Christmas

Is there a more exciting time at home than Christmas morning with a 3 & 2 year old in the house?  Not in the Miller house anyway.  Girls had a blast throughout Christmas visiting with family and having Santa stop and deliver presents.  Things just get more and more exciting with them more able to understand the spirit of Christmas and all the fun things that go with it.  Watching their faces light up as they open presents is just icing on the cake.  I had a 4 day weekend with them, and that just made things even more special.  I can't wait for the upcoming 4 day weekend to finish assembling all the toys and getting the house put back in order.

My running came to a screeching halt for a week as I was finally able to get my basement put back in order from hurricane Sandy.  We had new flooring put down, repaired the damaged walls, and added an electric fireplace to make it more usable year round.  In addition to that, I can eat at my dining room table again!  I was able to get out and run yesterday for the first time in a week and am looking forward to a run sometime this weekend.  Monday I'm hoping for a long run to finish up the year strong.  My weightlifting has dropped off a bit due to remodeling my basement, but should pick up nicely over the coming weeks.

Have a safe and happy new year!

Focus

Friday I was going to blog about ............................but it didn't seem important after what happened in Connecticut

Saturday I was going to blog about.........................but I still couldn't focus on anything but my kids

Sunday I was going to blog about...........................but my focus just wasn't there.

Monday I was going to blog about..........................but it didn't seem to be the appropriate time

Tuesday I started this blog about............................but it still just didn't feel right.

So today I'm going to force myself to finish a short post I started yesterday.  I couldn't wait to pick my kids up from daycare on Friday.  It was difficult to focus on work all afternoon, but I managed to get through it.  I couldn't think of anything but the poor innocent children with their whole lives in front of them, the heroic teachers who saved lives with their quick actions, and the poor parents searching for their children.  As a father, that has to be my biggest fear, something happening to my daughters.  I would do anything for them.  So just like every other good parent in the country, Friday night I held my kids a little closer, hugged them a little tighter, and counted my blessings that they are with me.  Friday night we went for a horse and carriage ride and enjoyed some ice cream afterward.  Saturday we took the girls to their first ever Hershey Bears game, and Sunday was just a great family day.  Monday started another week, and quickly things seemed to return to normal for us.  I like to think I count my blessings for having two beautiful, healthy daughters every day, and I enjoy every minute I get with them.  They are definitely everything to me, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I was going to blog about the great week of workouts I had last week, running, cycling, lifting, but it just didn't seem appropriate.  Enjoy the time with your family and friends.  That is what is really important!

Have a great day!

Weights

December has been a pretty good month so far.  Last week I was able to hit the weights a few days, get good time on the bike one morning, go for a great run on Thursday, and swim with my kids on Sunday.  Monday I was able to get a great run at a great pace over lunch.  I felt great and really pushed myself.  I was extremely pleased with my time.  I followed that up with some core work to finish out a good workout and then capped off the day with a mile with my dogs.  Tuesday was an early morning on the bike in the basement followed up with some upper body work on the weights.  Today was a mix of core work and some quad/calf work.  Trying to make a concerted effort to get stronger and faster this winter!

Girls are doing great.  They are both so much Daddy's little girls right now.  I have to do everything for them.  I know it frustrates my wife right now that they ask for me every time they need something, but I'm going to enjoy every minute of it because I know at some point the role will be reversed.  There is nothing like that big smile and a hug from each daughter to start the day!

Not that the day is over, but today is the first day in quite a while I've avoided the sweet snacks and unhealthy stuff.  Trying to get better with my diet, but this time between the holidays is difficult.

Have a great evening!

Lifting

Now that training for races is finished for 2012, it's a good time to get some rest, take a couple short runs each week, and work on getting stronger.  So far December has been good for that.  My running is 2 to 3 times a week averaging between 3 and 4 miles per run.  More importantly, I've been able to get back on the stationary bike a bit and hit the weights.  My focus through this month will be to get stronger, stay in good running shape, and try not to put on weight during all the holiday events featuring plenty of sweets and booze!  Sounds simple enough I guess, but temptation seems to be everywhere.  There are mug club parties, Christmas parties, family gatherings, friends coming in from out of town, and the host of baked goods that tend to make their way to the office.  It's definitely a challenge.

Girls are doing great.  They have started to sleep a bit better,although they seem to be testing me with a later bed time lately.  We need to get them back on track with a reasonable bed time or we are going to pay the price.  They get to see Santa for the first time this year tomorrow night!  Should be a fun evening. 

Helping with military honors at a funeral today.  I haven't helped much since spring due to my work schedule and just being generally busy.  Always good to see the guys in the Honor Guard and catch up. 

Have a great afternoon!

Goodbye November

All things considered, November is going to be an easy month to say goodbye to.  Sure, I got to run a turkey trot and posted a pretty respectable 5K time, but beyond that, there wasn't a lot to celebrate from a fitness perspective.  I managed 40 miles with my dogs, a little less than 20 miles running, just under 10 miles on the bike, and my strength training really fell off a cliff.  Certainly nothing to brag about, but there are a lot of factors thrown into that.  It could have been worse.  I'm coming out of the month feeling good and rested, not injured, and only a pound or two heavier after the holiday!  No races scheduled for December, but I'm going to meet with a trainer to discuss a winter workout program to get a little stronger and faster.

This disastrous month started with the cleanup of a flooded basement leftover from hurricane Sandy.  This is still an ongoing process as I'm trying to get flooring down and my walls repaired.  Following that, I hit a deer on my way home from work in the first full week of November.  Not a ton of damage, but an inconvenience nonetheless.  The following week my wife was quarantined due to radioactive iodine treatment, meaning she couldn't be at home for fear of exposing our children to higher levels of radioactivity.  The following week was Thanksgiving, which is generally more of a stressful time than a joyous one for us since we attempt to satisfy 3 families by spending time with each of them.  We were able to accomplish that again, but it can be exhausting for us.  This past week was reasonable uneventful, but I'm still just comfortable saying farewell Novemer, see you next year!

Girls are happily doing great.  We went for dinner last night and their behavior at the restaurant was outstanding.  They've been sleeping better and other than first thing in the morning, have been an absolute joy.  Nothing more rewarding than parenthood.

Have a great weekend!

Turkey Trot

My first Turkey Trot went in 4 years went pretty well.  I haven't run one since my oldest daughter was born.  My wife and I used to run in York, but decided to run in New Oxford this year after talking to some of our friends about the race.  The race had just over 500 participants I was told.  Nice turnout for a small town.  The race was well organized.  We were not preregistered, and were able to do so in a very reasonable amount of time.  Plenty of volunteers checking people in.  I was a little late getting out to the start line due to running into some friends I haven't seen in a long time.  I was trying to weave my way closer to the front when the gun went off.  Time to run I guess.  I got caught up in traffic for maybe the first quarter to half mile, but really was able to settle into a nice pace from there on out.  I ran a nice steady pace on the reasonable flat course.  I think i could have taken thirty seconds to a minute off my time if I'd been positioned properly at the start, but that is my own fault.  The hills weren't that steep, but added a nice little challenge to the Thanksgiving morning.  On to the most important part.  My wife ran the race as well.  After having two surgeries in September and radioactive iodine treatment less than 14 days prior to this event, she went out and ran the course.  She really hasn't run since finding out we were expecting our first child over 3 years ago.  She's walked a few events with her father, but hasn't run since then.  Not only did she run this event, but went out for a run on Sunday as well!  I'm so very proud of her for getting back into running after giving birth to two children and battling surgery and treatment.  She is a great inspiration!

Daughters are doing great.  My oldest daughter got her first haircut Wednesday night, and then decided on Friday morning her sister should have a haircut as well.  Happily I caught her in the act before she could do much damage, but she did take a couple small swipes!  Aside from the haircut, they are just awesome.  Love every minute of being a parent.

I was able to go and watch Penn State play their final football game of the season on Saturday.  What a great day for a group of seniors who stayed in the program through all the turmoil of the past year!

Have a great day!

Mid November

Last week was a good week with three running workouts and lots of miles with my dogs.  Even better than that was my wife returning home after being away due to treatment.  Had a great weekend with her and the kids.  I managed a short run and a minimal amount of core work today, but nothing crazy.  I ran 2.25 miles, but increased my pace to get a little more out of my run.  As long as we will be able to get someone to watch the girls for a couple hours Thursday morning, we are going to run a Turkey Trot in a nearby town.  Less than two weeks after her treatment, and she is willing and able to go out and participate in a 5K.  I couldn't be more proud of my wife!

Girls are doing great.  So full of energy all the time.  Their appetite has returned with a vengeance.  I think they are going to eat me out of house and home.  My youngest daughter just continues to expand her vocabulary every day, and my oldest daughter just picks up everything going on around her.  So amazing to watch their development all the time.  Very proud parent!

Have a great evening!

Back Home!

Yesterday I was able to get my 3rd run of the week in.  Only 2.35 miles, but at a good pace and I felt great through the run.  I jumped on the bike for 3.5 miles after that, and followed that up with some great core work.  Added a nice 2 miles with the dogs yesterday to finish up a great day working out.  My body feels great, very few aches and pains and that is a wonderful feeling.  I'm definitely going to do a turkey trot, but I'm just trying to nail down the venue.  Not going to go back to York, even though I enjoy the race and the turnout there.  I'm deciding between Shippensburg and New Oxford.  I guess I have a couple days to make up my mind.  I'm looking forward to putting up a good time somewhere.  My plan is to run again Saturday, but I haven't decided how many miles would be good.  I will just wait and see how I feel.

