I ran five miles on Sunday.
That’s all I got.
I’m tired.
Grand Total: 26 Workouts And 63.77 Miles
Archive for February, 2009
Week 14: Dead Tired
February 24th, 2009Coach To Singapore: The Only Way To Fly
February 24th, 2009
As requested by my loyal readers some guy Jeff works with, I’ve been asked to write about my next potential business trip: Singapore for a week. I’m a design engineer with GE Aviation, working on high pressure compressor (HPC) blades for various commercial engine programs such as the CFM56 (see also this video). Many of our HPC blades go through a company called ATI for repair, and this particular repair shop is in Singapore.
First, here is a list of countries I’ve been to: France, Canada… and that’s it. Unless you count some of the Caribbean countries we went to on our honeymoon. I’m excited to get the opportunity to travel somewhere I’m sure I’ll only see once in my lifetime. Unfortunately, the airfare to Singapore isn’t cheap. This is one of the very rare trips that qualify for business class, but I’ve been asked to consider going in coach because it’s a fifth of the cost. And there’s the dilemma: Is a travel plan that includes a twenty hour non-stop flight in coach worth a rare opportunity to see Singapore? Probably, but there is something not right about spending almost an entire day on a plane.
The tentative trip is scheduled for March 27 (two days after my birthday) to April 3 and I hope to know if I’m going in the next week or so. Expect a lot more posts about Singapore if the trip gets approved.
Treadmill, We Can't Be Pals Anymore
February 17th, 2009
Dear Treadmill,
What’s the deal treadmill? Maybe I haven’t given you a fair shake since I’ve only tried running on a treadmill a few times. However, each time I felt worse afterward (and sometimes during) than I would have on a normal run. I can’t even run on you without hurting my ankle. I am not cool with that. Running is supposed to be a time when I can relax and clear my head. But when I’m using you, treadmill, all I can think is “don’t fall off, don’t fall off, don’t fall off.”
Let’s not forget how mind-numbingly boring it is to run on you. Sure, you’re convenient, but I’d still choose running past the various wildlife carcasses on the bike trail* over staring at the wall in front of me. You’re supposed to be a good alternative when the weather is lousy, but it’s impossible to feel like I’m running naturally. I’m jumping as the ground moves beneath me – how is this any better than a jump rope? I shouldn’t have to change my pace and stride to fit your needs. Stop being so selfish treadmill! Look, I tried, but the awkward power walk I’m forced to do as the machine speeds up just isn’t cool. You enjoy making me look ridiculous, don’t you?
In summary: treadmill, we are no longer bros. For now, when the weather is bad I’ll stick to the indoor track.
*= This is true. I definitely ran past a dead deer next to the bike trail on Wednesday.
Week 13: Three Miles And A Cloud of Dust
February 15th, 2009I was able to reach this week’s goal of four miles, thanks to some decent weather that allowed me to run on the bike trail. I would have died from boredom if I had to run four miles (36 laps!) on the indoor track. The dip in pace is when I turned around, so I’m not sure what happened there. I’m worried about the hills of the Half Pig – miles 5-8 are uphill – so I’ve been slowly working in some hills into the runs.
I started using a new training program from Runner’s World Smart Coach. This program is somewhat aggressive but I think it works better with my schedule and running experience. Next week’s goal is five miles!
Week 12: Snow, Cold, and Laziness
February 8th, 2009I was late getting to Glenwood Gardens on Friday and didn’t stretch at all. Big mistake! Warming up is important! It keeps me from being sore the next day!
We went a total of 3.5 miles and I’m not even sure what the interval was – 4 min run/ 1 min walk maybe? It’s just been one of those weeks where everything blurs together. I missed Wednesday’s run due to a combination of snow, cold, and laziness, but that’s only the second day I’ve skipped since I started.
My goal for next week is 4 miles. I’m a couple of weeks ahead of my training schedule and I’m feeling pretty good, but a little nervous about the increased workload. In addition to training, in the next two weeks I have (1) two presentations and a paper in management class, (2) a midterm in marketing class and then a presentation two weeks after that, and (3) an important design review at work. Good times!
Cleveland Winter > Cincinnati Winter
February 4th, 2009One of the things I dislike about Cincinnati is the lack of snow. That’s right I said it: I LOVE SNOW. BRING ON THE WHITE DEATH. Like so:
That’s my parents’ house and they have nearly three feet of snow. Ten inches fell last night alone and yet there was no snow day for the kiddies. Clevelanders are hard core when it comes to winter. I love it.
Really, though, the best part of the picture is the snow shovel in the background. Really, Dad? Really? No one believes that.
