Running Partners...

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Hello!  Happy Saturday to you.  Today is a great day already and it's going to get even better as I am going to plant some flowers this afternoon.  Who knew I'd get such a kick out of flower planting?  Ha Ha.  I ran 12 miles this morning in about 84 minutes.  Not too shabby.  For those of you familiar with downtown Indianapolis, I ran from Creation Cafe area up to the Butler athletic fields (on the toe path) and back.  Fun run.  Check out my socks and arch aids.  Both really help on a long run.  The socks prevent blisters between the toes and the arch aids support my unnaturally high arches.

I really appreciate all of the personal emails and messages about my blog entry titled "Grandparents."  That specific entry meant a lot to me and the feedback from those who read that entry was fantastic.  My blog is simple and intended for me to form and maintain personal connections with those who read.  Feel free to keep the comments flowing. 

Today I wanted to write a little bit about my running partners.  For me, my running partners are not people who run with me physically because I run most miles by myself.  Rather, my running partners are the people who read this blog and coorespond with me about their personal running journeys.  For instance, there is Tracy, my cousin, who started running in the last year.  This week I sent her an email letting her know that she was the person I listed on my Indianapolis Monumental Marathon entry form as the person who inspired me to sign up.  Her comment was something to the effect of, "really?"  Yes, it's true.  You see, I'm inspired by Tracy's fearlessness in tackling half and full marathons when she's never run like that before.  That sort of courage is inspiring to me.  And...while I may inspire her, she can equally inspire me.  There is also Shelly in Washington State who is training for a marathon while raising four young kids.  I have a hard time getting my miles in and I just have a dog.  I cannot imagine training for a marathon and also having responsibility for children.  That's absolutely amazing.  There is Zac, my friend from Bloomington who lives in Colorado, who is an outstanding runner training for his first marathon.  My friend Aaron in Kentucky ran his first marathon about a year ago while running a business and taking care of his family.  And...in Res Life at IUPUI you have Erica, Theresa, Billy, Jillian, Amy, Rachel, Kevin, and Nick (and I'm sure others) who are training for different marathons and half-marathons.  Plus,  Thomas and Heather form OSI who run.  There is even Brian, who says he "slogs."  All of these people (plus all of the other folks I used to coach in California) are my running partners in the sense that I gain strength, motivation, and inspiration to run in hearing about their running journeys.  It's a two way street and that's the beauty of running.  Inspiration can come from anywhere and it does not matter how fast, how slow, or how long.  All that matters is you give it a shot.

Have an outstanding day.  I promise to post pictures of my flower planting and mulching efforts later today.  Happy running to you.

400 Miles for the Year...

Hello.  Short post for this morning.  I ran about 6 miles in the pouring rain.  Seems like it's pouring rain every time I run these days.  None-the-less, I ran anyway.  I told a friend over twitter this morning that "you know you're a runner on a day like today."  That's an old New Balance advertisement. 

Today I eclipsed the 400 mile mark for the year.  I'm a little off where I'd normally be, but I think that will actually be a good thing.  I tapered out near the end of last year so I think that having a strong April-November will be just fine.  After all, I want to be a life long runner and not just burn out.  I officially signed up for the Monumental Marathon on November 5 in Indianapolis.  Woo Hoo!  I cannot believe I'm signed up.  I'm like Brett Farve and Michael Jordan--I just cannot quit and keep coming out of retirement (marathon retirement).  ;-)

One little thought for the morning:  "Attitude reflects leadership, Captain."  I never forget this quote--especially when my team is struggling.  If they are struggling it's on me and it's my responsibility to get them back on track.  Fortunately, my team does not struggle often, but when it does I never forget it's on me to get it fixed first.  Sometimes, it's a person or a couple people, but it starts with me.  As David Cottrell says, "until you accept total responsibility, you will not be able to reach your leadership potential."  Happy running to you!

Grandparents...

