Sunday, August 17th to Saturday, August 23rd: 41.1 miles run, 21 miles bike

I ran 4 times this week:

Mon: 5.4 miles, 42:35, easy, 75F, sunny, calm, no stops, 7:53 pace
Wed: 7 miles, 53:43, easy, 60F, sunny, a little windy, no stops, 7:40 pace
Thu: 7 miles, 53:13, a little hard, 60F, sunny, calm, no stops, 7:36 pace
Sat: 21.7 miles, 3:18:00, easy, 70-85F, sunny, a little windy, multiple stops, 9:07 pace

My third long run was harder. My Garmin Forerunner 305 wasn't charged and I couldn't find my stopwatch so I put a clock in the garage to check my pace. I ran the first 7 miles with no stops in 54 minutes, 7:43 pace. I stopped at the house for two gels and water then headed back out. I ran the second 7 miles with no stops in 58 minutes, 8:17 pace. I was cranking out the miles for sure. I stopped at the house for another two gels and headed back out. Then I had problems. These gels didn't agree with my stomach. I had a sidesplitting pain in the side after running 200 yards that forced me to walk holding my side for at least a mile before I felt better and could run again. Plus it was getting hotter. When I started it was 70F when I got done it was 85F. I was really slow on this 7.7 miles with multiple stops, 1:17, 10:00 pace. The total time for 21.7 miles was 3:18, 9:07 pace. I think the gel that had 2X caffeine was the one that didn't agree with me. You run long, you learn.

I biked once this week on Tuesday, 21 miles around the neighborhood.

I have been watching a lot of the Olympics this week. I will definitely have withdrawal when the Olympics are over! Right now, I am watching the Mens Marathon live from Beijing. The lead guys are running 4:45 miles in mid 80s heat and humidity ... crazy fast!

I worked a little on the house this week. I pulled the crappy looking contact paper in the bathroom closet and put down removable contact paper in the dining room hutches (everything was sticking to the paint). Though none of this will matter in the long run.

I had a pleasant surprise on Friday ... a phone call from JK. She filled me in on what has been happening in her life. She wants her painting supplies back. She graciously let me borrow them last September. I did have them a rather long time. I took them back today. I will email her this week with what has happened in my life.

Michael is washing his laundry and packing his stuff. My ex and I will take him back to Ithaca College tomorrow morning. Next week is a trip to Houghton College to take Karen back.

Rant: People who drive should actually obey the traffic laws! One, don't talk on your cell phone while you are driving! A wired headphone if you don't have Bluetooth is fifteen bucks which can save you a $125 ticket! Two, look right before you turn right at a stop light or stop sign! I have given up thinking that anyone that is stopped see me unless I see them looking at me ... even then I am not sure. Three: give runners more room! This doesn't apply to everyone, just those who don't.

Keeping active, Doug