Monday, June 25, 2007

So what's all the fuss about running?

Like many guys who get married, it's easy to become less active over time and less disciplined about what we put in our bodies. As my friend, John Marcheschi, said recently, it's easy to "morph a bit" after college.

About three years ago, I decided to make better choices and get more active. Mirrors don't lie, ya know? So I began to run more regularly. Last year, I took the plunge and ran two half marathons, both in 2 hours, 6 minutes. My mom noted this was so unlike me, but she was proud of the effort and discipline. Dori was a huge support during training, as were many friends.

I was happy to finish those races but displeased with my times. This year, I trained again for a better race, but woke up feeling lousy the morning of the Country Music Marathon. I finished in 2:09. I knew at Mile Two I had issues. I finished only because I wanted to honor my friend, Scott McConnell, who was in the middle of Round Two with cancer. He's in remission, BTW.

I always chill out in the summers because of the heat, but for some odd reason (maybe disgust about three mediocre races), I decided to train this summer for the Virginia Beach Half Marathon on Sept. 2. I used to live in Virginia Beach as a Navy lieutenant and have been working over my buddy and old shipmate, Dave Baum, to join me. The weekend I had planned was really meant for racing and then fun and R&R. I especially love Harpoon Larry's bar and seafood joint (http://www.harpoonlarryskillerseafood.com/) and still plan to swing by Sunday night after the race.

But as you know, there's been a change in plans. This race isn't about me or R&R anymore. Dori was diagnosed with leukemia Tuesday, June 19. After we heard this news and cried ourselves silly, Dori said she remembered we received a solicitation in the mail to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Virginia through Team in Training. As I've shared before, I don't believe in coincidences.

So I'm running for Dori now, not me. Thanks to family pitching in last week, I was able to train four days. It was the only time all week I had to myself. Here's last week's training recap, which I'll be posting mostly as a personal log but also for fellow runners who are interested (quite a few of us are kind of goofy about miles, times, pace and conditions).

Monday - 5.5 miles, 46:10, 8:23 pace, 83 degrees, mixed to hilly
Wednesday - 6.5 miles, 1:02:00, 9:32 pace, 87 degrees (midday), mixed
Saturday - 8.0 miles, 1:16:50, 9:36 pace, 77 degrees, hilly
Sunday - 4.35 miles, 36:30, 8:23 pace, 82 degrees, mixed to flat

Total miles: 24.35 miles

6 comments:

lcreekmo said...

Jim, I'm so glad to be keeping up with you all here and at Caring Bridge. Please don't ever feel burdened to post, but all your friends are glad to hear from you when you feel able.

You all remain in my thoughts and prayers....
Laura

Unknown said...

Jim,

I found your blog via Rex's blog... good luck on your training! I'll be keeping up with it.

M

Summer said...

So many people running these days. You inspire me to start thinking about getting my butt movin'. Operative word: thinking... hehe

Well, you inspire me beyond just running. I hope today is a good one for all of you...

Paige Clancy said...

Glad to see your new blog. It looks great! Congrats on all the running, too. It has great restorative powers, doesn't it? On hot summer days, have you tried laps on the 1.5-mile scenic loop at Percy Warner? It's great because of all the shade, and you get major uphill and downhill. Plus, being in the park is nice when there's a lot on your mind. Well ... whatever you're doing to train sounds like it's working. Go Team Brown!

lcreekmo said...

Hey Jim, let us all know if you set up a Team in Training website too, so we can all pitch in!!

Jim said...

Laura and friends, the Team in Training site is up and running (and linked on the main page). I would love if you all contributed and spread the word. I will put something out more broadly soon, but please fire away! Jim