Kevin Bonks

HAVE I LOST MY MIND??

2010-02-03T08:49:00.008-05:00

So, it's been 15 years since I last did a marathon (Twin Cities, 4 hrs, 48 mins) and although it was a great marathon, it wasn't as much fun as it could/should have been.

The months of training I did left me on the couch most weekends trying to recover from my long runs. Although I was MUCH younger then, my body wasn't in the mood for 50+ miles with spead work thrown in for good measure, and I was ALWAYS on the verge of injury.

If I had a bad long run (slower than I wanted to run), I was in a bad mood until my next long run. If my speed work was not up to par, again I was agry until my next GOOD speed work session.

See a pattern here?

So for the past 15 years, running another marathon has never been far from my mind. The thoughts have usually been followed closely by "No way you can go through that again"!! And I still think that is the case, but....

What if there was a way I could train for a marathon and NOT spend the rest of the weekend or day on the couch? What if I could do it with a smile on my face? What if I could run 4 days a week and not have to put in 50+ miles?

Well, I've looked around, done a LOT of homework, and decided to swallow the Jeff Galloway Run/Walk/Run method!

If this stuff works, which I firmly believe it will, this next marathon, my 6th, will be the most fun I've ever had training for and running one!

So on February 1st, the first day of open registration, I entered the Chicago Marathon and have officially started this experiment.

And there is more... but I'm not just ready to announce the details yet. but soon... very soon.

So for a while, this blog will become my written documentation of how this deal is coming along.

Stay tuned....

Peace...

Remember Me?

2009-08-10T10:31:00.005-04:00

So what the heck has me back updating this blog? What could call me out of "retirement" and get me to post again?

How about a BIGGEST LOSER competition? Yea.. that might do it.

I was reading RUNNING TO DISNEY recently and saw a certain podcaster with a rodent fetish was on a diet and was looking for some accountability. At the same time, a running buddy of mune was "jawing" with me about losing some weigh so I figured why not throw down the gaunlet!!! So I did!

The contest began this morning ( Aug 10) with our oficial weigh in. It will last for 8 weeks, with an official weigh in every Monday Morning.

In the case of this rodent loving podcaster, the winner, or loser, depending on how you want to look at it, will get to host the others podcast for an episode.

So, I am looking for some help!! Got any ideas of the topic or show improvements I can make on his show when I host? ;-)

Peace....

Treading Water

2009-04-28T16:45:00.003-04:00

I'll come up for air soon!!!

Peace....

2009 Plans Going Well

2009-01-15T16:22:00.004-05:00

So one of my 2009 plans included getting into the weight room WAY more often than in 2008. This would mean lifting about 10 time all year since 2008 was a very BAD year for that.

So far, I've been a very good boy (for me), getting a lift in twice a week for the past few weeks.

It's funny, it's harder for me to get that done because I don't enjoy lifting like I do running, but AFTER I am done lifting, I feel very good. I just need to keep reminding myself how good I will feel after I'm finished. Piece of cake..

My running is going pretty good too. And by good I mean 3-4 times a week for about 20 miles a week. Won't be running any marathons of "Goofy Challenges" on that but it's a nice base.

Spent the whole weekend a couple of weeks ago watching my father in law paint the twins room. It was EXHAUSTING let me tell you!!! Got the beds and furniture all set up and decorated so we are all set. All we need now is a set of little gorgeous poop machines to fill it up. All goes perfectly on THAT front as well.

Just hanging in and playing the waiting game so far.... Stay tuned...

Peace...

Lets get It Started!

2009-01-02T14:48:00.010-05:00

Finally! The gifts (WAY too many of them by the way) are all opened, trash taken out, and it's time to get this new year started.

This year, once again, is going to be a BIG one for me and my growing family!

Here are some of the highlights that I know of, coming up:

My son Connor turns 2 in late March

New TWINS will be born in early March

My oldest daughter is due with my first grandchild in early June!!!

So, as you can imagine, my head will be spinning yet again this year! And this is only what I know about! We all know we have to expect the unexpected also!

So, you can imagine how important my health and exercise is going to be in the new year! It's no longer trying to get/stay in shape for a 2 year old. It's now more a question of SURVIVAL!!! The last time I was in this spot, (yes, I HAVE been in this spot before) I was 25 years old!!!! I'll turn 52 this April.

Enough of an incentive? One would sure think so, and I do too, but we shall see.

I've been wanting, and more importantly NEEDING, to put a WAY bigger emphasis on my weight lifting and muscle building, for the past couple of years. Truly, I am in very good shape aerobically. I won't win a marathon this year, nor RUN one, but I run 4-5 days a week and average 20 - 25 miles a week. Plenty to stay in shape.

But, although I know how important it is, I can't get myself to enjoy weightlifting like I do running, and so it doesn't last. THAT HAS TO CHANGE!!

So, that's the plan! Wish me luck and stick around to see how things turn out!!!

Peace....

Happy Holidays

2008-12-18T08:28:00.009-05:00

BELIEVE

Wishing you and your families a happy and blessed Holiday.

Be safe and...

Peace.....

Kevin's Running Revelations

2008-11-21T11:20:00.010-05:00

WELCOME TO KEVIN'S RUNNING REVELATIONS

After 25 years of running, including 35,924.5 miles and 5781 runs, every now and then I get what I call a "Kevin Revelation" during a run. During my run yesterday, I had one that I thought it my duty to share with you. So here goes....

I AM TOO OLD AND FAT TO RUN IN TIGHTS ANYMORE!!

No need to thank me.

Peace......

Welcome Back Kevin

2008-11-14T09:40:00.004-05:00

After a LONG time without blogging, I'm back. Hopefully on a more regular basis.

We spent some time last week in the beautiful state of Florida in a condo on the beach. It always amazes me to see how much money there is along the beach front!!

As with every vacation I take, I ate WAY too much and once back, feel like a real slug.

Got a couple of nice runs in while I was there. But today is my last day of vacation and it's time to get serious again!

So can you believe it??? TWINS?? After my WILD 2007, I'm now in for another WILD ride in 2009. Let me recap...

2007:

turned 50
1 kid graduated from college
1 kid graduated from Law School
had a new baby (might need to re-read this one)
1 kid got married

Yea, all that in one year! So now, after a very boring 2008 ;-) I need to ramp up for 2009 when I have this going on...

new TWINS in March!!
new GRANDCHILD IN JUNE!!

Yes, that's right. My oldest daughter who got married in 2007 is now pregnant and is due June 6. So, I'll have a 2 year old and twins babies in March AND will be a grandfather in June!! (Head spinning)

So over the next week or so I will be reevaluating my work outs and eating habits AGAIN. I'm going to need all the energy I can get and I'm not built for that right now!

Wish me luck!!

Peace....

Yep.. TWINS

2008-10-21T09:31:00.005-04:00

I know many of you already know about this, from episode 156 of Phedippidations, and it's true...

My wife and I are expecting TWINS this March!!

Lots more to come, after I pick myself up off the floor.

Peace......

2008-09-23T16:56:00.001-04:00

Be patient. It's ALMOST time to spill my guts!!

Peace...

2008-09-09T14:35:00.008-04:00

Ever have some news you can't wait to share but can't yet because you are told you have to ZIP IT???

But I've said too much already. You better just keep checking back. ;-)

Peace.....

Long Time No Blog

2008-08-04T09:39:00.012-04:00

I know, I know, it's been like 10 years since I've blogged! Part of it has been because I've been rather busy, part of it is because I've been in a podcast/blog funk. You know, just not generally in the mood.

But we really have been rather busy enjoying the summer together, doing lots of cool family stuff.

We made a long weekend trip to Chicago recently where we took Connor to The Lincoln Park Zoo.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is an awesome zoo right on the lake in Chicago that just happens to be FREE! I am serious! It's FREE! Not cheap, FREE!

And I don't mean FREE ZOO as in some "Carnies. You know, circus folk. Very small hands. Smell like cabbage." kind of way! It's an awesome zoo! If Chicago is in your future, check it out!

On the running front, it's been WAY worse than my family fun this summer. I'd have to say that on the "roller coaster of running", I'm definitely on the down hill side.

It started a few weeks ago when I ran twice in one day (total 10 miles) and started feeling some pain behind my left knee. Over the next few days, the pain moved down my leg and resulted in a swollen leg.

I finally went to the doctor and was sent for an ultrasound to run out any danger of a blood clot.

$500.00 later, no blood clot but a possible muscle tear in some muscle I can't remember nor pronounce anyway. I also twisted the same knee carrying luggage to the car for our Chicago trip and was unable to run for a few days!

You try going to Chicago and NOT running! That town (at least down by the lake) is running HEAVEN! But being there and NOT being able to run is running HELL!

The knee is improving SLOWLY, I think, but still not where I want it to be.

And of course, as is always the case, when the roller coaster is on the down hill side, my weight is always on the uphill side! Coincidence? I think not.

So it would seem I have my work cut out for me on that front.

Peace......

Back from vacation and ready for another one!

2008-06-30T09:41:00.009-04:00

Four hours (one way) on a bus to get to New York to see the Reds play the Yankees and it was SO worth it!!! If you have never been to Yankee Stadium, you should get there this year before it's reduced to rubble. The history of that place is amazing. The Reds came out on the short end of the scoreboard, but rooting for the Reds was only my second reason for being there. What a cool place!

But it doesn't take an 8 hour bus trip to make a 15 month old happy! Thank goodness all THAT takes is a trip to the local school play ground. Remember when it was THAT easy to make yourself happy? Well I don't but it's that easy for me again!

On the running front, not a lot going on. Still getting out the door 4-5 times a week, but mostly leaving my enthusiasm at home. Not sure what's up with that, but I guess that will return soon enough.

I've been going to the track once a week for the past month for some interval work. It feels SO good AFTER I finish!!!

Just need to hang in another month for my trip to Chicago and more another long weekend of making myself happy!

Peace.....

First Trip To The Zoo

2008-06-05T08:30:00.009-04:00

It's been years since I had been to the zoo myself, but taking a child for the first time was like going for the first time myself.

I'm not too sure how old he should be before I break the news that not EVERY animal at the zoo is a "dog-dog", but who cares. There is nothing like helping my son discover new things. "Finest Kind"

The summer heat has begun hitting us here in Cincinnati, (not like my friends in Fla., but still hot) and it's made my lunch time runs more of a challenge. I seem to rotate between "I can't breath in this humidity" and "It feels good to sweat like this". No complaints yet.

