Crazzzyyy....like Topher Hawkes

Jumping back on the wagon

2012-01-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

After my last half marathon, I soon realized that I'm going to fight to get back to the runner I used to be. Sure, I winged 10 miles. Sure, I spent a little to much time walking those last three. And sure, I was overly sore the next few days. Yet, I still went to Disney World a few days later and trekked all over that place.

Despite the fact that I have been out spending time with friends instead of scouring my streets in solitude, I've already signed up for one half marathon on March 4 here in College Station. My goal is to run 2 in the same 7 days and, hopefully, I get to add the second one to the list pretty soon. The second, comes a week before in Fort Worth, dubbed the Cowtown Marathon, and it's the one I've always wanted to finish.

Of course, since this time I'm obsessively serious, it's likely I'm personally going to have to give somethings up. First on the list are those dreadful Dr. Peppers and other carbonated drinks. Not that I ever wanted to be a caffeine junkie, but I do revert to such drinks too often. The other big change, is that I promise you all, you won't see me as often. It's not that I don't want to go out, laugh and escape from all the regular frustrations, but I need a change of venue. It's time I revert back to that idiot who'd rather be outside running the streets of Bryan-College Station the only time I can...early in the morning.

Late for you, early for me

2010-01-17T02:41:00.000-08:00

So this weekend, my parents brought me my own personal gym. The soloflex had stayed up in the second story of my parents hourse for years and they made the mistake of asking me if I could use it. Trying not to exert the overwhemling desperation flowing through my veins, I managed to hold off a few seconds before I responded with a definitive "yes." So Friday, my parents and my sister came down to College Station to take away the old weight bench and drop off a pretty cool personal gym. Yeah, it's not the most high-tech training system, but it works for a dude who doesn't want to pay 30 dollars a month to go to a gym (that isn't even open and HIS ideal hours) and whose schedule is so strange he doesn't feel right about using free weights at night alone with a poppy shoulder.

I look at it as a new toy. I approached just like I woudl a video game. Without reading the instructions I decided to see if I could bench press the 50 pound straps on each side. I gradually lowered the weight until 10 pounds were on each side. At first, I felt like a complete whuss, but I did remember my father procide me with sage advice warning me to start with smaller weight. He confirmed it when I called him later by saying "It's a little harder than you think." It's not like free wieghts, those bands can be pretty hard to move even if you are a stacked muscle-head. Maybe that's why the maximum weight is only 50 pounds.

I had some time last night and before work and I'm pretty sure I'm sore because of my 30-45 minute work out. I still have the butterfly attachment hooked up and it tempts me everytime I walk by. In addition, I'm not sure where I'm going to stick my bike because the soloflex encompasses it's old hangout. I enjoy the acquirement though. I can watch TV as I fidget with the settings and even run though several sets in a few minutes.

I just hope I dont start to resemble some sort of steroid-driven muscle-head, I'd hate for my super-wide shoulders to prevent me from passing through doors

My 5K

2010-01-11T23:37:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I have a running problem. What I mean by that is I talk about, must go and think about running all the time. Lately, I just joke that I can't quit anytime, and it rings true. It had been awhile since I signed up for a race and with beautiful weather expected over the next few days -- sarcasm people, it was about 20 degrees outside --I figured what the heck. I did set my alarm for a reasonable time, 6:30 a.m., and figured that would give me enough time to stretch, get dressed and arrive in plenty of time to run those three miles. In the morning I was sleepy and groaned as I rolled over and set my alarm for 7-something.

At 7:20 I finally got up, threw my stuff on, awkwardly located my iPod and stepped into the first pari of shoes I can across as I stumbled out the door, I do think I smacked into it on my way out. When I got into the car I knew I was going to start a little late, it was about 7:28 and as I pulled onto Southwest Parkway. Sleep still in my eyes I made it to what I am calling the Zachery parking lot near the polo fields. "You running?" a volunteer asked as I admitted I had slept through my alarm, signed in and pinned my number (170) to my Texas A&M sweatshirt my dad gave me on my trip to the DFdubb.

"They just took off, so if you hurry you might be able to catch some of them.." the volunteer continued.

I quickly took off although my iPod was not in the proper pocket, my earbuds were not firmly secured in my ears, I had no time to strech, muscles were still cold and I was fidgeting with my pockets because I took my keys, wallet, and phone along with me. I'm sure I looked a little silly as i ran with one hand in one pocket, the other on my ear as my stride ressembled Igor's from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, great way to attract the non-existant ladies.

But the volunteer was right, as I turned the corner I saw PEOPLE. And I did catch up. Luckily, I had usually run around the A&M golf course and Bonfire memorial so I was extremely familiar with the course. To add to my dismay, about a mile from the finish my shoelace was untied and I coulf feel my shoe slipping off. Too stubborn to stop, and wary of my horrible time I just kept going. I even sprinted like a one-legged pirate near the end. I figure I started at 7:38 a.m.and when I hit the finish line it was 8:00 a.m. Makes me wonder what would have happened if I started with everyone else.
Mental note to self: Get to races on time. (You can pass more people that way).

Running for Leslie: The director's cut

2009-12-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

I signed up months ago for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Antonio. While I had trained a year prior to perform this miraculous feat, I suddenly found myself more concerned about one particular family member. A day before my big run, my parents informed me that my sister Leslie had cataracts and needed eye surgery or she was likely to go blind within a year.

See, Leslie is a very special case. She is severely mentally retarded; but her condition is not like the characters portrayed in most TV shows and movies. The best analogy is that she is a 3-year-old living in a 29-year-old’s body. She can say some words and has ways to communicate with others. For instance, if she is hungry she will open the refrigerator, grab a TV dinner and hand it to you. If you take too long, she will follow you around and stare at you until dinner is served.

Leslie’s greatest joy is to go outside and swing. She often spends hours outdoors singing, swinging and swimming when it’s warm enough.

As I embarked on my own personal quest to run 26.2 miles I found myself conflicted. Part of me tried to focus on the race, struggled to fight a knee injury after the 13th mile and managed to hobble my way to the finish line. The rest of my thoughts centered on my sister and her pain in the next few weeks. Despite all the challenges before me, I couldn’t shake the concerns about the operation. “Nothing else matters but Leslie,” I told my mother as Dec. 1 – the day of her surgery neared.

As that day drew closer, I felt like I needed to do something to support her. Because I lived 3 hours away and have a full-time job, I knew I couldn’t be there for the surgeries and I knew she wouldn’t understand why all the people were poking at and prodding her. Most of all, I knew she wouldn’t be able to go outside everyday like she had in the past. That meant the activities she loved most would have to be limited or she might have to change some behaviors (such as wearing sunglasses when she’s outdoors).

