Upcoming Race

I can't believe that the race that I've waited all year for is fast approaching. I'm getting rather aprehensive. I'm starting to second guess myself. Did I run enough mileage, did I have enough long runs, or am I mentally prepared for this race? I've also been reading a lot of race reports, trying to get some intelligence as to how the race is conducted or what does the terrain consists of. In reading these reports, I'm shocked to learn that this race is considered one of the tougher 50 milers. It is estimated to be 54 miles and has strick cut-off times at the Aid Stations, with a 12 hour time limit overall. When I did the JFK 50 miler, it took me 10:20. That race had 26 miles of easy trail with 8 miles on asphalt. The MMTR is all on trail with some single trail thrown in for good measure. I guess that I'll just have to man-up and get myself ready mentally. Hopefully that can overcome the physical part of it. We'll see

Army Ten Miler

Today I ran the Army Ten Miler for the second time. The first time I ran it was in 2000. This time it was easier and my knees didn't hurt like last time. I also dropped nine minuets from my time. I ran it in 1:14.43, a pace of 7:28 per mile, and placed 1584 out of 15,645 finishers. I also ran in a team this time. I ran with a MAJ and 1LT with SJA and another MAJ.

I hadn't planned on running this race, but I was talked into it I'm really glad that I did now. It turned out to be alot of fun. I had planned to just take my time and finish feeling pretty good. I was just wanting to break 1:20. But as it usually turns out, my competative side took over.

At the first mile marker I noted a time of 8:04. Each suceeding mile after that wa around 7:45. I then realized that I might have a chance of breaking 1:15, espically after I hit the eight mile marker at 1:00.17. I then picked up the pace for the last two miles and really pushed it - for me anyway. My last two miles turned out to average 7:20. I ended up coming end 1st in my team and my team finished 7 out of 12 Male Reserve Teams. Not a bad showing for a team that never really trained together.

Tested

Do you ever have one of those mornings when the last thing you want to do is to put on those running shoes?  Well today was the day for me.  When I got up and looked outside, I knew it would be a struggle for me to take that first step outside.  It was dark, raining, and cold.  I laid on the couch for about thirty minutes while the slouch side of me tried to talk me out of running.  I got back up and looked outside.  It was still dark and cold but at least it had quite raining.  The moment finally arrived where I had to make a decision or I would be late for work if I ran.  I then decided to go for it and am I glad that I did.  As soon as I cleared the hill behind my house and could see the eastern sky I knew it was going to be a nice day and a nice run.  As I ran, the dark clouds disappeared and the red rays of the sun begin to show themselves.  It turned out to be an awesome run where everything came together.  I think God sometimes rewards those who are adventurous enough to start a journey even when things look bleak and the outcome is in doubt.  I know I was rewarded this morning.

Sometimes Running Sucks

Today I ran in and it sucked. First off, the weather is too cool to wear short sleeves and too warm to wear long sleaves. Since this morning was 49 degrees, cloudy, with a cool breeze, I decided to wear long sleeves for the first time. I warmed up too much and after two miles I was regretting my decision. Another mistake was eating breakfast before I left. Most of the time I don't eat until I get to work, but for some reason I didn't this morning. I ended up tasting the cearel pretty much the whole way. I was also not only tired because of the hill repeats I did yesterday, but I had stayed up with my son until 0100 helping him with his homework. All of these contributated to sucky run. Hopefully Friday will be better. Friday I plan to run in and run back. That will give me 19 miles for the day

The Future and Friends

Today I found out that a good friend of mine was killed in the line of duty as a Law Enforcement Officer. The shooting took place last week; however, I just learned today that Eric Sutphin was the Officer shot and killed. Eric and I was stationed together at Ft. Ritchie MD. 1989-1991. He worked as a Desk Sergeant and we often worked together at Site-R. We were also in the same platoon for awhile. He was a great guy who was always laughing and joking with people.

The odd thing is, that he worked less then an hour from Galax and if I had know I could have stopped and visited with him. While working night shifts together and spending a lot of time discuss the future, neither of us could have foretold the future. It makes me wonder what has happened to the dozen of friends that I have known and lost contact with. How many have died or has went on to great future? How many have fallen on hard times? In the Army you spend a lot of time discussing life after the Army. Some guys have concrete plans, while others plan on just winging it. I just wished that I had a crystal ball where I could see where my friends are.

