T minus 8 hours

Hello all! As you can see from my title, it's only 8 hours until the marathon kicks off tomorrow! I can't believe that the day has come for Bryan and I to unleash all 26.2 miles. It has defiantly been a journey that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Just to get you up to speed on the festivities up here in Duluth. Jenny, Krissy, and myself drove up to Duluth this afternoon. Once we arrived, we went to Bryan's place and picked him up and went down to get our race packets.....then after walking around the steamy fitness expo at the DECC...we dropped Bryan off at home and headed up to the Martens house for dinner. Two pounds of spaghetti later I feel like I'm good to go...now all I need to do is get motivated to sleep..and then its off to the races!
So for all of you that have gone w/ my on the journey, thank you! I have appreciated all the good wishes and shows of support! I'll see you at the finish line!

Dave

We Were Soldiers Once . . . And Young

I sat at home this afternoon and watched a movie I had seen before. Actually the other day Jenny and I were at Best buy and I decided to buy this movie. When I picked it up on the bottom of the shelf I remembered what this movie was all about, and so too did Jenny. As we walked to the counter to buy it Jen told me how every time she saw this it made her cry, what I didn't tell her is that it did for me too.

The movie,"We were Soldiers" is about a cavalry unit in the Vietnam War, and the battle they fought. As the movie goes on you can feel the emotions of the soldiers the movie spotlights, as well as the family members, the wife's, that watch their loved ones go to war. The colonel promises he wont leave anyone behind, not living or the dead. It shows a soldier keeping the Colonels promise as he pulls his fallen comrade to security of the LZ, however, is killed doing this mission.

I guess the reason I'm telling you about this movie today, and not about my marathon training, is because I truly feel as though this current war and any of the other wars, has torn so many lives apart. As you sit and watch this movie you are taken on that journey with these families, and you truly feel the way they feel. The anguish of saying goodbye, to the heart pounding fears of having the telegram delivered to your home. It is not the politicians or the media that they show, for it is not those people that have the pain. It is the Soldiers, the Marines, the Airmen, and the Sailors who watch their brothers in arms fall. It is the families of these brave young and old souls that will never be the same as they are told their son or daughter wont be coming home.

The end of the movie shows the Colonel returning home to his wife, who thought it was the telegram that would change her life. It also shows two soldiers walking through an airport, not to a parade or hundreds of people celebrating their return, but to only themselves. The narrator tells us that in the end it is not the flag, or the country that the soldiers fight for, but it is the soldier next to him that he fights for.

In conclusion I'd like to leave you with a quote that Lt. Colonel Laura Richardson said at the memorial for my fallen friends. These men died when the helicopter they were flying in was shot down over Tikrit, Iraq on November 7, 2003. "In the deadly chaos of battle, soldiers hold trust and when they fight, they fight for each other because of the trust that resides in one another."

"Only the dead have seen the end of war" Plato

It has been a while

So I realize it has been a long time since I posted last. However, with fishing trips, finals, and all sorts of work to be done...not to mention training for this marathon..I haven't had all the time in the world to write.....SO I'll fill you in on what has transpired in the last few weeks.
Since the last time I wrote, I had been quite busy....and along with the busyness came laziness....I know I know, ME LAZY? Yup that's right...I've been slacking on my running. But not like you may think...I've still been running four times a week..but not the required 6 days as scheduled. Anyways, today was the big Kahuna....Bryan and I undertook 20 miles for the first time...and successfully completed ever bit of it.. I feel as though we came out of today with quite a bit more confidence about June 21st...as well as relived we don't have to do anymore long runs until the marathon......So once again Bryan..you did a great job!
I hope those of you that read this will be following Bryan and I via the Verizon tracker that you can sign up for on Grandmasmarathon.com ! Only three weeks to go!

Dave

Big Mac

Next time I'm taken the bus!

As you see above...this is the route that Bryan and I undertook today. And let me tell you how FAR it really is! Since I haven't blogged in a long time, I figure I'll give you a little taste of what's going on training wise.

