Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday Tyler and I started the day at Plate City. We did our push workout. In addition to that, we upped the Skierg to 5:05. Each week we have been adding five seconds to that exercise. Also, Simon installed another light at the City and the base for a real heavy bag hanger. Earlier I had purchased a used bag and a hanger. It was not a smart acquisition on my part. Eventually I threw the old hanger away and bought the real deal from Titan Fitness. This one has a heavy metal base that bolts to a concrete floor. So Plate City is still moving forward.  Simon said to let the bolts cure for two days before hanging the bag. As soon as the bag is installed, I will supply pictures.

I ran 3.21 miles but did not swim because we had a Gideon's Preachers' banquet to attend at Guy's in Vaiden. We ate some good fish, had a nice program, and got to see a lot of our preacher acquaintances. To make it all better, the tree frogs sang while we ate. Perfect.

Wednesday morning we were back in the well-lit Plate City pulling and Skiergging. I was moving slow, still drowsy from the too much good food the night before. Tyler was moving slowly also. The Viking Half Marathon appeared to be still following us around kicking our hinder parts. But we got it done. We may have moved slow between sets. But we did our sets, and we did them well.

When I went inside and looked at my phone, I had a text that all MDCC classes had gone virtual for the day. That did not make me mad. When you are meeting face-to-face and then go virtual for a day, it is not a big deal. Going virtual for a semester is a big deal. So I did my work and dedicated the rest of the day to coffee, cats, and exercise. I ran 3.73 miles and then met Tyler at the pool. We swam

  1,500

  3 X 50 breast

  50 easy back

  200 for time 3:07

  total: 1,900 yards

We had much more planned, but tapped out early because both of us had some discomfort in our shoulders. You know what they say: Better sorry than safe. We may be a bit gimpy in more ways than one, but we are still in the game and Quadrathon draweth near. Please pray, please follow, and please financially support our efforts to help the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

The Viking Half Marathon (We Held Back)

I got up and ate a bowl of cereal. Race day, the Viking Half Marathon, had arrived. The time was 6:00 a.m., and the date was March 26, 2022. After cereal, I checked the temperature through my phone and then started figuring what I would wear. I figured it out and at 7:00, Tyler drove up, and we walked the one mile to Market Street where the race would start. Although my phone said the temp was 42, it didn't feel like it, and I was beginning to believe I had overdressed. I had as I would have to shed layers once the race started. 

When it did start, there were the same old stresses as always. A gaggle of fat ladies up ahead tempted Tyler and me to pick the pace up and go out too fast. But we held back. A man up ahead who looked like he had had a stroke, who ran with an awkward gait, made it hard to keep a proper pace. But we held back. A ridiculous-looking man ahead of us who had a huge grey beard and who wore a pair of pajamas, made it difficult for us to maintain our composure. But we held back.

We held back through mile one. We held back through mile two. We held back through mile three, and then we crossed the Kessler Bridge and headed into North Greenwood. We zigged and zagged through Monroe, Cherokee, Grand Boulevard, Medallion, Riverside Drive, and others, many others. We even ran past Tyler's house, and his sweet wife cheered us on and took custody of one the shirts I had shed.

We held back on East Jefferson. We held back on Popular running south. We held back on Popular running north. We held back when on Popular when we saw that we were ahead of pajama guy. We held back on the final stretch of Grand Boulevard running south back towards the Kessler Bridge and Front Street where we would finish. I told Tyler, whom I knew could have run faster, to go on ahead. He held back. He said, "We are teammates. Teammates don't leave teammates."

So we finished together in 2:49:54. Not a good time, but we had a good time. We sat on a side walk a few minutes, and then decided to eat some food. We didn't hold back. We ate Larry's fish and a burrito. It was good, yeah. Then we walked back to Crockett Ave. All in all, we walked two miles and ran 13.1. Not bad for a day's training. The Quadrathetes are getting prepared.

Photo by Katie Jones.

The Bicycle Buildup Has Begun

Monday started another week of training. Tyler and I met at Plate City and did heavy bench presses and the seated dip. Not only that, but we did our swim circuit of battle ropes, Swim Pulls, the Skierg, and the swim cords. I have no doubt that this is contributing to our pool fitness.

After a long day at work, I only shuffled 1.26 miles. Why? I have a physical issue going on that I don't want to mention. I did some running. Then I went back to Plate City for 31:37 on the stationary bicycle. The buildup on the bike for the Quadrathon has begun.

At the pool, Tyler and I swam

1,400 26:30

5 X 50 @ WIFL

50 easy back 

850 for time 13:50

50 easy back 

4 X 50 breast

400 cool down

total: 3,200 yards

That was a good practice. The 850 hurt, but that is the purpose. The triceps were screaming for a long time. That means the set is doing you some good.

So that makes another strong day of training in the books, in the bank. Thank you, Jesus. 

BBU 20

The training continued last week as the Crazy Man Quadrathon drew one week closer. Monday I rose to meet my partner in the gym and we hit it hard there. In the water, however, I got out after only 900 yards. I don't remember why such a short swim. With the exception of a few cold water dips done years ago, I am sure I have never swum shorter. On the road, I was short there also. I shuffled 1.83 miles.

Tuesday we lifted again. On the road, I worked for 3.21 miles, and in the pool Tyler and I busted out 3,400 yards. 

