Sundried's Hot Tomatoes

225 Days to go!!!

2006-05-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, as if my Rachel and Kyle's engagement, my engagement, Josh and KaLea's wedding, Peter and Jen's engagement weren't enough from Dec '05 to May '06, Congratulations to Lalah and Craig on their engagement! The 225 Days is how long it is to "Krismix" the unofficial title of my wedding day.

47 Days

2006-03-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

A l'amore! The Kunkel-Lehman wedding took me all the way to West Point New York this weekend. So while I was out of the rain, I did not find the time to do my usual runs. So, I sacrificed my first 10-miler until next weekend. Oh well. I went to do 8 today, but my calves were so tight, and the sky was threatening, so I cut it off at 6. I hope to do more later this week, and definately a 10-miler with Julie on Sunday, but this well may be my least prepared half-marathon yet.

55 Days

2006-03-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

Elissa and I tried something new this weekend. We tried running with the Todd's Road Stumblers. I've found through this experience that a running club ahs it's advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
1. You have other people to run with
2. You get discounts sometimes when you buy running shoes
3. You get motiviation to get up and run
4. There is coffee and donuts available after the run
5. You are sure to get your run done with early, so you have the rest of the day to enjoy
6. It's a nice community
Disadvantanges
1. You have to drive somewhere before running
2. When other people stop for water, whether you're in the zone or not, you stop too
3. You have to pick up the donuts sometimes too (alright, not a real disadvantage, you still get to eat them!)
4. If you're a coach and already get a discount, then the discount doesn't matter
5. It may take 3 or 4 hours of your day to go for a 9 mile run
6. You're sure to get your run in early
So, no matter what you choose, running club or no, I guess we'll all keep running the next 55 days until our half marathon!
In other news, Congratulations to Peter Cook and Jen Morris on their engagement! We're all so excited for you! Perhaps you should try running a half marathon together...I hear it's a great bonding experience!

60 Days

2006-02-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

A nice even 60, time for a new message. I know Julie hit running hard last week after the bad weekend. The weather has also been more cooperative. Elissa is on a business trip, so hopefully she's either found her way around town, or on a treadmill. I don't know about you guys, but I hate the treadmill. I'd rather be outside just enjoying the fresh air...well, almost fresh, not quite if you run so close to busy streets...and the beautiful scenery!

68 Days

2006-02-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

We're inside of 10 weeks for the half-marathon, and the weather has definately taken a turn for the worse! While we had some nice 60+ degree weather last week, this week we are down into the 20's for the high! It's tough on the lungs, a lot of clothes to wear, and is forcing some of us to run inside where it's difficult to get the distance.
Hang in there, girls...March is coming soon! Ah yes, March, the month of birthdays! And a happy early one to Julie(29), Teressa(27), and Amanda(26)!

74 Days

2006-02-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

From everything I hear, we are all running well. Julie completed a solid 6 on Saturday (the big triple "S"), Elissa has been able to run every other day without consequence to her knees. I finished an 8 mile run yesterday, followed up by 5 today. Lately, running has been a little easier for me. Perhaps its because I know, anything I'm doing here doesn't compare to Phil's training in Germany. Perhaps it's because I feel like the two of us are training side by side, even if he's not here. I know I've always felt like Jules, Elissa and I were training together even if we didn't run together to much. Here's to the warmer weather that's coming this week, and to my soldier serving over in Germany!

80 Days

2006-02-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

No running today, as it is Tuesday, and I had class, although my late class was cancelled, but...as promised, at least one picture from our Pittsburgh trip!

81 Days

2006-02-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

So, the training schedule officially starts today, and I'm off to a rough start. I woke up feeling so bad from all we ate at the super bowl, that Julie and I decided to wait on our run until dark. So, rather than the scheduled 6 miles, we did 4. It was a good four miles though, and that's what counts. And, though I only ran 4 days last week, I did have an 8 and a 7 mile run, so I still completed all 25 miles.
Also, Superbowl XL was awesome! Might I just say GO STEELERS!!! No, I'm not becoming a Pittsburgh fan, but if you were in Pittsburg with the Webers, you'd be saying Go Steeler's too! I'll post a picture in a couple of days when I'm not trying to recover from a weekend, and I don't have class.

86 Days

2006-02-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

I did my first long run today. It was just one of those perfect days in the low 50's, and sunny. I had way to much work to do...so why not add a few miles to my run? So, 8 miles it was. Not that it was a perfect 8 miles, as my previous runs have all been 5.
Not only was it a record Feb. 1 run, but I got a record 3 e-mails in one day from Germany. It was very strange. I sent Phil an e-mail at 8:30 in the morning, but the e-mail said I sent it at 2:30 in the afternoon (Germany time), so when he wrote back at 11:30, it looked like he was replying before I wrote to him. It was like traveling through time! Now that's got to be a record!