For the past few months, I have secretly devoted big races to people I know: the Disney Half Marathon in California to my late Uncle Mickey and the San Antonio marathon to my parents. As usual my brain started to formulate a plan and I soon discovered a new goal: I’d run everyday this month while my sister spent more time indoors.

After her first surgery, my parents told me things went well. Despite being a little nervous and having to wear an eye patch, Leslie seemed a little uncomfortable, but otherwise fine. Initially, I found myself sympathetic and feeling sorry for her, but the next day when the doctor removed the eye patch brought some extremely positive news. For months, Leslie’s puzzles remained untouched on top of a shelf. At one time, she would work on them daily, but her blurry vision hampered her from making out the shapes. As soon as she got home, she rushed to the puzzles, took them down and started putting them together. My mom took a picture with the message “Leslie can see.” The first surgery had gone so well that the doctor soon suggested the next one be bumped up by a few weeks to Dec. 15, my birthday. This surgery also went well, but some complications might mean more time back in the doctor’s office.

As I started running 31 days in a row, I knew I’d be breaking some rules. Most runners know going so much without taking rest days can end in injury and soreness. But this time, I really didn’t care about distance. This challenge was about sparing a few minutes each day for someone who would rather spend hours in my place.

I have stayed true to my goal. Even after exhausting days at work I went on late-night runs down Southwest Parkway, many times even turning that corner on Anderson to run to campus and back. On the day of her second surgery, which also went well, I estimated I had run more than 50 miles. There have been days where I had to back away from the typical 9-mile runs and pound the pavement for only a few. Yet, I found myself making excuses to run, putting my duty before anything else and even canceling some outings with friends. There have been threats of snow days and once this week I neglected the need for proper running gear and ran by the Bonfire Memorial in jeans, a fleece and my one of my snowboarding jackets. Through it all, I managed to find time, make time and keep going.

As my family celebrated Christmas, Leslie was able to walk with no problems; see clearly and even got to swing when the sun wasn’t out. These series of events might seem trivial, but her joy has reminded others of the simple privileges most take for granted and the importance of enjoying time with family and friends.

When I visited my family for the holidays it was evident Leslie could see clearly out of both eyes (maybe a little too well). For example, most people in my family know the risks of leaving your food unattended during holiday dinners. Leslie will act like your best friend until you get up to leave. On your return, you’ll discover Leslie has pillaged your ham, baked potato and most of your silverware. Since Leslie can see she’s back on to her strategic and sneaky ways.

Chris Hawkes is the assistant news editor at The Eagle and has a few more days left to run this month. Although he’ll probably just keep running every day until his sister is completely in the clear.

On the Web

I made a Facebook group titled “Running for Leslie” to update others about her operations, status and the daily runs at http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=365862910009

It's been a strange day.

2009-12-18T23:36:00.000-08:00

I really have not been right all day. I don't know what it is. My co-worker told me I seemed quiet at work, I left my silly santa hat at home and for some reason it didn't bother me.There's a line that little asian dude says that strikes a chord. "My spirit and my mind are going north and south." Part of me wants to be outside, see the sun and is constantly looking for an excuse to be away from the apartment. The other side of me know exactly why I have all this weird energy. I know I'm on the verge of writing that column, secluding myself from all outside diversions and just sitting down and getting all those thoughts that have been swirling in my head the past two weeks down on paper.

Which I know is coming in a few.

This one's for you Leslie

2009-12-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Two days ago, my sister had eye surgery. Leslie is severely mentally retarded. Her case is vastly different than the mentally retarded people portrayed in the movies. While most of the time, these people with special needs are characterized as bufoons, reality is much more scary. The best way to describe my sister is that she has the mind of the 3-year-old in a 29-years-old's body. She can communicate -- if she is hungry she will open the fridge and put a tv dinner in your hand and expect you to cook it for her or stare at you regardless of the lame excuses or protests you might give -- but no one could really explain to her what had to happen or why. We learned that if she didn't have the surgery she could go blind in a year.

So for the last few days, I and the rest of my family have been a little nervous, a little wary and hoping for the best. Monday she had the operation, which my parents say only took a few minutes, but all the prep and post work kept the trio there for a few hours. My dad sent me a picture of Leslie with a eye patch and everytime I look at it (two or three times) I get extremely sad. It's hard for me to watch anyone suffer, but when it is my sister, someone who doesn't have a mean spirit in her soul, it gets to me.

Leslie's greatest joy is going outside and swinging. While I was getting my masters and when I visited she would spend hours outside swinging and singing. This was back in a time where I enjoyed the comforts of my own little box and was much more interested in the electronic distractions of most people my age. We'd have to eventually tell her she had to come in because she spent so much time outside. Now, she might not be able to swing as much, at least temporarily and my parents might have to train her to wear sunglasses before she goes out. That means drastic changes and a reprieve from the thing she enjoys most.

I decided two days ago, that I'm going to run everyday until my sister's surgeries are over. I originally planned to do the entire month of Decemeber, but a few more days won't hurt. Keep in mind, I'm not as concerned about distance this time. This might be a 2-mile run or a 10-mile run. I figure I can sacrafice at least an hour of my day to support my her and try to catch up her hours logged outdoors. I know I have to do it anyway because lately problems like cancelling plans, being single, having the dishwasher die or a flood of galactic proportions in my bathroom seem awfully petty. I secretly have devoted runs to others, but purposely neglected to tell them (my uncle Mickey at the Disney Half and my parents for San Antonio). So Leslie, these 30-or-so days are for you. I'm sure there will be snow, sleet, cold weather and freezing rain, but hey, I like a challenge.

Yesterday, I called my parents after getting a text saying "Leslie can see." Apparently, minutes after getting home she went directly to her puzzles and started putting them together. For months, Leslie ignored them because she couldn't make out the shapes or decipher where the pieces fit. So, at the moment, things fare well.

