"The Pacer"

I just got home from the Y and have to post this. As I got out of the pool and headed to my locker, I had to bob and weave around a guy that seemed to be lost in the rectangular shaped locker room. So as I dance around him and head to change, he follows me. He has apparently now located his brain and found his locker as well. Lucky me, right across the aisle. This is where it gets rather interesting. He starts talking to himself, he is pacing and in a borderline rant. I do my best not to look in his direction fearing he might want to have some sort of conversation with me. He's grumbling about his towel, his deodorant, really just about anything he is able to see. I am just trying to get the hell out there as quickly as I can. As I grab my bag and head for the door, he's still walking around like he is in some sort of courtroom debate and clearly work like mad to win the case! For those keeping score, he was winning. And seemed to have whatever jury he was talking to rather convinced, I just haven't seen a lot of unda-pants lawyers. Maybe he's a trend setter

Gut Check = Hurt Locker

Now I know that there is a movie out called "Hurt Locker" Hollywood clearly has stole this title from the buddy of mine. But at any rate, I loaded my gear bag and headed to the Y last night for a little run and swim session. Its been a few years since I've been a Y memember, but I need a place run and swim. With Lifetime being so expensive, and fake to me, I rejoined the Y. Plus, if I am in WI or IA, I can use the facilities there as well.
I get a treadmill in the back of the of the room, plug the iPod in and select Gut Check from the playlist, turn the channel to the Olympics and off I go. "Prayer" by Sevendust comes on and this sets the tone for what is going to be a great 40 minute run. It gets better from there and as Eminem's "Lose Yourself" comes on we are full speed ahead at a break neck offseason pace. Now, the treadmills I am running on are new to me. They have these goofy touch screens and hand controls, similar to an X-Wing Fighter. I was able to figure them out pretty quick when I first ran on them a few weeks ago, but the older lady next to me was lost. So with my HR about 223 she decides its a good time to start asking me how to use it. WRONG! I am a breathing like a clydsdale, stopping snakes with every stride and generating some of the best runners form seen in a long time. You know, the classic over striding, reaching every step....no really, I've heard its a very very efficient way to run. Knowing I am running so poorly, I try to shorten my stride, adjust my breathing and settle into a good rythm. By the way, I am singing "Lose Yourself" this entire time.....probably failing at that as well, ha!! I am able to keep my pace, assist the lady next to me, only to watch her walk for another 30 seconds and leave. That was time well spent to show her, maybe I was sweating or stunk to much?!?!
It was a good workout session and the pool set was so so. I was tired from the run, lack of food and some mild dehydration. Best part of the workout was finding out that "Slapshot" was playing on Versus (thanks for the text) and that the front desk attendant told me where the nearest Chipotle was located!!

Recent Accomplishments

1) Shoveled the driveway, and I happen to think its the nicest on the block. I may be a little bias
2) Resigned up to become a YMCA member
3) Shoveled the driveway
4) Cooked a nice stay at home dinner
5) Shoveled the driveway
6) Went to a new eatery in Northeast called Victory 44, it was great. Kate and I had blast and the food was amazing
7) Still shoveling the driveway

So it could be worse, I could live in DC which is getting more snow than Houghton/Hancock is this year...or worse yet, in CA with all the headcase nut jobs out there!!

Its started

Everyone has signs that indicate their training has started for whatever joy in life they pursue. This is one sign for me that I am getting back into it.

First would be the unopened beer

Second would be the jug of Hammer Gel

Cottage Cheese

Carrots

Broccoli

And the fact that the fridge was stocked full on Monday, its now Wednesday....good thing I live close to three grocery stores!!