Good morning.  Hope you are having a nice Easter Sunday.  Sarah is working at the hospital this morning and Myles and I are blogging together after my nice 5.25 mile run in the misty rain.  It was a nice morning to run as the rain was gentle and not too overwhelming.  This week I ran 33.5 miles, which is my best week of the year so far.  That's three weeks in a row of 30 miles or more.  Look out. 

Grandma's Cup from Singapore:  Sarah's Birthplace

This morning I was trying to select a coffee cup to use, as all of our's are in the dishwasher.  I saw that I still had my IU Cup, a random silver cup, and then I saw a red cup with a floral design hiding behind a couple bowls.  I could not help but smile as this was one of my Grandmother's coffee cups (actually, probably a tea cup) that she acquired when she and my Grandfather lived in Singapore long ago.  Before she died, she gave me a few pieces of her China from that set.  Funny thing:  Sarah was born in Singapore.  Talk about fate.  I'm a sentimental guy in case you did not know and I love to hold onto to things from family members who have passed.  I was fortunate to have outstanding Grandparents in my life and I'm very fortunate to still have my Grandad (Speer) in my life currently.  All of them were part of the "Greatest Generation," and there is something very special about them and I've learned so much from them.  Therefore, I keep as much stuff to remind me of them in my daily life as possible.  For example, on a daily basis I carry my Grandad Gorrell's wallet that he used up until the day he died.  I've been using that wallet since 2002 and I've not purchased another one since.  I'll probably use it until the day that I die.  Right now, as I stated, I'm using my Grandmother Gorrell's tea/coffee cup.  My grandmother GiGi and Grandad Skillman used to have these rotary phones in their house into the late 90s.  I still have one of those phones and I used it all the time until I dropped our landline for a cellphone when we moved to Indiana.  I also have all of the IU Campus Photos they had in their house and they are all currently on display in my office.  My grandmother MiMi and Grandad Speer used to give me some of their dishes (first dishes I ever had in grad school and at Georgia) and I even had one of their old couches for several years.  MiMi, while I die hard UK fan, gave me a pillow one Christmas with the stitching "It's hard to be humble when your from Indiana University."  That particular pillow also sits in my office for all to see.   On Holiday's, the memories of family members are acutely present and it's nice to know that they are a part of my life on a daily basis--whether physical or spiritual. 

My three best for this week:

One, kindness of friends.  A few friends of mine displayed a ton of integrity and loyalty this week because they value me.  Enough said.

Two, RUNNING.  Specifically, I had a great conversation with Nick Estrada (a future star in Student Affairs) about running a marathon.  It's funny because I would only consider myself at a pseudo-expert level in three things:  Res Life, Running, & Indiana Basketball.  It's nice when someone who knows me in one area (in this case Res Life) gets to talk with me about something like running.  I love coaching runners of all levels and it's easy for me to talk about.  I've always thought down the line that the perfect job for me would be one that would allow me to work with college students and coach runners.  I'm sure that will be a reality in the future.

Three and most important:  SARAH.  No one is as supportive and as understanding as Sarah when it comes to me.  Her support of my running and my professional life is amazing.  I love her.

Have a great day.  Happy running to you...

Nice Long Run...

Happy Saturday!  Hope you are well.  I'm am ecstatic this morning.  I just finished up a 10.25 mile run in about 73 minutes in 28 seconds.  Not too shabby for my first double digit run of the year.  The week of TPE I ran 9 miles in 7 days.  Today I ran 10.25.  So...needless to say I'm getting serious about my 2011 training and am ready to keep up the good mileage and build the base to rock the Monumental Marathon in November.

