Life's little curve balls.

Well no marathon for me on Sunday. Today we were on our way to pick up my race packet for the Marathon tomorrow when Heather noticed smoke coming from under the hood. It was coming from our radiator which I thought was odd since I just added fluid the day before. We headed back for the house and when we got home and I got under the hood I realized that my radiator is cracked. So I spent the next couple of hours (after is cooled off of course) ripping out the radiator to get it fixed or replaced. So in a nutshell, no car, no race! It sucks but it happens. There will always be another marathon that I can run. I have to get the car fixed. Luckily I have leave all of next week so I can get it taken care of. So it looks like Dad will be running a marathon for the both of us this Sunday. GO DAD!!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 01 Dec 09

Well it has been a little over a week since the last time that I wrote. I have had quite a nasty bug that I haven't been able to shake. But it is finally loosening its death grip on me so I can get back to work. I haven't ran a whole heck of a lot these past couple of weeks. I have gotten in a couple of runs here and there thanks to the FBC. Yesterday was the big day for my PT test which I passed with flying colors. I think with my score I should of got an 84.6 which is really good for someone with a 38 inch waist. I was super pleased with my mile and a half run which I finished in 10 minutes and 32 seconds. That is the fastest I have ever ran it and I finished 4th out of 70 people who tested that day. Needless to say I was pretty stoked about that. I weighed in at 245 lbs. which is something I am still working on. I have another 40 lbs to lose, at least that is my goal. I have to be under or at 220 lbs. by Heather's birthday or it's off to the girly spa for the day. I still have 4 months to get there. I never thought the 1000 miles was going to be the problem, it's taking off the weight that kills me. Anyways today I got in 3 workouts and my last longer run before the Marathon on Sunday. Heather and I got in our 2 mile walk this morning. Then at FBC (I am still attending these classes because they are such a superior workout compared to what we do at PT in our flight) I did some work with the 13.2 lb medicine ball plus got in another 1.5 miles. And tonight to finish off the day I got in 6.83 leisure miles. Just a nice little run around what I would like to do my marathon pace in which is about 10 minute miles or around there. All in all I got in 10.33 miles for the day and it is my last day of doing that many miles. I have a couple more runs scheduled for this week but nothing hardcore plus my walks with Heather. Should be pretty smooth. I still have to head to Naha and find where I have to pick up my packet on Saturday and figure out logistics for Sunday to get myself to the starting line. Well I am off to shower and then to bed. Good night everybody and JUST RUN!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 18 Nov 09

Well heck, I am beat! Today's running took a toll on me. This cold weather is killing my legs. But I am fighting through it and getting in my workouts like a good little fat boy! Today at FBC was Cardio Surprise! And what did we do you ask? Run around the base with medicine balls. We would do a little running and then stop and do some plyometrics which is always awesome. Then we would pick up our medicine balls and run to the next location on base. We stopped twice to do plyometrics and ran one of the hellacious hills on base. A lot of people didn't fare well on that bad boy. And once we got back over to the Risner gym we did wind sprints up and down a grassy hill. All in all we did 3.11 miles worth of training during our hour long session. And tonight since it is 10 mile Wednesday I got in another slow 7.41 miles to meet my goal for the day. I have come up with a good schedule that I am becoming pretty fond of. 10 mile Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and then 10K Tuesday and Thursday. That way I get two days off to rest and I still get in my 40 miles a week. It seems to work for me right now. So I will keep it up until I need to change it. Anyways today I ran a total of 10.52 miles, burned 1,712 calories and my run tonight took me 1:25:07. Time for bed because I get to do it all over again tomorrow. Until next time...

Running Totals for 17 Nov 09

Well this morning at FBC we got to do our workout in a torrential downpour. At first, it was sprinkling a little bit and I love to run in the rain so I thought no big deal. Well about 20 minutes into our workout the sky was falling down, the track was a lake, and everyone in the FBC (Instructor included) was soaked to the bone. It was awesome! We did Resistance Training/ Cardio which means we ran the track with medicine balls (mine was a 13.2 pounder) and did exercises on the corners. We got in 1.25 miles plus exercises. It was a good workout in my opinion even though no one agreed with me. Oh well you can't please everyone. Tonight's run was a little tough because it was actually cold and windy and my legs never got a chance to warm up. I should have definitely ran in pants tonight because my legs were as stiff as a board when I got back to the house. I got in 5.90 miles so at least I got my run in tonight. I really didn't have the motivation to go run tonight but my loving wife prodded me until I got my butt up and out of the house. Anyways, my totals for today are as follows: I ran 7.15 miles, burned 1,001 calories, and my run tonight was 1:06:15, including cool down. I am still taking it easy with my left hamstring/ glute because it still feels suspect. I don't want to pull a muscle this close to my PT test and marathon. That would be somewhat devastating!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 16 Nov 09

Well I got this week off on the right foot today. At FBC we did Interval Training which is basically cardio with speed work. The first 1 1/2 miles we did 100 meter sprints and jog the corners. Then the next 1 1/2 miles we did bleacher work. 5 reps (1 rep was up and back down the bleachers) on both sides of the track. Then we did ladder drills on the football field which equaled about 1/2 a mile. It was a really good workout even though I think I strained my hamstring. I will take it easy on it until I know what is going on. Then tonight I got in a 7.55 miler, burned 1,168 calories, and it took me 1:18:03. That is with my cool down also. So my totals for today were 11.05 miles and I burned roughly 1,828 calories today. Not too bad for a case of the Monday's! Until next time...

Running Totals for 13 Nov 09

Happy Friday the 13th! And what has it did the whole day you ask? Rain. Rain, rain, rain! That is all that it has did for the past month. I don't remember it being like this last year but they definitely need the rain here in Okinawa. It was a pretty dry summer as far as tropical islands go. Today at FBC we did step aerobics and that stuff takes coordination. Plus it confirms what Heather always tells me, I don't listen! There was times that I would get lost in the instructors routine because I would start thinking about other things and realize I was off. Anyways, it worked up a pretty good sweat and that was the main goal. And later that night when we put the girls down for bed, I hit the streets and got in my run. I ran for 6.6 miles, burned 988 calories, and I went for 64 minutes. I guess I have to get in a few more minutes if I want to break into that 1,000 calorie range. Also thanks to the rain and my shirt selection I got the bloody nipples! Man, I hate when that happens. You really feel it afterwards. Anyways, that's the life of a runner I guess. Happy Running! Until next time...

Running Totals for 12 Nov 09

Well today was a pretty good day. On Veteran's Day I worked a 12 hour shift so pretty much the day after I am catching up on sleep. Once I got up and got going thanks to my little Evie alarm clock, I hung out with the family until FBC. Today at FBC it was Total Body Composition which mean strength, resistance, and a little cardio training. It was a good workout and the nice thing is we went out on the track by the gym to do the training. It is always nicer to be outside while you work out then cramped in a small, stinky, hot gym. After FBC I came home, changed and we went to the NCO Club for a little dinner. We got home and put the girls to bed and Heather and I sat around and talked for a little while before she started her run and I headed out on my run. I am very happy that Heather is starting to run once again. She hates it but I think it will be good for her. As for my run, tonight I ran 6.36 miles, burned 988 calories, and I went for 64 minutes. It was a lot better run than yesterday. I wish my legs felt as good for my long run yesterday. Oh well, so goes the race! Until next time...

Running Totals for 11 Nov 09

Well today was supposed to be my long run day but about 7 miles into it I just wasn't feeling it. For the first time in a long time I didn't want to run anymore SO I flipped around and headed back to the house. The FBC is really screwing with my running. My calves and quads are so sore from doing their stupid exercises that it is really effecting my running and it pisses me off! I mean I barely got in 11 miles in a time that I would normally be over the half marathon point. *sigh* Heather thinks that maybe I shouldn't run the marathon in a couple of weeks because she is worried I will hurt myself. I am not ready to give up on the marathon yet. If I can get my legs back at optimum health I should still be fine. But running around the track with that medicine ball yesterday killed my shoulders and neck by the time I made it back to the house today. I guess we will have to wait and see how I feel towards the end of the month. I still think I should feel fine to do the race. Anyways, today I ran 11.12 miles, burned 1,743 calories, and it took me a whopping 2 hours and 23 minutes. Still a lot of work to do, until next time...

Running Totals for 10 Nov 09

Today I decided that I would run from the house over to FBC. I should do this more often but sometimes I need to get in a longer run than I would get from running over to the gym and running home. On the "cardio" days it is a good idea because most of our workout is cardio based. The cardio days seem to be Tues, Wed, and Fri. I think I will keep running over there on those days and combine MY cardio with FBC cardio, two birds with one stone so to speak. Today's workout was pretty killer. Our Sasquatch instructor (he is covered with hair from head to toe) had us running the track with medicine balls. My ball of "choice" was a 13.2 pounder and I had no idea how bad it would suck to lug one of those things around a track. One reason is sucked was because it is difficult to run without using your arms, at least for me it is. It totally kills your momentum. Two, that stupid thing is heavy and awkward! Anyways, I powered through it and when everything was said and done we did 3 miles with it in arms. Did I mention and we are to run bleachers with it! Today I got in 7.90 miles, burned 1,485 calories (amazing that yesterday I did 8.1 miles and only burned 900 something calories but today's workout was crazy intense and I burned so much more. I love my Forerunner 405), and my workout took me 1 hour and 44 minutes. It was a good workout. I am hoping that my legs don't hurt too much when I wake up so I can go for a long run before I knock out another 12 hour shift. Happy Running!! Until next time...

