tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75286113855561268432024-03-05T00:57:44.471-08:0013 in 12(to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-33192327938575294782009-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:002009-02-24T11:33:23.809-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhTLOqNlkxnUnx5xqSO6rUbu2kzq2a2x2ii24q-THyp4ANISnwUiTddCqnJ-869IkVBJ3wMrDHzNub1_xxFAHVmpxjK-62DByB64QUd-vTbRD1kaUSHiK4kWcENJDELkxz5EboocFXzzy/s1600-h/new+12-12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhTLOqNlkxnUnx5xqSO6rUbu2kzq2a2x2ii24q-THyp4ANISnwUiTddCqnJ-869IkVBJ3wMrDHzNub1_xxFAHVmpxjK-62DByB64QUd-vTbRD1kaUSHiK4kWcENJDELkxz5EboocFXzzy/s400/new+12-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306449237545100674" border="0" /></a>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-27042211332111863512009-02-24T09:20:00.000-08:002009-02-24T10:25:03.228-08:00#13<div style="text-align: justify;">Wow - is this late or what?!? First off, I apologize to anyone who wondered if I had fallen off the face of the earth - I didn't, in fact I've already wrote this post once but some how managed to delete it prior to posting it. When I discovered that all my typing had disappeared I decided to wait until I was ready to officially call an end to receiving donations to post something about the last race.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV63IVjcQFwAKeThgb5HBSZBx0eHYgbIsqZeXIabhN0DfuHyU4LWoWEghgbuufc-m7qHkU5mIM8TGccNgBftwykauyilCgz-p2IAUdCNjuxsIxq7OOUVBOMEusuNALadjr8RAfUVq21RPX/s1600-h/IMG_3278.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV63IVjcQFwAKeThgb5HBSZBx0eHYgbIsqZeXIabhN0DfuHyU4LWoWEghgbuufc-m7qHkU5mIM8TGccNgBftwykauyilCgz-p2IAUdCNjuxsIxq7OOUVBOMEusuNALadjr8RAfUVq21RPX/s400/IMG_3278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306428593487162770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Outside, all looks calm and peaceful - inside disorganization rules)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So... way back on the 8th was the Valentines Marathon, #13 of the '13 in 12,' prior to the race I had made arrangements with a very generous donor to wear a special t-shirt during the race, though the pictures don't do it justice, it's a very cool shirt that reads "I'm Nic" then has 3 awesome little robots, then below reads "Stever's Fan Club" (Stever is my buddy who is the main motivation behind the fund raising). I also planned to run with fellow Maniacs Matt & Andre to (once again) attempt a 3:30 marathon. When I arrived at the race location, I was greeted with a lack of organization, by the time I had my bib # we were moments from the start of the race, never the less I was able to be ready and lined up with Matt & Andre as planned.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8KrqEdJPT8rCc11OvAmvDQmEgXyvlUw_u6EM-AE6PNwqiv-q9firfmroWbeFbpzXspGxmxtwMw0wW-KNSn9OBR3kX0HGf3dEss9GtR1tldR7QFvKRzG742EGNN1hudXLLA6pbV5oF20D/s1600-h/IMG_0100.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8KrqEdJPT8rCc11OvAmvDQmEgXyvlUw_u6EM-AE6PNwqiv-q9firfmroWbeFbpzXspGxmxtwMw0wW-KNSn9OBR3kX0HGf3dEss9GtR1tldR7QFvKRzG742EGNN1hudXLLA6pbV5oF20D/s400/IMG_0100.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306430217862135698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(shirt similar to the one I was wearing - but mine is bright orange!)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We started off and I could already tell 8 minute miles were not what I was used to, but once in a rhythm they seemed to feel alright, and even when they didn't, I had my motivation (Matt had pinned a cash donation to the back of his running jacket).<br /><br />Somewhere shortly after the half way turn around Andre told us that he was going to fall back a bit, Matt & I were still chugging along, though I was fairly certain I wouldn't be able to hold the pace the remainder of the race. Some where around mile 18 we started resorting to a few walking breaks... soon enough it was obvious that 3:30 would once again remain elusive... but still, I was enjoying Matt's company and over all, was having a pretty good day.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuEajAtZRnKbQaWHJgLX1GBnYWPxQq9PyPChqm0d4R0Qo8A86hRmv5Tse67tFJlRjHIV4HpzV38-DjsLisE44EMTjmBhyp6g9lF6FNiB9UfEijFEYHM2qOeF46sJ1AbBPOXSqNGGRNNKd/s1600-h/IMG_3279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuEajAtZRnKbQaWHJgLX1GBnYWPxQq9PyPChqm0d4R0Qo8A86hRmv5Tse67tFJlRjHIV4HpzV38-DjsLisE44EMTjmBhyp6g9lF6FNiB9UfEijFEYHM2qOeF46sJ1AbBPOXSqNGGRNNKd/s400/IMG_3279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306429267740845794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Just past the finishing line - feeling better than I look)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Around 25 miles (maybe less) Matt told me to go ahead and finish without him, I (barely) speed up and ended up coming in about a minute and a half earlier than he did, with Andre only a few minutes behind Matt. When I finished, my watch read 3:41: and change, which ends up being my 3rd fastest marathon, so I'll take it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5qSEGzcrl3HFr-cAA9Lw4wGlmaBXVBTq59S7X1LvbIeAb1MshFwv8rHknBh2Tv1GGMckTToK4nBxkEftIPSWX2y3chBWk-GUOlVkPiQ_vbpIQnaNoVzedqTXARhrBtUIWN04-5GEoFdp/s1600-h/IMG_3280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5qSEGzcrl3HFr-cAA9Lw4wGlmaBXVBTq59S7X1LvbIeAb1MshFwv8rHknBh2Tv1GGMckTToK4nBxkEftIPSWX2y3chBWk-GUOlVkPiQ_vbpIQnaNoVzedqTXARhrBtUIWN04-5GEoFdp/s400/IMG_3280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306430059946861378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(#13 - with assistance from my wife and key supporter, Rachael! Feeling *much* better than I look...)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll post soon with a grand total as far as donations received + a few other comments regarding the whole process, but real quick I'd just like to say "Thank You" to everyone who donated and supported me over the course of these last 12 (+) weeks, this has been a wonderful experience and I know the LLS appreciates the cash!</div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-85559751135440595622009-02-03T11:25:00.000-08:002009-02-05T14:31:31.230-08:00#12<div style="text-align: justify;">This past Sunday was an all together new experience for me, for this was my first attempt at race directing.<br /><br />Because of the type of person I am, the majority of the race preparation occurred the evening prior. I had a firm idea of what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it, it was just a matter of getting it done. I constructed medals, 'made' Gatorade and PB&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Js</span>, marked the turn around with chalk under the cover of night, and acquired a few other materials such as fire wood.