This week was a week full of lessons, challenges, and successes.  I think the best way to discuss these is through the lens of running.  Here goes.  When you run, your plan constantly is adjusted based on the elements, terrain, and how you feel internally.  It's rare, that all of those fire in your favor at the same time.  Sometimes, the terrain is inviting and is begging you to run and saying the road is yours.  However, sometimes the elements and how you feel prevent you from really taking advantage of the terrain.  Sometimes, the terrain is rough, uninviting, and is saying don't even try to run here.  Yet, you feel great and confident and the elements are all pointing to giving it a go (sunny, slightly warm, small breeze of encouragement).  Sometimes, both the terrain and the elements are perfect, but you just don't internally feel it.  It's smooth terrain, perfect conditions, but you just feel like junk and cannot feel good about running.  It's rare that the terrain, elements, and your internal feelings all line up, but when it does--like it did for me today--the run is great.  When it doesn't--you have a choice, run or keep the shoes in the closet and sit on the couch.  Mostly, I choose to run and go with the elements, terrain, and what my body gives me.  In life, I mostly choose to do the same.  Point is, no matter what the conditions (elements + terrain + internal feelings), I'll be running and getting after it.  In the end, those who "stick to the fight when they are hardest hit" prevail.  Same goes for life.  Same goes for last week. 

A great day lies ahead and a great start to the week could happen (cross your fingers).  Our team could get two outstanding additions--even you know what I mean.  Happy running to you...

Just run...

Good morning!  Myles and I are just sitting here chilln' before I head to work.  I would like to write a very long blog post this morning, but I cannot.  However, I would be remiss if I did not make a short entry. 

Yesterday, I received some disappointing news (not family related--all good there).  It was news I expected, but a bit disheartening none-the-less.  It is not something really appropriate to go into on a blog so I won't go there.  What I will say though is this.  When I woke up this morning I laced up my shoes, headed out the door, and ran.  It's what I do, it's who I am, and I'm proud to be a runner.  Running is about honor, integrity, discipline, sharing, kindness, hard-work, struggle, overcoming struggle, victory, defeat, hills, downhills, rain, snow, sleet, hail, sun, hot, cold, mud, concrete, grass, and the list could go on and on.  My point is this:  there is very little in this life that can occur that running has not already prepared me to handle.  In this life there will be disappointment.  Running helps me deal with it, learn from it, and improve. 

Myles is whining at me so I think he needs to go potty.  Happy running to you...

Lessons Learned...

Good morning!  Ran a very nice 5 miler on a cool Sunday morning.  I ended up running 32 miles this week and that makes it 63 miles in the last two weeks.  Very soon, I'll be up to the 40 miles a week that I typically run when training for a race. 

The title of my blog is "Lessons Learned" for two reasons:  one because of a song that is new to me by Matt & Kim and two because I learn lessons all the time.  Sometimes I like to write about what drove me to become a runner.  If you don't know, I grew up wanting to play basketball and I was even good enough to make the varsity squad.  However, I was really only good enough to make the team and I did not really play all that much.  I was the fastest guy on the team and usually won all of the preseason conditioning running events.  If playing time was only related to conditioning, then I would have been a starter.  However, I was not a particularly good shooter and I was not quick.  North and South speed is different than East to West speed and I did not have the lateral quickness (East and West) to go with my speed and endurance.  People could blow right past me and that surely did not help my teammates.  The day after my junior year of basketball ended, I went out for the track team. On March 1, 1994 I ran 7 miles at the first practice and after that practice I began to realize that I just might be a runner after all.  Yet, I still wanted to be a basketball player.  I'll never forget the mid-July 1994 day when the new head basketball coach called me to his office.  He said, "Josh, we really appreciate what you've done and you're probably good enough to be a practice player but we're not going to play you much this year.  We will be going with the younger players."  Man, that hurt bad.  I went home, cried a little a bit, and at that moment decided I was going to totally dedicate myself to cracking the top 7 of the Cross Country Team so I could run at the State Meet (Coach Rowe's team always make the State Meet).  I never told my parents about what the coach said verbatim or really anyone for that matter.  I was too embarrassed.  While it hurt, it was actually a gift that I just did not understand at the time.  The fall of 1994 was one of the best of my life as I became a contributing member of a team--the defending State Champion Cross Country Team.  I mentioned having stamina and speed and that was perfect for Cross Country.  I worked myself into the top 5 of the team and we had a pretty good season.  We did not win it all at the State Meet, but it was special to be a member of that team and the lessons I learned that fall are still a part of my daily life.  To this day I'm still running all because two coaches were very honest with me:  Coach Rowe told me I was a runner and should stop trying to be a basketball player and the basketball Coach told me that I was not going to play.  When I think about the song "Lessons Learned," I think about how I became a runner.  It was born out of disappointment, but in the disappointment I found something I loved more than I could imagine.  I deal with a lot of parents who don't want their kids to be disappointed and the problem with this is that if you don't experience disappointment, then you may never figure out what you are truly good at doing.  This is true.

