tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383294148575859072024-03-13T16:02:27.419-07:00Run SpittleThe Six Digit SeptuagenarianRich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-66303859794471559372023-12-29T13:06:00.000-08:002023-12-29T13:25:32.876-08:00Closing Out A Mediocre Year<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHrYDxd48KKY4mcJfJie9DtKs-7iYi5UgK6pnynKfL8vvEWoAW423-7UJsH_QASOYXO0XbgeGtdsEweDqSShMFr624gDdU4dJojIOH8bF1jkn-z2rxRSOTa0DTfHUdwgycIiXFP-PiwxZccezl7mSyOZsyK2BzDoQTXPW_5itZIVsb3Y6A6WRQWKs6a3I/s609/Screenshot%202023-12-29%20at%201.53.52%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="598" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHrYDxd48KKY4mcJfJie9DtKs-7iYi5UgK6pnynKfL8vvEWoAW423-7UJsH_QASOYXO0XbgeGtdsEweDqSShMFr624gDdU4dJojIOH8bF1jkn-z2rxRSOTa0DTfHUdwgycIiXFP-PiwxZccezl7mSyOZsyK2BzDoQTXPW_5itZIVsb3Y6A6WRQWKs6a3I/w197-h201/Screenshot%202023-12-29%20at%201.53.52%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="197" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />As 2023 comes to an end, I would love to say it was a banner year. I just can't say that.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For the most part, I struggled to get in any amount of mileage with any sense of consistent motion. Early in the year was gimpy time, and the end of the year was the same. In between, it was a matter of slow going, but going nonetheless. Between mid-May and the end of September I averaged about 40-45 miles a week. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I did cross the 121,000 and 122,000 mile thresholds during the year, so that's always good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With two more days to run, I will end up with 1610 miles, give or take a mile or two. That's not the worst year of my adult life, but certainly does not meet the 2000 mile standard for a "serious" running year. The year was/is split pretty evenly at 746 and 874. It could have been significantly better, but the last 7 weeks have been a mileage disaster. Oh well..... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Only a single "race" this year. I did the 4 mile Greenland Trail Run. I was supposed to run the 8 mile, but a bad step mishap two days prior, required dropping down to the shorter distance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Will end the year with 12 pounds of net weight loss. Now, don't get me wrong, that's a good thing. It's just far short of the goal. SO...... I'll do what any red-blooded American would do and move the goal into this next year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, what about the coming year? Well, I hope to drop enough weight to make the running easier than it is presently. With apologies to all of the weight alarmists, lighter, in most every case, is better. So that will be priority #1. Miles? Well, I'd like to get back over 2000. In fact, if I could get to just a hair over 2100, I would hit another major lifetime goal: 200,000 kilometers. We'll see.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'd like to ride my bike more, cross train more (yoga, pilates, riding, strength training), not to mention more vertical. I had applied for the Mont Blanc Marathon as a means of motivating myself to hit the mountains, but alas, was rejected (maybe old age discrimination - maybe Anti-American bias - maybe unlucky). I have some other wishes for the year. We'll save those for another time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mostly, I want to simply feel better: less vulnerable, less fragile. Someday this running thing will end, but not in 2024, and not voluntarily.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks. Run on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-62427013776783187802023-06-07T15:58:00.001-07:002023-06-07T15:58:22.572-07:00Just a DAY????? Happy Global Running Day!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnzc28yLwUOVa03W4sWFwlweOYkLa3Zecq1yh2QOFKXNtQA7YNG9-lLCbu4vkbNwDHyQDHYw5HD75AXGNhevivfbuQM4FR7qsfyFwu9ji95DP12pOY1VBr0yuIuuOKqTPhT4ntLy-M-PRWWA6kvy48qeQWoV6d8xmabcP-s5h9cJphwmCIMt-TOFHPg/s3162/IMG_0200.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3162" data-original-width="2595" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnzc28yLwUOVa03W4sWFwlweOYkLa3Zecq1yh2QOFKXNtQA7YNG9-lLCbu4vkbNwDHyQDHYw5HD75AXGNhevivfbuQM4FR7qsfyFwu9ji95DP12pOY1VBr0yuIuuOKqTPhT4ntLy-M-PRWWA6kvy48qeQWoV6d8xmabcP-s5h9cJphwmCIMt-TOFHPg/w133-h162/IMG_0200.jpeg" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />So, another Global Running Day has arrived! Global Running DAY???? Why not Global Running Week or Month???? </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">According to askwonder.com, about 621 million people in the world run. That's roughly 9% of the earth's population. And all we get is a DAY??? A day is like 1/3rd of 1% of a year. And all we get is a DAY???? Rip off. Moving on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My own running has had it's ups and downs since we last visited in April. Early May was great, in fact I ran in the Greenland Trail Race in early May. Slow but steady. In fact the first mile and a half which was moderately flat was the worst part. I could barely breathe. Once we made the big turn up the big hill, big differences began. I've mentioned before that my crappy knee seems to like going uphill more than flat, well, it was on the uphill that I finally felt okay. Weird. I tried to blame the altitude, but we were at 6200 feet and I live at 6200 feet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Post Greenland, my motivation dropped a bit as did the condition of the previously mentioned knee, as did my mileage for a couple of weeks. BUT, it's coming back a bit. 38 last week, about 43 or so this week. I like the longer light and warmer temps (although it is still CHILLY at night and early morning. And the RAIN!!!!! For the last decade, I have been positive that I was somehow transplanted from Colorado to what I will unlovingly call Eastern California. NOW, someone has stuck Seattle in the mix. Seattle, CA.......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWTm2TZtnxLC1yuSS-O78gnc9UyJT-t4aanqBIcmxnI0b7YKIPvN3HJ-LLXAxvL__pMo-yRZk3EonVX1CjTXNCA_1sqDlk6Y4hxHLhETpKVzUiqyPMXmvFbZWu2MdwnM7P3o_XRs1iuVn5ugqrKHNsXpDPx4bK7Mn5wHeIQyOFA_jjvHJxbgn_jIdxA/s4032/IMG_0228.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWTm2TZtnxLC1yuSS-O78gnc9UyJT-t4aanqBIcmxnI0b7YKIPvN3HJ-LLXAxvL__pMo-yRZk3EonVX1CjTXNCA_1sqDlk6Y4hxHLhETpKVzUiqyPMXmvFbZWu2MdwnM7P3o_XRs1iuVn5ugqrKHNsXpDPx4bK7Mn5wHeIQyOFA_jjvHJxbgn_jIdxA/w175-h131/IMG_0228.jpeg" width="175" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I've been ignoring the strength machinery downstairs, as well as that pot of Kale and the protein shake. Despite my unwillingness to become a much better eater (I'm already better, just not MUCH better), I have dropped about 8 pounds since May 1. 50-60 more soon, please.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the Grandson front, Mason finished his "junior" year at Colorado State University with a 10,000 meter Mountain Conference Championship. He took the lead from a lagging group with 10 laps to go and gradually tightened the screws, getting rid of everyone but Ryan Johnson from the Air Force Academy, and teammate Lars Mitchell with a lap to go. Then Mason dropped a 57.6 last lap to get the win. Too much fun. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the "by the way" addition, his 28:38 at the Stanford Invitational qualified him for the NCAA Regional Championships as well as placing him 3rd on the All-Time CSU 10K list. A good year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Ryan, my son and his wife Sarah ran the Bolder Boulder together. Sarah's first time. Ryan's first time in a long time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So that's it. Coming up on the halfway point of the year and will probably land at about 830 miles or so. Then we'll see how the back half goes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-90794075809531220772023-04-24T14:34:00.007-07:002023-04-24T17:11:17.773-07:00So, What's REALLY My Marathon PR in Todays World of Cheater Shoes (errrr, shoe tech)?<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9VIKcsNzumH-Kzcy5Xj62h_jIpakfeLZlhEzZ2tpURn03NGZ7-11t-Z5ey_-Rpl8Wx72e4N59qgzHHdV3ytsKFu_bU_pQ5GzTE7bgP-4N5_o-PC8EIW2C817fF_gnP0isJWp_vR6r4MT55HTNvMpejyRTN7rM8KeTPhHQGyNzl1P5hSkdSVj7KNd2A/s530/Screenshot%202023-04-24%20at%202.59.28%20PM.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="530" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9VIKcsNzumH-Kzcy5Xj62h_jIpakfeLZlhEzZ2tpURn03NGZ7-11t-Z5ey_-Rpl8Wx72e4N59qgzHHdV3ytsKFu_bU_pQ5GzTE7bgP-4N5_o-PC8EIW2C817fF_gnP0isJWp_vR6r4MT55HTNvMpejyRTN7rM8KeTPhHQGyNzl1P5hSkdSVj7KNd2A/w315-h189/Screenshot%202023-04-24%20at%202.59.28%20PM.png" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Ohbori</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Was on a run this morning listening to a podcast about shoe technology and it got me wondering....... What would my PRs be in today's super shoes?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But wait, first let's catch up. Since my last post and my optimistic return from the ortho Doc, I have slowly gotten back into some running (jogging). The main goal was/is to build slowly, lose some weight, and then explore the world of gel injections for my knee and running without as much discomfort. The 6 weeks since then have logged 23, 31, 34, 39, 36, 36 miles. An 8 mile run yesterday at Waterton Canyon felt really good and is catapulting me to this weeks 40+ mile goal. The last time I ran 40 miles in a week was May of last year. Yikes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've registered for three "races," mostly just for the fun. One, however, is a biggie. Maybe more on that another time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, shoes...... My first marathon was in 1973. I ran 2:58:24. I died like a dog. Today with a 4% super shoe discount (I wore Tiger Ohbori's at the time - very light and nothing to them), my time might be 2:51:12. Oh, that's better, but let's dig deeper. I ran this time in Gainesville, FL and at the finish the temperature was just a tick under 80, WITH Florida humidity. So, let's knock off another, what, 5 minutes, maybe 10? Then let's factor in bad coaching. The week before my race, I was placed in the Motor City Marathon with the intent to race 20 miles as a test for the marathon. The result was a 1:50:05, 5:30 per mile average, and I felt great when literally pulled off the course by my coaches. I'm assuming I could have held the pace through the end, but let's say I dropped to 5:45. I'm still finishing around 2:26 or so. Instead I pass through 20 in Florida in 2:09 going backwards (BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP). So, I don't know, I think I'm getting hosed here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">NEXT...... my 3:10:33 as a fabulous 49 1/2 year old. Well, first the weather was good, no adjustment there. I ran a negative split, so no stupidity adjustment there. But the shoes, yes the shoes. I get 4% (that's what Nike says). So I'm in as a 3:02:59. I'll take it. Can we update that, please?