I had another 20/20 week. That makes three in a row. Bow Howdy. I should be able to kick some hinder parts. It went down like this.
Monday I started with a 4,600 meter straight swim in the early morning. That was followed by bench pressing in the afternoon, and a 3.25 mile shuffle after that.
Tuesday I hit the water for 5,000 meters. I also did my gym work and my road work. I pulled at Plate City and ran the Wade Loop for 6.16 miles.
Wednesday I was feeling the load a bit and only swam 3,600. I shuffled 2.51 miles, and at the gym I only did a couple of sets of light squats.
Thursday I busted out 5,100 meters in a straight swim. That was my longest since Chicot. It was bench day again out back, and I hit a good one experimenting with bands for the first time. I only did 2.52 on the road.
Friday I was slowing down in the water. I did a mere 2,000 meters before going out for a 12.03 mile run. That was the first real long run I had done in several weeks. I still have not run as long as my longest swim of the year. At the gym, I did pulls again but changed exercises.
Saturday I had plans, but you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men. I swam 1,700. Then I had to work in/on the yard/fence for several hours. I managed only a little lifting during that time: legs and shoulders.
For the week, I
swam 22,000 meters,
ran 26.46 miles, and
lifted weights six times.
That is good training volume and I have been doing it for a while now. My weight is beginning again to creep downward. Thank you, Jesus.
Monday, September 30, 2019
A Challenge for the Challenger?
A Challenge for the Challenger?
By Jay Unver
(Lehrton, Mississippi) The Chicot Challenger and Big ASS Endurance kingpin, Zane Hodge, may have finally found some competition. Unknown Tristan Stacey has stepped forth and offered to take on the swimming sensation is a match race set for December 16th, 2019, at 7:00 a.m.
"How did this come about?" I asked Hodge over a cup of coffee at Plate City Gym, Hodges's private training facility, last Friday. We chatted as he rested between sets of upper body weight work that he told me was designed to make him stronger in the water.
"He's a student at the MDCC Greenwood Center where I teach. He just walked up to me-- I was on the sidewalk stretching my calves-- and he threw down the challenge, said he could beat me at swimming, said he could beat me at anything."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that. Really. He didn't preface it with anything."
"What does he know about your swimming?"
"I don't know what he knows or how he knows it."
"Why a December date?" I was curious to learn.
 |
| Hodge and Stacey square off at the MDCC Greenwood Center. |
"He said he needed three months to get in shape."
"So you accepted?"
"Of course. That's what I do; I take on all comers."
"Has your training changed any since you have a set race coming up?"
"No."
"Will it?"
"Maybe. I work pretty hard anyway. There is not likely to be the need to change my training programming. I may do a little more speed work as the date draws near."
"What do you know about Stacey's athletic background?" I asked.
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. If he can even swim, I don't know. I presume he can or he wouldn't have made the challenge."
"Are you nervous?"
"No. I'm sixty-three years old. I can't be hurt. If he beats me, he beats an old man. If I beat him, well, how could he ever live it down?" Hodge quipped with a cheesy grin.
"You're getting off on this aren't you?"
"Heck yeah. Without a Randy Beets, I was needing somebody. Maybe God sent him, Stacey. I don't know. I'm just glad someone is stepping up to the plate. I've been at the plate all alone for a long time."
"Good luck," I told him. "I'll check in with you from time to time until the race goes down."
"Thank you. I have to get back to work now. Stop by anytime."
I walked off and glanced back in time to see Hodge doing a set of pull ups. He dropped off the bar and went straight into a set of Swim Pulls. No wonder the old man keeps winning, I thought. No wonder.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Day Off?
Saturday is supposed to be a day off. Allegedly. Not this time.
I did swim somewhat early. I met John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. I wasn't wanting much. I already had logged 20,300 meters for the week. Huge jumps in training distance are a no no. I was aiming for around 2,000 meters. I did 1,700.
Plenty.
Next, I went home, drank some coffee, and wrote a blog post. Then I went to the wood yard. I had to buy blocks, concrete blocks. I am so tired of this dog digging out that I am ashamed of what I am thinking. I spent a few hours making two trips to the wood yard, hauling in two loads of blocks, throwing them over the fence, carrying them around the yard, and laying them along the fence. I think that is what I am doing for the next year and a half. Remember, this is how my arm fell off in 2016. If that happens again, I will murder something.
I had hoped to lift some while I worked. I did a bit, but I worked so much that I only did a fraction of what I had planned. I did some rotator cuff work, light, easy shoulder work, and some squats. Then I went inside and watched college football. Thank you, Jesus, and help me end this term in Hades.
I did swim somewhat early. I met John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. I wasn't wanting much. I already had logged 20,300 meters for the week. Huge jumps in training distance are a no no. I was aiming for around 2,000 meters. I did 1,700.
Plenty.
Next, I went home, drank some coffee, and wrote a blog post. Then I went to the wood yard. I had to buy blocks, concrete blocks. I am so tired of this dog digging out that I am ashamed of what I am thinking. I spent a few hours making two trips to the wood yard, hauling in two loads of blocks, throwing them over the fence, carrying them around the yard, and laying them along the fence. I think that is what I am doing for the next year and a half. Remember, this is how my arm fell off in 2016. If that happens again, I will murder something.
I had hoped to lift some while I worked. I did a bit, but I worked so much that I only did a fraction of what I had planned. I did some rotator cuff work, light, easy shoulder work, and some squats. Then I went inside and watched college football. Thank you, Jesus, and help me end this term in Hades.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Frimas
John and I were swimming by 6:30 a.m. That's early for a Friday. I was feeling the effects of a full week of training so I only swam
1,100
350 for time 6:29
350 easy
200 small paddles
total: 2,000 long course meters
I hit the road at 9:00 a.m. and it was cool, 75 degrees. Within thirty minutes it was 80, then 85, and before I finished 91. I shuffled a slow 12.03 miles my first real long run in several weeks. Now I hope to start back building up the long run to where it needs to be.
By the time Plate City time arrived, my energy had evaporated like the morning cool. I did go out and workout. I guess an easy one is better than skipping. I did T-bar rowing, some tubing work, pullups, chinups, and the Swim Pull.
Three workouts is not a bad day. Thank you, Jesus, for time, motive, and opportunity.
1,100
350 for time 6:29
350 easy
200 small paddles
total: 2,000 long course meters
I hit the road at 9:00 a.m. and it was cool, 75 degrees. Within thirty minutes it was 80, then 85, and before I finished 91. I shuffled a slow 12.03 miles my first real long run in several weeks. Now I hope to start back building up the long run to where it needs to be.
By the time Plate City time arrived, my energy had evaporated like the morning cool. I did go out and workout. I guess an easy one is better than skipping. I did T-bar rowing, some tubing work, pullups, chinups, and the Swim Pull.
Three workouts is not a bad day. Thank you, Jesus, for time, motive, and opportunity.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Record Harvest
Record Harvest
by Jay Unver
(Lehrton, Mississippi) The local farmers may or may not be bringing in a record harvest, but one Big ASS athlete certainly is. The Big ASS record book is filling up with a familiar name: Zane Hodge. Hodge came to fame back in 2010 when he set numerous records on the bicycle and in running road races. Recently the aged all-round endurance phenom has been on another tare setting world record after world record in the water, on the road, and in the gym, while his rival, Randy Beets has been missing in action.
In the new Association of Sports Strongmen, Hodge has set several bench press records recently. He set world marks in the double, triple, and single with
2 X 165 (9/9/2019)
3 X 155 (9/9/2019)
1 X 170 (9/17/2019)
"With this new Association, the records are just waiting to be set. What is Beets waiting on? I don't understand," complained Hodge about Beets' lack of athletic response.
In the water, Hodge has been just as active churning out records that Beets has not dared to challenge. Over the past couple of weeks, Hodge has swum for the record books:
4,100 1:36:30
3,100 1:07:46
4,600 1:40:49
5,000 1:53:09
5,100 1:53:50
350 6:29.61
"I guess Beets will never challenge me again," a subdued Hodge said between sips of coffee. We were sitting at Waffle House where I interviewed the champion. "It's kind of sad really."
Thursmas
Our heat wave continues as does my assault on the water. Thursday morning I was stroking in the Twin Rivers pool by 4:58 a.m. I went for 5,100 straight in 1:53:50 at a 2:13 pace. Then it was off to work.
Thursday is a pretty short day for me. I am off by 12:05. I had some errands to run: go to the bank and go to the wood yard to get more supplies. Bear is up to his old tricks again. I did work out while I worked on the fence. It was light bench day. I did
15 X 95
11 X 100
5 X 100
6 X 100 plus bands (This was my initial playing around with the bands I purchased last Friday at Academy Sports. I liked the feel. There is a definite toughening at the top instead of a lessening. Band will be in the program from now on out.)
8 X 100 plus bands
11 X +20 incline on the swiss bar (I forgot how much it weighs)
10 X +30 incline on the swiss bar
Over head dumbbell press 9 X 25
Triceps push down 27 X 30
I went out for a shuffle after 5:00. It was 93 degrees, but the humidity was a bit lower and there was a breeze making it feel OK. I ran 2.52 miles to cap off a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday is a pretty short day for me. I am off by 12:05. I had some errands to run: go to the bank and go to the wood yard to get more supplies. Bear is up to his old tricks again. I did work out while I worked on the fence. It was light bench day. I did
15 X 95
11 X 100
5 X 100
6 X 100 plus bands (This was my initial playing around with the bands I purchased last Friday at Academy Sports. I liked the feel. There is a definite toughening at the top instead of a lessening. Band will be in the program from now on out.)
