Success--sort of. But mostly, yeah.

Day 31: INcomplete
Month of July: Complete

Morning session: 6.2
Evening session: N/A
Total distance: 6.2 miles

Milestone reached: 350-mile mark



July 1 weigh-in: 207.5 lbs
July 31 weigh-in: 186.0 lbs

July 1 measurement: 6'2 & 1/4"
July 31 measurement: 6'2 & 1/8"

Final July stats:

351.2 miles--11.33 miles/day
21.5 lbs lost
1/8" shorter *sigh*

The more I shrink, the more weight I need to lose. Crap. Plus, I'm sure I'll gain a few pounds (at least) gradually, as I ease out of my running craze. So it's hard to keep off. Most of the weight lost was in my legs, and face. I could definitely stand to lose at least another 10-12 pounds from my midsection. Easier said than done, though.

This was an invigorating experience, to say the least. I'll take a break--probably a week, at least--from running, and blogging--on here, anyway.

Really glad I set out to do this. It made me realize several things--one of which being just how far I can push myself, and another being that I could've done even more.

No top 10 list tonight. Maybe no more ever. Hope you enjoyed them while they lasted. :)

Pshaw, I enjoyed thinking them up, so I'm sure it'll make a return at some point. Be prepared for some pics (and hopefully a video) to be posted on my Facebook in the next day or 2. Heck, maybe I'll even post 'em here, too. Who knows?

In the meantime, thanks for all the support.

God bless!

D, out.

One. Day. Left. (and best sports movies)...

Day 30: INcomplete

Morning session: N/A
Evening session: 8.65
Total distance: 8.65 miles

Yet another failed attempt at morning running. This is ridiculous. I'm standing on exactly 345 miles with one day to go. I should be ecstatic, but I'm actually pretty disappointed in myself, with the way I've wound down the month. 400 would've been reachable, and I've basically allowed myself to coast--which I told myself I wouldn't.

Watching my final sports flick now, which I mentioned last night: Victory.

I made a list of every sports movie I've watched--that I could think of--over the last 8-10 weeks. I counted the ones I watched on DVR in Wichita in June, since I had several on there.

But anyway, the list I've compiled has 71 sports movies on it, and I am now going to do a Top 15 list of the best ones--well, my favorites, anyway. So that's what this blog will basically be all about...

I say 15 partially because I said I'd make up for not having a Top 10 list last night, and partially because 71 is a lot of flicks, and 10 may not do it justice. ;)

Here goes:

**NOTE: OK, so I really tried to narrow it to 15, but it was just too hard. 20 was difficult enough. But here it is...share any thoughts at all, if ya got 'em!**

Top 20 sports movies I've watched this summer:

20. The 6th Man--basketball
19. We Are Marshall--football
18. Million Dollar Baby--boxing
17. Major League--baseball
16. Glory Road--basketball
15. Blue Chips--basketball
14. The Legend of Bagger Vance--golf
13. He Got Game--basketball
12. White Men Can't Jump--basketball
11. Bull Durham--baseball
10. Above the Rim--basketball
9. The Greatest Game Ever Played--golf
8. For Love of the Game--baseball
7. Rocky--boxing
6. Invincible--football
5. Remember the Titans--football
4. Rocky IV--boxing
3. Hoosiers--basketball
2. Miracle--hockey
1. Cinderella Man--boxing



This would not have been the first movie that popped in my head, but I just kept coming back to it as being better than all the others. I absolutely love this film. It has everything. Amazing flick that you must see, and if you've seen it--see it again.

Enjoy.

D, out.

Ah, technology. I miss the quiet already...

Day 29: INcomplete

Morning session: N/A
Evening session: 6.93
Total distance: 6.93 miles

No morning run again. Was heading out the door when it started pouring, so I didn't end up going. Disappointing once again.

Rejoined Facebook, MySpace, MSN, Yahoo tonight. Figured I earned it--just not based on the performances of this past week! ;)

No pop, or "junk" food indulgences yet, though. Still two days left. I need to hit 350, or I'll be very disappointed--goal, or no goal. 14 miles to go. Easily do-able.

No sports movie tonight, but I'll watch the one I got from the library sometime tomorrow: Victory.