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoIRXlUXEw7zwsiHlHO9PyxOtQiN4YGg2lNFPjzoF6QnNFuFeCQAZKloxdIl-Eo_k16n3IMAPmFwsyyZjeZ3wzgrLFwGxiCj0nQDw2bdMrFVFF-bG5q59n7rtZo5oJ3yvO8f0PpdWJGD9/s1600-h/IMG_3255.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoIRXlUXEw7zwsiHlHO9PyxOtQiN4YGg2lNFPjzoF6QnNFuFeCQAZKloxdIl-Eo_k16n3IMAPmFwsyyZjeZ3wzgrLFwGxiCj0nQDw2bdMrFVFF-bG5q59n7rtZo5oJ3yvO8f0PpdWJGD9/s400/IMG_3255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298708747074412754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(There! They're done - can I go to bed yet? What to you mean, 'Did I make the PB&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Js</span>?')</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The next morning my wife and drug our selves out of bed and headed down to Lincoln Park in order to get set up. As we arrived it became apparent that despite what was posted, the parking lots were still locked up (they remained this way until well past the start of the race). Thankfully, there is a relatively good amount of parking available on local side streets and the majority of fellow runners were able to adjust quickly.<br /><br />My good friend Bob, also greeted us as we pulled up and was quickly to work with me while my wife directed any lost looking runners. Shortly before 7am we were able to have most of the essentials set up. As runners continued to show up and take care of any last minute needs, I scrambled to get myself together (I realized shortly before the start that I was still wearing all my warm over layers).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bTrihYoN7cZwCoyPJoF38ffCRttVsh02ty-bCoucPsUMofGU58QyNms2Zk53mwIoWTzKavP4JVF2yz_hP4bnT5tisnSUerlHAOeI8DBSjiwwm2-yMVxvfx-A7BO88TCQeou9fva700lK/s1600-h/887003214705_0_ALB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bTrihYoN7cZwCoyPJoF38ffCRttVsh02ty-bCoucPsUMofGU58QyNms2Zk53mwIoWTzKavP4JVF2yz_hP4bnT5tisnSUerlHAOeI8DBSjiwwm2-yMVxvfx-A7BO88TCQeou9fva700lK/s400/887003214705_0_ALB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298707389588325794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(trying my best to get set up)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Just a bit past 7am (the planned start time) I called for the runners to gather on the path and gave them a quick briefing as to how the course was laid out (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ie</span>: water on the left/road on the right - and be sure to run around the path on the outside of the pool), then said 'without further ado... GO!' and off almost all the runners went. I stuck back for about an extra minute or two to ensure Rachael & Bob had everything under control (of course they did - more so than I ever could) then headed out at the back of the pack.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoI9kh_Jc0cisLAftJIvIJCY5lHD5Wbez50clZ_38h8jDf_pHW7boL893FkxFRTjpFSAVtG9VRgjOb6Vsn6SUIb9bA8bqa1zg7OPKd6ZYrwFg9M0el-yTcjV1XODMwwJvBsMvRgNtr3RB/s1600-h/936282214705_0_ALB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoI9kh_Jc0cisLAftJIvIJCY5lHD5Wbez50clZ_38h8jDf_pHW7boL893FkxFRTjpFSAVtG9VRgjOb6Vsn6SUIb9bA8bqa1zg7OPKd6ZYrwFg9M0el-yTcjV1XODMwwJvBsMvRgNtr3RB/s400/936282214705_0_ALB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298707648310555458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">('...without further ado...GO!')<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Less than a mile into the run it occurred to me that through all the hi jinx at the start I had managed to leave behind my water bottle and any sort of energy food. I felt fine at the time, but realized I still had 14+ miles 'til I'd get back to the aid station - of course, I was completely unwilling to turn around - I knew there was water on various points along the course, so I knew I'd be alright.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIOLB-wY6Dsa_QDzCcwQZjoci0XH_PPUehFi-gpkf2qdg7HXs_vudTzHMaqyboGLvbO6RziGraOd8GOSY8uXelf7yIND_1mMVi3fl1c2VX5teQlNFy27q52tw3vfzjkK08xupkuclYHRv/s1600-h/368003214705_0_ALB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIOLB-wY6Dsa_QDzCcwQZjoci0XH_PPUehFi-gpkf2qdg7HXs_vudTzHMaqyboGLvbO6RziGraOd8GOSY8uXelf7yIND_1mMVi3fl1c2VX5teQlNFy27q52tw3vfzjkK08xupkuclYHRv/s400/368003214705_0_ALB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298708018767739810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">('Hey, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doffus</span>, where's your water bottle? - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">umm</span>, yeah...')</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The first leg felt quick, something I attribute to familiarity of the route, after all, these were my home training (what's that?) grounds. I chatted with a few fellow runners and just generally enjoyed the opportunity to run off my nerves and finally relax a bit. At the turn around I was still feeling good and continued at my pretty standard pace. When I got back to the aid station Bob & Rachael had the fire burning and everything laid out very well, I again chatted with a few runners and generally took my time. I wanted to make sure Bob & Rachael were still content, I wanted to fuel up a bit, and, most of all, I just wanted to hang out. I sat by the fire and just sort of relaxed, after about 5 minutes (which felt like an eternity) I finally got my self going, and headed back out for the second half of the run.<br /><br />The second half was fairly uneventful for me - I was able to watch the front runners go screaming by on their way back to the finish and had a chance to catch up to and chat with a runner who I had not previously met, which is always nice. I felt as though I was long over my standard time, but due to clumsy fingers, I had hit the 'stop' button on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Garmin</span> when I meant to hit the lap button, so I really had no clue as to how I was doing. When I did finish I was greeted with a 5:22:55, not terrible, but I definitely do better on that course if given different circumstances - but that wasn't the point and I'm glad I was able run this race while attempting to *run* this race :-)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSCFuZe8K__6E3-uVKkSN_cZBGJrAGHeCLFGZD2y_1Ha7Xs-IUydz0Fr7q9r5sI3emC1s9Jp3XON8PBc6mtJTqVozCBQvU_8JkhrgJf4B1h7zllPJmLGfslqzc0QC9fH2OJyZn1NyPnGo/s1600-h/IMG_3269.