A Real Good Day

Where's the blogpost already? someone asked me yesterday. That's not an exact quotation, more of a paraphrase. What happened was my day got off skewer. Penny wanted to hang out so I did that after I came back from the pool. What did I do at the pool? Thanks for asking. I swam 3,000 straight, and then did 50 back to celebrate our new backstroke flags. Yeah, Santa Claus came to Twin Rivers. The old flags were partly destroyed and partly biodegrading from the sunshine. Lots of sunshine penetrates the little pool at TR.

But I missed a day. Thursday, I swam a total of 2,300 yards. I watched some football and shuffle an easy, short 2.5 miles. That's all, thus I didn't have a lot to write about anyway. 

Friday morning, I did the 3,050, which was my longest practice in months. Then Penny and I hung out and drank coffee. CC? She nudged her way in there and joined the fellowship. As usual, she had to be closest to me. 

Then my brother and his wife, Rebecca, came to town. We met at Crystal. Penny stayed home because of her illness. She is better but not totally well. We had a nice lunch and then took to riding around. First we went by Twin Rivers to see the little pool. Then it was off the McCool Street to see the childhood home of someone. I remember working that neighborhood when I was a termite man. It was a nice place then, not fancy, but nice, populated by working class people who painted their houses, mowed their lawns, and refused to throw trash on the ground. Now, it looks like a bulldozer razing the whole place would be a mercy killing. There are burnt-out houses here and there, nothing seems to have been painted in a decade or two, trash is everywhere, roofs are ruined, windows are boarded up, and grass is scarce. Cars, however, are not scarce. I lived the life of a poor man once, and when I did, I had lots of cars. Most of them would not run, but I had them nevertheless.

After that, we drove out Highway 82 to the east and then went up Airport Road to Centerville Baptist Church. This was the first time my brother had seen our church. Next, we rode by the Barrentine Empire and I narrated that history the best I could. We drove by Carrollton and Pine Hunting Club. You read that right: Carrollton and Pine. What a clash of words and lack of parallel structure. This is just one reason English class is important. 

We were headed for the old Hodge Ski Lodge, and we got there. It was a nostolgic slow drive past the land that filled our childhoods with hunting, camping, fishing, and hard work. I miss it now most as a parking place for long Friday runs on the gravel roads in the area. We did some general driving then made a run through Orchard Drive and back at last to Crockett Ave.

Back home, my brother and I hugged, said our goodbyes, and he and Rebecca headed north to our sister's home near Ruleville. It as a real day. It was a good day. It was a real good day. But it wasn't over for me. I took and nap then went to Plate City. I did my push workout, but this time I added the bench press back in. Why? My swimming times have been really poor. I know I am not in top form, but I should be faster than I am. In the past, I noticed a correlation between my bench press numbers and my 50 free time in the pool. I kept the seated overhead press, but I did the bench first. Oh yeah, I did a tiny bit of shuffling on the treadmill while I was out there.

I went inside, and Penny cooked me a steak. What a woman. What a day. What a blessing from Jesus. 

The Answer

Oh, you want to know about that. Okay, but give me a minute. First things first. And the first thing is I went to the pool late again. After 10:00 that is. I swam

  2,800 1:01:09

Yeah, that was it, a straight swim of one hour. Why? I felt like it. Plus there is a strong physiological reason for adding that into the mix. Alternating intensity with duration is solid training. Tuesday, I pushed the intensity button pretty hard. I am also slowly building the endurance base. So I will give you a multiple choice test of what I am likely to do at the pool today.

 

     a) a long slow swim

     b) a lot of back stroke work

     c) some intensity as in fast swimming and high heart rates

Remember this when taking a multiple choice test: choose C and win.

Yes, I hung out with the cats when I came home, but not for long. This is what you came here for, right? I chose to split my lifting into two sessions so I hit the gym about 1:00 p.m. Pee Wee was happy as the sun was out and the weather warm. That meant plenty of squirrels for him to harrass. I did my pull workout consisting of chest-supported rows, lat pull downs, and reverse flys with tubing. To all of that, I added a circuit of the Swim Pull, followed immediately by 1:00 on the skierg, followed again by punching Bob in the face. See what I was doing? The Swim Pull is an exercise I created to build sports specific strength. I got Leflore Steel to fabicate me a special attachment for the lat pull down machine so I could replicate the movement of freestyle swimming under a greater muscular load than you get in the water. The skierg uses the swimming muscles in a high aerobic intensity spilling over into the anaerobic pathways. Bob is more cardio for the upper body, active recovery. I did that circuit for two rounds. That's the kind of training that will beat Randy Beets in the pool.

You guessed it. I hung out with the cats, watched some TV, and even took a nap. Then I was back at Plate City for my leg workout. I did the one I have been doing only I upped the volume a little. Oh, and I ran on the treadmill between set before the main squat sets started. I added two repetitions on my warmup, the did the 5 X 2 X 80% with 30 seconds rest between sets. After that, I rested for five minutes by walking gently on the treadmill and then added 4 X 1 X 80% with 30 seconds rest. I finished up with some leg curls and leg extensions. I should have done some more, but my ailing wife wanted me to pick someting up for supper. 

After supper, I watched the rest of the Arkansas game. Good gosh amighty. That was way too stressful. Then the Ole Miss game was a huge disappointment. Even I was pulling for them but in vain. Thus it was a full day. I trained three times, loved up on the animals, and talked to my wife some. Life is good.

