Flashback Friday: Different Year

Last weekend was the Burning River 100, Northeast Ohio's own super-mega-ultra marathon. Instead of catching any of the action like we did last year, the Enthusiast and I slept in Sunday morning to recover from a friend's wedding the previous night, spent a couple hours with a house inspector, and then I ran a satisfying nine-miler in the dark to complete my training week. What a difference a year makes.

A year ago at this time, I ran twice as far during my training en route to a personal best marathon. This year, I strive only to set my "married PR" and achieve VIP status at the Akron Marathon. I look forward to the adventure of running a half marathon the morning after my bachelor party and completing a marathon while undertrained.

Instead of working to improve upon my race times this year, I decided to focus more on barefoot running and improved form. Last night, I finally got out for a run this week. The five-miler was my longest barefoot run this year.

I still notice a slight tendency to develop hot spots on my left foot, between the pad and first joint of my big toe and on the outside edge of my foot below the pinkie toe. The cause is pushing off with the big toe and then compensating for the resulting tenderness by rolling my foot toward the outside. The cure, I hope, is continued focus on a balanced landing and quicker turnover.

Thus, the great experiment continues. I wonder where I'll be next year.

Back Talk
Wherein we play house.

Ironman By Thirty can't believe a bank wouldn't have any conflicts about giving me a loan: "Whoa, whoa, whoa ... They gave YOU a bank loan to buy a house?!?! Didn't the lenders learn anything during the mortgage crisis? I would think that a banjo playing, barefoot running hippie on the loan application would have sent red flags all over the place. I suppose maybe the Enthusiast's stellar qualities trumped yours."

Answer: It certainly didn't hurt to have the lovely Enthusiast by my side when I applied, but I'm the sole borrower on the loan. You'd be amazed how far you can get with temporary sobriety and a shower. Also, leave the banjo at home.

Carolina John can't believe how much of a pain in the rear it is to get a home loan: "It's amazing to me how difficult it is to buy a house today. ... Now they practically make you give blood samples in the mortgage application process. ... Dave Ramsey says to only get a 15-year loan with at least 20% down, and the principal + interest should take up no more than 25% of your monthly income. I like Dave, he's got some really smart ideas."

Answer: I agree about Dave Ramsey, but we're just not in a place to put down 20 percent on a house. However, I'm following his snowball plan to reduce other debts so we can live comfortably.

Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates. Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!