Big plans to see JERSEY BOYS with my wife this weekend! A very cool Broadway play AND a date with my sweetie! Again I say... Finest Kind.

Also have final plans to visit YANKEE STADIUM soon to see this "House That Ruth Built" before it is torn down next year.

Probably followed by a trip to Chicago!

Summer is shaping up nicely ;-)

Peace.....

The Flying Pig Marathon

2008-04-30T16:10:00.007-04:00

So if I can't RUN a marathon theses days (and I CAN'T) I might as well help others run one!

My buddy and I have worked The Flying Pig Marathon here in Cincinnati since it's inception 10 years ago. It's a real BLAST!

We are now the organizers of the finish line. You would be amazed at how much time it takes to put this thing together. Meetings start in January for the race that is held the second Sunday in May each year. Medals, blankets, chips removal, food, water, Gatorade. We are responsible for providing the volunteers, setting it all up and getting it all handed out. I work from about 5:30 AM till noon, and feel like I have run it when it's all over!

So if you are not already volunteering for a marathon, do it! And if you are anywhere close to Cincinnati next May, get in touch with me! I'd love to use you! ;-)

I have run 5 marathons in the past, and still have dreams of maybe doing another. But I have to tell you, after working the finish line, I'm not too sure I can put myself through that again. All of you who are doing them.. God Bless You!!!

Peace....

10 IN 10 Challenge!

2008-04-18T15:19:00.007-04:00

OK,OK, so CAKE might not be a good option when I'm on a diet, but tell me, could YOU refuse a fist full of icing from this kid???

I started Nigel's 10 IN 10 CHALLENGE this past week. Doesn't a measly 10 pounds in 10 weeks sound easy?? DAMN YOU CAKE!

First week actually went well, losing 1.5 pounds, but it's not fun at all!

I really think the only way I ever lose weight is to really step up my exercise. By this I mean going from exercising 4-5 days a week to 6-7. Stepping it up a bit. I've been running 5-6 days a week and using the Elliptical Trainer when I can't or don't run. I stay with it for at least an hour every time. Maybe all in my head but it seems to work for me. In all reality, besides the great sweat and the calories I burn, I am much less apt to cheap knowing the work I had to put in to finish that hour!

Ran 4 days in a row this week (22 miles) and almost couldn't lift my legs out of bed on day 5! Don't think that's a wise move for my 51 year old body anymore. I better think twice before I do THAT again. Took today of completely!

That's all from sunny Cincinnati for now.

Peace.....

You CAN have your cake and eat it too!!

2008-04-09T13:01:00.008-04:00

Look who turned 1!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

What a damn doll this kid is! It's far too easy to forget how much fun kids are. But it's all coming back to me in a rush now!

Connor had his first birthday and I followed with my uhm, I forget which one it was for me. Don't ask, don't tell.

Just finished producing and uploading The Extra Mile Podcast Episode 21 and what a blast it was! Thanks to everyone who helped. You should have seen the email I got from Steve. He LOVED it.

In other news.. My buddy Nigel has somehow talked a few of us into trying to lose 10 lbs in 10 weeks! Sounded like a good idea at the time! Just kidding. It does help to know others are in the same boat and following what I do. Mmmmm.. celery.

Training is going pretty well. The weather has FINALLY broken and my body has started to stop aching, for now. The miles are adding up slowing. Up to about 25 miles a week on the way to about 30. I think 30 is about my limit these days. Parts begin hurting and falling off after that point! Thank God nothing too important yet.

My other good buddy, Adam, has been talking a lot about Twitter and Nigel again nudged me so I bit the bullet and dove into that as well. Pretty cool I must say. Check it out and let me know so I can stalk, uhm, I mean "follow" you. ;-)

Peace....

Happy Happy!!

2008-03-27T10:57:00.005-04:00

It's been a whole YEAR already!!!!! OMG! My "little" boy is celebrating his first birthday today!

I'm sure you are all wondering what you can get him too. So here's a little help:

Please feel free to send your significant contributions to:

The SEND CONNOR TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY College fund

I will be accepting contributions for the next 17 years. Thanks in advance for your HUGE checks.

Peace...

Back from the beach

2008-03-18T09:16:00.011-04:00

So we are back from the beach just about a week, and it seems like months since I was there!! Whats up with that? Needless to say, we had a GREAT time.

We escaped Cincinnati JUST IN TIME too! It was snowing so badly when we left that we had to sit in the plane for an hour while they de-iced us. But we did got out of town!

The day we escaped, Cincinnati was hit with over a foot of snow that closed the city down.. all the while I was running in the sun in shorts! Life is Good.

Last Saturday, the 3 of us entered our first 5k together. Well, we REALLY entered the 10k but Connor decided HE wanted to stop after the first 5k. So dad stopped with him and mom did the second loop and ran the 10k.

I guess the little guy needs to do some more long runs!

Now lastly, I ask you, specifically you women with children out there. Who (and WHY!) names their shoes? Connor's mom has started buying these shoes called "pedipeds"? Very cute shoes but they actually NAME the models. Yea, real boys names.. Andrew, Charlie, Conner (obviously spelled WRONG). So every time my wife talks with a girlfriend about the shoes, the conversations goes something like this:

"I bought Connor some Ethan's yesterday that are SO cute"

"I LOVE those. Have you seen Harvey and Jake yet? Adorable!!"

And there I stand just shaking my head.....

Peace.....

Beaches Here I COME!!

2008-02-27T09:03:00.002-05:00

A lousy day at the beach still beats a great day in the office! This is what's keeping me going these days!

I'm about over The Mother Of All Colds, coughing only occasionally, and although my running is SSSSSLLLLLLOOOOOWWWW these days, at least I'm running.

In a little over a week now, my wife, son and me will be heading for the North Carolina coast for a family vacation. Not nearly long enough (only 4 days), but better than braving the Cincinnati winter temperatures these days!

I ask you, is there anything more fun that running while you are on vacation? I just LOVE heading out of the door in a strange place to explore! I usually get up early, in enough time to get out and back before my little buddy wakes up. I explore the place and usually am able to find a cute little breakfast dive we can hit. Aren't those always the best places? I'm very pumped about the trip.

In addition (KNOCK ON WOOD), other than some small remnants of this cold, I have no nagging aches or pains! It's the first time in months I can say that!

So to recap.... Vacation, Running, Great Breakfast Dives, Sun, Beaches, Healthy.

Life is good.

Peace....

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

2008-02-19T13:59:00.008-05:00

I officially HATE winter!!!

I don't snow ski. I haven't played hockey since I was 15 and lived in Minnesota. My back hurts when I shovel. My nose runs from October through March. There is NOTHING I like about this season!!

OK, there IS Christmas, and Thanksgiving, and building snowmen. There is that whole "laying by a fire during a snowfall" thing too.

This winter season has been particularly bad on my running and health in general.

I've been WAY sicker than any winter season in memory. And this has of course resulted in my running SUCKING too. Which of course depresses me, which makes me eat more, which leads too... Yes, it's a damn snowball!!

Hear my frustration yet? Step closer if you need to. If misery loves company, have a seat in front of the fire and prop your feet my friend.

The only thing that will help get me out of this winter rut, I fear, is either a complete and FINAL break in this Ohio weather (prop your feet right over there Melisa), a quick trip to sunny Orlando (scoot over a tad Chris), or at the VERY least, an end to all these crazy colds I have gotten this season!!

But if I look closely, I might see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

If I squint, I swear I can see a trip to a North Carolina beach in a couple of weeks. And if I look closer, I may see the official first day of spring only about a month away!

All that is fine, but in the mean time, any suggestions for beating (no wait, not just beating. I'd really like to PUMMEL) the common cold??? Or maybe the not-so-common one?

Peace.... *cough, cough*

GERMS! GERMS! GERMS!!!

2008-02-04T14:50:00.000-05:00

One of these is a cute little vessel that collects and grows germs and viruses, allowing them to spread to humans, causing the sniffles, various aches and pains, and sleepless nights.

The other is a petri dish!!!

Now I realize I turned 50 this past year, but I refuse to believe that has anything to do with the fact that I have gotten 3 nasty colds in the past 7 months! Hey wait, 7 months just happens to be the same amount of time that my son, Connor, has been attending day care. hmmm.. How odd!

And I'm not just talking about slight colds. I'm talking about no running, sleep in the other room, coughing till my abs ache COLDS!! And they last almost 2 weeks.

If there is any good news in any of this, it's that I am about 90% over my third cold now. And just in time too! It was 56 degrees today and I HAD to get outside in it! 6 miles later, much of it spent caughing like I had one lung, and I feel much better!

Hope you all are getting through winter without these colds! but if you feel left out, send me an airline ticket and I'll ship you my cute little petri dish for a few days!!

Peace...

Ramble Ramble...

2008-01-16T10:50:00.000-05:00

I was checking out Marathon Maritza's very cool blog and saw where she has become a crock pot junkie, and I think I was a little jealous! Our dinners have become not just monotonous, but because of the "Microwave-ability" requirement, not as healthy as they should be.

But the meals Maritza talks about sound very healthy and very YUMMY! So I sent her an email asking for her recipes and any suggestions. It would be very nice to throw it all in the crock pot and have it all ready when I got home.

So if anyone else has any easy/half healthy recipes, GIMME GIMME!

One day a few weeks ago I was leaving my house for the gym at an ungodly time of day (4:50 AM). On my way out of the neighborhood, I passed a runner (who was MUCH faster than I am!). I could see her coming at me from a LONG way off. She was wearing a flashing light that made it look like she was wearing a lighthouse on her ankle.

Needless to say, since I run a few times a week in the early morning dark, I had to find out what this thing was!

Turns out it's a product sold by ROAD ID called Firefly.

I ordered one and now, if you each walk out of your front doors at around 5:30 AM and face Cincinnati, you will see a bright flashing light moving at about a 9:30 pace across the horizon!

I still wear a vest (OK, 95% of the time) but this light is very cool and can REALLY be seen from a far way off!

I'd say it's worth checking out, as is the same companies Road ID product. GET ONE! ;-)

The foot (plantar fasciitis) is about 95% gone now and I've begun to SLOWLY add some miles back in. Up to about 25 miles now and feeling good.

That's about it for now. Hope everyone is doing well.

Peace....

Had a GREAT TIME!!!

