Last Non-Football Sunday

So here I sit, looking for something to do. I'm sure some of you have been bombarded by my tweets and blog posts, because its finally the first time in weeks that I haven't been busy with something going on. After just watching Julie & Julia, I felt it was time to get to the business of writing.

After being stuffed with so many good college football games yesterday, here I sit wanting some NFL action but having to wait until Thursday for the Broncos/Ravens game.  This being the last Sunday without fantasy football for the next 17 weeks, makes me realize I have 2 FFL drafts this week.

Yesterday's NCAAF action shouldn't go without mention. Actually, I should start with the Gophers big win on Thursday over UNLV.  They dominated every phase of the game, which I'm sure all Minnesota fans hope continues through the year and B1G schedule.Phillip Nelson looked very mobile and the UofM's defense was very solid.

As for the rest of the football slate, there were big upsets by small schools, Johnny Football's return after autograph-gate, and classic endings.  I started with #1 Alabama victory over Virginia Tech who usually is the team that dominates on special teams, this time it was 'Bama. Christion Jones had a punt return, kick return & a receiving TDs, to lead the Tide.

Next up was my favorite game of the day between #8 Clemson vs. #5 Georgia.  The game started fast with both teams scoring quickly. Many Heisman candidates were on display; Tajh Boyd (CLEM QB) went 18/30 with 270 yards, 3TDs also ran for 2 TDs as well, Todd Gurley (GA RB) ran for 154 yards with 2 TDs.

 The final game of the day that I was able to get my eyes on was the match-up between #12 LSU vs. #20 TCU, and just like the Clem/GA game it started fast and didn't disappoint. With both teams with fast offenses, both teams through up a bunch of points. In the end LSU managed to pull away at the end.

Now we have to sit and wait until next Saturday when we get a full roster of College and NFL games, fantasy football geeks will be going nuts, like myself. I hope you all enjoy the upcoming football. Go Gophers & Vikings!!

Photos courtesy of ESPN

Biking Around

With my car breaking down this past week. It gave me plenty of extra time on my bicycle. Biking to and from the car to get everything set with the mechanic and biking to work, gave me ample spots to photograph. Over the span of 3 days I managed to bike a little over 40 miles.

Here are some of my favorite pics I took through downtown Plainfield and at the Springbrook Prairie Preserve in Naperville.


These first couple shots are from another bike ride in Aurora and Naperville along Diehl Rd.

New Fantasy Footbal Video

This video is for my Fridley guys FFL, enjoy. I left myself out of this one.

Wedding Slide Show

If you would like to check out the slide show I made for the wedding Click here . Sorry it was put together quickly.

A Few Wedding Pics

I'll post more about the day, I just wanted to post a couple (a lot) of my favorites!

Another long break...

But I'm back and running again, I keep trying to find time. Today I found some time through the trails of southern Naperville around Commishioner's Park. Saw a few gentlemen playing cricket. A fairly warm run made me press a little more then I was hoping I would have to do.

 

Naperville Park Loop

Distance -3.2 miles
Time - 25:54
Pace - 8:05 ppm
Temp - 72*

Last 2 Runs...

Gonna keep this short and sweet.

Went on a run on Thanksgiving that started out as a short run and ended up a little bit longer then planned. The smell of turkey was in the air the entire run. Here's the route I did along the Prairie Path.

Total Miles: 4.5 miles
Total Time-?? Accidently deleted time
Pace: pretty fast

Then again on Thursday the 29th I made myself finally go out on the road again. I had been so tired from working Black Friday and the days following. I really only wanted to do a short run, until a friend of mine told me to do a longer run, so I ended up doing my Eola run from home.

Total Miles: 5.8 miles
Total Time - 42:44 out-22:38 back-20:06
Pace: 7:22 min/mile

Slacking...

<p>I promise to actually get something up on here soon. Its been a crazy week in the retail world and its not getting any easier with Black Friday coming. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, in case I dont get a post up by then. Happy Running everyone!

