Monday was another disappointing start of the week in terms of swimming. I didn't do it. Laziness set in and I lounged late before going out for a run. I did an easy 3.85 miles before going to West Monroe to mow grass and move some stuff.
After lunch I went by the pool. It was filled with kids taking swimming lessons.
Sigh.
So I went back to Monroe, finished the backyard and moved some more stuff. Then I began to plot my next workout. Simon came by and measure for the new gate. Pee Wee has learned to climb the gate and he likes being out so Simon is going to make it more Pee Wee proof and Randy Beets secure.
I worked some on my post holes. I am setting two 4 X 4s, one to anchor my cable machine to and another to put my overhead press/calf machine on. Also I will use these posts as plate trees. I'll drive spikes into them and load them with all the plates that currently cover my wife's patio. So I posthole dug and lifted. On the bench press, I did
10 X 102
10 X 102
10 X 102
10 X 102
10 X 102
10 X 102
Then on the close grip, I pressed
8 X 92
8 X 92
All of this was with the Swiss bar. I did two sets of three reps overhear press with a thirty pound dumbbell. That plus a bunch of rotator cuff work finished the day for me. If I had only made a swim it would have been a full day. Still a day of training.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
6/22 - 6/28
The swimming slide continued last week, but I like to think that I hit the bottom. Plus, it was a good week for running and a moderate one in the gym. Here are the details.
Monday started with a mid-morning shuffle of 3.8 miles. I did not swim because it was stormy when I got to the pool. I could have gone indoors but I had lots on the agenda. I did my push workout at the gym but did not ride a bicycle.
Tuesday I swam a mere 1,100 meters. That was better than a poke in the eye. At least that is what I told myself. I did a 3.77 mile shuffle and performed my pulling at the gym.
Wednesday I chose not to swim so I could get in a long run. I shuffled 13.28 miles, which was my longest in over three years. With that much running, I was not about to work legs at Plate City.
Thursday I swam 2,400 yards. I went inside because of the weather outside. Praise God I have that option now. I only shuffled 1.68 miles because the legs were so blown out from the day before. I also failed to lift.
Friday, however, I backed off even more. I did not lift, did not run, nor did I ride. What I did do was to swim 3,100 yards which made 2,833 meters. That almost felt like a real swim practice. I hope that bottomed my out in the water and that I can now begin to rebuild for Chicot.
Saturday, I shuffled for 7.52 miles giving me a big week on the road. I also did push, pull, and legs at Plate City. I was awesome.
For the week, I
swam 6,124 meters,
lifted weights four times, and
ran 30.05 miles.
That was good running, my biggest week in over three years. Now I need to rebuild my swim endurance and get ready for Chicot. Thank you, Jesus.
Monday started with a mid-morning shuffle of 3.8 miles. I did not swim because it was stormy when I got to the pool. I could have gone indoors but I had lots on the agenda. I did my push workout at the gym but did not ride a bicycle.
Tuesday I swam a mere 1,100 meters. That was better than a poke in the eye. At least that is what I told myself. I did a 3.77 mile shuffle and performed my pulling at the gym.
Wednesday I chose not to swim so I could get in a long run. I shuffled 13.28 miles, which was my longest in over three years. With that much running, I was not about to work legs at Plate City.
Thursday I swam 2,400 yards. I went inside because of the weather outside. Praise God I have that option now. I only shuffled 1.68 miles because the legs were so blown out from the day before. I also failed to lift.
Friday, however, I backed off even more. I did not lift, did not run, nor did I ride. What I did do was to swim 3,100 yards which made 2,833 meters. That almost felt like a real swim practice. I hope that bottomed my out in the water and that I can now begin to rebuild for Chicot.
Saturday, I shuffled for 7.52 miles giving me a big week on the road. I also did push, pull, and legs at Plate City. I was awesome.
For the week, I
swam 6,124 meters,
lifted weights four times, and
ran 30.05 miles.
That was good running, my biggest week in over three years. Now I need to rebuild my swim endurance and get ready for Chicot. Thank you, Jesus.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Saturday at the Hideout
Saturday started like Friday did: rain. That meant a slow-start day. CC loved it. I enjoyed it too. Eventually, which was almost noon, I went out for a shuffle. I let my legs decide how far. My mind had some numbers, and my legs said OK, do it. I ran 7.52 miles for my first thirty-mile week in over three years. My pace is still terrible, but I am out there and I'm beginning to build some endurance.
When the sun had been out a couple of hours, I mowed the lawn at the Hideout. It needs mowing on Monroe also, but that one will have to wait until next week. Eventually I went to the New Plate City Gym. I needed it all, push, pull, and legs. On the bench, I did
13 X 102 Swiss bar
8 X 122
7 X 132
5 X 137
4 X 142
Lat Pull Down
21 X 55
14 X 65
13 X 75
10 X 80
10 X 80
I also did three sets of leg presses as well as rotator cuff work and other stuff.
Thank you, Jesus.
When the sun had been out a couple of hours, I mowed the lawn at the Hideout. It needs mowing on Monroe also, but that one will have to wait until next week. Eventually I went to the New Plate City Gym. I needed it all, push, pull, and legs. On the bench, I did
13 X 102 Swiss bar
8 X 122
7 X 132
5 X 137
4 X 142
Lat Pull Down
21 X 55
14 X 65
13 X 75
10 X 80
10 X 80
I also did three sets of leg presses as well as rotator cuff work and other stuff.
Thank you, Jesus.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
1,823rd Post
I thought I should do something special since this is my 1,823rd post. It is always memorable to hit those milestones. But I could not think of anything to write about. So I am writing about nothing.
I did unfollow someone on Instagram this morning. This guy makes political posts. I don't do politics on Instagram. I won't tolerate it there. I will unfollow anyone on the mildest post even if I agree with the position. Facebook has been ruined by politics. Raise your hand if you have ever switched political positions because of a Facebook post. Come on, I'm waiting. That's what I thought.
So why alienate people? I suppose some folks just can't help themselves. I have often been tempted to post something, or like, or unlike, or comment on a political post. I have, however, always held my position and refused to do anything political on social media.
As I said already, Facebook has been ruined by people who think they are making the world better by posting their disinformation. I am too deep into that platform to pull out. It is the chief way I publicize my charity swim, The Chicot Challenge, so I am sort of stuck there. I built up a lot of friends in an effort to make my publicizing efforts efficacious. On Instagram, on the other hand, I have deliberately kept my page small. I follow not many people. When I scroll through that platform, all I see is swimming, cats, lifting weights, and running. Today I saw a political post. It was mild, but I went to the poster's page and immediately unfollowed. If Instagram were to get ruined, well, I am not going to allow mine to go that way. I think I can.
So, I couldn't think of anything to write about for my 1,823rd post. That's a shame really. Maybe when I hit 1,861 I will have a topic worthy of that milestone.
I did unfollow someone on Instagram this morning. This guy makes political posts. I don't do politics on Instagram. I won't tolerate it there. I will unfollow anyone on the mildest post even if I agree with the position. Facebook has been ruined by politics. Raise your hand if you have ever switched political positions because of a Facebook post. Come on, I'm waiting. That's what I thought.
So why alienate people? I suppose some folks just can't help themselves. I have often been tempted to post something, or like, or unlike, or comment on a political post. I have, however, always held my position and refused to do anything political on social media.
As I said already, Facebook has been ruined by people who think they are making the world better by posting their disinformation. I am too deep into that platform to pull out. It is the chief way I publicize my charity swim, The Chicot Challenge, so I am sort of stuck there. I built up a lot of friends in an effort to make my publicizing efforts efficacious. On Instagram, on the other hand, I have deliberately kept my page small. I follow not many people. When I scroll through that platform, all I see is swimming, cats, lifting weights, and running. Today I saw a political post. It was mild, but I went to the poster's page and immediately unfollowed. If Instagram were to get ruined, well, I am not going to allow mine to go that way. I think I can.
So, I couldn't think of anything to write about for my 1,823rd post. That's a shame really. Maybe when I hit 1,861 I will have a topic worthy of that milestone.
Friday Rain
The sound of rain pattering on the roof greeted me as I awoke Friday morning. That meant probably no swimming in the big pool. Also it added to my laziness that was precipitated in part by my 13.28 mile shuffle two days before. A slow-start day for sure.
I have cut my coffee consumption to two cups per day. They are big cups, but that is still a major reduction. It caused me some physical problems when I drink as much coffee as I want.
Two yards that I am responsible for needed mowing. Wasn't going to happen. Shelving in the new building needed done pretty severely. Wasn't going to happen. Lifting at Plate City needed doing quite a bit. Wasn't going to happen because the top I have ordered has not been installed yet. Running on the road needed to happen. But a few sore places on my body meant it wasn't going to happen. What was going to happen?
What happened was I hung out with CC while I blogged (three posts-- I don't always put a link on Facebook. If you really want to keep up, go directly to the blog. But how to do that? I have a direct link on my Facebook page). She has been very needy lately. I like needy cats because I am a needy man.
After lunch and a nap-- yeah, doing nothing wore me out-- I went to the pool, the little one and swam
2,050 40:53
5 X 50
300 small paddles 5:43
300 medium paddles 5:28
2 X 50 large paddles
100 back 2:33
total: 3,100 yards = 2,833 meters.
That was only my third swim of the week. I hope I have hit the bottom of my free fall and can now begin to rebuild. Chicot requires it. Thank you, Jesus, that I got as much done as I did. Please send Mo and Joe back to me. I miss them. I need them.
I have cut my coffee consumption to two cups per day. They are big cups, but that is still a major reduction. It caused me some physical problems when I drink as much coffee as I want.
Two yards that I am responsible for needed mowing. Wasn't going to happen. Shelving in the new building needed done pretty severely. Wasn't going to happen. Lifting at Plate City needed doing quite a bit. Wasn't going to happen because the top I have ordered has not been installed yet. Running on the road needed to happen. But a few sore places on my body meant it wasn't going to happen. What was going to happen?
What happened was I hung out with CC while I blogged (three posts-- I don't always put a link on Facebook. If you really want to keep up, go directly to the blog. But how to do that? I have a direct link on my Facebook page). She has been very needy lately. I like needy cats because I am a needy man.
After lunch and a nap-- yeah, doing nothing wore me out-- I went to the pool, the little one and swam
2,050 40:53
5 X 50
300 small paddles 5:43
300 medium paddles 5:28
2 X 50 large paddles
100 back 2:33
total: 3,100 yards = 2,833 meters.
That was only my third swim of the week. I hope I have hit the bottom of my free fall and can now begin to rebuild. Chicot requires it. Thank you, Jesus, that I got as much done as I did. Please send Mo and Joe back to me. I miss them. I need them.
Friday, June 26, 2020
More Records for Hodge
More Records for Hodge
By Jay Unver
(Lehrton, Mississippi) It's been awhile since I reported on the exploits of Big ASS star athlete Zane Hodge. With the COVID stuff going on and other duties at work, I have not written about the myriad of new world records Hodge continues to amass.
In the pool, a list of Hodge's latest Association of Sports Swimmers world records looks like this:
1,150 April 27
1,200 May 4
1,250 May 11
1,350 May 25
It was shortly after this that Hodge began his downward slide in swimming. When asked why his yardage and records began to diminish, Hodge replied that "It is getting boring whipping Randy Beets every time I go to the pool."
Hodge has not just been getting lazy, however. In the meantime, he has been setting new Association of Sports Strongmen world records. Recently he tied and broke his record in the farmer's deadlift with a 238 pound pull (tie) and a 244 pound lift for the new record in the same day. On this same day, June 20th, Hodge broke his own world record in the duck walk with 50 feet carrying 120 pounds.
Randy Beets is yet to set a single mark in the relatively new strongman association.
Back in the Water
I finally got back into the water Thursday, but even then it was not early. I have been swimming at 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning, however, I glanced at the clock at 7:00 and my coffee cup was too full and the bed too comfortable. I got into the little pool about 10:15 and swam
1,850
200 small paddles
300 medium paddle
50 back
total: 2,400 yards = 2,193 meters.
I did not run until after 5:00. I had another Zoom meeting for work. For someone to be off, I sure have been spending lots of time on work stuff lately. The day before I had two Zoom meetings. Before that I had another Zoom meeting. Before that a Zoom meeting and online registration. I only went 1.68 miles on the road. Then I went to the new Plate City and did legs. Legs consisted of five sets of safety bar squats, one set of yoke squats, two sets of leg presses, and two sets of seated calf raises. Of course I did lots of rotator cuff work also.
So it was a pretty good day training wise. There is still lots of moving to do and lots of stuff that needs doing here. I need to build some shelves in the new building. Maybe I can start that today.
Thank you, Jesus, that things are continuing to progress.
1,850
200 small paddles
300 medium paddle
50 back
total: 2,400 yards = 2,193 meters.
I did not run until after 5:00. I had another Zoom meeting for work. For someone to be off, I sure have been spending lots of time on work stuff lately. The day before I had two Zoom meetings. Before that I had another Zoom meeting. Before that a Zoom meeting and online registration. I only went 1.68 miles on the road. Then I went to the new Plate City and did legs. Legs consisted of five sets of safety bar squats, one set of yoke squats, two sets of leg presses, and two sets of seated calf raises. Of course I did lots of rotator cuff work also.
So it was a pretty good day training wise. There is still lots of moving to do and lots of stuff that needs doing here. I need to build some shelves in the new building. Maybe I can start that today.
Thank you, Jesus, that things are continuing to progress.
The Little Fellow Running Wild
A little video of Pee Wee running.
I love this dog. He has all the qualities I like in a canine. He loves to run, is fast, and has endurance our of this world. His hunting instincts are strong, and he is extremely affectionate and gentle. He is intelligent and observant. Not only all of that, but he was a rescue off the street and he is proud to have a home, a yard.
Watching him run is a great joy to me. I often wish Dad could have seen him. He also would have loved watching him burn the road up.
This day he climbed the gate at the house three times. One of those times, he climbed up into the cab of my truck. He wanted to go somewhere, to run, to hang out with me. So I took him out and ran him. This is our game.
We need to go to the fish pond. I can run him longer there and he has plenty of water. We can also stay longer. He likes longer.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Long Run
Since it was supposed to be cloudy and only 79 degrees warm by noon, I thought Wednesday would be a good day for a long run. These are a bit tough to get in sometimes so I am constantly checking the weather forecast to look for an opportunity.
I hit the road about fifteen minutes before 8:00. I ran to Kenneth Street and turned south towards Claiborne. Then I heard someone coming up behind me. I looked around and it was Pee Wee. Despite the anti-Randy Beets fence, the little rascal has been getting out. He wanted to go with me, poor baby. I turned around and tried to get him to follow me home. Nothing doing. I got in the truck and went after him. When he saw the truck, he thought it was fun and games and he took off at over twenty miles per hour. Luckily, he ran a squirrel up a tree and that gave me my chance to nab him. I had to lease him on the back steps.
So I started again. To make a short story long, I shuffled for 13.28 miles. My legs felt OK, but the pace was horrendously slow. What else is new? I took nutrition, changed clothes, ran an errand, ate lunch, and took a nap. That was it. I did no other workouts. The swimming was sacrificed for the long run, and the legs could not handle weight work after that.
Thank you, Jesus, for a nice long run.
I hit the road about fifteen minutes before 8:00. I ran to Kenneth Street and turned south towards Claiborne. Then I heard someone coming up behind me. I looked around and it was Pee Wee. Despite the anti-Randy Beets fence, the little rascal has been getting out. He wanted to go with me, poor baby. I turned around and tried to get him to follow me home. Nothing doing. I got in the truck and went after him. When he saw the truck, he thought it was fun and games and he took off at over twenty miles per hour. Luckily, he ran a squirrel up a tree and that gave me my chance to nab him. I had to lease him on the back steps.
So I started again. To make a short story long, I shuffled for 13.28 miles. My legs felt OK, but the pace was horrendously slow. What else is new? I took nutrition, changed clothes, ran an errand, ate lunch, and took a nap. That was it. I did no other workouts. The swimming was sacrificed for the long run, and the legs could not handle weight work after that.
Thank you, Jesus, for a nice long run.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Hopping Hideout
The Hideout was hopping Tuesday and so was I. The day started with me at the pool alone. The guy I am supposed to help must have decided he didn't want any help. I swam a mere 1,100 meters because we were scheduled to have work done at the new place. When I didn't hear anything, I decided to go for a run around 9:30. I shuffled 3.77 miles. The sky was cloudy so it wasn't too bad in terms of heat.
The worker called about 10:00 and said he was on the way. He installed this building which will house the anti-drone software and other security measures to keep me safe from Randy Beets.
The worker called about 10:00 and said he was on the way. He installed this building which will house the anti-drone software and other security measures to keep me safe from Randy Beets.
While he was getting started, I did workout number three. On the seated rows, I pulled
20 X 55
18 X 60
16 X 65
15 X 70
14 X 75
I also did reverse flys and tons of rotator cuff work.
It was a good day. I have been waiting on the building for a long time. Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Please Come Home
I keep thinking they will come back. They've done this before. Like un-neutered tom cats, they are prone to ramble off and stay gone a week or two. Or three. This time it has been over a month and there has been no sighting of them.
Maybe that's not true. Maybe they have been seen out on the road. Maybe that's the problem. They can't be in two places at once. They don't seem to want to hang out at the pool, at the gym, and on the road all at the same time.
I am now in crises. If Mo and Joe don't return to the pool, Chicot is in trouble. My last four weeks of swimming totals look like this:
10,464
6,400
5.982
8,700
Already this week, I have missed one day at the pool and only swum 1,100 the other. This won't do. I am in weight shape. I am in a modicum of cycling shape. I am in running shape. No longer am I in swimming shape.
If you are a praying person, pray that my wayward trainers will come back and get busy on the job. Please. I need them. Help me, Jesus.
Maybe that's not true. Maybe they have been seen out on the road. Maybe that's the problem. They can't be in two places at once. They don't seem to want to hang out at the pool, at the gym, and on the road all at the same time.
I am now in crises. If Mo and Joe don't return to the pool, Chicot is in trouble. My last four weeks of swimming totals look like this:
10,464
6,400
5.982
8,700
Already this week, I have missed one day at the pool and only swum 1,100 the other. This won't do. I am in weight shape. I am in a modicum of cycling shape. I am in running shape. No longer am I in swimming shape.
If you are a praying person, pray that my wayward trainers will come back and get busy on the job. Please. I need them. Help me, Jesus.
The Tradition Continues
I was supposed to meet Andrew Sims at the pool at 7:00 a.m. John was having a pacemaker installed in Jackson. Andrew kept up the tradition and did not show. At least he did not show while I was there. I hate to admit it, but I did not swim. The weather was stormy, and I waited on Andrew. When he had not arrived my 7:05, I left. I had lots to do.
The first thing I did was blog a couple of posts and then go out for a shuffle. I did the basic loop for the first time. It was 3.8 miles. By basic loop, I mean from the Hideout to the Boulevard, to Rosemary Lane, to Robert E. Lee, to Hemingway, to Weightman, to the Hideout. I have been curious about that one for a while. Now I know.
One of the joys of being at the Hideout is that all the running routes are new. Not only that, but I am learning distances to and from various points in town. After living on Monroe for forty-two years, I always knew how far I was from home. Now I am learning that all over again. It's exciting.
I just had time to get a lift in before lunch. We were having a get together at the Greenwood Center for Mary Joseph and Sheila Rigby's retirements. At the new and improved Plate City, I benched on the Swiss bar
10 X 102
11 X 107
10 X 112
9 X 117
8 X 122
Besides that, I did some dumbbell over head pressing and lots of rotator cuff work.
The lunch was nice as all gatherings of our people there. Afterwards I went home and thought about swimming. I could have gone to the little pool, but laziness overtook me. The proposed bicycle ride was cancelled due to weather so I got on the couch and channel surfed for the rest of the afternoon.
Thank you, Jesus, for the lovely lunch and the lovelier leisure.
The first thing I did was blog a couple of posts and then go out for a shuffle. I did the basic loop for the first time. It was 3.8 miles. By basic loop, I mean from the Hideout to the Boulevard, to Rosemary Lane, to Robert E. Lee, to Hemingway, to Weightman, to the Hideout. I have been curious about that one for a while. Now I know.
One of the joys of being at the Hideout is that all the running routes are new. Not only that, but I am learning distances to and from various points in town. After living on Monroe for forty-two years, I always knew how far I was from home. Now I am learning that all over again. It's exciting.
I just had time to get a lift in before lunch. We were having a get together at the Greenwood Center for Mary Joseph and Sheila Rigby's retirements. At the new and improved Plate City, I benched on the Swiss bar
10 X 102
11 X 107
10 X 112
9 X 117
8 X 122
Besides that, I did some dumbbell over head pressing and lots of rotator cuff work.
The lunch was nice as all gatherings of our people there. Afterwards I went home and thought about swimming. I could have gone to the little pool, but laziness overtook me. The proposed bicycle ride was cancelled due to weather so I got on the couch and channel surfed for the rest of the afternoon.
Thank you, Jesus, for the lovely lunch and the lovelier leisure.
Monday, June 22, 2020
6/15 - 6/21
It was a butt-Beetsing week. I ran, lifted, cycled, and swam. Monday, I got the week started by swimming 2,000 meters at Twin Rivers. I shuffled 3.44 miles on the road, and lifted at the new Plate City Gym.
Tuesday was even better. I swam 2,200 meters, ran 3.56 miles, and cycled 22.62 with Brain and Father Oryan. Wednesday I did not swim. I did not lift. But I did shuffle a long, hot 12.67 miles of road work. Whenever you can get in a long run in this heat, it is a win.
