Grandma's Announces Online Registration

Out with the old, in with the new. For runners looking to participate in one of the three feature races during the 2008 Grandma’s Marathon weekend, June 19-21, the new year brings with it a transition to online registration. Grandma's Marathon officials announced details for their inaugural on-line registration program.

For the first time in more than three decades, Grandma's registrants will no longer be required to mail paper entry forms and checks. Instead, beginning Thursday, January17 when online registration officially opens for the 32nd running of Grandma’s Marathon, participants will be able to sign up for all three races solely through http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/.

"The response that we have received from our runners has been tremendous and we are equally excited about this opportunity to offer the convenience and ease of registering online. The entire process takes just a few minutes and entry confirmation is virtually instant," Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma's Marathon, said in a media release. "We could not be happier with our decision to make this conversion to a more streamlined registration process."

Informational postcards, which include important registration dates and deadlines, were mailed last week to people who registered for last year’s Grandma’s Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon or William A. Irvin 5K. Those interested in more information regarding online registration can visit the web site or call (218) 727-0947.

Some important dates for those interested in Grandma's race registration, such as myself ...

• Grandma's Marathon registration opens Thursday, January 17. (Race limit: first 9500 entrants.)
  
  
• Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon lottery registration is open from February 20 — March 2. (Race limit: 4500 entrants, chosen by lottery.)
  
  
• William A. Irvin 5K registration opens Wednesday, March 19. (Race limit: first 1200 entrants.)

Race Report: Grandmas Marathon

Race: Grandmas Marathon
Date: June 21, 2008
Location: Duluth, MN
Official Time: 4:54:06
Pace/Mile: 11:12

We're finally back from a very relaxing vacation in the northwoods...a much needed respite from all the rain and flooding concerns we've been accustomed to over the past few weeks. Fortunate for me, my basement remained dry during my absence and I was able to spend my focus on camping with the family, as well as a little running.

This past weekend marked my 15th Grandmas Marathon - an all-time race favorite of mine for well over two decades now. It seems, I just can't resist the scenic course as it winds down along the shores of Lake Superior from Two Harbors to Canal Park in Duluth. It's a race that has grown immensely in the past few years, likely due to the heavenly location and hoards of enthusiastic spectators. Our family has created a nice little tradition of heading up a day or two before the big event, then spend a few days after camping and exploring along the northshore. Of course, having family and friends along for the ride is an additional pleasure, enjoying s'mores around a late night campfire and experiencing the outdoor splendor together. And, also fortunate for me, they happen to be the best chase group a runner could ever hope to have.

This year's Grandmas Marathon happened to be one for the record books. A total of 9,888 entries, 7,103 starters and 6,759 timed finishers. Wow, that's a lot of runners. I really need to begin putting that into perspective, because soon I'll be swimming in deeper waters when the New York Marathon comes around in later fall. Still, it's a sight to see on a normally quiet stretch of lakeshore drive at 7:00AM in the morning. And as my dad once put it, it's "a sea of humanity to behold".

We arrived around mid-afternoon on Thursday at our designated camping spot in Jay Cooke State Park, a few scant miles outside of Carlton, MN, where we set up our campers. This area just 20 miles southwest of Duluth happens to be one of the most beautiful parks in the region, with miles of hiking trails and the St. Louis River running through it all. It also happens to be where I graduated from many long years ago, so I was already familiar with the area and able to take the family on a few adventurous excursions off the beaten path. One of these being a trip to the secret beach just past the old trail-trestle bridge bikepath crossing, where you can find ample amounts of agates and loads of flat stones. I'm guessing we spent nearly an hour just skipping rocks over the river with the kids one morning. (Shhhhh...don't tell anyone I told you.)

The next morning, after a hearty campfire breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes, hashbrowns, skillet biscuits, etc. (need I go on?), we headed over to the DECC center in Duluth to pick up the customary race packet and wander the expo. However, upon arriving I happened to do one of the dumbest things ever while vacationing...that is, locking your keys in the car. I really don't know yet how I did it, except that I was removing unnecessary keys to lessen the clutter in my pockets and accidentally switched the sets in my hand. The set I threw into the console happened to be minivan key. I think I realized it the moment I shut the door, to which I let out a gigantic sigh in disbelief. A blessing for us, some wonderful volunteers at the expo info booth knew of a local locksmith, and within 20 minutes the key was back in my hands and we were inside cruising the crowds…$40 dollars less to spend. Unbelievable.

