Luck of the Irish

Hit the sign, then hit the field!  Go Irish!
 

"Maybe someday I could go to Notre Dame"
                 ~ Daniel Ruettiger from the movie "Rudy".

Growing up in Lansing, Michigan I was fortunate that my parents had season tickets to MSU football and I had the chance to enjoy the pagentry, fun and excitement of all that college football entails. Of course that meant that I grew up a Spartan and still have green blood in me.  However when I was kid in the late 70's and early 80's MSU football was really........not good.  But we still went to the games, still cheered wildly and also hoped(but rarely witnessed) for a victory over the dreaded Wolverines.  My hate for them started young and still holds strong.  Because of MSU's inability to beat scUM, I also had an affinity for Notre Dame.  Only a few hours down the road, the Irish may not have beaten scUM all the time, but every year they potentially could, something MSU struggled with at that time.  Also being a Catholic and the Notre Dame games being on TV every week, I enjoyed watching and following them as well.

Tradition is what separates college football from most other sports and the passion for which fans get involved.  Right or wrong, over the top or ridiculous, it all makes for fun times at games and I love football.  Notre Dame has as much, or more, tradition than most and I have always wanted to attend a game there, but not just any game, a big game.  I had hoped to fly back and see them play scUM this season, but unfortunately that didn't work out.  However, I had the great fortune of getting an opportunity last week to attend my first Irish game in person as they took on Stanford and have the experience of a lifetime, all thanks to my friend Mike.

Touchdown Jesus looms over Notre Dame Stadium, it's an awesome sight!

I flew into Chicago on Friday, then immediately drove to South Bend, IN about 2 hours away.  Coming from the nice weather in Scottsdale, I knew I'd be in for some colder temps back in the Midwest and on top of that it was going to be rainy all weekend.  But that was not going to dampen my spirits.  As I pulled onto the Notre Dame campus, I met up with Mike and we went to the Friday night pep rally, a tradition that still is strong at Notre Dame as thousands of people show up.  As a kid I remember going to MSU pep rally's the night before gameday, but sadly those disappeared long ago, but ND not only still does them, they make it a big event and fun for everyone.  Cheerleaders, Irish dancing, DJ spinning music, all lead up to the football team and Coach Brian Kelly taking the stage to a raucous, 5K or so that filled the Arena.  I love Coach Kelly because of what he did for my alma mater, CMU, and for his no nonsense attitude and approach.  He spoke with candor and determination before having a few of the players speak and get everyone fired up for the game.  It was a lot of fun and certainly got me excited for gameday.  Before I even made it to South Bend, Mike had sent me a list of all the activities going on at ND for the weekend and asked me to let him know what I may like to do.  There was a tour of the tunnel in the stadium, but I had gotten into town too late to do that, which turned out just fine as Mike said to me, "I think we can do a little better than the tunnel tour".

Irish RB Tyler Plantz fires up the crowd by breaking boards over his head.

And with that statement from Mike, the real fun began.  Mike is a ND Monogram Club member so we got to go the Club Lounge adjacent to the Locker Room for a special reception where all former ND letterwinners are welcomed back on game weekends to mix and mingle and relive their own glory days.  This weekened they were also honoring the 1964 Notre Dame team with many of them in attendance including legendary Coach Ara Parseghian.  If you follow college football even a shred, you know that Ara is not only beloved by the ND faithful, but he truly is a college football icon.  It was an honor to meet him and talk to him for a bit as well.  Again, I LOVE college football and I am a bit of a historian and for me this was beyond awesome.  Besides that, we also got a private tour of the lockerroom and got to do the infamous walk down the stairs leading to the stadium where the "Play Like A Champion" sign has been for years, just like the players do every game.  We then got to go onto the field.  This was truly way beyond anything I expected or even anticipated about this weekend.



"Coach Parseghian, in the '66 game with MSU, why did you....."

Inside the Locker Room feeling ready to suit up myself for gameday!

On the field, feeling the Luck 'O the Irish!

After a very short night's sleep we got up early to get our tailgate set up.  Mike has a very thorough plan for tailgating and with his SUV loaded for bear, we got to our lot in the Notre Dame Library and prepared to set up our tents, the grill and everything else.  He had a number of other friends in town for the game and probably all told, there was about 50 people there.  The weather was not very good, low 40's, spitting of rain and the occasional snow, mind you it's only October 4th!  A not so gentle reminder of why I moved to Arizona.  But with a ton of food and drinks and people and other tailgates all around, the atmosphere was incredibly festive and fun.  Tailgating does not even come close to this in Arizona or in Seattle, no matter what people from there might tell you.  They really just don't know any better.  Football just means more in the midwest and in the south, right or wrong, that's just the way it is and football Saturdays are sacred.

Setting up the tailgate with Mike despite inclement and windy conditions.  One of the tents actually blew across the street.

I had been on the Notre Dame campus many times in my life, but I had never had the chance to go to a football game because the tickets are impossible to get unless you know someone or are willing to pay a ton through a scalper.  Tickets for the ND-UM games just a few weeks ago were scalping for over $1000.  Insane.  However, the campus is stunningly beautiful and in the fall with the color change it was almost ideal, only the weather was holding it back from perfection.  But I still took my time to tour the campus and soak it all in including stops at the infamous Grotto, the Basilica(which inside may be the most beautiful church I've ever seen), the golden dome,  and of course the bookstore.  With so many people on campus it was lively and energetic and everyone was excited for the game.  After consuming way too much food, no regrets though, it was finally time to head into the stadium for the game itself.  The whole trip had been so incredible so far and the game hadn't even started, which was really the main reason I went.  Could it really get even better?

The Golden Dome of the Administration building, it can be seen from across campus.

The infamous ND Grotto.  I only know one other grotto, anyone that wants to take me there, I'm in.

The Basilica.  Incredibly beautiful inside, worth a visit.