8 X 100 plus bands
11 X +20 incline on the swiss bar (I forgot how much it weighs)
10 X +30 incline on the swiss bar
Over head dumbbell press 9 X 25
Triceps push down 27 X 30
I went out for a shuffle after 5:00. It was 93 degrees, but the humidity was a bit lower and there was a breeze making it feel OK. I ran 2.52 miles to cap off a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
214 - 216
214
beauty walks the field,
she stands with no fear,
while death stares from the dark woods
215
bare limbs wave at sky
pack peers through the trees, waiting patiently,
the flock rests in peace
216
border collie works,
the sheep form a puddle,
shepherd smiles
beauty walks the field,
she stands with no fear,
while death stares from the dark woods
215
bare limbs wave at sky
pack peers through the trees, waiting patiently,
the flock rests in peace
216
border collie works,
the sheep form a puddle,
shepherd smiles
Wednesmas
It was one of those days when I really did not feel like swimming. Not that I did not want to swim at all, but I didn't have that push, that drive, that fire within. It happens. It usually happens after I get up early several mornings in a row. It always happens after I take a significant run the day before. Tuesday I ran 6.16 miles which left me a little tired for Wednesday morning's swim. I did
1,500 34:00 (2:15)
600 small paddles
6 X 100 medium paddles
400
3 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 3,600 long course meters
On the surface that might look like I did some sets. What I really did was stall. I suppose one reason I have mostly been doing straight swims is I know that once I stop, I get lazy and began to waste time on the wall. I do need some serious sets, some speed, some lactic acid accumulation, to make those muscles burn, contract hard and fast. Maybe tomorrow.
It was 94 degrees when I took my run Wednesday afternoon. Amazing. I am thanking God for the heat because the cool weather is going to be really nice. I shuffled 2.51 miles in a horrendously slow 14:19 per mile pace. Wow.
Wednesday is leg day at Plate City. I wanted to take a nap instead. I did force myself outside to do two easy sets of squats. I suppose something is better than nothing. I hope it is because I barely did something.
All in all it was a good day. I did not mention that I had to make a trip to Moorhead to meet with my boss. Nothing like being called in to see the boss to make one nice and relaxed. "What could I have done?" I kept thinking. I wasn't in trouble, she just wanted to tell me in person about some big changes coming my way next semester. I am OK with the changes, but I do worry about the impact they might have on the Chicot Challenge. One way or the other, it will all work out. It always has, and God has shown me that Chicot is not mine but His. Thank you, Jesus.
1,500 34:00 (2:15)
600 small paddles
6 X 100 medium paddles
400
3 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 3,600 long course meters
On the surface that might look like I did some sets. What I really did was stall. I suppose one reason I have mostly been doing straight swims is I know that once I stop, I get lazy and began to waste time on the wall. I do need some serious sets, some speed, some lactic acid accumulation, to make those muscles burn, contract hard and fast. Maybe tomorrow.
It was 94 degrees when I took my run Wednesday afternoon. Amazing. I am thanking God for the heat because the cool weather is going to be really nice. I shuffled 2.51 miles in a horrendously slow 14:19 per mile pace. Wow.
Wednesday is leg day at Plate City. I wanted to take a nap instead. I did force myself outside to do two easy sets of squats. I suppose something is better than nothing. I hope it is because I barely did something.
All in all it was a good day. I did not mention that I had to make a trip to Moorhead to meet with my boss. Nothing like being called in to see the boss to make one nice and relaxed. "What could I have done?" I kept thinking. I wasn't in trouble, she just wanted to tell me in person about some big changes coming my way next semester. I am OK with the changes, but I do worry about the impact they might have on the Chicot Challenge. One way or the other, it will all work out. It always has, and God has shown me that Chicot is not mine but His. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Tuesmas
It's beginning to feel a lot like Fallmas/All over town.
Not really. But it has a little bit.
It felt like Fallmas in the pool Tuesday morning. The water temp had dropped a few degrees despite our heat, lack of rain, and lack of clouds. Fallmas is coming. I not only felt a touch of Fallmas in the water, but I felt like swimming. I started and just kept going until I busted out 5,000 meters in 1:53:09 @ 2:11. Not bad. At least I got some distance in.
It's beginning to look a lot like Fallmas at Plate City. Part of that is the fact that the lawn is dying due to our drought. But the big pecan tree next door is dropping its leaves giving that look and that feel that makes me want potato pie and some turkey and some time off work. That won't happen for more than a month. But it's coming. I did a pull workout: one-armed rows, pullups, and the Swim Pull.
It's beginning to feel a lot like Fallmas/out on the road. Well, a bit. It was cooler when I took my run, about 87 degrees with high humidity. Then when I got out on Wade Road, we had a cloud over. We have had precious few of those lately. I enjoyed my 6.17 miles although they were slow despite the fact that I threw in a few surges. One day maybe my speed will come back.
I am happy to be out there at any speed. I am happy that Fallmas is coming. I am happy. Thank you, Jesus.
Not really. But it has a little bit.
It felt like Fallmas in the pool Tuesday morning. The water temp had dropped a few degrees despite our heat, lack of rain, and lack of clouds. Fallmas is coming. I not only felt a touch of Fallmas in the water, but I felt like swimming. I started and just kept going until I busted out 5,000 meters in 1:53:09 @ 2:11. Not bad. At least I got some distance in.
It's beginning to look a lot like Fallmas at Plate City. Part of that is the fact that the lawn is dying due to our drought. But the big pecan tree next door is dropping its leaves giving that look and that feel that makes me want potato pie and some turkey and some time off work. That won't happen for more than a month. But it's coming. I did a pull workout: one-armed rows, pullups, and the Swim Pull.
It's beginning to feel a lot like Fallmas/out on the road. Well, a bit. It was cooler when I took my run, about 87 degrees with high humidity. Then when I got out on Wade Road, we had a cloud over. We have had precious few of those lately. I enjoyed my 6.17 miles although they were slow despite the fact that I threw in a few surges. One day maybe my speed will come back.
I am happy to be out there at any speed. I am happy that Fallmas is coming. I am happy. Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
300th Post
This is my 300th blog post. Not really. It's my 1,400 and somethingth overall. But this is number 300 for the year. And there are almost a hundred days left in 2019. I thought that was worth writing about. Last year I posted 156 times. But I was injured much of that year and unable to run or swim. Also I was despondent a bit, moody, sullen, feeling like I had little to share anything anyone would be interested in. But now that I am doing both swimming and running and doing a lot of them gives me something to write about every day. Not only that, but I am in my Comp I class this very minute. We are writing. I not only have them to write, but I write with them. Because I like it (fragment intended).
I enjoy writing now more than ever. I can remember as an undergraduate at DSU being a licked salt shaker. Even when I knew exactly what I wanted to say, the words trickled out slowly. It took much shaking, a bit of pain even, and lots of time. The words came out frustratingly slow and the sentences formed like ice on a not very cold night. Now, they flow like air from a strong fan. Well maybe not that easily.
One odd thing I have notice with my increased productivity, though, is that my views are down, way down. I guess I post so often that people are tired of clicking, are bored with my topics, or maybe they think "I'll look later." Not to worry about people not reading my post as much as they used to. I write primarily for myself, and if anybody else gets anything from it, great. Maybe I am too open. I recently got out swum by someone who has never beaten me in the water before. I thought, he has been reading my blog and has learned how to train. That's OK. Athletics, endurance athletics at our level, is about health and fun and camaraderie. If I can help someone else, that's a good thing.
Amazingly, a couple of my genres have seen little use lately. I have, for instance, not posted a poem in I don't know how long. And my fiction is down also. But somehow I keep cranking out posts at the rate of one a day and sometimes as many as three per day.
Concerning poetry, I know mine are not good, are not quality. But like my children, they are mine and Ilike love them. I need to resume some poetry writing. In fact, I have many that I wrote in the past that I never posted. Many. I need to add some of those, soon, perhaps today. Maybe if a put them all up, I will be inspired to write more. We'll see. Thank you, Jesus.
I enjoy writing now more than ever. I can remember as an undergraduate at DSU being a licked salt shaker. Even when I knew exactly what I wanted to say, the words trickled out slowly. It took much shaking, a bit of pain even, and lots of time. The words came out frustratingly slow and the sentences formed like ice on a not very cold night. Now, they flow like air from a strong fan. Well maybe not that easily.
One odd thing I have notice with my increased productivity, though, is that my views are down, way down. I guess I post so often that people are tired of clicking, are bored with my topics, or maybe they think "I'll look later." Not to worry about people not reading my post as much as they used to. I write primarily for myself, and if anybody else gets anything from it, great. Maybe I am too open. I recently got out swum by someone who has never beaten me in the water before. I thought, he has been reading my blog and has learned how to train. That's OK. Athletics, endurance athletics at our level, is about health and fun and camaraderie. If I can help someone else, that's a good thing.
Amazingly, a couple of my genres have seen little use lately. I have, for instance, not posted a poem in I don't know how long. And my fiction is down also. But somehow I keep cranking out posts at the rate of one a day and sometimes as many as three per day.
Concerning poetry, I know mine are not good, are not quality. But like my children, they are mine and I
Subtle Changes
Although the weather has cooled some, our temperatures are still running above normal. That's the way the weather man says it. I say they are running above average. Anyway, when I waded into the pool Monday morning, I noticed something that sort of surprised me. The water was at least three degrees cooler.
I have been through this cooling down before but not in a September like this one. Even though we have had no rain, no clouds to speak of, no cool nights (they have been in the low 70s), the water is starting its downward creep. Only one explanation is possible for this: the longer nights.
