Race Recap: The 2013 Columbus Marathon (Ran the Half Marathon)

  

     Well it’s been awhile but I want to post on my Half Marathon experience while it’s still fresh in my mind and I wanted to mention all of the wonderful things I experienced outside of my race while that is still fresh in my mind, too!!

    It started this past Sunday Morning. I got up in my usual routine with fruit and bagel, gathered my stuff and headed towards Downtown Columbus. Arrived around 6:10 traffic was getting a little busy but not too much due to the Police and Volunteers blocking up a few of the streets and other runners walking towards Broad Street area. Though I got to my parking spot right at the time I wanted on High and Gay Streets and walked over to the Athletic Club near Broad and 3^rd Street. I saw a couple of elites that I knew plus some of my fellow CRC Peeps. I decided to do just a lite 8 minute jog with Brian, Scott, & Kari to loosen everything up. My folks were there at the club on the bottom floor waiting for me. Talked to them for a bit before going back upstairs to stretch, get ready, and receive final instructions from the elite coordinator and helpers before heading downstairs to go outside at 7:15. I gave my folks my bag and prayed with them (Psalm 23 & Our Father, I usually pray those before every race.) then went to the starting line to do some strides.

   Getting an elite athlete entry had its perks. We got a tiny bit of room at the starting line ahead of Group A and at least 2 porta johns for those times when we needed to piss out the nerves. Little cool in that morning but all I needed was a pair of old running gloves. After the National Anthem at 7:25 the wheelchair racers had their countdown to 7:27 for their start. Then came our start. AC/DC’s Thunderstuck was blazing in the speakers. YES!!!!!!!!!!! This is from last year's race. I would just watch this video until 2:50 but it just show you how great the start of this race is. 

     They Countdown us to 7:30. The race was off with the fireworks of course. 

The first mile was slightly uphillish on Broad Street so I wanted to go out a little conservative. Saw Cory move up so I decided to stay with him and Andy Schweitzer, I knew him from racing the Minister 10k two weeks ago where I out leaned him. Both of them wanted to break 1:10 so we stayed together for the most part. Mike Aldrink soon joined us. First mile was at 5:22 still going on Broad but the road was now becoming flatter. We slowed a little bit for the 2^nd mile and hit the 2 mile in 10:48 (5:26 mile). At that point I decided to stride it out a little bit. Probably not a great idea but I wanted to hit a 5:20 3^rd mile before going into the neighborhoods of Bexley. Mile 3 we hit in 16:06. Still looking good when we turned to do a square loop past the Governor’s Mansion. The group ended back going south on Drexel Ave towards Capital University. Mile 4 was at 21:28. The stretch on Drexel was about 1.5. We hit Mile 5 around 26:42. The 5^th mile was one of our faster miles at 5:14.

   Just after Mile 5 we turned right on Main Street in Bexley headed towards Nelson Road to Mile 6 where the Columbus Running Company was in charge of the water stop as usual for the past 6 years. Matt Deleon was on the microphone there giving play-by-play as I ran through in 31:58 right with Scott Meyers and we were right behind Cory and Andy as Mike was fallen off a little bit. Got some Gatorade on my gloves at the stop but after crossing the 10k line in 32:58 I decided it was warm enough to toss the gloves so I can focus on the 2^nd half of the race. 

I tried to go a little with Scott as we turned back on the other side of Broad going back uphill towards mile 7 and 8. The rest of the Half Marathon and Full Marathon field was on the other side as we started to go uphill. Some recognized me who were running. I even saw Jamie Duling and Matt Howard, 2 of my buddies from college who were running the full. Give me a good boost up that hill and back towards downtown. Mile 7 was in 37:20. Still on pace but I ended up losing Scott as he tried to make the effort to go after Cory. I still passed one person. I hit Mile 8 in around 42:42 as I passed Jesse Armbruster and saw J.D cheer for me.

     The course ended up taking us to Bryden Road past Grant Medical Center towards Mile 9. I ended up in 48:09. I was starting to slow down a little bit and the gap in front and behind was starting to slow and I was alone for a little bit. Also, I started to feel a little light headness as I turned on 3^rd Street and went down towards the German Village. Ended up running Mile 10 in 53:39 for a 5:30 mile. At that point I wanted to see if I could possibly beat my 3^rd best half

marathon time which was 1:10:39 since my 2 other best were 1:10:20 & 1:10:23.

