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.

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.

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.

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.