July 29th, Sunday

Broke the 200 mile mark for the month today!  That was my goal to help me get ahead before school kicked in in August, so very happy about that.  Started tonight at 6:17 pm and ran 8.45 miles in 1:17:51 for a slow pace of 9.13 miles.  On Friday I got to see a great sunset but could not get to my camera in time for any photos!  I did get there in time tonight and actually came away with a couple of decent pics thanks to my palm tree friends!

Not quite as great as Friday's but not bad just the same.  I must admit, I don't grow tired of running down here at Mission Bay.  I am very lucky to have such a beautiful city to run in!

Have a great week everyone!  Hope that all goes your way and that you find a little time to spread the word (blog address:  www.trick2012in2012.blogspot.com), send me a short note, or donate if you haven't already!  : )

Total Miles:  1253.24   Pace Runner:  1159.92   +  93.32 miles!  

Love you both Mom & Dad!  Happy Anniversary Marian & Darryl!  Go USA!  <3

July 28th, Saturday

I ran last night & I ran this morning, 11.82 miles around both Fiesta & Sail Bay in 1:47:22 for a 9:05 pace per mile.  Not bad for legs that didn't have much of a rest.  Although I do most of my running by myself, this whole... I don't even know what to call this anymore!  Anyway, this has been a great team effort as most all things are in life.  Lelia, Michelle, John, my family, many of my students, all of you who read this blog,  the list goes on & on.  I thank you all for your donations, your efforts to share my info about my run, and all of your supportive comments and encouragement!

Here is a video that talks about teamwork that I show to my Ambassadors:

http://www.pullingtogethermovie.com/

Well, July has been very productive.  I have had 3 weeks of over 50 miles but with the travel days this week, I only got in 43.58, still good but not fantastic.  I will definitely break my monthly record but I will wait on those numbers until after they are in.

Total Miles:  1244.79   Pace Runner:   1154.43   +  90.36!!!!!  (+ 32.99 miles for 2112! )

Love to all my loyal readers, especially those who are helping to spread the word!  THANK YOU!!!!

July 27th, Friday

Happy Opening day for the Olympics!  GO USA!!!!

Back in SD after a trip to see my friends the Mahady's in the Antelope Valley!  Went & saw Joe's "Pop Warner" football practice where he got his helmet.  "Mean Joe" is getting ready for his rookie season!

Thursday was a travel day and so I took it off from running since I have put up some good mileage this month.  An extra day of rest definitely can't hurt!  Sleep has been pretty scarce of late, especially with the early (4:30 AM !!!) wake up calls in Vegas to escape the heat, so I slept in on Friday to get caught up and ran in the evening.  At 6:35 PM I was back circling Fiesta Bay.  8.4 miles in 1:12:41 for a pace of 8:39/mile which is back to what I would expect with some extra rest.

Thanks to the Mahady's for their great hospitality.  Great to hang out for a bit & I promised a picture of the kids.  (My Mom hadn't seen Emily since her baptism I think!)

Emily is going to be her ASB Vice President this year as an 8th grader!  Be a great leader, Em!

Total Miles:   1232.97   Pace Runner:   1148.93  +  84.04 miles (definitely going to break +90 this week!)

Love to all my friends, family, and especially my folks!  <3

July 25th, Wednesday

My last day to run in Las Vegas this AM.  Pretty cool sunrise that I took a pic of for you:

The clouds are subsiding and so was the humidity.  Finally felt the usual dryness in my mouth as is par for the course for running out here.  I ran 8.14 miles in 1:16:41 for a pace of 9:25/mile.  The hills definitely slow my pace but not sure if the early hour has anything to do with it or not.  I know that I usually don't catch my stride until late in these runs so who knows or cares for that matter!

 This is a great sign that is posted along the road that I run on but I have yet to see any wild horses or burros but I must admit that if I did see them and they were close enough, I would be tempted to feed them but I usually don't carry any sugar cubes or carrots on my runs.

Again, having a great visit with my folks.  My Mom is becoming a pro at bejeweled on her new iPad that my Dad got for her on her 80th B Day!  We will be skyping soon!  Read some more of "The Gipper" to my dad yesterday and if you are a Notre Dame fan, I highly recommend it.  Very entertaining and interesting to see how college football worked back in the late 1910's.