As The World Turns

I did it again. I slept too long and missed my slot between the 6:00 o'clock crew and the ladies water aerobics. Not to worry. I went in at 10:00. The water was as clear as the air, and even the plastic on the west gable had been patched. Thus both the building and the water were warm, and I was eager to swim. I did

  1,100 22:49

  2 X 200 for time r 30

    1 - 3:22

    2 - 3:28

  200 easy

  50 back

  2 X 100 for time r 30

    1 - 1:37

    2 - 1:42

  150 easy

  50 back

  5 X 50 hard 46, 46, 46, 45, 46

  150 easy

  2 X 25 no breath

  50 back

  total: 2,650 yards

I guess you can see, there was an emphasis on quality. It's time to start pushing the pace and looking for some speed. The 200s hurt good even though the times were bad. I need to do those more, but I am too big of a sissy to do them often.

After lunch, I did the usual lounging with the cats. Eventually, I got up for a run and went 9.32 miles. When I got home, Penny wanted me to pick up a pizza. By the time we finished eating, you can guess what happened to me. 

Yeah, that. 

I did some more lounging with the cats, and Plate City went unused. Now I am behind in my lifting. Since it is leg day, I am faced with a delimma. Do I do my pull and legs? Do I do them together or split them up? Do I have time for that? Or do I bump one of the workouts back a day? Stay tuned for the answer as the world turns around Greenwood, Mississippi.

How Did She Know?

I was late getting to the pool Monday morning. Usually, I try to wade in about 6:30. This time it was 7:30. Not to worry because that still leaves me about an hour and fifteen minutes before the water aerobic ladies get here. Doesn't it? Right away, I noticed that I was slow. What the heck? I swam over 10,000 last week!?!?! This time, I did 

  1,050

  2 X 25 no breath

  350 for time (6:33) !?!?!?!?!?!?!?

  150 easy

  2 X 25 back

  4 X 50 hard 49, 48, 47, 43

  150 easy

See what I mean? I don't know what was wrong. Maybe it was all the Christmas cooking. About 8:30, the first of the women's water aerobics showed up. I took that as an omen to pee on the fire and call the dogs.

At home, I did the usual: wrote a blog post, drank coffee, hung out with the cats. Then I took a shuffle after lunch. Since I ran so far Saturday, my legs were not fully recovered Monday. I played it by ear and did a slow 4.72 miles. That is pretty good for an easy day.

After that, I began watching the SEC Network. They were playing Saturdays in the South: A History of SEC Football. Although I have seen it all before, it's like one of those old Christmas movies. It doesn't get old. CC curled up in my lap, and I was happy, warm, comfortable. 

So comfortable I was that I considered not lifting. What's the bid deal? I thought. Till the season to be jolly. And lazy. But, I broke the spell, got up, dressed, and went outside. Out there, I only did push which is how I like to break things up. I do more assistance exercises when I split the push and pull into seperate nights. As per lately, I did the seated overhead press in place of the bench. Why? It was just time to mix it up. This time instead of stopping there, I did the seated dip for the first time in many weeks. After some lateral raises, it was time to try out one of my Christmas gifts. Penny gave me a pair of 18 ounce boxing gloves. How the heck did she know? I used them on the heavy bag. Perfect.

It was a good and full day. I swam, ran, lifted, and spent time with Pee Wee and the cats. What about your wife? you ask. She has been sick for the past few. So far, I have remained well. I hope she gets well. She has a week off, but has only ventured off the couch a few times. Sorry, Sweetie.

12/19 - 12/25

I was kicking butt and taking names last week. It started in the pool with a decent but not big 1,850 yards. It did not stay in the pool, however, as I moved to the road for another okay 3.51 miles. No, the gym got squeezed out because we had Over 60s in Itta Bena that night.

Tuesday, I cut loose for 2,600. It wasn't a straight swim, but I did go 2,250 straight to work those aerobic enzymes. On the road I did 9.16 and I lifted at Plate City.

Wednesday I hit 2,250 in the water, 2.38 on the road, and did some heavy leg work in the gym. I kept pace Thursday with another2,250 at the pool, but only 1.8 treadmill miles while I did light shoulder work at the City.

I did my longest straight swim in a long time, Friday, with 2,500. Also, I hit the gym hard doing both push and pull. I did not run, however, partly because it was dangerously cold outside.

Saturday was Christmas Eve, and I ran and walked to Hillbilly Heaven. I stopped my watch when I walked and I wound up with 13.28 miles of running which included shuffling up the big hill.

Of course I rested Christmas day and ate way too much food and candy. We had a really pleasant time hanging out with family.

For the week, I

  swam 10,463 meters,

  lifted weight four times, 

  skiergged 1:30 minutes, and

  ran 30.13 miles

That's a pretty solid week. Being off work, it is not too hard to get that much training done. I have one more week off, and then I go back. As usual, I am both sad and excited about returning to work. I am not yet ready to retire, but I sure enjoy my time off. I will know when that season comes. Right now, "tis the season to be jolly." I am, how about you?

Christmas Eve

The pool was closed for maintainance so I had no conflict about that. Instead of swimming, I slept later than normal, drank more coffee than usual, and petted cats more than I typical. Since it was Christmas Eve, we were set to go to Hillbilly Heaven. I'll give you three guesses as to what I did. That's right, I ran out there.

The big issue was the weather. It was due to get up to 31 degrees for the high. But when I left the house at 1:00 p.m., it was far from being that warm. How would I keep my liquids from freezing while making the several hour ambulation from our delta residence to my father-in-law's home in the hills. Consequently, I asked my old friend, Lynn Watts, how much anti-freeze I needed to add to my Gatorade to keep it from freezing. He said, "Fifty/fifty ought to be about right." After looking around the house and finding no ani-freeze, I decided to chance it.

It was 21 degrees out when I began my journey. I made it down the street, over the bridge, out Grenada Blvd, down Bowie Lane, and across Highway 82. Not far out Humphrey's Highway, a small car pulled out from a side street. The passenger's window came down and an African-American female, threw a hand up and yelled, "Hey Dr. Hodge." Obviously, she was a former student, but only getting a glimps of her, I didn't know how former: last semester? a year ago? five years ago? This is one reason I love my job. These brief interactions that I have from time to time, remind my that my job is important, that my life touches people, that I am having an impact.

