A little bit of this & that...

After my DNF at the Ozark 100 Mile on November 6th. I hyper extended my knee in the race and ran until I could no longer bend my knee (mile 82). Probably not a smart idea now looking back.  I have been on recovery awaiting for November 30th at 2:40 p.m. to do a test mile (that is doctor's orders). If the mile goes good I am able to run in the 5K on Saturday in Northville, MI. My goal is to break 19 minutes but 21:30 is acceptable based on no training miles for an entire month. If the run doesn't go so good then I will rest through the knee through December. 

It's very hard to sit and not run with all this terrible weather. I enjoy the challenge that Mother Nature throws at me during a run. Boiling hot, freezing cold, torrential rain, snow squalls, G-force winds and whatever else that can warrant a national weather alert. I just want to get out and run. Those runs make the best memories. Think back to a run that made you a better runner and I am sure you will think back to a run that brutally challenging; not a walk in the park sort of run.

In addition, with the three lotteries, Massanutten, Western States & Hardrock, I have my name in to be drawn soon. I can not help but think about running trails and wanting to be outdoors. The Red Hot 55K in Moab UT is the next up this February. This makes for an even bigger push to get out the doors. Knowing that by taking a proper recovery will only benefit me longer it is such a tough spot to wait it out.

So what I have been doing to fill the void?? Well growing a beard for the 2012 race season. Word on the trail is that a good beard can yield better results. Working in retail makes it a bit interesting. Most of the customers that visit my store stop by once every 30 days to pay their mobile phone bills. They are all shocked to see the beard. Some positive comments have been made and questions about how long will I continue to grow it. The earliest plan is May 13 on my birthday after completing Massanutten or if I can stick it out and get into Hardrock then late July. So why not test that theory to see if it helps in the 100 milers. 

Here is the progress...

Oct 4th the beginning

No Shave November

5924 up, 4678 down

November 27th current status November 1, 2008 Urban Word of the Day The month of November in which you don't shave any hair of your body but instead you grow more bestial, brutish, and manly. The months of December, January, February, and so on follow and may also be included in this celebration of masculinity. December = ("Don't Shave December") January = ("Just Don't Shave January") February = ("Forget to Shave February") March = ("Masculine March") April = ("Atrocious April") May = ("Manly May") My buddies and I all participated in No Shave November to raise awareness for the important and educational month of November. It is now a recognized national month that identifies the worth and meaning of celebrating masculinity. Taken from Urban Dictionary

Also been reading books, watching movies, hanging out with friends and doing all those everyday things that fill one's normal day.  It is amazing at how many hours are in a day when you are not running. Some of those empty hours have been filled by eating. I have a huge hunger all day long which has placed 12 lbs on me since the Ozark race. I would like to think that it is all in the beard, but I know its' not. Once I get back in motion those extra pounds will drop off. So for now I am enjoying the holiday season of treats!


Well 26 hours and 12 minutes until the run now.
Best wishes to everyone this holiday season!!