Adventure Run

I took notes, I really did. I even wore shorts over my tights although I think that is the dorkiest look ever. But I wanted easy access to my pencil and paper. Then when I got home, I dumped all my sweat laden clothing into the dirty clothes hamper where my wife dutifully picked up and washed. Notes included. My fault.

A few weeks back, I bumped into Lolo Lubiani. I knew he worked in Clarksdale so I asked him if I could hitch a ride with him one Friday morning. He said yes, so I began dreaming. Friday morning I finally cashed in the favor. He picked me up here at the Hideout and dropped me off at the Minter City United Methodist Church. I ran and walked home.

All I have from my adventure are a few photos, my memories, and the notes in my training diary that I wrote down from my watches. Yes, watch is plural. I wore two Garmins and a smile on my face as I started my slow-paced odyssey first north, then east, and eventually south towards home. First, I headed north to get to the road that runs parallel to Highway 8. Running busy highways has never been fun to me. Running rural roads, on the other hand, is one of life's simple pleasures. By five miles, I had reached the northern end of Money Road. 

Bellchase Road, which
parallels Highway 8.

I established a two mile run/one mile walk system. That system worked well until my feet started getting sore at around mile fourteen. Walking is harder on the feet than running, so I began to extend the runs farther and farther because I was not in pain running, but walking was uncomfortable.

Way out Money Road

The weather was absolutely perfect: clear and cold. I had plenty of fluid and ate a Snickers, a banana, and a Payday along with some gels. Problems were scarce. The only one I had was a dog that took up with me north of Money. He stayed with me a little over a mile although I never touched him or spoke to him. Once, an eighteen wheeler and a two-ton truck both stopped dead in the road to keep from running over him. People were nice like that.

Nearing Greenwood

The run took a long time. I'm too proud to tell how many hours. But I covered 23.77 miles, 16.65 running and 7.12 miles of walking. That was a bit of exercise and good training for the next Challenge. Thank you, Jesus.

Bad selfie taken on the run
near the end.

Only Two

I only did two workouts Thursday unless you count the huge flash of anger I had. My blood pressure got so high I probably had a mini-stroke. It went like this. At the pool, I swam

2,300 45:03

700 for time 12:03

100 medium paddles 1:50

25 back (this is where the stroke occurred)

25 free

total: 3,150 yards = 2,879 meters.  

I was going to work backstroke. On my first length something alerted me that things were different. I noticed just in time to keep from slamming my head against the end of the pool. The flags were gone! WHAT!?!?!?!

First, I have hit the wall before. With flags. I did it in the DSU pool. It's not hard to do. Space out, get to thinking about something, forget where you are and wham! It hurts and is very dangerous. You can get a concussion, a broken neck or both. In other words, you can become crippled or die.

I was so furious that I immediately got out of the water. There should be a sign up warning people not to swim on their back. There was no sign, and I did not notice. By the grace of God, I am still able to walk today. 

John said they were probably going to put some new ones up. (Yes, he was late). He concluded that from the fact that the hooks were still there. Maybe and maybe not. Two things, though. First I bought the previous set. I paid for them. Second, why not leave the old ones up until the new ones come in?

I am still a little ticked this morning. Playing with my life has always had the effect of making me angry. Motorist do it when I ride a bicycle. I get very angry in response. That is why I don't pack a gun when I ride.

So I went home in a fume. I did not run because I wanted to be a little fresh for Friday. I have a big one planned. I did lift, bench pressed with the Swiss bar. I pushed

21 X 38

16 X 88

15 X 108

12 X 113

11 X 118

17 X 88 narrow grip

Then I did 11 dips, and two sets of the triceps machine. Also I did seven sets of lateral raises. After all of that, I went inside and started getting ready for Friday. I'll let you know about it later.

John Back

After being out for a few days, John was back Wednesday. In fact, he was in the water when I got there early. He could not take it. Patsy is home from the hospital in Jackson. Big John was happy. I swam

1,200 24:12

50 drill

2 X 50 fly/back

50 drill

200 medium paddles 3:49

2 X 50 breast/free

200 small paddles

total: 1,900 yards = 1,736 meters.

That is not much volume, but that fly stuff is tiring. The drill was something I made up myself to try to learn how to put the second kick in. I have only been doing one kick per stroke. Butterfly is supposed to have two kicks per stroke. I took a kick board, and stroked with one hand added the kicks. This helped me get the timing closer so that when I swam the butterfly, I did two kicks. It was, however, still difficult and still ugly I'm sure. It felt that way, at least. 

John had never seen any of this and he had comments. He said I was stiff and kicking only from the knees down. I already knew that. 

I did go for a small shuffle when I got home. I hit the gravel and then the trail for 2.6 miles. After that it was gym time.