2008-01-02T10:29:00.000-05:00

I'm sure we all did some pretty awesome things over the holidays and I wanted to share one of mine with you all.

As some of you may know, I have a set of older (23 years old) twin boys and one is in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. SOOOO proud of that kid!

He does his 1 weekend per month duty right in Columbus Ohio at Rickenbacker Airport where they base 13 KC-135 refueling planes. You know, those very cool jets that refuel fighters in mid-air?

Well, a few days before Christmas, the base had an open house where you could invite family to come for dinner and tour the base. As you can see, I spent much of my time there on a KC-135. How cool was that!

Spending the day with one of my favorite people in the world, seeing what he does for his country... It just doesn't get any better than that! Does it?

This one ranks right up there with watching Connor (my 9 month old) reach for me every time I walk in the room!

I COMPLETELY fooled Santa again this year and had the most wonderful Christmas ever! Hope you all can say the same!

Now it's back to the old grindstone!

My foot is at about 90% now so I want to SLOWLY pick up some miles in January and make DARN sure to stick with my weight lifting! I'll keep you posted how that goes.

Peace....

2007-12-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

SEE YOU ALL IN 2008!

KEVIN

Peace....

He's Making His List!!

2007-12-03T14:45:00.000-05:00

The Internet really IS the best thing ever invented, and it's only at Christmas that I truly appreciate it. While you nutty woman (I use that term in a loving way) get up at 2:00 am the day after Thanksgiving to shop, there I sit, mouse in one hand, Starbucks Venti in the other, and blast through my shopping list faster than you can say I Love You Al Gore!

Seriously, I have ordered so much over the Internet I now have to stop so I have something to buy when my wife and I take a day off work to shop together!

It's the only thing that keeps me from screaming BAH, HUMBUG at the top of my lungs during this time of year. I'm not a shopper at all! I can't stand the crowds. I can't stand waiting in lines, I can't stand wasting a tank of gas trying to find a parking space in the same zip code as the mall I'm shopping at!

So, along with my Christmas shopping, my running and cross training are going pretty well. I've been running (although a lot less miles) 4 times a week and getting my swole on ;-) twice a week.

I STILL wish there was some way I could make myself enjoy lifting weights like I do running. I always feel very good AFTER I lift, but I generally have to make myself get to the gym and lift. But I'll keep it up, or try anyway, and see how things go. Is should be easier to keep it up during the cold winter months!

So that's it from Cincinnati. Hope everything is going well in your part of the world. Maybe you should let me know how it's going over at The Extra Mile Podcast!!!!!

Peace....

4 Day Weekend!

2007-11-21T13:18:00.000-05:00

So after taking it VERY easy on my foot, and "thinking" it was all getting SO much better, I decided to run longer yesterday (6.5 miles). My foot felt "ok" for the run but got a bit painful last night.

So, being the smart runner I am, I got up this morning and met my running buddy at 5:30 this morning for another run. SOMEONE HELP ME!!!

Well, as you could guess, it's hurting quite a bit again now!

Here is the REAL issue... I am ADDICTED!

Seriously, I am. and so are you.

If I take more than a day or two off running, I sit around feeling fat, sluggish and like a real bum. Stop laughing, SO DO YOU! You know you do!

I take a day off to lift weights, and after I am finished, want SO badly to head out for a run too! Nothing else makes me feel this way.

So what to do? I have NO idea!!

The best I think I can hope for is to continue to struggle with this, knowing I need to take a few days off and not run 24X7. I KNOW lifting is good for me, maybe JUST as good as running. I KNOW taking a day off here and there is good for me, maybe better than running so often!

It's not like any of this is new to me. I've been doing this for 25 years. It's just that the older I get, the louder my body screams at me!

So, unless one of you has the magic answer for me, I'll just continue to try to talk myself into doing what I know is best for me, and sit down at the computer every now and then and vent.

Everyone have a PERFECT Thanksgiving!!

Peace.....

When It Rains....

2007-11-15T10:55:00.001-05:00

It Pours!!

I started my new plan about 2 weeks ago, and I was off (my rocker maybe)!

Cutting back to 4 days a week running is WAY easy when your foot hurts! But I don't recommend you use that method to stay on target.

Also, my plan was to hit the gym for a full body workout twice a week.

Oh, there's also that part about eating better. Can't forget THAT either.

Well folks, Kevin gets a D+ for his first 2 weeks!

The running went fine, but I totally failed the others. My wife inviting me to have lunch with her one of my lifting days, so I only made it once the first week. And I won't go into the eating part. Suffice to say we still had some DAMN Halloween candy in the house!

As if that weren't enough, I got hit with the Mother of ALL colds this week (apologies to all you mothers)!!

It's not just the annoying kind either. It's more like the "cough till I get a headache and my abs are sore, sleep in the guest room, leave me alone" kind!

So this week will not be a good one either. But I guess if it IS going to rain, then let it pour and get it all done with! Hey, it makes me feel better thinking this way.

I'll muttle through the best I can with the hand I've been dealt, and move on, once I can actually breath again! Stay tuned...

Peace.... *Couch, Cough*

My NEW Plan

2007-11-07T10:42:00.000-05:00

I began running in January, 1984 and have since logged every mile I have run (I know what you are thinking!). In that time, I've run 5573 times, covering 34,905.6 miles, for an average of 6.26 miles every time I head out of the door.

In that same time frame, running is pretty much all I've done to stay "healthy".

I've gone through periods of lifting weights, riding my bike, eating better, and all the rest, but those have never lasted like running.

I've pretty much asked running to keep me healthy and in shape all these years and it's really done a KICK ASS job!

But as I turn 50 (yuk), it's obvious to me that I need more now. I need to give running a break and some help!

So, starting right now, I'm backing down a bit on the running. Not too much because I LOVE it too much. But I think moving from 6 back to 4 days a week is realistic. I'm also going to begin lifting weights a modest 2 days a week and start putting WAY more effort into eating healthy (DAMN you Halloween!).

I need to lose 15 pounds, the healthy way, and just take an overall better approach to my health!

So now I've put myself out there. Lets see if I can do this!!!!

Peace....

I feel MUCH better!!

2007-10-23T15:25:00.000-04:00

First of all, THANKS for all your concern and help!

I last ran 4 days ago. Haven't run a step since! Instead, I've been on the Elliptical every day since. Certainly not close to a run workout, but better than nothing, and it doesn't hurt my foot at all! :-)

For the past few days I've also taken ibuprofen pretty regularly, and stretched the foot a lot! It's feeling 1000% better now. Doesn't hurt at all unless I press on it. So maybe I won't press on it!

Today, after my hour on the elliptical, I ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill to see how my foot would feel. NO PAIN!!!

I'm SO pumped about this! We leave for Destin Friday morning and I LOVE to run on vacation! There is no better way to see a new place than on foot! Turn my Garmin on and go! SWEET!

So we will check back with all of you next week when I get back.

Everyone have a GREAT week and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Peace.....

OUCH!

2007-10-17T07:47:00.000-04:00

So, if I read this right, I now have Plantar Whatever!

It started last week with a very small pain in the heel of my foot. *Take a day OFF Kevin!*

So, the next day when I of course ran, it started hurting a little more *You dumby! Take a day off!!*

So, of course the next day when I ran, it hurt so much I had to stop and walk.

From what I read, it hurts when you first get out of bed in the morning... Check.

The condition starts gradually with mild pain at the heel bone often referred to as a stone bruise... Check.

You're also at risk if you walk or run for exercise... Uhm, Check.

So, now what?

"About 90 percent of people with plantar fasciitis improve significantly after two months of initial treatment". WHAT? TWO WHAT? HA! (this is where those of you with virgin ears plug them) POOP ON THAT!!

So now I'm taking ibuprofen, pulling my hair out on the elliptical, and telling myself every day DO NOT RUN SILLY!!

Oh, before I forget, does anyone know who the TOP RANKED football team in the nation? Maritza dear, do you?

Peace....

ANOTHER Change Of Plans!

2007-10-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

So, before I begin, can anyone tell me how THE Ohio State Buckeyes are doing this year? huh? ;-)

Number 3 in the country for the "College Football Challenged" among you.

Well I'm afraid a few things in my life have jumped up to bite me in the butt and it doesn't look like I'll be running the half marathon in Columbus this year :-(

So, I think next Friday, my usual long run day, I'll head out for my usual long run and let my Garmin GPS watch tell me when to stop. I just hope my body doesn't overrule my Garmin and make me stop sooner!!

But the week after that we are hoping a plane for Florida for a few days of the sun and beach!! CAN'T wait for that! Although I'm a little worried about how Connor will react on his first plane trip. He will be a little over 7 months old by then. We shall see. Any "tips" on plane travel with babies?

Peace....

Anyone Paying Attention?

2007-10-03T12:50:00.001-04:00

Anyone paying any attention to College Football??? I mean besides ME!! ;-)

Hey, I put 4 kids through this darn school and I'm going to pay all the attention I can!

This is by far my favorite time of the year. The leaves turn the most beautiful colors ever, the weather turns cool and crisp, the apples begin to fall off the trees, and the Buckeyes start moving up the polls!!

My blogging has obviously taken a back seat to The Extra Mile Podcast. Sorry about that. I still read all of your blogs though! So you all better keep it up.

My running has been pretty good also. Averaging over 30 miles per week, which is a lot for me these days, with some speed work through in for good measure.

My DOLL BABY (see picture above) is able to sit up all by himself and has 2 of the damn cutest little teeth poking through on the bottom of his mouth that you have ever seen (breast-feeding mom isn't as excited about the teeth as I am)!

Besides the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and "Kick the Couch" 5K road race, I'm getting rather excited about taking a short vacation to Florida at the end of them month (I wonder if Chris and Maddy get excited about traveling to Ohio)!! This will be our first trip away from home with Connor, and obvisously his first trip in an air plane.

So there ya go... all up to date with what Kevin's up to. Everyone hang in there and good luck with all the races coming up!

Peace....

A Change of Direction

2007-09-11T13:32:00.000-04:00

Well, it's time for me to make a change in direction, with this blog anyway.

I feel like this blog has become a blog only about my GREAT family and a lot less on my life. So lets mix it up a bit!

All these huge changes that I had coming in 2007 have come and I have survived! Whew! So now it's time to get back to blogging about what I do and what I love.

So although I'll still talk about my perfect family ;-) I'll be throwing in a lot more about another love in my life, my running.