Wednesday was more weight training and a little bit of running with 2.07 miles worth. After that, I hit the stationary for 30:17. It is time to start picking that up. Quadrathon involves 55 miles of riding. Without proper training, that is a long, long way. I remember that I skipped the pool due to severe fatigue. 

Thursday is our sleep in morning from the gym. Tapering for the Viking, I cut the roadwork to 1.02 miles. In the pool, Tyler and I did 3,200 yards of some pretty tough stuff.

Friday was weights, 1.03 miles of running, and 1,050 yards of swimming. The air was bad at the little pool, and I couldn't take it so I got out early and went home.

Saturday was the Viking Half Marathon. I'll do a full write up on it later.  We walked over, did the race, and walked home. That was a pretty solid day. Later, I went to Plate City for some easy squats, some SKiergging, and ten minutes on the stationary bicycle.

Sunday I did my obligatory 1.02 easy miles.

For the week, I

  swam 7,542 meters,

  lifted weight five times,

  ran 23.29 miles,

  cycled 40:17 minutes, and

  Skiergged 25:33

Beside being a little short on the swimming, that was a decent week. I did pick the cycling up a bit. Now I have to pick it up a lot. It's time. Also, I need to get the swimming numbers back up. Overall, besides my weight, I am pretty fit. But I am not fit enough for the Quad. The Quad cometh. Praise the Lord for health, for a training partner, and for a good goal.

Not a Normal Friday

Friday is normally a big training day. But this time around, I was tapering for the Viking, I had some yard work that needed doing, and the air at the pool was bad. 

Tyler and I met at the gym and despite having a fitful night's sleep, we worked hard. Friday is our double day. We did push and pull. When we finished, I was hungry and went inside and ate three eggs and drank some milk. Instead of going back to bed, however, I dressed and went out to run some errands. I bought a leaf blower, purchased some gas for the lawn mower, and mowed the front lawn.

Then I took a very short and very easy 1.02 mile run. After that, I put a listing on Facebook Market Place advertising a boat trailer for sale. I made the post about 11:00 a.m. I had the money by 12:20. Nice.

I picked up my race packet at 2:00 p.m. and headed for the pool. John and I met there and I swam 1,050. Normally Friday is long swim day. But this time, I had a coughing attack and stopped. The air in there is bad right now. My lungs, throat, and eyes were all burning. I have been suffering since Thursday night's swim with coughing and nasal stuff. Tyler had the same reaction.

So next up is the Viking Half Marathon. Stay tuned and praise the Lord.

Strange Pain

Thursday, my work Friday, was a good one. I slept in since we always leave Plate City closed on Thursday morning. When I got out of bed and began to move about, however, I noticed something troubling. My left foot in the heel area was extremely painful when I put weight on it. Huh!? My first thought was plantar fasciitis. When I got dressed and put on shoes, however, I had no issue with walking at all. Go figure. I reviewed all my memories and came up with no recollection of stepping on something or suffering any sort of injury. 

When I got home from work and took my shoes off, I again had trouble walking. But no sensation with flexion or pain walking with shoes on. With shoes off it was yelling pain. I thought that the running streak was over and opted to go to Plate City and get on the stationary, which I need to do anyway. I rode if for 30:17 then decided to try a shuffle. I did and kept it at 1.02 miles. So I can run, and the streak is still alive. Praise God.

I met Tyler at the pool. The plan was to swim 1,000 warm up, the set we call the Meet, and 1,000 cool down. We did the warm up and then started the Meet. When we finished the opening 200 for time, I found that I had not started the deck watch that has the set programmed into it. Tyler suggested we start the watch, do some easy swimming, and then pick up the rest of the set. We did. We swam 150, and then waited for the first 4:00 interval on the deck watch to wind down. When it did, we swam

  50

  100

  50 back

  50 breast

  500

  50

  50

We cooled down with our 1,000 for a total of 3,200 yards. While I was retrieving my times from the watch, I accidently cleared it, but I remember the first 200 was in 3:08 and the 500 was in 7:58. Outside of competition, I have only broken 8:00 minutes in the 500 a couple of times. So to do it under that fatigue level that the Meet set produces, tells me I am pretty fit in the water right now. Not only that, but I hit 40 for one or more of the 50s and was even sub 1:00 for the breast 50. I break 40 in training about two times per year. Thank you, Jesus.

Long, Short Day

Wednesday morning I met Pee Wee and Tyler at Plate City. It was pull morning. Remember, this week the schedule is off because of the Viking Half coming up Saturday. We did the chest-supported row, lat pull downs, external rotations, and our swim complex. I felt a lot stronger on the swim stuff than I did Tuesday. Maybe that's on account of not doing the bench press and all the stuff that tires those muscles just beforehand. 

My long day at work was long. And tiring. I got home and it took me a while to drag out of bed after a nice nap. I ran 2.07 miles just sort of going through the motions. That make 171 straight days of running, my longest streak ever.

Yes, it was time for swimming after that. I tapped out. I was just too tired to make myself go to the pool so I stayed home and watched TV. I don't feel bad about it today. Sometimes you just need some rest. Between work and the training, add to that preaching and cats, and my plate is pretty full. 

So it was a long day. It was a short day. Thank God for the day.

Up a Little

Tyler and I did our first of our three ramp ups for the Crazy Man Quadrathon. We did push at Plate City Gym and since my max was 15 pounds lower than it was two or three years ago when I last tested it, my weight went down. But it will go up next week. On our swim complex, we did the battle ropes, plus the Swim Pull, plus the Skierg, plus the swim cords. Tough.