My Three Best for the Week:

One, Staff in-service on Tuesday:  "You would not accept a bottle of pee so you certainly should not accept someones key."  It's a long story, but it was me being me to illustrate a point about closing.

Two, the two Multicultural Competence Sessions I led on Friday and Saturday.  I could see that they made a difference and that's so very key.  It also helped remind me of what I already know to be true.

Three (and most important):  Time spent with Sarah & Myles.  I never get tired of being with them.

Have a great day.  Don't be afraid to learn a tough lesson and happy running to you...

The Scorpio...

"A Scorpio never gives up, they are so determined to reach their goal. The key to their success is their flexibility. They are able to re-survey a situation and take a different approach if necessary. This makes them very adaptable and versatile. Scorpios are fierce competitors..." --Zodiac Signs

The Face of A Scorpio

I do a lot of thinking while I run--especially about my life, personality, goals, successes, disappointments, ideas, etc.  On my run yesterday I thought a lot about my personality and I happened to read a bit about my Zodiac sign, The Scorpio, this morning.  While I was running this morning I felt inspired to write a blog entry about my sign.  There is so much about me that is definitely so Scorpio.  I am competitive with a capital C.  It's true that I never give up or think I'm beaten and I'll move and change and do whatever necessary to reach my goal.  I'm fierce when it comes to going after my goals and when I think I've been wronged.  I trust wholeheartedly, but never forget being burned or underestimated.  I love being the underdog and often root against the favorite, the favored, or the elite.  I'm drawn to situations that put me in an underdog role or in an impossible situation because I love to be the one that that changed or completed what no one thought possible.  Scorpios are also loyal to a fault.  For me, this is so true.  I value loyalty over most any other trait.  Heck, I am such a loyal Indiana University fan and my basketball and football teams have struggled for many years.  Yet, I love IU every bit as much now as I did when they were at the top of the basketball world.  When I think about many of the traits of a Scorpio, I embody many of them. 

There is not doubt that being a Scorpio helps me greatly as a runner.  I so identify with the statement "a Scorpio never gives up, they are so determined to reach their goal."  As a runner--especially as I embark on another marathon--that statement is the key to my training and a key to my personality.  When you are in the marathon, as I've stated on a few occasions, there are times when quitting seems much more desirable than finishing.  However, it's that drive inside of me that will not allow for me to quit, let up, or stop.  In addition, it's the flexible part of being a Scorpio that helps me readjust during a race, during a run, or in life to make sure that small set backs don't end up blocking progress.  In life, we all get beat every now and then, but you've got to get up, keep fighting, and get ready to win the next one.  You cannot get what you want if you are not willing to risk the possibility of defeat or failure.  I think that this outlook has a lot to do with being a Scorpio and also being a runner, and the combination of those two traits makes me a pretty odd but interesting character. 

I ran 9 miles this morning in about 61:30 and I finished out the last 3-4 miles at about a 6:30 per mile clip.  I'm so excited about running a marathon this fall and I'm ready.  The fire is back inside of me ignited by a few things, but it's back.  I'm thinking that I'm 99% sure I'll run the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on November 5, 2011.  It's truly and Indianapolis specific race past all of the sites and areas I love.  On my run today I thought about using the Monumental Marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon next April (one year from Monday).  I'm pumped.  As a runner, one of the things I've always wanted to do is run Boston.  I've qualified three times and never signed up.  It's time to go after it.  It's time to once again push the envelope of what I'm capable of doing at the 26.2 mile distance.  It's time.

Happy running to you...

Character...