As most of you know, from The Extra Mile Podcast, my running has been not so good until recently. I've struggled to keep up with my time goals and my mileage. But that is changing!

The air is crisp now, and my running is starting to keep up! It there anything that makes a runner happier than to step outside for a run and smell that "Fall" smell? I can smell the leaves, the apples, the cool air, and.....

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL!!!

So even though it's only mid-September, I am officially starting my fall right now!!!!!

OMG!! Mid-September? It's like 4-6 weeks till "The Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and "Kick the Couch" 5K road race!

I have NO idea if I'll be ready for this or not, but who cares!!!! I'll do it and have a blast!

My long run has been just (did I say JUST?) 10 miles and I have to tell you, I wasn't a pretty sight at mile 9! So I figure I can drag myself another 3 miles to the finish line. We shall see. But I still have 5-6 weeks to train, and that's really a lot of time to add 3 miles to a long run.

So there you have it, my change in direction.

Oh yea.. one last thing... other that Chris, are you all listening to The Extra Mile Podcast? It's really quite fun and if you are training. I really think you will enjoy the company on your long runs. If not, there is of course a money back guarantee!

Peace

Click HERE for the latest episode of The Extra Mile Podcast

I Have Changed My Mind!

2007-08-27T10:21:00.000-04:00

If you have been listening to The Extra Mile Podcast, you will know that my running has really been suffering lately with the 95-100 degree temperatures I've been running in here in Cincinnati. It's hurt my training goals as well an my spirits. And I bet this may be happening to some of you as well (I won't bet a LOT of money though)!

But honestly, after our last episode, I have decided to to completely change my mind and, more importantly, my attitude!

It now seems SO silly to let Mother Nature ruin my running fun! Why the heck do I care if I have to stay in on the treadmill on a day when it's 100 degrees outside? Who cares? Why do I care that I have to walk a little and run only 5 miles when my schedule calls for 7? What the heck? Really!

I REFUSE to lose sight of why I REALLY run.. it's a damn blast and it makes me feel SO good!

You would be amazed if I were to line up every friend I have (you all included) and then ask them each to raise their hands if we met through running. I have no doubt that 90% of them would raise their hands! And as if that were not cool enough, think of it this way...

How many friends would I have without running? Pretty darn lonely!!

So no more! If Mother Nature wants to be like that, so be it! Have your way woman! I do not care anymore! I will still be out there running, ever so slow, maybe walking, but out there! And when she decides to lighten up on me, I'll get back on my training schedule.

No Biggy..

Peace....

Changing Perspectives

2007-08-16T09:03:00.000-04:00

It totally amazes me each day when I think about how the birth of a baby can completely change the way I look at the entire world!

My Pre-Connor life continues to fade quickly in the rear view mirror and I say Good Riddance!

Why would I care that my wife and I can't go on our usual nice vacation this summer? Punta Cana will still be there long after the last of the Pampers are stuffed deep in the Diaper Genie!

Why would I care that we don't go out to eat at nice restaurants these days? Filet Mignon will wait. The spit up on my shirt needs to be addressed right now!

The new car I had my heart set on will still be on the show room floor in a few years. The jogging stroller will be empty before I know it and no new car will ever compete with a trip around the block with the jogging stroller.

In the blink of an eye, (well, actually in the 10 minutes of an emergency C-Section) my life was turned completely on it's head, and I have to tell you.... Looking at life upside down is damn sweet!

Peace...

Where The Heck Have I Been????

2007-08-03T10:39:00.000-04:00

I feel like I haven't been keeping up this blog, which to me means I've not been staying in touch with my friends! So for that I'm sorry!

It seems a lot of my free time, which isn't very much, is being spent on The Extra Mile Podcast.

Now I'm NOT complaining. I'm loving what Chris, Nigel and I are doing over there, but I miss all of you guys!

My training has been going rather well. Getting the miles in, along with a couple of good "quality" runs in each week. I feel like I'm getting much stranger and in better shape and if this 1000 degree weather ever breaks, I'll FLY!!

Things have slowed down (as much as they can slow down with a 4 month old baby) at home.

Although NO ONE has ever loved fatherhood more than I do, and I absolutely loved raising my 4 older children, the experience of raising this new baby is like nothing I've done before.

The diapers are just as poopy ;-) , changing my shirt all the time when it gets spit up on still sucks, and not being able to run out of the door anytime I want can still hamper my night life (yea right.. in bed at 9:30 every night!). But there is something different this time around.

Maybe it's that I'm just in a different point in my life. Maybe I don't get flustered like I used to. Maybe I'm about finished trying to climb this corporate ladder I started working on almost 30 years ago now, but it's different in a GREAT way!

If I have 30 minutes of free time, I suck up this kid in my arms and try like HECK to teach him to say "Daddy". He's no where close, but I'm more patient these days too. If he's awake, he's in my arms or we are playing. Yea.. he's completely spoiled. Neighbors pick him up and he cries for mom or dad. Too darn bad. Live with it. No guilt here!

So I'll keep doing The Extra Mile deal in my spare time and update this blog when I can, but please accept my apologies in advance if my postings are not quite as often as they should be.

It's not because I don't think of you all. I still read what you are saying on your blogs. I haven't disappeared...

I have a baby to spoil...

Peace...

It's All Downhill From Here!

2007-07-17T11:10:00.000-04:00

What a year it's been for me so far, but after this past weekend, it's ALL downhill from here!

Everything went perfectly at and my oldest pulled off a fantastic party for all!

More later after I've had a chance to catch my breath!

And seriously.. I KNOW I'm a proud father.. but does anyone know any Exec's at GERBER? ;-)

Peace...

Another BIG Weekend for Kevin!

2007-07-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

Yep, that's ME over there. The one in the middle!

I gained a new PERFECT baby son just 15 weeks ago and now, after 27 years, I'm losing one of my PERFECT daughters. :-(

After almost a year long engagement, with Daddy in complete denial, in just a few short days I will be walking my baby down that isle and turn her over to another man. *Sigh*

But I've decided that this is ALL good. Just another great moment in this unbelievable year in my life!

So I've got my seat belt strapped tight and I'm ready for the ride... well, at least until I have to dance with the beautiful bride.

For those of you who are NOT listening to The Extra Mile Podcast (and I'm taking names), my training for a couple of half marathons this fall is going pretty good. I now have a training plan I will read in detail, digest, and begin tackling it first thing next week after my big weekend! It always tends to re-energize me when I have a goal and a plan. We shall see. Hopefully the weather will cooperate too and the MILLION degree heat will subside!

Everyone have a GREAT weekend and let you know how I survived this weekend soon.

Peace....

TAG! I'm IT!

2007-07-06T14:38:00.001-04:00

Melisa tagged me, God love her.. ;-P

So here goes.. 6 wierd things about me:

1. I am a total Beatles NUT! In fact, just last month, on June 18, I bought a birthday cake and we celebrated Paul McCartney's 65th birthday!

2. I am addicted to my iPod! In fact, there are 3 people in my house (including my 3 month old son) and there are 5 iPods!!!

3. I am SO anal with logging my running! Don't believe me? I began running on January 1, 1984 and have logged EVERY run since. In case you are interested... As of the end of May, 2007, I have run 34,307.8 miles in 5473 runs since I began running. That's an average of 6.27 miles every time I head out of the door. NOW you believe me?

4. I proposed to my wife on LIVE BBC TV at the end of the largest 10k road race in England. Check it out, Paragraph 15: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/117/117593_great_run_bonanza_for_charities.html

5. I am also addicted to Podcasts. I listen to NO radio anymore.

6. I have this blog and am helping with a podcast, but my wife has never read or listened to either.

There you have it. Hope you still talk to me after you see how weird I am!

Kevin

DON'T MAKE NIGEL TRACK YOU DOWN!!!

2007-07-02T08:51:00.000-04:00

Hello,

I hope you don't mind me dropping you a quick email to tell you about a new podcast that I'm involved with called the 'Extra Mile Podcast'.

It's a new podcast which has been put together by Marathon Chris, Kevin Bonks and myself to follow the progress of runners during the current training for the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon in October 2007.

In each episode we'll have audio updates from a number of runners to let you know how they are doing with their training.

We're also looking for other runners (like you!) to maybe drop us an audio comment from time to time to let us know that you are out there, and how you are doing with your training. If you'd like to contribute any audio (1 or 2 minutes in an MP3 file would be great!), then visit the podcast web site at : http://www.theextramilepodcast.com/

If you'd like to subscribe to the new podcast, you can subscribe in iTunes, or with other podcatchers, using the two buttons below :

In Episode #1 you can hear us introducing the show and there's even an appearance by a certain Mr Steve Runner !

I hope you enjoy the new show, and don't worry, Running From The Reaper will continue as normal (look out for a new show later this week).

Regards

Nigel
http://www.runningfromthereaper.com/

The Worlds Newest Running Podcast!

2007-06-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

OK, I KNOW you are all sitting around chewing your nails wondering what I have talking about in my past couple of posts. What the heck is this "project" I've been dropping hunts about??

Well, the wait is over!

Check out the worlds newest running podcast that MarathonChris, Nigel and I have been working our little fingers to the bone over for the past few weeks.

THE EXTRA MILE PODCAST

But this one is different!!!! It's NOT just a podcast to download and sync to your iPod and head out of the door. It's a podcast we want.. no, need your involvement with!

Almost every one of you who reads my blog, without exception, have been talking about running either a half or full marathon this fall. That's EXACTLY why this podcast came about! And now it's time for YOU to step up!

Get over to our website at :

www.theextramilepodcast.com

download the first show, give it a listen and then contribute!!!

Trust me, I am going to bug each and every one of you to participate! This can be a blast, so get involved!!!

More about this later, but I wanted to get a posting out right away and get you all on board.

Peace...

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

2007-06-22T14:04:00.000-04:00

I have been SWAMPED for the past week! And one of the things that has taken a back seat has been this blog! Sorry.... to any of you who care! ;-)

Work has been NUTS lately! I won't bore you with the details, but I've been doing the job of 2 people all year now and it's just caught up with me for a bit lately. But no worries... I'll beat this thing!!

I have, however, managed to keep up with my mileage.

With all the things going on, my running has continued to be a priority. I make sure that, either very early in the morning or at lunch time, I get out for my run.