When I got to Plate City, it was dark, the sky was overcast, and the temp was dropping. I loved it. I squatted

17 X 45

11 X 95

5 X 115

5 X 115

5 X 115

5 X 115

4 X 130

3 X 135

I am definitely stronger than I was the last time I maxed on the squat. Before the new Plate City got built, my PR for the squat was 120. After I made a commitment to the lift, my PR went to 135, then to 145, and now I know I can beat that. I am not sure when I will max again, but most likely it will not be too long. 

Pee Wee played the whole time I lifted and every now and then he needed a hug. I am big into hugging anyway so that is not a problem. Working out at night in the dark and in the cold is nice. I never thought I would say this, but I am not looking forward to summer. The cold is going well with my running and lifting and with Twin Rivers' indoor pool, it is not slowing down my swimming. Life is good; God is great.

Normal Tuesday

With the exception of having to make an emergency trip to the tooth dentist, Tuesday was a normal day. I taught late, skipped the pool, but ran and lifted. The weather was warm, my motivation high, and the cats sweet by the time I settled down for the night. Life is good. God is great.

For the run, I did the Wade loop thing and finished with 7.35 miles. That is probably what I will be doing on Tuesday afternoons throughout this semester. With the days getting a bit longer, I will be able to go farther and farther out Money Road before getting caught in the dark. The problem with getting caught in the dark is coyotes. I am not really afraid of them, but it is a bit unnerving to be out there alone in the dark and hear a pack open up with their demonic sounding howls. Trust me, it is. And then there is the traffic. I don't feel real safe after dark out there.

After the run, I went inside, ate a banana, and rested some. Then I went out to Plate City. It was pull night and with the new attachment for the landmine, I was eager to get to it. I have had the landmine for probably two years. If you don't know what a landmine is, it is an device that has a male fitting on one side that fits down into the openings of weight plates. Weight plates can be stacked on the floor and a landmine stuck down into them. On the other side, is a female end that will receive an Olympic bar. One can then put in the bar and do rows and other exercises. Only, one needs a handle. I finally got around to purchasing a handle for the landmine. I did reverse flys with the red cord, lat pull downs and landmine rows. On the rows, I did

15 X 35

13 X 45 

11 X 55

  8 X 67.5

Also I did five sets of lat pull downs and six sets of reverse flys. In addition to that, I did the typical torator ruff stuff and lots of stretching. That was a good day. Thank you, Jesus.

I Did It!!!!

I did it. I swam a full 25 yards of butterfly. Take that Randy Beets! Not only that, but I swam my first real IM. I have been swimming something I call a Redneck IM. The Redneck IM is free/back/breast/free. A real IM is butterfly/back/breast/free. Monday I swam a real IM. It was real ugly, real slow, and real hard, but I did it. My practice went like this. I swam

2,050 40:32

200 Special as

  200 @ 3:30 (3:19)

  150 @ 2:45 (2:28)

   5 X 100 @ 1:55

25 butterfly

25

50 back 1:09

100 IM 2:10 !!!!! my first!!!!

200 medium paddles

total: 3,400 yards = 3,107 meters.

The butterfly is far from good, but I will keep working on it. It sends my heartrate soaring, and leaves me gasping for air. Breast stroke also does that to me, but butterfly is worse. One of my long-term goals is to swim the 100 IM at the Mississippi State Senior Olympics. This year (if it is held) I plan to swim the 100 back stroke. I was signed up for that last year but unfortunately, the games were cancelled due to COVID. Next year, I want to add a breast stroke race. Then in 2023, I hope to graduate to the IM. By then I should be much better.

After swimming, I went home and went out for a shuffle. I ran 4.5 miles in a light drizzle of rain. Then I went to Plate City for bench night. I pressed

15 X 100

  8 X 120

  5 X 145

  5 X 145

  5 X 145

  4 X 145

  3 X 120 WG

After that, I did a bunch of triceps work. I experimented on some stuff and did the triceps machine. All in all, it was a good day, good at work and good for training. Thank you, Jesus.

1/18 - 1/24

I was hitting it hard last week. Monday I swam 3,290 meters, ran 4.4 miles, and lifted weights. Tuesday I did not swim because of my schedule. I did run 5.62 miles and lifted weights. 

Wednesday I swam 2,742 meters. After running 2.44 miles, I hit the legs hard at Plate City Gym. Thursday I swam 2,467 meters, lifted weights again, and run 2.26 miles. 

Friday I spent the day with my son. I did lift some weights after we got home and before Penny got in from the grocery store. Saturday was the big day. I swam 2,376 meters and ran 11.76 miles. After all of that, I did a big session at the gym doing deadlifts and rack pulls.

For the week, I

ran 26.48 miles,

swam 10,875 meters, and

lifted weights six times.

That was pretty good. Thank you, Jesus.