Good morning.  Going to write another short blog as I'm inspired this morning after my run.  Ran 6 miles this morning at 5:15a.  It was a nice run and it felt good.  I really became focused two weeks ago when committing to the marathon for the fall and I've run a lot more.  Already, my mental and physical ability has increased positively by a ton.  When I run and am focused on a race, then I'm at my best.

On my run this morning I was thinking about a conversation I had  yesterday with a teammate about my Grandad.  We were in my office and I was telling him about the Kentucky Wesleyan College chair that sits in my office that my Grandad was awarded when he retired from KWC as the Dean of Students.  I keep that chair in my office because it reminds me of him and it serves as a guide post for decision making.  You see, my Grandad always did the right thing and the right thing was always about what was fair and just for the student.  Whenever I have a tough decision to make, I generally think about what would he do.  What would be the most just or must fair way to proceed?  Whenever I would go out to eat with he and my Grandmother in Owensboro--even after her retired--it was common for someone to come up to the table and say, "Hello Dean Gorrell" and that would be followed by a "thank you for the time you gave me a second shot when I did X or thank you for helping me when I needed it most."  I grew up around that positive energy and positive influence and I still carry it with me to this day.  In this life, it's character that counts.  My Grandad had excellent character and then some.  His life was not always easy, but he carried himself the same way in good times and in bad times.  He always did the right thing--even when difficult and even when it required more work.  I admired that so much growing up, and that example he set drives me daily.  I'm a fortunate person to have had a person like that in my life.

Off to work.  Happy running to you....

Mid-Week Check-In

Hello.  Just a short blog this evening as it's been a hectic week.  I most likely won't post this to Twitter or Facebook.  I've run six miles on Monday and Wednesday and plan to do the same tomorrow.  This will keep me on track to hit the 30 mile mark again this week.  I'm still planning on training for a marathon. 

So much I'd like to blog about.  Enough said.  It's not personal as all is good on the home front.  Sarah, Myles & I are doing so well.

I'm so very proud of our three grad students who are out there interviewing and having great success.  They started when I started and I've not known HRL without them as a part of it.  I'm going to miss them terribly when they leave, but I'm so dog gone proud of them.  What I do is all about helping people achieve their goals and dreams.  It's great to see it happen!

Happy running to you.  I promise to write more soon...

Dripping w/ Sweat!

Write this down!  April 10 was the first time after running that I was completely drenched in sweat in 2011.  Yeah, gross, I know.  But...the sweat means that the warmer temps are nearly here to stay and that Spring will be in full effect soon.  I ran about 1p this afternoon and it was a little over 80.  It was hot, my body temp rose quickly, and I did not feel very good on the six mile run--I will say, though, that it's pretty normal to feel bad on you first few runs as temperatures increase.  Your body has to get used to the heat.  So...if it's pretty outside and you are looking forward to running but you get out there and feel like junk...don't worry.  It's normal for the first few runs when the temps increase.  Just drink lots of Gatorade and Water.



Myles & The Foam Roller



I thought I may take a minute to give folks a tip about something I use after every run, a Foam Roller.  What I learned the last time I was injured (2008 with IT Band Syndrome) is that your muscle tissue (especially in your outside quad areas) can get banded up and actually provide less flexibility for your IT band.  This can cause pain in your knee (inside or outside), in your hip area, and even into your back.  When I worked at the Running Company (now Bluemile) the good folks of St. Vincent Sports performance talked to us about the Foam Roller.  The Foam roller is a little cylinder that you roll on (outside of your legs) an

d it helps smooth out the tissue and keep it from banding up.  Sometimes, it causes light bruising, but using it daily has keep me running injury free for about two  years now (knock on wood).  I've included a picture of it next to Myles--he thinks of it as his friend too.  Email me or comment in the blog if you have questions on how to best use it.

Now...for my three best for the week.  I've enjoyed doing this the past two weeks so it's back for a third week.