My total mileage has also been good. It's been anywhere from 35 to 42 miles per week. However, it's all pretty much at the same pace. No track work, no hill work, no speed work... nothing. And I know I need to change this if I am going to run any faster than I do now.

I have NO plan right now, but it's something that I know I need one.. isn't it? Anyway, I'm working on that too. Stay tuned....

All is still PERFECT with my cutie son at home.

Daddy had a very nice Fathers Day last weekend and a thought came to me as I played with him.

I've beed a Dad for a long time now, and I LOVE it. But it's been several years now since I've been a Daddy, and there is nothing like it!

I ask you now... Any University of Michigan fans out there reading this? ;-)

Peace...

Another exciting weekend!

2007-06-12T13:32:00.000-04:00

Another college graduation this past weekend! Three down, two to go! God only knows how much it will cost when Connor goes!

The ceremony was a lot better than I was expecting.

First of all, the weather was PERFECT in Columbus last Sunday! Very sunny and warm but very low humidity. Just the way I like it!

Secondly, although I must tell you that I have never been a fan of his, the guest speaker was former President Clinton and he gave the best speech I have ever heard.. ever! Think what you will about that man, but boy is he ever a public speaker!

And I always LOVE being inside Ohio Stadium, where my beloved BUCKEYES play on Saturdays during the fall!!

My running continues to go VERY well, at least the mileage does. I went past the 40 mile mark last week including a long run of almost 9.5 miles. At this point, my base is clearly well established enough to begin half marathon training for my fall race. You ready Melisa? ;-)

Enough about my fall running for the moment... except to say.. no, I shouldn't. It's a secret! It's a very cool project a few of your blog buddies have been working on that I hope, and think, you will like. That's all I can say, really.. well, except maybe you should hear more very soon about it. really.. NO MORE!

Peace...

A Quiet House Once Again

2007-06-05T10:43:00.000-04:00

Family is SO nice to see, but there is also something to be said for having your house back and things returning to "normal" once again. Don't you think?

We had about 15 people in the house this past Sunday for Connor's baptism. What a perfect day it was! Needless to say, Connor did NOT wear the dress!! (Kevin- 1, Wife-0) Also needless to say, he was perfect during the baptism also. Slept for about 99% of it, only waking to voice (loudly) his hunger in the car on the way home.

An entire weekend of great food and great family. Life is good.

On the running front....

Since my house was full of "babysitters", I was able to get some good running in this weekend. My wife and I actually ran together for the first time since July 3 of last year! How special was that!

Also, I went out for a slow "long" run yesterday. I had intended on doing a 7 mile run but felt better the more I ran, and couldn't stop thinking about running a half, maybe two, this fall, and I kept going! 8.75 miles later I was done. I haven't run that far since May 31, 2006! I was very happy to get that mileage in, but the happiness was dampened a tad later in the afternoon when the soreness set in. Still, a nice LONG run!

So there I was, laying in my bed last night, thinking about a fall marathon (NO comments please)! My last Marathon was October 9, 1995. I "Bonked" in that run, at least for me at that time, finishing in 4:27:20... walking and cursing. I'd PAY for a finish time like that now!

I've been lightly considered a marathon recently. I already know what YOU all are going to say. But we shall see. 26.2 is a LONG was from 8.75!!

I had what I thought was a BRILLIANT idea when all my Blog Buds started talking about running halves and/or fulls this fall and all of us tracking our training progress together. Check out what Chris has put together HERE.

How cool would it be for each of us to record a short wav/mp3 file about our goals/progress as we train. Someone would just have to "string" them all together with an intro and post them. We would do this weekly or bi-weekly and end the podcast in the fall after we all run our races and give our race updates.

Associate our runs to the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and I know Steve would give us a shout out! No doubt Nigel would too! Heck, maybe we could get the elusive Adam Tinkoff to mention it!

I ran this idea by Chris, and she gave me some idea of what this would take. Not much money, but maybe more time that I had thought. Anyway.. Just an idea. Anyone have all this time on their hands? ;-)

Peace...

Baptism DRESS for my son????

2007-05-29T15:08:00.000-04:00

Big weekend coming up! Connor gets baptized on Sunday and we will have a house full of family in town for the big event! So my wife tells me that there exists a "family Christening gown" that her aunt is sending. All or many of the kids in her generation were baptized in this gown, and how nice it would be to carry on the family tradition.

OK, enough of the background.... I ask you... would YOU take your SON out of the house in this????? Gown? I think not! When did GOWN become a synonym for DRESS???

Two things I can tell you.. 1. Connor will NOT be wearing this "gown" this weekend and 2. He will be told as soon as he is old enough that Daddy had NOTHING to do with putting this thing on him or taking this picture! Hope no permanent damage has been done to my son!

;-)

On to more manly things...

I'm gearing up my mileage for a fall half marathon, which may be the half at US Air Force Marathon at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio in September with Melisa. We have been discussing either running together or at the very least meeting each other before and after the race. How cool would that be? Running the Air Force Half with a VETERAN!!

So I am increasing my base. I've steadily moved from the low 20 miles a week to the low/mid 30's. Still LOTS of work to do if I don't want to collapse, but there is a lot of time! I'll keep you posted.. unless I faint!

Peace...

On To My Next Challenge

2007-05-23T10:06:00.000-04:00

Lets recap my 2007 so far, shall we? So far this year, my life has included the following:

Had a PERFECT baby boy in March

Turned *cough, cough* 50 in April

Had a daughter graduate from Law School in May

Not bad for a full year, huh? But I'm not done yet! Here is what I have left this year:

One son graduates from THE Ohio State University in June

My oldest daughter gets married in July

My other son graduates from THE Ohio State University in October

Not bad for one year huh?

The graduation last weekend went perfect, well, it went perfect and was very LONG!! Imagine 300 adults being named individually, walking across a stage, being "hooded", getting diplomas, and walking off. Not something I would recommend doing for the fun of it! But since one of my babies was there.. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! Check it out...

So next on my list is another graduation, only this time we are talking about a few THOUSAND graduates at Ohio State! I've already been through 3 OSU graduations (2 undergrads and one masters), so I feel like I could do it myself!

On the running front, my running is still going great, for me anyway! Over 30 miles a week and feeling very good every run. But I did maybe do a stupid thing... I told Melisa I would run the half marathon at The United State Air Force Marathon on September 15th! My thought was that it would be a good warm up for her since she is running The Columbus Marathonon October 21st. But I wasn't really expecting her to say YES! So once again I've made a commitment to a woman and had second thoughts! Story of my life ;-)

Peace....

Law School Graduation!

2007-05-15T08:59:00.000-04:00

As if I don't have enough to be proud of lately, my second oldest child, Kelly, graduates this Sunday from Law School!!!!!

Our trips out of the house these days are all about timing! Feed Connor a few minutes before we leave, and he's golden! The car trip puts him to sleep faster than Sanjaya's singing!

So hopefully we feed him, make the 2 hour trip to Columbus while he snores, meet my kids for a bite to eat somewhere, drop Connor at my oldest daughters house to babysit, and get to the graduation by 1:00! Whew.. I'm exhausted just writing about it! One of my twin boys will be putting me through this all over again next month! I should be getting good at this by now.

Connor bought his mommy the Nike+ iPod Sports Kit for Mothers Day. It's a very cool chip you lace to your shoe (or buy a very expensive pair of specially built Nike shoes) and your iPod keeps track of your workout. You can upload your workouts to the Nike web site where it gets logged and you can run all sorts of neat reports and graphs. I wouldn't trade my Garmin Forerunner 205 (Get yours yet Melisa?), but it's a very cheap and very cool device, especially if you already have a Nano.

But Connor did this for dad actually! Dad IS going to run a half marathon in the fall, and the sooner we get mom back on the road, the greater the likelihood she will train and run the half WITH dad *Dr. Evil laugh*!! We did the Disney Half back in 2004 and had a BLAST!!

Right now I am looking at running the half at the Columbus Marathon on October 21st. I ran the full YEARS ago ( 1988 actually, 3:42:15) and loved the course. How much more would I love it only having to do HALF of it?? ;-) I bet I could get special dispensation from Steve Runner to run this one for The Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon. Anyway, that's the plan right now.

My running is going SO well these days that I am running the risk of injury! I'm at a point, psychologically, that I want to run every day, and kind of far! I even ran 6 miles yesterday morning, then ran another 3.5 at lunch! But it just feels so darn good these days!

My running partner at the gym in the mornings and I have decided to start picking up the mileage on our Friday runs, in preparation for a half. So this Friday is either 7 or 8 miles. Good thing I can SIT during the graduation this weekend!

Now for the Connor Update...

Guess who is 7 weeks old today AND slept through the night last night? Yep.. Daddy's boy did!

Peace.

How Far Will I go?

2007-05-11T14:50:00.000-04:00

Check out this video of my little runner. It points out 2 things...

Just how darn cute this kid is
Just how GOOFY Dad will be to get him to smile!!!!

My running has been GREAT this week! Had 2 runs of 7 miles each and over 30 miles in 5 runs this week. Tomorrow (Saturday) will be a rest day! We are meeting my daughters soon-to-be in-laws for brunch. Think I should mess with her? ;-)

BIG day Sunday for the new Mommy in my house! Connor and I have a few surprises in store...

HAPPY HAPPY to all the mom's who stop by my little blog. No one appreciates the job you have more than I do!! Have a wonderful day and be safe!

Peace....

The Perfect Weekend!

2007-05-07T14:39:00.000-04:00

If you are in doubt about who was in CHARGE at the finish line of The Flying Pig Marathon this past weekend in Cincinnati, I would suggest you look to the person driving the GOLF CART!! Actually, I would more strongly suggest that you get to safe ground!!!!!!

12,000 runners to get ready for, beginning at 5:30 AM on Sunday morning. Not sure how I can say this, but WHAT A BLAST!

It all went off without a hitch. Well, let me rephrase that... We were able to pull things together and give the appearance that there were no hitches. Actually, until you get involved with a race this size, and this level, you cannot imagine the hitches that are thrown at you!!

In any case, give it a shot someday. Having run races, most of you half or full marathons, you already know how appreciative runners are to the volunteers. Cut a chip off, wrap a blanket around them, give then the much deserved medal, and you can almost bring a runner to tears.

