Chuck - 7.2 / 1:01:40 / 8:34

Another beautiful night. Ran a completely different route, but it still ended up being 7.2 miles. Ran South to Center, over to 36th St., past Cathedral and down Cuming St. 14.4 miles in two days and 23.65 over the last four. My bodily definitely can use a day off tomorrow.

Bob - 4.4/8:58

Can't believe how sore I was from Sunday's run. But it was 67 with a gentle breeze, and as Chuck said, it felt incredible to wear a t-shirt. Running in shorts and shirt is almost like a whole different activity than geared up in winter stuff.

Chuck - 7.2 / 59:50 / 8:19

Could it be any more beautiful outside? I don't think so. I ran my "Mama Cass" route down Blondo to the Keystone and back on Cass. It was a comfortable pace; not too fast, but not a plop either. Met my goal of running it in under an hour, which was 3:15 faster than last time. As I said, I will eventually get this to 55:00. I was also happy that it didn't seem too far. The first time I ran that route, it was a long run, now it is a manageable daily run.

Bob - 10K/9:25

Wow, it feels good to post. All those Chuck entries looked so unbalanced.

Given my 12 day layoff, this was a great run. Went out nice and slow just to see how things felt, and things felt pretty strong. Cut it off at 6.2 miles. Weather was decent - 49, sunny, and windy.

Training needs to be consistent the next 2 weeks, as I'll most likely have another week layoff while we're in Mexico.

Chuck - 9.25 / 1:20:40 / 8:43

My goal was to run ten miles, but my route was a little short. Got my GPS working again, thank god. It was about 35 degrees out, but sunny. Didn't realize there was much wind until my way back. I found a route that it is completely flat. I only took one deviation to add a marginal hill. My route

City planners: Happy Hollow Blvd. through Elmwood Park to the Keystone Trail. Trail to Grover St. to 60th St. Down 60th Street to Center St. I then took Saddle Creek back home.

Geoligists: Ran over a slight rise to get from the Saddle Creek basin into the Happy Hollow basin. Followed Happy Hollow to the Little Papio Creek. Followed the Little Papio until Saddle Creek. Took Saddle Creek all the way back home.

Chuck - 4+

Beautiful Friday evening. Running in just a T-shirt was so nice. I ran the same route that I ran earlier in the week, except backwards. Ran down Happy Hollow to Elmwood Park, then up near UNO, around Memorial Park and back down Happy Hollow. Ran it in 32:51 which is almost 1 1/2 faster than earlier this week. I am still not sure how far it is as my GPS does not seem to be working. It has been an expensive four runs that I've gotten to use it so far.

To all my fans on there on the 'net, I would just like to thank you for your continued support. I love you all.

Chuck - 6 / 41:30

Obviously a treadmill run based on the time. But actually that is still a pretty good time. It beats anything that I ran last year, save for perhaps a 35:20 5-miler last spring. The last 3 miles were in 20:10.

Decided that my goal for the half-marathon is 1:40. That may be a bit aggressive, but everyone must have goals.

Sorry to hear about Bob and his back. If it was anybody but Bob I would start doubting their ability to complete the half. Rocky doesn't let things like that stop him. (Rocky didn't exactly try to train in Mexico and the Netherlands though)

Bob - On the DL

I wish I was referring to the down low. Woke up Tuesday morning with a crick in my neck. Over the course of the day it turned into a nasty ache in my neck. Overnight last night it grew into a full shoulder blade/neck pain that kept me up all night. Going to find a chiropracter today. The timing couldn't be worse since I basically took last week off. Taking 2 weeks off will be difficult.

Chuck - 4+

I was very sore today still, but needed to get back on the wagon. I was planning on going to the gym after work, but once I realized how nice it was (43) I had run outside. I felt fairly decent after I got going. 34:12

I figure that my training will benefit a lot from the fact that I am not going to be traveling the world in the next couple of months. Boy, that sure would suck.

Chuck - 5 / 37:54

Omaha Running Club's Chiller Challenge today. I barely made to NP Dodge Park just as the racing was starting. I didn't have time to pin my number on, so I ended up losing that at some point. It was in the 20s at race time, but the sun was out and not too much wind, so it was tolerable. I was one of only three racers to be wearing shorts, plus I forgot my gloves.

I finally ran a race like I was suppose to. The first mile I treated like a group run. I plopped that one out in 8:00. Second mile was a bit quicker 7:45. Miles three and four were about 7:30 pace. I then cranked it up with about a 7:10 last mile. Not a overly fast time but it was so much more enjoyable then going out too fast and then dying at then. I passed dozens of people in this one.

Talking to everyone after the race was very motivating to run more. Perhaps I will run a race after the Lincoln Half.

Bob - 2.1/9:45

2 miles and proud of it. I know the temp gauge read -1 when I stepped out this morning, but I thought there wasn't any wind. I was wrong. As soon as I turned north on Lynn, I knew it wasn't healthy to be out. Turned around and made laps around a 2x2 block grid right by my house. At least that way I had several downwind sections.

I really need to join the rec center for days like this.

Bob - DNF

Up at 6, spent 5 minutes putting on the winter running gear, strapped on the GPS, went outside, noticed the driveway was pretty slick with sleet/ice, turned up the street went it became obvious that the brick street was REALLY slick. This isn't going to work. Went back home to Adrianne.

Chuck

As planned, a quick five mile run at the gym. 5 miles in 35 minutes.