Thursday I was back in the water with 2,600, back on the road with 3.21, and back in the gym with a major leg day. Not only all of that, but I cycled with Brian. We went 23.04 miles for my fourth workout of the day.
Friday, I swam a mere 1,900. Since I was so washed out from Thursday, I did not even think about running or riding. I did do some major lifting at the gym. Saturday, I ran a surprising 6.47 miles and did strongman at the Hideout.
For the week, I
ran 29.35 miles,
lifted four times,
swam 8,700 meters, and
cycled 45.67 miles.
That is a good week right there, I don't care who you are. The running total is my best for the year, beating last week's new best by a little over a mile. The swimming is still down, but the body needs some down time. Plate City is coming along nicely, and I am starting to dream about marathons.
Thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday was even better. I swam 2,200 meters, ran 3.56 miles, and cycled 22.62 with Brain and Father Oryan. Wednesday I did not swim. I did not lift. But I did shuffle a long, hot 12.67 miles of road work. Whenever you can get in a long run in this heat, it is a win.
Thursday I was back in the water with 2,600, back on the road with 3.21, and back in the gym with a major leg day. Not only all of that, but I cycled with Brian. We went 23.04 miles for my fourth workout of the day.
Friday, I swam a mere 1,900. Since I was so washed out from Thursday, I did not even think about running or riding. I did do some major lifting at the gym. Saturday, I ran a surprising 6.47 miles and did strongman at the Hideout.
For the week, I
ran 29.35 miles,
lifted four times,
swam 8,700 meters, and
cycled 45.67 miles.
That is a good week right there, I don't care who you are. The running total is my best for the year, beating last week's new best by a little over a mile. The swimming is still down, but the body needs some down time. Plate City is coming along nicely, and I am starting to dream about marathons.
Thank you, Jesus.
Sunday, June 21, 2020
The Latest at the New Plate City Gym
A quick video update of Plate City. Almost all of my equipment is now at the Hideout. Everything, however, is not in its proper place. I still need to set a couple of posts to attach some things to, and I need my top on that I ordered weeks ago. The best backyard gym in the country, got a little better this week.
Saturday
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 8:00 a.m. I got up early and ate breakfast. Then Penny got up and cooked. By the time I finished the second breakfast, I was almost too full to move. So I called John and cancelled.
It was one of those slow start days that I love. Coffee, cats, studying. Then I went out for a run. I let my legs decide how far. They took me 6.47 miles and were not tired at the end. I was pleased with that considering how torn down they were just the day before. I must be getting into some kind of shape.
Late afternoon, I went to Plate City Gym. Saturdays I usually do strongman stuff. This time around, I did lots of farmers walks, duck walks, farmers deadlifts, reverse flys, and rotator cuff work. I love the new Plate City Gym. When I get the top up, I will post some videos. Come to think of it, I am going to put up a video in my next post.
It was one of those slow start days that I love. Coffee, cats, studying. Then I went out for a run. I let my legs decide how far. They took me 6.47 miles and were not tired at the end. I was pleased with that considering how torn down they were just the day before. I must be getting into some kind of shape.
Late afternoon, I went to Plate City Gym. Saturdays I usually do strongman stuff. This time around, I did lots of farmers walks, duck walks, farmers deadlifts, reverse flys, and rotator cuff work. I love the new Plate City Gym. When I get the top up, I will post some videos. Come to think of it, I am going to put up a video in my next post.
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Another Dream
Last night, I had another running dream. Sort of. It began with me talking to a recruiter for Wesley Biblical Seminary. She was standing on her front porch, a young woman in her twenties, and I was standing on her walkway. We chatted and I finally told her that I had a degree from there. She responded that she knew. When I asked her how she knew, she said she could just tell, you can always tell a Wesley graduate.
Then some muscle guy with his shirt off riding in the back seat of a red convertible was drinking copious amounts of syrup. It was truly an amazing sight. I asked the recruiter if she saw that. She did not so I said, lets follow him and he will do it again.
We started after the car on foot. The syrup man turned over a large drainage ditch into a neighborhood of shade, big trees, and well-spaced houses. Then I noticed another road crossing the ditch. "Let's go this way and cut him off," was my suggestion. I was running. The road was asphalt, then dirt, turning into a rutty mess. It became sandy, and finally I was approaching a hill of lose dirt and sand. I was alone now and hearing a sound behind me, I looked back and saw a dump truck bearing down on me. I ran faster, jumped off the road into the woods, and kept moving as fast as I could. The trees were small and close together. At times, I had to turn sideways to squeeze between two. I thought the truck driver was going to get out and chase me. There ended the dream.
Amazingly, that is a form of a dream that I have often wondered why I did not have often. In the past, I have run on Money Road after dark and approaching the Tallahatchie bridge, and car was almost always bearing down on my from behind. I would pick up the pace and try to get to the catwalk before the car got to me. I wondered every time that happened if I would have a bad dream about that. It seems like a natural insecurity. This was the first one, at least the first one I remember. They say you do not remember a dream unless it happens only moments before you awake.
Then some muscle guy with his shirt off riding in the back seat of a red convertible was drinking copious amounts of syrup. It was truly an amazing sight. I asked the recruiter if she saw that. She did not so I said, lets follow him and he will do it again.
We started after the car on foot. The syrup man turned over a large drainage ditch into a neighborhood of shade, big trees, and well-spaced houses. Then I noticed another road crossing the ditch. "Let's go this way and cut him off," was my suggestion. I was running. The road was asphalt, then dirt, turning into a rutty mess. It became sandy, and finally I was approaching a hill of lose dirt and sand. I was alone now and hearing a sound behind me, I looked back and saw a dump truck bearing down on me. I ran faster, jumped off the road into the woods, and kept moving as fast as I could. The trees were small and close together. At times, I had to turn sideways to squeeze between two. I thought the truck driver was going to get out and chase me. There ended the dream.
Amazingly, that is a form of a dream that I have often wondered why I did not have often. In the past, I have run on Money Road after dark and approaching the Tallahatchie bridge, and car was almost always bearing down on my from behind. I would pick up the pace and try to get to the catwalk before the car got to me. I wondered every time that happened if I would have a bad dream about that. It seems like a natural insecurity. This was the first one, at least the first one I remember. They say you do not remember a dream unless it happens only moments before you awake.
Friday
After Thursday's super training, I backed off some Friday. I knew from walking around the house that my legs were not going to want to run. Thursday I ran, lifted heavy on the squats and other leg moves, and also rode a bicycle for over twenty miles. The legs were toast.
So running was off the agenda, but swimming was not. I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. He was late. I met a young man, Andrew Sims, for the first time. He wore goggles but swam less than proficiently. When he got out, I stopped and spoke to him. Turns out that he needs to improve his swimming for a career he is pursuing. I offered to help. We are supposed to meet next Monday morning.
I did a total of 1,900 uninspired meters.
Later in the morning, I did both push and pull at the new Plate City Gym. On the bench, I used the Swiss bar and pressed
12 X 102
8 X 122
6 X 127
5 X 132
4 X 132
On the lat pull down, I pulled
20 X 55
13 X 65
12 X 75
10 X 80
10 X 81.5
I also did Swim Pulls, reverse flys, neck work, and rotator cuff work.
Being off from running gave me more time. I went to the old Plate City Gym and mowed the lawn there. Then I realized that I still have two plate over there, 100 pounders. I really have no need for plates that large, but I acquired them in my leg press deal so I need to move them.
In short, it was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
So running was off the agenda, but swimming was not. I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. He was late. I met a young man, Andrew Sims, for the first time. He wore goggles but swam less than proficiently. When he got out, I stopped and spoke to him. Turns out that he needs to improve his swimming for a career he is pursuing. I offered to help. We are supposed to meet next Monday morning.
I did a total of 1,900 uninspired meters.
Later in the morning, I did both push and pull at the new Plate City Gym. On the bench, I used the Swiss bar and pressed
12 X 102
8 X 122
6 X 127
5 X 132
4 X 132
On the lat pull down, I pulled
20 X 55
13 X 65
12 X 75
10 X 80
10 X 81.5
I also did Swim Pulls, reverse flys, neck work, and rotator cuff work.
Being off from running gave me more time. I went to the old Plate City Gym and mowed the lawn there. Then I realized that I still have two plate over there, 100 pounders. I really have no need for plates that large, but I acquired them in my leg press deal so I need to move them.
In short, it was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.
Friday, June 19, 2020
Swimming Dream
Yesterday I wrote about a running dream I had the night before. In that post, I was musing about why I dream on that so infrequently and why I dream about swimming even less. To my memory, I have had exactly one dream on swimming. Low and behold, last night I dreamed about swimming.
In my only other swim dream, I was about to compete in the Olympics and I was trying to get ready to go to the pool but stuff was happening preventing me from being on time. I was thinking, this is the only time I will ever have to do the Olympics and I am going to miss it.
The odd thing is, shortly after that dream, I was informed about the Mississippi State Senior Olympics. I checked it out, signed up, and swam four events, winning them all, in April of 2019.
Last night, we-- my opponent and I-- were walking to the water like two boxers making their way to the ring. Then I remembered that I had no sunscreen. We were going to race in Chicot all day long. I asked if anyone had any Desitin. No one did. Then the dream shifted. I was looking down on our venue which was now a created water track. The setting had switched to Mexico and the "pool" had wooden sides that looked like railroad ties. It was an oval, and we were going to race laps. Huge grandstands towered over the water giving the crowd a birds-eye view of the spectacle.
Does it mean anything? I really don't know or even suspect that it does. Maybe, however, it portends some future event I will compete in. All I can say is, we'll see.
In my only other swim dream, I was about to compete in the Olympics and I was trying to get ready to go to the pool but stuff was happening preventing me from being on time. I was thinking, this is the only time I will ever have to do the Olympics and I am going to miss it.
The odd thing is, shortly after that dream, I was informed about the Mississippi State Senior Olympics. I checked it out, signed up, and swam four events, winning them all, in April of 2019.
Last night, we-- my opponent and I-- were walking to the water like two boxers making their way to the ring. Then I remembered that I had no sunscreen. We were going to race in Chicot all day long. I asked if anyone had any Desitin. No one did. Then the dream shifted. I was looking down on our venue which was now a created water track. The setting had switched to Mexico and the "pool" had wooden sides that looked like railroad ties. It was an oval, and we were going to race laps. Huge grandstands towered over the water giving the crowd a birds-eye view of the spectacle.
Does it mean anything? I really don't know or even suspect that it does. Maybe, however, it portends some future event I will compete in. All I can say is, we'll see.
Four
Darn tootin'. I did four. Four workouts. One day.
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. He was only two minutes late which for him is early. I swam 2,600 straight.
Then I went home and did a shuffle of 3.21 miles. It was still tolerable in terms of temperature. Since I did 12.67 miles the day before, I was pleased with the way my legs felt.
