Day 14125, & I got my groove back, then promptly misplaced it...

So, I have been an independent restaurateur for almost 7 years now. Crazy, I know...

10 years ago, I would have told you that I was going to have several restaurants by 2010. 15 years ago, I was going to go to law school and leave the restaurant business behind.

I bailed on the law school thing for three reasons. First, I don't really do well with logic problems of the LSAT variety. I am an excellent standardized test-taker. Those problems though? They suck me in and I loose time when I start to obsess over a question. Second, I quickly realized that I was romanticizing the back-to-school experience. Law school was not going to be the financial walk in the park that undergrad was. After all, I don't think dad was really going to help me out by paying the mortgage and giving me a monthly allowance so that I could study more effectively by removing work from the equation. And, despite many a hint from me, he never offered up tuition money either.

Mainly though, I knew too many people that had gone to law school. And those people? Not practicing law. Hummm... What does that tell me? Well, at the time, it told me that practicing law isn't all that it is cracked up to be. And really, who wants to work 75 hours a week for a sizable paycheck that you can't spend because you never take a vacation or have time to do anything with your money?

So, I stayed in the restaurant business, where I worked 75 hours a week for 30-40K annually. Wait a minute...

The first few years of our first restaurant went so well that we knew we had to do it again. That process ended up taking quite a bit of time and result in restaurant 2 opening in worst economy of my memory. Clearly, if you've read my rants here, you know my life has been a struggle ever since.

Things turned around though at the beginning of this year. We started to see an upswing. It wasn't like we were taking home buckets of cash or anything; but, we did get to start taking paychecks again. The feedback got better and the renewed sense of optimism really created an entirely different atmosphere at #2.

Cue flood and summer....

Now we are back in the bad place again. It is hard to have a positive outlook when you bust your ass for nothing. At least, it seems like nothing. And while Jay and I take turns on the let's-just-give-up front, we seem to have reached the conclusion that we are both not allowed to stand on the cliff at the same time. Inspiring teamwork, if you ask me.

Now, faced with financial and staffing challenges, we are forced to focus, to re-think, to evaluate. I no longer think I am going to own five restaurants. I don't always want to own the two I've got. Sometimes quitting just seems easier. It's only money, right? It's just that the idea of risking everything again to open another is way too scary. Way too crazy...

Over the last few weeks of training, I have found myself feeling the same way about running. I struggle and push up my mileage. I see results. I panic at the idea of injury. I blame heat and humidity for failed runs. I.want.to.quit. But the quitting? Not my fault. The failure is not mine to own. Maybe I should have stuck with the law thing because nothing is ever my fault...

From the time I was a kid, I never thought I would be a runner, or any kind of athlete, for that matter. Even when I started running, almost two and a half years ago, I said that I could not ever imagine running a marathon. Why would anyone want to do that to their body? Why would anyone want to run for that much time? But, your outlook changes over time.

Last week was rough. I have all but discarded my original training plan. The time suck that is work seems to prevent any real plan from materializing. I just squeeze workouts in where I can. I seek motivation wherever I can. I just trudge along.

And every now and then, I find a glimmer of hope in a run. A strong 10 miler. A dreadmill recovery run that ends up turning into a 6 mile interval run. Even a cross training day that can be classified as nothing but the most boring, mindless, waste of time ever to exist can prove to be fulfilling, if for no reason other than the fact that I can say I did it.

I have learned that I run because I love it, despite the obstacles. It makes me happy. I will do whatever it takes to become stronger, faster. No matter how unpleasant, I will be glad that I did it when I come out the other side.

As Jay and I sat down yesterday to discuss all of our work related nightmares, I remembered why I am in this business. The problem solving makes me happy. The results are rewarding. I love what I do. Because my job? Being nice to people. Problem solving. That's a pretty easy job if you think about it.

Now is just another time to focus and make it through to the other side a little stronger.

Day 14116, & hit a bump in the road...

So, literally, I hit a bump in the road. Well, no, not literally. Actually, I was hit on the road by a car when it bumped into me while I was running. True story. But I'll get to that in a minute.

Do you want to know the hardest thing about marathon training? Time management. That is pretty much the do or die skill set needed to successfully train for a marathon. Now, I am sure we can all come up with a list of people who have very poor time management skills and have successfully completed such an undertaking. Those people though? Obviously, they possess an extraordinary skill or two that allowed them to squeak by without managing their time.

Me?

Time management master. I can handle everything I take on. Why set your self up for failure, I say. If you can't be certain you will succeed, then you probably shouldn't be trying it in the first place. You'll only embarrass yourself...

And then, some dickhead comes up and throws a wrench into your carefully mapped out time management plan and fucks up your whole delicately balanced life.

Yeah, you guessed it. Someone quit their job a few weeks back. Restaurant 2 lost a line cook and now everything has been turned upside down to compensate. So, restaurant 1 sends a kitchen manager to cover the line at #2, leaving #1 weak. So, #1 reschedules Chef to be around more in the evening, leaving me to cover the morning.

Why does this matter, you ask?

We all know that I cannot run in the afternoon, post work. Too hot!

How in the world am I supposed to get up at 4:30 am, wake up my legs and brain, run, get back home, stop sweating (which can take up to 45 minutes), get ready for work, and be there by 7:30? Well, it's actually not that hard, as long as I am not trying to fit an 8-10 mile run in there.

But, now throw in the fact that I might have been at work until 9 the night before. And that I cannot just rush home, jump in bed, and immediately experience quality rem sleep.

See my problem? How in the world am I supposed to be able to drink beer and still train for a marathon if all these dumbfucks keep screwing up my plans???

And remember- this is important- I started running so that I didn't have to cut back on the beer drinking. Voila! Full circle...

I am such the master storyteller...