Catoctin 50K Trail Race

Today I finished the Catoctin 50K Trail Race. It was the hardest race I've ever did. It made the JFK 50 miler seem like a walk in the park. What made this race so difficult was the terrain. The trail was very, very rocky and in some place washed out. There was also two very long climbs, one at the turn around point and one at the end.

The journey started on Friday, when Dad and Alis accompained to the place where we would be staying. My friend Paul lives in Greencastle which is a short distance from the start of the race at Gambrill State Park. He own a farm there and we decieded that we would put up a tent on his place. After we got there, I had one of my dumb ideas. Paul has a barn and I thought that it would be nice to sleep in the loft. Dad thought the idea was great but Alis wasn't too sure, but she was a great sport and agreed to give it a try.

After we made our beds and laid down, the sleepless night began. First off there was a dog barking and it wouldn't stop. It kept on for hours. There was also the fact that I didn't have an alarm clock and I was afraid I would sleep through the 0400 wake-up. I called Gil to have her set the clock so that she could call me, I also set my cell phone as did Alis. Even though I had the alarm issue covered, I still could not sleep. Alis, had slept most of the day in the car and wasn't sleepy at all. She kept moving around and playing with her ipod and cell phone. Finally around 0100 I went into a half sleep. I was then awaken by Alis who had seen some bats fly into the loft. I woke up in time to see one flying around my head. I joking told Alis to cover up her feet or they would suck on her toes. She didn't think it was too funny.

Finally 0400 came and we got up, packed up, and left. We went to a truck stop and had pancakes for breakfast. From there we proceeded to the start of the race. We got there early enough to pretty much have a pick of parking places. I relaxed in the car and tried to catch up on my sleep until the start time.

At the begaining of the race you run around the parking lot and then start down the trail. The begaining is mostly a two mile downhill which isn't too bad until you remember that you have to come back up it at the end. I tried to run my own race and take my time but as usual I got caught up with other runners and kept pace with them. The first aid station is 6 miles away but for some reason it seemed to take forever. The next aid station is only three miles and it comes up very quickly. The third one is at the turn around point and is 6.5 miles. This is the toughest leg. There are several places where it is easy to get off trail. The closest that I came was when I was following this woman and we were going down hill on this jeep trail. A little over halfway down, Someone behind me called out that we had missed a turn. I hate to think what would have happen if not for the warning. After this I followed that kind man to the turn around point - since this was his fifth race. At the turn around point I was forced to leave my guide. He had slowed down and I wanted to get the climb over as soon as possible. I then tagged along with a three guys who I managed to stay with up to the end. They finished a little ahead of me due to the last great hill. This hill was a killer since it was at the end of the race and I had already ran almost thirty miles. At the top I was surprised to see Alis and Dad waiting for me. They took a photo and shouted words of ecourgement. It meant alot to see them and provided the final push to the end. I had a little trouble finguring out the trail to the parking lot and had to ask the lady who came up behind me. It sure was a great feeling to finally see the finish line, cross it, and receive my CAT CARD from the race director Kevin. I ended up with a 7:48.16 finishing time and placed 69 out of 114.

I was really beat at the end and told myself, Dad, and Alis that this would be the last time I would do this race. I've since changed my mind and plan on doing it again next year. As a matter of fact I can't wait to sign up.

Alis' HS Graduation

There is really something special when one of your children finally graduates from High School. My daughter recently graduated and I'm so proud of her. Sometimes I wondered if she would make it, but she hung in there and did it. I will have to admit though,it did take a certain amount of yelling, hitting, grounding, and generally putting her on "Dark Age" restriction - for those of you who don't know, Dark Age restriction is where you cut off electricity to your kid's room - on my part.

Now that she has finished, the next stage of life is open to her. She has decided to go to a Beauty Academy and learn Costomotolgy. She will be very good at that. She has plenty of experience is doing her own hair. She spends hours and hours sitting in front of a mirror, staring at her own face. At times she seems fascinated by her face, as if it is going to change colors or something. I just hope that she takes advantage of this opportunity and makes the most of it.