After spending way too much time walking the expo, we headed outside where we signed the children up for the annual Whipper Snapper Races for kids. That was a blast! Each child received a race number and a finisher ribbon for their efforts. I even broke down and bought them each their own official shirts to commemorate the fun event.

After our trip into Duluth, we traveled back to Cloquet and enjoyed a tasty pre-race pasta meal consisting of lasagna and pizza at the local Sammy's Pizza. For the past few years, this has become our carbo loading hangout-of-choice, with more than enough choices for everyone in the group. It's really a diamond in the rough...check it out if you ever have the chance. Happily, we also were able to dine with a couple of friends who lived in the area and enjoyed good conversation for a couple hours. Later that night after returning to our camp, we roasted a fair share of s'mores around the fire and soon turned in for about 5-6 hours of sleep before our early morning 5AM wake up alarm sounded.

And race morning came early indeed. My wife and I quickly set about busily packing the van with our race support materials (which consisted of bananas, orange slices, gatorades, sunscreen and Endurolytes) and sleepy-eyed children. After dropping off an extra family vehicle at the DECC center where the race would eventually end at, we combined forces for the remaining drive up the Hwy 61 bypass to the North Shore Road starting area just south of Two Harbors where a huge mass of racers and spectators waited. After taking my time stretching out with the kids and getting a round of good luck hugs from all, I trotted off to squeeze myself into the starting chute just minutes before the race was to commence. Packed together like sardines with thousands of other runners, we spent a brief moment of silence to honor last year's champion, Wesly Ngetich, who recently had been fatally shot due to ethnic disputes in his native African homeland. After the tribute, we pressed forward in anticipation like waddling penguins as we listened to the all-too-familiar strains of "Chariots of Fire" float across the loudspeakers, signaling the countdown to the start of the race. Moments later, the gun sounded and we were off.

Well, sort of. By my watch it took me over a full four minutes just to cross the official starting line from where I had been standing. That's a lot of people on a roadway only 25 feet wide! Starting the timer on my watch, I settled in for a good pace and began my mental calculations for time splits and possible hydration stops. However, as I look back now, I think I may have started off strong. Too strong. One of the cardinal rules of running a marathon is to hold back just enough during the first half so you'll have enough to hopefully match your pace during the latter half. Unfortunately for many runners, including me, the weather was a bit too warm to notice until further on. Coupled with the unusual humidity, this race was going to be different than the cooler races in years past.

By the time we ran through Knife River Harbor past the five-mile mark, where my posse greeted me with my prescribed dose of Endurolytes, the effects of the heat were already beginning to show. Though I still held a smile, my normally sufficient pace of ~9:00 per mile was slowly beginning to erode away. Though the starting temp had to be in the higher 60's, much of the initial course is far from the shores of the lake with no winds to speak of. Rather, the trees on either side of the roadway act more like a barrier and trap much of the rising morning heat. Add to that the rains we had experienced the past couple of days leading up to the race, it was starting to feel like a pressure cooker. And I could tell a majority of the runners were beginning to feel it as well, as racers began hugging the left portion of the roadway where shade from the trees was still available. I decided to slow it down a couple of notches, to lessen the chance of hydration and possible cramping later.

Miles 6-12 were relatively uneventful, except for the high-five I got from Al Franken along the course, and spent just shadowing any available runners who approximated the pace I was feeling most comfortable with. But by the time I reached the halfway point (13.1 miles) and saw my support crew, I had slowed down to around 10:30 per mile...well less than I had anticipated. Re-assessing the conditions and my pace, I knew my shot at a finishing time of sub-4:15 was just not to be had this day around. Instead, I set a new goal of 4:30-4:45 in order to allow myself a bit of leeway for additional water breaks and an occasional fast-walk.

Around mile 18, we emerged from the scenic North Shore Drive near Lester Park and transitioned onto London Road. My crew met me shortly after with a ziplock full of the most tasty orange slices this side of heaven, definitely one of those must-haves in the later stages of any marathon...man, those guys are great! Then, tanking up on water and Ultima drink, I headed off towards the finish line only a 10K away.

