A cat jumped onto the bed rousing me from the last of my dreams. This latest dream was of me in a runaway car going backwards. Penny and I were out on country road. Farmland was to our right, woods to our left. She, driving, stopped, got out, and left the car in reverse. I, in the passenger seat, was trying to bring the car to a halt as it began first to roll backwards then to pick up speed eventually going thirty-miles per hour or more. I was driving watching the road through the rear view mirror, swerving from side to side. My foot reached the brake pedal but would only press down enough to slow the car a little, maybe two-miles per hour. Then a yellow eighteen wheeler, a Peterbilt pulling a grain trailer, showed in the mirror coming my way fast. She has to stop doing this, I thought. I rolled over in bed and gazed into the semi darkness. CC had come to see me. Like old times.
John has been out at the pool giving me the leisure to sleep in and enjoy life again. Friday morning was now like it used to be. I lounge, start the day slowly, drink lots of coffee. I hang out with the cats. I peck on the computer. Slowly, I awaken and plan the day. There will be swimming and running and lifting. There will be cats. There will be Paul Finebaum. There will be naps. There will be dinner with my bride. Thank you, Jesus.
I went to the pool at 10:30 a.m. Gloria Hathcock and a friend of hers were there. I had swum with them before so I knew we could make it work. I did
1,200 21:33
15 X 50 r: up to 1:00
100 small paddles 1:45
150 medium paddles 2:31
200 large paddles 3:22
100 back 1:44 new Association of Sports Swimmers world record
100 small paddles
total: 2,600 yards = 2,376 meters
That wasn't a lot compared to what I usually do. But I had 20,000 meters by Thursday and that always causes me to relax. I thought, what have I not done this week? what do I need to do? The answer was sprints. I had not worked on pure speed, thus I did 50s with a long rest between each rep.
I said there would be naps. There was. I went home, ate lunch and got on the couch. While I hung out with CC in the morning, River came and got on me on the couch. He is a sweetie. They both are.
I did a shuffle, 3.6 miles. That brought me to 21 for the week. For the first time in several weeks, I am back to a 20/20 training cycle. With workout number two done, I turned my attention to Plate City.
After failing to lift Thursday, I needed to do both push and pull. On the push, I started on the bench press with
15 X 95
13 X 100
10 X 105 plus a chain
9 X 105 plus two chains
On the rest of the pushes, I did the log press:
16 X 52 new Association of Sports Strongmen world record
11 X 57
8 X 63
For pulls, I started with the lat pull down doing
26 X 50
21 X 60
15 X 70
12 X 80
I also did two sets of chin ups, and two sets of the Swim Pulls. I capped it all off with 65 reps on the row machine.
That was a good day. Friday felt like Friday. When I finished the third workout, I went in, bathed and got ready to go out to eat with my bride. We went to Hilltop early like the old people we are. There we ordered and steak. Nice. Right now, I am typing with CC on my lap. More goodness. Thank you, Jesus.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Friday, February 28, 2020
The Arkansas/Mississippi War
I've been kicked out of two Facebook groups. Let me tell you about them. The first was SEC Football. Since I am a huge SEC chauvinist, that seemed like the group for me. It was a rough bunch there and on one thread I was following, the members were dog cussing each other and threatening bodily harm up to and including murder. No joke. They were promising violence, death, dismemberment, and other forms of ignominy if the other one would come to his town.
In the midst of that, I threw in a comment that I hoped would lighten the mood a bit. "There are too many Alabama fans on here and too much cussing," I wrote, tongue in cheek. Someone immediately responded that he would have me kicked out of the group. I laughed out loud. Within a minute, the text on my phone began to fade. Then it went away. I unsuccessfully searched for the group. I was gone. I was blocked. Wow. Explain that.
The second Facebook group I fell out of favor with was Show Me Your Mississippi. I liked this site because it consisted of photos of our great state. I posted this one:
It was a very popular post getting 139 likes in forty minutes. Then I received notification that my photo had been removed. The explanation was that someone had complained because the group rules say that all photos must be taken within Mississippi and mine was not. "Technically he is correct," the administrators told me.
Excuse me while I scream.
You can tell when people have never been anywhere. Like I am a world traveler or something. I think I was about ten-years old when I realized these signs are not on the state lines. Go to Memphis on I 55 and see where the Welcome to Tennessee sign is. Come back the other way and notice the Welcome to Mississippi sign. Are they directly across the interstate from each other?
Duh?
The picture above is on Highway 82 on the extreme western part of the state on the Mississippi side of the river. What is the border between Arkansas and Mississippi? Right, it's the river. This sign is about a half a mile east from the foot of the bridge. The Welcome to Arkansas sign is about a half a mile west of the western side of the bridge. So what is that three-mile span between the two sides? It's the demilitarized zone established at the end of the War of 1812 when Mississippi and Arkansas fought each other over the price of moonshine.
The same with the Mississippi/Tennessee signs on I 55. The mile between them is the demilitarized zone that was set up after the Korean War when Mississippi and Tennessee came to blows over a dispute about some walnut trees.
So now you know. Oh, why did they kick me out of Show Me Your Mississippi? Because I told the administrators that they were wrong (always a no no) and I posted "To the one who complained about my photo, let me guess, ________ is not your president."
Yes, I put the blank in there because I don't do political posts. And yes, I am sure I was correct in my assessment of the complainer. And yes, I felt better after making my smart aleck remark. No, I don't miss the group because although I did like the photographs, they kept my news feed clogged.
Now, how can I get kicked out of some other groups? Well, honestly that has lost its fun. It is way too easy to get the boot.
What a Difference a Week Makes
Thursday, starting last week, is long swim day. Last year I had done a bunch of long swims by now. It's time to crank up the distance and ready myself for Chicot IX. Last Thursday I swam 7,400 yards at an average pace of 1:51 per 100 and with an average heart rate of 135. The Garmin Swim 2 records heart rate through the wrist strap. No bra is necessary to capture this vital information. This week, I swam 8,000 yards at an average pace of 1:49 with an average heart rate of 124.
What!?!?!?
That's a big difference. Am I that much more fit in one week? What caused such a jump? Is there a workout I can point to? Look at the numbers again laid out side by side for easy comparison.
Distance 7,400 8,000
Pace 1:51 1:49
Heart rate 135 124
The long swim itself from last week no doubt had an impact on my fitness. As, I would expect, have the time trails I have been swimming a time or two per week. Monday, for instance, I did a long warm up of 2,500 and then swam 800 for time. The Monday before it was a 2,350 warm up followed by a 750 time trial. Those are endurance/stamina workouts. Yes, I plan to take those numbers up next Monday.
Plus I can't help but wonder if all the back stroke work is having an impact. I never swam back other than a 100 now and then under Cagri. It has to be good for my muscles to be hit in slightly different planes.
Not only that, but I have been hitting Plate City very hard and doing things I never did before. All this strongman training is new and making me overall much stronger. Does that transfer to the pool? I don't know, but I don't see how it could hurt.
Also, I am running a bit. Last year at this time I was only beginning to shuffle about five miles per week. This has to positively impact my cardiac efficiency. Plus my legs are more fit and not producing lactic acid when I swim hard. Not only that, but they can burn off some of the excess lactic acid helping my levels stay low enough so that I don't die (metaphorically).
In short, I am encouraged and hoping to swim better at the Senior Olympics as well as at Chicot this year. I did a shuffle Thursday after the swim. I only went 2.42 miles. I had planned to lift, but when I sat down, fatigue washed over me like water when one dives into a swimming pool. I was done and I went to bed early and had bad dreams all night long. Thank you, Jesus.
What!?!?!?
That's a big difference. Am I that much more fit in one week? What caused such a jump? Is there a workout I can point to? Look at the numbers again laid out side by side for easy comparison.
Distance 7,400 8,000
Pace 1:51 1:49
Heart rate 135 124
The long swim itself from last week no doubt had an impact on my fitness. As, I would expect, have the time trails I have been swimming a time or two per week. Monday, for instance, I did a long warm up of 2,500 and then swam 800 for time. The Monday before it was a 2,350 warm up followed by a 750 time trial. Those are endurance/stamina workouts. Yes, I plan to take those numbers up next Monday.
Plus I can't help but wonder if all the back stroke work is having an impact. I never swam back other than a 100 now and then under Cagri. It has to be good for my muscles to be hit in slightly different planes.
Not only that, but I have been hitting Plate City very hard and doing things I never did before. All this strongman training is new and making me overall much stronger. Does that transfer to the pool? I don't know, but I don't see how it could hurt.
Also, I am running a bit. Last year at this time I was only beginning to shuffle about five miles per week. This has to positively impact my cardiac efficiency. Plus my legs are more fit and not producing lactic acid when I swim hard. Not only that, but they can burn off some of the excess lactic acid helping my levels stay low enough so that I don't die (metaphorically).
In short, I am encouraged and hoping to swim better at the Senior Olympics as well as at Chicot this year. I did a shuffle Thursday after the swim. I only went 2.42 miles. I had planned to lift, but when I sat down, fatigue washed over me like water when one dives into a swimming pool. I was done and I went to bed early and had bad dreams all night long. Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
On Track?
Did I do three workouts Wednesday or a three-part workout? I knew John was going to be out so what did I do? You got it; I slept in and went to the pool after lunch. I swam
brick kick
1,000 20:06
200 tt 3:08
1,000 19:00
200 tt 3:05
1,000 19:10
200 tt 3:05
200 small paddles 3:50
25 back
brick kick
200 small paddles
50 with fins
total: 4,075 yards = 3,724 meters
Since I have a night class on Wednesday, I had to go home and change clothes and hit the road in a hurry. I shuffled a mere 2.27 miles but that was better than a poke in the eye.