Up to this point the weather had been cold and spitting rain and not great, but sadly, once the game started it really started to rain and it either got colder or just felt that way.  The conditions were not good and it limited the play of the game as well.  Stanford is known for a strong defense and it showed on this day as they limited the Irish to minimal offense. However the Notre Dame defense was even better only allowing points after an Irish fumble.  The game went back and forth late into the fourth quarter when Stanford mounted their only real drive of the game and ultimately scored a touchdown, taking the lead 14-10 with only 3 minutes left in the game.  The crowd got restless, as the weather and rain made it seem almost impossible that Notre Dame could drive and score in enough time.  As the Irish took the field, QB Everett Golson proceeded to march the team downfield, despite some dropped passes, before the drive came to a halt at the 23 yard line with ND facing a 4th and 11 with only a minute left.  This was it, the game was now on the line.  After a ND timeout, the team came back out on the field.  Clearly a pass play was needed and of course having the ball in Golson's hands was the only option to either throw or run.  As he took the snap the Stanford D brought pressure up the middle forcing Golson to move to his left and on the run he sailed the ball into the endzone.  Sitting in the stands it seemed like the ball was in the air forever before it ultimately hit ND TE Ben Koyack in the hands in the endzone as he straddled the out of bounds line for a touchdown.  The stadium went nuts as ND regained the lead 17-14.  With less than a minute left, ND kicked off and Stanford had little option but to throw downfield.  Knowing this ND made what I feel is the decision of a team trying to win the game, rather than just not trying to lose it, as they brought a "Jailbreak Blitz" ultimately sacking the Stanford QB.  Rather than sit back in a prevent defense, they brought the house and the sack literally brought that house down as the game ended and all of us fans went crazy!  It was an unbelievable finish.

Here come the Irish!

After the final sack, GAME OVER!

The weather played havoc with my phone camera, but there is the final result for all to see!

Game over, trip over.....not quite.  Again, my own Luck of the Irish would continue.  We first went to the Athletic Convocation Center where they have a special postgame mass for those in the Monogram Club before heading back to the tailgate for another hour or so.  After going back to Mike's house and drying off and warming up, we then had the opportunity to go back to the stadium for another private tour before heading to the local postgame hotspot The Linebacker Lounge.  The next morning, I drove back to Chicago to the conference that brought me to the midwest in the first place.  As I drove the two hours back, it was hard to even digest all that had just happened.  I truly have wanted to attend a Notre Dame football game for as long as I can remember and to think I not only was able to, but to have the full-on experience, if you will, how lucky am I?!?!?!  None of it would have been possible without Mike and I thanked him profusely, but I really never could do so enough.  I have a passion for football and college imparticular.  As I try to explain my passion to others it has always come down to this for me; for 3 hours or so where else can you feel such immense highs, lows, tears, cheers, excitement, vitriol, hate, love and raw emotion.  Maybe I am not emotive enough on a regular basis, I don't know, but I do know on Saturdays, when my teams are playing, I can experience a whole world of emotion and life all wrapped up into one.  Crazy, silly; maybe, but it works for me and I love it!  I did get to go to Notre Dame and the whole experience was off the charts!  It was far more than anything I could have hoped for and only left me wanting to do it all again. 

Maybe someday I could work for Notre Dame....hmmmm.  Thanks again Mike!  Go Irish!

Mike and I after the game, soaked and cold, but oh so happy!  Fire Up Irish!

Why? Because I can.

The McDowell Mountains at Sunset.  They look innocent enough.

Recently I ran a trail race, at night, in the pitch black, up a mountain, and through the desert hinterlands.  Why would I do such a silly, crazy, challenging, some might say-stupid, thing; simple, because I can.  And why is that, we'll figure that out in a minute.



Now's not the time to think about running up these mountains, just soak in the view.

Now that I am back in Arizona, I am back to running my weekly Wednesday night trail run with my friend Gregg.  He loves running the trails and although I am more of a road runner, I do like mixing it up a bit once a week and doing a trail run.  It is much different, your footing is much more challenging as you have to look for rocks with every step and the pathways are often twisty and formidable, unlike running on the road where you can get into a rhythm and just lock in and not have to worry about your surroundings or trying to follow a path and just burn through the miles.  The Wednesday night group runs are put on by the Aravaipa Running group, which is essentially two brothers who are into Ultra running, meaning extreme distance races like 50 or 100 miles. But the group runs are for people at all levels, just a way to get more people into trail running and we'll get anywhere from 15-50 people to show up any given Wednesday.  Aravaipa puts on races all year round and in the summer they do them overnight to try and beat the heat.  Gregg has done a few of their races before and was encouraging me to sign up with him to do the Adrenaline Night Run at McDowell Mountain Park in Fountain Hills.

Having limited trail running experience and no trail race experience, while really still preferring road running, I thought it might be a fun challenge to try and run in the dark with a headlamp through the McDowell Mountains.  The Adrenaline race had three levels, a 64K, 27K and a 10K.  I opted for the 10K which is 6.2 miles.  I know I can run and race longer distances, but being my first trail race, I thought the 10K was they way to go and Gregg was on board as well as two other friends, Deb and Angela.

Pre-Race, we all look so happy and excited!  Deb, Gregg, Angela and myself.

The race was to start at 8 p.m. and we all got there early, while it was still sunny and hot, in the mid 90's at least. Since people running the 64K and 27K would be running literally through the night, there were tents set up and people all over.  It was a very festive atmosphere as we all prepared for our 8:00 p.m. start time.  I decided to wear a bandanna so that my headlamp wasn't directly on my head, as the light can emit some heat, and it was already hot enough outside, I didn't need anything extra.  I also planned to carry my water bottle filled with a Gatorade/Water mix and I had put it in my freezer that morning, figuring it would easily thaw while I was running, if not before and thereby not be so warm to drink.  Side note: I have a Survivor bandanna, from the TV show, it was a gift.  I rarely wear it, but when I do, when anyone asks me if I was on Survivor I tell them that I was, Season Two in Australia and got voted off early due to politics and people's fear that I would be too tough to beat in challenges.  I also throw in that I went on one date with Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who was a contestant that season as well.  No one has ever doubted my story before, harmless fun on my end. Sadly, no one asked me about it that night, I guess it was too dark to notice what was on my bandanna.  Moving on...

Headlamp, check. Neon shirt, check. Survivor Bandanna, check.  My brother Jeff asked if I was trying look like Bret Michaels, that would be an emphatic "No".  However Bret is a Scottsdale resident and neighbor...

