tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26363045315424717172024-03-06T00:22:06.728-05:00Mile Challenge 2010<br>
<b>1 mile = 5,280 feet / 1,760 yards / 1,609.344 meters / 1.609344 kilometers
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From the brilliant minds that brought you Bacon Challenge '08 comes a new challenge of a different variety. Run a mile a day ... or at least average that over the 365 days known as 2010.</b>WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-5878514060764232202011-01-02T00:57:00.000-05:002011-01-02T00:57:16.701-05:00and so it ends...<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">As great as optimism is, it can't alone achieve a goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;">142 days ago, in the throws of a beautiful <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city> summer, I imparted this optimistic outlook: "I just joined the challenge...August 11. That means I need to hit 365 miles in 142 days...some quick math tells me that is 2.57 per day, everyday. Totally doable."</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">I did not hit my goal. I whittled it down to just 150.49 miles to go, but still, I fell short. But as all good New Year's should be, it is a time for renewal and moving on. 2010 is done but my mile challenge will be renewed. As I embark on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://applechallenge2011.blogspot.com/">The Great Apple Quest of 2011</a>, I will also try to hit my mile challenge the right way. All running, all year. 365 in 365. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Bring it on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-82090643163985184772011-01-01T13:05:00.001-05:002011-01-01T22:21:48.864-05:00And That's ThatSo another year ends, and with it another challenge. A tough year, with only 8 of 31 participants meeting the goal of 365 miles. I know some who weren't happy with their 2010 performance will be trying to redeem themselves in 2011 by putting in another attempt at 365 over the next 365. Good luck to them.<br />
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A special shout of kudos to Speedy and Mary who made a mad sprint at the end and hit goal. Way to power through the end, you two.<br />
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Thanks to all the fans and participants for a great year. Hope it was worthwhile and perhaps even a little fun. And in case anybody was wondering what's up for 2011, I've got an answer for you ... apples. 365 apples in 365 days. It's Apple Challenge 2011! You can find out more here: <a href="http://www.applechallenge2011.blogspot.com/" target="blank">http://www.applechallenge2011.blogspot.com</a>. Hope to see you there.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-78747959719327980182010-11-29T11:03:00.010-05:002010-11-29T11:23:04.345-05:0033 More DaysSeems as our milein' has pretty much started to fizzle. Other than a couple of participants, most have either hit their goal or given up. Those of you still trying to hit the goal in the next 33 days (Vicki, Mary, Carly and k.ry!), keep on going. As for the others, well perhaps we should start thinking about whether we want a challenge for 2011 or if we should take a year off.<br />
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Maybe back to food again like in the bacon-y glory days of <a href="http://www.baconchallenge.blogspot.com/" target="blank">2008</a>? Or perhaps something like this <a href="http://freefashionchallenge.com/about-3" target="blank">Free Fashion Challenge</a> that some folks came up with? Personally I'm not sure that not buying any new clothes would be much of a challenge for me, but I'm sure for some this would be quite torturous. Anyway, do some thinking. 2011 is creeping up on us.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-18024604317917751842010-11-08T19:23:00.000-05:002010-11-08T19:23:45.332-05:00Running for Health, Running for LifeOne of the biggest, most publicized runs, the New York Marathon, was this past weekend. This marathon always attracts people far and wide and there are always famous folks or key 'celebrities' running. From Jared the Subway fanatic to <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/11/07/from-a-mine-to-a-marathon-edison-pena-completes-the-nyc-marathon/">Edison Peña</a>, the Chilean miner, there is always a person of interest (to someone, somewhere).<br />