Since I have a night class on Wednesday, I also had to hit Plate City as soon as the run was over. I missed Tuesday so I had to do two workouts in one and my time was limited. What did I do? I dropped all my assistance exercises and just did the big two: one-arm bent rows and squats. On the one-arm I pulled
18 X 40
13 X 45
11 X 50
8 X 55
6 X 60
6 X 60
My squat weights are still confidential. What's with that? I am so weak in the legs that I cannot bear to post those numbers. I am getting stronger, and it feels good to have some strength down below. But what I squat is what a teenage sissy usually starts out with.
It was a good day. I am enjoying my night class. I vowed I would never teach another one, but I am enjoying having some serious students. They might not be strong students, but they are humble, serious, and willing to follow instructions. That is refreshing. Thank you, Jesus.
brick kick
1,000 20:06
200 tt 3:08
1,000 19:00
200 tt 3:05
1,000 19:10
200 tt 3:05
200 small paddles 3:50
25 back
brick kick
200 small paddles
50 with fins
total: 4,075 yards = 3,724 meters
Since I have a night class on Wednesday, I had to go home and change clothes and hit the road in a hurry. I shuffled a mere 2.27 miles but that was better than a poke in the eye.
Since I have a night class on Wednesday, I also had to hit Plate City as soon as the run was over. I missed Tuesday so I had to do two workouts in one and my time was limited. What did I do? I dropped all my assistance exercises and just did the big two: one-arm bent rows and squats. On the one-arm I pulled
18 X 40
13 X 45
11 X 50
8 X 55
6 X 60
6 X 60
My squat weights are still confidential. What's with that? I am so weak in the legs that I cannot bear to post those numbers. I am getting stronger, and it feels good to have some strength down below. But what I squat is what a teenage sissy usually starts out with.
It was a good day. I am enjoying my night class. I vowed I would never teach another one, but I am enjoying having some serious students. They might not be strong students, but they are humble, serious, and willing to follow instructions. That is refreshing. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Keeping Right
I did not hear the alarm go off Tuesday morning. John called and woke me. So I was a bit late and did not begin to swim until 4:20 a.m. By the grace of God, I swam
brick kick
1,200 24:15
10 X 100 @ 1:53
600 small paddles 11:46
750 back 17:06
25
brick kick
250 small paddles 5:01
total: 3,825 yards = 3,496 meters
That was down a little from what I usually get in the morning because of the late start. I did, however, use my CSS for the first time on a set of 100s. I have been using that time on my longer time trail swims (tt) trying to average at least my CSS. Usually, I do 100s on 2:00, and I swim them about 95% effort. This time I tried to swim the actual CSS pace (1:37 per 100) with the recommended 15 seconds of rest which comes out as 1:53. The CSS is a tad easier than my normal 100s (it is fully aerobic), but the rest interval is shorter. The set went well although I swam most of them in 1:40. But the 1:40 includes me starting and stopping the watch which takes about three seconds. So that is a good first start using the CSS, and I plan to do more of that in the future at various distances.
In the afternoon, I shuffled for 10.35 miles. When I got home from that, I settled in and became lazy not wanting to go back outside. I didn't. Thus it was a good day in one sense, but it only contained two workouts instead of three.
Thank you, Jesus.
brick kick
1,200 24:15
10 X 100 @ 1:53
600 small paddles 11:46
750 back 17:06
25
brick kick
250 small paddles 5:01
total: 3,825 yards = 3,496 meters
That was down a little from what I usually get in the morning because of the late start. I did, however, use my CSS for the first time on a set of 100s. I have been using that time on my longer time trail swims (tt) trying to average at least my CSS. Usually, I do 100s on 2:00, and I swim them about 95% effort. This time I tried to swim the actual CSS pace (1:37 per 100) with the recommended 15 seconds of rest which comes out as 1:53. The CSS is a tad easier than my normal 100s (it is fully aerobic), but the rest interval is shorter. The set went well although I swam most of them in 1:40. But the 1:40 includes me starting and stopping the watch which takes about three seconds. So that is a good first start using the CSS, and I plan to do more of that in the future at various distances.
In the afternoon, I shuffled for 10.35 miles. When I got home from that, I settled in and became lazy not wanting to go back outside. I didn't. Thus it was a good day in one sense, but it only contained two workouts instead of three.
Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Starting Right
By the grace of God, I got the week started right. I was in the water at 3:30 a..m. What?!?! Yeah, I rest a lot on Sunday so I can get there a little earlier on Mondays. I swam
brick kick
2,500 51:28
800 tt 13:27
400 medium paddles 7:43
700 back 15:44
400 medium paddles 7:49
600 25/25 free/back
350 small paddles
250 small paddles
brick kick
200 small paddles
total: 6,225 yards = 5,689 meters
Monday is my long day in Greenville. When I got home, I hit the road for a 2.62 mile shuffle. For the last two weeks, my running numbers and frequency have been down. So although I only did a little bit of running, at least I was out there getting the week going right.
After the shuffle, I went to Plate City Gym. There I benched
13 X 95
10 X 115
8 X 135
5 X 140
5 X 140
I then did some overhead dumbbell presses: 20 X 20 and 6 X 30. This time, I really worked the triceps on the triceps push down. I think that is an important move both at a bench press assistant exercise and as a conditioner for swimming. The triceps are huge in freestyle. I did
37 X 30
21 X 35
12 X 40
Now that is a good day right there; I don't care who you are. Thank you, Jesus, for good health, good energy, and a good gym.
brick kick
2,500 51:28
800 tt 13:27
400 medium paddles 7:43
700 back 15:44
400 medium paddles 7:49
600 25/25 free/back
350 small paddles
250 small paddles
brick kick
200 small paddles
total: 6,225 yards = 5,689 meters
Monday is my long day in Greenville. When I got home, I hit the road for a 2.62 mile shuffle. For the last two weeks, my running numbers and frequency have been down. So although I only did a little bit of running, at least I was out there getting the week going right.
After the shuffle, I went to Plate City Gym. There I benched
13 X 95
10 X 115
8 X 135
5 X 140
5 X 140
I then did some overhead dumbbell presses: 20 X 20 and 6 X 30. This time, I really worked the triceps on the triceps push down. I think that is an important move both at a bench press assistant exercise and as a conditioner for swimming. The triceps are huge in freestyle. I did
37 X 30
21 X 35
12 X 40
Now that is a good day right there; I don't care who you are. Thank you, Jesus, for good health, good energy, and a good gym.
Monday, February 24, 2020
2/17 - 2/23
It was a strange week in that I did a little more running than last week, but not much. I did, however, swim a lot. Monday I started with a 5,049 meter swim. Due to working late and long, I did not shuffle but I hit the gym with vigor.
Tuesday I swam 4,410 meters and since I had to go to Twin Rivers to get out of the cold rain, I shuffled a mere 1,77 miles. I find it extremely trying to do miles on the dreadmill. I lifted while I was there so I did three workouts, but not big ones.
Wednesday I swam 3,815 meters, ran 3.03 miles, and did legs at Plate City. Thursday, John and I swam after lunch and I got 7,400 yards (6,763 meters) for my first long swim in a while. The fatigue of the early mornings and the long swim caused me to spend the rest of the day on the couch.
Friday I swam 4,319 meters, ran 9.25 miles, and lifted at Plate City. Saturday, I lifted only, but set a couple of strongman records.
For the week, I
ran a mere 14.05 miles,
swam a solid 24,356 meters, and
lifted five times.
Thank you, Jesus, for good health.
Tuesday I swam 4,410 meters and since I had to go to Twin Rivers to get out of the cold rain, I shuffled a mere 1,77 miles. I find it extremely trying to do miles on the dreadmill. I lifted while I was there so I did three workouts, but not big ones.
Wednesday I swam 3,815 meters, ran 3.03 miles, and did legs at Plate City. Thursday, John and I swam after lunch and I got 7,400 yards (6,763 meters) for my first long swim in a while. The fatigue of the early mornings and the long swim caused me to spend the rest of the day on the couch.
Friday I swam 4,319 meters, ran 9.25 miles, and lifted at Plate City. Saturday, I lifted only, but set a couple of strongman records.
For the week, I
ran a mere 14.05 miles,
swam a solid 24,356 meters, and
lifted five times.
Thank you, Jesus, for good health.
Assault and Battery
Assault and Battery
By Jay Unver
(Lehrton, Mississipppi) If beating Randy Beets in athletic contests were a crime, Zane Hodge would be serving life without parole or on death row one. It seems the ageing athlete never tires of whipping the tall one from pillar to post. In the pool, Hodge has recently set new records in the 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 backstroke. Beets, on the other hand, has been missing in action and cannot even be reached for comment on Hodge's dominating pool performances.
Besides rewriting the record books in the Association of Sports Swimmers, Hodge has been doing the same thing in the Association of Sports Strongmen. Wednesday of this week, Hodge set the distance record in the farmer's walk with not one but two walks of 350 feet with the implements alone. That is Hodge carried 104 pounds over a full football field length without stopping.
A mere three days later, Hodge was at it again breaking his own world record with a pull of 117 pounds per hand for 40 feet. It was unclear, at first, if that mark would go down as a new record. The standard distance for weight has been 50 feet which is what Hodge was going for that day. His grip failed, however, and he only made 40 feet before dropping the farmer's walk handles. After consulting with Dr. Timothy Nomann, president and CEO of Big ASS Endurance, Nomann said the mark would stand as a new record at that the 40-foot distance.
