Dunn’s Daily upDates (May)
May 1 - Monday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 69 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Running time: 4:54
Temperature: 48 / 65
Weather Conditions: Mostly cloudy and cool.
Road find: 13 cents.
Comments: Off to a great start.
More tomorrow...
***
May 2 - Tuesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 70 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 48 / 65
Weather Conditions: Another near perfect day. Cool at the outset, with a kind of foggy cloud cover until about 9:30.
Running Time: 4:46
Road find: 6 cents. I guess the street sweepers do a better job in Cincinnati than they do in Boston.
The group of runners that hosted me in Nashville have created a fund into which they put all the money that each of them finds, and at the end of every 3 months, they count it and match the amount with a "donation" and give it all the international fund and the local YMCA. Over the years, they have helped a lot of kids. RIGHT ON!!
Comments: My Cincinnati welcoming committee was not quite as large as the one I had in Nashville, but it was just as "welcome". Kevin Manley, who read my story on the Flying Pig web site, earlier this year, met me at the start line and led me around the course on his bicycle.
Not too long ago, Kevin's sister-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer, and as a result of Kevin's desire to "do something to help", his fledgling group...Run for the Lungs, will make it's debut at this year's Flying Pig Marathon.
As we "toured" the course yesterday, we spent a lot of our time discussing how Mr Marathon might be able to help Kevin and his group grow.
He wants to model it after the Team in Training program.
So yesterday was easy....just follow the bicycle. Today was a bit more difficult. Fortunately I had a map of the course in my fanny pack, because unlike Arnold Schwartzenagger, I don't have TOTAL RECALL. I only needed to consult the map 2 or 3, or 4, or 5 times. But I got to the finish line on schedule, and had a good time doing it, so everything worked out alright.
Channel 12, the local CBS affiliate was out today to do a quick piece for the noontime news. And the Post had a photographer at the start line to get a shot for the story that will run tomorrow.....so I'm getting my "media fix" early here in Cincinnati.
The other stroke of luck that has happened for me, is that 2 doors away from my hotel is a WHITE CASTLE....not a place with knights and horses, but a hamburger joint that has been around since 1944. They are considered by many to be "gut bombs", which is actually an accurate assessment of the resultant physiological response to having consumed a sizable number of the little square, greasy, onion-laden patties of meat. But since they are part of my childhood experience, and since I actually like them, whenever I'm in a city that still has them avaliable.....I'm gonna get me some...no matter what the price. (If you know what I mean....can I get a witness? amen).
I'm feelin' good. Life is good. I found a church near the finish line where I will continue the routine I established in Boston, and I'm lookin' forward to another great day tomorrow.
***
May 3 - Wednesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 71 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 53 / 77
Weather Conditions: Quite nice.
Running Time: 4:47
Road find: 17 cents.
Comments: I felt like I walked more than usual today, but the clock indicated differently...4:47 is right on schedule. I'm still looking for the right donut stop. There are a couple early in the course, but none at the spots where I really need them.....(where's Harold with the Krispy Kreme box?)
Today was one of those "just another day at the office days".
A couple of moneysaving events occurred today. After paying $8.50 a day to park for the last 3 days, and after having my request for a "deal" turned down by the manager of the garage, I found another lot that only charges $3.50 a day. It's farther from the start line, but closer to the finish line.
The other money saver is that I now have a restaurant sponsor for lunch for the remainder of my stay. Jillian's Food and Fun, which is just 6 blocks from my hotel, has agreed to feed Mr.Marathon.
Not much else to report today....I did get an e-mail from one of my detractors, or non-fans, or jealous-that-I-didn't-think-of-this-first-'cause-anybody-can-run-26.2-200-times-in-one-year kind of people. He said he would see me on the 14th at the Real Race. I invited him to run the next 10 mornings with me.....I won't hold my breath, as they say.
***
May 4 - Thursday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 72 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 55 /74
Weather Conditions: Good
Running Time: 5:03
Road Finds: 7 cents and a golf ball.
Comments: Today was a struggle, both physically and mentally. I decided at about 15 miles that I was going to find a massage therapist as soon as I was finished, and get a massage. I find an excellent therapist.....ahhh. I have had only 4 massage so far this year. That is far from the every-other-day plan that I had hoped I would be able to afford. However, I am going back Sunday and next Thursday. (And since I am writing this a day late, I can say without a doubt that the massage helped me get through today.)
I stayed up late last night.....10:30...so I could watch my Pacers squeak out a win over the Bucks. I'd really like to watch the Lakers and the Kings tonight, but it doesn't start 'til 10 PM......no way.
***
May 5 - Friday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 73 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 62 / 80
Weather Conditions: It got pretty warm today.
Running Time: 4:43
Road Finds: 6 cents.
Comments: As I said, the massage helped. Also, a runner joined me for about 3 miles between 14 and 17, and that helped too. Plus, I called a couple of my buddies back home and passed away about 5 miles talking with them.....thank you Sprint PCS.
Tonight I'm having dinner with my friend Kevin.....another home cooked meal, and that is always something to look forward to.
Less traffic is my caveat or tomorrow.....little things do make a difference.
