Another snow storm tucked Northeast Ohio under a blanket of fresh snow yesterday. After shoveling the sidewalk and driveway after work, I headed out for a cold and blustery three-miler.
I was lucky in that I ran into the wind on my way out, fighting through heavy wind gusts pushing me back and drifting snow biting my ankles, and stopping by a friend's house so he could call me "crazy" for being out there while he cleared his driveway with a snowblower. It must have been the shorts I was wearing.
As I made the turn from Exchange to Market, hugging close to the Einstein Bros. Bagels and Robeks building on the corner, the wind seemed to cease. All I had to deal with was the climb back up the slowrising hill to home.
This was the first real snow action my Altras have endured, and I was very happy with the footing on such precarious terrain. With the zero-dropped sole, my feet landed securely each step, allowing me to employ my preternatural sense of balance.
I was surprised to find my socks completely drenched when I returned home, as my feet never felt cold. I was also surprised to see that my pace wasn't all that slow, clocking in at 10:22 per mile, and that includes my little detour to say hello to my friend.
Afterward, I conducted a short strength workout, with dumbbell curls, crunches, dips, planks, push-ups, and bicycle sit-ups.
So far, a good week, but I have two more runs yet to complete this weekend, and I don't want to miss again like I did last weekend.
Back Talk
Wherein we make excuses and talk about the weather.
Carolina John gives me the business about missing that run: "No time for three miles? c'mon."
Answer: Agreed, pretty lame. I could have run that evening, but I decided to drink beer instead.
Nitmos thinks the weather blows more in Ohio and wonders about my feet: "Sometimes it sounds worse there than it does up here.
How many barefoot runs so far? Stay true to the cause."
Answer: Our proximity to Lake Erie makes the weather schizophrenic. And I'm on barefoot hiatus until Spring.
Look who's still alive! Razz blows some hot air: "[T]he wind sucks.
See what I did there? I could've said that it blows, but I went the other way."
Answer: You are very clever.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Showing posts with label snowdaze. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snowdaze. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2012
Friday, December 9, 2011
Flashback Friday: Snow Upon the Ground
And so we awoke this morning to the sound of a fist banging on our front door, and outside was awash in white. Our new dining room table was to be delivered between 7:35 and 9:35 a.m. Of course the truck arrived at 7.
Mrs. Viper hopped out of bed and threw on a robe to greet the delivery men. She's much nicer in the morning than I am. Dobson was barking up a storm, which I'm sure our new neighbors appreciated. They had to wake up for work at some point.
After slowly getting ready for the day, I headed downstairs. My wife on the couch, the dog outside, and two men putting together the table. They were done and out the door by 7:20, a good 15 minutes before they were even supposed to be there.
By now, our washer and dryer should have also arrived, which accounts for the last of our deliveries to the house. Tonight we finish up decorating in time for our house warming and Christmas tree trimming party tomorrow.
And, oh yeah, the snow.
For the first time this year, I had to scrape off my car windows. The drive in to work was a picturesque scene, a winding road through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the trees draped in snow, and even the compost plant presented a bucolic image, with its foul-smelling mounds of shit appearing as miniature snow-capped mountains.
I was hoping to break my streak before the first real snow, but alas we still display goose eggs in our mileage counter.
Back Talk
Wherein a party might help further the lack of running
Misszippy says I shouldn't get too settled: "Better watch out or you'll find yourself like me, clawing your way back to fitness! Nothing like a deadline (party) to get you in motion to finish things off. Have fun!"
Answer: I fear my first run from the new house will have lots of walk breaks. As for finishing up the house details, I always work better under deadline, says the procrastinator with the journalism degree.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Mrs. Viper hopped out of bed and threw on a robe to greet the delivery men. She's much nicer in the morning than I am. Dobson was barking up a storm, which I'm sure our new neighbors appreciated. They had to wake up for work at some point.
After slowly getting ready for the day, I headed downstairs. My wife on the couch, the dog outside, and two men putting together the table. They were done and out the door by 7:20, a good 15 minutes before they were even supposed to be there.
By now, our washer and dryer should have also arrived, which accounts for the last of our deliveries to the house. Tonight we finish up decorating in time for our house warming and Christmas tree trimming party tomorrow.
