Running For My Life

DEBATING WITH MYSELF

2009-10-13T20:46:00.002-05:00

I will admit that I have been rather lax in my blogging as of late. With two boys under the age of 6, both in school; with a wife who is a teacher; and with me being a principal of a high school...........not to mention my proclivity for running, I just have not been able to find the time to blog.

I went on Twitter, which really seems to be a medium that I am much more likely to use.....I guess my attention span is so short that 14o characters is about all my brain can handle, to see what others thought about my blogging.

I asked my friends if it was time for me to delete my blog. Mind you I have been doing this for about three years, my wife uses my blog to keep up with what is going on in my brain, and apparently I have a few people who actually read the CRAP I write on this blog. The consensus was that I should keep the blog and just add posts WHEN I CAN FIND THE TIME.

I, however, being the guilt ridden soul that I am, find it hard to keep a blog that I am not keeping up with. Especially when I spend so much time getting joy from the blogs of those people I frequent on a weekly, if not daily, basis. I have a hard time using them for my enjoyment without putting forth my part.

So I ask: is it okay to be a constant blog reader and not a regular blog poster? You tell me....what should I do?

A FEW THINGS I HAVE LEARNED THIS WEEK

2009-09-19T12:00:00.003-05:00

1. Put the words Tour of..... or Mark Cavendish in your post and 7000 new visitors come to your blog...no one left any comments but my counter jumped over 7000 spots in 24 hours....may have to go to more road races and post more items about famous bicyclists.

2. School really messes with my running, and by default my blogging. Since school has started and I have gone back to being a principal, I do not have nearly the time I had this summer to run and post blogs...makes me a bit sad.

3. Parents can sometimes do their children a disservice by being SO INVOLVED in every moment of their lives. There are just some parents that think every single move that is made is there to harm/help their child and no one else's.....and sometimes these parents are so vocal that it really negatively effects their child's life. Other kids see this and tend to project their feelings onto the child...makes me sad as a parent/educator to see this happen.

4. Work is so much easier now that I have realized I do not have to take every single school incident personally and that as long as I know I am doing what I think is best for my students, my school, and my teachers....then things will work themselves out...and I won't end up wasting so many hours just worrying.

5. High school kids are fun, cool, funny, and in need of a little positive attention. When given this, they are just cool people to be around. I have some very cool kids to work with.

6. MY SON LOVES SOCCER AND HAS SOME MAD SOCCER SKILLS. (I may be a bit biased, but I know that enough to keep my mouth shut at the games).

7. It is so cool to finally have friends in this community that I can see at soccer games, shoot the crap with, laugh with, and just enjoy the day. I am getting closer and closer to NOT being the outsider in this community. Not there yet, but closer....after 14 years.

8. My running is starting to rub off on my students, my friends, and I hope this small community. I actually get to have conversations with students about running, and they get my passion. I am still the butt of the joke with my friends, but they seem to get it too.

9. TWITTER is so much better than FACEBOOK.

10. Life is getting better and I am so happy for that. I am grateful for what I have, to be sure.

POSTING AGAIN (thanks for the reminder BLUE DAWGS) - TOUR OF MISSOURI PART II

2009-09-08T22:05:00.003-05:00

I am back from our leg of the Tour of Missouri. I must say what a cool experience that was.

I got asked to volunteer, on behalf of my school, at the finish line of stage 2. Along with me, 4 seniors and a teacher from my school also volunteered. I felt it was an opportunity neither I nor the students could pass up.

I have to share a couple things about the race and my job, in particular:

1. The description of my job (medical chaperon) was deceiving. First the name sounds like I might be helping riders in need of some kind of medical care.....NOPE. The actual job description, received post agreement, stated that I would be assisting USADA in the testing of the athletes (as a witness). Good thing I did not have to watch them urinate...but my job was so very uneventful...I found my guy, walked with him to the TESTING RV, checked him in and left...I got to stand around for 3 hours for 15 minutes of work....mind you, I loved all three hours....but...........

2. The atmosphere at an INTERNATIONAL event, such as this, was totally cool. I found myself with goosebumps a number of times....especially the first time the riders and the PELOTON came into sight....SO COOL.

3. The American athletes....we SO VERY COOL and extremely kind to the spectators...some even asked me for directions and advice...very nice guys.

4. The athletes...non-Americans.....are TINY fellows...now I know I am larger than the average guy...at 6'2", but these guys were TINY....maybe 5'5" and 115 pounds. Mark Cavendish, the stage winner, the BIG HORSE, and if you listened to the commentators on TV all summer ... THE BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST man on wheels.....Strong and Fast, most definitely, but BIG...not a chance.