New Night Run

Saturday Night's Run

After having a stressful day yesterday, I managed to get a bunch of stuff done today, but was tired from running around everywhere. I knew in the back of my head that I posted on here that I was going to do a long run today, so I did. It was a quiet run from my place down Diehl to Hwy 59 and back. Once again I managed some really good negative splits.  Here are the stats:

Total Miles - 8.6
Total Time - 67:07
Pace - 7:48 min/mile
Temp - 63*, S 15-25 mph winds
YTD Miles - 194.0 (365 was year goal)

Splits: 4.3 miles each way

Home to Eola - 20:00
Eola to Hwy59 - 15:26,  Total time-35:27,  Pace-8:15 min/mile

Hwy59 to Eola -14:39
Eola to Home - 17:08, Total time-31:47, Pace 7:23 min/mile

Workout After:
50 Situps
30 Pushups
35 Flutter Kicks
35 Crunches
25 Diamond Pushups

Gear:
UA Storm RPM Spine Shoes
Nike Basketball Shorts
UA HeatGear Compression Tee
FA Cloud Layer
EB Headlamp
Bear Grylls Knife
1 water bottle

(Check previous posts below for gear websites)

Breaking Point

My body has gone through so much over the last few days, that when I woke up until now it is utterly sore beyond belief. I decided to take the day off and try to rest as much as possible today. So when I came home from work i completely crashed. I was intending to do some errands but my mid afternoon nap went a lot longer then expected, and I missed a beautiful day to go run.

Hopefully if I can get my butt up early enough to take care of the things I wanted to do today I can get out and enjoy the supposed 70 degree day we are supposed to have on Saturday. I want to try to push to 7-9 miles, since my last few have been shorter, its time to push myself a little and go the longer distance. Well I hope my body and mind feel up for it tomorrow. Talk to you soon.

Happy Running

Oops..I did it again.

After last night workout and run with Bobby, I was pumped all day to do it again because I felt so good today. I didn't manage to lift like we did yesterday with his weights but I was still really sore before I hit the road. The trail was so peaceful and quiet, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone without a headlamp, knife and hand to hand combat skills. My runs through the woods aren't for the faint of heart. Then I came back and finished up my situps and then clipped my kitties nails.

Well, tomorrow I hope to continue my streak of running, it would be 5 days in a row, if I sneak one in and I'm sure I will.

Happy Running Everybody!

Thursday Night Trail Run

Total Miles - 2.5
Total Time - 19:04
Pace - 7:37 min/mile
Temp - 35* no wind

YTD Miles - 185.4

Workout Before:
Tri Pull Down w/band - 15/15/15
Pushups - 45reg/15diamond/20diamond
Pullups - 12wide/12reg/11wide
Situps - 35/25/20
Plank - 1 for 75 sec

Workout After:
Situps - 30

Gear:
UA Storm RPM Spine Shoes
UA Fleece Pant
UA Green Catalyst T-Shirt
FA Cloud Layer
UA Hat
UA Run Gloves
Bear Grylls Knife
Timex Ironman Watch
EB Headlamp

Night Trail Run!

Wednesday's Trail Run at Night

Total Miles - 2.5
Total Time - 20:07        out-10:59 back-9:07

Pace - 7:46 min/mile

Weight - 164.4#
Temp - 41* 3mph wind
YTD Miles - 182.9

Gear:
UA Storm RPM Spine Shoe
UA Shorts
UA Run Tee
UA Run Gloves
EB Headlamp
Fridley High School Basketball Hoodie


Workout Before:
Pullups - 10Wide/12Mid/8Curl
Cleans - 10 @ 72.5#
Bench - 12/12/10/10 @ 112.5#
Rows - 12/12/12 @ 102.5#
Curls - 10/10/10 @ 62.5#
Tris - 10/8/6 @62.5#
Delts 10/10/10 @ 62.5#

Workout After:
30 Pushups
5 Pullups

Election Coverage

I know most of you are glued to your TVs, I've been enjoying the coverage on NBC. Not much else to say but enjoy the excitement tonight. Go USA!

Rainy River Run

Tuesday's Rainy Run along the Fox River

Waterfall near Hollywood Casino in Aurora

Total Miles - 6.9
Total Time - 54:09 
out-27:33   back-26:35
Pace - 7:50 min/mile
Temp - 37* rainy & overcast 12mph wind
Weight - 166.0 lbs.
YTD Miles - 180.4

Gear:
UA Storm RPM Spine Shoes
UA Leggings
UA Run Pant
EB Long Sleeve Tee
FA Soft Shell Jacket
UA Run Gloves
iPhone & headphones
1 water bottle

Not too much to mention, today's run was cold, windy & rainy. It was nice having the parh conpletely clear because of the conditions. Only saw 2 people, and that was when I was by the casino. Not much wildlife either, just saw a couple ducks in the river and squirrels in the park.

My favorite part of the whole run was the smell by the casino. The whole area was scented with fried chicken, it was heavenly. Which I now have a serious craving for some chicken now. Maybe if I make some, I'll post my recipe on my Hobby Corner Blog.

Here are some pictures of the run: