You get out what you put in

Getting out to be motivated to run. First part on switchbacks got log-jammed, but was good to start out conservative. Passed some and was getting into a rhythm. A mile before started walking on the uphills, got to a group of like runners, but made some passes on long uphill switchbacks before wide track. Asked someone how far we'd gone, 1.5m. Just pacing myself. Mostly walked uphill, then running flat and downhill, played tortoise and hare with older guy before I passed him and skinny lady. Got into a good group going downhill, had a guy from Nevada who I'd talked to at beginning pass me and motivate me on the wide road before we got into the downhill. Thought I'd catch some on the downhill, maybe 2 girls but was surprised at the group's ability to downhill. Fun to just let go.

As we neared the finish and around the loop to finish I knew I couldn't go faster, was just holding on to edge of oxygen. High weight to strength ratio--good for downhills, not up. Older guy and skinny girl both passed me and were maybe 20 seconds ahead. Overall feel great about just getting out there.

https://runontrails.com/uploads/results_1497565677147.html 

Left Phin at start, he ran first 300 yards with me, he biked a little, glad to have the bike since rode back and forth to truck 3 times. Got a little chilly, threw a few discs at the basket, chatted with speedy Bill Cobler, waited for raffle. Could have sworn heard number called. 

Right foot a little stretched, plantar pad tight--related to general metatarsal weakness? Did some biking in the morning with P & J, and 21 ball with Preston and friend after working.

 

Place doesn't matter as we all ran the wrong course. Results here. This was a broad road up to the narrow path so played well into getting into the group one should run with. But even as we hit the track 1/2 mile in I was feeling it. This course, like Snowbird in general, is steep up and down, no breaks. Got into walking up the trails pretty quickly and consistently throughout. Talked to a few people, played tag, mentioned how glorious the downhill would be. Boy was I wrong. For starters, one mile in we had all started on the long course, so by the time we hit the downhill which was an open road, we were quite off course, and the open road was nice, except it was steep. Whatever the gradient is it's too steep for me to let go and feel comfortable (perhaps owing slightly to my fitness--that's a joke) but it's just over the level of being freely descendable. Becky the skinny girl passed me halfway thru the ups and while I opened up on the downhill, I really didn't/couldn't catch too many people. Felt like we descended for at least 2 miles. Had been playing tag with 2 younger girls, but by the time we got back onto a track, a few runners realized we were off course.

I thought maybe we were close to having missed the turn, and started back telling everyone we were wrong, saw 2 runners start to trek across the long meadowed open area with no discernible track so I did the same. One guy had said we were at 4.4 miles so I knew we were off. Unlike everyone else (nearly 50 people I saw) I wasn't willing to run the long course, particularly when I could see that we were way off, I could see that we were already far below the finish and the track kept going the wrong way. So I slopped thru the meadowed hillside, got my shoes wet, but found a roadway back.  'Course by that point there was hardly the motivation to walk fast, let alone jog. I came upon a path we apparently had run up, probably did at least 1.5 miles on the detour, but by the time I got to the road near the beginning I was pretty much done. Uphill finish, which was nice, but I was in no mood, so when I saw the kids, Robo and Phin, I was walking. Nate told me I was about 1:10, got the courage to run the last 50 and was ready to out.

All in all glad for the race, as I was walking back saw Becky finish, I probably wouldn't have kept up with her, by time and comparative runners I maybe saved 8 minutes (not to mention I hardly ran as I detoured). Good, hard workout. Wasn't as sore as I expected the next day. Plantar not as tight as last time. Getting into shape. Weight 198, so almost a Clydsdale. Do Clydsdales run on trails? No, they only pull beer wagons.

By God's grace and for His glory. "Christ in us the hope of glory."

I know racing reveals and training conceals (and builds) but I couldn't help myself. Late onset quad soreness from downhilling Wed, but biked early to this race and got out there. Asked Teren if he'd still win the race in his 50s, he ran 17:09 last year but got down to 16 again this year. He says he's only doing half the mileage he used to do, aerobic capacity still there, but less strength. I don't know what's more impressive, him or Emily. Felt pretty sluggish on the w/u, just got out slowly, getting into the crowd, after we got to the turns on the other side of the park, felt like I already couldn't find my pacing group. Was 6:50 getting out to the canal road, felt like I was warmed up but just jogging pace.

Got into the neighborhoods and knew the dreaded back and forth for my out-of-shape-ness was going to hurt. Passed by a Clydsdale somewhere in there, passed one guy and we were behind a youngun, told him we should catch him, I did, then later the 30s guy caught back up and said we were doing 7:10 pace (?), was trying to catch Clydsdale but ended up following 30s into the park and around, sprinted past him and enjoyed finishing 3 minutes slower than I figure I'd be if I were in shape.

But I'm learning to appreciate the joys, and also realize that knowing there's work to be done gives motivation. This will be one of the harder times for me to get back into shape, need to have muscular tone and eating right. Rode my bike back before the kids woke up. Before this if I'd done this much work I probably would have lost 5 pounds. But I think since building the fence and running more I'm down 12 pounds total. 

Wed?- shakeout around neighborhood in the evening, 3m
Thu- pushing Jo thru N neighborhoods, 2.5
Fri - along canal both ways, little dip at E end into neighborhood chasing little runaround dog, 3m

As always doing some disc golf/running, a little more biking too, once with P around Murray park after church picnic

Barely got there and P to potty, toilet plugged so used outhouse. Nate was there. Stretched for two seconds and got out. Sleep before was erratic, day before slept in but last nite bed at 12, Jo awake at 4, at 5 took him for a drive, rested from 6 to 7.

Holding back passing the kiddies, trying to find a pacer, passed Larry Smithee, 7:34 at mile?, had gotten into my rhythm, watched Anthony, Teren, Yorkey, and Dennis and Sasha come thru, after turnaround was passing but found a girl to run with, "It's hot!" Spoke of picking up on the downhill, 15:05 on the 2, up the hill had the hurt but I was picking up people, maybe 5, trying to catch other female, a young un and a teen passed before going into park, passed a girl on the downhill, holding onto steady female, saw the family, pushed a little, passing female and maybe two others on the non-sprint to finish. Better than T-ville, waiting to lose more and gain more.