Anyhoo, last week was ok. I made it work. And, then there was the "cold" front that came through. That always helps.

Sunday was a nice 4.ish something (I forgot to write it down)
Monday was the off day, as I had seen the forecast for the rest of the week
Tuesday, 6.25 miles
Wednesday, 1.7 miles of early morning garbage. My legs felt like overcooked pasta
Thursday, as if it was sent from heaven, was a perfect 10.4 miles, at 9 am, in the 70s, low humidity, with an average pace of 9:21, and a negative split.

And that is when I got hit by the car. Running by Vanderbilt, with the walk signal, I was reminded of how few people look to their right when turning right on red. Instinct took over fast and I jumped, thereby preventing the car from actually hitting me. Basically, I jumped onto the hood. Damn, those people looked scared as I ran off. It really was a hit n run...

Friday, I ran a quick 5.0 and it felt good after the long run that preceded it.

Friday night I decided to run the 4th of July 10K, my first race in two years. Note to self: DO NOT COMMIT TO RUNNING RACES WHILE DRINKING!

Saturday, knowing I had the race that I was completely unprepared and unrested for, still wanting my goal mileage for the week (which ends on Saturdays,) I ran a slow 3.75.

So, the weekly total was a little light at 31.5-ish but not bad.

And then the race...

I had to close the restaurant Saturday night so I didn't get out until 10. Got home, ate brown rice for dinner, and made it to bed by 11. Up at 4:30 for the 7:00 start.

I still wasn't overly concerned. 6.2 miles? Easy. Especially with my plan to run the first half comfortably and then barrel through round 2 (double loop.)

I won't go into the specifics of the poorly organized race. I had run this series before and it was far better then. I'll just say that I picked up my packet (which took almost 30 minutes,) rushed to stretch and warm up (which I hate doing that way,) and then waited for the race to start for way too long (7:20!)

Mile 1, 7:44
Mile 2, 8:08
Mile 3, 8:04
Mile 4, 8:56
Mile 5, 9:05
Mile 6, 8:55

See? I ran it just as I had planned! Only backwards...

I have never run a 5K, so at least I PR'd that one. According to Garmin, I was 24 and change for the 5K half, which put me 30 something-th. And, I did consider quitting then, but I barreled forward. I was glad to have finished, but it was miserable. I was not ready. I had overdone the mileage for a race week. Blah blah blah.

But, on the other hand, I PR'd it, however slightly.

Age: 12/23
Sex: 74/171
OA: 115/344

128 days to marathon. Have I mentioned, I have lost 15 pounds in the last 2 months? And that I need to go purchase some 31s...

Day 14102, & it is another scorcher...

So, it's freaking hot!

I hate summer in the South. There's no getting around it. OK, well, I didn't hate the last 2 summers so much. This one though? It just started and its been nearly 100 for the last four days. And, I probably would have hated the last couple of summers, too, had I been running much back then.

I picked the wrong week to start marathon training (and to quit sniffing glue.)

Anyway, I have 143 days to get ready for the Malibu Marathon. 20 weeks. Most of these weeks? Summertime weeks. Awesome...

Last week was a training FAIL. I started strong but I lost steam after sleeping past 6 one morning and missing the window of tolerable opportunity. I know, I sound like a wimp. Whatever! I can tolerate heat, some humidity, and glaring sun. I just don't like to have to tolerate all three at the same time. It's a lot like tolerating Reid, Pelosi, and Obama at the same time. Impossible! But if we just had to put up with two of them, I could probably deal. Anyway, mornings allow me to at least avoid the sun.

Yeah, so I overslept. I missed it and when I let the dog out it felt like I was opening an oven. Correction: it felt like a giant jacuzzi was emptying out all over me. Hot and wet. Gross...

What to do? Well, I did what anyone would. I joined the gym. The Y to be exact. And let me tell you, that shit ain't cheap. Quite a price to pay for a little shut eye. Sigh...

I needed to do it anyway. I need cross training options and now I have them. I haven't been in a gym in 2 years. I haven't been on a treadmill in over 2. But elliptical machines? Bikes? Yoga classes? Yeah, I need them; though, I have to say I really haven't missed the treadmill or the gym. Oh well...

I am now in need of a revised training plan. I'm thinking of going with an every other day run/gym routine, but it won't give me the miles I want. Oh, speaking of miles, I found someone doing the Hanson Brothers' Plan. A motivating read, and someone else gets to be the guinea pig...

That pretty much sums up a dull start to training.

Week one: 25.15 miles, five days
Week two: 26.12 miles, six days
Week three: 29.24 miles, six days
Week four: 19.83 miles, three days Boo!

This week, so far, I've gotten in 8.something miles and a really strong gym day today that included bike, elliptical, stairclimber, along with calf, glute, hamstring, and quad weights.

Tomorrow, I think I might be sore...

Day 14084, & I might have something to say...

So, It has been a really long time since I posted anything to this blog. As I have mentioned before, it seems that many blogs have been neglected over the last year or two. And while I am sure that we could do a psychological study on the effects of recession on one's creative endeavors, I'm just glad to know it's not just me...

Meanwhile, I have news.

I registered for my first full marathon. I will be running the Malibu International Marathon on November 14th, 2010. Yes, the day after my 39th birthday, I will be running this:

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Those hills look rough, especially after you've just run 20 miles. That would be the glass half empty attitude that I have been trying to break myself from. I am actually looking at this elevation chart and thinking that there is a little downhill reward after each of those inclines, not to mention a really long 2.2 miles downhill finish. See? Me? Half full...

