FLAME-OUT, FLOWERS, AND FLING

Rite Aid Half Marathon was a smashing success for this guy, on many fronts, even though the goal I was shooting for, vanished faster than one of those government 600 dollar checks.

Yes, it was raining, yes, you could see your breath, but the weather really, in my opinion was not a deterrent to a good race, or a good time.

Got to the Galleria about 6:15, hung out, stretching inside, and went up to the second level and jogged a bit. Tri-Folk Charlie bopped over and said hi. Wes Wilcox, one of the Cavaliers scouts was doing the half marathon. He was preparing to go to scout more possible opponents for the Cavaliers..(if Cavs made finals) but he had this date on his calendar and was very anxious to see what time he could do. He also told me, he is itching to get into triathlons, so I told him I will steer him to some events in and around Ohio. Maybe he and I can convince #23 to try a triathlon afterall, haha!!

Jumped into the starting line, saw DaisyDuc , and Eddie Policy. Eddie is one of my swimming buddies at Fairport Harbor and a Ironman Wisconsin finisher. Race started a few minutes late...don't know why, but off we went. I settled in with a pace group that was doing miles at approx. 8:40. I would need to maintain that to reach the 1:53 goal. Saw E-speed on west 3rd, shouting encouragement to all the racers. Man, she gets into it!!!!! Cool!!! Really appreciated seeing all the folks watching the race, it was tremendous. On West Shoreway, they were playing Johnny Cash "I walk the line" song....very funny. I wasn't walking, it was full speed ahead.

I was at mile 6 starting to fall off the pace, just a little bit, but felt I could pick it up a bit by mile ten. Didn't happen. Soon, I was averaging 9 minute miles. Was well hydrated. Saw Karen Ruth, another one of my swimming buddies on her bike, cruising up and down the course. The stretch down Detroit wore me down a little..By then, with about 3 plus miles left, I was doing the math. I needed 7:20 miles to reach 1:53. Dana Carvey's impression of Bush, Sr. came to mind. "Not gonna do it". Then, once we reached the Detroit-Superior Bridge, I just tried to maintain a "don't let the wheels come off pace" and get to the finish line. Still, the mini-flame-out cost me my goal.

Hit the finish with a time of 2:01:55. At that time, the sun popped out. One of our camera guys was there shooting all the people finish. He didn't see me come in but he shot a little footage of me eating a banana. Compelling stuff I know. I felt fine, heart rate was fine, but I probably had a somewhat unrealistic goal of 1:53. Thats Okay. Still a great race.

The day picked up very quickly as I finally got to meet Trisaratops, Jenc and TriShannon. Great to meet you guys. They all have recaps on their races at their blogs. Chatted later with Charlie and met Jack, another Cleveland Tri club member. Hope Charlie doesn't mind, I pilfered a pic from his blog. Charlie is one of the deeper thinkers in triathlon-blogdom, a folk musician and an Ironman. Wish I had a photo with the ladies..Ohh well.. My son, Patrick did the 10-k, but the crowd was so large, I just never found him. Talked to him later. He ran 43:53 for the ten K. Great Job Pat!!!! Also props to one of the guys in THE BRIDE'S pilates class. Mike won his age group for the half marathon. Way to Go!!!

I was already on fumes, as Saturday's work ended at midnight. I was up at 4:40am Sunday and would have a full day at the station, starting at 3pm.

When I got home, THE BRIDE was hoping to make a stop at the Garden Center for all the flowers for her window boxes. She needed "Kaito", her nickname for me...as in, "Hi I want you to meet, Kaito, my man servant". Kaito would schlep the plants and flowers. She really needed it done Sunday because the planting of the flower boxes is a big deal. She makes them so gorgeous. So..Kaito got his 5 minute ice bath.. then hot shower, and 15 minutes later, we were in the greenhouse. We filled up two big carts, and I offered great advice.

THE BRIDE

"Does that pink look brilliant enough to you"?

TRIGUYJT

"I think it really looks like orange"

THE BRIDE

"Nevermind"

Then, by 3pm, I was at the t.v. station, watching and recording and writing my sportscasts of the Cavs Game 7 loss, and ohh, why not throw in a Reds sweep over the Tribe for good measure. My colleague, Tony Rizzo probably had a rougher day. He had to witness the Game 7 loss in Boston . Of course, I don't think he ran 13 miles. By the time I got home last night, I was toast.

Now, the scoop on ....THE BAG. You'll recall I nearly dumped him after 15 years for a new workbag. He was despondent, even thought of falling into the lake and end it all, but I saved his life. Then, Blogger outrage convinced me to keep him on as my trusted sidekick. Rejuvenated, THE BAG began dating. And get, this..he's dating a PURSE. Some fashionista's PURSE. What a poser!!!!

And...get this....not only are they in love.......She's preggers. SHOCKING!!! Yes... they are expecting a little wallet, come the fall.

Happy Training