Dunn’s Daily upDates (June)
June 1 - Thursday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 85 of 200
Location: San Diego, CA
Running time: 5:21
Temperature: 68 / 79
Weather Conditions: Mostly cloudy and cool.
Road find: 2 cents.
Comments: The reason for the slow time today...media commitment. Not knowing the course very well yet, I committed to being at a certain section of the course at a specific time, and I got there "way" early. In anticipation of being early, I walked a couple of miles, and then had to "bide my time" for about 15 minutes until they found me. I've gotta keep those sponsors happy.
One of my sponsors however is not making me too happy. My Sprint phone service has been shut off....I'm lost without my phone. this morning is a perfect example....the TV crew and I could have been in contact with each other, and I would have avoided having to walk and wait.....actually I didn't mind too much, it was a nice break in the action.
I'm feeling good. A little sore, but hey, it's still 26.2, whaddaya expect?
***
June 2 - Friday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 86 of 200
Location: San Diego, CA
Running time: 4:53
Temperature: 64 / 77
Weather Conditions: Mostly cloudy and cool.
Road find: 6 cents. 2 of them in the lot where I park my car....so I knew it was going to be a good day.
Comments: TV crew again today.
Have to work both booths at the expo this afternoon.....Active.com and Endurox R4. Have 2 basketball games to watch this afternoon/evening.....and Elaine arrives at 9:10 PM. Quite a full day.
Later. Jerry
***
June 3 - Saturday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 87 of 200
Location: Carlsbad, Ca.
Temperature: 59 / 72
Weather Conditions: Nearly perfect.
Running Time: 4:34
Road Finds: 23 American cents, and a quarter sized foreign coin.
Comments: It's either Elaine's presence or the Carlsbad course or a combination thereof, but WOW, a 4:34, I haven't seen one that fast in a while. (And once again, "fast" is a relative term.)
I do love that ocean side running though. I was thinking about that this morning.....the power and forcefulness of the Pacific seems to exude some kind of strength for me. A strength that I seem to somehow internalize, and am able to use. I also think that the fact that I am an Aquarian, a water bearer, if you will, has something to do with my ""connectedness" to the ocean. Plus, all the people walking, running, cycling, surfing, roller blading and sunbathing, add to the energy source from which I can "osmote" some strength.
Elaine's plane was delayed out of Denver last night, so she didn't arrive until 12:30 this morning. She was considerate enough to insist that I go to bed after my 2 basketball games, and she would take a cab from the airport. I agreed that was a good idea.
We are about to head to the expo for a couple of hours, after which we will drive to Old Town for dinner, and then an early "taps" is in order.
Later. Jerry
***
June 4 - Sunday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 88 of 200
Location: San Diego, CA - Rock and Roll Marathon
Weather: sunny and warm.
Road Finds: zip
Comments: Sunday morning in San Diego, day number 88. We had no trouble finding the designated parking area, arriving at 5:30 AM. As we were boarding the bus, along with about 15,000 other marathoners, we ran into someone we know: Sharon from LA, and her friend Henry. Elaine and I have met a lot of people during our combined 48 years of running, but it was still one of those “I can’t believe out of all these people, we would be getting on the same bus” kinds of experiences. Anyway, we hung out with them in the staging area; had coffee; talked about the 50 and DC runners; talked about our favorite small town marathons and generally whiled away the hour we had to pass before the gun.
Steve, from Active.com happened to be in our coral, and we ran the first 10 miles with him. This was his first and with minimal training, so he was full of questions, and of course Elaine and I have all the answers. He wanted to come in just under 5 hours, so we sent him off with The Penguins 5 hour pace group; knowing that we were going to be a bit slower than that. I Haven’t heard how he did.
This was the 30th marathon that Elaine and I have run together since taking our wedding vows at the Disney World Marathon in January of 1995. And as in the previous 29, we stayed together the entire way, except for those couple of times that I ran ahead to get coffee or a donut for us to consume during one of our “walk break”. Elaine likes to joke that “it’s hard for me to slow down to Jerry’s pace, but hey, we all have to make sacrifices.” (One of our rituals during each marathon is to kiss every 5 miles and at the finish line. Occasionally at 15 or 20 miles we have to do some “make up” kisses for ones we may have forgotten earlier in the race, but we always get at least 6 per marathon.)