As this could be my last run in the cool valley of Red Rock, I took a pic with me in it via the timer on my camera:

I know, I will never get photography awards (you can see not only the shadow of my truck, but also that of my camera on the edge of my bed!)  If I had more time on my hands, I would crop it and it wouldn't be an issue!  That's it for now.  Please keep supporting, commenting, & donating.  I now have some business cards in case anyone would like some to hand out for me!  Just let me know!

Total Miles:  1224.57  Pace Runner:  1137.93  +  86.64 miles  (+30.08 for 2112 goal!)  

Love to my incredible parents, they continue to inspire me with their courage and steadfast passion for life.  Can't wait to see you both again!  <3 

July 24th, Tuesday

Today was another early wake up call another nice cool run up at Red Rock Canyon.  I didn't do the longer hill today for a break but I did get in 7.12 miles in 1:06:32 for a 9:19 pace.

Here is a view of the road I run.  It is pretty desolate at the early hour when I run and even though it seems a little barren, it is beautiful in its own way.  Below is looking North, above was looking south on Charleston Blvd. (159) toward Spring Mountain Ranch.  This is the flat part!

One more day of the early wake up call and then I will be able to sleep in!  Having a great time with my folks!  Reading "The Gipper" to my Dad and working on a puzzle with my Mom.  Met a nice couple at dinner who just moved into my parent's place.  (It's called Las Ventanas)  Bill & Marilyn were their names and he is a double amputee from the Korean War who went on to live a great life.  Pretty inspiring and amazing!

I want to add a quote from the song Ghostrider by Rush.  If you changed the name to Ghost Runner it obviously would be more appropriate but I really like this stanza:

Sunrise on the road behind

Sunset on the road ahead

There's nothing to stop you now

Nothing can stop you now

Total Miles:  1216.43   Pace Runner:  1132.44   +  83.99 miles

Love to you all for your awesome support!  <3

July 23rd, Monday

Took yesterday off after a late night on Sat with the Alumni Tailgate at the extra-inning Padre game.  (saw a group of former students after the game and they asked how my running was going?  Thanks <3!)  Drove to Vegas for a visit with my folks :) on Sunday!  Got up at 4 AM to try to avoid the heat of the day and ran in Red Rock canyon (along the road not in the actual park).  I got 8.10 miles completed in 1:16:06 for a pace about 9:24/mile.  The road is fairly hilly and on the longer run there is a hill of about .9 miles long so the pace didn't bother me.

Did some reading of "The Gipper" to my dad and I think I enjoyed it as much if not more than my dad!  Great to spend time with both my Mom & Dad and even my brother, Gary, his wife, Beth, & their daughter, Brittany. 

I have some fun pics when the 4 of us went to the relatively new KISS mini golf place by the Hard Rock Hotel.

It costs a little too much and it is a little cheezy but we had a fun time and I got 4 holes-in-one (one with an assist from my sister-in-law, Beth!)  It is really amazing what Gene Simmons (I am assuming this was his brainchild) comes up with to make a buck.  The location is perfect but the golf was a little easy and they could have done more with it in my opinion.  I was disappointed they didn't have a KISS pinball machine personally!

Hope all your summers are going well and I will be talking to you soon.

Total Miles:  1209.31  Pace Runner:  1126.94   +  82.37 miles

I get to tell my parents I love them in person for a few days so I will say Love & thanks for all you who keep supporting with messages, sharing my story, and especially with DONATING!  <3

July 21, Saturday

Saturday morning after a long run, oh, did I not feel like running!  I did anyway because that is how I am going to get there!  8.27 miles in 1:13:13 for a pretty good pace of 8:51/mile.  I thought I was going to be about as slow as yesterday but when people are in front of me, I tend to want to catch them and then pass them!  I know it's crazy, I'm not racing, I'm just running!  But I guess the competitiveness in me comes out when I see people in front of me. 

The Statistician in me wants to do a study to see if there is a correlation between # of people on the run & my speed.  No time for that right now.  Maybe a project for stats class next year!