It was monsoon raining all day and yes, I am missing my treadmill. Days like this are what God created treadmills for. Since I could not run at Plate City, I went to Twin Rivers and ran 3.21 miles. It is nice to have options even though I had rather just do everything at home. 

I met Tyler at the pool and we swam

2,400

18 X 50 @ 1:30

100 easy

total: 3,400 yards.

So it was a pretty good day, I was up a little from yesterday. If Viking were not this Saturday, I would have run longer. But letting the legs reset is necessary to keep the fat lady from beating me this weekend.

Thank you, Jesus, for all of Your blessings. 

Start of a Better Week?

When the alarm went off Monday morning, I determined to start a better training week. I got dressed and went out to meet the morning, meet Pee Wee, meet my training partner Tyler. Since we are running the Viking Half Marathon this Saturday, we decided to do legs at the start of the week so they could recover for the race.

We maxed last week therefore we are ramping up strength training between now and the Crazy Man Quadrathon so we trained on percentages and mine were higher. Not only that, but my low back was tight, really tight, so it actually hurt to squat. Still, I did my best and we hit the legs hard finishing with our swimming complex. This week, we upped the complex by added battle ropes to the front, and five seconds to the Skierg.   

Monday is my long day at work. In addition to that, we had Over 60s for the first time in three months. That always throws a monkey wrench into my schedule. I came home, changed clothes quickly, and made a fast drive to the pool. There, I only swam 900 yards, a PW (personal worst) before getting out and going back home.

At home, I went out for a short shuffle of 1.83 miles. That was enough, my legs being blown out from this morning's squat session. So I had a decent day, three workouts, short ones but three nonetheless, and then we ate Larry's fish in Itta Bena. Yeah, it was a good day, a long one, a productive one. Thank you, Jesus.

In-class Writing

I am in class, Intermediate English, and we are doing in-class writing. I am wondering why I waited so long to get this started with this group. Anyway, here we are, here I am writing while two students surreptitiously look at their phones. Why do they think I can't see? 

One student, the one who always wants out of class, and lobbied hard this very day to be allowed to leave to go find her paper, is the only one besides me who is writing. She is a bright kid, but she is handicapped by some bad habits. Not coming to class is one of those habits.

Am I making a difference with these students. I think that I am not mean enough. It is not in my nature to push people. If you need pushing, hurl yourself off a cliff.

BBU 19

This was Spring Break Week, and it proved to be a bummer as far as training goes. Normally I like to ring the bell when I am off work. This time, however, we, Penny and I, spent several days moving. We started in 2020 trying to move. Don't judge me. When you have been in one house for over forty years, it is almost impossible to move. Really, it is.

Monday, Tyler and I maxed our squat in preparation for our final trained cycle for the Crazy Man Quadrathon. Later in the day, I shuffled 1.32 miles. The legs were done from the heavy squats. I did make it to the pool where I swam 3,100 yards.

Tuesday, we maxed out bench press. I ran longer since my legs had a night's sleep, going 6.12 miles. Once more, I made the pool for 3,800 yards.

Wednesday was where I began to fall off. In the morning, Tyler and I maxed our deadlift. I got a PR of 260, while Tyler smashed the all-time Association of Sports Strongmen world record with a pull of 450 pounds. I ran 1.55 miles on weight fatigued legs, but did not make it to the pool. Penny and I dedicated the afternoon to West Monroe Ave.

Thursday is off day at Plate City. Nevertheless, I only shuffled 1.63 miles since Penny went over early to work on Monroe. We did lots of moving, and I did not have the energy to squeeze in a swim.

Friday, Tyler and I lifted light. Then Penny and I did breakfast at Acy's before heading to French Camp to give them-- French Camp Academy-- a truck load of stuff. We went back to Monroe, and Danny Collins helped me move some books. Later, some people came from Bellefontaine to buy some lead from me. I was there until around 7:00 p.m., and I got rid of all of my wheel weights. Praise God for that. 

Saturday I had big plans. After studying, I went out for a run and stopped after 8.11 miles. I needed a swim. I wanted to lift. I also needed to arrange some books. But Jarrod Barrentine called. He was cooking crawdads and invited us out. We needed the break; we went. It was good, yeah.

Sunday is always church and rest. I did drag out for a 1.71 shuffle after dark. That one made 168 straight days of running. I'm still slow. But thank you God that I am still doing it.

For the week, I

  ran 22.15 miles,

  swam 6,296 meters,

  lifted weights four times, and

  Skiergged 19:20

I did not swim much, and I did not ride a single second on the stationary. It's time to get going on that. Quarathon cometh. Only the strong will survive.

To You Too

I saw the biscuit hit the ground. Then I heard the gate creak. He was in a salty mood. You could see it on his face, and he didn't even speak as he sat down.

"Well good morning to you too," he said after a couple of minutes of silence. I was picking up stuff at Plate City, tidying up. Then to be even more of a smart-alec he added, "No, I don't need any coffee. Thank you."

That last one got to me a little. I held my breath and said a quick but silent prayer.

"You know we are moving?" I asked him.

"Tell me again for the 23rd time."

"I just don't want you calling me lazy when I have been spending . . . ."

"Oh shut up!"