BSNCO Course

Well, Class 004-006 Battle Staff NCO Course at Fort McCoy WI is finally over. After three weeks of Map Overlays, Graphics, Combat Service, Combat Service and Support, and a number of other mundane classes we are seprating to the four courners of the U.S. It was quite an experience. I met some really good people and had a pretty good time. Sometimes when I think about it, it seems that the time went by really slow, other times it seemed as if I had been there forever. Out of our class of 16, five made the Commandant's List - top 20% of the class. Out of our sub-group of five, three made the list. I mostly hung out with a couple of Yankee Bastards from the Conninicut National Guard. One, I named BB, for Big Bastard and the other LB for Little Bastard. A great bunch of guys. BB said one thing to me at the begaining. He looked at me and said - or so I thought - "I don't think I have a BD, but it's close to it." That's what I heard, but what he actually said was hernira instead of BD.

The last week was spend conducing a Command Post Excerise (CPX). It only lasted 1 1/2 days instead of the three that it was supposed to. I worked as the MCS Main operator. My job was to monitor chat traffic on the the AKO between the different units and to maintain commo with the BDE. It was a good job. While I did not want to come to this course, I'm glad I did. I learned a lot and meet some great people.

It won't be long and I'll be home. I really missed the family. Can't wait to get home. Well we are now starting to board and I've got to go.

Easter at BSNCOC

Today is my third day at BSNCOC at FT McCoy.  I'll write a little on how I got here and what I've done since.  BSNCOC is the Battle Staff NCO Course and here at Ft McCoy it is three weeks long.  It is in two phases, the first one being distant learning and the second phase being resident.  I kinda of sign up as something to do, and it seemed like a good idea at first.  I really think it will be a good school, I just hate being away from home, especially at the beginning of Spring.

 

The leaves were just beginning to come out and the flowers were starting to bloom.  The weather had warmed up and I was ready to get serious about my running.  The kids are still in school and Gil is working a lot.  It's really hard on her to come home and take the kids where they need to go after a hard day at work getting "pluses".   I really miss Canim and the kids.  I think that this will go by fast for me - because we are so busy here - but slow for them.

 

I arrived here on Friday after a long extended lay over in Chicago.  I thought I was the only one going to miss the 1800 deadline, but there were 16 of us on that plane.  Once we got here, we immediately changed into APFT's for the weigh in.  This is no problem for me because I can weigh an additional 12 pounds then what I do.  After in-processing and drawing lining, I finally went to bed around 2230. 

 

Wake up was at 0500 for the 0530 APFT formation.  It was cold and you had to change into shorts and short sleeve shirt for the push-ups and sit-ups.  I managed to do 55 push-ups, 64 sit-ups and ran my two miles in 13:52 - 12 seconds slower then I did on my test three days prior.  The hard part was that I caught a cramp in my left calve while doing the sit-ups.  It is still hurting today.  This sucks because I want to get back to running.  Anyway, back to the APFT.  My grader was a hard grader who docked my 1 or 2 push-ups.  He turned out to be my Small Group Letter for this course.  He seems like a good guy.

 

Today we studied Map overlays and symbols.  We will be doing this for the next four days and will take the test on Friday.  This is supposed to be the hardest part of the course.  I sure hope I pass it.  I don't want to have to retest.  I'm usually pretty good with these things, so we'll see.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

Today, SFC Biddix and me are going to Colleys house for Easter dinner.  I'm just waiting on Biddix to get back from his class so that we can leave.  Hope he hurries up.  

 

Well, Biddix didn't show up.  Colley came by and inspected the spartan living quarters that I now call home.  It is maybe 10 x 12 with a small bed, night stand, and a desk.  He made sure he told me about how nice it is at the ARTEC with a TV in every room and maid service.  Here, we have common showers, common shitters, and a day room in another building.  Anyway, we left a note on Biddix's door and left.  Colley had chicken in the smoker, cold beer, and cheese curds.  Not a bad deal.  Biddix called soon after and Kim and I went to pick him up.  We had a great time talking about the Guertz / DeBerry days.  I also got two beer bottles for my collection: a local beer called "Fat Squirral" - no I'm serious, and a brew called "Blue Moon" which was a pumkin beer.  The Fat Squirral actually had a nutty taste but it was better then the pumkin beer.  Got  back around 2230 and went to bed.  Will get up tomorrow and start drawing rectangles again.