As it got close to the start and we started lining up, I was ready to go.  When I run a race, any race, I go all out.  I figure I can run for free every day, so if  I am going to pay to do a race, I am going to give it everything I have.  Everyone runs for their own reason; for fun, just to try and finish, whatever, but that's my motive.  So not having run in the dark before and trail running being much more difficult due to the elevation climbs and footing challenges, I figured I would be running about 2-3 minutes per mile slower than if I was on the road.  In talking with some long time runners I know they said to figure about 1:30-2:00 minutes slower per mile.  So with that in mind and knowing on the roads I can do a 10K in about 42 minutes, I figured if I can break 1 hour or 55 minutes, that I would be happy with the result.  As the gun went off we all immediately got into a single file as the trail wasn't wide enough for anything more.  Passing people would also be a challenge because there were cactus everywhere and darkness and the trail, in daylight, is really only wide enough for one person, so passing means going off into the rough stuff and hoping you don't potentially hurt yourself.  Or fall off the mountain.  Sound fun yet?

Near the start.  Certainly doesn't look imposing.  Good thing it was about to be dark so you couldn't see the challenges that lie ahead.

Knowing that after the first 1/4 mile or so, as the picture shows above, we would literally start climbing up a mountain for the next 2 miles, I prepared for the challenge ahead.  I was behind a guy that I certainly knew I was faster than, but held back, one because it was tough to pass and more so because I figured I better hold back some energy going up the mountain.  The sun was set completely and as we started up the mountain on the switchbacks, when you looked below you it was pretty cool just seeing everyone's headlights bouncing up and down in the darkness.  My adrenaline was really pumping and going up the mountain didn't seem nearly as bad as I imagined.  Although I live on the other side of the McDowell's and run up them regularly, so I suppose that helped.  As we got to the summit, I went past the guy in front of me and sped up.  The only negative to that, was that we had really started to splinter off and space off from each other, meaning in the dark, I was all alone with only my headlamp for sight.  Being behind someone else with both our lights shining ahead, it wasn't too bad for sight lines.  Going into the race I was most concerned that I would step on a rock or something and either fall down or twist an ankle.  Even with a headlamp you can't see everything.  But I soldiered on and felt good.

I never wear a watch and since we were out in the far reaches of the desert mountains, there were no course markings to tell you what mile you were at let alone spectators or any time markings.  It was a very unique experience, but I felt really strong and it seemed like I was keeping a good pace.  I had to maintain strict focus, watching every step I took and for the twists and turns in the trail. In the dark you really had no idea which way you were heading at any moment.  On the roads you can clearly see where you are, up ahead and you can sort of just zone out and run, but not here.  Around Mile 4 there was to be a water stop, so I knew I would have that as a reference point.  I was carrying my water bottle although normally I would never need anything for such a short run, but in the heat I felt I would take precaution.  However, I had put it in the freezer that morning and somehow it was still frozen, so when I tried to drink from it, I was getting nothing.  I wasn't in dire need of fluids really, but I was getting a real cottonmouth and I just needed something to clear it out.  As I got closer to the water stop I passed about 3 more people and then one guy actually passed me.  The nerve!  But I could see a faint light in the distance and as I got closer it was indeed the water stop with only  one lonely volunteer deep in the desert mountain with cups of water on a table.  I ran through grabbed one and kept going, took a drink and it was awful, as it had been sitting out, thus really, really warm, but it did the trick for me and I kept going.

It was much darker than this, but you can see the trail and the rough terrain surrounding it.

As I got near the end, I knew that I would come to a fork and I was supposed to go right.  The course was lined with reflectors for you to follow.  Although they weren't always prominent or helpful and since there were also the 64K and 27K races at the same time, there were different color reflectors for each race.  When I got to the fork I thought I was to go right, but it seemed like my color reflector was on the left, so I went left for 100 yards or so and soon realized I was going back up the mountain and the wrong way, so I turned around went back to the fork and went to the right.  My fault, I just got confused in the dark after running full speed up and down a mountain, I guess that could happen.  Anyways, I knew at the fork that I had about a mile to go, so I held firm and kept looking for ambient light to see the finish.  Sadly, I never really did see it and then all of a sudden it popped up as I rounded a corner.  I burned it in and finished in 47:36 and in 12th place overall, much faster than I had hoped, so I was pleased.  Gregg, Angela and Deb soon finished behind me and we all enjoyed the post race food and drink that was off the charts!  I've done a lot of races and I've never seen such an elaborate spread, it was fantastic and tasty. They created a short video that gives you a sense of what it was like to run the race.  If you look closely you can see me in my neon yellow shirt in a few shots.  Adrenaline Night Run Video

It was around 10 p.m. when we left, which felt odd to me as I usually run early in the morning and races are usually in the mornings as well.  After most races, I need about 15 minutes to recalibrate, than I am wired and wound up.  I got back home and I was anything but sleepy and I was starving.  Even though I ate some post race food, which was more snacks, I wanted something substantial and since I don't really cook and it was late, the closest option nearby was McDonald's.  So after cleaning up and such, around midnight I went to McDonald's and got some stuff to go.  It tasted really good, shocking since I almost never eat fast food, but whatever, it served it's purpose.

After the race.  Half the people in this photo have fought for our freedom.  Thank you!

