Man oh man this mornings run was a crazy one. I was not super excited about getting up but I somehow drug my butt out there. Much to my suprise I felt ok at the start. But not long into the run lets just say my bottom started to get the best of me. Man I do not know what the hell I ate but I sure feel like I have had too many bathroom vists as of late. When you find yourself running from bathroom to bathroom every mile or so it is not much fun !!!! So after 5 miles I just said no more and shut the run down.

Miles for the day= 5

double time

Maybe today I got back on track ? I ended up getting two runs in today. I ran this morning with Sonya and Evan. I felt pretty good. but then if you ran as little as me last week you should feel good !! Then to back it up I took Sorenson up on a offer to run a easy 6 miles after I got off work. I started off a bit slow but by the end was feeling good and felt like I could knock out a few more if I wanted to. I guess this would be a good start to the week.

Miles for the day= 12

I ended up with no run once more to cap of a crazy week of stuff and a sucky week of running. With weeks like this I am doomed at TCM !!!

Kraig & Cassi get married !!

Last night my little brother Kraig got married to one heck of a great woman in Cassi. I am very proud of him, and happy for the two of them. The wedding was a nice and simple outdoor event at Chester park in Duluth on the SHT trail. The party after was at the beach house on park point. There was so many cool people at the party !! The girls had so much fun as well.

Today for the run after a nice day at the beach was with Sonya and Liz on a bunch of trail's in Duluth. It felt very good and was lot's of fun. Sonya was moving so much better on the trails then the last time we ran these. Let's just say the SHT trails are to rocky for Sonya but she was a supper trooper.

Miles for the day= 9

No time to Blog......

Ok so the last few days have not been good to me for bloging. Between Evan's b-day and getting ready to go up to Duluth for my little brother Kraig's wedding. So this will have to cover Thursday and Friday.

Thursday- I met up with Nick at the bandshell for a early morning run. I knew since my week of miles I needed to get in at least 10 miles. I figured get in a few miles with Nick and between getting there and back home I should have a solid 10 miles in. At the start of my run I was feeling rather slow but by the time I got to Nick I was feeling much better. I was feeling the effects of much to much b-day cake. Other than that I felt pretty good. Miles for the day= 10


Friday- Well today was just not a good day. I had once more hoped to get in 10 miles but I just felt bad, bad, bad !!! By the time I strugeled home I had a whopping 5 miles. Miles for the day= 5

Happy B-day my Little Man

Today is my little boy Evan's 1st B-Day !!!! I can not believe how fast the last year has gone by. He is such a blessing to our family. Let me tell you he is a boy on the move at this time. He is a super walker, sometimes seems like he is running !!! God bless you little man. Thanks for changing our lives is the best way !!! I LOVE YOU.

Did I go for a swim ?

Man oh man is it hot and humid outside !! I went for my run after work. I desided to go run the lakes loop so I knew I would be by many water stops. Let's just say today would have also been a good day to say screw this. I think I was wet before I even started running. Considering the weather I did feel pretty good which made me feel pretty good. I think it helped to take it easy and drink, drink , drink. I made sure to get water at every stop I could. By the time I got home I thought it was funny because I looked like I just came out of the lake from a swim. Man let's hope this does not stay for a long haul.

Tomarrow is my little man Evan's 1st B-day !!!! I have lot's of stuff to hang up today. Wow a year sure goes by fast.

After my good weekend I took a day of rest.

Let me tell you all I was very tired after yesterday. I said to Sonya I was not sure how this day after stuff was going to go. We where running with Evan to meet Nick and try to run long. Much to my happiness I was feeling much better after 10 to 15 min's of running. It was a pretty nice morning today as well. It was nice to run with Nick and get more caught up on things. Much to my surprise we ended up back home just after 2 hours of running !! It was a nice and easy run. It was also nice to see our friends Pat and Paul running while we where out there. By the way Pat won the Lumberjack race yesterday !!! Nice job PR. I think it was a good weekend.

Miles for the day= 16+

Lumberjack 10 miler

So today was the big Lumberjack Days 10 miler. This is a race Sonya has run many times, even has won it once before !! I have only run it one time before today. The is a pretty fast course given that is is normaly hotter than hell out. I belive it is a overall net drop from start to finish. I would say though that if you do not run it correct you can get screwed. There are many rolling up hills just nothing very step like some of the downhills you get to run.