 

 

Exercise and Christmas

Yesterday I ran for the first time since the race. I only ran six miles and this morning I'm sore. I can't believe it. I thought that I would take a month or so off and then start refresh. I guess that I have regressed more then I thought I would.

I also found out that it is hard as hell to get back into it. The motivation just isn't there so I have to find some. Gaining 10 pounds sure does help.

My wife, daughter and I have started a contest where we weigh in every Monday morning. Who has lost the most weight percentage wise, will get paid by the two losers. One dollar for each percent. The starting weights were: Me - 171, Wife - 147 Daughter - 144 I found out that I have lost a total of one pound which is .58% of my body weight. My Daughter also lost one pound and scored a .69%. My wife lost two pounds and won with a percentage of 1.36% I have to really ramp it up this week.

We went home for Christmas and had a wonderful time. I was so glad that everyone was able to get off of work so that we could spend the four days in Galax. We had the usual big breakfast and supper. We all received money from Mom and Dad which was badly needed because of having to fix the water pipes.

One of the highlights of the visit was visiting Maggie - my Dad's Sister - and her giving me a family photo taken in the early 1970's. I really miss those Sunday visits "below the mountain" with my Dad. Those visits are some of the best memories of my childhood. I really wish I could go on one more visit to my Tilley relatives. I wonder what fond memories will my children think back on. I hope they some as good as mine.

JFK 50 Miler

Well, I finally finished it. After training for months and spending long boring hours on training runs, it's finally over.

All in all I had a very good run. My wife and kids decided to go down with me at the last minute. Alis really wanted to go but we had to drag Andrew kicking and screaming. He was real supprised when we picked him up at school and told him that he was going with us.

We got to Hagerstown pretty late - around 1700. We went immediately to pick up my race packet at the motel. Afterwards we decided to go and eat. We got lost and couldn't find the restrauant that we saw on the way in. As we were driving around, Paul Sweeney called to check on us. We planned on staying with him and because we had not reported in, he was worried.

When we told him that we was looking for a place to eat, he recommended that we meet at the Stadium Bar and Grill. It is a real nice place with wonderful food. It was really good to see Paul again. He gave us directions to his trailer. He wouldn't be staying because he had to go to NY.

We spent the night in his trailer and got an early morning start. We left at 0500 to make sure we made it to Boonsboro by the briefing at 0630. We got off to a wrong start when Gil headed west on Interstate 70. It was really my fault because I told her to take the wrong exit. Luckily she caught it and we turned around.

We arrived at 0615 where Gil dropped me off at Boonsboro school. Our plan was for her to meet me at Weaverton Station as I came off the Appalachian Trail. Because the tempature was 17 degrees I debated as to wear just shorts or not. In the end I decided to go with the naked legs. It turned out to be a good decision. The tempature ended up in the mid forties before it was over. After the race briefing in the gym, we all proceeded outside and up the street to the starting line.

There was a lot of people - 951 runners finished the race - and I had not quite got up to the starting line when the gun sounded and race had begun. As I got to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail at the top of the hill, I looked behind me to see how many were there. There wasn't too many. My main concern was that I had taken it too easy and might not make the cut-off time, so I tried to pick it up. The problem on the trail is that it is mostly single track, except for the part that is hardtop.

Because I had done a lot of trail running, I considered the trail portion of the race as my bread and butter. This is where I would make up time, because I figured that I would be passed on the C&O marathon portion. The going on the trail was slow because of the rocks and it was hard to pass anyone but I was still 30 minutes ahead of the cut-off at the first Aid Station.