Haven't seen it yet, but it's got Sly Stallone, and Pele in it, so it can't be half bad, eh?

No Top 10 list tonight. Laptop battery dying, and I have other stuff to get to. Apologies. I'll make it up tomorrow. Maybe another Top 15? ;)

D, out.

Whoa, must be Burt Reynolds or somethin'

Day 28: INcomplete
Week 4: Complete

Morning session: 3.86
Evening session: 5.17 miles
Total distance: 9.03 miles

Early session was short, since I didn't get out 'til 1:30 or so, and it was on the humid side, to say the least. Evening session was shorter than intended, too--Cubs game at 7, y'know.

Just realized I only ran 10+ miles twice in the last 7 days. Wow, that's bad. Ah, I guess it is near month's end; I've reached my goal, and am starting to feel some extra soreness in the legs lately.

Week 4 stats:

59.06 miles--8.44 miles/day
4.0 lbs lost

July stats, up-to-date:

329.42 miles--11.77 miles/day
17.5 lbs lost

Comparison:

Week 1: 90.43 miles
Week 2: 73.20 miles
Week 3: 106.73 miles
Week 4: 59.06 miles

I'm on pace for 364.72 miles, with only 3 days remaining. But at this point, I'm kind of OK with the idea of just hitting the 350 mark. The pace fell off dramatically the last week, obviously. After nearly killing myself in Week 3, and reaching my goal on the 24th, I'm not as disappointed about it as I probably could be. Only regret I have is not having more week-to-week consistency.

Sports movie now: BASEketball.
A stupid, and vulgar flick by the creators of South Park. But downright hilarious! Probably a guy's movie, though.


After that: Happy Gilmore.

If you haven't seen it, shame on you. My best friend back in High School, Stacia and I, once recited each and every line from the movie, with the TV on mute. Classic stuff. Wow, that was probably about 9 years ago. Man, how things change...

Nonetheless, great flick!


Tonight's Top 10 list:

Top 10 coolest things I've seen/discovered this month:

10. Watching almost nothing but sports movies for a month can make time go by faster than I thought it would.
9. It's really not all that hard to motivate yourself to do something once you set your mind to it. Those who think it is--aren't setting their minds to it. Plain and simple.
8. A month without the typical technological indulgences--Facebook, MySpace, MSN, Yahoo--can actually be quite liberating. For awhile.
7. The way it can sometimes pour rain from an almost impossibly clear sky. A beautiful sight.
6. The sunrise and sunset look different every single day, and it never ceases to amaze me.
5. All the people who wave, and some that don't, on country roads. People wave more in the morning than at night. And people in trucks wave more often than those in cars. I've done the research. Someone driving a truck in the morning? They'll wave almost every time. It's awesome. 4. A loose cow being startled upon seeing me, crossing the road, and hurdling the fence to return to its penned-in pasture. Solid hops for a cow, I thought.
3. A loose cow emerging from the trees, and staring me down in the middle of the road, before running along with me for about 1/2 a mile.
2. A deer crossing the road as I ran, not 10 feet in front of me.
1. It's been a great way of finding out who my true friends are. I have a lot of really shady ones, but a few great ones, too.



Bit of an old pic, but it cracks me up every time!

D, out.

You used to be Mel Clark?

Day 27: INcomplete

Morning session: N/A
Evening session: 6.29 miles
Total distance: 6.29 miles

No morning run yet again. Trying not to be too hard on myself, since I've already reached the 300 mark, but...this was the third morning in 4 days that I didn't run. Need to get after it tomorrow. We'll see if that pans out.

Managed to dig up a few more sports flicks around the house, and I'll check the town library to see if they have any others that I haven't watched yet this month...

Now: Rookie of the Year. It features the Cubs; what's not to like?

Speaking of which--the boys in blue are tied 1-1 heading to the 13th inning. Here we go again. They need the win to hold onto 1st place. C'mon, fellas!

But there's only a few minutes left in the movie, so next we'll have: Angels in the Outfield. Funny flick with some baseball, some silliness, and a few nice, sentimental moments, too.


