How did I end up here??

Trying to make a silly dream happen?

2008-03-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

I now have been running for a little over 3 years, and ever since about 6 months or so into my running habit I started thinking about how much fun myself and my friends were having at the local 5k's and other races around town and began to have thoughts of organizing my very own race. I just thought it would be a lot of fun. I mean, running a little, free food, cold beer, and a little local musical talent can go a long way, right? Especially if you really get lucky and have perfect weather. Well, like many dreams we all have, it soon faded as, at the time I was really the only one out of my little group who was even interested in doing something like this. A couple of years have passed since then, and I haven't really thought about it much at all, that is until myself, Poole, and Holly were on our way to run the 50 miler. We were talking about how I had heard that there might not be a Double Death run 30 miler this year due to some kind of permit issues. They were just talking away in the front seat, and I listened quietly and thought to myself "these guys really want to do this". Well, we are pretty fired up about it and we have come up with the idea to do a 6 hour run. This is an ultra- style race, I guess you could say where you show up and basically run as many miles as you can in 6 hours!!!! Of course you don't have to run for 6 hours, the idea is to just have fun and get a little running in at the same time. What we are going to try to do is have the run, provide food and beer after the race, maybe even a band or something. Anyway, all 3 of us are going to work very hard to make this happen, and I myself spoke with quite a few people today about sposoring the run, and most all of them showed great interest. So, with all that being said, anyone who would like to run or volunteer, do somethin'. For me, I didn't run today, I had no time. I was able to get in a quick 7 miler yesterday on the trails and I got to say, the weather was sweet and I can't wait to get back out there tommorrow. See ya out there. Later

What the hell is all this white shit on the ground?

2008-03-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

Snow sucks!!!!!!!! I guess it's cool if you just get to play around in it like my kids, but when you have to get up at the ass crack of the day and clean that shit up it all of the sudden becomes very annoying. Anyway, I have only had time to get in a couple of short runs this week, I probably needed the rest after the 50 miler last weekend anyway. Myself, Poole, and Darrin are going to run the G'town half marathon course tommorrow.This will be Darrin's first attempt at this distance, and Poole really wants to kill it, so I figured I would take them out for a training run on the course so they can get familiar with it. I have run this race 2 years in a row, plus I grew up in this area, so I know it very well. Other than that, I'm gonna lounge around the house and play in the shitty asss snow with the kids. I hope you all have a grand weekend. Later bitches!!!!

Mississippi 50 miler results...... WE DID IT!!!!

2008-03-02T04:58:00.000-08:00

Man, what a weekend. Myself, Poole, and Holly left Memphis at around 10:00 a.m. Friday morning and headed out. I took longer than we thought it would, about 5.5 hours or so! For me, emotions were already running high about the race because I haven't been running much due to the tendonitis in my right leg. On the way down there it was already hurting pretty bad and I was lust sitting in the car!! We talked about upcoming races and planning long runs to prepare for them and all kinds of things. All I could think about was how I would try to run this race injured.I told them I thought I had about a 20% chance of finishing this and the way my leg felt it was possible that I might just do the first 12.5 mile loop of four and have to quit. An way, we got there and set up the tents, went to pick up our race packets and had a pasta dinner at the train station. This basically just made me more on edge, seeing that MANY people eating there were wearing t-shirts that read Western States 100 miler finish, or Vermont 100, Boston Marathon. You get the picture, I was really starting to feel like I had bitten off more than I could chew.So the next morning we started running towards the trail at 6:00 a.m. and it was quiet, no one said much. As I was afraid of, my leg really started hurting at about mile 3! I was really starting to get angry, I just couldn't believe how bad it was hurting. We continued on finishing the first loop in 2.5 hours. By this time, the pain had increased to the point that my whole right leg from my knee to my ankle was going numb. This is when I had to make the decision to keep going or drop out. I just decided that I was injured for sure and that I was going to do whatever I had to do to finish , so I kept going. The severe pain lasted the entire race, increasing slowly throughout. There were some very dark moments yesterday, moments I really don't care to visit again that is for sure. The toughest loop for me was the third, mentally and physically. But I knew that if I made the time cutoff for the 37.5 mile checkpoint I might be able to pull it off. I actually was able to run the last lap almost as fast as the first, which was nice. The feeling I had while crossing the finish line of my first 50 mile race can only be matched emotionally by marrying my wife and having my kids. It feels great to have completed such a huge personal goal. I also am vey proud of Poole, who just started running a year ago last month and has already run a marathon and 5 ultras, yesterday being his first 50 miler as well. His time was 10 hours and 43 minutes. Holly also had a great run for the 20k, finishing in 2 hours flat. She then ran the fourth loop with Poole and got in a total of 25 miles for the day. I crossed the line in 11 hours and 32 minutes and I can't believe it!!!! What a great day.