And, oh yeah, the snow.
For the first time this year, I had to scrape off my car windows. The drive in to work was a picturesque scene, a winding road through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the trees draped in snow, and even the compost plant presented a bucolic image, with its foul-smelling mounds of shit appearing as miniature snow-capped mountains.
I was hoping to break my streak before the first real snow, but alas we still display goose eggs in our mileage counter.
Back Talk
Wherein a party might help further the lack of running
Misszippy says I shouldn't get too settled: "Better watch out or you'll find yourself like me, clawing your way back to fitness! Nothing like a deadline (party) to get you in motion to finish things off. Have fun!"
Answer: I fear my first run from the new house will have lots of walk breaks. As for finishing up the house details, I always work better under deadline, says the procrastinator with the journalism degree.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates! Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
We Shall Be Humbled
Last week, some of us may have gone a little too far in heralding the Springtime weather in the Midwest. It is still February after all. We are again blanketed in several inches of snow after another storm yesterday.
However, the good news is we're supposed to return to above-freezing temperatures tomorrow.
Those of us who have lived in this region all our lives should know that there's always at least one more big smack down before winter is truly over, no matter how nice it gets.
Spring does not start until March 20. As runners, we must keep YakTrax and base layers at the ready until then. End of story.
However, the good news is we're supposed to return to above-freezing temperatures tomorrow.
Those of us who have lived in this region all our lives should know that there's always at least one more big smack down before winter is truly over, no matter how nice it gets.
Spring does not start until March 20. As runners, we must keep YakTrax and base layers at the ready until then. End of story.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Please Hold: Weather Delays
The snow just keeps coming. The new month greets us with another test of our mettle. We have another winter storm advisory in place until Wednesday night. Ah, February, my favorite month.
January was a much improved month with the start of the Enthusiast's half marathon training, but the last couple weeks were tough with bitter temperatures and what seems like non-stop snow. Oh well, I'm sure by Friday the weather will be Spring-like. Here is January's statistical rundown:
January was a much improved month with the start of the Enthusiast's half marathon training, but the last couple weeks were tough with bitter temperatures and what seems like non-stop snow. Oh well, I'm sure by Friday the weather will be Spring-like. Here is January's statistical rundown:
- Total Miles: 26 miles (eight runs)
- Highest Weekly: 10 miles
- Average Weekly: 6.5 miles
- Average Pace: N/A (no watch used)
- Longest/Fastest Run: 3 miles @ ~9:00 pace
- The Monthly Dif: +13 miles (13 miles in December)
All but one of my runs was with the Enthusiast, who has been using a GPS app on her phone to track our runs, but I'm trying to encourage her not to pay attention to time in these early stages of training, especially with a thick layer of snow to slow us down.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Chill and the Thrill
We always warm up. Usually, after a mile, you don't even think about it. The cold melts away, and the run is serene. So why is it so damned hard to convince yourself of this when faced with the small digits on the wrong end of the thermometer?
The weather report Sunday was that we'd already missed the high for the day, which was 14 just after midnight. The Enthusiast and I had a long run to fit into our schedule. The sun was shining, which made it look warm, but we knew it most definitely was not. We had to convince ourselves that we'd only be cold for the first few minutes.
We decided to venture to Sand Run, a path that we hadn't run all year. Fresh snow and blue skies made the park area look beautiful, but the 12 degrees was just high enough not to be counted on our trembling fingers.
The multipurpose path was plowed, but still had a packed down layer of snow on top. The Enthusiast wore her YakTrax while I wore my trail shoes. We were both triple layered. Within the first mile, we saw the Martini coming back from a run, presumably more miles than degrees warm, as he's training for his first 50K race.
My new vest has impressed me so far. The snugger fit and windbreaker-like shell seems to keep me warmer than my old fleece vest. The ThermaJock is also performing admirably, keeping my junk nice and warm.
Once the chill dissipates, these winter runs can be quite thrilling. The brisk air and the stillness of the surround terrain. It's beautiful. This is the way it always is, but first we must win the inner argument that this is so.
