer issues. I converted her to heelstriking and showed her how to stretch. 2 young women just out of high school played basketball and I gave them tips on running. Pleasant weather and decent pace.

Paint Creek Trail

Thursday I had too much work to run, so Friday I ran 9 miles on the trail. I saw Keith Hanson and his wife and aske, if I buy a Hanson's team singlet, will he ask for it back if I run too slow. He said no. I said I won the gold in the MSO Senior Olympics in the 1500 meters and he said I have to wear the singlet.

Stoney Creek

I ran 16 miles on my 61th birthday ( notice the number transposition) and I got tired the last 2 miles. Sunny but air was cool.
Ran 12 miles Sat. with Marv at Stoney.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 7 miles late. Hot but a breeze.

Glacier Drumlin Trail

Moved Monday night to Jerry's house in Waukesha and Tues. morning was the babysitter. We took them to tennis practice and I made Mac and cheese for lunch. Around 4 pm I went for a run and went towards town so I could hit the water fountain twice. 6 miles and a breeze.

Military Ridge Trail

After the 1500 on Saturday, we drave to Crosse Plaines, Wisconsin and stayed with my daughter and family. Sunday night, Sean drove me to the trail and I made a map so I could find my way 6 miles thru country roads. Monday morning I arrived at the parking lot and talked with a lady who did a triathalon Sat and still had the ink on her arms. She said go east, it's flatter. Great run! 6 miles.

MSO 1500 meters

Ran 8:19 for gold medal!

MSO 10k

Ran 1:04 for 10:22 pace on a hilly course, 64 + with sun and breeze. I got the OU XC coach's card and will pass it on to my nephew David so he can be a walk on at OU XC this fall.
1500 meters at the track tomorrow morning - Dianne won't let me wear a tri top so I'll wear a skinsuit instead!
Got the Bronze metal and will wear it all day.
Also got interviewed by Oakland Press! All I need now is the winning lottery ticket.

MSO 5k

After having breakfast with Sean and Kyla, I hustled over to the OPC to set the course for the Mich. Senior Olympics 5k and got 2 young guys to walk with me to the turnaround. I layed a start/finish line with old flour, and carried a pack with 2 cones for 1 mile and 2 mile. I used the rest of the flour for the turnaround. 20 racers came. I then got my MSO credentials, and I'm ready for the dinner tonight and the 10k Friday (3 others in my age group) and 1500 meters Sat. (1 competitor). I'm assured of a medal. Dianne has 2 competityors in the 5k racewalk, so she is certain of a medal.

Cool Run

Ran a little over 6 miles with Jerry on Clinton River Trail. 60 and sun and lots of wild flowers and saw the sign where they found the mastadon bones. Cool. Golf outing today to remember my Dad. I'm a little tired from yesterday.

Race

Ran 20k at Frankenmuth, 58 degrees at start with a breeze. Ideal. Talked to Gary Morgan, 4 time olympian.
Then I ran into Keith Hanson, head of Hanson, Brooks, Saturn team and asked him if I could be on the team? He said, "Your on!" So I got that going for me!
Chicken dinner and shopping and home. Tired.

Rest Period

Today starts a 2 week rest period. Though I haven't been pounding too long, it is an essential part of my program. I train for 84 days and will peak on day 84 - the marathon. A two week rest period with light running for three days in the middle refrshes the body and gets it ready for the next marathon training. I can show you lots of former runners walking at the park because they never stretched or rested, over raced and overtrained. I intend to keep running to my end so I take much better care of myself.

Long run

Ran 13.75 in 70+ temps, light rain to sun. First 6 1/2 miles with Disco. I took it easy on him. He had hernia surgery 3 weeks ago and is not back to snuf yet. We went north on Paint Creek trail and when stretching a group passed with the woman I tried to dissuade from running yesterday with a stress fracture. She yelled heel, toe, heel, toe. So, she at least converted to heel landing. We saw 2 big deer and 2 fawns with spots.. Turned around at water fountain and got another water bottle at the parking lot and I went south solo to Clinton River trail and west past Livernois and turned around to finish at Rochester park - hot.

Stoney Creek

Ran 6 miles with Marv at 10:20 pace. Had to retreive a key fob for someone who dropped it from the office. Talked to woman who ran 3 miles on a stress fracture. Told her the bone could break and asked her to take a couple weeks off but she said no. Runners are impossible.

