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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46409118032327330302014-10-03T01:20:48.579-07:0045 & running strongrunpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-72404296182641641452013-08-28T04:55:00.000-07:002013-08-28T04:55:22.681-07:00Off to See the Wizard The road to success can be compared to the road to OZ, that is the yellow brick road with perils along the way. Everyone has had those days that feel like the dark forest, we all have fought our share of flying monkeys. The day(s) that nothing seems to go right or at least our way. When we get to the wizard is success what we thought it was or just the beginning of the next journey.
 Let's go back to the road, unlike Dorothy we have to build the road, brick by brick.We hope that our yellow brick road is made out of gold. Proper planning it can be or if we carelessly go they could be bricks painted yellow or fools gold. We must build the road one brick at a time with a good road map, positive attitude, smiles and things done right are bricks to build from daily.The attitude you take every day with every person you interact will give you direction. Hence a negative attitude or interaction is going to give you a negative direction. This applies to life, training and business. The challenging day, tough workout or multiple rejections can be twenty four karat bricks that take you the farthest. A smile goes miles is so true passing in the coffee shop, on the trail running or signing the contract.They say the first impression is the lasting impression. The right thing every time may cost you a little in the short term but will pay huge dividends in the long run. There are no short cuts, associate with people that are successful. Chances are very high that they are doing things the right way. Read books by successful people, there will be gold nuggets in there to make your bricks. Anyone that knows me well knows my admiration for Tony Dungy. I lived near Indianapolis when he came to the Colts and turned the team and the city around.I have read everyone of his books several times. He didn't do it alone, his faith in God and associating with strong mentors got him where he is.
 The final step is taking action, the law of physics (every action has an opposite and equal reaction) is true in life. A positive action will have a positive reaction and move you forward. 86,400 seconds every day: make every second count. I have lost races and age group placings by mere seconds. That split second decision can change your course for days or even years. Make every second count or as I once heard "invest every second" a positive investment is going to make a positive return. The day is a chain reaction eight hours quality sleep equals high energy and good focus. Quality fuel for the body keeps you going strong, the daily workout keeps the mind and body strong, any weak link in the chain may derail the whole day. We all need our distractions or cheats but we can make them positive ones: read something positive on the internet instead of engaging in drama on Facebook, drink green tea with honey instead of that cupcake. There are no "take backs" in life once that word is spoken, that second wasted or that calorie consumed the consequences are ours.
 We are all building that road to success. Yes, we all have to take a step back and turn over that brick we laid yesterday. Being humble enough to go back and fix it may put you miles ahead. The wasted seconds and poor decisions are past, learn from mistakes, continue to look forward to success. The wizard of Oz may not be who we expect or our success to look like it does. Sometime success is built on success so take the little win. The wins are the golden bricks that make for a bright future.

runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-39649345586193763422013-05-14T06:27:00.002-07:002013-05-14T06:27:33.754-07:00What Can't You Do

 Run 100 mile race, run a 100 mile week, run a marathon, run a 5k or walk a 5k, you may not have a desire to do any of these. Please don't say you can't or it will never happen, I have accomplished all of these and I will give you the secret.
 Human nature is to fight or flight and to say "I can't" is flight running away from what we perceive as too hard. I love a good fight, it has always been my nature whether it is a good argument or a formidable challenge. You can adopt that attitude and accomplish any of those feats or even something greater for yourself.
 Yes you can!
 Yes you can!
 I) Set your mind to it.
 The mind is the most powerful organ in the human body, it can stop you or force you to do anything. Once you have made the decision and mentally commit to it everyday you will accomplish it.
 II) Set your heart to it.
 Yes the decision is made but it takes passion to go to the finish. You cannot commit everyday to hard work if you can not put your heart into it with your eyes on the reward at the finish.
 III) Make your plan
 This is where I fit in as a coach to develop a plan to get you to your goal. First you must decide on your reward to finish a cupcake, margarita or cold beer, your decision. Being healthier, faster, knowing you accomplished your goal are harder to focus on than a physical award. Being a competitive person the placing or a time is what I focus on as the prize. Daily activity is the best plan to continually move closer to your goal.
 IV) Do your plan - Try again
 This really is the easy part once you have finished the exercise because you feel better and proud that you completed the task at hand. I always say the first step out the door or into the gym and first half mile or fifteen minutes is the toughest. Engage the challenge everyday and when you make it to race day the truth comes out. The goal really is to finish and any result is a success, reward yourself. You may not achieve your goal but it is time to inventory how much stronger, healthier or faster you are than the day you started. Pick the next challenge and adjust your goal or your plan where you are today and you will succeed.