The weather report Sunday was that we'd already missed the high for the day, which was 14 just after midnight. The Enthusiast and I had a long run to fit into our schedule. The sun was shining, which made it look warm, but we knew it most definitely was not. We had to convince ourselves that we'd only be cold for the first few minutes.
We decided to venture to Sand Run, a path that we hadn't run all year. Fresh snow and blue skies made the park area look beautiful, but the 12 degrees was just high enough not to be counted on our trembling fingers.
The multipurpose path was plowed, but still had a packed down layer of snow on top. The Enthusiast wore her YakTrax while I wore my trail shoes. We were both triple layered. Within the first mile, we saw the Martini coming back from a run, presumably more miles than degrees warm, as he's training for his first 50K race.
My new vest has impressed me so far. The snugger fit and windbreaker-like shell seems to keep me warmer than my old fleece vest. The ThermaJock is also performing admirably, keeping my junk nice and warm.
Once the chill dissipates, these winter runs can be quite thrilling. The brisk air and the stillness of the surround terrain. It's beautiful. This is the way it always is, but first we must win the inner argument that this is so.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Secret Extra Effort
The Enthusiast begged and pleaded for us to delay our run last night until this morning. She was exhausted from work and didn't want to face the rough running conditions. After a hemming and hawing session, I agreed.
The snow started falling like crazy at about 2 p.m. yesterday and still hasn't stopped. If you want my opinion, it would have been easier to run last night, but I understand her reasoning for the postponement.
We got up before 6 a.m. to get ready and were out the door by 6:30. (Not being a morning person, I move like a three-toed sloth when forced to awaken that early.) The early part of our run was surprisingly easy, as someone had kindly snowblowered a long stretch of sidewalk that morning and the night before. After that first mile, however, the snow deepened.
We got between four and six inches of snow last night, with a couple more on the way. The Enthusiast at one point told me she felt sick, like she might throw up. I wondered if she wasn't sick, but rather nearing the Puke Threshold because of the extra effort needed to run in the slippery conditions.
Snow is tricky that way. You think, 'Oh, it's not so bad,' but then your legs start burning from exhaustion and it takes you twice as long to go half as far. Running in the snow is tough. Your feet slip and you end up working much harder to move forward and stay upright. The good news is that it also makes you stronger.
First run of the Enthusiast's training plan is crossed off. We're on our way. Cheers!
The snow started falling like crazy at about 2 p.m. yesterday and still hasn't stopped. If you want my opinion, it would have been easier to run last night, but I understand her reasoning for the postponement.
We got up before 6 a.m. to get ready and were out the door by 6:30. (Not being a morning person, I move like a three-toed sloth when forced to awaken that early.) The early part of our run was surprisingly easy, as someone had kindly snowblowered a long stretch of sidewalk that morning and the night before. After that first mile, however, the snow deepened.
We got between four and six inches of snow last night, with a couple more on the way. The Enthusiast at one point told me she felt sick, like she might throw up. I wondered if she wasn't sick, but rather nearing the Puke Threshold because of the extra effort needed to run in the slippery conditions.
Snow is tricky that way. You think, 'Oh, it's not so bad,' but then your legs start burning from exhaustion and it takes you twice as long to go half as far. Running in the snow is tough. Your feet slip and you end up working much harder to move forward and stay upright. The good news is that it also makes you stronger.
First run of the Enthusiast's training plan is crossed off. We're on our way. Cheers!
Monday, December 20, 2010
At Long Last
Sorry to have abandoned you in the middle of last week without notice. I suspect you all survived just fine without me and Flashback Friday. 'Tis the season ... for vacation days.
Now seems like as good of a time as any to announce the possibility of more of less of my postings for the rest of the year. With a short week this week and taking off work during The Week Between, I may not find time to jump online and write you a wonderful piece of prose. Deal with it.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled post ...
Well, I actually ran on Saturday, finally testing those damned delayed socks. They fit, did the job, and didn't wear through the big toes like the pair of the Enthusiast's that I "ruined" last run, which was a mere nine days prior, by the by.
As I'm sure we all do during this time of year, I stepped on the scale this weekend and gasped at the larger-than-expected number. To make up for my general sloth over the past few months, I suited up for a run, but first decided to pick up some weights.