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I find it fascinating that running can bring people together so splendidly. There are oodles of articles about running, focusing not only on the benefits but the pitfalls too. Perusing the headlines, I found this article in the NY Times: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/05/27/health/MARATHON_VOICES.html?ref=nutrition">Running Voices</a>, an interative tour of runners from all backgrounds, highlighting their motivations.<br />
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My motivation for being a sometimes runner is so I can enjoy the finer things in life (i.e. food and wine) without paying too dearly on my waistline. <br />
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Whatever your motivation I think it helps to learn about why people do it. What motivates someone to run 26.2 miles, often many times over? What motivates someone to just take that first step.<br />
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Here is Cleveland there are quite a few fun runs that bring people together. In November I am looking forward not only to the <a href="http://hermescleveland.com/roadracing/turkeytrot/index.php">Turkey Trot</a> Thanksgiving Day morning but also the <a href="http://hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/pigskin.asp">Pigskin Classic</a> that occurs the morning of the classic Ohio State vs. Univ. of Michigan football game. <br />
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My run today put me just over the 200 mile mark (202.71 to be exact) for the year. Not terrible considering I started in August but I still have a LONG way to go. I will use the motivation of my fellow runners to keep me on pace and help me achieve my goal.<br />
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What motivates you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-28456165298670371972010-10-08T08:28:00.000-04:002010-10-08T08:28:07.414-04:00falling behind...When I first began this challenge, I figured eh, this is easy. I will hit my mile quota in like two months – I bike everywhere and even run occasionally! Pretty sure I can’t blame this on lack of entering miles, I am just progressing slowly. At 141.1 miles I still have 223.9 to go. <br />
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No time like the present to get back on the bandwagon. I ran last night, 3 miles; it was perfect working out weather. Tonight, post work, I am going to head down the towpath towards Peninsula. With 84 days to go I need to hit 2.67 mi/day. I am still confident I will meet this challenge but I had better start focusing on my health (winter storage is upon us) and my miles during this beautiful Cleveland fall.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-65640114992643742872010-09-20T22:28:00.002-04:002010-09-21T09:23:33.538-04:00BOMFHere's a pretty interesting story about how a pair of running shoes, some goals and a little bit of support can make a difference: <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/2727178,CST-NWS-run20.article" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;" target="blank">Jogging Program Helps People Get Lives On Track Again</a> It all goes beyond fitness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>To learn more about the woman who thought this all up, the folks who make the plan a reality and interesting details, check out <a href="http://backonmyfeet.org/" target="blank">backonmyfeet.org</a>.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-30725850447894009782010-09-15T22:23:00.001-04:002010-09-17T15:33:39.480-04:00Sunday 5KI went for a short run this afternoon. The first in a long time. It went OK, but despite all of the rowing and biking I've been doing, I'm definitely out of practice in the running department which sucks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5BA8CkLN-qZzWXtlwWKAKrhSTn-UY3jX_cBU8Yd_PAtkW4fMeBM5Hnn0Pnc3HNAtjEaHtwPAOuJWVn9Ynmt74sIUbLKuRlAHlTcsUrjGNHTvBzKYl5hDHUkhAhNSdu6CXOFh9p72oxQ/s1600/homer_running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5BA8CkLN-qZzWXtlwWKAKrhSTn-UY3jX_cBU8Yd_PAtkW4fMeBM5Hnn0Pnc3HNAtjEaHtwPAOuJWVn9Ynmt74sIUbLKuRlAHlTcsUrjGNHTvBzKYl5hDHUkhAhNSdu6CXOFh9p72oxQ/s200/homer_running.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>After today's two miles I still need to average 2.666 miles a day to hit the 365 mark. That's a lot of running but I guess you can't really have a Mile Challenge without the word Challenge so I'm going to see what I can do about getting there.<br />