And I'll make it easy for you.... Come help ME next year in this one!! ;-)

My Mother-in-Law came for a visit this past few days also and my wife and I were able to sneak away to see The Lion King! Did I mention that my wife is a Lion King NUT?? So even though this was our 3rd time to see it, it never gets old. It's worth the price! And if it's the first time out of the house in over 5 weeks, who cares how good it is? ;-)

My running is going GREAT the past few weeks. I think it's tied to the weather in some way. I had a 7 mile run last week where I felt like I could go on forever! I KNOW you know that feeling! Made my day! Ran over 30 miles last week, which is more than I have had in a long time. Feeling absoulutly GREAT!

I leave you with this weeks picture of my little Ohio State Buckeye. Can I get a

GO BUCKS!!

Fly Like A PIG!

2007-04-30T10:25:00.000-04:00

If ya can't join'em, HELP'EM I always say.

Have I mentioned that I am in charge of the finish line for The Flying Pig Marathon here in Cincinnati? Well if not, I think I just did.

I have been involved with the race since it's first running back in 1999. Having run 5 marathons of my own, one of my most vivid memories of ALL those races was the volunteer support. People rushing up to ask if I needed anything, handing me water, taking off my chip, wrapping a blanket around me.

When they stared this race in Cincinnati, having known a lot of local runners and organizers, I was asked to help out and JUMPED at the chance! The feeling of being on the other end of that water or blanket is one I will remember as long as I do the race itself.

So for the past several weeks, I've been involved in meetings, conference calls, emails and all the other stuff that goes into the logistics of making sure 10,000 runners have bagels and medals when they cross that finish line! It's always nerve wracking, but a blast!

The race is this Sunday, May 6! I'll be up at 4:30 AM to make sure I get there by 5:00 AM to get prepared for it all. I'm always NERVOUS about it all but it always works out. You cannot imagine all the things that have to happen to pull off just a finish line (WHAT No spoons for the yogurt???!!!)!! But it's all good.

All still perfect with my little "eating machine"! If fact, at this very moment my wife is at Target returning some "Newborn" diapers that no longer fit my little runner!

Still looking for that half marathon to point to. I "think" I want to do it in the September time frame. I'll keep you posted.

Peace....

In AWE!!

2007-04-24T13:56:00.000-04:00

Yo, dog, check it out... (I feel like Randy Jackson from American Idol). That's Jen over there with the smile that starts at one ear and ends at the other! She did something way more important than just running the Boston Marathon last week. She made memories that will last forever! And to add to that, she met and actually spoke with St. Steven on this weeks episode of F'dip!

I've said this before, I'm a USER!

I see people set a goal, spend weeks and months working their butts off to achieve those goals, and finally let nothing stand in their way to achieve them, and I sit back in AWE of it all.

If you can read Jen's recap of her Boston Marathon run (http://runningstories.blogspot.com/), and not want to lace up your shoes and head out of the door, I find it hard to believe you are reading this blog to begin with. I've read her blog for a while now, as she runs, swims, and lifts weights (sometimes all on the same day!!), all because she had a goal and this is what she had to do to reach that goal.

It's not just Jen's Boston. It's Nigel's Stafford Half Marathon. It's Melisa's LaSalle Bank Half Marathon (that's her on the left Grrrrr ;-)

It's Cory running through the nasty hills and weather in Colorado, preparing for the Colorado Mini-Marathon (15 miles is Mini????).

It's Chris who has her hands in 1200 different things (I counted) and still finds time to run and put together a podcast, all the while bringing her family on the trip!

There are SO many more cool people training for races that I use all the time! I use them for inspiration. They don't lace up my shoes for me, but MANY times it's because of them I am doing it!

So what's my point? I KNOW I had one! Oh yes.. If you are not using them already for YOUR inspiration, try it! Read their blogs. See what they go through. Then lace'em up and get out of the door!

My guess is.. none of these people cares if you use them! Jen? Melisa? Mind if we use you? ;-)

All I know is, that until they tell ME differently, I'm gonna use them! I'm gonna use them to train for and run a half marathon this year. I'm gonna use them to lose about 10 more pounds before my daughter's wedding in July. I'm gonna use them to do whatever I need to do to achieve my goals. Join me....

Peace...

One Tired Puppy

2007-04-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

It's not the fact that I am getting between 5 and 6 hours of sleep at night these days that is getting to me, it's more that those hours are not 5 or 6 hours of UNINTERPRETED sleep. That having been said, I would not trade our 2:00 am feedings for the world!

Connor sucks down that bottle like it's his last meal while he stares up at me. And after he eats, he just looks at me with those wide eyes and slowly drifts back to sleep. It's truly the best hour of my day! Now if I could convince Connor that we could also have that bonding time at 9:00 pm!

The progress I have been making with my diet and running have also been interrupted. My weight is holding steady, which is better than adding to it, and I am getting out of the door to run, but the total miles is way down. It seems I am always rushing to get back for some reason. Since Connor's birth, I have made it to the gym for my morning run exactly once. The first thing I have been doing at 3:00 am before climbing back into bed is to re-set my alarm from 4:30 am! I need to get back into that morning run habit so I know I have the time and I know it's out of the way for the day. Like I said before, I think a half marathon later in the year to point to would help with that too.

I always do better when I have some goal to point to. Some large event in my life I need to prepare for. Something to PUSH me. Know what I mean? It doesn't have to be something like having a baby or turning 50! Just an incentive of some kind.

The next big event in my life I need to get ready for is my daughters graduation from law school! That happens on May 19th. Plenty of time!

Peace....

Amnesty Granted!!

2007-04-11T10:04:00.000-04:00

I won't belabor the point, but you will recall some time ago the nasty "legal" action that I was speaking to my team of attorneys about with regards to Marathon Chris' new Podcast. Well I am pleased to announce that I have dropped all charges against Chris!

Although there is a gag order in place, let me as least tell you all that her current Podcast, entitled "Back To Nature" ( working title: "Kevin is the man"), is now available! So first read the rest of MY blog, then click over there and give a listen! Don't make me file charges against you too!

Chris does something in her podcast that I have yet to find another podcast that does.. She invites you to join her family! I ask you, what could be cooler than inviting strangers along on her family vacation? If you haven't heard her podcasts, trust me. You will be a stranger for only about the first 2 minutes. Then you are a friend and fellow runner sitting next to her making S'MORES!

In other important news, all continues to be PERFECT in my life!! Well, unless 4 to 5 hours of sleep at night could be considered less than perfect!

My running is on target, although it's way more quantity than quality right now. At least I am getting out of the door. My wife, knowing that my 5:00 am runs would be in jeopardy for a while, got me a membership to a gym next to my office so I could get some runs in during my lunch hour. How thoughtful was that! So now I have become one of those exercise nuts with multiple gym memberships!

I think, once I start getting some more sleep at night, I need to pick a half marathon to train for. Maybe during the summer. Just something to aim for. To give my running some direction. We shall see.

One last ramdon thought.....

Is there a more perfect invention than the disposable diaper? Geeze... I need to invent a product that I can sell billions of, that lasts maybe an hour (or maybe 38 seconds!), and that people buy like there is no tomorrow!

One last personal note....

Am I a freak because I want to just BITE this doll????

Peace...

(now... CLICK HERE)

The Juggler

2007-04-03T11:26:00.000-04:00

First and foremost....

THANK YOU ALL!!!

Thank you ALL for the sweet post's, the prayers, thoughts and all the kind words. We have never met, but there is NO doubt that you are all my friends and I am SO thankful you come visit from time to time. So before I say anything else, Thank you SO much!

Now...

After a week of this new fatherhood thing, it's clear to me that my life is now a total juggling act! It's SO amazing how a birth of a little one changes completely your life. It's obviously not my first child but it's been so long (23 years) that it might as well be. It's all so different or it's been erased from my memory banks. But it's ALL good!

So now my life is trying to juggle everything and get it all in during a short 24 hour period. How can I get enough sleep? How can I fit my run it? Mow the lawn, make the bottles, help clean the house, oh yea, and work too.

My wife is staying home from work for about 12 weeks, and then she will add that to HER juggling act as well.

But like I said, it's all good and I wouldn't change a thing for the world!

Somehow, I've managed to get my runs in during this whole deal as well. Shorter runs so I can get home sooner, but that's part of juggling. The weight is good too. Amazing how hard it is to eat while holding a baby!

And it's way too soon to put this doll down to eat!

My 4 older kids have all taken to Connor in a way that melts my heart. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but they all feel like they have a new brother, which of course they do, but you know what I mean. They could have reacted differently, and I had small fears they might.

So now I no longer training for a long run. I'm now, for a while, in training for a long NIGHT!

And not that I have started one enormous change in my life, it's time to add another one. So, tomorrow, April 4th...

THE BIG 50! And I say

BRING IT ON!

Peace...

My PERFECT baby!!!

2007-03-30T19:07:00.000-04:00

Now, I'm not saying this kid is any more perfect than yours, except to me that is.

We all spent the last 3 days in the hospital after an emergency C-Section, but everyone is doing GREAT and all safe and sound at home now.

I was even able to sneak out for a run or two!

More later after my head stops spinning, and before next Wednesday, my 50th birthday!! Yikes....

Peace...

OH MY GOD!!!

2007-03-28T15:30:00.000-04:00

I have NO WORDS!!! Connor Patrick and mom are doing great. Home on Friday.. and more then!!!

:-D

Peace

NON Stress Test???? Yea right.

2007-03-23T15:07:00.000-04:00

I ask you... When they do a "Non Stress test" on a pregnant woman, past her due date, just WHO'S stress are they measuring?

All I can tell you is that in this weeks doctor visit, my wife was given one of these non-stress tests and passed. Passed?

Not if it was measuring HER stress!

So still 1 centimeter. No new news on the baby front except "statically speaking, you will probably deliver within the next 5 days". Gotta love it when they reduce my little miracle to a statistic.

All still goes well with my diet and running. Eating very healthy these days and running like a crazy man. I think I know that when the baby comes, my running will be reduced a lot, so I'm trying to cram in as much running as I can before that happens. I've run every day for the past 2 weeks, with the exception of one day off. The nice weather keeps calling my name!

On a lighter note...

Did I ever mention to you that my current "youngest" child happens to be a set of twin boys?

Yep.. twin boys who turned 23 this past Tuesday. Twin boys attending THE Ohio State University, turning 23 during SPRING BREAK in Florida! I keep turning on MTV praying not to see them with some body part fuzzed out!