**Cubs win, Cubs win! Grand slam, Alfonso Soriano! 5-1, Cubs in 13 innings. Huge, huge win!!**

Tonight's Top 10 list:

Top 10 Favorite teachers (excluding my mom) I've ever had (and what classes I had with them):

10. Chuck Killingsworth, Pittsburg State University: Fresman Experience
9. Allan Van Asselt, McPherson College: Chemistry
8. Cheryl Matthews, Pretty Prairie Middle School: 7th/8th grade English
7. Jon Johnson, Pretty Prairie High School: American History, American Government
6. C.T. Young, Pretty Prairie High School: Physical Science, Biology
5. Patti French, Pretty Prairie Middle School: 5th grade
4. B.J. Stegall, Pretty Prairie High School: Algebra II, Geometry
3. Lindsey Harvell, Wichita State University: Public Speaking
2. Chuck Ray, Pretty Prairie High School: English, Creative Writing
1. W. Stephen Hathaway, Wichita State University: American Literature, Modern American Writers, Nature of Fiction

Not sure what spurned this, but felt like it was a good use of some thought.

Side note; #3: Lindsey Harvell (aka, Linds) taught my Public Speaking class my first semester at WSU. I was a Junior, had just transferred in, and she was just starting her teaching career.
- She is now a professor at the University of Oklahoma *puke*. We became friends after that semester. Weird stuff. Cool chica, though.

Hathaway and Ray have both been very influential in my, uh, weirdness.

D, out.

Well wake her a** up; we gotta win tomorrow!

Day 26: INcomplete

Morning session: N/A
Evening session: 6.03 miles
Total distance: 6.03 miles

No early run since I went to church, and not much running in the evening, either, since I drove to the gym. Lucky thing, too, since no one showed to play ball. Kids around here have no dedication these days. Lazy schmucks.

From 1998-2003, Sunday ball in Pretty Prairie was legit. Nowadays, it's still us old school cats spearheading it, while the High School blokes come up with a new excuse every single time. And the guys on the basketball team are the worst ones, at that. Frustrating, to say the least. No matter, got a little run in out in the country, instead. All-in-all, a bit of a letdown today in the running department.

Movie now: The Waterboy.
Adam Sandler is one funny hombre. In case you didn't know.


And since tonight's blog is short, and I may have finished my last VHS sports movie by blog-time tomorrow...

The next, and final sports flick of the month: Jerry Maguire.
The only time Tom Cruise has been, and ever will be tolerable, in my opinion. Pretty solid flick, though.


Don't feel like thinkin' too hard tonight, so this will be a short, easy one...

Tonight's Top 10 list:

Top 10 favorite sports (to watch):

10. LaCrosse
9. Futbol (soccer)
8. Hockey (NHL)
7. Tennis (ATP)
6. Boxing
5. Football (NCAA)
4. Basketball (NCAA)
3. Football (NFL)
2. Basketball (NBA)
1. Baseball (MLB)

The fact that baseball is #1 on my list would surprise those who don't know me too well. The reason is simple. I get too antsy when I watch basketball, and I want to play. Other than the Cubs, basketball is my true love. But I simply can't stand watching it being played poorly--on any level.

Also, boxing would be much higher if it wasn't dying out. We need more big-name, primetime boxers in the game today. It's a beautiful sport.

Finally...

My beloved Cubbies won today, and the hated Cardinals got thrashed by Philly. Which means what, you ask? It means my Cubs are now in first place for the first time since April 21. They were in 4th place (4.5 games back) in the division when July began...

Don't look back, fellas!

D, out.

Who Do You Play For?

Day 25: Complete

Morning session: 9.17 miles
Evening session: 6.12 miles
Total distance: 15.29 miles

(THE) Milestone reached: 300-mile mark

Yo, Adrian! I did it! :)

Not gonna lie, I'm proud of myself. I had a few people--including a good friend who's a collegiate trackster and cross country runner--tell me I wouldn't do it. That I couldn't do it. But I did. And with 6 days to spare. I know with all the hard work I've put myself through the past 25 days, I probably shouldn't say this, but...400 miles in a month is attainable. Probably not this month, with the couple runs I've taken off lately, but I'm just saying.

Moral of the story?
Don't ever freaking underestimate me.

Now, despite my achievement, I don't plan to "coast," per se, but I should probably hit the 350 mark, or so.