Paint Creek

Ran 6 miles in 81+ degrees and sun. Humid. Run/walk last 2 1/2 miles.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles in 76 + degrees and 100% humidity. Run/walk second half.
Saw woman go from her car to table and start stretching. Told her I was from the stretching police and not to stretch cold but to run slowly for a mile and stretch at the bridge. She said she had torn her hamstring and the doctor told her to stretch before working out. Saw her when I was stretching and converted her to heelstriker. Hallellujah!!! Too hot!

Stoney Creek

On Sunday the park was crowded and there was a bike event by a local Italian Bike club. It was hilarious to watch them try to bike and talk with their hands! Two days rest and catching up on work. Running tomorrow and will have to start early as it will go to over 90 tomorrow.

Father's Day

Ran 12 miles at the park. Good pace. Warmed up last 3 miles. Did a little coaching. Anthony was waiting when I got home. Happy Father's Day to all fathers reading this!
Remembered my Dad. Hope he's playing golf with Jesus and St. Peter.
Dianne's assistant went in for heart surgery this week and didn't make it. Gone at 43. Just talked to her 2 days before. Sobering.
Was buried in work last week and only ran once. Should get back to normal this week.

Weight loss

Down 9 pounds to 186. Goal, 172.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 10 miles. 66 + and sun.

Hometown Hustle

Ran 5k in 32 minutes. Talked to a few people I know and passed out flyers to MSO 5k. 53 and cloudy.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 7 miles. 63 and sun. Weigh in at 185.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 easy and saw 3 deer. I'm sad. My bird died overnight. It gave me kisses.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles on trail. 60 degrees, sun and breeze - perfect. Fastest time for 6 miles this year. Not getting older, but faster!

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 8 miles on Trail on Trail Days weekend. Last 1 1/2 racewalked with Di. Temp 60 with clouds. Perfect. Talked to Bill, Jim and Tina.

OPC Race

Did a 5k in 31:36, 10:15 pace. Faster than 2 weeks ago. Nipped someone at the finish line. Saw a number of running friends. 53, sun.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles. Mid 50's, sun. Weighed in at 186 after. 9 pound net loss. Ahead of last year. 5k tomorrow.

Paint Creek Trail

Ran 6 miles this morning. 53 and sun.

With Marv

Ran across Tienken and up Squirrel for 6 miles. Sun, 51 and wind.

Running with Marv

Ran 6 miles up and down Brewster with Marv. 47 degrees and breezy.
After, I took Dianne and Pete to the trail for 3 miles of racewalking. Dianne is training for a 5k racewalk in the Senior Olympics July 11.

Up and Down Brewster

Ran 6 before dinner - at Cameron's, an upscale steakhouse in Birmingham. The waitress wanted to send me home with a desert in honor of my 23 anniversery, but I declined because I'm in a weight loss challenge right now. Legs are tired. 24 miles for the week.

Paint Creek Trail

I ran 6 miles this morning and tried to convert 3 runners - from toe running to heelstriking. All three were injured, so I know I was right. May race a 10k Sat.

Paint Creek

I ran 6 on the trail this morning - upper 60's, 100% humidity, light rain at the end. Like summer. The trees, bushes, and wild flowers are blooming and their perfume fills the air. Magic.

Stoney Creek

On Memorial Day Dianne and Petie came to the park for a walk while I ran 6 miles. After warmup I noticed my HR around 118 to 121, which is low for me. I'm normally 135 to 142 while running. Weather in the 60's with a breeze was perfect. Had trouble with my back and stopped several times to put it in. A little stiff from racing Sat. but running a little faster than previous weeks. Saw a sweat shirt that said, "I Luv BOOBS" from cancer walk. My favorite. Also saw a young guy run past me with his girl skating behind, yelling, "I'm your motivation!" She then passed him and raised her arms in victory and kept waving her shirt at him. I laughed out loud.

Heritage Festival 5k

Heritage Festival 5k

Heritage Festival 5k

Heritage Festival 5k

Heritage Festival Race

I ran my fastest of 2009 with a 32 min. 5k - 10:19 pace. Disco pushed Kyla and I passed out flyers for the MSO 5k after the race. Sean and Kyla said they might come, but they were eating breakfast instead. Signing in and putting 60 as my age was strange. I have done this race for around 23 years! 5/7 in age group. 137/176 overall.

Paint Creek

Ran 6 miles on the trail Today. Mid 50's and sun,wore a long sleeve shirt. Saw Disco pushing Kyla in babby jogger.

Paint Creek

Ran 6 miles this morning, 63 with sun and a breeze. Met Jane and Carol who want a beginning schedule, and Disco. Tried to convert a toe runner but she said she can't run flat footed. Can't win them all.

Lakefront Marathon

I signed up for the marathon so I can see everyone in Wisconsin. Time to train.