89 Days

2006-01-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

Three months from today, we'll be running the streets of Louisville again, hopefully without knee injuries this time. Elissa will be up and running again in just over a week, hopefully with healthy knees. I "officially" start my training schedule a week from today, but I'll be in Pittsburgh, so we'll see if I actually start on time. I did make my 25 miles of pre-training last week, but that is partially due to exceptional weather.
Three months ago today is the day I met Phil. Yesterday, I got my first phone call from Germany. Somehow, even from across the world, he knows exactly when I need to hear his voice.

91 Days

2006-01-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

So, a lot of things have happened since last updating my blog...
On October 29, 2005, I went swing dancing, where I met the love of my life. Phil is currently serving our U.S. Army in Baumholder, Germany. We are getting married on February 17, 2007. Of course, as the army is unpredictable, that is all subject to change.
So, what is so important that is happening in 91 days? Another half-marathon! That's right folks, it's time to strike up those training schedules, get some new running shoes, or just get ready to cheer because Shannon, Julie, Elissa and I are off to the races again! Any more takers? Kyle, you up for the challenge? Peter? Jenn? Jason? Anyone else up for the Derby Challenge?
So, through the next three months, be sure to check here for updates on our training, and any news about the wedding...which probably won't actually be updated until after the half-marathon...one thing at a time folks.

Congradulations Elissa!

2005-11-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

It has just been discovered that Elissa has qualified to be seeded (to have a preferred starting position) in the next Derby Festival Mini Marathon! She needed a time of 1:52:00, and she slammed it!

Official Results

2005-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Elissa Roycraft -- 1:46:42 -- 8:07 pace, 3rd age group of 42 (one was taken out of our age group awards for winning an overall award), 12th of 216 women
Kris Sundheimer -- 1:57:35 -- 8:58 pace, 13th age group of 42, 56th of 216 women

The Results are in!

2005-10-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

Elissa did awesome! 2nd in the age group, 12th overall woman, and a super swift pace of 8:08/mile bringing her in at 1:46:45!
I had my PR as well, coming in at an 8:59/mile bringing me in at 1:57:41, and earning me 58th overall woman.
As far as I can tell, there were 232 women, so I did achieve the top fourth of my gender. But, that doesn't include women who signed up and decided not to run, nor does it include those who signed up on Saturday. So, as soon as more official results are in, they'll be posted!
A special thanks to Jen, Jules, and Pablo for coming out and supporting us when we needed it the most!

4 Days LEFT!!!

2005-10-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

So, we have two days of running, two days off, and then the race! I did run yesterday with the boys cross country team, and I kept up pretty well, and felt pretty good, so I'm thinking I'll be alright. It still makes me nervous thinking about it...
Oh, and my pirate name...Captain Bess Cash. Finally worked on that this morning, and although I know national talk like a pirate day has long passed, at least I know for next year.
Wish the HC CC team luck at the city meet this afternoon!

9 Days

2005-10-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

9 days until the big race...you can almost start counting how many miles we each have left to run. I say almost because I almost always do more than I'm suppose to. This is quite unfortunate because I only have 26 miles now to go until I reach my 1,000 mile mark, and I'm quite sure between my 4 miles today with the boys, 10 miles this weekend, and the 12 scheduled miles I have next week, that I will be exceeding my goal of hitting the 1,000 mile during the mini, and hitting it before. This is especially true since I have every intention of running more than 12 miles during the week next week! But, as far as the schedule is concerned...26 miles until the mini!

10 Days

2005-10-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe there are only 10 days left! I did have a really good run today though. A very solid 7 miles in just a little over an hour. Tomorrow, I'm going to take a risk and run with the cross country team...the boys. We'll see how well I keep up! It's only 4 miles, but gosh, some of those guys are fast! I figure it will be a good workout for me, and it will help me decide how I want to coach next year too.

11 Days

2005-10-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today is possibly the hottest day of the week. I'm so glad I scheduled my run around it. How exciting though...the 10 day countdown starts tomorrow!

12 Days

2005-10-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Getting down to the wire now, and I think I've gone crazy. In the last 3 days, I've run 24 miles in an effort to feel better about the race. I will take tomorrow off, but I'm getting a bit nervous, I have to admit.

13 Days

2005-10-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, the longest run before the race is out of the way. I wish that it had not been so humid, and that I had not been sick, because I've had better runs, and my confidence has gone right out the window. I'm hoping for a good 8 miles and a good 10 miles this weekend to help that. As for the other days of running this week, either 7 and 3 or 5 and 5, depending on which days I choose. Thanks, Elissa, for motivating me on 6 of those miles yesterday!

14 Days

2005-10-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Two weeks from the main event...gosh, now I know I'm counting right. Elissa and I did our first run as neighbors this morning. Mine did not go well...too humid, and too sick. Two things that made it very difficult to breath. And, you wouldn't think it, but one week without my long run really had an impact on my physical ability to do one! I hope I'm ready when the time comes!

15 Days

2005-10-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day for the Henry Clay cross country team to be out running. Wow, we've really been blessed with weather for our meets so far this year. And what a big meet it was out at the Kentucky Horse Park. I didn't technically run today, but I did chase a bunch of high school students all over the park yelling "go ____" and "move up and catch ____", and "use the downhill"! You know, all kinds of useful things.