Had a handful of friends lobbying for me to get back on Facebook today, since I accomplished my goal 6 days early. But I did pledge to stay away from it (and various other things) for the entire month. Not to mention that I haven't reached my weight loss goal just yet--which could actually prove to be even tougher than the 300 miles.

As of this evening, I've lost 17 lbs in 25 days. I need to lose 5.5 more lbs in 6 days to reach my goal. Time to buckle down even harder than before.

Hockey movie now: Miracle.

There might not be a more inspiring sports story in American history. On that 1980 night in Lake Placid, NY, magic happened. The impossible happened. I get goosebumps just talking about the event with sports buddies of mine. Great film, and a great piece of history, to say the least.

But it's almost over (i.e. the best part coming up right now), so I'll start the next movie soon: Kingpin.

Freaking hysterical bowling flick. Laughs out the wazoo, I promise you.

Tonight's top 10 list:

Top 10 things I would endorse (if I were a celebrity, and approached to do so):

10. Spalding - basketballs
9. American Eagle - primarily for flip flops
8. New Era - baseball caps
7. Fruit Loops w/ marshmallows
6. Subway
5. Orbit gum (good gum, and their ads are funny)
4. Reese's Pieces
3. Dr. Pepper
2. G2 Gatorade - grape
1. Adidas - basketball shoes, and other apparel


And now, since I just finished watching Miracle, I have goosebumps all over my body, and a bit of a watery eye--cheesy, I know--I'll leave you with that.

Today...was a good day, my friends.

My advice to you?
Live your dreams. Fulfill your goals. Then keep going. Do everything you can. Then do more.

D, out.

The eve of achievement.

Day 24: INcomplete

Morning session: N/A
Evening session: 7.61
Total distance: 7.61 miles

Golfed with Justin this morning--well, tried--so no running. Was very impressed with my pace during the evening run, and am now just 7.22 miles short of the 300 mark. Tomorrow's the big day.

Friday's weekly update: 82.41 miles (11.77 miles/day)
*This is just in the last 7 days (not accumulative), since last Friday's update. Pace slowed a bit the last few days. But the big picture is what's important at this point in the journey.*

Accumulative total: 292.78 miles (12.19 miles/day)

This overall average puts me on pace for approximately 377 miles. Doubt I'll get that high, since I'm gonna start focusing on the midsection after I hit 300, to hopefully get the weight down faster.

Weigh-in: 191.5 lbs

At this rate, I'm still on pace to lose approximately 20 lbs (20.67 lbs, to be exact), which would still fall short of my goal of 22.5 lbs. Again, if I could lose 20 in a month (4 more to go), I'd probably take it. But I know I can lose more. And more importantly, I want to lose more.

Movie later: Eddie. Goofy movie with Whoopi Goldberg, who I otherwise can't stand. But it's a pretty solid flick, with some hoops, and worth a few laughs.

And as promised, to make up for not having a list last night, here's a bonus tonight...

Tonight's top 15 list:

Top 15 favorite TV shows (during my lifetime):

15. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
14. Castle
13. Alf
12. Friends
11. Two and a Half Men
10. Walker, Texas Ranger
9. Saved by the Bell
8. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
7. 30 Rock
6. Scrubs
5. Family Guy
4. That 70's Show
3. Boston Legal
2. K-Ville
1. Seinfeld



And that, ladies and gents, is that. Time to recoup for tomorrow's milestone. Be excited. Ready, go! ;)

D, out.

Day 23: INcomplete

Morning session: 10.75 miles
Evening session: N/A
Total distance: 10.75 miles

Played ball this evening, and with Justin in town, that meant no running. Luckily, I got in an acceptable run this morning. No running in the morning, either. Gonna try to hit the links for some golf. Key word: try.

Making matters worse, I'm all but certain I broke my finger for the 9th time. Hurts worse than it ever has before--sucks! And yes, you read that right. Same finger, nine times. Ugh.

Halfway through first VHS sports movie: Above the Rim.
Classic basketball flick. Real solid acting, by Tupac Shakur, among others.

It motivates me to do two things: play ball, and listen to Pac.

I'll have an evening run tomorrow, and am tentatively scheduled to hit to 300 mark on Saturday morning. A day or two later than I could have done. But given that I've actually gotten to do something like--say, interact with actual people--the past few days, the small "break" has been welcomed.