Sunset is coming now about one minute and twenty three seconds sooner per day. The sun is coming up a little later each day. Even though our nightly lows have remained high, the temperatures are there for much longer each night, thus the cooling.
For my swimming it felt good, the cooler water. I swam 4,600 straight at a little bit of a faster pace than I have been swimming of late. That's good.
In the afternoon, I shuffled 3.25 miles. My legs were still sore from the Oaks Saturday. That always amazes me that I can put in lots of miles, cycle, and lift weights, but when I do a hard race, I get sore. That's good.
At Plate City I instituted my new program for my next cycle. I benched
11 X 95
8 X 100
8 X 100
8 X 100
8 X 100
I also did some bumbbell presses, triceps pushdowns, and a bunch of rotator cuff work as usual. That was good. Thank you, Jesus, for a productive day.
I have been through this cooling down before but not in a September like this one. Even though we have had no rain, no clouds to speak of, no cool nights (they have been in the low 70s), the water is starting its downward creep. Only one explanation is possible for this: the longer nights.
Sunset is coming now about one minute and twenty three seconds sooner per day. The sun is coming up a little later each day. Even though our nightly lows have remained high, the temperatures are there for much longer each night, thus the cooling.
For my swimming it felt good, the cooler water. I swam 4,600 straight at a little bit of a faster pace than I have been swimming of late. That's good.
In the afternoon, I shuffled 3.25 miles. My legs were still sore from the Oaks Saturday. That always amazes me that I can put in lots of miles, cycle, and lift weights, but when I do a hard race, I get sore. That's good.
At Plate City I instituted my new program for my next cycle. I benched
11 X 95
8 X 100
8 X 100
8 X 100
8 X 100
I also did some bumbbell presses, triceps pushdowns, and a bunch of rotator cuff work as usual. That was good. Thank you, Jesus, for a productive day.
Monday, September 23, 2019
New Program
Sometime back, I announced that I was shifting my benching program to conjugate method. I never implemented that although it is still in the hopper for future use. After doing some study of several methods of lifting, I realized that I had been doing a form of linear progression that I pretty much worked out on my own.
Recently Brian Alsruh uploaded a video on his channel "NeverSate" where he outlined a free program. After looking at it, I thought it had some potential for how I lift. It is a linear program but the loading pattern is more systematic than the way I do it. To make a short story long, I am going to implement it for the next twelve weeks. In fact, I started Monday, September 23rd.
My program has ceased to work for me. At least it has ceased to move my bench press up beyond the PR I set about a year ago. If this program doesn't get me at least five more pounds, I will try another one. From what I can gather, all programs work. For a while. Then you have to change things. Although this one is similar to what I have been doing, it is different enough that I think it will boost me a bit. We will see. Below is the outline
Weeks 1 - 4, 4 sets of 8
Weeks 5 - 8, 5 sets of 5
Weeks 9 - 12, 10 sets of 3
The loading pattern that he used to illustrate it is below. It happens to max at my current one rep max but for sets of three. Cha ching! It goes like this:
Weeks 1 - 4
1 - 100 2 - 105 3 - 110 4 - 115
Weeks 5 - 8
5 - 130 6 - 135 7 - 140 8 - 145
Weeks 9 - 12
9 - 160 10 - 165 11 - 170 12 - 175
Even if I don't get 175 for triples, if I can double at 175, that will be a real increase. I am going to follow this for the next twelve weeks. If it works, I will use it until it fails to work anymore and then I will shift to another program. There are several proven programs out there that can be accessed through books or YouTube, etc. I have been in a rut for far too long. Thank you, Jesus, for the new system to work my swimming muscles.
Recently Brian Alsruh uploaded a video on his channel "NeverSate" where he outlined a free program. After looking at it, I thought it had some potential for how I lift. It is a linear program but the loading pattern is more systematic than the way I do it. To make a short story long, I am going to implement it for the next twelve weeks. In fact, I started Monday, September 23rd.
My program has ceased to work for me. At least it has ceased to move my bench press up beyond the PR I set about a year ago. If this program doesn't get me at least five more pounds, I will try another one. From what I can gather, all programs work. For a while. Then you have to change things. Although this one is similar to what I have been doing, it is different enough that I think it will boost me a bit. We will see. Below is the outline
Weeks 1 - 4, 4 sets of 8
Weeks 5 - 8, 5 sets of 5
Weeks 9 - 12, 10 sets of 3
The loading pattern that he used to illustrate it is below. It happens to max at my current one rep max but for sets of three. Cha ching! It goes like this:
Weeks 1 - 4
1 - 100 2 - 105 3 - 110 4 - 115
Weeks 5 - 8
5 - 130 6 - 135 7 - 140 8 - 145
Weeks 9 - 12
9 - 160 10 - 165 11 - 170 12 - 175
Even if I don't get 175 for triples, if I can double at 175, that will be a real increase. I am going to follow this for the next twelve weeks. If it works, I will use it until it fails to work anymore and then I will shift to another program. There are several proven programs out there that can be accessed through books or YouTube, etc. I have been in a rut for far too long. Thank you, Jesus, for the new system to work my swimming muscles.
9/16 - 9/22
The string of twenty-mile training weeks are starting to add up. They need to. I was off for over two years. Now I have run twenty or more miles per week for thirteen straight weeks. I need and hope to keep the streak going. Also, I did my second consecutive 20/20 week, that is twenty plus miles of shuffling and 20,000 meters or more of swimming.
Monday began with 4,500 meters of swimming before work. It continued with 8.12 miles of shuffling in our continued heat wave. Tuesday I did a double dip with 4,100 meters in the morning and an additional 1,200 yards at night after coaching the boys. I got in some bench pressing in the afternoon, and 3.04 miles of shuffling.
Wednesday I swam 3,100 in the morning and 3,000 yards that night with Brad. In the afternoon, I ran another 3.04 miles, matching Tuesday's effort. Thursday I swam another 3,100 meters and lifted some weights. I did not run again until Saturday, trying to get fresh for the Oaks.
Friday, I was forced out of the pool early because I had a conference in Raymond, Mississippi. I swam 1,600 and that was all the working out I did that day. Saturday was the Oaks. I did the 10K but did not place. That was OK. I did it, had fun, did some jogging afterwards, and shuffled the fun run. In all, I did 8.02 miles for the day.
For the week, I
swam 20, 238 meters,
lifted weights two times, and
ran 22.22 miles.
I am getting there, coming back, getting in better shape. I had fun at the Oaks. Up next? MDCC's 5K should be the week after next. Maybe I can do them both. I hope. Thank you, Jesus, for a good, solid week.
Monday began with 4,500 meters of swimming before work. It continued with 8.12 miles of shuffling in our continued heat wave. Tuesday I did a double dip with 4,100 meters in the morning and an additional 1,200 yards at night after coaching the boys. I got in some bench pressing in the afternoon, and 3.04 miles of shuffling.
Wednesday I swam 3,100 in the morning and 3,000 yards that night with Brad. In the afternoon, I ran another 3.04 miles, matching Tuesday's effort. Thursday I swam another 3,100 meters and lifted some weights. I did not run again until Saturday, trying to get fresh for the Oaks.
Friday, I was forced out of the pool early because I had a conference in Raymond, Mississippi. I swam 1,600 and that was all the working out I did that day. Saturday was the Oaks. I did the 10K but did not place. That was OK. I did it, had fun, did some jogging afterwards, and shuffled the fun run. In all, I did 8.02 miles for the day.
For the week, I
swam 20, 238 meters,
lifted weights two times, and
ran 22.22 miles.
I am getting there, coming back, getting in better shape. I had fun at the Oaks. Up next? MDCC's 5K should be the week after next. Maybe I can do them both. I hope. Thank you, Jesus, for a good, solid week.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
The 300 Oaks
My mind was filled with questions and doubts as I began my walk to the boat ramp where the Oaks was to start and finish this year. It was Saturday morning, September 21st. The weather was cooler and with the sleeveless T-shirt I wore, I was a little chilly. That was a good thing.
At the boat ramp, I saw Anita Horn, Katie Jones, and then my son, Forrest. I saw a few other people too like Timmy Farrish from Louisville who is at every race I do. I walked a little over a mile to get there and warm up after I was there.
When the horn sounded, I was determined not to go out too hard. Occasionally I would glance at my Garmin, and I saw the pace slowly ease downward from a 12:something to an 11:something to a 10:and change. Eventually I went through the first mile at an average pace of 9:51 per mile. Forrest was out in front of me, but in sight maybe 100 meters ahead.
Around mile two, I caught Forrest and eased in front of him. He tried to respond. I pressed the pace just a bit. The second mile average was 9:40. I was feeling pretty good but breathing hard, very hard.
Forrest and I fought fiercely during mile three. We were south on the Boulevard. He passed me and then a little latter he stopped to walk. I passed and listened for him. I heard him start back. I could hear him clear his throat from time to time. I heard him draw near. I pressed every time he did. Eventually, I heard his voice back about twenty or thirty meters. Now I had the advantage of fear. Fear is a big kick in the butt, let me tell you. My third mile spit was 9:31, still easing downward.
Mile four was where I began to feel it. We crossed the bridge into downtown and hit the linear park off Main Street and headed west. When we turned onto to park, I looked back and caught a glimpse of Forrest about 100 meters behind. I then knew I could win if I kept pushing. My fourth mile split was a disappointing 10:14. I was slowing down. Was Forrest gaining on me?
People started passing me on mile five. I tried to hold them off and imagined Forrest creeping up on me. That split was 10:49, but when we made another turn I got a chance to look back. Forrest had slowed more than me and was at least 150 meters behind.