I did a couple sets of curls before heading out for a cold three-miler and then another set after I got back. My biceps felt like gelatinous goo the rest of the day and started to tighten up on Sunday. Today, I can barely straighten my arms.
Winter came early, smacking us with heavy snow and sub-30 F temperatures. Early night and impolite weather have besieged my motivation. But it's time to fight back against the increasing jiggles of an expanding waistline. Onward! ... or something like that.
Now seems like as good of a time as any to announce the possibility of more of less of my postings for the rest of the year. With a short week this week and taking off work during The Week Between, I may not find time to jump online and write you a wonderful piece of prose. Deal with it.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled post ...
Well, I actually ran on Saturday, finally testing those damned delayed socks. They fit, did the job, and didn't wear through the big toes like the pair of the Enthusiast's that I "ruined" last run, which was a mere nine days prior, by the by.
As I'm sure we all do during this time of year, I stepped on the scale this weekend and gasped at the larger-than-expected number. To make up for my general sloth over the past few months, I suited up for a run, but first decided to pick up some weights.
I did a couple sets of curls before heading out for a cold three-miler and then another set after I got back. My biceps felt like gelatinous goo the rest of the day and started to tighten up on Sunday. Today, I can barely straighten my arms.
Winter came early, smacking us with heavy snow and sub-30 F temperatures. Early night and impolite weather have besieged my motivation. But it's time to fight back against the increasing jiggles of an expanding waistline. Onward! ... or something like that.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Gobsmacked (by the Snow, Not the Band, Thankfully)
Holy ThermaJock, teammates! You're liable to freeze your squishy nibblets off this week if you're in the path of this arctic blast. The cold is brutal. The wind is biting. The snow is relentless.
My feet are too cold just sitting here to even think about going out for a run in this weather. And my stupid toe socks still have not arrived! (Amazon, you suck!)
A look outside my office window shows only a flurry of white. The snow was kind enough to hold off until I got to work this morning. I hope I don't have to sleep here tonight, as this winter weather advisory is in effect until Wednesday.
Thankfully, there's beer in fridge and whiskey in the cupboard, a lady to cozy up to and a dog to keep our feet warm, and if we need to break out in song, I have a banjo to keep us entertained.
My feet are too cold just sitting here to even think about going out for a run in this weather. And my stupid toe socks still have not arrived! (Amazon, you suck!)
A look outside my office window shows only a flurry of white. The snow was kind enough to hold off until I got to work this morning. I hope I don't have to sleep here tonight, as this winter weather advisory is in effect until Wednesday.
Thankfully, there's beer in fridge and whiskey in the cupboard, a lady to cozy up to and a dog to keep our feet warm, and if we need to break out in song, I have a banjo to keep us entertained.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Abominable Snow Monster
The real snow kicked in this weekend. We now have a healthy layer of good packing snow on the ground here in Northeast Ohio.
It took me about 15 minutes to go two miles this morning on my way to work. Not because the roads are that bad, but because that's how it is the first time it really snows. Everyone acts as if they've never seen the stuff.
Frankly, I love driving in the snow.
In a past life, I was a bus driver. My first year driving a bus in the snow, I had a 40-footer sideways heading toward a train trestle underpass that would not fit a bus in such a predicament. Calmly, I radioed my supervisor and told him the roads were pretty slick as I counter-steered to straighten my bus before wedging between the stone support beams of the railroad bridge. Ever since that night, driving in the snow hasn't bothered me a bit.
Running in the snow is also an adventure I enjoy. However, my weekend was just too busy to get outside for a few miles. I did do some cross training, when the Enthusiast had me chop down a tree to display in our apartment. That's gotta count for something, right?
It took me about 15 minutes to go two miles this morning on my way to work. Not because the roads are that bad, but because that's how it is the first time it really snows. Everyone acts as if they've never seen the stuff.
Frankly, I love driving in the snow.
In a past life, I was a bus driver. My first year driving a bus in the snow, I had a 40-footer sideways heading toward a train trestle underpass that would not fit a bus in such a predicament. Calmly, I radioed my supervisor and told him the roads were pretty slick as I counter-steered to straighten my bus before wedging between the stone support beams of the railroad bridge. Ever since that night, driving in the snow hasn't bothered me a bit.