2 days, 9 hours!!!!!

2008-02-27T18:55:00.001-08:00

I now have 2 days and 9 hours til start time!!!! It's funny I was talking to my older sister on the phone earlier today, and I explained to her that myself, Poole, and Holly were going to Miss. this weekend to run a race and that we would be camping. I also told her that our campgrounds would not have running water or toilets. She said,"so let me get this straight, you dumbasses are gonna drive more than 4 hours to sleep in a sleeping bag in a fucking tent in the middle of nowhere, freeze your nuts off all night, then get up at 4:00 a.m. and not be able to brush your teeth, take a shit in a hole in the ground, run 50 miles then get in the fucking car right after the race and drive back"? I said "yes, but they have free food every 4 miles or so, plus we are getting WASTED on the way home". The phone was silent for a few seconds, so I can only assume she was thinking the same thing I was......... BADASS!!!!!!!

Takin it easy........ SUCKS!!!!!!!

2008-02-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

Dude, today is the third day in a row I haven't run a single step, and I got to tell you that I have so much pinned up energy I feel like I could dunk on a pro basketball player. I mean I guess I'm just used to burning so much fuel during the day, now I'm not doing shit so I'm "backed up" I guess.I find myself pacing around the house like a mad man or something. Very annoying. The days seem longer, way longer. I also keep thinking to myself, "what the hell did I do all the time before I started this running shit". Then I realized my answer, DRINK!!!! Holy shit have I been drinking. Call it minor depression or being bored or whatever, but no shit I have been drinking so much the last few days it would make that David Hasselhoff dude look like a fucking freshman in high school at his first field party. It's like I'm a rock star, only I'm not sitting in a badass house surrounded by a bunch of sluts and sweet guitars. Oh well, that would be cool. Just kidding if you're reading this Anne Marie. Anyhow, I woke up this morning and my leg feels great!! So I think everything will be fine. But, I think I'm going to not run again today and just drink all day! What the hell, it's only a 50 miler, right? Ha ha, later bitches!!

Oh no!!!!!!!

2008-02-22T06:05:00.000-08:00

I don't know what the hell is going on. All I know is Tuesday after work I hit Shelby Farms alone for a 7 miler, feeling great at first. Then all of the sudden my right shin got very tight, no pain, just tight. I ran on for another 4 miles or so and it happened again, this time a little more intense. I just ignored it and kept on running and with just about 20 yards from my truck it hit me hard. This is not good. I decided to take yesterday off from running, in fear that I might be injured for real. I am really scared even more now about the 50 miler than before. I only have 7 days left. Another reason I'm scared is because I had this same injury last year and I know exactly what it is. It put me out for 3 months last time. I really don't know what I will do if I get hurt again, HOLY DEPRESSION!!!!!!! I have worked so hard to run this race, it is a lifetime goal for me. The thing is, I know myself and what I'm afraid of is this. I am going to run this race, even if it means running in the worst of pain for 45 miles of it. After the race I fear that I'll be so hurt I won't be able to run for months or something. Well we will see. I might run a couple of miles later to test it out. Later

Boring blog

2008-02-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

I don't really have huch to say today. I had a shitty day at work and I didn't feel like doing much after that. Myself, Poole, and Dirty D were able to get in an hour worth of running in my back yard, which was nice. I felt alright, but my right quad was hurting a little. I'm sure it isn't anything serious. I'm probably going to just take it easy this week, still gearing up for the 50 miler next weekend, maybe 5 days of running with a 25 miler or so this weekend. I can't wait til March 1, but I still am very nervous. Keep me in your prayers. Later.