I believe the last time I blogged, I had just finished running a 14 mile run. I felt great after that run surprisingly enough, however, after that weekend I got lazy. Now those of you that know me well know how lazy I can get....However, my laziness that I experienced over the last few weeks was no where near what I've been known for in the past. I was still getting my short runs in, however, I had lost the enthusiasm about doing this training. Well, after talking to a buddy who ran Boston Marathon this last month, I started to get back in my groove, well sort of.

Well, that brings us to the run today. Now usually I do my long runs on the weekends.....but this weekend is the birthday celebration weekend. Jen and I are going with friends to the Twins game Sat night to celebrate my birthday, and hers as well. Oh, and to see Jenny's buddy Jacoby Ellisbury.....for those of you that don't know...Jenny's roommate in college was dating this young man...so Jen of course got to know him....and now years later..he's a center fielder for the Boston Red Sox...that's the team that the Twinkies play this weekend. Back to the run, I conned Bryan into running with me....we ran the route that you see above. The run was beautiful...however challenging. Bryan and I were clipping along quite nicely....until we hit mile 15. Who woulda thought that you could hit a brick wall as hard as we did. However, we grinded through it and made it to the end. I have to say I'm proud of Bryan for working so hard to get to 17.5 miles.

So, happy weekend running to all of you.....and to my buddy Bryan...NEXT TIME WE'RE DRIVING;-)

See y'all!
Dave

It's Been a Long Time

It has been a long time since I last posted, so I figured I'd better get back on it! So lets go through a few updates on my training first. Last Sunday was mid-way point in my training program, and let me tell you I'm ready to finish this second half. The culmination of the first half was exactly that, a half marathon. Well, not quite, I had to run a 14 mile run this last weekend. I'd have to say it wasn't so bad. After running I had to go to work for 9 hours, and the next day I wasn't too sore...so I guess that's a good thing. Other than that, its been a running as much as I can find the time to do, and as much as my body will let me do (I have taken a few extra days off during the last few weeks). So we'll have to keep our fingers and toes crossed that I stay healthy and motivated (knock on wood) and I'm able to keep up the intensity up until game day, June 21st. Wish me luck!

Funny Clip for the Week

Just Another Day in Paradise

Just wanted to update my blog one more time this week. So I'll just tell you about my running this weekend..and then I'll be quite.
So as I had mentioned in my previous post that this weekend I was going to undertake the longest training run thus far in my schedule, along with my fellow training buddy, Bryan. Well, Bryan called me on Friday night to inform me that he had been sick all week, and wasn't going to be up for the 12 miles that we planned for Saturday. While utterly sad that I wasn't going to have someone to run with, I still pressed on. With the encouragement of Jenny I plotted and ran the route. All 12 miles in the 65 degree weather. I must say it was difficult, but very rewarding to Finnish and know I didn't have to go run the next day (today). So while I sit here and enjoy a well deserved day off of running, I wish by pal Bryan a speedy recovery from the flu/cold bug that he got this week. I hope we'll be out on a run soon!
To all of you, have a great week!
Dave

Get'n After it Again

So it has been a while since I have updated this.. I just wanted to let all of you know how much better I'm feeling now..and I must say how bad it sucked being that sick...but oh well....on to much better things in the future.
So anyways, my training is coming along nicely. After the long week of being sick, I knocked out 9 miles last Sunday. That was the longest run thus far in the training program, however, this Saturday Bryan and I will be giving a go at the 12 miles on schedule. So we'll see how that goes, but I'm sure we'll be just fine.
Another update on my weight. Today I made it to 238lbs, which is exactly 40 lbs lighter than I was after my last race in Oct. So with lots of hard work I'm hoping to take off about 20 more before Grandmas in June. To reward myself with this accomplishment I ate pizza:) and have the MN Wild on the TV tonight, because Jen has school.
So wish Bryan and I luck on our 12 miles this weekend. As well, wish the Wild good luck on winning the North-West division championship tonight!

Thats Right

I'm Back!