Mile six was mostly on River Road. At that time of day, it has some shade. I tried to hold up. In fact, when I got down around the courthouse, I picked up the pace. My footfalls and breathing matched, and for just a little bit, I felt like a real runner, like I was young again. It did not last, of course. Mile six's split was 10:37, a slight rebound.
When I turned onto the bridge and headed north back towards the finish line, I knew I had beaten Forrest and Randy Beets. I tried to simply hold up, not slow down drastically. The final leg, .15. was at a 9:13 pace. Hey, I picked it up. I went across the line in 1:02:09. I never thought I would be proud of doing a 10K in over an hour, but I was happy.
My average pace was 10:06 per mile. That is what I was hoping for but was unsure of because my training paces have been so slow. I knew a taper and an event always makes a big difference, but things are not like they used to be. When I wore a young man's T-shirt, there would be about a minute per mile between my training pace and my race pace. Now there is about three and a half minutes between the two. Go figure. I don't know what to make of that, but it appears that is the new normal.
All in all it was a good day and I had a good time. I must admit that I enjoy beating my son. I am not ready to pass the torch yet. That day will come, I know. But not now. Thank you, Jesus.
At the boat ramp, I saw Anita Horn, Katie Jones, and then my son, Forrest. I saw a few other people too like Timmy Farrish from Louisville who is at every race I do. I walked a little over a mile to get there and warm up after I was there.
 |
| MDCC Greenwood peeps |
When the horn sounded, I was determined not to go out too hard. Occasionally I would glance at my Garmin, and I saw the pace slowly ease downward from a 12:something to an 11:something to a 10:and change. Eventually I went through the first mile at an average pace of 9:51 per mile. Forrest was out in front of me, but in sight maybe 100 meters ahead.
Around mile two, I caught Forrest and eased in front of him. He tried to respond. I pressed the pace just a bit. The second mile average was 9:40. I was feeling pretty good but breathing hard, very hard.
Forrest and I fought fiercely during mile three. We were south on the Boulevard. He passed me and then a little latter he stopped to walk. I passed and listened for him. I heard him start back. I could hear him clear his throat from time to time. I heard him draw near. I pressed every time he did. Eventually, I heard his voice back about twenty or thirty meters. Now I had the advantage of fear. Fear is a big kick in the butt, let me tell you. My third mile spit was 9:31, still easing downward.
Mile four was where I began to feel it. We crossed the bridge into downtown and hit the linear park off Main Street and headed west. When we turned onto to park, I looked back and caught a glimpse of Forrest about 100 meters behind. I then knew I could win if I kept pushing. My fourth mile split was a disappointing 10:14. I was slowing down. Was Forrest gaining on me?
People started passing me on mile five. I tried to hold them off and imagined Forrest creeping up on me. That split was 10:49, but when we made another turn I got a chance to look back. Forrest had slowed more than me and was at least 150 meters behind.
Mile six was mostly on River Road. At that time of day, it has some shade. I tried to hold up. In fact, when I got down around the courthouse, I picked up the pace. My footfalls and breathing matched, and for just a little bit, I felt like a real runner, like I was young again. It did not last, of course. Mile six's split was 10:37, a slight rebound.
When I turned onto the bridge and headed north back towards the finish line, I knew I had beaten Forrest and Randy Beets. I tried to simply hold up, not slow down drastically. The final leg, .15. was at a 9:13 pace. Hey, I picked it up. I went across the line in 1:02:09. I never thought I would be proud of doing a 10K in over an hour, but I was happy.
 |
| Forrest and me before the start |
My average pace was 10:06 per mile. That is what I was hoping for but was unsure of because my training paces have been so slow. I knew a taper and an event always makes a big difference, but things are not like they used to be. When I wore a young man's T-shirt, there would be about a minute per mile between my training pace and my race pace. Now there is about three and a half minutes between the two. Go figure. I don't know what to make of that, but it appears that is the new normal.
All in all it was a good day and I had a good time. I must admit that I enjoy beating my son. I am not ready to pass the torch yet. That day will come, I know. But not now. Thank you, Jesus.
Easier Day
Thursday was an easy training day and Friday was an easier one. I swam, alone, early, a mere 1,600 meters. John was tired and called to tell me he was sleeping in. I had to leave home by 6:30 to go the Raymond (Jackson) for a conference. I drove my own truck so I could try to make the day feel less like a work day and more like an outing for fun.
I did enjoy the conference. I got to chat with some of my colleagues that I don't see much anymore since they moved my back to Greenwood full time. I also liked the speakers, especially the novelist, Michael Farris, Smith. I bought his The Fighter. I've read a few pages, and I think I am going to like the book. I found him interesting, down to earth, entertaining.
We were out by 2:00 p.m., and I drove straight to Play It Again Sports. I didn't buy anything there. Then I went to Academy Sports in Madison, my all-time favorite store. I only purchased a few bands for the gym. Next, I drove to Bicycle Revolution in Glucksdat where I purchased my son's Christmas gift. Then I went home to snack and get ready for the 300 Oaks the next day.
I did enjoy the conference. I got to chat with some of my colleagues that I don't see much anymore since they moved my back to Greenwood full time. I also liked the speakers, especially the novelist, Michael Farris, Smith. I bought his The Fighter. I've read a few pages, and I think I am going to like the book. I found him interesting, down to earth, entertaining.
We were out by 2:00 p.m., and I drove straight to Play It Again Sports. I didn't buy anything there. Then I went to Academy Sports in Madison, my all-time favorite store. I only purchased a few bands for the gym. Next, I drove to Bicycle Revolution in Glucksdat where I purchased my son's Christmas gift. Then I went home to snack and get ready for the 300 Oaks the next day.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Easy Day
Thursday was a much easier training day by design and necessity. First, I am tapering for the Oaks and decided to take two full days off of running. So Thursday I swam and lifted. Good thing, because I had to go to Carroll County to take plumber out there. In the pool, I swam nilly willy until I got in 3,100 meters.
After school, I led the plumber to the ski lodge. When we turned the water on, if didn't make it to the cabin. Thus we had to go looking for a leak. I was walking the easily accessible part of the line when I heard it up near the old tractor shed. The pipe was out of the ground and broken totally in two.
Back home, I went out to lift and mow the back yard. When I did, it felt like Fall. I checked the temperature on my phone, it was 93. Seriously, 93 and it felt like Fall. I did a pull work out. I did not do the volume I have been doing. I decided to make this a de-load week and start a new cycle Monday. I think I am going to do a linear progression model. That is sort of the way I have been training but not as systematic as it is practiced by some. I never did institute the conjugate method I was thinking about. Maybe later. Thank you, Jesus.
After school, I led the plumber to the ski lodge. When we turned the water on, if didn't make it to the cabin. Thus we had to go looking for a leak. I was walking the easily accessible part of the line when I heard it up near the old tractor shed. The pipe was out of the ground and broken totally in two.
Back home, I went out to lift and mow the back yard. When I did, it felt like Fall. I checked the temperature on my phone, it was 93. Seriously, 93 and it felt like Fall. I did a pull work out. I did not do the volume I have been doing. I decided to make this a de-load week and start a new cycle Monday. I think I am going to do a linear progression model. That is sort of the way I have been training but not as systematic as it is practiced by some. I never did institute the conjugate method I was thinking about. Maybe later. Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Another Record
We set another record high Wednesday. September the 18th, 2019, was the hottest day of the year in Greenwood, Mississippi. It officially hit 101. The good news is I am very heat acclimated. Now if it will just cool off, I should be able to run faster than a shuffle.
The hottest day started with a 3,100 meter swim in the dark at Twin Rivers. After work and a nap, I stepped outdoors for my shuffle, and I knew the prediction of a 98 degree day was likely wrong. It was. I managed to step off 3.04 miles matching Tuesday's run and giving me 14.2 for the week. Since this is the 300 Oaks week and since me legs did not recover any from the previous 3.04 mile shuffle, I likely will not run again until Saturday morning when I do battle with the old men and the fat ladies.
The hot run plus mowing my front lawn sapped me so much that I failed to lift weights. What I did do was to go to the pool to work with Brad. I got there early and did some swimming before he got there, while he was there, and after he left. I put in another 3,000 yards giving me 5,842 meters for the day. Pretty good. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
New Record High
I was stroking early. John was late. What else is new? In the dark, I don't do sets until daylight. I fear banging my head on the wall. Besides that, I don't always feel like busting it. So I just swam up and down and down and up until I made 4,100 meters. It was then time to go home and get ready for work.
In the afternoon, I ran in the heat of the day as I always do. Greenwood set a new record high of 100 degrees. Imagine that: 100 degrees on September 16th. It has been major hot here. I did a slow 3.04, and by then I was soaked through with sweat. I dried and cooled before going to Plate City where it was bench day. I pressed
11 X 95
3 X 135
2 X 155
1 X 160
1 X 165
1 X 170
missed at 172
3 X 155
3 X 150
3 X 145
And that was it. I did not do any assistance work because I was pressed for time. My swimming boys wanted to practice tonight instead of Wednesday night. After they swam, I did an easy 1,200 yards giving me a total of 5,196 meters for the day. Pretty good. Thank you, Jesus.