Speaking of stats, did I mention I broke the 1200 mile mark today!!!!!  Anyone want to give me some incentive to finish before the end of November???  Let me know...  No pics of 1200, more motorcycles & phones but this time there were turntables (foreshadowing) & even a snow cat! 

There is a Def Leppard song that came on during my home stretch that got me going that I think I am going to share with you.  Not really about running but the word "run" is in the title.  Love to run to it though!  They have been a favorite band of mine (maybe top 10 but for sure top 20) since i was in high school and the Pyromania album came out.  (Yes, I bought the ALBUM before I had the CD many years later) and going to see them with Deana LiMandri, Eric Seeley, et al (Motley Crue opened on their Shout at the Devil tour).  If you are not a fan of rock music, you might want to skip this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bptSnf6PBos

Total Miles:  1201.21  Pace Runner:  1115.95  +  85.26 miles!  +  29.8 for 2112! 

Love to my folks who I get to see tomorrow!!!! Yeah!!!!! <3   

July 20th, TGI Friday!

Today I did do the long run today that should have happened yesterday for the XC team!  I barely made it!!!!  Just some minor cramping and then flat exhaustion toward the end with a little flourish when I could see my truck!  12.56 miles in a long 1:58:54.  Pace: 9:28/mile, the pace that I started out running in January!  I know it was rough but I hadn't run that long in about 3 weeks!  Need to stay in better practice even though this humidity is rough.  Started early (8:17 AM) so that helped immensely!  

I should be able to finish off my 3rd week straight of 50 + miles though.  Pretty happy about that!  Getting 200 + miles in July will be awesome and give me a little more wriggle room should something go wrong.  The momentum is building and I just can't seem to slow down!!!!

That's all for now.  I'll leave you with a quote from a book I have called "The Heart of a Leader" by Ken Blanchard.  It simply says, "Get your ego out of the way and move on".  It is all about the fact that leadership is about the team, specifically, each individual member of your team.  You have to learn to take a backseat.

Total Miles:  1192.94   Pace Runner:  1110.45   +  82.49 miles!!! (first time over 80!)  + 27.3 for 2112 miles!

PLEASE KEEP SHARING & SUPPORTING!!!  I STILL NEED THE DONATIONS TOO!

THANK YOU!!!!

Love you Mom & Dad and all of my supporters as well!  <3  Keep the Love coming! 
 

July 19th, Thursday

Today was the first time I had to cut a run short!  Granted I wanted to do a longer run in honor of the XC runners doing the Big Man Challenge up at Big Bear (7000-9000 ft. elevation with some good hills!) but it just wasn't in the cards.  Maybe tomorrow!  At about mile 6, I started getting a cramp in my back & I was trying to stretch it out as I ran but then it started getting into my rib cage, all on my right side.  I was going to do my figure 8 loop of both Fiesta & Sail Bay & since I started at Ski Beach, I still had an out.  By the time I was approaching the point of no return, I was struggling to breath normally so I "listened to my body" and cut it short at 8.40 miles in 1:17:08 for a 9:11/mile pace.  A fire engine was pulling out of the parking lot as I was coming in and I was hoping that I wasn't going to need them!  On the bright side, I was fine after my breathing turned to normal.  Just hope it doesn't become a habit!

After today's run, I have now run the equivalent of 45 marathons and I have now "run to" Wichita, KS & Aguascalientes, Mexico.  I know, it may not be the most exciting news but it does help me keep going and make me feel like I am making progress so bear with me!

Total Miles:  1180.38  Pace Runner:  1104.95  +  75.43 miles  (Now + 20.51 miles ahead of 2112 pace!)

Love to my folks, the Nield, Post, Thomas, Foussat, & Nelson families <3  You are all so strong and inspiring!!! 