   The 11^th mile went around Schiller Park I saw Beth & Sharon at the 10.75 mark as I turned on Deshler Ave to go back up North on High Street. This year the cheers along the Half Marathon Course were louder than before it seemed loud to me since the last few miles I had a little bit of light headness and stomach issues. I hit Mile 11 in 59:09. I wanted to stride up on High Street with that little uphill towards Main Street where Mile 12 marker was. I hit Mile 12 at 1:04:40. Pretty much from Mile 9 marker to Mile 12 I averaged a 5:30 pace while I was in the Low 5:20’s the first 9 miles or averaged 5:21 per mile at that point at Mile 9 so I fell off then.

  After crossing Mile 12 I just decided to finish strong the last 1.15 mile and run it just below 5:20 pace. Was very thankful I got to the last turn to Nationwide Blvd on the left and saw Catherine trying to cheer me on as I turned uphill to go down towards the finish at the Arena. I really felt nauseous sprinting towards the finish but I was able to run my 3^rd fastest half time ever in 1:10:38. Pic is from my mom camera. Some how this ended up blurry.

After finishing I put my head the giant plastic trash can but was able to regain my thoughts and receive my medal and get a pic. My folks were outside the gates and I was able to get my warmups back on and the guys and I took a team like pic.

   As Elites we were able to receive another great benefit of having our own area of one of the Arena District buildings where we got fruit, granola bars, water, gummies and were able to stretch and get a quick massage. My buddies and I also received $13 dollar vouchers to Sunny Street Café next door and got a good breakfast before we cooled down for a very slow 1.5 mile.

   Afterwards, I went up to the Mile 26 marker where CRC people were cheering on the finishers of the full marathon, I bumped into a lot of friends and acquaintances during the morning. All in all it was a great day.

People have many stories of why they do this race. Boston Qualifier, charity, Personal Best, Being Competitive in age group or elite, or just to say that they did it. I also think it is fun just to watch or volunteer at the Marathon. Especially with the Water & Gatorade Stops. Here's CRC's at Mile 6 

Nationwide Children's Hospital also had Children Patient Champions Miles. They dedicated each mile to a certain child with disability or illness and that is very cool especially seeing pictures like these.

  Very uplifting. Last Sunday was a great day for everyone involved. I got to see some old friends and current ones, my folks were there and I ran a great time. 

The only thing I could critque myself is the fact that I missed out again on breaking 1 hour and 10 minutes for the Half Marathon. Last couple years I have come so close.

2008 Kentucky Derby Half Marathon 1:10:23 

http://results.active.com/events/kentucky-derby-festival-marathon-mini-marathon/half-marathon-awards

2008 Columbus Half Marathon 1:10:22 (Personal Best)

http://www.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=8877#racetop

2010 Columbus Half Marathon 1:10:56

http://www.mtecresults.com/race/show/168/2010_Columbus_Marathon-Half_Marathon

2012  Kentucky Derby Half Marathon 1:10:39

http://results.active.com/events/2012-kentucky-derby-festival-marathon-minimarathon-presented-by-walmart/minimarathon

2012 Cleveland River Run Half Marathon 1:10:00 though I had my watch at 1:10:59 and pretty much led the entire race until mile 11 but the course was point to point

http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/riverrun/results/2012/halfage.htm

and now 

2013 Columbus Half Marathon  1:10:38

http://www.mtecresults.com/race/show/1883/2013_Columbus_Marathon-Half_Marathon

To me it's a little heart breaking. I've come so close so many times though the last miles seem to get the best of me in the last couple races. I think I'm at a point in my career where I don't care if I run a faster marathon. I can be happy with a 2:34 Marathon time. I just want to hit that under 1:10 barrier now while I'm at the peak of my career. I might have to relook at my training. Look carefully at my diet and what I'm putting in that causes my cramps in the later miles. 

This race however wasn't a total shame I'm still happy that I ran what I did at my age. Now I have a great group of guys I can train with that still want to hit the pavement and I give them a lot of credit for how I did this past Sunday. Also to great group of people in the CRC, the Central Ohio Running Community, My Family especially, People at Church whom I grow to, and other friends that want to see me hit my goals both in Running and Personally. 

I almost at times, especially at work, I almost lost my love for the sport and over the years it sometimes became a ongoing routine and began to wonder if I wanted to compete anymore. Yet, after that entire day this past Sunday it's become who I am and has brought a whole lot more in the best of me. In running and especially in life you have to keep going to get to the finish to get that prize.

"The only limitations you will ever have are the ones you put on yourself" - Kristinna Habashy

Thought this was a good quote. I'm not close to my limits yet. 