Chuck

Had to fight every urge I had to go run tonight. It was still 47 degrees at 7:00. However, I can't complain about overdoing it, then run the day after running 10 miles. Calmer heads prevailed. I will run tomorrow, and then maybe not again until my race on Sunday.

Bob - 5K/8:50

Surprised how tired my legs felt. Sunday Bball was definitely that hardest I've gone in a game in a long time, but I thought I'd recovered by now. Working in Omaha this week, so another good morning run where I got to sleep in till 6. It felt faster than this.

Chuck

After yesterdays debacle in which I got no exercise I needed to get some miles in. Did a treadmill run of 10 miles in 1:25. I must mention that I do not contend that my treadmill miles relate at all to outdoor runs. I figure the distance should be reduced by 5-10% to compensate. For example, my run should probably only be considered to be 9 or 9.5 miles.

Sidenote: Everytime that I am on the treadmill I think of Rocky IV. Bob is like Rocky out there in the backwoods of Iowa running through snow, all bundled up. Meanwhile, I am running in the gym like Ivan Drago, monitoring my heart rate, and surrounded by gym staff giving me "candy" after my workout.

As for this weekend, I am the opposite of Bob. Since our basketball tournament is not until 5:00 I will be able to participate in the Omaha Running Club's 8K race at 2:00. Should be tired by the end of the night and possibly three basketball games in 5 hours.

Bob

No run planned today, just wanted to mention that I'm not very sore from yesterday's 7 miles. I'm pleased I can see subtle progress. The last 3 weeks have seen long runs of 5, 6, and 7 miles, respectively. Not Chuck-like distance, but good for me. The plan for the coming week is to go on several short, faster runs, then take Sat and Sun off in prep for the big bball tourney Sun afternoon.

Chuck

I was busy today and wasn't able to run with Bob's dad. I hope he will understand. Since I couldn't run until this evening I didn't have to decide whether I was as manly as Bob running out in the snow. Instead I made it to the gym. About every part of my legs felt like they were going to fail, but I still got 4 semi-quick miles on the treadmill. I may have to reevaluate my plans to run tomorrow though. I don't want to start breaking down 12 weeks before the actual race. 4 miles, 29:00 minutes.

Bob - 7.1/9:01

Great run mentally. Conditions were poor - snow/slush/ice on road, about 25 degrees and windy. Did 2 laps of my Timberlane/golf course circuit, which intruduces some nice long hills. Wind in my face during the uphill portions as well. Got into a nice flow and generally lost track of time. Had some left in the tank when I finished.

Chuck

Very excited since, according to my schedule, I get to run with Bob's dad tomorrow. We haven't worked out all (or any) of the details, but this must irk Bob to know that his dad has decided to run with a winner.

Chuck

Another boring treadmill run. Another six miles; this time in 45:00. I was able to run a bit harder tonight since I will have at least the next two days off.

Bob

5 miles. Same route as yesterday, but added a Railroad Ave spur for the extra mile. I find myself running along the old tracks quite often - a combination of enjoying the thought of running on top of some history with the fact that it's flat.

Good run, although it was windier and 10 degrees colder than yesterday. Glad to put 2 good runs back to back.

Chuck

Treadmill run of 6 miles. 46:30. A little sore still from this weekend. Plus, I didn't want to push it too hard since I have to run tomorrow, and possibly the day after.

Bob

Decent 4 miles after work. Ran the normal Timberlane route, with a spur to the golf course entrance, and a loop through the keg creek trail. Makes a nice route. 45 degrees and little wind made for nice weather.

I'm having so much trouble this year getting up before work to run. I've only done it successfully a couple of times, with one not really counting as I didn't have to leave for the airport until late morning. Something in me needs to "click", giving me the ability to roll out of bed at 5am again.

Chuck

Just wanted to mention that I was very sore today. A longer run and basketball were a bit much for my old body. Plan to enjoy my rest day today.

Chuck

Cold, but sunny, run outside this morning. My intention was to do about 10 relatively flat miles at a very slow pace. My GPS went out midway during the run, so I am not sure exactly how far, but based on my time, I believe the run to be about 8.5 miles. Did it in just under 1:13. I will find out exactly how far the run is next time I run it. Now I am off to go play some basketball and then watch the Super Bowl. Running today will make me not feel guilty for any beer/nachos I consume this afternoon.

Bob

Cold, windy 6.2 miles. Was planning on a 5 mile run, but once I got 3 or 4 miles into the run, I felt pretty good, so I pushed on. Definitely the best run of the training so far, although I was running at a very manageable pace, about 9:40.

Chuck

My best outdoor run so far. Ran the same route as Saturday but extended it by over half a mile to eliminate some of the hills. Still not flat by any means. 7.25 miles in 1:03:15.

May use this route as one of my barameter routes. Will eventually get it under 1 hour, then hopefully under 55:00.

Bob

Dissappointing run at the Embassy Suites in Pittsburgh. Some large dude was taking a slow walk on the only treadmill in the building, and I didn't pack any outside running stuff. Spent 15 minutes on an elliptical machine before fatman was done, then ran 20 minutes on the treadmill. Didn't feel very productive, but probably burnt some calories.

Side note. Downtown Pittsburgh is beautiful. The setting by the river with the large hills is dramatic. With the location of Heinz field on the north side of downtown, right by the river, I bet Steeler home games are pretty electric.

Side note #2. I put my personal feelings aside and purchased a terrible towel for my basketball cohort Crazy Jim. I would have appreciated the same gesture if our roles were reversed.