Still before lunch, I did legs at the new Plate City Gym. Usually I do them on Wednesday and Saturday. I made a quick decision Wednesday to run long so I postponed the leg work for a day. I did seven sets of safety bar squats, four sets of yoke squats, two sets of reverse hypers, a set of seated calf raises, one set of leg presses, some neck work, and some rotator cuff work.
After lunch, I went into the office to try to get on my work computer to see if I could check my email. We are doing advising online this summer. I have not been able to get into out new and improved email system for a couple of months. I wasn't even able to get into the computer at all. Huh? My password was wrong. I know the password. I had to call computer services and have it reset. Then I went in looking for my advisee list. Not there. About right.
I went home and with the reset password was able to check my mail over and over and over looking for my advisees. Not there. Then I said to heck with it and took a ride with Brian. We went to the first bridge past Money and back. I cycled 23.07 miles for workout number four.
Thank you, Jesus, for a full and productive day.
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. He was only two minutes late which for him is early. I swam 2,600 straight.
Then I went home and did a shuffle of 3.21 miles. It was still tolerable in terms of temperature. Since I did 12.67 miles the day before, I was pleased with the way my legs felt.
Still before lunch, I did legs at the new Plate City Gym. Usually I do them on Wednesday and Saturday. I made a quick decision Wednesday to run long so I postponed the leg work for a day. I did seven sets of safety bar squats, four sets of yoke squats, two sets of reverse hypers, a set of seated calf raises, one set of leg presses, some neck work, and some rotator cuff work.
After lunch, I went into the office to try to get on my work computer to see if I could check my email. We are doing advising online this summer. I have not been able to get into out new and improved email system for a couple of months. I wasn't even able to get into the computer at all. Huh? My password was wrong. I know the password. I had to call computer services and have it reset. Then I went in looking for my advisee list. Not there. About right.
I went home and with the reset password was able to check my mail over and over and over looking for my advisees. Not there. Then I said to heck with it and took a ride with Brian. We went to the first bridge past Money and back. I cycled 23.07 miles for workout number four.
Thank you, Jesus, for a full and productive day.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Running Dream
Last night I did some powerful sleeping. When I awoke, I was dreaming about running. I have only done that a few times. In this dream, I was running well, very well, like back when I was young. I stopped on the south end of the Keesler Bridge to tie my shoe. A group of young me who looked like the LETA (law enforcement cadets) folks over on campus, passed me, stopped, and started doing calisthenics in front of me. I started back running and was trying to see how fast I was going. I had three watches, two on my wrists and one in my hand. I never could get my pace. Then I was on Howard Street and went into a restaurant. This part of the dream seemed familiar. I was going to look at one of the seating areas and wound up in the kitchen.
Why am I writing about this? I have no clue. It is rare that I dream about running. That is surprising seeing how important it is to me. My pace was a big issue in the dream. It's been a big issue lately as I struggle to beat a walking pace on my long runs.
Why am I writing about this? I have no clue. It is rare that I dream about running. That is surprising seeing how important it is to me. My pace was a big issue in the dream. It's been a big issue lately as I struggle to beat a walking pace on my long runs.
Long Run in the Sun
I was supposed to meet John at the pool, but instead of just not showing, he actually called and said he was going to be out. Since I had a lot to do already, I decided immediately to take the day off from swimming. First, I had a Zoom meeting at work. That lasted an hour and eighteen minutes. Then I had a light lunch and went out for a run. Since it was only predicted to hit 86 and there was an occasional cloud in the sky, I decided to go long. Last week, I got in a 12.25. Long runs are problematic in this heat. This was my chance, I thought. I zigged, zagged, and went out Wade Road, hit the gravel, and came in on Money Road. To make a short story long, I shuffled 12.67 miles. My time was pathetically slow. Maybe that is part of the new norm.
I was too tired when I got in to lift weights. I took a shower, took nutrition, and took to bed. I will try to double up next time. It was good to get that distance in this time of year. Thank you, Jesus.
I was too tired when I got in to lift weights. I took a shower, took nutrition, and took to bed. I will try to double up next time. It was good to get that distance in this time of year. Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
No Show
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. How do you follow being on time for once in the past three years? You don't show up at all. That's about right. I swam
2,100
2 X 50
total: 2,200 long course meters.
Later in the morning, I went for a shuffle and did 3.56 miles. The air had a different quality about it. I haven't been watching the weather, but it felt like the humidity was low.
We met at Brian's house at 5:30 and rode Money Road. Father Oryan took out ahead of us like he was out to win the Tour de France. Brian told me he had done that Monday and faded like a pecan leaf in the fall. We caught him before Tallahatchie Flats. He hung with us a while and then fell off. We waited for him at Money, and he kept riding and went to the McIntyre turn and back. When he got back with us, I told him, "Make us old men hurt."
He did just like he did at the start. We caught him a half mile later. Brian passed him and I passed Brian and just like that, we dropped Father Oryan. I couldn't help it. Call it hazing. Call it education. Just don't call it bullying--hazing maybe-- because you have to learn about these things, how to pace yourself, how to divvy out your energy in a sustainable way, and not to talk trash to old men. As I told him, "We might be old men, but we still have pride."
Later we stopped and let him catch up and then did it all over again. Despite the abuse he took from us, I told Brian that he will be a threat by the end of summer. He is strong, has lost eighty pounds and is still on the weight loss/fitness journey. Besides riding a bicycle, which he is a newbie at, he also runs. I can't help but be impressed by him. He is going places. Thank you, Jesus, for placing him in my life.
2,100
2 X 50
total: 2,200 long course meters.
Later in the morning, I went for a shuffle and did 3.56 miles. The air had a different quality about it. I haven't been watching the weather, but it felt like the humidity was low.
We met at Brian's house at 5:30 and rode Money Road. Father Oryan took out ahead of us like he was out to win the Tour de France. Brian told me he had done that Monday and faded like a pecan leaf in the fall. We caught him before Tallahatchie Flats. He hung with us a while and then fell off. We waited for him at Money, and he kept riding and went to the McIntyre turn and back. When he got back with us, I told him, "Make us old men hurt."
He did just like he did at the start. We caught him a half mile later. Brian passed him and I passed Brian and just like that, we dropped Father Oryan. I couldn't help it. Call it hazing. Call it education. Just don't call it bullying--hazing maybe-- because you have to learn about these things, how to pace yourself, how to divvy out your energy in a sustainable way, and not to talk trash to old men. As I told him, "We might be old men, but we still have pride."
Later we stopped and let him catch up and then did it all over again. Despite the abuse he took from us, I told Brian that he will be a threat by the end of summer. He is strong, has lost eighty pounds and is still on the weight loss/fitness journey. Besides riding a bicycle, which he is a newbie at, he also runs. I can't help but be impressed by him. He is going places. Thank you, Jesus, for placing him in my life.
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
John Was on Time!!?!?!??!!?
I met John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. He was on time.
What!?!?!?!
Yeah, every now and then he does that. Like three times in six years. I swam 2,000 straight and got out. I am really falling off a cliff when it comes to swimming. The Lehrton Police have issued an APB on Mo and Joe and nobody has seen them in weeks. They need to come home. I am beginning to suspect foul play.
Later in the morning, I shuffled 3.44 miles. Almost every time out, it is a new route. Running from the Hideout is fresh and exciting.
Around 4:30, Gerald Johnson contacted me about helping me move my big stuff from Plate City. He picked me up at the Hideout and we met Hunter Davis at the old gym and loaded the seated calf machine, the leg press, and the reverse hyper machine. We took them to the new Plate City (I'll shoot a video soon). Now the gym is all at the new place. I worked out when the sun got a little bit lower. I did incline dumbbell bench presses:
16 X 30
14 X 35
15 X 35
16 X 35
On the Swim Pull, I did one set: 25 X 50. Of course I did lots of rotator cuff work. This was my second upper body workout at the new gym site. I love it. Thank you, Jesus.
What!?!?!?!
Yeah, every now and then he does that. Like three times in six years. I swam 2,000 straight and got out. I am really falling off a cliff when it comes to swimming. The Lehrton Police have issued an APB on Mo and Joe and nobody has seen them in weeks. They need to come home. I am beginning to suspect foul play.
Later in the morning, I shuffled 3.44 miles. Almost every time out, it is a new route. Running from the Hideout is fresh and exciting.
Around 4:30, Gerald Johnson contacted me about helping me move my big stuff from Plate City. He picked me up at the Hideout and we met Hunter Davis at the old gym and loaded the seated calf machine, the leg press, and the reverse hyper machine. We took them to the new Plate City (I'll shoot a video soon). Now the gym is all at the new place. I worked out when the sun got a little bit lower. I did incline dumbbell bench presses:
16 X 30
14 X 35
15 X 35
16 X 35
On the Swim Pull, I did one set: 25 X 50. Of course I did lots of rotator cuff work. This was my second upper body workout at the new gym site. I love it. Thank you, Jesus.
Monday, June 15, 2020
6/8 - 6/14
My swimming slide continued last week. Monday I swam 2,500 yards, my biggest of the week. Speaking of big, I ran big that day also. I shuffled 12.25 miles. Tuesday I swam 2,000 meters, ran 3.22 miles, and lifted weights.
Wednesday I ran (3.08), lifted, and cycled. Brian, Father O'Ryan, and I went to Money and did 15.05 miles. Thursday I only did one thing. I shuffled for 3.23 miles.
Friday I swam a mere 1,200 meters, moved gym equipment from the old Plate City to the Hideout, and did 6.62 miles of roadwork. Saturday was all about finishing the majority of the Plate City move. I also did a full body workout at the new gym. It felt good, it felt comfortable, it felt good and comfortable.
For the week, I
swam 5,485 meters,
cycled 15.05 miles,
lifted weights three times, and
ran 28.4 miles.
That was my biggest run week of the year. Early in January, I got 28.1 for a week. I thought about going for thirty, but I felt that would be pushing the risk of injury so I held back and did not run Saturday. Except for the swimming, it was a pretty solid week. Maybe I can pick it up this time around in the pool. I know John is ready to spend some big time in the water. He is facing a pacemaker and they are telling him that he will have to be out of the pool for three months. He is not happy about this. I don't blame him. Pray for his health and emotional well being. Thank you. God bless my friend. I complain about him a lot, but he is my friend.
Wednesday I ran (3.08), lifted, and cycled. Brian, Father O'Ryan, and I went to Money and did 15.05 miles. Thursday I only did one thing. I shuffled for 3.23 miles.
Friday I swam a mere 1,200 meters, moved gym equipment from the old Plate City to the Hideout, and did 6.62 miles of roadwork. Saturday was all about finishing the majority of the Plate City move. I also did a full body workout at the new gym. It felt good, it felt comfortable, it felt good and comfortable.
For the week, I
swam 5,485 meters,
cycled 15.05 miles,
lifted weights three times, and
ran 28.4 miles.
