More Than Two

Today was absolutely beautiful here in north Texas. Sunshine, temperature about 70 degrees when I ran about 10 a.m. and a nice little breeze to keep things cool. I added a mile to the total distance to go 4 miles and ran three .75-mile intervals to log 2.25 miles of running. I wasn't sure I should do all that but I felt good and kept it at a snail's pace. On the last interval I figured I was running so slow someone might pull up and hand me a walker. Of course, I'm conscious of the path and making sure I don't fall. Over the years I've fallen at least three and maybe four times, with the last one being the obvious worst. I think that's a pretty good average overall and I'm not really worried about falling, but let's be honest - the thought's there so I make sure to avoid it happening again. The thermometer got up to 90 degrees this afternoon and I'm glad I ran earlier.

Warming Up

After freezing temperatures earlier this week, we are on our way to the 90s by tomorrow and the weekend. I went out this morning when the temp was in the low 60s and enjoyed a nice run, especially since now it's 84 degrees in the afternoon. I went 3 miles and ran the same distance as last time, 1.5 miles, but this time in only two .75-mile intervals. I wasn't sure about combining intervals but I felt good, so what the heck, might as well go for it, right? Saturday I might add another half-mile to the overall distance. We'll see how it goes. As far as health, my shoulder feels fine and so does the place where I used to have an appendix. Hoping to stay healthy and enjoy the nice weather and exercise.

No Shamrock Run in 2026

The local Shamrock 5k was last Saturday and due to the fact I'm still ramping up my running, I missed it this year. I smoked pork, ribs, sausage, and jalapeno poppers instead. That said, it got cold here from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning, dropping from a high of 84 degrees on Sunday afternoon to almost freezing by Monday. This morning was even colder as we hit 31 according to my reading. At least it wasn't as windy this morning as it was yesterday. I went out around 10 a.m. for a run and almost turned around since the temp was in the low 40s and the little bit of breeze made it even colder. I persevered and ended up getting in my 3 miles, this time with 1.5 miles of running (.25, .5, and .75 intervals). I kept the pace slow and as always, am glad I went ahead with the run instead of skipping it. If only there'd been a Guinness waiting for me when I got home.

Saturday with a Little Extra Running

Not a lot of extra running, mind you. Just an extra quarter-mile during the 3-mile run. I guess the real news is that I did two half-mile runs as opposed to all quarter-mile runs. Started off with a half-mile walk, a quarter run, a quarter walk, a half-mile run, a quarter walk, and a final half-mile run before walking the rest of the way home. Doubling the run intervals seemed to work well. I didn't get worn out or heart rate too high. It's good to start extending the runs. The other night my youngest was trying to talk me into doing a marathon next year. I told her I'd entertain the idea as long as it's a flat course. This could be the start of laying the foundation for a lot of training.

Keeping it Up

Went for another walk/run today and did the same routine. 3 miles total with 1 mile of running in quarter-mile intervals. Still feeling good and maybe this weekend I'll extend the running just a bit. Kind of like a long run, but you know - not so long. We had thunderstorms roll through last night and when I woke up at 6 a.m. it was still blowing really hard and sprinkling. By late morning the clouds cleared and the wind died down. Mostly. It was a nice outing, and I must have hit the sweet spot since the wind picked back up here later in the afternoon. Not sure if I'll get out tomorrow but I'll see if I can find some free time.

Another Walk/Run

Today was another nice day and even though it's the second day in a row for an outing, I wanted to get it done since it might rain tomorrow. I did the same routine of walking and running, coming in at 3 miles total with 1 mile of running. The temptation to run a bit more was high, but I kept it in check. No need to push it at this point. Even though it was less than twenty-four hours since yesterday's exercise, I felt good and am once again happy to be back in the game. We'll see how the weather cooperates this week since I want to be back to regular runs.

