Today's thoughts

Category: RUNNING STREAK (Page 3 of 34)

The trials and tribulations of running every single day

Retirement is not without Hassles: The Daily Grind #2401

I continue to struggle with my hands, especially after running. The adrenaline rush makes them shake even more, making it difficult to type. I hit the wrong keys and have to make constant corrections. Caffeine (Diet Coke) only adds to the frustration. I just tried to check the oil in my car and could not get the dipstick back in the hole without using both hands – one to steady the other. Using a screwdriver is often impossible. I once again ask the question of how is a tremor essential? I can’t imagine the trials of tribulations of those suffering from Parkinson’s. I’ve known a few in my lifetime. 

Running every day is a distraction from this annoyance, although it’s not necessarily a pleasant experience. It’s hard work for a 72-year-old like me. I once thought that I would do it up until the day I died, but my mechanics are awkward, and balance continues to be an issue. I see the same people every day along my route, but most are biking, walking, or working in the yard. There are only a couple of other runners in the neighborhood, and half of them are snowbirds that are just beginning to return from their summer retreats. Misery sometimes likes company, so I miss them during the hot months. Today was pleasant with overcast skies and temperatures in the mid-seventies (just like me).

I’ve also been plagued with technical issues this morning. I can’t get into the MonopolyGO! game app on my phone and this Go Daddy site was stuck on the Spanish language. I couldn’t find a way to change it back to English because all the options were no entiendo. That has finally been straightened out along with the hacking of my Peacock TV account, after too many phone calls, e-mails, and chats. I’m still getting errors on my phone apps but hopefully that will clear up soon. Also, I spent $550 unbudgeted dollars yesterday on my air conditioning system after a routine service call uncovered that my UV light had burned out and there was excessive slime mucking up my drainage lines. Then, it’s painful procedures and co-pays, maintenance contracts, and association fees, as the bills pile up. Oh, the hassles of retirement – it’s really no different than the daily grind for all of us!

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: The Run is Done #2398

“The Run is Done,” a simple rhyme that I hear in my earbuds each morning as I strip off my shoes and socks. It’s said by the AI coach that lives in my Nike Run App and keeps track of my miles or provides performance data. I haven’t always used this app to monitor my runs, but it does date back to 2021, two years ago. Before that, I relied on it occasionally but also used a Nike watch, Fit-bit, Apple watch and various written diaries or logs to time and record my runs throughout the years. I’ve averaged just under 2.5 miles every day, although recently I had cut back from a 5k to 2.1 miles in lieu of the Florida heat. 

For many years, I used a transistor radio to keep me entertained. After being in the business, I liked to listen to local radio stations as we traveled and hometown favorites on my everyday jaunts. On many occasions I would listen to talk radio. Sometimes, I just liked the silence with only the sound of my shoes striking the pavement. Nowadays, the Nike app allows me to play my favorite Apple Music downloaded tunes unless the connection goes bad. I’ve written poems in my head as I’ve plodded along, solved the problems of the world, and planned the day ahead, all along wishing to hear the words, “The Run is Done.”

I was hard-wired to the devices that I carried until the technology for wireless earbuds evolved. Prior to this ingenious innovation, there were times when I got entangled and disconnected while running or even nearly decapitated when it caught on the branch of a tree or poorly trimmed bush I was passing. Currently, it’s just me, my phone, and these earbuds that go with me on these daily journeys. I also get notified by the AI coach in my ear every half-mile that I complete and also heard split times before my pace got embarrassingly slow and I shut that feature off. I don’t even want to know anymore but can’t help but sneak a peek after I finish. This morning, my first mile was under 15 minutes, while the second slowed to 17 minutes. Most people walk faster than this, unless they are tethered to a dog or two. Granted, I’m taking it easy after a heart procedure. 