That was my biggest run week of the year. Early in January, I got 28.1 for a week. I thought about going for thirty, but I felt that would be pushing the risk of injury so I held back and did not run Saturday. Except for the swimming, it was a pretty solid week. Maybe I can pick it up this time around in the pool. I know John is ready to spend some big time in the water. He is facing a pacemaker and they are telling him that he will have to be out of the pool for three months. He is not happy about this. I don't blame him. Pray for his health and emotional well being. Thank you. God bless my friend. I complain about him a lot, but he is my friend.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Saturday
John and I were supposed to swim Saturday morning. I called and begged off. I was tired, and I needed to study. So it was a slow start day for me. I thought about running, but I already had a good week on the legs and figured it prudent not to push too hard so I did not run nor did I ride the bicycle.
I got tired of lifting in two places so I moved most of the rest of my stuff to the Hideout. I still have a few of the heavy things over there: a leg press, a reverse hyper machine, and a seated calf machine. Gerald said he would help me move that next week. What I did do was to perform my first upper body workout behind the Great Anti-Beets Wall. I set up my rack, bench, and lat pull down machine and went to work. I did the whole body. On the bench, I pressed with the Swiss bar
11 X 102
8 X 112
7 X 122
6 X 127
I decline benched 15 X 97
On the lat pull down, I hit
25 X 53
16 X 63
13 X 73
8 X 83
The Swim Pull
24 X 50
14 X 56
10 X 60.5
7 X 62
I also did six sets of squats followed by a new Association of Sports Strongmen lift, the blocked Yoke squat. That is squats off a four inch block using the yoke. I did
3 X 158
1 X 208
1 X 228
1 X 232 (new ASS world record)
It was satisfying to do the whole body at the Hideout. Thank you, Jesus.
I got tired of lifting in two places so I moved most of the rest of my stuff to the Hideout. I still have a few of the heavy things over there: a leg press, a reverse hyper machine, and a seated calf machine. Gerald said he would help me move that next week. What I did do was to perform my first upper body workout behind the Great Anti-Beets Wall. I set up my rack, bench, and lat pull down machine and went to work. I did the whole body. On the bench, I pressed with the Swiss bar
11 X 102
8 X 112
7 X 122
6 X 127
I decline benched 15 X 97
On the lat pull down, I hit
25 X 53
16 X 63
13 X 73
8 X 83
The Swim Pull
24 X 50
14 X 56
10 X 60.5
7 X 62
I also did six sets of squats followed by a new Association of Sports Strongmen lift, the blocked Yoke squat. That is squats off a four inch block using the yoke. I did
3 X 158
1 X 208
1 X 228
1 X 232 (new ASS world record)
It was satisfying to do the whole body at the Hideout. Thank you, Jesus.
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Friday
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 8:30. He didn't show. What else is new? Since he had gone to Jackson the day before, I was not surprised. Those trips wear him out and he always sleeps in the next day despite protesting to me that he will be at the pool. I swam a mere 1,200 meters straight and got out. Despite having filed a missing persons report, Mo and Joe are still not to be found.
I had a bunch of errands to run. I went to Indianola to meet someone on some land business. Then I went by the portable building place to talk about my purchases. They had customers inside so I left. I wanted to tell them not to do it, to try someone else. I wish I had.
Then I went to Plate City and started clearing a path to move my rack. Clearing a path to move it, led to me actually moving it. By myself, I got it loaded, hauled to the Hideout, unloaded and moved to the slab. Then I went back to did the same thing with my lat pull down machine. I also got some more plates and the rest of my dumbbells. Plate City is now about 95% moved. The only big thing remaining is my reverse hyper machine. I'm going to need help with that. Now the next time I bench press, it will be at the Hideout, now more lifting here and there.
After lunch and a nap, I took to the trail and road for a run. I hit the Yazoo River Trail for over a mile, then ran the partially shaded streets of Greenwood. I went for 6.62 miles which allowed me to amass my highest weekly total of 2020. I'll tell more about that in Monday's post.
Penny and I went the Grenada after she got off work. We went to Walmart there and then to 333 Restaurant for a pick up supper. We took our takeout to the lake and walked in to a picnic table. We were there only minutes before a park ranger came by and over the loud speaker of his truck shouted at us, "That area is closed." Huh? We can't eat five feet inside the gate? We left, being the law and order people we are.
On the way out, we stopped at Spencer's. We always stop at Spencer's. I got a large strawberry shake and Penny got a large strawberry cone. We then had a nice drive back to the Hideout where I slept well in preparation for Saturday's workouts. Thank you, Jesus.
I had a bunch of errands to run. I went to Indianola to meet someone on some land business. Then I went by the portable building place to talk about my purchases. They had customers inside so I left. I wanted to tell them not to do it, to try someone else. I wish I had.
Then I went to Plate City and started clearing a path to move my rack. Clearing a path to move it, led to me actually moving it. By myself, I got it loaded, hauled to the Hideout, unloaded and moved to the slab. Then I went back to did the same thing with my lat pull down machine. I also got some more plates and the rest of my dumbbells. Plate City is now about 95% moved. The only big thing remaining is my reverse hyper machine. I'm going to need help with that. Now the next time I bench press, it will be at the Hideout, now more lifting here and there.
After lunch and a nap, I took to the trail and road for a run. I hit the Yazoo River Trail for over a mile, then ran the partially shaded streets of Greenwood. I went for 6.62 miles which allowed me to amass my highest weekly total of 2020. I'll tell more about that in Monday's post.
Penny and I went the Grenada after she got off work. We went to Walmart there and then to 333 Restaurant for a pick up supper. We took our takeout to the lake and walked in to a picnic table. We were there only minutes before a park ranger came by and over the loud speaker of his truck shouted at us, "That area is closed." Huh? We can't eat five feet inside the gate? We left, being the law and order people we are.
On the way out, we stopped at Spencer's. We always stop at Spencer's. I got a large strawberry shake and Penny got a large strawberry cone. We then had a nice drive back to the Hideout where I slept well in preparation for Saturday's workouts. Thank you, Jesus.
Friday, June 12, 2020
Only One
I didn't swim. That makes two days in a row. John was out of pocket so I contacted an old friend I have breakfast with now and then and we went to Acy's. I ordered three over easy eggs, grits, one piece of toast, and two patties of sausage. It was a nice meal.
After lunch I shuffled 3.2 miles. I was supposed to ride with Brian, but he called late and said he would be detained and would call back if he got a chance. He did not call. I sat around and snacked. Not good.
I hope to get back on the fast track tomorrow. We'll see. Thank you, Jesus, for a track.
After lunch I shuffled 3.2 miles. I was supposed to ride with Brian, but he called late and said he would be detained and would call back if he got a chance. He did not call. I sat around and snacked. Not good.
I hope to get back on the fast track tomorrow. We'll see. Thank you, Jesus, for a track.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Three
I already told John I was going to be out Wednesday. I tried to call him and tell him I could swim, but he never answered his phone or called back. So I slept in and had a slow start day. I drank coffee, blogged, and studied for Sunday. It was glorious.
Then I went out for a run, not long, just 3.08 miles. After shuffling, I did legs at Plate City Strongman. I have been doing legs and strongman stuff at the Hideout for several weeks now. I am becoming very anxious to get the rest of my equipment over and set up. I'm waiting on the portable building people to come set up my top. I don't want all my stuff in their way went they work.
I did regular squats, seven sets worth, and something new. I did yoke squats, which I have done before, but this time I did them off some blocks which gave me an additional four inches of range of motion. These should be of some value since the knee angle is about the same as when I run. The ones I did before were strictly an ego lift. I could do lots of weight, but the range was so short that I wonder if it could ever transfer to real world movements. On these I did singles starting at 158 pounds and I went up to 218 pounds. It was a nice workout at the Hideout. I took my shirt off and felt free to be me behind the eight foot anti-Randy Beets fence.
I saw Brian Tuesday when I was running. He is back from vacation. He hollered out the window of his passing truck, "When are we going to ride again?"
I shouted back, "Tomorrow."
He, I, and Father O'Ryan drove to Money and did 15 miles. Despite the wind, the run, and the weights done earlier in the day, we had a good ride, which gave me my third workout of the day. Thank you, Jesus, for three solid workouts. Thank you for the Hideout. Thank you for life, health, and interests which makes it all fun.
Then I went out for a run, not long, just 3.08 miles. After shuffling, I did legs at Plate City Strongman. I have been doing legs and strongman stuff at the Hideout for several weeks now. I am becoming very anxious to get the rest of my equipment over and set up. I'm waiting on the portable building people to come set up my top. I don't want all my stuff in their way went they work.
I did regular squats, seven sets worth, and something new. I did yoke squats, which I have done before, but this time I did them off some blocks which gave me an additional four inches of range of motion. These should be of some value since the knee angle is about the same as when I run. The ones I did before were strictly an ego lift. I could do lots of weight, but the range was so short that I wonder if it could ever transfer to real world movements. On these I did singles starting at 158 pounds and I went up to 218 pounds. It was a nice workout at the Hideout. I took my shirt off and felt free to be me behind the eight foot anti-Randy Beets fence.
I saw Brian Tuesday when I was running. He is back from vacation. He hollered out the window of his passing truck, "When are we going to ride again?"
I shouted back, "Tomorrow."
He, I, and Father O'Ryan drove to Money and did 15 miles. Despite the wind, the run, and the weights done earlier in the day, we had a good ride, which gave me my third workout of the day. Thank you, Jesus, for three solid workouts. Thank you for the Hideout. Thank you for life, health, and interests which makes it all fun.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Missing: Mo and Joe
I met John at the pool and he was early.
What!?!?!?
He set the time the night before, and he called me fifteen minutes before we were supposed to meet me and wanted to know, "Where are you?"
Huh?
I wasn't feeling it. Seriously, I was just going through the motions. I swam a total of 2,000 yards spending lots of time on the wall. Maybe I'll get Mo and Joe back soon. They left town a month ago and no one has seen them since.
After the so called swimming, I shuffled 3.23 miles giving me 15.47 miles for the week. That's a good start, a real good start. Later in the afternoon, I went to Plate City Gym, worked out, and moved a few more weights. When is the gym officially moving? As soon as my covering is installed. I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. When the covering is up, I will move the rest of the weights and the machines. I'll need some help with that. Gerald said he would give me a hand. I need his back also. I have to move a bench, a rack, a lat pull down machine, a reverse hyper machine, and a cable machine. I want this stuff at the Hideout now, but I don't want it in the way when the workers come. At PCG, I benched
10 X 102
10 X 107
10 X 112
8 X 117
7 X 122
On the T-bar, I pulled
10 X 65
11 65
12 X 67.5
13 X 70
14 X 72.5
I also did some reverse flys and rotator cuff work.