5. Mark Cavendish....is a STUD. He is FAST. He is a ROCKET. He is a BULLET out of the barrel....he is the MAN. So very impressive to watch him fly by with another stage victory....2 stages in the TOUR OF MISSOURI and two stage winds.....ROCK ON MARK.

TOUR OF MISSOURI

2009-08-26T23:02:00.002-05:00

Went to a meeting tonight for the upcoming Tour of Missouri. I am going to volunteer...for two reasons: 1. The husband of one of my faculty members is running the whole thing and 2. because this will give me a chance to get up and close to some of the athletes I watched all summer compete in the Tour de France.

I get a great job, or at least I think so...but then again I am not normal.
I am going to work as a Medical Control volunteer. What do they do? Real simple, escort freshly finished racers from their bikes directly to the room where they give their "samples" to race monitors....I have to literally walk them to the urinal and make sure they give a valid sample.

Most would find this disgusting...but not me. I will have the opportunity to be one-on-one (while we walk) to chat up the racers. I am sure they are not going to want to talk while they do their walk of "fame", so I will try to keep it short and sweet...but I could not pass this up.

Yes I am a dork.
Yes I find fun in the worst possible places.
I guess the good thing is, I will not have to actually WATCH them PEE....that would be a little TOO MUCH one-on-one time for me.....EEEWWW.

Running has been great lately...beautiful weather..getting in runs between the start of school and home renovations has been tough...but the ones I am getting in are some of the best I have done in a year.

SCHOOL SURE PUTS A KINK IN MY BLOGGING

2009-08-17T20:12:00.002-05:00

It is amazing how all-consuming the first full week of school can be. I have done some good running, albeit it scattered, lately...but no chance to really blog. I have not even had time to read my normal mainstays. I love reading everyone's blogs as much, if not more, as writing my own.

I am hoping that I get back on track later this week and get caught up with my blogging friends. I have not forgotten about you, but my kids/teachers need me to be focused - especially at the beginning of the new school year.

Did have a pretty good run yesterday. Got in a little over 8 miles on a VERY hot day. The temperature was 91+ and when you add in the humidity, it was well over 95 degrees at 6:00pm when I ran. Although the heat was brutal, the run was great. Even ran into one of my former students who decided to drive beside me for a while (and talk a little SMACK) I ran through a local neighborhood. Students sure get bold and cocky right after graduation...........cracks me up to no end.

GETTING BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

2009-08-09T20:32:00.002-05:00

After suffering a back injury Thursday, I finally got back to running today. Nothing major, just 5.3 miles today on a rather warm afternoon (95 degrees). The good part of the run was what happened afterwards....I could bend over and touch my toes. I have not been able to do that in three days. Mind you, that ability only lasted for about an hour because after sitting down to dinner I had lost my flexibility....but I could bend over and touch my toes for an hour at least. Looking forward to running again tomorrow and being able to tie my shoes without pain. I will keep you posted on this INTERESTING and MUST KNOW information.

IMPRESSED, VERY IMPRESSED

2009-08-03T18:37:00.002-05:00

I just read an article about this weekends Rock-n-Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon where Kara Goucher won. She ran in 1 hr 8 minutes, and she beat all-comers. She beat every female, not a shock if you have seen her run, and she beat all the men. I do not know the level of the competition of the men involved, but if it is typical of most BIG CITY half marathons then she had to beat some pretty good men.

On a personal note, I got in 18.25 miles this weekend....the last weekend of my summer break.
I got in 8 miles on Saturday, and then went out for 10 miles on Sunday. Pretty good weekend for me....considering I had to play 18 holes of golf (actually 12 - and watched family play the last 6 holes) before I got to go run. I SUCK AT GOLF, RUNNING MAKES ME SANE. MAYBE GOLF IS WHY I GET INSANE?

I GUESS I AM MORE FAMOUS THAN I THOUGHT, OR INFAMOUS

2009-07-29T22:07:00.002-05:00

I received an invitation today to go to lunch on behalf of the local hospital. They are in the process of trying to recruit a new Physical Therapist, and apparently they are hard to find/in high demand. This young guy, straight out of college, is being interviewed / wooed by our local hospital. When you live in a town of 7500, you need to woo people for all sorts of HIGH NEED positions.

So anyway, I was asked to attend the lunch for two reasons: 1. I am a local high school principal (and apparently this position holds some weight - although I find that hard to believe), 2. The young man in question is somewhat of an outdoor sports kind of guy (like biking, hiking, etc.) and I have some background in this area....being one of the FEW people around here who actually run.