My hair

2009-11-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

As I have conqueued that whole doing a marathon in less then a year. Really, I did that in less then a year, I should be cocky as hell, it takes years for some people to even get to this point. Well as I was saying before I interuppted myself, I have been feeling to conservative. I don't know if it's this town or my overwhelming urge to be the lone outcast in a world or "normalcy," but the sideburns don't seem to be working. They aren't enough, as I usually do in these situations, I have been targeting my hair. Sure I can dye it, but it would have to be BRIGHT RED, maybe blue and eventually the big boss would fine out, hell at least I would know that my snowboarding vacation would go off with out any strings, except for that whole eating thing. Regardless, my hair is too long, but I feel like I just got it cut. Or, I have become so metrosexual (thank my obsession with project runway) that if my hair starts to wave I MUST CHOP IT OFF! I have wondered how a more aerodynamic look might suit me. Some have suggested I get a mohawk, which is ironic because I always joked about it, but who do I trust with the razor?
This weekend, I found myself snickering at the Gap and Old Navy during my hunt for holiday gifts. The only thing I like anymore seems to be the painters jeans, and now, since Greg has taught me the ways of California (that they make clothes for people with a small frame), I find myself re-examining my wardrobe. I do like my running gear and have become such an elitist runner that tanktops and shorts are the only things I'll exercise in. On Saturday, I found myself venturing into the Guess store for the first time in my adult life, and sadly, I liked what I saw. Luckily, the store clerk moved a little too slow and I wasn't obligated to buy anything or take home that pimp black shirt. Maybe my since of outrageousness has been cooped up for too long. It's time to unleash it's fury.

The rage is back...again

2009-11-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

I shouldn't have called the dealer. I knew what they were going to say, they said it and now I have to shell out money the car problem. So, it seems that I am a little annoyed today right before I head to work. Looks like I am going to spend more time at home against my will.

Going where no Hawkes has gone before.

2009-11-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

That's right, the day that I get to strap on my ultra-annoying shoes, my bold colors and possibly my super-silly hat is only a few days away. Who would have thought that after a little less than a year I would sign up and truly feel ready to run 26 miles. As the days draw closer, I notice I'm not dreadful or frightened about the task before me. These things can be dangerous, but I did run 18 miles a week ago, had energy near the end and had run 10 miles the day before. In addition, I have also read a few books, tried to alter my diet (which I have dramatically) and am aware of the keys to running the race right. So I feel pretty confident.
There have been a few distractions recently. My car is having issues, the key is stuck in the ignition. Yet, I view the incident (and the anger that hath followe) as another obstacle to prepare me for the big run. What happens if someone runs into me (it's ok if she's cute) or people are running too slow? Will I become the ragaholic who gets so angry that the Hawkes vein makes an appearance on my forehead? Or will I take all that negative energy and use it to reach the next mile marker? Hopefully, the latter.

I have been a little paranoid about getting sick and the lack of a car has messed with my sleep schedule, but i think I'm getting back to normal. I've been motivated enough to start to cleaning my apartment (thoroughly) and sort through some of my old shirts.And I'm finding the strength to part with them, despite the sentimental attachment I have developed for them over the years. There's probably a young nerd somewhere who canuse a shirt with a very kickass drawing of Optimus Prime or the world's greatest Dinobot and one of my old red and black addidas shirts is about 10 years out-of-style.

When my parents get here Friday, I hope to have my apartment as clean as it has been during my socials, a bag of old, slightly-used clothes to take to goodwill, a wardrobe that doesn't make girls jealous (because there are thousands of clothes in there), my car back (hopefully) and the proper running gear ready for any situation. I have too many T-shirts for a guy who prefers tanktops and shorts these days.

I am looking forward to San Antonio, going to the expo, walking around riverwalk, trying whatever food flies my way, running the race, finishing the race, talking about the race, talking about finishing the race and celebrating finishing the race for about 12 days. Seriously, I have warned you. It's going to be awesome, and all I had to do was train for hours on end, remind myself how much I enjoy being outside and remember that, in the end, whether I want to admit it or not, this nerd has always been an athlete.

Now, I just need to convince myself not to try to win the whole thing.

It's that time again...

2009-09-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to lose five pounds (the healthy way) because it will help me with the big run in November. That means I must say goodbye to all the soda, beer and sweets (so long jawbreakers). I have been taking steps to adjust my diet. These days I find myself craving more watermelon, orange juice and apples instead of the typical bag of chips or carbonated drinks. Greg even gave me a hard time about my obsession with bananas before the race. I do have to admit I have delved into the junk food a little too much lately, which is fine, as long as you work it off. It seems I just got over some sort of sickness, and had some pretty late nights, so I hope things get back to normal. It's time to get serious and finally hit Mile 20 or 26 if I'm able.

Music selection: Squint -- A Tinsel Life
I've decided to add this section to the end of each of my blogs. Whatever music I listened to on my last run I will be listed here. Typically, I listened to complete albums, but there are some songs that get stuck in my head are required to be heard about 15 times in a row by law. That's the rule.

Oh, and I will run tonight to make up for the pathetic attempt I put forth on Saturday.

Been a while bro

2009-08-24T02:14:00.000-07:00

My last post described my goal of running 16 miles. Unfortunately, the next day I suffer the worst run of my life. The bottom of my feet were killing me after only a few strides. I did run another half marathon, the pedometer says 15.4 something, so I knew I hit it. But 16 miles will have to wait until next time, I am suppose to be tapering my miles off before the half in a few days.

I have more to say, but I think the need to sleep has finally hit me. However, in the morning (or early afternoon) I know I will pound some pavement.

Friday

2009-08-11T01:04:00.000-07:00

As I was pesterubg the person across from me at Murphy's law about all the exercising I did on my days off (I spend a lot less time indoors these days) a small, microscopic thought entered my brain. I just ignored it that night, but later the next day but this time it had grown exponetially and was more difficult to put on the back burner. I still refused to consider the idea and pretended to preoccupy myself with more urgent matters. Yesterday, I had too much time flying solo, and when that happens I think too much and start considering what feat I will strive to reach this week. Yesterday, I was thinking about shooting to run 16 miles. But if I run 16 miles, why not run 20 miles? And if I make it to 20 miles, why not go the full distance and become an unofficially run the official marathon distance?

There's a few weeks before I go to Calif. for that half, I do now weigh more than my twin (finally) and I don't think people who know me have heard enough about how far I have run, can run or am determined to run. Marathoning for Mortals, the book I'm reading, said I should have worn my medal to work, outlined how great an accomplishment it was and bragged until people became irritated by my awesomeness, or about hearing about my awesomely legendary run. While that might be funny for awhile, setting a goal, reaching it and surpassing your own expectations is such a great feeling.

The thought in my brain has been beckoning me all week. So, today, I said out loud that I intended to run 20 miles and see how I feel after that. The thing about me is when I say it, I mean it, and lately I freaking do it in record time.

Now, I just have to wait until Friday!