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSCFuZe8K__6E3-uVKkSN_cZBGJrAGHeCLFGZD2y_1Ha7Xs-IUydz0Fr7q9r5sI3emC1s9Jp3XON8PBc6mtJTqVozCBQvU_8JkhrgJf4B1h7zllPJmLGfslqzc0QC9fH2OJyZn1NyPnGo/s400/IMG_3269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298709208060774034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(smiles upon finishing - evident by the fact that this time I have my bottle ;-)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope I've already made this clear to everyone at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WSFA</span>50K - both runners and volunteers alike - but if not, let me say once more, thank you all for everything! Runners - thanks for showing up! Volunteers - thanks for all your hard work, it would have literally been impossible with out you! And also, an extra big 'thank you' to participants who donated to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LLS</span> - the run added another $115.00 to the total which is currently at $3320.42! (sure that's a bit off of $5K, but let's be honest - that's still pretty great!)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g3-Ano7S1d__D_oIzGkNFeClmfm85xNMUjPgkN8Fh8JSu9RPrthR4I3Q6HGX9YI_VJyjYKaedfbdbAPow7My2KqNPwZIwlFrdbUY7ImltwYFSKgrd_2C1rwWJnV2Ytc-tPIqEkaIzCfN/s1600-h/IMG_3271.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g3-Ano7S1d__D_oIzGkNFeClmfm85xNMUjPgkN8Fh8JSu9RPrthR4I3Q6HGX9YI_VJyjYKaedfbdbAPow7My2KqNPwZIwlFrdbUY7ImltwYFSKgrd_2C1rwWJnV2Ytc-tPIqEkaIzCfN/s400/IMG_3271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298709801922568434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(#12 of 13 - with help from good friend and aid station extraordinaire, Bob)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">MANY more photos from Sunday's race can be seen here : <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=c0isivfd.1n3i944x&x=0&y=yao87i&localeid=en_US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1233701274_0">http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=c0isivfd.1n3i944x&x=0&y=<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">yao</span>87i&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">localeid</span>=en_US</span></a> (these photos were taken by Rich Walter, one of our great volunteers!)</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" >and here: </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=2u04napl.9feg272p&x=0&y=-sujexn&localeid=en_US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1233701325_0">http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=2u04napl.9feg272p&x=0&y=-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sujexn</span>&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">localeid</span>=en_US</span></a> (these were taken by Rachael & I at the aid station/finish line)</span><br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-42353187230174205332009-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:002009-01-29T07:54:52.063-08:002 more finished, 2 more left<div style="text-align: justify;">Sorry for the late update - my Sunday had some lasting effects on my Monday & Tuesday, more about that shortly...<br /><br />Saturday morning was Pigtail's Run, a 50K consisting of 3 full loops around Lake Youngs Watershed, plus a small out and back section to ensure the proper distance. I ran 2 loops of this run last year and had a wonderful time, so much so in fact, that I see that run as what really pushed me into the 'excessive' marathoning and ultra running. With fond memories in mind, I decided Thursday evening that I would make an attempt at a 50K PR (personal record) come Saturday morning.<br /><br />Saturday morning was chilly, but good for running. I started the first leg of the first loop running with <a href="http://journeytoacentum.blogspot.com/">Eric</a> and <a href="http://stoyles-arewethereyet.blogspot.com/">Steve</a> (when do these guys not run?) and stuck with them until Steve told me he was going to back off the pace a bit. I kept at about the same speed assuming they'd catch me eventually. The course is a rolling loop with a few hills that do a bit more than roll, nothing crazy, but by the third loop they look a bit more daunting. I decided to run the entire first 2 loops and see how I felt from there. As approached certain hills on the third loop I considered walking them but I kept giving way to my stubbornness, at some point I decided I wouldn't walk until I got to a certain hill that seemed the steepest to me (other than the final hill on the out and back section). When I got to said hill, I once again decided to keep running, in the end I only briefly walked once, on a small incline of all places, as I ate my final Gu and prepared to finish off the last 5 miles or so.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFhbnMl-OdReDHmsugGc7fL8lj96PBBUS8W7QHPRBOcf1wV_J_LJ0jrFDjSHXUIcwPlgPnQo2dXQHtohGHPLC4UYZPP1Ynb5uxuFDwlDPlb6x9DPQ_lecllN8lOdDKm82uRnz6CUVRlXk/s1600-h/2093_5655479336120380870_7160_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFhbnMl-OdReDHmsugGc7fL8lj96PBBUS8W7QHPRBOcf1wV_J_LJ0jrFDjSHXUIcwPlgPnQo2dXQHtohGHPLC4UYZPP1Ynb5uxuFDwlDPlb6x9DPQ_lecllN8lOdDKm82uRnz6CUVRlXk/s400/2093_5655479336120380870_7160_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296452511803069442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(heading toward the last hill at Pigtail's - photo by Eric)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The stubbornness paid off as I finished the race in 4:44 (and change), a personal best by about 13 minutes! Once Van (the race director) posted the results and splits I was able to see that I had run the course fairly evenly (not even, but close enough) as well, with my first loop being 1:23, my second completed in 1:29, and my final loop in 1:33. I'm pretty happy with all of that, especially since I didn't check my watch once while out on the course.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayLR9hMG38Zha43ODp8ooloArCYRU89i3NFN0rTtv9oYwRQd_SNrE-93rp1VrULrKrsb0LZuyK82XPFQEhTVMRMHa-4tus4BGjZsxznibNoTcumD_U5zEw41EgYtLkt6Shnqy7EWkJBUY/s1600-h/IMG_3246.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayLR9hMG38Zha43ODp8ooloArCYRU89i3NFN0rTtv9oYwRQd_SNrE-93rp1VrULrKrsb0LZuyK82XPFQEhTVMRMHa-4tus4BGjZsxznibNoTcumD_U5zEw41EgYtLkt6Shnqy7EWkJBUY/s400/IMG_3246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296452809695700226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(After Pigtail's - trying to stay warm - #10!)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday was a different story entirely.<br /><br />After a fairly long Saturday evening of celebrating <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper">Burn's Night</a> with a group of friends, I was finally in bed and ready for sleep at about midnight, I was more than well aware that this was a bad idea, but sometimes real life just has to mix with running and I'd rather do both than give up either. Sunday morning came early, I dragged myself out of bed, got ready, and made my way to the start of the race. Once there, I was informed that one of the bridges on the route was out and as a result instead of running 2 out and back sections we would be running 4 shorter out and backs plus another small out and back to get the distance right, for some reason, at the time, I thought that was a good idea(?).