During the course of the lunch small talk was maintained. Eight people sitting around the table throwing out reasons why our community is a nice place to live, work, and raise a family - and ALL of the reasons given were accurate. The bulk of the conversation was centered around things this 25 year old would find interesting.

At some point during our conversation, I was asked if there was a gym where one might work out. I replied that we had two local establishments, and that I actually belong to one so I can lift weights or run on the treadmill when the weather gets below 15 or 20 degrees. Our guest responded, in jest, "you are a fair weather runner", and before I could come back with a snappy retort.....three people at the table, two of which I really do not know chimed in.

In essence their comments were - he is the crazy guy I see running in all weather - one made comments about my propensity to run in pouring rain, and another made the comment that I am the guy EVERYONE sees running in sleet and snow.

I guess, from their comments and expressions, that I am seen as a bit of an X Gamer or Extreme Athlete. I have never, ever, ever seen running as an extreme sport.....but apparently around here, if you do it in less than perfect weather, it is an extreme sport.

I guess you all will see me on the X Games next year.......two new events:
1. Extreme Rain Running
2. Ice Road Runners

FINALLY THE REST OF THE STORY

2009-07-23T22:04:00.002-05:00

I know I said I would talk about the 2nd half of the best weekend a dad could ever wish for, and this was over a week ago.....but, life sometimes gets in the way - especially when there is a 6 year old and a 4 year old involved.

Besides the great All-Star Game 5K, the weekend was full of lots of daddy and son experiences.

Saturday: My wife and I spent the weekend with an old college friend of my wife. They also have two little boys, so the fun began as soon as we arrived. The first day of our visit we spend letting the boys play, grilling out, and just having some adult conversation.

Sunday: Day started off with a 5K run that I may have mentioned previously. Then we all set out for Grant's Farm. Anytime a Biology teacher (former I guess) can take his boys to a place jam packed with animals it is going to be a good time. I visit got cut short due to a massive storm that rolled in 20 minutes after we arrived....now you would think that this would ruin our weekend, but it really didn't. This just gave us more time to hang out as a family, enjoy the giggling, running, and destruction that follows three boys (all under 6 yrs old) around.

Monday: This is the day we had planned our trip around. We attended the All-Star Game Fanfest from 11:00am until about 4:00pm. Let me tell you, the place was packed with people - great baseball history - many of my childhood heroes (Rollie Fingers, Lou Brock, Fred Lynn, etc.) - plenty of games and activities for the boys.

Activity #1 - the boys got to pitch baseballs and win MLB prizes (we must have come home with 6 or 7 pennants, some posters, some Cardinals Pencils, etc.)

Activity #2 - Within the confines of the Convention Center was a miniature baseball diamond. Every half hour was a different mini-seminar for the kids on topics like hitting, fielding, base-running. You had to sign your child up an hour before you event, and they stopped the sign-ups after 20 kids. We got STUCK signing our kids up for a clinic on "rules of the game" where students learned how to be an umpire. Mind you my two kids are 4 and 6, so this did not seem like the optimal clinic for them to attend, but the wait was so long for some of the others and they really wanted to get on the field. Needless to say, we signed them up. When their time was called, they ran onto the field and witnessed 5 minutes of Umpire introductions - not real exciting for the kids. However, little did they know (or me for that matter) that the most famous of all the "GUEST" teachers - INFAMOUS umpire (at least in this area) Angel Hernandez....he has been on the wrong end of so many "missed" calls involving the Cardinals....or so Cardinal fans believe. He was so great with the kids...and with my two especially. In fact at one point, he looked like he was breaking up a fight between my two - the younger was standing too close to the older as he was trying to make a "safe" call as he was being taught to do.

After we left the fanfest, the fun continued down near the stadium. All of the sponsors had various activities available for the fans....Pitching Gun to determine the speed of your pitches, they had a batting cage for the boys to take their rips, and they had a home run derby set up on the new SOFTBALL field adjacent to the new Busch Stadium. We were actually on our way to see the Clydesdales, my youngest's only request - see animals, when a man (and his bodyguard) approached me and asked if I was going to the home run derby. I was very candid when I replied, "no sir, we cannot afford the tickets". I had actually gone up to the stadium to see if tickets were still available ..... they were @ $165.00 per person. We have 4 of us, so the total would have been $660.00, a small FORTUNE for a bunch of teachers. The man then asked if we would like some FREE tickets, and my response was "how much do you want?" He came back quickly, and appropriately, "what about free do you not understand?" I then responded "is this a joke?" He said, "yes I am joking" (very sarcastically I might add) as he handed both of my sons a ticket, then my wife, and finally me. At a loss for words, I just shook his hand and said "thank you very much". The man and his bodyguard walked off - as an old lady gave him heck for giving us the tickets and not her.