 Go out and make the most of what you have, the only thing holding you back is you.runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-81285256507831968712013-05-08T09:43:00.001-07:002013-05-08T09:43:35.484-07:00Build it and they will come The process of building my business has made me realize by God's design we are builders. Noah built the ark, Peter built the church and Kevin Costner built a baseball field in the middle of an Iowa cornfield. I received a letter yesterday from a young man of how much I inspired him and he reminded me of my christian namesake and how he thought it was fitting. Very humbled, brought these thoughts.
Matthew 16:18 NIV "And I tell you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it"
A seminar yesterday morning gave the suggestion that to build a successful business you have a vision of where you are going and what you are building.
 My dream is to help people become their best physically, mentally and spiritually, all keys to to being successful as an athlete and in life.

1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God. You are not your own."
Then it came to me that to build a business is not just to build a team of athletes but to build a team of coaches with teams of athletes.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. Just as in fact you are doing"
Our mission is to build others up, paying forward those are the strong friends who will carry you when you are weak. I have experienced this in races as well as life challenges.
 The foundation you are building on is also very important, if God is the foundation the results will be good.

Matthew 7:26 NIV "But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand"
This is the reason I am building my business on Christian values and my coaching on my experiences and that of many other great coaches and athletes.
 Go out and make the most out of what you have been given, make the world a better place.

runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-37742407084497854822013-04-24T06:24:00.001-07:002013-04-24T06:33:50.856-07:00Time is Yours You awake in the morning, you are blessed and you have a decision to make. What will I do today? Will I make the most out of today and change someones life? You may or may not change someones life but if you go out positive and do your best the chances are you will. You may never know it or you may have someone come up to you years later and thank you for what you did.
 My sister Paula her husband Tom and my nephews Thomas and Lawrence changed many. Especially my nephews who in a short thirteen years touched so many people. I live everyday to their example of greeting life and people with a smile and make life fun. Time is an element we don't have control of, there are thousands of books out there to help you manage it. Rather than manage it you need to make the most of it because it is limited. We don't know the when or how the end will come but we can make the most of the minutes in front of us.

One day your life will flash before your eyes, Make sure it's worth watching.

 I celebrate life today because I had great examples of how it should be. I mourn today because it was in loss that I realized what I had.

 Go out and live, be strong make today the best day in yours and those around you life.
runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-35131356541684150392013-04-16T15:52:00.000-07:002013-04-16T15:52:58.209-07:00You Touched My Family April 15, 2013 is marked in my memory now and forever as someone or some group assaulted my family on my homeland. I was in shock that evening and still processing and grieving the next morning as it was not a nightmare it was real all over the front pages. I have read many post and blogs, mine will resound the same sentiment that runners are a very tight knit family. I have crossed that finish line twice, my family has stood on those very streets. Pain number one panic where are my personal friends that were up there that day, fortunately all safe. Pain number two fear that could have been my family, my wife still tears up because recognizes the landmarks and walk those sidewalks now splattered with blood like a war zone. Pain number three grief as I realize the casualty is an eight year old boy and a woman cheering family members. I compared this to the day I lost my sister and her family the day started with so much joy and excitement of near perfect weather and an exciting elite race to end dark with terror.
 Pride brings light to the darkness, as police, volunteers and runners ran towards the explosion to aid the injured and the medical tent instantly went from aid station to emergency triage. This act in itself I am sure minimized the fatalities, brotherly love overcame self preservation. The fortitude of runners was all over the media as seventy eight year old Bill Iffrig got up after being knocked down by the blast and with the aid of the volunteers crossed the finish line second in his age group. The love of my friends and family as my social media and cell phone were overloaded with messages and calls making sure I was not in Boston and OK if I was. There is more good and love in this country than there is evil.
 Anyone that has ran a marathon or other endurance race will tell you about bond that is formed with your competitors and the spectators. I experienced this at Boston last year as we raced in record high temperatures and fellow racers shared ice and popsicles along with coaching and encouragement. The spectators aided with ice, refreshments and spray from garden hoses cheering me like a best friend or family. These are things you don't forget and brings the tragedy of someone hurting these people so much closer. I know the runners like Bill will get up and run again and Boston will be there next year better and safer than ever. runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-78703493377400232152013-04-08T07:23:00.000-07:002013-04-08T07:23:42.533-07:00The Elusive Number 10 The New York marathon was cancelled, my career change made Phoenix impracticable and yesterday I got my first DNF at the ORRRC Xenia marathon. All were supposed to be number 10 marathon for me, yesterday was not an "A" race but more of a test of my condition going into ultra training and season. I was under trained and had not put in any consistent miles all winter. The running group "RUN DMC" had a great showing and I could not miss this race. The thought had crossed my mind to drop to the half marathon but my stubborn side won out.