As I came out of the mountains at Weaverton Station I was hoping that Gil and the kids would be there. I really needed to change my trail shoes for my running shoes. As I got to the bottom there they were. It really makes all the difference when your family is there. It gives you a reason not to quit. After all, how can you quit when they came all that distance just to be with you. I quickly taped up a blister, changed shoes, grabbed a banana, and then headed out onto the C&O trail, where I would be for the next 26 miles.

I felt really good at the start of the trail. I ran for a few miles with a Brit who lived in Baltimore and who had ran it before. We talked about Europe, running, and our families. It really made the time go by fast. I then moved on ahead and ran by myself until about mile 30 where someone asked me what time it was. I replied and then he asked if I wanted company. I said , "Sure, it'll make things easier." So for the next 20 miles to the finish Michael Kennedy was my running partner. We would run five minutes and walk for one. It really paid off having someone to run with. It was because of him that I kept to my running schedule. I figured as long as he was running and not complaining then I would also. He inspired me to keep going.

Once on the C&O trail the main thing is to focus on getting off. It seems as if it takes forever. It's just one Aid Station after another. You know in your heart that you'll make it once you get off, then it is just a short eight miles to the finish. We meet Michael's girlfriend and son several times at the Aid Station. His son had started out running with him but had hurt his ankle just six miles into the run. When I meet him for the first time, he was on crutches.

We finally came off the trail and onto the road. We then decided to diveate from our plan of running for five and walking for one. Now we would run as long as we could and walk all the hills. This worked out good and we passed quite a few of people. This is where we made up a lot of time. I had told Gil that I would probably finish between 11 and 11 1/2 hours. Instead I saw that we were going to come in around 10:30. I should have called Gil to tell her, but I was afraid if I told her that I would jinx myself. I figured that her and the kids would be waiting away.

As we approached the finish line it felt good knowing that all the hard work was going to pay off and I would finish in less time then I thought. Leading up to the race I was just worried about making the cut off of 12 hours. Now I knew that I would finish well under that time. We came in at 10:22. Unfortunately Gil and the kids were still in the van because of the cold and missed me coming in. She was very upset that she had drove all the way down there and didn't get to see me finish.

We then immediately packed up and left for home. Gil had to work the next day. It was a long drive back, with me sitting in the back with hurting legs. I am now looking forward the next one. I don't think I will do the JFK again. Been there, done that, plus there are too many runners. One of the reason that I don't do marathons anymore is that they are just too crowed.

I ran this race with my trusted Camel Back. I had to fill up the liter and half bladder once. I also ate six or seven chocolate gel packs. At the Aid Stations I ate bananas, preztals, M&M's, and one cup of chicken noodle soup. I also drunk one cup of Mountain Dew and one cup of Coke. This is the first time that I drinked soda since 1997.

Link to JFK 50 Mile Race: JFK 50 Miler

Some Things Never Change

Today the doctor called and said that Alis' was OK and that there was nothing there. Thank God. It had us pretty worried.

Today is Halloween. I was the only one to give out candy. We ended up having approximately 25-30 kids. It was real fun to give candy out to them. There doesn't seem to be as many kids as there once was. When we fist moved to the Hawthorne apartments, there was kids everywhere. My kids would go out with a pillow case and return just long enough to dump the candy on the floor and then would head out again. Those was really fun years.

The weather today is really nice. It got up in the mid 60's. It is supposed to be nice the rest of the week. I guess this is what they call an Indian Summer. Hope it continual.

Andrew got up this morning with a bad cough. He has been getting over a cold and a fever. He went ahead to school and started to feel better. He then came home and played football. Now as I write this, I can hear him coughing downstairs. Hope he gets to feeling better.

Today Alis watched a movie with me. I told her this morning that I wanted a date with her and that she had better not break it. She said OK and that we could watch this really good movie together. It is called "Crash". It's a great movie. I watched it last night but thought that Alis would enjoy watching it also. I was not supprised when she said that it was a good movie.

I really like spending time with her and Andres. It seems like now that they are getting older, that they don't have time to spend with their old parents. They always have something to do with their friends. I guess that it part of growing up though and that it has always been like that and always will. Somethings never change.

Beautiful Day at RCSP

This morning--after setting the clocks back-- I went up to RCSP to run. I first stopped at McDonalds to get a small cup of coffee because even though it was supposed to get up in the mid 60's, it was still cold in the morning.