In the end, it was a great time and a new experience with good friends and I look forward to doing the next Aravaipa run in July, Vertigo,  in the White Tank Mountains.  But before the race I also learned that Gregg is going to Afghanistan later this year.  He serves in the Air National Guard for the US Air Force and has for nearly 20 years.  Seems he was drafted for a 6 month tour.  He went to Iraq a few years ago and did a spell at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba as well.  Being in the Guard is much more than one weekend a month and 2 weeks in the summer.  Soldiers like him get pulled out of their lives to help keep our country safe and free and to continue to allow all of us to be able to do silly things like run in the mountains in the dark for fun and go to McDonald's in the blink of an eye because there is one on every corner and we are hungry.  He has seen more and sacrificed more than most as has Deb, who is also in the Guard and has done a tour in Iraq as well, but thankfully wasn't chosen to go back this year.  So far, anyways.  If you're like me you thought the bulk of the war was over, that we were pulling troops out. Well we are but we also keep sending more and thousands of soldiers like Gregg will have their lives disrupted once again, be pulled away from their kids and their jobs all under the guise of protecting our freedoms.  It doesn't matter if you are for the war, against it, Democrat or Republican, every day our soldiers are out there protecting our freedoms.  Knowing Gregg personally, this really hit home for me.  Listen, he's not seeking any sympathy, he chose to be in the Guard, he's ready to go, it's his mission and he'll serve it, just like he has for years and he'd tell you that.  But the next time you see a soldier or if you know of someone that did serve, be sure to thank them again.  Because the rest of us every day can get up, go to work, go to the beach, go out to eat, the movies, sleep in, speak freely, watch tv, run up a mountain in the dark, whatever, and the reason we can is because of them and people like Gregg and Deb who help to continue to make the United States the greatest country in the world.  Thank you to you both and to all the other soldiers, I respect you immensely and appreciate all you have done and continue to do and I hope you all come back safely.

Gregg's tour will end next summer, which is great because it will be just in time for us to do this silly race again and maybe we can even hit McDonald's too. Why, because we can and let's never forgot why that is.

Gregg and I kayaking the Salt River.  I look forward to doing this again when you get back my friend!

Arizona=Happy

Sunshine, mountains, warm weather; must be Arizona!

In 1961 my Uncle Al was transferred for work to Phoenix, Arizona.  Back in the '60's Phoenix was nothing like it is today as a sprawling city, but it always had the nice hot weather.  Al loved living in Phoenix, loved the weather and always thought at that time that the West was the place to be for growth.  Sadly only a few years later he was transferred again and this time to Cleveland, of all places.  Often referred to as the plumber's crack of America, I don't know anyone that would be excited to live there.  So in February of 1964 with all his possessions on a moving truck, he loaded up his station wagon and family and started heading east.  A little ways out of Phoenix in the wide open desert hinterlands he was profoundly speeding and got pulled over by cop.

Cop:  You know you were speeding quite a bit back there.  Where are you heading?

Al:  Moving to Cleveland.

Cop:  (With exasperated look on his face) Let me get this straight, you're moving from Phoenix to Cleveland?!?!? In February?!?!?!

Al:  Yeah, job transfer

Cop:  Just go ahead, you have enough trouble.

And with that he was on his way.  I am sure you won't find this story on any Visit Cleveland brochures.  But Al always vowed to move back to Arizona and upon retirement he and my Aunt Rae did so in the early 1990's and have been there ever since. 

Good times in Cleveland, certainly earning their reputation as the mistake on the lake.

When I lived in Arizona previously, I fell in love with it as well. I had a number of great weekends with Al, gambling on football, something we have in common, and I thoroughly enjoyed the warm weather, hiking and outdoor recreation.  Certainly the desert isn't for everyone, but it was for him and I quickly found out it was for me too.  Work then took me to Seattle, but when the opportunity arose to move back recently, I jumped on it and now I find myself, HAPPILY, back in the town originally founded as Orangedale, my favorite place, Scottsdale, Arizona.  I mean I certainly wouldn't be moving to Cleveland. Or Portland for that matter.

Don't worry Portland, I may not be in Seattle anymore, but I'll still continue to make fun of you.
Stay weird, as though that's a good thing.

I got back to Arizona just last week with a stop at Al and Rae's on the way down to the Valley.  The drive from Seattle to Phoenix takes about 20+ hours of driving and if you've ever wondered what it's like driving through Nevada from top to bottom, I can save you trouble, it's desolate.   There is a reason the US Military uses most of  Nevada for proving grounds; outside of Las Vegas there is virtually nothing.  For two stretches, one of 136 miles and another of 114 miles they have signs warning you that there is basically no sign of life so you better load up on gas and anything else when you get the chance.  I did stop in Vegas briefly but finally made to Phoenix. 

136 mile stretch in northern Nevada.  Pretty cool huh?

114 mile stretch.  Seriously, this is not the same picture.  Now you never have to drive through Nevada,
you're welcome.

After living in Seattle I wondered how the re-adjustment would be to the Arizona heat, especially  now that it's summer time.  But despite record temps and heat advisories, it has been much easier then I expected. Don't get me wrong 110 is hot, but the mornings are fantastic and so are the evenings and even during the day, if you are in the shade or at a restaurant outside on a covered patio with misters, it's delightful.  I like to think that I am fairly upbeat guy more often than not, but the constant gray skies and sporadic sun of Washington had an effect on me and  the second I got back to Arizona, things just felt better.  Even friends of mine noticed, whether it was by phone or in person, they could tell I was happier and said so. 

My first week back my old running friend Gregg and I did our usual Wednesday night group run at Papago Park by the zoo and once again the Rams lined up and watched us all run by.  I also met up with another friend of mine, Dan and we did a group run around Tempe Town Lake that finished at the Gordon Biersch Brewery.  It was 107 degrees that night and for some reason we decided to run all out, like a race.  Not smart I guess, then Dan proceeded to destroy me. Ugh.  However afterwards the group meets in the brewery where all food and drink is 1/2 price for runners. Thanks for the invite to the group Dan, but at some point, I will out run you!

After a Tempe Town Lake Run with Dan P., certainly I wouldn't pass up a chance to promote CMU,
 I'm Fired Up in the back.

Over the weekend Gregg asked if I wanted to join him on a kayak trip down the Salt River.  I have never kayaked before but I was up for it.  So we got an early start, about 7:00 am to beat the heat, and headed out just northeast of Mesa and no more than probably 25 miles from Scottsdale to a part of the Salt River and dropped in for a 12 mile trek.  After about 15 minutes I had full control of kayak, it was much easier than I thought.  The river was much bigger than I imagined and the scenery was fantastic.  It was a beautiful day and we saw dozens of wild horses, eagles, hawks, turtles and lots of great mountain views and even navigated through some small rapids.  Definitely something that needs to be done again as it rivaled any of the rivers I've canoed in Michigan.

Gregg and I getting ready for a kayaking adventure.

Beautiful mesa views in every direction.

We saw well over a dozen wild horses.