I shuffled on down the highway. Not much later, a black pickup truck passed. An arm shot out the window in a wave. He turned onto a side road and yelled out ". . . Hodge . . . ." That's all my mind could decipher from his words. Another former student, no doubt.

I shuffled on occasionally stopping to pee, or take a Gu, and just walk for a bit. I stopped my watch when I wasn't running, recording only the running distance. Making it to the big hill, I wondered if I could make it up without stopping. Last time out here, I did. This time out here, I did. But like every other time, it hurt. We should call it Pain Hill because if you go up it on foot, you will feel it for sure. Instead of turning onto County Road 231, however, I kept straight on what they now call Highway 23, going on to what we used to call the Stone Road. Now I think they call it County Road 177.

It was getting dark when I made it to 177, a gravel road we used to own land on. I saw some animal on the road up ahead. I never was sure what it was. A deer, a pig, a dog? I shuffled on. It grew dark, but not too dark for me to recognize part of the old Hodge Ski Lodge. This 40 acres was the last part of our land we sold. I was surprised to see a trailer on it. The new owner lives on the coast, a hunting camp, I presume.

Shortly after passing part of the old Ski Lodge, I hit County Road 231 and turned back towards Hillbilly Heaven. It was getting colder now, but I was close, going to survive one more run from Greenwood to here. Only minutes later, I turned into the driveway at HBH and turned off my watch for the last time that day. I had shuffled 13.28 miles and walked probably another three maybe four more miles. It was nice to get inside and instead of cool down, warm up. It was then time for family and food. Life is good.

Proud

You're probably wondering if I got out in the cold. I'm proud to tell you about it. First, I went to the pool about a quarter till 7:00. From the deck, I could tell that the 6:00 o'clock crew didn't show up. And two windows were blown out. Bear in mind, the temperature outside was 9 degrees and the wind howled from the north coming straight through the open windows.

What's this about windows blowing out? you ask. They are constructed of plastic and have a lot of flex. When the wind gets high, they-- some of them-- will blow out and hit the floor. I think it's to keep the building from blowing down. Someone once told me that. Anyway, I put the windows back in the best I could. They had ice around the edges so they did not exactly fit like they were supposed to. When I finished, I could not feel my hands.

I don't know how cold it was in the building, but I guess somewhere in the mid fifties. Taking my clothse off was not pleasant. But I knew the water would be warm. The fog rising off the pool was so thick, you could not see from one end of the pool to the other. Not to worry. There is no fog under the water's surface.

So I got in and started swimming. I could feel the air's coolness on my back and shoulders while the water itself felt warmer than usual. Usual is 86. My guess was 88. Anyway, I did a straight swim of 2,500 yards in a little over 50 minutes. That was a nice practice which will address my basic fitness and jump start my water endurance. I'll need that endurance this summer.

When I went to leave, I noticed some flapping on the west gable of the building. What!?!?! I went outside to have a closer look. The west gable was covered in plastic, the roll out kind, which has broken in several areas. Dude, how can the building ever get warm with openings big enough to fly radio-controlled airplanes through? At least I got my swim done. I'm proud of that.

At home, you know what I did. The coffee was good, and like me being tired, the cats seemed to enjoy the cold weather. We snuggled. Yes, CC had to have top spot. I don't mind as long as she doesn't beat up the other cats. She still does that sometimes, but I'm proud she wants top spot with me.

Running? I thought about it. I did go to Plate City and would have run on the treadmill, but I had to put on my only pair of leather boots over two pair of socks to have a go in the then 15 degree air. I lifted-- push and pull-- but did not dare try to run in those boots. It was tough out there that being the coldest I have worked out in. But I did enjoy it. Pee Wee had fun. He ran and tore up his toys and barked at squirrels. When I would sit to do a set of lat pull downs, he always ran up and stuck his face into mine. I would pet him then ask him to "Let me do my set." He always obliged running off and shaking something like it was a small animal he was trying to kill.

He has done that. Penny was out back one day moving some old boards. A large rat ran out and she was shocked at how fast and furiously Pee Wee caught and killed it. It didn't suprise me. I've seen him kill a squirrel, race my truck, and fight a large dog. That little turd is tougher than a barbed-wire monkey. He is full of energy, hunting instincts, and drive. He is sweet, affectionate, and proud to own the back yard at 722 Crockett Ave. I'm proud to spend time out there with him.

My little buddy, Pee Wee, on guard at the gym.

A Good Day Had by All

Big Tyler made it to the pool Thursday morning, but he was pressed for time. We swam 550 for a warmup and then a two-breath 50. After that we did 300 for time. I came in at 5:09, two seconds behind the big guy. Tyler had to leave, but I stayed and a bunch more stuff with some more for-time swims and some back stroke. It all totaled 2,250 yards. 

I didn't do much after that other than watch a bunch of YouTube videos mostly of people doing ultra-marathon runs. Those always make me cry like a little baby. They pull so many memoried up into my conciousness, and I know something about what the runners are experiencing. 

Late in the afternoon, I went to the City. It was cold but not terribly so. The trees in the neighbors' yards had than overcast-winter-backlit look that made me just want to stand there and gaze. I took a couple of photographs, but they don't do justice to the beauty I experienced yesterday afternoon. Mostly I shuffled on the treadmill and did some external shoulder rotations. I added a little light shoulder work to that. 

The cats and I then watched TV and ate popcorn. A good day was had by all. Thank you, Jesus.

A Solid Day

I can only hope and pray my computer works right today. I don't know if the issue was the computer or the Blogger App. But I cleared formatting (that didn't work), rebooted (that didn't work), and cleared formatting again (that didn't work again). I tried deleting all the bad section and starting over (that did not work). In the past, I have occasionally had something like Reveal Codes pop up. I don't know what key I hit to make that happen. When I used to use Word Perfect, I often resorted to  Reveal Codes to straighten out messes. Somehow, some weird command would get lodged into the document and cause havoc. With Reveal Codes, you could find the command and delete it. But, I could not get Blogger's version of Reveal Codes to pop up. My frustration was huge. Anyway, enough of that.

Wednesday morning I was in the pool after the ladies water aerobics. Or was it before? I swam

  1,100 20:28

  250 for time 4:09

  50 back

  850

  total: 2,250 yards

At the gym, I had legs and light running on the program. My total running was 2.38 done in short shuffles before and after sets of squats. I did the 5 X 2 @ 80% of one rep max with 30 seconds rest between sets. Oddly, the set gets easier as it progresses. Then I walked for five minutes straight, after which I did 3 X 1 @ the same weight with 30 seonds rest. The second round does not get easier. That one pretty much finished me off. This was the first time I did the second round after the five minutes of rest. I plan to build it up by a rep or two per week until I hit eight reps, maybe more.

So it was a solid day. After all of that, I hung out with the cats. They like me tired. I kind of like me tired also. It makes lounging really nice. Thank you, Jesus, for a really nice day.

That's Real Right There

It's 6:36 and I am not at the pool. Maybe this blog post will tell you why. First, I saw the 6:00 o'clock crew Tuesday morning. Tyler and I were to meet at 6:30. I got in and stretched until 6:40. Big T is usually three minutes late. I started swimming when he was ten minutes late. To make a short story long, he did not show up. Later he texted and said his alarm did not go off. I swam

  2,250

  2 X 25 no breath

  1 X 50 one breath per 25

  250 back

  total: 2,500 yards

That's real training right there, I don't care who you are.

By early afternoon, I went out for a run despite the fact that it still looked like rain. While I shuffled along, the sky slowly cleared, and I stayed out there for 9.16 miles. That's a real run right there.

Yes, I rested a bit and then went to Plate City. I would tell you more about that, but my computer has been going bonky and I can't take it. I will break something if I keep typing. My curser is one place and my text is someplace else and I keep losing text. Yes, I rebooted after I pitched a few fits. 

The Winter Classic Half Marathon

We had agreed to do the Winter Classic Half Marathon (Grenada, Mississippi) again this year. In 2021, Katie Jones, Cyndi Sai, Vicki Jee, and I all made the short trek to G-town and did the half. I We liked the course. It's pancake flat except for a 250 foot climb to the top of the levee and the same drop on the other side.

When time rolled around, however, no one was talking. Then I found out that Vicki was leaving town. Tuesday before the race, I texted Katie and told her I had just signed up. She replied that she was going to make a decision by the next day. I already knew what that meant. That was a no.

So when Saturday morning rolled around, I was second guessing my decision to make the race. I could have slept in, I thought. I could have done a really long run in place of this, I thought. But I had already paid my fee so I drove over. 

The race started at 8:00 a.m. and we were off, leaving the square in downtown Grenada and instantly hit the big bottom of big woods right off the square. That blows me away. You could have Bigfoot within a quarter of a mile of downtown Grenada.

The course goes for 1.1 miles across the woods, then turns right onto Highway 332. From there, it goes to the base of the levee, right to the spillway, up to the top of the levee, then left across the 2.5 miles of the largest earthen dam on planet earth, then down the base of the levee back to Highway 332 and back to the square.

It was in the latter stages of Higway 332 that I began to focus on the fat lady up ahead of me. For the longest time, I thought I had no shot at her. The gap remained the same. Then when we got below the dam, I percieved that I closed the gap to about 200 meters. 

From last year, I decided it would be best to walk up the incline to the top. When the fat lady got there, I noticed that she kept running. That's my chance, I thought. She will burn out on the hill, and I will catch her. And that is exactly what happened. I walked up the levee, and she was stopped at the aid station at the top.

Oddly, when I came past the aide station, she spoke to me. We had not interacted until then, but over the years, I have noticed that the fat ladies notice me, they instinctively know we are in a competition. She knew I was stalking her and acknowledged me when I shuffled past.

Believe you me, it's a long was across that levee. I was running scared now, trying to hold pace and not get caught by that fat lady. I didn't know how long she stayed at the aid station. For all I knew she might be stalking me now.

I made it across the levee, down to the road below, and back onto Highway 332. Slowly the miles racked up as I inexorably slowed my already slow pace. When I turned onto the road that heads back to the square, I looked back up 332 to see if I saw her. I didn't. Then I knew that if I just kept shuffling, I was going to beat her and that would make this a successful race for me.

I crossed the finish line at 2:41:06 which was better than six minutes quicker than in 2021. Since I am a year older, no thinner, and I was ahead of the fat lady, I was highly satisfied with my performance. I drove home feeling like a champion. When I got there, the cats percieved my fatique. They like it when I am tired because they know what it means: lots of lounging on the bed. They, all four of them, followed me to the bedroom and joined me in a nap. We spent most of the afternoon taking it easy. CC, of course, had to have the prime position. The other cats understood. Life is good.

Lounging Late

Monday morning found me in the pool lounging late in bed. Sometimes I'm lazy like that. I went to the pool around a quarter 'till nine. An older lady came in and I asked if I would bother her being there. She told me that the ladies aerobics were coming in at nine. What!?!?!? How did I forget that? So I went home and came back after ten. Then I swam

  1,050

  200 for time (3:12)

  2 X 50 back

  2 X 25 no breath

  50 for time (:42)

  50 back

  300 easy

  50 back

  total: 1,850 yards

You might notice that this was the first time I did any quality in a while. It actually felt good to push a little bit. The 200 hurts, but it's short. It's also one of the events I compete in. The 3:12 I swam is not a good time, but it's about what I expected at my current level of fitness. I'll check in at that distance from time to time.