Logic Explained

I was reading through some e-mails the other night while I was at work and I came across a pointless email but a very entertaining one nonetheless. This one actually makes sense and explains a lot when it comes to playing the timeless classic Rock, Paper, Scissors. The comment was posted on Dig.com (I think that is how it is spelled). Enjoy!

"I understand that Scissors can beat Paper, and I get how Rock can beat Scissors, but there's no ***** way Paper can beat Rock. Paper is supposed to magically wrap around Rock leaving it immobile? Why the hell can't paper do this to scissors? Screw scissors, why can't paper do this to people? Why isn't notebook paper constantly suffocating students while they take notes in class? I'll tell you why: because paper can't beat anybody; a rock would tear that ***** up in 2 seconds. When I play rock/paper/scissors, I always choose rock. Then when somebody claims to beat me with their paper, I can punch them in the face with my already clenched fist and say, "Oh *****, I'm sorry. I thought paper would protect you, you *****!" ".

Until next time...

Running Totals for 06 Nov & 09 Nov 09

I didn't get around to posting on Friday. The day was crazy and it just seemed to slip through my fingers. Anyways I got in a run for 4.5 miles over at the track at the Risner Fitness Center. It was slow cardio day for my Fat Boy Class which I will refer to as FBC from here on out. I didn't get in another run that night but I guess I shouldn't feel bad about that run. I didn't get in any runs over the weekend. It is hard to run after working 12 hour shifts. When I thought about it though during the week I got in 8 workouts. Four at the FBC and four runs so I shouldn't be too hard on myself. Today (Monday), at FBC we did Interval training and I made it pretty intense. Interval training is only what you put into it and I really pushed myself. I wish I could say the same for 90% of the other people in the FBC, but I have to worry about me. Tonight I went for a mid distance, slow run/ walk. I ran/ walked 8.10 miles, burned 913 calories, and I was out and about for 1 hr. and 54 minutes. I left my headphones at home tonight and enjoyed the peace and quite around base housing. It was a very pleasing and enjoyable workout. It really gave me some time to contemplate where I would like to take my life from this point on as far as military wise and what I plan to do after military life. You never know what is going to happen but it is good to have plans and shoot for something you would be passionate about. Anyways, enough rambling, until next time...

Running Totals for 05 Nov 09

Well another day in the books, along with another "Fat Boy" class, and a pretty good run. Today was supposed to be my long run day but waking up in the morning very sore from yesterday's Fat Boy workout, it just wasn't in the cards. I finally got my PT test scheduled for the 30th of November. So the countdown is on! I need to pick it up these last 25 days and watch what I eat and the exercise is taking care of itself now that it's mandatory. The instructors for the Fat Boy classes are no joke!! They work you to death so you get the most out of it. I am just glad that I am not totally out of shape. The running doesn't bother me at all (except for the sprints and running bleachers). The resistance training on the other hand kicks my derriere pretty good, but I am enjoying it. I am hoping to be back in the 230's before I PT test at the end of the month. My run tonight was a bit tough to get into but once I did it felt really good and I had some good speed towards the end. I ran 6.65 miles, burned 1,097 calories, and I ran for 67 minutes. It was a really good day. Until next time...

Running Totals for 3 & 4 Nov 09

Well the 3rd of November was supposed to be a running day but since I attended "Fat Boy" class I got in 60 good minutes of cross training/ cardio. So I decided to make that my cross training day instead of getting in a run. Even though we did some running during the class it wasn't that significant even though I thought some of the people were going to die during our short runs. Today on the 4th of November it was off to another Fat Boy class and it was Surprise Cardio day. This day is designed to be a "huff & puff" day that kicks your butt and like everything it is what you put into it. I thought it was a good workout but sprints are never fun but essential to building power in running. We also did four laps (1 mile) around the track doing three reps (up & down) on each side of the track. It was a great workout and my legs were burnt after the 60 minute workout. My totals for the day went as follows: I ran 7.20 miles, burned 1, 304 calories, and I went for 1: 19 minutes. Anyways, four to five of these a week is in my near future unless I get off the Fat Boy program which is the main goal anyways. I am scheduled to do a 20 miler tomorrow, we will see if that is in the cards. I hope so. Anyways, Happy Running! Until next time...

Running Totals for 01 & 02 NOV 09

Well now that the 12 hour shift nightmare is over I can get serious about my training once again. Today I had my Body Composition Improvement Program (BCIP) follow up class today or as I affectionately call it, "Fat Boy Class". The reason I like going over to the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) is because I believe their scale is the most accurate besides the hospital. I weighed in at 253 lbs but she subtracted 4 lbs for my clothing and shoes which puts me at 249 lbs. I was kind of happy about that because I was expecting the worst and thought I would be around 260 lbs again. So as of today I have 29 lbs to lose before Heather's birthday on Mar 28th or I have to go to the girly spa. I have decided that I will run or do some cardio activity everyday until her B-day. I think that will put me over the top and as always I will still need to work on my eating. Yesterday, Nov 1st I ran 6.3 miles, burned 1,050 calories, and I went for 1:06:58. Today, Nov 2nd I ran for 6.3 miles, burned 1,040 calories, and I went for 1:02:52. I could of did more today but I am running behind tonight because my Fat Boy class was in the middle of the day so my sleep schedule was all screwed up. Just 34 days until MARATHON DAY, so I am staying very busy with getting in my last few weeks of running before the BIG day. Hope all is well with everyone. I think about you all often. Until next time...

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise (Not the good kind)

Well since Friday night at 2200 hrs. (10PM for you civilians) I have been on 1 hr. standby awaiting for the exercise to kick off here at Kadena. That means that I have to be able to report to work within an hour. So needless to say I have not been able to get in any running since I was put on standby which totally sucks. I am hoping that the Exercise will end on Friday and I will be able to continue my training at that point. But it seems that Kadena is hell bent on not letting me do my Marathon Training so we will just have to see. There are times when I HATE being here, 4 more days to go of the Exercise....I hope!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 15 Oct 09

Well it has been a little of a challenge to figure out when to run now that I am back at work and working 12's once again. On top of that we are preparing for an Base Exercise next week so the preparations for that kind of suck and take up a lot of time. I hope that after next week things will get back to normal, some what before the next group deploys towards the beginning of the year. Then this mess will start all over again. In the mean time I got in a decent run this morning. It has been rainy here all week and I don't mind running in the rain as long as it isn't a torrential down pour. And that is what I found myself in this morning a little over half way through my run. It was bad enough that I ran to my work and waited until it calmed down a little bit. Anyways I got through it and I am still on schedule this week. Today I ran 9.1 miles, burned 1,393 calories, and it took me 98 minutes. I ran the scheduled 8 miles and the other 1.1 was a cool down (for the record). Anyways it was a good run nonetheless. Until next time...

Running Totals for 13 Oct 09

Well today's run occurred in the rain which was a good thing. What is it about running in the rain that is so invigorating. Anyways I weighed in Monday and I was 247.6 so that means I l0st 1 lb. this week. I guess I seriously need to look at my eating habits if I ever want to lose weight again. I mean I run 45 miles and lose 1 pound? Something has got to change. Anyways my week looks like this. Tues- 5 miler, Wed- 8 miler, Thurs- 5 miler, Fri- some sort of run, Sat- Rest, & Sun- 18 miler for 36 miles total. I am on 12's the next two weeks so I need to work in my runs around my work. I hope that I can slip away to the gym in the morning to get in my workouts. I guess it's back to the treadmill unless I can get home and hit the road. Today I did a 5.21 miler, burned 823 calories, and went for 53 minutes. I am going to stick closer to what the program actually says to run and not over do it. I will see how that goes. I hope all is well with everyone. Love and miss you. Until next time...

Weekly Totals & Running Totals for 10 Oct 09

Well my first full week back of running is in the books and I am glad that I am past it. This week has really kicked my butt because of my slacking the past month. I deserve all the pain I have right now but I know it's the "good" kind of pain. I am back on track on my Hal Hidgon training plan and I have 8 weeks to go before the marathon so I need to stay on track. Today was my long run and I got in 17 miles, burned 2,904 calories, and it took me 3 hrs & 20 minutes to complete. The big thing that I took away from this run is that I finished it and I still had more in the tank even if it is at a turtles pace. My weekly totals are as follows: I got in 45.43 miles, burned 7,559 calories, and I ran for 9 hrs & 58 minutes. It was a good week. Until next time...

Running Totals for 08 Oct 09

Well it was actually yesterday but I didn't get around to posting so I need to do a little catch up. I got in 5.28 miles which I took Heather along with me which I am not sure if she is happy about now. She is a little sore today and I hope that it doesn't get worse. Today (Friday Oct 9th) is a no run day according to Hal's program and then tomorrow will be my long run of 17 miles. I hope that the weather will cooperate. Until next time...