Those days like this past Sunday and everything I saw remind me why I love doing this and how I love the sport!!!

That's my two cents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doing alright for the shape I'm in. BUT I COULD DO BETTER.

      Well, my 32^nd Birthday is approaching this Friday the 13^th of this month. There are a lot of things I really need to look at myself closely at where I am in my life right now. Physically, I feel wonderful. I feel ready to tackle the half marathon this October. Even if I fall short of breaking 1:10, which would be great since the last couple halves I ran in the 1:10’s, I knew at my age I would have given it my best shot and I can still compete better than many guys my age or younger. I've been training with a great group of guys for this as well. It’s not that. I’m very happy with what I’ve accomplished in running. I’m a competitor, always have been always will be.

    Yes this may sound like another one those woe is me posts. But, as I think about it after seeing friends at Church, my Running buddies, family, heck even the people at work in which some of them I don’t like either talk about family or success, I feel as if I come home to NOTHING!!!! I don’t have a house or place to own of my own, I’m not married or have any children, I don’t even a girlfriend right now, I don’t even have a dog or pet in my place to come home to help me cheer up on rough days, and right now I’m stuck in a government job working in a section I totally dislike.

    Now, you’re saying, Dustin you have a lot more than what a majority of people have got right now. I know, but it’s nice to come home to someone or something (pet) to build you right back up for the next day. My faith has been tested time and time again. I feel as if I’m losing a little bit of my faith. It has truly been weakened lately. I haven’t been reading my bible or reading at all like I wanted to. Trust me after coming home from work or working out you develop bad habits at home some I’m frankly not proud of. It really sucks to see friends either get a promotion of some kind, getting married, having children and you’re feeling left out or left behind. I’m the one that usually leaves people behind when it comes to running but it sucks when it feels like at times you’re being left in dust when it comes to life.

     Work, of course, really makes everything else seem minor right now. With the Furlough being over and I’m back to work 5 days a week is great but the attitude isn’t much better. I really don’t like the area I’m in. The team I’m on was absorbed by the rest of Vendor Pay and for the last 2 years we haven’t had a true supervisor we had to get around on our own at times with some Branch Chiefs with Vendor Pay kind of acting like our supervisors even to the other teams as know it’s just a mess and there is terrible leadership I think. They can’t even discipline one of our teammates who was out for 1 ½ year after neck surgery and was just teleworking from home when he wasn’t getting his done and we had to do it for him. They even brought in my buddy, whom I worked with in Dayton and became good friends with. He was going to help out in the section since he’s a lead systems accountant, yet he ended up getting a good position at Wright Patt AF Base back in Dayton and now he’s gone. Sucks when you lose one of very few good friends you made at work. But, it was good for him. Good chance to start over since he’s in the process of a divorce.

    It really sucks that you want to leave but you can’t because of the uncertainty of the job market. I’m thankful that I still have a job but feel I could do a little better and I don’t want to be stuck here in the same section forever. I'm already seeing in some people who have been in the same department for so long what it can do to them. I want to branch out a little.  I mention before DFAS is run mostly by people who probably had no military experience and now I’m trying to see if there are any openings over at the other building on base where my cousin and his friends work. I've looked at maybe going into the private sector but it's pretty thin right now if anybody knows anything.

      As for coaching I’m only coaching a couple individuals which is ok but I want to get into it a little more and maybe down the road charge a small fee for my services. I want to do it in more of the lines of Personal Training. My services wouldn’t cost a lot compared to others. I want to monitor there fitness, injuries, training and what not. I didn’t get an assistant job at a junior high or high school like I wanted to. I know I have the passion for helping out young people in hopes they will improve or take up the sport of running down the road. It has helped me out tremendously. I really want to give. I’m hoping my running friends would help me out. Everyone on the CRC team knows I would help them out in any other way whenever it be running long runs with them, workouts, or just simple encouragement if they are injured or not training like they want to.  Not trying to brag about that is the way that I am and the way how I was raised. My parents did a good job instilling that in me by treat people the way you want to be treated.

      Right now I feel as if I need a little motivation, boost, or friendly type of advice in life right now. To me that would be the best present anyone could get me this year. I need a fire lighten on my ass in my life right now. Physically I in great shape as I can be in. I dunno a mentor each for my finances, spiritual, and personal issues would be nice I think.

