It's Time at Last

When things got shut down in December, it wasn't fun. Hiding on the down low for the last two months was tough, in some ways it was breaking code law for an ultra runner to postpone the race due to some cold conditions. But it affected other folks, and it just wasn't about the fearless. After I was sure that Kyle was handling the timing for the race, there was nothing else to wonder this morning. I got an email from Mike R. asking me if it was still on, right before I was sure, but responded thinking hell yes. The first year Shan, Doug, and I counted laps, very old school. Now it's chip timed, and we go do other stuff. There is no way we do not have the race, even if there is lightning, well that might delay stuff, but people have been patient enough, and damn nice about it. We don't have a reputation that isn't already soiled, but we still need to get this done. Less than thirty days. All night party, wish I was a drinker, well, probably not. March 22nd. will be a lot different weather than Dec. 7th. Better get plenty of ice, coffin style. I might get happy about the food menu, most things are already done, since we left off a few days before we were supposed to gel. It's a small crowd after the dogs and 5Kers are done. Then it's just a big circle jerk. With some really fabulous folks. Here it comes, ready and waiting!

Once Again

Today is another first day. It is a beginning of the journey, and unlike before it is just the same. Which makes no sense, mainly because it isn't anything new. Continuation of what went in the past only to be relighted and begun again. Tessa was mentioning how if you don't get started again you forget about the things that you thought you wanted to do. You live in that void and eventually you forget about your plan, that's if you had one. So far nothing done has been to much to keep up with, and that is exactly why nothing has come to a screeching halt. Small steps, very doable, with no need for regrets. Maybe all the lofty ambitions never work because they never worked before and were way to far out of reach. Getting disappointed, unmarked events that waylay plans, impossibilities take the toll. Not now, this is a fresh start, an opportunity of a lifetime. It happens to start today. How far can it lead. Another choice, another outcome.

Marathoning

For one thing Irish had a great outing, yes that is one tough runner. What I liked most about it today was the final 9 miles to the finish, I felt great. I certainly wasn't blazing it up on the pace, but it was just a solid good feeling. Almost like a hero who just got his medal, you have to be a runner I guess to latch on to that feeling. Every so often it just seems happy to be in that zone. The yell of cheer I did hear but couldn't place was Jeff passing by on 1st street, I looked and knew it came from a passing car, I just didn't know who. Thanks my friend. Did I tell you he has plans for next year? That's right he wants us to do the marathon double, 52.4 miles. That is a worthy challenge and to get that done, which I know is possible will take only thing. That's right, solid training, and that is a factor this old dog has not been doing. However in the last 47 days, from three races alone I have accumulated 148 miles, which isn't any big deal either, but it's a good base. In two weeks I hope to run Nueces 50m, it's a worthy effort on a great trail. It was a good time getting lowdown in the streets. Irish and Sammy got it done!

Be a Valentine

Boodini wishes to tell you she loves you
Life is shorter than we think
So that's why she wants you to know
It just took a minute to remind you,  and it may be the last we have
But wherever Boodini is, the love will always remain
 It doesn't cost a thing, and it is free
Grace, kindness, and good thoughts are yours from her today!

At the Marathon Starting Line

Well there comes Lola, out of control
She just loves those hokas and tunes
And Miss Ivy will be arriving
In leopard skin tights she's willing to cruise
It's a fiend scene and it happens just once a year
So for some crumb of some bread it will do your head
And get low down in the street
There's Shan and Sammy, there's Kim and Keith
Way outside the eyes of cool
And sweet M.B. and there's little G.B.
Everybody wants to be their fool
Some miles are lonely, some miles are long
But ain't nobody try to slip away
They'll make you loose, they'll make you crazy
You know what I mean, what you say?
It's a fiend scene and it happens just once a year
So roam on in, it ain't no sin to get low down in the street!

Petition The Lord with Prayer

Jim Morrison of the Doors said You cannot Petition The Lord with prayer. That makes sense to me, since God is all knowing I figure you don't need to let him know what he already knows to do.I find it also amusing when people say that God never answers your prayers sometimes the way you want them. So why ask?  I was reading a blog from a very gifted ultra runner, although they haven't been around long, and like many up and coming, they come and then we don't hear about them anymore. Flashes in the pan. I read this blog to find out why they DNFed a race this runner said would shatter the record and dominate. This person has had some very good wins in higher profile races. They have received endorsements from gear companies, and there is certainly nothing new about that. There are some great runners that continue to be great people as well, and the fame doesn't seem to change their demeanor. So with the social media, people tend to say look at me,me,me. So that isn't news either. But this runner seems to have the role in posts being about how good they are. But when the runner used the God card my thoughts about The Big Man answering their prayers differently, as in DNFing versus shattering the record, and not always understanding God's message made me think. We have eyes but we don't see, ears that do not hear. So this scripture came to mind. "He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, And has raised the lowly". Another, " He came not to be served , but to serve, from Psalms, " The Lord takes pleasure in the humble, and adorns them with success". I know of great runners that run phenomenal times, but no matter they remain great people as well. It's not so complicated when your a peasant, I suppose.

Close and Calling

Boodini is loosing that winter coat, she knows that the coldest of the cold is finally over. It may not seem so but there has been enough whining and dragging one's feet complaining. It has folks on edge,  not knowing if they could stay or go with the ice, the howling wind, and just a whole lot of nothing. So far every winter race of any significance has had very fair weather, except the one that counted and it got cancelled for what will probably be lousy weather anyway. Weather or whether , who knows, who cares. Boodini hates putting on her winter jacket, to her it is so wrong. If given the chance she would bite the hell out of me, I can see her contemplating evil when I go to put it on her. But I guess she tolerates it, cause it gives her a ticket to ride. A chance to sniff the essence of the hood. Yesterday she ran like a champ, five miles is nothing once she slips into her zone. Hopefully come Sunday  any zip in the legs will return as we knock off a marathon on the streets of Austin. 3:55 gets me to Boston, guess I 'll be going to Hutto instead.