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You know what, let's do them all..... 5K, 10K Half Marathon...... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Nah, never mind. Where can I buy some shoes? and a knee.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run On!</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-10329418689289300312023-03-13T19:15:00.005-07:002023-03-13T19:19:54.005-07:00Hope is Good<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Duo6rbn_6oYHMbYjhvcghTIEJ82ODEhJqG7CWO4QzAy9FzM-APIuPvkp9WVecUTgVKSnbzJZD8wPkvG7i1VnA6YJ0unKVG6KFPLmsiNwL3lmEnjiHRw7dzFWlM4U4eFGZF6TDTlJAmnMtN4hlu76_-8mCPRUKuv8Ngh8Js-ZRKum_8SbS9c1hq7kYA/s555/Screenshot%202023-03-13%20at%208.08.45%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="456" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Duo6rbn_6oYHMbYjhvcghTIEJ82ODEhJqG7CWO4QzAy9FzM-APIuPvkp9WVecUTgVKSnbzJZD8wPkvG7i1VnA6YJ0unKVG6KFPLmsiNwL3lmEnjiHRw7dzFWlM4U4eFGZF6TDTlJAmnMtN4hlu76_-8mCPRUKuv8Ngh8Js-ZRKum_8SbS9c1hq7kYA/w256-h312/Screenshot%202023-03-13%20at%208.08.45%20PM.png" width="256" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />About a month ago, I slipped and fell in the Target parking lot and through a variety of contorsionistic moves was diagnosed with "<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: content-box; margin: 0px; max-width: none; orphans: 1; padding: 0px; widows: 1;">an acute avulsion fracture of the deltoid ligament at the medial malleolus as well as the anterior capsular</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: content-box; margin: 0px; max-width: none; orphans: 1; padding: 0px; widows: 1;">." Translation: the ligaments in my foot were stretched so far that they tore off some bone chips. I was given the boot and sent on my way. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">My parting gift from the Parker Adventist Hospital was the ortho follow-up with Dr. Alex Romero a few days later and again today. T</span><span style="font-family: arial;">oday was my four week foot follow-up.</span><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, he had an X-ray taken and found that all is well in the foot world. Just keep adding movement steadily and expect occasional flair up issues for up to 4-6 months. It'll heal completely slowly.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then, I bravely asked, “can we talk about my knee?” It had been briefly discussed four weeks ago, but mostly tabled for the future.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The last time anyone medical said anything decent about my knee, it was 2015. Today, that changed.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We began reviewing my knee history, quickly made it to the micro fracture surgery that never happened because, as the Doctor (who will remain nameless) said at the time, “WAY <b>too much arthritis</b> in there to do that.” So, she scoped around, charged me a bundle and it hurt within 8 months.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A few years later came the ortho surgeon guys (who will also remain nameless) in Denver. “There’s <b>a lot of arthritis in there. The best thing you could do is get it replaced</b>.” We actually scheduled that little "procedure" twice, first time cancelled by me, second time by COVID. And I should make this clear: I was NEVER comfortable with the idea of a replaced knee.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr Romero then asked, have you had an X-ray lately? Uh, nope. So, he poked and prodded, twisted and played, then sent me off to x-ray. In the end, here is what we discovered today: the italicized stuff is from his notes:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>“Examination of the left knee demonstrates that the patient's skin is intact. There is </i><b><i>no significant soft tissue swelling or edema</i></b><i>. There is </i><b><i>negative patellar grind</i></b><i>. There is range of motion from 0-125. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span><i style="font-family: arial;">There is tenderness to palpation peripatellar medially. There is a ligamentously </i><b style="font-family: arial;"><i>stable</i></b><i style="font-family: arial;"> knee and a grossly normal neurologic and vascular examination distally. </i></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Other than my range being off, supposed to be 0-135, all of that stuff is pretty “normal.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then came the biggie: <i>The patient's left knee he has underlying </i><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">moderate</span></i></b><i> grade osteoarthritis greatest in the medial compartment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Today we discussed multiple different modalities to help him continue running.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We discussed the option of having an off loader brace utilized.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He has expressing some interest in this but is not ready to commit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We also discussed the option of viscosupplementation </i>(gel injections)<i> versus PRP.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He would like to wait until he is closer to returning to running after rehabbing his ankle before he makes a decision on injection therapy.”</i></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">SOOOOO…… he said that the surgeons I had visited were mostly interested in doing what most surgeons are interested in doing which is surgery. He thought a strength program, along with weight loss (duh?), and then trying the gel injections might lead to a return to pain free running. The early key: cycling. He said it’s the quickest way to build strength in the knee, increase circulation, and help with range of motion. So set up that bike trainer!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have spent the last, almost, decade, being without any concrete hope. Today, I have some. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hope is good.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on, maybe?</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-72766176999078891012023-01-29T15:14:00.002-08:002023-01-29T15:14:11.565-08:00Could NOT Have Been Much Worse<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40nedkqyhhf2MZDG4qTOw5R-YV9QOTt-xN3Yd8CONSFL6bDtZeOWYahRnlvIe3qPXLq9TnRTlG8Oo7UvBGjoW-j7Qb3BZjGtfA_Vbkhc14xtJ1kRkmRwRt7sxiD4wA9clI0cjdYK5bXQgL6L26u75tkQu_qOEcsi3SuoME8vRUiWSMHnecgb6c9Pz5g/s905/Screenshot%202023-01-29%20at%204.12.20%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="905" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40nedkqyhhf2MZDG4qTOw5R-YV9QOTt-xN3Yd8CONSFL6bDtZeOWYahRnlvIe3qPXLq9TnRTlG8Oo7UvBGjoW-j7Qb3BZjGtfA_Vbkhc14xtJ1kRkmRwRt7sxiD4wA9clI0cjdYK5bXQgL6L26u75tkQu_qOEcsi3SuoME8vRUiWSMHnecgb6c9Pz5g/w257-h163/Screenshot%202023-01-29%20at%204.12.20%20PM.png" width="257" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />2022 is over. AND.... it's taken me 29 days to post on here about what a disaster it was. First, I ran 1730 miles. That's certainly not what I would call a good year, but it isn't the worst. BUT it was.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I have bad running years before. I've been injured before. I've been unmotivated before. But until 2022, I've never just flat out given up before. And that's what I did last year. Somewhere around the end of August all of the moving, ladder climbing, painting, tree planting, and the whole rest of it became too much for my back, my hips, and my knee. It could not have been worse (slight exaggeration). Enough said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Fortunately it's a new year, filled with new days and new optimism. This cloud of disaster year has lifted and I'm back at it. One realization of the change in the calendar was that two years ago, when I ran 2500+ miles, my knee didn't feel any better than it does today. I simply ran through it. I ran through it because I was motivated to do so. Maybe that's back.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Goals? Well, I have a few, but they're not tied to miles or runs or races. I want to simply get healthy again. I want to feel good in my clothes and not be embarrassed to be in public. I want to turn the health boat before it hits the iceberg. I guess that's a good goal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on..... and lift, and ride, and do yoga, and pilates......</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-62011544624926525032022-07-22T08:17:00.002-07:002022-07-22T08:17:19.510-07:00The 120 Day "Something Else Too" Challenge<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HM0hIDQtGDaRqrfgGL8ETNB_lD3ozeoNnDAdmbfYNRQAH4LErVQaw3zb_VuZbVJWgdJojnRM2kl8tw4NplFgnc3mrz2mRljQzdK7lSRVoJmTRS8YE9ZEElai4sMFrfZ6uP10KZiTMpZtl-28Ig_wHw6uNFurnfhMs7UcqRYAoeRqtpY9Sg11fg8l6g/s734/Screen%20Shot%202022-07-15%20at%206.24.21%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="734" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HM0hIDQtGDaRqrfgGL8ETNB_lD3ozeoNnDAdmbfYNRQAH4LErVQaw3zb_VuZbVJWgdJojnRM2kl8tw4NplFgnc3mrz2mRljQzdK7lSRVoJmTRS8YE9ZEElai4sMFrfZ6uP10KZiTMpZtl-28Ig_wHw6uNFurnfhMs7UcqRYAoeRqtpY9Sg11fg8l6g/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-07-15%20at%206.24.21%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />A bit more than halfway through the year and the news from the RunSpittle world is pretty simple: Still getting in miles - slowly - and wondering what's next in this running thing.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">SO, roughly eight weeks ago, we moved. We left the hustle and bustle of Parker Road and Chambers for the hilltop views of Inspiration. Gone are the daily ventures to Tagawa (I guess I could still go there, but the drive is worse), replaced by the concrete, hilly, bike paths of the eastern hinterland. The views are fabulous, the hills are relentless, and the altitude is higher (about 6180 I think).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For roughly five weeks we had been packing one house and moving to the other. Constant manual labor. Sore back, hips, shoulders, and of course, knee. All a challenge, but one that I accepted with joy (HA!). It did take a toll on the running and overall mileage. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Six months through 2022 and the mileage count was 1020. As you may know, I have two rules: 1) anything less than 3 miles is not a run, and 2) I'm not serious unless I'm getting in 2000 miles for a year. So far, on target.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two big dates coming up: August 12th, my 56th runnerversary and in a little less than 2 weeks, we will hit 120,000 miles logged. Took long enough - LOL.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, the new house and the basement setup for fitness has inspired some cross training. While I think of myself as a runner (no matter how slow I might be), I'm looking to expand my repertoire.