We cannot fathom the universe, we cannot fathom millions of stars and galaxies. We cannot comprehend the infinity behind it all. We cannot fathom God, but because we cannot fathom, we trust. Not unknowingly, but with the knowledge that our lack of knowledge should lead us to humble trust.

Shh!

Twice w Jo in stroller? Once to Zogg's old house, chugging along. 3.5

Sun - bike to church, bike with Nate to Mark Twain til flat tire, then I lugged the bike trailer for the win and the workout, 10 m

Mon - found good trail up Butler canyon, one close call w Jo on road at hairpin turn b4 discovering trail, ran all the way up thru Big Cottonwood's parking lot, neighborhood across up to outroad access, down thru construction zone and clear, 45 min 3.5 m

Tues - little sleep (Manchester by the Sea--where's the redemption?); from ICS trail up to top, feeling sluggish but on the way down felt strong, 3m 

Th - bike with Becky pulling Jo, 5m, after work shot some baskets at the 6th place I found, on 70th w the general and shooter, naturally they had 4 and didn't let me play
Fri - lots of food, Eat at Joe's, millcreek venison stew getting light sprinkled on, 

Warmed up pretty well, noticed just before the race started that my shorts were inside out, quick adjustment. There were some strollers right at the front line--because of pictures? I'm not competitive right now but if I were I would have been annoyed by that. As it was we got off and somehow the police bike went around some plastic barriers that were right in the way. Everyone was going around them, I went through them trying to open up a barrier, I knocked one of them down and heard some surprise behind me, sorry, but I hope I at least opened up a path for some. People were passing me and I others until I reached Mel, I told him I was running too fast to be up with him. That was true.

The first slightly uphill mile I just stayed with Mel, had a few passing us, was 7:37 at mile (?) seems a little long, especialy since I ran 14:15 for the next 2. Let Mel go and he later admitted to feeling bad in the first mile and better the next two. Was trying to think of tempoing first 2 miles, but it's always hard, felt like I played cat and mouse with a few runners, had a few women, some preteen boys and some men around me, pushed the last mile into the park trail, the sun gave its heat on mile 2, about 3 runners I was trying to catch, was strong but not competitive. Last .1 was 45 seconds, 7:30 pace ;-) yikes.

I of course want to get better but in recognizing how I've been as a runner I tend to always look forward rather than enjoying the moment and the process. I took a year getting out of shape, it'll take a while to get back, but I'm enjoying the process, I recognize I'm in it for the long haul, and the rewards will be worth it. Like life it's an ultra, not a sprint. Just so, with eternity in our hearts.

Will o' the wisps. Days go by as grass on the plains, born to pass again no more. Disc golfing, swimming, once running to park with Jo and golf and back. 3.5 Twice running just at park, 2m Once up to overlook w P on bike, saw cleared out homes on S side. 2.5 Does it count as interval training? Not really, though it probably counts as maintaining but not advancing.

 

Coming from Spruces, drove down early after campground sleep. Got there about 6 and did a wakeup upper body workout, warmup run and long time stretching. Course meandered thru neighborhoods and started in an L shape in the parking lot with a hard left turn at the start. People were lackadaisical about actually racing with everyone giving each other space, not a lot of competitive spirit, just participants.

Winner ran 17:30, then 18:40 then 19:30. I was pretty conservative in the first mile, found my group, a 50s male and a peer, I knew I just had to conserve til the last mile. Even the last mile goes down to the ending elevation before a turn back up the hill. I played it cool behind my group, but my peer was unwilling to be passed, which was fine with me. At the 2nd mile mark (course) thru the sidewalk jaunt thru park started to pick it up such as it was (passed peer on a turn just previously) and let the 50s guy pull me. Didn't pull ahead of him until I unchivalrously passed him with a sprint at the downhill end. Unchivalrous, but fist-bump worthy as I thanked him for the pull.

Afterwards saw Strickland girls with friend (Heidi & Christina?), went to awards and got 2nd, peer got 3rd, 1st place was ______. And all the while the swim team had been doing laps (for 2 1/2 hours-?). Then back to IBC Spruces for a coffee and double breakfast.

Hiked w Warhursts up to meadow of Days Fork trail, a little running, then some more back up to join Lucas' group. Then another evening hike w P to Blood Lake, never do I remember Guardsman pass but it's great. Stayed at the lake long enough to see its party atmosphere and a guy on the rope swing try try try to do a backflip with a failure to let go and the subsequent side body splash.

 

Mon 24th - Biked to watch 10krs, saw group of 9 at 3 miles, they spread out and saw Jason Lynch separate with another, biked back and forth, saw BK, 400 meter Track Basketball guy, hard to believe the difference just a few minutes makes, 30 minute to 40 minutes is 3 levels of runner. Then biked home w Nate, on the bike for 2 hours, 25 miles? Then swam at Hoover's.

Tues - biked w/ fam to 7-11 neighborhood, then to Home Depot w/ Jo, big purchase day, cleaned up a lot of old technology. 8m, then ball at 11th W, 4 on 4. I guarded old guy w/ Christy jersey, wiley and hard.
Wed- biked back and forth b/w park, bought discs, dg, need to rest right forearm? 12m

Tues - 2 on 2 with Christie jersey guy's fam, lost and won, son-in-law impressing father-in-law shooting 3s. 11th W, 1.5m
Wed - near Nate's, athletic young guys, scored one game winner and showed myself and them I can keep up, felt like I validated myself but the next week the church was locked ;-) 2m
Thu - 4 on 4 ?, 2m, 11th w Asians, won most of our games, I made some good shots being guarded by bodybuilder, including a throw up runner just for fun
Sat - biked in the morning fr Granite Flats to Horse parking lot, good overlook and along trail, early morning P & I the only one's up, then ran along the trail to past the beaver ponds and where the switchbacks started, jog/hike 3.5 m, then hiked w Paul and Aaron and P and Dad past that point to good overlook in greater area, Aaron and Dad made it a day hike. Got out on the 2 man raft and dog-paddled to make it a full body day aerobic workout, 4 m
Some biking with Becky, discing, 4m
 