The race was very well done, except for getting back from the finish line to the parking lot. The walk from the finish to the loading area seemed to be almost a mile; the wait to board was about ½ hour; the ride itself, even though it was in an air-conditioned bus, was 45 minutes. It of course beat the alternative of walking, but it seemed like a lot to endure after just running 26.2.
As in Nashville, after the Country Music Marathon, we chose not to go to the free concert. Nashville was Kenny Rogers, and Rock & Roll was Chicago, but we just didn’t have the desire to get clean, get out, and get back into another crowd.
All in all it was another good day at the races.
***
June 6 - Tuesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 89 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 59 /69
Weather Conditions: Great!
Running Time: 4:58
Road Finds: one cent
Comments: I got a late start running this morning because after having driven the course yesterday, and finding a motel at the ½ way mark of the course, I decided to move there from the EconoLodge near the airport, where I was scheduled to stay. So, I had a huge breakfast; drove out the new motel; made a few phone calls and began running about 8:30.
On this course, I will be running from the ½ marathon mark to either the finish and back, or the start and back. Most often the finish, because the finish is in downtown Duluth, and I pass places where I can refill water bottles, get a cup of coffee and a donut, and make a couple of quick phone calls. (My Sprint phone does not work here on the lake. An inconvenience, but also a blessing).
The course is beautiful.... from mile 13 to 19, it runs right next to Lake Superior. From 19 to 22 is also next to the lake, except for the houses between the road and the lake; most of which are quite attractive. From 22 to 25, the course is in the business district of Duluth, and the last mile is down near the harbor and Canal Park... finishing of course very near Grandma’s restaurant.
As first days go, yesterday went very well, even with a late start.
I hope to use the peacefulness of my lodging, and the quiet beauty of the course, to rejuvenate for the second half of my mission.
Stay tuned. Jerry
***
June 7 - Wednesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 90 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 40 /42
Weather Conditions: Cold, rainy and cloudy
Running Time: 5:08
Road Finds: Nothing
Comments: This peaceful atmosphere is working... another late start today, 7 instead of 6 AM. No excuses today; I guess I just needed an extra hour of sleep. But hey, it’s not like I have to punch a time clock, this is my “gig”, and I can run it however I chose. I am a creature of habit though, and I’m sure this break from the routine is just temporary.
The weather did an about face today. Literally. Yesterday the wind was out of the south; the sun was shining and it was about 70 degrees. Today... wind from the north; rain off and on, and I don’t think it ever got above 50 out here by the lake... oh well, I can’t be in Southern California everyday. So I just put on more clothes, and did my thing.
I just realized why I needed that extra hour’s sleep this morning... tonight is the first game of the NBA Finals between my Indiana I-hope-they’ve-come-to-play Pacers, and the Los Angeles Shaquille-please-kneel Lakers. And that means I’ll be up until 10PM, which is slightly past my normal 8:30 bedtime. GO PACERS!!!!!!!
Later. Jerry
***
June 8 - Thursday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 91 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 45 / 70
Weather Conditions: Gorgeous. A cool start, warming up to "tanning" temperature.
Running Time: 5:05
Road Finds: Another fruitless day.
Comments: One of those days that I just had to "get over with". Not much fun....but now it's done.
***
June 9 - Friday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 92 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 42 / 42
Weather Conditions: Cloudy, cold and wind gusting to 30 knots.
Running Time: 5:22
Road Finds: one cent.
Comments: Miserable day. Head wind going out, tail wind coming back. What can I say.....another one down.
***
June 10 - Saturday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: Still 92 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 45 / 70
Weather Conditions: Blustery.
Running Time: N/A
Road Finds: Didn't even find the road today.
Comments: I took the day off. I'll probably make it up later this month at home, on the Mt. Rushmore course. I just couldn't get the MoJo workin' today. I guess that's life.
Tomorrow's another day.
Gotta rest.....Jerry
***
June 11 - Sunday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 93 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 44 / 53
Weather Conditions: Overcast and cool with that same old head wind going' out and tailwind comin' back.