I parked at Mineral Springs and ran in a clockwise direction. It was very nice and I had most of the trail to myself. I didn't see anyone until I was about 3 miles up the Heritage Trail from the trailhead. It was then that I ran into this guy in his twenties, with a pale face, a dress jacket, and a water bottle hanging from his belt loop. A very strange charter indeed.

After crossing the road on the Heritage Trail I ran into John and his son Eric. They are both training for the JFK 50 miler. I hope to see them down there at the finished line. Other then that it was uneventful. I'm just glad that I went. It might be the last really nice weekend that we have left. Being in the woods running on those trails is really peaceful. I really like it when I don't see anyone. It seems like it is just me and the creatures of the Forrest. I think that I may go back next weekend as well.

Winding Down Training & SAW II

Today I finished the 26 mile long run. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I started around 0730 at mile six on the Montour Trail. I had planned to run up to mile 19 and back again, however, I just didn't feel like running all the way up there. It seems like once I get passed mile 13 it is a different place. Home for me in between miles 6-13.

I ended up running from mile 6 to mile 13 and then from mile 13 to mile 0, and then back to mile 6. All of this ended up making the 26 miles. Althought I was dreading it, it ended up being a great motivator. I felt really good and could have gone another 4 miles or so with little problem. I really enjoyed going down to mile 0. I had forgotten how pretty it was down that way. The only problem is that it is a little crowded.

When I got back home Gil, Andrew, Aaron, and I went to the movies. We saw SAW II. It was Ok, but not as good as the first one.

Waiting

Today we waited on the results of Alis' CAT scan. The doctor said she would call today but never did. Gil called and talked to the Nurse who said that the people at the hospital said that everything looked normale and that the doctor would call on Monday. I'm very relieved but still kind of scared to get my hopes up.

Tomorrow I have to run 26 miles to keep up on my training schedule. I'm really not looking forward to it. These training runs are the worst. They are long and now since I'm up to five hours--really boring. Another reason they suck, is that it doesn't start to get daylight until around 0715 or 0730. By the time I get home, the day is almost half way done. Can't wait to set the clocks back.

CT Scan

This morning I got up real early so that I could come in to work and finish my slides.  I have a presentation this morning and need to finalize the slides.  I finished them and did a presentation to all the AGR 79V about the WO, Direct Commissioned, and 79R missions. 

Afterwards I had a meeting with all of my WOANCO's about the upcoming fiscal year.  I'm not that worried about making the WO mission or the DC mission; however, the same can not be said for the 79R mission.  Sixty packets are going to be tough.

Gullu called me around 1300 to tell me that Alis' doctor was trying to get her an appointment at either Allegheny General, or MPC hospital.  TRICARE will pay for a CT scan at Mercy, but the doctor doesn't think that they do as good a job.

At 1500 Gullu called me back to say that TRICARE would only pay for Mercy Hospital and that an appointment had been set up.  I left work early and we went downtown for Alis' CT Scan.  They would only let one of us go in with her and that was me.  I held her hand will they put the IV in.  I thought that she would break all the bones in my hand.  She actually started shaking.  After  they put the IV in, she said that it wasn't as bad as she thought.  They did the CT Scan and said that the doctor would call us tomorrow.

Andrew was sick today and stayed out of school.  He had a sore throat and a high fever.  His rash seems to be getting better.  The doctor said that it was a virus that he has.  The rash spread from his chest up to his face.  It looks like it is going away.

Good News?

Today we went to Alis' doctor appointment. It was downtown across from Mercy Hospital. I was a little worried because of how fast they gave us the appointment. I was hoping that it was a bad sign that the doctor wanted to see her right away.

We went in to see the doctor. Again, she is very nice and is the one who is treating Gullu's migraine headaches. There were two nurses in the room with us. Again, it looked like a bad sign to me. She sit Alis down and pulled out her MRI results. She asked Alis about her headaches and some other questions. She said that Alis' MRI was very good and she was reasonably sure that she didn't have an aneurysm but that she wanted Alis to have a CAT Scan done just to make sure. She believes that her headaches are migraines. I really hope so. I told Alis now that she's not sick, we can take her clothes back.