Sun - bike in morning, raft in afternoon, a volleyball game the day before; played with Tongan church previously but was considered second class, 3200 W 2m
Mon/Tues full rest from camping exertion, ball 1.5m,
Wed - met former semi-pro discer from PA who was money with the putter, overweight now but easily birdied T-ville, 1m, roller-bladed with boys on Kearns canal by Mays, to Hunter High, 3m
Thu - 2 on 2 with key guy and short Asian and my teammate, older irregular who made some shots and we won 21-2 first game, lost then won, why does 2 on 2 tire one out? Always moving, 2m

Sat - swimming for Amelia's b-day, 1/2m, dove like I haven't in 12 years, did a gainer and dove off highdive once


 

Watched good WC Track, Emma C, Jenny S, Mo goes down, ran down canal W to dead end, after humid rain, feel weakened, dealing with emo issues, how is repentance revealed? 3.5m, learning the Rip-stick, down the hills, what fun

Mon - ran after work, in darkness ran N to Home Depot fence jump, Walmart grocery pit stop, Kearns watered pathway, Grandpa's old house, school fence jump, Park where H cared about homeless boy, and slope down construction dirt alley to final fence jump into apartments, felt like a runner. 1 hr, 7m

Tue - with P ripstick and disc in park, work and ball on 70th, old group w young primes and seasoned vets like me, slower but fundamentals gets it done. Missed a layup 3 times once (nerves with new group) but also hustled and fast-breaked. 2m

Wed - City creek pushing Jo, ball w P after talk w Nate, 2 games, once to win (guarded young Jaguar, one steal, one turnover) and once to lose (one point). Just for sweats and giggles, 1.5

Thu - ball on 11th, 3rd day sluggishness, these guys I feel I can excel with, but my athleticism doesn't match my desire, guarded by a surprisingly quick skinny guy who could drive and I tried to do too much. He blocked me and I couldn't really get my shot off. A few times I tried to drive ahead of my team and failed. Once tried to help Carlos and get in front of the young black kid but took a hard fall backwards, hitting my head. Came back and made a backboard driving runner. Hit some 3s, then played 3 on 3 where we easily won. 2m

Fri - w Nate biked to 114th S, he on Mt bike pulling Jo, good talk, if all exercise were as easy as biking, ran in the evening consoling myself, with P, his school, circe around to entrance to Park ward, up 32, past his friends, Ben, Perry and Bernard. 30 min 3.5m

Sat - while P at Walk Thru the Bible I disced at Roots, saw one good guy who played college catcher, he was one of the best flickers I've seen, ran easy b/w throws checking Jo asleep, drove in Avenues in afternoon and saw a deer hiding behind building, 1m

Long run from 70th canal down to 8600, stopped by Trax, ran around and back, found drink at abandoned house, came back in time to help dad with posts, 1hr, 7m

wed - ball on 70th, they only play to 7 so can lose to good 3 shooter in minutes, which we did, went man on one game and won easily, then lost to shooting, I made a good twisting left hand layup off the backboard, good D, key guy told me many have been deterred by the "General" and many don't play with him anymore, 2m

Sat - hiked with fam up Butler trail to bottom of Big Cottonwood, no water flowing!, overcast at first then got hot, ran home from 47th exit, 2.5 m in the heat of the day, only solace was jumping into kiddie pool at home to cool off, felt heavenly.

Various discing and biking, to homestead, left arm practice, need to rehabilitate right?, rest? strength training? 4m
 

Some resting, but not exercising and getting the engines going in my 40s proves the day lethargic.

Tue - on 11th, 3 on 3, 3 smart players beat me playing harder and harder, got closer every time and the body gets better with stimulus, 1.5m

Thu - long run, construction, hill, overlook, downhill, S neighborhoods bordering open plot, with Jo sleeping; 45 to an hour?, then once around the block at high tempo, was more piqued than I thought I'd be, 7m;
Walk w B before ball, then called Drew for a contrasting perspective. Dropped the phone and played, on 11th w younger Asian crowd, tried to lead the team, couldn't quite get it on first try, sometimes biting off too much but overall above the line, got on a good team w Carlos--noticed that there are automatically guys I'd want on my team and not, glasses Jacob makes improbable stop shots, guarded a much quicker small guy, had to get burned a few times b4 I gave him space, won, but then the last game, 4 on 4 didn't quite win; 2m
sore waking up, walked P to school

New blue basketball shoes last few weeks
 

Certainly feels like I ran last Fri but can't remember. Discing with kids Sat morning, then rest on Sun, but walk-disced in the evening while talking to Drew on the phone. He certainly sees the idealistic perspective, but only from that lens.

Mon - At Art Dye Park, warmed up pushing Jo running down to the bathroom and beyond and around, 1m. Saw a fast girl who'd win it, felt sluggish and heavy. Not great sleep on Sat, Jo up from 1:30 to 4, also not running for days even though it's rest is a lesson I sh already know. Now more so where my body doesn't warm up very fast is when I need to be putting in the easy miles. Saw a hispanic guy (Duardo?) and we chatted about pace and who'd win. We were right. I said I'd love to run 20 minutes (idealistic) he said he wanted to to run negative mile splits starting at 7:00 pace. Good message at the start about the Pregnancy resource center, the importance of Pro-Life and how to have an eternal relationship with God through faith in Christ.

Very low key start, only about 20 people who really wanted to run. Looped around the parking lot and immediately I was about 15th. Passed Duardo and we went through the finish line (backwards) along the trail to the killer hill. I paced myself well through it and passed 4. Then along the top was just feeling it out and Duardo passed me. I tailed him as he pulled us through passing some more, there were a few up and downs which took the wind out of one's sails. Watched Duardo put some distance on me, but he was catchable when we got to the pond. As I was going around I could see the girl having already made it around (1/2 mile?) then 2 other guys who turned out to be 40s guys. Enjoyable jaunt dodging fishermen, then back.

Felt like I was maintaining pace, knew I was 5th and knew there was a runner 50 yards back from the cheers, turned out to be gray shirt girl who I passed about 1 mile in. At the water stop around mile 2 I stopped and drank and lost 20 seconds to Duardo (70 yards). I knew I could pick up the pace on the downhill but I failed to catch up or even get closer. He managed to pass a guy to take 3rd. Was surprised with my time but shouldn't be. It's probably worth 47 seconds faster, gaining a little fitness since the last race. But boy howdy, nothing comes easy. Got to push through discipline to run, perseverance to put in the miles, not to mention specified training, and finally a 40s body that feels sore after everything. 10K race in 2 weeks? Just put in the time so it won't feel like a crime.