No top 10 list tonight. Short of ideas, and it hurts to type.

Apologies to anyone who may care for the weak blog. I'll make it up tomorrow.

D, out.

I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it. - Mitch Hedberg

Day 22: INcomplete

Morning session: 2.00 miles
Evening session: 2.00 miles
Total distance: 4.00 miles

As much of a "day off" as I'll take. Same as July 10, I went to WSU to play ball with my Wichita buddies. Ran a little on the track before and after.

Movie now: Blades of Glory.

I know, I know, right? Ha!

Movie sometime tomorrow, and the final sports movie of my DVD collection (still a few more on the VHS side): Wimbledon.

Very solid flick. Good acting, and kind of a cute story. Plus, tennis is fun, so you know.

Got a buddy supposed to be comin' down tomorrow for some evening hoops, and Friday morning golf. Translation: I need a very productive morning run tomorrow, and evening run Friday. Was hoping to hit 300 by Friday, but now it's looking like Saturday will be the big day.

--Another e-mail from my best friend in the wide world today, Amanda Lee Walker. We don't get to talk much; she's on the other side of the galaxy (well, Connecticut), and I sure do miss her a whole bunch. She's been so supportive through my grueling month. She rocks! Raccoon.

Tonight's top 10 list:

Top 10 comedians of all-time:

10. D.L. Hughley
9. Chelsea Handler
8. Rich Vos
7. Sarah Silverman
6. Ralphie May
5. George Carlin
4. Dave Chappelle
3. Demitri Martin
2. Richard Pryor
1. Mitch Hedberg

Rest in Peace, Mitch. Funny, funny dude.


A roughly compiled list. Everytime I thought to list someone, I thought of 3 or 4 others just as funny. But this list works for me. :)

D, out.

What did YOU do this week?

Day 21: Complete
Week 3: Complete

Morning session: 11.73 miles
Evening session: 5.78 miles
Total distance: 17.51 miles

Milestone reached: 100 miles in 1 week (106.73)

I am very pleased with this milestone. I wasn't sure 100 miles in one week was attainable. But after 19+ and 14+ on the first 2 days of the week, I knew I had a shot.

Ran yet another career high in today's morning session. The day's total was my 2nd best day, next to that 19.09 on the 15th. The "evening" session came around 4:30 again today, with the Cubs on TV for another 6:00 game.

Week 3 stats:

106.73 miles--15.25 miles/day
4.0 lbs lost

July stats, up-to-date:

270.36 miles--12.87 miles/day
13.5 lbs lost

Comparison:

Week 1: 90.43 miles
Week 2: 73.20 miles
Week 3: 106.73 miles

I am actually on pace to reach 399.1 miles at my current average. But that will decrease quite a bit the next few days. Gonna play ball with my Wichita State friends tomorrow, which means a little less running, then I may have a friend coming to visit Thursday/Friday. If so, we plan to play some ball Thursday evening, and a little golf Friday morning. If that goes as planned, that means not much running these next 3 days.

Plus, once I do hit my 300 mark, I am tentatively planning to coast a little bit, and focus on some sit-ups, push-ups, etc., in order to focus more on the midsection, and coming a little closer to my weight loss goal. Whether this means only running once a day for the final week or so, or just a little bit less each time, I haven't decided...

Movie later, after the game: Goal! The Dream Begins. Cheesy, if not lazy title, but actually a very inspiring flick, if you haven't seen it.


Won't start the movie until after the Cubs game, though, of course. They're tied 1-1 right now in the 9th, with the defending champion Phillies. It's been a real nice pitching duel so far. Philly has won 9 straight, and demolished the Cubbies last night, 10-1. Suffice to say the boys in blue could really use a win here.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge just had a line drive go off his foot right to Jimmy Rollins, who turned the double play to end the Cubs half of the 9th. Ridiculously dumb luck for Lidge. Fun-looking play, though, if I'm rooting for the other team.

Tonight's top 10 list:

Top 10 country singers (solo artists only):

10. Gary Allan
9. Chris Cagle
8. Luke Bryan
7. Sara Evans
6. Pat Green
5. Toby Keith
4. Taylor Swift
3. Trace Adkins
2. Jack Ingram
1. James Otto



I thought this would be a lot easier. I had a list of 20+ people originally typed in, and had to trim it to 10. If you listen to country at all, share some thoughts!!