So this past Tuesday night, at 2:00 am, my phone rings, waking me and more importantly my "non-stressed" stressed out wife, who never went back to sleep! Oh and the reason he called me (other than to scare the CRAP outta me)? His so called buddies took him out, got him drunk, and thought it would be funny to leave him lost in a strange place.

I ask you, is it a sign of my age that I see nothing funny about doing this to someone?

Peace.....

GROUNDED!!!!!

2007-03-19T15:22:00.000-04:00

I believe I made myself VERY clear that I expected this kid to make it's presence known on St. Patty's Day!! Well, this is me on St. Patty's Day and I don't see a baby!! Do you??????? I see me and green beer. That's it!

So I'm afraid I must punish the brat.. so.. he/she is grounded for a full 2 weeks after birth! That's right! No leaving the house at all for the first two weeks!

Sorry you all had to see this. But if I don't take action now, I could be posting an update soon sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap... ALL ALONE!!

More later, after I calm down. ;-)

Peace

What The Heck!!??

2007-03-16T08:06:00.000-04:00

I guess it's MY fault. After our doctor visit last week, and hearing my wife was one centimeter, I had assumed we would hear something a little more hopeful than "Still one centimeter" at yesterdays visit. I mean, after all it's been a whole week! I ask you, what the heck has my wife been doing all week ;-) (Relax, she doesn't read this blog) ???

I've been wanting a St. Patty's baby anyway. So she still has some time!

On the running front, I think I may have gotten a tad too excited when the weather broke! I've run every day now since last Friday! That's 8 days in a row! Man am I sleepy......

Still eating very well and probably lost another couple of pounds this week, heading toward "Baby Weight"!

And on top of all that, still MORE good news this week too! Did I mention I was turning 50 next month? Or that I was having a baby any day now?? How about my daughter getting married in July? Yea, I think I have. But I may have failed to mention that 2 of my older kids will graduate in May! YEE HAAA!!!

One of my son's (twins) will graduate from THE Ohio State University with his undergrad degree next month. All 4 of my older kids have either graduated from OSU, of will within the next year! Care to contribute to the "Kevin is poor Education Fund"?

But the best news is that my daughter will graduate in May from Capital Law School and she got a full time job this week! YES! She will be an attorney for a judge in Columbus, Ohio. What a weight off my mind this is!

It's all good..... Peace

Why Is This Lady Smiling?

2007-03-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

Even though MarathonChris made a written, legally binding contract to mention me in her brand spanking new podcast, it appears that that did not happen. Although I am no attorney, I would "assume" the penalty for such a grievance would include some jail time!! Bet she isn't smiling after she finds out that guy with the hairy back is in that cell with her! So what I need is to get as many witnesses as soon as possible! So please head over to MarathonChris' website at:
http://www.marathonchris.blogspot.com/ and give a listen to the newest RunCast in the world and be prepared to be called in on this case. That's as much as I think I should mention, until I speak with my team of attorneys. Well except to say Chris' podcast is very cool. Centered, as her life is, around a running/family theme. Is there a better combination to center your life around?

On the baby front....

We JUST got back from this weeks doctor visit and I have 2 words for ya...

ONE CENTIMETER!!!!
Well, I guess I could add YIKES also.

Not that anything else matters right now, but my running continues to improve. Six miles this morning. The weather seems to have broken FINALLY and I hope this mornings run is my last in tights, sweatshirt, cap and gloves! Up into the 60's tomorrow so HELLO SHORTS!

And my weight is slowly dropping too! Maybe I'll lose more if all I have to pick from is hospital food!!

Peace....

Another One Bites The Dust!

2007-03-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

First it was a mention on Phedippidations (Why do I always have to look up the spelling of that!), and now not only did Nigel give me a mention (yes, I'm the Kevin he spoke about surprising his wife by proposing in a BBC interview in Manchester England after a 10k a few years ago) but he also linked my blog to his web site AND mentioned me in the same podcast as MarathonChris! ;-) Hi Chris. It was a good weekend. Now that just leaves Adam to conquer! I can't afford to track him down, wherever the heck he is today, but I'll get to him somehow! ;-)

Same Ole Same Ole on the baby front. My wife continues to find it more and more difficult to walk, stand, sleep, and eat. Other than that, no biggie. Honey, did you know the gestation period of elephants is 22 months?

We have started packing for the hospital. My wife is expecting me to stay at the hospital with her. I'm a tad apprehensive about this one, but I packed a bag also. Wonder what else I need besides my camera and Power Bars? This is yet another new one on me. I was in the room during my other 4 kids births, but this time I'm being asked questions like "Will I be staying in the room with my wife" and "Will I be cutting the umbilical cord". Cut what?? Uhm.. is this gonna hurt anyone???????? Yea, I know, but still. I am having dreams about my new daughter hating me when she is a teenager, blaming ME for her "Outtie" bully button!

So enough about me! Everyone make sure to check out the NEWEST MARATHON RUNNER on the planet, Susan! That's her over there, still smiling after all those miles! She ran and finished the Little Rock Marathon on Sunday, March 4 and is still on the HIGH! Great job Susan, you stud you! If you are like me, you love to read about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and Susan just did that! She and I have never met, but sometimes when my alarm goes off, and my eyes fight with me not to open, I think about her and what she is doing, and I get out of bed and on the road. My eyes don't like Susan and much as I do. ;-) Check out the great details of her latest extraordinary event, then get off the darn couch and move!

BTW.. Lost another pound in the past few days too. Won't be looking in the Lost & Found for it though!

Peace....

Some Random Thoughts....

2007-02-28T14:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a very busy week but I felt like I wanted to get a post out to keep myself honest and keep my fan (Hi Mom) up to date.

First, the baby update.

We had another checkup today and all goes perfectly, still. My wife didn't like the part where the doctor said "Things are moving along very nicely toward your due date". She was looking for something more like "IT'S CROWNING"!!

My weight has been dropping very slowly but steadily. I'm down about 7 lbs but still want to take off at least another 15 lbs before my daughters wedding in mid July. No sweat. ;-)

As for my workouts:

I've worked out at least once a day, every day, for the past 3 weeks, so you can imagine how tired I was last night when I went to bed.! I had convinced myself I was going to sleep in this morning. I was SO CLOSE! Just walk up those steps and get in bed Kevin!

But NOOOOOOO Not me. I had to check my computer and read some of my favorite blogs.

So I read about Jen's 12-a-day workouts that include swimming, running, biking, and lifting. What's wrong Jen! No time for skeet shooting!!?? :-) Reading her daily workouts will make you feel like a wimp, no matter what you are doing. So, up I got at 4:40 am this morning for my 6 mile run. No skeet shooting today though. So if you are sitting around on your butt too much, check her out at http://runningstories.blogspot.com/ but be prepared to feel lazy! Jen is just one of my inspirations.

Still need more inspiration? Click on over to see what Maddy's got planned. The girl just ran a 12k last Saturday and is now talking about entering a half marathon in Charlotte on March 10 already! I say GO FOR IT MADDY!

Or how about Susan who will run her final training run tomorrow as she tapers for her first MARATHON this Sunday!

And if reading about all this exercise is making you as tired as me, check out MarathonChris. Working full time, raising 2 daughters and running wasn't enough for her. So now she's going to add podcasting to her resume!

So you can see what I was talking about when I started this blog. I warned you all up front I was a user! Just look back at my first few post's if you don't believe me! I am using these people, and of course my other hero's, Steve, Adam, and Nigel to get what I want! And I want to stay motivated to eat better, work out more, and make darn sure that I live by my favorite quote ever, from Fdip,

"Life is short, but it should be long enough"

But now, after reading what all these cool people are doing.....

I'm Sleepy

mir-uh-kuhl

2007-02-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

mir·a·cle Pronunciation[mir-uh-kuhl]
–noun
1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
2. such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
3. a wonder; marvel.
4. a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality: a miracle of modern acoustics.

5. SEE PICTURE AT RIGHT!!

A little jelly on the end of a magic wand and PRESTO! A movie in real time of a miracle!!

During our now weekly visits to the doctor yesterday, he wanted to make sure the baby was "in position" so he sent us for one last ultrasound where we found out that the baby WAS in the right position and was rather large. 6 lbs, 9 oz with just shy of a month to go.

Everything went perfectly! The heartbeat was good and strong and all the measurements were normal. The only bit of bad news we got at all was.... get ready for it..

ADULT DISCLAIMER: The next line is meant for adults only. If you are not of legal age, please do not read further!

The only bit of bad news we got at all was, "The cervix is closed!" ( I can't believe I just said that).

Other than the little miracle thing, my diet and running have been going good. Hitting the gym every day for either a run (5.72 miles this morning) , an hour on the elliptical, or lifting weights. I'm starting to love my Garmin 205 almost as much as my iPod, which is a lot!

Some Vacation Day!

2007-02-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

While I had "intended" on spending my day off Monday relaxing and getting a nice run in, things didn't turn out like I had planned.

The weather, although improving, wasn't warm enough to melt the ice on my streets, so it was just me, my iPod, and the elliptical machine for an hour first thing in the morning. Nothing like spending an hour with some close friends like Nigel. Makes the time fly by!

But then I decided to tackle the chore of putting together some of the new baby things. I started with our new baby stroller. OOPS! Sorry! How careless of me! It's no longer a "baby stroller". Somehow it's now called a "Travel System"! It reminds me of when we built our new home a couple of years ago and I found out that I no longer had a "garage" but now have a "motor room". Even funnier than that, my "bedroom" is now the "Master Suite"! They must have built this room for my wife because I am the Master of NOTHING in that house.

I am guessing it's now a Travel System so the manufacturer can justify sending a manual with 110 pages! I kid you not. I wasn't sure I even wanted to take the baby out of the house after I saw that!

Two hours and 1200 four-letter words later, we now have a fancy new "Travel System" all ready to hit the road. I still need to call my insurance man to get collision coverage.

On a lighter note, has anyone seen Adam lately? Is it proper to ask someone who puts together a FREE podcast, using his own money, during his own free time, where he has been and if he's OK? My guess is he's been up to his eyeballs in REAL work lately but I really need my Adam fix soon!

Partial Success!!

2007-02-16T08:12:00.000-05:00

Well guess who is this weeks "Featured Blog of the Week" on Phedippidations? Huh? Guess... yep, you got it, ME, Yo, Je, Ich, 私 , Mim! You get the idea.