Afterward disced the course, 3s and 4s, skipping 8-13, lost disc on 14th over path into wild thorn bushes. Feeling sore already, ready for family picnic tonight.

Life is a balance between the transcendent fact of God and His holiness and love, and the immanent reality of God in our midst, in a world shadowed and torn by sin. We have glimpses of light and salvation through the perfect Son, who perfectly balances the transcendent and immanent realities.

Tue - ran w/ B very slowly getting the kinks out, around the block, 1.5m, ball on 11th but no one there, just shot around some young guys who were done on 13th, probably need the rest

Wed - by Nate's getting a little more respect, was open for some 3s when I ran the court, muscly guy pointed this out, guarded well but smooth shooting tall guy made a game winner on me by just stepping back, I should know this on his tendencies, a step back guy, not a post-up guy, 1.5; going to start putting ball running as VO2 max since it takes so much on my muscles and joints to do it

Thu - discing, biked there and ran, 1.5m, felt good on 11th, played pretty well, forced some a little bit driving, gotta have the stop option if the shot's not there, dribble out, for whatever reason lost every game, played against Carlos and the better guys but still feel sh hv won some, 2m

Fri - discing, met a guy who helped w/ forehand, getting elbow in front and  engagaing hips, 1m

Sat - small hike up to see overlook of Eden at PBC

Mon - discing, with Jo, got rained on, 1m

Tue - ball at top of 36th, played w them before, fast guy who was good at a Spartan race w no training, lost, won, lost?, I play well when I know I'm not the fastest and just play my game, made a great full court pass to Spartan, didn't have my jumper and missed a few right hand layups, 2 hrs, 2.5m

Wed - sore, have to pick my battles, forced rest, need more callousness, youngness wouldn't hurt either ;-)

Thu - nite run to old Kmart industry, found back way into a church, 45 min 3 m; half ct off 13th W, close losses to better teams 4 on 4, then a full court where just didn't take over, 1.5m

Ate too much good spaghetti nite before at PBC, tossed on a campout bet but got good length of sleep.

Cool morning, trying to warm up, felt crimped and inflexible, as I was running around back to my truck the race started, but that was a blessing in disguise as I would be forced not to run with faster runners. Made my way through the field until mile 1, then passing slower. No mile markers, but passed my last guys on the upward block before heading out to lake turnaround. Was trying to reach father/daughter 100 yards ahead, but they managed to stay away. Was just trying to run for 4 before seeing what I could do, enjoyed the fact that there were no miles to wonder about. My calves were hurting and was just holding on until I felt good. As I saw the runners coming back I realized I was in 7th. On the way back I realized I was feeling better, probably didn't realize this until we hit the neighborhoods again.

The couple ahead were getting further away, but I had 5K sloggers to pass, I feel like my last half was faster than the first. After a few turns I realized there was a 10Kr I could pass, a young thin guy who I think was 3rd at the turnaround. Took a few turns to catch him, finally did while going N. Latched onto him, slowing down, he sped up a little, then I passed him. I knew we had a few U-turns before the finish, kept my pace and pushed it in.

All in all I should be happy with this, wasn't feeling great and this will be good training for the future. 30 seconds slower/mile than my previous 5K doubled and that's not bad.

At peace, eternally and temporally.
 

Sun - pain in right ball of foot, at Labrum and had to take it easy. Threw frisbee after Sat. race. By Mon morning couldn't walk, had to rest but had to be on my feet for work.

Tue - felt better, and played with 70th group, couldn't beat the good team, came close but I need to step up and orchestrate more. They play quick games to 11. Even when I got on their team I somehow was the weak link as we lost. Made some post-up moves and 3s but the young guys lose heart after the first few games. They could run the table but they get indifferent. For the last game to 21 I was guarding young hispanic that never drives, trying to help out on left-handed multi-scorer but in the end leaving my guy open he made the game-winner. On the one hand I'd rather he do it than lose to lefty, but the entire point is to guard one's own guy! 1.5m

Foot ok. Wed played disc and ran a little w Jo around the ballpark and along canal. Getting tweaks out. 2m

Thu - more discing with Jon G, wanted to play ball but at 3rd try could only knock at 54th. Rest is good, my right knee gets tweaks, the fascia is tightened, and there was some ankle tweaks before too. Just building endurance, tempering.

Sat - Went to Park city for the Northface Endurance 50 mile race finish. Hiked up to the 5 Way to see Ben. Saw a beautiful Bull Elk with a 9 cow harem, and another bull following. Going thru the forest to the ski paths. Took a pit stop. Was getting worried that I wouldn't see him, but 3/4 mile down from the 5 Way saw him walking up. Walked/jogged/talked down the meandering trail. Started about 2 and got in at 5. Last 45 minutes in the rain.

All the fam there mostly, after Ben passed Adam he threw up for the 3rd time that day. Scored some Jimmy John's sandwiches, drove down with B&K, some congestion from a rain crash, why don't people use the emergency lane?

Enjoyed the hot bath at home, slept for 3 hours, then watched Eliud beat Bekele and Kipsang and Adole (newcomer). Right foot fascia sore, took off from Sun to Mon.

Disced with Jon Sunday and Tuesday.
 

Lots of work to do at work. Down 4 people, I did a lot of receiving. Enjoyed the variety.

Discing with Jon on Sunday, Tue - hanging w family. Where do the days go as I don't run, making running a priority is hard. Ordering one's programmed world, not to mention one's private world.

Wed - 13th ward by N's, they start at 8, as I watch it seems I can't be that fast but I do alright in games. Seems like we lost a quick one, I think I made an opener but then forced it a little, then for the last one it's fuzzy but I think we won.  These guys are good athletes who can go solo,  but they don't always play smart. I can blend in, make the open shots, but I'm not yet part of the clan. 1m

Th - finally won all my games, off 13th hiding, got on with a good group, acting point guard when needed, making good plays, encouraging, hit g/w 3, missed one good left hand fast drive, made some great passes off posting, bounce passes on the run, didn't always lead to a score but motivated the team to get open. Played ag Carlos and skinny tall black/hispanic? guy who lacked motivation. 2m

Fri - took the boys to JRP, ran fr 53rd S to g/c, then back and around the pond, felt slow, needed the time to warm up, always achy now after hard ball. Was out for an hour 4.5m?