In the afternoon, I ran in the heat of the day as I always do. Greenwood set a new record high of 100 degrees. Imagine that: 100 degrees on September 16th. It has been major hot here. I did a slow 3.04, and by then I was soaked through with sweat. I dried and cooled before going to Plate City where it was bench day. I pressed
11 X 95
3 X 135
2 X 155
1 X 160
1 X 165
1 X 170
missed at 172
3 X 155
3 X 150
3 X 145
And that was it. I did not do any assistance work because I was pressed for time. My swimming boys wanted to practice tonight instead of Wednesday night. After they swam, I did an easy 1,200 yards giving me a total of 5,196 meters for the day. Pretty good. Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
From Night to Light
Nighttime melting into morning is a strange thing. I see it now everyday in the Twin Rivers outdoor pool. I start stroking around 5:00 a.m. It is very dark, and the walls are hard to find. I count the laps because I cannot see my watch. On every sixth stroke my face exits the water to the east. I look for light. I swim 1,000 meters and the sky looks the same. I swim another 1,000, and I think I see a slight lightening between some trees and the back of County Market. A few more strokes, and I think I see the brightening a little farther south. Then I am not sure. Then I am sure. Then I think I see some pink. Then I am not so sure about that. Later I think I might see some pink a little farther south. Then I doubt it. Then I am sure. Then the pink turns to orange, first a little, later more, then the sky brightens just a bit. Does it? I'm not sure. Then I am sure.
Once I am sure I began to look at my watch when I flip on the south wall. A shadow covers the north wall, and I cannot see anything there. At first, I can only see the watch, that I am wearing it. A few more laps and I can see that it has numbers on the face, but I can not read the numbers. More laps and I can make out one number, then another, and finally I can see the time.
There are three displays on my Garmin watch. The time is the largest. Now I start looking for distance. At first, I can only see that something is in that screen. More laps and I can tell there are numbers there, but I can't read them. Then I can read a number of the four there. Then I can read two numbers and finally, it is daylight, and I can read the whole watch.
Monday morning, the small numbers were at 3,300 before I could read them. There I stopped, took a deep breath, and put on paddles. I did paddle work for another 1,200 meters finishing with 4,500 meters for the day, my longest practice since Chicot.
After work, I eat, nap, then go for a run. We had Over 60s so I needed a big one to offset a Larry's Fish House eating. I shuffled 8.12 miles in the continued oppressive heat. When will it end? I had no time for lifting and that bothered me. Nevertheless, it was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Once I am sure I began to look at my watch when I flip on the south wall. A shadow covers the north wall, and I cannot see anything there. At first, I can only see the watch, that I am wearing it. A few more laps and I can see that it has numbers on the face, but I can not read the numbers. More laps and I can make out one number, then another, and finally I can see the time.
 |
| The Twin Rivers pool at 5:00 a.m. |
There are three displays on my Garmin watch. The time is the largest. Now I start looking for distance. At first, I can only see that something is in that screen. More laps and I can tell there are numbers there, but I can't read them. Then I can read a number of the four there. Then I can read two numbers and finally, it is daylight, and I can read the whole watch.
Monday morning, the small numbers were at 3,300 before I could read them. There I stopped, took a deep breath, and put on paddles. I did paddle work for another 1,200 meters finishing with 4,500 meters for the day, my longest practice since Chicot.
After work, I eat, nap, then go for a run. We had Over 60s so I needed a big one to offset a Larry's Fish House eating. I shuffled 8.12 miles in the continued oppressive heat. When will it end? I had no time for lifting and that bothered me. Nevertheless, it was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Monday, September 16, 2019
9/9 - 9/15
When I wore the running shoes of a man ten years my junior, I thought a 20/20 week was a big deal. What's a 20/20 week, you ask? A 20/20 week is a seven day training cycle where the run equals at least twenty miles and the swim totals 20,000 meters or more. That's good training; I don't care who you are or how young you are. I hit a 20/20 last week.
Monday I totaled 3,600 meters in the pool, much of it in the early morning darkness. Later I shuffled 4.18 miles, and I lifted some weights also. Tuesday I made 3,400 in the pool, 7.11 on the road, and more work at Plate City.
Wednesday I was good for two swims totaling 4,562 meters, 3.24 miles at attempted running and more weight work. Thursday I swam 3,100 meters, ran 3.12 miles, and lifted once more.
Friday I swam 3,400 meters and did another seven mile run, this time in the hills for 7.16 miles while the temps hit an official 100 degrees. Saturday I got to the hills again for 4.03 miles after first swimming 2,100 meters.
For the week, I
ran 28.84 miles (the biggest week of my comeback)
swam 20,162 meters (the most since Chicot), and
lifted weights four times.
That was a solid week with lots of cardio and some strength training also. I hope this pays off at the Oaks. Thank you, Jesus.
Monday I totaled 3,600 meters in the pool, much of it in the early morning darkness. Later I shuffled 4.18 miles, and I lifted some weights also. Tuesday I made 3,400 in the pool, 7.11 on the road, and more work at Plate City.
Wednesday I was good for two swims totaling 4,562 meters, 3.24 miles at attempted running and more weight work. Thursday I swam 3,100 meters, ran 3.12 miles, and lifted once more.
Friday I swam 3,400 meters and did another seven mile run, this time in the hills for 7.16 miles while the temps hit an official 100 degrees. Saturday I got to the hills again for 4.03 miles after first swimming 2,100 meters.
For the week, I
ran 28.84 miles (the biggest week of my comeback)
swam 20,162 meters (the most since Chicot), and
lifted weights four times.
That was a solid week with lots of cardio and some strength training also. I hope this pays off at the Oaks. Thank you, Jesus.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Cream Cheese
It's impossible to relay to you how tired I was when I got home Saturday afternoon. I had swum that morning, walked all over Hodge Ski Lodge at mid-day, and taken a run in the heat and hills. As soon as I opened our front door, I got, "There you are! I was just about to text you!"
Suddenly I was an eight-year old who had just got caught by Mom either peeing in the front yard or smoking a cigarette in the back. What the heck? What did I do?
"Somebody . . . ."
Oh no. The dreaded "somebody." That can only mean
a) me
b) me, or
c) me
If you picked c) me, you are the winner. DM me your mailing address, and I will send you your prize.
"Somebody opened my cream cheese."
What?!?!? This is what I'm in trouble for? I don't even know what cream cheese is. I really don't know what cream cheese is. I promise you, I do not know what that is. Did I mention that I don't know what cream cheese is?
I will take a lie detector test, swear on a Bible, and promise to stick a needle in my eye that I don't know what cream cheese is, and I have never to my knowledge laid a single skinny, aged finger on the stuff. But here I am, an eight year old boy, in big trouble.
I'm sixty-three years old. When am I going to stop being treated like a little boy? Haven't I lived through that already? I know, my wife would say: I'll stop treating you like a little boy when you stop acting like one. But I'm innocent. I don't even know what cream cheese is!
Yeah, you're thinking that I came home from a long run one day and was so ravenously hungry that I, like Esau, sold my birthright for a mess of cream cheese. I did not do it. When that happens, when I am starving to death and there are no leftovers in the fridge and no snacks on the table, I eat mayonnaise and crackers. God created mayonnaise and crackers on the fifth day so Adam would always have something to eat, even if Eve was angry with him for something he didn't do. God durn sure didn't create cream cheese. A woman did that, I can tell you.
"So now you have to go to the grocery store and buy me some cream cheese."
I didn't bother to ask why she couldn't go to the store. I already knew the answer to that: she was not dressed for it. Like I was. Soaked in sweat, stinking, and dust caked on my ankles and calves up to the knee. Seriously. I was filthy.
Off I go looking like a homeless man, and more importantly, smelling like one, to buy something that I don't know what it is, what one does with it, or what it looks like even. I'm in a lovely mood, I tell you.
I get inside the store and God smiles on me. I see an old friend, Buddy Whittenmyer, who works there. We chat. I finally work it in. "Where is the cream cheese?" He asks another employee and they give me good intel on where to find the stuff.
I find it. I buy it. I go home.
I hand the stuff to my sweet wife.
"You look terrible. Get out of those filthy clothes and take a bath."
I'm still eight years old. I look good enough to go the the grocery store and buy you cream cheese, I screamed in my mind. But with my mouth I said not a word. My poor tongue was terribly wounded from being bitten so hard.
I bathed. I pouted. I got into bed. Then the little runt cat we got off the river, River, comes into the room, jumps up on the bed, and snuggles up to me. All is well. Thank you, Jesus.
Suddenly I was an eight-year old who had just got caught by Mom either peeing in the front yard or smoking a cigarette in the back. What the heck? What did I do?
"Somebody . . . ."
Oh no. The dreaded "somebody." That can only mean
a) me
b) me, or
c) me
If you picked c) me, you are the winner. DM me your mailing address, and I will send you your prize.
"Somebody opened my cream cheese."
What?!?!? This is what I'm in trouble for? I don't even know what cream cheese is. I really don't know what cream cheese is. I promise you, I do not know what that is. Did I mention that I don't know what cream cheese is?
I will take a lie detector test, swear on a Bible, and promise to stick a needle in my eye that I don't know what cream cheese is, and I have never to my knowledge laid a single skinny, aged finger on the stuff. But here I am, an eight year old boy, in big trouble.
I'm sixty-three years old. When am I going to stop being treated like a little boy? Haven't I lived through that already? I know, my wife would say: I'll stop treating you like a little boy when you stop acting like one. But I'm innocent. I don't even know what cream cheese is!
Yeah, you're thinking that I came home from a long run one day and was so ravenously hungry that I, like Esau, sold my birthright for a mess of cream cheese. I did not do it. When that happens, when I am starving to death and there are no leftovers in the fridge and no snacks on the table, I eat mayonnaise and crackers. God created mayonnaise and crackers on the fifth day so Adam would always have something to eat, even if Eve was angry with him for something he didn't do. God durn sure didn't create cream cheese. A woman did that, I can tell you.