Running Time: 4:58
Road Finds: A rubber coated baseball which I kicked for about 3 miles, but then it was swallowed by the sewer drain.
Comments: The day off yesterday was worth it. I felt pretty good today. No guilt. Hey, it's my project, and I can make up a day later in the year. I dropped one in Feb. in Las Vegas; one in March in Los Angeles; but none in January, April or May....in fact, I did 20 in April. So skipping yesterday was no huge deal.
I met John Hagen on the course today. He will be running Saturday....his 23rd Grandma's. He's only missed the first one back in '77.
He started at 216 pounds in March of '77, and was down to 159 on race day in June. And 23 years later, he's still a lean, mean 160. This running' stuff works if you just stick with it.
Later. Jerry
***
June 12 - Monday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 94 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 39 / 45
Weather Conditions: Same old stuff......cold, windy and cloudy. Today and added treat...a misty rain.
Running Time: 5:03
Road Finds: Another marathon kind of day....26 cents.
Comments: Finished up, and after having thought about how long it has been since I had a massage, I called and made an appointment....for 11:45. Drove right there from the finish line, and had a great treatment. Maybe the rest of the week will go better.
Gotta rest.....Jerry
***
June 13 - Tuesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 95 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 39 /45
Weather Conditions: Instant replay of yesterday.
Running Time: 4:48
Road Finds: A rather colorful marble.
Comments: Had TV engagement at 10:00, which helped me keep up the pace a bit, so that I would be back in town by 10.
The reason I haven't had much to say in my comments lately is that I have limited time "on line". The Lake View Castle motel where I am staying is peaceful and quaint...and, it has no phone lines in the rooms. But since it's a family operation, and they are somewhat impressed to have a "famous" marathon runner staying at their place, they have made a few concessions for me. One of which is to allow me to come into the kitchen of the restaurant and use a phone jack that is normally idle. But it does tie up one of their lines, so I usually just check my email, post a quick Update, and "unplug".
I've also been in a mental slump the last few days, and that lends itself to minimal reporting. I'm coming out of that, and I will be back to my humorous old self soon.
Thanks for hangin' in with me this far. Jerry
***
June 14 - Wednesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 96 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 40 /46
Weather Conditions: Alright, a change in the weather. Add RAIN to the cloudy, cold and windy.
Running Time: 4:56
Road Finds: A soggy tennis ball, which I kicked for about a mile.
Comments: I had to break out the Hoosier Gortex this morning. For those who don't know about Hoosier Gortex; it's a trash bag borrowed from the local convenience store. It's a very popular piece of running gear.....you've probably noticed them at all the major marathons. I mentioned the convenience store model, but it also comes in the Hotel model, the Restaurant model and the increasingly popular From-under-the-sink model.
Actually, the rain did make for a pleasant change of pace....well, it didn't change my pace, (4:56) but it did create a bit of a diversion, since I had to dodge not only the traffic, but puddles as well.
The rain stopped about 8 o'clock, I deposited my Hoosier Gortex in an appropriate trash receptacle, and actually dried out by the time I finished.
Another one for the log book.
***
June 15 - Thursday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 97 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 52 / 61
Weather Conditions: Ideal. Very minimal breeze. SUNSHINE....for a change.
Running Time: 5:03
Road Finds: nada.
Comments: Started early today so I could finish in time to do laundry and clean my room....in anticipation of Elaine's arrival at 12:42 this afternoon. (12:42...have I been counting the minutes or what?)
We'll do some touristy things this afternoon; have a nice dinner; and just enjoy being together.
It wasn't easy getting up earlier than usual this morning....I stayed up to watch my boys get beat...again. I'm guessing' that they can win the next one at home, BUT, returning to LA for the last 2 games.....I don't see an NBA trophy to put next to those 3 ABA trophies.
Well, I have to dig through my suitcase, and see if I really did bring any non-running clothes to wear to the airport.
***
June 16 - Friday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 98 of 200
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Temperature: 54 / 63
Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy; which means partly sunny too, Not a bad running day.
Running Time: 4:58
Road Finds: Blanked again today.
Comments: As always, it's great to have my favorite crew person, Elaine, to help me through the day. She ran the first mile and a half with me, and then went back to get the car and play "leap-frog" with me the rest of the morning.