***
May 6 - Saturday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 74 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 60 / 85
Weather Conditions: Muggy early, borderline HOT later in the morning.
Running Time: 4:53
Road Finds: 7 cents.
Comments: I was still feeling the positive effects of my massage on Thursday...which made my run more enjoyable. I also had unexpected company for about 5 miles, and that made the day go faster also. Richard, the guy who ran a short distance with me on Thursday, brought some of his friends out to meet me.
It was a good day.
***
May 7 - Sunday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 75 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 58 / 81
Weather Conditions: Cool and cloudy until about 10 am, then the sun broke through and it got real "damp".
Running Time: 4:59
Road Finds: 61 cents and 2 baseballs. I found the first baseball around mile 16, near the little league fields that had games yesterday.....I threw it out on the field, figuring someone would find it and "put it back in play".
The second I found at about 18, and kicked it along for about 2 miles.....a boredom distracter.
Comments: I started about a half hour early today, so I could finish early and head to Indianapolis. My mother lives in Indy, and as long as I'm this close..just over 100 miles...I thought it a good idea to bring her over to visit for a couple of days. Otherwise I wouldn't see her all year. She had lunch waiting for me, and then we headed right back to Cincinnati.
Tomorrow will be a landmark day.....at mile 8.8, I will reach the 2,000 mile mark......for the year. I think I'll celebrate by.....maybe going to bed at 7 instead of 8.
I've been struggling with motivation the last few mornings. I've had to force myself out on to the road, but as usual, once I get about 5 miles behind me, I figure, "I'm committed now, so suck it up and finish this thing."
So now I have the 2000 mile mark tomorrow, and Elaine's arrival on Friday, and the excitement of the Flying Pig Marathon on Sunday, and then......a break.
Thanks for reading; more later. Jerry
***
May 8 - Monday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 76 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 63 / 83
Weather Conditions: I think the proper term might be "close". i.e. muggy.
Running Time: 5:01
Road Finds: 6 cents and a tennis ball. It was another "kicking day down Eastern". I kicked the tennis ball for about 2 miles until it went into the sewer.
Comments: At about 3 miles I met Al, from Mississippi. He's a coach for Team in Training, and a former PowerBar Team Elite member. We did about a mile together. He was also down in Nashville last Saturday with his team. Nice guy.
After the run I went to Kinko's and had the Cincinnati Post article enlarged and laminated, so it can be hung at Jillian's restaurant over the in Covington, KY. They are hosting me everyday for lunch.
Later. Jerry
***
May 9 - Tuesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 77 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 69 / 76
Weather Conditions: Better than the last few days. Cloud cover for entire run....plus a mild breeze.
Running Time: 4:49
Road Finds: 10 cents. Nothing to kick down Erie Ave. today. I had the company of a dog for about a mile and a half. He seemed to be having a great time trotting along beside me, and then he became distracted by another canine, and I was history. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
Comments: Life is good!
Expect a miracle....and be thankful when it happens.
Choose to be happy.
I reached 2,000 miles for the year today. At 8.8 miles, at about 7:35 A.M., I logged my 2000th mile for the year 2000. Unbelievable! Sometimes when I actually stop to contemplate what I'm doing, I even amaze myself.
I am truly blessed, and I thank God every day for all the things it takes for me to keep going. AMEN!
***
May 10 - Wednesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 78 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 58 / 64
Weather Conditions: Cool for the entire run.
Running Time: 4:58
Road Finds: 17 cents.
Comments: I finished the run; piled my mom in the car; and drove to Indianapolis and back. got back about 4. Had dinner with Gayland, my buddy from Denton, Texas. Retired early.
***
May 11 - Thursday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 79 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 59 / 72
Weather Conditions: Cool and sunny, nice breeze..
Running Time: 4:34
Road Finds: 52 cents, and a deer in Eden Park.
Comments: Quite a bit happening today. Gayland ran the entire route with me. Richard and Hiro ran about 2 miles with us. I did a live interview on the phone, while being video-taped from a helicopter. After the run a went directly to my massage appointment. Had a an early dinner with Gayland, and then went to MT Adams to the WLW radio station and did an interview with Andy Furhman. The other guests were the founder of the Flying Pig, and the executive director.
A jam packed day.
***
May 12 - Friday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 80 of 200
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Temperature: 74 / 84
Weather Conditions: Really muggy for first hour. The next couple of hours weren't bad Then the sun came out, and it got hot.
Running Time: 4:51
Road Finds: 14 cents.
Comments: Today's thought: the next time someone asks me if I’m independently wealthy, I'm going to say "no, but I'm independently HEALTHY". And I guess that is partly what marathon running does for all of us who run.....by our own independent efforts, we do become healthy. We often times train with other people, and we race with other people, but the bottom line is that we decide/choose to be healthy, and we do what it takes to get that way.
Later. Jerry
***
May 15 - Monday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 81 & 82
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Weather Conditions: Saturday: rain 'til 8:30, then warmed up. Sunday; 54 at start, 62 at finish. Beautiful day.