16 Days

2005-09-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

And then there were two.
Julie has now decided to become a fan. Hopefully, with Jules and Jen, we'll have two fans, and two runners. Then, no one will be alone. We're plagued with illness, and business, but Elissa and I will run. Today is the big move for Elissa, and Sunday, exactly two weeks before the mini, we will do our first run together in what will then be our neighborhoods!

17 Days

2005-09-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

I get a new running partner this weekend! I'm so excited. Elissa is moving into my "neighborhood", and we'll be able to run together without either one of us having to drive anywhere! Congradulations, Elissa, on getting the keys to your first home! Anyone who wants to help her move, we're going tomorrow.

18 Days

2005-09-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

The boys cross country team came in third yesterday. Antonio started us off in second place running a 16:23, and we had our top 5 in under 20 minutes. Steph was able to stop by, and she saw a lot of people she goes to church with parenting our young HC runners!
Don't forget, we only have a couple days to sign up for the mini at the early bird price. Make sure to register by Friday!

19 Days

2005-09-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

CKC is having a cross country meet out at Masterson Station Park this afternoon, so rather than running, I'll be watching runners all morning...hence the

20 Days

2005-09-26T05:33:00.000-07:00

Alright...so they say that when it hurts (your muscles), that's when you're improving. But I submit to you, improving or not, it is not a great idea to run 8 miles the day after a 10K race. But what choice do we have some times? We're only 20 days from a major race, and we can't afford to lose the miles, especially if we missed a key long run this weekend for the race!

21 Days

2005-09-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we're back from the Great Race, and the results are in!
Shannon Gabe -- 51:48 (8:20 pace)
Kris Sundheimer -- 54:08 (8:43 pace)
Julie Weber -- 54:51 (8:50 pace)
Jen Morris -- 1:05:41 (10:35 pace)

Congrats go out to all runners! And a special thanks to the families that helped to make it possible.

23 Days

2005-09-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Finally Friday, and boy, are my legs ready for a day off, so why not two? We're driving to Pittsburg today, 4 runners, 2 cars, and a dog! That's right, Pablo gets to go on a road trip! Yeah! Keep our travels in your prayers, and wish us a safe journey. I'll continue the countdown at day 21, complete with results of our Great Race!

24 Days

2005-09-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

We're headed toward that 3 week mark. Two more long runs to go, one semi-long/tapered long run, and the race. That's it folks! Looking at my running schedule between now and then, I've noticed something kind of cool. I think I've mentioned before that every year, I try to hit 1000 miles, and this year, with two half-marathons, I'm quite a bit ahead of schedule. Well, this odd thing that I noticed? I'm scheduled to hit my 1000 miles mid mini! How cool will that be! Yes, it will be a marker for me to help get me through the race. I discovered on Saturday that really...I prefer just 12 miles, not 13.1. But, with all those people around, and a completely new route, the mini will be much fun!
The Equinox was suppose to be today, but it appears that instead of 12 hours of sunlight, we have 12 hours and 9 minutes of sunlight today!

25 Days

2005-09-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Happy first day of fall! Ok, so it doesn't feel like it at 83 degrees, but it sure looks like it. Anyone else notice that we have some trees that are rapidly turning red? It's dark when you get up for work? You have to start running at some time before 7 to get in before sunset?
I had my first solo day coaching the boys cross country team today. Gosh, it's so much easier than doing the dance team thing. They warm up on their own, then they say..."what are we running today?" I send them out for 8 miles, and there you go.
So, as for me, I'm not quite doing 8 today. Just one of those days where you go out and run as far as you feel.

26 Days

2005-09-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Time for a medium-long run. After all, I'll be missing my long run this weekend due to some kind of great race?
Today will be my first day working with the boys cross country team at practice. We'll be out at Masterson, and I'm pretty excited about it.

27 Days

2005-09-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

Another Monday. Another start to a very good week. I'll probably be exhausted this time next week from having spent the weekend in Pittsburg, Julie and Jen will be on their way back from an awesome football game. 6 Days until the great race, and by the time we're done...we'll be in our 20-day count down! Kind of scary, isn't it? Appropriate considering the mini is in October.

28 Days

2005-09-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, 28 days, good movie, Cillian Murphy...oh, that was 28 days later. 28 days, good movie, Viggo Mortensen.
Oh, but that's completely not the point. The point is, we have exactly 4 weeks to be in peak mini-marathon condition.

29 Days

2005-09-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Jen...don't be discouraged! We want you to be up and running in 29 days...and running and running and running!
Julie is getting up at 6 this morning to do 10 miles with the team in training! Good luck finding a dog after that. You'll be so tired, any doggie who will lick the salt off your legs will do.
Today is my 13-mile day. I'm taking a break from the long run next weekend, so this'll have to do.
Elissa is away at a wedding this week, but no doubt she did a crazy long run on Thursday before she left.
Keep going guys, we're 9 days from the 20 day countdown, or are we 19 days from the 10 day countdown?