Friday with Forrest

I spent the day with my son, Forrest, Friday, and it was a good one. He had a couple of weeks before said he wanted to go to Louisville. We still have a few kinfolks over there. He had the good sense to say that we should contact them first. Because with COVID, they might not be comfortable with us coming. I checked in with my cousin Elizabeth Ann, and she was afraid to go to Lake Tiak O' Khata with us for lunch. She and her husband both have health issues. 

Forrest texted my after that info came in and wrote:

     If no one is comfortable, can we still have a day together? We can run, bike,         or just ride the backroads and eat gas station food.

That sounded so good to me that I almost wished no one wanted us to visit, but Aunt Mary gave us the greenlight. So we left town a little before 8:00 a.m. headed to Louisville, Mississippi, but not before first stopping at Acy's for breakfast. If you are from around the Greenwood or Carroll County area, you are no doubt familiar with Acy's hamburgers and po'boys. If you have not tried their breakfast, however, get up there as soon as you can and order you one. I had three eggs over easy, grits, sausage, toast, and coffee. It was good, yeah.

After Acy's, we and made our way to Blackhawk, to Vaiden, and then down 35 to Kosciusko. From there, we took Highway 14 to Louisville. At Louisville, we hopped 15 south towards Noxapater but stopped first at Flower Ridge United Methodist Church. There I showed Forrest the graves of his great grandmother and father, Uncle Teddy Bear's and Aunt Johnnie's graves, and the headstone of his great uncle, Roy Hodge, who survived the Batan Death March and died in WW II. 

We left the church and continued south to Noxapater and stopped at D & D Tire Service were two of my first cousins work. Paul and John Darby are always a welcome sight to me. Paul looked good. He's lost some weight and appeared healthy. John, on the other hand, could stand to shed a few pounds, but I did not tell him that. While there, I got them to balance and rotate my tires. I also goaded Paul into telling Forrest some of the stories from his youth that I have heard him tell in the past. I laughed so hard at a couple of them that I had sore abs the next day.

We tried to get Aunt Mary to go to the lake with us for lunch but she refused. I threatened to kidnap her but she still said no way and insisted that we eat lunch and then come by her house. The Tiak O' Khata buffet was top notch. Paired with the Acy's breakfast, we were on pace to gain some weight.

We had a nice visit with Aunt Mary. She is my dad's younger sister and the very last of that generation in our family. We talked about an hour and a half and then it was time for Forrest and me to head back to the flatlands. We did not, however, leave Louisville until we went downtown to the Masonite Cemetery. There we visited the grave of George Henry Quinton, my great grandfather and Forrest's great-great grandfather. When George was twelve years old, his family abandoned him in the Utah Territory, and he walked back to Mississippi and reunited with his family. That story has long fascinated me. When Penny complains about my obsession with endurance athletics, I blame it on George. It's in my blood, I can't help it, I inherited it from George.

On the ride home, I talked some in reverse about the journey run to Noxapater I made in 2015. Or was it 2016? We went the route I ran then and I showed Forrest where I slept and ate and told him some of the lessons I learned. 

It was a really enjoyable day as it always is when Forrest and I get to hang out together. I want to do the riding and gas station food thing. Soon. I know a lot of places that I found when I was on my bicycle riding craze. Let's do it, Forrest. What do we have to lose beside our waistlines?

Super Sized

I hit the pool, road, and gym Saturday, and I hit them hard. You could say that I supersized my day. It started at the pool this way. I swam

2,200 41:17

3 X 50 back

butterfly practice

24 butterfly

100 Redneck IM 1:57

 150 medium paddles 2:45

total: 2,600 yards = 2,376 meters.

Notice that I went 24 yards doing butterfly. It was ugly, but it was better than Thursday. With a dive start, I think I can do an entire 25. One day, I hope to compete in the IM at the State Senior Olympics.

On the road it was time for a long run. I did 11.76 miles for my longest of the year. The endurance is coming up. I now need to do some really long run/walks to get ready for the next big Challenge.

At the gym, I hit the deadlft and the high rack pulls hard. On the deadlift, I pulled

8 X 135

6 X 155

2 X 170

2 X 170

2 X 170

1 X 175

Besides some squats, leg curls, and leg extensions, I did the rack pulls for

15 X 135

12 X 185

  7 X 205

  4 X 225

  5 X 245

  3 X 255

  1 X 260

That was some pretty heavy work right there and totally a pretty strong day of training. Supersized you might say. Thank you, Jesus, for time, energy, and desire.

Thorsday

I woke up Saturday morning and realized that I did not post Friday. Normally I post every day. At least once. In 2020 I posted 478 times. That is more than once per day. A lot more. The reason I did not post is my son and I went on a day trip and that changed up my routine. Change my routine, and likely I will forget something. I might write about our trip later. It was a good one, but for now, let's get to what I did Thursday. 

