Run for Dori

Snow Plow

2009-12-24T09:05:00.001-06:00

Here's how you celebrate Christmas. This dog looks like Pepper's twin.

Jingle, Jingle

2009-12-23T15:52:00.003-06:00

PR Pepper cranked out six miles this morning, taking me through Percy Warner Park's hills with the understandable exuberance a four-year-old pound survivor can muster. One happy dog.

Blog Friends, Friday Night Flashbacks is coming to you two days early, commercial free and hopefully getting your toes tappin' in rhthym with the bells on Santa's sled. Merry, Merry!

R.E.M.'s The End of the World As We Know It
The Woodentops' Give It Time (give it 20 seconds)
Queen's Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Dori and I saw Chrissie and The Pretenders live a few years ago. It was this good.

A Son and His Mother

2009-12-20T07:48:00.004-06:00

It turns out I did run a fair amount last week ... five times, 24 miles total. All of it was good running.

Yesterday, our Team in Training crew took off into the cold and light rain. We ran 4.5, with Lymphoma Survivor Jim and I going 6.5. The conversation was good, so it felt like we ran half the distance. You don't feel the cold and rain when you're on a mission.

We typically have a mission moment before the run. Yesterday, Team Captain Sara talked about a four-year-old girl she knows who is battling leukemia. I mentioned Chuck Hendry and his ongoing battle with AML, asking for prayers. Several in our group know Chuck from his run in the most recent Country Music Half.

After the run, I headed to the gym to watch Kathryn's team play basketball and co-coach Will's team, which continues to make great progress. Last week, Will's team lost by two points because of shoddy rebounding and swiss cheese defense. After some good practices, the boys showed up against a team with a good scorer. They shut him down, leading 14-1 at the half and winning 28-17.

Will played his best game in three years, playing as hard as I can recall. After the game, Dori looked like she'd won the lottery. That was great to see, of course, fighting through so much to witness her son's improvement and hard effort.

Will and I talk a fair amount about teamwork and the importance of handling both success and failure. It was good to see him stay humble after the game. How you play and how you react to events are more important than how many points you score.

His composure and his Mom's smile were the highlights of my day.

Who Hash

2009-12-18T20:37:00.004-06:00

That's what's on the FNF menu. Starting with Boris and Cindy Lou.

Here's a clip from my favorite movie of George Bailey, Lover of "Garlic Eaters," versus Mr. Potter, Lover of Nothing.

Two of my favorite Christmas songs are from Mannheim Steamroller ... For any young-uns, you're about to see a turntable.

Prayers For Chuck

2009-12-15T16:49:00.002-06:00

Please keep Chuck Hendry, his wife Abbie and his precious family in your prayers. He's having a rough go in Round 2 versus AML. Not many of us could endure such hell, but I know a few RFD followers/survivors who have. I take great comfort in that for Chuck.

Things are quiet around here. I've been on the road some, Dori is doing the Christmas thing, and I need to buy a tree. I've never bought one this late. I love the smell of a Christmas tree. Tomorrow night looks good.

I'm looking forward to some vacation time, including hiking, camping and fishing. It's time to get in touch with Inner Jim again. Running Jim can come back January 1.

He's A Runner

2009-12-13T19:05:00.003-06:00

Last week, I was a slouch. I ran three times for a total of 10 miles, with Pepper joining me on each run. He seems to be on a better training path than me these days.

Today, Pepper led the way at Radnor Lake, shooting for a PR. He's never gone beyond four miles, which he's done twice, most recently Friday morning. Today, he ran 4.5 and looked like he had another mile in him. I think I'll submit him for "I'm a Runner," one of my favorite features in Runner's World magazine.

As usual, he ran the first mile with gusto. I tried to slow him down, but he's so determined. One lady asked, as I was being dragged down the street, "Who's in charge here?" Not me, at least at that moment.

Once Pepper settles in to a rhythm, we have good runs. Today, we took a few hills at a reasonable clip, then coasted on flats and downhills. He sniffed every dog and walker in the park, much to my chagrin. He thinks everyone wants to see him and often doesn't take "no" for an answer.