Girls have been absolutely wonderful for me.  My wife returns home tonight after being stuck away from us for a week due to some treatment she received, making it impossible to be around the kids.  She is recovering wonderfully and the girls and I look forward to her returning home with a clean bill of health.  I have a new appreciation for what a single parent goes through after doing it myself for a week.  That being said, I had a great amount of support from my Mom who came over every day so i could get my dogs out in the morning and evening, as well as the vegetable soup she brought me, my Dad and Stepmom who graciously opened their home so my wife could stay there for a week while she was unable to be around the kids and provided me with Lasagna!, and my Mother and Father in law who helped me with the girls over the weekend and helped with the dogs in the middle of the week, as well as them checking on my wife throughout the week.  It was great to have so much support for the week.  To all of them I say THANK YOU!

Have a great weekend!

Busy Days

I was able to get back to back days of running in earlier this week for the first time in quite a while.  Sunday afternoon I ran 3.1 miles and felt great after almost a 2 week break.  My legs felt very strong and refreshed after that long of a break.  Monday I was able to run again.  I wasn't quite as fresh, but still felt good and ran 2.5 miles, rode. almost 3 miles, and got my dogs out for 4 miles.  No long races planned until March, but I will most likely pick up a 5K or two just to give me something to aim toward in the near future.  Holiday eating season is fast approaching, so it will be important to keep logging miles and staying in shape!

Girls are doing great but they miss the Mom.  It's been a long 5 days being a single father, but it is almost over and my wife will be able to return home Friday.  The girls and I are very much looking forward to that.  They have been wonderful for me.  We read stories and play, they want to help do everything I'm doing, and everything is a race and each one has to be first.  It's very cute and I think I say it in every post, but there is nothing more rewarding than parenthood. 

Have a great evening!

Tough Times

On October 27 I was fortunate enough to participate in the Blue Moon Wicked 10K in VA Beach.  I hadn't run since October 11, and only managed a few miles on the bike during that time.  I did log many miles walking my dogs at a brisk pace, so it wasn't as though I was sitting around totally dormant.  I still wouldn't recommend going over 2 weeks without a run, but a combination of half marathon recovery from October 7, sick children, and just a busy life during that time forced me to take a break from running.  I registered with a time in my head that put me in corral 1.  I wasn't feeling like my training justified me to be up front with anyone, so I reluctantly dropped back to corral 2 feeling a little better about being back there.  The weather was great, a little breezy, and temps in the low 60's, with hurricane Sandy looming just days away we were very fortunate to have weather that good.  The race started out at a nice steady pace for me.  I wasn't up with the rabbits but I wasn't stuck in traffic either.  I felt as though I could run a nice steady pace where I was and could finish with a good time.  We headed toward Atlantic with a nice cross breeze and made the right turn onto Atlantic toward the inlet with no trouble.  I was settling into my run nicely and feeling pretty good.  Got to the turnaround at the inlet and starting making my way to the boardwalk and I could feel the wind start to pick up a bit.  Once I made the turn onto the boardwalk, sand started hitting me in the face and the wind was no longer shielded by the hotels.  It was a long 9 blocks with a headwind, but I lumbered through and didn't feel like I lost a lot of time out there.  Once we were back out onto Atlantic, I got to run past my daughters again which I was really looking forward to.  Giving them a high five on the way by always lifts my spirits and gives me an extra boost.  After that, it was just under 30 blocks with a headwind, but i was really settled in at that point and didn't seem to mind the pace until about 34th street, and we were almost ready to make the turn at that point anyway.  Once we made the turn onto the boardwalk again, I knew the wind wouldn't be a factor anymore and I just had to get through 21 more streets to the finish line.  King Neptune is always a welcomed sight at 30th street, and a good marker for an almost halfway point coming down the boardwalk.  I always enjoy running past the statue, whether it is this race, the Shamrock, or just out for a run on vacation.  I picked up the pace a bit around 25th street and finished very strong through 19th street.  When crossing the finish line, I was thrilled with my time.  When I got the official time, I had taken off 5 minutes and 20 seconds from my time last year.  I was pretty excited!  All the rest left me pretty fresh and ready to go.  I wouldn't recommend that long of a break to most runners, but it worked out well for me this time.

I think I will probably run a couple 5K's to finish up the racing season, but to this point I've completed 2 half marathons, a 10K, and a 5 miler so far this year. 

Girls are doing great.  They always keep me on my toes and continue to be the reason I run and try to stay young and healthy.  Nothing like their smiling faces everyday.  I wouldn't trade fatherhood for anything!

Have a great evening!

10K Prep

Saturday I will be running a 10K and I'm hoping the storm coming up the east coast doesn't have any impact on the weather.  Last year I ran this race and we had 35mph winds and a thunderstorm shortly after I finished.  I'm hoping the weather holds out for the race, but we will see what happens.  My training has been interesting for this one.  I really haven't logged a lot of running miles since my half marathon on October 7th.  What I have been doing is hitting the weights and a lot of strength training. Lots of core work, and a fair amount of upper body work.  I've found that my shoulders have been hurting during half marathons and sometimes during my long runs, and I'm hoping some strength training can take care of that.  I'm not overly concerned about the run itself.  My body feels good.  I know I need to get a short tune up run in tonight and maybe Thursday morning, but nothing crazy.  I'm a little more concerned about the weather for the race than my preparation.

Girls have been just battling colds and things for what feels like months now.  My wife had some issues in mid September, then on the way back from vacation it was an ear infection that created lots of problems for my youngest daughter, and for the past week and a half, my oldest daughter has been battling a sinus infection that has been causing her to vomit multiple times daily, along with some harsh antibiotics that are having a negative impact on her appetite.  Needless to say I haven't had a lot of sleep over the past month or so, but I'm pretty sure that is overrated!

Have a great evening!

Home Town Run

I haven't logged a lot of miles since my half marathon almost 2 weeks ago.  Recovery has been good and I feel good.  I've hit the weights pretty hard the past week and have put an increased focus on strength training.  I have a 10K coming up next weekend, and am still on the fence about a half marathon this Sunday.  I just discovered it and haven't really done anything to get ready for it, but as I said, I feel good and strong and think i could put up a decent showing if I can fit it into my schedule.  I was recounting my half marathons, and I've never run one in my home state.  I've done half marathons in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, but never here at home.  I'm thinking it may be time to break the ice!

My girls have been sick off and on for about 2 weeks now.  If it isn't one, it is the other.  We've been battling ear infections, viruses, sinus infections, you name it, they seem to be able to catch it right now.  I'm hoping this weekend they will turn the corner and be healthy and back to their very active self.  For my own sake, just some sleep would go a long way!

Have a great weekend!

Middle of October

Training has been a bit slow since my half marathon on October 7th.  Lots of family stuff going on.  I did have a great run last Thursday and a great ride following that.  The weekend wasn't as productive as I'd hoped it would be.  I umpired 4 games over the two days, all behind the plate, so I got some leg workouts in, but no great cardio.  I'm back to hitting the weights a little more regularly, and I'm planning longer runs for tomorrow and Thursday.  I just realized there is a half marathon here in my hometown on Sunday that I knew nothing about.  I'm kicking around the idea of participating, just to go out and beat my last time since I'm feeling a little disgusted with it.  Yesterday was a good strength training day, and I'm hoping to build on that a bit tonight. 

Girls have both been sick.  Youngest daughter is recovering from the ear infection that caused a seizure, and my oldest daughter is battling a virus that caused high fevers and vomiting.  The joys of parenthood, but I wouldn't trade a second of that!  I feel like all I have done is take care of sick people for the last month.  Just hoping none of it catches up with me! 

Have a great evening!

Race Recap

I was on vacation all of last week and my week was to conclude with the Peroni Crawlin Crab Half Marathon on Sunday, or at least I thought that was going to be the end of my week, minus a boring ride home.  As it turns out, I had a lot more excitement than that to deal with. 

The race was great.  Well organized in Hampton, Virginia, a town I knew nothing about and had never been to before.  I had trained well for this race, not great, but well enough that I had a goal in mind that I felt confident I could achieve.  About halfway through the race I realized I wasn't going to reach that goal, mostly due to the decisions I made in my diet from the day before, but those were my fault.  I enjoyed the course, running along the bay, through some historic parts of town, and circling back to the beautiful convention center.  The support along the course was great from the people of the town.  The volunteers were very upbeat and cheerful.  I made sure to thank every police officer and crossing guard for their time at the event.  The gorilla handing out snacks just past the halfway point was a great touch as well!  The rain started off and on about mile 6, and then became a full downpour at mile 11.  It didn't really affect me that much at that point, as I was still trying to make up some time from a couple unplanned stops, and 11 miles in, the rain helped keep me cool.  The downpour persisted for the final two miles, and I was soaked from head to toe until I finished.  I found my wife at the finish line and we went and enjoyed the post race party together for a few minutes.  The kickin corn and crab chowder in a bread bowl was great.  I had never had a Peroni beer before, but really enjoyed it as well.  The band Rock Star Parking was excellent as well, and played through the rain and what would turn out to be a much smaller than expected crowd.  All in all, I really enjoyed myself, and look forward to the event again!

On to the girls.  We had a great time in Virginia Beach for a few days.  The weather was great, in the 80's every day, water temperature was good, and the kids just loved playing on the beach and getting in the pool every day.  It was great to have the family time together and enjoy ourselves.  Late Friday my youngest daughter started with a slight fever and we didn't think much of it.  Saturday the fever went up and down a bit, but she was still eating, playing and carrying on her normal day.  Sunday, I had the race, and really didn't get a chance to monitor her well in the morning.  My wife had given her medicine around 10, and we had decided we would take her to the pediatrician on Monday when we got home.  That all changed on the ride home, we were 5 miles from home when my daughter had a seizure brought on by a rapidly rising fever.  Scariest moment I've ever had as a parent I believe.  After a trip to the emergency room in the ambulance and some antibiotics, she is recovering well from an ear infection!  Both girls are back to doing great today, and seem to be back to normal!