July 18th, Wednesday

Took yesterday off and saw a great Padre game!  Scored 8 runs (I know, it was just the Astros, but I'll take it!)  I woke up very sore & it took me a while to figure out why!  I was doing my annual cutting back of my giant birds of paradise and all the squats and bending over had made my legs very sore!  Go figure, I thought nothing would make me sore with all the running but I was moving in different ways and it made the run more difficult.  To add to my fun, I didn't gt out until about 11 AM and it was warm & humid!!!!!  I also forgot the Garmin and almost called it quits but I have run the Fiesta Bay so often, I know the mileage so I would only be down the time.  I decided to run straight from my truck so I could see my phone inside so I at least had the time to the minute if not the second!  8.15 miles in roughly 1:16.  roughly 9:20/mile pace.

Today is the 200th day of the year & I realize that this journey is not going to wait for me.  I have to stay on top of things if I am going to achieve my goals.  "Time waits for no one!" Here's the whole quote in case you haven't seen it before:

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Life would begin. At last it dawned on me to see that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time…and remember that time waits for no one… Happiness is a journey and not a destination." - Alfred D. Souza

I really like this quote and most of us can learn a lot from it.  Reminds me of the quote from The Shawshank Redemption:  "Get busy living, or get busy dying" ~ Any Dufresne

Sorry, I can get carried away with my quotes!  Got through this day and hope tomorrow is a little better.  Thanks for your support, your donations, and for sharing all of this information with others!

Total Miles:  1171.98  Pace Runner:  1099.45  +  72.53 miles!

Love you Mom & Dad!  Lets hope for 166 more healthy days! <3

July 16th, Monday

Day 5 of running is usually tough but it seemed unusually so today.  Got a late start, 9:51 AM, and it got a little warm but I thought it would be better than it was.  I am a bit optimistic, I guess.  8.20 miles in 1:12:06 for a pace of 8:48/mile which is much faster than I felt it went, that's for sure!

My ear buds for my iPod went bad (at least the left ear) about 10 days ago and I ran with one ear for a bit until I made it to buy some new ones.  I learned about some that are called "Yurbuds" that are designed for sport use and I am a huge fan after only a couple of uses.  I got the $30 pair which is the basic version but they have lived up to their claims.  They are so comfortable that I barely even know they are in my ears and they have never fallen out of my ears.  (They guarantee it!)  Sound is great and it fits in such a way as you can still hear someone if needed for an emergency.  very happy with my purchase!

Since we are on the music topic today, I will give you a song that has been inspiring to me and is on my playlist.  This is the live acoustic version (it's easier to hear the words & it is a great alternate version too!) of No Surrender by Bruce Springsteen.  The name says it all but the whole line is:  "No retreat, baby, no surrender".  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxVu41Vsthg

Total Miles:  1163.83  Pace Runner:  1088.46  +  75.37 miles (another new record!)  

Love to all my favorite people (you know who you are!) <3

July 15th, Sunday

Change of venue today!  I woke up early to get in a run before I drove a van of XC kids up to high altitude camp in Big Bear.

Ran at Lake Murray at 7:15 and had a nice 6.9 mile run in 57:46 for a sick pace of 8:22/mile.  Still not quite sure why I run so fast there but I definitely want to run a race there sometime!

Here's a pic of most of our kids that went and thus will make up our varsity team.  Montana was missing from the pic & I think Lucas was taking a nap!  Such a great group of kids and I think they will be able to honorably defend their CIF championships this year.  Looking forward to the season!

I have stayed with them and run in the past but have a lot on my plate this year and drove back down Sunday evening.  Long day in a vehicle but my profession is all about the kids & when they are as great as this group, I am always happy to help out.

I will leave you with a piece of art that is in front of the lodge at the camp where we stay.  Hope you all have a great week!  SHARE! SUPPORT! DONATE!   If anyone would like to place some flyers or I will soon have a ton of business cards & some t-shirts as well.  Just let me know if you are interested in helping to spread the word!

Total Miles:  1155.63   Pace Runner:  1082.96  +  72.67 miles!!! & + 18.84 on 2112 miles!!!

Love to my whole family, especially my Mom & Dad!  Thanks for everyone's wonderful support!!!!

July 14th, Saturday

I went out to face the crowds at Mission Bay and they weren't that bad, at least early on.  Yes, today started the 59th (I think) annual OMBAC OTL tourney at Fiesta Island.  The run went pretty well by recent standards and even though I was tempted to run out on the Island to check things out, I decided that there was too much traffic and that I was just asking for trouble.  I just finished my run. 8.35 miles in about 1:15 for a pace of 8:59/mile.