      Just recently after I ran my Alumni Cross Country Race at Muskingum University, I went to see my Grandparents that don’t live too far from New Concord. My grandmother, on my dad’s side, who’s been in a nursing home due to health problems and not being able to walk for a long time, I was able to spend an hour with her. I also, my mom’s folks, my grandma and grandpa sitting on their porch enjoying the afternoon on my way back to Columbus. Had a great talk with them on how they’ve been doing at their ages, family stuff. I don’t see them as often as I used to so it was great to catch up. I really don’t want to disappoint them, it would be just as bad as if I disappoint my parents.

      Basically right now I’m trying to maybe get involved myself with some new hobbies. For one since I cook for myself right now I would like to get more involved in grilling or cooking some more meals. I just got a new crocpot and looking forward to using that more often in the winter. I always wanted to cook a pot roast with some broth, carrots, and potatoes, and it sounds good just typing about it right now. I would like to dabble into cooking.

    A manly thing I would like to do more often come this winter and into next late spring and summer is to take up hunting and fishing. My dad loves to hunt and I’m sure he would love it if I’m able to take this up more often with him. We used to fish a little bit but just for fun and I didn’t do a whole lot of it after college.

   Also, lately I feel as if I have become too tied down with the Vineyard Church right here in Columbus. Don’t get me wrong I have made good friends there, been to real good bible studies, volunteer a little bit, but that’s it. I think I need to look around for a little bit. Would like to meet more people from different churches, I mean who knows it could help my faith a little bit and hopefully I can use this to get back into the dating game. I mean I'll still go to the Vineyard but I dunno I feel as if everyone knows me as the crazy distance runner and there is more to me than just running and healthy eating. I tend to be a little different in wearing Cowboy boots and listen to country and rock more often than I do 102.5 the radio station that plays alternative that what I'm used to. I dunno maybe I'm talking out of my ass on this one. I'm regularly been going to church to increase my faith but also I was hoping to meet a great Christian girl along the way and I just want people to see me more than a runner.

   Hopefully, next spring I betting there are some schools that need an assistant for High School Track. I could not only coach Distance but I can learn something like the Jumps. I was a Long Jumper in Jr High mostly and jumped 15 feet was my best. I also forced to do the high jump one meet. I'm hoping people keep me in mind for this. I'll still keep looking online. I still want to coach more individuals as much as possible as well. Maybe coach some that are now just out of college willing to tackle road racing.

Finances are ok but could be better. I really hope the sis comes back to Columbus and gets a job down here or I could live with one of my buddies. That could help with cost. It would be nice to have a little more money in the bank and I can enjoy a little more things that my friends are. For awhile I was debating on whenever I want to go back to school and get my Masters in Business since it's all about Networking but I don't thinking I would be in more debt when it came to loans.

  This is where you all come in. For my Birthday the best present anyone could give me is some help and advice in my personal and professional life. This country in my opinion is still great on helping out others since the Idiots we elect in Congress and the White House really can't help us. Great thing is many of us our better off then some other people but its great to help out others in need or to just be a friend.

I going to try to do some of these other things I mention for awhile. Just wanted you my friends to see what you think and what I can do to get me in the other direction. I really don't want write another blog post this time around next year about how I'm not a whole lot better, complain and just BULLSHIT!!! I want to be much happier at work, financially, and personally as well. Yet I'm doing alright for the shape I'm in. I love this video and song by Joe Nichols. Some people have it rough but they keep on living with encouragement along the way especially those who have served our country proudly.

    This blog is kind of like Therapy to me without paying thousands of dollars to a quack. LOL! Doing this blog makes me feel a little more open than I've ever been but I try to do it in a good way. I've come along way and I want to keep going to what I want in life and for it to be a blessing to God.  Enjoy the video and thanks for reading.

D-Money's 2013 College Football Predictions

      Yep it’s that time of the year again. The end of August is here, kids are going back to school, people are gearing up for Fall Marathons and Half Marathons, Cross Country Season is here, but more importantly College Football Returns!!! September & October are the best times of the year to me. It’s true not only because of what I mentioned in the last sentence also it helps my birthday falls in September. Yet, College Football remains the best part of fall. I like pro but College is much different atmosphere that can’t compare with Pro. The Co-eds at College Games are much prettier too ;) LOL!!

      I know with all of the craziness you here in the past offseason with certain schools in trouble, Johnny Manziel, ex-players suing the NCAA for likeness, people thinking kids should get a tiny bit of profit, Miley Cyrus dancing half naked on stage. Ok, that last part didn’t make sense and has nothing to do with this blog post, I just thought I would get your attention. The point was there had been a lot of complaining about the NCAA in general.