Amazed

2009-08-07T02:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I decide to go out on my weekly excursions I am amazed by some of the things I witness. While some of these are trivial, like all the water being drained from just about every fountain on campus, there are some things that just stick with me hours after my treks are completed.
After running into some co-workers at research park I jumped back on my bike and was headed back to my apartment on Southwest Parkway. While I past a care I witnessed an older man strapping on roller blades in preparation to skate like many of the younger people do. What amazed me is the fact that he had a hook on one hand and was missing most of his other arm.
Roller blading in itself is a rough sport, you tend to crash and crash hard, and here was a guy (I assume a vet of some sort) who despite everything was still willing and able to take advantage of what he had. I don't know if he was just starting or was a rollerblader despite his injuries. I never felt sympathy for the guy, he was by himself, putting on his blades and he was outside doing something he enjoyed.
Some people call me crazy because I talk about running 26.2 miles in one day or I consider biking for 20 or 30 miles fun. Believe me, this guy makes me look like a chump because he is doing something that took me years to master with four functional limbs. It doesn't matter if he's a rookie or not, just the fact that he can strap up and perform at a normal level amazes the crap out of me.

Here I go again on my own

2009-07-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

About to go run a few miles before work. Don't worry all you worriers I plan to take my sports drink so I should not die in the heat. I also have been considering finally signing up for a full marathon in San Antonio in November. Although it does scare the crap out of me sometimes I know that by setting the date I will only work harder so I won't have to walk half of the blasted thing. That and when I finish I can go a head and mark that feat off my list of insanity.

A typical Hawkes furlough

2009-07-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

And you thought you were on furlough!
That's the phrase my friend uttered as I was helping him move all his stuff from his old place to his new place. It wasn't too bad, I mean the big stuff wasn't that difficult to get down a single flight of stairs and the fact that he was moving into a duplex (only one floor) meant that it was feasibly a two-person job.

A bed, a plethora of boxes, some dresses and an insanely heavy desk were all we had to fidget with during the move. It was nothing like that monstrosity of a green couch (it had a fold up bed inside of course) that my older brother and I decided to move upstairs before more help arrived years ago.

Awesomeness did present itself during the last trip when the tire of my dad's truck exploded. But hey, stuff like that happens. It really only delayed us for about 30 minutes.
For many people, that was plenty of enough excitement for one day. However, it had been a few days since I had been able to exercise, and I was starting to have withdrawals. It's not that I have to exercise, there are days when I know I can't, there is not enough time or I am just too exhausted to move.

But furlough days give me a little too much free time and I knew that I wanted to run. So after getting the truck back to my apartment, strapping on my shoes and grabbing my iPod and a G2 from the fridge I locked the door and started stretching by that gigantinormus yellow tent peeps set up by the volleyball court that has gone unused. It was 820 p.m. when I locked my door and started over there... I took note of the time.

So then I started running towards campus. It wasn't too insanely hot but once I got to that intersection on Holleman my shirt was pretty drenched and I had taken off my hat. (Mental note: Chris needs a headband). I held off drinking anything until I hi George Bush. I took a left and started my regular route around the A&M golf course. By the time I saw the A&M sign on Texas, I wasn't hurting, my legs were still pumping and there was no debilitating pain. I knew I was going to run a half marathon.

As I completed the first lap, I could feel the bottom of my feet begin to hurt. It wasn't the gut wrenching pain that put me on the DL for a month, but I knew my flat feet were getting a little whiney.

So I took a 5 minute rest, something Hawkes are not really known for, and sipped some more of my sports drink. The rest period helped, because I noticed a more determined, energetic pace. The music I burned from an old PS2 game contributed as well. Second lap wasn't too bad either. At some point it started to rain, I don't remember if it was the first go around or the second. Regardless, it did cool me down and only encouraged me to tally more miles.

I continued to trek home, but the strange thing is I wasn't in pain like the first two times I attempted the 13.1-mile feet. My stride was regular and yes, my feet were hurting, but I know that I have become a better and stronger runner. I had only a little liquid left and decided to chug the rest of it before I hit Southwest Parkway. The road is deathly dark in some parts, but I knew this was the final two miles. The finish line was before me and I I had to do was finish strong. That I did, when I checked the clock after my run it said 10.16 p.m.

Finally I am back to some "normal hours"

2009-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

I did wake up at around 9 a.m. today, but went back to sleep until after noon. I almost ran before work, but I figured food was more important. Besides, I know my feet could use a little rest after running those 10 miles last week. Good news is that I am planning on running in the morning and I'm going to try to force myself to do something athletic when I get home tonight...although it will be extremely late.

I had to be several places on Saturday and driving there might have gotten to me. There might have been a little road rage there...from my perspective b-cs drivers were going to slow or never had much time behind the wheel. The rain probably freaked them out I'm sure.

I have posted a picture on facebook detailing the collection of alcohol that has been donated to the socials at my places. It is my goal to get rid of it all. If I can't find any takers I am sure the dumpster will make room.

After my two shiner blacks that's all the beer for me until my trip to California.

My ban on drinking

2009-07-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

So far I have kind of been a bum about committing to it. So maybe I have made a few excuses to delay my official start time. It's ok, I still have a month to get all serious and lose whatever tolerance I have developed in the past few months. I'll have to save money on my trip so buying less in Calif. will only end up benefiting me.

I am snoozy so we will see how long I last tonight. Good thing is I am starting to get hungry again and that means a long run is on deck.

Ban za booze the second edition

2009-07-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

In order to ensure I am in prime condition I am again giving alcohol and alcohol-related products a rude gesture for the next month or so. Again, I have vowed no to buy anymore beer or liquor for a predetermined time that I have not exactly decided upon yet. Last time, it was until I saw my brother, in California, but this ban might be a little longer. I have been talking about my future commitment for a few weeks, but I haven't actually taken any action. For some reason, I fear losing some secret aspect of my personality, maybe I will forget the definition of sarcasm, my charm will fade and I will come off dull or boring. But hey, it's me, I am still going to be that ultra annoying, overly confident, stubborn, persistent highly competitive dude that most of you have grown to like (or accept as best you can). Overall, this is about training and a commitment to improve my station. If anything, it's just a way to get my six-pack back (did I ever really have one?) and save some cash so I can invest in yet another pair of shoes, a super-revolting running shirt or run one more long-distance race. It's only suppose to be 103 degrees outside tomorrow...sounds like perfect weather for a run...

Besides, I think I'm developing a music problem.

Injuries reveal the explorer inside

2009-06-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

I have found over the past few weeks that there are many other things I can do besides run. It all started after hurting my foot the first time. Right when I got back to where I could put some pressure on my injured foot, I ran in the grass a great deal more, another part of my leg began to bother me. It seems I have grown a bit wiser about handling running injuries and decided to give my foot a bit of a rest. That, and I finally broke down and bought some new shoes. So as I remain on the disabled list I did rediscover the limits of my biking abilities. After riding for about 20 miles (at least) the day before, I threw my bike in the back of a borrowed pickup and headed to Lake Bryan.