"So now you have to go to the grocery store and buy me some cream cheese."
I didn't bother to ask why she couldn't go to the store. I already knew the answer to that: she was not dressed for it. Like I was. Soaked in sweat, stinking, and dust caked on my ankles and calves up to the knee. Seriously. I was filthy.
Off I go looking like a homeless man, and more importantly, smelling like one, to buy something that I don't know what it is, what one does with it, or what it looks like even. I'm in a lovely mood, I tell you.
I get inside the store and God smiles on me. I see an old friend, Buddy Whittenmyer, who works there. We chat. I finally work it in. "Where is the cream cheese?" He asks another employee and they give me good intel on where to find the stuff.
I find it. I buy it. I go home.
I hand the stuff to my sweet wife.
"You look terrible. Get out of those filthy clothes and take a bath."
I'm still eight years old. I look good enough to go the the grocery store and buy you cream cheese, I screamed in my mind. But with my mouth I said not a word. My poor tongue was terribly wounded from being bitten so hard.
I bathed. I pouted. I got into bed. Then the little runt cat we got off the river, River, comes into the room, jumps up on the bed, and snuggles up to me. All is well. Thank you, Jesus.
Real Saturday
We had an agreement on what time to meet at the pool. We argued. We raised voices. It was like a bad negotiation between enemies. He wanted me to meet him at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Like heck. I started at 8:30. We finally settled on 6:30, still way earlier than I wanted to get up on my day off.
When I started swimming, I was alone. This is another reason the whole thing works my nerves. Whatever the time we set, John is always late. I swam 2,100 the best way I could get it. What that means is I didn't feel like swimming and I stopped and stretched, stopped and drank water, and stopped and wondered why John could not at least get there by 7:00. Finally I finished the minimum I had set for myself and was about to get out of the pool when you know who called.
"What time, 8:30?"
I wanted to hang up. I will not subject you to what happened next. After I did hang up, I went home and tried to work on my sermon and to watch some college football. My yard needed mowing, and Plate City had weights that needed lifting, but first I had to meet some men from Jackson at Hodge Ski Lodge. We are trying to sell the place and these guys wanted to walk the border lines. What? In this heat and with these snakes and these ticks and these red bugs!!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!???!!!
At least they were on time.
We did a lot of walking. I had taken a pair of running shoes with me so I could maybe take a run while out there. Running in the hills always does the body good. I took the run, 4.03 miles, and drove home exhausted, dehydrated, and frustrated. I'll write another post about what happened next.
When I started swimming, I was alone. This is another reason the whole thing works my nerves. Whatever the time we set, John is always late. I swam 2,100 the best way I could get it. What that means is I didn't feel like swimming and I stopped and stretched, stopped and drank water, and stopped and wondered why John could not at least get there by 7:00. Finally I finished the minimum I had set for myself and was about to get out of the pool when you know who called.
"What time, 8:30?"
I wanted to hang up. I will not subject you to what happened next. After I did hang up, I went home and tried to work on my sermon and to watch some college football. My yard needed mowing, and Plate City had weights that needed lifting, but first I had to meet some men from Jackson at Hodge Ski Lodge. We are trying to sell the place and these guys wanted to walk the border lines. What? In this heat and with these snakes and these ticks and these red bugs!!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!???!!!
At least they were on time.
We did a lot of walking. I had taken a pair of running shoes with me so I could maybe take a run while out there. Running in the hills always does the body good. I took the run, 4.03 miles, and drove home exhausted, dehydrated, and frustrated. I'll write another post about what happened next.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Real Friday
I was in the pool by 6:00 a.m. That means I slept in. Thirty minutes. That also means I could see a little bit when I started swimming. That was nice. John was late. That was not nice. He had lobbied me for 5:00 a.m. And then he was late. I swam
2,000 46:09 (2:10)
200 for time 3:44.33
200 small paddles
200 for time 3:42.76
200 medium paddles
8 X 50 medium paddles
total: 3,400 long course meters
I took River, our new rescue cat, to the vet. Andy said he is about 14 weeks old and he hopes his foot will heal. He walks on his left ankle. We don't know what happened to it, but I believe somebody threw him off the bridge. There is no way he got to where he was on the river bank except someone put him there. Evil anyway they did it.
After that, I packed up and drove to Hill View Baptist Church. I parked there and ran up the big hill. It was hot. We set a new record high in Greenwood for September 13th at 100 degrees. I was running in that, up the big hill, on the Carroll County Road 231, and then down the hill by the old Browning place and back to the truck. I had ten miles in my brain, but not in my legs. Not in that heat, anyway. The loop was 7.16, and I was done when it was over with. If I could, I would have run more on the highway, but I was getting close, redlining, pushing the limits of life. Really, that kind of heat can kill you.
I went home, took some nutrition, a bath, and a nap. River napped with me. He loves to cuddle. My kind of cat. I am still disappointed that CC is giving me and River the cold shoulder. I needed to lift weights, but sometimes, like the old Kenny Rogers song says, you "have to know when to fold them." I folded them.
Penny and I went out to Hill Top Restaurant when she got off work. I ordered the frog legs for the second time and believe you me, they are good. Really good.
It was a nice, full, productive day. Thank you, Jesus.
2,000 46:09 (2:10)
200 for time 3:44.33
200 small paddles
200 for time 3:42.76
200 medium paddles
8 X 50 medium paddles
total: 3,400 long course meters
I took River, our new rescue cat, to the vet. Andy said he is about 14 weeks old and he hopes his foot will heal. He walks on his left ankle. We don't know what happened to it, but I believe somebody threw him off the bridge. There is no way he got to where he was on the river bank except someone put him there. Evil anyway they did it.
After that, I packed up and drove to Hill View Baptist Church. I parked there and ran up the big hill. It was hot. We set a new record high in Greenwood for September 13th at 100 degrees. I was running in that, up the big hill, on the Carroll County Road 231, and then down the hill by the old Browning place and back to the truck. I had ten miles in my brain, but not in my legs. Not in that heat, anyway. The loop was 7.16, and I was done when it was over with. If I could, I would have run more on the highway, but I was getting close, redlining, pushing the limits of life. Really, that kind of heat can kill you.
I went home, took some nutrition, a bath, and a nap. River napped with me. He loves to cuddle. My kind of cat. I am still disappointed that CC is giving me and River the cold shoulder. I needed to lift weights, but sometimes, like the old Kenny Rogers song says, you "have to know when to fold them." I folded them.
Penny and I went out to Hill Top Restaurant when she got off work. I ordered the frog legs for the second time and believe you me, they are good. Really good.
It was a nice, full, productive day. Thank you, Jesus.
Friday, September 13, 2019
Thriday
That's what my colleagues have taken to calling it: Thriday. I always called in Friday, but since our Friday is everyone else's Thursday, Thriday makes sense. It's a wonderful feeling, waking up on Thursday and knowing that the weekend starts at noon. Praise God over and over for that. At the pool, I swam
2,500 1:00:48 (2:25)
5 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 3,100 long course meters
After work, I had to push myself out the door to shuffle in this repressive heat. I usually don't complain about it, but this year I am broken. The heat has won. I did a slow 3.12 miles.
It was bench day at Plate City. I pressed
17 X 100
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
4 X 135 paused
Then on the overhead dumbbell press, I did
3 X 30
4 X 30
4 X 30
I also did some pec decs and some triceps pushdowns making for a three-workout day. Thank you, Jesus.
2,500 1:00:48 (2:25)
5 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 3,100 long course meters
After work, I had to push myself out the door to shuffle in this repressive heat. I usually don't complain about it, but this year I am broken. The heat has won. I did a slow 3.12 miles.
It was bench day at Plate City. I pressed
17 X 100
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
4 X 135 paused
Then on the overhead dumbbell press, I did
3 X 30
4 X 30
4 X 30
I also did some pec decs and some triceps pushdowns making for a three-workout day. Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Quad Day
The day started early and ended late. John met me at the pool at 5:30. He was only a few minutes late. I swam
2,000 48:04
10 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 3,100 long course meters
Next up after work was a shuffle of 3.24 miles. This heat is beginning to work on my psyche. Back in late July, I went through a phase when I thought I just could not run in the heat anymore. I got over it and ran all the way through August. Now we are in September, and it is even hotter than August. I am ready for some cool weather and all the fun that brings. I really am not enjoying running very much right now, but I'm sort of enduring it (see what I did there?).
Workout three was hitting the quads at Plate City (see what I did there?). I performed six sets of squats, three sets of reverse hypers, three sets of leg curls, and one set of leg extensions. Not only that, but my 100 pound slam ball came in. I purchased this with the idea of using it like an atlas stone. Dude, that thing is not much fun to play with. To pick it up, your hands have to go all the way to the ground. And the grip is problematic. Maybe I should have gotten a lighter ball. I picked it up three times. That was all I wanted.
My fourth workout was another swim, this one at the little pool. I didn't push or do sets. I swam while coaching Brad and got in 1,600 yards which equals 1,462 meters. With this morning's swim, that makes 4,562 meters for the day. I am having a bang up week. Thank you, Jesus.
2,000 48:04
10 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 3,100 long course meters
Next up after work was a shuffle of 3.24 miles. This heat is beginning to work on my psyche. Back in late July, I went through a phase when I thought I just could not run in the heat anymore. I got over it and ran all the way through August. Now we are in September, and it is even hotter than August. I am ready for some cool weather and all the fun that brings. I really am not enjoying running very much right now, but I'm sort of enduring it (see what I did there?).
