Relocation. Defintely NOT Vacation

I didn't realize that it's been over a month since I posted here. Moving across the state has been a major event, and MUCH more work than I even anticipated. After being in our previous house for 16 years, we (okay, mostly I) managed to accumulate WAY too much junk. Not quite to the level of Hoarders, but even after three big trips to the dump, we had far too many possessions to transport across the state.

If I ever get this bad, shoot me quickly.

But we made it.

And I'm sitting here in my new office in our new house...in complete and utter disarray. It'll take us a few weeks (months? never?) to get fully unpacked and settled in.

But we're enjoying our new location. Summer here in Spokane is definitely summer by the classic definition, as opposed to Western Washington, where it can be hit-and-miss. We'll also have a distinct winter here, complete with plenty of snow and below-freezing temperatures.

So what is my training status amidst all the chaos? Well, it's on life support. I set up my workout area in the garage last week (we have a 3-car garage now, so there's a nice space for all my gear) and have done a couple of weight workouts. My oldest daughter Natalie, who will be going into high school, has started running with the Central Valley HS girls' cross-country team. They're meeting 5 mornings per week. She's about to get into the shape of her life, whether she's ready for it or not!

Seeing the approaching XC season has me itching to run again, despite my 15 lb. weight gain (mostly muscle...I'm pretty sure, anyway.) I've enjoyed running with Natalie in the past and I'd like to again, but the reality is that my days of being faster than her are probably coming to a close, unless I can resume training the way I'm accustomed to (and how I'd like to), including speed work.

We live in a quiet neighborhood, so there are lots of good areas to run. Lots of hills, too. I'm thinking that I'll be going out for some short, slow jogs sooner than later.

Speaking of which, how are the long-term injuries? My hamstring still speaks up every once in a while if I do something that stresses it. My more recent injury — a muscle (or tendon) pull on the top of my right foot — is more troublesome. I pulled that while falling out of my office chair a few weeks ago (don't ask) and I've felt it ever since.

So I'm still the same old injury prone 40-something guy I've long been. I've just relocated my old, aching body 312 miles further east now, that's all.

Never. Moving. Again.

Backing Out of STP

Wow, time flies. It's been a while since I've posted here. Honestly, there's not much to talk about, other than our big move across the state. We sold our Everett house in 3 days, eventually found one in Spokane and will close on that one on June 25th (we're currently renting back from our buyers so the kids can finish the school year.) As of this writing, we will be Spokane residents in less than three weeks. Wow.

So, about training. Hey, the Seahawks are going to be tough this year, eh?

Okay, I've not run since March, and I've been on my bike twice since then. I have, however, been lifting weights pretty intensely. Oh, and eating. A lot. Consequently, I've gained a good bit of weight, too. Every last ounce rock solid muscle...to go along with that oceanfront property in Arizona I'd like to sell you. Seriously, though, I am getting a lot stronger.

But—due to being way out of cardio shape myself, and getting a message from my sister that she's not ready to do the Seattle to Portland ride, either—I decided to pull the plug and got a partial refund. Neither my body nor my heart are into it right now. I'll do it another year, when I'm not packing up my entire life and moving 300 miles away.

I am, however, eager to very slowly and gradually start working in some short, easy runs. Every once in a while, I STILL get reminders that I REALLY messed up my hamstring. So any fast and/or extended running may still be on the very distant horizon. And, to be honest, I'm fine with that. I've grown so accustomed to getting injured from running that I'm learning to just roll with the punches and take whatever I can get. Once in Spokane, I'll probably do some easy bike rides with my sister, and possibly some easy runs with my oldest daughter. And continue lifting weights and eating. Eventually, I'll be the guy who looks like a pro wrestler, wearing Brooks gear.

Yeah, right...

After a workout last week. Lifting weights, and forks, consistently.