I found a dirt trail a few minutes after unloading and my adventure into insanity began. The first few trails I took were easy...I barely had to pop my tire over branches or use caution when peering over hills. After a few more detours, including a bmx trail, I notice the difficulty was rising. The bmx trail tempted me to speed up when I discovered an opportunity to jump, and I did as a good knucklehead should. I landed the jumps, don't worry, and no small humans or animals were harmed in my excursion from reality.

After racing through the bmx trail I went deeper in the woods. Some of the terrain was too treacherous to trek down (or up in many cases). But, I am bold, so the sharp inclines and plethora of branches in my way could not deter me. I figured I was going at a pretty good pace when I hobbled over about 20 branches protruding from the ground. I also learned how to maneuver through sand...go faster and you usually can make it without slowing down. In my quest for glory, I suddenly realize I was deep in the woods...really, really deep. What was with all these caution markings and torn up markers. Civilization is right over....where? It seems I had gotten a little lost. But hell, I figured these trails all lead back somewhere. So I continued on. I rounded this corner...that seemed to look familiar and I swear I saw that water tower before. I came to an intersection with two logs laying on the ground, obviously victims of a recent storm, then made a mental image in case I saw the blasted things again. A short time later, I saw the blasted things again. I had remember a trail with grass taller than me nearby...so I backtracked. My thought about that trail was that no one would go down that, it's not maintained and didn't look like a very traveled path.

It was the way out. Go figure.

I never want to live on the third floor again.

2009-05-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

Going up and down all those stairs during move out day has made up for the two week hiatus from running. I do want to test my foot sometime this week...but I am playing a pretty long trek back to my old apartment to pick up....the white pickup...from that horrid third-level apartment. It's not that I had a bad time there. I mean despite all the construction, the barking dogs, the random poop and plethora of wild animals (including loud, annoying birds), I had some good times at that place. But, like my epiphany to run, it's time for me to move on to different, more people populated pastures and freakin' live in the CS. Right now, I am pretty wiped, two times today I almost dozed off...the keyboard seemed like a really comfortable pillow there for a moment. I am sure I will get my energy back soon...just keep the stairs away....I probably climbed them enough times to reach the top of a skyscraper...

I have become a stereotypical runner

2009-05-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks after my foot, I learned that I have jumped off the plank aboard the marathon-running boat. It seems I have crossed the line where I actually whine about not being able to exercise or run. I count the number of days that I have been on the disabled list and dread the time spent away from the road. I did give into stupidity once. I ran last week (mostly on grass mind you) despite acknowledging that I did manage to earn my first running injury. It only took 30 years and hundreds of miles. Being sidelined is more difficult than you might think. Sure biking helps, you go faster and going around campus is not always easy. However, I noticed myself watching runners a little too intently as I drove by in my car. I also felt tremendously jealous and a sense of defiance and stubbornness overwhelmed me. My mind is telling me to run, screw the foot, I can battle through it. But all that knowledge I have gained over the past few months is keeping me from re-injuring myself. Stupid knowledge...why do I have to read stuff that is beneficial and useful. Sometimes, I would love to live in ignorance...but I also want to run consistently again.

Yes, I have become the stereotypical runner...I can't quit at anytime!

The trek to Calif.

2009-05-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for the half marathon around Disneyland. Greg signed up too, and despite all the soreness and pain we are probably going to be in, the plan is to walk around the park after the race. We have to complete the thing in 3 hours and 30 minutes, so I am not too worried about finishing. The jet lag and boring three hour trip won't bother me at all. Just as long as I get to enjoy the state on this trip...and run thirteen miles while I am there. I bought a book called I Run Therefore I am -- Nuts! and it has made me realize there are tons more people who are more obsessed than me. My foot does feel better, but I know running on it won't do me any good. I might decide to go biking for a bit tomorrow since I have a white S10 pickup for a while and to add another day of recovery time for my injured body part.

The trips is something to look forward to...and I personally think I need to spend some time away from Bryan-College Station. Living here is different than other cities and I tend to get locked in and forget there are millions of other places to visit and enjoy. Since I now have a Tom Tom( a GPS device) I really don't have any more excuses for not devoting my free time to planning road trips and discovering new places (maybe even running around them).

I have set a personal goal to go to the beach this summer. My only requirement is there must be waves and I must spend most of the day trying to ride them on my boogie board...which is suppose to make its way down here in the next few weeks.

My stupid foot still hurts

2009-05-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

Not as bad as it did earlier. I only ran a wiener three miles or so...although it was late at night. Yes, I got a "you shouldn't run so late" from my brother. But hey, za A&M golf course is well lit and I was really aching for a run. It's going to be cool living in willowick again merely because there will be two pools to jump into...which I plan to take advantage of. I could say I am training for a triathlon...but that might be overdoing it...I am better at doing flips off diving board rather than swimming long distances. I have to see how my wounded food handles over the next few days. This means I have had to come off my 6 miles every run goal I issued a few days/weeks back. Oh well, it's better to run some than run injured.

Come on stupid foot

2009-05-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

I feel the soreness going away. You now have padding to protect you from the problematic pavement. You've had a few days rest. It's time to stop all your aching and allow the rest of me to run. Stop acting like dead weight and we all will benefit. I might even buy you some killer socks.

MayDay you lost a freakin contact

2009-05-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

So I woke up this morning at 7 a.m., after about 10 minutes I managed to drag myself out of bed. I grabbed my bike and after several adjustments, fit the bulky thing inside my tiny Ion. The suicide doors were really no help. I drove a few minutes to the starting point and found a place to park. A few minutes later the race started and I watched a plethora of people fly by. There were four distances, 4-miles, 18-miles, 40 miles or 67 miles. I choose to do 18-miles route. I did notice that I had a harder time pushing through the course than other people. This is probably because I took a mountain bike to a road race, and I am typically known for jumping off curbs or over things rather than sticking to the street. Despite that, I really didn't have a difficult time with the ride. There were annoying things like the lack of signs indicating how far riders had traveled, the lack of water station and super-small signs that you really had to pay attention to make sure you were going the right way. The only real trouble I ran into was when something, I don't know if it was a burst of wind or some annoying dust particle, smacked me in the eye. I started blinking like crazy, my vision got a little blurry and my eye started to water a little toooo much. Once I finally determined my contact had come loose and was taunting me by moving around my eyeball, I started to do everything I could, while riding my bike, to take it out. After what seemed like a three-mile trek of bother and what seemed like enough tears to fill Lake Bryan, the blasted contact departed...and I sped up. I did feel like a pirate, one eye gave me perfect vision, the other wanted to stay closed. When I crossed the finish line I was drenched in sweat, had a squinty eye and finally forgot about how stupid I look with my helmet on. The hardest part was getting my bike back into my car...even with the suicide doors.