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We brought over the weight machine (not an easy or inexpensive task), the treadmill, and the elliptical. Added to the mix was a badass pilates machine called the Reformer (and maybe someday, I will lay on that medieval looking contraption - if I can be shown what to do), and a rowing machine. With all that stuff merely 14 downward steps away, I guess there is no excuse. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_Fmm3KRVWX-uk-ZCmRdVpsirgYzIlYdbgcv-KyyeYg8xqkrqNbGmDpkTxwaMvknfErN3Iw1wXORe3k8UoJP9PN7h65cEKINYoRfU9_FEzLBx9UehJCq3sxGRhXUdTAUn4gaUCdsC9kJpI1IUZbiBjBOTGURGHApUhb8ArGj6Kb7JYxIIvodSgRLC1w/s343/Screen%20Shot%202022-07-15%20at%206.27.32%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="343" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_Fmm3KRVWX-uk-ZCmRdVpsirgYzIlYdbgcv-KyyeYg8xqkrqNbGmDpkTxwaMvknfErN3Iw1wXORe3k8UoJP9PN7h65cEKINYoRfU9_FEzLBx9UehJCq3sxGRhXUdTAUn4gaUCdsC9kJpI1IUZbiBjBOTGURGHApUhb8ArGj6Kb7JYxIIvodSgRLC1w/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-07-15%20at%206.27.32%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></span>SO, I'm beginning my own fitness challenge: "120 Days of Something Else Too." Beginning Monday, July 25th, I will add some kind of <b>Something Else</b> fitness to my daily run trying to utilize these machines before cobwebs set in (on the machines, not me - well, maybe me too).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Also will be re-focusing on <b>content creation</b> in/on my business. You can find relevant real estate/sales content on my website - <a href="http://www.richsandsseminars.com">www.richsandsseminars.com</a> , video channel - <a href="http://www.thetwominutetip.com">www.thetwominutetip.com</a> - podcast the Daily RICHual <a href="https://anchor.fm/rich-sands">https://anchor.fm/rich-sands</a> . It's all kind of a refocus for everything.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />And finally, my <b>meditation practice</b> has suffered immensely during a timeframe when, perhaps, I needed it the most (sadly that's how it happens many times).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mondays will be check-in day here at RunSpittle and we'll see how it's going. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Join me. Summer seems to be coming to a close already and you don't want to miss this opportunity to finely craft your snow body for the coming winter. Unlike beach bodies, only YOU, and select others, will know how ripped your are under that George Costanza Goretex coat.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Feel free to share your own challenge in the comments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on (and <b>Something Else</b> Too).</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-64267259425863220992022-02-11T08:57:00.002-08:002022-02-11T08:57:58.603-08:00High and Low Motivation, Hmmmmmm<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmdG1taePuy_q84MQVy711Y09E5IZpYSjTz4dqqNoy-4-dIR5R90DTNdq3yMxpLZMR7QjXuTZkOLbpst0pfHHY_n6z2UP4Dl-rym-GHqjoMx4h3dHA2cAuo_jD5qVu7Beo8oz1fDqYXtmNqv6JyYm2U6pE2zUrvhvjAdASyF_z4gAMas_yogXMHTPDgg=s704" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="629" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmdG1taePuy_q84MQVy711Y09E5IZpYSjTz4dqqNoy-4-dIR5R90DTNdq3yMxpLZMR7QjXuTZkOLbpst0pfHHY_n6z2UP4Dl-rym-GHqjoMx4h3dHA2cAuo_jD5qVu7Beo8oz1fDqYXtmNqv6JyYm2U6pE2zUrvhvjAdASyF_z4gAMas_yogXMHTPDgg=w216-h242" width="216" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Almost hitting six weeks into the new year, I'm finding both high and low levels of motivation.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the high side, I am loving getting out in the morning, capturing that early sunshine in my body and mind, getting in some miles. On the low side, I'm just not interested right now in any significant mileage. Four miles seems nice, six miles seems long. I imagine that will change, at least I hope it does. At this point, I'm sort of in the Easy, Slow Mode.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I blame it all on the Corona Virus. That <b>IS</b> the in thing to do. Companies are doing it, politicians are doing it, everyone is doing it. So I am all in on blaming everything on the pandemic. The truth is that I am finally feeling pretty normal again (whatever that means for an old man - one day great, one day terrible). It was a long haul. The worst of it was getting the breathing back to where it ought to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As for those things that lie around the corner? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, I am entered in the Eugene Half Marathon at the end of April. It may be a jog/walk kind of thing but I am moderately enthused about finishing in Hayward Field so that is the real motivation of the journey to Oregon. AND..... I guess I could be excited about being in a new age group (THAT is a stretch). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bigger than either, is that Linda and I are moving in early May. We have been in this area of South Aurora since 2007 and I have loved having easy access to the Cherry Creek State Park. Mostly though, I spend my run time near Tagawa Gardens. The new place is up in the Inspiration neighborhood south and east of here and no matter where you go, it's a hillfest. Still a moderately short drive to the Cherry Creek path and the Tagawa area. Anxious to test the new waters, or trails as it were.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The weather has been interesting. Like some of last winter, we seem to be in this pattern where it snows about every 5-7 days. The gap is long enough for the trails to dry up, but the dryness is met with the next "storm of the century." Because this is Colorado, by the way, the cold is balanced with the nice 50-60 degree days (by the way, where is the degree sign on my phone or computer?????).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, I cannot complain much (well, I can ALWAYS complain a little). The quest for the perfect shoe continues. I'm on my third pair of Adidas UltraBoost 20, but while they seem nice, and I LOVE Adidas clothes, I think I'm missing something. It shouldn't be that complicated as I only need a good everyday cushy, supportive shoe. No need for some fancy racing thing. We'll see....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the end, it's all good. Moved this carcass over 119,000 miles so far. Looking for thousands more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p><p><br /></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-6788302766472850122022-01-03T16:14:00.000-08:002022-01-03T16:14:01.443-08:00Hello 2022! Good to see you!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNDsQ2qVV8xJsdcFrj_uhmMgQjruMJpow8FfnxgH0xQLG9D5s9A3a8Bp8qWZSnjLAmw-CxLOR5x7AKG2u6dIVp1to5TJFjaSDnC2cCgUwoYgWQNLWHxBZzdRiEPNyU4MPKWB0E2PKq5VidOdw2F3Q5mnGcjq00RBcpaJPQzaEZS01nEEyDi_iudpuClA=s726" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="726" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNDsQ2qVV8xJsdcFrj_uhmMgQjruMJpow8FfnxgH0xQLG9D5s9A3a8Bp8qWZSnjLAmw-CxLOR5x7AKG2u6dIVp1to5TJFjaSDnC2cCgUwoYgWQNLWHxBZzdRiEPNyU4MPKWB0E2PKq5VidOdw2F3Q5mnGcjq00RBcpaJPQzaEZS01nEEyDi_iudpuClA=w269-h138" width="269" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />As we're just a few days into the new year, it seems like a good time for a recap.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First: races....... none.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next: LONG runs......none.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Streaks? Yes, had one the lasted about 380 days before being ended by a BAD cold and missing a day. THEN..... came the Corona Virus and missing three weeks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, however, it was a good mileage year logging 2508 miles which happens to rank fifteenth in the 56 years I have been logging each 5280 feet run. So, I guess that's not so bad.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My knee seems to be holding out. It has good days and bad days. There may be a replacement in my future, but it sure isn't happening anytime soon. As long as I am content to run slow, slow, miles, there is no reason to allow anyone to place foreign objects in my body.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So what about 2022? Well, I think I'd like to hold or raise the past year's mileage. I'd love to not miss a day, BUT, that is always a challenging goal. Mostly, I'd like to get comfortable being just a little bit faster on my runs. Pretty much..... that's it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What about you?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-12280135768021636632021-12-13T12:26:00.001-08:002021-12-13T12:26:40.767-08:00Run Through Corona Virus? Uh, Not Me!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0iPjxms-FEDycARGNmklCKicyYNXiN0m7N-V5RVQpuOv_Q1l1H3-CoKu-ox8rD5e0DnPCeZnhOXJ0UwIkTH6zjpTjvxl03rmStqakh3RFdshQy6oJvXA2hSr6ErbyaYp9zFfLl9EcIUHlNCLnJe1VVPw2NtfoXPdWxD0AqgLc1FTEz6ahqNPOcL6ZfA=s688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="688" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0iPjxms-FEDycARGNmklCKicyYNXiN0m7N-V5RVQpuOv_Q1l1H3-CoKu-ox8rD5e0DnPCeZnhOXJ0UwIkTH6zjpTjvxl03rmStqakh3RFdshQy6oJvXA2hSr6ErbyaYp9zFfLl9EcIUHlNCLnJe1VVPw2NtfoXPdWxD0AqgLc1FTEz6ahqNPOcL6ZfA=w260-h172" width="260" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />My last run was on Sunday, November 28. I snuck it in as I could foresee the inevitable.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A week earlier, my wife, Linda, went in for a colonoscopy. When the Dr. rolled in she said to him, "Sorry, I'm 5 months late on this, but I've avoided the hospital so I won't catch the Corona Virus." Her words hung out there....... Six days later, I'm sneaking in my run and she's getting a positive test at the local Urgent Care. Her symptoms started Black Friday. Mine two days later.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Neither of us were going to catch this thing, and we had done a pretty damned good job until she got it at A HOSPITAL!!!!!.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, Monday was a pretty bad day. I will say this: I never really got it as bad as Linda did, and it beat the living shit out of me. Monday late afternoon, we decided to head to the UCHealth emergency room, one of the few places in Colorado where she could get an infusion of the antibodies, something that has allowed some people to snap right out of this thing. Wasn't meant to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Four cars ahead on C470 someone slammed on their brakes, so did car 3, 2, 1...... I missed car 1, right in front of me. Unfortunately, the young woman behind me took her eyes off the road for a second and BAM, there she was in the back end of my car. Four hours later, we finally got back home, freezing and sicker than we had been at any time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The rest has been a blur of taking care of my worsening honey, caring for our 6 month old puppy Winston, and trying to give myself some care as well. Fevers sat between 99.0 and 100.4. Never got much worse, but finally broke. But while the fever lessened, nothing else got any better. The days just went on with little or no improvement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, we'd had it. We weren't getting better and frankly Linda just wanted to be done (and I mean that in the most serious way). Friday, we got in the car and headed back to Urgent Care to at least get vitals checked. What they discovered was EXTREME dehydration. We'd been conscious that we weren't eating or drinking much, but just weren't doing anything substantial about it. Urgent Care sent us to the ER where they dropped to bags of fluid into my withering wife and sent us on our way promising we'd eat and drink more. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the middle of this, by the way, Winston got sick. Nothing like cleaning up after diarrhea dog when you're sick yourself. I digress.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Saturday, I saw progress. Yesterday more. Linda is eating and drinking like a champ and sees a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm feeling better, too, just exhausted. That has been the nature of this whole thing: exhaustion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Running? don't know about that one. We'll see. I'd like to think that in another week I might feel good enough. For now, taking Winston to the park is good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The moral is to be strong, healthy, and live your best life. All of the money is being spent promoting vaccinations. No one is much help once you have the thing. So advice from Dr. Rich:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Drink constantly, rest like crazy, monitor fever and blood oxidation, eat however and whatever you can (we had a ton of grocery and restaurant delivery), wash your dishes and your hands constantly, catch up on movies (best thing I did this weekend was watch The Maltese Falcon). If you get scared, call the right people to make you feel better. Last, be patient and kind to your self and DO NOT RUSH IT!!!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This Corona Virus thing is an ass kicker.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-33517454022022076532021-11-15T14:30:00.003-08:002021-11-15T14:30:55.832-08:00Somebody Start Me!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHA-DlY1ews/YZLarqf__8I/AAAAAAAAOJ0/paR1usQf7lU43c-5iRYT3dUTP3AAvlXuACLcBGAsYHQ/s397/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-11-15%2Bat%2B3.08.52%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="397" height="158" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHA-DlY1ews/YZLarqf__8I/AAAAAAAAOJ0/paR1usQf7lU43c-5iRYT3dUTP3AAvlXuACLcBGAsYHQ/w236-h158/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-11-15%2Bat%2B3.08.52%2BPM.png" width="236" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the Mask, Jim Carrey delivers the line, "Somebody STOP me." </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I need something different..... Somebody <b>START</b> me!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Is it the change of weather? Is it that I've already FAR exceeded my mileage goals for the year? Is it that I lost my "haven't missed a day all year" streak? ORRRRR, d) all of the above.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The last few weeks have been the least motivated I have been in a long, long time. Yeah, I'm still logging some miles, but there is not even the slightest movement towards anything substantial. And yes, I realize that this is <b>SUB</b>jective. Many runners would be excited to run 40-50 miles a week. They wouldn't be whining about it. HOWEVER...... I gotta tell you, I'm struggling to get out of the door.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I realize, too, that if I continue to average about 45 miles a week, I will get to 2700 for the year and that would be my best mileage year since 2012. I was younger then...... I will also get past 119,000 lifetime miles. Nice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The bottom line here is that while I'd like to get motivated, there really isn't a good reason to do so. It's not like a race can motivate me, or running in/at a particular location. New shoes? Probably not. Actually, I think I'm pretty okay with this the more I write about it. That is a good thing!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A shout out to the thousands of fall marathoners, especially my son-in-law, Brian Bergquist, who tackled the Boston - New York double. Run on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And I'll get there..... pretty soon.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-60144887912529706852021-11-05T13:34:00.000-07:002021-11-05T13:34:15.322-07:0070? Seriously?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGzrAsTo5KA/YYWU5G0vY-I/AAAAAAAAOJQ/JVh2OAIq0iE2tgrGPBAKpATUSY3_kaUKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1402/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-11-05%2Bat%2B2.32.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="1102" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGzrAsTo5KA/YYWU5G0vY-I/AAAAAAAAOJQ/JVh2OAIq0iE2tgrGPBAKpATUSY3_kaUKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w163-h207/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-11-05%2Bat%2B2.32.02%2BPM.png" width="163" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Tomorrow I turn seventy (looks better written than as a number). That means I have been on the planet a decent amount of time. That also means that I have spent almost 80% of that time running. Not many things I have done longer. Nonetheless, seventy means several other things.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First and foremost, I have moved up an age group. That is always a nice perk. Unfortunately, since I don't race, that perk doesn't carry much weight. It exists, just the same.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, it reinforces that age is just a number. I felt better at 40 than at 30. I hope to feel just as good at seventy as I did at 60. I'm still doing that thing I love and I am doing it consistently and with passion. Couldn't ask for more than that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">AND..... Today's run put me at 2304 for the year. That's not a bad total for a guy who was supposed to have his knee replaced a few years ago. It is my hope to average about 50m a week for the next eight weeks which ought to firmly land me at over 2700 miles for 2021. That would be the most in a year since 2012. In fact, I ran 2788 the year I turned 60. Hmmmmmmmm..... motivation.......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It also means that I can no longer afford to carry this extra weight around. Dangerous at any age, worse as we get older. SO....... time to lift, maybe yoga, time to hydrate, time to drop back into more veggies and fruits. Time to just take better care of this vehicle that has transported me for a long time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm guessing that when I wake up tomorrow, I won't feel much different than today. Birthdays are like that. They're just days. Pass the cake.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on!</span></p><p><br /></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-35702226191707111952021-09-14T09:53:00.068-07:002021-09-14T10:10:11.084-07:00Future Running Buddy?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnehnou8Bac/YUDTLE7T1iI/AAAAAAAAOG4/MjiXeyjd4xYoQqSXxbC0i01ZIKgEBuR3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1266/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-09-14%2Bat%2B10.51.27%2BAM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1132" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnehnou8Bac/YUDTLE7T1iI/AAAAAAAAOG4/MjiXeyjd4xYoQqSXxbC0i01ZIKgEBuR3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w179-h200/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-09-14%2Bat%2B10.51.27%2BAM.png" title="Winston, future Trail Dog" width="179" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It's been a long time since Bosco was around. Back in the 80's, my Old English Sheepdog Bosco would go with me on the occasional running journey. His claim to fame was that one time, he went 18 miles. Four weeks ago, and after a long, long time of contemplating a dog purchase, we found Bosco's replacement...... Winston.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Winston (pictured) is an English Cream Retriever and is already showing promise as a future running buddy. He loves to tag along when we break into a run AND.... according to the All Things Dogs website, "English Cream Retrievers should run for 1 hour/day." Perfect.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As for the human running, I am still working my way through mile after mile. The pace remains pedestrian in the mid 12 minutes per mile area with an occasional easy day easing to the 13's. While that may seem monstrously slow, I find that the effort is becoming easier each day. Hopefully we keep improving on that pace. And with the "chase the tennis ball" fartleks being thrown into the mix, quicker moving is inevitable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Mileage-wise, as many readers of this blog know, I consider it a "serious" year when I get in 2000 miles. Well, as of today, Sep 14, we are at 1906 and counting, The hope is that we are on the way to a very seriously good year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Races? We don't need no stinking races!!! Having said that, I'm thinking about the Hot Chocolate 15k for simple something to do with some other running type people.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, and in no way emblematic of this space, I have no complaints (well, at least not about this topic.... tax increases, pandemics, do nothing legislature, bad roads, crabby people.... plenty to complain about there. Don't get me started).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Nevertheless...... run on.<br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p></div>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-51030680265224536812021-08-14T15:02:00.004-07:002021-08-14T15:02:46.552-07:0055 Years!!! This running thing is pretty great!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eo8PQY2mQDg/YRg8jfCKpsI/AAAAAAAAOEQ/VRLaA1eGJPcK6CUOhIb4FWSrkalaFXGBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s478/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-08-14%2Bat%2B3.58.19%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="424" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eo8PQY2mQDg/YRg8jfCKpsI/AAAAAAAAOEQ/VRLaA1eGJPcK6CUOhIb4FWSrkalaFXGBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w177-h200/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-08-14%2Bat%2B3.58.19%2BPM.png" width="177" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Two days ago, August 12th was my 55th runnerversary. Amazing how the time flies, but also amazing how some things remain constant. Near as I can figure, the only things I've done for over 55 years has been be alive (and all of the stuff that goes with that (breathing, pumping blood, etc...) and being my Brother's Brother.