Archives For Marriage

Sometimes you just have one of those days where the “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” phrase applies…

It’s funny how it often just takes and email or two to hose things up. You see, …

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Still, things always get better after I talk to and hang with my wife… I’m totally looking forward to a great 3-day weekend!


Training Journal – 8/31/12:

  • Current plan: Honolulu Marathon Training Plan
  • Today’s session: 5 mile easy run @ 9:09
  • Comments: I did 5.4 @ an 8:20 pace

Two Treats

August 18, 2012 — Leave a comment

I got two treats today: a few of my favorite, pineapple-filled Danish cookies from Solvang and my wife, who came home a day early from a quick trip to Solvang with her parents!

Me happy! Annie too!


Training Journal – 8/18/12:

  • Current plan: Honolulu Marathon Training Plan
  • Today’s session: Rest
  • Comments: Rest…with a bit of yard work sprinkled in…but mostly rest!

Pretty much every evening, my wife and I spend some time on our patio – or as we call it “patio time.” There’s a flock of seagulls (witty reference to 80s band intended) that hangs out at the shopping center near us, most of the time on the roof or circling around the area. Most evenings, they’re pretty vocal; and, if you close your eyes, it’s just like being at the ocean!


Training Journal – 8/17/12:

  • Current plan: Honolulu Marathon Training Plan
  • Today’s session: 5 mile run @ race pace (8:37)
  • Comments: I did 5.25 @ an 8:15 pace

Cake Induced Memory

August 15, 2012 — Leave a comment

My wife made a Dump Cake yesterday. This slice of goodness (ok, maybe scoop is a better description) is a wonderful mix of cherry, pineapple, cake, and pecan. Yummy, yummy!

This treat also induces memories of when we were dating…

When we started dating, I worked as a security guard. One post I had for a while was at a construction site – if you’re local, it was when they converted the old outdoor mall setup to what is now Vally Fair Mall. While on the day shift, Karen would bring me lunch when she could, which often included this wonderful desert (even then, I was spoiled!) I think I gained 10 pounds in short order downing this treat.

Every time she makes a Dump Cake, ah the memories!


Training Journal – 8/15/12:

  • Current plan: Honolulu Marathon Training Plan
  • Today’s session: 5 mile easy run @ 9:09
  • Comments: I did 5.25 @ an 8:25 pace.

Pilot

August 11, 2012 — Leave a comment

We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.

Proverbs 16:9 MSG


Training Journal – 8/11/12:

  • Current plan: Honolulu Marathon Training Plan
  • Today’s session: 10 miles…in the form of the Crystal Springs Trail Run in Woodside.
  • Comments: It was a great first trail run: 10.6 miles, Elevation Gain 1,890′, 1:49:02 @ 10:17/M.  Full report tomorrow.

Movie Night?

July 21, 2012 — Leave a comment

Got this in the mail today. When I asked Karen if she wanted to watch it tonight, she said, “pffffft!”


Training Journal – 7/21/12:

  • Current plan: Half-marathon program
  • Today’s session: Rest
  • Comments: Nada

Happy Place…

June 29, 2012 — Leave a comment


Training Journal – 6/29/12:

  • Current plan: Half-marathon program
  • Today’s session: 6 mi @ race pace (8:12)
  • Comments: I did 6.65 @ 7:59

The Memory:

As I came though the garage after my run this morning, this caught my eye.  It’s the side of an old box that our wedding invitations came in from the printer.  Some friends from church owned the print shop we used and wrote that on the box…ah, memories!

The Taste:

In my continuing search of different way of getting carbs and saving money, this seemed like a viable alternative for the Peter Rabbit one’s I’ve tried from Starbucks/REI.  Same carb grams/calories, just 40% cheaper!  Karen rolled her eyes when I bought two of these last night at Target…

Training Journal – 4/20/I12:

  • Current plan: Prep for Brazen Racing’s Western Pacific / bridge for half-marathon program
  • Today’s session: 5 mile easy run @ 9:19
  • Comments: I did 5.18 @ 8:48

[part of a lunchtime, phone conversation I had with my wonderful wife]

K: Is the green t-shirt on the bed clean?

Me: Ummm, yes.  I just took it out of the drawer last night.

K: OK, I wasn’t sure.  It was just wadded up.

Me: I did a “quick fold”

K: Oh… [I couldn’t see her face, but I’m pretty sure she had a grin and possibly rolled her eyes.  maybe not.]

Me: [without skipping a beat] Are we still going out to dinner?

As a public service, here is a description of the “Quick Fold”** ***:

  1. Firmly grasp garment with hand – right or left will work.
    • NOTE: It is recommended that the “quick fold” only be completed with one hand.  Using one’s non-dominant hand enables one to multitask, e.g., eat a Picky Bar after a morning run.
    • NOTE: Unless you’re a risk-taking, life-on-the-edge-type (or a seasoned “quick folder”), DO NOT attempt “quick folding” two garments simultaneously, i.e., one garment in each hand.  There is a high risk you’ll end up with a large, co-mingled mass that will undoubtedly be mistaken for a pile of dirty clothing when you leave strategically place it on the bed.
  2. Quickly rotate hand/forearm combination so that entire garment ends up wrapping around hand grasping garment.
    • NOTE: “Quick fold” will work in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.  If “quick folding” several garments, alternating direction with each successive garment may be considered part of one’s workout…probably not.
    • NOTE: Safety first!  Prior to beginning this step, check the area around you to avoid incidents such as: knocking over lamps, scraping the ceiling (thus causing a “ceiling popcorn” storm, which may lead to a whole host of other challenges), or hitting pets/family members who may be sleeping in the immediate vicinity during “quick fold” process.
  3. Once garment is wrappedfolded around hand, carefully slide off and place in safe, secure, and convenient place, e.g., near one’s pillow if garment is worn while sleeping.
    • NOTE: If, during “quick fold” process, you encounter an odor, terminate process immediately.  Investigate source of odor and, if garment being folded is source, place garment in hamper.  Dropping garment to floor and vacating scene may will lead to other challenges.  If garment is not source, return to step 1 or 2 – depending upon where you were in the “quick fold” process.
  4. If other garments require folding, repeat steps 1-3.
    • NOTE: You probably don’t need to re-execute safety check unless you or pets/family members have moved from original position.  If the lamp has moved, you may need to initiate earthquake safety protocol.  If the ceiling has moved, you may need to initiate earthquake or tornado safety protocol.
  5. CAUTION: It is not advisable to “quick fold” if spouse, parent, drill instructor, etc. are in the vicinity.

There you have it: the “quick fold”go forth…and fold!

* Honestly, a “gal” could employ the “quick fold” – but I expect a guy would have a higher propensity to utilize this time-saving process.
** Sorry, no photos.  We’re talking about my PJs here!
*** Not to be confused with this method of quick folding, which is certainly not as fun.

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Training Journal – 4/5/12:

  • Current plan: 10-Miler Training
  • Today’s session: 6 mile tempo run: warm, 4 miles @ 8:40, cool.
  • Comments: Always nice to be home and run on familiar routes. I did 6.61 @ 8:38 overall – tempo splits at 8:30, 8:28, 8:29, & 8:31.  BOOYAH!

Sage Advice

February 29, 2012 — Leave a comment

This was on the wall at the restaurant tonight:


Training Journal – 2/29/12:

  • Current plan: 12K Training
  • Today’s session: 4 Mile Easy Run
  • Comments: Same as yesterday: Did a 6.2 instead – though a tempo run vs. a negative split test.  On the outbound leg of the out-and-back, I ran up on a skunk – which resulted in a 100 yard dash being incorporated into the tempo run!