Sat - after stump burning at church went to Tosh marathon kids race at UT Cultural center, the race was an afterthought, the kids were supposed to run around the post but most cut across the grass. Phin was ahead and as he kept runnning found himself in 2nd and surprised himself. Race was only 250 meters probably. Afterwards I buckled the boys up and ran JRP N to industry loop, got off at Redwood rec, finding my way back on trail, found the track at Trax after asking for directions, then around, a little rainy, had to drive them right to Jenny's, but felt really good, like running suits me, a little sprinkling, 50 minutes, 6 miles

Sun - disc, run w/ J around Park, 2 hrs total, 2m
Mon - long mapset w Keilah, threw for just a quickie, .5
Tues - work at 7, more mapset, didn't sleep well, Awana/piano, then at 70th, lost first game, I was the weak link, not guarding 2s in a game to 7, po'boy hit a long won, I think 5 points were scored against me. Still felt like I forced some shots, but I always feel that way if they don't go in, then we played again box and one, (bald leader guy suggested we try it) Nico on po'boy, I don't think they figured it out, then we lost a close one, and on the last one we were down 8-1, then came back 14-5 to win 15-13. Nico making jumpers, hustle and smarts beats skill and lethargy.

Wed - tired, not sleeping well since early rise Tue, worked and didn't ball, resting from aches
Th - ran w Draco, half run/dog-training, he got better and seemed to tire at the end, ran canal to 2700 W, got a frisbee fr canal, getting out aches, knees a little sore, disced in afternoon after fortuitous Warhurst encounter, then ball, started off w/ foul shot jumper to make team, went downhill fr there. Off 13th, just felt like I missed every jumper and post shot, made a few decent passes, but we lost 15-2 (I was the only scorer), then 15-13, then the rubber match where older bald guy and tall rebounder were better. They're smart, rebound and shoot well, but I feel like if I were shooting better we sh have won. After one missed shot I said, "Stop shooting," and tall white guy from other team said, "Keep shooting." Think we won one after that, then a last one to 11 by 1s & 2s (mathematically more ball!) when I wanted to leave, but I was the 10th guy. 3m, 1.5m

Some nights just off, haven't felt like that in a while. Shakeout tmrw and we'll see how we race.

Fri - nice run to Fitts park with Jo, did circles around the park while he threw woodchips. Had visions of how I'd draw a cc course, inner and outer loops. Started to run down neighborhood but was choppy and needed to get back so I could eat candy and buy brakes and rotors and curse the fact I don't live in WY. Did you get that? 4.5m

Sat - Cougar race, cheered for P man, he had a lot of questions but kept a good pace, went out pacing himself like I told him, by the 2nd lap he was coasting, I told him he could speed up and he did, sprinted home but didn't pass a guy at the end, but good for his experience, skill and excitement

Did some light w/u, perhaps I should've done more. Started about 10 rows back, was really pacing myself up the hill, as I felt I was just getting into it. People were passing me, more than I thought would, but as we passed the cheerers and turned to the downhill, I found my rhythm. I really thought I'd be passing more people on this part, but felt strong. If 10 people passed me before I passed 5. Had my sights on an older guy I'd talked to before, about 4 people ahead. Trickle-passing a few until we came into the turns, including a woman who I thought would stay up with us, had a stocky gait. A guy w a stroller passed me and got a lead, I reached into the tank and brought him back. Once I talked to him I found out he was a former BYU runner pushing his niece for his brother-in-law who wore a pale green shirt 3 people ahead. Spoiler alert!

I was feeling like I was going pretty fast (for my fitness, fast is relative) and the bro-in-law was right beside the older guy I was gunning for. Moved ahead and started to feel the familiar thigh strain that means I'm racing and pushing it. For the first mile I was relaxed, downhill felt smooth and flowing, now it hurt, just enough to make passing the girl ahead a hard task. I watched as she passed some and as we went around campus spots I was getting closer. I caught the one before we went into the tunnel and the brother-in-law before we got to the track. Felt like I maintained/cruised pace around the track, holding/pushing for the glorious end. In the end came in right behind the girl with great pace, and the 55 yr old guy brilliantly stayed away, beating the younger guy with him.

I'm happy with my improvement, if I really run every day should be able to approach fitness of 2 years ago. Enjoying how nothing comes easy, stretching, w/u, c/ds all required elements.

Saw a shirt that said, "For the honor." Don't exactly know how I feel about that. On one hand I understand that holding a high standard for oneself is honorable, but when it comes to spirituality our efforts at being honorable always fall short. Only when we rest in Christ can we have His honor. We then can discipline ourselves towards godliness, not to meet an obligation, but knowing that God honors those He loves, who are in Christ.

Sun - jog/disc, biked to Park, 1m
Mon - run in morning before work, but then didn't have to work, feeling heavy, getting kinks out, 2.5m
Tue - run before? ball on 70th, hustled and picked some cherries, but my shot was off, jumpers, 3s, post pushing it up, doing too much, then running hard to do it again, this one kept me awake at night, but felt like my old self able to run up and down, 2m
Wed - hurting, got a skip ace on basket 17 at City Creek, portend of meeting that was as before, 1.5m
Thu - run with Phin, exploration, construction, apartments, condo, dead ends, 2.5 m, ball good at 13th, played my game, some forced fast break missed layups--I think my mindset is I can get by these short Asians, had one good Euro step layup, 2m

Fri - easy jog around construction to get kinks out, 1.5m
Sat - ran W from Mays far enough that I saw 3 deer. Loved running through Industrial areas feeling like Pre in Coos Bay (that's a joke). Scared up some deer behind NAC. Ran for about an hour, chilly, didn't get warm again until a shower, after driving to IKEA for no good reason--the things I do for love. 8m
Sun - ran from Pond by JRP south to new business supply building off new bridge to W, call it 7500 S. P biked w me, didn't like being a little apart from me. Apology card. An hour again? 7m
Mon - from Roots N on dirt trail, then around the golf course thinking of my confrontation with one guy on the g/c long ago. One golfer waved and smiled, my prepared allocutions are all for naught. Disced after, feeling good. 4m