#1:  Going on a date with Sarah last Thursday to eat at Napolese in Broadripple and then see to Matt & Kim for Rock for Riley at the Vogue.  She convinced me to go and I had no idea who Matt & Kim were, but dang was it fun and dang were they good.  I'm telling you right now to go to iTunes, search for Matt & Kim, and listen to their music.  It's good stuff in my opinion.  Sarah and I don't get to go out much with our schedules so it was great to be out with her before her crazy surgery rotation this next month.

#2:  Sitting outside reading on the porch with Myles while having an adult beverage.  It was a great way to spend the early evening last night.  I cannot believe he just sat in the chair next to me.  He loves people watching and I love him.

#3:  Brunch with Sarah at 3 Sisters in Broadripple.  Once again, Sarah does not disappoint with her dining selections.  I enjoyed a healthy dose of French Toast and it was outstanding.  Great time spent with Sarah just enjoying the moment.

All in all, this week was pretty good.  I ran five days this week and hit over 30 miles for the week.  Slowly, I'm getting back to where I know I can be in terms of running and it's nice.  Happy running to you...

30 Percent Chance of Rain My Tail...

Good morning!  "It's the freaking weekend baby I'm about to have me a run..."  Ha Ha Ha.  ROTFLMAO!  This morning I woke up excited about running.  It looked like it was going to rain.  I've learned over the 17 years of running that when the sky looks a certain way--no matter what the forecasters say--it's going to rain.  However, I looked at my Weather Channel App on my IPhone and it said 30% chance.  I thought, "well, there's a 70 percent shot it won't rain."  Just in case, I slipped on my water and wind proof jacket and went for it.  Let me tell you something:  There is a 100% shot it rained the ENTIRE time I ran.  Not just rained, but stormed.  Once again, I should trust my gut.  I always get into trouble when I don't.  I guess I really did not get into trouble, but I really did get very, very wet.  Overall, I ran a little over 8 miles in about 59 minutes.  Not too bad. 

This week has been a great week.  It's been busy as I've been leading the charge in recruiting a couple new staff members to work in our department.  I am always very appreciative of candidates who choose to spend time with us and really give us a look.  Over the past month or so I've spoken with some outstanding individuals and I wish we had more spots available.  A candidate gave me a huge compliment this week whether this person knew it or not.  The person said to me, "I interviewed with over 20 schools at TPE and not one school asked the sorts of questions you asked and that's what kept me interested in your department."  For me, this was a fantastic observation as I did rewrite our questions with the thought of just asking exactly what we needed to know to see if the person would be a good fit.  Job searches are about fit, and to steal a quote from a coach whose name escapes me, "we are who we say we are."  Or...to steal a line from Lupe Fiasco, "if you are what you say you are..."  I love that about the folks that I work with daily--we are transparent, sincere, and really focused on students.  At the same time, I feel we are a group always trying to get better and improve.  That's key.  As soon as you think you are perfect and don't need to get better, then you get knocked on your tail.  No doubt about it.



One of my favorite Myles pictures

I love to present at conferences and I'm thinking of submitting a program proposal  again this year for GLACUHO (Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers) titled:  "What I Learned about Working in Housing and Residence Life While Running."  Yeah, I know it's a spoof of my blog, but it's so true for me.  The work I do is so deeply personal to me and I'm so proud of it and focused on it (and I'm sure others feel the same way).  I'm a Blue on the True Colors and a Feeler on the Myers Briggs and a Get Along on the Lens of Understanding.  What this means for me is that I'm deeply impacted when things change, or tough decisions get made, or I upset someone.  Without balance, I am vulnerable to making a hurtful comment or making a dumb decision.  Running balances me out, helps me process possible decisions, and really provides me with a way to explore my feelings before acting.  In Housing and Residence Life work making good choices and staying calm is SO KEY to your leadership.  For me, I've seen good people just lose it because they became so invested in their work that they lost perspective.  I know I could do the same, and that's why running helps me so much.  Yes, I was already a runner, but running truly helps make me good at what I do.  So...Maybe I will submit a proposal and see what happens.  Have a great weekend!  Tomorrow will be my three best for the week.  Stay dry, stay balanced, and happy running to you....