Today when I got home I found out that Andrew is sick. He has a sore throat and a fever. He mostly slept the rest of the evening. He didn't even eat. When Andrew doesn't eat, then you can be sure that he isn't feeling well.

Aneurysm

Today we all received a big scare. I was called by Alis' doctor that her MRI showed that she may have a small aneurysm in her brain. I can't tell you how it felt to hear those words. The nurse gave me the name of a neurosurgeon to call.

For a couple of hours I repeatedly tried to call the doctor but could only get voice mail. I left two messages for the doctor to call back. I also tried to call Gullu, both on her cell and the home phone but could not get anyone to answer. The LTC told me to leave so that I could take care of things at home. I finally got through to Gullu and told her the news. She made the call to the doctor only to find out that they could not see her until January. She then called her doctor - a very nice female doctor from Russia- and got an appointment for tomorrow morning at 0800.

After I arrived at home, we took Alis out shopping. She didn't show that she was overly concerned. She was just worried about having her hair shaved if she has to have surgery. Alis, Gullu, and I went to the mall at Robinson. She bought some cloths from American Eagle. She got a brown hoody and some other things.

We also stopped at a little stand in the mall run by some Turkish boys. They sell gold colored dog-tags and some other knick-knacks. Alis got hers with ALIS down the front and TUCE down the back. The "C" was replaced with the Turkish crescent and star. It looked very nice. It was Alis' idea. She's very creative. The Turkish boy gave her another one for free. It had ALIS down the front with a "Baby Phat" emblem next to her name.

I really hope she had a good time. I'm pretty worried about her. It is pretty scary to have one of your kids with something serious like this.

This morning at work we has an APFT for all of the RTO AGR's. We did the push-ups and sit-ups in the drill hall and then proceeded to Moon High School track for the two mile run. I'm glad I did mine yesterday. Today was very cold and rainy which turned to sleet before we left.

APFT Slacker

Today I did something that I can't ever remember doing....I didn't push myself on an APFT. For the first time as long that I can remember, I didn't score more then 290 points on the test. Today I just did 40 push-ups, 40 sit-ups and ran in 15:27. It really was too easy.

The reason that I did this was because I'm afraid that I might hurt myself before the upcoming race. I've worked too hard with those long hours of running to hurt myself and not be able to run. I didn't want to push myself on the run, because I had just ran 20 miles the day before and 20 more the day before that. I had to take it easy.

On the run I ran with SSG Durden. When we started he took off like he was shot out of a cannon. I think he did the first quarter mile in less the 1:25. I let him go, but he slowed way down by the end of the second lap, which is where I caught him. I then ran with him and paced him the rest of the race. He ended up doing 15:27. I enjoyed the run and felt as if I could have broken 14 minutes; I just felt guilty for not going all out.

RCSP and Meatloaf

Today I went running at RCSP. I really enjoy running up there. I ran the loop; however, this time I started the loop at at Mineral Springs. I felt really good even though I had ran 20 miles yesterday. The trail was a little muddy and the temperature was cool--43 degrees--starting out. On the Appaloosa trail I meet my first trail runner on that trail. Until today I thought I was the only one. I said, "Good Morning" and he replied in kind. I meet him again at the end of the Forest Trail by the lake. I stopped and spoke with him a little. His name is John and he is also training for the JFK 50 Miler. The only other event worth noting is that I almost busted my ass. I was running on some west 2 x 6's and slid about 1 foot. Scared the crap out of me. I felt like a surfer.

The natural beauty of the fall colors never ceases to amaze me. So many times on my run I wished that I had a camera. I'm thinking of going back and getting some photos. I hope the Ritz Camera guy can fix my 35mm. I can't wait to get out this winter and get some scenery shots.

The only thing about these long runs is that I feel guilty about being away from home. No matter how much fun I'm having, I can't wait to get home. This time Gullu had her special meatloaf with tomatoes and peppers on it. Everything she cooks is good, but this stuff is excellent. I really think we could make a fortune if we opened a restaurant.