I have to admit, I picked this marathon for a silly reason or two. First, it is in California. Good excuse to go west. Second, California, and LA specifically, will require a nice plane ride. Remember, I do love a nice long airplane flight. So, I redeemed A SHITLOAD of Delta miles for this:

This equipment is only used domestically on a few transcontinental flights. Since I don't see myself flying to Asia any time soon, I figured I'd take advantage of the opportunity. Plus, since Jay typically hates to fly, this provided him a bit more incentive to accompany me. After all, imagine what people would say about him if he didn't bother to cheer me on, witness my first marathon finish, or be there to collect my remains? Whatever the case, he's going...

On to the real reasons for this choice.

First, it is the day after my birthday. Ideally, it would have been the day before, but the marathon planners did not consult me. I would have preferred to complete a marathon at age 38 versus 39. Oh well. Plus, as I was born in Southern California, it only seems appropriate that I visit again for such an achievement. That way, if I die during the run, you all will be able to romanticize the story for all of your friends. I'm kind of selfless like that.

Secondly, there is the elevation chart. It is intriguing to me. The rise is nearly 200 feet and the hills are miles long. I don't even know what to think of that jagged, razor-like middle 10 miles. At the end of the day though, who doesn't want a 2 mile downhill finish, complete with airplane arms and all?

Most importantly, I picked it because I have plenty of time to train. I started with 6 months of time. I still have 161 days. I can allow for very gradual mileage increases, occasional cutbacks, and even a possible minor injury or two. What I have learned in the last two and a half years of running is that no matter how much I love the long run, it always hurts me. Too much, too soon. Apparently, the Hanson Brothers have discussed it extensively. Based on every injury I've had, It would appear that they are correct. No run should be more than 30% of my total weekly mileage. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So, yeah, I am back at this blogging thing, for a bit anyway. Up until now, I have consistently used the "no time" excuse to justify my neglect. I have often used that same excuse to skip a run.

No more time for excuses...

Day 13954, & blogging is hard...

So, maybe it isn't hard, per se; but, like exercise, it is a regimen that is very easy to dismiss.

Can I just get away with saying that nothing has happened?

No?

OK, first things first:




I have been wanting to go to Coachella for the last 5 years. My dearest friend Lori, along with her husband, have been inviting me out year after year and something always seems to get in the way (something equals work, more often than not) and I never go. This year, I decided that "Fuck it!" was the only excuse I needed. I bought my plane ticket to LA a few weeks ago and I used AMEX points to buy my 3 day Coachella pass. Lori's friend Brian, whom I met last summer at All Points West, will pick me up in LA and drive me out to Indio.

And then, well, there's the house, with the pool, in the desert. Of course, that doesn't suck. While the fact that I am the only one arriving solo pretty much relegates me to the couch, I assume it also obligates me to a very small chunk of the total lodging bill.

So, I really couldn't afford not to go to Coachella this year. It was an easy choice, despite being the 3 days before Jay's birthday, but that is a story for another post...

It was also easy to justify the trip after we made it through the 3rd semi-annual Restaurant Week in Nashville. I was riding a high as the owner of 2 restaurants with new sales records. I am sure you can imagine, that doesn't suck...

But, you know what does suck? The fallout.

I have made many a joke over the last 20 years about the one problem with working in restaurants. That problem, I always said, was the customer. You know the one. Person comes in, person asks for things, person expects everything to be right, person is condescending on occasion, person wears stupid Christmas sweater, blah blah blah. Annoying, right? But, now? Well, I realized, as any future owner would, that this customer, this guest, is also the reason for the rest of the things that were great about working in restaurants. They pay the bills, they tip the servers, they tell you how to do your job better. As a clever and sincere feedback collector, I basically get a performance evaluation everyday.

And then? Well, then came the internet...

The internet allows even the dumbest of people the opportunity to offer up their opinion on anything. The phase "knowing a little about a lot of things" comes to mind. They don't have to visit twice for a bad review. They don't have to offer up their opinion while being asked. They need not be bothered with any type of civil, proper, or professional discourse. No, no, no. Why bother allowing you to know what they think? Why bother to allow you the opportunity to correct the issue? Hell no! It is a whole lot more fun to go home and trash somebody's business on the internet!

Because, you know? I probably could have corrected that issue in 2 minutes with another steak (and I'm sorry about the gristle, but I didn't think to cut into your food repeatedly before delivering it to you). Had you allowed me that opportunity, I guess your post would have to rest on your actual writing. And well? We wouldn't want that, would we?

Don't even get me started on Yelp, Urbanspoon, etc. I remember the days when all you had to worry about was a food review. Now, it is a daily struggle. And, by the way, if your name in Anonymous, then you might as well jump out in front of a bus, because you are obviously too pathetic to live in the world with the rest of us. Feel free, in the meantime, to let me know where you work...

Don't get me wrong. If we fuck up, I will be the first to admit it. If something is bad, call me out on it. If I fail to correct an issue, write all about it. Just please remember that we are just a bunch of people that are trying to make other people happy. This isn't the motherfucking culinary jihad. If there is one going on out there, count me out!

So yeah, fuck it! I'm going to Coachella!

Now, I know why you are still reading this rant. You want to hear all about my running and how well I am doing.

Well, I picked running back up last September. I built my mileage up very slowly this time around. I started with time based out and backs. Run easy for 15 minutes, turn back. When that seemed inadequate, I started setting distance goals. I allowed for weekly increases of 10% or less.

I was so careful.

I stretched. I iced, I rested, I stretched some more. (if anyone even whispers the words cross training, I will punch you in the face!)

I registered for the ING Half Marathon in Atlanta in March and then bam! Injury! Awesome! Yea, me!

Fuck it! I'm going to Coachella!

I have been dealing with posterior shin splints in my left leg for 3 weeks. Self diagnosed, but all too familiar. Rest usually works, but how can I rest my calf during Restaurant Week?

Anyway, I am happy to be back on the road, so to speak. 3-4 miles, every other day, seems to be my current limit while the calf gets its act together.

