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!