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There are MANY posts on this Blog site that celebrate various running milestones of mine, so if you're looking for something reflective, it would be there. For me, I am in the present, and so much so lately that I actually missed my runnerversary, and that is rare. I guess it's mostly the fault of my new future running companion, but that's another story as little English Cream Retriever, Winston, is only 9 1/2 weeks old and a ways away from hitting the trails.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">SO.... the present. It's going to be about a 58-60 mile week. This has been a back-off kind of week after three in the 70's. It's been a nice little "run" getting in some decent miles. If I could only get the strength thing and the diet dialed in, that would be awesome (oh well, always something to self-gripe about). At this moment, I have logged 1647 miles for the year and have yet to miss a day (probably shouldn't say that, but I'm not one of those jinx people anyway). Those miles should put on track for 2700 for the year, BUT..... if we have the knee surgery in December, those miles will have to wait.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, I am presently 26 miles short of 118,000 for my career, so there's that. Keeping plugging towards the next big goal of 200,000 kilometers (124,274 1/4 miles).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Didn't work much in July, so had ample time to absorb all of those Olympic moments. THAT, however, will be for a blog post another day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, run on and keep having fun. tTake it from me, this running thing is pretty great!</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-34435195540119569202021-07-27T16:49:00.006-07:002021-07-27T16:51:23.679-07:003 Wrong Moves and BOOM, it's 18 Miles<p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jcJZS48rWU/YQCbhSOplII/AAAAAAAAODo/a5jJNmjlQnUV2_2ggs01Z0S1sykPC4opQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1252/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-07-24%2Bat%2B2.22.13%2BPM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jcJZS48rWU/YQCbhSOplII/AAAAAAAAODo/a5jJNmjlQnUV2_2ggs01Z0S1sykPC4opQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-07-24%2Bat%2B2.22.13%2BPM.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />All I really wanted to do was go somewhere different for a longer run. After much geo-wrestling, I decided on an old route from my Boulder days. So, South Boulder Creek trail, across Hwy 93, UP to the Mesa Trail and a short loop, then down. Couldn’t really remember, but I thought 12-14 miles.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Upon crossing 93 and starting up the hill, I decided to take a single track trail which I thought might be a shortcut. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wrong move <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3138329414857585907/758845665552483064#"><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">#1</span></a>. It took me UP the hill, but was by no means a shortcut. Once up the hill I found a sign that pointed to the Mesa trail. I took it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wrong move <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3138329414857585907/758845665552483064#"><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">#2</span></a>, It took me too far North. It seemed like FOREVER to actually get to the Mesa trail. Then after struggling to the Mesa trail (and I haven’t run it in 15 years probably), and a LONG way along it, I looked for the move DOWN the hill. Missed it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wrong move <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3138329414857585907/758845665552483064#"><span class="s1" style="color: #dca10d;">#3</span></a>. So I ran nearly the entirety of the Mesa trail before I found a way down.<br /><br />Three wrong moves, and in the end, <b>an 18 mile run</b>. My legs are shot, but part of me is proud. I was out there running for over 4 1/2 hours on a knee that was supposed to be replaced a year and a half ago. Oh, did I mention that I ran out of water at about 3 hours. (also of note, actually got the nerve to ask five runners and cyclists who had finished their jaunts if they could spare a bit of water....... no, no, no, no, no. Thanks comrades). Better planning needed. HA!<br /><br />While as tiring as any marathon I’ve ever run (with the exception of 1979 Pikes Peak), it was equally satisfying. I mean, I’m almost 70 years old, what the hell was I doing? Answer: Having a blast. Like many blasts, I may regret it tomorrow. I’ll jump off that bridge when I get to it.<br /><b><i><br />Side notes</i></b>: the Mesa trail is rougher than 15 years ago and way rougher than the first time I ran it in 1980. Must be all those thousands upon thousands wearing it down. AND Boulder has changed immensely since I lived here in the 90’s. The <b>one, and only</b> thing I miss, are the trails.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The big side note is that I lived to tell about this. Monday, I was a hair stiff, had a higher than usual resting heart rate (55 instead of 48) and still managed 9 miles. Today...... well, today there were no aftereffects so I went another 10.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazingly, my knee feels pretty good. I've made some stride adjustments to keep my foot from landing too far forward, thus reducing the possibility of a pop or buckle (see: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3138329414857585907/758845665552483064#"><span class="s2" style="color: #dca10d;">http://runspittle.blogspot.com/2020/09/pops-and-buckles-what-happens-to-my-knee.html</span></a>). And it has REALLY helped. Also hoping more weight loss will further aid this progress.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, I won't complain. The middle of 2021 is going well and despite some wrong turns, it's all good.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p></div>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-725870972555501482021-07-23T11:23:00.001-07:002021-07-23T11:23:13.296-07:00The Happy Post<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIQQare7DFE/YPsHxCPfVEI/AAAAAAAAODE/f8SFkzBDCroz4cfL7xE7ShekbS-yUgiRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s903/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-07-23%2Bat%2B12.17.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="903" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIQQare7DFE/YPsHxCPfVEI/AAAAAAAAODE/f8SFkzBDCroz4cfL7xE7ShekbS-yUgiRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w265-h186/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-07-23%2Bat%2B12.17.23%2BPM.png" width="265" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Having perused my last few blog posts, I decided it was time to post after a good run, when I was feeling optimistic (not that I am pessimistic, ever, but sometimes this blog has becomes an outlet for the bad side of my current running journey). So, here it is: The Happy Post. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I ran ten this morning. Five days into the week, my mileage is sitting at 47, so easily this will be another 60+ mile week. My 10 was at 13:07 pace which, while very slow, it's part of a slow progression for me during 2021. I began this year barely "running" at 15 minute pace. The lack of stability in my knee made every step an adventure not knowing how it would land. Incrementally, the 15 minute miles became 14:30, then under 14, then lower. I actually remember a couple of weeks ago being excited about a run that averaged under 13 like it was really cool (well, it was...... for me). Well, today, I didn't notice it. Didn't notice it? Yep, t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">oday after the run, I texted my wife, Linda, and said "ran ten easy." She said, "How was your knee?" I said, <b>"I didn't notice."</b> That's a good answer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, the last four weeks have been, in terms of mileage: 60, 63, 63, 56. That's a nice month. For the year, we are at 1433. That's more than ALL of 2019. I like it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's got me thinking about a few "races" this fall. Not races like see how fast we can go. Mostly races to be back out with the other people who love to do this crazy thing I love to do. Maybe Fortitude on Labor Day (a 10K), maybe something else...... not sure exactly what that looks like yet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Is every run awesome? Well, yes and no. Every run is awesome from the standpoint of just being out there. Do they all <b>feel</b> awesome? Not at all. I still have very bad knee days. I still think that eventually this crabby little thing will have to be replaced. On the whole, however, I'm a pretty happy fella.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thus, the Happy Post.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-81327135587364580392021-06-24T16:15:00.001-07:002021-06-24T16:15:38.754-07:00Where Am I Supposed to Be?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8vRH12K25w/YNURB0Hi0gI/AAAAAAAAOA0/weVTCoZyF5YgpvcYggdh-Rv354dV-W_UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s707/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-06-24%2Bat%2B5.10.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="707" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8vRH12K25w/YNURB0Hi0gI/AAAAAAAAOA0/weVTCoZyF5YgpvcYggdh-Rv354dV-W_UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-06-24%2Bat%2B5.10.41%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Where am I supposed to be right now? Olympic Trials in the <b>new Hayward Field</b>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Why am I not there? Politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">More on that later, or maybe not.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So I have had some good weeks of running of late. 52 miles, 54 miles, 55 miles, and on my way to about 55 this week. I appear to be getting somewhat fitter. Now, "fit" is a relative term. As my average mile creeps down below 14 a mile (yeah, baby, look out!), it is clear that I am not "fit" on anyone else's scale other than mine. BUT, as all we have is our own experiences anyway, so I'm going with that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In another two days I will cross the 1200 mile barrier and that is more miles than I ran in all of 2019. All in all, I have very few complaints. Yeah, my knee is still bothersome, and any over-striding whatsoever can lead to my knee popping (not a good thing). But I've come a long way when it comes to my form and foot strike, and that's a good thing. The other good thing is that I run so slowly that others running type injuries are pretty non-existent. The plan is to get that pesky left knee replaced right after Thanksgiving.