I've been to a few of my favorite restaurants, met up with my Friday morning St. Pat's group, had another great night of watching sports at the All American in Fountain Hills with Doug and Kristin and have basically been able to seamlessly reconnect in every way and it's been far better than even I imagined.  Everything just feels right to me here.  I don't know how to explain it, but the last few years have been challenging for sure but ever since I arrived back in Arizona, I just feel happy, something that has certainly been missing in my life.  I did like Seattle, I met some great people, I'll certainy miss the Green Lake Running Group, and it is a scenically beautiful city, however, I guess I am just a desert rat after all.  Not sure how or why that happened, but Arizona definitely is for me and I hope, beyond hope, to never move again.  I am sure there will undoubtedbly be new challenges ahead, that's life, but I know for me, I will be much happier tackling them all with the sun shining every day.

For all my friends in the Midwest and elsewhere, feel free to visit any time, especially in those lousy winter months because the weather is always better here, thus so is life. I'll always have room for you.  Michigan will always be my home state, but going forward Arizona will forever be my home. The Cactus is now back in Cactus Chip and it feels great.  Fire Up!



No better place to be than in sunny AZ!

Let's Celebrate! ...and some Randomness

Happy Anniversary to me!

I ran a lot of miles over the last two years. I've earned a cupcake, or two.

On Wednesday, April 30 it marked exactly two years to the day that I started running.  I wrote about how it all came to be as the first new entry for my blog.  As I have recently started to reflect back to that day and all that has happened since, it has certainly far surpassed anything I envisioned at that moment.  That day I remember struggling mightily to do 3 miles and now I really don't even run if I can't get in at least 5.  I keep a running log of all the miles I run, the routes and such for every day.  As I added it up all for the last two years, here are the specs:

Total Miles Run:  3586
Marathons:                  4
1/2 Marathons:           3
10K:                           2
Tillman 4.2:               1
5K:                           11
43 miles at once:        1

Needless to say, it's been quite a ride.  Running that first day I was really doing nothing more than trying to fill my time and burn some energy and hopefully get me tired enough to sleep and break the insomnia I was having.  Well the insomnia didn't go away(it was stress related) instead the running just gave me more energy and so I kept going at it every day.  It has been good "therapy" if you will, for my divorce, but beyond that I have grown to really enjoy running and all the positive aspects it has provided me.  I am in great health and starting my day with a run gets me energized and feeling good every day.  So how did I celebrate my 2 year anniversary?  Well Wednesday I ran 5 miles, just a standard every day run.  But last Sunday I ran the Heroes Half Marathon(didn't run as fast as I hoped, but finished in 24th overall out of about 1000) and this Saturday I'm running the Snoqualmie Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon. So 2 half's in a week.  Seeing how I can run a full marathon, I figured this would be no problem.  One down, we'll see how the other one turns out.  Still Fired Up after 2 years and well over 3000 miles! Shooting for 2000 miles in 2014!


“People think I'm crazy to put myself through such torture, though I would argue otherwise. Somewhere along the line we seem to have confused comfort with happiness. Dostoevsky had it right: 'Suffering is the sole origin of consciousness.' Never are my senses more engaged than when the pain sets in. There is a magic in misery. Just ask any runner.”
― Dean Karnazes, ultra runner



Running for Fun?

Umm, enough chit-chat can we get started please!!!!

In trying to have more fun with my running, rather than just training, I joined a run group, The Seattle Green Lake Running Group.  They have group runs every day, although it's a bit of a drive from where I live, so I have only been joining them on Saturday mornings.  It's a great group of people, anywhere from 75-100+ show up on Saturdays and there are people at all paces/levels and doing various distances, so you can always find a few people to match up with.  It's a very well-run group and sometimes they take pictures and I thought this recent one captured the essence of me as a runner about perfectly.  I am on the far right in the orange shirt with my hands on my hips, obviously ready to start running.  I hate waiting around and lolly gagging, thus I am probably a bit too serious, which I know and why I joined the group, to try and have more fun and meet other runners and not just do it all on my own all the time.  I have met some great people and it has been beneficial to me, however, I am obviously still a work in progress...



National Champions Reunion

Pickle Juice.  It's good for........something I guess.

Earlier this year one of my best friends, John Eloff, flew out to Seattle for a visit.  I had intended to have a full blog about those adventures, but it never materialized.  But I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention his visit.

20 plus years ago when I went to CMU, John was one of the first people I met, as we lived next door to each other in the dorms.  Eventually we were roommates and we had about as much fun as anyone could have in college, while still going to class and graduating.  You may not see it from this picture, but he used to do a killer Prince impersonation, winning many contests and prizes and money too.  There was the time he brought his pet pit bull, Jocko, from home and she was running down the hallways frightening everyone.  He and I gave everyone nicknames, most of them not flattering.  We had a "Wall of Comments", things that were said that made us laugh or mostly laugh about(He still has all of those).  Winning a National Championship.   Having the Fetus as our roommate our Senior year(We gave him that nickname and he loved it).  And a million other stories that he'd be happy to relay, but not here in a quasi-public forum.

Beyond college there probably has not been a week that has gone by that we haven't talked to each other one way or another.  Probably not even more than a few days.  We really are a lot alike and he is as good a friend as anyone could ever have.  As I went through my divorce and all the painfulness that has, and continues, to go with it, it was John that called me relentlessly and was always there, even though he was 1000+ miles away and has his own wife and kids to take care of.  Basically, he's been there for me through all of the most important parts of my life since college and having him be my first extended guest in Seattle seemed appropriate.

We did all of things one should do when visiting Seattle for the first time as well as meeting up with a colleague of mine at local bar to watch football, John cooking up a killer slab of ribs, meeting up with my cousin Todd who happened to be in town and closing down some bar in Renton, reminiscing of all the fun and great times we've had, and eventually even doing shots of pickle juice at Pike's Market in downtown Seattle.  It was a great visit and I look forward to undoubtedly more fun adventures in the future.  Thanks for the visit and more importantly for always being such a great friend Johnny!


Marathon Outtakes

Who knew checking in would be so difficult?!?!?