After that, it was lunch time and Penny and I ate leftovers. Then I rested some before going out for a shuffle. I ran 3.51 miles in the drizzly-looking weather. I loved it. What we call bad weather primes us for what we call good weather.

This was the third Monday of the  month so we went to Over 60s at Itta Bena Baptist. The fish was good, the entertainment was good, the fellowship was good. Gerald went with us, and it was good to hang out with him. He brought me a JJ Fergeson cap, a nice-looking one.

So the week started well. I did not make it to Plate City.

12/12 - 12/18

It was a good week. Starting Monday, I was in the pool early and swam 1,600 yards. In addition to that, I ran 3.13 miles. Once more, I swam early Tuesday-- 1,800 yards-- had lunch with Big T and the American Cooner in Flowood, and came home to run 2.88 miles on the treadmill and lift weights. That was one full day.

I hit 2,000 in the pool Wednesday for the first time in probably three months. At the gym, I ran 2.83, skiergged 3:15, and lifted weights.

Thursday, I swam 2,200, shuffled 2.55 on the treadmill, and did some light weight lifting. Not only that, but I went 4:00 on the skierg.

Friday, I lifted heavy and ran 1.51 on the dreadmill. All of that was after 2,400 in the pool. Saturday was the half marathon in Grenada. I plan to write a post on that sometimes this week. And you know what Sunday was: rest. 

For the week, I

  swam 9,138 meters,

  skiergged 7:15 minutes,

  lifted weights five times, and

  ran 26.1 miles

That was not too bad. I do, however, need some big miles on the road this week. And the coldest weather of the year is scheduled to hit just in time to complicate my training. I mean, how am I supposed to do a long run if it is so cold my water will freeze? I've been contemplating that. I have an idea or two. 

A Non-typical Friday

Not this time. Not this Friday. I did not do a long run, an adventure run. Why? I am racing Saturday so Friday was part of my taper. What is the race? Grenada is hosting its third annual Winter Classice half marathon. I did it last year and liked the course so I'm going back. It should be good training for me to run thirteen miles at a pace faster than I train.

I did swim Friday for my fifth day in a row, and I did even more than I have any day this week. I stroked

  2,050 40:28

  6 X 25 no breath

  4 X 50 back

  total: 2,400 yards

You might notice that my pace was faster than Thursday. Finally, I feel like I am beginning to come around in the water. You might also have noticed that I have done no quality in the pool this week. It has all been focused on basic fitness and breath control.

After the pool, I rested. Eventually I went to Plate City where I did a little bit of treadmill running and some uppper body weight lifting. That was it on the training front. 

Penny and I then went to Crystal for dinner. I ordered the chicken livers which is my second favorite meal there. I'll get my favorite one Sunday at lunch. 

After that, we rode around and looked at Christmas decorations, but not before we went to Wendy's and ordered a frosty. Yeah, we're bad like that. Then it was time for home and rest.

What's Not Good about That?

Thursday morning I was in the pool kicking butt and taking names. Not really, but I felt a little more fit. And it is nice not to have to jump out and hurry home to get ready for work. I swam

  1,850 41:30

  5 X 25 no breath

  25 breast

  3 X 50 back

  50 easy

  total: 2,200 yards

I guess you can tell that I am working on basic fitness, trying to rebuild the base. The shoulder is feeling good, and I am swimming a bit better. I hope to keep building and Plate City is set up to give me the best dryland experience possible. I should be able to get fit enough for the State Senior Olympics and the State Games of Mississippi, not to mention the Heart O' Dixie Triathuuhlon and the mystery event that I have not yet announced.

After lunch, I went Christmas shopping and got a lot done. I bought a gift. Sometimes one is a lot. Then back home, I did not go out on the road. Instead, I rested then went to Plate City. I ran on the treadmill, did light shoulder work, and punched Bob, the heavy bag, and the speed bag. On the TM, I ran 2.55 miles. Also I worked the skierg for the second time this week. The skierg is gold for swimming, but I have a love/hate relationship with that thing. It hurts so good/bad. Sometimes I just stand there and stare at it knowing I need to work on it but instead searching my mind for an excuse not to. 

*Sigh. 

Sometimes I can be wimpy like that. But I did it. It was a good day. I shopped, I drank coffee, and petted cats, I trained. What's not good about that?

I Have Plans Yet

What I didn't tell you yesterday was that I went to Plate City after I arrived home from the sit down with the old buds, Charlie and Lynn. I did push and pull along with some treadmill running to bookend the swimming I did at the beginning of the day. So that was one full and enjoyable day.

Wednesday morning I hit the pool just a little bit harder than I have of late. I swam

  1,800

  4 X 25 no breath

  100 back

  total: 2,000 yards

CC is giving me the treatment again so Luvie has been hanging out with me. He needs some love and has been neglected for a long time due to CC's ways. She is too much. Often I don't have the emotional energy to deal with her. She wants me to woo her. She takes a lot of wooing, sometimes more than I have.

Since it rained all day and half the night Wednesday, I spent a good bit of time at the gym setting up Bob, watching sports TV about Mike Leach, and working out. I ran another 2.83 miles. Who is Bob? you ask. Punching Bob, the new addition to Plate City. I will make a little video and post it on my YouTube. I filled him with 150 pounds of sand. Yeehaa. Plate City is more gooder than ever. And I have plans yet. Thank you, Jesus.