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So back to the aforementioned Olympic Trials. The plan was to go. We had SOOOO much fun at the 2016 Trials that we could not wait to head back. And then this Virus thing hit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And so far, it would have been great to witness LIVE. It is, nonetheless, still fun on television.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Loved watching the Men's 10K and seeing CU grad Joe Klecker make the team. FABulous women's 1500 and 5000 meter races (nice job Niwot CO girl, Elise Cranny, and one of my fave runners, Rachel Schneider), and more to come.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The thing you have to love about the Olympic Trials in the USA is that you race, and the top three go to the Olympics (with a few exceptions - but we won't go into Olympic Qualifying marks here). That makes it exciting, AND keeps the politicking out of it (many other countries have committees decide who goes and who stays home).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And speaking of politicking and politics..... well, never mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-45280225422190381112021-06-04T13:23:00.002-07:002021-06-04T13:25:03.480-07:00Running Bucket List? Yeah, I've Still Got One.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3rR_Nrk4R8/YLqMCRw8nhI/AAAAAAAAN-g/MYSKSrVWhxsTGJkOF8EbuD8NxxOQCspOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s747/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-06-04%2Bat%2B2.24.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="747" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3rR_Nrk4R8/YLqMCRw8nhI/AAAAAAAAN-g/MYSKSrVWhxsTGJkOF8EbuD8NxxOQCspOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-06-04%2Bat%2B2.24.21%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />June has arrived and the weather has made a change to FABULOUS. Moisture and chilly was much of May (sounded like Yoda said that), but the wait for Spring/Summer is finally over. Obviously, this had made morning running a much more comfortable happening.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I ended May at 989 miles. Considering I barely passed 1100 back in 2019, I consider this pretty awesome. I also (and if I were even a bit superstitious, I wouldn't write the following words), have yet to miss a day in 2021. In fact, my last day-off was October 12 of last year and that was after 165 days in a row. Hmmm, not bad, I guess.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As the weather gets nicer and race juices begin to flow, my mind is wandering to things I'd like to do once this knee thing is in the rear view mirror. And by the way, I'm 80% sure I'll have this pesky left knee replaced, and if it is, I'm thinking early December.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, here is the quick top 12 of what's left on this old man's running bucket docket.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">12. Nine more marathons. Don't care how fast, just want to end up with 26 finished marathons in my time as a runner. I wasted lots of prime years before they were cool, and who knows where I'd be if I'd made different choices (HA! we <b>all</b> could go there, but let's not). Nonetheless, at 17 now, let's get more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">11. I would love it if two of those marathons were New York and Chicago. I've run New York three times (1993, 94, 98), but one more would be nice. And Chicago, well, I made it to 9 miles back in 2019, so I have to make it to the end. Boston? Eh, too tough to qualify and been there, done that without much motivation to return.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">10. I want to run some track races. 5K, 10K, don't care, maybe even a mile. It would just be fun (maybe I'll invest in some "cheater" spikes).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">9. a 50K and a 50 miler. And let's add Rob Krar's running camp to the ultra mix.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">8. Pikes Peak, either the real live race or just on my own. My last up and down journey on Pike's Peak was in 1979.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7. To run either The Mount Blanc marathon or one of the UTMB series. I got accepted to the Mt Blanc for 2019 but that was NOT a year when that was going to happen.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. This is a biggie and maybe one of the most important runs on this list.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5. Marathons in Rome </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and/or</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> London.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4. To run in Kenya</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3. To get to 200,000 kilometers. That's 124,274.3 miles. So only about 7000 to go. Than, we'll see</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. To run without the extra-curricular pain. There will always be issues running. I would just love to get to that spot where I'm not constantly nursing some knee thing and able to no have every old lady on the trail passing me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1. To run until I no longer can. Running has given me so much in this life, I can't imagine being on the planet and not partaking (that's the only reason I'd even consider letting someone stick metal, or whatever it'll be, in my knee).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There you have it. My list, subject to revision, especially addition, at any time. What's on yours?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-90596504620017487842021-05-10T06:31:00.004-07:002021-05-10T06:45:42.240-07:00It's Been Awhile<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlziztqiJtw/YJk1e236DLI/AAAAAAAAN9U/yWTtT0ymBUcB5QFqC9Gj5qRXqtHT6H7ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s764/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-05-09%2Bat%2B12.50.53%2BPM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlziztqiJtw/YJk1e236DLI/AAAAAAAAN9U/yWTtT0ymBUcB5QFqC9Gj5qRXqtHT6H7ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-05-09%2Bat%2B12.50.53%2BPM.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It's been awhile.......... Since I've run? NO, it's been awhile since I've posted here. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Actually, and I probably shouldn't write this, I have yet to miss a day of running in 2021. No injuries, no sickness, no Corona Virus. Now of course it helps that I run so slowly. It keeps the injuries away.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, several nice things in the last week: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First, 61 miles for the week. The main contributor to the mileage was the other two nice things: Boise, ID and the Eugene Half Marathon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, Boise...... I love going to Boise. There are plenty of roads and trails that I have yet to navigate in the town, I really love my two faves. First, the River Trail. As river trails go, this one is not anything incredibly special. It's just one of those places that feels nice. It's always clean, the people are always nice, and I really enjoy the sound of the river.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next is Camel Back Park. A series of trails that begin in Boise's North End and heads up into the hills. I love that there are so many options for where to run and the miles just go and go. Like everywhere in Boise, everyone is friendly (I'm praying that the onslaught of outsiders moving in does not change that like it has in Denver). Mostly though, it's the hills. Up, down, up, down. Big ones, little ones, It's just hills and hills and hills. As NAU Coach Mike Smith said in an interview, his favorite run is "running up the mountain until the mountain stops." It's kind of like that. One of my fave runs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Then yesterday, the Eugene Half Marathon. I entered the virtual version ages ago as I thought it would be a good idea to add on to my 12 mile run from weeks ago. I was also enamored with the finishers medal which was a piece of the old Hayward Field East stands all shined up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, through a series of circumstances, I actually missed the run window for being "official," whatever that means. Still feeling the obligation since they had already sent the medal, proclaiming me to be a finishers, I figured I should earn it. So, I did.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Nothing huge to report other than the fact that I made the distance and my knee didn't totally collapse. And THAT is good all by itself.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-86764090133190449632021-03-23T19:43:00.003-07:002021-03-23T19:46:25.603-07:00Reality Strikes (Again?)<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qC23-3DmXUk/YFqnH0LqCDI/AAAAAAAAN4Y/_KCSXL-R4a0TQHFwuS97wmK6xCn5H9HpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1194/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-03-23%2Bat%2B10.28.47%2BPM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1120" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qC23-3DmXUk/YFqnH0LqCDI/AAAAAAAAN4Y/_KCSXL-R4a0TQHFwuS97wmK6xCn5H9HpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w250-h267/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-03-23%2Bat%2B10.28.47%2BPM.png" width="250" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />So far this year, I am averaging about 47 miles a week. That's not too bad.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All of the miles, however, are pretty slow. We're talking 14 minute pace. I am, nonetheless, still out there logging the miles. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've been in Orlando the last three days. First and foremost, most of the places out around the attractions; the resorts, the convention centers, are terrible places to run. No trails, no sidewalks, no bike lanes even. So, in order to get in some miles you either a) take your life into your hands (which is actually just a saying because what you're really doing on these highly trafficked roads is putting your life in other people's hands) or b) you run the hotel grounds, or, I guess c) you stick to the fitness center treadmill. All sucky kind of options if you ask me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, I opted for the so called "running track," basically a sidewalk through the hotel grounds. Originally this loop was about 1.5 miles but with a plethora of hotel construction, it has been significantly altered. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday afternoon, upon arrival, I could only tolerate the loop two times. Then, I headed out to the danger zone to get in a total of 7 miles. Monday morning before teaching an all day class, I ran just the loop, in the dark (who invented daylight savings time, anyway, and why do we still need it?). This morning, another combo run.