Into Colorado

[tommy]

After 780 miles, I made it into Colorado. I was a little bummed this week after running a 5k last Saturday a whole 2 seconds faster than previous best. Oh well. I got another tee shirt. Size "large" is just a little snug - hope to grow into it! It sure beats the old 2XL's.

This morning I ran 13.1 miles (half marathon) through the neighborhood today in under 2 hours. It was 7 minutes faster than previous best. Yippee! Very encouraging that I can improve my marathon time in December. That's my goal that drives me. Marathon improvement.

Some muscles occasionally tighten up, but heal quickly. With "cooler" weather, I use the hot tub more. It really helps relax the tight muscles. I continue cross-training with swimming (thanks Mary) and upper body weights. I'm converting some running days into "hill" days for a while in preparation for Pikes Peak. So far, so good!

Feelin' fine at 49!

 

[Mary]

I want to know if Dave and Rain were there to greet you as you entered their home state?
Glenda and I will be expecting you in Missouri by early fall!
Mary

 

[fyrfytr]

If he would of went from the S.W. corner to the N.E. corner of the state, we would been.
Keep up the Great Work Tom.
Take Care

 

[Glenda]

Tom, Fantastic! ! Keep up the good work.

Mary, where do you live in Missouri?

 

[Mary]

Glenda,
I'm in Cape Girardeau. We're smack dab on the Mississippi River about 90 miles south of St. Louis.

I think Tom should go a little south on his cyberspace run so we don't have to travel so far to greet him !
Mary

 

[Shine_on_Syd]

Fantastic job Tom. Your doing great.

 

[tommy]

I wish I could chart my own path and "visit" friends along the way.

And Mary, its another 900+ miles to the Mississippi River - not likely by early fall. Kansas City is about 600 miles. I'd like to be there by the end of the year.

Went on a leisurely bicycle ride this evening. The weather here is terrific.

 

[Rain]

Hey Tom!

Hey Tom!

That was me out there on the continental divide waving my long ol' arms at ya as you ran by!!

 

[M&M]

Wow Tom, you are just doing FANTASTIC what a great accomplishment -to do a half marathon - in under 2 hours !!! Your doing great. I hope you continue to enjoy yourself and I know you'll achieve all your goals.. I love to make goals.. Nothing feels better than to achieve them. Take Care and Best of Luck..

Happy Trails
Marilyn

 

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Gang

Hi Gang

Hi Tom and all the rest of the "Gang",
Way to go! The cross training is really the way to go. I just wish I could fit more time in to do that. I have been working on the average of 65 to 78 hours a week, and trying to keep up my running on top of it. (plus an hour and 15 minute commute to work each day) To keep up, I have been doubling up smaller 4 mile runs and making 8 mile runs out of them. Right now I am just keeping a 4 mile every other day goal with one mid-range run of 8 miles each week. My 8 mile runs have been around 1:15-17 minute range, and my 4 mile runs have been around 32 to 37 minutes. I have not pushed at all, but just kept the runs relaxed with my dog while we run along the beach.
I tell you, I love that dog so much. When the days are so long like they have been, he is the one thing, next to my wife, I look forward to seeing as I walk through the door. It is pretty funny, because when I give my wife a hug or kiss, he picks up his stuffed toy monkey and starts growling and shaking it! It is funny anyway. Just for the heck of it I'll add his picture below. I know many of you have seen the pic of him before.
I am coming back at you Tom. 2,614 miles. It is hard to believe when I look back. Keep it up my friend. Thanks for the E. mail Tom and Ross. I will write you both later. Miss you too Mary and Les. ... God bless ... Mark

 

[Mark Wagner]

Picture of my Border Collie/Australian Shepard ... Zen.

 

[Mark Wagner]

Across the US and on my way back.

Across the US and on my way back.

2,614 miles behind me. Whew! ... Mark

 

[M&M]

Mark, I sooo admire your stamina. You just keep ticking and I couldn't be happier to hear all about your adventures. I could never do it. I know it takes so much 'time' and dedication. I love to hear that you do it and especially that you 'can' do it - as a person who loves to run with a mechanical valve - you give me so much hope and I have so much admiration for your deep love to run.. I also think your dog is sooo adorable. You are so lucky..

Happy Trails to you both and Best Wishes
Runner

 

[Mark Wagner]

Thanks Marilyn. You are an inspiration yourself. I was blown away at how quickly you were back at it, after surgery. Keep it up! It is always nice hearing from you. ... Mark

 

[tommy]

I'm in "change of pace" mode - focusing on Pikes Peak hike next weekend. Minor hamstring "issue" is only a problem for running, okay for walking/hiking, so the change of pace is good timing. Still able to work in strength training (weights) 1-2 times per week and swimming about once every other week.

Mark, I noticed for the first time that your Rochelle is joining you in DC. Is she running the marathon also? What a wonderful experience!

Ya know, if we stay on pace, we should meet at the Mississippi River near Hannibal. Anybody for a Mark Twain re-enactment?

 

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Tom,
Rochelle is planning on running it with Dad. It really depends on her time management load prior to the marathon. You have to be drawn by lottery to run the 'Marine Corp Marathon' so our secondary plan will be to run the marathon in Maryland a week later if where passed over.

We could tie a rope and innertube to Mary and she can swim us accross the river!

Enjoy the hike Tom. ... Mark

 

[Mary]

,

We could tie a rope and innertube to Mary and she can swim us accross the river!

Glub, Glub! I'm there for you guys!
Mary