Running Totals for 07 Oct 09

Well after no running yesterday, I doubled it up today and got in some good miles. I do another shorter run tomorrow, about 5 miles, Friday off, then 17 miles on Saturday, and that will finish up my week. It will be a good "starting" week after my little hiatus. Tonight I ran 10.13 pounding miles on the pavement, burned 1,908 calories, and I ran for 103 minutes. My knees are used to the cushy treadmill and it is shock therapy running on the roads with these killer hills. They have 8 more weeks to get adjusted before the Naha marathon and I think I will do fine as long as I am committed to my training. Until next time...

Typhoon Melor

No running last night because we were supposed to get hit by Typhoon Melor but it turned North before it ever got to the island. But we did get quite a bit of rain and wind so no running last night. I will just have to make up Tuesday's run on Wednesday. I will combine the two distances and put in another longer run. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 05 Oct 09

Ok, it's time to get back on track with my goals. I have screwed off for a month now and I am waaaaayyyyyy behind the curve. Because of my laziness I am going to switch my Hal Higdon Training Plan to the Novice Plan. I don't think I can get in 2x 20 mile runs in the time I have left and still have enough left for the marathon. I am going to play this first one conservative and go from there. The ultimate goal here is to FINISH my first marathon and enjoy it enough to want to run more after this one. Well this month has caught up to me and I am back to 248.6 lbs. I am some make up work to do in the losing weight department. Today Heather and I went for a walk this morning and we did 2.03 miles and tonight I went for a grueling 9.03 mile run which kicked my butt. And that is exactly what I needed it to do. So in total I completed 11.06 miles today, burned 2038 calories, and I went for 101 minutes (this time is for my run only). I am going to take this one day at a time and get back on schedule and try to meet my goals I have set for myself. Until next time...

Running Totals for 24 Sep 09

Ok, now that my sciatic nerve has went on vacation and I don't walk around like an old man I better get my runs in while I can. I am a little bit behind the power curve so I have a lot to ground to cover so to speak. I need to buckle down and get running and lose the weight I have put on again. But now I have my head screwed back on once again and it is time to get back to work. Tonight I ran 7.05 miles, burned 1348 calories, and I ran for 73 minutes. I don't need to look back at what I haven't did in the time that I've been home, I just need to look forward and see what I can accomplish from this day forward. Until next time...

Running Totals for 11 Sep 09

Just a quick note to tell everyone Happy Patriot Day (I think that is what they are calling it) and to let everyone know I haven't given up on my blog. Since I ran on Monday I have been trying to get my legs back to normal. I swear, going from the treadmill to the street is like night and day. My legs have killed the last three days. It's like starting all over again. Anyways, I got a chance to try out my new Forerunner 405 and I think that once I figure everything out with the watch it will be perfect. I ran with last night and it worked like a charm. It was kinda neat to see and the data that it kicks out in regards to my run. I ran 5.22 miles, burned 848 calories, and I ran for 49 minutes. The hills of Okinawa are trying to kill me at the moment but I am sure as long as I keep with it and do a few sissy (treadmill) runs during the week I should be fine. I guess we will see. Anyways Happy Running. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 7 Sep 09

Well I haven't run for 11 days and I could feel it tonight during my run. Plus I have eaten like garbage since I have been home especially today and that about killed me during my run tonight. Anyways it's time to get back on track now and get back to work. I am back up to 238 lbs. and it is time to get into the 220's and I think I have Heather on board this time (not like Kuwait where she was out to fatten me back up)!!! Anyways I ran 5.14 miles, burned 927 calories, and I ran for48 minutes. It was the first time that I ran the "loop" here in Oki and I am very happy about that. There is a MONSTER hill that I have been trying to run up since I arrived here and have yet to do it. So that made me happy tonight. I forgot how much the road kills your legs when you haven't ran on it for a long time. My legs will have to adjust to that. Well I am happy to be back home and running again. I love and miss you all in the good ole' USA. Until next time...

A picture from Manas

Since everyone says I don't post enough pictures here is one from Manas, Kyrgyzstan, while I am waiting to leave. This is in front of the chapel which looks like a regular building from the front but it is actually a tent with a fancy front. Go figure. Not too much longer and I will be outta here on my way back to Oki. Hooray!!

Hello from Kyrgyzstan

Well I have finally made it to Manas, Kyrgystan. We were supposed to be here on the 30th but our flight got cancelled because it took them so long to get us through customs. Trust me if it can go wrong it will. Anyways we slept in the chairs over at the shop until our show time on the 31st to try and catch another flight out of Afghanistan. We made that flight and now we are waiting to leave here in the next couple of days. It in nice to be able to go through out my day and not worry about rocket attacks. It will be nice when all this traveling is over and I can spend my two weeks off with my family and get reacquainted. I hope everyone is having a good week.

By the way it is killing me that I don't get to run at the moment. I am going into withdrawals. Until next time...

LAST DAY OF DEPLOYMENT RUNNING!!!!!!

Well today is the last day of running while I am here at Bagram. I thought about running maybe one or two days more but then I would have to take wet, moist clothes in my bag back with me to Oki and that would be very nasty!! So I threw in the towel so to speak and now I am officially on a break from running until I get home. It will be a pretty good break but I think my legs need that rest. Plus nobody likes to fly while they are sore. Anyways things are packed up and ready to get shipped out tomorrow. Then we are scheduled to leave pretty soon unless something comes up but it is 99% certain we will leave here soon. Today I ran 6.35 miles, burned 1,177 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. My total mileage for the deployment was 653.19 miles which I am very happy with. I am happy where I am at working towards my first marathon and I look forward to continuing my training when I get back to Oki. Plus I am looking forward to losing some more weight and meeting my weight goal of 210 lbs. I hope everyone is having a good week. Until next time...

Running Totals for 25 Aug 09

Ok, I think I will be able to get in one to two more runs than I thought I would be able too. I don't have to move out of my room until Friday now because the replacements should be here a day later than we thought they would be. So one less day I have to sleep in the POL garage over on the other side of the base. I think my last will probably be Friday morning so I should only miss one day this week which is good. Then that will give me around 8 days of rest from running and I will get back to work (running) on Monday the 7th of September. And I should be able to get in some good outdoor running, finally!! Today I ran for 6.24 miles which isn't too bad after my long run day. I burned 1,109 calories and I went for 65 minutes. I was a little stiff during my run today but at least I got it in. I hope everyone is ready for another week. Until next time...

Running Totals for 24 Aug 09

Well here we are on my last week of running or should I say my last half week of running because after Wednesday's run I will be finished until I get back to Okinawa. I think that it will be a good break from running and give my legs a little time to recuperate BUT a week and a half might be a little bit much. Regardless it will be a nice break, I will just have to watch what I am eating during that time. I didn't weigh today because the scale it broke once again but I still have some weight to lose when I get home to Oki. Today I ran 11.11 miles, burned 1,953 calories, and I ran for 106 minutes. I will break the 650 mile goal which I am pleased with. I hope everyone had a great weekend and I can't wait until this week is over. Until next time...

Weekly Totals & Running Totals for 22 Aug 09

Well I didn't post yesterday because the Internet was pretty crappy. So I thought I would quickly post my totals for my last total week of running. Well close to a total week anyways. Only three more days of running I should definitely hit my 650 miles before I finish on Wednesday. Yesterday I ran 7.42 miles, burned 1,304 calories, and I went for 82 minutes. It took me a little longer because I walked some hills towards the end. For the week I ran for 35.83 miles, burned 6,363 calories, I ran for 6 hours and 14 minutes. It was a pretty good week of running. I need the trip home and a week away from running to let my legs rejuvenate a little before I start it back up again once I get back to Okinawa. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Until next time...

Running Totals for 21 Aug 09

With 4 more days of running to go, I am slowly creeping to that 650 mile mark. I figure I will try to run as many miles this week so I won't have to kill myself next week over the last three days of running. It is nice to be getting close to the end because I definitely need the break. My legs could REALLY use the break. I don't want to have achy legs for my whole trip home. Also when we get into Baltimore on the 3rd of Sep., we are going to check into our hotel room and then head down to Camden Yards and watch the Yankee's play the Oriole's. That will be a nice little rest stop on our way back to Japan. I am looking forward to that. Today I ran 8.5 miles, burned 1,494 calories, and I went for 86 minutes. It was a pretty good run except that my legs are pretty much done. I think that 650 miles over 4 months is quiet a bit for me but I'll live. I hope everyone is ready for the weekend. Until next time...

Happy Afghan Election Day!! Hold on to yer butts!!

Well today is the day of days here in Afghanistan. The culmination of every threat that the Taliban has put out there is supposed to happen today. I guess we will see what the day produces. Here's to hoping it is quiet around Bagram Air Field. Today was a good run day and it showed in my mileage. My right leg hurt a little at the beginning of my run but the pain subsided shortly into it. I wish it was like that everyday. Anyhoo, I ran 7.5 miles today, burned 1,318 calories, and I ran for 76 minutes. Just 5 more days of running to go before I take a little hiatus to travel back home. And I am really looking forward to that. I hope everyone is doing good. Until next time...