I now wonder what the Nike running coach will think when he (or she) no longer has me to push along? Will they understand the reason that I’ve stopped slogging every morning? Do they secretly laugh at my form and times? What do they do when they’re not watching me and filling my head with praise and encouragement? Furthermore, what will their final words be when I make that last run? Will it be more profound than just “the run is done?”

 

 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: My Way #2396

It is easier to type without the brace on my wrist, but my hands still shake so the lack of coordination with my fingers leads to many corrections. The two conditions are not related because my puncture wounds from the catheter will heal but the essential tremor is apparently here to stay. I’m feeling better today having completed the familiar two-plus mile route this and keeping my streaking journey alive. In the world of streak running, there are no excused absences. You do your daily mile minimum regardless of the circumstances or fail. I’ve done this now for 5,381 consecutive days, but the finish line is sadly in sight. More testing in the next few weeks will eventually lead to major surgery and the inevitable end of my race. I salute those that will continue on without me. Looking back, I thought I saw the end a few days ago, but here I am still at it!

When I do eventually cross that finish line, there will be relief and sadness but no regrets. I’ve run through ice storms and tropical depressions to get this far, so it will not be easy to stop. My recent posts have been apologetically obsessed with this reality, but writing like this is like personal therapy. Most of my few readers know me and are aware how attached I am to this streak and its bragging rights. As I’m stumbling, bumbling, rumbling along each morning, I try to appreciate the benefits of all this exercise. I think it all paid off when they found my arteries to be clear of any blockages, despite my high cholesterol that also requires medication. 

My way is the highway – miles and miles of wear on my many pairs of shoes throughout these fifteen years. During the course of this streak, I will have logged over 13,000 miles, enough to get from Portland, Oregon to Venice, Florida and back twice! Although a bit dramatic, I can’t help but think of the crooning voice of Frank Sinatra, and the lyrics written by French artists, “And now, the end is near, and so I face the final curtain…I traveled each and every highway, and more, much more than this, I did it My Way!”

 

 

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Retirement is not without Hassles: He’s Back #2395

I first thought of Jack Nicholson in the movie, The Shining and the “Here’s Johnny” line, but quotable variations of unexpected returns to battle are numerous throughout history. 

“Hello, boys! I’M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!”

Russell CasseIndependence Day

“I’m back.”

Michael Jordan

My return to the pavement is hardly noteworthy to most people, but yesterday I was certain was the last day of my Running Streak. I was envisioning the private celebrations of fellow streakers about to move ahead of me in this imaginary race that would hopefully never end. I had worked my way up to the Top 200 positions in the world, only to discover that as word spread on who had accomplished what, I now stand at #226 of the active longest running streaks in the world. No one ever seems to drop out. It’s a stubborn group of disciplined runners that somehow just keep going despite any adversity. I only know a couple of these warriors out of the thousands that are listed on the registry. www.runeveryday.com

With a brace on my right wrist where the catheter was inserted yesterday at the hospital, I was able to convince my cardiologist to run the minimum mile to maintain my place in the race. Fortunately, he found no blockages. Although I couldn’t do the usual 88 warm-up push-ups, today was day #5,380 of running every day, dating back to 2008. It hardly compares to the leader’s start date of 1969. A Massachusetts woman is tied with me but she’s 23-years younger. Most everyone is younger, with the exception of about 35 individuals that continue to stay in front of me. Some are so far ahead that I will never catch them in my lifetime even if they’ve already dropped out of the race. 

In two more weeks, I will have a second heart procedure, a (TEE) Transesophageal Echocardiograph that could pose another threat to my Streak.  Of course, other unpredictable factors like injury, weather, or worse could put a quick stop to it at any time. I’ve been fortunate through the years to avoid any such setbacks. Eventually, this is going to lead to surgery to repair the aneurism that has existed in my aorta for years, posing a threat to more than just the end of a silly Streak. He’s back….for now!