2008 Sylamore 50k

2008-02-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

My Dad and I left Memphis Friday morning to run the Sylamore 50k. The old man has been nervous about the race for several months, in fear that he might not finish in time to beat the cut-off, even more that he might not finish at all. He was hoping to finish in 10 hours, I am very proud to say he finished in 8:26. On the way home I was thinking about the many conversations I shared with some new runners I met and the same question seemed to be asked over and over. That question was "what is your ultimate goal in running". A lot of people said things like running a 3 hour marathon 0r a 19 minute 5k or to run a 100 miler. I can honestly say that for me, after seeing my dad, who is in his 60's finish an ultramarathon, my personal goal is now changed forever. From now on I just hope I can run like that at his age.What an inspiration. As for the rest of the group everyone finished. Poole finished with a personal best, about 6:25 Drew ran a 6:15 or so, Holly and Vinny bothran great times for the 25k, I think 3:40 or so, and I finished the 50k in around 7:45. Great weekend, great memories.

Didn't do shit today.

2008-02-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

The title above says it all, I really didn't do shit today, at all. Not unless you count drinking a few cold beers while helping my kid do a science project and eating a shit heap of mac n cheese and watching a bunch of no talent humps butcher great songs on American Idol. I just didn't feel like running in the cold after working a 11 hour day it sitting my chubby ass on a damn tractor. So, I didn't. These days where I choose to not do anything are pretty much few and far between, so I am kind of enjoying it. I was able to get in 40 plus miles over the last 4 days so I don't feel guilty. Plus,I probably need the rest for Sylamore on Saturday. I kinda want some winter weather, that would be cool. They are saying it might happen, so we will see what happens. For those of you who will be making the trip from Memphis, be sure and bring your party panties along in your travel bag, because the Squatting Bear is planning on putting on a serious display of retardation at the after race campfire as I mentally frolic through several annoying stages of intoxication. This will be your only warning. Don't bring your kids or anyone else you hold a high respect for, it might be a little embarrising. Oh, one more thing, there is a strong chance of public nudity, so if you are a "holy" person I apoligize in advance. Not really, if my pasty ass offends you, kiss it, I'm on vacation. Later.

Holy bathroom breaks!!!!!!!!

2008-02-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

We got to the trails on time this morning, it was pretty nice out too. I'm not sure of the exact temperature, but it could have been a lot worse for this time of year. So myself, Poole and Drew set off at 5:00 a.m. with the headlamps on, ready to see what would happen today. I felt good overall, but my hands were so damn cold I could hardly open my fingers. I think from now on I will leave my fluids out on the counter the night before a long run and see what happens. Anyway there we are just running , laughing, telling funny stories and discussing plans of training and racing, and all of the sudden at mile 6 or so it felt like I was going to shit all over myself, just like that, out of nowhere. I had just gotten through feeling sorry for Drew, who was having some major stomach issues himself, and thinking to myself how glad I was that I wasn't feeling that way and not to talk about it with him because in my experience that only makes things worse. For anyone who knows me or has run a few times with me would know that I often have "bathroom breaks" on the trail. That is why my name is the "squatting bear". So it happened the first time at mile 7. We continued on for about five more miles and BANG, number two, so to speak. This is always frustrating for me because other than my stomach I was feeling really strong, but as you might know these "breaks" in the woods can bring on the fatigue and dehydration like a bitch. Still running well we started back down the yellow trail towards the cars and I started to fell better. I had just told the other guys I was thinking abg about running a little more once we got to the cars and about a mile later KABOOM, again. After that I really had no other option but to stop at the cars and come back tomorrow. Still, we ended up running 17 miles , I got in 9 yesterday so I guess I'm happy with that. Looking forward to this coming weekend in Sylamore, we should have a good little group heading out from Memphis, so it should be a lot of fun. Gotta go, I'll be in the shitter if you need me!!!!!