My wife sent me to the gate with the 4 tickets, just in case they were fakes - that way only I went to jail, and not her and the boys. They were real, I did not go to jail, and the four of us found our seats right beside third base - the seats were great. Some man I do not know, never got his name, and saw for only 2 or 3 minutes gave us a $1000.00 worth of tickets and walked away. He never got to see my youngest sleep through the whole derby, he never got to see my oldest and his dad have a conversation about all 8 participants, share 2 hot dogs, and share great big smiles every time PUJOLS knocked one out of the park. I must say that this gentleman, whomever he is, gave a dad and his son an unforgettable weekend....one that may never come to St. Louis for another 48 years (last time we hosted an All-Star Game).

Thank you, sir.
I have made myself, and this gentleman (though he does not know it), a promise to try and make the same kind of difference in another families lives. I do not know what I am going to do yet, but I want to do something that will be random, effective, and put a smile on a families faces if only for a day (or as in our cases, for the rest of our lives).

MLB ALL-STAR GAME WEEKEND RACE REPORT

2009-07-14T20:20:00.002-05:00

THE BEST WEEKEND A DAD CAN EVER HAVE.

We have a tradition in our family, every summer we go to St. Louis for an extended weekend. The 3 or 4 days usually consists of a trip to the zoo, to the science center, to Grant's Farm, and staying with Ted and Shelley.

This year we had to modify those plans, without any complaints, due to the MLB All-Star Game being in town. We did the usual dinner with our good friends, took our kids and theirs to Grant's Farm (only to have to come home early due to a huge STORM), and let the kids play together for two days.

There were, this year, some other highlights. First off, I ran in the All-Star Game Charity 5K. I had signed up for the race 2 months ago and every intention of running and trying to get my first PR in my new age group. My plans changed upon my arrival in St. Louis when Ted (the husband of my wife's college volleyball teammate....and I must say a real good guy) said he would like to run the race with me. Mind you Ted is not a runner, has not been training for a race, and had not run an actual 5K since high school. I was pumped to have someone to run with (it happens so seldom), so I had to change my plans. No longer was I running for a PR, I was running with a friend to get him to the finish line in good shape and wanting to run again.

To start off, the race was the first EVER All-Star 5K and from what was told to us at the start it is going to be an annual thing. This race had 8,000+ participants. We lined up in the middle of the pack and waited for the starting gun. MLB did it up right with the Masters of Ceremony: Lou Brock, Rollie Fingers, Shawn Johnson (Olympic gymnastic gold medalist), and Michael Milken. After a great singing of the National Anthem and the notification that Shawn Johnson and Gov. Nixon of MO would be running with us, we were off.

The race started right out Busch Stadium decorated in all of its All-Star Game regalia. After a tight squeeze through the starting gate we were off and running getting fist bumps from Fredbird, the Nationals mascot, and the Houston Astro's mascot. We run at a very comfortable 10:00 minute pace. I really felt very good and had to stop myself from getting to anxious, I made a commitment to run with Ted. We made it to the first mile marker with little issues, Ted was running comfortably but was really saying little after the first half mile. That being said, he was doing much better than this college kid who was running next to us who lost his breakfast, or late-night liquid dinner while trying to hold it in with his hands....without success.

As I was enjoying the sites of St. Louis (and doing so verbally), Ted was saying very little - in fact he apologized to me for not talking that much for the rest of the race - and I decided to just talk about things that would help Ted finish the race. We got to the mile and half marker and the leaders were passing beside us on their last 3/4ths of a mile. That kind of gave Ted a mental pick-me-up and we chugged along to the 2 mile marker. At this point Ted did finally talk saying 'Thank God, I thought we were coming on the 1 mile marker' - he apparently missed the 1 mile marker. We weaved our way through St. Louis, and came to the left turn towards the finish line. At that point I told Ted he had to start running fast, he had to finish strong. He did.....I came in right behind him....making sure he could have the picture all to himself. We finished in a very respectable 32:02. For someone not training at all for a race, not running at all, not even knowing until the day before the race that he was going to run.

I got to have a race I have never had. I got to run with someone. I got to experience the race without pain, without a goal time, and at a pace where I got to see all of my surroundings. More importantly, I got to run as a support person for a friend running for the first time.

This was the best race I have run in a very long time. Not just for the pageantry of the MLB All-Star Game, not just because some of my childhood heroes were there shaking hands and giving encouragement, and not just because it was just a beautiful day for a run. I also got the opportunity to just SLOW DOWN and enjoy the moment, enjoy the feeling of gratification of finishing a race that Ted had, and running with 8,000 happy people.