Out of Order

Training has now been put on hold due to this terrible cold/flu that I have seemed to get. If you have any good tips on how to beat it, let me know, I'm game.

Dave

Good Friday

I just wanted to write a quick update on my life/training, and whatever may have fallen between those. This week was a good week...Jenny and I got to spend some quality time with friends back home in Duluth. Kinda cold for a spring break trip. However, we can't complain, the company was great..... While Jenny and I were up there we decided to go skiing(by we, I mean SHE). Now for those of you who know me well...you'll know that I DON'T SKI....I've gone twice while in high school.... but I spent so much time on my ass I never wanted to go again.... Well, the two of us went to spirit mtn, and Jim Fisher came along too. After the coaxing by the two of them for me to go down the hill I finally gave in. To my surprise, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong....I crashed a few times...however, nothing too bad...actually had a great time....so I'm happy we went.

After getting back from "vacation" it was back to work both in training, and actually working. Gotta say its tough getting back at it, but oh so rewarding after my run is completed. Sooooooo I've been running, running, running, and a little running. This week is a building week...so each day is more and more miles...but it doesn't hurt so bad...it must be the hard work is paying off! I'll be running 5 more miles tomorrow, and 7 on Sunday.......so say an Easter prayer for me!

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter! Many of you are in my prayers every day...and will continue to be!

Jesus Christ is risen today! Hallelujah!

(on Sunday of course;)

Dave

Highway To The Danger Zone

Normally I try and write a blog on Sundays after my long run of the week...however, we'll be up in Duluth on Sunday...so I figured I had better update before then.

So to start with how my training is coming along....Good! impressed at how far I've This week was my "down week" according to the training schedule... so all that means is I don't have to increase my millage from the week prior...so that's not so bad. The last few runs have been either 4 miles or 3 miles...I have really been trying to focus on my form and my breathing when I get to do these shorter runs. All in all I think I'm coming along quite well.... I continue to meet with my trainer twice a week....doing a lot of weight training, which I don't mind. I figure if I'm loosing the weight, I might as well work on the muscles as well:) I'll wrap up the running week with a short 3 mile run tomorrow, and following it with an easy 5 on Sunday. That will propel me right into week 5 of my training...WOW!!! Can't believe its under 100 days until the race....it should be a great time! I'm excited for everyone who's running the half marathons that day..as well as my co-teammate Bryan who's running the full!
I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend! Jen and I are taking a few days off and relaxing up in Duluth. We both desperately need some down time! Oh, and if you live in Duluth, we'll see you soon!

Dave

"We went like this, and he went like that..I said; where'd he go? Hollywood says Where'd whooo go?"
"Wolfman"
Top Gun

End of a Long Week

It's about 7pm on Sunday...and I'm a touch grumpy about daylight saving.. Due to this I had to wake up an hour earlier than normal..and then work the usual 9 hour day.....then proceed to come home, change, and then head to the gym for my run.... So as I sit here writing to you now, I'm sleepy, hungry, and like I said before, a touch grumpy. NOT TO COMPLAIN THOUGH!

Today my training program called for a 6 mile run.......Now mentally and physically I was ready for the challenge.....after talking with a friend of mine who is training for the Boston Marathon in April....I figured 6 miles...eh it's no big deal......Well I'm here to tell you tonight that boy is 6 miles a long way....wheeew.....I was defiantly happy once I finished up..and then headed over to st reach and do some needed ab work...... The run did go well however. I maintained a 9 min mile pace through out....now some of you may think that 9 min miles is sort of slow....some of you may find it to be quite fast....well for myself, and Bryan....9 min miles are the ticket to us running a sub four hour marathon

...which is our goal.....

Now I'm off to make dinner with Jenny...and relax with her and the pup's.....I hope all of you have a great week! Also, to my friends and family with the 101 things to do.....GET ON IT! ;-)

Happy Running!

