Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Hope it is safe and prosperous for you and yours!

Longest Run Yet!

In case you didn't know, I run my long runs on Sundays. It just seems to work out right, and the Gym is rarely full. This allows me to spend the long time needed to get the run in.

Today was scheduled for 8 miles... I started running around noon. I was feeling a little un-easy at the 4 mile mark. But worked through it.

Today was definitely a mile stone for me.

I felt so good at the end that I was able to get in 9.5 Miles! They felt great too! This meant that I spend 1 hour, 31 minutes running solid. I almost couldn't believe it...

I can't wait for this training to come to fruition. I guess it is time to get registered for the race. While I am no speed demon, I am feeling really good about the progress I have been making.

I enjoy sharing, I hope you enjoy reading.

-matt-

Happy Christmas

What a happy Christmas it was:

I think that this was one of my favorite Christmas's to date. We had a great Christmas Eve at my sister's house. What fun it really was. She had made a great little supper, the kids got to watch the Grinch, we opened some presents. And had some desert. I should say, that I was super happy with how smooth and fun the event really was.

We got my mom a digi-camera this year, she had been using a camera probably from 93. She was snapping photos all night. I think she liked it ;)

The kids got some great new presents to play with.

Christmas morning was fun like always, the kids had so much fun playing with their new toys. Jillian got a lot of girlie toys, of course. We barely even saw her after they where opened. I think she spent like 6 hours in her room with her new Barbies, Pollys and Ponies. The boys played Star Wars and Transformers. Mommy took a well deserved nap, and daddy got some Guitar Hero playing in. No I haven't forgotten about Brendan; he is in love with balls! I have never seen a baby play with toys like he does.

I am certain that mommy will post some photos on the family site at some point.

Hope you all had as joyous Christmas as I,
-matt-

7 Miles Today!

Today I did my first 7 miler! What a Joy! I wasn't really feeling it at first, but I was able to push myself through each mile. I did no walking, and finished in a decent time. The significance of this run is that it is over the halfway point for the half-marathon. I know that may sound weird, but considering my previous training programs this place in the training is a big deal to me.

I will let you know this secret. I believe that my longest training runs prior to any previous mini-marathon was 7 miles. I could have done one 8 miler but I don't think so. Anywho, seven miles today. My right knee is a little sore, but not terrible!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and enjoys the precious time you have with your families and loved ones.

Merry Christmas.
-matt-

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Now playing: John Williams - Brown Eyed Girl
via FoxyTunes

Snowy day in Goshen

We had traveled through the snow on Sat night. Over night Goshen got about 10 inches of snow. It wasn't that bad because the crews in Elkhart county seem to always do a good job.

This was a car that was stuck in the plowed snow. I am glad it wasn't mine.

The Commander did great in the snow. I was happy to have it.

Sarasota Marathon Details etc...

In case you haven't figured it out, I am planning on running my first marathon on March 2nd 2008 in Sarasota Florida. I have been visiting Sarasota since I was just a kid. My grand parents live only a half block off the race course which will make for an easy view for them. :)

The Sarasota Marathon starts at the John and Mable Ringling Museum. It runs south towards Bayfront Park then out to St. Armands Circle. Then turns around in Ken Thompson park then back to Ringling.

Here is some additional Info:

• Marathon Course Map- 2008 Course!
• Course Narrative with Pictures
• Turn By Turn Street Directions
• Spectator Areas

I am sure you will hear more about this from me... Stay tuned, this could be the start of some great things to come!



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Now playing: The Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet with Butterfly Wings
via FoxyTunes

83 days doesn't seem that long

Ran my first 5 mile run today! IT went good. I should hope the next one goes a little better. Managed a 48:10 for the 5 miles. That works out to a 9:38 pace. Acceptable by me :)

Well off to clean up and watch some football. It is a cold and lazy day here!

-me-

Snow Days....

It is closing in on Winter here in Indiana. The season's first snowfall came this week. We got about 2-3 inches on Tuesday night and Wed morning. It was kinda nice.

Tuesday night we where all out a little later than normal so the kids where up past 9. This meant that they slept in on Wed. We actually all slept in since our alarm clocks (all 4 of them, you know the rugrats...) didn't wake us up. I woke up at 7:15 and am supposed to pick up my carpool co-worker at 7:30.

I scurried out to clean the snow off the jeep, and went to work. Meanwhile Rachelle got the kids up and ready for school. They where excited because of the snow and wanted to wait outside. Apparently until about 8:05; their bus usually comes at about 7:50... Turned out that there was a 2 hour delay and the kids had no morning kindergarten. Guess us first time school-ager parents have learned to check out the TV / website from now on. :) I think it turned out ok, except that Rachelle didn't get her time that day.

Today was extremely foggy so another no-school day... Tonight we are supposed to get another 2-3 inches. Who knows what tomorrow brings.

Till next time,
-matt-

Marathon Training

Just checking in quickly to let you know that the training is going well!
Yesterday I did comfortably ran 4 miles. I am happy with the progress I have made so far.