Have a great day!

Fun times

Yesterday I got a great 6.25 mile run in, a 2 mile ride, 3 miles with my dogs, and some good core work.  I wasn't really sure how I would be feeling after umpiring 10 games over the weekend, but I felt surprisingly good.  Today I cut my run a little short of what I was planning, and only got 3.6 miles in.  On a rainy Tuesday morning, the treadmills were filling up fast at the gym, and I didn't want to hog all the equipment.  I jumped on the bike after my run and grabbed another 3.1 miles on the bike to round out a decent workout.  I finished up with some core work and chalked up my workout as a success.  Sunday is my half marathon, and I would like to get another short run in on Thursday followed by a couple days of rest heading into the event.  I'm very much looking forward to it and have been feeling great!

Girls are doing awesome.  My 3 year old is at the stage where she wants to do everything by herself, at least until she struggles a bit, then it is alright for me to lend a hand.  My 2 year old is just developing fast and furious.  Words and sentences are coming quickly, and we can have a conversation without struggling to communicate.  It's absolutely amazing every day being a dad!

I decided to go and play a round of golf yesterday afternoon before picking up the kids.  I was just going by myself and was planning to fly through 18 holes as quick as possible.  I pulled up to the first tee and there was a young man there waiting to tee off.  He asked if I wanted to join him.  I had no idea who he was, but we made it a pretty fun round together. We talked work, hobbies, growing up on or around a farm, and everything under the sun.  He was new to the game and seemed to be enjoying himself.  At the turn, I asked if he was staying for the back 9, and he said he thought he had just enough time to play, and I commented on the fact that I needed to play quickly in order to go and pick up my girls at daycare.  He told me that was the reason he was out playing today, that he just found out he was going to be a father for the first time.  Congratulations again JR, good luck with becoming a new father, and thanks for letting me play along!

Have a great day!

End of September

It's hard to believe it is the end of September already.  Had a good week of training this week.  I managed to get some good time on the bike Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  I got a great 3 mile run in yesterday, and I'm hoping to sneak in a couple miles tonight at some point.  I'm feeling pretty good a little more than a week out from my half marathon.  I'm not going to go out and set a personal record, but I think I will be respectable, or at least I'm hoping to be.  I was hoping for some cooler temperatures and lower humidity, but I'm not sure that is going to happen.  It will just be good to race again.  I haven't run a race since April when I ran a 5 miler coming off a March Half Marathon.  I'm looking forward to this inagural event!  It will be great to take my family on vacation and finish that up with this half marathon!

Girls are doing great.  The shorter days are forcing us inside earlier in the evening, but that is great for family time as well.  I can't tell you how many puzzles I have helped with this week, but it is a lot!  My wife is taking them to Hersheypark tomorrow while I'm umpiring, and I know they are just going to have a blast.  They have been begging me to take them to a carnival lately, and unfortunately carnival season is more or less over here.  They will have a great day at the park tomorrow and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Have a great weekend!

Unintended Break

Last week I took an unintended break from running.  Lots of personal things going on with my family, and I just didn't make a conscious effort to get out and run.  The timing of this was awful considering I have a half marathon in 2 weeks, but my family needs superseded the enjoyment of running.  I'm hoping for a great week of running this week, followed by a shorter than normal "easy" week leading into my half marathon.  I have never run the course, nor do I have any knowledge of it or the surroundings.  I'm just hopeful I can pace myself and have an enjoyable run.  I'm hoping to get 4 good runs in this week, and 2, possibly 3 short runs next week leading up to my event. 

Girls are doing great.  My youngest daughter, who turned 2 last week, appears to be heading into the terrible 2's.  I'm hoping it's just a rough day or two, but I'm not sure.  We were very fortunate with my oldest daughter going through her 2's with little to no problems.  I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens over the next few weeks.  Even with the difficult days, I still wouldn't trade any second of parenthood.

Have a great evening!

Busy, Busy, Busy

First and foremost I will start by wishing my youngest daughter a happy 2nd birthday.  Hard to believe she is 2 already.  Where does the time go?  My daughters have been growing and developing like crazy and it is just amazing to watch!  It's great that they are only a year and eleven days apart.  They play (and fight) together like the best of friends.  It's absolutely the most rewarding thing in the world being a parent.  Nothing gets a day started better than a big smile and a hug from a little one!

Life has been very busy for me lately.  Trying to take care of everyone in my household has been a lot lately, but rewarding nonetheless.  With that being said, I did manage to get 2 great runs in last week, 2 good days on the bike, and some good miles with my dogs.  My strength training was down a bit, but I think that will come back around this week.  I'm hoping to have time to get a run in tomorrow, but we will see what comes up.  This weekend is showing good signs for getting 2 good runs in and some great time on the bike.  My runs were both longer and at a great pace last week, and I'm hoping to build on that this week.  I've been very conscious of my diet lately too, and I think that helps quite a bit.  Half marathon less than 3 weeks away!

Have a great evening!

Birthdays

It's been a busy week of birthdays for me.  My oldest daughter turned 3 on Saturday, my Dad's birthday is today, and my youngest daughter turns 2 next week on the same day as my father-in-law celebrates his birthday.  Busy times and too much dessert lying around!  I got 2 good runs in last week and managed some decent cross training and strength building exercises to go along with that.  This week has been spent hitting the weights so far, with a run planned for tomorrow and Thursday, and then it is back to umpiring some games this weekend.  I think I would rather be running on the weekend, but I will get some exercise with all the plate gear on all weekend.  If my schedule works out right on Friday, perhaps I will just run 3 days in a row this week.

Girls are doing great.  Bought them both bikes for their birthdays and they seem to be enjoying them quite a bit.  The nice weather is great for getting them outside.  It is just great to see them outside and as active as they are.  Last night my 3 year old decided we should race on the sidewalk while shopping.  It was a blast.  There is nothing better than fatherhood.

Have a great evening, and Happy Birthday Dad!

Kids First

My September running hasn't started yet.  I've been working on a 20 X 20 play area in the back yard for my kids since Saturday, and I've let that be a priority over running.  I'm still getting miles with my dogs in the morning, and plenty of strength training using rakes, shovels, saws, sledgehammers, carrying bags of mulch, stone, and other materials.  After finishing the project last night, it is back to running today.  I'm planning a 4 mile run and hoping the humidity breaks a bit, but i don't believe it is supposed to until the weekend.  The time for my next half marathon is rapidly approaching, and I need to log some miles.  I'm hopeful for another run tomorrow and a good run on sunday also.

Work has been crazy, mostly service work, but a few new policies and that is always a good thing.

Girls are doing great.  Hard to believe my oldest daughter will be 3 years old on Saturday, and my youngest daughter will turn 2 just 11 days later.  Oh how time flies.  We are going to pick out new bikes for them tonight.  They just don't seem to have any rest unless they are outside with us, and they are both getting too big for a tricycle already.  I still say parenthood is the most rewarding experience in life! 

Have a great day!

End of August

As we finish up August, I find myself in a good place with my training.  Today will mark my 3rd day in a row running.  My distance isn't quite what I would like it to be, but that will come.  My body feels great throughout my runs right now, joints aren't sore the next day, and I have just an overall good feeling right now.  I've planned my runs around a very specific pace and have been able to maintain that very well.  My cross training has been great as well.  I've been hitting the weights a little more, and increased my core workouts as well.  The best part of it all has been my daughters willingness to go for bike rides in the evening lately.  Last night she insisted we ride fast up the hill over and over, which was fantastic for me, giving my legs a great workout.  I'm hopeful to push myself to a great time at my October 7th half marathon.

Work is still busy, and going great.  I had another great appointment earlier today and am looking forward to this holiday weekend.

My girls are just doing fantastic.  They are just so active and want to do everything with us.  They try to help with everything around the house, inside and outside.  Best of all they seem to enjoy walking the dogs with us at night, which gets us all to bed a little earlier, a little more exercise, and just some overall great family time. 

Have a great holiday weekend!

Late August

After a slow July of training, August has been a good running month for me.  I've averaged at least 2 runs a week, and I'm starting to be able to work a 3rd run into most weeks now.  I'm still able to get on the bike with my daughters in the evening here and there for a bit of cross training as well.  I need to start extending my runs on certain days a bit, but that will come.  October will be here before I know it, and I'll be standing at the start line of a half marathon.  I'm very excited since it is an inaugural event in a town I've never stayed in before.  Should be a fun day.  My wife will be running a 5K that day as well, and my kids will be there with the grandparents as spectators!  It's going to be a great day.  Strength training has been going well, working my core and upper body has helped my running, and I believe it has made me a stronger runner.

Work is still busy and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I hope this continues. 

Girls are doing great.  Birthdays coming up, they will both be moving to a new classroom at daycare, and my oldest daughter will be starting swim lessons next month.  I just don't think there can be a more rewarding experience in life than being a parent.  That big smile first thing in the morning to start your day, a big hug when you pick them up, and just the energy and joy of being around them.  I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Have a great day!