A few minutes later, Hodge broke his second record of the day when he did 50 feet with the duck walk carrying 115 pounds. There seems to be no end to what the star swimmer, cyclist, runner, and strongman is capable of. "As long as there is a Randy Beets to beat, I'll be competing," a happy Hodge said.
Besides rewriting the record books in the Association of Sports Swimmers, Hodge has been doing the same thing in the Association of Sports Strongmen. Wednesday of this week, Hodge set the distance record in the farmer's walk with not one but two walks of 350 feet with the implements alone. That is Hodge carried 104 pounds over a full football field length without stopping.
A mere three days later, Hodge was at it again breaking his own world record with a pull of 117 pounds per hand for 40 feet. It was unclear, at first, if that mark would go down as a new record. The standard distance for weight has been 50 feet which is what Hodge was going for that day. His grip failed, however, and he only made 40 feet before dropping the farmer's walk handles. After consulting with Dr. Timothy Nomann, president and CEO of Big ASS Endurance, Nomann said the mark would stand as a new record at that the 40-foot distance.
A few minutes later, Hodge broke his second record of the day when he did 50 feet with the duck walk carrying 115 pounds. There seems to be no end to what the star swimmer, cyclist, runner, and strongman is capable of. "As long as there is a Randy Beets to beat, I'll be competing," a happy Hodge said.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Saturday
There are a lot of things I could have done Saturday. I needed a run. I could have used a swim. My bicycle has been untouched for months. Plate City is better than ever. So what did I do?
The first thing I did was to sleep late. Sometimes that is the best thing one can do. When I get too tired, I become cranky, irritable, and injury prone. So Saturdays have become my day for sleeping. After sleeping late, I spent time drinking coffee, petting cats, and preparing Sunday's sermon.
I thought about taking a swim, but decided against it. I thought about taking a run, but decided against it. I thought about a session at Plate City Gym, but decided for it. I could do without a run and a swim, but I needed the gym, and I needed the rest so that is the path I chose.
It was after lunch before I made it to Plate City. For the first time in four years, it was sunny and nice outside. The dogs were happy and so was I. I started slow and even got the lawn mower out and cut the front yard. As far as working out goes, I started with two sets of squats and then I went over the fence with the farmer's walk handles. I started with two by 50 feet of just the handles. Then two by 50 of plus 20 pounds on each side. Then two by 50 plus thirty. After that it was two by 50 at plus 37.5.
Next, I jumped to plus 50 pounds. That is where it starts to get heavy for me. That makes 102 pounds in each hand. After that, I did one by 50 at plus 60. That tied my record. I went up to plus 65 for a new record. I only make it 40 feet before my grip failed, but that is a new Association of Sports Strongmen world's record.
I wasn't finished. I loaded the duck walk implement to a record 115 pounds and walked it 50 feet. Then I did a dead lift session of
8 X 135
5 X 145
3 X 155
3 X 165
1 X 170
That was a good session while not fatiguing me that way a three-workout day would have. Thank you, Jesus, for Plate City and the health to use it.
The first thing I did was to sleep late. Sometimes that is the best thing one can do. When I get too tired, I become cranky, irritable, and injury prone. So Saturdays have become my day for sleeping. After sleeping late, I spent time drinking coffee, petting cats, and preparing Sunday's sermon.
I thought about taking a swim, but decided against it. I thought about taking a run, but decided against it. I thought about a session at Plate City Gym, but decided for it. I could do without a run and a swim, but I needed the gym, and I needed the rest so that is the path I chose.
It was after lunch before I made it to Plate City. For the first time in four years, it was sunny and nice outside. The dogs were happy and so was I. I started slow and even got the lawn mower out and cut the front yard. As far as working out goes, I started with two sets of squats and then I went over the fence with the farmer's walk handles. I started with two by 50 feet of just the handles. Then two by 50 of plus 20 pounds on each side. Then two by 50 plus thirty. After that it was two by 50 at plus 37.5.
Next, I jumped to plus 50 pounds. That is where it starts to get heavy for me. That makes 102 pounds in each hand. After that, I did one by 50 at plus 60. That tied my record. I went up to plus 65 for a new record. I only make it 40 feet before my grip failed, but that is a new Association of Sports Strongmen world's record.
I wasn't finished. I loaded the duck walk implement to a record 115 pounds and walked it 50 feet. Then I did a dead lift session of
8 X 135
5 X 145
3 X 155
3 X 165
1 X 170
That was a good session while not fatiguing me that way a three-workout day would have. Thank you, Jesus, for Plate City and the health to use it.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Early Friday
John called me at 3:27 a.m. Friday morning. He really trusts my sanctification doesn't he. He said he was on the way to the pool.
Yes, I got up, got ready, and got there. I suppose it would have been a good opportunity to bust out another big one, but I was tired from Thursday's 7,400 and from getting up early every morning except Thursday. I swam
brick kick
2,100 44:28
4 X 50
100 small paddles
600 back 13:16
300 medium paddles
200 25/25 free/back
6 X 50 long paddles
25
brick kick
300 medium paddles
total: 4,725 yards = 4,319 meters
I went home, ate breakfast, and went back to bed. Yes, I slept.
When I got up, I wrote a blog post and then went for a run. It was cold, very cold, and I shuffled for 9.25 miles. Then I ate warmed up peas with oatmeal and whey protein for lunch. Then I lounged with River for a couple of hours before going to Plate City Gym.
There I went light on everything. I did benches with the Swiss bar, did seated rows, lat pull downs, and the log press. That made three workouts for the day. After all that, I took protein and a bath. When Penny came home, we went to the Crystal Grill, and I ate the beef liver with a baked potato and a Greek salad.
It was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Yes, I got up, got ready, and got there. I suppose it would have been a good opportunity to bust out another big one, but I was tired from Thursday's 7,400 and from getting up early every morning except Thursday. I swam
brick kick
2,100 44:28
4 X 50
100 small paddles
600 back 13:16
300 medium paddles
200 25/25 free/back
6 X 50 long paddles
25
brick kick
300 medium paddles
total: 4,725 yards = 4,319 meters
I went home, ate breakfast, and went back to bed. Yes, I slept.
When I got up, I wrote a blog post and then went for a run. It was cold, very cold, and I shuffled for 9.25 miles. Then I ate warmed up peas with oatmeal and whey protein for lunch. Then I lounged with River for a couple of hours before going to Plate City Gym.
There I went light on everything. I did benches with the Swiss bar, did seated rows, lat pull downs, and the log press. That made three workouts for the day. After all that, I took protein and a bath. When Penny came home, we went to the Crystal Grill, and I ate the beef liver with a baked potato and a Greek salad.
It was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Big Back Attack
Big Back Attack
By Jay Unver
(Lehrton, Mississippi) Zane Hodge has made a full scale invasion of the record books unlike anything ever witnessed in the history of sports. The 63 year-old Big ASS Endurance star has continued, unabated, his assault on both Randy Beets and the records books since the first of the year.
Despite the pause in their ever popular Virtual Swim Meet series, Hodge has continued to set new records in the pool, records that Beets has made no effort to match. Lately, Hodge has rewritten the record books of the Association of Sport Swimmers with his attack on the backstroke. Friday morning, I asked the athlete why the back.
"It has to do in part with the Mississippi State Senior Olympics. Last year, I competed in the 50 and 100 free even though I am not a sprinter. My thought then was that it would make me train the sprints and consequently I would become a better all round swimmer. And it worked."
"So you are thinking the same thing with the backstroke?"
"Yeah. I am not 100 percent sure, but I am thinking about swapping one of the sprints out for a backstroke swim. Now, just the idea, is making me work that stroke which can only make me a better, more well-rounded swimmer."
"Interesting. What are you thinking of swapping out for what?"
"Right now, I think I will drop the 50 free and replace it with the 100 back. The only holdup I have is that we don't have backstroke flags at Twin Rivers, and I have a fear of turning over too soon and taking two freestyle strokes and being disqualified." [The rules allow for one freestyle stroke before a back stroke turn]
"Do you think you can win?" I asked.
"I don't know. This is a qualifying year. I expect a lot more competition than in 2019." [A qualifying year is a year when the event winners qualify for the National Senior Olympic Games a year later] "I really don't want my wife to see me get beat. But nothing ventured nothing gained."
"What about beyond 2020?" I asked.
"Good question. Maybe next year I could work on my breaststroke. And then the next year I could learn the butterfly. Eventually I could do an IM. That would keep me busy and improving for several years."
"That's important to you? to improve?"
"Heck yeah. To improve physically at my age in anything is a huge rush. I have swum so little back that I am improving literally every day in the pool. That is very motivating."
"I can see that. How do you feel about all the recent records you set?"
"That is a charge too. I was not aware that the backstroke had been uncontested in the Association of Sports Swimmers since its inception. Dr. Nomann sent me a text after seeing a blog post of mine where I swam it in training. That's when I called you to come witness and time my swims so they could become official records. By the way, thanks. I know it's not fun to get up that early."
"You are welcome. You now hold the world records in the 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 backstroke. What is next?"
"I plan to keep going up in distance. The 600 is the longest back I ever swam in my whole life. Currently, I am working mostly on conditioning and turns. I want my shoulders to be really solid before I push the pace too hard. The back puts your shoulders in a bit of a compromised position."
"But isn't the back just like the front crawl only you are turned over in the water?"
"Yes and no. The mechanics are about the same, but your hand is behind your back when you pull on the backstroke. [He demonstrated for me the hand placement in relation to the body in the two strokes] You can see although the movement is the same, the hand and thus the humerus are not in the same position."
