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.

Can 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.

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.

Onward ho.

I'm Complaining Already

I know it's called "Challenge" for a reason but this mile business has already gotten to the point where I have to give myself a pep talk to get out the door.

The weather here in Cleveland (and I think where most of the participants are) has been pretty uncooperative. I've done a mile each day so far (ooh, a whole four days!) but none of those days have been enjoyable. It's been cold, windy, snowy and slippery. And it looks like there is no change in that scenario coming anytime soon:

Cleveland's Extended Forecast

Seriously, Mother Nature?  I know it's Cleveland and I should expect this. And I also know that technology allows for indoor running but I'm trying to stick to the challenge parameters I set for myself which is a mile a day outside style.  No wimping out for me.  Not in 2010.

That said, Mother Nature -- a slight break here and there wouldn't hurt.

5 Cities In 5 Minutes

So this isn't really running related, but it's a challenge that has piqued my interest.  It involves eating.  And perhaps you'll say, "Eating all of that, that quickly can't be good for you" and I'll say to you, "The engine needs fuel for all the running ahead."

No matter which side of the argument you choose, here's the challenge:

Tucky's Division Dog Challenge: 5 Cities in 5 Minutes

Rules:
Can you eat all five of the division dogs in 5 minutes or less? If so, you will earn a Division Dog Challenge t-shirt, $15 in Tucky's Bucks, and have your photo placed on our wall of fame. If your time is in the top ten, then we will place your name on the record board.

Cities (aka hot dogs):
Chicago - $3.50
Skinless Old Vienna hotdog on Poppy Seed Bun, with Sports Peppers, Emerald Relish, Diced Onions, Tomato Wedge, Pickle Spear, Yellow Mustard and Celery Salt

Detroit Coney Island - $3.50
Natural casing smoked hotdog, Coney Island New York Chili and Diced Onions with Yellow Mustard

Cleveland - $3.50
Natural casing smoked hotdog, Potato and Cheese Pierogies with Stadium Mustard

Kansas City - $3.50
Natural casing smoked hotdog, Amish Creamy Coleslaw and BBQ Sauce

Minnesota - $3.50
Natural casing smoked hotdog, Shredded Cheddar and Grilled Polish Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds

So obviously I want to try this.  I will report back when I have gathered up my sense of competition, adventure and intestinal fortitude.