Weekend Running

I was finally able to get a Saturday run in this week, and my wife even went along to the gym to work out.  Most of my Saturday time is reserved for my children, and I wouldn't change that for anything in the world, but it was nice to get a weekend workout in that was more than just walking my dogs or some hurried strength training.  I didn't run as long as I would have liked to, but I will take the exercise anytime I can get it.  Friday night I was able to get a few miles on the bike with my daughters as well. It really was a good weekend for me.  Sunday I was able to play golf with my Dad, and that is always enjoyable as well.  Looking forward to a good run sometime tomorrow, and then hoping for Thursday and Friday as well. 

Work is still steady and good.  Hoping it stays that way!

Girls are doing great and every day just keeps getting better.  It's amazing the fun conversations you can have with an almost 3 year old and almost 2 year old.  We are in full swing planning a big birthday party and figuring out presents and themes for the party.  I can't believe they will be 3 and 2 already. 

Have a great evening!

Last weekend of August

Heading into the last weekend of August already.  It's hard to believe we are at this time of year already, but time doesn't stop for anyone.  I had a great run yesterday, and followed it up with a couple miles on the bike.  I even managed to squeeze in 18 holes of golf for some relaxation.  I need to get a 4 or 5 mile run in this weekend sometime, more specifically tomorrow since I have a golf tournament on Sunday, and will have no motivation to run after a Sunday morning tournament.  I was hopeful to get a run in today, but that just wasn't in the cards.  My September miles really need to be increased to get ready for my October 7th half marathon.  I have a tune up 5K on the schedule, but really need to log some longer runs soon. 

Work is still very busy and that is a good thing.  Quite a few new policies this week, and things just keep rolling in.

The girls are doing great.  Last night we went out to dinner and then I took them to the South Mountain Fair.  Had a small incident with my youngest daughter outside a cattle barn, but other than that, they had a great time.  They enjoyed seeing all the animals, got some balloons, went on a hay wagon ride, and picked out what rides they want to get on with me tonight.  Looking forward to another fun night with them!

Have a great weekend!

August running

My running was a bit down last week.  I did manage to get three bike rides in last week, two of them being with my daughter adding resistance in the seat behind me!  My run last Thursday was a good one, and I felt great through the whole thing, but i was hoping for a few more running miles over the weekend that just didn't happen.  My miles with the dogs were up a bit, but that just doesn't replace a good 4 mile run.  The time on the bike is great for cross training and building some strength.  I did get some good core work in last week, and that has carried over well into this week, and I've been able to add some additional strength training lately.  I have a 5K coming up in two and a half weeks, and I'm looking forward to that.  It's a very flat course, and won't be much of a test, but I'm going to try to push myself for a great time.  Half marathon is about 6 weeks away and I need to start pushing the distance out a bit in the near future to get ready.

Work has been crazy the past couple weeks.  I can't seem to get caught up, but I'm not complaining.  Better to be busy than prospecting.

Girls are doing great.  My youngest daughter, almost 2, has made great strides in potty training the past 3 days.  No accidents, and is great about letting us know when she needs to go, maybe even too good as I think she just likes to sit on the potty.  Both girls have really taken to walking the dogs with me at night, and that is great for all of us.  Exercise for everyone, and I don't have to worry about doing that again after they go to bed!

Have a great day!

Middle of August

It's hard to believe it is the middle of August already.  The weather here has been much improved over the scorching hot July we've had.  I had a great run last Thursday, and an even better run last Friday.  Over the weekend I focused mainly on adding miles to my walks/intervals with my dogs and some additional strength training.  Last night I got back on the bike for a few miles with my daughter adding resistance in the seat behind me.  Always good to get some exercise and spend time with the kids at the same time.  My distance needs to start increasing just a bit, but my pace has been great of late.  Tomorrow afternoon looks great for 4 to 5 miles, and hopefully Friday afternoon will be good for 3 miles.  I'm hoping to use Saturday as somewhat of a rest day, but if the opportunity to run presents itself, I'm not going to turn it down.  I'm hoping for another bike ride tonight.

Work has been fairly busy of late.  No huge accounts, but a steady flow of business, and right now I will take that.  It's been everything from life insurance to home and auto insurance, to small commercial accounts.  Hope it continues this way.

Girls are doing great.  Youngest is working on potty training, and my oldest daughter seems to be content trying to help.  Hard to believe they will be 3 and 2 next month, how time flies! 

Have a great evening!

August Training

August training has been going well.  I'm logging more running miles, getting back on the bike a bit more, and strength training is back in full swing.  I wanted to get a run in over lunch today, but I think I will settle for a ride tonight with my daughter adding resistance in the seat behind me.  Tomorrow will be a nice test for a long run.  I'm not going to set a distance, I'm just going to run as long as I'm feeling good.  Weather seems to be improving, so I may be able to get out and do a little outdoor running instead of being stuck on the treadmill over lunch.

Work has been busy again.  I picked up a commercial auto policy today, a general liability policy, and got commitments on 2 homeowners policies, a motorcycle policy, and a personal auto policy.  I have a few other quotes still hanging out there that should come about in the next week or so.

Girls are doing great.  I'm amazed every single day at their development.  We are working on potty training with my youngest daughter.  I'm hoping it happens quickly after watching her older sister, but we will be patient with her.  They've been enjoying feeding the ducks and the fish at the park, and have started to become better at helping with things around the house.  Every night at home with them is just a blessing. 

Have a great evening!

Going Strong

August looks like it is going to be a good workout month for me.  I had a great 2.25 mile run yesterday to follow up my day of 3 mile run and 3 mile ride.  Today I've got 2 miles with my dogs already, umpired 4 games, and I've been hitting the weights for a great upper body workout, and I'm getting ready to get some core work in.  I'm hopeful my daughter will want to go for a bike ride yet today, and that will make for a pretty good day.  Hoping for a 4 mile run tomorrow.

My girls had a great time at the carnival last night after we had dinner at home, and went and fed the ducks at the park.  They were so good riding rides, winning goldfish, eating a little ice cream, and going for a hay wagon ride.  Looking forward to another great fun night tonight.

Work was good last week, and I'm anticipating a good week coming up.  Getting some decent networking in lately too, and that never hurts. 

Have a great evening!

August Running

My August running started off well.  Yesterday I got a great 3 mile run in with negative splits.  I felt a little rough the first mile, but really settled in for the final 2 miles.  I felt like I could have gone much farther yesterday, but due to time constraints, settled for 3 miles.  I also jumped on the bike for 3 quick miles, and grabbed 2 miles with my dogs yesterday.  A pretty good start to August for me, and I'm planning another run today and a run on Sunday.  I need to start really getting ready for my fall racing schedule.

Work was fairly busy this week.  4 new policies, with a few verbal commitments to more next week, and a nice commercial account hanging in the balance.  We will see what comes about with that one.  Lots of quoting again, so that should mean good things to come in the next couple weeks. 

Girls are doing pretty good.  Finally got my oldest daughter on some antibiotics and she made a very quick recovery and seems to be back to her old self now.  Wednesday night we had a nice dinner at home, went to the park to feed the ducks, and stopped at the Bendersville carnival for a bit.  Sounds like we will be headed back to the carnival tonight, weather permitting.  I'm loving being home more now that umpiring is winding down.  All my bumps and bruises from getting hit with the ball all summer are finally starting to heal!

Have a great weekend!

End of July

My training for July left a lot to be desired.  Strength training was a plus, but as far as cardio went, it was not a good month at all.  I'm hoping August will be much better.  Umpiring on the weekends finished up this past weekend, so that should give me at least one day if not two days to get additional work in either running or cycling.  I did manage a good run and ride last week, but found it difficult to get into a comfort zone, I was either running too fast or too slow, but never felt comfortable.  I'm hoping for much better results this weekend. 

Work started off crazy busy this week, and I'm hoping that trend continues.  Three new policies written today, with a few other irons in the fire that will come through in August sometime.  Things are picking right back up where I'd hoped they would be.

Girls are doing alright.  Been battling a nasty cough for both of them for the past few days.  Back at the doctor this afternoon for a diagnosis.  I'm hoping for medication this time since we were there a week and a half ago and I got the usual "virus" diagnosis.  I just want to see them back to their old active child like ways!

Have a great evening!

Race Schedule

My fall race schedule is filling up quickly, and I'm thinking of adding another event or two.  I have a 5K scheduled for September 8, a half marathon scheduled for October 7, and a 10K scheduled for October 27.  With that being said, it's time to get back to some serious training.  I haven't been running as much lately due to a nagging injury, some fatigue due to my umpiring schedule, and when I have had the time it's been spent with my girls.  I'm heading out in about an hour for a good 3 miles or so, and then will most likely hit the weights or bike for a little while after that.  I'm ready to get back to 3-4 runs a week in preparation of upcoming runs.  I may add another half marathon to my schedule, but the only ones I'm interested in would be sandwiched in among already scheduled races.  I may wait and see how I'm feeling as time gets closer.

Work has been a little slow lately, not in the sense of quote volume, but new written business has been a little off for me the past week or so.  I have so many quotes hanging out there, but no one willing to commit right now.  I look for things to break loose next week, but we will see what happens.

Girls are doing great.  It's been awesome to be home with them the past 2 nights.  Got to go to the park, feed the ducks, go for a walk, and just spend some great time in general with them.  I think I will take them to the Shippensburg Fair this weekend to ride some rides and check out the animals. 

Have a great day!

Feeling Better

Last night I went home and curled up on the couch in the fetal position and stayed there for quite a while.  I think my girls passed on to me whatever they had earlier in the week.  It was a very difficult night with a fever and just overall not feeling well.  Suprisingly today I feel much better.  Not sure if I feel well enough to go and get the 3 mile run in that I was planning, but I'm not ruling it out at this point.  Definitely some strength training on the horizon, and maybe a bike ride instead of a run.