    Yet, watching the games brings out the best in fans. Whenever its Saturday Tailgates, having friends over at homes for game watching, going to restaurants or bars with friends and family, or just watching games in the comfort of your own home nothing beats College Football.

   Now, on to my predictions for this season. Ohio State is getting a lot of hype to be in the National Championship and rightfully so after an undefeated season in a bowl ban year. But, the bowl ban is no more and they are heavy favored in the Big Ten. Although, the Road to the National Championship will lead to an SEC team like Alabama most likely there are other challengers. Oregon or Stanford could compete in the PAC-12. Could Texas comeback what about Clemson in the ACC. Well here is the breakdown of what I think will happen in each conference.

SEC

East Division    Conf  Overall                        West Division    Conf   Overall
Georgia              8-0     12-1                           *Alabama           8-0      13-0
S.Carolina          6-2      10-2                           LSU                   6-2    10-2
Florida                5-3       9-3                           Texas A&M       5-3    9-3
Tennessee           4-4        7-5                         Ole  Miss             4-4    7-5
Vanderbilt           3-5       7-5                          Arkansas              3-5    7-5
Missouri              1-7        5-7                         Auburn                 2-6    6-6
Kentucky            1-7         4-8                        Mississsippi St     0-8     3-9
BIG 10
Leaders  Division    Conf   Overall               Legends  Division       Conf  Overall
*Ohio State              8-0      13-0                     Nebraska                      7-1    11-2
Wisconsin                6-2       9-3                      Michigan                      5-3      9-3
Indiana                    4-4       7-5                      Michigan State              5-3     8-4
Penn State                3-5       7-5                      Northwestern                4-4     8-4
Purdue                      3-5       6-6                      Minnesota                      2-6     6-6
Illinois                      0-8       2-10                   Iowa                               1-7     4-8

 Big 12    Conf   Overall

Texas              8-1     11-1
Oklahoma St   7-2     10-2
TCU                7-2      9-3
Oklahoma       6-3      8-4
Baylor             5-4      8-4
Kansas State    4-5     7-5
West Virginia   4-5    7-5
Texas Tech       3-6    6-6
Iowa State         1-8    3-9
Kansas               0-9   2-10

PAC-12

North Division    Conf  Overall                        South Division    Conf    Overall
*Stanford              8-1    11-2                              Arizona State       7-2       9-4
Oregon                  8-1    11                                 USC                      6-3      8-4
Oregon State         6-3     9-3                               UCLA                   5-4      7-5
Washington           4-5    7-5                                Arizona                 4-5      7-5
California              2-7    3-9                                 Utah                     3-6      6-6
Washington State  1-8    3-9                                 Colorado              0-9     2-10

Atlantic Coast

Atlantic Division   Conf  Overall                      Coastal Division  Conf   Overall
*Clemson                 8-0     11-2                              Miami (Fla)         6-2      9-4
Florida  State          7-1     10-2                                Virginia Tech      6-2      9-3
Wake Forest            4-4      7-5                                 North Carolina    5-3      8-4
N.C. State                3-5      7-5                                 Georgia Tech       4-4     6-6
Maryland                 3-5      6-6                                 Pittsburgh            3-5      5-7

Syracuse                  3-5       5-7                                Duke                   2-6      5-7
Boston College       0-8       3-9                                 Virginia               2-6      4-8

                                                                                                                                               
American Athletic  Conf    Overall

Louisville                                   7-1       11-1
Cincinnati                                   6-2        9-3
Rutgers                                       6-2        8-4
Houston                                      5-3        8-4
Central Florida                           5-3        7-5
SMU                                           4-4       5-7
Connecticut                                 3-5      5-7
Memphis                                     2-6     5-7
South Florida                              1-7     3-9
Temple                                        0-8     1-11

Mid-American

East Division  Conf   Overall                      West Division   Conf  Overall

Bowling Green  8-0   10-3                           *Northern Illinois 7-1   10-3
Ohio                   6-2    9-3                             Ball State             6-2     9-3
Buffalo               5-3     7-5                            Toledo                  6-2     8-4
Miami (OH)       5-3     5-7                            Western Michigan  4-4   5-7
Kent State          3-5     5-7                             Central Michigan    2-6   3-9
Akron                 1-7     2-10                           Eastern Michigan    0-8   1-11
UMass                0-8    1-11

The Star next to the team means they will be Conference Champion. Here are the rest I didn’t want to do more.