Training Update

A quick update on my running. Things are progressing well, I have felt very good lately when running. I have been hitting the gym a lot more frequently and when Rachelle isn't working we are going together.

I ran a fast 2 miles the other night. I was pretty happy with that. Did a 8:45 pace for the 2 miles on Tues.

Getting into the habit of getting to the gym, it is good. I have 3 miles tonight, will try to update soon.

Sorry for the lag recently in the blogging :)
-me-

the Holidays are among us

It is getting to be that time of year again. With the holidays among us it is time to give thanks for our family and friends. This week is Thanksgiving, and this year will be among the biggest turnouts we have had.

It really is fun getting together with the family and all the little ones. While it can be stressful at times, it is fun to see the family from out of town and how the kids play together.

We are actually doing our big meal on Wed. We will have about 15 people in total. We await their arrival and will be looking forward to some good family time ..



-matt-

Bathroom Update!

This bathroom update brought to you by me.. :)

Today has been a long day! I spent almost 12 hours solid working on the bathroom. It turned out that I actually had to pull another wall of sheet rock off. This was due to how I thought I would be able to do the room. It turned out differently.

As of today, the bathroom is nearly usable. The shower is ready, the toilet is on and hooked up. Only thing left is to get the sink ready, although I should add that the sink will be temporarily setup so that it can be used. But the vanity has to come out again when I get ready to complete the tile floor. The new look is great, it feels much bigger. It is pretty exciting to see it all starting to take shape. The hard work is starting to pay off!

I have a contact that is a dry waller so I may try to get him to do the finishing work, you know the mud and sanding. That should be the last messy part!

I can't wait for it all to be finished.

Till next time...

P.S. I will take some more photos soon, it is hard to get a good view with the camera and the small room. May be able to send one from the phone tomorrow.



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Now playing: Dave Matthews Band - Proudest Monkey
via FoxyTunes

Training Officially Underway...

Tuesday officially started my 16 week program. Tomorrow will be my second run. I managed to get 2 miles in as my training was scheduled. I then stretched and did another mile of switching between running fast and walking.

I am excited to get this all under way, just going to have to start saving the $$ for the registration fee. The marathon is a little pricey, but that will give me a bit more motivation.

Going to try to hit the gym tomorrow morning early for Run #2. Will update when I can!

-me-

Bathroom Update

Seems that the bathroom remodel is really coming along. Today we got everything from the Home store, which I won't mention a name(details another time). Tomorrow the plumbers are coming to actually install the Bathtub and get it all plumbed.

I have a feeling this bathroom will be technically usable by Friday, which was my goal! This is going to be really nice when it is all completed! I can't wait.

I keep saying this, but pics will be posted soon :)

-matt-

No Shaving...

So I thought I might try a little challenge to my self. Yeah, this will be difficult considering my hate for facial hair. This morning mostly because I was lazy, I didn't shave. So I thought, I would go without shaving until the bathroom is usable for a shower.

I had originally asked for this week off work, and we had canceled the trip. Due to a lack in funds. It turns out that when I showed up today people where surprised to see me. I decided that starting at noon on Tuesday I will take the rest of the week off to work on the bathroom.

Thus I thought it would be a fun little experiment with letting the beard grow to see how long I could get it to go. I bet that the hair will get to me before the weekend... Oh, and BTW, usable means shower and toilet :)


-me-

Brendan helps vaccum

I was running the vaccum and Brendan likes the vaccum. I put him on the vaccum and he loved it. He just hung on and looked around. He ended up riding it for like 5 minutes. I have a video too and will share when I can convert it.

Running Training Update

Ran again today, it has been a few days since I have run. My Official training regiment starts on Tuesday Nov. 12th. I am probably about right in place for getting started, however I could be running more frequently.

I ran this morning at 7:15 for 20 minutes and got 2.09 miles in. It was nice, not too difficult. Then we had a big carry-in lunch here at work. I felt like doodie so I went back to the gym at 1:00 and ran another 2 miles. This afternoons run felt pretty darn good, although I should add that I did indeed feel the 2 miles from this morning there.

I will try to post periodically about my running, it should be fun to go back and read the history of my venture towards a full marathon...

I know I can do it the question is, can I stay focused on the training?

-me-

Bathroom Update

Tonight was another productive night with the bathroom remodel. I am closing in on the demolition tasks. Tonight I got most of the old closet out as well as most of the old sheet rock that had to come down. It was pretty messy tonight; I have been keeping the door closed so that most the mess stays inside. I actually felt bad tonight because I took a lot of crap out to the curb for the trash men. I think if I am here in the morning when they come I will help them load it in the truck. They take everything which is really nice, but I do feel bad sometimes.

Rachelle is hoping I will have this done prior to Thanks Giving, I am not sure that is really achievable, but I will give a good attempt.

