Well, it's official. This past week, I've committed myself to doing the Lincoln Half Marathon, which is coming up the first weekend in May. That's 14 weeks away, more than enough time to begin training, and be race ready. My wife (and a few of her coworkers) have already registered, and I'll be registering this weekend.
I've never really run before. While I did do track in high school my freshmen year, I was never competitive. My goals for this first half marathon will be to complete it, not compete in it. What's the point of doing it if I have no intention of competing? Just to prove to myself that I was able to accept the challenge, face my fears, push myself beyond my abilities, and actually succeed. Plus, I think it will be an incredible accomplishment that I'll never forget.
I'm actually just completing my second week of training. I have to admit, I don't really enjoy running, but am finding I feel really good after the run is over, and feel a sense of accomplishment. I've found that I really need to run with headphones, but supposedly during the race, headphones are explicitly banned. Ugh. But, I've also found that I can't really run without them, and I think that may be somewhat dangerous if I do all my training with my Ipod, but then can't use it in the race. Will have to sort that one out very soon.
So, within the coming weeks, I intend to blog quite frequently about my experiences. Yesterday, I ran/walked a total of 4.2 miles, which culminated in my 8th day of solid running. While that's a lot of miles for so early in the training program, I really just wanted to push myself past my comfort zone. I am following a plan, mostly, and do understand how important recovery is, and that you have to allow time for your body to heal. In fact, I intend to start following the training program fairly religiously, (as much as possible at least). I'm using Hal Higdon's novice half marathon training program. He is apparently fairly well known in the running community, and he does have several training plans to choose from, and a lot of people have had a great amount of success following his program.
13.1 miles. Can I really do this? A month ago, the thought of running 4.2 miles in one session seemed laughable. But, I did it yesterday, and felt like I could have done more. So, with 13 more weeks of training, I truly believe that 13.1 miles is doable! I've also found that if you keep telling yourself that you can't do something, either because it's too hard, or it's beyond your abilities, then you probably never will accomplish it. But, if you keep telling yourself you can, you eventually will!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Economic Stimulus
I think everyone knows the economy is in trouble and has been for a long time. Anyone can take a quick glance at their 401k and come to that conclusion pretty easily. Last year, before the financial meltdown, a tax rebate stimulus program was implemented. Our family got $1500. While it was a nice jolt, we immediately spent it just as we were requested to do. We bought new trees for our yard and helped pay down our credit card bill. Didn't save a single penny of it. I'm sure most typical Americans did the same thing. They spent it. Did it make a difference? Personally, I don't think so. And then, through the year, gas reached an all-time high, the housing market collapsed, the banking industry collapsed, the automotive industry collapsed, and things looked pretty bleak. Our personal wealth (401k values) dropped about 40%. In fact, I'm guessing many Americans were wishing they had kept their tax rebate checks instead of spending them to try and stimulate a losing battle.
Now, with the new Obama administration in office, they are coming up with a new economic stimulus plan, which will cost another trillion dollars. Part of the plan includes another tax cut for the working class, with substantial spending on infrastructure, which will hopefully lead to new jobs. The tax rebate they are putting into place would call for a $500 credit per person, but there has been some debate on how it would be implemented. Some were looking for a through-the-year approach with about $20 more in your paycheck each payday. Big deal. That will do absolutely nothing to help stimulate the economy. A lump sum payment didn't work last year, and it's not going to work this year. In fact, I would banter that some people may save a lump sum payment for a rainy day, since we're in what can be likened to a monsoon.
$500 is a pittance in the grand scheme. Why not make it $5000? Why not make it $10000? Why not make the ballooning cost of this program 2 trillion instead of 1? The country needs a huge jolt. $500 spread out over 26 pay periods will do ABSOLUTELY nothing to help improve a bleak, somewhat hopeless situation! That's just my opinion. I'm not an economist, nor do I play one on TV. I just know how it would affect my bottom line, and the ultimate conclusion is that it wouldn't.
Now, with the new Obama administration in office, they are coming up with a new economic stimulus plan, which will cost another trillion dollars. Part of the plan includes another tax cut for the working class, with substantial spending on infrastructure, which will hopefully lead to new jobs. The tax rebate they are putting into place would call for a $500 credit per person, but there has been some debate on how it would be implemented. Some were looking for a through-the-year approach with about $20 more in your paycheck each payday. Big deal. That will do absolutely nothing to help stimulate the economy. A lump sum payment didn't work last year, and it's not going to work this year. In fact, I would banter that some people may save a lump sum payment for a rainy day, since we're in what can be likened to a monsoon.
