and so it ends...

As great as optimism is, it can't alone achieve a goal. 

142 days ago, in the throws of a beautiful Cleveland 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."

 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 The Great Apple Quest of 2011, I will also try to hit my mile challenge the right way. All running, all year. 365 in 365. 

Bring it on.

And That's That

So 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.

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.

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: http://www.applechallenge2011.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there.

Running for Health, Running for Life

One 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 Edison Peña, the Chilean miner, there is always a person of interest (to someone, somewhere).

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: Running Voices, an interative tour of runners from all backgrounds, highlighting their motivations.

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.

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.

Here is Cleveland there are quite a few fun runs that bring people together. In November I am looking forward not only to the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day morning but also the Pigskin Classic that occurs the morning of the classic Ohio State vs. Univ. of Michigan football game.

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.

What motivates you?

Mapping out exercise

Yesterday 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.


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?!?

Today, I have been scouring the web for trail information. Attention ODOT/ODNR: Your lack of trail information is astounding. Where is the mileage information?!? Google Maps failed. RunningMap 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.

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.

305.1 miles to go.

2 Mile Challenge

I just signed up for the CLIF 2 Mile Challenge 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.

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.

Video with some facts here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJxfb8V3Jcw

Time To Start

It's the first day of 2010 or MMX as the Romans like to say.

Time to get yourself a mile.

Mile Challenge 2010

Here we go ... a little blog to keep participants and fans of Challenges informed entertained mindlessly staring at something.

After a successful Bacon Challenge back in 2008, 2009 was a challenge-free year. Well, 2010 is about to start* and it's lookin' like things are back to Challenge mode. The challenge for this year? 365 miles of running in 365 days -- it's The Mile Challenge! Or Mile-A-Day Challenge or Mileage Challenge. Whatever you'd like to call it. Perhaps we'll have a vote.

Anyway, as with the bacon eating in 2008, you can do it however you want. Ideally it would be one mile a day but if you want to do 5 miles at a time, 10 miles at a time or 365 in one day you can do that.

Rumor has it Bob will have some sort of password protected tally site rigged up so you won't have to keep all of these numbers tallied up in your brain. So join in the fun and if you're participating and would like to be a contributor on this site just send and e-mail and we'll make it happen (pending a thorough background check of course).

Get those sneakers out, dusted off and checked for lace/tread wear. Pounding the pavement begins January 1, 2010 at 12:01 a.m.

*How is it 2010 already?

The Countdown Begins

Coming soon ... Mile Challenge 2010.