First I went to the pool where I swam

1,500 28:30

Then I worked on butterfly; I'm trying to teach myself the stroke. Next, I swam

2 X 50 back

650 for time 10 :58

350 medium paddles

brick kick

total: 2,700 yards = 2,467 meters.

Next, I went out for a little run. I only did 2.26 miles, but that is better than a poke in the eye.

Gerald showed up at Plate City and we did bench pressing with the Swiss bar. I pushed

20 X 38

15 X 88

14 X 108

12 X 110

10 X 118

16 X 88 narrow grip

I also did three sets of lateral raises and three sets on the triceps machine. Pee Wee also likes it when Gerald comes over. It was a good day of school, of working out, and of fellowship. Thank you, Jesus.

Hump Day

I was back at work Tuesday, and since John did not call three times to find out what time we were going to swim, I knew he would not be there. He wasn't. I swam

1,050

12 X 100 @ 2:00

250 medium paddles

2 X 100 Redneck IM @ 2:27

300 medium paddles

total: 3,000 yards = 2,742 meters.

Why the 2:27 for the RIM? I was going through my watch and had that send off already programed, and I realized it would be a good interval for doing the RIM. It was perfect. Maybe next time I will do three of them. The breast stroke gets me breathing like a fat man running up a flight of stairs. No, I am not being critical. I am a fat man.

At home, I changed clothes and went for a short shuffle. I went 2.46 miles for my second workout of the day. After resting for a bit, I went to Plate City for legs. I squatted

16 X 45

11 X 95

5 X 115

5 X 115

4 X 115

4 X 115

4 X 130

2 X 135

I also did four sets of leg curls and two set of leg extensions. That made for a pretty good day. Thank You Lord.

Running in the Rain

Running in the rain does not have the same appeal for me that swimming in the rain does. It does, however, carry with it a certain ambience. In other words, I enjoy it a bit. One problem with the rain, though, is that this time of year it is often cold and getting wet in the cold is usually not much fun. A bit back I purchased a new rain jacket for riding and running. I paid a lot for it, but my last one lasted for thirty years. At sixty-fours years of age, I can probably get be with twenty-five years on my new rain jacket.

So I left the house in the rain. It was not a heavy rain, but a steady peppering of falling water. Unlike my last suit, this one did not leak. Suits designed to run or cycle in generally leak. It's sort of like wearing a wetsuit swimming. You get wet, but only a little at a time so your body can warm up the wetness. I shuffled for 5.62 miles and was only mildly damp from sweating not rain. The rain jacket was worth the money.

Since I work so late Tuesdays, I am leaving swimming off the agenda for the rest of the semester on that day. That means that after the run comes the gym. It was pull day at Plate City, and I did a circuit of reverse flys, lat pull downs, and one-arm bent rows. It want like this:

Reverse fly            Lat pull down             one-arm bent rows

10                            22 X 50                        6 X 50

12                            21 X 55                        5 X 55

13                            20 X 60                        4 X 60

14                            19 X 63                        4 X 60

15                            18 X 64                        4 X 60

16

I also did the usual torator ruff stuff and stretching. So it was another good day of training. Thank you, Jesus. 

MLK Day

It was kind of like a Saturday, MLK Day was. I tried to sleep in which amounted to lounging in with the cats. Late morning I took a run and went 4.4 miles. Then John and I met at the pool. I swam

2,150 41:48

200 Special as

 200 @ 3:30 (3:10)

 150 @ 2:45 (2:28)

 4 X 100 @ 1:56

 2 X 50 @ 1:00

300 medium paddles 5:25

100 Redneck IM 1:50

200 small paddles 3:37

total: 3,600 yards = 3,290 meters.

That was a pretty good practice. My times on the 200 Special were faster than last week, and I was not breathing as hard. That means I am adapting to the high oxygen demands of that pace of swimming plus to burning the excess lactic acid the body produces when I swim fast. Yeeha.

Gerald came over for some weight training. Since it was push day, I benched

15 X 100

  8 X 120

  5 X 145

  5 X 145

  4 X 145

  4 X 144

In addition to that, we did lateral raises and three set of the triceps machine. On that, I pushed

25 X 44

22 X 49

22 X 49

Besides cotator ruff stuff, that was pretty much it. So it was a nice day. Thank you, Jesus.

1/11 - 1/17

The second full week of the new year was a good one in several categories. It was my first week of classes, and I enjoyed going back to work. It was also a good week of training. Not only that, but my brain received a new spark, one that had me lying awake at night dreaming. I will talk about the dreaming in a separate post, maybe today.

Monday I ran 4.02 miles, swam 3,107 meters, and lifted weights. Tuesday, because I am in class pretty late, I decided not to even try to swim. Swimming on Tuesday will be out the whole semester. I am wondering how many times I will have to tell John this. What do you think? I am guessing about fifteen times until I snap and yell at him. I did run 4.1 miles and lift weights so it was still a pretty solid day.