$500 is a pittance in the grand scheme. Why not make it $5000? Why not make it $10000? Why not make the ballooning cost of this program 2 trillion instead of 1? The country needs a huge jolt. $500 spread out over 26 pay periods will do ABSOLUTELY nothing to help improve a bleak, somewhat hopeless situation! That's just my opinion. I'm not an economist, nor do I play one on TV. I just know how it would affect my bottom line, and the ultimate conclusion is that it wouldn't.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration Entrancement
I admit it. I watched the Obama Inauguration yesterday, from nearly beginning to end. For fear of being written out of my in-laws will, I admit it. I actually voted for President Obama, much to the chagrin of my wife, her parents, and sisters. Although, I'm not sure they actually know I voted for him. I felt he was going to bring the necessary change needed in this country to get us out of the recession. Anyhow, I had the morning and afternoon off yesterday, and found myself enthralled in everything Obama, just as the rest of the country. Although, I think my in-laws purposely ran errands yesterday and were out of the house since they do not care for him or his politics. I'm not sure why I'm so enamored with our newfound royalty, but they strike me as regular people that the American public can relate to, even if they are millionaires. I wasn't so caught up in the "first black president" thing as most others in the country, I am just inspired by how this man has inspired the nation, both black and white. President Obama is a very intelligent man, and while he's quite the "newb" on the political scene, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and trust his instincts to see what he can do. Honestly, I don't think it can get much worse than where we're at right now, so perhaps his kind of political style is just what the country needs. Anyhow, I spent most of the day watching the pre-inaugural ceremonies, watched the swearing in ceremony, watched the speech, watched the parade, and watched the commentary in between. I can honestly say, I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Congratulations President Obama! Now let's see what happens.
More Milestones...and Injuries
When I woke up this morning (after a hard workout yesterday), I was pretty sore. Took awhile to get my body moving again. After dropping my daughter off at school, then doing some Internet browsing on Geocaching, I headed back to the gym this morning for round two. Today, I was able to run for 25 minutes nonstop, running about 2.5 miles, at a constant 5.3 mph pace. I felt a sense of accomplishment after completing the workout. In fact, I finished strong, and felt I could have gone longer, but decided to not push it. However, about 3 minutes into the run, I had an immediate, sharp, stabbing pain in my mid/lower right abdomen, right under my ribcage. The sharp pain faded to a low dull ache through the remainder of the run, and still is tender this evening. In fact, had another attack about 2 hours after that too. Not sure what I did, but it sure hurt for awhile, but I was able to run through it. Probably pulled some type of muscle in the area, not sure. It's not my appendix since I've already had it removed. I've had this type of pain before, and often thought it might be a mild form of gall bladder attack based on Internet searches.
Anyhow, after a 30 minute period of relaxation in the sauna, I stepped on the scale to reveal 155lbs! That's the lowest I've ever been (not accounting for when I grew up and went past this weight the first time). Granted, that's after sweating out a lot of water in the sauna so it's probably just a little one the low side, but I did wake up at home this morning at 157. Sure wish I'd lose the fat in my belly roll though, instead of everyplace else, since as it is, my ribs really starting to show, and I still have this belly roll that makes me feel (and look), well fat. Duh.
So, it was a day of milestones. I ran for 25 minutes straight (2.5 miles), weighed 155lbs at the end of my workout, but also experienced some kind of injury and mild pain in my abdomen, and it still hurts this evening. And why exactly am I doing this?
Anyhow, after a 30 minute period of relaxation in the sauna, I stepped on the scale to reveal 155lbs! That's the lowest I've ever been (not accounting for when I grew up and went past this weight the first time). Granted, that's after sweating out a lot of water in the sauna so it's probably just a little one the low side, but I did wake up at home this morning at 157. Sure wish I'd lose the fat in my belly roll though, instead of everyplace else, since as it is, my ribs really starting to show, and I still have this belly roll that makes me feel (and look), well fat. Duh.