Walking for Work

After last Saturday's triumphant return to the world of running, I spent the week in Las Vegas for work. Due to being a last-minute addition to the attendee list, my team stayed at the Excalibur. The meetings were at MDM Grand. If you look those up on a map you will think to yourself, hey, that's not too far. And really, it's not. But when you have to walk it four days in a row, the last towing luggage, it can get a little old. If you did look it up or you know the area, just to be clear, the meetings were at the convention center on the east side of the complex. Basically twenty minutes of walking. Hey, I'm not complaining. I got in over 10k steps every day, and far beyond that on several. What I didn't get to do was run.

That was today. A gorgeous, 70 degree and sunny day in early March. I wanted to run yesterday but the weather gods didn't cooperate, sending rain and wind all day. I did the same routine today as I did last week, with 1 mile of running in short quarter-mile intervals and the rest in walking. That seems to work well as I start over with my running career. I'll probably do it a couple more times before extending the running intervals. The goal here is to build a strong foundation, not to see how quickly I can progress to a half-marathon or more. Keep me honest here. I just want to increase bit by bit and return to normal.

First Run

Finally got cleared on Thursday by my orthopedist to start running again and went out today to jog for the first time in four months. Okay, it's two days short of four months, but I'm rounding up. I walked a half-mile to start, then ran four quarter-mile increments between quarter-mile walks, ending with a three-quarter mile walk. In total I ran a mile out of 3 miles. It felt good and easy and after this long I'm treating like starting over. It was a nice sunny day, which helped the good mood. If my Apple Watch can be believed, my heart rate got into the low 150s on a few of the intervals. It was a great start and I'm happy to be running again.

Just a-Walkin'

Thir morning was breezy but nowhere near as bad as yesterday. Went for a walk with The Wife and the caveat that we'd walk slower due to several nights of bad sleep on her part. We totaled 2 miles at a pace about three minutes slower per mile than my regular and that's okay because I like her. The wind died down quite a bit into the afternoon and I worked for most of that off the back patio while smoking a cigar or two. I decided late in the day to go ahead and run the mower over the remaining leaves and mulch them as best I could. The lawn looks better and I'm glad to have that done. Also ran the sprinklers to boot. It's late February but this might be the beginning of Spring. We'll see.

Gusty

Wasn't sure if I'd get out for a walk today but glad I did. This morning I got up and wrote a couple thousand words in a book I'm almost done with, then went to the cigar shop and stayed longer than I'd intended, ending up with a very late lunch. Afterward, I was going to sit outside and read and decided instead to not pass up the opportunity to walk. The temperature is a mild 59 degrees, but the wind out of the north is a steady 20 mph with gusts up to near 30. When I changed into workout clothes I almost went with the short-sleeve t-shirt. I'm glad I ended up with the long sleeves since that wind was quite chilling. I went 3 miles at a brisk pace, getting the heart rate (allegedly) into the mid-140s uphill. Pretty good workout. I didn't see anyone else out until I'd gone almost two miles, a guy on a bike just starting his route. Another couple walking their dogs down the big hill on Lake Forest, and that's it. Apparently not many people wanted to brave the gustiness of the day.

Thursday Walk

I walked a couple of days ago, Thursday, but kept remembering to post about it at odd times until now. Even though I'm a little late, I can say it was a nice 3-mile walk. Our weather is up and down, especially wind-wise, but it was a nice morning and not too breezy. Due to the timing of when I went, I didn't see much of anyone else out other than some guys working on sprinkler maintenance at the entrance to Creekview. I probably should've gone for another walk yesterday but I had other plans, and maybe I'll go this afternoon. Depends on the wind.

Before the Rain

I got in another 3-mile walk today before the rain hits tomorrow, all day. It was overcast today but still nice, especially for mid-February. I saw a few runners hitting the trail, but not a lot of others out and about. That distance takes about fifty minutes and gets my heart rate on the hills in the 130 bpm range, which is pretty good for a bit of exercise. I walked my regular route and as I walk by the spot where I fell in October I look for clues as to why, but the sidewalk isn't giving up its secrets. Oh, well. At some point in the near future I should be running by that section without a thought. I hope.