Wednesday I did not run. I don't remember why. Gerald came over and we lifted. I did get a swim in for 2,924 meters. Thursday I was back on track for all three doing 2.58 miles of roadwork, 3,701 meters of water work, and several tons of weight work.

Friday found me back in my old schedule of training and catnapping. I shuffled 3.04 miles on the road, swam 3,016 meters in the pool, and lifted big weights. All of this was before Penny and I met the Barrentines at Hilltop for supper. That was one nice day.

Saturday I went long on the road: 10.55 miles. I hope to start surpassing that at least once per week. I swam 2,147 meters, and did my big deadlift and high rack pull session at Plate City.

For the week, I

swam 14,898 meters,

lifted weights six times, and

ran 24.29 miles.

That is pretty good training right there, pretty good quadrathon training. However, I am rethinking the quadrathon enterprise. Huh? Yea, I'll talk to you about that later. Thank you, Jesus, for dreams.

Big Day

I kicked butt and took names Saturday. Of course I took it easy for an hour or two. Then I hit the road for 10.55 miles. That is my longest run of the still new year. I hope it is the first of many plus ten-milers.

John wanted to swim so I reluctantly met him at the pool at 5:00 in the afternoon. Yes, after begging me to meet him at Twin Rivers, he called at :20 till and said he was on the way. He was late. I swam 2,350 yards.

When I got home, it was gym time. I did three light sets of squats and then went on to deadlifts. I pulled

10 X 135

  5 X 150

  3 X 160

  2 X 170

  2 X 170

  2 X 170

After that, it was time for heavy high rack pulls. I did

14 X 135

10 X 185

  6 X 205

  5 X 225

  4 X 245

  2 X 255 (new Big ASS world record!)

I also did leg curls, back extensions, and leg extensions. So it was a pretty big training day capping off a big training week. Thank you, Jesus.

First Friday of the Semester

It was a good one. Yes, I lounged in, drank coffee, and hung out with the cats. When I did get up, it was to run. I shuffled 3.04 miles in the brisk morning air and hit the Yazoo River Trail for a slice of wilderness/nature. Then I took an early lunch so I could make the pool in the wee hours of the afternoon. At the Twin Rivers, I swam

2,100 39:15

600 for time 9:59

500 medium paddles 8:55

100 back 2:26

total: 3,300 yards = 3,016 meters.

I didn't tarry long before going to Plate City Gym. I did pulls. This time I structured the workout a little differently. I did reverse flys, lat pulldowns, and one-armed bent rows in a circuit. I went four times through. I enjoyed it and will probably follow that protocol for the next dozen or so workouts.

Penny and I met the Barrentines, Junior and Frances, at Hilltop for supper. We had a nice steak, and I had to leave a few bites of potato on my plate. I can't eat as much in my old age as I used to. I guess that is good. Thank you, Jesus, for a good day, good food, and good fellowship.

Going Well

Thursday is MDCC's Friday. I love it. Last semester we had to work five straight Fridays. Not this time. It feels so good to start the weekend a day early. Yes, I have had a real job where I had to work five straight days. That is why I appreciate and enjoy having the extra day each week. It never gets old.

I started my workout day with a swim at Twin Rivers. I have been noticing the water at the little pool has been cooler lately. I checked the thermometer. It's 90. Yeah, I have gotten that spoiled. That is why I lost a leg during Chicot last year when the water was 71. By the grace of God, the sun came out, and I resumed feeling of and control over my right leg. 

Oh how the mighty are fallen.

I swam

2,050

4 X 300 @ 5:30

  1 - 4:48

  2 - 5:01

  3 - 5:04

  4 - 5:01

400 medium paddles 7:10

brick kick

400 small paddles 7:34

total: 4,050 yards = 3,701 meters.

Then I went home and ran. I went out the gravel road since I did the big leg workout yesterday, and I did not want anyone to see me moving that slowly. I went for 2.58 miles.

At Plate City with the Swiss bar, I benched

20 X 38

15 X 88

13 X 108

11 X 113

  9 X 118

16 X 88 narrow grip

Then I did three sets on the triceps machine as

25 X 44

30 X 46.5

31 X 39

Of course I did corator tuff stuff and lateral raises. It was a full day. School is going well, training is where it needs to be, and I am not frustrated like I was in the fall. Thank you, Jesus.

Wednesday

I did not even try to run Wednesday. Since I work in Moorhead on everyone else's hump day, I knew time would be tight. I did go to the pool, however, and swam

2,000

200 Special as

 200 @ 3:45

 150 @ 2:45

 3 X 100 @ 1:57

 2 X 50 @ 1:00

Then

200 medium paddles

200 back

failed brick kick

total: 3,200 yards = 2,924 meters.