At that, I grabbed the red tubing with the handle on it and started doing external rotations. He pisses me off sometimes, but adults don't tell other adults to shut up.

I sat down a minute later and asked him, "Did a dog bite you on the butt on the way over here?"

"What kind of stupid question is that?" he snapped.

"One trying to figure out why you are in such an ornery mood."

"I'm always in an ornery mood," he said somberly.

"Well Jim Bob, write this one down because you just set a PR."

"What's a PR?"

"A personal record."

We listened to the birds sing. That is always good for one's mood, one's mind, one's soul.

"Did you and Tyler train yesterday?"

"We did." But when I didn't say anything else right away he started gesturing, moving his shoulders then his hands. "Are you OK?" I asked.

"Dang doo doo. Tell me what y'all did."

It always amazes me that he is so curious to know all about our training while he himself does nothing. He drinks coffee, watches the news, and reads books.

"We just did some light lifting. Not much volume, and not much intensity. This is our de-load week. Next week we begin the first of three ramp up cycles as we attempt to peak for the powerlifting portion of Quadrathon."

"Did you run?"

"I did, but only 1.71 miles. No, I did not swim. I spent the rest of the day moving."

"Make any progress?"

"Actually, we made a lot. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are going to get this done."

"And?"

"And training will have no limits then, no guilt, no hindrance."

Jim Bob got up and headed for the gate. "Good bye to you too," I smart-aleced as he left the backyard.

Jim Bob Left in a Hurry

Jim Bob threw Pee Wee a biscuit as he came through the back gate. That is his secret to keep the little turd from getting out. Once out, he runs all over town.

"I have plenty," he said, holding his tumbler up and referring to his coffee. His eyes covered the gym noticing the new decorations.

"Not much," I said anticipating his question.

"Well, you did a lot out here."

Penny and I have spent our spring break moving. We started sleeping at the Hideout almost two years ago. When you live somewhere over forty years, it is almost impossible to move.

"Yeah. This new stuff on the wall are somethings I didn't want to get rid of. All I did training-wise was to take a short run, 1.63 miles. I didn't lift, and I didn't swim."

"Wow. You guys must be getting serious."

"We are. It's time. I am tired of paying someone to mow the lawn. Paying an extra utility bill. Paying taxes. Too much."

"I get it," he answered. "Are y'all going to finish this week?"

"No. I'm hoping the summer of 2023 we can finish. Penny will be retired, and I will be off work."

He shot me a look.

"Just kidding. We are getting close. I now believe we can do it. Maybe early summer or even before."

"I never heard of anybody taking two years to move."

"I never heard of anybody whose friends wouldn't help him move."

At that, Jim Bob got up and headed for the gate.

"Don't go away mad," I yelled. "Just go away." And he did.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Jim Bob Snuck Up

"Woah." I startled. "I didn't hear you come in." It was Jim Bob and he had walked into the backyard without me hearing or noticing until he sat down on the empty bench beside me.

"You didn't hear that gate open? You going deaf?"

"Just distracted, I guess." I was making some notes in a spiral notebook.

"What you working on?"

"The beginnings of a short story. Or maybe a novel."

"Bout what?"

"The Long Zanger and the Forty Lap Kid."

"A western?"

I smiled big, putting my notebook on the reverse hyper machine and reaching for my coffee. "You need coffee?"

"I'm good. So what did you guys do yesterday?"

"We had an Association of Sports Strongmen deadlift meet."

"Oh boy. Pray tell."

Well, the Forty Lap Kid, er uh, Tyler set an all-time world record at, at, at drum roll . . . 450 pounds."

"Woah dude!"

"Yeah, we had fun."

"You had fun? Jay Unver here?"

"Yeah, I had fun too, and Jay Unver was here to witness, write, and whatever."

""So don't hold me in suspense. What did ya pull?"

"I hit 260."

"Boy Howdy. I thought that was your goal for Quadrathon."

"Not anymore."

Things grew silent for a minute or two while he petted Pee Wee.

"One point five five."

"Huh?"

"You want to know how far I ran don't you?"

"Yeah. Why so little?"

"Penny and I are moving this week."

"Still? After how many years?"

"Two. We hope to get close this week. I felt a little pressure to get 'er done and get on over there. Penny was already at the old house."

"Get much done?" he asked.

"A good bit. It's not going to take another two years. Maybe one."

He shot me a look. "Tell me about the pool," he asked.

I got there a few minutes early and saw a fat lady going in. I peeked in and there were two fat ladies. Just starting. I texted the Forty Lap Kid, and we decided to reschedule."

"No swimming?!"

"None."

"I got to go," he said standing up and pouring his coffee out. "I can't drink coffee and dip snuff on that kind of news."

A Chat with Jim Bob

Jim Bob stopped by the house Wednesday morning. I was in the backyard drinking coffee and listening to the birds. He squeezed through the gate, careful not to let Pee Wee out.

"How much you got?" I asked referring to his coffee.

"I'm full," he answered taking a seat on a jump box. "What did you guys do yesterday?" he asked after pausing to listen to a dog bark.

He's always asks about the day before. He wants the full day's news not part of it.

"We maxed out on the bench."

"And?"

I was silent awhile. I didn't really want to talk about it, but my momma made me. She always makes me be nice to people.

"Tyler set an all-time Big ASS world record with a monster 305." I was silent for a bit more not wanting to explain about my lift. 