I was looking for a good solid effort today as I am building towards my TCM goal. I was thinking like 6:15's or so would be good. Givin that Sonya desided to run with me and see what would happen. As I found out later that 6:15 pace would get her under the state record for 40 year old's for the 10 mile distance. The weather was very good. Wow what a change, last time I ran this I wanted to peal my skin off mid-race. We where real good the first 3 miles, even a bit fast but it felt good so we went with it. The next 3 miles there is some uphill so we did slow some but I still knew me where good. When we hit 10k at sub 39:40 I knew we still had it. After 10k it is like falling off a clif in a few places so we had some pretty fast miles. Sonya was hanging so tuff I tell you, she was in 4th place for women. I think it has been great seeing how tuff she has been this year. Remember people she had a kid just less than 1 year ago !! It did get a bit tuffer the last mile or two but I felt like we closed real good. I belive the last mile was like 6:05 or so. In the end she just missed the record but ran her second fastest time ever in 1:02.57 and I ran a solid 1:02.50. I will tell you this I do feel like I am comming around to this road racing once more. I just need a few workouts and a few more races under my belt.

Miles for the day= 12

So for my day before the race I decided to go for a nice and easy 8 miler with Evan. Today is Evan's 1 year old picture day so I good pre nap would be in order. What better way to make sure that happens then to take him for a run. Well sure enough that was the ticket. I do not think we made it more than 2 miles before he was out like a light. As for the loop I thought our run around Lake Nakomis and back would be a good one since other that coming up the hugh hill on 50th back home it is pretty flat and all. I was feeling pretty good on the way out so I was very happy about that. Once we got out to the lake I knew I need to find a bathroom. The hard thing when you are running with the jogger by yourself is that in times like this you need to find those BIG port-a-poddy's so you can take it in with you. Luck for me there is one there at the lake. So once I took care of my bathroom issues we were off and running back home. It was a pretty nice afternoon and all. I just kept telling myself that I felt good and easy and that was how I would feel come race time tomarrow. You know that whole going over it in your head over and over so race day you feel it in your body. It seems to work more times that not for me. I guess we will see if it works this time. After the run I streached a bunch !!! I must keep up on this type of stuff. It was a good run and I feel ready to go. Bring on the big bad Lumberjack !!!

Miles for the day= 8

A good idea

Well taking that day off was a pretty good idea. I got to spend a bit more time with the family getting things done. Plus I felt real good today on the run. I took a short day today. I figured Evan and I would do out loop around Lake Harritt with some 1 min pick up's along the way. I was a nice day today. We got out in the morning so it was not super bad heat wise. I am looking foward to the race this Saturday. I think it will be fun to shake it out a bit. I am looking at it as a up tempo run. I just hope it does not get to hot out. Well bad to my run today. It was all pretty good. I felt like my pick up's where faster than normal. Man running fast with the jogger is a bit tricky at times. Evan seems to like it !!!

Miles for the day= 5+

Sometimes life get's in the way and you just need to take a day off. I was thinking of taking Friday off but I guess it will be today.

Man so today I think was the day I paid the price for running a bit to hard yesterday after my solid weekend of miles. I was very sluggish most of the way. I ran after work which I think sometimes makes it harder now a days for me. I do not know what it is but I seem to have more sub-par runs alone after the long day at work. I would not say I felt like total dag meat, just a little bit. I guess I should not complain. Tomorrow I am thinking of adding a few pick ups in the middle of the run to shake out the legs pre race.

Miles for the day= 6+

After my great 34 mile weekend I decided to take a easy short day. What luck we have huh,it seems to be getting warmer just in time for the upcoming Lumberjack Days 10 mile race. So with the somewhat warmer temps Evan and I waited till early evening for our run together. We did the easy from the house around Lake Harriet and back loop. That is a simple 5 mile section. I could tell at the start that I was feeling a bit sluggish but just took it real easy down to the lake. Once I got on the lake path I seemed to be getting sucked into a faster pace with all the people around. Evan seemed to be real vocal on the run tonight. He sat up in the jogger the whole way and just talked away with me. I think a bunch of the walkers we passed thought he was super cute. I would agree with them if I do not say so myself !! In the end I felt pretty good overall even if I did push it a bit to much pace wise.

Miles for the day= 5

What flys ?

Today I met up with Paul to do a run with him and his dog Sunshine. We went to one of our favorite places the MN river bottoms. One thing with trying to run trails this time of the year sometimes is the deer flys can be super bad. To help with the flys I find wearing a real lightweight t-shirt and a running cap can be great because the flys will ride along but not bite through the clothing. I might make you a bit warmer but beats get eaten alive. With some luck the flys today where not that bad. Thanks god !! Paul was looking to get in like 16-18 miles for the day. Since I ran 16 the day before I thought we will just play it by ear. I was a bit tired the first few miles but seem to warm up real well after like 4 miles of running. From that point one I felt really pretty good. We decided on hitting 18 on the way out. I thought hell this is good and it is giving me great excitement to know I got in like 34 miles for the weekend !! I think I could have used a little more water but was pretty good overall. It is always good to run with Paul. I guess I will see what tomorrow brings ? Heck after this weekend bring it on. I just need to be smart since we have the Lumberjack 10 miler comming up on Saturday.