Fight On! A Lesson from the Marathon...

There is a point, actually more than one, during a marathon where you think you're not going to make it.  Your quads hurt, calves hurt, arms hurt, and you feel like a tractor-trailer just backed over you about five times.  Often times people refer to this as the wall.  In every single marathon I've run, I have hit this point at least 2-3 times during the race.  The first time it hits you just take take some GU and have some Gatorade, focus on something else for a mile or two, and then you feel better.  The second time is a bit rougher and you might need to slow down for a bit, take in more GU or sport beans, and drink just a bit more Gatorade.  But when the big one hits and you've already been weakened by the first two walls (for lack of a better terms), that's when your metal is truly tested.  That's when you become a marathon runner because it takes extraordinary mental and physical strength to push through pain that makes you just want to lay on the side of the road and have a beer.  It becomes a matter of just moving step to step, breath to breath, and minute to minute.  And...if you can eek it out for just a few minutes, then you finally push through to this state of elation that simply cannot be understood unless you've had to do it.  No matter what your time, if you've finished a marathon, then you've done something that most simply won't try to do.  An extraordinary accomplishment.

What I love about running is how often it applies to your daily life.  For example, April is a busy month in my work world and if you look at the totality of everything that has to be done, then it can look daunting.  Much like the marathon, I know there will be walls to push through.  Much like the marathon, there will be times that multiple walls may hit you and you have to figure out how to get through them.  All the tasks that need to be accomplished will get accomplished, but I've found that focusing on it one step and one day at a time is the only way to do it.  Figure out what has to be done in the moment to keep things moving forward in the right way, do that every day, and then by the end of the month you will have accomplished what you set out to accomplish.  In the marathon it's the same concept, run the third mile and concentrate on the third mile so you'll be ready for the fourth mile.  That, my friends, is why I love running and why it helps me.  Running helps me practice how to approach challenges in a self-controlled environment so that I am ready to handle challenges in an environment where there are a ton of moving parts.

Have a great day.  At this point my marathon selections are down to 10/2 (Trail Marathon in Battle Ground Indiana) or 11/5 (Monumental Marathon in Indy).  I was thinking of the Indianapolis Marathon, but as Sarah point out that's the day after our 5th wedding anniversary.  That would be sort of silly for me to plan a marathon on that weekend.  No doubt.  So...the Indianapolis Marathon is out.  It's either road or trail and I've got some time to decide.  That's another blog post in itself.  Happy running to you!

Sunday Best for April 3...



Myles Meets a Bulldog



Good morning to you.  Hope that you are having a splendid Sunday thus far.  Mine has been good.  Woke up early and took Myles out, ate some breakfast and enjoyed some coffee, and just finished up a 6.25 mile run.  Last Sunday I introduced the concept of my three best for the week and it seemed to work well and served as a nice reflective end to my week.  So...I'm going to try it again.

#1:  Spending time with Sarah and Myles yesterday afternoon.  The three of us headed up to the Butler campus and walked around.  There was a street fair and lots of Butler fans.  We had a great time walking Myles around and just spending some time together.  While I did not attend Butler, I have been rooting for them in the NCAA Tourney.  I love what they stand for and really enjoy watching them play.  Sarah and I had a great time with the patrons and staff at Mesh last night watching the game.  It's amazing how this city has adopted Butler and been really supportive.   I hope that the beat UCONN on Monday. 


#2:  IUPUI graduate staff.  I'm very proud of our three graduate students (Danielle, Drew, & Brian) who are out there interviewing for full time positions currently.  All three had on-campus interviews at prospective schools this week and they are doing a great job representing themselves and IUPUI HRL.  In my work, helping to develop leaders is what it's all about and like I've said a few times I have really enjoyed working with these three.  They are talented and hard-working, but most importantly coachable.  You can have all the talent in the world, but if you cannot be coached then your potential is limited.