Finally he asked. "You?"

"160." I saw the look on his face. That hurt my feelings, my pride.

"What happened?"

Ouch. The dreaded 'What happened?' question. What that really means is: tell me why you failed.

"That's all I could do. I want to blame it on the swim the night before, but Tyler did the same swim."

"So what's the answer?"

"I don't have an answer, just questions. About a year ago, I decided never to bench over 140. I thought that would help preserve my shoulders. Then when Quadrathon came along, I switched back to power building."

We watched a squirrel run across the top of the back fence. Pee Wee gave him heck.

"You know I hadn't maxed the bench in about two and a half years."

Jim Bob took a dip of Skoal and kept right on drinking his coffee. How does he do that?

"Well, I'll be stronger for Quadrathon. You can take that to the bank."

"You mentioned a swim," Jim Bob spoke. He had so much snuff in his mouth that some of it spilled out onto his dirty white T-shirt.

"I'll save you a question. I ran 6.12 miles."

"In that rain?"

"Yeah. In the pool, we swam

  1,000

  2 X 50 build

  400 for time 

  Oh heck. I already told you about Monday night's swim already. Tuesday, I went alone in the afternoon and swam

  2,400

  2 X 50 build

  800 for time (13:45)

  2 X 50 back

  8 X 50 medium paddles

  total: 3,800 yards."

"So what do you guys do tomorrow?"

"Max deadlift."

He got up and made his way to the gate. "I'll see ya."

Classified

This is max week at Plate City. 

Max week? 

Yeah, we are maxing on the squat, bench press, deadlift, and log press. 

Why?

Because we want to find out where we are and plan our next training cycle accordingly. We will train on percentages for the next eleven weeks in preparation for the Crazy Man Quadrathon.

The Crazy Man Quadrathon?

Yeah. That is the event Tyler and I are doing for the Diabetes of Mississippi fundraiser this year. In the past, I did the Chicot Challenge, ten of them I think. Last year I did the Great Gezer Run. This year it is Quadrathon.

And Quadrathon is what?

Quadrathon is a power lifting meet plus a triathlon only we changed a few things. We are doing four lifts instead of three: the squat, bench, dead, and log press. To that we are adding a 66-mile triathlon. That is one mile of swimming, 55 miles of cycling, and 10 miles of running. And we are splitting the run up into four segments to help us deal with heat and hydration.

Wow.

We are testing so that we can dial in our training. We are ramping up to a peak to be as strong as we can on June 2nd.

So what have you guys maxed so far?

Monday we did the squat.

And?

Tyler maxed out at 354 pounds.

You?

My squat numbers are classified. You have to be a member of Plate City Gym and have a high security clearance to be privy to those numbers.

That bad, huh?

Well, I did set a PR by five pounds.

And it's still classified.

It is still classified.

So what do you guys do Tuesday?

Bench press.

Y'all do anything else Monday?

Yes. I took a short shuffle of 1.32 miles. Then Tyler and I met at the pool and swam

  1,000 17:56

  2 X 50 build

  400 for time (6:25; Tyler was faster)

  100 back

  8 X 150 @ 3:00

  100 easy

  100 back

  4 X dive 25

  total: 3,100 yards

Tough practice.

Darn tootin' and praise the Lord.

I'm Zane Hodge, and This Is 20/20

Actually, this is my weekly review, my BBU whatever the number is. The 20/20? I'll get to that later. First, I started the week with lifting, running 1.62 miles, and swimming for 3,500 yards. Not a bad day.

Tuesday we lifted again. On the road, I was still not doing much. I went 1.67. In the pool, however, I hit 3,450 yards.

Wednesday was more lifting and another little run of 1.14 miles. I don't remember why I was hitting such low numbers on the road, but I continued with a solid 3,500 in the pool.

Thursday we slept in. Finally, I shuffled a bit more, 4.28 miles. In the pool, I did a relatively short 2,300.

Friday is big day, endurance day. We lifted push and pull, and I ran 2.36 miles. John cancelled on the swim, while I went for an hour and fifty-one minutes straight getting 5,700 yards.

Saturday is long run day. I went 9.09 miles finally doing some real running. Penny wanted me to take her truck and get her gas when I went to the pool. So I did some math and saw that I need 3,300 meters, or 3,700 yards, to make 20,000 in the pool. I went for it and finished with 3,700.

Sunday I only went out for a short 1.01 run.

For the week, I 

  ran 21.17 miles

  swam 20,153 meters, 

  lifted weights five times,

  spun none on the bicycle, and

  Skiergged 20:20

So I pulled off what I used to think was the gold standard of aerobic conditioning: a 20-mile run week coupled with a 20,000 meter swim all in seven days. Ironically, I also Skiergged 20:20. How about that? 

It was a good week for Quadrathon which is rapidly approaching us. I need, however, to do some bicycle training. 

Thank you, Jesus, for good health, good training partners, and good discipline.

Strong Friday

Friday is my day. The crew and I met up at Plate City at 5:30. Remember the lights I wrote about yesterday? We used them, and they were nice. I did not need my little flashlight that I use when I write in my log book. Friday is our double day, remember? So we did lots of work, pushing and pulling, and we finished with our swim circuit of the Swim Pull, the Skierg, and the swim cords. That always leaves me huffing like I need an EMT and oxygen.