I felt the tightening in my calves a mile or so later at mile 21. At this point I knew I'd be glad to finish with anything under 5:00 and shifted my goal to "just finishing". With Lemon Drop Hill looming before me at mile 22, I scrapped conservatism and made it a point to run the entire length up, passing a rather large majority of walking runners. However, my calves thanked me for it by persuading me to back off for a block or so at the top. Oh well, at least I hadn't let the infamous hill beat me. Now, on to the finish.

Following London Road up onto Superior Street, we began the final leg through the downtown streets of Duluth. Here, the crowds lined the streets for blocks, and the cheering from the crowds of onlookers was close to deafening. It's one of the best reasons while I love Grandmas Marathon so much. Passing the 25 mile mark, we turned left for a short downhill trip around the DECC center and along the harbor edge. Summoning the last of my reserves, I changed from the shuffle-run I'd been using to keep my stiff and sore muscles from barking too loudly to a semi-respectable stride rate for the final few hundred meters...and came across the finish line at 4:54:06.

Just past the finish line, I found my wife yelling estatically from over the crowd control fence and gave her a big hug and kiss. Grabbing my finisher medal, as well some orange juice for replenishment and snack items galore, I met up with my family by the Marine Museum where I gladly rested my weary feet and shared my vast goodies with the kids.

While I didn’t beat my goal time, I am pleased with the overall result. Finishing has always my key goal. Knowing when to back off and refocus your efforts just to save your race is something I learned many a race ago. And while a sub 4:15 would have been nice (heck, I would have loved a sub 4:00), the course conditions eventually took their toll on a majority of us runners that day. But it was still a beautiful day, even if I hobbled a little back to the car.

Next long-distance race up...New York Marathon!

Grandmas Headphone Ban Lifted

Good news for music-loving, gray-hairs everywhere: Grandma's runners can use headphones again.

This story could possibly raise way more questions than it answers. I mean, why were grandmas banned from using headphones while running in the first place? Seems kinda discriminatory, if you ask me. On the other hand, why the sudden reversal? I mean, it was dangerous for grandmothers to run with headphones a month ago, but now it's somehow safe? What changed, exactly? Did a group of angry grandmas lobby for this change? If so, did they wave their canes and walkers in a threatening manner while doing so? Because that could be considered assault. And what do grandma runners listen to anyway? Folk music? Lawerence Welk? (Is that stuff even available on MP3?) It just doesn't make sense.

While you ponder, and possibly either show displeasure or revel in the rule reversal, here's some background music for your run/workout today...



By the way, I've signed up to run Grandmas Marathon again. I think this will be either number 15 or 16 this year. And I doubt I'll be bringing my iPod.

100th Blog: Running For Something

Well, today marks my 100th blog post for the Pursuit of Runningness. It's rather funny...I suppose if you would have asked me a year ago what a blog was, I'm not quite sure I could have provided you with an accurate answer. However, since starting this blog last fall I've rapidly learned what this resource is and can do. The blog has allowed me a chance to connect with friends, family, and new running acquaintances, while also allowing me to provide some plausibly interesting and individualistic commentary on life's adventures...primarily through the focus of running and faith. And although I've occasionally found myself stumbling here and there (I'll plainly admit, my writing skills lack), I've come to realize now the outreach and influence that blogging is capable of. And I am ultimately thankful for the ability to have this freedom, not to mention the relationships it has generated.

However, today isn't about a bloggy, journalistic celebration. Because the blog will continue on, much like my running and my faith. Instead, this 100th post is devoted to a vision of combining these two in a more unique way. It's about running for something.

Up until recently, you couldn't have expected me to believe that I will be running in one of the grandest of all marathons to be held later this year...the ING New York Marathon. But what started as a improbable dream has become one of the truest of all running realities for me this spring. That's when I'd learned ING would be accepting me as a sponsored runner for their November event. Admittedly, it gave me more than just goosebumps…it made me realize how blessed I am to be able to run in something I'd always hoped for. To be honest, the ability to run this race has been a longtime dream-in-making for this aging runner. And I know it will be something I cherish for many years to come. But competing in an event of its magnitude has recently led me to consider the question...why me, why now?