So, it was a day of milestones. I ran for 25 minutes straight (2.5 miles), weighed 155lbs at the end of my workout, but also experienced some kind of injury and mild pain in my abdomen, and it still hurts this evening. And why exactly am I doing this?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again
Well, a few days ago, I started to work out again with vigor, in hopes of possibly completing a half marathon along with my wife. Now we had this same enthusiasm last year after our Biggest Loser competition, but we didn't follow through on it. But this year, my wife is determined to see this challenge through till the end. I'm getting onboard to not only provide moral support, but for my own personal benefit too. The only problem, I don't really care for running, at least running on a treadmill that is. A few days ago, I pushed myself to my limit, doing intervals of running/walking, and got my heart rate up to 170. It was really moving. Today, I pushed myself again to the limit, and ran for 20 minutes straight without stopping. Heart rate was 177. Is it possible to be lean (except for this spare tire around my waist) and still be out of shape? Absolutely. I've got 3 months. After today, I feel that I just might be able to accomplish this goal. I just have to keep this up, and have to keep pushing myself near or beyond my limits every day. Unfortunately, I like to train with music, and you are not allowed to use headphones during the race. I haven't yet decided what the ideal training path should be, but don't want to get into a zone of running with music, but then can't fall back in that zone during the race. It seems like a long, hard battle, but I know I'll be better for it in the end.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Is Anyone Alive Out There
Well, the holidays are over. We've taken down the Christmas decorations, I just need to tuck them away in the basement and need to pull the lights off the house. And I'm thankful that it's over. I've never really been a big holiday fan, and don't mind when the time has passed so things can settle back down to normal. We did have a nice break though, and I had the week off between Christmas and New Years, although we didn't go anywhere or do anything special. It was just fun to spend time together and not have to worry about sticking to a schedule.
The Huskers won their football game in the Gator Bowl. Woohoo! It didn't look good in the first half, but they came around for the second half and pulled out a win. Now, the sports scene settles down as well, with only the championship game left on Thursday.
I've also decided that I do need to start a strict exercise regimen again. I've gained a couple of pounds over the holidays (it's hard not to), and just need to get toned back up again. My wife is also musing once again about starting to train for a half marathon coming up in Lincoln in May. We thought we'd do that last year after the biggest loser competition ended, but it never happened. She seems to be more pumped for it this year, so perhaps I need to get on the band wagon to give her some moral support.
New Years Resolutions have not really been considered, since they are so hard to live up to. But, I really would like to skydive, and think this will be the year to do it. Why not. So, perhaps sometime in May or June, I'll do a tandem jump.
I've also initiated the process of refinancing our home since mortgage rates are at their lowest point since the 70s (so I hear). We currently have two mortgages on our house, which was done to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance), one 30 year loan at 5.75 percent, and one 15 year loan for 7.5% with 10% of the balance. I was able to get a 30 year refinance deal for 4.625% for both, and couldn't be more thrilled. We will be paying 2 discount points up front to get this low of a rate, but it will be worth it over the life of the loan and will save us tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, we'll be able to deduct the points off taxes next year, so it's a win/win situation I feel. I believe you really do have to spend money to make money, and this is no different. By getting such a low rate, we'll hit the breakeven point in just 19 months. Could the rates go even lower? Perhaps, but I locked the rate in and we close at the end of February.
Otherwise, no additional news to share. I did hit 100 geocache finds last week, which was exciting. I'm still finding the hobby quite interesting and hope to find 100s more in the coming year. Winter geocaching has been a challenge though, dealing with the cold and wind, but at least you don't have to put up with snakes, ticks, spiders, chiggers, bugs, and so forth.
The Huskers won their football game in the Gator Bowl. Woohoo! It didn't look good in the first half, but they came around for the second half and pulled out a win. Now, the sports scene settles down as well, with only the championship game left on Thursday.
I've also decided that I do need to start a strict exercise regimen again. I've gained a couple of pounds over the holidays (it's hard not to), and just need to get toned back up again. My wife is also musing once again about starting to train for a half marathon coming up in Lincoln in May. We thought we'd do that last year after the biggest loser competition ended, but it never happened. She seems to be more pumped for it this year, so perhaps I need to get on the band wagon to give her some moral support.
New Years Resolutions have not really been considered, since they are so hard to live up to. But, I really would like to skydive, and think this will be the year to do it. Why not. So, perhaps sometime in May or June, I'll do a tandem jump.
I've also initiated the process of refinancing our home since mortgage rates are at their lowest point since the 70s (so I hear). We currently have two mortgages on our house, which was done to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance), one 30 year loan at 5.75 percent, and one 15 year loan for 7.5% with 10% of the balance. I was able to get a 30 year refinance deal for 4.625% for both, and couldn't be more thrilled. We will be paying 2 discount points up front to get this low of a rate, but it will be worth it over the life of the loan and will save us tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, we'll be able to deduct the points off taxes next year, so it's a win/win situation I feel. I believe you really do have to spend money to make money, and this is no different. By getting such a low rate, we'll hit the breakeven point in just 19 months. Could the rates go even lower? Perhaps, but I locked the rate in and we close at the end of February.
Otherwise, no additional news to share. I did hit 100 geocache finds last week, which was exciting. I'm still finding the hobby quite interesting and hope to find 100s more in the coming year. Winter geocaching has been a challenge though, dealing with the cold and wind, but at least you don't have to put up with snakes, ticks, spiders, chiggers, bugs, and so forth.