Trying to get it back on track.

2008-02-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Man, what a week! Thank God it's over. I hardly got any running in at all, but I just had too many other important things happening. I was thankfully able to get off work a little early today and hit Shelby Farms for a 9.5 miler, running the first 7 with Poole. The weather was awesome today. It seemed like I had a smile on my face the whole run. Hopefully the weather will be similar tomorrow for my long run. I plan on meeting Poole and Drew at 5:oo a.m. at the kite area, later hooking up with Dirty D and a new runner at about mile 20. I don't really know how long we will run, but I need to go as long as possible seeing that I missed a few days this week. Right now I am doing a little "dehydrating", showing my disipline by enjoying several Sam Adams Black Lager beers pre long run. Oh well, you win some you lose some, Hope to see ya running soon. Later!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Inspiration

2008-02-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

At the funeral today the man speaking was talking about how you should live now, take more vacations, spend more time doing what you are passionate about. Of course I thought of my family and close friends,and then I thought of running. I thought about how I don't really have many friends who run and how they don't "get it." They all ask why. Why run all those painful miles and even more "what do you think about while running for several hours." The answer was always different. I would say I run because it makes me feel good to set a goal and reach it or something stupid like that. I realized I have been running all these races in a selfish manner. What I mean is, it was all about ME. Losing weight for me, running a fast time for me,reaching a goal for MEEEEEEEEE!!!! Not anymore. In several days I will be running 50 miles for the first time, and I am scared to death. I am NOT ready at all. But, in the funeral home today I stumbled upon a new source of inspiration. I'm going to run this one right. This time I'm running for my dad, from who I was passed down the mental strength it takes to do this running stuff in the first place. I'll be doing it for my mom, who I wish I was like in so many ways it would take too long to type, my awesome wife whoI look up to so much. I'll be running for Jim Hood who beat cancer against all odds, my sweet baby niece Mary May, and last but not least my 3 baby girls will keep my legs moving forward and my heart pumping until the finish. I may not be ready, but know this, I will finish. After all, the pain some of these people have gone through, whether physical or not, 50 miles should be a piece of cake. Thanks for the inspiration.

??????????

2008-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well, my family and I have had a rough week to say the least. Two deaths both unexpected, both local, and today and tomorrow will thank God wrap up all of the services. This past week has definately opened my eyes as to what is really important in life. I have found myself telling the ones that I love how I feel more often than ever, and even volunteering to let my kids sleep in the bed with me only because I can't seem to get that "you never know" thing out of my head. It is crazy to me that when you tell someone "see ya tomorrow" you actually may not ever see them again . Needless to say I didn't get much running done this week, just a few short ones. I probably needed the rest anyway. Well, I'm off to the funeral home for the last time, I'll be getting back to some real training tomorrow, this fucking 50 miler has snuck up on me like a son of a bitch!! Later.

Runnig vs. Education?

2008-01-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a great time fishing ,what I remember anyway. I don't know anything about fishing, but from what all the other guys said we caught a shit load! I had fun either way. Didn't really get much running though. I ran for an hour the first morning there, and I was quickly reminded that the hills there are far worse than anything we have here. I was also running with a little buzz from the night before too, seeing that we only had acouple of hours of sleep. Anyhow, I got out of bed at 4:00 a.m. to hit the road, tried to wake Poole up, but I was unsucessful because he was smarter than me and stayed in the bed. It was like 12 degrees or something. Anyway, there I am, all alone on an unfamiliar road in the middle of nowhere, thinking about my family, work , and running. I laughed a little while asking myself why in the hell I was out there when it would have been so easy to just stay in bed like those other guys at the cabin. I suddenly started to realize there is a certain pattern in my life, in many things. I don't know why, but I started thinking about how Poole didn't run, and I did. Not that I really wanted to be out there any more than he did, but I HAVE to!! The whole education and running comparison came to me bacause I was thinking, damn Poole, that fucker can lay in bed if he wants to, he has natural running talent. My ass has to run 5 or 6 days a week, 55 or 65 miles a pop or my training just simply won't be enough. Just like your friends in school who could get shit faced 3 nights a week and make a 4.0! I personally had to study my balls off to get a C on a fucking P.E. exam!!! My point is, I have come to realize that if I want somethings I am going to have to work a little harder than others. I guess I am lucky, however to have found something I don't mind putting the work in for. Thank Jesus, had I continued to try my hand at school I probably would be sitting in pre-algebra tomorrow morning as the oldest tenth grader in Shelby Couny history. See ya on the trails!!