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDWAnBwrjLaHQ9w8JWcGc8U7lj7jLgk9jnxf_8lJDOofYVzWyGtbpoxmJm3awQ951gIovNyuiLAh4mzu_0p7mjPo8smCq2XnSvvw0BTvbYzs7hhtVyW9wcjmi2oxDVd1v6W2hWJxAZ1mh/s1600-h/2093_5655479336120380925_3008_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDWAnBwrjLaHQ9w8JWcGc8U7lj7jLgk9jnxf_8lJDOofYVzWyGtbpoxmJm3awQ951gIovNyuiLAh4mzu_0p7mjPo8smCq2XnSvvw0BTvbYzs7hhtVyW9wcjmi2oxDVd1v6W2hWJxAZ1mh/s400/2093_5655479336120380925_3008_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296452656059828194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(What? The sun was just barely up, and I was already walking?!? - Photo by Eric)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtRynY6zTHiUQEs3CieqPyjVphDmARIsE-0AuFAzyZtG_RaFsna6O1wO6R61kTAz3KLF5JAwDYEU53_XVVxmJ5LV9iEDz-FKUDcIf7VU8ErphuqnrRvFOFreG41hBZUTPLDgq6tNX_SpJ/s1600-h/2093_5655479336120380919_1255_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtRynY6zTHiUQEs3CieqPyjVphDmARIsE-0AuFAzyZtG_RaFsna6O1wO6R61kTAz3KLF5JAwDYEU53_XVVxmJ5LV9iEDz-FKUDcIf7VU8ErphuqnrRvFOFreG41hBZUTPLDgq6tNX_SpJ/s400/2093_5655479336120380919_1255_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296452614354414818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(That's better! </span><span style="font-size:78%;"> - Photo by Eric</span><span style="font-size:78%;">)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">From the first steps I could tell it was not going to be my day, my knees were sore (something I'm not used to as it's honestly never been the case before), my ankle was sore (after having held up fairly well the day before), and my stomach felt off (I really kind of lived it up Saturday night). After a very slow out and back with Eric (again... sheesh!), I headed to the port-a-potty for some, umm... alone time... From that point forward things got a little better, but not significantly so. The run was long and I was slow and sore which made it feel that much longer. On the final 'back' of the out and back, I was able to 'catch' Eric who was also having 'one of those days,' we made our way to the finish together, ending with a personal worst of 6:02:38. I'd be more upset about it if it weren't for the PR the day before... besides, it was day 2 of a double, there was a pretty dusting of snow on the course, and, if nothing else, I was able to be out there doing it, which is no small gift...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW0LO6N6Ai_qeICdwjoio-cih4sSqpeVCgoFrCAJ3j9RW5CQNst6cKM2jgW22n80WmZehgMECEwgyzZPqHXEhcqjFoUbScxmZFmxwB6iAar_VMWxuW3TQdS_Yao_R4k8SozWxndnupz-L/s1600-h/IMG_3248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW0LO6N6Ai_qeICdwjoio-cih4sSqpeVCgoFrCAJ3j9RW5CQNst6cKM2jgW22n80WmZehgMECEwgyzZPqHXEhcqjFoUbScxmZFmxwB6iAar_VMWxuW3TQdS_Yao_R4k8SozWxndnupz-L/s400/IMG_3248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296452926609471874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Help! I've run out of finger's! I knew I had to catch Eric for a reason - #11!)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Which of course brings me to my one last statement of this post... <span style="font-weight: bold;">please, please, please</span> send this link to friends and family and to anyone else you may know who might be willing to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! My friend (and inspiration behind this '13 in12') just received a transplant on Monday, and now we wait and hope that the stem cells do their job. There are many more folks out there at one stage or another of dealing with blood cancers, and the LLS is there to help them... so, once more, if you've yet to donate (or for that matter signed up to be a possible bone marrow donor) please do and inform others who might... thanks...<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(sorry for the long post - next week: WSFA50K)</span>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-54312049999214673912009-01-20T11:00:00.000-08:002009-01-21T15:25:31.589-08:00Capitol Peak Mega Fat AssMega Fat Ass = Mega Collapse<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Well, okay, not really but, oh boy was that second half of the second loop tough...<br /><br />I started the morning feeling very tired and slightly sick to my stomach, not exactly how I wanted to start the day, but what was I going to do? I jumped in the car and made it down to the Mima Trailhead by about 7:30am. At 8am the race began and the conga line formed, about a half mile in things started to open up a bit and I worked my way forward to where <a href="http://journeytoacentum.blogspot.com/">Eric</a> and <a href="http://stoyles-arewethereyet.blogspot.com/">Steve </a>were. I stuck with them for a good half of the first loop, though the entire time I was thinking that we were going a bit too fast. When I reached the completion of the first loop (of 2) 2:28 had ticked off the clock, it seemed like a descent time. As soon as the climbs began on the second loop I got a sense of what I was in for. At some point Van Phan passed me and for a minute there it looked as though she would pull far away but then, for the next couple of miles I was right on her heels, again, this was a mistake. Although I'm usually only a bit behind Van on marathons and 50Ks and every so often I actually finish before her, I know a few things - she's better on trails than I am, she's stronger on hills, and she's MUCH better at pacing than I am - altogether she a stronger more experienced runner than I am. After those few miles on Van's heels I hit a massive wall, with about 10K left I was running on fumes, I ate a final Honey Stinger and hoped for the best. The miles dragged and the minutes jerked (Clash reference) but I finially hit the finish line in 5:18: and change. Here's hoping I actually learn the lessons the trail and my body attempted to teach me ;-)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCCy-DY9aNMAlTxkJ45n7bqUsFxUDNKGa2ecUnsBNFVtMfwpJTJbqo4CTtrTR4DDVI0R5tk65l4jOewtWZTaSCNmRCdpM3bS10zwutnrlCP_PoWfIDpJg_HuVmuASUIwrZYaaWhgRcAri/s1600-h/IMG_3245.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCCy-DY9aNMAlTxkJ45n7bqUsFxUDNKGa2ecUnsBNFVtMfwpJTJbqo4CTtrTR4DDVI0R5tk65l4jOewtWZTaSCNmRCdpM3bS10zwutnrlCP_PoWfIDpJg_HuVmuASUIwrZYaaWhgRcAri/s400/IMG_3245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293470355199555394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(#9, #9.... #9...)</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">View more pics here: <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/thisnic/CapPeak?feat=directlink">http://picasaweb.google.com/thisnic/CapPeak?feat=directlink</a></span></span> (the majority of which were either taken by <a href="http://journeytoacentum.blogspot.com/">Eric</a> & <a href="http://backofpack.