After breakfast, I took a nap. Yes, I went back to sleep. I was tired, and Spring Break has come just in the nick of time. Later, I went out for a shuffle and went 2.36 miles. That wasn't much, but I got my second workout of the day and my 159th straight day in a row of running.

Yes, I went to the pool. John was out. I pondered several workouts. I was thinking of a long warmup with a longish swim for time, then some backstroke work, then a long cool down for big yards. But I was tired and for me that brings the temptation to quit after sets. So I settled on what I usually do on Fridays: a straight swim. I went 5,700 yards in one hour and fifty one minutes. Not bad. I could have gone farther, but I always want to leave a little in the tank for next week's progression. How far up will I go? I'm not sure. Since I am not doing the Chicot Challenge this year, I don't need low-end endurance beyond what I have now. But I like that kind of training, and having endurance for all-day swimming is never a bad thing.

So it was a strong day. I lifted, ran, and swam. For the week, my swimming is over 16,000. Will I go for the big 20,000? Stay tuned to see. Praise God that it is within reach.

Short and Sweet

Thursday is our sleep-in morning at Plate City so the lights stayed off. Speaking of lights, after work I went to Tractor Supply and bought an extension cord, and a drop light. With the help of Pee Wee, I installed the new light. As it was, we have good light on one side of the gym while the other side is only partially illumined. The world's best backyard gym just got a little bit better. 

I did a 4.28 mile shuffle. For some reason, I have run little this week. I have been out there everyday, but only for little one-milers. Now I am in a bind to get my requisite 20 miles in. 

I went to the pool and swam

  1,450 28:09

  650 for time 10:54

  2 X 50 back

  100 easy

  total: 2,300

Short and sweet is how I would describe that. I need more of the longer swims for time, maybe one per week going up by 50 each week. Anyway, I have four really good practices done this week. Friday is big yards day. If I can pull that off, I will have some major swim coins in the bank.

Thank you, Jesus.

Full Day

I didn't post yesterday because I was consumed with one thing: Jason Campbell's funeral. I had my Bible and notes at school and studied at every opportunity. I wanted every word to be perfect. 

First, let me back up to Tuesday. We lifted, and took a short afternoon shuffle, and I swam that night, 3,450 yards. Then I went home and worked on the funeral. Jason was a sweet, beloved man.

Early Wednesday morning, the energy was low at Plate City. We all three were tired and it seemed like we were just going through the motions. But we did it. I tried but I could not squat. My lower back was so tight that I had to tap out on that move. So we shifted to the leg press. I have a good machine that I rarely use. It gets little use for two reasons. First, I think know that the squat is a better exercise. Second, I forget about it. You might wonder how you can see that big machine just sitting there and forget about it. But believe me, it is possible. So we hit that one hard, and it was different, which itself is a good thing. You need some variety in a program. Ideally, the way to use the leg press is to squat first and then finish with the press when you leg muscles are tired. That way you don't have to stabilize the weight and you are much safer from injury. 

Jason's funeral was at 2:00. I thought things went well. It was emotionally difficult for me, but what else is new? When it was over, I felt like a few hundred pounds had been lifted from my chest. Funerals hit me like that, which I suppose is a good thing. It makes me do everything I can to be prepared.

After the service, I went home and rested. Then I went to the pool to meet Tyler for a magnum practice. We swam

  2,250

  200 @ 4:00

  50 @ 1:45

  100 @ 3:00

  50 back @ 1:45

  50 breast @ 1:45

  500 @ 9:00

  50 @ :45

   250 easy

  total: 3,500 yards

If that looks familiar to you it should. It is almost the same practice we did last week with a couple of small changes. One change is we swam a long warmup. I like those because that covers the aerobic conditioning, the basic fitness that we can always fall back on when we are tired. Then everything with an @ behind it was done at race pace. Those are some pretty quick turn arounds, which is what makes the set tough. This is the same as last week except the final 50 that we added to the end. In case you are wondering why it has an @ behind it, the idea was to get to the wall before the watch hit the :45. I beat it by two seconds. I was slower on everything except the 500 which I beat by two seconds coming in a 8:08. So you can see where this first practice that I call the Meet helped me: stamina. Tyler beat me in all of those except the 500, but he was way faster on it this week over last week, maybe 50 seconds faster. So the set helped his stamina also.

When I got home, I still had not run so I changed changed and went out the door. I only did 1.14 miles. I was tired, my legs were toast from the morning's leg session at Plate City, and it was getting late. All in all, it was a full and productive day. Thank you, Lord, for helping with preach Jason's funeral. I am not going to say that he will be missed. He is already missed. God, bless his wife, his children, his dad, brother, and other family members as well as his numerous friends. They We are going through something right now. We probably will be for a long time, but your grace is sufficient.

100s in the Pool

Monday morning, Tyler, Vicki, and I started our next mini-training cycle. We lifted heavy and only later did I remember that we were supposed to max out and de-load this week. When I mentioned it to Tyler in the pool that night, he suggested we move it back one week. Good idea. While we were out there, the light that had arrived turned dark, a transformer blew, and then wind picked up to frightening levels. I thought we were about to get tornadoed. 

On the road, I only shuffled 1.32 miles. My legs were still toast from Saturday, scary toast. Maybe they will bounce back soon. I went out Hades Road, but turned early. I'll take it easy at least one more day.