So, it seems that blogging is indeed just like exercise. I will just sink back in slowly, avoiding injury, while I get my act together. I really doubt that you would have had any interest in sharing the misery over the last 12 months anyway...

Day 13684, & I swear this is the last non-post...

So, I sooooooo owe this blog an honest to goodness update.

Yeah, well, anyway, I was at 3 Crow tonight having a beer on the first night that I left the restaurant early.  Parents, I know you know the feeling- the first time you left the kid with a sitter.

Anyhoo, I called twice and texted once.

I forgot all about it though, when this song started.  WOW!

I have my new training song!

I have registered in a time group for the P'tree and I am registered for the Middle Half in M'boro.  Gotta get going yesterday!  Damn, I am fat...

Meanwhile, I also bought some art this AM.  Two pieces.

Life still seems sucky, but I am pulling through.

Hugs, bitches!

Day 13490, & the calm before the storm...

So, Adam Sank was quite accurate in his last post.  Blogging is a lot like exercise.  Once you get out of the routine, it is very hard to pick it back up.  I can easily equate the two because lately I have been desperately trying to rebuild my routine for both.  Thankfully, the running is making far more progress than the blogging.

It is not like I don't have anything new to say.  It is not like I haven't done anything worth talking about.  It is just time better spent working, running, or, quite honestly, drinking beer at the bar.

But, for now, I will just give you a recap of my week, starting with some slow but measurable progress at the new restaurant.

Over the last week, the finishes have been appearing.  Here is one of the banquettes in the dining room.  I have to admit that I have been concerned about the longevity of this design, fearful that it would become dated too soon.  After all, we designed the restaurant over two years ago.  I don't even remember half of the finish choices and each day is like a little surprise.  

Anyway, when I was in Boston (more on this later,) my hotel was undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation.  They are using the same wood finishes.  This tells me that we are ok, as I am sure that the Millennium Hotel paid somebody good money to make the same choices.

The bar is tiled, and the floors are almost all done.  They are putting in the hardwoods this weekend and Monday should be quite eye-opening.  I have learned not to get too excited though, as work always seems to be slow in the construction scenario.  Perhaps, if people just came to work for more than a few hours a day.  Or, if more than 2 people could show up at a time.  Everybody seems to want something for nothing.  But enough of that.  This is not a political blog...

OK, so I went to Boston last Wednesday to see the Queen of all things gay.  Now, you might be thinking that I went to see Cher.  That assumption is fine, though wrong, if you are a purist.  However, I went to see Madonna, the alternate Queen of Gay.

I woke up at 3:30 AM Wednesday to catch my flight at 5:40.  Traveling first thing in the morning is always best.  There is no time for delays to build up and snowball.  I flew Delta, which meant I had to fly through Atlanta.  As I boarded, they said the flight was full.  No worries.  That is, until the woman and her toddler were standing next to me, waiting for me to allow them into the neighboring seat.  NOOOOOOOO! It is 5:30 and that child looks loud.  It this an omen.  Maybe I should get off the plane.

Fortunately, the kid slept for the short hour long jump.  Therefore, so did I.

Next up, two hours in Atlanta.  Why is the internet free in some airports and not in others?  I think it is a traveler's first clue about the friendliness of a city.  Anyhow, with no desire to pay 9 bucks to check my email, I read the paper and called Jay.  He told me that there was about to be an announcement on GMA regarding Madonna.  Oh shit!  She is going to announce her divorce?  What if the show is cancelled?  How pissed am I going to be if, upon arrival at Logan, I find out that my trip was just an expensive tour of the airways?

Well, my guess was correct.  She did announce her divorce.  Quel surprise!  My worries were unfounded, however.  True professional that she is, the show must go on.  Really, why would she cancel a show and refund the millions of dollars in ticket sales.  After all, she isn't going to have Guy's income anymore.  How will she get by on a single earner's salary?  Poor Madge and her struggle...

So, I arrive in Boston and head to the hotel, check in, call Jay, and change clothes.  I head down to the front desk to find out where I might want to go run.  With a series of bad directions from the concierge, I head out and turn on Garmin...

Garmin doesn't like Boston.  At least, he doesn't like the parts of Boston with tall buildings.  Note, he definitely won't like Manhattan, so don't bother taking him.

I had counted on Garmin to keep me from getting lost.  Clearly, he was lost and was going to be no help to me.  I was on my own.  I had taken 20 buck with me, just in case I needed a cab.  Mainly, I was concerned about time.  If I got lost, I would fall behind schedule.  I needed a nap, food, and time to get ready for the Queen.

Also note, the sidewalks of Boston are not runner friendly.  Those charming brick ones are pretty, but not ankle and foot friendly.  Also, crowded sidewalks are like the start of a race.  Shuffle, dodge, bolt, shuffle, dodge, bolt...  Finally, I found Boston Common.  Pretty, but hilly.  Then some other park with a pond.  Then, a bit late, I found...

the Charles River.  Gorgeous!  And, runners everywhere!  Inspiring.  And brief.  I had to get back.  Well, definitely tomorrow morning, I said to myself as I turned back.  Through the parks and up the sidewalks I ran.

Sprain, shuffle, dodge, bolt... Not an effective cool down, I assure you.  But I made it back without getting lost.  So, all ended well.

Once I returned to the hotel, showered, and selected my outfit, I scrolled through countless emails in search of the one regarding my will call ticket.  When I bought the ticket back in May, I was not given the option of having it mailed.  I would assume this was to curb scalping.  It also curbed my canceling the trip, as I wasn't going to eat the cost of the ticket and leave a 14th row seat empty.  So, pro or con, I HAD to go see Madonna in Boston.  I had no choice.  