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/profile.php?id=1040531216&v=feed&viewas=1365324775">Allison</a><br /><br />...and, if you want to see a cool little video of the trail, check out <a href="http://lifekeepsonrunning.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009-capitol-peak-mega-fat-ass-30-mile.html">this post from Thomas' blog</a>.<br /></div></div><br />Next weekend: Back to back 50Ks - Pigtails Run & Yours Truly!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Please keep spreading the word, only 4 weeks left!</span><br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-24656618976250181582009-01-14T08:39:00.001-08:002009-01-14T08:44:31.685-08:00One real quick note...<div style="text-align: justify;">So I guess despite the fact that I was out having fun on Saturday, not everyone at Bridle Trails was... in fact there was only a 65% finish rate. Of the 77 of us who lined up for the 50K, only 50 finished... I'm honestly surprised by that, but, things happen...<br /><br />Also, if you're interested in reading a longer winded race report from last Saturday, click <a href="http://keep-me-honest.blogspot.com/2009/01/bridle-trails.html">HERE</a>. </div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-2787957692585260252009-01-12T14:00:00.000-08:002009-01-21T15:19:43.378-08:00#8 - Bridle Trails 50KSaturday was #8 of 13, 6 'loops' through Bridle Trails state park for a total of 50K. Loop 1 was run in a grey that those of us living in the Pacific North West like to call daylight, loop 2 was run in dusk, and the remaining 4 loops were run in the dark, aided by a headlamp and L.E.D. flashlight. The course is a mix of single track trail and wider gravel trails, though, by the time the third loop was starting they were all pretty much reduced to a muddy, messy slop, or, as I saw it, they were elevated to FUN!<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo32N9c1hpofNCQ9i7YRP_WfrvjB_qL_A7KE3u3mikiKO5mJU6wyoGw-0l-7RfFonhLTdUn8OG5kIW5nHFq3bNBwe0_x0_RXY2sVAu8aJafMluCwnyZTlM9m_yI0wrOUu_oplO2eEEDsV5/s1600-h/IMG_3224.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo32N9c1hpofNCQ9i7YRP_WfrvjB_qL_A7KE3u3mikiKO5mJU6wyoGw-0l-7RfFonhLTdUn8OG5kIW5nHFq3bNBwe0_x0_RXY2sVAu8aJafMluCwnyZTlM9m_yI0wrOUu_oplO2eEEDsV5/s400/IMG_3224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290530645752371330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">( I assure you, I am holding up 8 fingers... dang reflective clothing...)</span><br /></div><br /><strike style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Results are not yet posted, though, according to my watch, I finished in 5 hours, 18 minutes, and change,</strike> I finished in 5:17:46, officially, a time I'm fairly happy with, given the (FUN!) conditions.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbAtrA3BMKHIDw2dCYC4YF9kOOmObqa5f9J_ekpevTz8xW71ls0yXSCOJyXTJcQy_mkQMkhLiN1ADb3d1iTli2k6ZBkqwEtuOMA2QMuu_J181DufJajbLq6IM6rk8HXlr2D4QALin63FV/s1600-h/11009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbAtrA3BMKHIDw2dCYC4YF9kOOmObqa5f9J_ekpevTz8xW71ls0yXSCOJyXTJcQy_mkQMkhLiN1ADb3d1iTli2k6ZBkqwEtuOMA2QMuu_J181DufJajbLq6IM6rk8HXlr2D4QALin63FV/s400/11009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290553104985687458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Yep, there was enough mud out there to go right through the shoes and socks - perfect!)</span><br /></div><br />Next up: Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass 34 Miler. From what I hear, this course should be muddy as well, which means I should have a grand ole time (and also, it means I need to hose off my trail shoes tonight)!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">-----------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Fund Raising: As stated previously, the donations have slowed but are still trickling in... as long as the trickle continues I'm content, if it picks up again to a steady stream I'll be thrilled! As always, please forward this link on to anyone you know who might have some spare time and a spare dime! Thanks!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:78%;" >And on one completely unrelated note that I'm just too damn excited about to not post everywhere I can... tonight (1/12) I registered for the <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/designr2/stormy/resu.html">STOMRY 100</a>, which will be my first attempt at 100 mile ultra come August of this year...</span><br /></div></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-29021560647038360202009-01-05T13:30:00.000-08:002009-01-05T14:17:01.077-08:00More Catch-Up...Still behind on my updates... sorry about that... I really will be back up to date soon... until then, here's another bare-bones update...<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Last Chance Marathon (12/31) and First Call to Run 50K (1/1) both went off without a hitch... well, I was felling pretty beat-up out there at the Last Chance but was back at it, feeling much better the next day (pictures from both at the end of the post).</li><li>Prior to the 'Last Chance' I was "bribed" with a generous donation, to run in a t-shirt proclaiming "Concords Are Better" an advertisement (for lack of better word) for the blog of the same name, please check it out here: <a href="http://concordsarebetter.blogspot.com/">http://concordsarebetter.blogspot.com/</a> (and again, note the photos at the end of this post).<br /></li><li>The Western Washington Fat Ass, which was to take place on 1/3 was canceled due to an excessive amount of snow on the course, that resulted in a lazy (long) weekend for me!</li><li>The schedule has (for one last time - knock on wood) changed - in order to make up for the various races that have been canceled over the course of this 'thing,' two less familiar (ie: unmentioned before) races have been added to the list. These races are the WSFA50K (2/1) & the Valentine Marathon (2/8) and they both fall within the 12 week window.</li><li>I could use some volunteers to help pull off the WSFA50K, if you or someone you know might be interested, please email me!</li><li>Finally, as somewhat expected, donations have sort of tapered off right now, that seems to be a common thing when fundraising past a certain amount of time. Having said that, it just means it's time to for me (us?) to start pushing harder! Emails will be sent! Pleading will increase! But, along same lines, <span style="font-weight: bold;">please, please, please</span>, tell your family and friends as well... send them the web address, if you already have, ask them what they thought (some of us need frequent reminders ;-) , and if you been meaning to donate but just 'haven't found the time' please do so. The totals are looking great right now but I'm convinced, together, we can get this thing to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">$5000!