That said, I'm glad I have such a good running friend. Otis, our deceased lab, was a thoroughbread racehorse, a great athlete and strong runner. Pepper is different, still strong but not quite as athletic. But he can run better than most.

Dori asked me today my favorite thing about Pepper. "His heart," I said without hesitation. I admire his heart and his passion for running.

Water of Love

2009-12-11T17:18:00.004-06:00

I finally found a version of one of my favorites by Dire Straits, but first some good stuff from the Stones, Toots and his buddies, and Genesis.

Genesis: Follow You, Follow Me

Perfection on the guitar, especially Song No. 2, Water of Love.

Healthy Skepticism

2009-12-10T18:03:00.002-06:00

Things are never as bad or as good as they seem.

H1N1 in April

H1N1 in December

We should be skeptical of everything the U.S. media and government serve up. Can I get a "Y2K is here!"?

Winter Is Here

2009-12-10T06:32:00.002-06:00

What do you do when it's 22 degrees outside with a "feels like" of 14 degrees?

You run, if you're coaching Team In Training and want to look your folks in the eye on Saturday when you ask, "Did y'all do your runs this week?"

It was cold at the beginning, but Pepper loved it, heavy fur coat and all. After 15 minutes, I felt fine. The last 2.5 felt great. It was also the most beautiful morning. No clouds, beaming stars and moon, and a peacefulness you only get at 5:30 in the morning.

Our friend, Chuck, is in complete remission. He's over another major hurdle, and we're happy for him, Abbie and his wonderful family.

Off to work ... feeling refreshed and grateful. This running thing didn't seem like a good idea under cozy covers 90 minutes ago. But experience trumps complacency again.

Turnarounds

2009-12-07T05:54:00.004-06:00

Last Tuesday, Will's basketball team played the Lakers, I mean, a very good basketball team. Our boys were humbled in the scrimmage. At Friday night's practice, we had their attention ... They had blown off pretty much everything we had taught them and suffered the consequences Tuesday. They really got after it at Friday's practice.

The next morning, our boys followed the plan and played a near-perfect first game. They won, 35-8, and it could have been worse had we not backed off. Their opponent wasn't very good, but we executed. Good stuff.

I caught the first half of Kathryn's game. She scored two buckets, including a put back off a missed free throw at the first-half buzzer. Her team won by two points. Kathryn has gone from an after-thought on her first team to a role player the next two years to apparently a team leader. She's fast and aggressive on defense, getting more skilled each day. Mom and Dad are proud of her desire to improve.

Our Team In Training group met early Saturday morning for a three-miler. Jim, Sara and I ran three beforehand, then three with the group. It was cold, about 29 degrees, but quite comfortable after you got going. One guy in our group told me he lost his grandmother in October to AML. She was diagnosed on a Wednesday and died that Saturday.

Please keep our friend in Chuck in your prayers. He has a biopsy scheduled today, and everyone is obviously eager for good news.

One-Hit Wonders

2009-12-04T21:02:00.003-06:00

Earlier this week, VH1 ran their Top 100 One-Hit Wonders, causing Dori to boogie shamelessly in front of her startled children. Here are a few that caused the commotion.

Your Love, Outfield

The following sparked discussion about the limited pros and many cons of the mullet.

Harden My Heart, Quarterflash

And here's some fun from Boyd, Gray, Crabtree and Parks, aka The White Animals. Looks like their stuff is finally hitting You Tube. Oh me, oh my. Old people unite.

A Bug

2009-12-04T06:13:00.003-06:00

I didn't feel great this week. It could have been the H1N1 (here little piggy). I slept most of Monday and Tuesday, and felt 80% on Wednesday. Yesterday was much better, so I decided to run this morning, the first time since Sunday.

Yowser. It wasn't pretty. I had to head back home, if you know what I mean, after a mile. Regrouped, I took Pepper out for another two, and that wasn't easy.

But, hey, I finished. And my dog is happy.

Jake

2009-11-28T12:22:00.003-06:00

All I can say before you watch this is "good luck not crying."