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That said, I think I may do a 5K on Sunday despite my unprepared status. Any Clevelanders care to join? Here are the details: <a href="http://www.ignatius.edu/s/237/images/editor_documents/5K%20Run%20for%20Murph.pdf" target="blank">St. Ignatius Run for Murph</a>*<br />
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Perhaps I'll see you there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/runformurph.asp"></a><br />
*The Murph that this run honors is from this awful story: <a href="http://www.fox8.com/wjw-friends-devastated-by-atv-accident-txt,0,2214855.story">http://www.fox8.com/wjw-friends-devastated-by-atv-accident-txt,0,2214855.story</a> Sorry to be all depressing, but that's the reality. Look back to Homer. He'll cheer you up again. Oh, and all proceeds raised from the race will go towards a scholarship in Dan's name.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-19500975625331457982010-09-14T23:01:00.003-04:002010-09-15T11:47:01.126-04:00HOTCuyahogaSo I mentioned this via e-mail to some, but figured I should get it out the rest of the world as well.<br />
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This Saturday, September 18 I'll be doing some rowing in Cleveland's fall regatta -- The Head of the Cuyahoga. This is the 15th Annual so you know it's legit. Or something like that.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRtRcVo4JjRkgAjcCGXDI1vRzPNmO9MsTv9OIPYacAjjMVeniKrznrC8p-9JA8-jK8_s_m6mKWmWLhusN7KzprM1IAcpYyCSoM5EMCbOBNiQc77ATffkRihtc_3dqlF9Yeje85eabguk/s1600/crooked+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRtRcVo4JjRkgAjcCGXDI1vRzPNmO9MsTv9OIPYacAjjMVeniKrznrC8p-9JA8-jK8_s_m6mKWmWLhusN7KzprM1IAcpYyCSoM5EMCbOBNiQc77ATffkRihtc_3dqlF9Yeje85eabguk/s320/crooked+river.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mighty Cuyahoga<br />
Photo Courtesy of the National Archives<br />
<a href="http://www.archives.gov/research/american-cities" target="blank">http://www.archives.gov/research/american-cities</a>/</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fellow Mile Challenger Gavin will be participating as well. We're in a 4+ race at 10:30am but in separate boats and then we'll be together in an 8+, in the last race of the day at 2:40pm.<br />
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I just wanted to throw out an invite to come on down and watch some boats go by. There will be over 1,000 rowers and over 250 boats, ranging from high school kids to old veterans.<br />
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In other cities like Boston and Philadelphia people actually go watch races and hang out along the river and party it up. Cleveland? Not so much. That said, I figured I would send out the invite and try to build up Cleveland's drunken, boat watching population. Support Cleveland and support the riverfront and support the great outdoors. Bring some food and some drinks and hang out in the fresh, fall air. Or don't bring food if you don't want ... <a href="http://www.dimanddensum.com/" target="_blank">Dim and Den Sum</a> will be there providing food as needed!<br />
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Admittedly rowing isn't always the most exciting thing in the world, but look at this random blog post I found from someone who was at the Head of the Charles: <a href="http://inquestoftherobot.blogspot.com/2007/10/sort-of-like-catalina-magnet-high.html" target="_blank">http://inquestoftherobot.blogspot.com/2007/10/sort-of-like-catalina-magnet-high.html</a> See? You don't need to like or even understand rowing to hang out and have fun. Look at all of those idiots on the banks in Boston. That goes on for like three miles. People everywhere just rockin' out. <br />
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Oh, and if you get a good vantage point, and you get lucky, sometimes rowing on the Cuyahoga gets full contact enough to bring some thrill to your day: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc0v9vGy9TQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc0v9vGy9TQ</a><br />
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The course begins at the West 3rd Street Bridge and finishes down by the red swing bridge at Center Street. The first race starts at 8:00am and the last race starts at 3:10pm. <br />
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So there you go. That's your invite. If you'd like to roll on by that would be cool. If not, no harm done. <br />