"Well, I certainly wish you luck. When you start working on the breast stroke, call me. You know it also has been uncontested in the Association," I told him.
"His eyes lit up. Really? Hot dog!" he almost shouted.
So the sage continues.
Eureka!
I found it! I think I wrote a day or two ago that of late I have been looking for a long swim. Our 4:00 a.m. starts is as early as I am willing to go. On Mondays I do get in a few minutes earlier but only a few.
Well I got John to agree to meet me there at 1:30 Thursday afternoon. That meant I got more sleep that morning. It also means I was awake when we swam. I picked Thursday because I have more time then than any other day of the week. On Wednesday night, I now have a night class. On Monday, I work late in Greenville. Tuesday I have some time (usually), but Thursday is the best bet because I do not have to get up the next day and go to work.
So we hit the pool at 1:30. Surprisingly, I started cramping from the very first lap. Seriously, I pondered stopping after 1,000. It is just not my day, I thought. Usually when I cramp, it is related to one of three things: I have been running a lot; I am losing weight; or I have been sweating profusely. None of those three was in play so why the cramping? Beats me.
I kept swimming, but I could not push hard off the wall, and I could not kick. Towards the end of the swim, I was grunting under water and trying to pull my foot upwards to stop the calf from cramping. I kept at it, however, until I got 7,400 yards in 2:17:40. That was a 1:51 per 100 average, a decent pace especially for that distance, and considering the problems. That distance was my longest continuous swim of the year and the longest overall. A few weeks back I got 7,100 but that was with a bunch of sets. You can build endurance off 100s, but I am convinced that the continuous swim does something for you that nothing else does. It certainly trains the mind as well as the body.
Now we have a start. Maybe next week I can do more. Thank you, Jesus.
Well I got John to agree to meet me there at 1:30 Thursday afternoon. That meant I got more sleep that morning. It also means I was awake when we swam. I picked Thursday because I have more time then than any other day of the week. On Wednesday night, I now have a night class. On Monday, I work late in Greenville. Tuesday I have some time (usually), but Thursday is the best bet because I do not have to get up the next day and go to work.
So we hit the pool at 1:30. Surprisingly, I started cramping from the very first lap. Seriously, I pondered stopping after 1,000. It is just not my day, I thought. Usually when I cramp, it is related to one of three things: I have been running a lot; I am losing weight; or I have been sweating profusely. None of those three was in play so why the cramping? Beats me.
I kept swimming, but I could not push hard off the wall, and I could not kick. Towards the end of the swim, I was grunting under water and trying to pull my foot upwards to stop the calf from cramping. I kept at it, however, until I got 7,400 yards in 2:17:40. That was a 1:51 per 100 average, a decent pace especially for that distance, and considering the problems. That distance was my longest continuous swim of the year and the longest overall. A few weeks back I got 7,100 but that was with a bunch of sets. You can build endurance off 100s, but I am convinced that the continuous swim does something for you that nothing else does. It certainly trains the mind as well as the body.
Now we have a start. Maybe next week I can do more. Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Wednesday
I did another three, but once more they were not a big three. Of course I started in the pool with 4,175 yards. The went like this:
brick kick
650
2,000
5 X 50
500 back 11:03
400 25/25 free/back
25
brick kick
400 small paddles
I finally had an afternoon off. After work, I took a nap then got up and did a short shuffle of 3.03 miles. At Plate City I worked legs and farmer's walk. On the squat I did
13 X 65
10 X 75
6 X 86
4 X 95
3 X 100
Leg extension
15 X 50
13 X 65
12 X 75
10 X 80
8 X 82.5
Reverse hypers - 22 X 50
On the farmer's walk, I set a new Association of Sports Strongmen world's record for distance with 2 X 350 feet X + 0 added weight. That was pretty challenging, but it felt good. My grip and my traps were screaming at me as was my heart rate and breathing.
In short, it was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
brick kick
650
2,000
5 X 50
500 back 11:03
400 25/25 free/back
25
brick kick
400 small paddles
I finally had an afternoon off. After work, I took a nap then got up and did a short shuffle of 3.03 miles. At Plate City I worked legs and farmer's walk. On the squat I did
13 X 65
10 X 75
6 X 86
4 X 95
3 X 100
Leg extension
15 X 50
13 X 65
12 X 75
10 X 80
8 X 82.5
Reverse hypers - 22 X 50
On the farmer's walk, I set a new Association of Sports Strongmen world's record for distance with 2 X 350 feet X + 0 added weight. That was pretty challenging, but it felt good. My grip and my traps were screaming at me as was my heart rate and breathing.
In short, it was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Still Trying
I'm trying to get back on track after last week's low numbers. Monday I missed a run. Tuesday I did manage three workouts but none of them were really huge. In the pool, I swam
brick kick
2,400 49:21
200 tt 3:10
200 medium paddle 3:25
200 tt 3:12
200 medium paddles 3:45
450 back 9:33
750 small paddles 15:27
25
brick kick all the way
400 8:27
total: 4,825 yards - 4,410 meters
That was a pretty good practice. It had some volume and some quality. I also made it all the way with the brick kick for the fist time in a couple of weeks. I intended to go for a long run, but I went instead to show the north 40 with the world's best brother-in-law, RT. We got soaked, especially poor RT who rode in the back of the side by side while the monsoons did their thing.
When I got home and dried out, the weather had gotten even worse, so I rested some and went to Twin Rivers. It's nice to have a back up. I don't like running on a dreadmill, but it is better than a poke in the eye. I only did 1.77 miles before I hopped off and hit the weights. On the one-armed bent row I pulled
17 X 40
13 X 45
10 X 50
8 X 55
5 X 60
5 X 60
I also did some reverse flys with the red band, 2:15 on the row machine, and 20 X 20 dumbbell curls.
All of that wasn't too bad, but I can see it's going to be hard to make the numbers again this week on the road. Right now, the pool has priority, and I have been doing well there. I am ahead of last year in terms of total volume in the water, but I am way behind in quality and in long swims. I have a plan this week of getting in a long, continuous swim. Help me, Jesus, and thank you for what I did do.
brick kick
2,400 49:21
200 tt 3:10
200 medium paddle 3:25
200 tt 3:12
200 medium paddles 3:45
450 back 9:33
750 small paddles 15:27
25
brick kick all the way
400 8:27
total: 4,825 yards - 4,410 meters
That was a pretty good practice. It had some volume and some quality. I also made it all the way with the brick kick for the fist time in a couple of weeks. I intended to go for a long run, but I went instead to show the north 40 with the world's best brother-in-law, RT. We got soaked, especially poor RT who rode in the back of the side by side while the monsoons did their thing.
When I got home and dried out, the weather had gotten even worse, so I rested some and went to Twin Rivers. It's nice to have a back up. I don't like running on a dreadmill, but it is better than a poke in the eye. I only did 1.77 miles before I hopped off and hit the weights. On the one-armed bent row I pulled
17 X 40
13 X 45
10 X 50
8 X 55
5 X 60
5 X 60
I also did some reverse flys with the red band, 2:15 on the row machine, and 20 X 20 dumbbell curls.
All of that wasn't too bad, but I can see it's going to be hard to make the numbers again this week on the road. Right now, the pool has priority, and I have been doing well there. I am ahead of last year in terms of total volume in the water, but I am way behind in quality and in long swims. I have a plan this week of getting in a long, continuous swim. Help me, Jesus, and thank you for what I did do.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
A New Start
This is the week for me to get back on track. Last week I suffered such a major drop off so I started early. Waking up to use the bathroom, I saw that there was no time to go back to sleep so I started getting ready to go swim at 3:20 a.m. I got to the pool and began stretching out. I was swimming by ten minutes before 4:00. I did
25 brick kick
2,350 47:25
750 tt 12:38
400 small paddles 8:16
400 back 8:53
600 medium paddles 11:35
25
25 brick kick
500 free/back
100 back 2:14
400 small paddles
5,525 yards = 5,049 meters
Monday is my long day in Greenville so when I got home, I immediately changed clothes and went to Plate City. I needed a run, but since this was the third Monday of the month, we had Over 60s, which meets at 6:00 p.m. That means something had to give and as usual, it was one of my workouts. I did get in some good lifting, but not one step of running. On the bench, I pressed
12 X 95
10 X 115
8 X 125
6 X 130
6 X 135
On the log press, I pushed
10 X 52
6 X 63
3 X 74
1 X 85
I did two finisher sets with dumbbells overhead:
8 X 25
10 X 20
The last thing I did was triceps push downs for
35 X 30
20 X 35
All that day needed was a ten-mile run. But thank you, Lord, for a good double-workout day.
25 brick kick
2,350 47:25
750 tt 12:38
400 small paddles 8:16
400 back 8:53
600 medium paddles 11:35
25
25 brick kick
500 free/back
100 back 2:14
400 small paddles
5,525 yards = 5,049 meters
Monday is my long day in Greenville so when I got home, I immediately changed clothes and went to Plate City. I needed a run, but since this was the third Monday of the month, we had Over 60s, which meets at 6:00 p.m. That means something had to give and as usual, it was one of my workouts. I did get in some good lifting, but not one step of running. On the bench, I pressed
12 X 95
10 X 115
8 X 125
6 X 130
6 X 135
On the log press, I pushed
10 X 52
6 X 63
3 X 74
1 X 85
I did two finisher sets with dumbbells overhead:
8 X 25
10 X 20
The last thing I did was triceps push downs for
35 X 30
20 X 35
All that day needed was a ten-mile run. But thank you, Lord, for a good double-workout day.