Running in the snow is also an adventure I enjoy. However, my weekend was just too busy to get outside for a few miles. I did do some cross training, when the Enthusiast had me chop down a tree to display in our apartment. That's gotta count for something, right?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Flashback Friday: Die, Winter! Die!
The view from this morning's walk with Dobson. I gave up running in the snow for Lent, so I skipped my planned six-miler last night as we got a little taste of what we haven't been missing. Cold rain turned to soggy sleet turned to big fat fuck-you flakes.
This weekend should be a tad nicer for some miles. That is, should be.
Back Talk
Wherein my readers want me to take on Nike.
EZEthan (easy how?) thinks I may be on to something with this whole rubber foot protection: "Now that you've started making your own running footwear I [was] kind of hoping [for] you to slowly make it more and more complicated ... blogging about it each time, until by the end you've spent $100 to re-invent a Nike!"
Answer: Would someone please explain to this gentleman about my frugality? Nitmos, can I get some backup?
Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates. Have a finely brewed weekend. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Gently Leading Whom?
The weather satellites are spreading doom and gloom again. Rugged weather reporters are saying that Northeast Ohio will see snow for the next nine days. But on the 10th day? Sunshine.
However, I never believe that 10th day forecast. It's a ruse to bolster hope. False hope. As Granny used to say, "Shit in one hand, hope in the other, and see which one gets filled first."
The snow is never going to stop falling, and I am protesting. However, for a few fleeting strides last night, I tested out Dobson's newish Gentle Leader on the run.
Awhile back when I first mentioned I was going to start running with our now five-month-old Old English Sheepdog, many of you suggested a Halti or Gentle Leader collar to keep the Dobber from pulling too hard.
Quite frankly, the opposite has been a problem: Dobsonian is comically slow on the run. I usually end up pulling on him. At the dog park, he is either failing at catching up to other dogs or getting run over by dogs succeeding at catching him. His dreams of a BQ are already over, especially since the Boston Marathon doesn't offer a Dog Years Exemption, which honestly I could go for if they did.
Long story short: He doesn't pull me when we run.
But Ol' Dob does pull when the Enthusiast and I walk him, and we were getting a little tired of the leash burns on our palms from holding him back. Fast? Negatory. Strong? You betcha! So our trainer threw in her recommendation for a head collar, specifically the Gentle Leader.
[Drunkard's note: PetSmart loves that I agreed to get a puppy.]
Now, El Dobberino doesn't pull so much. However, he has taken up intensive faceplants as he seems to be trying to dissolve the Gentle Leader with snow as he writhes his snout into the ground. So far, the collar has held up to these maneuvers.
Last night, while I was walking the Dobbelganger, after I had already stuffed a plastic bag full of doodoo, I decided to break into a run and see how the Gentle Leader affected his running. We ran up the block and turned the corner until we had to sit and wait before crossing the road. The new collar ... um, stayed on? Made him not make me pull him? Did not burst into flames and singe Dob-Dob-Dob-Dobberann's bushy locks? I guess it worked fine.
Some endorsement, huh?
However, I never believe that 10th day forecast. It's a ruse to bolster hope. False hope. As Granny used to say, "Shit in one hand, hope in the other, and see which one gets filled first."
The snow is never going to stop falling, and I am protesting. However, for a few fleeting strides last night, I tested out Dobson's newish Gentle Leader on the run.
Awhile back when I first mentioned I was going to start running with our now five-month-old Old English Sheepdog, many of you suggested a Halti or Gentle Leader collar to keep the Dobber from pulling too hard.
Quite frankly, the opposite has been a problem: Dobsonian is comically slow on the run. I usually end up pulling on him. At the dog park, he is either failing at catching up to other dogs or getting run over by dogs succeeding at catching him. His dreams of a BQ are already over, especially since the Boston Marathon doesn't offer a Dog Years Exemption, which honestly I could go for if they did.
Long story short: He doesn't pull me when we run.
But Ol' Dob does pull when the Enthusiast and I walk him, and we were getting a little tired of the leash burns on our palms from holding him back. Fast? Negatory. Strong? You betcha! So our trainer threw in her recommendation for a head collar, specifically the Gentle Leader.
