A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte

Just be happy you did not see me at the finish line. I finished just under 5 hours. It was the hardest thing I have done physically. It may have been the head cold or just the pain in my knees but it was painful. It was also the best thing I have done all year, and the best part was not the marathon but the early mornings and Sunday runs. I will admit I sabotaged Ian, what can I say my cubicle gets pretty boring and reading about his ruminations helps me pretend I am not here. So I cut his achilles tendon, so what? It really was fun and hopefully not my last one.

20 miles

In preparation for 20 miles I am consuming chocolate donettes. Today I think you hostess.

New Beginning

I am giving up soda and sweets until the marathon. I figure by this weekend I will be a nice person again ... until then.

the end

don't mess with texas cartwright.

Wed. Run

Wednesday runs are the worst. I had wet feet and was the closest to going shirtless as I will come in a white t-shirt while it rained. It was not a horrible run. I was looking at a friends pictures from Africa when it occurred to me- giving up soda is a bitch.

Done

15 miles. I felt abandoned by the lake, luckily a narcissistic french girl finished the run with me.

Engagement

Old girlfriends becoming engaged is another reason I cannot stop my quest to run the marathon. I ran 3 miles last night. It was really windy along the lake but it made me feel more like Rocky. The 7 miles this past weekend was surprisingly hard. I need to start taking this more seriously and getting up early and not waiting for my hang over to die before I go out for my run. I also think I run better on Saturday's which is a cause of concern as the marathon falls on a Sunday. I am re dedicating myself to the marathon and getting serious about the training.

MMM

roommate: "When I came home you were sleep talking about 7-11"
Me: "Yeah, I'm really excited for Friday when they give away free slurpees"

-my life keeps getting better. I could have a child right now, but I would not trade this in for anything.

3 miles

It is really hot in Chicago which further scares me for the ten miles this weekend. I might have to run at 1 in the morning. I need some new music for running any suggestions? Also, getting calls from ex-girlfriends who are now in Italy is not so much fun at 6 in the morning. I get it, you are happy and doing great, and yeah. I am training for a marathon so in some way that means I win, and that is really all that matters, that and a good potato wedge. I found a restaurant in Sedalia, Missouri that will sell you a block of curly fries for 2.75. Sedalia, Missouri is also where the Missouri state fair is held. I don't think Chicago can compete.

9 miles cut short

100 degrees in Kansas means my 9 mile got cut short to 7 miles. I think that is what it means to live in a free country. I am going to run some extra miles this week to make sure Ian doesn't kick my ass next week. I fear I would not have made it on the Oregon trail as I was cursing the prairie sun on Sunday afternoon.

Rough

What do you expect mother I AM HALF MACHINE!

Career Counsler

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/06/24/pirates.somalia/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

I had no idea I could be a pirate. I think it is time for a career change. In the case the hostages are French they can make me some delicious croissants and if they are German well I guess I will just be drinking a lot, either way it is better than picking up some swiss tourists. I never really cared for them.

7 Miles

This is the longest I have run since I was 17. It was actually a really good run other than the nagging persistence that my relationship is doomed and that my life is really sort of boring. I think it is bad when you are annoyed of yourself? I think this calls for a vacation, one which I do not invite myself but rather a smart and comical side kick.
I did get a bike this weekend. This brings me closer to one of those annoying Chicagoans I saw last summer as I was moving my stuff into my apartment thinking where the hell did I move, pick up your god damn bicycle. It will be helpful in the event that I move and need to get back across town to stare down sorority girls and throw beer cans at guys with popped polo collars. In this event the bike will be helpful. I have always been told my mouth was going to get in me trouble and now that I think about it I guess I got through the most fight prone years of my life without a black eye. Ian do me the pleasure and come knock me out.

Morning Run Friday Edition

I went running Friday morning instead of Thursday night so I could catch a movie. It was a good movie and worth it. It felt good to go running, but the effects of feeling good seem to be wearing off. I think I might need to move on to heavier stimulants.
I think I might kill Mickey Mouse this week.

Expansion

Trying to figure out how to expand how I feel during my 30-35 minute run. I would like it to last the entire day at least for five more minutes. I wonder if I could set up a treadmill in my cubicle?

The official Start

I think Saturday was the official start of the training. I ran six miles with Ian and nothing about it felt good until I was finished. When I was finished it felt glorious, but every step to that point was painful. I think I pulled a muscle in my leg so I did not work out the rest of the weekend.

I was able to attend spring break this weekend. North Ave. beach has a restaurant where on a Saturday afternoon you can sit and catch what appears to be a party crew from Cancun. It is filled with people who did not catch that they are now 45 and have three kids, and your pierced belly button does not accent those stretch marks. It was pretty funny until I realized the person I was having dinner with was dancing in her chair and singing along to beyonce.