Recovery Week

2008-01-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

Well, this week I'm not really doing much, just a few short runs to keep the legs loose and some good upper body workouts. I'm very happy to report that my legs feel great after the race, which is always good news. Tomorrow I'll be heading to Arkansas after work with Poole, my 2 bosses and a few other guys to go on a fishing trip, which will be great to just relax, get away from a long run, and just do some short runs in a different place. Basically I'm gonna get wasted everyday guilt free and act like I know a lot about fishing, trout I think? I am however going to miss my wife and kids , I don't do very well away from them. I don't think they will be as sad to see me go, that way the one stinky boy will be out of the house and they can just do "chick stuff" all weekend. Oh well, who really gives a shit? After all, I plan on being tits up drunk the whole time I'm there anyway, so it should pass pretty quickly! Hope everyone has good runs this weekend, so to speak. Later

A final look at Swamp Stomper 2008

2008-01-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well, it's over. A success overall, I guess. All of the members of Memphis Ultra finished, and congrats to Vince Spataro for finishing his very first ultra! I had the pleasure of running the first several miles with him, M.Poole, and Mike (last part) Mobely. Poole left us shortly after the turn around in fear he was wasting too much time at the aid stations, and finished real strong alongside pacer/brother-in-law/team member Drew. Myself, Vince, and Mobely continued on for several miles and I felt great the entire time.We also got to run a few steps with Ultra Mike Hudson, who seemed very focused and strong. I could tell the other two were starting to feel the pain that comes along with an ultra and I went on alone. I picked up the pace in the last 7 or 8 miles (wishing I would've sooner) and passed a few people on the way home. I just could not get over how strong I felt the whole race. I had heard horror stories about how hard the course was, and I have to be honest, I just didn't think it was very hard at all. I never really got tired, and the "hills" didn't seem to bother me much. After running the Stump Jump and Sylamore I was expecting a lot worse. There were some pretty steep inclines inside the red loop, but I would have to say that literally 60% of the course at Stump Jump was worse than that. However, it was diffcult in it's own way and everyone who showed up and ran deserves a pat on the back and a high five. It was very cold. As a matter of fact, I was freezing my ass off for the first 3 or 4 miles. Great race, and thanks to Leigh Tanner for making it all fall into place for more than a few of us. After it was all over with, I went home and enjoyed a few cold beers and went to sleep. This morning I got up feeling great, no soreness anywhere, so I decided to get put of the bed and do a little upper body workout, which was nice. I took the day off work thinking I would be sore and tired, but after a few early afternoon celebration beers I had to sneak out the back door for a few short miles. WOOPS!!! See ya on the trails.

I don't need this now!