</span> (Yep, that's the new goal, that's what we're going for!)</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbC2JPTnARl-EVMSPKvgt5mgFKzimIDaAbTW5slrTN7dXRrl-VcjjNbJB38Lc2TTXlCmwY77F8sfn6F__iVQE6h_mLwtar1V_1WAV67kmhYg3eaFPDZgdAYGC6vP77R1EVTRApZvbqUFt/s1600-h/IMG_3215.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbC2JPTnARl-EVMSPKvgt5mgFKzimIDaAbTW5slrTN7dXRrl-VcjjNbJB38Lc2TTXlCmwY77F8sfn6F__iVQE6h_mLwtar1V_1WAV67kmhYg3eaFPDZgdAYGC6vP77R1EVTRApZvbqUFt/s400/IMG_3215.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287935809671263266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Coming in for the finish at the 'Last Chance')<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PJ4JrVJ1cvNTV7pTHm-Qc3pZqwTQFC95JxuHyINzyq6sZkD7VYBwkEuQIgfBabtqQVTWuC3XwfYPIsAy4CH2Wdcyuw1XiEpuMlR62gcquqgUmVlDl51Idudxb1ZedeO5idKcG5skSp5r/s1600-h/IMG_3219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PJ4JrVJ1cvNTV7pTHm-Qc3pZqwTQFC95JxuHyINzyq6sZkD7VYBwkEuQIgfBabtqQVTWuC3XwfYPIsAy4CH2Wdcyuw1XiEpuMlR62gcquqgUmVlDl51Idudxb1ZedeO5idKcG5skSp5r/s400/IMG_3219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287935872805244226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Post 'Last Chance' - #6 of 13 - note the shirt!)</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESQkLc6qcSS6ETcaYtUUyZlDWevC92xXz4nE4byGP1RevsGjPbTEIpRh1G-c_7YrN5WTc_MTQARjlOrcdEUdWTvYiOkRzjKFtTRaPv61WHru3N5HKLbLLW0W2J0IpV33nPIGPOwhj_ovO/s1600-h/firstcall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESQkLc6qcSS6ETcaYtUUyZlDWevC92xXz4nE4byGP1RevsGjPbTEIpRh1G-c_7YrN5WTc_MTQARjlOrcdEUdWTvYiOkRzjKFtTRaPv61WHru3N5HKLbLLW0W2J0IpV33nPIGPOwhj_ovO/s400/firstcall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287935966998597778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Misty morning at the 'First Call')</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeemvo6Hue71gG_zVbYlv42z-_5d9-kLvN6M0GkscburkXwqFcJzmGHzzux2HLQnJtYXyGuOsA9yT_XF8ByOq10rIrgt1mtJcR2JuzLHziaEiJU90b3c8suiC_l5WNrajl9LTfqPHS74U/s1600-h/firstcall2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeemvo6Hue71gG_zVbYlv42z-_5d9-kLvN6M0GkscburkXwqFcJzmGHzzux2HLQnJtYXyGuOsA9yT_XF8ByOq10rIrgt1mtJcR2JuzLHziaEiJU90b3c8suiC_l5WNrajl9LTfqPHS74U/s400/firstcall2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287936005827820626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(hitting the snow on the final mile of the 'First Call')</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-SP8LncLfpPZjyCgFQPMLWN7F1-uEWYK2ZLDztbsKzOWNEX0A5-Yl8VGgafWe2AkKYgc8v5Ttllxbt_-m2uGkLRfJUBXvGh_2nrctjkyZOrDfLpW9f089ORUG5SO3TBYHqQoPxIbaUjs/s1600-h/IMG_3221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-SP8LncLfpPZjyCgFQPMLWN7F1-uEWYK2ZLDztbsKzOWNEX0A5-Yl8VGgafWe2AkKYgc8v5Ttllxbt_-m2uGkLRfJUBXvGh_2nrctjkyZOrDfLpW9f089ORUG5SO3TBYHqQoPxIbaUjs/s400/IMG_3221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287935915494932290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(#7 of 13 complete! Still smiling!)</span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-15336112351506297662008-12-29T13:38:00.000-08:002008-12-30T10:33:48.136-08:00Lot's of stuff...There's so much going on, I haven't posted in <span style="font-weight: bold;">too</span> long, and I'm still very busy... so, I'm gonna give a real quick, bare-bones sort of update... I'll post some 'real' updates early next week once things slow down/I catch up...<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Seattle (and really most of Washington) got hit with a BIG storm on Wednesday 12/17... the roads (along with EVERYTHING else) have been a mess up and were up until Saturday 12/27.</li><li>Saturday 12/20 was Pigtail's Flat Ass 50K - I made it down there, finished in 5:11:10, and was greeted at the finish by my wife and friends, Steve & Johanna, it was a very nice surprise!</li><li>Sunday's Tiger Dumb Ass 50K was canceled due to the weather :-(</li><li>As a make up race, I registered for the Christmas Marathon that was to happen on 12/28... it too ended up getting canceled, something which I found out last minute, second hand (as opposed to being contacted by anyone associated with the race)... there may be a chance that the registration fee can be transferred to the Valentine Marathon on 2/7 which would still fit into the 12 week window, but all that remains to be seen at this point...<br /></li><li>There's a plan to do a make up run this Friday (1/2) of the Tiger Dumb Ass, though it will be an unofficial race in the Marathon Maniacs eyes, it will still satisfy THIS '13 in 12' plan ensuring that those who have donated get their monies worth...</li><li>Finally, and most importantly, as of today, we're up to $2940.42!!! Please continue to forward this site address on to your friends and family so that the dollar total will continue to rise!</li></ul>A few quick pics from Pigtail's Flat Ass...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpnvLOHS2sw2BjYfsCbxrmfXjITxryj3vXwIvtJJtGSmwsG7M-5Jk2vAoZ9IucbmVdoa8D3pJd4oejT9zf0vfr1QCBjsVAu0xH9M-s9XXRddI50xhsTVAAZMtWKde2sM9RL8WBtwJ5ZDP/s1600-h/IMG_0889.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpnvLOHS2sw2BjYfsCbxrmfXjITxryj3vXwIvtJJtGSmwsG7M-5Jk2vAoZ9IucbmVdoa8D3pJd4oejT9zf0vfr1QCBjsVAu0xH9M-s9XXRddI50xhsTVAAZMtWKde2sM9RL8WBtwJ5ZDP/s400/IMG_0889.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285337290551758546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Coming in for the finish - and the hot soup!)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYB1p29VJAtgKYGOYV1fnVAljZR6oy3_20OyawhJNzUKWef8dAzOsEuwWxvMGudIN5YLFLy7qbFFzKUTQzxNZJfZb53XXo0ALnz8_io1kJTqGz9FYG4yxUBEt34mIUrQhfbKOujCWA5kn/s1600-h/IMG_0892.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYB1p29VJAtgKYGOYV1fnVAljZR6oy3_20OyawhJNzUKWef8dAzOsEuwWxvMGudIN5YLFLy7qbFFzKUTQzxNZJfZb53XXo0ALnz8_io1kJTqGz9FYG4yxUBEt34mIUrQhfbKOujCWA5kn/s400/IMG_0892.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285337393154387346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(#5 of 13 - displaying the finishers medal!)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPSyHB3mEznzODnw43NSiKGDNNrlRWwcqDuX9xAtx4CCn5L8Pn2JZytaL3BXm1Vw9KgXPStWm4cj4E9J5TMtxJGNijesk-rkCymXOKzVxDFj8hfYTMwZdCOgoi8g2s6ei1Rhw-IChQUQd/s1600-h/IMG_0896.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPSyHB3mEznzODnw43NSiKGDNNrlRWwcqDuX9xAtx4CCn5L8Pn2JZytaL3BXm1Vw9KgXPStWm4cj4E9J5TMtxJGNijesk-rkCymXOKzVxDFj8hfYTMwZdCOgoi8g2s6ei1Rhw-IChQUQd/s400/IMG_0896.