I do want to go on another bike ride one day...maybe if it's on dirt since I seem to enjoy that a little too much. In the meantime, I think I will stick to running...as soon as my foot gets better.

I did forget to mention, in my original posting on facebook, the sudden sneezing fit that attacked me as I rode to the finish. During the final turn my nose decided to give me the finger and I swear I sneezed 13 times in a row. At the finish line, I had a bloodshot eye, a sweat-soaked shirt and had just recovered from what I assume was an allergy attack. I wasn't really sore at all though and had only minor aches the next day.

Dude........

2009-04-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

I must go run. It's been a few days and I think I am starting to feel a little off. So, despite what the weather is like, I tired I act or how little time I have before work begins, my ars is running Thursday. At least six miles, that's the new standard. I am also contesting entering this Run Around Reed race, despite having to work on that Saturday. If anything, another 5K is a week away on May 2, a Saturday. It's only a 5K, but maybe I can run for time and see how well I do.
And ars is a word, you just have to look it up in the pirate dictionary.

I realize that I'm a looney

2009-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

After having trouble sleeping, I dragged my groggy ass out of bed, ate a banana, got some oj, put on my gear and stumbled out the door. Did I mention it was pouring? I stubbornly decided I would go and run this 10K, or at least see if they would postpone it. Despite the rain and lack of sleep, I drove on over to Messina Hoff and planned to Run thru the Vines. Did I mention it was lightening and thundering? After a 30 minute delay, I got out of my car and joined the rest of the loonies for this run.
At first, I was wary of my steps, I didn't want to ruin my running shoes anymore than I had to. A giant puddle ended that goal, I felt both shoes get soaked in the same instant. The first part of the race was through the vineyard, laced with mud and unpredictable puddles that surprised any distracted runner. It felt like we were running through a swamp half of the time. The rest the first mile felt like mudfest 2009. Not to mention being pummeled by rain at every turn. The stupid storm refused to let up. I gave a sigh of relief when I finally saw road. Finally, the easy part I thought. Because of the weather, I purposely left my iPod in the car, I didn't really see the point it getting drenched in rain.
When I hit the road things got easier, but I had exerted a tremendous amount of energy traversing through the vineyard's marshes and mud traps. I got sore a little too fast. Running 7 miles on Thursday probably didn't help either. The Hawkes' mentality of doing more than one should still forces me to run before competitive events...which doesn't help on race day. But anyway, the rain kept pouring and I kept running. It seemed longer than normal, but the weather did start to get to me, I could feel myself slowing down at times.
There were no families, no kids, most of the people seemed like college-aged or professional runners. I kept my pace steady and at the end I was moving up in the field (person by person). Remember, I never run these things for speed. I could tell that my pace was methodical, my mindset was in preparation for another half or a full marathon. It's hard to break away from that even when it seems like everyone and their mom is passing you. Still, I finished in about an hour, which is not bad for a dude not used to running in torrential rains. If anything, I got a really annoying shirt out of it, and another number to pin to my wall.
There is another 5K just around the corner, I wonder if I can convince a few others to be a little crazy and run it with/behind me.

Three days after the half marathon

2009-04-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

After three days of extreme soreness (walking was not so fun there for a while) I went running around Lake Bryan. It was about 1 p.m. and I was a little bit concerned about overdoing it. I ran about 3 miles (sprinting at the end), went trekked a little bit more through the wilderness and soon realized Lake Bryan was better for biking. I did a little bit of hiking to get back to the road, though the view was remarkable at times. Later that day, something irked me and I found myself suiting up to go out again. This time it was over at A&M around the golf course. I ran six more miles, but I went with my old, anti-running shoes, the wrong socks and paid for it when I got home. I got a blister under my right foot. The next day, I ran six more miles and lost my pedometer after running around bonfire memorial. On the second trip around I did recover the lost artifact, but I'm not sure if it still works properly. That's 15 miles in 2 days. I did decide to wait until this stupid blister is better before I run again. It was really annoying me when I went to church yesterday, I had to walk on the side of my foot. That got old really fast.

The column I am writing

2009-04-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Is here...

http://www.theeagle.com/health_fitness/Bryan-man-s-quest-to-finish-a-marathon-inspires-friends--family

The run-bike-run minus pictures and videos and stuff

2009-03-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, A blonde co-worker and I ran (and biked) in a run-bike-run event. For those who missed the 13 explanations last week: The event consisted of a 3-mile run, then a 12-mile bike and ended with another 3-mile run. How did I do? Well my mother told me I wasn't even breathing heavy after the whole thing...and she was right. I wasn't dying at the end, so that must mean tremendous progress. My blonde friend struggled to climb some of those gigantanormus hills because of a faulty gear shift on her bike. As a result, the biking portion took a little longer than expected. I wasn't going just going to leave my friend...that goes against one of my rules...never leave a friend out on some country road with only cows and farm animals. A cow did moo our way...I guess she was trying to motivate us...during the bike ride. Overall, it wasn't that bad and I feel ready to do that 13-mile run in a few days

yaaaaaaawn

2009-03-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

See above...

My dreams

2009-03-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Since I gave up Dr. Peppers, and I know I have told some people about this, I have noticed dreams occur more often and I actually remember some of them. Last night, I imagined that I picked up a Dr. Pepper and started drinking it. Once I realized what I was doing, I put the drink down then dumped it in the sink. In reality, I have two 2-liter bottles of DP that I picked up for people at my social on Saturday. Both bottles remained untouched in my fridge along with the plethora of donations. However, the three bags of chips at my party have dwindled down to less than half a bag. Running makes Chris hungrier it seems...

Run-bike-run

2009-03-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have heard this several times this week. "You are crazy." I found out about this run-bike-run a few weeks ago (from reading The Eagle) and I have been dragging my feet as the big day drew closer. My original plan was to do the run-bike-run at Lake Bryan or the half marathon (13 miles) up in Dallas in the Texas Big D Marathon. Greg decided to fly in and run a 5k for the Bid D fiasco, so I figured I was locked. Yet, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do both. I have been been using the lame excuse that I don't have a helmet, which is required, but that could only go so far. They cost less than $20 bucks. That seems like a minor price to pay for the chance to run and bike around Bryan. Working the hours I do, I find myself wishing for a clear day and often, looking out the window wishing for daylight. I told my dad about signing up for this and he responded by saying "You're getting a little serious about this stuff." The parents might come down to watch the whole thing unfold and I influenced one co-worker to sign up. Hopefully, I won't ride too aggressively...Sunday.