In the pool, we busted out an all-star practice. We warmed up with 1,650 yards. Then for the main, set we swam 16 X 100 @ 2:16. How about that? We are adding a rep or two each time we do that set and cutting a little bit off the interval. That is density training. Although we only cut one second per rep off the interval, by the time we got to 14 (the number we did last week), that amounted to swimming the 15th rep 15 seconds sooner than we would have. We cooled down with 200, then Tyler wanted to bump it up to 3,500 so we did another 50. It was a good one. The 100 repeats are tough but effective. They will get you in shape to swim fast, to swim hard, and to swim long.

Thank you, Jesus.

BBU 17

I had another good week training for the first ever Quadrathon coming June 2nd. Monday morning we met at Plate City to lift and cheer each other on. Besides the lifting, I shuffled 2.82 miles and had a major pool session with my bud, Tyler, going for 2,800 yards.

Tuesday, we lifted again, I ran again for 3.02 miles, and swam again for 2,050 yards.

Wednesday, we did legs at the gym, hitting those things like we held a grudge against them. After work, I hit the road for a mere 1.3 miles. The legs held the grudge this time. At the pool, I only swam 2,000 yards.

Thursday was our sleep in day. After work, I used my time wisely and ran for 7.32 miles before Penny and I went out to eat with Junior and Frances Barrentine. 

Friday morning we were back in the gym. Tyler was out of town, but Vicki and I did the work. I ran 2.33 miles, then at the pool I swam 5,100 straight. So it was a solid day.

Saturday, I ran 12.5 miles around mid-day. Late in the day, I lifted light legs and heavy deadlifts at Plate City. The heavy deadlifts went along with my heavy heart as I received word that Jason Campbell passed. He was a sweet man, and we loved him much. I did three sets on the Skierg and some bicycle work.

Sunday I took naps and ran 1.03. Yeah, my legs were on strike.

For the week, I

ran 30.32 miles,

Skiergged 25:00,

swam 10,923 meters,

lifted weights five times, and

cycled 32:50

That's good training right there. Tyler and I did that Meet set where we started the final 500 already breathing hard. That let me know that I am not in bad swim shape. I'm not in great shape, but not bad.

Quadrathon is a week closer and we are a week fitter. Let it come, and thank you, Jesus.

Good before it Wasn't

Saturday was OK before it wasn't. I slept in, studied, and finally dragged out for a longish run. I think it qualified for a real long run. I went 12.5 miles. After that, Penny and I went to the old house and did some stuff. We have a goal to be finished moving by the end of next week.

In the late afternoon, I went to the gym. I did some light leg work, some deadlifting, some Skiergging, and a little bicycling. Jarrod Barrentine had called just before I went out there and told me that the doctors at St. Dominic's had called in the family of our friend and church member, Jason Campbell. That had me in a somber mood. Usually when I workout late in the afternoon, I turn the TV on. But this time, however, I opted for quietness. I listened to the birds, watched the clouds pass over, petted Pee Wee, and pondered the preciousness of life. 

I was only a couple of sets into the workout when Jarrod called back. Jason Campbell had passed. I was shocked, hurt, and sat down on an exercise bench and cried. I never dreamed when I saw him at church two weeks ago that it would be the last time. Penny said then that she thought he looked tired, but I didn't notice. Cherish your loved ones. You never know when the last time you will see them will be.

I have no more words, only a sad heart. Pray for his family and friends. Thank you.

Short Post on a Long Day

I didn't post Friday. I just realized that. Not to worry. All I did Thursday was take a short shuffle. Well, not too short. I ran seven miles. But we sleep in Thursday mornings, and Penny and I had a dinner engagement with Jr. and Frances Barrentine at Hilltop Thursday night. That kept me out of the pool that night. Yes, it was good. I ordered a steak and it was cooked just right.

Friday, however, was a different story. The big guy, Tyler, has gone to the coast to swim in the ocean. Bully for him. Meanwhile, Vicki and I were at Plate City. We snoozed and met up at a quarter till six. Yeah, we're lazy like that. To make a short story long, we did it all, push and pull. 

Later in the morning, I went out for a short shuffle and put in 2.32 miles. Then it was lunch and off to the pool. In the water, I went for a straight swim of 1:43:10. I made it 5,100 yards and tapped out. Yeah, the pace wasn't too good but so what. I had a good day then Penny and I went to Crystal for supper. We asked for our favorite Crystal waitress, Lyndsey, and had good service, good food, and good company: each other.

Oh yeah, I sold another shirt. Quadrathon is coming. And thank you, Jesus.

A Set Called The Meet

Wednesday is heavy leg day at Plate City. We did it. Tyler was especially energetic. He was pumping those weights like he was mad at them. I did eight sets of squats. Yeah, I did.

After those eight sets, I realized why my running numbers were so low last Wednesday. The last thing I did before heading out the door was to look at last week's numbers for Wednesday. When I started running, I connected the dots. Last week, I did 1.12. This week I upped it to 1.3. Then I did 15:15 on the stationary bicycle. Yeah, I'm bad like that.