Running Totals for 19 Aug 09

Well we were able to get onto Blogger and Facebook for a couple of days at work but I guess the Communications people found out and now that is over. So now I am back to updating things after work once again. Oh well, it was good while it lasted no matter how short it was. Well this week isn't going quick enough for me BUT I knew that would happen. Out of all the weeks I have been here I knew this one would be the longest for a couple of reasons. First, it is the last full week I am here. Second, we have the Afghanistan elections tomorrow (20th) & Ramadan starts this Saturday and the Taliban have been known for getting in their attacks before their holiday break and they are not happy about the elections that are about to take place. So needless to say I just want this week over and done with. I got in a run today even though it was not a good one. I put in 5.6 miles, burned 1,050 calories, and I went for 65 minutes. I will look forward to the break from running and look forward to getting it going again once I get back to Oki. I seriously can't wait for that day to get here. Until next time...

Back in Oki 4 Sep!!

Well today we got our itineraries and we will be back in Okinawa on Friday, September 4th!! Finally, it is at the end or very close anyways. Now time will drag since we know when we will be home. The good thing is that is the beginning of our 4 day weekend for Labor Day. Anyway you look at it, it will be really sweet! I decided to take and extra day off from running but the main reason was I got caught up in the PGA Championship and I watched Y.E. Yang beat out Tiger Woods for the Trophy. It was a very exciting match (that's if you like watching golf). That puts me a little behind for my 650 goal but I should still make it no problem (knock on wood). Today I ran 6.81 miles, 1,197 calories, and it took me 65 minutes. It was a good run and I hope to continue those over my last 7 days of running. I hope everyone had a good weekend. Until next time...

Weekly Totals & Running Totals for 15 Aug 09

Well the week of running is finally over and we are winding down towards the end of my time here at Bagram. I start my last full week of running next week. I like my new little work out that I am doing at the moment. Running a 5K and then doing a half our of hill work. It's pretty nice and it kicks my butt. Today I got in 5.55 miles, burned 1,135 calories, and I went for 65 minutes. My totals for the week are as follows: I ran 47.5 miles, burned 8,606 calories, and I ran for 8 hours and 3 minutes. It was a good week. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

My beautiful wife Heather registered me for the Naha Marathon yesterday so it is official, I am running the Naha Marathon on the 6th of December. NOW, it seems scary!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 14 Aug 09

Ok, new plan!! I am not going to kill myself and try to get to 700 miles. I could probably do it BUT at what cost to my body? I was thinking why am I going to kill myself when I should be in the 2nd week of my marathon training. So that is what I am going to do. Keep pace with my marathon training. That is the ultimate goal anyways, to run the Naha Marathon the first weekend in December. I think what I will do is cover the miles that my training plan says to run and then if I feel like I need to do something more I can walk on an incline to get my legs used to doing hills or simulated hills. I haven't been running at an incline and I need to start getting my legs prepped for the hills of Oki. Cutting back my mileage is a good idea anyways because my legs feel completely dead. Plus I am starting to not look forward to my runs and I don't want to get burnt out. So today, I ran a 5k and then walked at a 10% incline until I got my 65 minutes in and it actually felt good! My shin splints weren't killing me and I got in a really good workout from the incline. That stuff really worked me over to tell you the truth. So that is the NEW plan. So, Today I got in 5.36 miles, burned 1,039 calories, and I went for 65 minutes. I hope everyone is doing good and getting ready for the weekend. I hope you are feeling a little better Mom. Until next time...

Running Totals for 13 Aug 09

Well this will be a short post because I am about to fall asleep. I have been thinking about how I am going to get in the last 100 miles within the next two weeks before I get to leave here. Plus the last couple of days we will be living on the other side of the base away from the gym so I don't think that I will be able to run those days either. I am came up with the solution of doing two-a-days the last couple of weeks. Nothing huge, just enough to get in those miles that will push me over my 700 mile goal. I am really been focusing on meeting that goal and it is driving me crazy to think that I might not meet it. But I am sure that with a little more effort I will be able to achieve it before I leave. Today was a good run, the treadmill vultures weren't around today so I got in an extra mile. I ran 7.5 miles, burned 1,318 calories, and I ran for 74 minutes. Just a couple more weeks to go and then it will be back home for me. I can't wait!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 12 Aug 09

With 15 running days left here at Bagram I am slowly creeping towards my goal of 700 miles before I leave. I know it's not that important that I reach the 700 if it means I could injure myself but as long as I think my body is up to it I will strive to break that goal. Now I just have to convince my body that it can do it. I guess we will see. Today's run, my legs felt a bit sluggish. I know they are overtrained at the moment but every other run besides my long day I take it pretty easy during my runs. I just need to take it one day at a time and see what I can do. Today I ran 6.54 miles, burned 1,150 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. I hope everyone is doing good. Until next time...

Running Totals for 11 Aug 09

Well the Internet still sucks!! Not too much longer and I won't have to worry about it anymore. My legs are pretty sore from the 16 miler on Monday but I struggled through the run today. I am trying to get to 700 miles before I leave here and I need my legs to cooperate. Anyways, this will be a short post today because I need to get ready for work. Today I ran 6.55 miles, burned 1,155 calories, and I went for 65 minutes. I am trying to take it easier on my runs because of the soreness in my legs. I need to be smart with these last few miles so I don't get hurt in the process. I hope everyone is doing good. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running totals for 10 Aug 09

Well the scale is back and calibrated and I am pleased to report weighing in was kind to me. I weighed in at 232 lbs. So that once again puts my weight loss at 50 lbs. Now this time around I need to work to keep that weight off. I am still not done though, I still want to get down to around 210. I know that kills Heather to hear me say that but I think that is a good weight to maintain and then once I hit my goal weight I can work on the body fat to muscle ratio. I would like to get my body fat under 15% but ideally under 12%. I would be very, very happy with that. I was reading in one of my magazines that said you should have a daily caloric count for your goal weight. In other words I should be consuming calories for my goal weight. I think that makes sense now I just have to do that. I will focus on calorie counting when I get home because it is too hard to do over here with the food that they serve. It is so hit or miss with the menu here. Today was my long run day which went very good. I got in 16 miles, burned 2,813 calories, and I ran for 149 minutes. The thing I was most stoked about was that I went sub 2 hours for my half marathon time. I ran it in 1 hour 58 minutes. I have never came close to two hours before. I think the quickest I ran it was 2 hours 11 minutes. I am trying to simulate the marathon cut off times for the Naha Marathon. I know that I am running on the treadmill and not outside but it will give me a good starting base for when I get home. Then I can work is some hills and still shoot for sub- 2 hours. I just want to make sure I hit the cut off times so I can finish my first marathon. I definitely do not want to get on the "retired" bus because I didn't make the cut off times. THAT WOULD SUCK!!! Well I hope everyone had a good week. Until next time...

Happy Birthday Mom!! (It's the 8th here already)

Happy Birthday Mom!! I know you stopped having Birthday's a long time ago but don't worry, no one reads this so your secret is safe with me. I hope you have a great day.

Well another week of running comes to a close and I am happy to say that it is over. With the new week quickly approaching as it always does I hope the new shoes bring a full six days of running next week and the following couple of weeks until I get to leave Afghanistan. I promise my legs that I will give them a break while I travel back to Oki (Unless we have a longer layover in Baltimore). But for the most part I will take it easy during my travel days. I am sure they could use more than one consecutive day off BUT we will see. Today's run actually felt pretty good. I hope it is because of my new shoes. I guess we will see what happens next week. I ran 7 miles today, burned 1,256 calories, and I ran for 70 minutes. My weekly totals are as follows: I ran 40.39 miles, burned 7,247 calories, and I ran for 6 hours and 55 minutes. I think when I break 40 it is a good week. But then again as long as I can run it is a good week, distance shouldn't matter. I am looking forward to getting back to Oki and being able to run outside again. And for the days that I don't want to run outside Heather got a treadmill for the house so I am set. Well I hope you all have a great weekend and I hope to talk to you all real soon. Until next time...

Running Totals for 07 Aug 09

Well today I started running in my new pair of shoes that felt pretty good for a first time run. I didn't even worry about blisters with these new shoes either. I have had the same pair in the past but this time I got them 1/2 size bigger and it makes all the difference. My right leg is still giving me fits but I think it will until I can give it some prolonged rest. That probably won't happen until my flight home. I just need to take it easy so I don't hurt myself which I am aware of. Today I ran 6.32 miles, burned 1,134 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. I am glad that I felt good enough to run the entire time also. I don't like having to walk during my "runs". I hope everyone is doing good. Until next time...

Running Totals for 06 Aug 09

Bye, bye blue shoes!! I am retiring you from my running. Never ever should a bigger person get shoes made for a little skinny fella. I don't think I even ran 150 miles in those shoes and they are as flat as cardboard. Lesson learned. It's a good thing that I had Heather order me a third pair of shoes or else I would be shoeless. Running in those "crushed" shoes was horrible today. It really made the shin splint go crazy and it totally changed how I ran today. My whole leg hurt all the way into my hip. It was crazy. Well tomorrow is another day and another endeavor to break in a new pair of shoes...Gradually this time. No more blisters! Today I ran (hobbled) 5.4 miles, burned 969 calories, and I jogged/ walked for 65 minutes. Glad this one is in the books and we can move on. I hope everyone is doing good. Until next time...