I had an interesting time checking in at the Phoenix Marathon.  I had already registered, so that wasn't the issue, I was merely there to pick up my race bib(number) and shirt and such.  They have you check in the day before because the race starts at 6:30 on Saturday morning and you have to bus to the starting line.  So my brother Jeff and I went over to the Expo after the Cubs game and I proceeded to try and check in.  Since there were over 8K runners for all the races combined they had you first look up your bib number on a computer then the registration tables were categorized by number.  My number was #8900.

Well the Volunteer at the registration was just plain frazzled, I guess, even though there was no one in line besides me.  But she at first proceeded to give me #8909.  Simple mistake.  That she gave me #8990, then some random number like #7822 before finally getting it right.  All the while she kept saying, "I'm only a volunteer, I'm just a volunteer!".  It was an auspicious way to begin the race to say the least.

Here's an actual photo from that moment.  My hand on hip, obviously annoyed but I never was anything but polite.

Marathon Tricks of the Trade

A child's drink, but no I don't have kids.

When you are getting ready for a race, and it really doesn't matter the distance, whatever works to put in you the right frame of mind leading up to it, is really important.  Especially if you are running for time and not just for fun.  One of the tricks I had heard about for marathoners was to drink Pedialyte for two days before the marathon to help with hydration.  If you are not familiar with it, and I wasn't, its something you give little kids when they are sick to help them stay hydrated as it coats the stomach and throat.  So before each of my marathons I drank a 32oz bottle for two days prior.  Whether it helps or not, who really knows, but again if it makes you feel better, you think it's working, well the mental aspect is far more important than almost anything else at that point.

Speaking of the mental aspect, confidence is a big key.  Last year when I ran Phoenix, it was my first one and I had some confidence going into it, but it still didn't turn out like I had hoped. That knocked my confidence, no question.  Leading up to Phoenix this year, I was feeling a bit nervous.  I knew I had done the required training, but again, I did last year too.  But I was having some worry about a possible repeat performance.  About 3 weeks out of the marathon I was talking with one of my colleagues, Dr. J, who is an avid runner/marathon/iron man, he's done dozens of everything.  I am nowhere near his level, nor will I ever be.  If you know any true runners, often times they don't like running with others because we all run at our own pace and when you do, oftentimes it's hard to run with someone slower than you.  I am completely guilty of that, thus I'm still trying to have more fun with it.  But Dr. J and I had never run together, but he finally agreed one Sunday and we set out to do 10 miles and I set the pace.  When we got done he was surprised at how fast we ran, which was my normal daily pace, and he said he doesn't usually run that fast, so he saw no reason I couldn't run a 3:15 marathon(he does sub 3:00).  I knew he wasn't just blowing smoke and that gave me a great deal of confidence, because I know the type of runner he is.  So thank you Dr. J!  Your words did in fact give me a lift that day and even though I haven't run that 3:15 yet, I know I have it in me.



New Countries Update

Thank you Sweden, you are always welcome here!

More new countries have found their way to my blog.  Again, who knows why, but I greatly appreciate all of the visits and would like to welcome new readers from:

Poland, India and Sweden

This makes for readers in 27 countries outside the USA.  These new three were all really active at various points although for any readers in India, please know that there will never be any cricket updates.  I don't understand it and I don't want to.  Sweden, well continue to send me any exports at any time, I'm still single ladies.


TV, Movies, Cartoons

Take the time to check out The Oatmeal.

Even though I am not a comic book guy, far from it actually, I came across a site called The Oatmeal.   It is written by a runner that creates a lot of cartoons about running related things, but there are many other comics as well.  I found a lot of them pretty funny, especially the one about his undead parrot.  Check it out, you will laugh.

I also want to pass along some recommendations, not that anyone asked for them, but hey, this is my blog so here you go.  Even though these two shows are now over for the season, I highly recommend finding them online or Netflix or something and watch, The Following and True Detective.  Both are really good and intense, but thoughtfully done.  I am fairly picky but I found myself really looking forward to each of these shows every week. I am also currently enjoying Fargo, the tv show.  I thought the movie was just okay, but Billy Bob Thornton is fantastic in the tv show and I'm not his biggest fan by any stretch, but he's good.

I also highly recommend the movie Bad Words with Jason Bateman.  Chances are it's already left the theaters wherever you live, but again it's worth renting or streaming or downloading or whatever it is everyone does these days.  Me, I go to the actual theater when I want to see something.  But then again, I'm old school I guess.


A Happy Easter

The beauty that is Arizona!

I had the chance to be back in Scottsdale for Easter and had a fantastic trip for a number of reasons, but especially for the visit with my friends Doug and Kristin Hatfield.  Thank you for having me over the holiday and for an incredible Easter brunch at the Wrigley Mansion.  I also got to go to mass at St. Patrick's and to be a part of my former Friday Morning group; Bill, Doug, Matt, Mike, Robin and Sammy, one more time.  I had a great time, as I always seem to when I've been back, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate Easter.

As I got back to Washington and I went running on Tuesday morning, it was a mere 35 degrees and I wore a hat/gloves, multiple layers, it really made me miss living in Arizona even more.  Maybe someday I can be back and maybe someday soon.  If only there was a way to make that happen, to put the Cactus back in Cactus Chip.  Hmmmmm.......




Thank You to anyone and everyone that takes the time to read my blog.  I do enjoy writing it, even taking way too long sometimes to write the entries.  I'm not a writer, never claimed to be, but I always try to make the entries read like a story or flow easily so that whoever is reading it can find something interesting, no matter where they are around the world.

Stay Fired Up my friends, it's the only way to try and live!!!!

After the Heroes Half.  Be sure to thank a veteran or a soldier.  USA!

A Birthday Like No Other

Another running adventure ahead for stick man...