I mean, I have been relatively happy running in the Midwest up until now. My typical marathon circuit has consisted of trading off between Grandmas Marathon in MN and the Des Moines Marathon in my hometown. So why do I feel as though everything has effortlessly worked out for me to go to this fall? For example, take the totally unexpected sponsored entry, the cheap airfare we found for my wife and I, the discounted hotel accomodations (cheap for NYC standards) just mere blocks away from where I'll catch a bus to the starting line, as well as my wife's unexpected but totally enthusiastic response of "we're going!" when it all started going down...it just all seems to be fitting some sort of a plan. And although it seems beyond my comprehension at times, I honestly feel God has had a purpose for my participation from the start. I know He wants to use this race for His good.

As you have seen more than once on my blog, I've been following Ryan Hall's story for quite some time now. Ryan is a very gifted athlete who won last fall's 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon and will be racing the men's marathon event at the Bejing Olympics this summer. He also happens to be a man of deep faith and a firm believer of using the gifts God has given us to make a difference. Recently, Ryan and his wife teamed up with World Vision as a way to generate attention and raise funds to help support children and families in AIDS impacted communities in Africa. World Vision happens to be a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to provide things like: clean water, health care, nutritious food, education, and economic opportunities. Their Team World Vision organization has provided a simple way of giving everyday athletes the ability to reach beyond their own goals to where help is needed most.

In 1-John 3:18 it says, "let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and truth." Now, I know it's easy as a runner to set a goal of achieving a personal best in an event…it can be challenging, exhilarating, and satisfying on a deeply personal level. But there's more to experience and a larger impact that can be made - one that goes further than one can ever dream. For far too many years, I'll admit these races have been about me and my goals. So this year I want to purposefully set a goal that goes beyond me. I guess sometimes running accomplishments in and of themselves are empty without being done for a greater purpose.

After some long and careful consideration, I've decided that I would like to give my training and upcoming NYC experience a purpose. I've come to realize that there is something bigger than me - and it's time to take some action on its behalf. And I've decided as a way of running for something (rather than just "in" something) I am going to partner with Team World Vision for the 2008 ING New York Marathon on Nov 2. After talking with their sponsorship director, I feel this is an inspiring opportunity to hopefully combine my efforts with others to provide something to those who so desperately need it right now.

Up front, I want to clarify that the donations I will be asking for will not used to financially support me or the race in my behalf, and that all funds will be collected and used solely by World Vision for their outreach programs worldwide. Basically, what I am doing is joining a team of like-minded athletes who are using their particular racing event to help raise awareness and funds for some of the world's most vulnerable children.

Throughout the fundraising process, I'll keep track of these donations through a personal Team World Vision website where you will be able to see the numbers grow until the actual marathon event is over. (Currently, World Vision is working to add the ING New York Marathon to their list of team events, and I am waiting for this to be available. When it is ready, I'll be providing more information on my blog, as well as sending it directly to friends and family, about how you can participate.)

If you have EVER in your heart wanted to donate to a worthwhile cause such as this, but just couldn't decide the best way to do it, why not use "such a time as this" to support my efforts through Team World Vision by making a one-time donation?

Here are a few examples of how such a simple, one-time gift would be used:

• $25.00.....provides basic lifesaving medicines and supplies to those who are weak or ill, or helps pay educational support for a child's school fees and essentials like uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies.
  
  
• $30.00.....sends either seeds, tools, and training in Africa that can help thousands of hungry families survive, or goes to prevent starvation (every day, 14,000 children die by the suffering caused by hunger).
  
  
• $50.00.....provides either livestock to a family that would supply a village or family with eggs, milk or even wool, or access to safe water and sanitation that can cut a community's child mortality rate by half.

A donation does not need to consist of much - even a few dollars will help; just whatever your heart leads you to give.

In summary, I simply feel God has given me the ability to do what I enjoy the most. Now I want to do my best to honor Him by using that ability to help others. And hopefully, by teaming with World Vision, maybe I can somehow use this gift to help bring a little hope to children and families in areas directly impacted by poverty, disease, natural disaster and war, who need it most right now.

Seeing the current events occurring around the world, I know we can all say the opportunities certainly abound to lend a hand. Maybe it's time to put a little hope in motion.

Thanks for your consideration & stay tuned for more info -
Mike

Update: If you would like to make a donation, please visit my World Vision Firstgiving page at http://www.firstgiving.com/mikeeilers.