What is left you ask? I still have to finish tearing down the closet from our room to make room for the tub. I am waiting on her to clear it out. Going to have to get some plumbing done soon, see I have to move the old copper plumbing that went to the shower. Then I have to frame in the new area...

Yes there is a lot of work left to do. I will keep you posted, keep watching for updates.

c-ya

Colts Loose to Patriots

Well after all the hype and preparation, the game ended in a way less than desired... The game for me actually ended up being a bit boring. A game of turnovers, and the Colts lost one when they needed it the most. ... more details

From this however, one can deduct that the Colts Defense is real. Other than the last drive, the defense looked pretty strong. So from here the Colts move on to take on the Chargers.

A little blue tonight, but all in all we are still the Colts. We will see the patriots again in the playoffs.

GO COLTS!

Halloween Party

Dear blog:
tonight is a good night... I have seen darth vader and troy aikman... A fun Halloween party. Wifey is a ghost what fun...

Learning Expirence... learned

Well after a few frustrating evenings and a tough morning today... The broken drain pipe has been repaired!

WHAT A PAIN!

So, now it is back on with the demolition of the closet walls and that more!

till next time,

Bathroom Demolition - Learning Expirence #1

On to day two: Day two was a bit more "Fun". Knowing that I have to move the feed lines for the water i cut a hole in the floor. Then it was time to remove the old shower . This is where the "Learning Expirence" Started :) I removed all the sides no problem and then struggled a little with the base. When the base finally came out, I noticed that the drain pipe had broken. I had tried to remove the rubber gasket with a scredriver, but it didn't want to come loose. Apparently the pipe wanted to come loose instead. So now I get to do a little plumbing work at the start. Not a big deal really, just an added step.

Of course, being home by myself with the kids made this a little more difficult to resolve since I couldn't go to the store. When Rachelle got home, i went and found that neither Meijer or Wal-Mart had what I need.... It isn't a big deal really, just a broken drain. That pretty much prevents water use in our bathroom.

It will get repaired tonight, but put this one on the things learned list :)

Till next time,
-matt-

Bathroom Demolition - Day 1

The first day of demolition went well. Not much to note except maybe the fact that Nolan was my helper. He was pretty excited to be able to help Daddy with a so-called Dirty Job. Any way the work went well, mostly just tore down the tiles, and then the closet shelves and paneling.

Till next time,
-matt-

The Renovation is on...

We started our first real renovation last night. We tore down the tile and the closet in our upstairs hall bath... It currently has a shower only, so we are going to make it a bathtub for the kids. It is a real mess right now, I will try to add some photos soon.

Oh what fun this will be! Stay tuned for more details!

-matt-

Having a great day!

today has been fun we started with family photos with Details portrait art's Dawn. Next we went downtown for hot chocolate and mochas

Starting the Training...

For My First Marathon that is... I have run the Indianapolis, Mini-Marathon now for 2 years. I have decided it is time to look into doing a full.

So I have picked the Sarasota Marathon in Sarasota Florida... I plan on keeping some training updates posted here.

-matt-

Steal a Taco!

Get Your Free Taco Tuesday:

Taco Bell has announced that on Tuesday, October 30th they will be giving away a Taco to anyone that asks for one in there stores. This will be from 2:00pm - 5:00pm! So put it on your calendar.

Details are here:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fan_forum/tacobell/
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fan_forum/tacobell/#rules

Cedar Point

A few photos from the Cedar Point Trip:

the Blue Streak (As seen from the Raptor Queue)

Ghost Hunting

Recently, a co-worker of mine has been sharing some of his experiences with the supernatural. To be quiet honest, it has tipped my interest in the area. I started paying attention to things related. I even stumbled upon a marathon of Ghost Hunters on the Sci-Fi Channel.

My co-worker, has been going to this place in South Western Indiana called Whispers Estate, a bed and breakfast that has been deemed haunted. There is a information about it on their web site. Whether you believe or not that ghosts do exist this is an interesting story.

He is actually planning another visit to the estate and I am actually thinking about tagging along. To me it is worth checking out for my own eyes at least once. There may be an element of expectations involved, but we shall see if the supernatural can interact with the natural.

Ghosts, or no ghosts, it should be an interesting endeavor.

What do you think?

Cedar Point - America's Roller Coast!

Cedar Point:

Since I was about 9 I can remember going to Cedar Point, that was 1988. I remember the first year that the Magnum XL-200 opened in 1989. That year I actually cried a little bit going up the first hill. I mean come on, it is 207 feet tall and I was 10. To a ten year old 200 feet seems un-imaginable.

Since then, there has been a lot of new coasters and I remember a lot of them. Magnum XL-200, Mean Streak, Raptor, Mantis, and so many more....

Recently we went back to Cedar Point for the fist time in a few years. We where there on Oct. 20th for a Hallo-weekend. It was the busiest I have ever seen. The day was great, the rides where fantastic. We had gone with some friends.

We had a great time, and I can't wait to go back!