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Here's a little promo video too: <a href="http://www.clevelandrows.org/HOTCVideo.wmv" target="_blank">http://www.clevelandrows.org/HOTCVideo.wmv</a> If you look carefully you might just spot someone you know (psssst, it's me! And Gavin! Fancy!!).WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-19500212786263696562010-09-10T23:51:00.004-04:002010-09-11T00:00:36.217-04:00Keg DashMan, it's been awhile.<br />
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That's OK though. We're hacking through the year, doing our thing. Some are succeeding, many are failing. It seems that bacon was a more enjoyable challenge than doing a mile a day. Even swaying from the initial plan of running, it's still tough business. Who would've guessed? There is still time though, so don't be a quitter. <br />
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Anyway, I thought I should mention a happening going on this Sunday, September 12 here in Cleveland for those of you conveniently located. Or not. The Buckeye Keg Dash. You may remember in a <a href="http://milechallenge.blogspot.com/2010/01/nutrition-assistance.html" target="blank">previous post</a> the mention of Buckeye Beer Engine. Well this is an event organized by them and it involves a combo of great things: biking, beer and charity.<br />
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In short, you ride to the Buckeye Brewery (which I've never been to), tour the brewery, pack up a keg of India Black Ale that someone will tow behind their bike, ride to Beer Engine (a 25-35 minute bike ride), pay $10 which goes to a cool charity <a href="http://acbcohio.org/" target="blank">(Aluminum Cans for Burned Children)</a> and then get a pint of the India Black Ale. Delicious I'm sure.<br />
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Here is a flyer with the details: <a href="http://www.buckeyebeerengine.com/ACBC%20FLYER%202010.pdf" target="blank">http://www.buckeyebeerengine.com/ACBC%20FLYER%202010.pdf</a>WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-89244879517408184832010-08-30T10:41:00.000-04:002010-08-30T10:41:50.519-04:00biking for miles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETrZIEJ0qw02QL7gBIgslGR4TZ5Ubt6sJU_LWJe_V6YFH6oXEsSORcC0-7IIPkdi7Su7lyCSbTi78RcRnvYrRHhYV0fR5_EB7mXsV2NFGTZhSjn6o4uAaLLlH3xJ_q35KSuysRFkC0gY/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETrZIEJ0qw02QL7gBIgslGR4TZ5Ubt6sJU_LWJe_V6YFH6oXEsSORcC0-7IIPkdi7Su7lyCSbTi78RcRnvYrRHhYV0fR5_EB7mXsV2NFGTZhSjn6o4uAaLLlH3xJ_q35KSuysRFkC0gY/s320/IMG_4810.JPG" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a> I love biking. It is a quick and easy way to get places and great exercise too! For those of you who are not as comfortable nagivating the streets I recommend joining your local Critical Mass. Here in Cleveland, at least, our <a href="http://shawnmariani.com/ccm/">Critical Mass</a> isn't too into anarchy and only break some traffic laws. This past Friday we logged 16 miles on a beautiful evening before ending our trip at Whiskey Island where we enjoyed a Red Stripe Tall Boy and an amazing sunset! Give it a whirl!<br />
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270.6 miles to go.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-4816724616196940172010-08-29T01:16:00.002-04:002010-08-29T01:20:06.946-04:00QuestionSo, I've been pretty strict about only counting my running miles. Obviously, with my 94 miles, this strict, by-the-book attitude has really been working for me. Anyway, I bike and ellipticize at the gym and do other stuff sometimes, but I was trying to run all my miles. I think I'm going to relax my personal rules, which brings me to my question. I was in NYC today, and wore a pedometer, just for funsies. It says I walked 4.7 miles over a 4 hour period. Should I count it? And if I do, am I really just cheating myself?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-84129049471477820042010-08-25T11:10:00.000-04:002010-08-25T11:10:25.678-04:00Mapping out exerciseYesterday I had an overwhelming desire to go running. It is a strange yearning considering I incessantly talk about running being the absolute pits - it's only purpose being exercise and there are so many other forms that are far more fun - yet there it was, I needed to run.<br />