[Drunkard's note: PetSmart loves that I agreed to get a puppy.]
Now, El Dobberino doesn't pull so much. However, he has taken up intensive faceplants as he seems to be trying to dissolve the Gentle Leader with snow as he writhes his snout into the ground. So far, the collar has held up to these maneuvers.
Last night, while I was walking the Dobbelganger, after I had already stuffed a plastic bag full of doodoo, I decided to break into a run and see how the Gentle Leader affected his running. We ran up the block and turned the corner until we had to sit and wait before crossing the road. The new collar ... um, stayed on? Made him not make me pull him? Did not burst into flames and singe Dob-Dob-Dob-Dobberann's bushy locks? I guess it worked fine.
Some endorsement, huh?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Hooray!!! More Snow!!!
It has been more than a week since I've seen any new fallen snow, but thankfully the weather satellites have delivered us a few more inches of very fresh, soft, fluffy, happy, joyful, delightful, smile-inducing, jump-for-joy-inspiring, I-wanna-do-naked-snow-angels-in-this-stuff, buy-a-round-for-the-house-why-don't-ya-compelling, delirium-tremens-calming, over-hyphenating-causing white stuff.
[Drunkard's note: Perhaps if I pretend like I like the snow, it will go away.]
[Drunkard's note: Perhaps if I pretend like I like the snow, it will go away.]
Monday, February 8, 2010
Race Report: Frostbitten and Canceled
Was this the final blow?
I awoke Saturday morning with my prediction ready, only to discover a text from Martini, saying that the Frostbite Prediction Run was canceled. The notice was confirmed on Facebook and later on the race Web site.
My prediction didn't get a chance to be proven false like the weather forecasters, who predicted we'd get three to six inches of snow. Instead, we got 11 to 13 inches, and there was still a winter advisory in effect on race day morning.
I was so ready for that race to get my running jumpstarted. I was even ready to blast you all for predicting I'd run anything other than my goal of 26:34. Did you all not understand that the only way for me to win this race is to come in at exactly my predicted time? It's called reading comprehension, people!
Instead, I went bargain shopping and picked up a new winter running hat (a high-visibility, neon yellow Carhartt watch cap with a reflective label) and then I found this for $8 ...
A Trav-L Bar (ca. 1970), complete with four cocktail glasses, two shot glasses, a serving tray, mixing spoon, bottle opener and recipe book. Perfect for the Booze Hound on the go or for post-race hydration.
I awoke Saturday morning with my prediction ready, only to discover a text from Martini, saying that the Frostbite Prediction Run was canceled. The notice was confirmed on Facebook and later on the race Web site.
My prediction didn't get a chance to be proven false like the weather forecasters, who predicted we'd get three to six inches of snow. Instead, we got 11 to 13 inches, and there was still a winter advisory in effect on race day morning.
I was so ready for that race to get my running jumpstarted. I was even ready to blast you all for predicting I'd run anything other than my goal of 26:34. Did you all not understand that the only way for me to win this race is to come in at exactly my predicted time? It's called reading comprehension, people!
Instead, I went bargain shopping and picked up a new winter running hat (a high-visibility, neon yellow Carhartt watch cap with a reflective label) and then I found this for $8 ...
A Trav-L Bar (ca. 1970), complete with four cocktail glasses, two shot glasses, a serving tray, mixing spoon, bottle opener and recipe book. Perfect for the Booze Hound on the go or for post-race hydration.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Just Got Snowed
Well, running is out of the forecast for now as Northeast Ohio digs out from under yet another snow storm. We got about nine inches on top of the snow that has lain on the ground for most of the month.
This is the longest time I can remember this much snow being on the ground. Usually, we get these storms and in a week or so it melts away.
But, as I said, this has been an unusual winter. Ohio is two inches away from eclipsing the snowiest January in history, the infamous Blizzard of 1978.
My car wasn't as buried as it was last year in March, but it still took me an hour to get it moving from my on-the-street parking spot. Let's just call it cross training.