Running Totals for 05 Aug 09

Well it was back on the treadmill today which went pretty well. Who would have thought that a day of rest could do so much, go figure. But anyways, it was back to work. I still have some mileage to cover before I leave this place. Nothing too exciting is going on at the moment which is always a good thing when it comes to Afghanistan. Today I ran 6.67 miles, burned 1,197 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. I might continue to skip my Tuesday run to recuperate from my longer runs on Monday. I am sure it won't hurt. I guess I will just have to see how I feel after next Monday's run and go from there. Until next time...

Our 8th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary my beautiful Heather. Even though I am not there to celebrate our relationship this year, I carry you in my heart where ever I am in the world. Soon we will be together again and I really look forward to that day. I love you and I always will.

I decided to take the day off from running today. My legs needed the rest after the 15 miler yesterday. Plus work got super crazy right when I was supposed to leave for my run. But rest is good especially since I have run super hard since I arrived here in Afghanny. We will get back at it tomorrow. I have to get in the 220's before I leave here. That is the goal!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 03 Aug 09

Well today was supposed to be my weigh in day but the scale at the gym is broke so I guess it will be a surprise the next time I get to weigh in. That should be interesting. Well today I also start Marathon training for the Naha Marathon in December so that should be fun. I think I am a little ahead of schedule with my training but I will pick it up somewhere in the fifth or sixth week once I get settled back in Okinawa. I think I am putting in a lot more miles than Hal Higdon's program says to in Weeks' 1-6 anyways. I am excited to get started training for my first marathon. It should be fun and hard at the same time. The course for the Naha Marathon looks really challenging. Plus you have to complete it within 6 hours because that is when they shut down the course. I definitely want to finish under that time. Today was my long run and I put in 15 miles, burned 2, 691 calories, and it took me 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. I think a 10 minute mile pace is good for my first marathon. Anyways, happy running and I hope everyone has a good week. Until next time...

Running Totals for 01 Aug 09, Weekly Totals, & July End of Month Totals

Boy I guess I picked a bad day to skip posting yesterday. Just look at the title and you know why! Well another week of running has wrapped up and we are finally, finally in August and that makes me happy. I always look forward to my day off from work and from running. Plus it doesn't hurt that I catch up on my sleep for the entire week all in one day. Anyways, let's get down to business. Today I ran 6.5 miles, burned 1,166 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. My weekly totals are as follows: I ran 47.63 miles, burned 8,545 calories, and I ran for 7 hours & 49 minutes. Now my totals for the month of July are as follows: I ran 213.07 miles, burned 39, 331 calories, and I ran for a very, very long time! In July I lost 14.2 lbs. and I hope to duplicate that in August even though I won't have as many days to run this month because I am leaving towards the end of the month. But I will do what I can do and hopefully my legs don't fall off!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 30 Jul 09

Well today was the day that I finally got rid of the kidney stone that I didn't even feel the whole time that I had it. I think that was the most worrisome part is I wasn't sure if it was just a UTI or if I actually had a kidney stone. I would have to say that this is a first for me not even feeling it until I pee'd it out. Anyways, I am glad that it is out and now I hope the minor UTI I am dealing with will soon pass also. NOW, one of my toenails is about to fall off!! Holy crap, I think I might be falling apart now!! The toe by my big toe was pretty sensitive so I thought I would cut my toe nails before I went to run today and when I cut that particular toe there was a huge blister underneath the toenail. I would be lying if I said it didn't make me a little queasy when it happened. It was pretty nasty. Now I have to look forward to that toenail just falling off one day cause I am not pulling that bad boy off! No way! My run today was a little tough. My legs are spent from my upbeat run yesterday. I ran 6.46 miles today, burned 1,157 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. All in all it was a pretty good workout. Just one more day in July and then on to August the month I'm supposed to go home, hooray!!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 29 Jul 09

Well today my new braces arrived and for the first time I got to run in them. They worked like a charm. They had me a little worried at the beginning because it still hurt a little when I started my run but once I got warmed up things went pretty smooth. On the other hand I think I do have a UTI. I will pick up some very nasty cranberry juice and see if that helps at all and if not then it will be a trip to the hospital to get some meds to get it taken care of. I haven't passed a stone though so I wonder if I haven't been drinking enough water. I don't know how that is possible because I have a bottle of water in my hand at all times it seems. I don't exactly know what triggers UTI's but it is what it is. Whatever it is I guess I need to get it taken care of. My goodness, it is one problem after another. I need to get healthy and stay there this time!! Anyways, today I ran 7.53 miles, burned 1,351 calories, and I ran for 72 minutes. It was a good run. The reason I know it was a good run is because people in the gym on the treadmills around me try and keep up with what I am doing. Dare I say treadmill groupies. Anyhow, until next time...

Running Totals for 28 Jul 09

With one month left before my replacement gets here I am starting to get a little more excited about actually leaving this place pretty soon. I know I still have a little over a month to go until I actually fly out of here but it is starting to feel a little more real that the end is nearing for my time at Bagram Air Base. I am looking forward to July being over with so I can start counting down the days in August. That will be sweet! After my run today I kinda feel like I have either a kidney stone or a UTI. I am not sure which but I should know by the end of today which one I am dealing with. I hope it is just a kidney stone that will pass pretty quickly. I don't want to go to the hospital for antibiotics. My run today was a typical Tuesday run after a long Monday run, it was hard but like Dad says a bad run is better than no run at all. So today I ran 6.53 miles, burned 1,172 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. And there goes the Internet... So now I wait, and wait, and wait some more to be able to post today. Man I love this place!! Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 27 Jul 09

Well the beginning of another week and I am happy to get this week started. Mainly because this is the last week in July and when I have my next day off it will be August, my last month! I am pretty excited to get started on my last month here. I will hopefully stay busy with work and running to make it go by as fast as possible. Well it was my long run today and I ran 14.02 miles, burned 2,515 calories, and it took me 137 minutes to complete. Once again it was a good run and I felt like I could have went farther which is always a good thing. Just 4 more long runs to put in before I head back to Okinawa. Today was also weigh in day and I weighed in at 236.8 lbs. So that puts my total weight loss at 46 lbs. I am getting closer to that 220 mark which would be great before I left this place. I just need to buckle down this last month and try to lose the remaining 16 lbs. I hope everyone had a good weekend. Until next time...

Running Totals for 25 Jul 09 & Weekly Totals

Well I made it through another week...barely! I almost gave up on my run today because my leg was killing me. But I did what I could do and it took me a lot longer to get the mileage I wanted but I got it done. My hamstring just would not loosen up for nothing! On top of that my shin killed and pretty much my right leg hurt from my foot all the way up into my hip flexor. So needless to say I am happy that tonight I don't HAVE to run. My legs can use the rest and they are going to need it because I have a 14 miler on Monday to knock out. I also didn't take any Advil for my run and I am thinking that was a mistake. I am looking forward to my shin splint brace to get here. I hope that will alleviate some of the problems I am currently dealing with. My legs have to hold out for a little over another month and I will give them a break all the way back to Okinawa. Then I will pick it up again. Anyways, I ran/ walked 6.63 miles today, burned 1,201 calories, and it took me 76 minutes to finish. My weekly totals are as follows: I ran 46.92 miles this week, burned 8,497 calories this week, and it took me 7 hours and 52 minutes this week. It was a good week of running, I just pray that my legs hold out until I go back home. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Until next time...

Running Totals for 23 Jul & 24 Jul 09

Well I didn't get around to posting yesterday because I was a little under the weather and the Internet wasn't being very friendly again. But today I am feeling much better and excited that I only have 5 more weeks of this wonderful place. I am excited that I am getting closer to being home with my family once again. It will be very nice to get things back to normal and spend quality time with Heather and the girls. Yesterday I ran 6.7 miles, burned 1,213 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. Today I ran 7 miles, burned 1,268 calories, and I ran for 68 minutes. If I do another 6 mile run tomorrow and get in 30 miles next week I will go over 200 miles for the month so I am stoked about that. Well this will be short but I love and miss you all very much. Until next time...

Running Totals for 22 Jul 09

Tonight was a very long night for me, not because a lot of bad things happened but because of the nasty mood I was in. Most of the night dragged along for me until I realize that there are certain things I cannot change. Some of those things are TIME, I can't make time go any faster than it is currently going. AFGHANISTAN, I can't make it a more pleasant place to be. FAMILY, I can't help Heather with the girls or be there for Heather when she needs that break from the girls. SHIN SPLINT, I can't really do anything more than I am already doing for my shin splint. There are more but I think those few examples will suffice. If I keep letting these types of things drag my mood down any more than it has it will be a long 5 weeks until I get to leave this place. Once I started thinking about how I can improve my situation and make this a more positive 5 weeks there are certian things that come to mind. TIME, I can utilize my time more wisely and stay busy which in turn makes the time go by faster. AFGHANISTAN, although a very dangerous place at the moment we are doing the people of Afghanistan and the United States an important service by being here and combating terrorism. FAMILY, while I can't physically be there to help Heather out, I can be a good listerner for Heather and back her up in her decisions. And SHIN SPLINT, I know how to take care of the shin splint and I have to do what I can and make sure I don't hurt myself more. I just need to stay positive and not be such a downer because it effects everyone around me.