 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: The End of an Era #2394

I’m up early this morning in anticipation of upcoming heart procedures and hungry from fasting. I’ll be at the hospital in an hour or so after scrubbing my body with antibacterial soup. I’m still not sure what to expect but from what all I’ve read about a catheterization the doctors are probably not going to want me to run tomorrow. I ran a mile plus this morning with thoughts of it being my last for a while, the Streak ending at 5,379 days. However, I’m stubborn so if I am able to get on my feet tomorrow, I will undoubtedly try. 

I would be surprised if they didn’t find some blockage in addition to the aneurism. I have really been struggling with my breathing and stamina of late. The run this morning was awkward and uncomfortable even though I tried my best to relish the moment and recount my accomplishment of nearly fifteen years. If I’m not able to run tomorrow, it will be only a matter of time before the surgery ultimately puts a stop to it. I’ll be like an addict with an itch to scratch and the period of withdrawal will certainly be miserable. I can start again, but who really wants to run when it’s such a bad experience fighting balance, stiffness, and coordination issues. I’ll be better off finding an alternative and my knees and hips will probably thank me. It’s the end of an era – “That’s All Folks!”

 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: Keeping the Doctor Away #2392

I honestly believed that “a 5k a day would keep the doctor away.” Why else would I torture myself first thing every morning? In the past, I would go in for my annual checkup and this was the only exposure I had to white coats. However, in the last few years this has increased to probably one a month – blood tests, preventative shots, neurologists, urologists, physicians, cardiologists, chiropractors, PAs, nurses. I also have a special glow about myself after cat scans, x-rays, and now an upcoming heart catheterization. My “best shot” anymore is solely related to flu, covid, shingles, and pneumonia! More importantly, I’m learning how to properly spell and even pronounce all these medical terms. 

Running might be keeping some weight off, so I look good on the outside, but my insides are a mess. Like any addiction, good or bad, I know that if I stop, I may never be able to start again. I feel threatened that my running streak of now 5,376 consecutive days may be jeopardized by upcoming surgery. Then, my only streak would be Wordle, now at 145 straight solves. In a sense, this is a relief, knowing that I would not have to wake up with a feeling of regret, followed by sweat, strain, and breathlessness. I would finally make it to the finish line, without the next day to worry about. 

Running has been my primary motivation for getting up in the morning for the last 15-years. Before that, it was races, marathons, serious training, and topping personal bests. With the streak, it was all about just doing it every day – time, speed, and distance supposedly didn’t matter. However, I was all too conscious, even embarrassed, that I couldn’t go faster and farther anymore. Plus, the Florida heat started to bother me, so 5k has become 2.1 miles. Fast walkers were starting to pass me and good runners left me in the dust. I was simply going through the motions. 

Like everything else in life, if the streak ends, I will deal with it and probably find a better alternative. I salute those that have somehow fought off all adversity and made it to fifty years, forty, thirty, and even twenty years of running every day. It’s also a major accomplishment to do it that first full year! As a lifetime member of the United States Streak Running Association, I read the articles about these phenomenal achievements and also the stories about injuries, surgeries, travel, weather, and even forgetfulness that prevent a streak from continuing. There are sadly those that don’t get up the next morning and many that have simply started a new streak. I’m just not sure at my age that I want to, especially since, like a bad apple, it’s no longer keeping the doctor away. 

Retirement is not without Hassles: REally TIREd MENTally #2388

I’ve really tapered off on my writing these past few weeks. I’ve also lost my appetite for TV shows, having wasted so much time streaming series after series. Now, I’m hooked on MonopolyGO, focused on getting to that next level. There must be a better use of my days than stupid video games. Admittedly, life has lost some of its luster with a pending prostrate procedure, heart catheterization appointment, and probable surgery. Any of these medical actions could jeopardize my Running Streak, that now stands at 5,372 days and counting. I thought I was a pretty healthy guy, but 72-years of wear and tear on my body is taking its toll. 