Monday, February 17, 2020
Garmin Swim 2
I used my new Garmin Swim 2 the first time Monday morning. Since I am still unfamiliar with it, I was apprehensive climbing into the water. I did not know what the display would look like while I swam, and I was concerned about how visible the numbers would be. The old 910 XT had big numbers that my near-sighted eyes could easily read in the water even with foggy goggles.
Although the Swim 2 is a smaller watch, I was immediately and pleasantly surprised to see that the numbers were big, dark, and readable. The screen had time and distance and both were easy to make out while doing a flip turn. I also like the ability to pause the watch during the swim and it gives you your rest time so that one can do intervals on a set rest interval rather than on a set leave-the-wall interval.
The new interval time and distance replaces the total time and distance when one hits the lap button. I did not, however, know how to scroll to the total while I was on the wall. It can probably be done, but I was afraid to punch buttons and maybe clear the watch out.
After my swim, the total time, total distance, average per 100 yards for the whole swim, and average heart rate were all rotating on the watch face. Yes, hear rate. This watch records your heart rate from the strap. Gone is the old bra one had to purchase extra and wear to get that information. When I got home, I figured out how to go to history and see my interval times. The watch did not, however, give me my pace per 100 yards on the intervals. That information is probably available if one knows how to access it. There is more I don't know about this watch than I do know.
From reading the Owner's Manuel, I know that one can program workouts for the watch, but they have to be done online and sent to the watch via computer. Will I ever get around to that? Most likely I will manually program workouts into my other Garmin, the 310 XT, and wear them both in the pool. One can also pair the watch with your iPhone although I don't know what that is about. Sometimes technology intimidates me. I should not be that way, I am sure, but I am.
So what is my assessment? I like the watch, but I wonder if I will ever maximize its potential. Maybe I will unlazy and learn it as well as I knew the old 910. If I ever see one of those though, I am buying. Then I will have three Garmins. Watch out Randy Beets.
Thank you, Jesus, for the technology that makes the pool more interesting.
Although the Swim 2 is a smaller watch, I was immediately and pleasantly surprised to see that the numbers were big, dark, and readable. The screen had time and distance and both were easy to make out while doing a flip turn. I also like the ability to pause the watch during the swim and it gives you your rest time so that one can do intervals on a set rest interval rather than on a set leave-the-wall interval.
The new interval time and distance replaces the total time and distance when one hits the lap button. I did not, however, know how to scroll to the total while I was on the wall. It can probably be done, but I was afraid to punch buttons and maybe clear the watch out.
After my swim, the total time, total distance, average per 100 yards for the whole swim, and average heart rate were all rotating on the watch face. Yes, hear rate. This watch records your heart rate from the strap. Gone is the old bra one had to purchase extra and wear to get that information. When I got home, I figured out how to go to history and see my interval times. The watch did not, however, give me my pace per 100 yards on the intervals. That information is probably available if one knows how to access it. There is more I don't know about this watch than I do know.
From reading the Owner's Manuel, I know that one can program workouts for the watch, but they have to be done online and sent to the watch via computer. Will I ever get around to that? Most likely I will manually program workouts into my other Garmin, the 310 XT, and wear them both in the pool. One can also pair the watch with your iPhone although I don't know what that is about. Sometimes technology intimidates me. I should not be that way, I am sure, but I am.
So what is my assessment? I like the watch, but I wonder if I will ever maximize its potential. Maybe I will unlazy and learn it as well as I knew the old 910. If I ever see one of those though, I am buying. Then I will have three Garmins. Watch out Randy Beets.
Thank you, Jesus, for the technology that makes the pool more interesting.
2/10 - 2/16
I had a de-load two weeks ago in the pool and gym. This week I had a de-load on the road. It is almost like you don't have to plan these because life take care of them for you. Monday I had a good swim and I lifted weights but I did not run. I think fatigue was the reason but I really do not remember.
Tuesday I had a decent swim and a tiny run, 1.15 miles. I did that on the dreadmill at Twin Rivers. The monsoons have been really bad this winter. I did a little lifting there also.
Wednesday I swam but did not run or lift. The kidney stone week hit me pretty hard with lots of lost sleep. I just could not go. Thursday I swam well, did my "long run" of the week with 6.41 miles, and even lifted.
Friday I did it all in moderation. For me, moderation means I am off my game, something is wrong. I swam, lifted weights, and shuffled 2.83 miles from Acey's Store to Hillbilly Heaven. Saturday I did a mini shuffle of 1.34 miles in Jackson while Penny shopped.
For the week, I
ran 11.73 miles (The horror! The horror!),
swam 19,466 meters, and
lifted four times.
Now I hope I can get back to Senior Olympics and Chicot Challenge training. Thank you, Jesus, for some training in difficult times.
Tuesday I had a decent swim and a tiny run, 1.15 miles. I did that on the dreadmill at Twin Rivers. The monsoons have been really bad this winter. I did a little lifting there also.
Wednesday I swam but did not run or lift. The kidney stone week hit me pretty hard with lots of lost sleep. I just could not go. Thursday I swam well, did my "long run" of the week with 6.41 miles, and even lifted.
Friday I did it all in moderation. For me, moderation means I am off my game, something is wrong. I swam, lifted weights, and shuffled 2.83 miles from Acey's Store to Hillbilly Heaven. Saturday I did a mini shuffle of 1.34 miles in Jackson while Penny shopped.
For the week, I
ran 11.73 miles (The horror! The horror!),
swam 19,466 meters, and
lifted four times.
Now I hope I can get back to Senior Olympics and Chicot Challenge training. Thank you, Jesus, for some training in difficult times.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Valentine's Day with my Bride
Penny and I went to Jackson Saturday. This was sort of a Valentine's date for us. We stopped at Academy Sports on the way in. I purchased one pair of 2.5 Olympic plates and a pair of collars. I don't use collars much, but when I do I need them to work. I need them for the lop press and the deadlift. When I dl, the weights always shift to the right side. As the load gets heavy, this could cause some problems. I have several sets of those clippy things, but they work about as well as a light rain shower on a muddy pickup truck.
Later, I dropped Penny at some of her stores and went off the Play It Again Sports, my favorite store in all the world. It was closed. Not just closed, but the lights out, the building empty. It is gone. I should have seen it coming. Lately they have carried nothing new. They used to stock new kettlebells and dumbbells, but not of late. Even their used inventory stagnated.
Of course I was disappointed. When I reflected on things, I realized that Facebook Marketplace probably helped do them in. Now you can sell your unwanted exercise equipment for what Play It Again would sell if for. Not only that, but you can buy used stuff without driving to Jackson to do it. I have personally purchased hundreds of pounds of used plates from individuals who previously relied on word of mouth or had to drive to Play It Again and take half as much as they could have sold it for themselves. Time, things, people, the marketplace all change. Sometimes that change is sad.
I am sad, but Plate City is well stocked. The few things I am still looking for, I can get at good prices through Facebook Marketplace or Titan Fitness. But from now on, my trips to Jackson won't be quite as exciting to me as they have been in the past.
I had almost two hours before Penny was expecting me to pick her up so I went to Friendship Park and did a little bit of a shuffle there. I discovered this place a few years back and I am feeling more and more comfortable there.
I picked Penny up on time, shuttled her to some more stores, and then we went to Red Lobster for dinner. She loves Red Lobster, and I love to see her happy.
Thank you, Jesus, for a save trip and a nice time with my bride.
Later, I dropped Penny at some of her stores and went off the Play It Again Sports, my favorite store in all the world. It was closed. Not just closed, but the lights out, the building empty. It is gone. I should have seen it coming. Lately they have carried nothing new. They used to stock new kettlebells and dumbbells, but not of late. Even their used inventory stagnated.
Of course I was disappointed. When I reflected on things, I realized that Facebook Marketplace probably helped do them in. Now you can sell your unwanted exercise equipment for what Play It Again would sell if for. Not only that, but you can buy used stuff without driving to Jackson to do it. I have personally purchased hundreds of pounds of used plates from individuals who previously relied on word of mouth or had to drive to Play It Again and take half as much as they could have sold it for themselves. Time, things, people, the marketplace all change. Sometimes that change is sad.
I am sad, but Plate City is well stocked. The few things I am still looking for, I can get at good prices through Facebook Marketplace or Titan Fitness. But from now on, my trips to Jackson won't be quite as exciting to me as they have been in the past.
I had almost two hours before Penny was expecting me to pick her up so I went to Friendship Park and did a little bit of a shuffle there. I discovered this place a few years back and I am feeling more and more comfortable there.
I picked Penny up on time, shuttled her to some more stores, and then we went to Red Lobster for dinner. She loves Red Lobster, and I love to see her happy.
Thank you, Jesus, for a save trip and a nice time with my bride.
Still Looking
I've been looking for a long swim. I did not find it any this week. Friday morning, John and I met at 6:25, later than usual, to try to get a longer swim in. I got
3,100 1:00:52
16 X 50 medium paddles @ 1:16
600 small paddles
300 long paddles
500 9:39
total: 5,300 yards = 4,844 meters
That was not a bad practice, but not much longer than if we came in at our regular time. It was nice, however, to sleep two and a half hours longer.
I did Plate City second, because Penny and I were scheduled to go to Hillbilly Heaven that night, and I knew I would get out of the truck and run at least part of the way. I did pulls, seated rows, lat pull downs, Swim Pulls, and dumbbell curls. Maybe next week I can get back to some heavy work at the gym.