Just another good reason the restaurant is way behind schedule...

Anyway, the email said that there was some VIP function and that I should arrive 90 minutes early.  Yuck on the 6:30 part.  Intrigue on the VIP part.  As I was by myself anyway, what could it hurt to go down to the show early?  I headed out in search of food and drink.  Sadly, as I hate oysters and didn't want to take a cab to any of the concierge's recommended spots, I ate at Houstons.  Again, sad, I know.  At least the bartender was way hot.

Then I headed towards the arena, and stopped at some pub called Hurricane something, blah, blah.  The bartender had the personality of a limp salad, but the beers were good.  I was limiting my intake, as I wanted to be sober for the show.  Remembering the show after all  the expense seemed a wise decision, after all.  So, after 3 beers, I headed off to the show.

I picked up my tickets, and made my way to the VIP line.  And I waited, and waited, and waited.  While we watched others go off to their seats, we all waited.  At 7:10 we were allowed to enter.  And for what?  Well, there was an open bar (that was NOT included in my drinking plan) and apparently there was food.  And...

All that waiting for a few beers that I didn't need, and a messenger bag I will never use.  I also got to carry the bag for the remainder of the evening, along with everyone else from the floor seats.  Just what I wanted to keep up with.  Oh well, maybe I can sell it on eBay someday.

I did get to meet some nice people while in line.  Some guys from Vermont, and a couple from Europe.  The guys from Europe just paid 100,000 for a surrogate and have a 7 month old baby.  100K? I guess there will be no baby for me...  

At my seat, I met a guy who was seeing this show for the 6th time.  CRAZY! 6 times in a month?  $$$ and C.R.A.Z.Y.  But at least he was able to tell me what was happening and when I could go to the bathroom without missing much (damn those extra beers!!!)

Apparently Paul Oakenfold was the DJ that opened the show.  I, of course, had no idea.  True to form, the show started late, way late, around 9:30.  And it was fantastic.

Sorry about the annoying guy, but I searched for a clip that looked close to my seat.  This was about right.  As I said, I was close.  The iPhone camera sucks, but...

I was this close.  And it was amazing!  

The show was 2 hours, and it is all a blur now.  Not so much from the beers, but from sensory overload.

Good thing I am going again next month.  Same seat, other side of the catwalk.

Again, good thing the restaurant is way behind schedule!

Post show, I was exhausted.  Having been up for nearly 22 hours, I made my way back to the hotel area, stopped for a beer with the Vermont boys, and then off to bed to dream of Madge.

The next morning, I was a bit flu-like and, sadly, couldn't run.  I packed, checked out, and met my former personal trainer for some breakfast and sightseeing.  3 hours and 5+ miles of walking and sightseeing.  With my flu-like symptoms, this was not the enjoyable experience I had looked forward to, but Boston is gorgeous and I will go back.

Just not for the marathon anytime in the next few years...

Sorry about the most long winded and boring post ever.  Just wanted to get it all in.

Cheers!

Day 13483, & a sigh...

So, over the last several weeks, I have had to find a way to reconcile things in my head.

This is not to say that I normally don't look for order.  I do enjoy everything being just so.

Again, control freak, remember?

It has been difficult to look at the election, the economy, the world, my place in it, blah blah blah.

And then...

I realized that pretty much everything can be justified by the concept of the yin and yang.

You cannot imagine how freaking excited I was to have a new way of looking at things.

It is always good to have an alternative outlook and, in all honesty, "people are stupid" was beginning to make me a bit depressed, a la Idiocracy...

So, again, I say find a new way to see the world.

I am not one to complain.  Well, I am not one to complain about anything that is really bothering me.  I will go on for days about the small stuff though.  Anyway, business is down.  Not horrible, bad, down.  Just a bit down.

Ebb and flow...

As I had budgeted everything to be "just so" for the new restaurant, there was a certain expectation from the restaurant that already generated income.  Apparently, creating expectations and budgets 2 years in advance does not work.  I thought everything looked pretty keen back in 2006.  Oops.  But, it could be a lot worse, and I am thankful.

What goes up, must come down...

Bush is an idiot and the "rescue plan" was foolish.  And that concludes my political rant.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction...

And, with this new outlook, I will now tell you about my first 1/2 marathon experience yesterday.  With 24 hours between me and disappointment, I am actually quite pleased with myself.

To remind you, as my post have been infrequent, I have been recovering over the last 2 months from a pretty nasty battle with my left shin.  As a result, I have put plans of the marathon on hold indefinitely.

My diagnosis was shin splints.  My speculation on the cause?  Being in a rush.  I was rushing to train, rushing to work, rushing to stretch.  Rushing to get in 6 miles.  Rushing all the time.  Injury from said neglect and strain.  Basically, stress hurt my leg, but at least it wasn't a stress fracture!

My last long run was on August 9th.  It was 15 miles at a 9:40 pace. I remember it well because it was fantastic.  Everything about it felt great.  No pain, no fatigue.  The next day, no pain.  The next week, pain.  The pain lasted awhile.

After many weeks and many PT sessions, I feel better.  I started running again a month ago.  My longest run has been 7 miles, two weeks ago.  Slow.  But, I had already registered for this 1/2, and I was determined to do it.  How does one train for a Half Marathon in 4 weeks?  They don't.  I decided to rely on muscle memory and good sense.

I took Friday off from running and work.  Got some stuff done, had some beers, went to bed at 8:30.  I actually slept pretty well on the night before race day.  Just one heart attack dream, where I think I was about to die.  Otherwise, all good.  In fact, I only had to get up for nature's call a few times that night, despite my fanatical over-hydration plan.

I got up at 4 am for coffee and cereal.  This is my normal race day routine (only 2 other races, mind you.)  This generally allows for nature to run its course and for me to wake up.  I do not want to run while I still wish I was sleeping.  That isn't me.