Work was strangely busy with quotes this week.  Lots of quotes hanging out there, but no one really ready to commit to anything this week.  Hoping that translates into a really good week next week for me!

Girls have recovered from being sick and are really back to themselves.  Hoping the weather clears out this weekend and we can get to the park, go swimming, and just get some fun outdoor activities in.

Have a great weekend!

Under the Weather

The title to my post is pretty fitting.  Thunderstorms on there way here again, after a round of pretty good storms yesterday, and even more forecast for tomorrow.  My running has slowed to a crawl due to a deep thigh bruise and some shin issues from being hit by a ball while umpiring.  Strength training has been great all week.  Lifting every day, and still getting my miles with the dogs.  Woke up today achy all over and exhausted.  That would be the other part of my under the weather post.  I'm hoping this passes quickly and I can get back to running and cycling soon.  i really need to start training for my October half marathon.

Work has been busy all week, but strangely busy.  Lots of quotes hanging out there.  I've sent a ton of quotes this week, but no one seems ready to commit.  I'm sure it will come around, but it is a bit frustrating at this point.  Commercial quotes have been the flavor of the week, but a few home and auto quotes have come in the past day.

The girls had a virus earlier this week complete with fevers and vomiting.  No more helpless feeling as a parent than holding your child as they are throwing up.  Neither one has been sleeping well which is contributing to my fatigue i'm sure.  I'm looking forward to some cooler weather and a less busy schedule to spend some great outdoor time with them.

Have a great evening!

Middle of July

Last week was not a good training week at all.  I think I was wiped out from umpiring in the heat the weekend before, and I was just extremely fatigued most of the week.  I still got my miles with my dogs, but I didn't get a good run in all week.  I did manage a few miles on the bike and a little strength training, but I really missed running.  I think this will be a good week to get back on track and get at least 3 good runs in, along with some great strength training.  This should be the last week for umpiring tournaments, so that will free up some good weekend time to start getting a Saturday or Sunday run. 

Work has finally slowed down a bit, or at least it seems that way to start this week.  Last week was another good week in a long string of good weeks.  This week may turn out that way, but I don't have a lot on the horizon at the start of the week. 

Girls are doing great.  My tournament got rained out on Saturday, so I got the whole day with them.  We went grocery shopping, swimming, to the playground, out for ice cream, for a walk, watched a movie, and just had a great day in general.  I'm ready to get my weekends back to spend more time with them!

Have a great day!

Heat Wave

The heat has definitely had an impact on my training.  Last Thursday I was able to get a 3.1 mile run and 2.75 mile ride in and added some strength training to go with that.  Following that, it was a couple miles a day with the dogs early in the morning, but that was about it for the weekend.  I umpired 7 straight games on Saturday in temperatures above 100 degrees, and 5 straight games Sunday in similar weather.  It was a pretty brutal weekend.  Monday I was able to get 3 miles with my dogs, and last night I went for a 5 mile bike ride with my favorite 33 pound passenger adding resistance, especially up the hills!  I wanted to get a run in today, but my schedule just kept building and building as the day went along, so that didn't happen.  Perhaps another bike ride tonight, or at least some good strength training.  Definitely a good run tomorrow and a bike ride as well.

Work is still busy.  Every time it looks like things are going to slow down, I pick up 4 or 5 new policies.  This week has been no different.  I wrote 2 personal auto policies, a commercial auto policy, a professional liability policy, and a homeowner's policy.  Who knows what the next 2 days will hold, but there are plenty of quotes still hanging out there!

Girls are doing great.  Last night we were playing in the driveway, and they were spring me with their new water toys and having a blast.  They seemed to enjoy the bike ride as much as I did.  Time to start planning a September birthday party as they will be turning 3 and 2.  There is just nothing like that big smile first thing in the morning to get your day going.  No more rewarding experience in life than parenthood!

4th of July

Managed to get a few challenging miles on the bike Monday night with my favorite 33 pound passenger adding to the resistance.  Strength training is continuing to go well.  Yesterday was a wasted day for nutrition.  Breakfast was great, all fresh fruit.  From there things headed downhill quickly including a fast food stop for lunch.  I rebounded well at dinner with a great steak on the grill, some potatoes, and local fresh sweet corn.  Had I stopped there, I would have been fine, but decided to take the plunge and go for ice cream with my girls.  All in all, not a bad day, but moments of weakness that I'm sure I will be feeling on my 4 mile treadmill run today.  The heat has been absolutely brutal lately!

Work is still steady as it goes.  Not as busy as the past 2 months have been, but steady enough this week for a holiday week.  It's been nice to get my desk cleaned up and caught up on a few things I've been pushing to the side for a couple months.

The girls are doing great.  I had such a great week with them last week, and it has really carried over into this week, and especially being off all day with them yesterday.  We did some shopping, took them to the park to swing, slide, and watch the ducks.  They helped me husk sweet corn last night, played some tee ball, watched a movie, and just had a great time spending the day together.  I have a long stretch of umpiring coming up over the next week or so, and then I'll be more or less done for the summer.  I can't wait to get all my evenings and weekends back to spend with them. 

Have a great evening and stay cool!

Midway through 2012

I started tallying up some fitness numbers from the first half of 2012.  It wasn't quite the first half I was looking for, but it wasn't bad either.  I ran 121 miles, rode 162 miles, and got 245 miles in with my dogs doing a mix of walking and sprinting with them.  I haven't started to add up the weight training reps, but I just wanted to get these numbers down so I had something to build on for the 2nd half of 2012.  I completed two races, a half marathon and a 5 miler, and have two scheduled races for this fall, a 10K and a half marathon.  I'm looking to add another event, but I'm not sure what it may be yet.  My two scheduled races are only three weeks apart, so it would be nice to get something scheduled for later in the year, maybe back to a turkey trot this year or something a little longer perhaps. 

Work has been great for the past few months.  I've been extremely busy with new business, and maintaining relationships with existing business.  I've enjoyed being busy, and that has produced new leads through referrals.  Things have been great with our home and auto insurance business, as well as our commercial business.  It's an exciting time for me here at the office!

The girls are doing great.  Last week I didn't have to umpire quite as much as usual, so we got to do some fun things together.  Wednesday night we went to Oakside Park and played on the playground, watched the ducks, and then went home and had an ice cream cone together.  Thursday night we went out for dinner with friends, and then I took them to Little Round Top to climb in the castle, the PA monument to climb around on that, and then to Mr. G's for ice cream.  Friday night I took them to the Harrisburg Senators game and they had a blast there, and of course a stop at Bruster's for ice cream on the way home.  Saturday I umpired a lot, but made it home in time for dinner and a movie with the girls.  Sunday I was done early in the day, and actually got to enjoy a nap with my oldest daughter, followed by making dinner together, a trip to the market get some local fresh produce, see the deer, and then a trip for ice cream.  It's a good thing my kids are so active, as it seems like every sentence finishes with "and then we went for ice cream". 

Have a great evening and enjoy the 2nd half of 2012!

Summer is here

Got a great run and workout in last Friday afternoon.  I ran at a great pace, and got some great strength training work in.  Not enough workouts last week, but what I did get were very good. Looking forward to getting a couple more runs in this week.  Things aren't so busy in the evenings for me this week, only one game to umpire.  Last week was crazy, I was on the ball field all the time after work, and pretty much all weekend.  I'm looking forward to being home a lot more this week. 

Work is going great.  New written policy after new written policy here lately.  I can't complain, and this week has started out much the same.  It's great to be busy.

I was fortunate enough to take my family with me Friday night to celebrate my Grandmother's 84th birthday.  What an amazing lady!  It was great to catch up with a few of my aunts and uncles and cousins that I certainly don't see often enough.

Girls are doing great.  They give me the biggest hugs when I walk in the door from umpiring.  There is nothing like walking in the door to a great big hug from a 2 and 1 year old.  As my oldest daughter was sitting on my lap having breakfast with me today, she turns to me and says "Daddy, you go to work today and make some money for me".  So here I am finishing up my workday.

Have a great evening!

Father's Day

I had a great Father's Day yesterday.  I started the day with a quick 2 miles with my labs.  Next up, made breakfast for my family.  My wife and I did a little work around the house and then we took our daughters out shopping.  We stopped at the YWCA and upgraded my rec pass from an individual to a family rec pass so that we can all get some enjoyment out of it.  Next it was off to a picnic lunch on the battlefield.  We had one more shopping stop to make, and then home.  Both daughters took about a 3 hour nap, and I can admit I slept for a little over an hour while they were napping.  I got up and mowed my yard, and then it was off to get ready for dinner.  We had a great dinner at Appalachian Brewing Company with family, and then off to the battlefield again to let the girls climb around the rocks and play amongst the monuments.  To finish up the night, we stopped at Mr. G's for some ice cream.  It really couldn't have been a better day with my girls than what it was.  I spent the entire day with them, and they were just angels all day.  A lot of you know how much time I generally spend on the ball field this time of year, so when I was given the day off, I made the most of the time I had with my girls!

Work started out busy already this week, and that is always a good thing.  Started off with a small commercial policy, quoted 3 more small commercial policies, and got confirmation on a home owner's policy and an auto policy.  Things are still going great, and it is always nice to be busy.

Girls are doing great, and were excited to go to daycare today.  They had such a busy weekend, and were so well behaved through the whole thing.  I've said it a million times, but it's always amazing to watch their development day in and day out.  No greater reward than being a father to those two little girls!

Have a great evening!