Well I wish all my runs could be like today's because it went really well. I took some Advil before I went to run and it worked like a charm because I didn't feel my shin splint at all. I ran 7.08 miles, burned 1,282 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. I could run a little faster than normal because my shin felt so good. Well I hope everyone is having a good week. Until next time...

Running Totals for 21 Jul 09

Well here we are with 38 days to go until my replacement shows up and I am a little antsy at the moment. I think I will be for the rest of my time I have here. The rest of the time is imperative for me to buckle down and focus on my running or I will go crazy counting down the rest of my days here. If you cannot tell I am starting to get excited about leaving Afghanistan and July can't get over with quick enough. My run today was a little tough since it was a recovery run from yesterday's longer run. But then again my Tuesday runs are always that way. Today I ran 6.4 miles, burned 1,159 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. I actually wanted to do 7 miles today BUT there was a ton of people in the gym this morning and the treadmill vultures were out in force. We are in the middle of a deployment switch but I think it will be packed from here on out until I leave. I will make it work and get my runs in one way or another. I hope everyone is ready for another week. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 20 Jul 09

Well I am happy that another week is about to get under way. Now it seems that I just sleep my day off away in preparation for my long run on Monday morning. Whatever makes this go by a little quicker. Not really too much to talk about. My run today was a pretty good one. It seems that the day away from running helps my shin splint recover a little bit but then I do a long run and then I am back in the same situation for the rest of the week. Or at least that is how it went last week. Hopefully things will be a little more pain free this week. Today I ran 13.11 miles, burned 2,374, and I ran for 133 minutes. All in all it was a good run but I was a little worn out at the end. Next week we move on to 14 miles which should be awesome. The longest I ran in Kuwait was 13.1 so I will surpass that this coming Monday. I weighed in today at 239.6 lbs. which I am very pleased about. I just don't get the weight loss thing. One week I can run forever and not lose a pound and then this week I feel like I have slacked off a little bit and I didn't think I would lose anything and boom, I'm down 6 more pounds. Whatever, as long as it keeps coming off. That brings my total weight loss to 43 lbs. since I arrived here in Afghanistan. If I can keep this up I will definitely be in the 220's by the time I leave here. As long as my legs can keep up the pace. Well I love and miss you all very much and I hope you all had a great weekend. Until next time...

Running Totals for 18 Jul 09 & Weekly Totals

Well another week of running is in the books and once again I am happy to have a day off from running. Mainly because my legs could use it. I will continue to probably run for an hour the other 5 days of the week and see if my leg feels better. I still want to get my long run in on Monday's though but we will see how things progress between now and Monday. My new shin splint brace isn't a brace at all like I thought. It will be helpful though because it comes with a hot/cold pack that I can use after my runs. I guess I need to look at getting an actual shin splint brace on line. We will see how that goes. Anyways, today's run was a little harder than yesterday but I got all my runs in this week which I am very pleased about considering my little leg problem. I ran 6.33 miles, burned 1,175 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. My totals for the week are as follows: I ran 45.41 miles, burned 8,430 calories, and I ran for 7 hours and 55 minutes this week. It was a good week. I will need to start lifting again since I have to cut back on my mileage which will only help with my weight loss goals. I hope everyone has a good weekend. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 16 Jul & 17 Jul 09

Well the Internet has really sucked the last couple of days so let me hurry and post my totals for those days real fast before it goes out once again. Yesterday I ran 6.22 miles, burned 1,155 calories and I ran for 68 minutes. Today I ran for 6.36 miles, burned 1,181 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. I switched shoes to my new blue ones in the hopes that it will help with the shin splint that I am dealing with. I was a little scared to switch shoes because I didn't want to get a blister once again but I needed to switch regardless. The shoes worked great and my leg didn't hurt as bad. So now I just have to wait to get my shin brace so hopefully that hopes more. I am over 400 miles now and I still have 200 to go before I leave here. Well I love and miss you all and I hope you are having a good summer. Until next time...

Running Totals for 15 Jul 09

Well this I have pretty much been tired the whole time. I just can't seem to get some good sleep. Plus my runs have been pissing me off because my right leg is totally out of whack for some reason and therefore throws off my stride which stresses out my other leg. It takes me around 40 minutes to get my right leg warmed up but when it finally comes around I punish it by running the rest of my hour at 7.5 on the treadmill!! I hope it is nothing serious and I don't think it is because if I thought it was I wouldn't run on it. I know someone is thinking it so I needed to say it. I am just frustrated about it because I know I could be running much faster and farther than I currently am so that sucks! Anyways, I will step down off of my pity box and get to my totals for the day. I ran 7.5 miles, burned 1.392 calories, and I ran for 80 minutes. I hope everyone is doing fine and your week is going good. We are down to 43 days until my replacement gets here and I am starting to see the light at the end of this very crappy tunnel. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 13 Jul 09 & 14 Jul 09

Well this is going to be very brief since I don't know how long my Internet will stay connected. So yesterday I ran 12 miles, burned 2,228 calories, and I ran for 123 minutes. Today I ran a recovery run of 7 miles, burned 1,299 calories, and I ran for 74 minutes. Today's run hurt! There is something going on with my right lower leg. It's maybe a shin splint or I could of stressed the muscles in my leg but it's not happy with me at the moment. I think I will cut the mileage back a little bit this week and give my legs a break. I was too tired to hit the gym today because I didn't get much sleep yesterday because I had to get a haircut. So I hopefully will hit the gym tomorrow with a little more energy. Yesterday was weigh day and I weighed in at 245 lbs. So that brings my total weight loss to 37 lbs. since I arrived here back in April. I am happy with the progress I just hope that it continues. I would like to be in the 220's by the time I leave here at the end of August. That would be very nice. I hope everyone is doing good and that your summer is enjoyable. I love and miss you all, Until next time...

Running Totals for 11 Jul 09 & Weekly Totals

Well I am very glad that this week is over because my body is begging me for a day off and I can finally give in to its demands. Today's run was a beast! I think if I had to run another mile this week my body would give out on me in protest. I need to relax as much as possible because I have a 12 miler coming up on Monday. But I think for the rest of the week it will be light running because I have to do squats two times this week and that kills my legs for running. So another week in the books and I am that much closer to going home. I can't wait!!! Today I ran 8.11 miles, burned 1,524 calories, and I ran for 90 minutes. My run took me a lot longer than I wanted it to but I am pretty wore out from the week. My weekly totals are as follows: This week I ran 50.95 miles, burned 9,575 calories, and I ran for 8 hours and 54 minutes. I am really stoked about my totals this week and I hope it pays off come Monday when I weigh in BUT regardless of what the scale says I am still happy with my running results. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I love and miss you all very much. Until next time...

Running Totals for 10 Jul 09

Well we are finally ten days into July and for some reason those are the slowest days of the month for me. After the 10th day is seems like the rest of the month goes pretty quickly for me or at least I hope that is the case this month and next month. I am pretty wore out from this weeks running and I am happy that I only have one more day of running this week. Another 8 mile run and that will put me over 50 miles for the week which I am very excited about. That will be the most I have ever ran in a single week. Today's run was a beast because I did squats and my legs are sore once again. It is not the same as when I started lifting (thank goodness) but they are pretty sore none the less. But I gritted through it and got my run in today. I think the thing that I am most concerned is once I break 50 miles and then have one day off and then on Monday I am set to run a 12 miler. We will see how my legs hold up for that. I think that I will take it easy next week and cut my miles back a little bit to give me legs a chance to recuperate. Anyhoo, I ran 8.2 miles, burned 1,541 calories, and I ran for 86 minutes. I hope everyone is doing good and I hope you have a great weekend. Go Lance!! Until next time...

Running Totals for 09 Jul 09

I am well on my way to breaking 50 miles for this week. And I probably just jinxed myself by saying that. I can definitely feel the wear and tear on my legs this week. And it doesn't help that I did squats today also. So I am sure that tomorrow's run will be especially fun but I figure if I can push through tomorrow's run I am home free to 50! I am doing pretty well with my lifting even though I do not enjoy doing it. I hope though it will help with less injuries and build some of my muscle back that I have lost while doing all this running. Today I ran 8.31 miles, burned 1,562 calories, and I ran for 85 minutes. I am less than a month away before I start training for the Naha marathon but I doubt I will be able to cut back my miles for the beginning weeks of the marathon training. I will still want to put in at least 5-6 miles, 6 days a week. But I am of the mind set that more is better anyways. Well I hope everyone is doing well and I am happy that time is going by fairly quickly here. I love and miss you all very much. Until next time...