I got out at Acey's Store and shuffled 2.83 miles to HBH. It wasn't a big day, but not a bad one either. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
3,100 1:00:52
16 X 50 medium paddles @ 1:16
600 small paddles
300 long paddles
500 9:39
total: 5,300 yards = 4,844 meters
That was not a bad practice, but not much longer than if we came in at our regular time. It was nice, however, to sleep two and a half hours longer.
I did Plate City second, because Penny and I were scheduled to go to Hillbilly Heaven that night, and I knew I would get out of the truck and run at least part of the way. I did pulls, seated rows, lat pull downs, Swim Pulls, and dumbbell curls. Maybe next week I can get back to some heavy work at the gym.
I got out at Acey's Store and shuffled 2.83 miles to HBH. It wasn't a big day, but not a bad one either. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Friday, February 14, 2020
Real Three
Thursday, Thriday rather, I was back to three real workouts. The first was in the pool as
brick kick
2,300 46:12
700 tt 11:32
500 small paddles
250 back 5:13
250 small paddles 4:58
50 back 50.83 PR
200 small paddles 4:08
25
brick kick (all the way)
200 small paddles
total: 4,475 yards = 4,090 meters
Workout number two was a run, only my second of the week. It was cold. I bundled up and shuffled 6.41 miles.
For number three, I was back at Plate City. I missed it and the dogs missed me. Even the neighbor's dogs come to the fence for a pet while I stretch my calves between sets. Since I missed Wednesday, I did push and legs. Sort of. Pressing I did
Overhead dumbbell
10 X 20
8 X 25
5 X 30
That is a good move that works the core and hits the shoulder really hard. On the barbell bench, I pressed
15 X 100
12 X 105 slight incline
10 X 110 slight incline
Then I went to the log for a reps PR of 15 X 52.
I only did one set of light squats, but I visited the deadlift for the first time in a couple of weeks going
7 X 135
4 X 145
4 X 155
1 X 165
I finished out with some triceps pushdowns: 30 X 30 and 31 X 30. That was a good solid workout in some pretty cold weather. Thank you, Jesus, for a nice day.
brick kick
2,300 46:12
700 tt 11:32
500 small paddles
250 back 5:13
250 small paddles 4:58
50 back 50.83 PR
200 small paddles 4:08
25
brick kick (all the way)
200 small paddles
total: 4,475 yards = 4,090 meters
Workout number two was a run, only my second of the week. It was cold. I bundled up and shuffled 6.41 miles.
For number three, I was back at Plate City. I missed it and the dogs missed me. Even the neighbor's dogs come to the fence for a pet while I stretch my calves between sets. Since I missed Wednesday, I did push and legs. Sort of. Pressing I did
Overhead dumbbell
10 X 20
8 X 25
5 X 30
That is a good move that works the core and hits the shoulder really hard. On the barbell bench, I pressed
15 X 100
12 X 105 slight incline
10 X 110 slight incline
Then I went to the log for a reps PR of 15 X 52.
I only did one set of light squats, but I visited the deadlift for the first time in a couple of weeks going
7 X 135
4 X 145
4 X 155
1 X 165
I finished out with some triceps pushdowns: 30 X 30 and 31 X 30. That was a good solid workout in some pretty cold weather. Thank you, Jesus, for a nice day.
Hodge Smashes More Records
Hodge Smashed More Records
By Jay Unver
"I'll get it lower than that. Just give me some time," he responded to queries about his new fascination with swimming on his back. "I just started working this one," he added.
Another event he hinted that may be in for some record assaults is the RIM (Redneck Individual Medley). "I've swum a couple of those in practice lately. They are tough. After I max out in the backstroke, I will move on to the breast and then the RIM," he said beaming with anticipation.
Despite swimming up a storm everyday, Hodge has broken more records in the Association of Sports Strongmen. The first of his recent records was set January the 15th with a 130 pound squat. A couple of weeks later, he scored again, this time with a 1 X 50 foot Duck Walk at 110 pounds. A few days later, February the 1st, Hodge broke his own record in the Farmer's Walk with a fifty foot carry with at total of 224 pounds. Then just last night, Hodge hit the Log Press for 15 reps at 52 pounds.
"That's pretty impressive stuff," I commented while trying to interview the star athlete.
"You better believe it," he shot back. "Randy Beets trembles in my presence."
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Coffee and Backstroke
I stopped drinking coffee after my kidney stone eruption last Tuesday morning. I always do, but this time I did not drink for an entire week. Not only that but I did not drink Wednesday morning, the eight day. But on my way to Greenville, I dozed. Twice!!!!! Never in my life have I done that, in the morning I mean. I have had trouble staying awake late at night. I have had trouble, a time or two, staying awake in the afternoon. A couple of times I have had trouble driving right after lunch. But in the morning? Never.
They say there is a first time for everything. I hope that was also my last time to fall asleep behind the wheel in the morning driving to work. I drank coffee this morning, and I guess I will until I have another eruption.
Before I had my problems staying awake, I was up at 3:40 a.m. and in the water before 4:00. I know, that is part of the problem, but I have been doing it for a long time and not having trouble driving. It can't be age. Can it? Anyway, at the pool, I swam
brick kick
2,000 40:54
500 kick with fins
200 small paddles 4:00
100 back 2:07
200 small paddles 3:51
150 back 3:06
200 small paddles 3:52
50 back :54
200 small paddles 4:07
325 5:35
brick kick
300 6:09
total: 3,725 yards = 3,404 meters
You may have noticed that I am starting to work my backstroke a bit. I am contemplating swimming a back event at the Mississippi Senior Olympics. It is not my best stroke and no distance at it would be a good event for me. So why do it? To make myself a better all-around swimmer. Last year, I signed up for the 50 and 100 freestyle not because those are good events for me but precisely because they are not. That made me work my speed a lot in training. It made me better. And surprisingly, I won those two races, by the slimmest of margins, but victories nevertheless.
So just dreaming forward, maybe I could do a backstroke race this year. I would then have a year to work on my breaststroke. And following that, I could try to learn the fly, a stroke I never swam. After that I could work on an IM. That gives me lots of stuff to work on for the next three years after this May. I like things that motivate me to do more than just show up at the pool and get a little exercise. Chicot has always done that, but one can get seriously slow if all one does is long, slow distance, the backbone of Chicot training.
A couple of things, however, make this backstroke affair a little iffy. One is that this year, every even year, is a qualifying year for the National Senior Olympics, which are held on odd years. In other words, you qualify and then have another year to train. Most likely, the competition will be a bit stiffer this time around in Biloxi since some people will be taking a shot at making the national games. Another thing is deciding which event that I won last year to give up this time. The 200 and 500 are non-negotiable for me. Those are my events. I would have to drop one of the sprints. So is it the 50 or the 100? and which back race do I enter. I am thinking right now to drop the 50 free and enter the 50 back.
I just had a thought. I wonder if I made appeal if they would let me enter five events. Right now the rules say four is the maximum. I suppose the reason for that is if you are that good, you are knocking others out of the possibility of winning and qualifying. But, I am not much of a threat to anyone as a backstroker. I am not sure there would even be anyone in my age group competing. I'll check in to that.
Oh, I was about to forget the rest of Wednesday. After I got home from Greenville, I had the whole afternoon to go the Twin Rivers to run and lift. I intended to do both. Once I went inside the house, however, I changed clothes, climbed into bed, and stayed there until time to re-dress for my night class. It was still a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
They say there is a first time for everything. I hope that was also my last time to fall asleep behind the wheel in the morning driving to work. I drank coffee this morning, and I guess I will until I have another eruption.
Before I had my problems staying awake, I was up at 3:40 a.m. and in the water before 4:00. I know, that is part of the problem, but I have been doing it for a long time and not having trouble driving. It can't be age. Can it? Anyway, at the pool, I swam
brick kick
2,000 40:54
500 kick with fins
200 small paddles 4:00
100 back 2:07
200 small paddles 3:51
150 back 3:06
200 small paddles 3:52
50 back :54
200 small paddles 4:07
325 5:35
brick kick
300 6:09
total: 3,725 yards = 3,404 meters
You may have noticed that I am starting to work my backstroke a bit. I am contemplating swimming a back event at the Mississippi Senior Olympics. It is not my best stroke and no distance at it would be a good event for me. So why do it? To make myself a better all-around swimmer. Last year, I signed up for the 50 and 100 freestyle not because those are good events for me but precisely because they are not. That made me work my speed a lot in training. It made me better. And surprisingly, I won those two races, by the slimmest of margins, but victories nevertheless.
So just dreaming forward, maybe I could do a backstroke race this year. I would then have a year to work on my breaststroke. And following that, I could try to learn the fly, a stroke I never swam. After that I could work on an IM. That gives me lots of stuff to work on for the next three years after this May. I like things that motivate me to do more than just show up at the pool and get a little exercise. Chicot has always done that, but one can get seriously slow if all one does is long, slow distance, the backbone of Chicot training.
A couple of things, however, make this backstroke affair a little iffy. One is that this year, every even year, is a qualifying year for the National Senior Olympics, which are held on odd years. In other words, you qualify and then have another year to train. Most likely, the competition will be a bit stiffer this time around in Biloxi since some people will be taking a shot at making the national games. Another thing is deciding which event that I won last year to give up this time. The 200 and 500 are non-negotiable for me. Those are my events. I would have to drop one of the sprints. So is it the 50 or the 100? and which back race do I enter. I am thinking right now to drop the 50 free and enter the 50 back.