This is ether very cool, or I REALLY need a life (Which, by the way, is JUST what's about to happen in about 5 weeks!)!!

I was SO excited that I ran out and downloaded all but the last 2 copies of Fdip from Steves website! Once they are gone, that's it! But I will be offering my copies for a small fee! So click HERE for details before they are ALL gone forever!!

But I am considering this a "partial" success only. Although I've managed to attract some VERY cool people like Steve Runner, Marathon Chris, Jen, Cory and IrishBlue (Beatle Fan!), there are still some others who are conspicuous by their absence ** COUGH Adam COUGH Nigel COUGH**.

So I will keep plugging away until the entire Blog world is all MINE! MINE I TELL YOU! Oops.. sorry.

But I digress...

If you have read this far in my latest post, I ask you, do you think the 45 minutes I did on the dreadmill this morning has had any effect on my brain???

Will I EVER run outside again?

2007-02-14T08:59:00.000-05:00

I ask you, does THIS look like the kind of weather a half-smart person would run in? For those of you who answered "yes", please click

HERE

I was able to at least get to the gym for an hour on the elliptical. It didn't take too much effort to talk myself out of the dreadmill. Since the weather report is calling for another week of zero or below temps around here, this ice and snow will stick around on the streets and sidewalks, so that means I'm gonna be ticking off my Garmin 205 again!

On a better note, I was able to drop about 3 pounds in the past week! I think the healthy eating is making ALL the difference, but it would do my head a LOT of good if I could get outside.

All still going PERFECT on the baby front! We are into week 35 now, which means the babies physical development is pretty much complete and he/she will spend the next few weeks putting on weight. Oh what a life!

Our due date is March 21st (the day after my twins boys will turn 23) but I'm shooting for St. Patty's Day and have only contribited very Irish names :-)

May you get all your wishes but one,

So you always have something to strive for

YOU'RE GONNA DO WHAT?????

2007-02-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday my 34 week pregnant wife and I waddled into the hospital for "Curious Couples" classes and all I can say is it's a DARN good think men do NOT have babies!

Now I have NO idea what having a baby is like, but from where I sit, running a marathon is a WALK IN THE PARK! So to any woman who has experienced this miracle I say I AM NOT WORTHY!

During the class, when we were repeatedly asked if we had any questions, I was SO proud of my gorgeous wife for not raising her hand and blurting out WHAT WAS I THINKING???

Don't get me wrong, None of this was new to me, I went through this many years ago with my older kids, but it never ceases to amaze me what women have to go through to have a baby. If men had been chosen to bear this awesome responsibility, the highways would be far less crowded I promise you!

That having been said, this baby stuff (from MY seat) is the coolest thing ever! Things have come so far since my last children where born 23 years ago! Listening to the heartbeat and watching ultrasounds like it was nothing will never cease to amaze me. And all the cool "STUFF" they make for babies now! I almost chocked on my gum when I saw the stoller, uhm, I mean the "Travel System", had an MP3 input for my iPod! SOLD!

On a much lighter note, I ate SO much better last week and lost somewhere around 4 pounds! I am only checking my weight officially once a week, but I did cheat a couple of times and peaked.

I was also able to head outside this morning for 5 1/2 miles too! Very good thing I did. Another 3-6 inches of snow is forcast for this afternoon and tempts falling back to zero after that storm passes.

Oh well, it could be worse. I could be 34 weeks pregnant!!

SELF TORTURE!!

2007-02-09T08:27:00.000-05:00

If this weather doesn't break soon, and I can head back outside, I'll, I'll.. Well lets not even go there!

Another day of zero ( ZERO! As in nada, naught, nil, nix, nothing, null, void, zilch, zip) degree temperatures! Now I have been running for 23 years, and have run plenty of times in this weather, but the snow hasn't had a chance to melt yet, and the sidewalks where I run are still covered. I'm a nut, but not nutty enough to run in the streets ate 5:00 am in the pitch dark!

Anyway, I plugged away at a 9:40 pace for 40 minutes with Nigel, who, by the way, got a new mic and sounds much better.

It's been a very good week in the eating arena. Cut back on the calories, tried to eat much healthier, and seem to have lost a little over a pound. Dang it's lot more fun gaining than losing this weight!

It's supposed to reach all the way to 30 degrees this Sunday, and I've promised my Garmin 205 I'd take him for a run. Something for us both to look forward to.

OUCH!

2007-02-08T07:49:00.000-05:00

Because of this COLD weather and THE WHITE DEATH, this picture represents the entries in my running log this past week... A BIG GOOSE EGG!! AHHHH!

Per "Motivator Dave", I have cut may calories way back this week and added lifting to my aerobic training. I even took Sweetie Chris' advice and bought some "tasty carrots" to munch on. So far, so good except...

This morning was my second day of this week to lift and all was going great until it was shower time and I had a little difficulty lifting my hands high enough to WASH MY HAIR! OUCH! But it was one of those good kind of pains.

I'm trying hard not to weigh myself every day. My weight just tends to fluctuate so much I was afraid I'd get discouraged. I did weigh in last night after a very good day of exercise and great eating. I was kinda sad when I say I lost only 1 pound!

Now I KNOW that's not bad at all! Dave says I am shooting for a very healthy 1.5 pounds per week to reach my goal of being the hottest 50 year old new daddy at my daughter wedding in July. I have to get over this idea that when I work very hard one day, it doesn't mean I will lose 5 lbs!

OK, I have to stop now. My fingers are sore :-(

Wanna buy five copies for my mother!!

2007-02-06T16:11:00.000-05:00

So I was thinking... If I want to use this BLOG to be accountable, I need someone to READ it, right? So how do I get the word out? Hmmmmm....

Anyone remember how Dr. Hook got on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine?

Maybe if I tried that same technique, I can get someone to mention my blog!! Maybe Steve Runner, Adam Tinkoff, Dave O, or Nigel!

Hey! It could work!!!

(P.S. It's already working! That sweetie Chris already linked my blog to hers!)

And I'm OFF!

2007-02-06T08:08:00.000-05:00

If I am successful at this, (which I WILL be!) I will look at yesterday as my first day.

My eating was very good, but not as good as my new motivator Dave O says it should be, so I make even more changes today. As I have said, I do a lot of aerobic exercise, but not weight training. So this morning at 5:30 am, there I was starting my new weight training! My plan is to start by doing a full body routine twice a week and see how that goes, assuming I'm not too sore to get out of bed tomorrow morning!

"The White Death" (about 6 inches of snow) is predicted later today and tonight, and the temps are still near the zero level, so tomorrow will be another lovely day on the treadmill. But I'll be there with bells on. Well, shorts, shirt and shoes too of course. ;-)

"I'm A User"

2007-02-04T17:39:00.000-05:00

I'm a user

And I'm not what I appear to be

What I mean by this is that I use Podcasts and Blogs to help me get what I want. I listen and read anything I can that will help me walk away from the refrigerator. I grab my iPod as much as I can when I'd rather grab a Snickers bar.

Check out my favorite people under my "Favorite Podcasts and Blogs" links. These people are great! They inspire and make me laugh. They make he feel guilty and they give me hope. They will do the same for you.

Give them a shot.

Lets Get To It

2007-02-04T17:18:00.000-05:00

So, if I am going to make good use of this BLOG, I will need goals. I'll need to define what I want from myself, and this blog, and a time frame. So lets get on with it...

First of all, I'll be 50 in April, with new bouncing bundle of poop. That means less sleep than I get now. Maybe less time to exercise. Maybe a lot of changes from the way my life is today. To make this work, I'll need ENERGY!! Lots of it too!

Although I don't have energy issues now, I don't have my new he/she either! And I can't imagine having the energy I'll need in my present condition. Huh? My present condition you say? Oh, well.. here's the scoop on that.

I'm 49, 5'10" and 220 lbs. I'd LOVE to be 185 lbs but I'd kiss a pig to be 195! That's 25 lbs. No big deal huh? Right Mr. Tinkoff?

I currently run 4-5 days a week for 5 to 6 miles a stretch. On days I do not run, I'm on the elliptical trainer for an hour.

So I think we can agree that my aerobic training is OK. So whats the deal with my weight then?

Well first of all, I KNOW I don't eat right. In addition, did you see anywhere I mentioned weight training? Me neither.

So my plan is going to be to adjust my eating, and start lifting weights!

My plan will be to do my aerobic exercise on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. I'll lift on Tuesday and Thursdays, and spend Saturdays changing diapers.

I am hoping that, by noting my progress, or lack thereof, I'll have the drive to get into Daddy shape as soon as I can!!! Not to mention my daughter is getting married in July and I don't want to rent a tent as my tux!!

So there you have it, send me whatever help you can, and say a little prayer for me.

Lets Get To It!!

OMG!!

2007-02-04T15:20:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm a running nut, having been doing it for 23 years now an average of 4 days a week, but the weather here in Cincinnati has dropped like a rock and wind chills were 25 BELOW zero this morning! Sorry, but that is just too cold to run!! So it's on to the elliptical again! And since the temps are supposed to stay below 5 all week, someone HAS to help me figure out how I can run on the treadmill for more than 30 minutes without going crazy! HELP!

Can I do this???

2007-02-02T16:37:00.002-05:00

So here I sit, 7 weeks from being a new daddy, 9 weeks away from turning the BIG 5-0, 6 months from my oldest daughter's wedding, and.. and.. well HELL, isn't that enough!!

So I'm thinking this blog deal may be therapeutic in some way.

So here I go.... First things first...

I'm 49 (yes damn it, still just 49!!). I have 4 great kids from a previous marriage that are all grown, kinda, sorta. Two girls, 26 and 24 and twin boys, 23.

Two years ago I remarried, to a younger, gorgeous woman of childbearing age. Yes, you can see where this is going. Where the heck were you two years ago? Huh?

So soon I will be able to do this all over again, only MUCH wiser!! Get get to re-father!!!!! How cool is that?

The other therapeutic thing I do, that keeps me somewhat sane is to run. I've been running for over 20 years now, and I used to be fast! But I don't care about the whole "fast" thing anymore, and just being able to head out of the door, just me and i (my affectionate name for mu iPod) keeps me going.

I have recently found podcasts, like Burning 20 and Phedippidations and am SO hooked! How cool is it to listen to these guys for a few hours and suddenly realize they are your Friends, and you have never met them?

So anyway, there's a tad about me. Hang around and you will learn more as we go along, or I Blog-Fade....