The Old Trio Together Again

Two or three of you might be wondering why I didn't post yesterday. I did not because I had a full day planned. This was the long-awaited day that I would travel to Flowood to get up with the other two-thirds of the unholy trinity, the crazy three, the bad boys from back in the day. I was to meet Charlie Turner and Lynn Watts for a sit down and a meal. This would be the first time the three of us had been together in about forty-seven or forty-eight years.

Before leaving for Flowood, however, I went to the pool and got a swim in. I did

  1,650

  3 X 25 no breath

  75 back

  total: 1,800 yards

I carried my day's clothing with me to the pool so I could leave from there. And I did. Leaving the pool, I headed south and did not stop until I got to Madison, where I picked up something new for Plate City. Then I continued my journey south. I made it to Walmart in Flowood where I thought we were to meet. Charlie showed up and after a bit Lynn texted and wanted to know where we were. Turns out, we, Charlie and I, were in the wrong town. The meetup had been set for Brandon, but somehow my mind mixed it up. I'm good like that.

To make a short story, long, Lynn travelled to Flowood, and the terrible trio were together again. Anyway, it did not take long to see that we would never leave the parking lot if I didn't say, "Let's go somewhere. I'm hungry." We might still be there talking about the old days. 

I had a hard time getting these guys on the road.

So we finally got a move on and drove west to Logan's where we were able to sit down, eat a steak, and have some good laughs. I ordered the 22 ounce porterhouse because they didn't have a 24 ouncer. I can't recount for you what we talked about. The Fifth Ammenment to the United States constitution says I don't have to incriminate myself so I won't. But I will say there was some talk about dragging an aluminum boat down an asphalt road at high speed. Bear in mind, in those days, air-conditioning in pickup trucks was a rare thing so the windows were down, and I recalled not being able to hear much for weeks afterwards.

We spent another half hour in the parking lot after our meal.

There was also some talk of a 12-gauge shotgun going off three times in an upscale neighborhood of Greenwood, of some fast spinning out and running stop signs getting away, and wondering how we didn't go to jail. Amazingly, several stories were told that I didn't know. When I protested that I was not there for those events, both of my old buddies vowed I was. Well, there is a reason I have amnesia about a lot of the past.

Hal Flowers came up. We hung out with him a little bit. Thank the good Lord we weren't together too much or we would have some long police records. He is the only person who rivalled Charlie Turner when it came to crazy. Lynn asked if we knew what became of him. You should have seen the look on Lynn's face when I said, "He's an infectious disease doctor at the hospital," I pointed west towards St. Dominic's.

I had to ask one question of Lynn. I already knew the answer, but I wanted confimation. I think I was absent the night Charlie and Lynn took to chopping down road signs with machetees. In those days, road signs were on wooden posts. Because of my friends, they are now on metal posts. I figure it was Charlie's suggestion because he was always had the best ideas. When I asked whose idea it was, Lynn pointed at Charlie. Poor Lynn. He would not have done half the bad stuff he did if it were not for me and CT. He was hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Now we are already thinking of when and where to get together again. We are not only thinking, but thanking. At least I am. Thank God we survived it all and even became solid citizens. That's what Jesus can do with the worst of us. Thank you, Lord.

12/5 - 12/11

Week 49 of 2022 was a decent one for training. I finished a semester at school and got a leg up on my marathon training (pun intended). Not only that, but I mowed the back lawn, took some naps, and set up a rendevouz for next week with the terrible trio. 

Monday started with 1,400 in the pool. Then after a long day at work, I shuffled 5.32 miles.

The pool numbers were the same Tuesday although the practice was different. T was there and we hit some hard 50s. On the road, I shuffled 3.3 miles, and at the gym I lifted weights.

I busted out 1,700 yards Wednesday and ran 5.3 miles. On top of all of that, it was leg day at Plate City, and I had no pitty on my spindly chicken sticks.

Thursday morning Tyler and I swam another 1,400 yards but with even more fast 50s than Tuesday. I only shuffled 1.33 miles, however, because of all the stress my skinny calves took the night before.

Friday was an adventure run in the triangle in Carroll County. I shuffled 18.51 miles. Since that is kind of a lot for me, I did nothing else that day and night.

Since I had some sore stuff after my long run, I crossed running off the agenda for Saturday. I did go to the gym and work my full body. We had a Christmas party that night and of course I ate too much. But it was still a pretty solid training block.

For the week, I

  swam 5,390 meters,

  lifted weights three times, and

  ran 33.76 miles

That is not bad. The swimming volume is still too low, but it is easing up, which is the only way I can get it up right now. I really need to start training in the water rather than doing just a little swimming. I have several things on the horizon for this summer that involve a strong swim. There is the State Senior Olympics, the State Games of Mississippi, the Heart O' Dixie Triathuuhlon, and a mystery event that I have yet to unveil to the public. Stay tuned for an announcement on that not long into the new year.

Free Friday

I woke up Friday morning knowing I had a day to hit the road and build some fitness. That's my kind of attitude, oportunity. I already had a plan. The plan was to drive to Carrollton, park at Dollar General, and make another run from there. This time, however, I would go inland, go into the heart of the big triangle, the huge expanse of wild country between Highways 17 on the west, 35 on the east, and 430 on the south. I was running by 9:02 a.m.

In less than a mile, I had turned off Highway 17 and into the triangle, onto County Road 211. Having studied Google Maps, I had an idea about some of the roads in this area. My plan was to just run south on 211 and get a view of the roads that peel off of it.

What kind of image is this?

One of the first things that stood out to me was the tree above. To me, it is a stunning image of death. Standing there all alone, with an old lightening scar and no leaves, it looks aged and dead. Certainly it is aged. Dead? I think not.

I shuffled on until the road turned gravel. Then I began to feel that spirit of adventure. The road constantly twisted, turned, rose, fell. What is around the next bend?

County Road 211 after the rain stopped.