 A bad decision lead to a good decision at mile 22, I had to think like a coach and do what I would want an athlete I was coaching to do. The weather was perfect at the start 54 degrees overcast with a slight breeze. My plan was 8 minute mile pace until the last six and the then race to the finish, I stuck to the plan perfectly through the first half. I made a quick pit stop at the 2 mile mark just after circling back to the start line and caught up to Kim who was running the half. We talked and made the miles go by quickly to where she turned off for the turn around that was mile eight and I was feeling good. The temperature was rising quickly and the breeze was keeping it comfortable at this point. I hit Cedarville and turned of the bike path and onto the back roads and into the wind as we turned around. I was feeling the fatigue by this point and had walked hills and water stops and decided to walk when there was a stiff head wind. Ben and Andy were running 4 hour pace and I expected them to catch me and they did shortly on the bike trail headed back to Cedarville. I stuck with them until mile 18 when my legs started to get heavy and I fell back the next 2 miles dehydration started to set in even though I had taken water and Gatorade at every water stop. I was walking more than I was running I had several runners check on me as they went by, I love that fellowship of distance runners. I hit mile 21 where the course turns off for the leg where the half marathon turns around and saw the squads at the aid station, was tempted to stop as I took 2 cups of water and it didn't help. I did the half mile out and back and decided with the blister on my left foot and sure signs of heat exhaustion I headed to the squad this time. I hated quitting on a race but common sense beat stubborness, this was not Boston I had to be smart.

 I made the tough decision for myself just like I would for someone I was coaching, that was a long ride to the finish line in the rescue truck. The emotions of disappointment were high especially as I threw my timing chip in the bucket without crossing the finish line. The conditions of 74 degrees, a strong head wind and lack of preparation made this the day not to finish a race. The emotional low was quickly replaced by the excitement of one of our group finishing her first marathon. Cheering her in knowing the tough conditions out reminded me there is more to this sport than just running. This is very much a team sport because her tears of joy were much more important than my tears of disappointment. I will have my great races but it is great to be part of a group of runners where we can relish in others first and great races.
runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-82354869104828356752013-03-14T06:35:00.000-07:002013-03-14T06:35:08.197-07:00Leap of Faith God has given me many blessings in my life with faith in his path in front of me being one of his greatest. This is one of those times that I have to rely on that faith. I was presented the opportunity to make my passion for running and serving people a carreer. I had to step out of my comfort zone and security of my sales carreer I had built the last seven and half years. I have many friends at the dealership and they were a great support network. Great things never come from easy decisions and this one was very tough.
 I had made the decision a several weeks ago and made the announcement at the end of February. Shock was the best description of the reaction but very supportive from my managers and co-workers. I will miss the daily interactions with these people, they are like family. I can say I have spent more collective hours with these people then I have with some of my related family. I am looking to find clients and athletes that I can build this kind of relationships with. I have had a great response from friends and family and many people expressed interest in training and coaching.
 I have heard it many times and I discussed with the gym owner when you love what you do every day it is not a job it is a passion. I have come to a point in my life that the value of time is measured by the quality of time spent with family and invested in others. You will not be remembered for the things you have done but the lives you have touched or changed. I plan to reach out to people who want to become all God has given them the potential to achieve. A marathon or ultra-marathon for some but to just run/walk a 5k for many, their goal will be my mission.

 runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-39305428605210837802012-10-31T17:01:00.001-07:002012-10-31T17:42:32.549-07:00Friends Forever The day following the marathon the group had a trip to Saxon Switzerland not to be confused with Switzerland the nation. The sandstone mountains where the building materials for many of the structures in Dresden came from. We went by train from Dresden to the ferry across the Elbe to the little town of Pirna. We took in the scenery which included the town hall and parish church built in the sixteenth century. Then we began the hike up the mountain that turned out to be like one of those adventure team building exercises. The trail became single track and to the edge of the river valley we discovered Gloria had a fear of heights. Here came the team building and a new trusting friendship as I got behind her on the steep parts and beside her on the edges holding her hands or hips encouraging her on. Many laughs were shared as we trekked our way over the trail. Jim our eighty three year old member of the Ambassadors was with us also members of the team took turn assisting him over the trail though he was at the back he was never alone. The views from the top were breath taking and easy to understand why this was called the fortress of the Saxon Valley. Many rulers used it as refuge in times of war back to the fifteenth century and the castle across the river served as a high security jail 1870-71 and both world wars. American and British officers were held there in the second world war.

 We ended with lunch back down at the river sharing laughs and memories of the marathon and the days events. Part of the group headed onto the castle and Gloria, her host Peter and myself headed back to Dresden. I made it home to my host family and we went out for dinner to Neustadt (new town) the part of the city that completely burnt down in 1685 and was rebuilt in a Victorian style square. Many numerous "in" bars and trendy restaurants were here which made it a popular place with the students. We toured the Art Passage then went to an Indian restaurant a bittersweet memory as this was my last night with my "family" I have to say I was perfectly matched and made friends for a lifetime. Andreas and I stayed for a couple more drinks at on of the bars then headed home as I had an early flight.

 This trip truly was an ambassadorship between two sister cities, a cultural exchange by a group of runners that became bonded with memories. I have to say this was more than I expected and expanded my expectations of things to do. I want to share this experience with many and take my family back to share in person. Running is truly a gift from God that has become my way to see the world and inspire people to be all they can be. I came to run a marathon left with new friends and experiences that will change my life and hopefully others. Call it your bucket list, I call it your limits they are set by you and should be changed to unlimited. This year I have run a one hundred mile race, an international marathon and who knows what is next. I saw a shirt that said " My running shoes have more miles than your car" I need one that says " My running shoes took me around the world and gained me many friends"
runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-91723287051537781082012-10-29T18:29:00.001-07:002012-10-31T15:10:57.841-07:00Dresden Marathon - Race Day I was up early pumped with excitement for my first international marathon, representing Columbus marathon, the city and all my local runners. On Saturday my host Andreas had signed up for the marathon he had not trained since spring but had spent all summer on his race bike. Ines drove us down to the start line and dropped us off and would come back with the kids on bike to cheer us and take pictures. The support was totally unexpected but greatly appreciated made this like a hometown race with people cheering me by name. The group from Columbus group was charged with energy taking pictures with the Mayor of Dresden doing O-H-I-O it almost took the chill off the 40* F morning.

 This was a relatively small race but very competitive in Germany they have not caught the running and fitness craze. People were here to race, all three distances started together so I tried to stage myself behind the 10k, half marathon elites and the Kenyons of course. The start was very tight and I would say of all my race starts this was one of the roughest. People pushed and elbowed for position and stepped in front of you without warning. I settled into my own race very quickly not knowing anyone was a disadvantage but by feel and my Garmin I found 6:30 pace first mile. I hit the 5k marker at twenty minutes and the first water stop I was ahead of pace but feeling good. The 10k mark I was still with a large group not a lot of change of position but I could see the front pack had pulled away 42:00 minutes was still ahead of my target. 20k the half marathon runners split off for the finish and I could start to pick out runners to pace with I was at a 7:17/mile pace and feeling good I took my second Gel and water at all of the stations. 1:26:00 was a perfect split for my goal 2:54:00 finish I knew I needed to stay relaxed and finish strong to make my goal. The sections through town were a little slow but the path along the river my pace went sub seven minutes / mile and I was being challenged by a few runners and stayed with them to pass people ahead of me. Mile eighteen brought the wall my pace slowed to 8:00/mile I felt like I could hold this comfortably and hopefully recover. I did just that maintained until mile 22 water stop that I decided to walk through and at the end I had a German runner who had passed me at the water stop motion me to run with him my mile 23 split was 8:59 but with him pacing me my pace was back down to 8:00 he got a cramp as we went up the hill to go to the bike path he told me to go on. I pushed it knowing with only a couple miles to go I would still have a good finish. Coming up on the Augustus Bridge ( Augustusbrucke) I came up on a young man struggling gave him a pat on the back and told him to come on together we pushed to the finish. The camaraderie among runners is an international language we looped around to the finish and at the 41k sign I said 1200 meters to go that we had this he agreed and said every step was one closer to the finish. I lost him as I pushed out the last 800 meters with everything I had. My Garmin had at a 7:12 pace but it felt like 5:00 when they announced my name coming into the finish I put a great race behind me. Greeted by my teammates who had run the half I broke down with tears of joy and exhaustion. My host finished behind me making his goal of faster than 3:30 @ 3:26:32. My finish was 3:22:42 235/1145 men 42/227 age group for a course with a record of 2:13:03 I will take that as a success for my first international race.

runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-71002396801781201922012-10-29T16:00:00.004-07:002012-10-29T16:00:50.878-07:00Ambassadorship Part 1 You read about it, see pictures of it but until you experience it and live it you can't really appreciate this planet we live on. This started as a simple trip to go run a marathon in Dresden Germany in a sister city exchange with the Columbus Marathon. What it turned out to be was a life changing experience that will take several pages to describe the experience. The history, culture, natural beauty and new friendships that I will take through the rest of my life.
 Take a step out of the small world of your hometown community and find out what lies beyond the horizon. This year I raced on both coast of the United States of America then to step on a plane to a country with one thousand years of history. A new perspective came to my life that there is so much out there and to seize every opportunity to make a friend. I headed to the airport to begin this adventure really not knowing what to expect but a little nervous. Nerves didn't get any better when my connecting flight from Columbus to Charlotte was delayed a hour. Hustling through the airport I made it with a few minutes to spare and was on board the Airbus 330 to Frankfurt Germany. Started to relax but not totally because I was not able to sleep as planned. I think part of that was nervous energy turning into excitement, the trip of my lifetime was starting, the transfer at Frankfurt was smooth. Landed in Dresden greeted by the smiling faces of Ines and Romy they recognized me from my Dailymile picture and they had a sign with my name. This was to be the first experience of my cultural exchange as I learned 3:00 is coffee and cake in Germany. Met Erik when he came home from school and Andreas got home from work and we went on a family bike ride along the river and into the city. The scenery was amazing and the fall colors accented the beauty of this historical city. I got the nickel tour of the Altstadt (West Bank) which I would come back Thursday and tour on my own and a guided tour Friday. Then we stopped for dinner and got my introduction to German beer and cuisine, wonderful time spent getting to know my host family.

 Thursday morning on German time I was up with my normal routine of up early and get my run in followed the streets down to the river and back. I was very fortunate my host had great coffee and even their own espresso machine. Fresh bread from the neighborhood bakery and coffee got my day started as I headed off to explore the city. The house was a block from the Tram stop which took me directly to the historical part of the city. The public transportation was very clean and the most efficient way to get around the city. I walked the city taking in all the historical buildings had lunch at local brewers pub and discovered that Pilsner (Pils) was what the region is best known for. After lunch I toured the "Johanneum" Royal Stables which was turned into the transport museum. The history of the automobiles, trains and trolleys kept me captivated for a couple hours.

 I headed back to the house and spent the rest of the afternoon with my host family took Romy to gymnastics then to the transit authority where Andreas is the finance administrator. I took a tour of the facility and they had a collection of historical trams and equipment as well as a display of how it looked when it was East Germany. Then home for dinner before going to play indoor soccer with Andreas and a group of his friends. Well conditioned for running but not soccer I was one sore puppy that evening and even into the next day.

 Friday was an early morning starting with a very easy run to loosen the legs before spending the day walking the city with the group from Columbus. I rode the tram down to meet the group for a guided tour of the city. The history was astonishing and put a new perspective on how young our country is to be in a city over one thousand years old. We had lunch as a group, the relationships built with the other ambassadors made this trip even more rewarding. The tram ride from downtown to the Sports School was kept exciting when part of the group missed the tram. I was familiar with the tram route so I ran back to collect our stragglers, all together we went to a reception with the Mayor of Dresden. We toured the sports school and the dormitories where students specialize in one of seventeen sports. This school had produced Olympic medalist dating back to the 1968 Olympics to 2012 had two students on the German rowing team. Very impressive how the East German system has been integrated into the unified Germany. The evening was wrapped up with dinner at a friend of my host they spoke English and had actually lived in Texas for a couple years. I was shown so much hospitality and felt like part of the family.