I was going to put a video of the tourney on here bu there just isn't a good one that is clean enough for my audience.  I haven't been in quite some time & that was only to see my friend play but things can get a little wild there as some of you know.

Anyway, I just finished week 2 of the month of July & so far it has been a great month!  52.07 miles in week 1 & 50.69 miles this week!  My plan is to get as big of a cushion as possible before school starts again.  I'm also hoping to run with the varsity during XC season to get some more mileage in too.

I found this quote and it seems to fit my situation perfectly because should I not complete this goal of mine, I plan to offer no excuses.  I gave it my best effort and what happens, happens!

"A real failure does not need an excuse.  It is an end in itself"  ~ Gertrude Stein

Total Miles:  1148.73  Pace Runner:  1077.46  +  71.27 miles  (1st time over 70!!!)

Love you Mom & Dad!  See you soon!  <3 

Friday the 13th of July

I survived Friday the 13th!!!!!!  I ran slow but Jason couldn't catch me!

I got a very late start and I was very worried about the heat!  It was 11:10 AM before I hit the pavement and it was getting thick out there.  Again, the humidity was not bad compared to what people go through elsewhere in the country, but it was pretty bad for San Diego!  I have made it a new habit of not even looking at my Garmin, just trying to keep putting one foot in front of the other (or as I like to put it, I just keep lifting my toes, the rest will follow!)  So I ran my usual 8.25 miles in 1:14:28 for 9:01/mile pace.  I knew I was slower than the past few trips around the pond, I could feel that humidity sucking the life out of my legs!  It's the miles that count anyway, not the time.

Today I also reached a new City!   I could now have run to Oklahoma City, 1139 miles from San Diego. (I could see the Thunder & Kevin Durant play!) Hard to believe that is the case but that's what I am told!

I hope you all survived your Friday the 13th!  I'm sure that if I can make it past Jason, I can keep my journey alive too!

Total Miles:  1140.38  Pace Runner:  1071.97  +  68.41 miles!

Love to all my peeps!  <3  

July 12th, Thursday

A much needed day of rest yesterday!  My knee was not feeling good all day and I was worried about my run today.  Well, it was much better than I expected!  I did my usual Fiesta Bay loop for 8.26 miles in 1:11:52 for a crazy pace of 8:42!  Again, I didn't look at my watch and just kept trying to keep a decent pace.  I guess the day off did me a world of good!  Knee is feeling better today too!

I got a decent start (8:30 AM) so I got lucky and missed the heat but I really don't think it was that bad.  Some humidity but nothing compared to the rest of the country!

I am the furthest thing from a salesman that I can imagine!  Unfortunately, part of this journey for me is trying to get people to donate to my cause.  It isn't easy & I respect anyone who has to sell for a living.  Here is a little movie that has great advice for you sales people & everyone else for that matter!

http://www.thesalesmovie.com/

Stay cool out there people and I will be talking to you very shortly!  :)

Total Miles:  1132.13  Pace Runner:  1066.47  +  65.66 miles

Love to my family & all of my wonderful supports!!!  <3

July 10th, Tuesday

Day 5 in a row and things are not great but I made it through another day!  8.26 miles in 1:12:48 for a pace that was way too fast of 8:49/mile.  Again, I didn't look at my watch the whole time which was a mistake but in the wrong direction of what I thought would happen!  I have to remember that this isn't a race, it's all about the distance!

Chiro went well yesterday and now I get my massage today!  I will definitely be grateful for the day off tomorrow.  Going to Coronado beach for our annual get together for our Uni class of '85.  Our classmate, Ken Zampese gets to town once a year so we work it around his visit.  Always good to see my old friends!

Took a picture of the sunset from the park in my backyard so I thought I would share it with you, but first, a few stats:

I am now 55.8% of the way done!  I have also run just shy of 43 marathons in the past 192 days, not too bad!

Here is to enjoying days off!  Thanks for your continued support and for spreading the word!  Oh, and by the way, I am completely caught up with my blog posts!  YEAH!!!!!