For the first couple of hours it rained lightly on me. The weather was warm enough that getting wet was not a concern. In fact, the drizzle gave me just a touch of cooling and made for near perfect running conditions.

I crossed several creeks and took a picture of each one. You know what crossing a creek means, don't you? It means you go down hill for a long way and then you go uphill for a long way. Good training if you can take it.

One of several I crossed, Pelucia I think.

About seven miles in, I entered a new section. I started coming upon old homesteads, and I mean old. Most of these looked like they were built in the late 1800s or the early 20th century. When people back then build homes in rural Carroll County, they were not constructing weekend houses or hunting camps. They were trying to eke out a living. How did these people get their start? Even though land was cheep back then, it wasn't free. What bank would loan money to a man who owned nothing but two hands and an axe several thousand dollars to buy land he had to clear by hand and farm with mules?

One of several old, abandoned houses
 I photographed.

Around eight miles, I came upon some horses and an interesting-looking barn. I took a couple of photos and then noticed an elderly black man observing me from his yard across the road. He was the first person I had seen in an hour or more.

I love that barn. And the horses must have never seen
someone coming down the road on foot.

I walked over into his yard and attempted to talk to him. He was very interested in where I was from, and he seemed suspicious of me. I guess they don't get many visitors out here, and the fact that I took a photo of his horses apparently made him wary. I asked him how far it was to Highway 430. When he told me it was about five miles, I knew that was too far for me to get there and back. So I left and when on about another mile and turned around at 9.17 miles and headed back the way I had come.

How many kids grew up in that house? Where are they now?
Are their memories good or bad?

On the way back, I began to notice coyote doo doo all over the road. I also took pictures of the road signs so when I got home, I could check out Google Maps and know more about where I wanted to run next time. Around mile 17 things began to get tough for me. They always do. To make a short story long, I limped in for 18.51 miles. Slow. They were slow miles, but I did them, I had fun, and I am going back for more. What did I learn? I learned there is a whole lot of land and some interesting views in the triangle. I want to see them all.

Invisible Ink

It finally happened, we received the announcemnt that we (our department) were through, had finished our duties, and could call off our vigil of standing by our phones. They did reach out and touch us Wednesday and make us do something we had never done before. But Thursday midmorning we got word that the armastice had been signed, the war was over, and we could go back to our lives. Thank you Jesus.

I did, against advice, got to the pool first thing. I even met Tyler there and we swam

  700

  10 X 50 r 20

  200

  total: 1,400 yards

That was a real practice. I went home afterwards and drank coffee, waited, wonderiing what they could do to prolong the semester. I went out for a short run, a very short one of 1.33 miles. Remember, I shuffled 5.3 the day before and on the squat did four sets of doubles at 80% of one-rep max with only 30 seconds rest between each set. There was other stuff also. In short, I was proud I could walk much less shuffle a slow mile.

Then I sold a couple of small pieces of exercise equipment. The next few sentences are written in invisible ink. If you can read them, then you are not my wife. Selling a bench, a weight tree, and a heavy bag (plus I gave away a Total Gym) means I have some coins and some room for new equipment. I know what you are thinking: how could you possibly need more exercise equipment? Believe me, need has nothing to do with it.

I spent most of the afternoon taking naps and hanging out with CC. She has been insatiable of late. We had a Ministers' and Wives' banquet that night at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. When we arrived, we saw Larry's trailer (Larry's Fish House) parked next to the Family Life Center. That meant a good night was going to be a great one. We just ate and fellowshipped and found it highly enjoyable.

When we got home, I went to bed and slept like a rotten log on a river bank. I woke up with a wet T-shirt. When I sleep really well, I always sweat a lot. Anyone else do that? So, you can probably tell that it was a nice today. What will this one hold? As much as I can fill it with. 

A Full Day

After Tuesday's swim practice with the Forty-Lap Kid, I took it easy in the pool Wednesday morning. By easy, I mean I dialed the intensity down, but I went up in the volume department. I swam

  1,500

  4 X 50 back

  total: 1,700

That's a practice, and in between two sessions of intensity, it should move me down the fitness road a little bit. Two sessions? Yeah, I am assuming another tough practice Thursday morning.

After breakfast and blogging, I went out for a little shuffle going 5.3 miles. This weather is great. Finally, we are back to Mississippi winters. I began to doubt they would ever return.

I did some napping and school work after lunch. We never finish anymore. There is always something else to do. But, I do have some time. And for me, time is worth a lot more than money.

Around 4:00 p.m., I went to Plate City Gym. It was leg day/night. I did squats, standing and seated calf raises, leg extensions, and leg curls. To aid recovery, I took a protein shake immediately after the gym, then thirty minutes later ate an omelette. Thirty minutes after that, I drank a glass of milk. Protein in. I tried to get plenty of sleep, but I might have failed in that regard.

So it was a good day. I achieved three solid workouts, rested some, and spent time with Pee Wee and the cats. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

A Real Practice

"Z, let's start slow, but kick it back in gear in the pool, if you feeling up to it." That was Big T, Tyler Kirk, my training partner. I needed that message and the kicking it back in gear has begun. Slow, yes, but it has begun.

We met Tuesday morning at the little pool. The practice, a real one, went like this:

  600

  6 X 50 r 15

  200 easy

  3 X 50 r 15

  150 cool down

  total: 1,400 yards

The 50s I found tough. I'm not in shape, not in competition shape anyway. After three on the second set, I declared myself done. I didn't want anymore. It is amazing how that works. I can swim for hours up and down that pool, but as soon as it turns to fast 50s on a short rest, it's not long before I want out, before I want to go home and see my cats. But as T said, "It's a start."

At work, we are in exams. I ususally turn into a shepherd, looking for wild sheep. Enough about that. I did get off and went home and shuffled for 3.3 miles. Then I took some rest before going to Plate City Gym.