So I got three not great workouts done. And Hoffmans installed two security doors at the Hideout. These, like the fence, are anti-Randy Beets doors. At least something is still happening. Thank you, Jesus, for things getting done.
What!?!?!?
He set the time the night before, and he called me fifteen minutes before we were supposed to meet me and wanted to know, "Where are you?"
Huh?
I wasn't feeling it. Seriously, I was just going through the motions. I swam a total of 2,000 yards spending lots of time on the wall. Maybe I'll get Mo and Joe back soon. They left town a month ago and no one has seen them since.
After the so called swimming, I shuffled 3.23 miles giving me 15.47 miles for the week. That's a good start, a real good start. Later in the afternoon, I went to Plate City Gym, worked out, and moved a few more weights. When is the gym officially moving? As soon as my covering is installed. I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. When the covering is up, I will move the rest of the weights and the machines. I'll need some help with that. Gerald said he would give me a hand. I need his back also. I have to move a bench, a rack, a lat pull down machine, a reverse hyper machine, and a cable machine. I want this stuff at the Hideout now, but I don't want it in the way when the workers come. At PCG, I benched
10 X 102
10 X 107
10 X 112
8 X 117
7 X 122
On the T-bar, I pulled
10 X 65
11 65
12 X 67.5
13 X 70
14 X 72.5
I also did some reverse flys and rotator cuff work.
So I got three not great workouts done. And Hoffmans installed two security doors at the Hideout. These, like the fence, are anti-Randy Beets doors. At least something is still happening. Thank you, Jesus, for things getting done.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Long Run in June
I met John at the little pool and swam 2,500 uninspired yards. All the cancellations have taken the wind out of my sails. Then I went home and since it was rainy/cloudy, I thought it would be a great time to get a long run done. Long runs become difficult this time of year. You get tired of zigging and zagging through town looking for shade. And Money Road and constant sun can be too much. So I filled my pack with water and headed out the door and towards Money Road. I went for 12.25 miles and had water left over when I got back to the Hideout.
It had been over two weeks since I last ran long. Last week, however, I did my triathlon and a 7.8 mile run. My legs held up well. I was slow, but not as slow as my 11.1 miler that I did on May the 22nd. I want to get back into marathon shape and that requires long runs. Maybe I can make it happen all summer. The problem is the temperature. I could get up early and run, but that is when I swim. I could run after 5:00 p.m., but then I am away from home when Penny is there, and I have problems sleeping. Maybe I can catch enough rainy days to not only keep up my current endurance, but to build throughout the summer.
Thank you, Jesus, for a long run on June the 8th.
It had been over two weeks since I last ran long. Last week, however, I did my triathlon and a 7.8 mile run. My legs held up well. I was slow, but not as slow as my 11.1 miler that I did on May the 22nd. I want to get back into marathon shape and that requires long runs. Maybe I can make it happen all summer. The problem is the temperature. I could get up early and run, but that is when I swim. I could run after 5:00 p.m., but then I am away from home when Penny is there, and I have problems sleeping. Maybe I can catch enough rainy days to not only keep up my current endurance, but to build throughout the summer.
Thank you, Jesus, for a long run on June the 8th.
Monday, June 8, 2020
6/1 - 6/7
My slide in the water continued last week. Monday I swam in the big pool for the first time this year. I did a total of 2,100 meters. I took a short run of 1.36 miles, and lifted total upper body.
Tuesday I did my birthday triathlon of 60.75 miles. I swam 1,700 meters, cycled 50.25 miles, and shuffled and walked 9.5 miles. It was a good workout. It was real. It was fun. But it was not real fun.
Wednesday morning, I slept in. When I did stir, it was for an easy 1.43 mile run and some light weight lifting. Thursday I did 3.13 on the road and some more lifting. I don't remember why, but I did not swim.
Friday, I swam 2,600 straight and went out for a long run hoping for 11. I stopped at the Hideout after 7.8 to get some more water. It was beginning to storm, and I decided to tap for the day.
Saturday I ran for 3.32 miles and did not one but two weight sessions. First, I did a strongman workout at the Hideout. I alternated farmer's walks with squats and then finished with farmer's deadlifts. Later, I went to Plate City and worked shoulders.
For the week, I
swam 6,400 meters,
lifted weights four (or five) times,
cycled 50.25 miles, and
ran 22.04 miles.
That was not a bad week except for the swimming. Maybe this week I can get back on track in the water. Chicot is still a ways off, and that is part of my problem right now. The Senior Olympics have been cancelled. The Heart O' Dixie Triathlon has been cancelled. I don't have anything to train for right now that calls for a lot of tough sets.
Tuesday I did my birthday triathlon of 60.75 miles. I swam 1,700 meters, cycled 50.25 miles, and shuffled and walked 9.5 miles. It was a good workout. It was real. It was fun. But it was not real fun.
Wednesday morning, I slept in. When I did stir, it was for an easy 1.43 mile run and some light weight lifting. Thursday I did 3.13 on the road and some more lifting. I don't remember why, but I did not swim.
Friday, I swam 2,600 straight and went out for a long run hoping for 11. I stopped at the Hideout after 7.8 to get some more water. It was beginning to storm, and I decided to tap for the day.
Saturday I ran for 3.32 miles and did not one but two weight sessions. First, I did a strongman workout at the Hideout. I alternated farmer's walks with squats and then finished with farmer's deadlifts. Later, I went to Plate City and worked shoulders.
For the week, I
swam 6,400 meters,
lifted weights four (or five) times,
cycled 50.25 miles, and
ran 22.04 miles.
That was not a bad week except for the swimming. Maybe this week I can get back on track in the water. Chicot is still a ways off, and that is part of my problem right now. The Senior Olympics have been cancelled. The Heart O' Dixie Triathlon has been cancelled. I don't have anything to train for right now that calls for a lot of tough sets.
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Super Saturday
We had a nice day at the Hideout. I studied for Sunday, then took a short shuffle in the neighborhood going 3.32 miles. After that, I rested and then worked in the yard some and did squats and farmers carries at Plate City Strongman. On the carries, I went up to 184 pounds. I followed that by some farmers deadlifts doing singles up to 214 pounds. Take that, Randy Beets.
Penny gave me ice-cream. If you want to make a man happy, give him ice-cream. After the treat, I went to Plate City Gym to load and move some weights. While there I did my second weight session of the day. I hit shoulders because they needed it. I did lateral raises, cable raises, Swim Pulls, face pulls, and reveres flys.
So three workouts and maybe the first time I have lifted twice in one day. I don't remember for sure, but I think it is. Thank you, Jesus, for a productive day.
Penny gave me ice-cream. If you want to make a man happy, give him ice-cream. After the treat, I went to Plate City Gym to load and move some weights. While there I did my second weight session of the day. I hit shoulders because they needed it. I did lateral raises, cable raises, Swim Pulls, face pulls, and reveres flys.
So three workouts and maybe the first time I have lifted twice in one day. I don't remember for sure, but I think it is. Thank you, Jesus, for a productive day.
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Run Rant
I think I've ranted on this before, and considering the numbers who read this blog, this won't be anything more than my chance to vent a little and write. Writing is something I do daily, sometimes several times per day.
I have been asked 132 times this past week, "How many miles do you run per day?" I always have a bit of trouble answering the question because I don't run per day. I usually run four to six times per week. Do they want to know how much I run per week divided my seven. Or maybe divided by four, or divided my six, or divided my five?
The question assumes the runner runs the same distance every day. That is never the case. I have short runs, medium runs, and long runs and those terms are constantly being re-defined by my changing fitness level.
Maybe you figured it out. The question is the wrong one. The real question to ask a runner is "How many miles do you average per week?" I can answer that one. Since the first of 2020, I have averaged a little better than 20 miles per week. If you divide that by seven, you come up with less than three miles per day. If you divide it by five (the number of days I typically run in a week), you come up with four. So how many miles do I run per day? I'm still confused about that myself.
The week is the basic training block for a runner. It is also part of creation. God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. If God took a day off, that's a pretty solid indicator that you and I should also. I rarely run seven days in one week. I have, but when I do, my legs don't like me very much. You know the old saying: Happy legs, happy life. Or something like that.
So the next time you see your neighbor shuffling down the street, don't ask her how many miles she runs per day. What is the correct question? You got it, "How many miles do you average per week?" That question has an answer and a meaning and she can answer it.
Pass this along, please. I am tired of being stupefied when someone wants to know.
I have been asked 132 times this past week, "How many miles do you run per day?" I always have a bit of trouble answering the question because I don't run per day. I usually run four to six times per week. Do they want to know how much I run per week divided my seven. Or maybe divided by four, or divided my six, or divided my five?
The question assumes the runner runs the same distance every day. That is never the case. I have short runs, medium runs, and long runs and those terms are constantly being re-defined by my changing fitness level.
Maybe you figured it out. The question is the wrong one. The real question to ask a runner is "How many miles do you average per week?" I can answer that one. Since the first of 2020, I have averaged a little better than 20 miles per week. If you divide that by seven, you come up with less than three miles per day. If you divide it by five (the number of days I typically run in a week), you come up with four. So how many miles do I run per day? I'm still confused about that myself.
The week is the basic training block for a runner. It is also part of creation. God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. If God took a day off, that's a pretty solid indicator that you and I should also. I rarely run seven days in one week. I have, but when I do, my legs don't like me very much. You know the old saying: Happy legs, happy life. Or something like that.
So the next time you see your neighbor shuffling down the street, don't ask her how many miles she runs per day. What is the correct question? You got it, "How many miles do you average per week?" That question has an answer and a meaning and she can answer it.
Pass this along, please. I am tired of being stupefied when someone wants to know.
A Normal Day?
In some ways it felt like my first day of freedom. Simon was finished with the terrorism proof, anti-Randy Beets fence. I did not have to get up to open the gate, and I did not have to make any trips to Home Depot. I could begin to establish my new normal, how things could be when I got to run my day my way.
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. You see, I never get to to run my day my way. He was late, of course, and he had to stop me when he got there which infuriated me because it messes up my watch. He had to be out by 8:20. That is why he stopped me. By the way, he was an only child.
Having not swum since Tuesday and only a little then, and having my yardage way down for three weeks in a row, I could tell I had lost fitness. I swam straight for what my watch said watch said was 2,600. When you stop and start in the middle of the pool, it will often throw in an extra lap. So I don't know what I swam. It might have only been 2,500. Probably was. Pray for me. If John tries to stop me next time, I'm afraid I will become violent.
After swimming, I went to the Hideout and drank more coffee. Then I worked in the yard, trying to straighten out the drainage and fill in some ruts and holes. The tree people left ruts and the gas people messed up the drainage in the front. So I moved dirt in an attempt to fix all of that.