I just had a thought. I wonder if I made appeal if they would let me enter five events. Right now the rules say four is the maximum. I suppose the reason for that is if you are that good, you are knocking others out of the possibility of winning and qualifying. But, I am not much of a threat to anyone as a backstroker. I am not sure there would even be anyone in my age group competing. I'll check in to that.
Oh, I was about to forget the rest of Wednesday. After I got home from Greenville, I had the whole afternoon to go the Twin Rivers to run and lift. I intended to do both. Once I went inside the house, however, I changed clothes, climbed into bed, and stayed there until time to re-dress for my night class. It was still a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Watches
I told you already about my Garmin dying. I went online instantly and found an old 310 XT (a refurb, that model has been gone for years). I ordered the watch because I have had that model before and it was a dandy. Also it was really cheap for a GPS unit. I wore my old one until the wrist straps broke and after that I would put it under my swim cap and measure my open water swims with it.
So my new watch came in. I was both excited and disappointed. I had forgotten that this model does not count swim laps. Ouch! It also only has one data screen, although I can live with that. It is still a good watch and will serve me well for running. I have even been using it in the pool. I can record times, and even though it does not count laps, it helps me keep up with them. I check it after 100 to get my pace for the day, and then glance at it from time to time. I am able to tell from the time, how far I have been.
I also will be able to program in some intervals. If you have ever wondered how I do 50s on 1:19 or 1:21, I program that repeat into my Garmin and it sends me off the wall. Try doing that with a pace clock. Heck, I don't need a pace clock, and I love doing odd send off times.
But I still need a lap counter. When I do a lot of sets, I have to try to remember them all so I will know how far I swam for the practice. For my really long swims or my time trials, I need to forget keeping up and just go. It is easy to lose track of how far you have been when swimming say a 500. If you glance at your watch, the pace is faster than your warm up pace so you then have to try to figure it out.
So I have been back online. The top of the line Garmins are way more than I am going to pay right now. Plus, I don't need all their bells and whistles. I want my old 910 but I guess they quit making that one. The next in line was the 920, but I can't find it either. I have, however, found something. I just ordered a Garmin Swim 2. I have never had one of these, but it should fill in the gaps at the pool. I will be able to track the whole practice, and I can let my mind go into neutral on longer sets or really hard ones.
Plus, when this watch comes in, I will be back in the enviable position of having two watches. With that, I can do my programmed sets, which are done in running mode so I can't count the totals when doing that. I will also have a watch on that will record everything. This will put me into Randy Beetsdown mode. With two watches, I can't be beat.
Praise God. Thank you, Jesus.
So my new watch came in. I was both excited and disappointed. I had forgotten that this model does not count swim laps. Ouch! It also only has one data screen, although I can live with that. It is still a good watch and will serve me well for running. I have even been using it in the pool. I can record times, and even though it does not count laps, it helps me keep up with them. I check it after 100 to get my pace for the day, and then glance at it from time to time. I am able to tell from the time, how far I have been.
I also will be able to program in some intervals. If you have ever wondered how I do 50s on 1:19 or 1:21, I program that repeat into my Garmin and it sends me off the wall. Try doing that with a pace clock. Heck, I don't need a pace clock, and I love doing odd send off times.
But I still need a lap counter. When I do a lot of sets, I have to try to remember them all so I will know how far I swam for the practice. For my really long swims or my time trials, I need to forget keeping up and just go. It is easy to lose track of how far you have been when swimming say a 500. If you glance at your watch, the pace is faster than your warm up pace so you then have to try to figure it out.
So I have been back online. The top of the line Garmins are way more than I am going to pay right now. Plus, I don't need all their bells and whistles. I want my old 910 but I guess they quit making that one. The next in line was the 920, but I can't find it either. I have, however, found something. I just ordered a Garmin Swim 2. I have never had one of these, but it should fill in the gaps at the pool. I will be able to track the whole practice, and I can let my mind go into neutral on longer sets or really hard ones.
Plus, when this watch comes in, I will be back in the enviable position of having two watches. With that, I can do my programmed sets, which are done in running mode so I can't count the totals when doing that. I will also have a watch on that will record everything. This will put me into Randy Beetsdown mode. With two watches, I can't be beat.
Praise God. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
More Normal
I swam now two days in a row so I guess things are returning to normal. At the pool, I did
brick kick
1,500 31:08
14 X 50
brick kick
500 small paddles
100 redneck IM 1:54
50 back
500 medium paddles
total: 3,375 yards = 3,084 meters
That was workout number one. The monsoons were still with us when I got off work so I took a nap and then went to Twin Rivers for a touch of dreadmill and weights. I only shuffled 1.15 miles on the mill because that was all I could take. Some people go there and do that everyday. I don't know how. It is supposed the rain through Wednesday and then start clearing up. I want back out on the road.
I did pulling with the weights for workout number three. On the one-armed bent row I did
17 X 40
13 X 45
10 X 50
8 X 55
4 X 60
4 X 60
I also did some reverse cord flys.
It was a solid day. I can still tell I slipped some. I think it will take all week to get my swim fitness all the way back. But I am getting there. Thank you, Jesus.
brick kick
1,500 31:08
14 X 50
brick kick
500 small paddles
100 redneck IM 1:54
50 back
500 medium paddles
total: 3,375 yards = 3,084 meters
That was workout number one. The monsoons were still with us when I got off work so I took a nap and then went to Twin Rivers for a touch of dreadmill and weights. I only shuffled 1.15 miles on the mill because that was all I could take. Some people go there and do that everyday. I don't know how. It is supposed the rain through Wednesday and then start clearing up. I want back out on the road.
I did pulling with the weights for workout number three. On the one-armed bent row I did
17 X 40
13 X 45
10 X 50
8 X 55
4 X 60
4 X 60
I also did some reverse cord flys.
It was a solid day. I can still tell I slipped some. I think it will take all week to get my swim fitness all the way back. But I am getting there. Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Return to Normalcy?
Monday things began to return to normal. It rained all day, monsooned that is. I was able to get up early and make it to the pool for a pretty decent swim. I did
brick kick
1,200 24:29
12 X 100 @ 2:00
600 small paddles 11:47
2 X 150 @ 3:00
400 medium paddles 7:48
325
brick kick
400 small paddles
total: 4,425 yards = 4,044 meters
That got me tired. I even climbed out of the pool early because I was done. Only swimming twice last week, and lifting only once, with plenty of bed rest led to some loss of fitness.
That was not as much as last week, but still pretty good. I determined not to run because my foot, which I wounded Tuesday morning, was still sore, more so, that it was then. The half marathon seemed to put a little too much pressure on it.
So instead of running, I went to Twin Rivers for some weights. It was too wet and still raining out so Plate City got a rest. I benched
10 X 95
8 X 115
6 X 125
6 X 130
6 X 130
I also did some lateral raises and some triceps push downs. So considering last week was a disaster, I got a pretty good start on this one. Thank you, Jesus.
brick kick
1,200 24:29
12 X 100 @ 2:00
600 small paddles 11:47
2 X 150 @ 3:00
400 medium paddles 7:48
325
brick kick
400 small paddles
total: 4,425 yards = 4,044 meters
That got me tired. I even climbed out of the pool early because I was done. Only swimming twice last week, and lifting only once, with plenty of bed rest led to some loss of fitness.
That was not as much as last week, but still pretty good. I determined not to run because my foot, which I wounded Tuesday morning, was still sore, more so, that it was then. The half marathon seemed to put a little too much pressure on it.
So instead of running, I went to Twin Rivers for some weights. It was too wet and still raining out so Plate City got a rest. I benched
10 X 95
8 X 115
6 X 125
6 X 130
6 X 130
I also did some lateral raises and some triceps push downs. So considering last week was a disaster, I got a pretty good start on this one. Thank you, Jesus.
Monday, February 10, 2020
Truncated Week, Truncated Post
It was a tough week. I swam and ran Monday putting in a huge day with 9.5 miles of running and 5,506 meters of swimming. I even lifted weights. But I have already written about some of what happened next. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday produced no training but a lot of couching. Couching pulls you down in a hurry. Friday morning I did swim a short 2,376 meters.
Saturday morning, I dusted myself off andran shuffled the Mississippi River Half Marathon. That race was like hitting the bottom of a cliff. When you train hard and then just stop, it is like falling off a cliff. Saturday, I hit the bottom and began to climb back up.
The race left me limping. My sore foot got more sore, and my right hip became sore and gimpy by the 13 miles in Greenville. As I write this, I know I cannot run today. The healing must go a little farther.
So, there it is. It was a short week and here is a short write up of it. Thank you, Jesus, that I am feeling well and have hope for some play and some training this week.
Saturday morning, I dusted myself off and
The race left me limping. My sore foot got more sore, and my right hip became sore and gimpy by the 13 miles in Greenville. As I write this, I know I cannot run today. The healing must go a little farther.
So, there it is. It was a short week and here is a short write up of it. Thank you, Jesus, that I am feeling well and have hope for some play and some training this week.
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Mississippi River Half Marathon
Some months back I signed up Forrest and myself to the Mississippi River Marathon and Half to be held on February the 8th. We opted for the half distance. In 2016 be both did the full. Neither of us has been healthy enough to return until this year. Forrest's schedule got wacked knocking him out of the race, and my health took a short-term hit calling my participation into question also. Tuesday morning I had a major kidney stone attack. I did not train Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Friday I only swam. Four days of no running equals some loss of fitness. How much?
Saturday morning, I responded to my 3:40 a.m. alarm by arising from bed, eating breakfast, and dressing to make my sojourn to Greenville. Although the race would not start until 8:00, packet pickup ended at 6:00 a.m. so I had to leave Greenwood before 5:00. I left earlier than that.