Conference USA: Marshall
Mountain West: Boise State
Sun-Belt: Western Kentucky

Independents    Overall

Notre Dame          11-1
Navy                       8-4
BYU                      7-5

 Here’s a List of whose going to the BCS Bowl Games:

Rose Bowl: Nebraska vs. Stanford
Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas
Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Louisville
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs. Ohio State

 Well, that’s how I think it’s going to shake out. I’m glad I got this blog post out before the first game tonight at 6:00PM when North Carolina takes on South Carolina. Very excited for College Football season. Doing these predictions makes me realized I missed one of my callings in life and I could’ve been a Sports Writer or Analyst.

I hope to post again soon. Been a little bit lazy as of late.  Hopefully in late December you’ll enjoy my Biggest Surprises and Biggest Disappointments of College Football when this season shakes up. Enjoy the season and GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is there an image problem in the NFL and College Football??!!

  Welcome back fellow bloggers and those who like to read it. As you may have heard New England Patriots Tight End Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with first degree murder. Here's the full detail of the storyline

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/prosecution-details-events-says-led-odin-lloyd-murder-204349177.html

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--former-patriots-te-aaron-hernandez-void-of-emotions-during-arraignment-on-murder-charges-203537563.html

Very sad a young promising career and from what it looks like he's throwing it all away. I'm not going into that much. I bet you all know and are reading the story right now. However, I found this article very interesting.

http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-players-arrested-2013-super-bowl-2013-6

Yep, that's right. Since this year's Super Bowl 27 NFL players have either been arrested or charge with crimes involving drug possession, girlfriend disputes, DUI, assaults, gun charges, you name it. It brings the question, does the NFL have an image problem??

The same could be said for College Football. There have been stories of players getting into all sorts of off the field trouble. You have a Florida Gator Football player being arrested for barking at a dog????!!!!! LOL

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9496533/florida-gators-lb-antonio-morrison-arrested-barking-police-dog

And sadly my Buckeyes can't even get through an offseason with getting into trouble or looking for it.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9499059/ohio-state-buckeyes-suspend-rb-carlos-hyde

I mean come on. Just because they are NFL and College Football Players doesn't mean the rules do not apply to them. In fact they should be held in a much higher standard. Especially in the NFL where you are getting paid so much money and when your contract is up your behavior determines whenever you get a resigned, a new deal, or if as a free agent another team would want you are not.

College Football is much different. These players complain about Universities using them for profit. That could be true but that's another tropic. HOWEVER, these players are getting a free education. Even if they don't make it in the NFL they could still use their degrees or fame after the game is over. We all know Ex-Buckeye Football players can get jobs anywhere in Marketing, Real Estate, Finance, or Communications thoughout Central Ohio.

Fans spend money on tickets, jerseys and other memorablia (sorry if I misspelled it) of their favorite professional team, or collegiate teams. No player or coach should be bigger than the team you root for. That's what Football players have to learn.

Trust me I not picking on all Football players. Some of them I have known have been good friends of mine. Yet, there are those rare ones with expectional talent that put themselves above everyone else it seems. I know there are those who come from stechy backgrounds like a Aaron Hernandez, but with their talent they are given opportunities to succeed, more than majority of people around the world. We put them up when they succeed and bash them when they get in trouble. I just hope Coaches, teams would encourage players to take a little more responsibilty.

Don't get me wrong I will still be cheering on my Ohio State Buckeyes this season like crazy as they not only go for a B10 title but hopefully a National Championship. However, I cheer for the team as a whole not a certain player or players. I will be a fan of those players who not only show talent on the field but try to show great character off the field even when their playing days are done.

That's my two cents.

How to get through a Furlough!!

   

      Well Furloughs are happening right now in different areas of the federal government and I am one of those being effected by it.  DOD will be furloughed for 11 days one day each week for next 11 weeks from the beginning of July until end of September.  I've decided not to rant about it because one it's not going to do me any good and two, I don't want my comments to be seen by the wrong people. Especially, with what has been going on in the news lately. I'm very thankful I get the opportunity to go to work even if there are some things I don't like and there are certain people there I don't like as much because of different lifestyles we lead. I'm making the best of things and I don't want my family nor my friends to have to hear about my problems and I know you all don't want that. I've decided to try to make the best of things and I'll hopefully be a better person for it and I'll end it on that note.  

As for myself I'm trying to not let these 11 furlough days (if they get cut back down or not) get the best of me. I'm trying to focus and use some options on how to get through this furlough financially, mentally, physically, spiritually and personally.http://moneyfor20s.about.com/od/yourjob/ht/survivefurlough.htm

This article was very interesting and I thought it could be helpful and I'm going to break my stragegy down into a couple parts.

