Another three at sunset. Third day of running in a row. Eleven miles with eight more to go this weekend. Starting to get into a grove. Gotta keep pressing. I am starting to think i can do this thing. Eight miles this weekend will be a real confidence booster.
I hope that this is the first of many “Longest Runs Ever.” Took off early on a Saturday morning for a long run. Was going to go to Panama City Beach, but the weather was iffy. So I stayed close to home and ran. Was going really well until I was almost eaten by a roving pack of dogs. Some idiot let his dogs run free early on a Saturday morning. I had my headphones blasting, so by the time I heard the barking, there was on me. He was about 3 feet away, barking his head off. I had to stop and slowly back away. For a second there, I actually thought he was going to bite me. Wished I actually had some mace or something. There were 2 other dogs just behind him, both i the 50 pound range. I have no sympathy for people who let their dogs run free.
Anyway, the whole incident stole my running mojo. I slowly got it back, but it was not easy. Came into the house almost dead from the long run. Light-headed and panting like a dog . . .such fun!
Finished my 4th workout of the week. I have been mixing it up more - added stationary bike to the routine to save some of the wear and tear on my legs. Seems to be working. My last 2 runs of this week were my fastest of this training cycle.
Week’s stats:
- Biked 8 on Monday
- Ran 3 on Tues
- Biked 8 and Ran 2 on Weds (indoors)
- Ran 3 on Thurs
So, I am all set up fro my long run on Saturday. I plan on doing 7 miles, which will be almost my longest run ever. I ran a little over 7 (about 7.25) a year ago getting ready for my first 10K.
Staty tuned.
Spent the weekend in Nashville watching the Tennessee Titians play the New England Patriots. Family guys days out. Chris and I met my Dad and brother - who came from Virginia - for the game. 
We had a great time. Had fabulous seats at the game. 2nd row, field level, about the 30 yard line. Lots and lots of Patriot fans at the game. Didn’t outnumber the Titian fans, but still a lot more than I would have thought. The people of Tennessee were polite and respectful, just what I would expect from southerners. They gave us a hard time about wearing Patriot gear, but in a nice way.
During the down time, we went to Corky’s for some BBQ, the Lane Motor Mueseum to see some cars and motorcycle, and ate at McCormick’s, an Irish pub.
I was reading a book the other day about goals and life plans. I was written by Brian Tracy. He said something that really struck me as odd, but true. He said:
Virtually all of us have four main goals in common. Theses are (1) to be fit, be healthy, and live a long life; (2) to do work we enjoy and be well paid for it; (3) to be in happy relationships with people we love and respect and who love and respect us in return; and (4) to achieve financial independence so we never have to worry about money again. Flight Plan, p.8 by Brian Tracy
Think about that. It is so true. Have you ever had a personal goal that didn't fit into one of those categories? Not I. I have been setting goals for years, and can honestly say that they all fit into one of the above. These appear to be human universal goals, or HUGs.
So, why is this important? Well, maybe it isn't. But, then again, maybe it is.
I think it shows that we are all more similar than we are different; that we all want the same things in life - mainly, health, wealth, love, and respect. Remember that the next time you are watching two talking heads screaming at each other on the TV over some ridiculous issue. We are all more similar than different. We all want the same things. Our HUGs give us away.
That is what I think. How about you?