Night Run

I like running when it is really hot. I feel like I am actually getting a good workout.

Inspiration came today on CNN's webpage-

700-pound man dreams of walking down the aisle

I think I was more scared about the aisle part.

this actually happens

Manager (3:36 PM) - Dan - what did u pick for the summer outing?
Daniel Meek (3:37 PM) - Great America
Manager (3:37 PM) - damn!
Daniel Meek (3:37 PM) - should I go for golf?
Manager (3:37 PM) - golf or bowling
Manager (3:38 PM) - GA is not going to be fun - can u change to bowling
Daniel Meek (3:40 PM) - yeah, I don't really care I like to golf so either one would be fine, yeah I'll switch, not a roller coaster guy?
Manager (3:40 PM) - it's just not a fun place in the day during summer - my old job was near there
Manager (3:40 PM) - and just filled with snotty kids
Daniel Meek (3:41 PM) - that makes sense, it seems someone would probably be throwing up after too many rides
Manager (3:41 PM) - yeah - it's not as glamorous as Angela and Elise make it sound
Manager (3:43 PM) - just e-mail Angela back and let her know your "new" choice
Manager (3:43 PM) - and yes - this is collusion by the way
Manager (3:45 PM) - see if you can convince Ian to do the same
Daniel Meek (3:45 PM) - how many votes do you have to overturn?
Manager (3:46 PM) - not sure - my guess is all the girls voted for GA, except maybe Cherese
Manager (3:46 PM) - Fred and Ralph will vote our way

I have not switched, but love my life. Perhaps he used to work there?

Fog

It was really foggy this morning. It was a good run though. The best part was when a bird tried to next on a man's head. He had been walking and due to the sharp claws of a crow was forced to run as fast as he could. Probably no the best thing that I derived some pleasure for this encounter. Foggy just Foggy.

Worm

I wonder if I were and earthworm if I would like other earthworms?

I think it's time for some teamocil.

My life

The only thing keeping me together these days: running, m&m's, and tom petty.

I am really sore and feel like I need a new hip. I just keep singing new soul to pretend like my life is better than it is.

sidebar: roommate: "every day I wake up and think I wish I had Dan's life."
from someone who is rarely sarcastic this one hurt. I was also told I am like eeyore this weekend. So I decided I am going to be more positive about my outlook, because in truth it is really not so bad. I work in a great office, with people who are really supportive, and consistently show tact and class.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/28/iron.lung.death.ap/index.html

Morning

I got up this morning and enjoyed the fact that I was by myself. No one to entertain no uncertain context to decipher, just the intolerable wind on the lake. That and the drifter who looked at me. It was cold this morning, but other than that a really great run. I had a long run on Saturday, with he who must not be named. It was actually quite an accomplishment. I have not been that proud of myself since I landed my first kiss in sixth grade. She had a round bed so I was pretty proud, other than that moment Saturday was a triumph.

This is the end of the first state of Pip's expectations.

Wed. run

I ran right after getting home. It was a good run, the weather was perfect. In other news a friend told me i was "spinning my tires".

3.5

3.5 miles with someone. I am changing. I was not completely horrified as I had someone running next to me. I would call that progress. The run itself was pretty great. I was going to run this morning but I was abnormally tired, and like any great warrior I choose to listen to my body and sleep so I will be running tonight after work to forget what just happened.

5 miles

5 Miles Sunday morning. It felt good.

Plaines

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-22605

The comments scare me.

Morning Run #2

To combat my laziness I went for another morning run. It felt really good. I had a good time and the weather was perfect. My legs hurt less today. I am going to take Saturday off and go for a longer run on Sunday. I am glad it is Friday. I still have not sorted out my life, but this week I made my list for the summer. Including: 1. Marathon Training 2. New Job 3. Study Spanish 4. Get out of the country

Double Dare

I wish that I had been on double dare as a child so I put myself through my own rigorous course. I ran last night, and because I did not want to get slimmed I ran again this morning. It felt really good to run in the morning. I do not know if I will make a habit of it, but I liked it. My legs are a little sore today.
In other news, I am determined to find a white undershirt that is of value. I have bought cheap and expensive shirts, and they all seem to fail me. I might become an inventor of the best white undershirt a man can have. That just might get me out of this cubicle.