Back to it

Well, after almost a 2 week break, I got back to running and cycling this week.  Wednesday night I was able to get 5 miles on the bike with my daughter riding in the seat behind me adding some extra resistance.  Thursday I got a 2.6 mile run and a 2.5 mile ride in the late afternoon.  I was able to hit the weights almost every day this week.  I felt great getting some extra exercise this week.  Plenty of walking and sprinting with the dogs thrown in really made for a great week of exercise.  Umpired 5 games throughout the week and I'm scheduled for 6 more tomorrow.

Work was busy again this week.  Lots of quotes hanging out there again.  The week started off great with an auto insurance policy as soon as the door opened on Monday and really just got busier from there.  I wrote a homeowners policy, 3 commercial policies, and some other property coverage.  Next week will be another solid week as I have plenty more in line to get taken care of.  Things have been great lately.

Girls are doing fantastic.  I had a rainout Tuesday night and a scheduled off night on Wednesday night, and last night they came to the park to see me.  Always love spending some great time with them, and am greatly looking forward to father's day with them on Sunday.  My oldest daughter asked if we could go swimming, so there will be a trip to the pool thrown into everything else we may get into that day.  I'm just excited to have the whole day at home with them!

Have a great weekend!

Break

I took an unintended break from running this week.  I came out of the weekend a little beat up and tired from umpiring and things just got worse from there.  My body was tired, and I had a couple more nights to go on the ball field before the end of the week, so I just decided it was time for a week off from running.  On top of that, my kids gave me whatever stomach virus was going around, so being sick on top of being tired and beat up just made it an easy decision not to run this week.  Back to the ball field tomorrow for a busy weekend, but I'm definitely feeling better today than I have all week.  Thought about a run today, but I just couldn't squeeze that into my schedule.

Another fairly busy week at work this week.  I picked up 2 homeowners policies, 3 commercial policies, and I was able to quote a few other policies that I'm confident I'll be able to write in the coming weeks.  Things have been fairly busy and look to continue that way. 

Girls are doing great.  As I mentioned earlier, they had a stomach virus that seemed to hit them pretty quick, but just as quickly as it set in, it was gone.  One miserable day for each, but it seemed to pass pretty quickly.  We took them to Oakside park, out for ice cream, and then in to the battlefield to play on Tuesday night and they really enjoyed that.  I think tonight may be a repeat of similar events.  Maybe a different park and a different part of the battlefield, but a definite great night with them. 

Have a great weekend!

Beginning of June

Got a great workout in yesterday, 3.5 mile run and a 3.75 mile ride, throw in some good strength training and a core workout, and it really was a good day.  Got a few miles walking the dogs to end up the afternoon, so it really was a successful day.  I felt great on my run, and I really ran at a great pace.  i would like to start adding a few more miles a week, or an additional run somewhere along the way, but feeling good right now and the results seem to be there. 

Work was fairly busy this week.  I picked up 2 more policies today, and most likely 2 more coming in over the weekend.  Things have been moving in the right direction and continue to be busy right now.  It's exciting and keeps the time passing very quickly every day. 

Girls are doing great.  Last night we took them out to dinner with us and then to the battlefield to play.  We took them to Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and the Pennsylvania monument.  The girls were climbing all over the huge rocks and cannons, and just running around having a great time.  It's supposed to be nice here this weekend after these storms blow through tonight, so they will be able to come to the ball field as well. 

Have a great weekend!

End of May

I had a great Memorial Day weekend.  I didn't get much running in, but did get some exercise with the dogs and umpiring.  I spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday on the ball field, and the nicest part was it was close enough to home to have the girls there for half the day each day.  Had a nice picnic at my mom's house on Monday afternoon and then a nice visit at my dad's house in the evening.  A pretty nice weekend all the way around.  My daughters decided to help wash the cars on Monday morning, which turned into a fun and soaking adventure, but a fun family experience nonetheless.

Work started off well today.  I picked up a commercial auto policy I wasn't expecting, and a homeowners policy I wasn't expecting as well.  I have a personal auto policy coming on Friday, a life insurance appointment tomorrow, and 2 small commercial quotes I put out today that I'm confident I will write.  I'm hoping May finishes nice and strong and leads right into a good June!

Girls are doing great.  They had such a great weekend playing outside all weekend.  I love to see them running and playing, and it was just great having them at the ball field this weekend.  Another rainout tonight just means another night at home with them!

Hope everyone took time this weekend to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we may enjoy the things we have today.  Have a great and safe evening, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for our area.

Memorial Day Weekend

What a great week of training.  I had 2 great runs, a lot of strength training, and I felt great through all of it.  Throw in some good miles on the bike and it really was a successful week.  This is the best I've felt at the end of a week in a while.  Hoping this continues.  Busy weekend ahead on the ball field, but should still have some time on the bike for exercise.

Work was fairly steady all week for a holiday week.  I ended up with a few new commercial quotes, an auto insurance policy, a bond, a life insurance policy, and a couple policies on rental properties.  Things are still going great, and it looks as though it will continue. 

Girls are doing great.  They just never cease to amaze me with their development and intelligence.  My oldest daughter has had the bat and ball out on a tee in the driveway the past few nights, and that is always exciting for me.  My youngest daughter has quite an arm already and seems to be interested in ball as well.  I'm looking forward to them wanting to play one day.

Take time this weekend to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can all have the things we do today.  There are plenty of Memorial Day services throughout communities.  If you have the opportunity, take part in one, even as just a spectator.  Most services are less than an hour.  It's a small price to pay to honor someone who gave their life defending our freedom.

Have a great weekend!

Pressing forward

Had a very busy weekend, most of it spent on the ball field.  I did manage to get 4 miles with the dogs over the weekend, and Sunday after i finished a long weekend of umpiring, my daughters asked to go for a walk and a bike ride.  Of course I wasn't going to say no!  The rain came yesterday and eliminated any chance of having to umpire, so I got a nice quiet night at home with the girls.  I was feeling pretty tired coming out of the weekend, so I was glad to catch a break.  My game for tonight was cancelled as well, so I went and got a run in on tired legs over lunch.  My pace was surprisingly good, and once I put the first half mile or so behind me, I felt really good.  I did some strength training while I was there.  A pretty good few days of working out and getting some good exercise.

Work has still been pretty busy.  I picked up a small commercial policy today, finalized some life insurance for a client, and have a couple prospects for later in the week.  Things are moving right along and seem to be picking up nicely. 

The girls are doing great.  They played so well together last night.  For those of you that follow my facebook page, you saw all the pictures from the park and ball field on Friday night.  The girls had a blast on the playground and even more fun throwing the ball and playing in the dirt at the ball field.  It's always amazing to watch their development, and now they are asking to come to the ball field and watch me umpire (I really think it's because there are playgrounds nearby).

Have a great evening!

National Bike to Work Day

Sadly, I did not bike to work today.  Taking two kids to daycare pretty much eliminates me from biking to work anymore.  I did get a good run in Wednesday, followed up with a short bike ride.  Yesterday I got to play golf for the first time this year, and then when I got home my daughter wanted to go for a bike ride, so that was a pleasant surprise and some good exercise I wasn't expecting.  Today over lunch I managed a 2.25 mile run and a 2.5 mile ride.  It's been a decent week for running and riding, all at a great pace, but short distances due to time constraints. 

Work was fairly busy this week.  I wrote 4 small commercial policies, 2 rental properties, a renter's insurance policy, an umbrella policy, and I have 2 more homeowners insurance policies hanging out there.  A good friend called a couple minutes ago looking for home and auto quotes as well, so there is business for the future.  Things are looking pretty good for May!

Girls are doing great.  Watching them grow and develop all the time is wonderful.  I'm very much looking forward to a nice evening with them and some good time outside.  Busy weekend on the ball field coming up, but will be done at a decent time Sunday anyway. 

Have a great weekend!

Middle of May

What a rainy and ugly start to the week.  I should've gone for a run over lunch to break up the day, but it just didn't work into my schedule for today.  Last week was a slow week for running but a good week for some strength training and cross training.  Hoping for 3 runs this week, and maybe a bike ride somewhere along the way too, but we will see what happens.  My legs felt tired on my run last week, but good on the bike.  I'm hoping that doesn't continue.  Umpiring may be taking its toll on  my legs.

Work started off great this week.  Finished up an umbrella policy today, a renter's insurance policy, and 2 small commercial policies today.  I have at least 3 other policies on the way for later this week, so things are looking fairly busy.  I should be finalizing a life insurance policy tomorrow as well.

Girls are doing great.  We spoiled my wife for mother's day with some jewelry, and enjoyed a trip for ice cream Saturday night.  They were outside quite a bit this weekend, and they seem to enjoy every second of that.  Rain will keep us stuck inside tonight, but that's alright, keeps me off the field from umpiring and gives me more time with them!

Have a great evening!

Early May

Last week was a decent week of training.  I managed two runs, both pretty short, but at a great pace.  I ran 2 miles Thursday, and 2.25 miles on Friday.  I felt great on both runs, and if I had more time, I feel fairly certain they would have turned into good long runs.  I gave blood Friday after my run, and that slowed me down a bit for the evening.  I did manage a couple miles on the bike Saturday evening with my daughter in the bike seat adding some extra resistance.  An added bonus for some good strength training.  Looking forward to some extra miles this week running and maybe even a few more on the bike.

Work was fairly busy last week.  I ended up with a workers comp policy, 4 auto insurance policies, and 2 homeowners policies.  I have one taken care of already today, and a committment from 4 other policies already this week.  Things seem to be shaping up nicely for a good May for me.  Hoping this continues, and it's been great to get out and be able to network a bit as well.