Runner's World Gets Wise
Today, Mark Remy of Runner's World's RW Daily professes the merits of Scotch and morphine as a pain reliever. Well, no shit, Mark. That's not a new concept. If you'd ever listen to me, you'd know that booze reduces pain and improves confidence. Morphine is just an added bonus.
This is the longest time I can remember this much snow being on the ground. Usually, we get these storms and in a week or so it melts away.
But, as I said, this has been an unusual winter. Ohio is two inches away from eclipsing the snowiest January in history, the infamous Blizzard of 1978.
My car wasn't as buried as it was last year in March, but it still took me an hour to get it moving from my on-the-street parking spot. Let's just call it cross training.
Runner's World Gets Wise
Today, Mark Remy of Runner's World's RW Daily professes the merits of Scotch and morphine as a pain reliever. Well, no shit, Mark. That's not a new concept. If you'd ever listen to me, you'd know that booze reduces pain and improves confidence. Morphine is just an added bonus.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Flashback Friday: Negativity Prevails
It's not supposed to warm up to zero degrees until afternoon today. I have run a grand total of three miles this week -- nine this year. The last time it was above zero when I was able to run? You guessed it: last Monday, when I trudged through the snow.
Cleveland meteorologist Dick "In Goddard We Trust" Goddard says it should get warm again (as in, reach 20 degrees) on Sunday. I'll believe it when I feel my toes again, and then maybe I'll run.
Martini tried to goad me into running this morning before work, but I told him I'd see him in hell before that happened. After all, it's warmer there and I could run any time I wanted.
[Drunkard's note: That is, the hell of biblical fame, not Hell, Michigan, where it is not warmer than here. And yes, I've been there.]
I haven't heard from Martini today. I can only imagine his fate. Some future society will undoubtedly discover his ice-encased body on the banks of the Cuyahoga River where there was once a bike and hike trail.
"It appears this primitive species ran on pure ethyl alcohol," the future equivalent of archeologists will mistakenly say when they discover that the Martini-cicle's innards were already preserved in booze long before the body was frozen. "And from the looks of this ancient timing device, his mile pace was quite slow. No wonder he's extinct."
Meanwhile, I heard that some of you (and you) are running the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon this weekend. I also hear that you get to see Smash Mouth there. Boy, that sucks. I'd complain to the organizers. Isn't running a marathon is punishment enough for one day? Good luck Vanilla and Razz and whomever else. I hope it's a hell of a lot warmer in Arizona than it is in Colorado and Nebraska.
Back Talk
Wherein my answers are questions.
Sarah uses some fuzzy math to defame Baltika: "51 ounces of beer for $2.79 works out to beer that is worth less than six cents an ounce ($0.0547/ounce, to be exact). That's some mighty cheap beer. I'm surprised it tasted like anything at all. Where's your beer integrity, man?"
Answer: Have you never heard the expression "don't knock it until you try it"? Cheap does not equal bad.
Turi has some advice about running in this muck: "I used 'screwed shoes' a couple weeks ago for the first time -- 20 percent slush, 80 percent concrete, and they were fine. Only slippery on manhole covers."
Answer: What do "screwed shoes" have to do with anything? I was asking about "YakTrax." And please, keep the slippery manhole talk to your own blog, pervert.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us. Have a fine weekend. Stay warm with hooch. Remember, good booze will not freeze. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Cleveland meteorologist Dick "In Goddard We Trust" Goddard says it should get warm again (as in, reach 20 degrees) on Sunday. I'll believe it when I feel my toes again, and then maybe I'll run.
Martini tried to goad me into running this morning before work, but I told him I'd see him in hell before that happened. After all, it's warmer there and I could run any time I wanted.
[Drunkard's note: That is, the hell of biblical fame, not Hell, Michigan, where it is not warmer than here. And yes, I've been there.]
I haven't heard from Martini today. I can only imagine his fate. Some future society will undoubtedly discover his ice-encased body on the banks of the Cuyahoga River where there was once a bike and hike trail.
"It appears this primitive species ran on pure ethyl alcohol," the future equivalent of archeologists will mistakenly say when they discover that the Martini-cicle's innards were already preserved in booze long before the body was frozen. "And from the looks of this ancient timing device, his mile pace was quite slow. No wonder he's extinct."