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285337464513240898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(At the finish with (from left to right) My wife, Steve, and Johanna)</span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-71806600845834719772008-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:002008-12-15T13:52:10.008-08:00Birch Bay Ghost Marathon<div style="text-align: justify;">If you're looking for the full, (kinda) in depth race report shot on over to my other blog and <a href="http://keep-me-honest.blogspot.com/2008/12/not-so-much-birch-bay-ghost-report.html">read all about it... </a>if you're looking for a real quick status update, you're in the right spot...<br /><br />Saturday was race #4 of the 13 race schedule, once again everything went off with out a hitch. It was a well directed race and I was pleased with my second fastest marathon time, 3:40:23 to be precise.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQVHTsAXgOT3sFhdnvDHk6i1F-wLlI3nWqmu4iRybzQ2PpMvZhZYoBdnYz_xud9pt2OZOeW4t1x5PSyUj0wv4ppZbi5WkLwGsJyopmGrxJFC2mzMBR9cN0ElFG_7gHyRmwH2dwa2n4EUr/s1600-h/IMG_31042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQVHTsAXgOT3sFhdnvDHk6i1F-wLlI3nWqmu4iRybzQ2PpMvZhZYoBdnYz_xud9pt2OZOeW4t1x5PSyUj0wv4ppZbi5WkLwGsJyopmGrxJFC2mzMBR9cN0ElFG_7gHyRmwH2dwa2n4EUr/s400/IMG_31042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280137063272151346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Post Birch Bay Ghost, all bundled up)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Fund raising also continues to go well, as we have now officially broke the $2000 mark. As much as I hate to sound like a broken record (do people even get that analogy anymore?), let me encourage you to forward on this blog address to your friends and family, the more people who know what we're doing the more cash we can raise!<br /><br />Next weekend is what I consider to be the hardest of the races on the schedule, the <a href="http://www.nwultras.com/tiger_dumb_ass.htm">Tiger Dumb Ass</a>. The race has a reputation of being extremely difficult already, that coupled with the fact that I have the <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/race/pigtailsFlatAss.htm">Pigtails Flat Ass 50K</a> the day before sorta has me shaking in <a href="http://img.runningwarehouse.com/shoeviews/BR7M-fv.jpg">my trail shoe</a><a href="http://img.runningwarehouse.com/shoeviews/BR7M-fv.jpg">s</a>. At this point I've yet to convince anyone else to run both back to back which sort of tells me something. Never-the-less, I'll be out there, both days, proving just what a dumb ass I am.<br /><br />Assuming I make it back from Tiger Mountain, I'll post another update come next Monday.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-3783034050885078632008-12-11T14:02:00.001-08:002008-12-11T14:35:26.160-08:00One month in...<div style="text-align: justify;">...and I feel like I haven't even started :-)<br /><br />A month ago yesterday I put the first post on this blog. In that time I've run 3 of the 13 marathons (or beyond) but, <span style="font-style: italic;">big deal</span>, that's old news... what really <span style="font-weight: bold;">is</span> a big deal is that in this first month <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$1874.24</span></span> have been raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! How awesome is that?!? I know others still plan on donating and I'm sure with your help, spreading the word to friends and family be it through word-of-moth, the web, or otherwise, we can continue to bring in the dough for a worthy cause!<br /><br />And, while speaking of worthy causes, let me point you in another direction for just a moment...<br />Over at this address, <a href="http://blogmadcity.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-in.html">http://blogmadcity.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-in.html</a>, you can read about a triathlete in training encouraging everyone to get signed up to the <a href="http://www.marrow.org/">National Bone Marrow Registry</a>. The NBMR is essential in helping fight Leukemia along with a plethora or other diseases. If you're not yet registered, I encourage you to do so, it could give you the opportunity to save a person's life some day!<br /><br />While you do that, I'll start carb loading for <a href="http://www.nwultras.com/birch_main.htm">Saturday</a>! I'll be sure to post a race report, photos, and fundraising update early next week!<br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-24763155831150812182008-12-09T11:59:00.000-08:002008-12-09T13:07:11.212-08:00Quick update<div style="text-align: justify;">As of yesterday $1386.00 have been raised for the LLS, and while, if you look to the right of the page, you'll see that we're nearing the top of the $2K thermometer, it should be noted that there is no set financial goal. I promise you that the thermometer <span style="font-weight: bold;">will</span> be adjusted to a higher dollar amount as the money continues to come in. In other words, thank you and keep it coming (tell your friends and family)!<br /><br />I'm now a little less than 4 days away from the <a href="http://www.nwultras.com/birch_main.htm">Birch Bay Ghost Marathon</a> and am more than ready to the point that I am feeling a little sad that there's no 50K option and/or no race the next day. Funny, it would seem the more I run/race the more eager I am to (perhaps the double the weekend after will curb those feeling ;-).<br /><br />Finally, it seems there will be yet another adjustment to the race schedule, it now sounds as though the <a href="http://www.littlemarathon.com/YT50K2008/default.asp">Yours Truly 50K</a> (Cedar River edition) will happen after all, but that the <a href="http://mysite.verizon.net/resv06n3/lordhillruns/index.html">Lord Hill 50K</a> will not, of course with the <a href="http://firstcalltorunmarathon.blogspot.com/">First Call to Run 50K</a> now on the schedule, that still keeps me at 13, so while there have been changes, there are no real changes.<br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-87162878812402645312008-12-05T11:11:00.001-08:002008-12-05T14:50:22.197-08:00U Week<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">For those of you who don't know me personally, I have a real life too (I now, it's hard to believe ;-), and in that real life I have a real job at the Applied Physic Lab of the University of Washington. Recently, going off a suggestion from a friend (and '13 in 12' financial contributor!), I contacted the UW's weekly online publication <a href="http://uwnews.org/uweek/index.aspx">U Week</a> about possibly running a story to generate some more donations, they were quick to reply and the result is a nice little piece in the most recent edition... here's the link to the story...