Running Totals for 08 Jul 09

Well I am half way through my running week and it is off to a very good start. I am dealing with the shin splint in my right leg but all in all it isn't too bad. If I can run 8 miles for the next three days I will break 50 miles for the week and I have never done that before. So that is my goal for the rest of this week. It is really starting to warm up here now. It is even pretty warm at night which kinda sucks because I liked the cool nights here. But then again it is July so maybe the weather should act like it is July. Today I ran 8.2 miles, burned 1,541 calories, and I ran for 85 minutes. This is turning out to be my best week yet. I am glad that I can use running to help my time go quicker here. Just 7 1/2 weeks to go and I can't wait until it is over. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 07 Jul 09

Well today was a pretty good day for running. My right leg was kinda bothering me which it almost feels like a shin splint but I hope it is not worse than that. I will just have to keep an eye on it and use plenty of Icy Hot to keep the pain away. I think when I get my new shin splint brace it should help quite a bit. But then again I hope that as I lose more weight it will relieve some of the pain also. Today I ran 7.13 miles, burned 1,340 calories, and I ran for 73 minutes. It is always tough getting into my runs but the second half always feels better and I want to keep running even though I need to get back to work. I am excited to start training for the Naha marathon in August. I think that should be quite the adventure. I also lifted weights for a little over an hour and I hope to make that a habit. Even though I hate lifting weights I need to make it a habit because it will help me prevent injuries. Well I love and miss everyone very much. Take care and I hope to talk to everyone very soon. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 06 Jul 09

Well after a very much need day off from work and running I am ready to take on another week. It's funny that I look forward to my day off but when it is here I can't wait until it is over. Anyways I am always happy to start another week because that means I am that much closer to going home and being with my family again. Well today I ran 11 miles, burned 2,067 calories, and I ran for 115 minutes. I am going to try to add one mile each week for the rest of my time here. I think I have around 8 weeks left so I should get in some good long runs on my Monday long runs. Today was also weigh in day and I weighed in at 248 lbs. So I am very happy that I am finally in the 240's.

Running Totals for 03 & 04 Jul 09 & Weekly Totals

Well I finally got the Internet thing figured out for another month. The good thing is I only have to pay for one more month and that will be it! Hooray!! Things are going pretty good at the moment because my legs don't hurt anymore which is wonderful. On the third of July I ran 8.1 miles, burned 1,540 calories, and I ran for 86 minutes. Then on the fourth of July I ran 7.53 miles, burned 1,432 calories, and I ran for 80 minutes. They were both very good runs and it is nice to have my legs back. My weekly totals are as follows: I ran 41.51 miles this week which I am always happy to break 40 in a week, I burned 7,893 calories, and I ran for 6 hours and 30 minutes. I even lifted again on Friday and that included squats. So hopefully the sore phase is over with and now I can run and lift pain free I hope. I think I will move my lifting to Tues, Thurs, and Sat because I want to do my long runs on Monday and it is kind of hard to lift first and then throw down a 10+ miler. So if I can do my longer runs on Monday and save the lifting for the days that I mention I think it will work out a lot better. Well I hope everyone had a nice fourth of July, mine sucked but what do you expect for being in Afghanistan. The good part is we didn't get any unwanted Taliban fireworks for the 4Th. So that was a relief. I love and miss you all and I hope to talk to you all very soon. Until next time...

Running Totals for 01 Jul & 02 Jul 09

Well I didn't get a chance to post yesterday because the Internet was out of whack again. I thought that my Internet would have been turned off today but it is not. I hope to go over there tonight and pay for another month if it is open. My legs STILL kill from Dead Lifts on Monday and tomorrow I have Dead Lifts again so I am sure that will be fun. Even though my legs kill I still haul my butt over to the gym to make sure I get in my miles. I think I have the motivation to get to the gym to lift weights three times a week even though I try to talk myself out of it while walking from work back to my B-Hut but I have been good this week and my third workout is tomorrow and that will complete my first week of lifting. And even though my legs feel like death warmed over, it wasn't that bad and it will help me lose more weight and gain some muscle back...I hope! On the first I ran 6.53 miles, burned 1,242 calories, and I ran for 73 minutes. Today I ran for 6.5 miles, burned 1,236 calories, and I ran for 76 minutes. It takes me a lot longer to get my 10K a day in because my legs don't cooperate for most of my run. Just two more days and this week will be in the books. And that is a good thing. I hope everyone is doing good. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 30 Jun 09 and End of Month Totals

Well another month is in the books as far as running goes and although I thought it was a good month of running I am a little behind where I wanted to be at this point, 14 miles to be exact. I will just have to make it up next month so I stay on track to break 600 miles during my time here in Afghanistan. Today's run was a killer one because my legs are dead!! Dead, dead, dead!! Weight lifting yesterday wiped them out and I didn't even lift that heavy but when you haven't lifted in as long as I have it doesn't take too much. I just need to suffer through this week and hopefully, and I mean hopefully the pain will subside. Today I ran 6.68 miles, burned 1,270 calories, and I ran for 75 minutes. My monthly totals are as follows: I ran 150.09 miles, burned 29,084 calories, and I ran a little over 26 hours this month. I am happy with this past month and I hope to improve on it this month. Starting in early August I will start training for my first official marathon (Naha Marathon) in December. I am looking forward to that, or at least I think I am. Take care and be safe. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 29 Jun 09

Well I am happy to have last week behind me now so I can move on and improve on a crappy last week of exercising. Now that I am half way through my deployment I will start to get stricter with what I am eating. Plus I have added weights to my weekly routine. I think subconsciously I was trying to kill myself today because I did squats before I ran today and let's just say that after doing squats your legs don't work so well when you trying to run. So I had to concentrate really hard on not falling off of the treadmill today. I am sure that I looked wonderful trying to run with two dead legs. I gutted it out though and got in both weight lifting and a "good" run. I am curious to see how my legs feel tomorrow though. I am sure it will not be so great! I lifted weights for 45 minutes today and I hope to keep my weight lifting sessions to 45-60 minutes each time. I am only lifting three times a week which should be good enough especially when I am still running 6 times a week. Today was weigh in day and I gained a pound but I am not tore up over it. I still hope to be in the 240's by next Monday. I will keep my fingers crossed. Today I ran 6.17 miles (because that is all my legs had left in them), burned 1,173 calories, and I ran for 76 minutes (yes it took me that long to run 6.17 miles). It was a good day for working out. I hope to throw my body off so I will continue to lose fat and put back on some muscle. I would love to get under 15% body fat, I think that would be great. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I love and miss you all. Take care, Until next time...

Running Totals for 27 Jun 09 & Weekly Totals

Well I am glad this week is over because it has been a horrible week for running. Two days out with a injured toe, two good days of running, and two days of pretty weak runs. I don't want to repeat this week ever again. I thought about running tomorrow to make up for at least one of my crappy days but I decided against it since I start lifting weights on Monday. So I will take it easy on my day off and start fresh on Monday. Today I only ran 3.65 miles, burned 691 calories, and I ran for 40 minutes. It started out to be a good run but around the 25 minute mark I really had to use the bathroom and it wasn't going to wait another 35 minutes! So I had to hop off the treadmill and they have a bathroom outside the gym but it is closed for renovations so I had to almost go all the way back to my B-Hut to use the bathroom and by the time I got back to the gym the moment had passed. I knew that I was finished for the day. This weeks totals are as follows: I ran 22.3 miles, burned 4,290 calories, and I ran for 3 hours & 56 minutes. Not the best week but hopefully I will be able to rebound next week and have a great week. I hope everyone having a good weekend. Tomorrow is officially my half way point (from the time when my replacement is supposed to arrive here). So I am pretty stoked about that. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 26 Jun 09

Well I'm back, finally! I thought it would have taken a few more days to get my toe working again but earlier the better. The past couple of days have really sucked not being able to run but I know that a couple extra days of rest will be good in the long run, hopefully. Today's run was a pretty tough one especially only taking off two days. It is amazing how quick you can lose what takes you forever to gain! Things here are a little quieter but everyone is still on edge from the attacks last Sunday morning. I think that is a good thing because everyone will be more vigilant and more aware of their surroundings. I know I will be. Today I ran 7 miles, burned 1,326 calories, and I ran for 73 minutes. It is good to be back! Love and miss you all. Until next time...

Out of Order!

Well I am out of commission for probably about a week with this nasty quarter size blister on my left big toe. It probably didn't help that I ran 10 miles yesterday but it had to be done. I don't think it would feel any different if I would have ran my regular 6 or 7 miles. I think that it just needs time to heal. That is not to say that I didn't try to run on it this morning but it didn't work out for me and I had to stop after run/walking for 1.5 miles. About that time that I realized that trying to run through it was pointless and now I just need to NOT run which will kill me but it is a necessary evil. I hope that it won't take longer than a week to heal though. In the mean time I will try my hand at weight lifting and riding the stationary bike for my cardio until this bad boy heals and I can run again. I guess I will really have to step it up in July and August if I want to meet my 600 mile goal by the time I leave this place. Well I hope everyone is doing good and I will try to keep this blog going during my hiatus. I love and miss everyone. Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 22 Jun 09

Well yesterday was a nice day off except for the extra curricular activities around the base (Rocket Attacks). Other than that it was a very nice day off from work and from running. Actually I go and hang out at work because I hate spending my day off in my B-Hut while everyone else is trying to sleep. And my bed is extra squeaky so every time I move or breathe for that matter it makes a noise. Today (Monday) was a pretty good day. Since it is my long run day I thought I would actually do a LONG run which I did. Hopefully my legs will keep up for the rest of the week. Today I ran 10.15 miles, burned 1,923 calories, and I ran for 104 minutes. It was a pretty good run except towards the end when my legs kept telling me it was time to be finished. Today was also weigh in day and I hoped not to have a repeat of last week which didn't happen. I weighed in at 250 lbs. and that puts my total weight loss to 32 lbs. I am happy about this because I still have another 8 days left in this month until I hit the half way mark and I am already over 30 lbs. So I am pleased to say the least. I hope everyone had a great weekend and I look forward to another productive week. Until next time...