Love and Loyalty

2009-11-27T09:01:00.005-06:00

This morning's Sportscenter had a powerful story about former UCLA Coach John Wooden and his everlasting love for his deceased wife.

I hope Kathryn finds someone like John Wooden one day.

Here's more about Wooden and his Pyramid of Success.

Dinner Prep

2009-11-26T15:00:00.005-06:00

This morning's Boulevard Bolt, a five-miler down scenic Belle Meade Boulevard, was exhilarating in several ways.

First, running pal Meredith showed she's a strong runner. I expected we would finish in about 50 minutes, staying on 10-minute miles. We ran the first mile in 10:30, dodging the crowd and avoiding a turned ankle. As the crowd spaced, we ran the next mile at about 9:20. She felt great so we kept up the trend in perfect weather - 38 degrees and very low dewpoint. The last three miles, we averaged about 8:40/miles. Final time ... an impressive 45:40. Great job, ML!

I felt like I ran at 85% or so. It was a good workout and just terrific fun. I saw 15 TNT-ers dressed as reindeer, with the lead TNT-er dressed as grandma. She was not run over, I am told, by the herd. I also saw about 20 friends and acquaintances, including Cousin Becky, Jarron the marathoner and Dori's former nurse practioner Carey.

After an apple and some fluids, I cleaned up and visited Chuck at Vanderbilt Hospital. Chuck, Dori's AML soulmate, relapsed last week. The whole thing has been difficult for him and his family, to say the least. Dori also has been impacted, as have I. Cancer just pisses me off. I enjoyed the time with Chuck and his family, and am keeping them in my constant thoughts and saying special prayers.

We're off to Nana's in a few. The entire menu, which I'll probably describe later, has been set. This is my favorite holiday, by far, but my excitement has been tempered by the recent news. I expect I'll light up when I smell the food.

Saying Grace

2009-11-25T15:49:00.006-06:00

Tomorrow, I'll run five miles in the Boulevard Bolt with our good friend Meredith. Then, a little rest and then some turkey and fixings at Chez Rachel with assistance from Sous Chef Anne. I'm told cornbread with pablano peppers, green beans with caramelized onions and spicy sausage stuffing are on the menu.

Flashbacks are making an appearance two days early. I hope you all enjoy your rest and join our family in giving thanks for what we have in our country, including these great American sounds.

The Gift of Life

2009-11-23T20:52:00.004-06:00

Dori sent me an e-mail today, stating she had run "very hard." I liked getting that e-mail!

She also sent me a link to a gripping story about a bone marrow donor and her recipient. It's a great rehash on many levels, with great insight on the donor process.

Here's The Today Show's take:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Somewhere, I hope Hans is smiling. I know I am.

Now it's your turn to spread the word and be sure you're on deck.

Humble Meb

2009-11-22T19:09:00.002-06:00

Humility in sports seems to be a rarity these days. That's why I enjoyed this article about Meb Keflezghi, winner of the NYC Marathon.

I cross-trained today, walking with my sister Anne and her husband Stephen at Radnor Lake. Then I headed to the finish line of the Flying Monkey Marathon. With my good friend Ann, a Boston marathoner, I watched three of her girls hand out finisher's medals to exhausted runners.

I enjoyed watching my friend Jarron finish. He almost fell over at the end, finishing the very hilly couse in 4:20, a great run. I gave him a well-deserved hug for his super effort.

The Flying Monkey is a very unique race. Ann calls it a run for "fringe" marathoners. Whatever you call it, we both were excited enough to consider running it one day. The bug will bite you. She's planning on racing in Huntsville in a year, and I may join her.

Good Start

2009-11-21T10:18:00.002-06:00

I read a great phrase on a runner's board last night:

Pain is just weakness leaving the body.

Tomorrow morning, a few hundred runners will run the Flying Monkey Marathon in hilly Percy Warner Park. The athletes will have few flat stretches, and rain is in the forecast. I'll be there to cheer on some folks I know.

This morning, our Team In Training group kicked off with a goal to finish the Country Music Half Marathon and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We have 108 signed up so far, and I've got 12 in my group.