Total Miles:  1123.87   Pace Runner:  1055.48   +  68.39 miles!!!!!  Let's here it for big cushions!

Love to my whole family!  <3  

July 9th, Monday

4th day of running in a row & I am looking forward to a day of rest!!!!!  Decided to run a little extra today since I will be resting tomorrow: 9.31 miles in 1:24:12 for a pace of 9:03/mile.  I didn't even look at my Garmin the whole run, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OORsz2d1H7s

Sorry, I couldn't resist a little Christmas in July!  I do have a more pertinent video to show you that I did yesterday for the 1100 mile mark.  I have received a few messages (thank you Gabrielle and Kelli!!!!) but not on here and that is fine!  They don't need to be here, anywhere is great! email, FB, twitter, I really don't care where! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIEjpsvMpbs&feature=youtu.be

Going to see Suzie @ Murphy Frasier Chiropractic today and then going for a massage, but no, couldn't do the massage today, forgot I double booked myself!  Ouch!  Oh well, it will hav to wait until Tuesday and I will have to run again tomorrow! ;(  That's life in the big city.

Total Miles:  1115.61   Pace runner:  1049.98  +  65.63 miles (a new record high!)

Love to you Mom & Dad & my best to all of you and your families!  <3

July 8th, Sunday

  Charlie Sheen "Wild Thing" threw out the 1st pitch and there were many olympians on hand before the game (cool archery exhibition) but the Padres were not inspired enough to win unfortunately! 

Got to go to the Padre game in the PetCo suite thanks to Zak Myers and family!  This is one of the pictures on the wall.  Tortoise Power!

The Padres fought valiantly but lost to the Reds .  Great to see many former students/Ambassadors too!

Another tough run but I lived to tell you about it which is the important thing!  8.26 miles in 1:13:20 for a pace of 8:53/mile around Fiesta Bay.  I keep running earlier but the cloud cover is burning off earlier and earlier too. 

 Here's the great view of the game we had.  I am very lucky to live the good life for a night.  They even had some great spicy ketchup for the garlic tots and dogs!

I looked for some cool picture that had 1100 in it but all I got were a lot of motorcycles and a Nokia phone!  I guess we will have to settle for the Padres (I know that is really settling!!!)  but they have been playing better.  That was a nice 6 game winning streak.

This is a view from the seats behind the plate that we got to use for about an inning.  It was like watching a little league game!  Very cool!

The dog days of summer are approaching and I think that this might be the toughest part of this journey.  Please send encouragement, likes, smiles, or anything else that you think will be encouraging!  Thanks for sharing the word and all of your donations to date!  You are the best!

Total Miles:  1106.30  Pace Runner:  1044.48  +  61.82 miles  

Love you Mom & Dad!  <3

July 7th, Saturday

Nerve is still pinched and so I decided to lower the mileage a bit today in hopes it will feel better tomorrow.  I ran Sail Bay + the length of Crown Point beach in each direction.  I managed to go 6.55 miles in 59:16.  This was definitely a day that I called on our running angels to get me through!  Amanda & Natalie helped me get this done today!  Thank you ladies for making me push through the pain.

I'm ready for this pain to disappear and I hope that I can keep running through it.  I also think a call to Jessica, my massage therapist might be in order after a trip to see Suzie & Colleen at Murphy-Frazier Chiropractic!

In the past I have put out a few quotes for you.  I like quotes to keep me inspired and to get me moving on those hard days when it doesn't come easily!  I thought I would give you a little movie today with a few quotes for you to chew on:

http://www.inspiration365movie.com/

These are the times when I really need your help!  Did I mention that I haven't had a comment here since MAY!!!!  I do have an email address if you can't figure this one out!  trickling@cathedralcatholic.org works just fine!  I also have a Facebook group "2012 in 2012" just ask to join and someone will approve you, I promise!  THANK YOU!!!!!

Total Miles:  1098.04  Pace Runner:  1038.98   +  59.06 miles!

Love you Mom & Pops and all you people who send me some encouragement!

500 Mile mark on CCTV

http://vimeo.com/42776729

I forgot to post this many weeks ago so I thought I would put it up hope you enjoy it!