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I live near the entrance to Edgewater Park in Cleveland, a nice path under the Shoreway drops me right into the entrance. Considering I have not ran in months I elected to take the lesser man's route by staying on the lower half and not navigating the killer hill that connects the lower and upper portions. To make up for my laziness I ran the lower loop twice. Of course, my Nike+iPod was not synching so I ran without my mileage tracking. As I was running and when I got home my mileage weighed heavily on my mind...how far did I go?!?<br />
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Today, I have been scouring the web for trail information. Attention <a href="http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/TransSysDev/MultiModalPlanning/bicycle/Pages/default.aspx">ODOT</a>/<a href="http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/2/parkmaps/clevelandparkmap.pdf">ODNR</a>: Your lack of trail information is astounding. Where is the mileage information?!? <a href="http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113013902972751447367.00048ea72d93fae99c977&ll=41.492523,-81.726179&spn=0.007088,0.012939&z=16">Google Maps</a> failed. <a href="http://www.runningmap.com/?id=215311">RunningMap</a> failed. None of them actually map out the interior or Edgewater. While Google Maps actually shows the interior of the park, it will not actually allow me to just map it out. Le Sigh. <br />
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So, my overwhelming desire to run made me happy and I did it. I THINK I ran 2.6 miles, not bad for someone who has elected to ignore running since March but it is pretty sad that lack of basic technology and information is still an exerciser's dilemma.<br />
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305.1 miles to go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-47570596790663042612010-08-12T08:47:00.000-04:002010-08-12T08:47:40.438-04:00The mile-a-thon beginsDay one was pretty successful and motivating. I am glad this challenge was opened up to miles other than running; I have tried and tried but running is just the pits. Instead, I biked up to <a href="http://www.shopdaystar.com/">Daystar</a> with my friend. While their website is lame and the store was packed, the ride up Detroit Ave. was a breeze. The <a href="http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=1241+W+69th+St,+Cleveland,+Ohio+44102&daddr=Daystar+near+Lakewood,+OH&hl=en&geocode=FdMNeQIddN4g-ynPVqSDS_AwiDGIj6Ctd2Uklw%3BFWIEeQId_5Uf-yECUMga_aA7Pyn7eqO5ZvIwiDEeEylgR_xk_A&mra=ltm&dirflg=b&sll=41.48434,-81.77415&sspn=0.056712,0.103512&ie=UTF8&ll=41.484277,-81.774158&spn=0.056712,0.103512&z=13&lci=bike">route</a> is direct and roads are wide enough to comfortably ride. 9.8 miles later, it was a nice city ride.<br />
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Yikes! also had a soccer game. I would imagine I ran a mile after talking with Bill but do I count it? I think I had better, I have a deficit to make up. 354.2 miles to go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-37351585293311344392010-08-11T10:00:00.000-04:002010-08-11T10:00:28.938-04:00Can I do it?Good day, all. I just joined the challenge...August 11. That means I need to hit 365 miles in 142 days...some quick math tells me that is 2.57 per day, everyday. Totally doable. <br />
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I assume I have hit at least the 100 mi. mark already with my biking, etc but who's counting. I am not planning on back dating miles, just taking what I've got going forward. <br />
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Onward ho.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-10368850629650144632010-08-11T09:13:00.000-04:002010-08-11T09:13:54.603-04:00Thumbs Down To The GymSeems like most of us doing the Challenge are already fans of the great outdoors already. But in case you needed some additional motivation, here is some scientific proof that pumping out some miles outside is more helpful to the body <i>and</i> mind than trying to do the same thing inside: <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Ditch-the-gym-and-go-jogging-to-boost-energy/articleshow/6287761.cms" target="blank">Ditch The Gym And Go Jogging To Boost Energy</a>WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-61294384274875217422010-08-08T10:22:00.002-04:002010-08-08T10:25:16.184-04:00Another Mile Challenge Met...Congratulations to Gav! I'm too lazy to figure out exactly when gav met the challenge, but it definitely occurred before 8/8!<br /><br />Rock On!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-74844155753106193112010-07-31T18:21:00.000-04:002010-07-31T18:21:45.985-04:00You Know What Sucks?This blog.<br />