Dave

Mid-Week

I've always remembered that while I'm training for this run...I'm going to have good days and bad....Today happened to be one of those good days running...I only had a three mile run to do...so not bad at all...yesterday was four..and I wasn't feeling the best...so it was tough....but today I felt great the entire time...I averaged quite a bit faster than most days...so I was happy with that too...I'm not sure why I felt so good today..I normally meet with Norm on Thursdays..but he's off today...so I had to do my leg weight training myself...I'd like to think I did well...the abs as always hurt...but none the less getting stronger.I'm hoping that I'm finally getting my legs under me..and it will be smooth sailing from here ;-) lol....anyways I hope this blog finds you in good spirits as well!

Buenos Noches!
Dave

A WILD Night

Just wanted to do a quick update on my training...and my weekend. Today was a good day for running...a beautiful 67 degree day at the gym;-) I had to run 5 miles today...not too bad...I've got a nasty head cold...so I had to really focus on making it through....the funny part was my nose is so raw from blowing it all the time...when I sweat my nose burns like there is no tomorrow....oh well.............so after the run I went home to shower....got on the scale...and was happy to see that I had made it to the 30lbs lost level...I was quite elated as you may imagine......and to top off my evening...Jen and I went to the MN Wild game at the X.....our seats were in row 1...so right up on the glass....quite the view.....along w/ the seats we had access to the ultra cool "fishing lounge", which only the people who have tickets in the first row get to go to....what was so great about it was the beer was free! Since I had lost that 30lbs...I figured why not have a couple!

Hope you had a great weekend! I look forward to reading your updates!
Much Love
Dave

Day Off?

Today may have been a day off from work...however, not so much a day off from anything else. This mornen I had a geology class...let me tell you how much fun that is at 9am.....lol.....so that was about two hours long.... So I returned home for a few min to let the boys out and to change into my gym clothes...I had an appointment with Norm at 12......So I got to they gym about 15 min before training...so I did a little cardio...just to get my heart rate up...at about 5 after Norm came out and we began to work out......That guy truly knows what to do...I pride myself on my lower body strenght...but as soon as we get going...I wear out.....I suppose that is a good thing... So today was all lower body and abs...so all things I'm strong in...but once again I was quite tired at the end of our hour session.....but wait...I STILL HAD TO DO MY RUN! Great..... now mind you I only had to run 3 miles...but thats a hell of a long way after an hour long lower body work out session........ So I ran hard...averaged about 7.5 mph...right arround what Bryan and I did the other day...so all is good! Now I'm done working out...and I have the rest of the evening to do whatever still needs to be done!

What I look like after a Long Work Out

"Either get busy liven, or get busy die'n"

~Red

COLD RUN

Just a quick update today.....My buddy Bryan and I got out and did our run today....as you can read in his blog http://reeser1838.blogspot.com/ it was a touch on the chilly side...as well as our first mile being strait into the bitterly cold wind......oh well...we got'er done.......
Before going over the the Reese's house...I had a training appt with Norm.....upper body today...not gunna lie.. I think I did a whole lot better than last week....still lots of improvment needed...but I'm sure if I keep up this addiction to fitness I'll be A OK...

Sweet Dreams World
D
: of team D&B race team

Week 2

Today was the start of the second week in my training for the marathon...and let me tell you, Mondays are my new favortie days....why you may ask? OFF DAY! This training schedule has me running six days a week...so Mondays will always be the off day...gotta love that!
Yesterday I finnished my first week with a solid four miles....I didnt have to run too hard..but I tried to finnish strong at the end....for those of you who run on tredmills...you'll recognize 8.8 as pleanty fast........>Anyways, this week should be decent....I meet with the trainer tomorrow..and then Bryan and I ( the other guy who's running Grandmas) will be getting our run in outside...should be interesting, seemings though I haven't run outside since October....