On a positive note, if my running streak ends, I will likely move on to some other addictive activity. Without the worry of injury to end the running, I might take up Pickleball or get back into skiing. Obviously, Florida is not an ideal location for fun in the snow. I was reminded that we are headed to Oakland in December with just a three-hour drive to Tahoe, so I just might consider finally achieving that 70+ Ski Club commitment. There is life beyond running, or so I’m told!

Since I last reported, IU football won its first game, and my son’s fantasy team was victorious in the NFL openers. The Bears and the Colts were not so fortunate. The Cubs, who I admittedly gave up on to start the season, are in strong contention for a Wild Card spot even if they can’t catch the Brewers. The disappointing White Sox have already been eliminated from post season play. 

Shohei Ohtani has not played in over a week, falling behind the Braves’ Greg Olsen in the Home Run Derby. I have built a collection of over 150 Topps Now cards honoring the Ohtani, Babe Ruth-like achievements in the first few years of his career. His pitching season is over with 10-victories, but his claim to AL MVP might be threatened if he misses more games. His career high in homers is 46 and stolen base best is 26, both set in 2021. The Angels franchise HR record is 47 by Troy Glaus. Ohtani was on track to top both of these marks before this recent injury – he’s day-to-day. I have taken the collection to Blue Breaks, the local sport card shop, to get an appraisal on what it might be worth, having invested about $1500 in the project and numerous hours in monitoring the Topps site for purchase opportunities. It’s just another addiction that I’m tiring from!

“Tiring in Retirement” or “REally TIREd MENTally” might be the best descriptions of my recent attitude. As a distraction, we set up another Marriott Vacation Club (or in this case Sheraton) mental-health getaway for the first weekend in January. A group of neighbors will share our 3-bedroom Orlando condo to do Universal Studios, the Kissimmee Mecum Auto Show, and celebrate the New Year, along with a birthday. It will fill that travel gap between Oakland (maybe Tahoe) and our Cross-Atlantic spring cruise, once my medical woes have hopefully been resolved. 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: Drizzle to Fizzle the Sizzle #2377

I continue to struggle with my daily run, fighting temperatures and humidity that feel like 100-degrees. I can’t seem to get out any earlier than 8 a.m., missing many of the regulars that have already finished. My times have badly deteriorated, often stumbling at a ridiculously slow pace of over 18 minutes the final mile. I don’t know what to do after shorting the length to 2.1 miles since the beginning of the month. My weight has even dropped to 185 (10 pounds lost) after my wife cut back on buying cookies and other sweet snacks. I can barely stand up after finishing, feeling drained and light-headed. I get in the pool to cool off and strain to get my laps in, breathing hard at each turn. There is something wrong. I’m tired and beginning to feel my age. 

I called my cardiologist yesterday but couldn’t get through. I’m supposed to see the surgeon about my aortic aneurysm, even though it has not grown in size. It’s been there for years, carefully monitored. Perhaps, it’s starting to cause fatigue and loss of balance, that has been plaguing me of late. If the recent scans had shown enlargement that would have immediately put me on the table. Oddly, my biggest concern is the interruption of “The Streak” that stands at 5,339 consecutive days as of this morning. 

I sat in dark, air-conditioned overload, trying to get through yesterday’s Barbie movie, only to step outside in the grueling heat. I’m drinking lots of fluids in hope that it cools off soon! Not just here in Florida, all over the country we’re seeing record temperatures. Even Portland, Oregon where I ran last month in comfortable conditions is expected to be in the hundreds over the next few days. Fires are destroying beautiful Maui. We need some drizzle to fizzle the sizzle!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Old Legs #2370

The clock has struck August, so hopefully the heat will slowly begin to dissipate. This morning was steamy with threats of light rain, so the dampness of my shirt was more due to the showers rather than sweat. I was disturbed to find that the older, slowest runner in the neighborhood passed me by on his way to what he said was another 10-miler, “unless there is lightening and then I will call my wife.” I tried to speed up but couldn’t, caught in slow motion. Like molasses, quicksand, or moving with a piano strapped to my back. At that moment, I felt very old and ready to abandon this silly streak now at 5,329 consecutive days after today’s 2.1 miles. Soon after, for some reason, he ducked into the fitness center while I continued on. A small victory? When I finished, I checked my time – 14:30 for that mile – slow but not as lead footed as I thought. 