Kansas Prairie Run

I was hoping that I would wake up on Saturday morning call my bearded friend, and receive some instant motivation like listening to kenny loggins highway to the danger zone, but he seemed to have some stomach issues so I had to sing my own motivational song, Man in the Mirror. It seemed to work. I managed to run five miles through the stark neighborhoods of Leawood, Kansas. The run was pretty great. There were some formidable hills, and it was just nice to have a different path than my usual. I completed the run in a decent time which felt good. I have not run five miles in over 5 years. It felt good. It actually was pretty great. I came back to the house expecting a parade, but I only received my mom telling me to call someone back. I am excited about this. I think this is a good thing. Today is a rest day so I am going to make some mac and cheese.

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favorite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their needs

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
- the truest artist of them all Michael Jackson.

Mi piernas

I went for a run last night. My legs hurt. Like every great champion I have been asked by a higher being to run through the pain. I will accept this honor and move through it. It really was a pretty bad run overall, and hopefully I can rest and be able to run in the Kansas prairie this weekend.
More fun then the run was my episode of the hills. I was lacing up when my roommate and his girl seemed to get in an argument. He had the same shell shocked look on his face when I told him that she needed to pay rent when she moved in. It was a look that I kind of liked. I hope when (if) I have kids they have the same look when I tell them that I am not their real father. I did in fact take a shorter run, because I sensed the rare opportunity to dig for bones, or at least someone else's relationship problems. I did come back, he had the same look upon his face. So what does a concerned archaeologist such as myself do? I took a phone call from a friend, and then got water five feet away from the dig site. I did not find any bones, but I am certain something was going on, that I know for sure.
I also ran through a grove of trees on a dimly lit path and felt like my romantic comedy suddenly turned into a thriller one where chrispin glover was after me.

Windy

11:30 run last night. It was really windy along the lake front so it was a lot harder run than usual. I have become paranoid running at night now. My roommate asked if I thought it was dangerous and ever since I am like a ninja looking for people. If you see me running the streets of chicago late at night do not be surprised if I am carrying a sword. It would in fact be the sword of destiny.

Late Night Run

I went running at 10:30 last night, which is my favorite time to run. It was a good 3 miles. I started too fast so I was tired by the end. My legs are hurting today so tonight's run will probably be slow.

Office

I feel like I live in the office. I just had a conversation with someone over im who sits no more than ten feet away. It is the strangest environment I have ever been in. This is what happens when Ian leaves for the weekend.

Thursday Run

I went for a run yesterday night. It was the best run I have had in a while. I missed my Wed. run to go to a cubs game and eat nachos so I extended the run last night. It started to ran, but it felt good as it was pretty hot. I did just over 3 miles and could have done more. I am excited for the weekend run.

2 Miles

I am back on the training track this week. I ran two miles on the treadmill last night because Chicago seems to think late April should feel like January. Us prairie folk are not used to this. It was a good run. I have also given up soda, and had the headache last night. I wish I could stick to my mormon roots and never touch the stuff.
Good run, and looking forward to my three mile run this evening.

That's why you always leave a note.

I learned my lesson on Friday. The delightful Scot from Detroit informed me that the Marathon registration had closed. I was informed that I could register through a charity. I then began the charity scramble to find the cheapest and best deal so far that goes to Children's Memorial hospital, who tricks you into thinking you can create your own contribution amount, but when their promt screen pops up it quickly lets you know 600 is the minimum amount. I am from Kansas so I like a good bargain. As I fell head first into the bargain bin at Marshall's I realized I am going to have to take a different approach. I do not like the idea that I am forced into running for charity, and that I have to guarantee my fundraising amount or my credit card will be charged. Isn't there enough credit card debit in this country? Does Children's Memorial Hospital need to be another charge on my account? I did however find a charity I support, http://www.usempowered.org/index.htm. I am either going to run with them or with Children's Memorial Hospital or have the Rat in Kansas City buy my registration on the black market. I am thinking that in order to raise the funds we will begin a fundraising chart around the office and if it reaches the required amount that delightful Scot will loose his prized facial hair. It worked when I was in 5th grade, maybe we can bring back field day too.
I completed my Saturday run and faced lingering doubts that I can in fact run a marathon. I also made the mistake of running and using the stair master on Friday before my run, and Saturday morning I felt like I was running through water. So this week I am going to stay on the training schedule.

Loosing it

http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/uploadedFiles/Chicago_Marathon/Runner_Information/2008_CM_Map.pdf

There comes a day when a young prairie kids life needs significance. I have no wagon to forge the river with, and no cattle to heard. I only have a very strange office environment to navigate and a broken mac to slaughter. I think some find it in love others perhaps in their work; I am going to find mine running around Chicago with a delightful fellow with a beard. I am also forcing a girl in Orlando, with a torn ACL, to run as well.

I had my first official run last night. It was good. I had not run for over a week so it felt good. I ran at the gym.

This is step one.

Step two is jumping out of an airplane.