When you're a kid, your birthday is so exciting.  The anticipation, the hope for maybe that special toy, fun times with family and friends.  I even remember having a birthday party at McDonald's years ago, maybe 1978 or so.  It was the coolest thing ever, all of my friends were excited and my memory is that is was a great time.  I have pictures of that somewhere, but can't seem to locate them right now. As we get older, birthday's are not always as enjoyable. We start to feel old, a party either seems like too much hassle or not interesting.  After graduating from college I'd never been one to make any sort of big deal out of my birthday.  I may go out to dinner or something casual like that.  I guess I always thought that birthdays were for kids and not having any kids myself, it sort of lost its luster.  Not to mention that once you turn 40, I mean, really who wants to keep track anyways.  Last year in what I thought would be the first year in my life that I would spend my birthday alone, it ended up as one of my best as I ran a 1/2 marathon in the morning and spent that night with new friends.  So this year being in Seattle and truly being alone, I thought I should do something unique, memorable.

The idea sprouted on SuperBowl Sunday.  With the Seahawks being in the SuperBowl this town was on fire with excitement as every member of the State of Washington jumped firmly on the bandwagon.  Sure they wouldn't know Pete Carroll from Carroll O'Conner, but all of a sudden everyone was a fan.  Reminded me of scUM fans, if not worse.  At any rate, being in training mode for the Phoenix Marathon, that morning I was set to do my last long training run of 22 miles.  Usually the day before a long run, I don't run at all, but having missed a few days during the week due to traveling for work, I ran 9 miles on Saturday.  After I finished a hard 22 Sunday morning, by the way I was wearing Bronco Orange and Blue that day and got many dirty looks and I loved all of them, I realized that since I ran a little bit later Saturday morning, that I had just run 31 miles during the last 24 hours.  Intrigued, a thought was born that maybe if the Phoenix Marathon went well on March 1, that on my birthday, March 24, I should try to run 43 miles, a mile for each year of my life. But I truly put that thought aside for the moment and focused on the marathon.

After the Phoenix Marathon went as well as I had hoped, the thought of 43 miles came back into play.  I scheduled the day off of work and started to make plans.  I only told a handful of people about it because I didn't want to be talked out of it or continually told how crazy/insane/ridiculous it sounded.  I agree it's all of those things, I just didn't want to lose any focus.  So I planned to do it and kept up my regular running in anticipation of the big day.

My initial plan was that I would have to run all 43 miles, no walking, not even an inch.  I wouldn't do it as a race, but rather over the course of the day, utilizing all 24 hours to try to accomplish it. I  am very fortunate that my recovery from any run, including the marathon, is usually really good.  I rarely have any soreness and only light fatigue after an hour or two of rest.  Knowing that, I thought starting at Midnight on March 24, I would set out to do a long run, a run I know that I can do, and then go from there.

Running along Lake Sammamish with Mt. Rainier looming, always makes for great scenery.

12:01 a.m. March 24, Phase I
My birthday had officially arrived, although I wasn't born until about 6:30 a.m.  I've always been an early riser, so maybe that has something to do with it.  To prepare, I bought a running headlight and an enormous amount of protein bars and running fuel that I was sure I would need throughout the day.  The plan for Phase I was to do a 16 mile run from my home, along the Lake Sammamish Trail, because it's flat, and back home.  This would cut out most of the hills as I needed to save as much energy as I could.  The weather was decent, 40's, dry, so with my water bottle full and headlight on, I set out in the darkness of the night.  Running in the middle of the night is a little strange, it's so quiet where I live and on the trail, it's pitch black, there would be no chance at doing this without a headlight.  I was getting about halfway down the trail, mile 5-6, when I thought to myself, instead of turning around at mile 8 and heading back, why not just do my regular 20 mile loop and get more miles out of the way.  I was feeling great, doing 20 wouldn't be an issue, although the second half of the loop was quite hilly.  But I figured, it's early in the day, I can handle the hills.  So at Mile 8 instead of turning around I ran up Issaquah Highlands hill and ventured on to do 20 miles.  Having been running slower on purpose(maybe 9 minute miles vs. my usual 7 or so), I was feeling very good and the hills were much less draining at this pace.  No traffic, no signs of life, even as I ran through the neighborhood section.  It was getting colder, I could feel it, but I was doing fine.  About Mile 17 I really started to have some stomach issues, felt nauseous, but kept going.  Around Mile 19, I made the final turn and was heading home and I was really feeling terrible.  It's hard to know if it was just from running 20 miles, the cold, fatigue, but really I was feeling like I needed to purge and that's not good, but I kept going.  As I get to my place and was heading up the final hill, right at the end, I proceed to indeed purge everything that was within me.  It was awful. I threw up all over my shoes, my clothes, my key chain and the grass.  Ugly, ugly scene.  When I was done, I went inside, and got right in the shower, as I was freezing cold.  What made  me sick, I'm not sure, but I had taken some gummy supplements before the run, a type I had taken before, but a different flavor.  I definitely expunged that, if you will, but who knows. I think I may have been a bit hypothermic as the temperature had dropped, I was sweating beyond belief and I wasn't dressed super warm to start because I thought the temperature would hold.  At any rate, it was now 3:00 a.m. on the nose, I took a very long, hot shower, then went right to bed with at least 3 extra blankets, seriously.
Phase I Complete: 20 Miles.

Nothing was going to stand in my way,  at least I hoped.

10:30 a.m., March 24, Phase II
I had woken up about 6:30 a.m. and felt okay, not great, but I think I had rid myself of whatever was causing me problems.  However, I was then very cautious about what to eat knowing I would be running again soon.  I watched TV and laid around, relaxing, ate a protein bar and drank lots of water.  I honestly questioned going back out, but I figured I have to at least try and if I'm too sick or can't continue, I'll stop.  So with that, I loaded up my fuel belt and drove down to Lake Sammamish to run the trail again, up and down, all flat land with the hope of doing 13 miles.  I would run 6.5 down the trail then turn around and run back to my Jeep.  I planned it this way so that I couldn't cut it short at any point, once I went the 6.5 there would only be one way back.  I headed out and the first mile or two were a little stiff, not great, but not bad.  Around Mile 3 I started to feel pretty good.  The weather was perfect, 50's, sunny, the views along the lake are incredible, the trail is always perfectly groomed.  I proceed down to Mile 6.5, turned around and at Mile 7 I stopped to rest.  Again, there would be no walking, I planned to run every mile.  Stop and rest, sure, but no walking of the 43.  I ate another protein bar and started back out.  The next mile was brutal.  The sun was beating pretty good and I was sweating like mad.  After a mile or so I stopped to rest again.  I was starting to wonder how this might play out.  But after a few minutes of rest, I got back on the trail and headed back towards my Jeep.  At some point I just felt pretty good and kept going without stopping to rest again.  I was tired, for sure, but I just kept plugging away.  As I was getting closer, I was really feeling hungry.  At this point I had run 30+ miles and had only eaten a few protein bars.  After the episode that morning, I didn't feel like eating anything, but all of a sudden my appetite kicked in and thoughts of a good lunch certainly fueled me to finish.  I got back to my Jeep about 12:30.  I was feeling decent, definitely sweaty and drained, but I drove the few miles back home.  I took another shower, then proceed to eat 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, 2 oranges and 2 pieces of cheese along with a protein drink(similar to chocolate milk).  It all tasted fantastic!  I then tried to take a nap with plans to head back out around 4 p.m. or so.
Phase II Complete: 13 Miles, 33 Total.