Thanks Ted for such a great experience.

Tomorrow I will share how the kindness of a stranger gave me, my wife, and my boys the experience of a lifetime.

RUNNING MADE TOUGH (not EASY)

2009-07-06T16:39:00.002-05:00

Spent the 4th of July weekend playing with my kids and my wife's family. I had planned on doing some quality running over the three days, but alas it did not happen and I can point to one particular moment as to why not.

We arrive in KY to spend the day on the lake with family and friends. I am fishing, and catching them as fast as me and the boys can put the line in the water, when some family friends come up in a boat and ask if we want to go out on the lake. Of course my 4 and 6 year old sons want to ride in a boat, as does everyone else, so PEER PRESSURE gets me out too.

While out, I get talked into trying some Wake Boarding. I have never water skied, I have never even been on a tube behind a boat. So what made me think I could wake board, I will never know. But hey, my sister-in-law did it, my wife did it (and did it well), so I of course have to try.

I get out in the water, against my better judgement, and attempt to wake board. I try to get up 6 different times....the first four, my face does not get out of the water....except to breathe and let loose some expletive. On the 5th and 6th tries I get up on the board, and almost immediately do a face-plant into some very HARD water.

I get back into the boat, share my thoughts...pretty positive....thought that was the end of the issue. 7:00am, July 5th, I awake to some moderately sore forearms .......... why in the world would my forearms be sore? Sore enough that I have a hard time opening a bag of chips, or folding a sleeping bag. No biggie, I will be fine....but trying to run, my arms hurt to move....and hurt a lot. 8:00am, July 6th, I awake to forearms that are EVEN MORE SORE. WTH? I have a hard time loading the luggage into the trunk.

I cannot really explain to anyone how sore forearms mess up my running.
I will be honest, I cannot really explain it to myself.....but it is true.

RUNNING MADE TOUGH............all because of sore forearms. Sometimes I am just an idiot.

WHAT A GREAT DAY

2009-06-28T21:52:00.002-05:00

Today was one of those days I am going to look back on, when I MAKE MY KIDS SIT AND LISTEN TO MY OLD STORIES, on my life. It was a simple day, but one filled with so many smiles.

I got to play 18 holes of golf with my wife, my boys, and my in-laws (a couple who ANY man would be proud to have as in-laws). Mind you, GOLF SUCKS, but the time out on the course was peaceful, for the most part. That does not mean that I did not get peeved while trying to learn this awful game (which had I been smart and learned as a youngster when my father tried to get me to play). But, when you see your 6 year old, who loves the game, getting better and better with every round and getting the biggest smiles on his face as he hits each ball............it is hard to not love the game, at least for this day. I also watched my 4 year old play every 7th ball with his driver...........whether in the fairway, in the sand pit, or on the green. Between each of his hits, he runs off into the woods to find sticks and pine cones.............for what reason, only he knows. I also get to watch my wife, who is a great golfer, have a frustrating day and still have a good time. We even found a snake on the course, and instead of running away...........we just sat and looked at it, a site my youngest could not stop talking about well through dinner.

After golf, my sons wanted (and got to go) to go with their grandfather fishing. Apparently, they both caught a bass at the exact same moment and my 6 year old commented: "they must have been buddies, one must of said to the other you go get that worm and I will go get that one". What an imagination he has.

While all the fishing is going on, I get to go on a great run. Nowhere special, just the track........but, man was it a good run. I ran 2 mile warm up, I ran 6x400m @ 1:38, and ran 2 mile warm-down. The numbers were not important, but the feeling during and afterwards was. Felt so good............

And now, to top of the evening, I am sitting in bed with my wife. We are eating ice cream, watching a movie, and not getting up every 2 minutes for wants and needs of the boys. This is almost as good as a vacation night gets. Some days, I am so lucky.

I AM GOING TO GET MY NERD ON, TURN AWAY NOW

2009-06-25T23:35:00.003-05:00

I was jazzed last night/today, but due to an obligation to my wife I did not get to expound upon my nerdiness.

First off, my obligation was to take my wife to a Kenny Rodger's concert. I was not unhappy about this, but not thrilled either.....I am no real country music fan or expert..........but I must admit, he was entertaining.

Now for the nerdiness:

#1 - USA Soccer defeats Spain (#1 in the world) 2-0. I know that no one in the US cares about soccer or about the team, but I do. I grew up playing soccer. I played in Europe for 3 years during high school..........and I love the strategy of the game, much like I love watching the strategy of a marathon unfold. (mind you, many of the USA's best runners got their start playing soccer - Futbol).