The 200 Special was not too tough. What to do to make it more difficult? I think I will add a 100 and cut a second off each 100 rep.

Turnrow Book Store called. My training diary finally came in. I picked it up and when I got home, Gerald was waiting on me. I did legs, squats as

15 X 45

10 X 95

5 X 115

4 X 115

4 X 115

4 X 115

3 X 125

3 X 130

Also I did leg curls, leg extension, and cotator ruff stuff. Thus it was a pretty productive day despite the fact that I did not run. When I went inside, the cats wanted to hang out. I obliged them as I am wont to do. Thank the Lord Jesus for the day, the cats, and a good wife and home.

Two out of Three

I did not even try to swim Tuesday. Class for me lasts until 2:30 on Tuesday. Then I have to do my office punishment. After that I had to be available for registration. No one came to me for registration. I got home around 4:30.

So I went to Plate City and did seated rows for

23 X 50

20 X 55

19 X 60

16 X 65

15 X 70

10 X 75

Also I did reverse flys and lots of corator tuff stuff. Then I went out for a shuffle. I had a new pen light that I purchased from Auto Zone. It is amazingly small, light, and bright. The shuffle went for 4.1 miles giving me two out of three workouts for the day. Thank you, Jesus. 

Snow Day

The first day of classes turned out to be a virtual school day due to snow. Yeah, we actually got snow. I worked on my Canvas stuff Sunday night so I could have a little free time Monday. I started the day as I usually do when I have some leisure: coffee and cats. But the sight of the snow falling outside, lured me out of my slumber.

I don't remember how many times I have run in the snow, but I can only recall two occasions. The first year of our marriage, Penny and I only had one vehicle. She worked at Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store and drove the truck to work. Since she had to park behind the store, I would run from our residence on Strong Avenue to Piggly Wiggly, get the truck, and drive around and pick her up. 

On a March night, the 25th if my memory is right, we had a blizzard-style snow storm. Then, the hospital rehab center, the helicopter landing pad, and the parking lot on the west side of the hospital were only distant plans. All of that was a large grass field. After darkness and thirty minutes before I had to pick up Penny, the snow covered that field. I made tracks across it on my way to get my bride.

Another time was in the daylight when I was a student at DSU. Classes were called off and I took the occasion to run the the snow fall. It's magical. So it was Monday morning. The flakes hit my face and the snow crunched under my feet as I ran down the Yazoo River Trail. I loved it. Some adults were pushing a small child down the levee in a plastic clothes basket. Everywhere I went, kids of all ages were out having fun. I shuffled 4.02 miles and then went in for more coffee.

John and I had plans to meet at the pool at 2:20. He was twenty-eight minutes late. That's about right. I swam

2,000

10 X 100 @ 2:00

200 medium paddles

brick kick

200 back

total: 3,400 yards = 3,107 meters.

That is a pretty good practice right there, I don't care who you are. I then went home and lifted at the beautiful, well-equipped Plate City Gym. On the bench, I hit

15 X 100

  8 X 120

  5 X 145

  4 X 145

  4 X 145

  4 X 145

I did other stuff, of course, including the triceps machine for three sets. After all of that, it was time to go inside and watch the SEC whip up on the Big Ten champion. It was a nice game as Alabama won by 28. Thank you, Jesus.

1/4 - 1/10

The training week was a mixed bag. We went back to work and we always spend more hours in our offices the week before classes start. Plus, John and I were knocked out of a swim Friday. The week went like this.

Monday I did not run. I did not swim. I did do bench presses at Plate City Gym. Tuesday I did not swim, and I did not lift. I ran, however, for 8.35 miles.

Wednesday I swam. Not only that but I shuffled. I only went for 2.06 miles, but that is still a run. I lifted also so it was a full day of work and working out. Since I was back in Moorhead Thursday, something had to go. That something was the swim. I did run for 2.87 miles and lift legs at the gym. 

Friday was the big disappointment with us getting knocked out of a swim by the film crew. I wrote already about how John threw a fit big enough for the two of us thus saving me the trouble. I did not run and I did not lift.

Saturday I kicked butt and took names. John and I swam, and I went for 2,800 yards. Later I did roadwork for 9.33 miles. That is my longest run of the still very new year. Then I did push, pull, and legs all in one session at my beloved Plate City.

For the week, I

swam a mere 3,930 meters,

lifted weights four times, and 

ran 22.61 miles.

I did not spend a single second on the stationary bicycle. But the run week was pretty good. That is my most in one week for the year. Now with classes starting maybe I can get on a schedule and start knocking off some good training. Thank you, Jesus, for the training I got in this past week and the health and energy to dream of a better week to come.

From Nothing to Something

Friday I laid an egg. I worked all day, which made things difficult. John and I were planning on swimming at lunch. The film crew was there so we could not swim. John pitched a fit. I surprised myself at how I took it in stride. I guess John threw the fit for me so I felt no need.