Workout three was hitting the quads at Plate City (see what I did there?). I performed six sets of squats, three sets of reverse hypers, three sets of leg curls, and one set of leg extensions. Not only that, but my 100 pound slam ball came in. I purchased this with the idea of using it like an atlas stone. Dude, that thing is not much fun to play with. To pick it up, your hands have to go all the way to the ground. And the grip is problematic. Maybe I should have gotten a lighter ball. I picked it up three times. That was all I wanted.
My fourth workout was another swim, this one at the little pool. I didn't push or do sets. I swam while coaching Brad and got in 1,600 yards which equals 1,462 meters. With this morning's swim, that makes 4,562 meters for the day. I am having a bang up week. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
9/11
Of course I remember. I was on Interstate 55 headed for Memphis, to Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, where I was a PhD student. I studied Hebrew flash cards while I sipped coffee and motored north in that little Nissan pickup truck. My mind grew tired, I put the cards down, and turned on the radio to search for some country music to rest my brain.
Instantly I was bombarded with the Towers being hit by airliners, the Pentagon being attacked, and the White House on fire. Yes, that is what they were reporting at that moment. I was dumbfounded and wondered if it all this was some sort of skit or joke. The White House on fire was what hit me the hardest. Slowly my incredulity gave way to fear, horror, and shock. This must have been what it felt like to be alive when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
There was a live interview with someone in New York. I don't even know what station I was listening to. While he was on the phone, one of the towers fell. When he told his interviewer that, he was met with, "What do you mean the tower fell?"
"It fell down."
"What do you mean if fell down?"
"It collapsed. It fell down."
"What do you mean if fell down?"
I was having the same problem as the man on the radio. Processing everything I was hearing was a bit too much for my brain and my emotions.
I stopped in Batesville to use the bathroom and purchase another cup of coffee. Two men followed me into the restroom. They were talking about a golf game. That told me they had not heard, and I am not sure what it says about me, but I was giddy over the idea that I was going to be the one to break the news to them. When I told them, they were full of shock and questions. I could answer none of their inquiries, but they walked out of there in a different mood than they came it with.
At school, I burst into the Doctoral Studies Room and began, like a prophet of old, to announce that judgment, or evil, or something momentous had just happened. No one was the least bit interested. That's the way it was then at Mid-America. If you were a PhD student, the outside world did not exist. But that day it began to exist again. How could it not?
Instantly I was bombarded with the Towers being hit by airliners, the Pentagon being attacked, and the White House on fire. Yes, that is what they were reporting at that moment. I was dumbfounded and wondered if it all this was some sort of skit or joke. The White House on fire was what hit me the hardest. Slowly my incredulity gave way to fear, horror, and shock. This must have been what it felt like to be alive when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
There was a live interview with someone in New York. I don't even know what station I was listening to. While he was on the phone, one of the towers fell. When he told his interviewer that, he was met with, "What do you mean the tower fell?"
"It fell down."
"What do you mean if fell down?"
"It collapsed. It fell down."
"What do you mean if fell down?"
I was having the same problem as the man on the radio. Processing everything I was hearing was a bit too much for my brain and my emotions.
I stopped in Batesville to use the bathroom and purchase another cup of coffee. Two men followed me into the restroom. They were talking about a golf game. That told me they had not heard, and I am not sure what it says about me, but I was giddy over the idea that I was going to be the one to break the news to them. When I told them, they were full of shock and questions. I could answer none of their inquiries, but they walked out of there in a different mood than they came it with.
At school, I burst into the Doctoral Studies Room and began, like a prophet of old, to announce that judgment, or evil, or something momentous had just happened. No one was the least bit interested. That's the way it was then at Mid-America. If you were a PhD student, the outside world did not exist. But that day it began to exist again. How could it not?
River
As I ran westward on Rosemary Lane Tuesday afternoon, I saw a bus as big as the Titanic parked beside Bankston School. The last time I saw one of those, I remembered, my son was giving some tourists a tour. When I rounded the corner onto the Grand Boulevard to cross the Tallahatchie Bridge, I was met with a throng of people who forced me off the sidewalk and all the way over to the other side of the road.
Right in the middle of that crowd was my son, Forrest, who announced to everyone, "That's my dad." That made me feel like a million bucks. After that, I received lots of smiles and 'Hey Dads.'
I stayed on the west side of the bridge and when I got to the trees, I heard something that brought me to a halt. I heard a cat crying for help. I peered down into the foliage below but failed to make out a feline. The voice, however, was unmistakable, and the words were clear: Help me! Help me, please!
Continuing my run, I followed some truck tracks in an unplanted bean field, ran way out Wade Road, and shuffle north on a gravel road that leads back to Money Road. An hour later, I was back on the bridge and I stopped where I had heard the cat. Now there was no meowing. I cried out, "Kitty," and the meowing started back. "I have to do something," I thought.
I shuffled on home thinking, "We don't need another cat. But I can always take him or her to the Humane Society." At home, Penny was on the couch in her pajamas. "There is a cat on the riverbank that needs rescuing," I announced. "Want to go with me?" I asked. To my shock, she got up immediately and changed clothes.
On the way, I told her the story of how the tourists forced me to the side of the road I never ran on because there is no cat walk there. On my normal side, I very likely would never have heard him. We drove down the turn row and parked. I sprayed down with OFF, and we made our way towards the rive bank. We waded through waist high weeds and then I had to break through some vines covering a mat of tangled branches. This is a wonderful way to get snake bit, I thought. I cried out, "Kitty" and the cat answered with more pleading.
Busting through the vines brought me to a drainage that led straight to the river. I was able then to walk it unhindered. I stopped and called the cat again. He cried in return while I peered into the underbrush. Then I saw him, a little yellow tabby about ten weeks old. He walked straight to me, and I picked him up. Immediately he started purring and head butting me. I walked out with him and Penny said, "He's just a baby. Give him to me."
When we got home, Penny said, "We can keep him if you want to." What do you mean "if" I thought. I really had no thoughts of keeping him, but I love cats. Inside the house we offered him food, and he ate fiercely. We offered him water, but he declined that. He must have been drinking from the river. And that's what we started calling him, River.
I slept with him last night in Andrea's room. If he slept, I never knew it. He spent most of the night trying to crawl up inside my mouth: feet, head, everything. I did not sleep well, but I am happy we have a new baby. But CC, on the other hand, she is not speaking to me. Too bad, no one can replace her.
Right in the middle of that crowd was my son, Forrest, who announced to everyone, "That's my dad." That made me feel like a million bucks. After that, I received lots of smiles and 'Hey Dads.'
I stayed on the west side of the bridge and when I got to the trees, I heard something that brought me to a halt. I heard a cat crying for help. I peered down into the foliage below but failed to make out a feline. The voice, however, was unmistakable, and the words were clear: Help me! Help me, please!
Continuing my run, I followed some truck tracks in an unplanted bean field, ran way out Wade Road, and shuffle north on a gravel road that leads back to Money Road. An hour later, I was back on the bridge and I stopped where I had heard the cat. Now there was no meowing. I cried out, "Kitty," and the meowing started back. "I have to do something," I thought.
I shuffled on home thinking, "We don't need another cat. But I can always take him or her to the Humane Society." At home, Penny was on the couch in her pajamas. "There is a cat on the riverbank that needs rescuing," I announced. "Want to go with me?" I asked. To my shock, she got up immediately and changed clothes.
On the way, I told her the story of how the tourists forced me to the side of the road I never ran on because there is no cat walk there. On my normal side, I very likely would never have heard him. We drove down the turn row and parked. I sprayed down with OFF, and we made our way towards the rive bank. We waded through waist high weeds and then I had to break through some vines covering a mat of tangled branches. This is a wonderful way to get snake bit, I thought. I cried out, "Kitty" and the cat answered with more pleading.
Busting through the vines brought me to a drainage that led straight to the river. I was able then to walk it unhindered. I stopped and called the cat again. He cried in return while I peered into the underbrush. Then I saw him, a little yellow tabby about ten weeks old. He walked straight to me, and I picked him up. Immediately he started purring and head butting me. I walked out with him and Penny said, "He's just a baby. Give him to me."
 |
| He can't get enough attention. |
When we got home, Penny said, "We can keep him if you want to." What do you mean "if" I thought. I really had no thoughts of keeping him, but I love cats. Inside the house we offered him food, and he ate fiercely. We offered him water, but he declined that. He must have been drinking from the river. And that's what we started calling him, River.
I slept with him last night in Andrea's room. If he slept, I never knew it. He spent most of the night trying to crawl up inside my mouth: feet, head, everything. I did not sleep well, but I am happy we have a new baby. But CC, on the other hand, she is not speaking to me. Too bad, no one can replace her.
Interesting Day
This early morning stuff is getting a little easier but only a little. At 5:30 a.m. it is very dark and the north wall of the pool is indistinguishable from Antarctica. I flipped and missed over and over and over. What I swam was
1,300 32:19
7 X 100 @ 2:15
500 medium paddles
400 easy
total: 3,400 long course meters
After work I needed a nap. Then I went out for a shuffle and did 7.11 miles in our ongoing heatwave. Something strange, interesting happened out there but I will do a separate post on that.
When the run and the other activities were over, I did a little bit at Plate City. The workout was truncated in part because of the lateness of the hour, (I fear mosquitoes) and in part due to my fatigue. But I got out there and did something.
It was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
1,300 32:19
7 X 100 @ 2:15
500 medium paddles
400 easy
total: 3,400 long course meters
After work I needed a nap. Then I went out for a shuffle and did 7.11 miles in our ongoing heatwave. Something strange, interesting happened out there but I will do a separate post on that.