Running Time: 4:54 / 5:
Road Finds: Saturday....9 cents / Sunday......3 cents
I found that race day is a mixed blessing. I have the joy of running with Elaine, and with the other runners. And there are spectators, and bands and lots of hoopla, but I kind of miss the solitude, and the "owning" of the course, that I have on those days when I'm out there alone. I guess that is of the reasons I am able to do this.....I like myself enough to be alone, running for 5 hours every morning.
Comments: Stayed up late Friday night, so I could meet my bride at the airport. She "crewed" for me on Saturday, which was great fun.
Saturday afternoon I worked the expo for a couple of hours, in the Endurox R4 booth. I met the RD for the Air Force Marathon, in Dayton, Ohio, and he's working on getting me clearance from the Brass, to allow me access to the course on my 15 solo days. (So, any runners in Dayton, please know that I would love to have some company on those runs.....September 1 through 15.)
Sunday: Elaine had a "hot pink", sparkly running outfit made especially for the Flying Pig Marathon, and it was huge hit. Women and men alike were yelling at her all day...."love your outfit; you go girl; great outfit; hey pig lady, (normally she wouldn't like being called such a porcine name, but yesterday it was OK); and all sorts of other complimentary comments.
We ran slowly, enjoyed the day, encouraged other runners, and generally just had a good time.
Gotta rest.....Jerry Dunn
***
May 20 - Saturday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 83
Location: Schmiedefeld, Germany
Temperature: 38 /49
Weather Conditions: Cold, overcast, rainy, some spots of sun, a little sleet....just about every kind of weather you could have
Running Time: 6:25:48
Road Finds: I found that running on a trail through the forest in Germany was a most unique and enjoyable experience.
Comments: This marathon was the 28th GutsMuths Rennsteiglauf. GutsMuths is the name of the man for whom the race is named. Rennsteig is the name of the trail on which we ran. And "lauf" is the German word for run....thus the GutsMuths Rennsteiglauf. Elaine found out about this marathon, (and 1/2 marathon and a super marathon), through a friend of hers. This friend had been to the race in May of '99, and had invited the PR director of the race to come to America to run the Mt. Rushmore Marathon.....Elaine's race.....(She's the only woman to have run all 21 of them; and is working for the Rapid City Chamber this year by promoting the MRM at marathons all over the US.)
The course in on trail that has been used for travel through the Thuringen forest for 100's of years. It is not an easy course. But God, was it beautiful. Dense forest.....panoramic vistas.....quaint villages.....interested spectators....it was unbelievable.
We were hosted as though we were someone special, and we were. Of all the 10,000 runners entered in the 3 events, Elaine, Denise Cherney and I were the only Americans.
It's a rather remote place to get to. We landed in Frankfurt and drove about 300 Kilometers to Neahaus-Rennstatdt?.
We arrived late because of bad weather in Denver and Chicago. We were rerouted through Los Angeles, where we got a none stop to Frankfurt.....what a long flight that was.
Once we arrived at our Pension everything was taken care of for us.
The race was on Saturday...a 9 am start. Saturday night we partied to the sounds of a traditional German band, and a lot of beer drinking music. Sunday we did some sightseeing, and Monday we drove back to Frankfurt to return on Tuesday. The trip was entirely too short, but well worth the effort.
If you ever want to have and adventure marathon, this would be the one to do.
Aufwiedershurn?
Jerry
***
May 31 - Wednesday
200 IN 2000 Day Number: 84
Location: San Diego, CA
Temperature: 64 / 78
Weather Conditions: Southern California....what else needs to be said
Running Time: 5:04
Road Finds: Another "marathon" kind of day.....26 cents....a quarter and a penny.
Comments: As you know, I like to run each course as it is designed to be run...but after driving the Rock & Roll course on Tuesday afternoon, I realized that wouldn't be possible. There's about a 4 mile stretch that is Freeway, where it is illegal for me to run. That doesn't always deter me, but in this case, the illegality combined with the danger factor, required me to find an alternative. That alternative....begin at the 9.5 mile mark, which is the start of a loop around Mission Bay, that brings around to mile 22/11.5. I do that loop again, which gives me 23. I go to 22.5 on the course, turn around and go back to where I started at 9.5, for a total of 26 plus. Not ideal, but I'm getting the miles, and they are ON THE COURSE. (Plus, it's only for 4 days...then the race...then off to Grandma's in Duluth.)
I experienced the "first day back syndrome" again. That being....not only getting my body back in the groove, but adjusting my attitude again. I realize this is the 6th time this year I've done this, but I still am having to make a concerted, conscious effort to settle into the right mind set.
One thing that I have going for me this month is that I know when June 17th rolls around, up in Duluth, I will have 100 twenty-six point two milers behind me, and I'll be on the downside of 200 for the rest of the year.
Pacers won last nite, that always helps too.
Elaine arrives Friday...that is something to look forward to also. San Diego is where this all started...we celebrated New Years Eve here, and then ran number 1 together up in Carlsbad on January 1st. (Speaking of Carlsbad, that's where I will run on Saturday, so Elaine and I can see the 100's of acres of flowers in bloom up there. They were just being planted in January, and all the fields were brown. Since we are this close, and I love that course, why not?
Off to a good start here.
Gotta run.....Jerry Dunn
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