After work, I was so tired, I went to bed. Therefore, I did not swim, I did not run, I did not lift. Live happens.

Saturday, however, was a different story. John and I met at the pool in the morning. Yes, he was late. I swam

2,000 37:28

150 back 3:34

150 small paddles 2:43

150 medium paddles 2:41

150 large paddles 2:36

brick kick

200 small paddles 3:41

total: 2,800 yards = 2,559 meters.

A little after noon, I went out for a shuffle and kept going for 9.33 miles. Then I went to Plate City. Instead of doubling up, I had to triple. I needed to do push, pull, and legs. So I did. On the deadlift, I pulled

9 X 135

5 X 150

3 X 160

2 X 170

2 X 170

It was a long day, and I slept well. Thank you, Jesus.

Day Four

Day four has come and gone, and I am still in the fight. It rained on me all the way to Moorhead Thursday morning. While I was there, Donny Cleveland of Leflore Steel sent me a text. My latest dumbbell was ready. Yeehaa. 

The air was very cold when I got home at almost 5:00. I dressed for success and went out for a shuffle. I stayed close to home since rain was still threatening. The total shuffle was 2.87 miles, not much, but something. 

I then went out for some leg work at Plate City. I squatted

14 X 45

  9 X 95

  4 X 115

  4 X 115

  4 X 115

  4 X 115

  3 X 125

  2 X 130

Also I did leg extensions, leg curls, and back extensions. The cold weather felt good. Pee Wee was happy. I went inside and chilled with the cats. A good day was had. Thank you, Jesus. 

Day Three/Three Short Ones

I finally got in three workouts while working all day. They were short ones, but I did three nonetheless. First, at lunch instead of eating, I went to the pool and swam. John did not show. I was only able to do 1,500 yards in 28:45. But it was a swim, my first of the week. 

After work, Gerald came back to Plate City for his second round at the gym and my second workout of the day. I worked upper back and he did arms, chest, and back. It is nice having somebody out there with me. Pee Wee likes it too.  

When Gerald and I closed the gym down, I went inside and got ready to run. In my haste (why was I in a hurry?), I forgot my light. Usually I carry a small flashlight to make myself visible to automobile drivers. Anyway, I made it alright without the light. I stuck to low-traffic streets, and I only went 2.06 miles, but that was workout number three for the day. Yee Haa. Thank you, Jesus. 

Second Day Back at Work

My second day back at work was more full than day one. I had to work Moorhead so some driving was added into the mix. Not only that, but the boat people were supposed to be there by 4:30. They were, but we had trouble with tires and we finally tapped out about 5:30. Later, they will return with tires and rims and in the daylight.

So all I did training wise was run. When I left the Hideout, I had no real plan. As I shuffled along I thought about five miles. Then I thought about six miles. After that, I thought about seven miles. I finished with 8.35, not fast, not strong, but it did feel good. It was a nice run, and I enjoyed shuffling in the dark. The anonymity of a nighttime run is something I have long enjoyed. 

No, I did not go to Plate City. Maybe today. Thank you, Jesus, for good health, a good gym, and the good weather we have been experiencing.  

First Day Back at Work

Working all day is tough. I am not sure how most people do it. It's almost as hard as being off. I thought about getting up early to either swim or take a run. Then I thought better of it. I did lift weights with Gerald after 5:00 p.m. Yes, finally someone came to the gym. He is rehabbing an arm. We did torator ruff stuff, bench presses, and other lifting. After that, Penny showed up with supper so I ate. I thought I might get out and run after supper settled some. That did not happen. Cats on the belly have a way of changing plans. So all I did was a lifting session.

The prospects for today don't look good either. I am working in Moorhead so some travel time has been added to the mix. Also, I am supposed to meet someone at Monroe this afternoon. These people are coming from Vicksburg so this could take a while.

Sigh.

Thank you, Jesus, just the same. Thank you for a job. Thank you for a chance to try to make it all work.

12/28 - 1/3

Well, I bridged into the new year full of hope, a tinge of excitement, and a measure of expectation. If attitude is half the battle, I am half way to victory. 

Monday I swam 2,750 yards, ran 4.39 miles, and lifted heavy at Plate City. Tuesday I hit the water for 3,200 yards and the road for 3.1 miles. Yes, I hit the gym also for some big pulling.

Wednesday I did a straight swim at Twin Rivers for 5,650 yards. On the road, I went down to 2.74 miles. In the gym, I hit legs like I was mad at them. Thursday, I stroked the water for 2,800 yards and pounded the pavement for 2.005 miles. They gym saw me pressing.

Friday I only did two. Because of social commitments along with a little bit of laziness, I did not swim. I did, however, run 8.15 miles. Also, I found the gym for some quality lifting. Saturday, I swam a short but intense 2,300 yards. I chose to let my legs off from running, but I did punish them in the gym.