2008-01-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

So, I was trying to be smart and find my own "secret way" to the packet pick up for the race tomorrow and I got lost, really lost. So fucking lost I felt like I was spinning!!!! I just kept on driving around like a complete dumbass for over an hour, and I never even saw one goddamn sign I had on the stupid directions I was "following". I swear to Christ I thought about jerking the truck off the road on purpose. I was sooooooooo pissed I could've killed a puppy!!!! So, I FINALLY got to the lodge and picked up my race packet, and like even more of a stubborn dumbass I didn't bother to get sound directions home, relying only on my awesome sense of direction that led me here to guide me home. WRONG AGAIN!!!! I got even more lost on the way home. Oh my God I thought I was gonna die!!!!!But anyway, I am home now. I'm just gonna relax a little and stay off my feet. I did however, sneak in a little 8 banger at the trails today and it was nice. I hope my legs feel this strong tomorrow!!! See ya

Pre Race Ritual

2008-01-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

I can't help but laugh when I sit here and think about how important running is to me now. When I first started out I was just running circles around the block where I lived at the time until my head would nearlly spin off, signing up for 5k's I wasn't ready for, and on top of that pretty much having a drinking contest the night before the race, sometimes right up until just a couple of hours before the start of the race! Idiot!! Now here I am, a couple of years later, getting ready for my third ultra, and in a few hours I'll be laying out my gear on the bedroom floor as if there is actually an imaginary person wearing them. I could hardly sleep last night because I kept imagining I was running the course, wondering what it will be like, hoping I don't cramp up again, all that shit! I am the king of training like an animal, having great training runs, and bonking huge in the race. I think it is nerves. Anyways, my new "behavior" just kind of lets me know where I am now in the running and how far I've come. It now has become a part of me, it's in me. This is not a phase for me, as I see it being a part of my life forever. Running has made me more healthy, more efficiant at work, a more in tune Daddy, a more patient and sometimes more understanding husband. Also, this is spiritual for me, like therapy too. I'm sure all of you who run a lot know what I'm talking about, and hopefully agree with me. Sorry I'm rambling, just excited about the race tomorrow. See ya out there!!! Run your ass off!!!!!!!!!!

It actually happened!!

2008-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

Holy shit!!!!!!! Leigh Tanner let me know shortly after I posted my blog last night, and I can't wait. This is huge because now I get to run with a couple of the Memphis Ultra members, Holly and Vince. It will be great to run with him in the quest to cross the finish line in his first ultra, I just can't believe it all came together like this. Wednesday evening Leigh told me there were 22 people in front of me on the list, the next morning there were 13, then I guess people started dropping like flies,and she told me around 2:30 yesterday afternoon there were only 3 people left in front of me and I knew it could happen, and it did!!!! Can't wait til Sunday. I feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, so we will see what happens. See ya there, later runners!!!!

Waiting Lists Suck!!!

2008-01-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

I am waiting to see if I'll be able to run the Swamp Stomper on Sunday, and it is killing me!!!! The last I heard there were three people in front of me on a waiting list, so everyone keep your fingers crossed!!!! Good luck to thse who are running for sure. See ya later.

Weekly look over?

2008-01-14T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I ended up having a pretty good week, running a total of 68.5 miles and felt great the entire time on my long run on Saturday morning. Myself, Poole, and Drew ran together, Drew met up with us after our first 11 or so miles and ran strong, as always, for a respectable 20. My good buddy and "newbie" runner Darrin ran also for a total of about 9 miles or so. Poole and I finished up with a 30 miler, and I was so happy because I never felt tired at all and finished at a good pace with plenty left in the tank. This is huge for me mentally, because it gives me confidence that I am getting closer to being ready for the 50 miler in March!! Also, we ran into Ultra Mike Hudson at the very end of the run, which was great because I just love meeting new people who share the same passion as all the rest of us crazy people, running around aimlessly in the woods for hours at a time. But, it was cool to meet him and I hope he will want to run with us as a group sometime. For anyone who is curious, this is how our course went Sat. First, Chickasaw, then the Tour de Wolf, down the endless gravel road under Walnut Grove, Blue trail to G'town Pkwy, Grey's Creek, 10 miler, and Yellow trail back to the kite flying area at Shelby Farms. Who knows what other little extras we put in there, but basically that was it. Hopefully I can just stay healthy this year, that would be nice for a change!!!!!!! See ya.