1.) I've decided to sign another year lease at my apartment complex since it would be cheaper and I could save monthly over the year than I would month to month or with another short term. This would save me $90 a month over the next year. I'm not ready to afford my own place yet especially by myself. Hoping that my sister after finishing school would come back down to Columbus looking for a job next year and we can get a house to rent or a condo of sorts but we'll see. I'm saving on living right now.

2a.) Expand my coaching prospects - This is an important one that I broken down into 2 parts. I'm very anxious to do some more personal coaching. I have some tools to use, but I may charge a little for my service. Don't know what? This is where I need help from readers to see what price is fair. If anybody wants to get ready for a race like a 5k up to a Marathon let me know and I can help. This is sort of my rough beginning for my coaching services. I'll try to keep in touch with my clients on their training, health, a little bit of diet though I could recommend a nutrist if needed, and their goals and how to achieve them.

2b.) Coaching job within the Jr High/High School ranks - Another one I'm trying to get into. I've talked to other about. Anybody let me know if any school in the Franklin County Ohio Area is in need of a Cross Country Coach or even as an Assistant, please let me know. I would really like to get my foot in the door somewhere around the Columbus area in terms of jr high/high school coaching.  I know this doesn't get me much but it's something that I now want to do on the side of my job besides Officiating Track Meets. I feel it would be very rewarding and I can make a difference in kids lives. :)

3.) Watch a little bit of what I spend the next 3 months- Goes back to the link I posted above. Food and gas is the majority of what I usually spend outside of my bills. Don't know if I want to plan a 2nd vacation to Colorado in August due to plane travel costs. I'm trying to save up for another trip in December and that's out to Eugene/Bend Oregon for the USATF Club XC Nationals. I've always wanted to go out to Oregon especially to Eugene. It's like a Mecca for Distance Runners!!! But we'll see on Colorado.

4.) Limit myself to Going to Possibly One Ohio State Football Game- This might have to be against Buffalo or San Diego State at the beginning of the season as a birthday gift to myself. I know that the Buckeyes will be out in Indianapolis for the B10 Championship Game (knock on wood) this year. Ticket Scaplers and Ticket websites charge more for bigger games anyway. I've tried to get them from friends or people I know to see if they have them a little more often.

5.) Train like a beast- As of right now my Furlough day will be on a Friday which on a positive note could work out for the best. I could use that day to sleep in and rest up. Also, use that as my BADASS-ANIMAL TYPE WORKOUT DAY!! I could do repeats, or a super-threshold run with one of my friends. Go to the gym and do that workout also. I plan on running my fastest Half Marathon in October in Columbus so that extra training day would be great for my fitness.

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Me in Hulk Mode!!!

6.) Read & Resume- I could use a little bit to catch up on my reading and work on my resume. There is one book my friend and my Mom want me to read so I'll try to read it this summer. Also, for my resume I can retool it to see if there are any openings within either DFAS or DLA. Hopefully it would get my closer to making a little more money.

7.) Strengthen my Faith-  One of the most important things one can do to get through a furlough. Plan on reading my bible more, getting a little more involved with my church, and find another small group to join within my church. Pray for our government to make the best decisions as possible to help our nation.

I hope to follow those carefully this summer and early fall. These are just goals I would like to achieve during this time in the next few months. Everyone else has their different ways of getting through a furlough. I realize there are individuals that I know of who are worse off than me because it effects their whole family and I have to remember that.

I know I have people around me to help me get through this. Everyone knows of someone will who will be effected by the Furloughs in some way or another. We live in a great country where we are blessed with many freedoms we take forgranted. Let's try to make it better for ourselves, others, and our children in the future. That's my two cents and I promise my next one will be funny!!

Race Recap: Fast Five 5k & The Columbus 10k



From last year's Fast Five 5k race

 It's been awhile since I've have done one of these race recaps. So instead of one I'll give you guys 2 of them. Both of them involving this racing series that I signed up for this year. It's called the Coughlin Chevrolet Championship Racing Series. It is organized by Coughlin Automotive in Pataskala with 2 other dealerships in Central Ohio. Here's the weblink.

http://chevrolet5k.com/

Columbus Running Company was helping with the timing and race preparation. Also it's cool that every race your entered and every race you finish increases your chances of winning a new 2014 Chevy Sonic.

 The series benefits the Flashes of Hope, United Way, the Sam Bish Foundation among others.

http://chevrolet5k.com/Donate.html

The first race was the Stringray 5k up in Westerville at Westerville Central High School in early March. It was a cold one indeed. But I got 6th place.