Sunny Walk

 A nice morning on its way to 72 degrees this afternoon. Went for a walk with The Wife and went 2.25 miles along my westerly route. We had to put down one of our dogs yesterday so the sunshine and general better mood today felt good. We're due for rain this weekend and I'm trying to get in some walking before it hits and we get trapped inside. Hopefully I can get out again tomorrow morning. I'm ready to start running again but still holding off until I get the official clearance. We'll see how I feel next week and if I want to produce my own version of clearance, but don't tell my doctors.

Gray Walk

Cloudy but mild today, with temperatures in the low 70s. A little breezy from the south, but not too bad. I walked 2.25 miles while listening to a work webinar. Once again, it's nice to have the chance the walk both after the recent health issues and the fact that it's still February and the weather could be a lot worse. I've resumed my shoulder exercises and those are going well. I have a PT appointment next Tuesday and want to be in a good spot. The one area where I still seem to lack flexibility is in trying to reach my right hand behind my back and up the spine. To be far, though, I'm not sure my shoulder was that flexible before the accident after years of sawing the bow in orchestra and playing baseball and softball for decades. Anyway, glad to be back at it and getting back into shape when I can start running again.

Another One, Please

Another nice day in north Texas and another chance to walk. Plenty of time this afternoon and nothing on the agenda until later, so I went out and walked 3 miles. It's tempting to run just to test things out, but I'm only two-and-a-half weeks out from appendix surgery. I resisted the temptation. It was nice to get my heart rate into the upper 120s and break a light sweat. After the collarbone and appendix incidents, I'm feeling about 85-90% back to normal. Honestly, I didn't think I'd feel this well so soon after the appendix surgery and just over two weeks out from getting home. Glad that it seems to be on a consistent upswing and hoping to keep it that way. Weather this coming week is supposed to be good.

Walking Without an Appendix

Today was nice, sunny and mild temperatures, especially for February. I took the opportunity to get out for my first walk since the appendectomy. I'd joke about feeling lighter without an appendix, but in reality I really did lose about 12-13 pounds during the whole fiasco. It's amazing how not eating anything for a few days and then broth and soup for another several days will shed the weight. I walked my 2.25-mile route and it felt about as good as it did before the surgery. No issues or complaints. In that regard I'm feeling pretty good and hoping to get out for some more walking. The nurse at the hospital said it was good for me to walk and that's what I'm going to do.

Health Update

It's been a month since my last update, which is when I was still in recovery for my broken collarbone. In a cruel twist, I had an appendectomy on January 21st, which further put my running recovery behind. It's been two weeks since that surgery and I feel pretty good. Better than I thought I would at this point. I was hoping to get clearance to run at my next orthopedic appointment on the 17th, but that got pushed to the 26th since the doctor will be out of town. All of that puts my likely return to running at the end of February or beginning of March. I don't think I'm going to make it for the St. Patrick's Day 5k this year. I can see that by the time I can start running again it'll be four months since the last time and I'll be doing a lot of walking with intermittent bouts of running. It'll take time to build up the base again but I'm ready to go whenever I get the word.

Yesterday Walk

It's another nice week in north Texas, especially for January. Highs this week are in the low 70s and yesterday was perfect for an outing. I went at lunchtime and walked 2.25 miles. All good and nice to get some sunshine. The therapist changed my exercises last week to get to full mobility in my shoulder, but again, no running until next month. That doesn't keep me from walking, though. I think a front is supposed to come through over the weekend and drop the temperatures more to a normal January trend, but we'll see. You know how far I trust the forecasters.

Walking Into the New Year

Started off the new year with a 1.25 mile walk. Not a bad day for winter, with temperature in the low 60s and no wind. Overcast, but still can't complain. I was on track for over a hundred runs last year, so it's a little sad that I didn't make it after the broken collarbone incident in October. I went to PT a couple of days ago and got new exercises to get back full mobility, but strength exercises won't start until after the next appointment in February. Hopefully then I can start to run again and build up for a St. Patrick's Day run in March. I'd hate to miss that since it's been a tradition for the last several years. A 5k would be the upper limit of my running at that point if I can get back out there and train for 3-4 weeks beforehand. I intend to take advantage of the nice weather and keep up the walking in the meantime.