At the pool, something really rare happened. Tyler was late. I know, he works a job, has lots of responsibilities, and life happens. I was about to conclude that he wasn't coming, and give in to my laziness, and go home when he came in. I had already done a little warming up. We did another 500 and then swam a set I call The Meet. It went like this:

  200 @ 4:00

  50 @ 1:45

  100 @ 2:30

  50 back @ 1:45

  50 breast @ 1:45

  500 @ 9:00

I call this one The Meet, because it is everything I will swim in the Mississippi Senior Olympics all done within 22 minutes. The actual swim meet will take over three hours, so if I can swim good times in all the events in just a hair over 21 minutes, I am fit enough for the meet. I swam the 200 in 3:05, the 100 in 1:28, and the 500 in 8:10. So I was pretty happy about what this revealed about my fitness. This is a tough set of 950 yards of race-pace swimming involving three strokes all done in 21:15. Tyler swam the 200 in 2:40. He beat me in everything except the 50 back (he had a bad turn) and the 500 free at the end. His endurance has come way up, but it is not at the top yet.

Another strong training day is in the bank and Quadrathon is 24 hours closer. Praise be to God.

Jay Unver Interview

Interview with Zane Hodge

 By Jay Unver

(Lehrton, MS) I went to visit Zane Hodge and chat with him about Big ASS's newest sensation, Tyler Kirk. Ever since the Association of Sports Shufflers and the Association of Sports Swimmers and the Association of Sports Syclists merged to form Big ASS Endurance, Hodge has been the dominate athlete. Then when the Association of Sports Strongmen joined Big ASS, Hodge dominated there also. Now there is some real competition for the ageing champion. We sat down in Plate City and talked while the squirrels ran in the trees above of and Pee Wee played with his toys. Below is our interview. 

Unver: Tell me about the new kid on the block.

Hodge: What's to tell you? You were there at the past couple of swim meets and at the Association of Sports Strongmen contests.

Unver: Well, share with us how you feel about him breaking all of you records in the gym.

Hodge: I don't feel bad. I am happy for him. It was getting a little boring with me setting world records every time we had a meet. He broke all of my All-time world records, but since we are in different weight classes, I still hold the weight class records.

Unver: Yes, there's that. But in the pool, there are no weight classes. He has been breaking your records with frightening speed. 

Hodge: It really has been amazing. Every time we get in the water, he is better. Just a few weeks ago, I would lap him three times in a 1,500. Then it was two times, then one, then none. The last time we swam long, a week ago, he seemed to slow down to keep from lapping me in a 2,200. 

Unver: There is no animosity between you two?

Hodge: No, not like with me and Randy Beets. I am still a little miffed about his mom going to court and blocking the formation of the Association of Sports Strikers just so I could not beat up her son.

Unver: What has Beets been up to lately?

Hodge: He went into hiding after one of my latest swim records. It might have been my world record in the 400 Redneck IM. He got off social media, and I hear he went into the Witness Protection Program.

Unver: Too bad. Beets had improved vastly in the sprints, was even beating you in the 50 and 100, and had closed the gap in the distance events. How do you think he would fare against Kirk?

Hodge: He would have two chances against Tyler. Slim and none and slim left town.

Unver: So what is next for you guys?

Hodge: Quadrathon. We are scheduled for June 2 for the world's newest sport.

Three

We kept the fitness train going Tuesday morning. We lifted first thing, doing pulls, curls for the girls, and our swim complex. After work, I got lazy again. I did run, but only for 2.84 miles.

At the pool, I was still lazy. I swam

1,300

100 breast with small paddles

600 back

25 fly

25 easy

total: 2,050.

The fly was ugly I am sure. It was difficult, and I had only one kick. There are supposed to be two. But I made it to the end of the pool. Yeeha.

That was far from what it could have and should have been. But I did three. Praise God. 

A Day Closer

Monday started a new week of training as we race towards Quadrathon. Besides all the training, Jay Unver came by and interviewed me. His interview should show up here in the near future. Back to the training. We hit the weights and we hit them hard. The days are getting longer, and now we are only out there a little while before the eastern sky begins to lighten. Spring is coming and it won't be long now.

We benched. I pressed

  20 X 50

  10 X 71

  6 X 100

  2 X 120

  5 X 140

  5 X 140

  5 X 140

  5 X 140

  5 X 140

  2 X 145

  1 X 150

We also did some log press work, some seated dips, and of course we finished with our swim complex. The swim complex is a circuit of exercises desgned to improve our swimming. It goes like this:

  Swim Pull - 21 X 45

  Skierg - 4:45

  Swim cords - 50

The Swim Pull is done on the lat pull down machine. I have a special bar made my Leflore Steel that lets us mimic the catch and pull of the free style stroke. We then go straight into the Skierg which gives some really good cardio for the swim muscles. The last thing is the swim cords. We do that, bent over and again mimicking the swim stroke but pulling the cords really fast which works the fast twitch muscle fibers. By the end of those, I am breathing so hard that if an EMT were to walk up, he would administer oxygen ASAP. It's working. My times in the pool are getting a little quicker.

After work, I shuffled 2.82 miles. Then I met Tyler and Vicki at the pool. She had heard us talk about doing 100s and wanted in on the fun. When doing hard 100 repeats, it is desirable to have someone in the pool doing it with you. If not, it is always tempting to call the session off early and go home. The 100s are brutal but effective. They will make you fast, yeah. The practice looked like this:

  1,150

  50 breast

  50 back/breast 

  14 X 100 @ 2:17

  150 easy

  total: 2,800 yards

So another day is done. Tomorrow is March 1 which means Quadrathon is a calendar month closer than it was. We are getting there. I am beginning to get excited. Thank you, Jesus.