Girls have been doing great.  Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter got to hear all about my day with my daughters yesterday as my wife was travelling.  I always enjoy my days with them, and just spending time with them in general is always wonderful. 

Perhaps tomorrow I will post about some of the funny and ridiculous things I have seen and heard on the ball field already this season.

Have a great evening!

Last Day of April

Had a great weekend.  Saturday morning started out with two miles with my dogs, followed by my 5 miler at the YWCA.  I ran a great race, set a personal record for that distance, and generally had a good time.  The course had more hills than I am used to, but I was happy with how I performed climbing and descending.  Saturday afternoon my daughters and I caught a nice nap together after I umpired a game, and then got to play and go to the grocery store.  A great day all the way around.  Sunday morning I got up and cooked breakfast for my family, went to church, and then played outside with the girls.  Took my oldest daughter swimming in the afternoon and just had a great time.  The evening was fairly relaxing since my daughters were on opposite nap schedules for the day it was easy to only have to take care of one at a time.  More playing outside and just enjoying time with them.

Work started off a bit slow this week.  Lots of service work today, and just generally a catchup day.  Got a committment on a personal auto policy, have another personal auto policy lined up and two small commercial policies for the week.  Nothing crazy, but at least the calendar isn't empty for the week. 

Girls are doing great.  They are just loving being outside.  Great to see them as active as they are.  My oldest is really taking to her tricycle, and the youngest enjoys rides in the wagon or in her bicycle seat.  We did get about a 4 mile ride in with both girls on Sunday afternoon and took them to the school playground to run out some energy.  Both girls picked up the bat a little this weekend and hit off a tee.  Exciting for me and I hope that continues!  Indoor basketball has been a big hit lately too.  Looking forward to another great week with them!

Have a great evening!

5 mile race tomorrow

Tomorrow will be my first race since the Shamrock Half Marathon in mid March.  I have not been as religious about training for this 5 mile race, but my body feels pretty good.  I ran 3 miles Wednesday and yesterday and felt great.  I jumped on the bike for a couple miles yesterday, and still got some good miles walking and sprinting with my dogs.  I have set a decent goal for myself, but I will just be happy to be out there running.  Most of my training runs are done on the treadmill, so a few of the hills will be a bit of a challenge, but I guess what goes up must come down!

Work was busy in spurts this week.  Lots of quotes hanging out there, and I have a few things lined up for next week, but it was a slow week for closing on some policies.  We will see what next week brings!

Girls are doing great.  My two and a half year old heads for her swingset every night as soon as we pull in the driveway.  I have to push her on the swing for at least 15 minutes, and more or less force her to go in the house to eat dinner.  My one and a half year old follows her big sister right to the playground and climbs right up the ladder and goes down the slide on her own!  She hasn't seemed interested in the swing yet, but I'm sure that will come with time.  I promised my oldest daughter we would go for a swim this weekend, so I'm committed for Sunday afternoon and have been reminded about it every day this week!

Have a great weekend! 

Inspired

Got a great 3 mile run in today over lunch along with some core work and upper body work.  I felt great throughout the entire run and wish I had time for more.  I will get another mile with the dogs tonight and a possible bike ride with my daughter.  Working on fall vacation plans around a half marathon and a 10K.  Five miler this Saturday may be chilly and rainy, but will run it anyway as a good fitness test.

I was fortunate enough last night to go and listen to Tony Dungy speak at Messiah College.  He's very much a class act and very inspiring with his faith and the way he went about his coaching career.  His wife opened for him and her work was just as inspiring as his.  When asked who the best players he ever coached were, I was pleasantly surprised at his answer and the reasons he gave for the answer.  Both were great athletes and great players, but they were his favorites for the work they did off the field in the community that set them apart.  Even after their careers ended, they continue to give back to their community in the Tampa area.

Work has been steady.  Picked up a small commercial policy this afternoon, and possibly two more that I made contact with today on a startup business.  Things are moving right along and picking up a bit of late.  I'm hoping for a busy May heading into the summer months.

Girls are doing great and want to be outside all the time.  They were spoiled when the weather was good, and I'm having trouble letting them outside with the recent cool down we've had here.  It's wonderful to be outside with them and let them be active and run and play.  It's going to be a very fun summer with them.

Have a great evening!

Snow in late April

What a crazy weather pattern we are in.  Snow flurries tonight after it was 75 degrees here on Saturday.  12-18 inches of snow forecast within two hours of here.  Hope everyone stays safe. 

I managed 5 miles with the dogs over the weekend even though the weather wasn't the greatest.  Added in some decent strength training, but missed out on any great cardio work.  Still a positive weekend and I'm looking forward to 3 miles tomorrow, 4 miles Thursday, and my 5 mile run on Saturday.  Should be a great week and a nice test on Saturday morning!

Work started out well this week.  Picked up a homeowners insurance policy and an auto insurance policy, and picked up a couple commercial quotes today also.  I have another auto insurance policy lined up for later in the week.  Looks like a good time ahead anyway. 

I had a great weekend with my girls.  Friday night we went to the neighbors and played on their swingset and rode bicycles and just had a great time outside.  Saturday I had them to myself in the morning and we were able to play outside for a while before I had to go umpire.  Pappy, Nana June, and Aunt Justine were babysitting and giving four wheeler rides and the girls were just in their glory!  Had a nice relaxing evening with them on Saturday night, including grocery shopping where they were just angels.  Sunday it was off to church and then some work around the house.  Finished up the day with a trip to DQ for some ice cream.  A great weekend all in all!

Have a great evening!

End of the week

Here we are at the end of another work week.  Not my greatest fitness week ever, but not a bad one either.  I got a great 3 mile run in yesterday, felt great, pace was great, and if time weren't a factor I could have made it a great long run.  Strength training has been going well mixing in core work with upper body work.  I would like to start getting an additional run in each week somewhere along the way, but I won't push it yet.  My 5 miler is next Saturday and judging how I felt yesterday, I feel like I'm ready for a good time. 

Work was busy in spurts this week.  I ended up with 2 personal auto policies, a small commercial liability policy and a commercial auto policy.  Finished up 3 life insurance applications, and quoted 2 new rental properties.  I have a lot of quotes hanging out there, it's just a matter of getting some committments now. 

Girls are doing great.  I think my oldest daughter and I are going swimming tomorrow afternoon when I'm done umpiring.  We haven't done that for about a month and it will be a nice treat for both of us.  My youngest daughter is really getting her feet under her and starting to run more.  It's great to see except when they take off in different directions!  I'm always amazed at their development and enjoy every second with them.  Guess it's time to update some photos here of them.

Have a great weekend!

Tax Day

Tax day really has no implications for me, but it seemed like a good title given the spirit of the day.  That being said, the only taxing I will be doing is taxing my legs on a good bike ride with my daughters tonight hopefully.  Back to running again tomorrow.  I'm planning on 3 miles tomorrow and 5 miles Thursday if all goes right.  We will see what happens.  I've been able to continue on the weightlifting and core workouts, but I haven't been able to log the 3 or 4 runs in a week that I would like to.  I did get a few miles on the bike Sunday to break up the weekend a bit, and umpiring Saturday really eliminated any cardio workout.  Still hopeful for the 5 miler next weekend.

Work is suddenly busy again.  Lots of quotes going out and committments slowly trickling in.  Not a bad thing, it gives me a chance to stay caught up with all the paperwork.  I just sent off 2 life insurance policies, with another one on the way on Friday, and I have a commercial auto policy and 2 personal auto policies coming tomorrow.

Last but certainly not least, the girls are doing great.  My youngest daughter had her worst night of sleep in a long time last night, but outside of that, she's been my great sleeper lately.  My oldest daughter is recovering nicely from her sinus infection and has been back to her old self since Sunday afternoon.  I'm enjoying the evenings we get to go outside, it's good for all of us.

Have a great evening!

Back to Running

Finally got back to running on Tuesday afternoon with a short 2.25 miles.  I ran at a pretty good pace and felt great during the run.  My knees were not sore the next day and that was my biggest concern.  Looks like I will be back to regular running again and will hopefully be ready for my 5 miler at the end of the month.  The strength training continues to show its benefits and the cross training on the bike has been great.  If the weather warms back up I will log a lot more evening miles on the bike with my daughters.  It feels great to be back to running after a more or less 2 week layoff.

Work has been up and down.  A good week last week, but things have been a little quiet this week.  Time to get back out and do some prospecting.  It will be nice to get out this weekend and do some networking. 

Daughters have been great.  With that being said, i did have to go to the doctor with my oldest daughter for a sinus infection today, something that should clear quickly.  If it weren't for the fever she spiked, no one would have known she was sick.  She's a trooper.  Youngest daughter is doing great and following right along in her olders sister's footsteps.

Have a great afternoon!

After Easter

Thursday was a great day for exercise.  I got 5 miles in with the dogs and 10 miles on the road bike with hills and wind, it was a nice challenging ride.  Those were the first significant miles I've logged on my road bike in quite some time.  Most of my biking miles are on a stationary bike or on my hybrid bike with one of my daughters riding behind me.  It was fun to get back out and ride. 

Friday was great because it was just me and my girls all day, and then my wife and I got to enjoy some adult time at Hauser Estate Winery in the evening with some friends.  We don't often get to go out without the girls, and we generally only stay out for a couple hours without them, but it is nice to get adult time once in a while.