For the week, I

swam 15,262 meters,

ran 20.43 miles, 

lifted weights six times, and

pedaled 8:15 on the stationary.

For the year, I swam 727,224 meters and ran 1,047.79 miles. I don't know how many times I lifted weights, but I got stronger in the deadlift and the squat.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us 2020. Help us to appreciate life even when it throws us curves. Cause those curves to help us appreciate the good times more than we do. May we notice the sunrises and sunsets, and may we see Your glory in them all. Let us treat everyone we meet as someone created in Your image.

Twoth of January

The twoth day of the new year was a full one: full of coffee, cats, football, training, study, and lounging. After missing my swim Friday, I was anxious to get to the pool. When I went in, the place was filled with people playing around. I left, came back an hour later, and swam

1,900 37:25

100 back 2:21

200 for time  3:09

100 medium paddles 1:53

total: 2,300 yards = 2,102 meters.

I finally relearned how to swim for time. The secret is the swim the first 25 like you are in a 25 yard race. Then swim the second 25 the same way. After that, hang on to your butt. The 3:09 was the best I have swum a 200 in maybe two years. I can do better, but hanging onto your butt is the hard part.

I did not run. That was by design. I did, however, go to Plate City. After three sets of light box squats, I did my heavy high-rack pulls as

13 X 135

10 X 185

  7 X 205

  5 X 225

  4 X 235

  3 X 245

  1 X 250

Jay Unver was there and we chatted some. He will write an article soon on my new world records and me beating Randy Beets by 250 pounds on the rack pull.

Penny grilled us a steak, and CC and I watched the Texas A&M game. I think the SEC is 6-2 in bowl games this year. The haters will call us winning only six games a failure. Most of the teams we played how far batter records. For instance, 3-7 Mississippi State beat 6-2 Tulsa both on the field and in the aftergame brawl. Go SEC. In addition to State, Ole Miss won, Georgia won, A&M pulled it out, Alabama stomped butt, and Kentucky defeated their opponent. Only Florida and Auburn lost. Is it just me or does Auburn normally underachieve in bowl games?

Thank you, Jesus, for a good day and a better bowl season.

NYD

New York Day has come and gone, and I hope it sets the tone for the year. Sort of. I did not swim, but other than that, it was a good training day and a day of family, football, and food. Yes, cats too.

We always have the noon meal with Forrest and Paul on NYD. Like always, it was more than good. And like always, I ate a little too much. So I did not run until almost 3:00 p.m. When I did get out, it was for 8.15 miles. That is a good start on rebuilding my endurance.

When I got home, the Alabama game was at halftime. I watched the second half. Then I went out to Plate City. Being pull day, on the lat pulldown I did

23 X 50

22 X 52.5

20 X 55

15 X 57.25

15 X 58.5

I also did reverse flys and torator ruff stuff. I wanted to hammer out some curls on the new machine, but when I tried, I found I had a sore biceps tendon at the top of the humorous. There is nothing funny about that. 

I went inside and watched Clemson get beat up by Ohio State. That surprised me. That disappointed me. It's like 2020 is following us into 2021. Oh well, it was still a good day, a nice day, and new year's day. Thank you, Jesus.

NYE

New York Eve was nice this year. I started my usual way, but by mid-morning I was at Plate City putting together my new machine. It is a bicep/triceps machine. Being new, unused, and needed, I'm excited about this upgraded to the gym. I found putting this thing together to be extremely difficult. 

Titan only sells to people who have a man card. They rarely included instructions. Not to worry, this one only had seven parts. I thought, this will be the easiest one ever. It was, however, the most difficult one ever. I thought about Dad and how he would have pitched a fit. I felt like it. Eventually I got it done, and now I understand that machine. I figured out all seven parts.

At the pool, I swam

1,850 37:15

25 back kick/25 swim

500 for time 8:18

200 small paddles 3:45

100 back 2:25

brick kick

25

100 medium paddles 1:48

total: 2,800 yards = 2,559 meters.

I then did a short shuffle of 2.05 miles. After that, I eagerly went to Plate City for push and to try out the new machine. I benched with the Swiss bar

20 X 38

17 X 88

14 X 108

  9 X 113

  9 X 113

15 X 88 narrow grip

On the new machine, I did three sets of triceps: 10, 12, and 13 reps at 44 pounds. When I was finished, I had a pump in the tris that I had never felt before. Bingo!

We went to Hillbilly Heaven after dark and enjoyed a good meal and a movie. We watched Harriet. Now I want to read a biography on her. It was a nice day. When we got home, the gunfire started. It really did sound like a war. Pee Wee was terrified. Poor pooch. But we made it. We outlived 2020. Thank you, Jesus.