Talking sports with Wilt

The past month has been unlike any other. A six-day trip across the country; a new apartment; no job.

The worst part of it all has been my father-in-law’s impending death. That’s been the best part as well.

Not that watching a family member slowly die is a picnic, but that was our goal in making this cross-country move: to be closer to family. I’m glad that we can be there for him.

Frank Newman: another running icon passes

The news didn’t come as a complete shock, but it was still sad to hear.

A co-worker of mine let me know as he was placing obituaries on the page on Saturday that  Frank Newman had died.

Frank had battled cancer for years, but it still gave me pause when I heard the news.

A race to remember on 9/11

I’m still walking on air – albeit slowly.

I have a blister on one of my toes, a sore IT band – and a
great feeling inside that only running can provide.

From the tail wind at the start to the ice bath at the end,
Sunday’s inaugural Bozeman Marathon turned out to be what will become an
unforgettable experience.

Final training step: a good night’s sleep

All the miles have been run. The hard part’s over, right?

Not yet.

The tapering blues

It’s a beautiful morning. I have hours of free time. Yet I
sit here typing.

My legs feel heavy, a bit tired. I will not be running
today.

Thing is, none of this is a surprise – I’m tapering.

My run with Mike Wolfe

Cool aspect No. 3,288 about running: you can run with
anyone. Even the best.

I often run with Nikki Kimball, one of the world’s top
ultramarathoners. I don’t think of her in that way since we try and run
together frequently. Before my daughter joined our family, we ran together at
least once a week.

And it’s not just her.

Spoiled … and loving it

My days as a sports fan ended Wednesday night. There’s nothing left.
No more misery. No more wishing.
Every dream has come true.

Chairmen of the boards

I’m still on a high from Friday night.

Here is it Sunday and I’m still full of adrenalin.

When I stepped onto my front steps this morning, in shorts ready for a breezy, spring-like jog, I thought to myself, “well, I don’t need to be out for two hours;” yet upon return to those same front steps, my watch read 2:03.

Yep, 11 years after taking it up, running still gives me a kick. And all it took was a hard run for five minutes (and four seconds) around a wooden, oval track eight times around.

A jolly old thumbs up

It was one of the most flattering compliments I’ve ever received. I’m always amazed when someone I don’t know recognizes me and says they admire my work. It doesn’t happen all the time, which makes it all the more special. And it always catches me off guard.

Coming off the plateau

It’s been a slow year. Not a far as the calendar goes, but as far as running goes. Everything from training runs to races.