30 Days

2005-09-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Now, it's really a month away! Well, unless you're talking February months, then we have 2 more days of "it's a month away". 4 weeks and 2 days people. We're talking, it's getting close. I've got my race-length run tomorrow. I think with the break next weekened, I've got exactly 3 long runs left...a 13-miler, a 14-miler, and a 10-miler...then the race. It's kind of sad to think about actually. I've been becoming addicted to running forever and ever on a saturday morning! Good thing this saturday, I won't have to wake up so early to do it. There is a high of only 76!
Happy Constitution Day!

31 Days

2005-09-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

We're about at the one month point...if it were a 31 day month. Gosh, can you believe it? Just over 4 weeks left! That's what, 3 more long runs, 4 more maybe? Then the race? Pete, how are you coming on those t-shirts? Jen, how are you feeling on your runs these days? Remember, the course for the mini will be flatter than we're use to from our training. We will have cooler weather. You don't have to run every step of it (I sure didn't on my first one), just finish!
Congrats to Elissa! She closes on her new house at 1 o'clock today!

32 Days

2005-09-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

Running today, I met a girl named Kristen who was training for the Chicago marathon, which is coming up the second weekend of October. This will be her first marathon. She had done a 20-mile run on Saturday...and I thought 20 miles in two days was a lot! It just goes to show, no matter how many miles you do, there's someone out there doing more!

33 Days

2005-09-13T04:33:00.000-07:00

Time for a mid-week, mid-length run today. That probably means 7 for me. We're getting there. Don't forget to sign up for the Race for the Cure this week! And, don't forget that the cost of the mini goes up Octopber first, so we only have a little over 2 weeks to sign up at $25 instead of $45. Jen...feel encouraged today!

34 Days

2005-09-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that this weekend was very long, and by long, I don't mean restful, I mean busy! It looks like the perfect opportunity for a day of rest, from running anyway. Yes, if I had left lesson plans for a sub, it would be a lovely day for a random day off of work!
Alright, with less than 5 weeks to go, here's the deal. My parents definately have room for us four girls who are running the race. If you're female, and don't mind taking a spot on the floor, please feel free to come on up early with us, we'll have a big girly weekend preparing for the race.
Guys, sorry, I don't have any place to put you. Don't be discouraged! You can still come watch. We'll be out there for 2 hours (or a little less...) which will give you plenty of time to find the perfect spot to watch all the runners if you drive in on Sunday morning. Or, if you have a friend in Louisville that you can stay with, feel free to join us for dinner the night before. And even if you don't come watch, we can still get the t-shirt to you for being so darn supportive!

35 Days

2005-09-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, only 5 weeks left. Peter has decided to drop out and go to California instead, but I can't imagine why...
I do have to give him props though, he had a great 10 mile run with me and Julie tonight (I only did 8 given my run yesterday), but I think I heard him say he was never going to do that again any time soon. Congrats on your longest run ever, Pete!

36 Days

2005-09-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

It doesn't look like a lot, but that's pleanty of time, even for those of us who aren't feeling their best at the moment. I tell you what, it's been a long day. 12 miles starting at 6:15 this morning, a cross country meet in the afternoon...look for Antonio Marchi in the paper, he's having a great year. He's a senior at HC who finished 9th at the mid-summer night's run. The Race for the Cure is one week from today, so we can all look forward to that. I believe the web site is www.lexrftc.org so there you go, all the information you need!

37 Days

2005-09-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, and I'm tired. I feel like it's been a long week even though it was a long weekend, and a short week. I may have made a mistake in not sleeping in on Monday, or any day last weekend. So here's my debate...I can get up extra early (pre-CC meet) tomorrow to do my 12-mile run, then sleep in as late as I want on Sunday. Or, I can sleep in a little tomorrow, and a little on Sunday, but still get up on Sunday to do my 12-miler before it reaches an unreasonable temperature. Of course, the run would be in much better weather getting up early, and chances are, I could take a short nap this afternoon...
Desicions Decisions
By the way, Elissa and I have been working on a T-shirt for us to wear to the race, so I need to know eventually who's coming to watch, if you want a shirt too, and what size if you do!
It will say "We 'heart' running" on the front, have the runner's last names on the back, and a picture of a sugar glider saying "Sugar Gliders, Louisville Mini, Fall, 2005" It's pretty cute. I'll have Pete upload it here when he's done with the adjustments.

38 Days

2005-09-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I found out today that we have two very "I'm getting up super early, so early it's still late" type runners in our midst. Not only does Elissa does this, but Julie does too! WOW!!! Big props to you guys. You won't find me running before work/dawn!

39 Days

2005-09-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

I want to wish good luck to R. Nutt, heading down to Mississippi to help with relief efforts. I think it's so practical. So many times, we throw money at a problem when it is specific needs that need to be met, and people that we need to help. We'll be praying for you and your efforts Rach!
As for the rest of us, we'll be up here running in the beautiful weather thanking God that we have a place to run, the food to fuel us, and the money to buy the shoes to keep our legs healthy.