#2 - USA Track and Field Championships Previews abound - I am such a track and field junkie that I am going to watch most of the championships online. I know I am a dork for wanting to watch online, but man cannot get the coverage anywhere else. I know there will be a couple hours on Friday and Sunday on tv, but really.........we will miss all the good stuff. Also, I have a dream of taking a trip back to where I was born, Oregon (military brat, lived there 6 months and moved away and have never gotten back). I have always had this pull to Oregon, so every chance I get I guess I just soak up anything about Eugene, Prefontaine, Bowerman, Oregon Running, Nike, etc. I just turned 4o, so I have let that many years go by without going back and visiting my birthplace, hopefully I will get there before the next 40 pass.....or I pass.

#3 - Transformers was released - takes me back to my childhood when I used to watch all those shows similar to, and including, Transformers. Now, I have an excuse as an adult, to go see these movies (along with cartoons, comic book-based, old tv show spin offs, etc.)...........I have 6 and 4 year old sons who live for these movies.....so, I get to relive my youth, hang with my sons, and eat lots of crappy MOVIE food.

Speaking of my youth, sad to hear today that two influences of my youth died today: Farah Fawcett (first crush on a tv/movie personality - first poster) and Michael Jackson. Sad day, rest in peace.

I am a Nerd, Dork, Geek, whatever adjective you might use.............but I am proud of it, just ask my kids............I now get to embarrass my sons like my parents embarressed me in my youth.....and I have an excuse.......I am a nerd.

RUNNING WITH A SUNBURN

2009-06-19T12:15:00.003-05:00

First off, I am usually very WHITE and PASTY. Today, not so much....more of a RED and ROSY. We spent the day at a local lake (playing on the beach) with the boys. In the process, I GOT FRIED....even after my wife put sunblock all over me...I STILL GOT SCORCHED. Well, needless to say, I did not let the pain of the sunburn slow my running.....

Last night, at about 9:00pm (tends to be the coolest part of the day here) I went out for a run. Temperature was down to 85 degrees, humidity about 80% (not bad around here)....and I wore the thinnest shorts I could find in my closet....to no avail, my legs were on fire...the shorts rubbed me all 5.3 miles....and I ended with an attempt to put my hands on my knees only to scream at the top of my lungs (forgot I had scorched legs).....I think I scared the neighbors and a few of the neighborhood dogs.

WHAT AN IDIOT I AM.

REAL VACATION

2009-06-17T22:55:00.003-05:00

This week has been wonderful.....if you discount the massive rain storms on Monday and Tuesday and the oppressive heat today. Great week, how"

I have gotten, and get to spend, the entire week hanging with my sons and my wife without work interruptions. Monday I got to sit around the house and watch the boys play with each other all day...and at times I had to break up some scrums....but it was so much fun, at least for me, to hear them and watch them be BOYS. I experience them fighting over a video game, I had front row seats to a battle of DINOSAURS, and I got to prepare about 10 meals for the two of them........man little boys sure eat A LOT.

Tuesday mom was gone playing in a golf tournament with her mother....much deserved break for her....time for some mommy fun. The boys and I, after some house cleaning (just know I HATE cleaning the bathroom, and I did it anyway), we got to go to the local library and check out some books....I am thinking this is a lost practice. We were the only ones in the children's section of the library. They would only let us check out 4 books, and may have been the only 4 checked out all day............but I digress. Following the library, we went to hang out in a local pet store..just to look at the animals, then off to 18 holes of mini-golf. We ended boys day out with the must visit to McDonalds and their play-land. The day ended with some Daddy time out with a friend...............off to see a non-animated movie: The Hangover (so funny I got a workout just watching it).

Today, sleep in - pool for the boys/mommy - 18 holes of golf for daddy. Home to hang out and do some yardwork...while the boys played in the water sprinkler (boy I remember when we did that ALL SUMMER LONG - another quickly dying tradition). Boys to bed, and they are so beautiful when they sleep, so that we can get up and visit a beach tomorrow..........this is the best week of the summer (so far anyway).

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

2009-06-12T22:44:00.002-05:00

I have been hit with a bad case of Plantar Fasciitis recently.
Like most men, I have tried to ignore it, but does not work.
I have taken a day off every other day, and after today I figured out that this does not work either. I got 4 miles into my 5.3 mile run today and had to go home.....I could not take a step without pain shooting through my right foot/leg. OUCH.
Came home and soaked my foot in an ice bath, hoping this knocks down the inflammation.