Although there have been no sightings of Nessie in Lake Sammamish, at times it felt like I was trying to slay a dragon.

5:15 p.m., March 24, Phase III
Around 4:30 p.m. I woke up. I didn't realize I was asleep.  I had been watching tv, resting and must have dozed off.  I have to say I was really groggy at this point and thought the last 10 was going to be tough.  But I shook it off and got ready to go.  For the last part I planned to go to the local high school track, about 1/2 mile away and run the final 10 miles, 40 laps, in a controlled area. I  would have a bunch of stuff with me in the infield of the track and thus anytime I needed to take a break I would have water, food, more clothing, whatever, right there with me. Plus the track is flat and would be easier to run. I drove down to Eastlake High School and they were having a soccer match, so I couldn't run there.  So I went literally 1/4 mile down the road to Skyline High School(There really are 2 high schools virtually next to each other, different districts though.  Don't ask.)  Well  Skyline was having a soccer match too.  Did I mention that I hate soccer?  This wasn't helping.  So for Plan C, I drove a mile down the road to Pine Lake Middle School where they had just redone their whole track/football field and thankfully there was no soccer going on.  I jumped on the track, laid out my stuff, and proceed to start doing laps.  My plan was to do as many laps as I could before taking a break, figuring once I get really tired and hit the wall, every lap would be brutal, so try to do as much as I could right away.  The first few laps weren't too bad and eventually I was at lap 12, 3 miles, and kept going.  Then lap 16, mile 4, and then lap 20, mile 5.  I really wanted to do 6 miles at least, but after 5, I stopped and took a break.  20 laps down, 20 to go.  38 Miles total.  I rested for maybe 10 minutes, then got up and started back out.  Again the first few laps weren't too bad, but then fatigue was really starting to set in.  I did 8 laps, 2 miles, and took another break.  I had now done 40 Miles. Only 3 to go, but I knew it wasn't going to be easy.  After a few minutes rest, I got back out there and thank goodness for my iPod because it had been a godsend during this adventure and certainly helps when you are going round and round a track.  I had 12 laps left and burned off the first mile then proceeded to keep going.  After lap 6, 1.5 miles, I took another break.  I was really starting to fade.  41.5 Miles down.  But I knew I could make it, even if it took me all night.  After a few more minutes of rest, I started out for the last 6 laps.  I cruised the first two laps and was now within one mile of my goal.  I felt okay, better than I had anticipated, but far from finished.  The last mile, 4 laps, only person on the track, nobody around, no fanfare, no witnesses, no celebration, but also very fitting.  As a runner, you end up doing most of your running and/or training by yourself.  You have to motivate yourself, make yourself go out in bad weather, push yourself, dig deep, so I guess it only made sense that I would finish this journey all alone.  After running 3 laps with only one to go, I knew I was going to make it.  It felt good.  My mind wasn't too shot.  My body was stressed for sure, my legs tired, but overall nothing severe.  As I hit the last straightaway with the end in sight, I raised my hands, holding up 4 fingers in one hand and 3 in the other.  43 Miles.  I did it.
Phase III Complete 7:00 p.m.: 10 Miles, 43 MILES TOTAL!!!!!!!

43 Miles is a lot of weight for sure!

I gathered up all my stuff.  I hadn't ended up using most of it, as I had another pair of shoes, more clothes, food.  All I did was drink the water I brought and used the towel to wipe down the sweat.  I wish I could say I was ecstatic when I was done, that something magical happened, but really I just got my stuff, got in my Jeep and headed home.  I felt really good about doing it, making it, but maybe I was just to tired to think beyond that right now.  I got back home and took another shower.  You would think by now I would be starving as I had run 43 miles, burned probably 10K calories or more, had eaten very little throughout the day, yet my stomach was still somewhat unsettled.  But knowing I needed some food in me, I went to the local pizza place a few blocks away, MOD, and got a pizza.  I ate a few slices, but really it didn't taste good at all, which isn't their fault.  Often times when I run long distances my appetite takes awhile to come back and it hadn't yet.  I took the rest home, tried to stay up  to watch the Following, but fell asleep(although I taped it, didn't want to miss it, great show).

In the end, it was definitely a unique way to spend a birthday. First and foremost I am very happy and blessed to even have the health to engage is such activity.  I guess I know I may not always be able to do something like this so I figured I should take advantage of the chance to push myself to limits I never thought possible.  I am glad I did it for sure, glad that I was able to achieve it and that I learned to continue to push myself even when it seemed impossible only hours before when I was puking all over the grass.  What does it prove?  Nothing, really.  It was just something I thought would be unique and in a weird way, fun, to do.  Maybe it also proves that I need more hobbies, hard to argue with that.  Or maybe it proves that I need to move back to Arizona or Michigan where I have more family and friends.  Hard to argue with that too.  But maybe, just maybe, it proves that no matter what any of us are going through in our lives that we all have something deep inside that can push us, can get us through things, even if we have our own doubts.  But then again, maybe it just proves that a birthday party at McDonald's is always a more fun way and easier way to celebrate. Maybe next year Ronald. 

Forever Fired Up and now 43 years old!

Looking a little haggard, but 43 miles will do that to a person.  Well at least to me, but still Fired Up!

***Special thanks to my stick figure artist for their great work once again!