Miles for the day= 18

Blanket Gate 07

So Sonya and I where looking to go longer today to get a good start to the weekend and to try to get something longer in before Lumberjack 10 miler next weekend. We where going to meet out friend Jason Zarn at Lake Nakomis and go from there. We started at 6:45am to try and beet the heat, plus I needed to be at work by 10am. When we started it was super nice like 68 with a nice breeze. When we met up with Jason The Lifetime tri was going on. What a great day compared to the last few. We next ran up the parkway to the greenway trail. I was feeling real good on all of this part. We saw some friends Like Chad Austin and Jenna Boren running as well. We even ran into Russell as he was starting what sounded like a crazy tuff workout. Because of the cool temps at the start Sonya felt that Evan needed his blanket and sweatshirt. Once we got to the greeway path we decided it was time to take it all off but left the blanket. Well as we ran more I noticed that somewhere Evan tossed the blanket and we did not notice. This made Sonya very unhappy !! I ran back a bit but did not see it. I knew she wanted it and that it bothered her allot but I was getting short on time. We decided to keep going and Sonya would come back later. I was continuing to feel good. Once we got like 1 1/2 to 2 miles from home I took off so I had time to shower and such. Man was I flying !! I felt real good as well, but was happy to be done. It was a good day all in all and I was happy. Sonya went a little bit more when we got home and then went to look for the blanket. After adding another half hour looking she ended up with like 3 hours for the day !!

Miles for the day= 16

Today was a rest day. I knew I was hoping to have a big weekend of miles so I decided to spend some time with Sonya and watch the tour !!! Got to get ready for tomarrow. I belive we are looking at like 17 or 18 miles.

On the run tonight the air was so cool and crisp ! It has been so great the last few days for being outside. Sonya, Evan and I got out for the run a little later at night and it was so pretty down by the lakes. Evan really liked the big band playing a free concert at the bandshell. This little guy sure like to come with us in the jogger. Thanks god since we would be screwed if he did not like the jogger. We did our Lake Harriett/ Lake Calhoon loop for the house. There was lot's of sailboats still out even at the later time that we where running. I love boats and water !!

I felt really good on the run tonight. I was a little surprised by this since I did not feel like I ate a good amount of food today. I did try to drink allot so I guess it was not all bad on my part. I felt loose and fast. I have been trying to stretch allot these last few days. I know it is all simple things in the grand scheme of things with this whole idea of mine to keep up on the little things like drinking enough, stretching enough, etc. Sometime the easy things to do are the ones that get skipped over.

Miles for the day= 9+

What a great day

Man the weather today was so great !!! It was like 70' out at the start of our run. I had Evan in the joggerand we where off to the lakes for our run. As we made our way to the lakes I could tell that today was going to be a good one. I felt loose and I had my guy with me. Even though it is more work to run with the jogger I just love having him around. I think he sat up the whole run and was looking at everything going on. I think with the nice breeze he liked seeing all the sail boats on Lake Calhoon.

Today I was looking to also add in like 5 small pick-up's during the run. So I warmed up for like 25 min's then started in on the pick-up's. I felt so so good on the pick-up's !! Even with pushing Evan along the way it felt good. Maybe Evan is a good luck charm ? This was a good shot in the arm for me. Not only did I get a good workout in but I got some good distance for the day and above all felt good !!

Miles for the day= 9+

It's getting nice out

I went for my run after work today. Man is it getting so nice out !! Temp's in the upper 70's feels so good after what we just had. It sure maks getting out there for the runs much easier. The best part is that it looks like this weather should be staying for a little while still.

I was hoping to be able to run with someone but I had no such luck finding anyone. Oh well it was such a nice night I thought it will be great no matter what. Well I was only a little bit right. I felt pretty good at the start, but as the run went on I started to feel worse and worse. At one point I felt a bit dizzy ? I felt like I had a good day eating and drinking wise but now in retrospect I think I could have drank more water during the day. This is something I seem to be having a problem with and need to get better at.

Miles for the day= 5

I got out today after Evan and I dropped Summer off at her girl scout camp this morning. With Summer at that camp and Kyra at a water camp at eagle bluff it is pretty mellow with just Sonya, Evan and me. The girls get back on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Evan and I where able to run with Sonya this morning. She was going into work a bit later. Man 3 days in a row with the three of us !! I was glad to have them with because if I was by myself I would have most likely gone only like 5 or 6 miles. Miles queen Sonya got us up to 9+ miles for the day !! I felt pretty good for most of it but a tad tired as well. I hope to add a bit of speed work this week. It is supposed to be much better weather wise this week. I just have to live day to day.