If This Shirt Could Talk

The theme over at the Runners Lounge today is "That's a great running t-shirt!" Though my shirt isn't one I wear often (I suppose I'm just too afraid of ruining it, plus they don't sell replacements any longer), it is from the one race that I feel I have definitely learned the most from. It comes from the first race I ever ran...Grandmas Marathon on June 20, 1987.

Now, lest you think I was born to run, I have to differ. I didn't actually begin running until high school, and that was only for our smalltown track team. Sure it was running, but it wasn't really running. However, something stirred in me my junior year as my family and I watched the runners go by on the streets of Duluth during Grandmas Marathon in 1986. Something about the look of perseverence and accomplishment. Little did I know, it would spur me to run the very first road race of my life a year later. And that initial event would be an exhilarating and inspiring ride which would eventually capture my heart and change the way I look at running forever.

My shirt rests in a box now, carefully folded and placed away with various other race t-shirts, bib numbers, and finisher medals. Although it's faded and worn, the stains from when I hadn't treated it so fondly yet apparent, it still carries with it many memories. Oh the lessons I have learned since that initial race; how much wiser I know I've become. Unknowing at the time that it would be the catalyst to 19 more marathons, a dozen adventure races, 2 triathlons, a handful of orienteering and mountain bike races, and a smattering of uniquely challenging road races...over 70 races in all through the coming years.

If it hadn't been for this one shirt, who knows...I may never have embarked on some of my life's greatest journeys.

I may not wear this shirt anymore, but I know for me it still holds the continual promise of a life now changed. A life full of challenge and adventure, of confidence and faith. And that no matter what life may serve me, I know in my heart my running will always be an integral part of it.

Happiness = Runningness

It caught your eye, right? You'd think I'd meant to say the "pursuit of happiness" or something revolving around the lack of contentment in life? While I'll admit it's a catchy phrase we all know, its been used too often and quite literally wouldn't fit the context of what I want to say of running in my life. I mean, what if you already have happiness and contentment in your life? Does this mean, then, that I have a lack of running in my life? Not exactly, as I train almost daily and enjoy every moment of it. But where's the lack that provokes a pursuit?

Well, I have a wonderful wife who loves and supports me, two great children who think Daddy is all that and a bag of chips, a strong foundation in Christ Jesus, and a passion for running and adventure. So what's my pursuit; what am I trying to convey here with this blog? Well, in a nutshell, I'm a relatively happy person who wakes up on the right side of the bed most every day, who enjoys the endeavors of running and the fitness it provides, and who wants to grow stronger every day both physically and spiritually as a Christian. The pursuit I have is continuing those elements in my life, all while using running as a metaphoric motivator. So in a roundabout way, without so many words, I am pursuing "runningness". Maybe it's better seen as the combination of my running with my life's passions, experiences, and beliefs.

I guess I am hoping this blog will help to chronicle my running endeavors, both goals and accomplishments, in daily and weekly experiences. Through my frequent running retreats training for marathons and races, as well as the scriptures, revelation and the constant building up of my faith, I hopefully will be able to share some insight into what makes my life the happy and content life that it is.

Now I have to admit ... I have a small additional motive for this blog. I really want to run the NYC Marathon. I mean, co'mon folks, what runner wouldn't want to experience this epic marathon once in their life?! You see, I've run every race of my life - from road races to adventure races - here in the midwest region. In fact, my only marathons have been either Des Moines Marathon or Grandmas Marathon (Duluth, MN), all 16 of them. I just would like to for once "break out" of the midwest mold I've created over the past 22 years of my running life and experience a race in a different area of the country, possibly on a grander scale. I guess starting this blog is to create some running accountability and possibly grow additional confidence. And, in a simple sense, while I run this road I will try to blog and share the experience, hopefully until its eventual completion.

We'll see what happens.

Kicking The Habit

Hasn't time just flown by this year? It's hard to believe we've finished October and already are a week into the month of November. Before we know it Thanksgiving will be here, with Christmas following only a few scant weeks after. And soon, we'll be turning the page on yet another year.