Well, I hope all of you have a great week...and hopefully my training will keep going great as well!
Best Wishes,
Dave

Happy P.O.E.T.S. Day

Happy P.O.E.T.S. day to all of you! In case you didn't know what it meant; piss on everything tomorrows Saturday! Unfortunatly, I work tomorrow, so it isn't much of a Saturday. Oh well...gotta help make the money to pay the bills.
Anyways, today was a good day. It all started at 4:30 this mornen when I got up to go to work. Fortunatly they were cutting some hours today..so I only had to work until 12:30....So not too bad. There was however a little nervousness today...my brother inlaw had surgery on his heart at Duke University..I guess it went quite well...however he was experiencing some pain later, so he has to stay over night....I hope that he will be ok....I'm sure he will...but I still hope everything ends up ok.
So after waiting for Jenny to get home from work, we left for the gym. I added a picture of the cardio deck at the gym...it's where I have been spending an awful lot of time lately.... Ran my three miles...Jenny was on the elipticle behind me...she said I looked good while running...good form and all....I love to get a compliment every once in a while...sure makes it a lot easier to keep working.

So until we meet again! Happy Weekend!
Dave

Another Day Another Mile

Well today was a "day off" for me. I only had one class that needed me to be there for...and then after class I had to meet with the personal trainer..but after 2 this afternoon I had absolutly nothing I NEEDED to do. So I decided to put Jen's picture frames up on the wall. She hasn't seen it yet..so i hope she likes how I did it. I just went off the layout she had taken a picture of earlier this month. Oh well we'll find out!

On to my running and training. Like I said earlier, I had to meet with the trainer today. Thank GOD it was lower body workout today. After the other upper body workout, I dont think I want to do that again;-) (of cource I do). Anyways, it was an easy run today, only three miles. I was able to do it in segments due to time allowed with the trainer. So I did the first mile and a half for a warm-up before workout out with Norm, and then followed my hour long workout with the second half of my run. I have to say I'm pretty confident on how this is going to turn out. I mean that in the sence that I feel as though I can truly do this. Here's hoping that I stay injury free and I'm able to keep a possitive, up beat attitute until June.

Until we meet again, I'll be sitting here eating some pizza. Because that is what I do when Jen isn't home :) I suppose not for a while after tonight!

~Dave

"Keep on Keep'n on"

-Joe Dirt-

Day Two

It isn't my intention to write a blog every day. However, since I'm so new at this, I figure I had better write more often than not.
So today I had my first appointment with Jen's and my trainer. So I got to the gym an hour early and did my warm up, and followed with my next run. Only two miles today, however, tomorrow it goes up to three and then up and up and up. Afwer I got done running I met with Norm(the trainer). I'll be meeting with him twice a week for an hour each time this month. His plan is to do upper body one day, and then lower the next session. Today happend to be upper body. Let me tell you! I worked some mucels that hadn't been used in a long long long time. I suppose the pain i feel tonight is a good thing. But the session went well, and now tonight I'm pretty proud.
One other thing. For those of you that don't know; after running the TC 10 mile, and running it poorly, I was upset with my effort, my time, and my weight. That afternoon after the run I weighed myself and to my shock I was running at the HIGHEST weight I have ever been. Two hundred and seventy eight pounds. I'm not proud of that, however, I'm proud of how I reacted. That day I decided I needed to loose some of these excess pounds. So I made the commitment to have some live altering changes. Mostly eating habbits, and so on. As of this morning I weighed in at 253lbs. I may not be great at math, but to my calculations that puts me at -25lbs.
Until tomorrow!
Dave

First things First

First things first, today is Monday February 18, 2008. In approxamatly 123 days, 12 hours, and about 10 min, I'll be running my very first marathon! Grandmas Marathon is June 21, 2008. My plan for this little blog, is to take you on the journey with me. Through all the pain, and atempt at being lazy on days that I need to be running, to the fantastic feelings as I finnish all 26.2 miles!

Today is day one in my training schedule. I only had to run 2 miles, which has been done already! The way it looks is that I will only have one day off a week, which is Mondays. Jen and I returned from New Jersey about 3, and then headed to the gym before picking up the boys from the kennel. The trip went fine, however, hard to get to the gym when you don't have a car. But oh well, I made it today when it counted.

Finnaly, I want to apologize for any gramitcal errors you may encounter in my blog. Since it is my blog, I get to do whatever I want to!

Until tomorrow!
Dave