40 Days

2005-09-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

First day back to work, and it's a running day off for me. I took advantage of the fact that we had yesterday off, and that yesterday was so beautiful, so I did today's run yesterday! Good luck to the rest of you running tonight!

41 Days

2005-09-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day! Everyone was celebrating by getting out in the sun today. There were so many people out walking and running this morning. It is always so nice to see people getting healthy! Oh, and it was a great day for a long run. The temperature went from 60 to 69 over the course of my run, and it felt great!

42 Days

2005-09-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Exactly 6 weeks left, so we are exactly half way through with our training...time wise. We all know the next 4 weeks are the toughest. It's been so nice out this weekend though, and hopefully this lovely weather will continue on. It's days like today that make us remember why we run in the first place.

43 Days

2005-09-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day for a run...however, instead of running today, I was out making sure that a bunch of teenagers only had to think about running. Today was the Henry Clay CC Invitational. There were over 300 high school runners from local areas, and over 100 middle school runners out there. What a beautiful sight. It's amazing how fast those kids are. The fastest girl was just over 20 min for a 5K, and the fastest boy was just over 16!

44 Days

2005-09-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Friday, a day off for most of us. The first day of a three day weekend looms tomorrow. The country is asking for aid after it's biggest party city has been taken out by natural distaster. How precious is it that we have this gift, to be able to run, and to be able to run 13.1 miles? Funny, how things get put into perspective for us. I wonder if any Hurricane victim children will end up at the schools where we teach.

45 Days

2005-09-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Happy September. I finished August with my highest total every. 138 miles for the month. It's of course thanks to all of you for the inspiration, I hope I've helped.
Labor day weekend is just a day away, lots of running to do, but also, a lot of movies to go see. Four Brothers is out, The Great Raid (which has Andy Garcia, James Franco, and Mark Consualos) looks to be excellent, The Constant Gardener just came out yesterday, and tomorrow, A Sound of Thunder comes out. A sound of Thunder looks really interesting, it's about time travel, and changes that happen when we change one little thing that no one really notices.
Oh, and if you haven't seen Red Eye...Cillian Murphy, yes, go see. It was great!

46 Days

2005-08-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

Anyone else run in that rain yesterday? It was so much fun...tough, but fun! Today, the weather is suppose to take a turn for the better, so enjoy it. Run long, run fast, just run! If you're feeling discouraged, just think to yourself "Elissa would keep going...the girl will run through anything, pain, bad weather, shin splints, anything"...it's what I do. Then I realize, I'm not Elissa, and sometimes, I stop! But sometimes it works.

47 Days

2005-08-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Rain before the hurricane, the moto of the week.
I hope I get to run today, I've got 7 miles to go.
But runners, we are a breed unique
We'll run rain, sleet or snow.

Further and further and further we go
This running we all do
The more we run the more we know
I'm addicted and so are you.

48 Days

2005-08-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

Folks, this is the last week of the first half of our official training for the mini, and it's a day off. Good luck running in the rain all week!

49 Days

2005-08-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Folks, 7 weeks from today, we'll be running the Louisville Fall Mini Marathon. In 5 weeks, we'll have our longest run of our training, and in 6 weeks, we'll finally be cutting back mileage. If you ran your long run Saturday, the weather was a nice break, but if you went today, it was yucky again.
Oh, and I hit a goal today. It's always a goal of mine to break 1,000 each year. Because I start the year with low mileage...it's cold outside...it usually takes me until sometime in November to hit 900 miles, and sometime in October to hit 800, etc. Well, it's still August, the 8th month of the year, and I'm over 800 miles this year already! It's so exciting!

50 Days

2005-08-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

50! What an exciting day it is too. The weather should be cooler for a nice long run. I think we're all at 8 or more miles for our long, quite the accomplishment. It's not so bad, it just takes so darn long. What else is going on today? The fantasy football draft. If only to give me something else to obsess over! I'll finally know who is going to help me win the league this year....I hope I get Peyton, I hope I get Peyton, I hope I get Peyton....but, chances are only one in 8 that I will. Oh well.

51 Days

2005-08-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hey, kids, we're getting there. Almost down to 7 weeks. Hang in there, it's Friday. Time for a day off! And oh, I can't tell you how much I just need some sleep! All this running has made me SOOOO tired!

52 Days

2005-08-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

Runner Spotlight: Jen Morris
Jen went on vacation last week, as we all know...we missed you Jen! And what did she do with those high altitudes? She ran her longest run yet, 7 miles! Way to go Jen!

53 Days

2005-08-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Tragedy! Not two houses down the block, and my IPOD Shuffle dies! Nothing, no power, no sound, and the computer no longer recognizes it! So, I went to the Apple site, and they're sending me a new one. Thank goodness I was within the 6 month warrenty, if only by 2 weeks! Well, the temperature has dropped, but it is due to rise toward the end of the week. Two ways to beat the heat...the Kris method, readjust your schedule so the longer runs are on the cooler days, or the Elissa method, go for your Thursday run at 6a.m.! Now THAT's dedication!