Sign up

I registered for the Lakefront marathon this morning. I could have gone to NY for the Wineglass marathon to meet the Cardiac Athletes, or stayed home and ran the Brooksie half right here in Roch. Hls. but I rather see my family and new baby or 2. Time to train.

Autism Run

The web site said the race started at 8 so I went early to pass out flyers for the MSO 5k in July and volunteer a little. Then Disco and I would go for a run. Well, registration started at 8 so we worked and then put flyers on cars and then ran the course thru OU which features a mile long uphill. After 2 loops I was thrashed and finished with 5 1/4 miles.

Paint Creek

I ran 6 miles this morning before weighing in for the weight loss challenge because I lost a pound early in the week and Wednesday evening had coney dogs and gained 3 pounds. So I sweated off 5 pounds of water to get to 190 and a net 3 pound loss.

Paint Creek

It was 66 when I checked after breakfast, but after doing required chores it had rained a couple times and dropped to 58. I put a windshirt on and drove to the parking lot on Tienken. The first thing I see is trash and a computer monitor dumped there by some pig. I love the trail, so seeing it used as a dump is infuriating. I ran into the wind and came back with a decent clip,6 miles total.

Paint Creek

Ran 6 on the trail. Ran better and felt good. I'm increasing mileage and thinking about running the Dexter Ann Arbor 1/2 marathon May 30. We'll see.

Stoney Creek

I ran 6 at Stoney Creek Sunday and ran the whole way. I wore thin socks so my foot didn't go numb. I could feel the spot where the nerve hits, but was ok. I saw a runner I see at the Run thru Hell every year doing a race and waved hi. I was joined by 2 old guys huffing and puffing trying to keep up to me and they took a short cut thru a parking lot but I beat them and told them my GPS watch says that is longer than staying on the path. They run so they can eat cheeseburgers for lunch everyday.
After the run I picked up Dianne and Pete and took them to the Trail so Dianne could practice racewalking. The weather was perfect and she went faster than Pete and I. Great BUTT!!!

Paint Creek

Ran 6 with Disco Sat. on the Trail. I met with Sheila Tinnion Th. and will help with OPC 5k June 6 and Senior Olympics 5k July 6. Also joined a weight loss challenge on Cardiac Athletes. 14 pounds in 12 weeks.

Trails

I drove by the parking lot at the Paint Creek and it was jammed Sat. morning so I continued to Stoney Creek. The bike path around the lake was full and I had trail shoes on so I drove to the ski trails and ran the old Beat the Streets course for 6 miles. The trees were budding so there was little shade except in the pine trees and it was sunny and in the 70's so I went as I pleased - run/walk. I saw daffodils and wild flowers blooming and answered the age old question- if a tree falls in the woods does it make a sound. Yes, I heard a big tree fall. Luckily there was a wind to cool me in the sun. I tripped going downhill on a root and scraped my right forearm. Cleaned up back at the vehicle.
Around 2 in the afternoon a big storm blew thru and knocked out power so I didn't run Sun. as planned. I bought bagels and coffee and stoked up a fire to warm my bride. The power came on around 6:30 pm.
Looking for more miles this week.

Boston

I watched the Boston marathon on my computer while doing some work on Monday and it was an exciting race. My cousin Scott ran it and I could follow his progress during his race. The technology for all this boggles the mind - this wasn't possible a few years ago. Next year is the 100 th anniversary of Fred Cameron winning Boston and all running Camerons should try to make the race in his memory and pride in the Cameron Clan! I would love to go. Scott has identified lots of Camerons at Boston and I think that's cool.

I joined Disco at 9 at the duck pond and we ran 6 on the trail. 48 degrees and wind.
My Granddaughter Alia asked her dad when the next marathon is. She wants to follow me and make sure I don't have a heart attack. I feel fine.

Ran 5 this morning on the Paint Creek Trail. Wind was cold out of the north so I was glad I wore gore tex suit. Warmer on way back with the wind behind me. More people on the trail today.

Ran 5 on the trail with Disco on Sunday. He ran the Final 4 5k Saturday and said they called 5 names for a drawing for tickets to Mondays game and no one was there. #6 got the tickets. It is a winter wonderland today in Michigan.

Ran 5 on the trail this morning. Dianne walked the dog while I ran. Beautiful spring day - 40 and stiff north wind with blue sky. Cold out, warm coming in.

Sunday, I ran 6 on Paint Creek Trail with Disco. We were caught by Cathy P. but Marv was no where to be seen. The Dogman probably got him.