<br /></div><br /><a href="http://uwnews.org/uweek/article.aspx?id=45710"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="tMediumHeadline">Run, Nic, run! Staffer raising money with 13 marathons in 12 weeks</span></a><br /></div><table style="text-align: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><a href="http://uwnews.org/uweek/article.aspx?id=45710"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span class="xxsmallverdanablack">By </span></span><span class="xxsmallverdanablack"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Peter Kelley</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">University Week</span></span></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />...already the story has generated interest and, best of all, donations! As of today, 12/5 we're up to $968!<br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-56885401346557235432008-12-03T13:26:00.000-08:002008-12-03T13:35:20.668-08:00A few things...<div style="text-align: justify;">First off I want to put out a big thank you to those of you who have already donated, at this point $828 has been raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and there's still 2 full months to go! Please remember to forward this along to friends and family as well, the more folks who see this the more cash we can raise!<br /><br />Second, I want to bring up one small, edit to the plan. If you glance at the race list on the left you might notice it's now 14 races long, added into the mix is the "<a href="http://firstcalltorunmarathon.blogspot.com/">First Call to Run Marathon (or 50K)</a>" on January 1st, I've signed up for this race for fear that one of the 3 final races listed may not happen this year (specifically the Yours Truly 50K). Rest assured, one way or another 13 races will get run in 12 weeks ;-)<br /><br />Finally, I've posted a long winded account of how this past weekend went, if you'd like to read the details<a href="http://keep-me-honest.blogspot.com/2008/12/little-more-detail.html"> click here</a>.<br /><br />More to come soon! Thanks for your interest!<br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-9154910553529261862008-12-01T10:34:00.000-08:002008-12-01T10:36:39.712-08:00The first 3<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUAJsb3Y3zB9lvciAIVkFRYILPECpEvnH0zXZJaQ9dDL04UxMfND6qDxZv1pPCNPB8Cd4d3_7UzVMiQGSxODKyVEQx5P1D9I5urNH_hKMc83AoDrlClOofwaCQncZRUF6Zt1VwYeJ7TI/s1600-h/IMG_3083.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUAJsb3Y3zB9lvciAIVkFRYILPECpEvnH0zXZJaQ9dDL04UxMfND6qDxZv1pPCNPB8Cd4d3_7UzVMiQGSxODKyVEQx5P1D9I5urNH_hKMc83AoDrlClOofwaCQncZRUF6Zt1VwYeJ7TI/s400/IMG_3083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274863462643713858" border="0" /></a>(Wishbone Run / 27.4 Miles / 4:29:45)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTumzneelA2GduMbMaSYNGKfc1MRhY-yvDVTkd1elnWrG6tBF9roawdMT2cRcDMTbUAMmqWhBO_UqV3YnrpWPaKdc5STe0Yekxnu9OEVfOi1nhV8ScfQ9KYMEt1VrCP7eLryOkOkE7_M/s1600-h/IMG_3087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTumzneelA2GduMbMaSYNGKfc1MRhY-yvDVTkd1elnWrG6tBF9roawdMT2cRcDMTbUAMmqWhBO_UqV3YnrpWPaKdc5STe0Yekxnu9OEVfOi1nhV8ScfQ9KYMEt1VrCP7eLryOkOkE7_M/s400/IMG_3087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274863677430614754" border="0" /></a>(Ghost of Seattle / 50K / 4:57:30 *new PR!*)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_-bhMC7kVh-DYcMB6mwinaj5LEBhH718kx5BjokmcQ8KWAGMHFrRZMIU4Bo-ZnJy-ZUb6dPfEvuuAwbWh_wATYMizRG8oZuKgmQQ15rIU05pld_1uQP1qMgcbqb1YmI28nu4UUHm0Dw/s1600-h/IMG_3090.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_-bhMC7kVh-DYcMB6mwinaj5LEBhH718kx5BjokmcQ8KWAGMHFrRZMIU4Bo-ZnJy-ZUb6dPfEvuuAwbWh_wATYMizRG8oZuKgmQQ15rIU05pld_1uQP1qMgcbqb1YmI28nu4UUHm0Dw/s400/IMG_3090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274863864971222226" border="0" /></a>(Seattle Marathon / 26.2 Miles / 4:02:43)<br /><br />I'll give a full update soon, but for now, rest assured, I finished the first 3 and am only feeling slightly worse for wear!<br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7528611385556126843.post-49624892073021261812008-11-10T12:43:00.000-08:002008-11-13T12:54:36.236-08:00The Start<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">After 3 years of raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society via <a href="http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page.adp?item_id=91560">the Big Climb for Leukemia</a> I've decided to attempt fundraising for them on my own. This idea came to me when a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with Leukemia, prior to then I had raised money for the LLS simply because it seemed like that's what you do when involved in an event for charity, but now I see it as personal.<br /><br />The 13 races in 12 weeks idea was a thought I started batting around in early August of this year. Initially I was interested for 3 reasons, it sounded fun, it sounded difficult, and it would elevate me to Palladium Level in the <a href="http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/index.html">Marathon Maniacs</a> (silly, I know). As the plan hashed itself out further I recognized it as a potential opportunity to raise money for a good cause and so this begins...<br /><br />For those unfamiliar, the <a href="http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_chap">Leukemia and Lymphoma Society</a> is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and their families. The LLS supports the following major programs: research, patient services, public and professional education, advocacy and community services.<br /><br />Leukemia, a cancer of the body’s blood-forming organs, is the leading disease killer of children; yet for every child diagnosed, ten adults face this disease. Thanks to research supported by contributions to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, survival rates in both adult and childhood leukemia have dramatically improved. <p> Please consider supporting me as I log mile after mile in an effort to fight blood cancers. I will continue to fundraise from now until the 1st of February.<br /></p>To donate, please see the Paypal "Donate" button on the right column of this blog.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">$20 < $.06 cents per mile<br />$50 < $.13 cents per mile<br />$100 < $.26 cents per mile<br />-<span style="font-weight: bold;">OR</span>-<br />...for donations of $388 ($1 per mile) or more I'll do ridiculous things (terms to be discussed via email)... want me to wear a funny hat? Go shirtless in January? Something else even wackier? Email me at <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">nicplemel@yahoo.com</span> and we'll work something out...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll keep this blog updated by posting photos, race reports, and fundraising status updates. in the mean time, I have less than 3 weeks 'til my first triple (3 in 3 days), perhaps I should practice being sore now ;-)<br /><br />Thank You!<br /></div></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05491035737893461029noreply@blogger.com6