Well, Jack doesn’t necessarily like country music, but he likes a country singer. Definitely a good start. The explanation is in the “Talkin’ Jack” section.
MLB All-Star Game
It had been about 10-12 years since I had been as interested in the MLB All-Star Game as I was last night. I was able to sit myself on the couch with my laptop by about the 4th inning. My wife made me a couple of Nathan’s hot dogs with cheese on top — perfect baseball food. The game went quick, but I enjoyed watching it. It didn’t turn out the way I wanted, but it was a decent game. I guess when you’re facing Papelbon, Nathan and Rivera in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings, you’d better have a nice lead. The Howard-Nathan at bat was fun to watch. Nice rob by Carl Crawford in left. And the American League wins, again. Wait … I’m supposed to write about running.
Today’s Run
The plan this morning was for about 10 miles, because I needed to get back in time for my wife to run. I got up, got ready to go. My knee was bugging a little bit and I couldn’t find my house key. I took that as a sign. But I blew through that stop sign and kept rolling. I found my wife’s keys, did a couple of light stretches and got rolling. While I was running, my thoughts were about how much work I need to get done right now, especially with my looming August 1 deadline. So at the 0.51 mile mark, I did the turnaround. 1.03 miles today. Wow, I feel like a distance runner … a distance runner with a lot of code to write.
I just need to keep telling myself that all this work I have is coming at a perfect time, because it’s allowing me to somewhat rest my knee while I wait to see the doctor next Monday. Yeah, I need to tell myself that, because if I don’t, I’m going to go crazy (crazier). This is so frustrating, words can’t really explain it. I’m looking forward to getting my life back, where I wake up, go for a run, have breakfast with the wife and kids, work all day, spend the evening with the kids before they go to bed and then hang out with the wife for a little while and relax. Right now, I guess I’m settling for work, sleep 6 hours, repeat. August, where are you? Are you getting close?
Does Anybody Read This?
If so, please post a comment or send me a question or something like that! I keep wondering if anybody is actually reading this, other than my wife (Tiff, you’re reading this, right?) …
HUGE Shout To Gundy!
A running acquaintance of mine, Jonathan Gunderson, finished 11th overall yesterday in the Badwater Ultramarathon. If you don’t know what that race is, it’s a 135-miler, starting at 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley, California, and climbing up to Mt. Whitney. Oh, and temps are above 115. I can’t imagine finishing that race. I ran (and I use the term “ran” loosely) a 50-mile race in 85-degree temps and no marathon I’ve ever run was anywhere near as thrashing on my body as that one. If it would have been 30 degrees warmer, I would have only had to run 85 more miles after I crossed the finish line. No way. I don’t know how he does it. And I don’t know why he does it, either. But he does it for a good cause, and he’s amazing.
Talkin’ Jack
In case this is your first time here, or if you’ve never been to the rest of the site, I’m planning on running 60 marathons next year to raise awareness for a charity called Train 4 Autism. My son, Jack, is severely autistic and I want to do something to make a difference in his honor. In this spot in each blog, I’ll talk about Jack a little bit.
Yesterday, he discovered the TV show “Wipeout” and apparently it’s a big hit. Anything that makes my little guy happy is a hit with me, too! It looks like we found his Leapster, too (it had been missing for a few days). That’s a hand-held video game system that has educational games. He doesn’t get the same educational value out of it that Benjamin did, but he likes it. And again, anything that Jack likes, I like. Apparently, during “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch last night, that included Sara Evans. He started laughing and smiling when she sang. I’ve been a fan of hers for years.
Ice Cream Update
I went with chocolate chip cookie dough last night, making it 21 straight days with ice cream or frozen yogurt. I originally reached for the mint chocolate chip, but I had just eaten a cookie that was kind of like a Thin Mint (Girl Scout cookie) so I went with the chocolate chip cookie dough instead.
Country Music Song of the Day
This song is several years old, but I’ve heard it on the radio twice in the past couple of days, plus when I used to run with an iPod, it was always the song I closed out every run and race with. So, I figured I might as well post it for all your enjoyment (well, at least mine).
That’s All I Have For Today
I appreciate you reading this, and I’ll probably remind you with every blog that this isn’t just a blog — it’s a daily rambling by a guy working hard for a good cause. It’s all about getting out there and making a difference for a great charity, Train 4 Autism. Register at the site, pick a race (even if it’s just a 5K), and spread the word. Try to send one person here today that hasn’t been here yet. Thank you! Have a great day!
Ben Delaney says
I am reading this, even if does involve country music stuff. Oh, and it feels good to know that I am running more then you right now. I know it won’t last, but I will take it when I can get it.
Dan Merker says
Sam,
I’m here, reading. So your efforts are not in vain. Now that I’m subscribed via the RSS feed, I’ll be a regular reader.
Sounds like Jack has good taste — Sara Evans is one of my favorite country singers.
I’ve been running more, and would like to enter a 10k before too much longer. I’d like to think I’m ambitious enough to run with you in the KC Marathon in 10/2010, but I don’t know if I am. It’s at least an idea/target. There’s time. Baby steps.
Dan Merker says
Sam,
I’m here, reading, and will read regularly now that I’m subscribed through the RSS feed.
I must say that Jack has good taste in music — Sara Evans has been one of my favorite country singers for years!
Quite impressed by what you’re doing — both physically and logistically! I’ve been running a bit more and hope to run a 10k before too much longer. I’d like to think I could join you in the KC Marathon in 10/2010, but I’m not sure I’m that ambitious. It’s a good goal, and there’s plenty of time between now and then, so it’s at least on the radar. Baby steps.
Take care.
Shelly Overton says
Sam,
Country Music is great and love that fact that Jack loves Sara Evans, my husband is a huge fan and even has had a meet & greet with her, she is very nice.
I’ve been doing something about some connections here. I’ll keep you posted on my progress in the country music area.
Happy Thursday!
Erin Ruff says
I’m reading! I forwarded your blog info to all my running friends. I’ll keep on them.
Brittany Slade says
My name is Brittany and I did early intervention with \”Jackie\” a few years back. Such a cutie with his blond, curly, hair. I remember that he LOVED his books, and would sit in my lap to read them. What you are doing for Jack, and for the many other children and families affected by Autism, is truly remarkable. I would love to get involved with Operation Jack, please let me know what I can do! Please tell Tiffany that I said hello. 🙂
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