8 Mile

Ok, so Eminem did it first, but Mark and I did the 8 mile this weekend too! As per the mightly schedule, we were supposed to to a 10K race last weekend, but ended up just coasting through a 7.5 miler around the lake. This weekend, six weeks out from the Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon, we were on board for the 8 mile loop. The course we ran was similiar to the seven miler, but we had to add a 1/4 mile leg around the small lake when we came off the pedestrian trail to make it a perfect 8. It was a nice morning, and the leaf covered paths were beautiful to run down.

Asynchrony Running Wear

There are several Asynchronites that are going to be running in the 1/2 Marathon in December, and I thought it would be a good idea to get a team shirt for all of us to wear as we run up the strip and around town. They are white, long sleeve dry mesh shirts with our Asynchrony Aces logo on the front of the shirt. We ordered the shirts this week and they should be in some time in mid-November. Thanks so much to Niki for the logo design (and to Dan for the air lines :) If anyone is interested in still getting one, we do have several extras in assorted sizes, please let me know as soon as you can. Go Asynchrony Aces!

Creve Coeur Lakers

It's long run Sunday again, and Mark and I dutifully headed out around Creve Coeur lake. It was a brisk, almost chilly morning, with temperatures hovering around 50...perfect for an easy 7 miler. I laid out the course we ran on google earth (love that program!) and have provided it here for your viewing pleasure.

As we were coming off the gravel side trail and starting to make our way around the back of the lake, we saw what looked like an eagle (white tail feathers) swoop down and grab a fish, then take off across the lake towards land. It was really quite amazing, and I'm sure that if we had a camera, someone could tell us exactly what it was we saw. If only I could find a camera built for runners...small, light, waterproof.


So, with eight weeks to go until the Las Vegas 1/2, we're right on schedule. After a quick stop on the scale, I'm currently down 8. So, it appears this calorie reduction plan seems to be working for me. Now, the question is...can I get rid of the other 12 by the time the race rolls around without cutting back so far I ruin my runs. I think for the normal weekly runs (4 to 5 miles a day) it should be no problem. May be just some extra carbs and protein for those longer weekend runs. I'll let you know how it goes. I promise, no whining :)

Scottsdale Skies

Sometimes you just have to stop and look up in wonder at the amazing world that we inhabit. I was in Scottsdale again this week for a meeting and had the opportunity for an early run. The morning was cool, and it had been raining on and off most of the night. The sky was a milky purple. I don't think the color came through so well from my phone camera, but it was a color that I don't often see in the skies above Saint Louis.

Based on the schedule (as always) I was on for an easy four miler. I stayed in the same hotel the week before, so the route was fresh in my mind. As I got past the first mile, I had to stop and grab the picture that you see here. I usually hate to stop (even for stop lights!) during one of the short weekly runs, but this view was certainly worth the wait.

Treasure Island

Ok, so this post isn't strictly related to running, but hey, it involved a lot of exercise! This weekend my family and I went to the annual Turner family reunion in Jamesport Missouri. Each year, there is a treasure hunt that rambles across miles of country roads, farms and streams. We cross over barbed wire fences, under electric fences, through grassy pastures and occasionally scale rock walls, all following a series of interconnected clues. This year, there were six teams of six or seven, ranging in ages from 6 to 60. We were blessed with perfect weather, good spirits and no major injuries. A fantastic time was had by all.

The next morning, after a semi-restful night at the EconoLodge in Cameron, MO, I headed out on the roads around Cameron for a morning 10K. The air was cool and crisp and the lack of traffic made it a wonderful run. I checked out the area on google earth the night before, but ended up winding through a number of neighborhoods and up a few particularly steep unanticipated hills. Part of the fun of traveling is the opportunity to run in new locations. You just never know what you're going to find around the next bend in the road.

The Weight

I was stuck, yet again in the Phoenix airport, waiting with Cornel for the 5:30pm flight to Saint Louis. We were feeling fairly good as our meeting ended early and we had moved from the 7:50 to the earlier flight with nary an extra charge. Alas, a weather delay coming out of Las Vegas had put a ground stop on our plane, eventually showing in Phoenix at 6:45. Thanks to Southwest's unbelievably quick turn, we were on our way and made it back home by 11:30. It certainly could have been a lot worse.

Due to the late arrival, I didn't quite make it in to the gym this morning, but did stumble across the scale for a quick check on my current status. I'm happy to report that I'm down 3 since I started this little regime. I have to say that I really couldn't pull any of this off without the retentive use of my Diet and Exercise Assistant. It really makes you think about what you're eating, and also helps to track all of the exercise that you're doing. And for only $20, it's quite the bargain!

Air, Please

There's something a bit different about running in Scottsdale, AZ. I think it's the total lack of breathable air during my runs :) It has been in the 70's in the mornings here the past few days. I had a nice 4 miler yesterday and a 3 1/2 miler today, as per schedule. I'm hoping to get home in time this evening to get to the Y tomorrow for a quick workout so I can check off the 'strength' box on the schedule. Hmmm, is it at all possible that it's all about the schedule now? Have I given up my free will to be a schedule slave? Oh, the agony!

Alright, enough complaining. We're supposed to find a 5K race this weekend in lieu of a long run. I'll be up in Northern Missouri, so I think I might just do a leisurely 10K instead. Next weekend the long run is 7 miles, so it should be a nice transition.

On a related note, it appears that we'll be ordering running shirts, Asynchronized of course, for the upcoming Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon. Any ideas about what our tag line should be would be most appreciated. Happy day!

Fast, Faster, Fasting

So the question of the day is...can you have a spiritually cleansing fast day, and then have a spiritually fulfilling run the following day? Based on (remarkably) recent experience, I'd have to say...absolutely! Now, we ran only 3 1/2 miles today, and I did get up bright and early and have a nice bowl of Kashi, but nonetheless, I think it was an overall successful transition. I know I had a nice clear mind this morning while pounding the pavement.

So, where are we with respect to our upcoming race? On Sunday, Mark and I did a 6 miler, as per the training guide. Monday, Yom Kippur, coincided with our plan's stretch and strength day, which was postponed until Friday morning. Overall, with 10 weeks until race day, we're on schedule and doing well. As for the poundage, I'm going to give it until Friday to weigh in...I'll let you know how it's going. I have to believe a fast day can only help :)

Happy thoughts and tight laces for all!