July 6th, Friday

Today was a difficult run!  Yesterday I woke up with a pinched nerve in my left neck/shoulder and it has been an issue ever since.  I took yesterday off hoping it would cease &/or desist but to no avail.  So today, I went out with the thought of doing what I could and hoping to get at least the 5.5 that I need to keep up with my pace.

I ran Fiesta Bay to keep cool as the clouds burned off fairly early inland.  8.31 miles in 1:16:53 for a weak 9:15/mile pace.  It was a struggle to be sure but I made it.

Not sure about you, but the Olympic games are one of my favorite sporting events, especially the summer games with track & field, gymnastics, swimming, basketball (no so great with the pros!), boxing,  & triathlon this year too.  Here are 2 of our marathon runners about their rivalry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_47jcU7Img&feature=fvwrel

Remember they are amazing runners, not actors!  I was lucky enough to see Shalane run at Mission Bay when she won the 2011 USA XC championships.  I think she won by close to a minute on barely a 5 mile course!  Totally out-classed the field!  Here is another article on her that will give you her trials story, pretty cool!

http://www.americanrunning.org/w/article/shalane-flanagan-leads-us-women-at-2012-olympic-marathon-trials

Pretty amazing transition from 10K to the marathon! 

Total Miles:  1091.49  Pace Runner:  1033.49   +  58.00 miles

Running love to my parental units & to all! <3

July 4th, Wednesday

I definitely went too late for my run around the bay today.  I underestimated the crowds (I know, how could I do that?!?!) but I did find a parking spot near the runner's bathroom.  It was like Lemmings out there though!  It was basically an obstacle course at Crown Point, Ski Beach, and from Fiesta Island to De Anza Cove.  It was a miracle if you could find any open spots on the grass at 8:30 AM.  And to think they never even got to see the sun!  At least the Sea World fireworks didn't last 30 + seconds!!!!  What a fiasco that was!

I was originally going to run the 15K in Coronado but decided to save the $$ and sleep in!  I ended up running 9.71 miles in 1:27:31 for a pace of 9:01/mile.  My 4th day in a row so I can't complain about the pace.  I went to my brother's after a good nap and had a mellow evening.

Hope you all had a great 4th of July and saw some GOOD fireworks!!!  Enjoy the rest of the summer!

 

 Total Miles:   1083.18  Pace Runner:  1022.49  +  60.69 miles!!!  (1st time over a 60 mile cushion!)

Love to my folks and to all of you, my loyal supporters!  <3

July 3rd, Tuesday

Well, I went back to Fiesta Bay today, ran 8.25 miles in 1:12:04 for an 8:44 pace/mile.  Nice to have the cool overcast to run under but I'm sure the tourists aren't liking it too much.  Lots of kite surfers out today!  I'm sure the crowds will be a little worse tomorrow!

These guys can really move, the best ones actually fly for a bit in the right conditions.  Fun to watch!

I met my brother and nephew at Ballast Point tonight for a cerveza (Habanero Sculpin, anyone???) and then met my sister-in-law & niece for dinner at San Diego Desserts/Bistro  (It's just west of College Ave. on El Cajon Blvd. ) good stuff!  Just tell Mark the Rickling's sent you!

Happy 4th if I don't run tomorrow (I plan on it but you just never know!)

Total Miles:  1073.47  Pace Runner:  1016.99  + 56.48 miles!!!

Happy 4th of July Mom & Dad!  Love ya!  <3

 

July 2nd, Monday

I actually switched it up today and ran at Lake Murray today!  There was some cloud cover that lasted a little while so an inland run was ok at 9:30 am!  I ran 7.00 miles in 59:06, a ridiculous 8:27 pace/ mile!  Still not sure why but I just can't run slowly at the lake!  Felt pretty good compared to the last few days... hope it continues!

Another new milestone today was running the equivalent of going from San Diego to Seattle, WA.  I could be throwing fish at Pike's right now or taking in a Mariners game!!!!

Quote for the day:  "A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done!"  ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower 

Total miles:  1065.22  Pace Runner:  1011.50  +  53.72 miles!!!  A new record cushion!  