I have some great opportunities to run this summer, but this may put a quick end to those dreams.

Gonna take the next few days off and see how things look Monday/Tuesday. Gonna continue to lift weights, but I really do not want to give up the running.....it keeps me sane.

ST. LOUIS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MAKE TRACKS FOR THE ZOO 5K

2009-06-08T11:14:00.003-05:00

I got a chance, while on our families mini-vacation, to run a 5K race this weekend. This was my first chance to run this race, and it was a great time. The race started right outside the entrance to the zoo, meandered through Forest Park, and ended right back where it started.

The race was run on one heck of a BEAUTIFUL morning. The reace course was an out and back race, that turned around at a ROUNDABOUT in the middle of the park (great way to do an out and back course). There were lots of ups and downs along the courese, but the race took place in a wonderful environment.

Probably the best part of the race for me was the amount of people who came out to support the zoo: 2300+ people ran. This is, by far, the largest 5K that I have ever run in. The race was well managed, especially with the amount of people involved.

Following the race there was breakfast for the participants right next door to the new Stingray exhibit, where racers could eat and then go and feed the stingrays. There were also five or six different events: one for any level of runner and any age of runner - little races for little ones, walks for those with small children or who cannot run, etc. Then they had an awards ceremony at the place I normally take the boys to watch Sea Lions Show....a stadium setting with a large stage.

The Zoo put on a great race, must be pretty good it has been around for 24 years. I had a ball, even though I had to leave right after the race to get back to the hotel for more family time in St. Louis.

NATIONAL RUNNING DAY

2009-06-03T21:28:00.002-05:00

Today was National Running Day.
I am not sure how many people actually knew this.
I tried to do a small something to pass the word by posting on my Facebook Page about today.
I hope everyone enjoyed their National Running Day.
I am hoping that next year there are some races to attend nearby.
I did get in 5 miles today. Was just going to lift today and take it off from running, until I realized what today was.....so, switched today with my Friday workout.

2009-05-26T22:31:00.001-05:00

My wife thinks I am nuts for running as much as I do, and I think she is nuts for loving golf as she does. Finally, a way for us to enjoy each other's sports together. What do you think?

SUMMER VACATION ALMOST BEGINS

2009-05-25T21:37:00.002-05:00

With the end of the school year, it is almost time for my summer vacation to begin. I do have to work a few more weeks after the students and the teachers leave for the summer, but the pressure and the stress is much less when the skeleton crew is around.

Summer could not have come at a better time. It seems to have had a positive effect on my wife (a teacher) already. As I write this post, I can hear her cackling away in the other room...........like I have never heard her laugh before. In fact, whenever I let out may loud laughs, she makes fun of me...............but, anyway, I digress.

Summer vacation is not just a tradition, it is a necessity. I often hear people say that teachers do not need more pay, they get three months off every year. Why the point does not stand to reason I will not get into at this time, but I will say that NO TEACHER I have ever known takes 3 months off of school....not any teacher worth his or her salt anyway. Why is it a necessity you might ask: SO PRINCIPALS DO NOT GO INSANE, SO TEACHERS DO NOT GO INSANE, AND SO STUDENTS DO NOT GO INSANE. Go to any school in the US the last month of school and you will see teachers frustrated with students, students frustrated with teachers, principals frustrated with both, and parents (especially those of seniors) freaking out just a little......WOW what a scene. That last month of school is the month, and I HAVE NO DATA TO BACK THIS UP, that most heart attacks must occur in principals................they have to. The STRESS is out of this world.

I am so glad it is over.
I need my summer break.
I need more regular runs.
I need to have time to lift weights.
I need to have an opportunity to train for a race.
I need time to spend with my sons and wife without work always hanging over my head, and everyone else's kids and families to worry about.
I need to get back into shape: physically and mentally.

So, marathon training here I come.
I plan to lift 2-3 days a week.
I plan to run 5-6 days a week.
I plan to eat much better.
I plan to ENJOY these days with my 4 and 6 year old sons.
I plan to spend some quality time with my WIFE.

A special note: THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN FOR FIGHTING TO GIVE ME THE FREEDOM AND RIGHT TO DO THE THINGS I DO ON A DAILY BASIS. A special thanks to my father, Msgt. Boles of the USAF, for is 26 years of service to our country and for setting such a great example for his 4 children. We love you and miss you dearly.

ONE WEIRD THING TO SEE

2009-05-16T23:32:00.002-05:00

I am running home during an 8 mile run tonight when I witnessed something I never even dreamed I might see.