When the run and the other activities were over, I did a little bit at Plate City. The workout was truncated in part because of the lateness of the hour, (I fear mosquitoes) and in part due to my fatigue. But I got out there and did something.
It was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Mo Returns
Mo has come back and he's a pretty cool dude. Both he and Joe have been gone for awhile. Joe is still MIA, but having Mo around makes it alright. Monday morning, I met Mo and John at the pool at 5:30 a.m. I swam 3,600 meters straight in 1:23:59. Not only did I swam that, but I enjoyed it also.
After work, I had a dental appointment at 2:30. When that was done, I changed clothes and went for a shuffle of 4.18 miles. I did some surges in the run but my watch history did not record them. What the heck? Anyway, it was a nice run and since the 300 Oaks is September 21, this is the last full week of training before race week. Consequently, I need both volume and intensity this week.
Workout number three was a push session at Plate City. On the bench, I pressed
12 X 95
3 X 130
3 X 150
1 X 160
1 X 165
1 X 170
2 X 165 PR double
3 X 155 PR triple
3 X 150
Dumbbell overhead press
6 X 30
3 X 35
1 X 40
1 X 40
Triceps pushdown
25 X 40
16 X 45
7 X 50
I did some other stuff, but that's the meat of the workout. I was pleased to hit the 170. I had a little more in me than that. This was a real Beetsdown day. Take that, Tall Guy. Thank you, Jesus, for the victory.
After work, I had a dental appointment at 2:30. When that was done, I changed clothes and went for a shuffle of 4.18 miles. I did some surges in the run but my watch history did not record them. What the heck? Anyway, it was a nice run and since the 300 Oaks is September 21, this is the last full week of training before race week. Consequently, I need both volume and intensity this week.
Workout number three was a push session at Plate City. On the bench, I pressed
12 X 95
3 X 130
3 X 150
1 X 160
1 X 165
1 X 170
2 X 165 PR double
3 X 155 PR triple
3 X 150
Dumbbell overhead press
6 X 30
3 X 35
1 X 40
1 X 40
Triceps pushdown
25 X 40
16 X 45
7 X 50
I did some other stuff, but that's the meat of the workout. I was pleased to hit the 170. I had a little more in me than that. This was a real Beetsdown day. Take that, Tall Guy. Thank you, Jesus, for the victory.
Monday, September 9, 2019
9/2 - 9/8
My numbers are still good, but my shuffling remains slow. Sigh. Monday I swam 2,300 meters, shuffled 3.3 miles, and lifted weights. Tuesday I swam 2,400 meters, lifted some more weight, and shuffled 5.16 miles.
Wednesday I did a double dip in the water. I swam in the morning for 2,500 meters and finished the day with some coaching and another swim, this time in the short course pool. The second time I stroked for an additional 1,500 yards which makes 1,371 meters totaling 3,871 for the day. In the middle, I shuffled for 3.12 miles and lifted weights, legs.
Thursday, I wasn't feeling it in the water and only did 1,600 meters. Later I shuffled 2.52 miles, and I did some serious bench pressing after that. Friday, for the first time in a couple of years, I went to Carroll County and ran 9.33 miles but only after I first swam 3,500 meters. That's real training right there; I don't care who you are.
Saturday I swam an additional 3,100 meters. I did no running since I felt it was time for a drop back week. I did lift weights and this lifting included legs.
It was a solid week, I
swam 16,771 meters,
ran 23.43 miles, and
lifted weights five times.
Thank you, Jesus, that I get to play and have fun.
Wednesday I did a double dip in the water. I swam in the morning for 2,500 meters and finished the day with some coaching and another swim, this time in the short course pool. The second time I stroked for an additional 1,500 yards which makes 1,371 meters totaling 3,871 for the day. In the middle, I shuffled for 3.12 miles and lifted weights, legs.
Thursday, I wasn't feeling it in the water and only did 1,600 meters. Later I shuffled 2.52 miles, and I did some serious bench pressing after that. Friday, for the first time in a couple of years, I went to Carroll County and ran 9.33 miles but only after I first swam 3,500 meters. That's real training right there; I don't care who you are.
Saturday I swam an additional 3,100 meters. I did no running since I felt it was time for a drop back week. I did lift weights and this lifting included legs.
It was a solid week, I
swam 16,771 meters,
ran 23.43 miles, and
lifted weights five times.
Thank you, Jesus, that I get to play and have fun.
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Saturday
I had a bit of a hangover at the pool from Friday's 3,500 meters followed by a 9.33 mile run. John and I met at 8:00 a.m. In the water, I swam
1,000 24:15 (2:25)
600 small paddles
2 X 50
100 medium paddles
2 X 50
100 medium paddles
2 X 50
100 large paddles
400 small paddles
4 X 100 medium paddles
2 X 50 small paddles
total: 3,100 long course meters
I did not feel good in the water, but I did my second consecutive 3,000 plus meter day. This used to be common for me. Now, not so much. But I am coming back.
I watched football and went to Plate City. I hit the gym hard, having missed Friday. I did pull plus some leg work.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
1,000 24:15 (2:25)
600 small paddles
2 X 50
100 medium paddles
2 X 50
100 medium paddles
2 X 50
100 large paddles
400 small paddles
4 X 100 medium paddles
2 X 50 small paddles
total: 3,100 long course meters
I did not feel good in the water, but I did my second consecutive 3,000 plus meter day. This used to be common for me. Now, not so much. But I am coming back.
I watched football and went to Plate City. I hit the gym hard, having missed Friday. I did pull plus some leg work.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Swiss Bar
I've had this bar a couple of months now, but I had trouble loading the video. My computer would not pick it up until I saved another copy on on my phone and then re-hooked the phone to the lap top. Then the computer picked up the video, and I was able to upload it to YouTube.
I like the bar. I like it a lot. It gives me some variety in my training and as always, it gave me a shot of motivation. Whenever I build something or buy something for the gym, my urge to lift goes up anywhere from a little bit to a lot. Even when a purchase a few plates in Jackson, I can't wait to get home, load them on a bar, and lift them.
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Carroll County Running
I'm not sure why I have not been going to Carroll County. Long runs out there not only build endurance, but they add strength also. I hope to do more Friday runs in the hills over the next few months. The routes are without limits, and I not only get a good workout, but I get extended time alone being around trees and seeing butterflies and other forms of wildlife. It's all good. Thank you, Jesus.
Like Old Times
Friday morning at the pool was like old times. John did not get on my nerves, and I felt like swimming. The swimming malaise that has plagued me since Chicot was MIA as I knocked off 3,500, and I enjoyed it. I swam
3,000 straight
10 X 50 medium paddles
That is my longest practice since Chicot. On the straight swim, I started my countdown set at 1,000. The countdown begins with fast 25s that float over 400 meters. First 100 the first 25 is fast; second 100 the second 25 is fast, third and fourth follow the same pattern. The 5th 100 is easy and the 6th has the first 50 fast while the 7th has the second 50 fast. Friday, this started at 1,100. The 8th is easy; the 9th is 75 fast followed by 125 easy. The 11th was hard and the 12th easy. After that I threw in some fast 50s here and there and stopped at 3,000. That should put some endurance back into my swimming muscles.
After the swim, I drove to Carroll County for a run in the hills. I did 9.33 miles and tried to push the hills. It was hot and with the hills, it should have been a good stress for me. It felt like a real stress.
I intended to lift, but it was comfortable inside. Thank you, Jesus, for a productive day.
3,000 straight
10 X 50 medium paddles
That is my longest practice since Chicot. On the straight swim, I started my countdown set at 1,000. The countdown begins with fast 25s that float over 400 meters. First 100 the first 25 is fast; second 100 the second 25 is fast, third and fourth follow the same pattern. The 5th 100 is easy and the 6th has the first 50 fast while the 7th has the second 50 fast. Friday, this started at 1,100. The 8th is easy; the 9th is 75 fast followed by 125 easy. The 11th was hard and the 12th easy. After that I threw in some fast 50s here and there and stopped at 3,000. That should put some endurance back into my swimming muscles.
After the swim, I drove to Carroll County for a run in the hills. I did 9.33 miles and tried to push the hills. It was hot and with the hills, it should have been a good stress for me. It felt like a real stress.
I intended to lift, but it was comfortable inside. Thank you, Jesus, for a productive day.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Thor's Day
Thor's Day comes early when you have Monday off. Although the morning arrived with joy, that happiness didn't make it with me to the pool. I just did not feel like swimming and forced myself to slog through
1,100
4 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 1,600 long course meters
The school day flew by and then I was out in the unbelievable September heat shuffling along for a mere 2.52 miles.
I mowed the lawn and lifted weights. I like it like that. I do a set or two and then mow some: rinse and repeat until finished. I benched
16 X 100
3 X 125 speed
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
4 X 130 paused
Overhead dumbbell
3 X 30
4 X 30
1 X 35
1 X 40
Triceps pushdown
30 X 30
32 X 30
Three workouts and the weekend began at noon. Not bad. Thank you, Jesus.
1,100
4 X 100 medium paddles
100 small paddles
total: 1,600 long course meters
The school day flew by and then I was out in the unbelievable September heat shuffling along for a mere 2.52 miles.
I mowed the lawn and lifted weights. I like it like that. I do a set or two and then mow some: rinse and repeat until finished. I benched
16 X 100
3 X 125 speed
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
3 X 125
4 X 130 paused
Overhead dumbbell
3 X 30
4 X 30
1 X 35
1 X 40
Triceps pushdown
30 X 30
32 X 30
Three workouts and the weekend began at noon. Not bad. Thank you, Jesus.
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