Cascadia vs. Free 5.0

2008-01-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I moved to the country a few weeks ago, and aparently I have a lot to learn about living in the sticks. I have these awesome trails that begin less than 30 feet from my back door, and I run them everyday. With that being said, my very understanding wife would greatly appreciate it if I take my nasty ass shoes off before I come inside. Totally understandable, right? So I do. I leave them out of the way on the front porch. After about one week after moving in and discovering my new playground, I walk out the front door eager to hit the trails, and to my surprise, one of my new Brooks trailrunners is GONE!!!! Once I dfound a few other half eaten items laying in the side yard, I figured that some wild animal had about a 100 dollar snack, on me!! So thiat brings me to my point. For over two years now I've been running the same Brooks and I love them. I had a pair of these Nike free 5.o trail shoes at the house which I used just to wear around the house and stuff. For those of you who don't know, these 5.o's are supposed to simulate barefoot running, so I've been a little hesitant to run in them seeing that I need more support. However, I had no choice so I laced them up and I was off. Let me tell ya something, they were bad ass!!!! I love them. They truly feel like your running without shoes on. I have run about 110 miles in them in the last 2 weeks and I love them. So for anyone who has thought about getting a pair, I highly suggest it. If I had to say anything negative about them, I would say that I wish they had better traction for running when it has rained, and maybe if they could come up a little higher on the ankle. Also, I wouldn't recommend running much more than 20 miles in them and I really would not want to run on a rough, rooty trail you aren't familiar with. Other than that, they rock!!!!!

Shameless Plug!!

2008-01-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

For the hundreds of thousands of you who don't know, myself and a couple of running partners came up with the idea of starting a running group after having such agreat time at the Stump Jump 50k in October. I came up with the name Memphis Ultra, and if you have to ask why then you are very dumb. We are all from Memphis and we run ultras. But seriously, we are looking to run with anyone who is interested in just running to have fun training. We don't care about pace, race, gender, or age. So far there are about 10 members running together every Saturday morning for the "long run". A select few of us are lucky enough to be able to run as a small group mostly every day.For the most part, the "long run" is always 20 or more miles usually at an easy 10ish pace per mile. We are looking to grow as a group and we already have several road trips planned where we will travel and represent Memphis as a team in our awesome new jerseys!!!!! So if anyone is interested in running anytime, get in touch with me on here. Shoot me an email, annemarie@adsitlandscape.com Hope to see ya soon!!

2008-01-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Well, today I decided to take the day off, just relax. I ran a couple short miles with my oldest daughter Lizzie, which was a lot of fun. She and I don't really get a lot of alone time to do things just she and I because I have three girls and they are all equally demanding of Daddy time. It is crazy how time flies. I mean, it seems just the other day I was slipping a pull-up on her and kissing her good-nite and now we are running side by side in the woods behind my house talking about everything from how important taking care of your health is to BOYS!!!!!!!! Boys I tell ya!! I just can't believe she 's talking about boys. I know it sounds crazy, but if I thought I could get away with it I'd kick that little punk right in the balls just for wanting to roller skate with my little girl!!! I guess I got a lot of work to do before her prom if I don't want to end up in jail. Oh well, don't have much to say about running today, only real life stuff. Happy running!!!!!!!!

Fresh start?

2008-01-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I think now that it is the new year it's time to get a little bit more serious about my running. I have, in the previous three years of my running, just kind of been jogging around half-assed and not really had an interest in getting any better. But in 2007 I had a pretty good year, successfully completing and running personal bests in several races including- Sylamore 25k (3:04), Germantown half- marathon (1:47:11), Double death run 30 miler(5:01:09), Country music marathon(4:11:49), Big Wades Adventure 18 miler(2:54), Stump Jump 50k (8:58), and the St. Jude Marathon(4:07:15).There are a few others I am leaving out, but my point is that isn't so bad for a fat dude!! However, I have been told for the last couple years by far more serious runners than me that if I really got serious I might just surprise myself. Of course I am not stupid, I know my place in this sport, I am never going to be "competing" or anything, what I mean is that I don't think I'm running at my full potential. So this year, I'm gonna try my hardest to concentrate on my many weaknesses, not my strengths. My main "soft spots" would have to be cold beer and a lot of food of any kind. I am the king of finishing a great long run at about 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning and immediately diving into an all day drunkfest. This usually results in a couple days of non- quality running to start out the following week and blah-blah-blah. Also, I have to start watching what I put in my mouth and definately throw in cross- training at least 4 or 5 times a week. Basically what I'm saying is, it's on. It's on for the squatting bear in 2008, and all you fast, skinny pussies better watch your delicate asses because you know who is rapidly approaching all of your personal worsts!!!! See ya on the trails ladies!!!!!!!!