Two bowls of Cheerios, two cups of coffee.  I got ready, collected my stuff, ran my checklist off in my head.  All good.  Only one thing left... One thing to do.  And, of course, it wasn't going to happen before I left home.  Oh well, nothing better than a lovely port-a-john experience in the AM...

So, I went to pick up Jerry and Carrie.  She was running with me.  Jerry had failed to register in time and had considered running as a bandit.  He decided against it at the last minute but came along to cheer us on.  This was good because he could hold the keys, camera, etc.

Murfreesboro is about 30 minutes outside of Nashville.  As it was 5 AM on Saturday, there was not  a hint of traffic.  Enjoyed a Cliff Bar and a liter of Smart Water on the drive.  And I tried to finish up my list of to-do's at a gas station before we got to the race.  No luck.  Oh well.

After some stretching, we were rushed over to the start by the PA guy.  So, fresh as daisies, Carrie and I left Jerry to go find a spot in the mob.  They claimed that there were 1700 people registered for the race.  I didn't see them.  I was determined that I was not going blast off from the start at some crazy pace.  So, I wanted to start farther back, as to avoid a trampling.  Carrie was not to into this idea, but she indulged me.

The race was supposed to start at 7.  Based on the rushing us to the starting line, this seemed right.  I am not clear why the gun went off at 7:15, but that's when we started.

I am no running genius.  Just a regular one.  My plan was to finish.  I decided not to bring Garmin along on the race.  I just wore my Polar.  I figured that my heart rate would be my guide.  As they also seemed to be sticklers for the no headphones rule, I had not brought iPod either.  In fact, I had been running sans music all week, as practice.  I do not like running so naked, but I will admit that it seems to help me maintain a steady pace.  

Mile one, 9:45.  Carrie is a dodger.  I was happy in my spot.  I also knew she had bigger goals for this race.  I fell back and let her go on her way.

I hit mile 2 at 20 minutes, mile three at 30 minutes.  I figured that if I could maintain that pace, I could just kick it up a bit towards the end and come in at a sub 10:00 pace.  I even hit the half at 9:58 pace, and I felt fine.  I had a GU around mile 5.  All good.  And then, we hit the highway.  I can't say how long that stretch was, but I can say that it was god awful boring.  It seemed like forever and I think it was also the beginning of the end.  

Somewhere around mile 8, I think I wanted to quit.  Well, mainly, I wanted to stop for a bathroom break.  I also wanted to quit.  I had lost about :30 of my pace at this point and I knew that I would not be able to gain my lost time at the end.  I also decided that I needed a sports drink, but I was saving my PowerAde for the last 3 miles.  I opted for an Accelerade at the water stop.  IT WAS BLUE!  What the fuck am I supposed to do with some nasty ass blue crap.  They said it would be red in the email.  Everyone knows that red is a far better flavor than blue.  So much for that idea.  I had another GU instead.

Then, I stopped.  I must have pee'd for at least a minute and a half.  And, DAMN, did I feel better for it.  Miles 9 and 10 flew by.  I got my second wind.  Or my 7th.  Whatever.

Meanwhile, I had started making up stories about people in my head.  Mainly about the guy who would fly past me every 10 minutes, only to walk later so I would pass by him.  Slow and steady wins the race, right?  Anyway, I wondered what he was doing.  His method seemed awfully odd.  I wondered why all of these people were here.  Me?  No idea why I was there.  I am still not really sure why I am a runner.

Anyway, halfway through mile 12, I walked.  I thought I might just walk to the finish.  Who cares.  My time sucked anyway.  And then I saw him.  I saw the guy from the 4th of July 10K.  The one that kept passing me, but walked up all the hills.  I always caught back up to him when he would have to walk.  We chatted on the 4th about the hills downtown.  He didn't know that route was hilly.  I laughed.  I am not sure if he beat me on the 4th.

So, I saw him in that last mile, walking.  I started "running" again as I passed him.  I confirmed his identity as THAT guy, and spoke of the hilly 4th of July run.  Then I told him that since this route was completely flat, he should be running, not walking, to the finish.  His response: "Yea, but this is a lot longer."

That was all I needed.  I finished at a steady shuffle, all the way to the finish.  And I beat that guy.

Final time: 2:17:20, or 10:29 pace.

89/130 age group

431/647 sex

675/1298 overall

And, yes, I will certainly do it again.  And next time will be a sub 2:00 finish.

Day 13482, & it's done...

So, I finished my first half marathon.

Sadly, it took my something like 2:17

I am not happy with my time, but I am happy it is done.

I am happy that I finished.

I am also happy that I didn't die, which really was a fear for a moment overnight.  

More later.

Day 13481, & sink or swim...

So, it is 10.5 hours to go-time...

Yep, I am about to hop in bed for my 4 am wake-up.  Tomorrow, the Murfreesboro Half Marathon.

Injuries and fears aside, I am excited.  In reality, I am nervous about my first long race.

Goals?

1: Finish

2: Finish sub 10:00 miles

3: Finish sub 2:00

In August, Goal 3 was actually the primary one.  My, how things change!

Fingers crossed...

Day 13478, & it has been a really long time...

So, I realize that it has been almost a month since I wrote an entry here.

It is not that nothing has gone on.  I have moved my office, continued to build a new restaurant, resumed my training, and escaped any real impact in this recession, thus far, anyway... I even managed to get by on less than 1/2 a tank of gas during the great gas shortage of late September, 2008.

I should mention, I have managed all of these things for quite some time without any rescue plans from the government.  But, if they are looking to amend the plan, free free to throw a couple million my way.  Or, perhaps a few billion to the airline industry.  They are not really asking, but I hear they have needed it for quite some time.  They must have relied too heavily on sub prime mortgages, or fuel, I can't remember...