The next race was the Fast Five 5k in Pataskala on June 1st at Coughlin Chevrolet. It was a little overcast when I got there. Found Brent Martin, Jason Oswalt, Eric Hamner, and Matt Blake and we warmed up on the Course. Cory was late to get there. After a little bit of stretching and putting on my flats the Elites were up first. There were only 12 guys and 6 ladies in Elite race. Very low. But anyway we were off running inbetween a row of Sweet Corvettes the dealership had.

After going around the dealership most the first mile was downhill and then we turned left on Blacks Road toward a neighborhood development. Black Road was a little rolling. Mile 1 I hit in 4:52. Felt good. Turned on Foor Blvd and did a loop on some roads around the neighborhood until we went back to Blacks Road and ran back toward the dealership.

Around the 2nd mile Jason and Cory were right behind me. They caught up with me but I was able to go with them and we hit Mile 2 in around 10:03. Back to the dealership on Blacks Road, Cory was able to make a move and I went with him thinking Jason would follow. We turned onto Corylus Road back up the hill to the dealership and the finish line. My left hammie/gluteal was a little stiff especially before the race and Cory had a little more speed and was able to distance me going uphill. Yet, I held on and was able to finish 6th right behind him in 15:35 for the 5k. CRC was able to sweep place 4-11 overall. Pretty good effort.

 

The following week in the series came the Columbus 10k in Downtown Columbus at COSI. Got there around 740 and saw a lot of CRC's and C Bus Pacers there. Warmed up for 2 miles with Matt Blake and David Mealy(our ex CRC from Cleveland). Nice to catch up with Mealy. Stretched, put on some Tiger Balm to my left hamstring and Glut and went to the start. After the National Anthem the race was off at 9:05. Suppose to start at 9:00 but this was early compared to years past where it started around 915.

 

Anyway we went down Broad Street and looped around the lots of COSI and the Spaqhetti Warehouse and went back on to the left side of Broad Street across the bridge to turn on Front Street. It started out quick. Mike Aldrink, Cory and I wanted to go around 5:00-5:10 for first mile and see where we are but I was up there with Dave Mealy and Galen Dills and we went through around 4:53. Jason Ordway(the guy who won) ran with the other leaders around 4:30's. Dills and I were behind David for all of the 2nd mile and a little bit of the 3rd mile.

 

 

Hit the 2 mile in 10:06. Pretty quick but flat around Victorian Village. We passed Dave and I was able to make a surge during the 3rd mile and overtook Dills as well. Hit Mile 3 at 15:23 when Ben Engelheart caught up to me. I tried to go with him as we hit the 5k water stop in 15:55. Catherine McMongile was there volunteering at that water stop and told me to relax which I did. In fact I felt very relaxed most of that race even though it went out fast. We turned on 3rd Ave as I was behind Engelheart as he was moving toward Jason Oswalt. We turned onto the Olentangy Bike Path. There were still bikers on there but the slower ones moved out of the way. One of them went vooming back. I hated it but was still focused.

 

The 4th mile was a little rolling as I got to Mile 4 in 20:50. One of my slower miles but it became rolling on the path and it got a little warmer like it usually does during this race. The course then hit Rickenbacker Drive where the Boat House Restaurant was and I ran up the road toward Mile 5 in 26:04 of some sorts. Stomach was feeling it but wanted to finish strong. Kept getting closer to Oswalt as we went on Souder Ave and back on the path towards the finish area another mile away. This back part was that hilly I was able to pass Oswalt with 1000 meters to go with a good eye on Engelheart but I knew I probably couldn't catch him as he finished 12 seconds ahead but wanted to finish with a good time. I hit the finish in 32:27. Probably my FASTEST ROAD PR, I beat my 10 Cross Country PR by 2 seconds and I was short of my track PR by 30 seconds (it's 31:57)

It's still a good indicator of my fitness. Especially during the last few races where I felt good. Cooled down with the CRC guys and got my award. 2nd in my age group(30-34) behind Josh Ordway. He finished 6th or 7th and got the free pair of Mizuno's since age group winner. But I got another glass mug and a little gift certificate. Tough field but this is always a good race. We took a team pic after the awards.

 

Great weekend especially after watching the State HS Meet the day before. 2 good races as part of a great series. You can still do the last 2 if your in the Columbus Area. One is in September and the last one is in November. They are both 5k's and there is fun for everyone. I'm taking a few days off to rest up and figure out a few things but I hope to be back at it next month until the fall. Safe running & training everyone!!