I am 6 miles into my run, so I am a bit disoriented (I am sure) but I know what I saw. I am running down the left side of the road, through an intersection, when I see an approaching convertible. In the car are a "dad, mom, son, and daughter". They are driving along enjoying the wonderful weather. I am looking left, then right to make sure I can cross the street. I focus my gaze back upon the convertible ..... and just then I hear a LOUD BOOM. Sounds like a cannon shot, but low and behold it is not a cannon, it is the convertible. What I heard was the car actually slamming to the ground as it lost its front right WHEEL. Yes wheel, not tire. The whole wheel just came off the car and is now coming straight for me, and the car slams to the ground.

The car is now sliding off the road and coming to a stop. I make a HUGE b-line to the right, and dodge the oncoming wheel.....the wheel passes me on the left.....I turn to watch where it goes and it goes right into the driveway of a gas station and slams into a parked truck. I turn my eyes back to the car and I see the pour children sitting in the back seat with EYES as open as they can get with a look of panic on their faces.

Things could have been much worse. The kids or parents could have been hurt, the wheel could have gone into the intersection and caused a wreck, or the the wheel could have hit me.....but thankfully none of this happened. Since that is the case, this is one of the funniest (if not the funniest) thing I have ever seen while out on a run.

BACK TO BACK LITTLE TRACK MEETS

2009-05-08T21:18:00.003-05:00

I love watching my little one's run their races in our local track meets. Tonight I got to watch my 6 year old take home 3 gold medals in three races. He lacks confidence, gets ticked off when we give him grief about lack of confidence, and then he goes out and runs like a boy possessed.

My 4 year old on the other hand runs as though the world is his playground. He runs, not in lanes, but takes a meandering path to the finish line. He would rather watch the stands and his friends while he runs, and he could care less about where he places or the medals he gets. Mind you he still comes away with a bronze, a gold, and a 4th place ribbon, but does not care at all about them.

I have learned so much this track season from my sons. I have watched the two extremes of attitudes one might have about running. I have a son who hates to lose, who hates it when anyone is ahead of him on the track, and gets pissed when he comes in second. The other finds the joy in running....the joy in the world around him.....and takes NOTHING seriously.

I gotta find that happy medium. Maybe if I keep watching, I will learn how to really run....from my 4 and 6 year olds.

NO CONSISTENCY LEADS TO LASHING OUT

2009-05-03T15:20:00.002-05:00

This past week at work has been horrific. That may be hard to understand, how could a week at school (especially for a principal, seems more plausible for teachers) be so terrible. Just a tough stretch at school, too much going on and not enough people to help with all the stuff that has to be done before the end of school.

That being said, I have let the stress of the job get to me this week....and the running I usually do to relieve that stress was inconsistent and choppy this week.....so, the stress built up and of course I let it out.

Now I must take this opportunity to go to school, to my students, and to my teachers and make ammends. I owe them an apology, and I intendt to give them a sincere one. I am not sure if principals do this frequently, if at all, but I have a hard time asking my students/teachers to act with honor and respect and not hold myself accountable as well.

Hopefully this week I can get in a few more runs, get some of this stuff off my plate, and have a final two weeks with my seniors that is enjoyable.

Wish me luck.

CHAOS TAKES OVER MY LIFE

2009-04-30T22:36:00.002-05:00

Thank GOD for running...for without running, I may have gone nuts by now.
The last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May is the worst "month" for a high school principal in this area.....my life revolves completely around school.....no down time, no family time, no time to decompress....

Thank GOD for running.
The running gives me 45-80 minutes of time to relax, think, decompress.
What I love even more is the track meets I get to go to with my two sons. We had one last week,
and although my oldest was very close to coming away without a medal.....(he did get a 2nd place on his last event of the day, his younger brother took 3 medals home.....not a good home if the oldest came home with nothing, but I digress). We have another this weekend. I love watching them RUN, JUMP, RELAY, and smile......smile...........smile.

I am so glad I get to RUN and my family loves the sport of running.
If I can make it through the month of May without losing my mind, I think June and July will be much better. I will get to run more, take on some local 5Ks, and play with the boys.

Thank GOD for running.

THIS VIDEO JUST MAKES ME LAUGH MY BUTT OFF

2009-04-23T23:01:00.003-05:00

This time of year my life gets a bit chaotic and stressful. As a high school principal I am trying to get through the final month of school, trying to get my seniors to graduation without incident, and at times it feels like I am herding cats.

This week, during one of my late nights, I came across Craig Ferguson on NBC and could not turn the channel. His pre-show bit just made me laugh so hard I almost woke up my wife, and even worse, almost fell out of bed.

I wish I had more of these little incidents in my life, but I am thankful for the ones I do get.