What do you think?

When it comes to running, I can’t say I enjoy it yet. However, I can say that sometimes it’s the only thing between me and a bottle of Jack. I’ve gotten to the point in my runs, where I can get into a grove. Ok, on most runs I can get into a grove. After the Miracle Miles 4 Kids, I just kept going. I still needed my “graduation” 5k for the Couch to 5k program and I’m running at the Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival this upcoming weekend. My goal has been to still run 3x per week for 3 miles, but I’m only averaging 2 runs per week. As many have commented on my Facebook posts, at least I’m out there. Some highs: I completed my longest run yet at 4 miles back on May 6th. It felt great. I was surprised I was able to do it and more shocked that it wasn’t as hard as I thought. But then there’s the lows. I had my worst run since starting the program just one week later. I couldn’t complete the 3 miles, not only stopping to walk, but just plain unable to finish. It wasn’t due to an injury or muscles, just a will. I’m still excited about running, but need to think of a new goal after the 5k this weekend.

I can’t say I’ve posted to much about my being a Lakers fan, but if you’re reading my blog, you probably already know that. What you didn’t know, is in that I became a fan when I was 8 years old… Magic Johnson’s rookie year. Yes, I’m a true fan… I was a fan even during the brutal years of Van Exel and Divac. But it does make it easy to be a fan when in those years they’ve won 9 championships! However, with as much as I’ve loved the Lakers over the years, I’ve never been to a game. That changed thanks to a vendor at work.

I was in LA for the 2nd game of the Suns v. Lakers last Wednesday. As you can imagine, it was awesome. Not sure how to put it all into words, but it was great. The seats were amazing, the game was incredible, and getting to take time off from work was just icing on the cake. I can say though that I would never fork over the cash for those types of seats. Even where we sat, the game is more viewable on my TV. Don’t get me wrong… If you offered me tickets to see another game, I’m there… I just won’t pay for it myself. I did have to go with my boss, which made it interesting since he isn’t a Lakers fan, but even that was good.

So yeah, work. Blogging about work has always been pretty much off limits. For one thing, people whom are mentioned, even if not by name, may read it. I’m emotional and don’t always have nice things to say. Secondly, future employers may read it. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put my name into Google and stumble upon this blog. And finally, we all have jobs, and most of the time, we’re not happy about them, so who wants to read another complaint about work. Heck, if you’re out of work when you read this, then maybe you say to yourself I should appreciate what I have. Which, is true.

This past month though has been a struggle. I’ve been challenged and pushed and didn’t always come out of it the way I wanted. I spent many days agitated and frustrated about what I had to do, often just to appease someone. In the end, everything worked out the way I thought it would, but getting there meant a return to 60+ hour weeks. Looking behind me now, I can be happy I’m done. I know I did a good job and I even learned a few things about myself. There’s some more challenges to come, but, hopefully, I can take some of these lessons and make the journey a little nicer.

Week 7 is considered by many to be the hardest transition week for the C25k as there are no more interval runs and I must say, it was certainly difficult for me. I am often not the smartest guy, and for being in the 200+ club, deciding to cut a week off of the 9 week plan did not show tremendous intelligence. Oh well.

Tuesday was a run outside for 2.5 miles. I had a basketball game but played like 2 minutes, so I needed to get out. This is what came of it. Not bad. I’m consistently having a tough time breathing the first 10 minutes or so, and everything past 2.25 miles is just plain tough. I have to push through I guess, but mentally I’m struggling.

Thursday I bumped to 2.79 miles and it was the first time I ever felt like just stopping. I hurt, plain and simple. My quad was sore, my calf was sore and I just wanted to stop. I didn’t and I’m proud of myself now. Playing basketball on off days is starting to cost me. I’m only getting one day of rest and I’m not sure it’s enough.

Saturday, after talking with a few of my coworkers who run, I decided to head to the gym and run on the treadmill. It’s not my favorite. I much prefer running outside where it’s cooler and the scenery changes. The idea was that my breathing problem is due to my pace, especially in the beginning. When I look over my GPSd runs, the first minutes are always faster then the rest and the longer the run, the slower my pace gets. Taking their advice, I started off slower and increased my pace until I finished with a 2.77 mile run. My breathing was better, but it didn’t make running the total run any better.

Week eight was odd. Tuesday, I, again, had a city league basketball game Tuesday, but this time played a significant amount, so running wasn’t really an option. I was really bummed as this was my first miss. On top of missing the run, this was supposed to be my first 3 mile run and is the last week of running before the 10k.

Thursday I made sure I got back on the treadmill and ran 3 miles. It was extremely difficult. Again, the first 2 or so miles were fine, but that last mile was darn near impossible. I keep hearing about a runners high, but it just hasn’t happened for me. 36 minutes in and I just wanted to die. I know I’m not ready to run a 10k, but I am ready for a 5k

Miracle Miles 4 Kids was my Saturday “run”

RUN HANK RUN!

This past Saturday was the 2010 Miracle Miles 4 Kids 10k benefiting the Family Care Network, and my first ever 10k. First, I want to thank the people who sponsored me to run and the generosity each showed in giving to this cause: LEVEL Studios, John, Christie, Rodney, and Traci. I was great to not only show up and run, but to be able to contribute.

It was a beautiful day in Morro Bay and over 1900 people showed up to run from The Rock to the Cayucos Pier. Thanks to my coworker Tim who helped me plan my run, I ran for 4 minutes and then walked for 1, until the race was over, as my training only has me at about 3 miles currently. My goal was to run the 10k in 80 minutes and I completed in 81:02. All in all, I was pretty darn happy. Congrats to all who ran and gave.

Waiting for the start

Looking behind me at Morro Rock

Looking forward towards Cayucos

Crossing the rocks

No, not that really bad movie from the 70’s! However, it did occur right outside our backdoor, so it felt like the movie. Looking at the pictures, what are your thoughts?

Luckily, there are people who come and take care of them. Due to declining bee (honey) populations, I wanted the bees to be taken care of and not just destroyed. The first swarm (the first picture) was taken care of by a local apiarist. After a few days of waiting for the left over bees to go away, it seemed like all was well. Then on Saturday another swarm showed up (second picture). This second swarm decided our vent made a better home than the exposed over hang, which prompted a call to a bee removal specialist.

It’s swarming season, and if one decides your home makes a good new hive, deal with it responsibly. Your fruits and vegitables will thank you.