Beer and Dr. Peppers

2009-03-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Warning if you love beer and Dr. Peppers this blog is probably going to offend you. Giving up Dr. Peppers really wasn't that hard. I have done it before and I can always go cold turkey when I really need to. Alcohol, especially beer, has been a little more difficult. It's not really the decision that has hit hard, I know it is better for me to give my liver a vacation in the long run and imperative to my training for a yet-to-be-determined marathon. Also, Greg has continued to tell me this, I never really needed beer or alcohol to have fun.

The social aspect continues to tempt me to pick up a drink. I do want to have a beer with my friends after work or at a going away party for a co-worker. I do want to hold a social and make a drink for myself and others so I stink at the video games I own and play (a little too much in recent months). I do like people offering to buy me a drink and worrying about all the fun I am missing out on. However, I look at my wallet and I notice how much easier it has been to run 3 or 6 miles and I start to realize how much cash I have wasted on alcohol. Twenty dollars here, thirty dollars there, it begins to add up. And now, with the economy being as bad as it is, conserving a few extra bucks is even more important.

A fair trade

2009-03-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

It seems lately all the money I would have spent on beer has gone directly into running. I know this probably will have to stop because of some recent bad news. I figure I should at least enjoy the time I have left and the five extra days I am about to be forced to take off. So, Sunday, a week before my half marathon, I have another laser-brain idea: Sign up for a run-bike-run event at Lake Bryan. Running and biking use different muscles, according to the book I bought, so it should be a breeze. This book will be referred to as Hawkes running bible from this point on. Just because I think that is a much cooler way to refer to the book I have been using to reiterate than I am, and have been doing things correctly...and by the book.

It's early Sunday so I will have to shake off the grogginess and just suck it up. We will see if I have a cheering a section.

The day before yesterday

2009-03-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

I ran about 4 miles despite doing something to my back. It was pretty sore when I started running and it has been for the last few days. Here's the thing. About the third mile I suddenly realized that I was not breathing hard. It was a very Rocky Balboa moment...and yes the quote "At least I am not breathing heavy," surfaced in my brain. That is Rocky III, the one with Mr T., for those of you who neglected to watch this movie. I ran about 4 miles that day. I figure if I an able to run 6 miles in about an hour and after the third mile I haven't started breathing heavy I am in pretty good shape going into this half marathon. I am not going to try to break any records...my goal is simple: to go as far as I can without walking. If I can do the whole thing without stopping that will only add to the accomplishment, and as one friend recently told me, my ego.

No more beer! Ah!

2009-03-16T22:55:00.001-07:00

So some people when I developed this Epiphany and why. The answer is really pretty simple. I recently quit caffeine because it is one of the things that can really mess up training and sleep patterns. Beer and alcohol is the next obvious step. While I won't give it up completely; I have decided to go cold turkey until April, despite it being St. Patrick's Day today. My goal is to take the money that I would have spent on the drinks, beer and the wonderful B-CS nightlife (I don't know if I am being sarcastic here or not, so just use your imagination) and devote it to my training. I keep reading that it "would be a good idea to purchase a runner's kit," and they cost about 100 bucks. At this stage in my running, it seems like a pretty good idea. That, and I think my gear has become too conservative. It just isn't loud enough for me. Hawkes brothers always have an overwhelming urge to wear clothes with bright colors (they don't always have to match) and are often described as revolting, annoying or just damn ridiculous. Besides, no alcohol is a good thing, I think my liver has taken a bad enough beating over the years and needs a vacation.

Oh, and I think my brother said it pretty well himself. "We never needed alcohol to have fun." That will be true even when I am 95, on my 69th snowboarding trip as i rant about how snowboarding is the more extreme sport, I boarded when you couldn't even see your buddy in front of you and explain to all the native Texans what a wind burn is.

Application to run mailed...Finally

2009-03-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

So...I just mailed my entry form for my half marathon. This is the point of no return, I have committed to it now. It's 13 miles or bust.

Mental notes to self: Do not go running 3 days before...rest you must. No 3- to 4-hour bike excursions days before the big run. Don't act like a professional wrestler and talk all that smack until AFTER you finish...that way you can show off your medal while you are acting like a cocky jerk.

In about two weeks, I should feel a little more accomplished...and extremely sore after completing such a glorious feat! I'm sure the celebration afterward (Joe's Crab Shack) should dull some of the pain (Joe's Crab Shack). It's not everyday two Hawkes brothers run competitively then have the whole day to hang out (JOE'S CRAB SHACK!). We could have too much fun....

These are a few pictures taken of the 5-K run. One of them is of my friend Stuart and I as we pass all the little kiddos at the beginning of the race. I would get a full-size poster of myself...to hang in my apartment...if the cash flow was a little better. I might just wait for the half marathon because then I will also have a medal!

I gave up Dr. Peppers

2009-03-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

I decided recently (before Lent) to give up drinking Dr. Peppers and caffeine. Typically, I go through this whole ordeal every two years or so. Yet, I haven't had a caffeinated drink in a few weeks and I actually crave more orange juice and milk these days. Though Dr. Peppers are everywhere, there are more Dr. Pepper machines in College Station than there are Wal-Marts and McDonalds in Texas, I don't find myself as drawn that way. Carbonated drinks and caffeine are actually pretty bad for one who has decided to run a half marathon I recently discovered. At the end of the night, without all those ups and downs I find myself sleeping better and I actually recall many of my dreams..even when they are weird, make absolutely no sense and might scare the general masses.

Anyway, I am glad I did it and, hopefully, I won't ever have to jump back on the wagon of jitters.

An apology to my running shoes

2009-03-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I have neglected you. I know that going snowboarding, being sore after that 5K and giving up Dr. Peppers are just lame excuses to you, but don't fret I am about to sign up for a half marathon and will need tons of training before I run those 13 miles....so you will be seeing a great deal more of me.

I...must...go...run

2009-03-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

I don't care if I am slightly sore...I have an hour or two before work....it might be less than normal...but oh well. I am trying to convince Greg to run a 10k instead of a 5k...he has said that he is going to run some everyday...so here comes my motivation to run everyday, too. Besides, I think both of us have become a little too good at Street Fighter 4 and Guitar Hero World Tour as of late. Though dueling Hawkes brothers is something the parents really should see...