The ones I left off...
George Straight, Jason Michael Carroll, Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Billy Currington

D, out.

That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.

Day 20: Complete

Morning session: 11.52 miles
Evening session: 5.18 miles
Total distance: 16.70 miles

Milestone reached: 250-mile mark

Took awhile getting around (soreness) for the morning run, but completed a new career high once I did. The evening run came at 4:30 (which meant only about 3 hours between runs), due to the Cubs being on at 6 again.

10.78 miles tomorrow would give me a 100-mile week. I can't believe I've trimmed it that close, but it's attainable.

Movie now: The Legend of Bagger Vance. Great flick. Had to watch it for Philosophy of Religion class at Kansas Wesleyan University. Loved it, so I bought it.


Movie from earlier: The Greatest Game Ever Played. This would crack my top 10--heck, probably top 4 or 5 sports movies of all-time, no lie. Brilliantly directed by Bill Paxton. Great acting by Shia LaBeouf. I tear up every time. Definitely a tug at the heart strings.


Note: If you didn't know, today is the 40th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon. An important day in American history.


That inspires tonight's top 10 list:

Top 10 "I'll never forget where I was when..." moments:

10. Michael Jackson's death--read the news of his heart attack from my friend Nick's Facebook status, while in my basement. Kept up with the updates on TMZ.com, because CNN's coverage during the story was absolutely horrendous.
9. Princess Diana's death--my grandparents house. I didn't know much about her, but I was captivated by the story when the news broke.
8. Michael Jordan's last shot with the Bulls--I was up in my mom's room due to bad reception in the basement, as I watched MJ knock off the Jazz. Before watching his comeback with Washington, it seemed inevitable that it would be Mike's last shot, even before he took it. Perfect script, great game, great shot.
7. "Music City Miracle," 2000. Tennessee Titans beat the Buffalo Bills, and advance to the Super Bowl on a last-second kick return after a cross-field lateral pass from tight end Frank Wycheck to receiver Kevin Dyson. I'll never forget the call on that play: "He's got somethin'...he's got somethin'...he's got it, he's got it...he's got it...endzone! Touchdown--Titans! There-are-NO-flags-on-the-field! It's a miracle! Tennessee has pulled a miracle! A miracle for the Titans!"
6. 2004 ALCS; Red Sox shock Yankees--A playoff volleyball game at McPherson College. It was Game 7, and in between sets, me and my basketball buddies would all run out to the lobby to check the score on the big screen. Fun times.
5. Bombing at OKC Federal building--3rd grade classroom. A classmate who was sick the first 2 hours of the day showed up, and shared the news with us. No one believed him. Even made the teacher mad that he'd make up such an awful thing.
4. 2001 World Series; Diamondbacks stun Yankees--sitting in our basement's living room with my little brother, Phil. It seemed to be all-but-over. Rivera on the hill, with a lead? But no. What a finish.
3. OJ Simpson (and Al Cowlings), Bronco chase--unlike most 9 year olds, I knew quite a bit about OJ (sports nut, you know) before the murder charges ever came about, so I was invested in the story from Day 1. I remember watching police cars follow his white Bronco all along that California highway in 1994 from the couch in our old trailer with my sister.
2. Joe Carter, 1993 (Blue Jays win '93 World Series on one of the biggest home runs ever hit--by a former WSU Shocker, no less)--laying on the floor of our old trailer. Went absolutely nuts. I knew then, as an 8 year old, that I'd just witness one of the most important hits in baseball history.
1. 9/11 attacks--Mr. Johnson's classroom (after having Algebra interrupted) at PPHS. The world stood still that day.

D, out.

Deep in the throes of the Friendly Confines...

Day 19: INomplete

Morning session: 3.27 miles
Evening session: 8.23 miles
Total distance: 11.50 miles

The early run had to be short due to time I got up, and the time the Cubs game came on. Story of my life. *which I make zero apologies for* :)

Also, no one showed for basketball, so I had to get a little running in on the High School's track. Very different feeling, running around a quarter-mile rubberized track, rather than mile-long dirt road straights.