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We've got nothing happening here.<br />
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Man, it's sad.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-67372968007238869722010-07-15T23:18:00.000-04:002010-07-15T23:18:23.151-04:00Rollin' To Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJobVPDq_uMD2YrudEMC48wwjgRgE6xs6ou6kQlv-rnth0Sy9B6gij7zQZSIWVl8bV3jOpFtNgCCjo7j4lBJROUjtQvH_yKZoawZ5Waoe4VEGBTZcFi1r59beaxFy9wQKEseWCUGbgOeQ/s1600/old-timey-bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJobVPDq_uMD2YrudEMC48wwjgRgE6xs6ou6kQlv-rnth0Sy9B6gij7zQZSIWVl8bV3jOpFtNgCCjo7j4lBJROUjtQvH_yKZoawZ5Waoe4VEGBTZcFi1r59beaxFy9wQKEseWCUGbgOeQ/s200/old-timey-bike.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Another Challenger has hit the 365. This one is the one and only Noonan. All bike for this guy thanks to a knee that has seen a bit more abuse than most and no longer cares for the abuse of running. I wish I had something more witty to add, but today just isn't a witty day I guess. <br />
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Kudos, and keep on Milein'!WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-83112141537512057602010-07-14T13:55:00.003-04:002010-07-14T21:46:18.700-04:002 Mile ChallengeI just signed up for the <a href="http://2milechallenge.com/" target="blank">CLIF 2 Mile Challenge</a> the other day. Mile Challenge participant, Señor Noonan pointed out this potential add-on to our existent challenge so I figured what the hey. Afterall, I'm pedaling around anyway and this additional game is for a good cause (your choice of three) and there is a potential to win some stuff for your own greedy self as well. So sign on up. <br />
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According to my dashboard page, this past week alone I've saved 8.02 lbs. of CO2 from being blown into the air by riding instead of driving. You're welcome.<br />
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Video with some facts here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJxfb8V3Jcw" target="blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJxfb8V3Jcw</a>WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-3556928726180256652010-07-02T12:18:00.001-04:002010-07-02T12:18:00.110-04:00Two More At 365There's two more participants who have now that cherished "Challenge Met" status.<br />
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Todd (aka Tedd aka Dr. Hamm) has hit the 365 miles mark with a well-rounded combination of walking, running and biking.<br />
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Gavin has arrived at 365 with a solid balance of running and rowing. And it's his birthday too. Double achievement.<br />
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Kudos!WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-8546991586939992702010-07-02T07:44:00.005-04:002010-07-02T11:03:17.213-04:00Right In The Middle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnh8lE7Lf-7wHVLW1dTkikn7u0mpeACwtGJqucB8gbh21ixGaUtDS1S9Ovns9SP5WrMBByyM7E20T1uHfb5Qq8RBzqhj-M4-1L0zfzmyYIuA2_4cvcCTVp11ftRwjS9phPK6dV0UU9OA/s1600/half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnh8lE7Lf-7wHVLW1dTkikn7u0mpeACwtGJqucB8gbh21ixGaUtDS1S9Ovns9SP5WrMBByyM7E20T1uHfb5Qq8RBzqhj-M4-1L0zfzmyYIuA2_4cvcCTVp11ftRwjS9phPK6dV0UU9OA/s200/half.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Noon today, July 2 marks the halfway point of 2010. 182½ days down, 182½ remain.<br />
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If you're not on pace it's time to pick it up.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-72917563196307931142010-06-24T10:15:00.012-04:002010-06-24T23:05:05.440-04:00DashYou may or may not remember that <a href="http://milechallenge.blogspot.com/2010/02/like-modern-racing-attila-hun.html" target="blank">awhile back</a> some of the Clevelanders and I were getting ourselves all fired up about something called Warrior Dash. Well that was this past weekend and since nobody else has bothered to mention it, and I am in the middle of two loads of laundry I figured I would report.<br />