Miles for the day= 9+

80' at 6:00am

So when I got up today for the long run I called time and temp. To my suprize it was 80 at 6am !!! Come on people give me a break. What was funny is that after yesterday it did not feel that bad. There was a little breeze which was nice. Sonya, Evan and I met up with Nick for the long run. We met up at the bandshell and did a nice run of the lakes with the Scupture graden and Cedar lake added on to it. It was a nice loop with lot's of water stops along the way !! I felt very good today which was great. I have been trying to streach alot more the last few days. I think it makes a big difference. I belive it was like 15 to 16 miles all togeather. A nice effort. I am feeling much better about TCM after this weekend. Also congrat's to Patrick Russell on his great 50k run at Afton this weekend.

** Evan likes his food !!!!

Holy crap is it hot !!!

So after working the Doodle 5k race Sonya and I went out for our run. Let's say sunny and 98 was not what we where looking for. We drank lot's of water that is for sure. I did feel pretty good all in all. Maybe that day off yesterday was not such a bad idea. We ended up with 10 miles for the day. With how hot it was today I can only think about what tomarrow will bring ?

The store has their Yankee Doodle 5k race tomarrow. So between taking care of the kids and working a bunch on the race last min. stuff, then going out with our friends Carrie and Simon for dinner added up to a goose egg day for me. Maybe in the end it will be ok ? It does not feel ok.

Nothing like the day after a race. I was not able to run untill later at night today when Sonya got home. I think the combo of running late and just plain feeling tired and very stiff led to my very short day. I think I only got in like 2 miles. I just felt so bad I just figured I need to rest my old body. I was disapointed to say the least.

**Here is a picture from our July 4th at the Coon Rapids water park.

Happy 4th of July !!

It's Evan's first 4th of July !!! Yea fireworks in the sky. The day started with running the Exerciser 4th of July 10k run. I have run this many times but this is the first in many years. This year like the past was hot, hot, hot. Plus this is a hilly course which makes the course record of 29:30 seem crazy. I knew I would not be raring to go but thought just the act of racing could be of help. The race was ok. I did not feel bad, but then not good either. I ended up 39:20 for a time which is very slow for me. That's 6:20 pace. Man I have a long way to go. All in all I got in 10 miles for the day.

The rest of the day was good with a day at the wave pool with the family and then some fireworks. All in all a great day.

What to do the day before the big 4th of July run ? I thought a nice run down and around Lakewood cemetery would be good. It is really pretty in there plus I can stop and say a quick hello at my Grandpa Deckers grave and my little sisters grave site. I know for some people that seems like a weird run spot but I love the fact that I live so close and run by pretty much everyday. I figure every so often I should stop and take a look. I loved my grandpa so so much and even though my sister died after only a very short time I miss her and what it could have been like having a sister. Then aging I would never trade my brothers for anything !!

On the run I felt a bit tired at first but much better as the run went on. I still feel like something is out of whack but just not sure what. I ended up with 10 miles for the day. Now it is on the the races.

What's in me ?

I do not know what I ate but I have had one hell of a upset tummy the last week or so. This makes for some "crapy" runs let say. Last night was one of those run's. Man I think on my stupid 5 mile run I had to stop 2 times to empty myself. Plus I went before and after as well !!! I am thinking of running with a roll of TP untill I figure this all out.

Other than my bathroom issues I felt ok on the run. I was a bit suprised since I felt tired and stiff going into it but all things considering I was ok with my body. I am thinking of running the Firecraker 10k on the 4th. This is a hilly course and not the fastest in the world but then I am not to fast right now. I think I need to just get into a race before I become afraid to race. I will let you all know how it goes if I do it.

** This is a picture of me with my Fathers Day breakfast. Look at the size !!!

Running and moving is a bad mix

I met the guys for a run this morning. It was PR, Minnick, Sorensen, Hibbs and I. It was super nice out at the start. Like 60 degrees !!! We ran from Greg's place since I was going to help him do some moving after the run and before I went to work. The run went pretty good. I felt good all up till the last 15 min's or so. Even then it was just a little leg cramping which makes sense with me trying to get back into super shape once more. In the end we got in a solid 15 miles. What a solid weekend of miles for me. Heck 28 in all.

Now onto the moving. Let's just say a tired and week Kurt does not make for the best moving helper. Then add on the fact I had to work after all this. Let's just say I am looking forward to bed tonight. I am glad I was able to help a friend out some but helping but let's just say " I HATE MOVING " !!!!