A Passion for Running

Well, a lot has been going on lately but not a lot of running has been going on – nope, not much running at all.

I was pretty woozy all the way up to last Wednesday so Thursday’s spin class was a no-go since I’m pretty sure I’d have barfed. Instead I planned on a very light run but that didn’t happen due to a workshop going overschedule. Yup, that’s right – work got in the way of my running. Damn work.

Truthfully though, there is a bit of sulking going on with me. Certainly, being injured is a valid reason for not running but it sure doesn’t cut it for not working out or doing other forms of cross-training. So, my admission is that I’ve been a real slacker, am losing fitness and it’s noone’s fault but my own. When I remind myself why I run/stay in shape, I realize how completely idiotic it is that I haven’t been doing so. I run to be healthy in body, mind and spirit and that’s important so I can have quality life and be there for my family. So today I’m getting off my ass, re-aquainting myself with good habits and getting active and nothing is gonna stop me. I’m counting on you to keep me honest.

On another subject, Saturday was Lori’s birthday. I got her this:

It’s a great little digital camera (I got it because Aaron has been very happy with his) that fits into an altoids tin.

I can’t tell you how much fun it was seeing the look on her face when she opened her gift to find two Caramilk chocolate bars (she loves those) and an altoid tin. Hahaha – too funny!

Since Jon asked, here is a link that goes into some explanation about VO2 Max testing. I’m sure there are better sources out there but I find this guy easy to understand.

Well, I sure did not get hit as hard by the puke-fest as my dear wife but it seems like my recovering from this flu is taking longer. I’ve been nauseous just walking around this week!

Tomorrow I’m going to give running a try and just see.

On another subject, I talked to one of my gym’s spin class leaders. His class is Thursdays at noon so I’m thinking next Thursday is as good a time as any to give it a try.

As an aside, Jerry (the spin class leader) is a three-time Ironman. When I chatted him up last week, he mentioned his VO2 max has improved by 5ml/kg/minute in the last three years and he attributes the improvement to spin classes and bike work in general. His VO2 max was 59 three years ago. It’s now 64 – a really tremendous level of fitness by almost any standard.

I’m game!

More bugs are running around our home. That’s one of the yucky things about having a dayhome in your place of residence – there are five or six kids coming and going each bringing their share of germs to add to the mix. Plus, Cassandra is in grade one so she has access to her own set of germs at school.

Wednesday, Christopher began throwing up. Friday, Lori had an absolutely horrible night. I think she was parked in front of the porcelain throne every ten minutes from 7:00 pm till 3:00 am. I have so far faired a bit better. I threw-up once saturday morning but have been nautious and weak ever since.

Two weeks of grossness in our home and very limited running as a result.

I tell ya, the luck has gotta change around here because I don’t think (hope) it can get worse!