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First, because I like posting gross photos online I should mention that I wound up not doing the Dash. Not because my running hasn't been up to warrior levels (although that is the case) but rather due to injury. During a hard fought soccer playoff game I rolled my ankle and after getting up the next morning, flying to Tucson, AZ, driving to Mexico, walking around, playing two games of beach soccer (as goalie -- but still not smart), standing around at a three hour concert and stuffing myself with nothing but tacos and taco relatives, my foot looked like this: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKckQ-f1p5i4gcC-ccYf-USALtCtfcybP5RrrwTQSFTA4GA8UhsX9owJy5ZcOvO3-CAu11eMzdh6dMLXWB5Jj0mno3j9o3gKy5nHdhEuXjrwTlOZvFmRRKbYsfJkQ_oU9ozP7IvxJJBI/s1600/outside+of+foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKckQ-f1p5i4gcC-ccYf-USALtCtfcybP5RrrwTQSFTA4GA8UhsX9owJy5ZcOvO3-CAu11eMzdh6dMLXWB5Jj0mno3j9o3gKy5nHdhEuXjrwTlOZvFmRRKbYsfJkQ_oU9ozP7IvxJJBI/s400/outside+of+foot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Note the swelling has pretty much engulfed that knobby ankle bone. Cankles! That purple business wrapped all the way around my foot. I got quite a few funny looks at the pool.<br />
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Upon my return to the U.S. of A. I was diagnosed with a sprain, got a prescription for steroids and a cool air/gel cast. <br />
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The following weekend (June 19) was the Warrior Dash. And while I had to decline participation I did make the trek to Joliet, IL and got my T-shirt (which Andy B. promptly stole to add to his stash of my belongings he's collecting), my furry warrior helmet, my free beer, and some samples of sunflower seeds. More importantly I was a spectator which meant I got to hold everybody else's crap, motivate both friends and strangers with vocal abuse and take photos.<br />
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Everyone in my Warrior posse (4 of 5 are Mile Challengers) did well. They conquered the run, the mud, the hills, the cargo net, the fire, the hay bail mountain, giant puddles and more mud. I was impressed. <br />
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My spectating was mostly at the fire jump and the mud crawl portions. Pretty entertaining. In the mud people lost shoes and then had to fish for them in the muck, got shirts stuck on barbed wire, tackled friends and threw mud bombs at strangers. Here's Andy taking care of the mud:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CMb1mQx7fCZs19XBwMBUllAsspZXFZhH5XLLFoahyz1YRBLZn1eX6u86276I2vnikXwbZBE6MCeVy8XIKiO1wVNyi4ggLKUYf1Jsin2xcihrBU2cEdMd_mtJWx4THFk51qYWOrSmUyw/s1600/AB+Under+the+wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CMb1mQx7fCZs19XBwMBUllAsspZXFZhH5XLLFoahyz1YRBLZn1eX6u86276I2vnikXwbZBE6MCeVy8XIKiO1wVNyi4ggLKUYf1Jsin2xcihrBU2cEdMd_mtJWx4THFk51qYWOrSmUyw/s400/AB+Under+the+wire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's like he'd done it before. All business.<br />
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Anyway, perhaps the Warriors have better insight but from my angle it seemed like a good time. Well organized, cheap beer ($1!), turkey legs, music, a place to recycle your muddy footwear and general fun all around.<br />
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Here's the Cleve gang after their 3.17 mile, obstacle-filled feat. Accomplished, muddy and happy:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9KVM7BnvIhKpL6IGHvFk-WgEJahXfOQ0DYzWDMJvHorbZ8I201FH5cNg3lvjMpX8Bz3MHGpB50ya1KY_h_KGoBNLI4YOB4C4CyZqVjlIy8x5xF8yZ2XsYviFCuObpuNvKsC4ggLoi1Q/s1600/warriors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9KVM7BnvIhKpL6IGHvFk-WgEJahXfOQ0DYzWDMJvHorbZ8I201FH5cNg3lvjMpX8Bz3MHGpB50ya1KY_h_KGoBNLI4YOB4C4CyZqVjlIy8x5xF8yZ2XsYviFCuObpuNvKsC4ggLoi1Q/s400/warriors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Everybody's a winner! Nice work, Warriors.<br />
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Pro available here: <a href="http://www.brightroom.com/view_event_photos.asp?EVENTID=63849&PWD=" target="blank">http://www.brightroom.com/view_event_photos.asp?EVENTID=63849&PWD=</a>WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-6928382743251037092010-06-23T22:11:00.001-04:002010-06-23T22:12:22.887-04:00Mmmmm, Pickles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHFOy4XA1R07FMGqxeqlBESbzl8b08KDAaL07nJxUz-4o5BaP8nSNcbLzOVtaIoHpGEyuJV8czZ7NSg7sPX40GCXbwA-AYKPdEwOSe01bq0N654HaNVN4wyJiFVp9Cq_ExpUYVxAorKI/s1600/pickle+juice+swig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHFOy4XA1R07FMGqxeqlBESbzl8b08KDAaL07nJxUz-4o5BaP8nSNcbLzOVtaIoHpGEyuJV8czZ7NSg7sPX40GCXbwA-AYKPdEwOSe01bq0N654HaNVN4wyJiFVp9Cq_ExpUYVxAorKI/s200/pickle+juice+swig.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>Meant to post this awhile ago, but got distracted and saved as draft. Anyway, better late than never I suppose ... <br />
