Today I went for a 5 mile run after work. I needed it as a stress relief as we are still pretty hard core into this ERP conversion stuff. I ran the usual Hills Loop at 8:32 pace which I was quite pleased with since I am still recovering from the Icebreaker. Only 3 1/2 weeks though until Surfside and Austin so no time to rest an my laurels. I have no laurels, but if I had them, I definitely would not rest on them.
Did you watch the inauguration of President Obama yesterday? I watched a delayed taping of it since I was at work during it. I watched CSpan and I was glad I did because there was no commentary. Sometimes those commentators really ruin it with their own opinions and political views. I did like watching though to see how these things go again. I have watched some in the past but since they only happen once every 4 years, I like to watch again and see what is different.
I couldn't care less what Michelle Obama was wearing. I don't see why this is a big deal. I was much more interested in seeing how his children were. They are very cute kids! They behaved so well. I think my princesses could learn A LOT from them. I love how the younger one stood on a blue box so she would be able to see better and be seen by the cameras. There was a lot of talk about how this is so historic. As far as I am concerned, it is historic because he is now a president, not that he is a black president. Too often we all put race into things where is doesn't need to be. Let's just hope he runs the country well and makes good decisions.
One presidential note. The Grand Rapids Marathon has pace groups but instead of the usual times, they have celebrity pace groups. You run at the pace that an actual celebrity ran a marathon. A little fun twist to the pace group idea. Well, they have the Dubya Pacers. George W. Bush ran a marathon in 3:44 a in the early 90's (I think). I ran in this group a year and a half ago and beat the Pres. I ran a 3:43. Here is how it is listed on their website:
4:58:25 New for 2008!!! Al Gore's: An Inconvenient Pace Teama pace team that honors the inventor of pace teams and leaves a very small environmental footprint.
4:44:44 The Penguin Brigade - This pace team is for penguins everywhere and is officially endorsed by Runner's World's John "The Penguin" Bingham.
4:29:20 Team Oprah - Everyone wants to know if they can beat Oprah!
4:14:54 P. Diddy Pacers - So not all of our celebrities are great role models, but they are all marathon finishers, and their times conform nicely to a 15 minute (approx) spacing.
3:56:12 Will Ferrell's Sub-4's - Nine minute miles on the nose will break four hours with four minutes to spare, just like Will. Shake & Bake!
3:44:52 George W.'s Running Mates - While W's time is impressive, imagine how much faster he could have run if he hadn't stopped to look for weapons of mass destruction. Either way, here's your chance to win the Presidential Race.
3:29:24 The Billy Baldwin Racers - We're not really sure if he counts as a celebrity, but he's Alec's brother and we do respect his time.
3:1415926 Pi's Pacers - geeky younger brother of Phidippides in ancient Greece, was more interested in mathematics than in running.
Pretty funny descriptions. I do recommend this marathon to anyone who is in the area in October. One of favorite marathons I ran.
Back to the random thoughts.
After the inauguration, I was flipping TV channels and came by Fox Sports North. This is a station that plays a lot of Wisconsin sports. I caught it just as it was showing scenes from the Icebreaker Marathon. COOL. About 5 seconds into it, I saw myself running by. Must have been early in the race as I still looked in good form. It was good to see publicity for the event. Next year it should sell out quickly. I will reserve my spot as soon as possible.
It is supposed to get cold here again this weekend. Maybe below 0 F again. I think I have had enough winter now. But 3 1/2 weeks and I will be in Texas for 4 days so, Art, make sure it is cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons and evenings.
Keep Running!
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1 comment:
I watch cspan, too, during these events. I'm pretty much like you, I don't care too much about fashion.
Sounds like a good five miler. I bet you do well in Texas. My brother lives in Leander, and I was telling him I may consider the Austin Marathon next year.
Hang in there at work!
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