Saturday I got up and helped my wife set up for Easter dinner with her family at our house.  Then it was off to umpire 5 games of travel ball.  I generally don't wear shin guards at that level because the catchers block everything and I rarely get hit.  When I say rarely, I meant Saturday was the exception, and I took a foul ball right on the bone on the inside of my knee.  Very uncomfortable to say the least, but it was nice to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Sunday was just a great day.  Church in the morning, Easter dinner at my Mom and Stepfather's  house complete with an Easter egg hunt for the girls, and then dessert in the evening at my Dad and Stepmother's house complete with another Easter egg hunt.  The girls were just spoiled rotten all day and were just loving every second of being with the family.  I look forward to more holiday weekends with the family.

Today was a fairly steady day at work, and I just had to come back in for a 6:15 appointment to finish up a new application.  Now it is back home with all my girls.  Knees both feel much better and I will DEFINITELY be back to running tomorrow.

Have a great evening!

4/4 at 4:44

Getting close to the holiday weekend.  Happily my office is closed on Friday and my daughters do not have daycare, so I get the day with them!  I'm looking forward to the long weekend, although I do have 5 games to umpire on Saturday.  Look out Sunday, it will be lots of Ham and everything that goes with it.  I'm sure I will need to eat a lot to have enough energy to chase my daughters around hunting Easter Eggs Sunday.

I managed to get a few miles in on the bike last night with my favorite 32 pound passenger riding with me.  I've also been doing .25 mile sprints with my yellow lab the past few evenings up a slight incline to try and get a little work in.  My knee is still a bit sore, but I'm done trying to rest it.  I'm going to just try to run through the pain and see what happens.  Siging up for a 5 mile race on Aprile 28th.  Gives me something to work toward.  Tomorrow will be a minimum 3 mile run at lunch!

Work has been very busy so far this week.  Lots of property inspections, and six new policies written with four more hanging in the balance, and three potential commercial policies ready to go if I get a committment from the prospective customer.  I'm enjoying being busy and as always, it keeps things interesting. 

My daughters are doing great as always.  The fire siren in our town woke my youngest daughter last night, so unfortunately that broke a great string of nights where she slept the whole way through.  My oldest daughter continues to grow and come up with something new every day.  I can't wait to watch them hunt Easter Eggs Sunday.

Have a great evening!

April Training

After my last short run on Thursday, i still had soreness in my knee.  I decided to take a few days away from running.  I did still manage 10 miles with the dogs last week, and 6 miles on the bike, but didn't want the pounding that running provides on my knee.  Sunday morning after my 2 mile walk with the dogs I was a bit sore again, but feel pretty good today.  I'm anxious to get back to running this week.  I'm hopeful that will happen.  Strength training has continued to go well and I have no problems with that, just miss getting 3 good runs in during a week.

Had a busy day at the office today.  I had to finish up a homeowners insurance policy and an auto insurance policy left from Friday night.  I also got confirmation on two more homeowners policies, and two life insurance policies.  I had a 3:00 meeting regarding four possible commercial policies, and an additional umbrella policy.  April is starting out right!

The girls have been doing great.  My youngest daughter did get up during the night once this weekend, but is still sleeping much better than she has in the past.  They are very much looking forward to Easter and all the family celebrations that go with it. 

Sounds like I may have to umpire 4 games this Saturday.  Tis the season, and it is just the beginning.  Not sure if I will get in as many games as I did last year, but we will see....

Have a great evening!

End of March

The end of March is upon us.  It was a great training month and I had a great half marathon in the middle of the month.  I was extremely thrilled with my time given the fact that I never ran a training run over 4 miles.  My left knee has been sore after a run since then, but nothing I can't deal with.  I haven't logged the miles this week that I would have liked to, but I will get back to it soon enough.  I'm looking forward to getting a run in tomorrow, and get registered for an April 5 miler.  I've found a September half marathon I want to do, and my October 10K.  Race schedule will be full enough for a while.  I did manage a lot more miles on the bike than normal this week, and some decent strength training.

It was a week of ups and downs at work.  Busy one day and prospecting the next.  The week finished up very busy with a few new clients and some good quotes that went out as well.  Lots of new homeowners and auto insurance quotes sent this week, and working on 3 decent commercial quotes that came about.  I'm hoping April will continue to be busy for me!

This was the first week in two and a half years that I've slept the night through every night.  What a feeling!  I feel more rested than I have in a very long time.  The girls are doing great and have been nothing shy of wonderful.  We went out for dinner last night and they behaved like angels for us.  It's been such a relief for my wife and I to get some sleep and for the girls to be able to get outside and play and really enjoy themselves. 

Have a great weekend and good luck in the Megamillions!

Training Schedule

I took 3 days off running following the Shamrock Half Marathon.  I jumped back in on Thursday with a short run at a very good pace, and repeated the run on Friday at an even faster pace.  I felt good during both runs and had no trouble with the increased pace, but found my knee to be increasingly sore.  I took the weekend off running hoping things would work themselves out.  Still a little sore today, but not to the point that I plan to skip another run.  If I do skip a run, it will be to enjoy some time out on the bike in the nice weather.  Signing up for a 5 miler the end of April and looking for a fun half marathon for early to late fall.

Work was busy today.  Cleaning up a few policies left from last week, and wrote 2 auto insurance policies.  Got a call regarding 3 potential commercial policies to take a look at tomorrow, so that will keep me busy for a while.  Things are picking back up, or so it appears, and I'm excited about that.

Girls are doing great.  They had a great weekend, and knock on wood, both have been sleeping very well the past few nights.  It's much too early to think that this will be the new normal, but I would like to think I'm going to get back to sleeping the night through someday. 

Have a great evening!

Last day of 35

Enjoying the last day of being 35.  The weather was less than stellar, but out of my control.  Had cake with my coworkers earlier in the day which is always a nice treat.  Looking forward to the end of the day so I can go home and get my little girls outside to play.  I did manage to get out on the bike for about a mile with my daughter last night and enjoyed a mile with the dogs.  Got a little strength training in last night and early morning today, and am ready to get back to running tomorrow.

On the work front, I sent out a couple quotes today, a homeowners insurance quote and an auto insurance quote.  Nothing crazy, but between that and some service work for commercial policies, I had a busy enough day today.  I'm finally feeling caught up, good to a certain degree, but there is something to be said for being busy and running around like crazy.

Girls are doing great and never cease to amaze me with their development.  Such big helpers around the house, and always want to be doing what we are doing.  It's great to have them by my side all night.  Hard to get stuff done sometimes, but I enjoy every minute of it. 

Have a great evening!

First Day of Spring

On the first day of spring, I've so far skipped my workout.  Still a little sore from the half marathon Sunday morning.  I'm thinking some strength training tonight, and back to running/biking tomorrow.  I don't want to skip the whole day, but one more day without running isn't going to kill me.  Time to start looking at my next event.  Definitely a 5 miler in April here at home, beyond that, I'm not sure yet. 

Busy day yesterday at the office.  I wrote an auto insurance policy I wasn't expecting, and picked up a couple new leads.  Today was a great catch up day with service work on some of the new commercial business I've been writing so far this year.  I can finally feel good about being caught up with all of that. 

The girls have been doing great.  They have both been sleeping better and that makes a world of difference.  As we were up early and getting ready, my two and a half year old says "Don't worry Daddy, I remember where I left stuff" in response to me asking her where her stuffed animal was.  She has to be the cutest little thing, and her sister is following right in her footsteps.  They make every day worthwhile.

Have a great evening!

My latest half marathon

Well, after a 3 year break from running half marathons, I finally got back in the saddle.  Yesterday I ran the Shamrock half marathon in Virginia Beach.  It's been an annual trip for my family since 2007, and we very much enjoy the festivities.  The support for all the events is overwhelming, and the courses are great!

Saturday I was feeling very bad.  I had been healthy all winter long and began to come down with a cold Friday.  Saturday it just wasn't getting any better, and I finally turned to some cold medication.  I hate taking medicine of any kind, but I didn't want to feel bad for Sunday.  I took a round of medicine every 4 hours trying to start feeling a little better.  It seemed to be helping, but I still didn't feel right.  Spent most of the night up and down with an upset stomach, and questioning whether I should even go and try to run. 

Finally Sunday morning rolled around.  My voice was more or less gone, and my stomach was still pretty unsettled.  I decided to just suck it up and go run.  I kissed my daughters and wife goodbye and they wished me luck.  I started my 1 mile walk to the start line.

Once I got to the start line, I realized I forgot my ipod.  No big deal, I could just take in the fun and excitement around me that a great race has to offer.  I also realized I was overdressed.  I wasn't feeling well and put on an extra layer or two thinking I would be chilled throughout the race.  I shed one layer before we even started, and about half a mile in shed another layer.  Happily I ran past my family watching at mile 1 and was able to hand off some clothing.  The miles just seemed to fly by pretty easily.  I felt great and realized how much training I had put into this race.  I never made a true long run, sticking primarily to my 3-4 mile runs.  I made it through mile 8 easily, which I anticipated.  I knew if I got to the lighthouses on mile 8 that I would be alright.  I kept my pace in check and never tried to do what I couldn't handle.  Once I got to mile 9, I just started counting down the blocks until I would get to see my family again.  I knew once I got to them I was just a little over a mile from finishing.  I kept an even pace until we turned out onto the boardwalk, and then I began to pick it up just a bit as the finish line came into sight.  I had a bit of pain in my knees and my left hip, but I knew I was on a great pace for me and had a goal in mind.  I couldn't have been happier to meet and exceed my time goal. 

The Yuengling Lager was nice and cold at the finish line and the Irish Stew was good as always.  I look forward to this being a family tradition for years to come.  I believe my daughters will both be involved in the children's events next year.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who give their time so we can enjoy an event like this.  Also a special thanks to the event organizers who put on a wonderful event every year.

Have a great evening!