54 Days

2005-08-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

A nice cool day outside, and it's about time. Tonight, after going to the Klapheke visitation, I'll be doing a moderately long run, provided my knees hold out. We've got 6 days down for school, and 169 left, that is if we work in Fayette county. I believe Lalah is at least 4 up on us. But, none of that matters, until these next 54 days are over anyway. Good running to you all!

55 Days

2005-08-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Here's to a much needed day off! Welcome back to Jenn and Steph...I hope you had a great vacation!
The results are in from the Mid Summer Night's Run:
Parmer 23:26
Cook 23:55
Roycraft 24:24
Sundheimer 27:37
Weber 27:42
Holmes (Matt) 28:17
Holmes (Elizabeth) 30:09
Yeany 40:40
Nutt 45:19
Peck 45:19
Matt's Dad 47:32

56 Days

2005-08-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to everyone on a race well run last night...and I do mean everyone. Nutt, Peck, Weber, Yeany, Parmer, Cook, Holmes, Holmes, Holmes...you get the idea, and especially Roycraft! Jason, you'd better be careful, she's gaining on you! Long run today for those of us mini-marathoners. The weather is finally giving us a bit of a break.

57 Days

2005-08-20T03:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELISSA!!!
Good luck to all in the Mid Summer Night's Run!

Drink lots of fluids. It's going to be a hot one!

58 Days

2005-08-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'd better not hear of anyone running today! It's the day before the Mid Summer Night's run! I think most everyone has their race packet, but just in case, you can still sign up at the race.
Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS ELISSA!!! If you don't know what I'm talking about, just ask her. I'd hate to spoil the suprise!

59 Days

2005-08-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Gosh...are we into the 50's already? We're within two months? My legs are tired just thinking about it! But, today is the last day of the first week of school...well, sort of. We have to go tomorrow, but the kids don't. SO, a 7 miler for me today, then off to Space Between! See you guys there! If I look tired it's only because I slept in all summer :)

60 Days

2005-08-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

Short day. Good thing too because it's been hot and muggy. Thanks to Elissa for helping me make it yesterday, I never could have done 8 miles on a Tuesday afternoon without her! Oh, and my new shoes are here! Yeah!

61 Days

2005-08-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Another tuesday, another medium run. Three more runs before the MidSummer night's run. If you haven't signed up yet, make sure sign up on the web, or stop by John's by Friday. If you sign up on the web, you can pick up your race packet at the race or at John's, or if you sign up by Wednesday, just let me know, and I'll pick up your packet for you since it's near my work.
Happy Running!

62 Days

2005-08-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Sixty two days marks a special time for me. No, not because it's two consecutive 31-day months, but it's because it's the first day of school. Now, I'll join the rest of you in this mini training in having to run after work during the week. I can only hope that the temperature starts taking a break. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know you guys have no sympathy. ;)

63 Days

2005-08-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

9 Weeks from today...we're getting there. We are officially 1/4 of the way through our 12 week training. Just a little bit of motivation today. Remember, the conditions under which we train are far worse than those under which we will compete. The weather will be nicer (at least not as hot), we will have more motivation, we will have rested for 2 days before hand, and we will have eaten right.

64 Days

2005-08-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Long run day. At least for a few of us. Pete said he was going to try to run 7 miles this morning before his sister came in. Jen has a 5 mile run scheduled before her big trip. I have a 10 mile run planned on this hot saturday morning (and after all the wonderful food I had yesterday all day at school, etc... I need all 10 of those miles!), and Elissa has elected to hold off until tomorrow and put in her 9. I'm sure Jules is in there somewhere for her long run. Just think. Nine weeks from today, and we'll be headed to Louisville, resting up, and eating some pasta in preparation for the 13.1 miles we'll be running the following day.
Oh, and Jay...let's make that "Definate mabye" a "yes! I'm in! I can't wait to run 13.1 miles! It sounds like so much fun!"

65 Days

2005-08-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh, TGIF! No running, no work tomorrow, does it get any better than this?

66 Days

2005-08-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hot day for a longer run. Yesterday was short, today, is a medium day. It should be just over your daily mileage average. For example, my average run for a day is about 5 miles, and my long run is 10. So, today, I'll be doing a 7 mile run. So, if your normally run 3 and your long run is five, today is a nice day to run 4. Just be careful of the heat, it is suppose to get up above 90 again.

67 Days

2005-08-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well, for all of you who missed John's Cross Country Challenge #3 this year, you missed a great race. They changed the course to make it faster (we ran it in reverse), and at the low low cost of only $5, they gave away door prizes to everyone (they included t-shirts, hats, dry fit shirts, etc...), as well as registration gifts of a water bottle and a pair of socks. No, I didn't win anything in my age group, but I did have a PR for the course! Ha, I've never run that particular course before! So, today is a 3-mile day. Short run to recover from the race and prepare for a longer one tomorrow. Good luck to all. Oh, and congratulations to Pete, my shoe guy, he got a promotion and will no longer be working at the local New Balance Store. However, you can still go in and drop his name there (he hired everyone in the store, so they'll be extra nice to you), or you can head over to John's, and look for Laura, his wife. She'll treat you nice too.