Running Totals for 20 Jun 09 & Weekly Totals

Well I made it through another week of running (barely) and I have to say it was a difficult week to say the least. With being sick on Tuesday and dealing with a nasty shin splint on my right leg I would have to say that this week sucked as far as running goes. But it isn't always going to be easy and at least I made it through the week regardless. There is an upside to today's run though, I ate popcorn chicken for dinner tonight and I didn't feel like it was going to revisit me during my run. That is good because I love the popcorn chicken here, it is one of the GOOD things to eat here. So needless to say they don't have it that often because that would make people happy. Go figure. I hope the rest of the weeks go by as quickly as this one felt like it did. If that is the case I will be home in no time. Today I ran 6.5 miles again, burned 1,259 calories again, and I went for 70 minutes....AGAIN! I will have to mix it up next week so everyday isn't the same. My weekly totals are as follows: I ran 33.96 miles, burned 6,559 calories, and I ran for 5 hours and 59 minutes. Obviously I hope to improve on those numbers next week and hopefully I can get this shin splint under control. I hope everyone has a good weekend. Heather hang in there, just a couple more days and you will be back down to just our two girls and you can get on with your summer schedule. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 19 Jun 09

Well today I made the mistake of running in my new pair of shoes which it was the first time I have ever wore them. They say they're 11.5 BUT they don't fit like my other two pairs of shoes. But I thought I need to break them in so a nice long run would speed up the process. Well I did a nice long run in those shoes and what did I get for my efforts...a nice big blister on my left big toe. So I officially dubbed those new shoes my weight lifting shoes. I will wear them when I go to lift and gradually break them in...I hope. So now I have to deal with a very sore blister for the next little while. That should be a very good time. Today I ran 6.5 miles, burned 1,259 calories, and I ran/ hobbled for 70 minutes. Plus while I was running I had a nasty case of heart burn so it was a pretty rough run. I guess not all runs are going to be spectacular, but I sure wish they were. I hope everyone is doing good and I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 18 Jun 09

There really isn't too much on my mind today, just another typical Bagram day has come and gone. I am really enjoying the mild weather we are having here. I prepared myself for the worst before I arrived here and I totally expected it to be the 100's by now but we are in the low to mid 80's every day and the nights are pretty cool. I just hope this trend continues into July and August. My run today wasn't too great but I guess they all can't be wonderful. I think I am developing a shin splint on my right leg, at least that's what I think it is. I think me switching up my speed has thrown my body off like I planned but it doesn't feel to good at the moment. I am running at a slightly uncomfortable level and I hope that my body will adapt and not go on strike and protest the change. Anyways, I ran 6.5 miles, burned 1,259 calories, and I ran for 69 minutes. I hope everyone is doing good. Until next time...

Running Totals for 17 Jun 09

Well I didn't get in any running yesterday because I was a little bit under the weather so i decided to take the day off. I think that for the rest of the week I will keep my runs to 65 minutes so I can give my body a little recuperation. I think during this week I will run at a little faster speed to change things up and maybe trick my body into dropping some more weight. I am really looking forward to the 28th of this month because that will officially be my half way mark and it will be all down hill from there. I also hope to have lost 30 lbs. by that point so I can focus on dropping the other 30 lbs. that I want to lose. Today I ran 6.36 miles, burned 1,229 calories, and I ran for 65 minutes. There is not a lot going on here which is a good thing. I am a big fan of monotony when it comes to this place, because of things are changing here that means something is wrong. I love and miss you all very much and I hope that things are going great for everyone.

On a more disappointing note, our beloved Donkey's (I refuse to call them Broncos until they start making some better choices) are yet again thinking of getting rid of another Pro Bowler, Brandon Marshall. He has requested a trade now. So not only did we lose our Pro Bowl QB, but now we will probably lose our best WR. It almost makes me not want to be a football fan anymore...almost! Did I mention I hate the new coach!! Until next time...

Weigh In Day & Running Totals for 15 Jun 09

Well no change in the weight this week. I am still happy with the progress that I have made so far since being here. My day off from running was a good one. I actually ran today without my Cho-pat knee brace or the IcyHot. So that was pretty good. Another week is under my belt and I am ready to get another week over with. Today I ran 8.1 miles, burned 1,553 calories, and I ran for 85 minutes. I planned on lifting weights today but I grabbed the wrong workout, so I will have to make it up tomorrow morning. I plan on lifting 3 times a week which shouldn't be that difficult. Well I hope everyone's weekend was good and I hope everyone has a great week. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 13 Jun 09 & Weekly Totals

Well here we are at the end of another running week which I am always happy for because that means I have a day off from running coming up. I thought that after putting in 40 miles that I would limp into my day off BUT surprisingly I feel really good and so do my legs. Go Figure! Anyways, today I ran 8 miles, because I had to make up for the mile I lost out on yesterday because of the treadmill vultures, I burned 1,534 calories, and I ran for 85 minutes. My weekly totals are as follows: I ran 42.81 miles, burned 8,197 calories, and I ran for 8 hours and 20 minutes. I am just pleased that I broke 40 miles this week. Good luck Dad on your marathon this weekend. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 12 Jun 09

Well another day has come and gone for me here at Bagram. My life for the next couple of months is like the movie Groundhogs Day. The same day just repeating itself until that magical day arrives (Aug 28th) and I leave this not so pleasant place. It's not that it is overly horrible here, it's not home and that is where I long to be. You can tell the military build up is in full swing here in Afghanistan, Army everywhere. Most of them just passing through to other locations I am sure worse than here at Bagram. For the most part life isn't horrible except for having to eat the same things over and over again at the chow hall. But then again things could be worse and I could be eating 2 M.R.E.'s a day. Anyways, today I only got in 6.1 miles because the treadmill vultures were out in full force this morning. As soon as my 65 minutes were up, there they were ready to pounce on "my" treadmill. I will still break 40 miles for this week but I wanted to get in 7 every day this week which won't happen now. Oh well, 6.1 is still pretty good...I guess. I burned 1159 calories, and I went for 65 minutes. Take care everyone, and I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 11 Jun 09

Well this will be a quick one because I am totally wasted from my run today. Let's just say it wasn't a great run but I gutted it out and stayed on track to hit 40 miles this week. I think the reason it was a crappy run is because I ate a ton of popcorn chicken about an hour and a half before I went and ran. I normally eat something light and now I remember why. I won't be making that mistake again anytime soon. I am proud to say that I kept everything down and didn't mess up their treadmill even though there were times during my run I wasn't sure I wouldn't throw up. So lesson learned.....the hard way! Today I ran 7 miles, burned 1,342 calories (hopefully all that popcorn chicken I ate), and I ran for 78 minutes. Well I am tired so good night everyone (even though it's morning time) and I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 10 Jun 09

Not too much to talk about today, since it was a basic Bagram day. You know, get up for work, go to work, work, run, go back to work, and get off of work. That is my life for the next 79 days, exciting isn't it!! My run today was a pretty good one. It wasn't great but at the same time it wasn't awful either. The important thing is my legs feel pretty good and I'm starting to see the weight loss when I wear my uniform. It is getting pretty baggy but should be fine for another 10-15 lbs. more of weight loss. The good thing is when we were issued our new uniforms for this deployment, I got them smaller so I would have brand new uniforms to wear when I lose all the weight and get back to Kadena. Now all I have to do is lose the weight to fit into them...LOL! Today I ran 7 miles, burned 1,342 calories, and I ran for 75 minutes. I ran at a little faster speed today to see how it felt and it wasn't too bad. Well I hope everyone is doing good. I love and miss you all. Until next time...

Running Totals for 09 Jun 09

It is always nice getting that first day under my belt after a day off. It seems like my day off throws off my running schedule or more like whole schedule. So it is nice to get back on track with work and with running. I think it was a good decision to switch my running day off to my actual day off from work. It seems like everything flowed much smoother this past week because of that little adjustment. Here we are almost 10 days into June and I thought it would have been a lot hotter here than it actually is. The weather is pleasant in the day time, not too hot and in the night it is rather cool. I am very pleased with that. If I was in the actual desert (Middle East) it would be a ba-jillion degrees by now. So if I have to take away a positive for being here, the weather might just be it.

My run today was a pretty good one. Instead of listening to music during my run I watched "Superman Returns" and it was actually a good way to spend my run. It was a nice change of pace. Hopefully they will have another good movie on so I can spend my time running watching a movie rather than listening to music. Today I ran 7.21 miles, burned 1.382 calories, and I ran for 80 minutes. Today's run was a lot easier than yesterday's run because I actually ate something before I ran. I don't think it's a good thing if you feel like you are going to pass out after a run. To remedy that I bought me a box of Snicker's Marathon bars so I won't be stuck in that situation again.

Since I can never remember if Dad's B-day is the 9th (I always think it is this day for some reason, I hope that I am right) or the 10th, HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY DAD!!!! I know this number bothers you but I am sure you have run more marathons than most 60 year old. Keep it going. And on a crazier note, watch out for dangerous Fun-yuns, I was eating some and broke off a 1/4 of one of my molars. They should put a WARNING label on those suckers!!! Until next time...