Tue - Disced w Jo after work, he lost the purple plastic ball, everquest for perfect distance throw, ran from 17 to N exit thru thorn hell, then to dead end. 2m Constraining verse memory work from P, comforting piano and minivan drive. Better ball at 70th, didn't score much, one fast break in front, played zone and seemed like lots of points scored on my side, covering elbow, wing and baseline, 2 passes gets an opening every time. One guy was unconscious, making all 8 footers. Won one well, but mustachioed guy drained a long 3 on my side to end the nite. 2m

Wed - Biked with B in the morning, nice neighborhoods near 3200 W, 5m Watched the State X-country at Sugarhouse, 5A & 6A. With P at first, watched a lady almost jump in front of the lead runners around a pine tree at the 1/2 mile, eventual winner Aiden Troutner was disgusted. Did my usual sprint across park, course has changed a little, they don't go back around pond to the finish; got my finish spot and watched one guy really languish, unable to even walk to the finish from 25 meters out. Dropped off P at playground, watched the 6A start out too fast, talked to a Northridge coach--he told his guys to go 75 first quarter, sounds too fast, especially up a hill at start.

Fremont guy sprinted in past Lone Peak to win by a second. One guy was carrying his teammate, pretty sure he was told by a woman rep that that wasn't allowed. Really impressed with Carson Clinger for running his region easier and scoring well at state, and for Dylan Tidwell, Bingham. Saw him at Valley Invite and was impressed then, working his way through pack. I could swear he was 40th early on and finished 7th, my $'s on him for next year. Talked to Jared Ward near playground about Batty and Jared Bienline. Both Batty and Ward were 2nd at State. Ran a few hills going back with P. A little stiff at nite but took Draco for a loop with Jo. 2.5m

Th - Ran from open dirt field near Mayhome. Took my yellow rubber disc and enjoyed throwing it as I ran, which means I paused a lot, went thru a barbed wire fence more than once, Frito lay, NAC, really have to anheiser that disc to fly straight. 3.5m Then loop with Draco and B, not really fun trying to manhandle him so much, 2 sprints to try to tire him. Need to rollerblade w him but he could pull me right over. Ball on 13th, came a little late, played in warmup pants, posted up against Jacob and have to alter shot to get it over him, one beautiful layup that never was, had good teams but lost every game to tall guy and Jacob(?) A quick 3 games 1.5m

Sun - run w Jo to homestead by Zoggs, BJH, old Aznoe's, nostalgia, enjoyment, 4.5m
Mon - w B JRP from old Mark Twain park S on trails while B walked Jo, ran to bridge by dogpark, back along river, weed trashing to around grass field, 45m, 4.5m
Tue - morning walk to school, w Jo around school neighborhood, shakeout, 15m, 2m

Ball really good, on 70th, lost first game, but then went on a run of 6 straight wins, w mustached baller, street baller, fundamentals leader, and bald old school hustler. I made some shots, played up top in zone, watched bald guy post up monstrously, mustache make long 3s and hustle shots, best ball since I won every game up on 30th E for the last time.
2m

Wed - 10 min shakeout b4 work, long receiving day at work, biked to disc in evening, crowded doubles, played like a maverick. I'm a disc golfer, not a disc waiter. At near Nate's ward made some mid-range jumpers, but we lost cuz our guy stopped guarding the white legging'd 3 shooter/crazy finisher. I'm honestly not sure I've seen a better power slasher. 1.5m

Th - ran around asphalt near police station, but better to run on grace hills out front, 2.5m
  no ball, Debra's phone got stolen and customer wallet, probably good, have to pace myself

Fri - w Nate from 70th S Canal, down one loop, thru neighborhoods, grabbing other Jordan canal beyond W Jordan park, then back. Chatting, good, 50m 7.5

Sat - w/u around T-ville astroturf, then 3 400s at 6min pace, crisp pace for me?, then jumped in while Nate did 3K in 9:25, ran 200s w him, 5 reps, then waited/walked 50 yards while he exerted himself. I'm not sure I've ever pushed myself as hard as he does in a workout, one last 100, then some footwork stuff. 2300 meters plus 1.5 m
In Galaxy 5 shoes

Sun - some disc before dinner, 1m
Mon - travel hike with Jo on back at Alta Canyon base to waning pond, mucked up my running shoes on far side bog, bought 2 new pair at Wasatch, 3m
Tue - 2 miles down canal road and back before Halloween gallivanting, around neighborhood to apts and back
Wed - cathartic jog past place of no return, S Jordan H house, Barney's wash trail, around CHHS, jump in middle school to end, 45 min, 4.5 m; ball near Nate's, guarded slasher and got my hand on the ball, made 3 points first game, fake and short shot, "2", we won one 11-3, then lost to 21 on 4 straight "2s". Perhaps need to be more selfish to get better presence, passed well, but also sometimes too much. be like Stockton, pass when it's a direct assist, not just because the pass can be made. 1.5m

Run from Jordan Hospital after J's check-up. Directly W to JRP trails, chatted with an older guy who said his wife signed him up for a fundrace for a nursing home. Bridge off to T-ville High, walked thru alma mater, locker room, main hallway, Doc Jensen still there! Out neighborhood along 53rd. Felt heavy on the straight shot home, only 4 hrs sleep, 1hr? 6.5 m

Ball that night was hard. Legs sore, inner thighs, didn't shootaround w/u. Missed jumpers, post-ups, lay-ups, guarded by Wei-bei, short, stocky, immovable, holds; we won 3 games (2 and 3 to 15--real basketball, the Asians get it right!) then lost. My guarding tall shooter was bad when I helped out too much and he got open shots.

Fri - disc? w/ B, why does the past roll into nothingness? workout with B, calisthenics, then running while discing? hurt right foot on a squat, nerve ring around ankle and top of foot; 1m
Sat - went to Roots watching how far I still need to go to improve my distance, one guy told me 40% core, 60% timing; ran two loops around the g/c, intermittent, 2m
Sun - stomach hurt after bad something, Subway meatball/everything sandwich didn't help; didn't want to run but pushed Jo to 'stead on a straight shot but tacked on newer hoods for a loop, pushed the pace at the last, felt good. 3m
Mon - felt sick, burps like egg, P too. Worked, no running.