Whether we like it or not, it's almost time to begin thinking of our New Years resolutions. You remember, those goals we resolve to act on with good intentions and determination throughout the course of the upcoming year? I guess I just happen to be a believer that setting goals are a healthy way of directing your effort, whether to ultimately achieve a desired result or to at least persuade you to move in the right direction necessary. And, if we realize it or not, they can also provide a strong motivational influence for others to do the same themselves.

One of my earlier 2007 resolutions, aside from completing my two marathon goals (Grandmas Marathon and Des Moines Marathon) or finally finishing that basement remodel my wife has been waiting patiently for, was to lose a little weight and tone up my build some. I know doing this will ultimately benefit not only my running, but could also give me just a bit more endurance when my kids engage me in their marathon wrestling and roughhousing sessions. Ah, to have the upper hand for once - LOL. Now, I haven't achieved all of the goals I'd intended for this year, but this particular one I've made some fairly good progress on throughout the summer months. Likely because I don't mind running frequently in hotter weather. But with winter coming up, I need to readdress this goal so I don't fall back to where I'd been before. And hearing recently how a few of my friends from Runner's Lounge have taken on a holiday weight loss goal for themselves, I must admit I'm feeling the motivational influence.

You see, if I really want to kick this weight loss/toning up idea thing into gear, especially with my winter running season drawing near, I need to get serious. And I know of one way to face this seriously ... I need to quit my soda drinking habit. That's right folks, I'm going sans soda (yes, us Minnesotans like to refer to pop as soda - grin). Alright, you might chuckle a little when you first hear that simple declaration, but it really is a big deal to me. And possibly it should be for you, too. Not only is soda found to be high in calories, but there are many abnormal health effects sugar and caffeine can have on your body, such as dehydration, calcium reduction, and body metabolism interference. I just figure my daily intake of Mt. Dew has truly become a vice, and is obviously not helping me with my intentions of better health. It's time I make a resolution to assist an earlier resolution. It's time to make a difference in my life … for the better.

Here's how it goes: my initial goal here is to voluntarily remove soda from my diet completely for one full week beginning tomorrow. If I can successfully complete this, my guess is I will no longer have the caffeine cravings to continue the habit. Simple, right? Hey, I know nothing is ever that effortless, but I'm planning on giving it my best shot.

Check back this week to see how it goes … and stay tuned as I begin to discuss and shape my running goals for the 2008 season.

Photo by Tripcart

Monday Run-Down

As my recent Grandmas Marathon post explained, I'm finally back to a somewhat normal summer schedule. Of course, I'd much rather be camping next to a roaring river than sitting at my desk job, but you gotta pay the bills somehow.

Here's what's been going on in my corner of the world lately:

• My basement is finally dry, though the yet-to-be-cleaned carpet still resides in the garage and gaping holes in my drywall still echo my search for any internal-wall damage. I do have a new roll of carpet padding waiting to be installed, however I've been holding off since hearing of the possibilities of FEMA flood disaster assistance here in our county. We completed their application online and had an adjuster come over the day we arrived back from vacation. Now, we are sort of in a holding pattern waiting to see what financial help they may have to offer before taking on the hardship cost ourselves. Hopefully we'll know this week.
  
  
• This year's Grandma's Marathon, as well as both the Dam-to-Dam 20K and IA Games Adventure races, are now over. The only races I have yet to look forward to this summer are possibly the Midnight Madness 10K in July, then a reprisal of last year's Project H20 Maffitt Lake 5-Mile Trail Run in early August. But coming down off the adventure race has been a bit tough for me, since I really, REALLY enjoy that sort of endurance stuff. So I am considering signing up for something adventurous again before fall. I've been thinking either the Hartman Eco-Tri or GAAR adventure race (both held in August)...or possibly both. Not sure yet.
  
  
• Though it is kinda hard to top the northwoods camping in Minnesota we had last week, we've decided it's also too hard to resist the lure of a 4th of July weekend spent under camping the stars while our clothes still smell of campfire smoke. Yeah, we didn't even allow time to for dust to collect on the camper before we made that decision. But, just like my 3- and 5-year olds, I'm sooooo excited about another chance at roasting some yummy s'mores over the fire. I am just left to wonder...is it possible to get wireless laptop reception out at the campgrounds so I can move that office job of mine outdoors? Oh, that would be SO nice!
  