Love you Mom & Pops!  <3

  

July 1st, Sunday

Yesterday was an unscheduled day off, had a little stomach issue and slept the day away for the most part.  I can always use the rest so I didn't worry too much about it.  It was the last day of June though & I had really wanted to run to close out the 1st half of the year on a good note... that's life though, right?  Lucky for me, it's leap year so today was the last day of the 1st half of the year!

So today I ran 12.25 miles to make up a little mileage in 1:50:23 for a pace of 9:01/mile.  The nice part is that I didn't lose any ground on my cushion either!  Still hurting a bit but I don't want to bore you with my problems!  Let's focus on the positive, shall we???

Here is a cute little duck family that was waddling around the Bahia Hotel last week.  Aren't they adorable???  Hopefully that is good Karma! 

I did run 170.63 miles in the month of June, which is about average but I really want to blow the roof off of July!  I'm thinking in the 200 mile range I hope!  I have also run more than a total of 40 marathons so far this year, not 26.2 miles at a time, but as far as total miles go.

Total Miles:  1058.22  Pace Runner:  1006.00  +  52.22 miles

Love my makers!  Stay cool out there in Vegas & I will be visiting soon!  <3

 

June 29th, Friday

Hi all, 

This is going to get boring for some of you but I ran 8.25 miles around Fiesta Bay again!  1:14:29 was my time and it was at 9:02 pace/mile. 

Today my cursor is in place so I better take advantage!  The month of June is almost over and that means we will be at the half way mark (in # of days) after tomorrow!  Glad to be able to say I am ahead of the curve by over 50 miles which means if I can keep this up, I can possibly achieve my secondary goal of 2112 miles!

  My favorite band is Rush has been since I was a teenager.  They seem to have a song for almost every occasion.  This album was a turning point for them.  (I won't bore you with the details) but it's all about doing things your way and not caving to the pressure of what others say you should do. 
The main reason I would like to do this, is because I don't plan on being alive in 2112 & even if I am, I doubt I'll be in any shape to run 2112 miles!

I just need to try and stay healthy.  Chiro appt. coming up early next week so hope Suzie can work some magic!

Total Miles:  1045.97  Pace Runner:  995.01  +  50.96 miles!!! :)

Love you Mom & Dad!  <3

June 28th, Thursday

  Love to you both M&D!!!!  <3  I ran Fiesta Bay again for 8.25 miles in 1:14:01 for a 8:58 pace/mile.  The knees were a little better but still feeling them.  It is funny how they feel better when I am moving all the time and they really are felt after I have been stationary for too long.    Going to cut this short as I need to work on my intro for Jack White at Ballast Point tomorrow!  This blog is not cooperating again, so I am just going to be happy to get down what I need to & there are no guarantees where it will be so SORRY!  Total Miles:  1037.72  Pace Runner:  989.51  +  48.21 miles!!!!

Took yesterday off to both recover from my massage (which was incredible, thank you Jessica!) as well as to give my knees a rest.  It might be a longer road to the finish if I don't get this knee issue straightened out but, one day at a time.






I have to wish my Dad a happy 82nd Birthday.  You mean so much to me and I can't wait to spend some more time with you in July!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehXTmG64XgQ&feature=related

June 26th, Tuesday

Today was a rough one.  Ran 9.13 miles in 1:21:15 for a pace of 8:54/mile.  The knees are really feeling it & I think I might switch things up to see if I can fix this myself before I have to get professional help. 

It was at Fiesta Bay again but I threw in the Ski Beach area to get a little extra.  I forgot (imagine that!) to put a little video I made on a couple of days ago so I will put the link here in case you miss those!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxXq_2sHlaE

Billings Montana is the latest city to hit my imaginary rear view mirror at 1012 miles from SD!  Never been to Montana, might have to add that to the bucket list?!?!

I am icing and hoping to make a recovery quickly.  I am treating myself to a massage today to celebrate my reaching the half way mark.  This might have to become a habit!!! :)

Total Miles:  1029.47  Pace Runner:  978.51  +  50.96 miles (first time over 50 miles ahead of pace!) :)  

Love you Mom & Dad!  Prayers are always coming your way!   <3