Meanwhile, I heard that some of you (and you) are running the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon this weekend. I also hear that you get to see Smash Mouth there. Boy, that sucks. I'd complain to the organizers. Isn't running a marathon is punishment enough for one day? Good luck Vanilla and Razz and whomever else. I hope it's a hell of a lot warmer in Arizona than it is in Colorado and Nebraska.
Back Talk
Wherein my answers are questions.
Sarah uses some fuzzy math to defame Baltika: "51 ounces of beer for $2.79 works out to beer that is worth less than six cents an ounce ($0.0547/ounce, to be exact). That's some mighty cheap beer. I'm surprised it tasted like anything at all. Where's your beer integrity, man?"
Answer: Have you never heard the expression "don't knock it until you try it"? Cheap does not equal bad.
Turi has some advice about running in this muck: "I used 'screwed shoes' a couple weeks ago for the first time -- 20 percent slush, 80 percent concrete, and they were fine. Only slippery on manhole covers."
Answer: What do "screwed shoes" have to do with anything? I was asking about "YakTrax." And please, keep the slippery manhole talk to your own blog, pervert.
Happy Hour is nearly upon us. Have a fine weekend. Stay warm with hooch. Remember, good booze will not freeze. Run well and drink well. Cheers!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Next Up: Sawing Logs, Pulling Dogsled
After that Russky delivered a knock-out blow last weekend, I decided to get all Rocky IV on running's ass.
The snow is high-ankle deep and more is falling as the Royal We speak. I had to bound through unplowed portions of my West Akron neighborhood as if it were tundra. My knees churned up near my chest as my lungs burned. I weaved into the street at times as it offered more solid footing. I set personal long-jump records as I hurdled over mountains of icy slush left over from plow trucks. Three miles never felt so long.
Running Like a Dodo
As I was trudging through the snow last night, I realized I had better forward propulsion and balance when I swung my arms in a more outward, akimbo position than with my elbows tucked in toward my ribcage. I caught my shadow in the light of a streetlamp, and I looked like some poor flightless bird, flapping my useless wings as I bounced along.
I call this new running style the Dodo Trot -- because A) I'm sure I looked as stupid as I felt, and B) I hope it becomes extinct very soon.
Yakking Away
I wore my YakTrax for the second time since receiving them as a gift. Again, my traction was solid on unsolid ground. But I have a question for fellow users. The packaging says not for use on concrete or roads clear of snow. Therefore, I stuck to the sidewalks where it was too full of snow. What I'm wondering is do you think I'd royally destroy the YakTrax if my run was up to 50 percent on more or less clear roads?
As for Yesterday
I have no idea why yesterday's post didn't show up for some of you when it was posted. It just goes to show that you should check Team BHI every couple of minutes for updates.
You're going down Ivan, you terrible bastard!
The snow is high-ankle deep and more is falling as the Royal We speak. I had to bound through unplowed portions of my West Akron neighborhood as if it were tundra. My knees churned up near my chest as my lungs burned. I weaved into the street at times as it offered more solid footing. I set personal long-jump records as I hurdled over mountains of icy slush left over from plow trucks. Three miles never felt so long.
Running Like a Dodo
As I was trudging through the snow last night, I realized I had better forward propulsion and balance when I swung my arms in a more outward, akimbo position than with my elbows tucked in toward my ribcage. I caught my shadow in the light of a streetlamp, and I looked like some poor flightless bird, flapping my useless wings as I bounced along.
I call this new running style the Dodo Trot -- because A) I'm sure I looked as stupid as I felt, and B) I hope it becomes extinct very soon.
Yakking Away
I wore my YakTrax for the second time since receiving them as a gift. Again, my traction was solid on unsolid ground. But I have a question for fellow users. The packaging says not for use on concrete or roads clear of snow. Therefore, I stuck to the sidewalks where it was too full of snow. What I'm wondering is do you think I'd royally destroy the YakTrax if my run was up to 50 percent on more or less clear roads?
As for Yesterday
I have no idea why yesterday's post didn't show up for some of you when it was posted. It just goes to show that you should check Team BHI every couple of minutes for updates.
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