A little after 2:00, I went out to try for a long run. I said "try for" because it becomes more difficult each year to run in this heat. It was about 90+. I began to zig and zag seeking shade and finding some. Actually, I was dealing with the heat pretty well. Then a cloud blew up. I was on Grand Blvd so I got off it as quickly as I could. I headed back towards the Hideout to get some more water. It was beginning to sprinkle when I went inside and re-filled my pack. Then it began to pour. It was warm enough to run in the rain, but I did not want to. Also the lightning began to strike so I settle into some TV. I had done 7.8 of a hoped for 11 miles.
Sigh.
Still not a bad day. I like running from the Hideout and am anxious to get the rest of Plate City over here. I am waiting for some other people to put up a storage building and to put up my top for the gym. Back to waiting. Thank you, Jesus, and help these people get here and get their work done.
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. You see, I never get to to run my day my way. He was late, of course, and he had to stop me when he got there which infuriated me because it messes up my watch. He had to be out by 8:20. That is why he stopped me. By the way, he was an only child.
Having not swum since Tuesday and only a little then, and having my yardage way down for three weeks in a row, I could tell I had lost fitness. I swam straight for what my watch said watch said was 2,600. When you stop and start in the middle of the pool, it will often throw in an extra lap. So I don't know what I swam. It might have only been 2,500. Probably was. Pray for me. If John tries to stop me next time, I'm afraid I will become violent.
After swimming, I went to the Hideout and drank more coffee. Then I worked in the yard, trying to straighten out the drainage and fill in some ruts and holes. The tree people left ruts and the gas people messed up the drainage in the front. So I moved dirt in an attempt to fix all of that.
A little after 2:00, I went out to try for a long run. I said "try for" because it becomes more difficult each year to run in this heat. It was about 90+. I began to zig and zag seeking shade and finding some. Actually, I was dealing with the heat pretty well. Then a cloud blew up. I was on Grand Blvd so I got off it as quickly as I could. I headed back towards the Hideout to get some more water. It was beginning to sprinkle when I went inside and re-filled my pack. Then it began to pour. It was warm enough to run in the rain, but I did not want to. Also the lightning began to strike so I settle into some TV. I had done 7.8 of a hoped for 11 miles.
Sigh.
Still not a bad day. I like running from the Hideout and am anxious to get the rest of Plate City over here. I am waiting for some other people to put up a storage building and to put up my top for the gym. Back to waiting. Thank you, Jesus, and help these people get here and get their work done.
Friday, June 5, 2020
Thursday
I was supposed to meet John at the pool at 7:00 a.m. He called around 6:00 and said he was out. I decided to take the morning off from swimming. I know. I should not let that affect me, but I had a big agenda for the day already.
Simon was at the Hideout early. After working about two hours, he told me how many decking boards we needed to finish. This made me happy to make my last trip to Home Front and drop my last load of cash there. At least this would be the last of the regular runs that I was making almost every day.
After getting Simon the rest of his material, I went out for a short shuffle. I upped the short route just a bit making it 3.13 miles. Then it was time for lunch with my bride. After lunch, I worked in the yard moving some dirt. When the gas company put in the new service, they messed up the drainage in the front. The tree people left some ruts in the yard. I moved some dirt to re-establish drainage. and I filled in some of the holes and ruts. While I was doing this, Simon finished the fence. It looks great.
Penny and I went to Monroe. I lifted and loaded. On the lat pull down, I did
28 X 52.5
20 X 65
16 X 75
11 X 78
For the Swim Pull, I stroked
23 X 50
13 X 56
10 X 59
4 X 60.5
I face pulled
20 X 30
15 X 34.8
Then I carried some plates over to the new city.
Thank you, Jesus, for the Hideout, all that is going on there, and a good day.
Simon was at the Hideout early. After working about two hours, he told me how many decking boards we needed to finish. This made me happy to make my last trip to Home Front and drop my last load of cash there. At least this would be the last of the regular runs that I was making almost every day.
After getting Simon the rest of his material, I went out for a short shuffle. I upped the short route just a bit making it 3.13 miles. Then it was time for lunch with my bride. After lunch, I worked in the yard moving some dirt. When the gas company put in the new service, they messed up the drainage in the front. The tree people left some ruts in the yard. I moved some dirt to re-establish drainage. and I filled in some of the holes and ruts. While I was doing this, Simon finished the fence. It looks great.
Penny and I went to Monroe. I lifted and loaded. On the lat pull down, I did
28 X 52.5
20 X 65
16 X 75
11 X 78
For the Swim Pull, I stroked
23 X 50
13 X 56
10 X 59
4 X 60.5
I face pulled
20 X 30
15 X 34.8
Then I carried some plates over to the new city.
Thank you, Jesus, for the Hideout, all that is going on there, and a good day.
The Future Home of Plate City Gym
Plate City Gym is getting a new home. For right now, I can only call it the Hideout. By the grace of God, I was able to purchase some property, pour a slab, have a big privacy fence built, and I have plans for a covering over the top. For years, I have worked out on the grass and in the open air. That is fine and well as long as the weather is good. Now I will have a roof over my hear. No walls, but a roof and room. The slab is 21 X 26. I am so excited that everyday my mind is filled with dreams for the future.
What I think about the most is October. My mind keeps going there to long runs in the cooling air and full workouts in the world's best backyard gym.
This short video gives you an idea of what things look like now. I will update the videos as progress is made. This is where I will build the fitness to do Chicot, beat Randy Beets, and smash the old men at the Senior Olympics. Praise be to God.
What I think about the most is October. My mind keeps going there to long runs in the cooling air and full workouts in the world's best backyard gym.
This short video gives you an idea of what things look like now. I will update the videos as progress is made. This is where I will build the fitness to do Chicot, beat Randy Beets, and smash the old men at the Senior Olympics. Praise be to God.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Cancelled: Silver Linings
It happened.
Again.
Another event has been cancelled. For me, the Viking Half Marathon was the first event that changed because of COVID-19. It was not cancelled just postponed. Then our MDCC 5ks went away as did the 5K in Kosciusko. All the spring running races in Mississippi were cancelled.
The Bikes, Blues[,] & Bayous held on like a stubborn scab. It refused to go away. But the numbers capped, and I failed to get in. So for me, it was cancelled too.
I had some hope for the Mississippi Senior Olympics. They postponed them and week after week went by with no word. I thought probably they will come off in September or October. Today word finally came: cancelled.
Ouch. That hurt.
It is only rumor at this point, but the scuttlebutt I hear is that the Heart O' Dixie Triathlon will probably be cancelled also. That will pour salt in some open wounds in my psyche. I always did it and then Bikes, Blues[,] & Bayous the following weekend. The two of those events back to back made for a tremendous training stimulus. Now I'll probably have neither.
There is, however, a silver lining. There is always a silver lining. A lot of events across the country have gone "virtual." That is, registered contestants do the distance at home on race day and still receive their T-shirt and finisher's medal. Even the Boston Marathon was postponed until September and now it will be virtual.
The good news about that is I can do it. No I am not registered so I will not officially be given finisher's status. But who cares? On the weekend it is the be held, I plan to do 26.2 and, in my mind, it will be the Boston Marathon. Tell me I can't. This opens up the whole world to me.
Actually, I have been doing virtual races for years. The great thing about them is they are free, they start when I want them to start, and the course is of my choosing. Just this week, I did a virtual triathlon to celebrate my birthday. The idea was a 64 mile job to mark my 64th birthday. The "race director" called the run a few miles short for safety concerns. Consequently, I only did 60.75 miles. So I have done a triathlon during this lock down.
If you don't believe you can have some serious fun in the virtual world, check out my albums on Facebook. You see all those Buddy Bones Marathons? Virtual runs all of them. I ran marathon after marathon all by myself, starting when I wanted, and running where I wanted. I had a blast. Now I am trying to work my way back to a fitness level that will allow me to do it all again. I have some great ideas for marathons, triathlons, and swim/runs.
Thank you, COVID-19 for making my weirdness seem normal. Thank you, Jesus, for my reemerging running health. May I keep it by the grace of God.
Again.
Another event has been cancelled. For me, the Viking Half Marathon was the first event that changed because of COVID-19. It was not cancelled just postponed. Then our MDCC 5ks went away as did the 5K in Kosciusko. All the spring running races in Mississippi were cancelled.
The Bikes, Blues[,] & Bayous held on like a stubborn scab. It refused to go away. But the numbers capped, and I failed to get in. So for me, it was cancelled too.
I had some hope for the Mississippi Senior Olympics. They postponed them and week after week went by with no word. I thought probably they will come off in September or October. Today word finally came: cancelled.
Ouch. That hurt.
It is only rumor at this point, but the scuttlebutt I hear is that the Heart O' Dixie Triathlon will probably be cancelled also. That will pour salt in some open wounds in my psyche. I always did it and then Bikes, Blues[,] & Bayous the following weekend. The two of those events back to back made for a tremendous training stimulus. Now I'll probably have neither.
There is, however, a silver lining. There is always a silver lining. A lot of events across the country have gone "virtual." That is, registered contestants do the distance at home on race day and still receive their T-shirt and finisher's medal. Even the Boston Marathon was postponed until September and now it will be virtual.
The good news about that is I can do it. No I am not registered so I will not officially be given finisher's status. But who cares? On the weekend it is the be held, I plan to do 26.2 and, in my mind, it will be the Boston Marathon. Tell me I can't. This opens up the whole world to me.
Actually, I have been doing virtual races for years. The great thing about them is they are free, they start when I want them to start, and the course is of my choosing. Just this week, I did a virtual triathlon to celebrate my birthday. The idea was a 64 mile job to mark my 64th birthday. The "race director" called the run a few miles short for safety concerns. Consequently, I only did 60.75 miles. So I have done a triathlon during this lock down.
If you don't believe you can have some serious fun in the virtual world, check out my albums on Facebook. You see all those Buddy Bones Marathons? Virtual runs all of them. I ran marathon after marathon all by myself, starting when I wanted, and running where I wanted. I had a blast. Now I am trying to work my way back to a fitness level that will allow me to do it all again. I have some great ideas for marathons, triathlons, and swim/runs.
Thank you, COVID-19 for making my weirdness seem normal. Thank you, Jesus, for my reemerging running health. May I keep it by the grace of God.
Back to normal
Not really. I am not sure what normal is anymore. I slept in. I told John that after the Randy Beets-smashing triathlon, I was not getting up early and going to the pool. And when I did get up, I only took a very short run, 1.43 miles. After lots of coffee, of course.
After lunch, I went to Monroe to mow grass and workout. I was into the session before I realized that I upper body lifted Monday and it was only Wednesday. Normally, I like 72 hours between re-hitting the same body parts. I finished the training. On the bench, I pressed
13 X 102
11 X 112
6 X 117
6 X 122
6 X 127
This was done on the Swiss bar. I did not do pulls. I thought I'd save that until tomorrow especially seeing how I was running out of water. I also did rotator cuff work and face pulls.
Simon almost has the fence finished at the Hideout. It looks nice. Now I am getting antsy to move Plate City over. I do legs there, but I want the whole gym there. It will happen, but it takes time, work, and money.