68 Days

2005-08-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the last of John's Cross Country Challenge. It's tougher this year than last year, even though it's the same course. There are more participants this year. This is always the hottest and most humid of all three races, and it looks like tomorrow will be no exception. It's a good thing it's only a 5K, and not a 10K! I'll be out there around 6:40 to sign up and warm up. The race is at 7. I hope to see a few of you out there. Last year the third race also came with some very good door prizes.

69 Days

2005-08-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, a day of rest! Jules, drive safely. Just to give you guys an update on local races, there is a 5K at Masterson Station Park tomorrow night at 7. The cost is only $5, or $2 for students. It is a cross country race, so be prepared for slightly slower times, and a slightly tougher course!

70 Days

2005-08-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are at the 10 week mark. I've discovered something kind of strange. This morning, some random man that I see a lot when I'm running told me I'd lost a lot of weight. He's the second person this week to tell me that, which wouldn't be so strange if I had lost weight! So I came to the conclusion that when your scale says you've lost weight, sometimes you really haven't, you've just lost water, and when it says you haven't, perhaps sometimes you really have, or at least you've toned up! I don't know, perhaps it's just a theory.
Anyway, today is a good day for a nice slow recovery run if you did your long run yesterday. If you don't feel like a recovery run helps, then by all means, take the day off.

71 days

2005-08-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Long run day! And what a perfect day for a long run it is. It's not to hot, the sun isn't really out, but it's not raining either. Hmmm, how's the weather in Pittsburg Jules? Nine miles today. No worries, we still have 10 weeks and a day!

72 Days (really)

2005-08-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

I'd like to do a shout out to Blair, who went on his first "real" run with Julie and Peter last night, and possibly Jen? I have not heard yet how far they went, or how he did, but I'd like to applaud the effort! Blair, please, let us know how it was, if you felt pretty good, etc...

New Count 75 Days

2005-08-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Alright, it's August 2, and the race is October 16. If I count, I think that is 75 days. For real this time. It's humid again, and the difficulty with breathing is back. The good thing about that is we appreciate it more when we can breathe easy again. 7 miles today, tomorrow is a much needed day off for me. From what I hear, everyone is doing well with training.
For those of you who are just starting out running, I'd start by running 1 mile, walking 1 mile, then running one more. After a week of that, try running 1.25 miles, walking a half mile, then running 1.25 more. Keep increasing your run, and decreasing your walk until you are running 3 miles at a time. Then, you're ready to start adding miles!

Small Error

2005-07-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Alright....so I may have miscounted by a few days. Hey, when counting over 50 days, I reserve the right to make a mistake here or there! Just to let you know, since Monday is the first of the month, and our race is two months (60 days) after the 16th day of the month, monday is 76 days left. So, I'll be starting back a bit. Good news though, for those of you who need a few extra days to get ready.
Oh, great job to Elissa and Peter for their fabulous 8 miles. It was 81 degrees outside when we finished! I'm going to have to work a bit harder if I'm going to be keeping up with them.
So, this weekend, begin the "long" runs. The race is 11 weeks from tomorrow, so you have 9 weeks to work up to at least 12 miles for your long run. If you do your calculations correctly, your long run this weekend should be no shorter than 4 miles, but probably closer to 6. That will leave you able to do the same distance long run twice at least once, just in case one particular distance proves difficult.

72 Days

2005-07-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Friday, and another day off from running. I hope everyone is doing well in their training. I do have an 8-mile run planned for tomorrow morning if anyone cares to join me. I know I always do better when someone else is taking my mind off the activity! Peter, I have to say I'm impressed. Almost every bit of mileage we did last night was right on. When you said "we're a little over 2 miles about now", we were indeed at 2.2 miles. When you thought we were a little over 3, we were in fact at 3.1. And finally, your guess of about 5 and a quarter miles, also quite accurate, we were at 5.3! Good run guys! Jen, Jules, I hope to get to run with you guys soon.

73 Days

2005-07-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

It's not that early, and I haven't run yet, but Elissa and I are planning a run for tonight after space if anyone wants to join us. We are planning on doing 5 or 6 miles, but if we do the loops around the guys' house, people could stop after 3 if they wish. Peter said he was thinking about joining us as well.

74 Days

2005-07-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

74 Days left for us (including weekends), but 100 days left for Kyle in his class (not including weekends). Well, according to the schedule, this is a short day for me. Only 3 miles. And, I must say, although the heat has broken, the humidity has not. So, it was still just a little difficult to breath. Still, I'm looking forward to hopefully good weather for us on the big day, October 16. Don't forget, the price of registration goes up October first, so we have some time, but it's not completely unlimited!