On the drive over, I was questioning my decision to go ahead with the race. How would my body react? Besides not training, I spent a lot of time in bed. You lose fitness double fast that way. Plus, I was still carrying at least two stones. They could erupt like killer earthquakes at any moment. To make it all better, my left foot was sore from running into a piece of furniture Tuesday morning to add some insult to my already injured body. How would the foot hold up? Would it cause issues? The only time I had ever run on a sore foot before, it did cause problems.
But like I have said in the past, confidence is overrated.
I made it to downtown Greenville, parked, picked up our packets, and walked quickly back to the truck for some heat. The temps were in the thirties but the wind was mild unlike the previous years that I have done this event. Since this is a point-to-point race, they bus us to the starting line. There must have been at least twelve big yellow school buses that lined up and prepared to take us over. I waited in my truck for a long time. I know from experience that those buses are cold. We were scheduled to leave at 7:00. I walked over and boarded a bus about a quarter till.
At seven we all headed out like a caravan of pirates, ready to rumble down the road and steal some fun if we could find any on the race course. We, the halfers, were hauled to the Cow Pen restaurant on the east side of Lake Village, Arkansas. Our race would begin on the Mississippi River bridge and end in downtown Greenville, Mississippi. Upon arrival, everyone raced out to get in line at the porta-potties that lined the parking lot. Then we had to wait, wait for 8:00 o'clock.
Finally the time came and we unloaded, made our ways to the starting line, and were off. Like usual, I spent the first mile and a half stalking and passing fat ladies. I also passed a 2:45 pacing group which was not a group at all but only a pacer. Everyone seemed captivated by the sight of the river from way up on the bridge. It is a magnificent view indeed.
Around mile three I started to get the idea that this was going to be a long day, a suffer fest maybe. The 2:45 pacer caught up with me, and I decided to jump in with her. She will hold me back from chasing fat ladies, I thought, and push me on towards the end when I will slow if I am on my own.
She was as steady as a Timex watch. At every mile she pulled up her pacing chart on her phone and told us where were were. "Two minutes and thirty seconds ahead," she said after six miles. That's when I began to realize that things were going to be O.K. We were almost half way through, I was feeling better, and I was even talking a lot. When have you ever known me to do that?
I told her about the Chicot Challenge, how it started, about going to Little Rock (where she is from) for a strongman contest, about thirty-two hundred mile bicycle rides in one year, about journey runs, about ice-cream as my swimming fuel, about being the strongest man in my gym. She told me about swimming in college, about beginning running, about her husband being in the army, about races she has done, about her training, her goals, her kids.
Between miles seven and eight, the course turns off 82 and into a beautiful neighborhood of large houses and pretty trees. They call it Bayou Road and people sit in their driveways and cheer us on. Slowly we ran into Greenville onto South Main Street. Around mile ten, I began to realize that the sore foot was impacting me. My right hip started to hurt. I could not tell that I was limping, but it doesn't take much. It got worse as we went along, and then I knew if I was not with the pacer, I would have been walking.
Around mile eleven, a side by side vehicle drove up and said something to us. She missed it all. I caught the last part where he said "the marathon leader." We took it that the 26.2 man was about to appear. About mile twelve, on Washington Street just before we crossed the tracks into downtown, he came around looking strong, smooth, and dry. Dry? Yeah. No sweat. He looked like he had just dressed and headed out the door.
After you cross the railroad tracks on Washington Street, you can see the finish line, but it is way farther than it looks and it takes longer to get there than you think it should.
Alyson, the pacer had told me earlier that this was her fifteenth time doing this duty. "I always come in on time," she said. And she did, about fifty seconds early. As we were running up and crossing the line, the announcer called out our names and where we were from. She was Alyson Hodge from Little Rock. Huh? I wish I had gotten to talk to her after the race because I might be kin to her husband.
I was not walking well when it was all done. I waddled back to the truck to shed my hydration pack. When I sat down, however, I knew I was not getting back out of that seat until I got home. I needed to walk around some more to move some blood through my muscles, but I was as done as a burnt ten dollar steak.
It was an odd week, and I was only glad I had bit the bullet and done the race when it was all over. That is the way it often works. Now, a full day later, the whole thing seems like it was a lot more fun than it seemed then. Yea, I have experienced that before also. Thank you, Jesus, for setting me up with the pacer and getting me through that. Thank you for restoring my health. Thank you for a good day, even if I suffered some. Thank you for a good pacer. She did her job, and she did it well.
[A note to the reader. I took some photographs and wanted to share them in the story. For some reason, my computer has stopped importing pictures from my phone. Yes, I have updated and rebooted both and tried over and over and turned cords around and gritted my teeth and been tempted to break something in a violent fashion.]
Saturday morning, I responded to my 3:40 a.m. alarm by arising from bed, eating breakfast, and dressing to make my sojourn to Greenville. Although the race would not start until 8:00, packet pickup ended at 6:00 a.m. so I had to leave Greenwood before 5:00. I left earlier than that.
On the drive over, I was questioning my decision to go ahead with the race. How would my body react? Besides not training, I spent a lot of time in bed. You lose fitness double fast that way. Plus, I was still carrying at least two stones. They could erupt like killer earthquakes at any moment. To make it all better, my left foot was sore from running into a piece of furniture Tuesday morning to add some insult to my already injured body. How would the foot hold up? Would it cause issues? The only time I had ever run on a sore foot before, it did cause problems.
But like I have said in the past, confidence is overrated.
I made it to downtown Greenville, parked, picked up our packets, and walked quickly back to the truck for some heat. The temps were in the thirties but the wind was mild unlike the previous years that I have done this event. Since this is a point-to-point race, they bus us to the starting line. There must have been at least twelve big yellow school buses that lined up and prepared to take us over. I waited in my truck for a long time. I know from experience that those buses are cold. We were scheduled to leave at 7:00. I walked over and boarded a bus about a quarter till.
At seven we all headed out like a caravan of pirates, ready to rumble down the road and steal some fun if we could find any on the race course. We, the halfers, were hauled to the Cow Pen restaurant on the east side of Lake Village, Arkansas. Our race would begin on the Mississippi River bridge and end in downtown Greenville, Mississippi. Upon arrival, everyone raced out to get in line at the porta-potties that lined the parking lot. Then we had to wait, wait for 8:00 o'clock.
Finally the time came and we unloaded, made our ways to the starting line, and were off. Like usual, I spent the first mile and a half stalking and passing fat ladies. I also passed a 2:45 pacing group which was not a group at all but only a pacer. Everyone seemed captivated by the sight of the river from way up on the bridge. It is a magnificent view indeed.
Around mile three I started to get the idea that this was going to be a long day, a suffer fest maybe. The 2:45 pacer caught up with me, and I decided to jump in with her. She will hold me back from chasing fat ladies, I thought, and push me on towards the end when I will slow if I am on my own.
She was as steady as a Timex watch. At every mile she pulled up her pacing chart on her phone and told us where were were. "Two minutes and thirty seconds ahead," she said after six miles. That's when I began to realize that things were going to be O.K. We were almost half way through, I was feeling better, and I was even talking a lot. When have you ever known me to do that?
I told her about the Chicot Challenge, how it started, about going to Little Rock (where she is from) for a strongman contest, about thirty-two hundred mile bicycle rides in one year, about journey runs, about ice-cream as my swimming fuel, about being the strongest man in my gym. She told me about swimming in college, about beginning running, about her husband being in the army, about races she has done, about her training, her goals, her kids.
Between miles seven and eight, the course turns off 82 and into a beautiful neighborhood of large houses and pretty trees. They call it Bayou Road and people sit in their driveways and cheer us on. Slowly we ran into Greenville onto South Main Street. Around mile ten, I began to realize that the sore foot was impacting me. My right hip started to hurt. I could not tell that I was limping, but it doesn't take much. It got worse as we went along, and then I knew if I was not with the pacer, I would have been walking.
Around mile eleven, a side by side vehicle drove up and said something to us. She missed it all. I caught the last part where he said "the marathon leader." We took it that the 26.2 man was about to appear. About mile twelve, on Washington Street just before we crossed the tracks into downtown, he came around looking strong, smooth, and dry. Dry? Yeah. No sweat. He looked like he had just dressed and headed out the door.
After you cross the railroad tracks on Washington Street, you can see the finish line, but it is way farther than it looks and it takes longer to get there than you think it should.
Alyson, the pacer had told me earlier that this was her fifteenth time doing this duty. "I always come in on time," she said. And she did, about fifty seconds early. As we were running up and crossing the line, the announcer called out our names and where we were from. She was Alyson Hodge from Little Rock. Huh? I wish I had gotten to talk to her after the race because I might be kin to her husband.
I was not walking well when it was all done. I waddled back to the truck to shed my hydration pack. When I sat down, however, I knew I was not getting back out of that seat until I got home. I needed to walk around some more to move some blood through my muscles, but I was as done as a burnt ten dollar steak.
It was an odd week, and I was only glad I had bit the bullet and done the race when it was all over. That is the way it often works. Now, a full day later, the whole thing seems like it was a lot more fun than it seemed then. Yea, I have experienced that before also. Thank you, Jesus, for setting me up with the pacer and getting me through that. Thank you for restoring my health. Thank you for a good day, even if I suffered some. Thank you for a good pacer. She did her job, and she did it well.
[A note to the reader. I took some photographs and wanted to share them in the story. For some reason, my computer has stopped importing pictures from my phone. Yes, I have updated and rebooted both and tried over and over and turned cords around and gritted my teeth and been tempted to break something in a violent fashion.]
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