#3:  Running refocus.  The more I have thought about it, the more I think running a fall marathon makes sense.  Like I said yesterday, I love tough challenges that take a lot of work and where the outcome will come down to the wire.  Big risk, big reward.  The marathon is such a beast and such a difficult challenge, and it's giving me chills just writing about it.  It's been since 2008 at Eugene since I've run a marathon, but I think I'm ready to tackle marathon number 5.  I know I said never again, but how many time did Brett Favre come back?  I'm excited about this and really think I'll commit. to the Indianapolis Marathon.  Why Indianapolis Marathon?  Well, that's where it all started in the fall of 1999.  I signed up for the Indianapolis Marathon, trained for it, ran in it, but was sent the wrong direction by a volunteer during the race and never completed it.  So...I should have five marathons, but only have finished four.  I was so devastated on that October day in 1999, so maybe it's time to write a new chapter for myself in that race.  I'll let you all know what I decide very soon.  For now, I'm approaching each run like I'm building for the marathon.

All in all it's been a great week.  My job continues to be very busy and unpredictable on some days, but I really enjoy it.  I could never just stay in a job where the same thing happened daily.  I'm blessed to work in Housing & Residence Life and I work with some of the best students around.  Have a great day.  Happy running to you...

I've got the bug...

Good morning!  Wow.  April Fools Day was yesterday and let me tell you I got pranked!  It was pretty funny indeed.  I'm probably the biggest IU Basketball Fan in the world, and I was definitely the biggest IU Hoops fan growing up in Kentucky.  Imagine my surprise when my office was COMPLETELY changed into an office only a UK fan could love.  Pretty darn funny.  I love my staff.  They went all out for this prank and it made me feel good.  I love a good prank from time to time and I surely give it as good as I get it.  See the video for the full effect.  Good luck to UK and Butler today!

I've been thinking a lot lately about my running and what I want to do next.  About a month ago I mentioned trying to run a sub 5 mile and a sub 17 minute 5K.  While those are great goals and I know I can get them, those goals are not motivating me.  I've been stuck in this rut of just running without a purpose.  That's just not me.  I run best when I have a tangible goal in sight that has some accountability.  For example, signing up for a race helps hold you accountable because you have to train for it and you've made a financial commitment.  The other thing about me as a runner and as a person is that I like to do the extreme or most difficult thing.  I love challenge.  So...running a fast 5K, while great, is not extreme enough for my personal satisfaction of reaching a goal.  You know what is?  The Marathon!  I've run four and my injury issues with the marathon are well documented in this blog.  But...I've got the bug again.  I need a nice running challenge to really train for, sweat for, prepare for, and look forward to.  I talked to Sarah this morning and she was in agreement that I could train for the Indianapolis Marathon on October 15.  Honestly, I need a goal that is difficult, hard, and where there is a chance you don't make it.  The Marathon meets all of those requirements:  Great risk, very tough, big time reward.  I'm almost sure this will be what I'll be training for over the next six months.

For those who know me and know of my running issues with the marathon then you are probably concerned.  Heck, I am too.  Passing out,Shin splints, foot issues, IT Band Syndrome, and Piraformis pain are all injuries I've suffered in my marathons.  Yet, I've learned from every issue.  This time around, I believe if I continue to pay attention to my core, stretch out my calves, and use arch aids for my feet, then I can do this.  My first thoughts on training are 4-5 days a week of running with runs of 6-8 miles three days a week and runs of 18-24 miles one day a week.  On off days, I'll really work my core and upper body.  I believe that this just may work. 

I've been so restless of late--like I'm just never satisfied and that usually means something is out of balance.  When I focus in too much on one or two areas of my life and ignore other parts, then I tend to lose perspective in all areas.  What running has done for me historically, has been to give me a part of my life that's just me and it serves to balance out other parts of my life.  Having a very clear running goal provides me with something that I can focus on, control, and completely be responsible for the outcome--and in an environment where it's not related to work or IU Hoops.  I need that and I think it's about time just to go for it.  I'm going to think it over for a few days, but I"m pretty sure this is the way I'm headed. 

Have a fantastic Saturday.  May the team you are rooting for win.  Happy running to you.