An Above Average IM

Just Keep Running

I am surprised at the pace. My first mile was under 13 minutes—a vast improvement over the past month. My overall pace of 13:10 is also an improvement for the past month. Over the past year and a half, my physical health took a beating. From a numbness affecting the left side of my face to an overall feeling of lethargy and fatigue, I’ve not been able to exercise regularly. I was even struggling with work.

It feels like I might be coming out of a bleak period in my life. At least physically. I am once again able to maintain regular runs. Next, I plan on adding some upper body exercise. However, that’s always been tough. About three or four years ago, I regularly engaged in planking and push-ups, helping reduce my pace. I even came close to cracking the elusive 9:00 minute mile. But it was not as enjoyable as simple running.

So, I have been mentally debating the resumption of planking and push-ups. I’m optimistic I’ll finish the debate with a win towards resuming upper body workouts. Until that time, I will continue to push for regular runs.

Daring Escape

WOW

I stopped by Kwik Trip to pick up some hamburger buns. When I got home, I discovered that a package of Bavarian Cream Pasteries had perpetrated a daring escape. Tina will be pleased.

Exhibit #∞ Proving I’m Spoiled

WOW
Chicken Oscar with Mash Potatoes and Butter.
Chicken Oscar

Tina-made Chicken Oscar: Fried chicken topped with crab meat, asparagus tips, and hollandaise sauce. The picture doesn’t show that later I poured the leftover hollandaise sauce on the potatoes.

However, if you think the spoiling only goes one way;

I fried that ribeye! I also fried pork chops and made potatoes on Wednesday, but alas, no photo.

The Day After

Most of you know what 4/20 stands for. However, less well known is that 4/21 is National restock the snack and chips isles in Walmarts and convenience stores worldwide.

The IM Saga Continues

Just Keep Running

My slowest pace this year. But that’s to be expected. I took a route with steeper hills than I’ve been used to tackling. Also maintained a lower average heart rate. And I only hit 161 a couple of times on some steep inclines. So, all in all, I’m happy with this run.

My New Ride

My old Ford Fusion finally reached the end of its life. There is a long, convoluted story about attempting to get a re-built engine put into it, but that’s for another day. Suffice it to say, my credit was more than adequate to buy myself this vehicle.