At the gym, I did push and pull, spent time with Pee Wee, and just generally enjoyed the outdoors. The huge trees that populate our neighbohood, are beautiful when slightly backlit by a darkening winter sky. These views never get old. Soon I will be hearing geese in the sky above. Life is good. Thank you, Jesus.

Sometimes Nothing Is a Pretty Big Something

I'm starting to feel more like my shoulder is almost well. I say "almost" because I am not sure it will ever be 100%. But I'll do what I can do. I did what I could do Monday morning. I swam 

  1,100

  2 X 25 no breath

  2 X 50 stiff

  3 X 50 back

  total:1,400 yards

That was an actual practice. An easy on, no doubt, but a practice.

After that, I had a pretty long day at work. Exams. Yeah, always a big party. Will I be public shamed this semester for doing my job? If I get a Missing Grades email (sent to everyone who works for the school) when grades are not yet due, I might

I ran in the dark with my new flashlight. Flashlights are a lot better than they were back in the day. They are, however, still undependable after a few uses. I went 5.32 miles and enjoyed myself. I even ran out Money Road after full darnkness. Not far, but I crossed the bridge into the darkness and went a bit north. There is a feeling that comes with the annonymity of darkness. I love it. 

Not a bad start to a tough week. Just a few more days and then, I am off for a few weeks. I need the time. Rest, training, cats, family, friends, nothing. Yes, sometimes nothing is a pretty big something.

11/28 - 12/4

The end of a semester is always a difficult time for college teachers for English teachers. That's one reason I try to bust out a big one during Thanksgiving break. During the last two weeks of the semester, I go into survival mode. That includes training. Right now I am giving an exam. I will grade and enter grades and thow fits. But the end is near.

Monday I swam 800 yards. If memory serves me correctly, having to take care of necessary business was what knocked a dent into that practice. After work-- my long day, remember-- I shuffled 3.34 miles.

Tuesday morning Tyler and I met up at the pool. I swam 1,200. He swam more. Then I shuffled 1.98 on the treadmill while I lifted both push and pull that evening. 

By Wednesday morning, I was feeling a little bit like a swimmer again. Thus I went a whole 1,250 yards. On the road, I lasted 2.45 miles. Not big numbers, but numbers nevertheless.

Thursday found me in stride, or in stroke, maybe I should say. I swam a whopping 1,300 before scurrying off to work. After work, I lifted some more and shuffled 1.49 miles.

Friday, I had to wait until after my Social Security appointment to go out for my long run. I did 17.85 miles out Money Road and back then went to the parade with Penny. Yeah, I'm dutiful like that. 

Saturday was big shopping with Penny. I ran 1.05 miles in a parking lot. That may not be much, but it reminded my legs that they are always on call even after and really long run.

For the week, I

  swam 4,149 meters,

  skiergged 6:05 minutes,

  lifted weights two times, and

  ran 28.16 miles

That wasn't too bad for the end of the semester. One more week of getting by and then I will train in a Randy-Beetsdown fashion. Yeah, I'm vengeful like that. Forgive me, Lord.

Give Me that Cookie Now

Friday morning, I drank coffee from my new mug and waited on a phone call. The call came in right on time. It was my Social Security appointment. Yeah, I am that age, about to start drawing. Retire? I am taking that one year at a time. Right now, I plan to keep working.

I also plan to keep working out. After my phone call, I dressed and headed out the door for some road work. Since I had that delay, I went out Money Road, 9.11 miles before I turned around. I was wanting to drive somewhere and do some exploring on foot. But I have a break coming soon, and that is at the top of my list. I actually have a list. My goal is to check them off one by one.

It was not a particularly strong run for run. Over the last two miles I walked a bit. When I made it home, I had 17.85 miles of running on my legs. It was 3:15, Penny was home, and she was ready to go to the parade. Yeah, that. I did it. Give me a cookie.

Friends, Cats, and a New Mug

For the second day in a row, I didn't do much. But I did do something. A couple of somethings. Tyler cancelled on the pool, but I went alone and did a straight swim. I went 1,300, which is pretty much all I can do and still get to work on time. Then at school, we had a good day. We had our faculty/staff Christmas luncheon and dirty Santa party. It was nice, and I got a good gift: some candy, coffee, and a mug that I am drinking coffee out of now. I had to steal it from BK, but the good thing is, I think everyone was happy with what they wound up with.

Even though I did full body Tuesday, I decided to workout again Thursday evening. I did full upper body. Usually, I space weight workouts 72 hours apart for the same muscle group. But hey, I'm bad like that. I can handle it. I ran on the treadmill and hung out with Pee Wee. It was chilly but cozy out there. I had fun to top off a nice, full day.

Now we are down to one more week. During the break, I plan to do lots of training, lots of cat petting, and lots of coffee drinking. I want to go back and see my aunt again, and drive down and get up with Charlie Turner and Lynn Watts. That should be something special. Thank you, Jesus. Life is good with friends, cats, and a new mug.

Violent Cats

I'm taking it kind of easy this week. I swam again Wednesday morning. My shoulder is better. It has not been popping as much or as loud. It was popping so loud that people nearby would turn around and look when I moved and my shoulder sounding like a large stick breaking. That loosness apparently happened when I took that fall on Friday while I was out on a long run. I fell down and landed hard on my right shoulder. I have re-aggrivated it a couple of times since, but now it seems that I am on the mend. I swam 1,250 straight with some multi-pacing and backstroke interspersed. 

Since I hit all body parts Tuesday afternoon, I did not go to Plate City Wednesday. I did go for a short, easy run of 2.45 miles. After I went to bed, I had three of the cats all over me. It was great. Until they became violent with each other. Then, not so much.