Randy Marks: I read The Firm during his chemistry class.

(Since this entry might be a touch long, I thought I'd throw this disclaimer out there: Please remember this blog is also for me to look back on what I've done, so I want to include lots of details that might not be interesting to anybody but me. THANK YOU for reading it, though, and taking an interest in what I'm doing!)

My running schedule really ramps up this week, so I thought I'd get an early start. I was supposed to take Sam to the dentist at 9am, but they had to cancel, so I decided to run instead. A gorgeous day for it. Sun shining, a slight breeze...perfect.

I went to the track and realized something. Even though it's summer, kids still do things at the school. Things like...run. And practice cheerleading. No matter...I needed to run, so they'd have to deal with it. Plus, don't tell me that an overweight, white-yet-sunburned old man, huffing and puffing around the track didn't make those cheerleaders' day.

The running went really well. I was actually pretty nervous that I wouldn't be able to complete it, but I did. Success! Here's what I did today (I do the distance -400m is 1 lap):

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

• Jog 400m (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 200m (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 800m (or 5 minutes)
• Walk 400m (or 2-1/2 minutes)
• Jog 400m (or 3 minutes)
• Walk 200m (or 90 seconds)
• Jog 800m (or 5 minutes) (finished in 5:36 - too fast, I know!)
  
• Cool down 400m

As I finished the last 800m and started to walk, both quads basically locked up. It hurt like H. Took me 1/2 lap just to be able to walk somewhat normal again. But, by the time I got all the way around and stretched out, I felt ok.

I forgot to mention that the kids who were running were finished and now stretching when I got there. Their coach was a man by the name of Randy Marks. He was my chemistry teacher (I use the term loosely) in high school, but was better known as our track and cross country coach for like 100 years. He brought us tons of championships. So, as I approached him on my run around the track, imagine my joy when he made eye contact, pumped his fist, and gave me that "atta boy!" look. I nodded and smiled. And then puked. No, I didn't, but we ARE best friends now. Ok, we aren't, but I did keep running.

When I got home, I thought to myself: Ice bath. My best friend, Steven, is a huge proponent of these, so I called him and got the lowdown and then filled up the tub and let 'er rip. The first foot that went in I gasped and shouted, "OH NO!" Once I was in, though...I didn't want to get out. It felt amazing. I stayed in about 15 minutes, but could've stayed all day. (I called Julie and told her about this and she got really mad. "WHAT?! I never thought you'd do that! I wanted to be there for it! It's a momentous occasion!" Sorry, babe!)

Then I took my requisite cold shower and I'm feeling great. Sore, but great. And I suppose a little proud.

And sunburned. Idiot.