Runner's High

2007-12-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

The first several steps I feel heavy. There is no flow in my stride. I stumble aimlessly up the first of many steep hills and the frosty morning air fills my lungs like a warning for what lies ahead. I make my way to a grove like area where the frozen green grass stings my ankles and I stop suddenly, soaking it all in. I then head in a familiar direction where I have marked a trail with orange colored tape and begin to pick up the pace. I am short of breath and the razor sharp overhanging stickers rake across my quads drawing blood and causing me to stop again to remove them. For the next few miles I take groggy steps up and down ditches, jumping fallen trees and branches, hoping to find what I'm looking for. My mind begins to wander, and I almost forget what I'm doing out here. Soon I am far from the mental and physical state from which I started. I am no longer heavy, I am weightless, running effortlessly through the woods behind my house like an animal being chased. Running only on instinct, guided only by light and sound. My legs are no longer heavy and tight, they are sure and strong. My heart is eager to be pushed or tested, almost welcoming the pain. I then push through a muddy area that is long and straight, leading to a spot where I carefully move through an old barbed- wire fence, ripping my sock. The morning sun is warm , and it nearlly blinds me now as I make my way into the first of many open pastures filled with tall grass and random stretches of standing water. I then run along a deep, gravel filled gully heading back into the trails, in fear that I might have another close encounter with the overprotective cows that roam these pastures. As I jump the creek, several deer scatter within 30 or so yards of me and it reminds me that I am definately in the wild. I feel alive now, smiling involuntarily, and the salty sweat runs into my wide open eyes. In the open areas I run hard, but it is an easy effort. I am comfortable here because in my normal life there is so much structure. Out here I am truly free. There is no law, no rules, no boundaries. I am running against time. The wind picks up as I start to head home, and the steady breeze whistles God's tune in my ear and the tall trees are swaying in time. It is in times like these that I understand what it feels like to be truly alive. I follow my own footsteps back to my house feeling strong, and thankful. When I start to slow down I feel fresh, never tired, I don't really get tired. I only get tired of waiting, and wondering when I might be able to get back here again.

First time out!!! (blogging that is)

2007-12-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I felt like absolute crap last night, and wasn't even sure if I would run at all today. I have found in my past experiences however, that if I just get my fat ass out of bed and hit the trails for a while I can just run through a mild sickness. Plus, I feared thay my running buddies Poole (Jolly green thumb) and Vinny would rag me really bad if I were to call in sick at 5:00 a.m. when we were supposed to run at 6:00. So there we are and just as I expected I felt as though I was running with both running partners on my shoulders for the first 6 or 7 miles. Then, all of the sudden I started to feel almost normal from the waist down!! Maybe I would be able to get some quality miles in after all!!! After 10 miles, Vinny had to drop out due to an emergancy at work and Poole comes up lame!!!! Not good. I say this not only because I enjoy running with him , but we are supposed to run our first 50 miler together March 1. I finished running on my own, another 10 miles, 20 for the day. Better than I thought I would do. Hopefully Poole will be fine and we will be back on track in no time. As for Vinny, turns out everything was fine at work. I know how disapointed he was having to cut out early on a long run, but I know him, he is strong and very focused on his goal, his first ULTRA!!!!! Swamp Stomper. So anyway, I ran a quiet 50+ miles this week and had a decent long run. Holla Bloggers!!!!!!