Tue - disced and ran home, feeling good, looking forward to Springville race, 2m;
   Ball was good on my end, we won first game, then had a spate of quick losses (7 points is just too quick). I missed two mid-range that could hv won one game, zone defense doesn't always give chance to shine, need to show I can play the point, younger kid was good, but I felt like when I let others keep pushing the offense without taking my own chances we're less effective, 1.5; on the good side the quick short games made it easier on my legs the next day, even with little sleep, tho a combo of tapering and rest
 

Wed - After Tracy Aviary, ran 2 laps around Liberty with Jo. Felt hard (2-4 hrs sleep) especially on the 2nd lap, is that really only 3 miles? too tired to ball and all's well
Thu - running w Nate 30 minutes canal, cemetary, canal, streets, canal road, Nate was taking it easy, I was somewhat tempo; some running at Roots after couch delivery; ball that evening was short, warmed up for a game, then played one where we lost closely, I missed the first two on the hard rim, then played well, guarded by smart, fast guard, he's only going to get better but he's a little inexperienced, last game to 21 I fell back once but used my wiles to score some points, we closely won, 1.5m
Fri - shakeout discing, met helicoptor pilot

A little trouble figuring where the packets were and what the course was but beautiful course. Loop back thru forest trail to far side disc golf course (there's a pond in there) thru parking lot, field, onto track under stands thru forest trail and around again then home. Don't really remember all the details, which means I was zoned in but passed a few in the first mile til I caught my 10 year old female nemesis running with her dad. After that things seemed to stay the same, we passed a few, who would then speed up to pass again, but then when consistent pace would bypass them again they'd concede. Girl's dad was encouraging her to break 20. One guy had the courage to stay with us. On the 2nd loop we put distance on all behind, I was preparing for a sprint to outkick a pre-teen girl. I loved the forest trail, and probably was faster on the hard but the grass is my friend. Probably because it feels easier to run on and being less consistent doesn't feel like one is pushing so much.

There's a point in every race where you give up, give out or give on. I started to get that dead leg feeling in the last mile. As Nate says, "Hitting the line and not knowing how long you can keep it." I fazed out a little by the bleachers getting Phin to watch us, and was 20 yards behind future female state champ, I felt like I picked it up thru the forest and around on the grass, and did have a sprint in that left me gasping and grasping my knees, but 10 year old Shalane Flanagan still won. (Shout out to NY marathon winner.)

All in all good race on a cross country course. This lets me know I'm in decent shape. There's two more levels to my best shape but I'm not sure I'll run a PR in a 5K, but there are still so many levels where I can push myself more.

May the God of all comfort give grace to you as you trust in Him.

Sun - run to homestead, felt good, like I wanted to run faster, enjoying racing pace, tacked on loop around "newer" homes, 3.5m
Mon - from Kearns JRP to Hunter to Mt View Corridor path, uphill S w Jo, wonderful exploratory run, 1 hr, 6 m;
Tue - short workout w B, run discing before work, 2m; ball guarded baldy, fouled him a few times but also got my hands on the ball, overly guarded quick cutter-guard, letting him get spacing for 3s, lost every game but played well, losing close ones, 1.5m
Wed - hike w B Olympus rock then parallel to outcropping, discovered open storm drain, 1.5m
Thu - ran w Draco canal to Bible Baptist, saw red-shirted revivalist who saw later in store, on the return against the wind dragging Draco, 3m; ball good, 4 on 4 half court had a good team but lost to slow white guy shooting lights out, had young skinny son who could almost dunk; for full court guarded by young overseer who gets in my head, can't outmuscle his short squattiness, find myself forcing up shots, played a little better posting up but forced some 3s, still need to fill out the "go-to-scorer/shooter" role; 1.5m feeling better, not so sore after ball anymore
Fri - rain, almost sleet all day, really wanted to run, getting to where I feel different if I don't run that day

Sat - worked in evening, Bible Study breakfast, Awana Grand Prix, not healthy food, run/disc--one of these times I ran to Park, disced and ran home, 3m
Sun - ran lightly to homestead, just putting pace out there, played disc before, left hand can make throws as good as right, technique & relaxation > strength & stress, 2.5m
Mon - preparing for a good trip, time with B, disc with J, he was awesome, trying out new shoes, walking up and down the hill, falling and committing to walking back up, enjoying a leaf pile, not worried about daddy discing, 1.5m
Tue - 3 hr sleep, drive to 'Springs, tired & sleep
Wed - had to pull myself away from awesome theological conversation to run on nice trail N of Leah's, met a guy running the race and one who's not, ran with them and then to park, walk back, 4m

Pick up to the race after they had closed off one ramp so as we jog to the start the kids race has already started to go off, Phineas and I started on the second wave and ran up the hill to the 1K turn around. Phineas wanted to walk before we reach the turnaround but he ran pretty well we started to run again and then it's a great downhill finish.

Got a good warm-up in and we got to the start, Ben was a quarter mile up still doing hip swings and we waited for the start he got there on the second row. I never saw Jon at the start, he had been waiting in the porta potty line.

And we are off, the uphill start meant I started pretty conservatively, I think I was also feeling the altitude it's 6900 feet. Seems like I was being passed at the start, but it's a bit of a blur, which means I was focused on the race. Before we got to mile two I think I was passing people, there's some up and down before the turnaround and I started to cruise on the downhill, we hit the turn around and Leah said good job, to both me and Jon. I knew he was close and moments later he passed me but I was waiting for the down hill, I passed him shortly after and there were two or three people that I was running with who we're cruising on the downhill. I felt like I was pushing myself and definitely going faster. Ben ran 18th he said he ran 9:10 at the turnaround and 9 on the way back which seems crazy considering the uphill.

Now comes the fun, I was pushing myself pretty well feeling good that I had passed Jon and cruising in, top of my breathing? always know I could push more especially considering the exciting news end. There was an 11 year old girl who I couldn't quite catch oh, yeah that's where it's at. We finished, I sprinted in well, John was behind but guess what his chip time is 2 seconds faster so he's still undefeated.

