Running in the Rain - Suffolk County Marathon

10/27/19 22:25 East Northport, NY

Who wants to talk about money?

I had dinner with Emma earlier and we had an honest conversation about money.  I did not manage my money very well when I was younger. Even today I know I can do a better job, but I wished I shared some advice (to all of my children) that my Dad gave me when I was in college; do not get a credit card.  When I was younger I assumed the money would be there and somehow I would be able to pay back the debt, besides having a credit card meant in some aspects, I was an adult and was provided a new found freedom in plastic.  Paying back debt was a problem when I was younger.  It was common to get a call from one of the credit card companies – to let me know I was in arrears.  I would get offended, insulted since I did not like being treated as a…child.  But I was a child in my approach. 

Being divorced and paying alimony and child support had meant I needed to look honestly at my budget.  I quickly learned, I don’t keep all of my paycheck – my net income. In fact, I will not keep all of it till the divorce is settled, and that my friends will take place in a few years.  In the meantime, I have learned how to keep a budget, and yet even with my semi-disciplined approach, my credit card debt has been creeping up.  There is the dreamy, ferry dust, pie in the sky, any more clichés, approach, eventually I will pay off the debt?  The way I would question if I need to see the doctor or ask for directions.  Eventually I will find my way?  If I don’t change my behavior or my approach to managing my money, nothing will change.  I will become more responsible with my money, there I said it.  I want to learn how to manage my money and have my money earn more money with compound interest or something that I can reach out to, like the ferry, asking for help.  This time I will be serious, it takes educating myself, working it and the discipline and commitment.  I can, I will, I must.

Who wants to run a half marathon in the rain?

My body really want to shut off and hit the sack.  Just a few thoughts.  This morning, the rain started before I left the house.  A rain shower passed, but I knew I was in for rain today.  I drove in the dark towards St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue.  I made an instant coffee, had a bowl of cereal and was off.  I wanted to get on the road by 6:30. Traffic was building up at the entrance to the college. I was impressed with the maniacs who were out in this shitty morning to run in it.  We all needed to be back in bed.  

The race was well organized, I didn’t wait long for a bus and a few minutes later I was walking to where I would drop off my bag.   Cold pelts of rain began to fall, I thought it was going to get worse, but it did not.  In no time, the County Executive, Steve Ballone, Roger from WBAB and a Met’s pitcher were all there to wish us well.  There was also an impressive version of the Star Spangled Banner and a prayer.  Beautiful.  The race mentioned and recognized in my ways - the 75^th anniversary of D Day, WW II.  Our bitching about the rain meant nothing to the lives that were lost.  There is a lot of support between the other runners, the times I slowed down to walk, I was told not the quit.  Another asked if I wanted to put my sweater on my back, he would hold my water bottle.  No, thank you.  And I didn’t quit.

So I ran the half marathon and accomplished it in under two hours.  It’s time to call it a night and hit the sack. 

Thank you for reading this.

Training for two weeks to run a half marathon

10/10/19 21:32 Bethlehem

Went for a run earlier.  8 miles through this town, on the rail road trail and around the casino and back to the house.  I am checking if I can run a half marathon in two weeks.  The Suffolk County Marathon and half and 10K and 5 K and everything in between is being held on 10/27.  Join me on my training and let us run together on the South shore on Long Island.  Let us pray dear friends that it does not rain.

Mo Cheeks is going to France next month.

Joey was visiting her, we FaceTime, or FaceTimed?  What is correct?

I may fly back to Mexico in November and back to Costa Rica in December for Christmas.

Thank you for reading this.  

Running the New York Half Marathon in Flushing Meadows Park

3/25/12 22:54 Malvern PA

What was it like to run a half marathon? It was my first. Considering the weather was cool yesterday morning, no rain, and the course was essentially flat. I finished the run just under two hours. It’s hard to believe I finished, but even more, I ran without stopping for a bathroom break or to relieve a strained muscle. Starting at 0900, the plan was for a slow start. The race was open to 5,000. It took a few minutes to pass the start. Passed slower runners, walkers bull shitting with their friends on a stroll through the park, get off the course! Run you bastards. After the second mile – open it up until I felt comfortable. This meant running past other joggers and getting beat by even more joggers. This kid came by with a knap sack, wearing heavy jogging shoes, easily galloped to the finished line. Another man came out of the clear blue and took me, but when I saw this woman who wore the new fangled running shoes that look like feet, when she took me I picked it up a little in an attempt to see her sweat. She kicked my ass. Way to go over achieving fashion queen with your long brown hair. I started the race with Rolland a buddy of mine from work, but felt a little sorry for him since he did not have time before the race for a coffee or to release the kids. He was huffing as we approached mile 8 and I made a motion that I was going to get around some slower runners. He let me pass and that was the last I saw of him till he came to collect his bag at the drop off. He had to stop for a bathroom break. At the end of the race, I received a large medal. Rolland and I went to the beer garden and had a Michelob Ultra Lite. It was warm and tasted liked water at the bottom but beer is beer. I thought I would be more tired than I was. In fact just before the 12 mile I felt I could run a marathon. With the other runners around me and those who finished, cheering us slow ass fucker, there was the motivation to finish. A few times I kept my head down and would look out on the lake or Arthur Ashe stadium, even the sparse crowd was exciting to see as they clapped and cheered all of us on. Running that race motivated me to run a marathon – next year. I can do it. Not yet. When I got home, I was hit with the wave of exhaustion. I had a beer and popped some Ibuprofen, showered and napped for an hour with the window open as a cool breeze blew in the bedroom. I could rest knowing the race was over.

Time: 1 hour 54...9 minute pace...