Meanwhile, I need to average 13.74 miles over the next 2 days in order to finish with a 100-mile week, which would be pretty sweet. Here's hoping...

Movie now: Fever Pitch. Sweet flick, and basically my life (if it were the Cubs, anyway).


Thought: Drew Barrymore is not that cute. Why do so many people think she is? It's gotta be the E.T. carryover effect, because otherwise, I don't get it. But even then, that was 27 years ago, folks. Move on.

Tonight's top 10 list:

Top 10 places to see before I die (top of my head):

10. All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club--Wimbeldon--London, England
9. Dodger Stadium--Los Angeles, CA
8. Eiffel Tower--Paris, France
7. Any random hillside--Ireland
6. The ocean--whichever
5. Water streets (not sure if they have an official name)--Venice, Italy
4. Palm trees--Hawaii
3. The beach--wherever
2. United Center--Chicago, IL (more specifically, the MJ statue outside)
1. Wrigley Field--Chicago, IL.

This will be the most clear-cut #1 of any top 10 I ever do.

D, out.

I would fight Jesse James if I had to...

Day 18: Complete

Morning session: 8.16 miles
Evening session: 6.12 miles
Total distance: 14.28 miles

Today was a day of soreness. The evening run came at 4:30ish, since the Cubs game came on at 6, so less time off in between runs hurt a little bit, too. But I'm now at the point (give or take 1/2 a mile) where I was through all of last June (approximately 225 miles). And it's only the 18th. Not bad, I figure.

Note: I'm suddenly noticing that my calves are hard as rock right now (compared to what I'm used to, anyway). That's a good thing--right? Maybe. I dunno.

I really should be doing some serious sit-ups and push-ups, in order to work on the midsection, and increase my weight loss opportunities, but after all the running, I'm generally just too sore. Oops. :)

Next movie on tap: Hardball. Funny, yet touching flick. Definitely worth watching, whether you've seen it or not...


Tonight's top 10 list:

Top 10 celebrity crushes:

Honorable mentions to Taylor Swift, and Hayden Panettiere, who are both worthy, but too young (19) for me to consider legitimate here. Ha!

10. Constance Marie--actress (George Lopez Show) (39)
9. Sue Bird--basketball player (28)
8. Carrie Underwood--singer (26)
7. Becky Hammon--basketball player (32)
6. Reese Witherspoon--actress (33)
5. Rachel Nichols--reporter, ESPN (35)
4. Eva Mendes--actress (35)
3. Julianne Hough--singer/dancer (21. Well, 20 until Monday)
2. Jennifer Nettles--singer (Sugarland lead singer) (34)
1. Sandra Bullock--actress (44)



*And no, I don't care that she turns 45 next week, and is married to one of the toughest dudes on the planet.*

D, out.

200 miles in...

Day 17: Complete

Morning session: 6.76 miles
Evening session: 6.45 miles
Total distance: 13.21 miles

Milestone reached: 200-mile mark

Friday's weekly update: 90.08 miles (12.87 miles/day)
*This is just in the last 7 days (not accumulative), since last Friday's update. Getting the pace back to where it needs to be.*

Accumulative total: 210.37 miles (12.37 miles/day)

This overall average puts me on pace for approximately 383 miles. Reckon I could kill myself trying to reach 400, but that would require a ridiculous stretch over these last 2 weeks. I'd have to average 13.55 over the last 14 days to get there--with no days (or singular runs) off. For now, I'll stick to trying to get to 300 as soon as possible, and take it from there...

Weigh-in: 196.0 lbs

At this rate, I'm on pace to lose approximately 20 lbs (20.97 lbs, to be exact), which would fall short of my goal of 22.5 lbs. Suppose I'd accept losing 20 lbs in a month, but we'll see how the last 2 weeks go...

Movie now: Major League II.
Watched the first one earlier. Classic duo.


