562
05/13/08




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Running Rocks

I have finally gotten to the point where I can pound out three 9 minute miles over lunch and feel great at the end. No aches or pains, no crawling across the finish line, no labored breathing. It's awesome. I'm not the speediest by any means, but that'll come in time. I was first concentrating on just *finishing* a 5K. (Remember, at the beginning of 2008 I was working on getting up off the couch without pulling something.) Now I'll work on getting a little faster.

Running is the man. It's one of those things you can't really believe without actually doing it. I know my knees won't always be in as good a shape as they are now, so I owe it to my future self to run (and play hockey) now.

Comments
  • There seems to be something to the notion of the "runner's high". It's a phenomenon that I've heard about before and hear people swear by. And with my lack of stamina, probably something I'll never know. But good for you though on getting high.
       Posted by Joey on 05/13/08

  • I am glad to hear it Don. I have been in love with running for a little while now and I know how awesome it can make you feel. It's a love affair unlike other things that are easy to like, like chocolate, sleeping. But it's just as desirable as any of those if you let it become part of your life.

    And don't think running has to be hard on your knees. If you take care of yourself and train smart, the strength you will build in the muscles and connective tissue will help protect your joints.

    Or you can train like me and be hurt all the time! :)

    Happy running!
       Posted by Nathan Powell on 05/13/08

  • Thanks Joey. A good bag of smack is hard to come by in these parts, so, I run to get high.
    And I'll keep an eye on my connective tissue, Nate.
       Posted by DonnySpi on 05/14/08

561
05/12/08




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Your own kind

I recently corresponded with a potential client of Spidell Tech Solutions. She had heard of me through someone else for whom I did a website. I ended up turning down the project because it was more of a graphic arts type thing rather than making a website or web app. Here is what she wrote back to me... LOL!

"...Would you happen to have an associate/friend who has the software and can do this project? You "computer people" usually surround yourselves by others of your own kind...."

I could choose to be insulted, but it's more funny than anything else.

<robot voice> i tAlK liKe a coMpUTer and hang out with nerds.</robot voice>

**waves arms like robot and spins head around**

Johnny 5 alive! Need iiiiiiinnnput!

heheehe

Comments
  • heh - good one :-)

    "All your base are belong to us!"

       Posted by nils on 05/13/08

  • I should clarify, based on something someone said to me about this entry, I am not necessarily disagreeing with her statement about those I surround myself with. I am most struck by the boldness of her statement, her choice of words, and the condescending tone. Similarly, I could see an African American being insulted if I said that he surrounds himself with others of his own kind. It may be true, but sounds divisive to go ahead and say that to him.
       Posted by DonnySpi on 05/13/08

  • I have an even better one. I went to a doctor the other day who told me that computers were the work of the devil and that Bill Gates was the high priest. At first I thought he was joking but then I realized that he was actually serious.
       Posted by Shaw on 05/21/08

560
04/26/08




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Race Against Racism 2008

I defeated racism in 27 minutes and 24 seconds this morning. How about you? Earlier today I ran, along with 2850 other runners and walkers, the 2008 Race Against Racism 5K. It took me 47 seconds to cross the start line because there were so many people. The race was chip-timed (it's like EZ-Pass for runners), but the "official" time they gave me was the time from when the race started to when I finished. We seem to have missed out on the real advantage of chip timing. Whatev.

It was a good time and I ran with other people from Nxtbook. Go team Nxtbook!

I am exhausted now. A 5K last weekend, a crazy week at work with a business trip for three days at the beginning, and then a 5K today. And I mowed the lawn just now. Sleep.

Comments
  • That's funny... I hadn't read your blog post yet and I really did mow after the half. I had no idea why you thought that was so weird. You must have thought I was making fun of you.. :)
       Posted by Eric Gervase on 04/29/08

559
04/20/08




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First 5K - done!

This rainy afternoon I ran my first 5K race. It was the Sam Mizrahi Memorial 5K at Northern middle/elementary school complex in Dillsburg. Sam was a camper at HDYC who died in a car accident. Part of the course was on grass, which was not pleasant. And (I should have known this would happen) my Garmin ran out of batteries midway thru the race. Gah! My official time was 26:34, which I think is good factoring in the rain and grass.

Next weekend is the Race Against Racism in Lancaster. Hopefully my shoes will be dry by then.

Comments
  • Congratulations Don-izzle.

    26 minutes is fantastic! I wish I had done anywhere near that on my first 5K. I am still planning to trek down there next weekend to see you at the RAR. w00t!
       Posted by Nathan Powell on 04/21/08

  • Good stuff man... I see a sub 26 in your future.
       Posted by Eric Gervase on 04/21/08

558
04/16/08




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GPS for running

I got tired of mapping out distances, measuring out mileposts, and timing myself on an analog watch. So, I bought a Garmin Forerunner 205. It receives GPS data from our Big Brothers in the sky and calculates all sorts of information for me such as distance run, pace, elevation, grade of incline, and calories burned. It also tells time!

I took it out for a test run today. I did 2.00 miles in 17:17. The GPS is accurate to about 20 or 25 feet. Rock on. There are tons of other features I have yet to explore. One feature will tell you how to get back to where you started if you're a moron like me and you get lost while out running. Another feature acts like a virtual running partner. Not sure what that's all about. I have to try out the software that lets the watch interface with the computer and the internets. This is exciting.

Comments
  • Wow, that looks really cool. Sounds like it would be great for hiking, I'll have to check it out.
       Posted by Shaw on 04/17/08

  • 2 miles in 17:17???? Wow, you're fast already.
       Posted by Eric Gervase on 04/17/08

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