Yesterday and Tonight

We'll go back to yesterday first:

Really had planned to trying to get a run in, but I got up earlier, started some construction around the house while the weather was high 40's and just didn't get to the roads.  I have a series of windows and sliders that have seen there better days.  So I've been looking at the house alot over the past month or so, to see exactly what I wanted to do with it, now that I am back in it completely. 

So I started on Saturday by taking out three windows, covering two and enlarging the third opening.



Saturday's work





Yesterday I decided to take out the slider, and put in a new window and a nice big 36 inch wide door with half glass.  Really happy with the results.

Inside view

Outside view

Now for today:
For those of you that are not familar with the Western States 100, it is a grueling 100 mile trail race going back to 1974, when Gordy Ainsleigh, decided to attempt the Western States "100 mile - One Day" trail ride on foot.  Well 23 hours and 42 minutes later he completed the run and in the process became the founder of modern trail ultrarunning and the Western States 100 was born.

So I came back from vacation today and totally forgot that I had ordered UNBREAKABLE, the documentary of the 2010 race.  Here's a link -> CLICK HERE if anyone wants to go look at the website yourself.  Cant wait to get home tonight, go for a quick run, and sit down and watch this.  I'll review it more in detail in the next couple days.

I actually stole this from another blog I saw today (stupidly I forgot to write it down so I could give them credit for it - msredrunning/blogspot.com - I think).

Anyway I liked it so I'm stealing it and posting it.

Move Posts later

Be well ~ Sank

It's time...

Let me just say simply, 2011 YOU SUCK.  I cant wait for this F'ING year to be put in the books.  And as they say things come in threes, well hows this trifecta for you?
1. Death of one of my best friends.  Mark Carbone, a genuine sports fanatic, but most importantly to me; a great guy.  Fell in early 2011 down a set of stairs, and passed from complications.  Mark, I miss you terribly, and think of you often.  And you missed it, the B's won the Cup!
2. Dad - on August 4th at the great age of 97 the greatest man I will ever have the priviledge to know, or the honor and luck to be his son, passed.  A real character, and a great and loving man.  Not a day goes by that I dont think of him fondly and sadly.
3. Divorce - after 11 years of marriage, I got divorced.  Nuff said, on this topic.  No need to go into details, or mud slinging.  The overwhelming majority of the time, it will be remember fondly. 

Ok so all that being said, whats the plan.  Well I was going to actually wait until 1/1/12 to start running again.  I mean I love these years that start on a Sunday.  Talk about starting off your running calendar cleanly in a new year.  But I actually got a couple runs in this week, ref'd a few games over 3 days this week.  But will start in earnest on Sunday.  I am hoping to get in a 50k this year.  Actually I guess I should say I AM going to do a 50k this year.  Not sure what one, but kind of thinking about the Vermont 50k.  Gives me enough time to get my training in.  So that's the plan.

Enough for now.  I wish you all peace in your lives.  A much better 2012, regardless of how you fared this year. 

Be well ~ Sank

If you go down to the woods today....

I have absolutely no idea why that title popped into my head, but now I cant get that stupid song out of my head.  Anyway, I FINALLY got on to the trails this past Sunday.  I had left the house and it started to drizzle out a bit so I almost turned around but decided ... screw it, I'm going!  So off I went to the Gilbert State Forest.  The trails hadn't really been touched over the winter so thankfully I knew where I was going and I was really just more interested in lacing up my trail shoes and off the pavement. 
Why is it that you see a hole or root on the trails and you take it in "stride" and keep plugging.  But... if you see some pothole on the pavement, you get all aggravated that you could twist an ankle or something, OR maybe that's just me.
Anyway, unfortunately I had left my trail running partner, Belle at home this time; which I think was probably a good thing since I didnt have an old shower curtain for her to lay down on afterwards.  And about a mile in, I ran across a group of walkers with a rottie and 2 pit bulls.  I really am a huge dog guy, but for some reason those 2 breeds just scare the shit out of me.  And I couldn't have forgiven myself if something happened to Belle.  Yeah a bit paranoid I know, but whatever.....
Anyway, tonight I got home after a bitch of a day at work (been the same for about 3 weeks now) and strapped on the Garmin and figured I would have a speed work out.  Not a long run, but my Nelson Loop course but was hoping to break 20 minutes tonight.  I go out really quick, keep my breathing under control.  Nice strides, run through my hill section, fight thru the last half mile to my house.  Look down....and I never started the F-ing Garmin :(    Not happy.  But there's always another day.
Well enough for now,
Be Well ~ Sank

Wanted: Stretching help

So I have to admit that back in my foolish youth, having previously run a couple marathons, numerous road races and having done probably close to 100 triathlons; all without a combined 5 total minutes of stretching.

That being said I am now knocking on the door to turning 49, cominh back from numerous life and health issues and started running again.

Problem is I am so damn tight I think that stretching would DEFINITELY help but I dont really know any good ones. Any one have any links or tips they can share with me?

Many thanks,

Be well

Sank