My book

2009-03-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

My book also told me to start a blog. It's a good thing I started this blog 3 months prior to buying a book about running eh? It also said to keep up with it, which I took a vacation from. No really, I took a vacation, and now I am back. I will try to keep up with it a little better this time since I am completely sick of bad TV (though my friend introduced me to CHUCK -- good TV and an very goofy/addicting series), I decided to give up any and all caffeine, I yearn to run or bike more than I think about staying up late (though I recently discovered a old/new late-night hangout) and video games can only entertain me for a few hours (because you can't be a master of trash talk when everyone is asleep).

I finished my first 5K

2009-03-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, being the complete idiot that I am, this is only the beginning. I have already started looking for more challenging runs coming up in the next few months. Two intrigue me a duathlon in Bryan, which consists of a 5K into a 12-mile bike ride ending with another 5K-run, and a half marathon in Big D. If I do the one in Big D I am probably going to ask off. I do like the idea of using my bike, but I also am too stubborn to buy and wear a helmet, unless it's really, really, really annoying and revolting. This time, however, I won't go snowboarding days before or decide to take a 3 hour bike excursion all over campus...well I might but that would just add to the challenge...right?

13.05 miles = Half a marathon

2009-01-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

I made a decision to complete the equivalent of half a marathon. As I left my apartment, and soon realized I was a little bit sore, I knew this was not going to be an easy task. I was never worried about my endurance, since I started running I notice that I can go for an extremely long time without feeling the pains that come with running for a really long time. My chest doesn't hurt, my side doesn't hurt, for the most part when I run I am fine. The problem I experience is since I started running my legs and body needs time to recover. There are some days I can feel how sore I am when I start my trek. Today, I ran from my apartment to campus, around the golf course, around bonfire memorial, to a gas station where I bought a Gatorade, over to St. Mary's, and all the way back home. I was fine until about mile 9 or 10. My knee and right leg got real stiff and it hurt to run...I could not go for very long. Multiple times I said to myself "That's it, I can't do anymore." However, the Hawkes determination kicked in and I found myself doing short sprints all the way home. Afterward, I was extremely sore, but not in incredible pain. Now that I have accomplished this milestone...the 26 miles doesn't seem so far away. I wanted to prove that I could do it. Now, I can see and say I am halfway there and it really has only been two months.

I wasn't dead afterward either. On Saturday, I went biking to and around campus. Today, I don't feel sore...that means on Monday I will run again...probably not 13 miles though.

The need to run

2009-01-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

I get to use the generic phrase: It's been a while since my last blog. I have found that when I get home from work I have an overwhelming urge to go exercise. This usually continues into the morning until I make time to get up and go do it. Typically, I am exercising, running about 3 to 6 miles or biking for 2 hours, five times a week. My problem is no longer endurance, I know I can go for a very long time, it is soreness and rest. There are days I have to force myself to rest, otherwise I won't do myself any good. I am going to attempt to do 10 to 13 miles in one sitting this week. Thirteen miles is half a marathon. I know it might be early, but if I perform that trek I am sure I can push through the final 13. Once I'm over the hump it is all downhill. Cutting this post short so I can write another one.

Screw you wind

2008-12-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

I felt like I was in Colorado again. There was a furious wind that attempted to deter me from my trek around the Aggie golf course. The flurries blew me back, but I still finished...eventually. The spot that continues to kill me is right off of George Bush...there is this uphill patch of sidewalk that just annihilates me. I know I will be able to get the whole route one day without any trouble, hopefully sooner than later.

This post is so yesterday...

2008-11-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

I ran two miles last night after my parents left. It was a little wet and cooler, but I managed to avoid most of the rain. I have been away from it for three days and it was starting to get to me. I was sick and certain people told me that going for a jog would probably make me feel worse. So this time I listened. I would consider going for another excursion today, but I have that whole work thing to do and I chose to go to church.

I am no longer sick! Whooo hoooooo! My personal goal for the week: I am going to try to run everyday and take my bike to work more often if the weather is decent.

Cough..cough...hack...blah!

2008-11-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

I woke up with a nasty cough felt a little too sleepy this morning. However, despite the cooler weather and the lacking immune system I did run a few miles. It was a little slower, and honestly, a little harder for some reason, but I wouldn't feel right if I didn't get to do it. I am taking my bike to work because I do feel a bit lazy and I want to ensure I get the required exercise time in. My goal this week is to run at least once every day. My body is rejecting all the work, but hopefully, things will begin to get easier and my endurance will return.

Also, I think it might be time to go buy some freaking shorts and another revolting shirt, one that screams "look at me I am bright and I am here to annoy you."

A day of rest

2008-11-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

No running today. I should be well-rested tomorrow morning when I wake up. I would write more but work calls. Addios

Ready to run...almost

2008-11-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

I just got back from Austin and instantly crashed. All that driving and partying must have caught up to me. My legs are a lot less sore and my mind is trying to convince me I don't need to go for that trek, but I know myself and that stubborn, determined part of me will win out and force me to follow through.

It is also kind of sad to realize I have two Dr. Peppers left before I run out. I might as well leave them at the store and just go back to drinking orange juice, gatorade or milk. It's not that hard to do when the items above are not camped out in your fridge.

It also seems some other people I know went running today for "marathon training." Congrats and be prepared to become really, really sore in the next few days.

Anywho, got to catch up with pwning my brother in whatever video game we decide to play. Expect a post after my excursion of exercise sometime later tonight.

My neck, my back...my neck and my back...and my legs too!

2008-11-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

Deciding to run has some side effects, like being insanely sore. I ask myself, "has it really been that long?" It probably has, when I am not at work running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, I am usually keep pretty busy. Without school I have more free time,, but work can sometimes get a little hectic and there are days where I just have to "recover" from the weekly grind. Speaking of the Grind, he has told me that the Hawkes' in Calif. are expecting to hit the track. I still have a head start. Now, I am about to go biking for a bit, nothing too difficult today.

Let the wookie win

2008-11-21T14:12:00.000-08:00

For the longest time, I have wanted to run a marathon. It's one of those things I have talked about in the past, but put in the back of my head because of the other priorities, such as school, work, relationships or just because I find myself without the time.

Yesterday, I returned to running. I figure I ran a few miles and now it feels like I am a little too sore for someone who has decided to run 26 miles. But it is the first day and I haven't really been able to take my bi-weekly bike excursions to campus or through College Station. The first day is always the toughest, but I will probably do something, biking, running or inline skating, here in a few minutes.

I called my brother to tell him about my latest challenge and ask him to call me when he goes to work, since he is two hours behind me, and because when I need someone to annoy the crap out of me to get me out of bed I can always depend on my twin. It's actually pretty funny, my brother told his wife and she found a marathon in California on May 26. So, I might be taking a vacation to California again it seems. Not only that, they both seem to want to compete it as well. Just remember: Let the wookie win.