Apparently, I was looking in the mirror at an awkward, shuffling old man on his last sporting legs. I’m no longer a spring chicken, approaching my 72nd birthday at the end of this month. Should I invest in another pair of running shoes? I guess that I will somehow continue to do this until my spindly members won’t move anymore. Two friends of mine are recovering from knee and hip replacements, so I’m fortunate to still be standing. Running is a bonus, regardless of speed. Plus, I’ve seen a lot worse looking stems at the beach. I guess I’ll keep on stumbling along. 

I’ve been reading the book, The Maid, and found that it has somehow given me a new perspective on cleaning. Despite its silly plot, in the past couple of days, I’ve repainted some of our doors, refurbished the golf cart leather seats, scrubbed some floors, and taken a little more pride in taking care of our home. Few books have had that kind of impact. I’ve also been watching the Break Point documentary on Netflix, but it has not inspired me to play tennis, racquetball, or pickle ball. I did learn that the brand new V-neck Nike “running” shirt that I was wearing this morning is actually tennis clothing with the Rafael Nadel “Raging Bull” logo. Perhaps it was designed for making sharp cuts rather than distance running and this was what slowed me down this morning – not my old legs!

 

 

Retirement is not without Hassles: Weeble Wobble #2368

I’m experiencing a bit of jet lag this morning after a restless night of sleep. Yesterday, I was a bit sluggish but able to get up on time and run a full 2.1 miles. Last night, I was constantly up and down, getting rid of a lot of retained fluid, particularly noticeable in my swollen ankles, hopefully shedding the five pounds I gained in Portland. I then slept beyond my usual wake-up time and consequently faced 82-degree weather, still adapting from the cooler Northwest temperatures. At least, I got to wear jeans for the first time in a while. Needless to say in the heat, I only completed the minimum mile (1.25) required to maintain my running streak – now at 5,325 consecutive days. 

I will undoubtedly slip into an afternoon nap before we do our sunset sail this evening. We’ll have dinner at the Laishley Crab House on our way to the Punta Gorda marina where we will board the boat. Tally, our aging schnauzer, will have to miss out on her evening golf cart ride, just as I failed to get her out this morning in a timely manner. 

Having been on airplanes this past week, I’m even less steady on my feet. I’m sure that being on a boat tonight certainly won’t help with stability. One of the big issues I’m facing in old age is balance. This is particularly noticeable when I’m running. I too often feel like a Weeble, wobbling along like I’m drunk. 

According to Wikipedia, “Weebles is a range of children’s roly-poly toys that originated in 1971 by the US toy company Playskool. They are egg-shaped, so tipping one causes a weight located at the bottom-center to be raised. Once released, the Weeble is restored by gravity to an upright position. Weebles have been designed with a variety of shapes, including some designed to look like people or animals.”

“The catchphrase “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down” was used in advertising during their rise in popularity in the 1970s and during successive relaunches in the early 2000s. The line was coined by advertising executive Walter Cohen at Benton & Bowles when he and his partner Bernard Most were assigned to the account in 1971. The pair (as the creative team Bernie & Walter) used the phrase when they created the first TV commercials for the new product.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve tripped or fallen on a run. The last time was in Portland about 5-years-ago when I stumbled over some uneven pavement and skinned up my knees. Here in Florida, my course is very flat and smooth, so dehydration is the biggest enemy. I start every run with a mouthful of water that gets swallowed after the first turn. My shirt is soaked after the first mile. I’ve also cut back on my mileage, totaling only about 65-miles in July, compared with 97 in June. The heat is getting to me, as this old man comically wobbles along. 

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