Monday, December 1, 2008

PARADISE

The past week has been eventful... My last post referred to the passing of our long time friend, Eddie E. to pancreatic cancer and it was tough to see him go...plus I was feeling bad that due to the long time plans to go to Florida for Thanksgiving that The Bride and I would not be able to go to his service. However, our Friends were wonderful and Eddie's widow and kids know that we will all be there for them in years to come and how much Eddie meant to us. For a little more about Eddie, please check my most recent post.

But to Florida we went and it was great to see THE BRIDES parents, her brother, sister, husband, daughter and new son in law. We really haad a great time, plus the weather was ideal for running...
The past week, I totalled 33 miles of running. Did No elliptical workouts but lifted twice for the upper body and did one leg workout. I got in one run of 8.5 miles in Florida and another of 7.0. I loved the warm weather but all my Florida miles were on streets or sidewalks and thats not what my knees like at all. But when I got back to Ohio Friday night, I knew that I would still have to run 16 miles to get the weekly goal. Sooooooo...Saturday morning, I cranked up the Landice treadmill we have in our basement and reeled off 11 miles..Did an easy pace of about 9:40 per mile. Like on your car when you hit 100,000 miles, my time counter on treadmill went back to 00:00 when I went past 99 Minutes..I had to laugh. Sunday I ran the final 5 miles. The treadmill and its softer surface balanced out the hard jarring of the streets in Florida. By the way the Landice is a superb treadmill. We have had this one 7 years. It has a lifetime warranty that you can pass from one person to the next. Its motor is very strong and its never needed any work at all and yes, gang we do use it alot.

PARADISE
I believe Voltaire wrote "Paradise is where I am" and I really feel strongly about it. Its about enjoying where you are, when you are there. Sounds corny but it works for me. I never desired jobs elsewhere. I love my city of Cleveland, warts and all. While I could probably stand to have less credit card debt, I am not going for the fancy car or house. I love where I am and by believeing that, I don't think I am "settling" for anything less than what is best for me. How about you?? Do you think if you were somewhere else, life would instantly be better?? Do you think your level of fitness or racing prowess is less than ideal. I know you might be thinking,...gheesh...j.t. is really a Pollyanna and doesn't like to rock the boat, but thats not my point. I do want to take risks in reaching for goals in training and racing.. Frank Scully wrote "Why not go out on a limb?? Isn't that where the fruit is?. I love that. We can set a goal that takes risk and sacrifice and the reward is better than the juiciest of fruits. Theres no reward like the one when we shoot higher. So I only want to make two points, if I may. Be content in where you are in life, because your place in life doesnt have to correspond to the biggest salary or most posh of surroundings. However as you dream of athletic prizes, don't be afraid to go out on a limb...it just might be as strong a limb as your conviction.

This week, I will total 35 miles running with a longest of 12. The ultra is a little more than a month and a half away. I have a few triathlons in mind for 09 and I will talk about them in coming posts.


LIFE IS A BLAST

20 comments:

Formulaic said...

Way to meet that goal!

Keeping those number up high will be a great assurance for the ultra.

Of course getting there uninjured is key and it sounds like your doing that right too!

Keep up the good work, looking forward to hearing about your 09

Trishie said...

I really like that from Voltare. Always with the thoughtful posts, JT! (and mine are usually: look what I bought! ;)). Great running week and I don't doubt at all that you will ROCK your ultra.

Unknown said...

Insightful post as always.

Paradise is where I am. Nice thought. I've been trying to focus on enjoying the moment. Whatever it is right now. Not fretting about what could have been or wishing for something different. Just breathing and taking it all in right now.

Lily on the Road said...

OMG, JT, are you reading my mind!

Lately I've been doing a lot of the "what if".....
yikes,
but,
I have also gone "out on the limb" and been bitten by the snake lurking amongst the fruit....what's a girl to do???

Ahhh life,

it's fun if you don't weaken.....

Rainmaker said...

Oooohhhh I like the new banner. It is new right? Well, like NBC (I know, not FOX, but Fox doesn't have a nifty well used jingle) - if you havne't seen it - it's new to you.

Missy said...

Nice post, yep, take a look around..do you really want what 'they' have? Might look nice on the outside but on the inside, not so much. Best of luck in your ultra!

Marci said...

Sounds like a great week of running for you... congrats!

As always very inspiring post... esp about paradise. Paradise for me is Dallas... can't wait to get there soon!

Happy Running!

Wes said...

Life is very much like a triathlon, eh John? Your attitude going in makes all the difference in the world!!!

beth said...

I love voltaire! great post....your run is looking strong!

Viv said...

Glad you and the Bride had a nice time in FL with her family. I like the pardise theme this week. The new header pic is great! Getting yourself pumped up for the BT50K huh :-D

Looking forward to JT's tri plans in 09! I hope ther is a New Orleans in there...

JenC said...

I like the attitude - life is much better when lived like that!

I would have shot myself if I had to run 11 miles on a treadmill. : )

Marcy said...

"Paradise is where I am"

Ooohhhh JT that is SO true, so true. Nothing external will ever make anyone happy.

Mnowac said...

Nice post JT. Glad you had a nice Turkey Day. Totally jealous you went to Florida!

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Very thought provoking post, J.T. Especially for myself, because I have this little problem of never being satisfied. I am very happy and satisfied in the present moment, but I'm also always planning ahead for bigger and better in the future...and it tends to drive me a little bit crazy. So what's the secret to contentment?

Kevin said...

Great post. Paradise is definitely what you make it to be.

You are doing great with the training. You are gonna nail that ultra

Steph said...

i've been thinking of my place on the planet lately...weird huh? thanks for the lift. i've had a great week of training...finally feeling it!
good luck as you continue to train!

Sarah said...

Love your thoughtfulness, JT.

So true in every way. Life really is about positivity and being happy about where you are, not constantly wishing you had something else/shinier. It is one short life and we have to make the most of it.

I've definitely been thinking about all of this as I plan 09...

Thanks for all of your inspiring words! Love the new banner, too! :)

Steve Stenzel said...

That's so funny that the treadmill went back to 0!! That's a feat in itself!!

rocketpants said...

I really like that quote: Paradise is where I am. First time I have heard it, but over the past few years I have started to understand that...in both some good times and some really rough times. But you are right, it is about making today count and trying not to constantly think that the grass is greener somewhere else.

Rachel said...

Wow--which ultra are you doing? Good job on your long run in Fla. I totallay agree--paradise is where you are. I absolutely love where I live. Great quote.