  
• Slowly getting geared up and trained up for my week-long trip into the Colorado mountains next month. I'll be heading out with some good friends from my church to a remote camping site up in the hills near Colorado Springs where we'll spend the vast majority of our time hiking, rope climbing/rappelling, and studying God's word. I had the opportunity to go last year and was just completely overcome with the rugged beauty of the area and quiet seclusion it offered. Not the mention the 4x4 trails we had to tackle for miles just to find our camp site on top of a cliff. Ummm...no busy life, no alarm clocks, no toilet...oh, maybe that's why my wife opted to stay home?
  
  
• Oh my gosh, in looking at my Runner's World calendar here I am noticing that it's only 4 months until the New York Marathon...that's roughly a 16-week training plan away, so time to get busy!

Monday Run-Down

Looking at the date of my last post, it has been a while hasn't it? My apologies, folks. It's an understatement to say so much has been going on lately, and I've realized my time with blogging has ultimately been the item to suffer the most. Not to worry...I am back and will do my utmost best to bring everyone up to speed on everyday life, training, and racing events. Thanks to those who were thinking of me and urging me to return to my pursuit here. :)

The following is a brief run-down of a few happenings from the past couple weeks of absence...

• The Iowa Games Adventure Race was held yesterday, and in spite of numerous thunderstorms continuously blanketing the Boone event area, it was awesome! We raced hard for over six hours straight and managed to place 2nd in our four-person male category, 10th out of 41 teams overall. Just want to go on record saying I'm very proud of the guys on the team as we all persevered through a variety of obstacles, including a three-legged race up a ski mountain, two hours of slogging through horrendously muddy single-track mountain bike trails, canoeing & portaging with our bikes lashed to our canoe thwarts, orienteering through local parks and back roads, and several mystery team challenges. Of course, we also had our fair share of issues to contend with along the way...a couple of which being a broken chain and the critical loss of brakes on two of our bikes. Definitely a day to remember for each of us. Race report to come shortly...
  
  
• I managed to also complete the Dam-to-Dam 20K (BTW, now officially considered the largest 20K in the U.S.) on May 31st. I say "managed" only because it didn't go as well as I had planned. Though everything was great for the early morning start atop the Saylorville Dam, mid-way through the race I began experiencing a headache along with a loss of energy...maybe it was something I ate or drank. I'd been gunning for a time around 1:45, but ended with 1:56. Oh well, we'll set that PR next year. I hope to have a race report also for this, sometime soon...
  
  
• We ended up taking the family camping the same weekend as the Dam-to-Dam race, which made getting to the starting line a bit challenging, but was well worth the opportunity to relax with the kids and other family members who had joined in on our little outdoor adventure. We even took the time to roast a s'more or two...yummy.
  
  
• Grandmas Marathon is right around the corner...June 21st! I am really looking forward to this race again, as I do most every year I run it. Not only are the crowds warm and generous, but the Lake Superior scenery is absolutely incredible! I am a little sad, though, as I will be missing the ITU Hy-Vee World Cup Triathlon, held in Des Moines that weekend and a chance to volunteer with some family and friends. Hopefully, they'll be able to snag me an official t-shirt or something.
  
  
• Race planning for the Des Moines Capital Pursuit 10-Mile is still underway. We just okayed our 2008 graphics and are getting ready to produce the race brochure. Though the race isn't until late September, so much is yet to be done.
  
  
• Hmm, what else has been going on? Well, let's see…oh yeah, my basement flooded. Alright, not the ENTIRE basement (thankfully), but it was a sizable portion that included a bedroom and closet. (Note: in case you hadn't heard, the central plains states have been getting pounded by storms for the past week or two straight...so if you're visiting Iowa, be sure to bring a canoe and your own lifejacket.) It just so happens a portion of this rain found it's way down through an egress window of ours. I've managed to dry out the space, but have yet to tear into the wall to look for signs of permanent damage. {sigh} Just another item for the honey-do list, eh?
  
  
• Though it has been a BUSY past couple of weeks, it's also been very introspective and rewarding. During my recent Dam-to-Dam experience, I noticed someone running in front of me with a shirt that said it all..."Phillipians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." In spite of all life's challenges, the occasional pain or discomfort, the everyday trials and tribulations, I have this comfort knowing God is in control. That's something really neat about God. He places you in the situations where you are able to grow. And even when you think you can't handle it, He's there to help you through it.