Congregated together after ready for a day's Drive. Ben waited around for his cup prize, his car had a flat he needed to fix. Wonderful Thanksgiving race, all glory to the God above who has given us these bodies, this time, this life. May we be as Paul who fought the good fight, ran the good race, may we look forward to the crown of Life given to those who eagerly await the Glorious return of Christ.

Fri - morning in Wichita, Aunt Suzan's, around Willow Bend (?) golf course, just easy miles, the course is 36 holes, ran a few of the spokes. Then did some discing in the wind, got a couple golf balls in my hands. Beautiful sunrise, I like Wichita. 3m

Sat - Texarkana pond with Ben, supposedly 3.9 miles Greg says but I could see inlets and jettys. Greg also expected "world class" runners to run faster. That was the last we saw of him, he went back to big D for his son's b-ball game. Ran on a single track mt. bike trail where there were loops and it was made for fun, not to get around the pond, 2 miles in Ben complains his hands and feet are itching, we get to the dam, which is maybe only a third of the way around, then there's a dirt road that angles away? Asked an older couple how far it was and they expressed incredulity. We found the golf course and Ben suggested we stay in the open. On one arm we ran 1/2 mile around and went only 200 yards across the jetty. Ben wanted to stay in the open because of his allergy (ragweed?). I mentally prepared myself as we looped and finally made it to a patient Carrie, about an hour total, it just seemed longer. 7.5m

Sun - drove 13 hours
Mon - drove 12 hours, disc golf in Grand Junction, some jogging, 1.5m
Tue - disc jog where met a guy who could throw, talked about timing the front foot plant with the backwards disc extension at the same (?); ball where I played okay, tried to be a guard and dribble down, lost the ball a few times, but maybe gaining some respectability (no, wait, maybe gaining some experience for future respectability) tho I did get acknowledgment for my age 1.5, 2m
Wed - some discing where I really put the timing plant/back extension into practice, felt great, tried to play ball but Nate's ward no go. 1.5m
Thu - workout with B, did the pushup/situp challenge, 40 situps, maybe 40 pushups, hurt lower back (not used to situps), some chair squats, then disc jog; ball was good, got on a good team with Carlos, fast and strong Asian guard, white overseer rebounder, and Jacob, great passing, ran the table on both teams twice, then half court and I got out before really overworking myself, 1.5, 2m
Fri - Becky pushing Jo, maternal instinct kicking in to keep walking to let him nap, I was too sore to disc well, but just shaking out, 1.5m

Glorious day, living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away.

No snow yet, beautiful race. Shakeout around the park, then Bill showed up and I knew I was running 2nd. He asked me if there were any ringers and I said, "No, you're gonna win." He took off and I was running 2nd until guy pushing wheelchair came up to me at 1/2 mile. I tucked in behind him, impressed with his pace. We ran 6:30 for the first mile (surprised). I asked him if he was going to have trouble getting through the barriers, he said he'd have to remove a wheel, I offered help but he said they had it. He lost 20 seconds at least both ways, he would have been right with me. I plugged on, avoiding the mud spill across the road, watching Bill run free ahead.

Results Good race, wheelchair ended up 4th, I felt like I pushed it on the way in and sprinting home, maybe 80% push, started to eat a donut afterwards when Bill said, "No, not at your age." That's why I'm slower ;-) I'm at 180 right now.

Bill had run out of gas 2 miles out, we ran the course together afterwards, Bill trying to get 3. After I took P & Grandpa and Jo to lunch we drove back and I saw Bill running beyond his truck to get gas.

He told me his story, 12 year old running 14 miles the day before running Des News marathon. He's always been a distance hog.

Sun - disc
Mon -
Tue - run in morning, shakeout, 1.5, evening ball, made two great passes, one bouncing over defense high to fast breaking tall, one bounce pass on break to game-winning layup; felt really good about knowing what I need to do to integrate the offense 1.5m

Wed - seemed like I tried to run, tried to ball but found Mexicans at Copper Hills ward who were playing soccer, way too advanced for me, played the piano instead, 1m

Thu - 42 min with Nate W to web park loop, back on canal up Turpin's, 4.5, ball played with short general/leader and good group but couldn't quite beat the tall white guys and short fastest Asian, felt peaked and stopped early, played piano, 1.5
Fri - shakeout disc?, adult white elephant Xmas party
Sat - little bit of midrange, then hour run with Nate, longer than wanted to but good, S canal to WJordan park then back up Redwood and zig-zag neighborhoods, 7.5, then played disc with my midrange, right foot a little peaked, tweaked a nerve a few weeks back, need to hold off, then closing the store
Sun - needed rest, watched Goff and Carson



 

Where did this week go?

One-run where I ran in the wind before a storm to the new nursing homes area.

Tue - played ball, 1.5m, trying different ways to play, lost on some turnovers,
Thu - ball, 1.5, afterwards my right hamstring in the middle of the night really tightened up, uncontrollable pain, this started a weakening of the leg leading to right hip strain, weaker gluteus muscle exacerbated by running long later

Sun - easy 2.5 home from homestead, right leg needs strengthening, in the first snowdusting of the year, been sick for 2 weeks now, getting better but still coughing up

Monday - disc, 1m
Tuesday- Walk with B on Mt view corridor, jog, lunges, hopping, working on right leg; 2m. CS Lewis lecture, lost every game, played against Speedster, guarded him well. Lost as a guard, as a hustler and Defender. Played at Ward South High Point. 1.5m
Wednesday - demoted, relaxed w TV Thursday - lost a yellow disc at Murray Park on lunch break. Played Asian ball, won every game, guarded by new young guy who was told how I played. Even won 2 on two at the end, 2m Friday - ran 15 minutes to tracks then took tracks to 4800 West and ran back an hour. Ran by Jordan Pres, pretty sore afterwards haven't done the mileage this week. Right leg weaker than the left, 7.5m

Forced taking it easy, but good for overall fitness.

Sat- trying to disc but hip hurting, good (slightly generic) Xmas eve service at GCBC, eating lots of food, put on 4 pounds (182), also not always sleeping as long as should, couch?
Mon - lovely Xmas, disced, but couldn't, worked on putting with Jo cleaning out the back of the truck
Tue - diagnosed glute weakness, doing exercises, tempted to ball but held off
Wed - finally felt good, worked out at 62nd park, skipping, dips, abs, glute, retrubution for demotion protocol, rested in the evening