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All runs were uneventful until this morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Being struck with the massive amount of oxygen down at sea level, I got just cocky/confident/stupid enough to quicken the pace. <b>That</b> was a mistake. Knee pop after knee pop after knee pop. Now, I've had runs like this before but not in a LONG time, so frankly, the whole thing was a bit annoying. But also...... a reality check.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My 14 minute miles are comfortable and they get the job done when it comes to the running fix. They don't, however, work if I ever plan to race again (or even do workouts to test my fitness). If that is ever going to happen, it'll be because I had the dreaded knee replacement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've avoided even thinking about this mostly because I have little or no interest in having foreign objects placed in my body for any reason AND.... who says they will achieve the desired result? But now, firmly realizing that in order to run any faster, something has to change, I find myself a hair depressed about the whole thing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Is there an answer here? I actually don't think so. I mostly just want to take what's been in my head today and express it in another, less inward way. So, thanks for being on the receiving end.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-14828683484922610312021-03-14T14:23:00.000-07:002021-03-14T14:23:07.754-07:00Up, Up, Up, Down. Meant to be that way.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6e1M0g-z_t0/YE58l6LZ1oI/AAAAAAAAN2U/14KcxMDFAHkAwuTQSU9ypQWscr02G78DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s494/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-03-14%2Bat%2B3.07.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6e1M0g-z_t0/YE58l6LZ1oI/AAAAAAAAN2U/14KcxMDFAHkAwuTQSU9ypQWscr02G78DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-03-14%2Bat%2B3.07.01%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />So this week was/is the easy one. After a three weeks build (45 miles, 50, 56), it was time to back off a hair AND, it just so happening to coincide with two major events: me going on the road to teach and 2) the latest Blizzard of the Century.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A week ago, I went 12 miles. I was only planning on 11, but got a little carried away and tacked one (well, half of one) on at the end. It was a run the began very slowly for the first mile and a half before I fell into an okay pace (for me). Around 3 - 3 1/2 miles, I felt my knee pop a couple of times (see: <a href="http://runspittle.blogspot.com/2020/09/pops-and-buckles-what-happens-to-my-knee.html">http://runspittle.blogspot.com/2020/09/pops-and-buckles-what-happens-to-my-knee.html</a> to now what that means) followed by a full blown knee buckle. Surprise was my most obvious reaction as nothing like this has happened in quite awhile. So, I backed off a bit, hoping to regroup, and not have to call for a ride home. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazingly, the knee calmed down and from about 4-12 was never to be heard from again. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I won't say it was easy, but I cannot remember the last time I ran 12 miles in one setting. It was clear by mile 9, that by the time I got home (it was a run home kind of run), it would be 11.5. Well, in the world of whole, rounded numbers, THAT would not be tolerated. Thus, the extra.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Followed by a nice run on Sunday, it brought the weekly total to 56, a very good week. It also brought the yearly total to 445.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Because we build training over time, we occasionally need to take it easy. As Dr. Jim Loehr said, "In order to be fully engaged, we must periodically practice disengagement." So the was this week. I did have a nice run this week in Twin Falls, ID. I say nice because Twin Falls is a great place to run.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The trail begins in town (so for me that means near whatever hotel I am residing) and heads over to the ridge overlooking the Snake River. Then it stays across the top until it hits a trailhead the sends you down into the canyon. The whole trail is actually 12+ miles, but for me, it's usually a 4 out, 4 back kind of thing as I am always rushed for time in the morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What I did miss was the good run in Boise. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Usually when in Boise, I try to go to the Riverfront trail or if I want some hills, to Camelback Park. Today, time was limited so I looped the mall parking lot across the street. Mall running is not my favorite thing, but whenever I am pressed for time, staying near a mall, and running in morning darkness, the mall fits the bill just fine. And for this day, it was good enough.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, a good time, especially for a week of disengagement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-50656356176278983602021-03-02T15:57:00.000-08:002021-03-02T15:57:01.947-08:00Let's Catch Up!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrFOzqBfA_A/YD7QAFlCMsI/AAAAAAAAN14/dCD9oV86OScAl1bKbWcOhup9WaXnQWPoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s486/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-03-02%2Bat%2B4.53.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="486" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrFOzqBfA_A/YD7QAFlCMsI/AAAAAAAAN14/dCD9oV86OScAl1bKbWcOhup9WaXnQWPoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w267-h256/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-03-02%2Bat%2B4.53.02%2BPM.png" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's gotta be the shoes</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />So, it's March already and 1) we're still in a pandemic (and we didn't even know what that was a year ago), and 2) I'm still running.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yep, the pandemic is still here. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Race much? Maybe VIRTUAL racing. I did a few of those and have a few more scheduled for the first half of 2021. But REAL racing. Nah, mostly that is reserved for the elite.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But, yes, I'm still going at it. Today is March 2 and I have run everyday this year.... AND.... if you take that "streak" back, it goes to my last day off on October 12, 2020. I won't add that up, I think it's bad luck or juju or something, but it's been awhile. Significance? None except it means I have been injury and sickness free for awhile and that's good!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And yes, I'm still <b>REALLY</b> slow, but I'll tell you what: it still feels good to me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was supposed to get my knee replaced ages ago and for many reasons, it didn't happen. Well, unless I decide I want to do some serious racing later in life, I might just pass. As I have written before in this platform, I'm not excited about having someone violate my body with some artificial knee. So, we'll see. I might just be content to get in my 2000+ miles a year slowly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the world of super/cheater shoes, the news is everywhere about all the great shoes and now spikes that give you that little extra push forward. Unfortunately, for me, investing that money is kind of silly even if it might drop my mile pace from 13 to 11. Nonetheless, I grabbed a new pair of my present fave shoes, the Nike Epic React in, yes, purple (see picture of my purple feet)!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the bigger scene, there has been racing to be watched. Flotrack, Runnerspace, and others have been streaming elite track and field and cross country. In fact, my Grandson Mason, will be running in the Mountain West Cross Country Championships on Friday and I can't wait to tune in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Theoretically, this is all setting us on the path to the 2020, errrrr 2021 Olympics. In order to do that, the U.S.must have the Olympic Track and Field Trials. After heading to Eugene in 2016 for the Trials, I was/am chomping at the bit for this edition. Unfortunately, all signs at this moment are pointing to a spectator-less Trial. DAMN. I so wanted to see the new Hayward Field. Well, maybe at the 2021, errrrr, 2022 World Championships.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">No matter what, Spring is right around the corner meaning earlier sunrises, later sunsets, and warmer morning temps. So.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-72750964618814100312021-01-04T09:26:00.001-08:002021-01-04T09:26:15.429-08:00Hello 2021!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0WBBCACnBA/X_NN9Yh5PzI/AAAAAAAANwo/z2uymfpVbwQ1s09XDP5ilqAdRjDqgnXQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s718/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-01-04%2Bat%2B7.08.56%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="718" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0WBBCACnBA/X_NN9Yh5PzI/AAAAAAAANwo/z2uymfpVbwQ1s09XDP5ilqAdRjDqgnXQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h246/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-01-04%2Bat%2B7.08.56%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />So, yeah, I'm a little late on the whole Happy New Year thing. But, nonetheless, Happy New Year! If this writing were just a year in review exercise, it would be two things: very short, and very slow.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My running in 2020 was mostly short and most always slow. But I digress, or maybe I don't. Anyway, I completed 2023 miles in 2020. Yep, I "ran the year" as they say. Of the 55 recorded running years in my life, it ranked 29th as far as miles run. On the upside is the fact that halfway through the year, I had logged a mere 795 miles and was on the way to a disastrous total. Then something happened, but more on that later.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I "raced" three times, all virtual. Two 5Ks and a 200 mile race (that you had a month to complete - so not 200 all at once). The results were not that impressive. The 5Ks were blazed in slightly less than 34 minutes each (this is by a guy with a 5K PR of 15:09 - and I know that was a LONG time ago). Nonetheless, they were weirdly fun. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The 200 mile race (The Midwest States 200) was a matter of logging mileage over the month, tracking your time and submitting the results. Well, drumroll please, I finished 2nd. HA! That's hilarious. Well, first and foremost, there were only 5 finishers compared to several hundred in the 100 miles version of the race, so let's not get too excited. Now my time, of 51 hours, 23 minutes, and 7 seconds, would have been pretty darned good in a real 200 mile race. Strung out over a month..... well, not as impressive. But, I'll take it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mostly, these three "efforts" were tests so to speak. They were opportunities to push beyond what has become the norm of my knee injured running which is slow, slow, and slow, as not to aggravate the knee. It's something that, for now, I have accepted as the way my running is going to be. I have little or no interest at this point to follow the knee replacement course. That may come, but not now, not yet. So, I run the way I run. Slowly, often gingerly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is THAT decision, to just keep running that turned the year around. Somewhere in the middle of the year, I decided it was okay to be slow, okay to walk almost as fast as I run, to be slower than pretty much everyone out there. It is okay because inside me, my mind and my body, I'm still running. I feel the difference as soon as I move from a walk to a "jog." (geez, I hate that word). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Effort and speed are not the same. Just because you, or Eliud Kipchoge, run faster than me, it does not mean we are not exerting the same effort, and/or feeling the same things inside. Long ago, when I never ran a training mile over 6 minute pace, it felt a certain way to be on the run. Oddly, yet happily, it feels the same today. And that was the change.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And I'm okay with that. For now, and maybe for longer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-52382297754729683152020-12-15T10:56:00.002-08:002020-12-15T10:57:38.572-08:00Something New, Something Old<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3d-5BRAGB_s/X9kCXhmw36I/AAAAAAAANv0/HhPTarGX26AlXpgTHYEyJyCkQ8IuPb1xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s945/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-12-15%2Bat%2B11.34.26%2BAM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="945" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3d-5BRAGB_s/X9kCXhmw36I/AAAAAAAANv0/HhPTarGX26AlXpgTHYEyJyCkQ8IuPb1xgCLcBGAsYHQ/w288-h193/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-12-15%2Bat%2B11.34.26%2BAM.png" width="288" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I've done enough to know I miss it, and I love it. So I'm BACK!<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Effective Jan 1, I will be launching my <b>Peak Performance Run Coaching</b> program.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As a runner, I have committed to over 54 years of running and over 116,000 miles. As a Coach, I have successfully guided an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, Boston qualifiers, numerous collegiate and high school All-Americans, countless State Champions, and plenty of people who just want to find their Peak Performance Edge.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In 1990, I became a Level II certified coach by The Athletics Congress (now the USATF) in the distance events. And while I imagine that certification is too worn out and cobwebbed to still be official, that knowledge is here to stay. Not mentioned in all of this is that while I left the organized world of coaching almost thirty years ago, I never really left coaching. I've focused on the occasional adult runner who needed some training advice, as well as working with family and friends when needed. Time to step up for real.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The website is up. All that is left is a few disclaimers to be written and posted and we'll be good to go. You can get a sneak preview of it all at: <a href="http://www.yourpeakperformanceedge.com">www.yourpeakperformanceedge.com</a>. <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My goal is simple: just like in my sales teaching and coaching, I want to bring out the best in people pursuing something they love. Sounds pretty cool to me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I look back to the many people that first influenced me to follow a coaching path. Fabulous and giving mentors like Al Pingel (my first high school coach), Dick Swanson (my college coach), Dr Joe I Vigil (the smartest coach I know), Jerry Quiller (who hired me for my first college coaching experience), Jack Daniels (a mentor to all), and Gary Wilson (an fantastic role model). They laid the foundation of my expertise. Today I find inspiration in the coaching of people like Mike Smith at NAU, Lance Harter (at Arkansas), and Mark Wetmore (at Colorado).<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm excited about adding this fun to my life plate.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on (and be coached.......).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-2844577260082577852020-12-05T20:22:00.002-08:002020-12-05T20:22:26.322-08:00Finish With A Bang! 2020 in 2020!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pG3P58JYVnk/X8xcYQIg7dI/AAAAAAAANvQ/dwAT-a00NV46JNtyJdJmjlGa9mID9KRagCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/bang-148261_960_720.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="960" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pG3P58JYVnk/X8xcYQIg7dI/AAAAAAAANvQ/dwAT-a00NV46JNtyJdJmjlGa9mID9KRagCLcBGAsYHQ/w269-h185/bang-148261_960_720.webp" width="269" /></a></div><br />So, with 26 days to go in 2020, I made a decision. I am going to run the year. While I have spent the last few months analyzing my miles in the hope that I would reach 2000 for the year, I have now shifted to that wonderful concept of running the year you're in. It's 2020 in 2020 and ending the year with a <b>bang</b>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As has been mentioned in this blog on several occasions, I determine a good running year to be a minimum of 2000 miles. And between a bad knee and this whole pandemic thing, I would consider that a milestone and a heck of an accomplishment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm so tired of hearing that people just want this year to end. You know what? While this year has been tough for a lot of people, there is still much good in this world, so much to be thankful for, and countless blessing to look forward to every single day. And I am taking advantage of these last few weeks to close this sucker out with my own personal <b>bang</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When April 1st came around, I was averaging a mere 90 miles a month. On that pace I would have ended 2020 with barely 1000 miles. That would have been borderline shameful and my worst mileage year since 1967, high school, when we didn't run year round. Since then, however, it's been almost 200 miles a month and a nice turnaround of the mileage year. Instead of Corona-settling, I have chosen to draw my own line further out than where it should have been simply because I'm feeling like ending this year kind of spunky (not to mention with a <b>bang</b>)!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, as I attempt to end 2020 with a <b>bang</b>, I leave you with the deeply profound words of Marshall, Ted, and Barney: <b><i>"Bang, Bang, Bangity, Bang, I said ah </i></b></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Bang, Bang, Bangity, Bang."</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Run on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3138329414857585907.post-69875002905535406992020-11-21T14:18:00.000-08:002020-11-21T14:18:12.028-08:00Catching Up..... BORING!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY6w91_G0Yg/X7mO8KzyjAI/AAAAAAAANuQ/HKIE6LHl9YMi5dcHZsUq6AAY0C803E2wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s730/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-11-21%2Bat%2B2.58.55%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="730" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zY6w91_G0Yg/X7mO8KzyjAI/AAAAAAAANuQ/HKIE6LHl9YMi5dcHZsUq6AAY0C803E2wQCLcBGAsYHQ/w264-h183/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-11-21%2Bat%2B2.58.55%2BPM.png" width="264" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><b>BORED after reading this post</b></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's been quite awhile since I last submitted to this blog extravaganza!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mostly, it's been pretty <b>boring</b> out there on the trails and roads as I trudge along in my pedestrian manner. Also, with no races and pretty much no races in sight, it's <b>boring</b> out here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A few things to mention: first, and foremost, my knee has been consistently okay. Not great, not super, not look out Eliud Kipchoge..... just consistently okay. I think the knee has leveled off mostly because I don't overly stress it. My pace is slow, easy, and never creates anything close to high pounding or overstriding. Also, being down 37 pounds now hasn't hurt either. Less weight pounding with every step is always a good thing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, it looks like, barring the unforeseen, I might get to 2000 miles for the year. With about six weeks left in 2020 (the banner year for all kinds of CRAP), I'm at about 1760. If I can continue to roll through the 42 mile weeks (which is the norm lately), I'll make it. As I have said many times on these pages, 2000 miles in a year generally means I had a pretty decent year of running.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For most runners, the last 8 months or so has been a challenge to navigate. Cancellation of races has created situations where many "serious" runners are struggling to find the motivation to maintain fitness. Those new to the sport find it difficult to set goals, and stay committed to just the process of getting out there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For me, the biggest challenge, actually, has been the knee thing. I don't have a problem getting out there every day as this running thing is my refuge, my escape from the world's garbage. So in 2020, with it's never-ending supply of garbage, getting out the door to go on a run is often one of the highlights of the day. The knee has just created a situation where almost every run is the same as the last. No pace changes, no drastic terrain variations. Just me in the Cherry Creek State Park, or the trails near Tagawa Gardens. Don't get me wrong, I am THANKFUL (which is a great thing to be) for my daily jaunts no matter what.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Last, but not least, I have been enjoying the cooler temps during the early hours. This hot summer type days dripping into September and October were kind of a pain (global warming I'm sure). Nonetheless, the 32 degrees during this morning's run was great!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, that's pretty much the update. Got some news coming soon, but no spoiler alerts to share at this time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To you and yours, <b>Happy Thanksgiving. Stay Safe. And Run On!</b></span></p>Rich Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01824856062526797657noreply@blogger.com0