75 Days

2005-07-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of "official" training, and the last day of this scorching heat! Just in case you are wondering where I'm getting this "official" training from, there is a Nike site that not only allows you to log all of your runs, keeps track of how many miles are on your shoes, keeps track of the races etc. that you have planned, but it will also set up a training schedule for you for any long race. And, you can tailor it to your own personal goals and experience.

76 Days

2005-07-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

This morning, it is my job to try to get the air conditioner fixed. Perhaps it's the thermostat that something is wrong with, not the air conditioner. All I know, is that when the temperature in my house reads 93...I don't feel like running. It's a good thing today is a day off for me. It should be the hottest day in the week, but tomorrow is Lalah's birthday. So, for the rest of you, that leaves a dilema (that is, if Lalah is doing something for her birthday on her birthday): Run today, the hottest day of the week -- mind you it is only by one degree, or run tomorrow, when we might be going out. Either way you play it, drink pleanty of water today and tomorrow! Keep Cool guys!

77 Days

2005-07-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Alright, if we can make it through Tuesday, we should get a reprise from this heat. High of 99 tomorrow and 98 on Tuesday, and after that we are back down to highs in the 80's! Maybe we should work on a plan for a late Tuesday night run (say 9:30 pm) or something like that so that we can all beat the heat.

78 Days

2005-07-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Alright, when it rains it poors. Murphy's law, whatever can go wrong will. Last month, we hit a day or two with a heat index over 100, I was out of town, and my air conditioner broke. We managed to get it fixed relatively cheep. We all know it's hot again this weekend, and guess what. Yup, while installing a new thermostat (a more energy efficient/automatic/programmable one), my air conditioner broke, and there it is again, heat index over 100 tomorrow! So I ask you, what good is an air conditioner if it only keeps it cool when it's only moderately warm? I guess it's time to shop.
So, just wondering, did you guys do your long run this morning (I did 7 today), or are you going tomorrow? How did it go? And, again, I don't advise running after noon either day this weekend. I know you've worked all week, and it would be nice to sleep in, but the forcast at noon is calling for 90 degrees, and a heat advisory thereafter.
Oh, and Jules...I highly recommend "The Island"!

79 Days

2005-07-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

TGIF baby! No running for me today. Although, it's kind of a trade off when one is getting up early on Friday anyway to go to the DENTIST!!! Besides just being a friday (and therefore automatically getting the day off just for that fact), it's nice to have a day off just before a long run. I was going to do a race on Saturday, but gosh, $20 is a lot of money to go run 3.1 miles without all my friends! Jen, perhaps I'll see you Saturday morning at the Arboretum? I figure we'll need extra fluids due to heat and humidity, so I can keep some water in my car. And, since it's a loop, we can all run different distances. Elissa's sleeping in, so she won't be there.

80 Days

2005-07-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

Those of you who work for a living during the summer may wonder what kind of people we see out in the morning...despirate housewives? Not even close. I tell you, when I get up extra early to run, I feel very wise. Why is that? Everyone I see has to be older than 100! Sure, I know, old people get up early naturally, so I should expect to see them out, but I think the real reason they walk in the morning is because they are wise. When I go in the afternoon, I see a bunch of people in their 20's and 30's with their dogs looking at them like they are crazy!
Oh, and keep in mind, there is a heat advisory today from noon to 8, so if you plan to be out doors running, 8:15 or later would be a great time to go!

81 Days

2005-07-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

81 Days left until the commencement of the mini-marathon. I found myself running at 8a.m. today in order to beat the heat. The problem is, while heat is annoying, humidity is a problem too. I did find that 71 degrees at 100% humidity, though more pleasant than 78 at 86% humidity (believe it or not, the 7 degrees makes a bigger difference than the 14%), it still produces just as much sweat. I did my staple of 5 miles this morning, and plan on running in the Bluegrass State Games this saturday at 7:30 a.m.
I know, I know, not everyone has the luxury of beating the heat by running in the morning, but as official training does not start until next week, 3 miles would be fine for today. Or, if you really want to push it in this weather, 4.

83 days

2005-07-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

You readers who are faithful to the tip of the day may wonder...83 days to what? Another Harry Potter reference? Someone else buying a new car? Until Jay ever meets that 500 mile mark for an oil change? Nope...83 days until Pete and Jen run their first ever mini-marathon, Elissa and Kris run their second, Julie runs her third, and Jay finds out that he'd have been better off to prepare for it!

OH, and for those of you counting, 62 days until the "Great Race"

So, for the next 83 days, be prepared for an account of the training for those of us who care to train, and Jen...consider this your motivation!

Tomatoes

2005-04-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are getting into gardening, now is a good time to start. You can plant those flowers, that will bloom for the next month or two. May is a great time to plant tomatoes. They are hot-weather plants. Everyone is invited over to my house in august for a tomato party! We'll have pasta, lasagna (for those who don't like spaghetti, Jay), fresh tomatoes, and I'm sure some desserts as well!