Saving GPRC

It has been a crazy week. I am going to write about something other than my running today, because it has been such a big part of my week here.
Great Plains Running Company is our local running specialty store. The last couple months have been tough on the the store and they were looking to close their doors. Instead of just giving up and leaving people standing around wondering what happened, Willie and Karen (owners) sent a letter out to their customers sharing with everyone their circumstances. Through a series of events, they ended up having a 24 hour treadmill-athon (just made that word up). Willie, his friends, employees and even customers signed up to run steady for 24 straight hours, and ask the community of Topeka to help out financially. Offering to recognize and/or advertise the persons and businesses that would step up and help out financially to reach a goal of $35,000. THEY DID IT!!!
I am personally amazed at the guts it took Willie to be that "exposed" to the public. What a display of humility and obedience to God. I know most business men would go down with pride in hand before letting others know they are in trouble. That said, my hat goes off to Willie Lambert. He is a friend, and truly a man of God. May God Bless GPRC in 2010 and beyond.

Too cold to run...

Well, I never thought it would ever be too cold to run here. But it is for a couple days. What's with single digits and 20 mile/hr winds anyway? I thought the minus 30 wind chills were for the northerners!

So, we have nine days until the Topeka to Auburn 1/2 marathon and it looks like we will make it back into the 30's by then, whew.. Man am I ready for some warmer temps, even the 30's are sounding pretty warm at this point. Everyone will be in singlets and shorts after this super cold stuff!

So, I managed to run about 6 1/2 miles on Tuesday morning in the snow. I am still not feeling 100%. I was hoping to get a 10 miler in this weekend, but Saturdays high is only like 4 or 5 degrees, so it's not looking good. Maybe Sunday will bring bearable temps, I loathe the treadmill. I visited the YMCA this evening for a spin class. I really respect cyclists after 45 minutes of that!

You runners can appreciate the enjoyment you get in running. I just can't get that from swimming or biking, it's not the same for me. I know there are benefits from cross training, but I can get lost in my thoughts while I run. It's when I can clear my head, think about life and spend some time just medidating and talking to God. (as well as listening to him) Man I really have missed that in the past six weeks or so that I have been recovery and SLOWLY getting back out.

New Years run

Well, 2010 is off to a good start. I made it out to the annual New Years Day run with the Sunflower Striders. Just over 6 miles and felt pretty good. The next day I met a friend and we ran 8 miles while the snow was falling, it was beautiful.

I really havent set any goals or resolutions for 2010 yet. I guess most of all, I would like to just get through this year injury free. That would be a blessing.

2010 - This year my oldest will start his senior year in high school and I will celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary. MAN, talk about feeling old! I sure dont feel a day over 30 (most days).

Sorry for the short note, have a blessed 2010!