Sheila had lunch with Penny and sent some cookies for my birthday. She is always thoughtful like that. God bless you, Sheila. Thank you, Jesus, for a good day-after-birthday day.
After lunch, I went to Monroe to mow grass and workout. I was into the session before I realized that I upper body lifted Monday and it was only Wednesday. Normally, I like 72 hours between re-hitting the same body parts. I finished the training. On the bench, I pressed
13 X 102
11 X 112
6 X 117
6 X 122
6 X 127
This was done on the Swiss bar. I did not do pulls. I thought I'd save that until tomorrow especially seeing how I was running out of water. I also did rotator cuff work and face pulls.
Simon almost has the fence finished at the Hideout. It looks nice. Now I am getting antsy to move Plate City over. I do legs there, but I want the whole gym there. It will happen, but it takes time, work, and money.
Sheila had lunch with Penny and sent some cookies for my birthday. She is always thoughtful like that. God bless you, Sheila. Thank you, Jesus, for a good day-after-birthday day.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
The Buddy Bones 64-Mile Triathlon
I was up early, 5:30, blogging and getting awake. After breakfast and dressing, I rode my bike to the pool. John's car was there so I knew it was going to be a day of miracles. Then I went inside the gate but John was not inside. I took off my helmet, sunglasses, gloves, biking shorts, jersey, shoes, socks, and waded into the pool. Then John yelled out from the little pool across the parking lot, "Hey Zane, come over here." I didn't even answer. I swam 1,700 meters. A mile is 1609. I got out, dressed, and headed out on the bicycle.
I knew this was going to be a tough day. This was beyond my fitness level, but when I thought it up, it appealed to me, sunk its hooks in, and would not let me go. I had only been on my bicycle five times since Bikes, Blues[,] & Bayous 2019. So to go 50 miles at all was a stretch but to go 50 miles and then run seemed almost impossible. I knew the only way to pull this off was to go really easy on the bike. I did. I rode about 10 to 11 miles per hour. I went to Money, rode the east road, then went to McIntyre Road and road it. Back on Money Road, I went to Six Mile Road, did it, and then did an out-and-back on Money to get up to 37 miles at the Six Mile turn off. There I was 13 miles from home.
When I made it back to Money, I stopped at the fire station, got off the bike and lay down on the concrete. I went to sleep. I was awakened by a loud whining sound. What is that? I thought. Then my memory pulled it up. It was a high boy and he was coming my way. I hopped up, dressed, and then he came over the bridge and turned onto Money Road headed my way, south. I would have been on my bicycle but I had my helmet on but not my sunglasses, which had a strap on them. To put them on over the helmet would have broken something. So I missed a good opportunity. He turned on the old Wildwood Road anyway so I would have only gotten about a mile out of it. Drafting a highboy? you say. Yeah. I know it's counter intuitive, but despite that huge gap under them, they provide a really strong draft.
So I got on the bicycle and slogged my way to town. By now, my butt was hurting, and my neck was in pain. That is the thing about really long endurance events. They show you where your body is weak and what you need to work on in the gym. I was, about a year ago, doing neck exercises. But I grew lazy and stopped.
When I got back to the Hideout, I locked up my bicycle and went inside. There, I plugged my phone to the charger, got water, and ate a piece of chicken. I then restocked my pack. I had run out of Gatorade, but had two more 28 ouncers in the fridge. I put my running shoes on and went out the door. I headed straight for the Yazoo River Trail. I figured I could at least get started in some shade. It did not take long, however, to find out that the run was going to be long, slow, and painful.
I made it two miles before I had to slow to a walk. I walked all of mile three. Then I shuffled mile four. I walked five, shuffled six, and at 6.5 I was back at the Hideout. I had emptied my pack already. Yeah, I was going through the Gatorade now at an alarming rate. I poured in the last bottle, took care of some necessary business, and was back on the road. I went out on the gravel off of East Claiborne. My runs were now about walking pace, and my walks were grocery shopping speed. Just keep moving, I thought.
Slowly the miles pilled up while by body pulled down. I was hot and had a strange pain in my chest. Not around my heart, but in the back to one side, in my lungs. I was 59.7 miles in and a mile from the Hideout when the race director approached me. "I am calling this," he said. "This heat is dangerous for a young man. Go to the Hideout, and the race is triathlon is over."
I was tempted, but I asked, "What would David Goggins do?"
"#&@^ David Goggins. You ain't David Goggins. You are Zane Hodge. It's your birthday, and you should enjoy some of it."
So with that, I was convinced. I walked to the Hideout, took off my pack, and the Buddy Bones 64-Mile Triathlon was over. I had covered 60.75 miles. The idea was to do a mile for each year. I turned 64 thus the 64-mile triathlon. But they say you are as young as you feel, and on June the 2nd of 2020, I felt a little over 60.
I knew this was going to be a tough day. This was beyond my fitness level, but when I thought it up, it appealed to me, sunk its hooks in, and would not let me go. I had only been on my bicycle five times since Bikes, Blues[,] & Bayous 2019. So to go 50 miles at all was a stretch but to go 50 miles and then run seemed almost impossible. I knew the only way to pull this off was to go really easy on the bike. I did. I rode about 10 to 11 miles per hour. I went to Money, rode the east road, then went to McIntyre Road and road it. Back on Money Road, I went to Six Mile Road, did it, and then did an out-and-back on Money to get up to 37 miles at the Six Mile turn off. There I was 13 miles from home.
When I made it back to Money, I stopped at the fire station, got off the bike and lay down on the concrete. I went to sleep. I was awakened by a loud whining sound. What is that? I thought. Then my memory pulled it up. It was a high boy and he was coming my way. I hopped up, dressed, and then he came over the bridge and turned onto Money Road headed my way, south. I would have been on my bicycle but I had my helmet on but not my sunglasses, which had a strap on them. To put them on over the helmet would have broken something. So I missed a good opportunity. He turned on the old Wildwood Road anyway so I would have only gotten about a mile out of it. Drafting a highboy? you say. Yeah. I know it's counter intuitive, but despite that huge gap under them, they provide a really strong draft.
So I got on the bicycle and slogged my way to town. By now, my butt was hurting, and my neck was in pain. That is the thing about really long endurance events. They show you where your body is weak and what you need to work on in the gym. I was, about a year ago, doing neck exercises. But I grew lazy and stopped.
When I got back to the Hideout, I locked up my bicycle and went inside. There, I plugged my phone to the charger, got water, and ate a piece of chicken. I then restocked my pack. I had run out of Gatorade, but had two more 28 ouncers in the fridge. I put my running shoes on and went out the door. I headed straight for the Yazoo River Trail. I figured I could at least get started in some shade. It did not take long, however, to find out that the run was going to be long, slow, and painful.
I made it two miles before I had to slow to a walk. I walked all of mile three. Then I shuffled mile four. I walked five, shuffled six, and at 6.5 I was back at the Hideout. I had emptied my pack already. Yeah, I was going through the Gatorade now at an alarming rate. I poured in the last bottle, took care of some necessary business, and was back on the road. I went out on the gravel off of East Claiborne. My runs were now about walking pace, and my walks were grocery shopping speed. Just keep moving, I thought.
Slowly the miles pilled up while by body pulled down. I was hot and had a strange pain in my chest. Not around my heart, but in the back to one side, in my lungs. I was 59.7 miles in and a mile from the Hideout when the race director approached me. "I am calling this," he said. "This heat is dangerous for a young man. Go to the Hideout, and the race is triathlon is over."
I was tempted, but I asked, "What would David Goggins do?"
"#&@^ David Goggins. You ain't David Goggins. You are Zane Hodge. It's your birthday, and you should enjoy some of it."
So with that, I was convinced. I walked to the Hideout, took off my pack, and the Buddy Bones 64-Mile Triathlon was over. I had covered 60.75 miles. The idea was to do a mile for each year. I turned 64 thus the 64-mile triathlon. But they say you are as young as you feel, and on June the 2nd of 2020, I felt a little over 60.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Busy, Busy, Busy
I had my devotions, wrote a blog post, and ate breakfast. Then I went to the pool, the big pool and swam
2 X 50
2,000 45:06
total: 2,100 long course meters.
I could tell the difference. I had not swum since Wednesday and that plus the change to long course was enough for me to feel it at a mere 600 meters. Wow.
Back at the Hideout, I ran 1.36 miles. I was saving the legs for the big birthday triathlon Tuesday. After that, I went to Home Front, bought and hauled 50 pieces of decking boards, and stacked them neatly for Simon's use. I wrote out some bills. I called a plumber who showed up and did some stuff. I was on a roll.
Then I wasted some time. After wasting time, I went to Plate City Gym and pumped some serious iron. On the bench, I pressed
10 X 82
10 X 102
10 X 112
8 X 122
8 X 122
8 X 122
Since I am doing the triathlon Tuesday, I went ahead and did my pull workout also. On the seated row, I pulled
21 X 56
17 X 66
14 X 76
12 X 81
I hit the Swim Pull for four sets, going
23 X 50
15 X 56
13 X 57.5
13 X 59
On the triceps push down, I pressed
35 X 30
20 X 36
I also did lots of rotator cuff work plus face pulls and reverse flys with a cord.
While I was working out, I tossed plates over the fence to load into the back of my truck. I hauled maybe 200 more pounds over. The fence is now about 60% complete. At eight feet, I am going to feel like I can run around naked back there. I won't but the feeling of privacy is going to be nice, profound.
Thank you, Jesus, for a good day and the excitement of tomorrow.
2 X 50
2,000 45:06
total: 2,100 long course meters.
I could tell the difference. I had not swum since Wednesday and that plus the change to long course was enough for me to feel it at a mere 600 meters. Wow.
Back at the Hideout, I ran 1.36 miles. I was saving the legs for the big birthday triathlon Tuesday. After that, I went to Home Front, bought and hauled 50 pieces of decking boards, and stacked them neatly for Simon's use. I wrote out some bills. I called a plumber who showed up and did some stuff. I was on a roll.
Then I wasted some time. After wasting time, I went to Plate City Gym and pumped some serious iron. On the bench, I pressed
10 X 82
10 X 102
10 X 112
8 X 122
8 X 122
8 X 122
Since I am doing the triathlon Tuesday, I went ahead and did my pull workout also. On the seated row, I pulled
21 X 56
17 X 66
14 X 76
12 X 81
I hit the Swim Pull for four sets, going
23 X 50
15 X 56
13 X 57.5
13 X 59
On the triceps push down, I pressed
35 X 30
20 X 36
I also did lots of rotator cuff work plus face pulls and reverse flys with a cord.
While I was working out, I tossed plates over the fence to load into the back of my truck. I hauled maybe 200 more pounds over. The fence is now about 60% complete. At eight feet, I am going to feel like I can run around naked back there. I won't but the feeling of privacy is going to be nice, profound.
Thank you, Jesus, for a good day and the excitement of tomorrow.
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