Ran 5 on the trail this afternoon. 40 with sun made it cold. Talked to Joyce. When I run on the trail I usually meet someone I know. Left foot a little numb. Happens every spring. The foot is soft from not running all winter and needs a couple weeks to harden up, so rubbing in shoe hits a nerve and it gets numb.

There was an article in the paper how a middle shcool was locked down last week when several people called police saying there was a man running toward the school with a gun or a bow and arrow! When the police found the suspect, he was an army reservist running with a camelback and walking poles and running shirtless.
Reminds me when I was living in south Warren 40 years ago and went for a run on a summer night and as I got home, Big Jake was going to kill me because he saw someone run out of his house when he got home and it must have been me!

Ran 6 on the trail with Marv and Disco. Trail got wet as the sun thawed it.

Run/walk almost 4 miles this morning in 41 degrees and light rain. Felt balmy. Haven't run in 3 weeks. So cold I would have froze my face off. I'm so detrained everything hurts and I'm slow. It will come back quick. Brutal winter, only a month of potential snow remaining, but the temperature should be better. I'll run if it's 20 degrees or warmer. Below that my face freezes.
I recently joined an online forum for heart patients. They are all over the world and athletes and recovering patients adding exercise. Lots of info on heart related problems and encouragement.
http://www.cardiacathletes.org/

I gave a beginning running schedule to a woman behind the deli counter at the grocery store, because she used to run and wants to start back up. I also talked my nurse into beginning when I had the heart catherization done.

Marv and I on the dam at Stoney Creek. Photo by Shirley Kussner

Marv and I at Stoney Creek. Picture by Shirley Kussner

Saw the Doctor Wednesday morning. The heart catherization showed 30% buildup in main artery ( typical of my age) and the rest of arteries clear. The heart is functioning at higher than normal capacity so no problem. No explanation of issue in marathon.

I ran 6 at the park without walking for the first time this year. Feels good . Made a schedule for the year with Lakefront the goal. I will concentrate on shorter runs and getting my pace faster before doing long runs so I can do the long runs faster. Probably look for some 5k's first.

Ran with Pete Sunday. He pooped out after a mile. I believe he's too old to run far. Sad. He's been my winter partner for years. With his ears flying in the wind and a big grin, he makes everyone smile.

Saturday I went to the park and ran my first 6 miler of the year. Some walking in there .47 degrees and wind meant I was warm with the wind at my back and into the wind I pulled the zipper of my jacket up. The thermostat.

My 2 year old granddaughter Dana is about to give me a "Gotcha " from behind!

Approaching the finish at 2008 Lakefront Marathon I'm about to high five my granddaughters.

July 4, 2008 with Marvin Stevenson

Frankenmuth, Mich July 4, 2008

Frankenmuth Mich. July 4, 2007

The weather has been typical January in Michigan frigid and snowy. Pete and I ran in the snow on the trail twice this week but it was so cold we kept it short. Sunday, Feb. 1 was 34 degrees in the morning so we went to the park . After 2 miles Pete was dragging, so we walked most of the last mile. I felt good, but Pete is 8 years old, making him almost as old as me. I have to take it easier on him.
We lose runners every year to car accidents, especially in winter. I have seen in just the last few days runners in the road in rush hour, and running with traffic, not against. They can't see if there is a problem behind them. All runners need to run against traffic and preferably not in the roadway.
In that spirit, The Bumper run is Wed., Feb.4th at 6:15 pm at Stoney Creek Metro Park. This race commemorates Don Richmond running there around 13 years ago at night, in the dark, in the road, wearing all black. He was hit by a pickup truck and flew thru the air and landed on the grass - uninjured! The pickup rolled and was totalled! Don believes that was a sign from God, so he puts on the Bumper run every year at his expense to promote safe running. It will be cold and windy so I'm debating if I will go. Maybe.

I ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill Saturday, 30 minutes Monday, and 3 miles at the park with Pete Wednesday. Needed to walk a little.

9 degrees and snow. I ran on the trail with Pete for almost 1/2 mile. He is a standard poodle and gets moody when he doesn't get a walk. With sub zero temperatures, we haven't been out. He likes to run in the winter. He won't run in the summer - he overheats. My legs were freezing.

It was 14 below zero this morning. I know someone was out there running, but it was not me.

I set up the treadmill and ski machine and weight bench Sat. in the spare room. The weather is going from bad to worse this week and I will work out inside until it gets back to normal.

I saw 4 people running on the trail Sunday. 6 to 8 inches of snow over a layer of ice. I told 2 that they plow the bike path at Stoney Creek and salt it. Sliding on the trail can cause injury. We run for our health, not to get hurt.