Tonight's top 10 list:

Top 10 favorite athletes (during my lifetime):

10. Dennis Rodman--Pistons, Spurs, Bulls, Lakers, Mavericks (NBA)
9. Kurt Warner--Rams, Giants, Cardinals (NFL)
8. Andres Nocioni--Bulls, Kings (NBA)
7. Ryne Sandberg--Cubs (MLB)
6. Carlos Zambrano--Cubs (MLB)
5. Michael Jordan--Bulls, Wizards (NBA), Birmingham Barons (AA Minor League Baseball)
4. Deion Sanders--Falcons, 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins, Ravens (NFL), Yankees, Braves, Giants, Reds (MLB)
3. Bo Jackson--Oakland Raiders (NFL), Royals, White Sox, Angels (MLB)
2. Joe Montana--49ers, Chiefs (NFL)
1. Toni Kukoc--Bulls, 76ers, Hawks, Bucks (NBA)

No milestones to come for a few days. I need something to push for. Maybe the idea of a 100-mile week? Off to a solid start (46.74 in 3 days); averaging 13.32 over the next 4 days would get me there. Let's do it...

D, out.

OK now, we're down 12, but we don't stink.

Day 16: Complete

Morning session: 6.13 miles
Evening session: 8.31 miles
Total distance: 14.44 miles

Not a bad follow-up to yesterday's madness. Highest total ever (yesterday), followed by my third highest total (today). I'll take it. I'll hit the 200-mile mark tomorrow, and with still two weeks to go. Whew.

Took my phone along with me on my evening run--was texting with a friend I don't get to talk to often, and it was runnin' time. But I used it to take a few fun pictures of the trail I ran. Here are just a few for now. I'll probably post them all in a Facebook album on August 1. ;)

Speaking of which--man, I miss Facebook. I'm dying to know what all I have waiting for me (messages, wall posts, pokes, friend requests, general notifications, etc) when I return. I hope it's a lot. Ha!

But anyway, yes, I got into a stare-down with a cow. Ha!


Watching the last of my basketball movies: The 6th Man. It's a comedy, but very touching. There are two (OK, three) moments in particular that make me tear up a little bit. Crazy stuff. Can't even get you a pic for that. Really gotta get this net situation hashed out soon. It's ridiculous. Hope I can even get this to post.

In conclusion, as I promised--a list of my top 10 favorite actors (just because). Maybe a top 10 list each day could add to the blogging fun, eh? Any topic suggestions, shoot them my way! :)

Top 10 actors: (a roughly compiled list, surely I'll forget someone)

10. Gene Hackman
9. Clint Eastwood
8. Ashton Kutcher
7. Morgan Freeman
6. Denzel Washington
5. Will Smith
4. Al Pacino
3. Ben Affleck
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
1. Forest Whitaker

Something like that, anyway. Numbers 1 may be forever permanent, and 2-5 are pretty well set. Otherwise, not necessarily so. Top 10 actresses tomorrow? Or maybe singers? Models? Movies? TV shows? Teams? Hmm... :)

D, out.

What is your deepest fear, young man?

Day 15: Complete

Morning session: 11.18 miles
Evening session: 7.91 miles
Total distance: 19.09 miles

Whoa.

Yeah, you read that right. Hit two records today: longest run, and most miles in a day.

The morning run was necessary to make up for lost miles. Actually ventured into some previously-uncharted territory (for me) even farther out in the country than I am already--fun stuff.

The evening run should have been grueling. But it wasn't. Just one "break" of about three minutes of walking, the rest was non-stop. Oh, and it also poured rain on me for about a mile and a half. That was so awesome! Especially since it almost seemed to be falling from a clear blue sky. It was beautiful. And refreshing.

Here's a photo of me running today...

What? You don't think that's me? Yeah, probably not. Check this dude's pants. You know that ain't me. Fun pic, though. :)

Let's just hope I can muster the energy to put in a decent showing tomorrow. I actually felt a little extra bounce (pep, even?) tonight, at the end of my evening run. Contemplating running another mile or 2 to get my day over the 20-mile mark, but I figured I'd get a good meal in, and relax--plus, it's something else to shoot for (20 miles in a day, that is). It's attainable, under the right circumstances, for sure!

I have approximately 45 minutes or so left of Coach Carter. I always forget how much I like it until I throw it in. Samuel L. Jackson is great. He's probably #4 (maybe 5) on my favorite actors list (a list I might have to make official in an upcoming blog, eh?)...


After that...Celtic Pride. A hilarious classic. Whether you're a basketball nut like me, or not, if you haven't seen it, shame on you. It's downright hysterical!


D, out.