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An interesting article from the <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">NYT</span> on a study done about drinking pickle juice to prevent muscles from cramping: <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/09/phys-ed-can-pickle-juice-stop-muscle-cramps/" target="blank">Phys Ed: Can Pickle Juice Stop Muscle Cramps?</a>WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-81621455469515531982010-06-09T01:04:00.003-04:002010-06-09T08:36:24.267-04:00Nature Of A Different StatusSince my bird post is still appearing as the last thing posted, I thought I'd add a bit of an opposite view of nature that I experienced. Not as cheery as the birds but sometimes the whole yin/yang thing takes over I guess.<br />
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This tale begins this past Sunday when I went out for a row with some of my rowing chums. We had some heavy rain in Cleveland Saturday night into Sunday and when this happens the debris in the Cuyahoga gets pretty bad. Everything from every storm drain, creek, roadway, etc. winds up in the river. So it's tree branches, bottles, basketballs, chip bags, hats, logs and plenty of other goodies. Most are just gross, but the big stuff is also rather unpleasant for the rowing shells if you don't see one and there is an impact.<br />
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So this particular day there was a lot of stuff out there. At one point we were coming up on a section of river that was like a minefield of debris so we had slowed so we could ease through without destroying the equipment. Up ahead we see something floating that doesn't look like the usual log or garbage. As we pull up alongside we discover this mystery object is an enormous, fat, bloated, and very dead raccoon. It smelled pretty bad and looked even worse.<br />
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We carried on and about 10 minutes later we come up to something else big and out of the ordinary in the water. This one? A dead deer floating along. <br />
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I can sort of see how a raccoon might get trapped in a swirl of water in some pipe or something and wind up in the river, but the deer has me stumped. <br />
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So there you go, two different tales of nature along the Cuyahoga ... the living and the dead.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636304531542471717.post-72449104776303193692010-05-26T10:57:00.024-04:002010-05-26T15:40:39.518-04:00The BirdsNot really related to miles, and especially not to running (since I am way behind in that category), but while rowing this spring I've seen a lot of birds. I don't know if there are more than prior years or if I'm just noticing more, but I had a mental list going then decided to actually put it all down for whatever reason. <br />
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And for those of you who may row or formerly rowed, I am well aware that I technically shouldn't be looking out of the boat, but sometimes there are breaks and I check out my surroundings. And I've also been a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coxswain_%28rowing%29" target="blank">coxswain</a> a couple of times which makes for good viewings.<br />
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Anyway, here's my list of feathered friends I've seen this year while rowing:<br />
<ul><li>Blue Jay</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_duck" target="blank">Wood Duck</a></li>
<li>Rock Pigeon</li>
<li>Great Blue Heron</li>
<li>Canada Goose</li>
<li>Ring-billed Gulls (one impolitely <a href="http://milechallenge.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-cant-decide-if-im-creep-for-even.html" target="blank">poop</a>ed on me)</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-crested_Cormorant" target="blank">Double-crested Cormorant</a></li>
<li>Turkey Vulture</li>
<li>Grackle</li>
<li>Mallard Duck</li>
<li>Sparrow</li>
<li>Red-winged Blackbird</li>
<li>Robin</li>
<li>Starling</li>
<li>Tree Swallow</li>
<li>Great Northern Loon aka Common Loon (this one was in Craftsbury, VT, not Cleveland, OH)</li>
</ul><br />
And that's your nature report for today. Keep on milein'.WJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12915387165588136544noreply@blogger.com3