After we clean up, we'll be heading to the expo down at Canal Park. None of my sponsors has a booth in Duluth, so I can just wander around with Elaine and watch her shop. She also passes out info about her marathon.....the Mt. Rushmore International Marathon in Rapid City, SD, in October. Then we'll go find a restaurant to have the obligatory pre-race-pasta, after which we will head back to the motel to watch the Pacers prolong the agony. (you notice I didn't say prolong the inevitable, because I still believe the improbable can be done......they CAN win three in a row. ((we all have to have dreams.)) ).
Have a great weekend!
Make Life Happen.
***
June 17 - Saturday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 99 of 200
Location: Two Harbors, MN to Grandma's Bar and Restaurant in Downtown Duluth, MN.
Temperature: 50 / 65
Weather Condition: Absolutely beautiful. The best weather I've had the entire stay here in Duluth.
Running Time: 5:35
Road Finds: 4 pairs of gloves; 1 pair of mittens; 1 head band and a very nice shirt. I stashed them all in the bushes at 10 miles and will pick them up later. Hey, I was running low on gloves, and this looked like a perfect opportunity.
Comments: Another one down. I'll fill in the blanks on Monday, when I'm back home at my desk.
***
June 30 - Friday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 100 of 200
Location: San Francisco, CA
Temperature: 53 /60
Weather Conditions: Slightly foggy, cool and light breeze.
Running Time: 5:29
Road Finds: 2 cents.
Comments: Well Sports Fans, I finally reached the major milestone, of this year - the half way mark! It was pretty ugly, but I'm there. The 100th of the year included a little bit of everything. As you may recall, I usually take one tumble in each city...well, I got that out of the way early here in the City by the Bay. 10 miles into this morning's run, up jumped one of those curious curbs that you've all experienced. You know the kind. They seem to raise and lower themselves at the most inappropriate times. My water bottle saved my left hand, but my right hand, left knee and left elbow will need a few days for the skin to grow back.
Prior to the fall, I experienced the what-do-these-little-tiny-letters-say-on-this-minature-map-of-the-course-say syndrome. In other words: you guessed it, I got lost. I ran this course back in '93, when it still started of f by coming across the Golden Gate Bridge. And I ran it last year, on the new course. But I missed a turn about 2 ½ miles into the course, and by the time I realized it, and stopped a “local” and asked directions, he said it was about a mile and a half back to where I had missed my turn. (And according to the amount of time it took me to get back there, I think he was darn close). So, that little error added about 3 miles and another 30 to 40 minutes to my day.
The photographer from the Chronicle came out to get a shot to go with the interview I did yesterday, for Monday's paper, and of course he caught up with me at the ugliest part of the course. But he did stay with me long enough to allow me to get into some more scenic parts of the city. In fact, it was good that he hung around as long as he did, because that was motivation enough to help me keep the pace up from mile 11 to about 20.
Let's see, what else happened at the 100th? I discovered that from about mile 18 to the finish, there are no opportunities to fill my water bottle, which meant I was pretty thirsty when I finished.
On the more positive side, (although none of the above events were all that negative, just things that happen when you run as much as I do), I encountered many other fitness minded folks out on the streets. Mostly runners, but also a lot of walkers, cyclists and bladers. That's a pleasant change from Duluth. (Actually, most anything would have been a pleasant change from Duluth. About all it had going' for it was the lake).
I guess about the only thing that would have made the 100th better would have been to have some sunshine and some friends. Actually I made a new friend along the course. Trey McCloud helped me maneuver my way around a portion of the course, and after he asked me why I was wearing the number 100 on my shorts, he got pretty much the whole story, in an abbreviated fashion, and subsequently felt kind of like a new found friend by the time I finally had to slow down and let him get back to HIS pace.
Well, it's time to take a shower; kick back a little; and savor the moment. When I look back on '93, and realize that it took me an entire year to run 104 of these things, and that on June 30th, I'm already at 100, even I'm impressed. (I'm typically pretty humble, but someday ya just gotta suck it up and gloat).
Thanks for hangin' with me this far, and I hope in 6 months I can throw a big party to celebrate number 200.
4 million steps down - 4 million to go.
Jerry
***
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