I have been busy.  Not too busy to write an entry here.  Just too busy to notice everything happening around me.  Too busy to observe.  Too busy to care.

I don't like being busy.  Busy is not easy to control.  Busy sucks!

I LOVE being in control.

Imagine how I must feel now.  I have a contractor and an architect moving along on a seven digit restaurant, spending money like it is someone else's.  I have given our GM the reins at the first place.  I have been working out of boxes in my new home "office,' which I can't even deduct on my tax return, because we all know that a "home office" deduct is a guaranteed audit...

Basically, it is like I am homeless.  And let me tell you, the world is a scary place.  

It is especially scary when you know you can't run away from the threats.  Trust me when I tell you, I can't run.

Trust me when I say that the Murfreesboro Half this Saturday is a really big threat.  6 weeks ago, no sweat.  6 weeks ago, I planned to run it sub 8:45 pace.

Now, 6 weeks and a killer shin splint later, I plan to run it, at some pace, and hopefully finish.  Now, 6 weeks later, my longest run since August has been a crappy 7 miler at a 10:00 pace.  Now, it seems to be a struggle to stay over 20 miles a week.  

But hey, 13.1 miles should be great!  At least it is FLAT...

If nothing else I will finish, I will defeat the 13.1, to prove that I can.  Besides, what else do I have to do Saturday morning before noon?  Please, let me be finished before noon...

Happy birthday, Catherine!  Happy birthday, Stick!

Day 13451, & I have given up running...

So, that headline might be somewhat misleading.

I have given up running, on the treadmill, for now, anyway...

I have spent the last month trying to heal. I have also tried to figure out what caused this injury to begin with.

The usual suspects:

Pronating feet

Flat feet

Dehydration

Aggressive increase in mileage

Lack of rest/recovery time

Inadequate cross training

The new players:

Working on my feet in non-running, pronate like crazy, dress shoes

Treadmill

I have realized that my treadmill time had increased pre-injury. It was hot. I also found it much easier to do my tempo and interval training on the treadmill.

Now, as the discomfort comes and goes, I can tell that it is worse after the treadmill than after the road. Also, I can't seem to run comfortably after a long shift on the floor at work.

So, first, I have decided that I am a morning, street runner. This should help me rule out a few of the possibilities. And, quite honestly, I don't think that I will miss the treadmill at all. Well, maybe next July I will miss it a bit when I am forced up at 5 AM to beat the heat, but whatever...

I have managed two runs this week. Both on the Greenway. Both at a sub 9:45 pace. I ran 3.2 miles yesterday and 4.1 today. I wasn't going to run today, but I had gotten worked up this morning and needed to get out and clear my head.

I think the solitude of running is what I have missed the most.

I iced my legs down like crazy after each run. I also timed my stretching. No cheating, no rushing. So far, so good. A bit sore, but it feels like normal sore, not injury sore.

Can I say how excited I feel to have my old friends back in the morning? I will welcome back morning soreness and difficult stair navigation with open arms. It has seemed quite odd to be able to walk like a normal person before 8 AM. (I almost called it morning stiffness, heehee...)

Anyhoo, a boring post to read, I am quite sure. An exciting one to write, I assure you.

Tomorrow, the gym. Elliptical and weights. Boring, but necessary. I am also in dire need of more core work, as today's run seemed to take aim at my lower back (a new one.) Again, not injury, just more of a reminder of the great importance of core work.

Oh, and my heart rate? Crazy high. Oh, what a difference a month can make.

I hope it works the other way, too...

Day 13429, & I am going to the doctor...

So, maybe it is psychological...

Maybe, it is paranoia...

Whatever it is, it hurts.

I tried to run today for the first time in a week.

My last run?  Last Monday.  Interval training.  According to my shoe guy, my recovery time from the long run was way too short.  That makes sense.  Now.

As I have mentioned, I had a right shin/calf issue after the 4th of July 10K.  It lasted the duration of my trip to Kansas.  This was also unfortunate because running is pretty much the only activity I had planned for in Kansas.  Anyway, I got one decent run in after the race, and then the pain.  I took it easy on my return home.  I used the elliptical that week and the problem went away.

When I noticed a similar shin/calf pain last week in my left leg, I implemented the same treatment.  Elliptical and rest.  I bought new shoes and consulted with my guy.  I felt good about my plan.  

And then, it dawned on me a few days ago, as it still hurt to get out of bed first thing.  What if I have a fracture?  What if I am doing further damage?

Where would I get this idea?  Charlie.  Because, as you might also know, it is easy to assume other people's symptoms.  It is easy to wonder if it can happen to me... 

My leg feels tender, not painful.  Except when I run.   Then it hurts.

My run today was at the Greenway.  I stretched for 15 minutes.  I started at a slow, easy pace.  I picked it up to a still conservative 9:30 pace.  At 1 mile, I noticed I was almost limping.  So, I stopped and walked.  And the pain was worse.  It took me 20 minutes to walk the mile back.

But I didn't cry.

I got home, and looked up sports medicine.  Again, I am going to TN Orthopaedic Alliance, home of the TN Titans' doctors.  I checked out all the doctors ahead of time though.  I picked Dr. Smith.  No.  Dr. Stuart Smith.  Why?  Cause he's a runner.  And? Also a doctor.  He should know what I need to do.  Right?

I guess it is elliptical and core again tomorrow.  I will say that these injuries are really focusing me on my core work again.  Much need core work, I might add.

As I sit here and write this, I am not in pain.  I am fine, unless I run, or apply pressure just behind the inner shin bone.

My appointment is Thursday...

Day 13415, & quite a few other days, too...

So, if running details bore you, then this isn't the post for you.

