Thought of the week: PRIDE

PRIDE, the word itself can give you goosebumps. While running on the treadmill and flipping through the channels, I came across several movies and events and one common theme that I noticed was PRIDE. It started with the show Invincible and kept it going in Cool Runnings, A Knights Tale, NFL football, EPL soccer, Remember the Titans and The Replacements. I glanced around my room and saw photos of my father, trophies from soccer and various other sports, many photos of experiences with friends and by myself. I noticed that my pace was strongly effected as I began to run just a little faster.
PRIDE can mean something different to everyone. It could mean: the birth of a new child, a childs first words or first steps, the sight of seeing a loved one succeed, a job well done and even personal commitment to excellence. It drives so many people but yet it is something you cannot buy or obtain out of need. It is something from within that at times you cannot explain. It is something that when think you are finished or about to give up- it demands you go farther. I have been truly blessed by not only having felt PRIDE but seen it in action.
I have challenged a few people to describe PRIDE and I got different answers from everyone. What does PRIDE mean to you?
After alot of thought, I am not sure of anything that can be more powerful!

Gotta go

Well after taking a few days off, I finally decided the knee must not be too banged up. We got a butt load of snow the last 3 days so I stayed in and worked on the treadmill. Knee felt good running until I increased the incline. I went for 61 minutes and covered a little over 6 miles. Not too bad I guess. I actually felt really good. I have so much work to do but thats what I need to do WORK! Looking forward to the first race of the year in Moab. I just found out my good friend from Colorado- Scott Jaime- is heading out. Should be a pretty fun weekend.

Knee issue....perfect!

Well, now what. For the last few days I have been experiencing knee pain that actually makes me knee forget how to work correctly. We were constructing the first annaul Manning/Barnes gingerbread house and as the foreman comes walking over with the parts...BAM! the knee gives out and supplies go flying. Since then, nothing but quick sharp pains on the inside of the right knee. I can't remember doing anything to it but something is out of whack. Needless to say, Moab is getting scarier. Stay tuned......

Days Like today....

Man, days like today bring me down and make me realize that this ultra-running deal may not be for me. I did treadmill work again for 5 miles but I struggled with a tight left shin and my lower back starting to tighten as well. I watched the Bear 100 DVD and threw on my iPod. At times throughout the run it felt nice but overall...I HAVE ALOT OF WORK TO DO. I am trying to drop some weight but that is never easy with me. I just know if I can lose my gut, my body would feel great and I have this crazy idea of how it would feel to run a sweet single track in some aspens about 30 pounds lighter. I guess those dreams motivate you but when you see how far off they are it also can be discouraging. Good news...Christmas is 2 days away. Bad news...Moab Red Hot is less than 2 months away. Oh well, its a training run....RIGHT?

More Treadmill work

Day 2 of treadmill work and it wasnt quite the same as day 1. Did 5 miles in 43 minutes which isnt burning up the track but i was fighting a tight left shin the entire workout. Hopefully its was just a matter of being a bit tight.

Treadmill work

Today I started to use the ol treadmill and WOW!, what a workout. I did 40 minutes worth of running. I adjusted the incline and speed randomly both trying to figure out how the treadmill works as well and adjusting to how I felt. I watched Invincible and it truly got me going. I enjoyed the treadmill and look forward to tomorrow!

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. This is a way for friends and family to check out my year. Coming in January I will post my Race schedule. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
Races I am in.
Red Hot 50k February 16th (33K)
Antelpoe Island Buffalo Run March 22nd (25k)
Squaw Peak 50 miler June 7th

Hopefuls:
Wasatch Steeplechase
Wasatch Speedgoat Get High 50k
Bair Gutsman
Ultimate Xc Moab
Shop to the Top
Grand Teton Trail Marathon