After attending nutrition, safety and strength programs, we went out for a two-miler. Our group looks good. We ran some 11-minute miles, and most stayed on the pace and picked it up the last mile.

I ran another three afterward, and felt great! I ran the last mile under eight minutes, reeling in a runner ahead of me for motivation. When the burn started, I thought of the phrase above. It worked. It also was nice to bag 20 miles, the most since Cape Cod.

Simple Minds

2009-11-20T17:34:00.003-06:00

Running pain free for the first time in three weeks, I finished 5.5 miles in just over 50 minutes. What a great feeling to run with no back or leg discomfort. Tomorrow, I rise early to start my coaching duties for Team In Training. In less than an hour, it's off to the gym to co-coach Will's basketball team. Rarely a slow moment!

One of my favorite bands is Simple Minds. I've embedded a few on this blog in the past. Here are a few more good ones.

Here's a wonderful unknown song, Rivers of Ice.

All The Things She Said
Sanctify Yourself
Alive and Kicking
New Gold Dream
Theme for Great Cities

I believe I've posted this one before, but it's so good ... a blend of creativity from a YouTuber and a great song.

Tough to Hear

2009-11-20T13:17:00.002-06:00

Our friend, Chuck Hendry, has relapsed. The news was hard to process, to say the least. Dori, who spoke with Chuck yesterday, bonded with him during the summer 2007 during their mutual battles against AML. We'll be there for him and his precious family and have started with prayer.

I updated Dori's photo on the site. Her smile says it all: "I'm just so happy to be here. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Running buddy Jim Asker, one of my training partners this summer and fall, made an appearance earlier this week on a local early afternoon show. Check it out. Well done, Jim.

Friday Night Pickin'

2009-11-13T17:32:00.002-06:00

This morning, I ran before dawn and saw a spectacular shooting star. Four-and-a-half miles later, I walked up our driveway to a pink, yello and orange sunrise. That's how you start a day.

Here's how you end one. Breaking out the guitar, or lettin' someone else do it for you.

Vintage Guitar: Dire Straits

The entire song, if you're so inclined

Paying homage to MK ...

Basketball Great Has CML

2009-11-10T19:15:00.004-06:00

Kareen Abdul-Jabbar, the UCLA and Los Angeles Laker great, is battling leukemia. Here's the story. He has CML.

Just more proof this disease will go after anyone. KAJ is probably very grateful of all the TNT-ers and LLS-ers who helped make Gleevec possible.

Spread the Word

2009-11-08T20:19:00.002-06:00

Dori is volunteering next Saturday morning at a Bone Marrow Registry Drive scheduled around Emmit Martin's inaugural Nashville 1/2 Marathon. Emmit has already donated twice for the same patient.

This is your chance, Middle Tennesseans, to potentially help save someone's life! Get on the Registry, good people.

More info on Emmit's race and Saturday's marrow drive
Get on the Registry, wherever you live

Perspective

2009-11-08T15:11:00.003-06:00

I've enjoyed the break from training the last two weeks.

A few days ago, Dori brought some delicious cookies home from Gilda's Club. I wish she hadn't. It's a bad combo - tasty cookies in the house and a small sense of entitlement after completing 26.2.

Yesterday morning, I ran five difficult miles. The first two went fine, then I had to work and the last one hurt. An old nemesis, my left achilles, and my knees and calves weren't agreeable. Total weekly mileage was 13 over four runs.

This afternoon, I ran four miles. It's 75 degrees today, and the last mile uphill into the sun was good work. I felt much better today, with nothing hurting. I don't have a smooth stride yet, however. It's hard to describe, but it's like having 90% power and something in the stride is uneven. If my body were a car, I'd be in for a tune-up.

Someone told me today Dori looks like she's had a makeover, that she looks great. When I shared this compliment with Dori, she said, "I have had a makeover!" She spent the weekend in the yard raking and bagging leaves, smiling the whole time. What used to be a boring chore is now a great time to get exercise.

Perspective is a good thing.