After being sidelined for a bit after July's 10K, it took me awhile to get back into the routine of my training. Once my leg stopped giving me trouble, it got hot and our manager left town for 8 days. Any change in my routine always seems to throw me off. Having to close the restaurant at night and still get up early to beat the heat? Not a good way to prepare for a run. I like sleep. I require a minimum of 7 hours on average.

As a result, I have a new friend. Mr. Tread Mill. I used to find the gym runs to be dull. Now, with highs in the mid 90s, I think they are quite, well, cool.

Now, I still manage to get out on the street, but I try to get that started in the mornings, no later than 7. If I can't drag myself out of bed by 6:15, then forget about an outdoor run. Suddenly, I am beginning to understand why all the marathons are in the non-summer months.

Anyhow, I used up all my free weeks. Now, if I really want to run the Chickamauga Full in November, I have to keep with the program. This is discipline that I don't really have. I have really enjoyed running. I am enjoying it less as something required. Again, as I have said before, things are not as enjoyable when they are mandatory.

I am managing to push through the hard days. It is proving more difficult to hold back sometimes on the "rest" days but I am. All said though, I am still having trouble getting into the middle to upper portion of the weekly mileage ranges of my schedule.

I am not a fan of the bare minimum...

So, my runs have been decent. I still haven't learned how to used my Polar watch properly on the indoor runs. I need to read the instructions so that I can retrieve the info afterwards. Needless to say, I just get home and write the mileage down, with little other info. This is proving to be beneficial. I am becoming a little less obsessed with pace and time. I am learning and working on endurance and stamina. I trust that speed will come on its own, with help from hills and my plan.

Week 16 (2 weeks ago) was a bit of a wipe out, for the reasons outlined at the start of this post. I had a great tempo run and a decent long run of 12.5 through Nashville. I totaled out at 28.5 though, due to 2 days of no running. What can I say? I was tired and I was busy.

Week 15 (last week) was much better:

Monday- 3 miles, treadmill, slow and easy (rest day)

Tuesday- 8 miles, treadmill, interval, averaged around 9:00 pace

Wednesday- 6.7 miles, treadmill, hill level 8

Thursday- 5 miles, Greenway, supposed to be tempo, but I ran outta gas after 3 miles and ended at a 10:00 overall pace

Friday- 3 miles, treadmill, easy

Saturday- 13.1 miles, 9:30-ish pace (10:00 with stops) medium hilly city run. I was going for 15, but failed to adjust my route properly. And face it, after 13.1 miles, in the heat, how am I going to run past my house to tack on more miles?

Sunday- 3 miles, slow and easy neighborhood run

Total- 41.8 miles

I am still questioning whether or not I am doing my interval and tempo runs correctly; but, I assume that I am going to benefit from the way I am doing them, regardless of their correctness.

This week is going to be OK, I think. The temperature is going to drop tomorrow and it looks like this Saturday's long run is going to be in the mid to high 60s. Anything under 90 is fine. Anything under 80?

Freakin' fantastic!!!

Day 13411, & I am back...

So, you might have been wondering where I have been...

Well, I can assure you, I have not been to Hilton Head Island.  I know this because I am pale as a ghost.  Clearly, the majority of my skin hasn't seen sun in months!   I also know because I haven't seen Nat since the Country Music Marathon.  Since she is obviously at the beach every month, I am quite sure that I would have seen her, had I been to Hilton Head.

Now, I don't want to sound bitter.  I have been to the Caribbean...

OVER A YEAR AGO...

St Kitts is a lovely island.  Right next to it is Nevis.  Kelly Ripa loves Nevis.  I secretly love Kelly Ripa.  I am still waiting for my BFF Lori to befriend Kelly in Manhattan.  Lori is pregnant now, so I assume that she is bound to run into Kelly sometime soon at a park or a diaper store or something...

I can also assure you, I have not been here...

I was supposed to go to the Adirondacks last month to visit my friend Catherine.  There would have been a nice 10 mile race, clearly beautiful scenery, good company, beer, etc, etc.  I went to Dodge City instead.  It was the good grandson thing to do.  Plus, I could just go see Catherine later.

Nope.  As work always takes control, I suddenly lost my free time.  No travel for me...

But hey, 

I did get to go to Kansas.  I hate to sound unappreciative...

I could have even got my hair did, if I wanted...

But, I didn't wanted to get it did.

Instead, I spent some quality time with the fam.  I am glad for it, blah, blah, blah.  

Now though?

A smidge bitter...

Just a tad mad...

So, all that said, where have I been?

Work.

Apparently, it is harder to open a new  restaurant when you already have a restaurant open.  It is also harder to open a restaurant when you fire a Kitchen Manager and your General Manager is out of town for 8 days.  Despite the obstacles, there has been some progress.

This is the bar.  Isn't it nice?  We are going for the minimal look.  Boy, just looking at this picture sure makes me thirsty.

We are still shooting for the end of September to open.

I am so excited I might just vomit.

I am not really that excited, but I really am nauseous...

Aside from work, I restarted my marathon training last week.  Again, as I was covering for a manager, my schedule was thrown off a bit.  This meant getting up later.  Getting up later meant going to the gym to run on the treadmill because,   as I have said before, I hate hot!

Finished out at 28.5 for the week, with 2 days off, but my pace and endurance were great on my runs.  My long run Saturday was supposed to be 14, but I fell short based on a few wrong turns and couldn't get myself to run past my house to tack on the 1.5 mile shortfall.  So, last weeks long run was 12.5 miles at a 9:55 pace that included 2 pit stops.

Anyway, there you have it.  I haven't been posting because I have been working, running, and finding a bit of spare time for beer.  Blogging or beer?  Hummm, not a tough choice...

I do have another post to write after this one, though.  Stay tuned...