"Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can." - Lowell Thomas

5.41 miles yesterday! I was very happy to break the 5 mile mark again. It wasn't too fast (50 min; about a 9:14 pace), but it still wasn't easy. There was definitely some pain once I got past mile 4....I just kept telling myself that the harder I push today, the easier it will be tomorrow.

I was reminded again how important 'foot care' is for runners. When I have some more time, I'm going to post the remedy that I've been using and hopefully others will post theirs.

“Training was a time where resolutions made in the enthusiasm of an inspired moment were put to personal test.” -Herb Elliott

3.5 miles and a light chest & ab workout. It felt great.....it still feels great. My energy level, my attitude, my mood, etc, it's all better when I can workout. The run wasn't fast by any means (3.5 miles in 31:31), I was just glad to be able to get back on the treadmill. I did some interval work to help me ease back into a faster pace and it didn't feel too bad, but I could definitely tell that I had taken some time off. I did notice that my feet weren't in great shape, which is odd considering all the rest they've had. Hopefully I won't get any new blisters this week.

Hopefully the weather gets better so I can get a long run in this weekend!

“He who loves, flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free and nothing holds him back.” -Henry Matisse

Back in the gym tomorrow and back on the treadmill. I'm scared to even think about what the scale is going to say on Thursday. It's been a rough 10 days, especially the pain and the bad eating/drinking (I like Heineken). But, I'm really looking forward to getting back on track. It's amazing how much better I feel when I'm exercising. Running is like a super happy pill for me....without it I just don't feel right.

I know I'm not quite fully healed, but I'm hoping things are good enough to start easing my miles back up. I'm tired of being tired...and grumpy!!

I'm going to take it slow this week and just play things by ear. My goal will be just to get settled back into the routine.

My Bday

I know many of you are still struggling with my birthday gift....you still have 32 more shopping days left. To make things easier for you, I wanted to let you know that I am in the market for a pace trainer. I know Garmin has some good ones, but I really don't have a clue what to look for. If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment!

Still no running or working out....I can't wait to get back at it. It seems that when I don't exercise not only am I a grumpy boy but, I also eat really bad....

I Survived...

I survived. Doc says no running for 10 days.....we'll see....

“The greatest stimulator of my running career was fear” -Herb Elliot

3.5 miles this morning and 15 minutes on the elliptical machine, followed by a good arms and shoulders workout with some light abs. I was dragging a bit during the run...probably due to running yesterday after work and not resting enough after the half marathon. But, I got a great sweat in this morning and I weighed myself....haven't been this weight since I graduated from basic training!!

Well, no more workouts for me for a few days. Tomorrow will not be a fun day.....yes, I am fearful and nervous. I'm not ashamed to admit it....well, maybe a little ashamed, but hey...this is man's worst nightmare we're talking about. Cheers to the boys.

“Your training partners are key to your success, and friendships based on your runs together are strong.” -Bill Rodgers

I had a solid back and lats workout today. It felt good to stretch things out a bit. I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow, but I feel great today. Per a suggestion from Men's Health magazine, I've started to do deadlifts as part of my back routine. They kick my butt, but I can definitely tell that they are making a difference in my strength and posture. I've been working the lats pretty hard too.....I've been struggling with toning up there, so hopefully I'll start to see results soon.

I was supposed to take today off from running or any cardio. But....CJ was there to motivate me to get my butt out of the cube and on the pavement. I ran a nice 5k in some beautiful weather and then went to Papa Murphy's and scored a Delite pizza for me and the Mrs. As always, thanks to my lovely bride for putting up with my running and workout schedule. I couldn't ask for a better support system at home and I'm thrilled that she's joining the running addiction with me. She's got a great workout schedule and I can't wait to see her run Steamboat this summer!

It seems that on a daily basis for the past month or so I've had someone comment on my weight loss. I've even had a few people tell me that they didn't even recognize me. I don't see that much of a difference, but I certainly appreciate the kind words. Runnin on empty.

6.55 miles this morning at a 9:09 pace. It actually felt pretty good....my quads are still a little sore, but overall it was a pretty good run. I'm definitely looking forward to getting in a long run outside again. I'm having some surgery on Friday so unfortunately, I won't be getting much running in at all this weekend.

I'll was planning on resting tomorrow and just getting in a good back and lats workout. But, there is a 5k run after work so I might give that a shot....we'll see.

I really need to start working on my speed....if anyone has any suggestions send 'em my way!

Still a little sore from the half on Saturday. I did 3.5 miles on the treadmill yesterday and I had a solid chest workout. I took a week off from lifting weights and I could definitely tell....

I think my next race might be the Steamboat 14k. I've heard that it's extremely hilly....in fact, Mrs CJ says it's worse than doing a half marathon. I've done a lot of hill training, but I'm sure it will still be a tough run.

It sounds like the whole family might be doing the Quad Cities half marathon in September! More to come...

This is your face on running, this is your face on not running. Any questions?

First Half Marathon!

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels

I dont know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels

I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through

Looking into their eyes I see them running too

Running on - running on empty

-jackson browne