 Saturday morning Andreas and Erik took me on a tour of the city by tram and sky rail the views over the top of the city were spectacular. I could see many of the city's architectural landmarks including a great view of the "Blue Bridge". From there we went to meet the rest of the family at the stadium for a professional soccer game. My first time to a European Football game had expected intensity but the energy in that stadium could power a small city. The home fan section for the Dresden Dynamo was one end of the stadium with no seats 20 - 25,000 fans standing/jumping and singing and chanting. The fans were almost as entertaining as the plays on the field.

 We went home to relax and rest for race day finishing the evening with a traditional pasta dinner.

To be continued....

runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-37236862019393981312012-07-30T13:03:00.002-07:002012-07-30T13:05:10.219-07:00Do it for the Buckle July 28 2012 5:00AM I started on an adventure few men or women will ever do and even fewer sane people. I raced the Burning River 100 mile Endurance Run, why you ask, for the belt buckle of course. I am reminded of my youth when my friends and I competed and dreamed of silver belt buckles riding bulls, bucking horses and barrel racing. Twenty five years later I am running one hundred miles for one. I have to say the challenge and great group of runners competing was the real motivation.
 I will start with Friday as I had a great day with one of my crew Dana Smith who drove me up to Cleveland. A business meeting for lunch then to packet pick up where we met up with Daily Mile friends from Michigan. We had dinner at a great little local Italian restaurant, many running stories shared along with laughs. An early evening back to the hotel to watch the opening ceremonies for the summer Olympics, great inspiration before a race. I fell asleep at nine o'clock which was great because I needed to be up at three thirty to get to the start line for check in. I awoke at one thirty when nature called from all the hydration I had done. I was wide awake at that point and the mind was reviewing all my drop bag contents and race preparations, I decided there was no sense in trying to get back to sleep. Chris my other crew member had just got in fifteen minutes before that so not much sleep for him but after they dropped me off at the start line they would have time to rest.
 The start line was an experience in itself three hundred sixty runners in the dark with headlamps and flashlights. Everything from last minute race preparations to discussing race strategies. I positioned myself along side experienced ultra marathons to make sure I kept myself slow and on pace to finish the race. We started exactly at 5:00am once we hit the trail I was in the middle of the second pack along side fellow Daily Miler Melanie Peters and ultra great Connie Gardner. We hit a stream crossing that seemed to come out of nowhere in the dark shortly there after a tree fell across the course behind us. Around the three mile mark we lost the course and got lost but with the experienced runners we only went a short distance before we were back on course. The first ten miles were on trail and exactly on goal pace the next nine miles were on the road I stayed with the group who pushed the pace fast but I decided to stay with them. Eight minute/mile pace made that section go fast. We hit the first major aid station where I took some food as well as refilled my Heed. Back on the trail I let the group go and ran with Connie for the next section what an amazing person and great tips on slowing down and making a strong finish. The marathon mark brought the first aid station where my crew was waiting I was right on schedule and so were they. I made my first rookie mistake in that I thought I could fuel on a liquid diet. I changed shoes and was feeling great really enjoying the fact that God had granted me an overcast seventy degree day to run my first ultra. I took of and settled into a good pace on some tough trail two miles in I got the sugar coma feeling where I was tired and feeling like I could of curled up beside the trail and taken a nap. A couple miles I was feeling better shortly after I hit the towpath and my first mind versus body argument happened, my mind said flat and paved you can make up lost time, my legs said this is mile forty don't burn me up; the legs won. I picked up Andy O'Brien shortly after getting on the Buckeye Trail and we paced each other to the next aid station where our crews were waiting on us. I was also greeted by a group of friends that had come up from Columbus I tried another shake but it did not sit well and I got sick joking that forty seven miles was my puke threshold of miles. I made my second rookie mistake, I should have stayed and recovered and gotten solid food on my stomach with people I knew there to take care of me. I thought I should keep moving and recover on the run, I was greeted by the worst part of the course. Single track technical trail that had been rain soaked, slippery, slimy, muddy hell does not begin the next four miles. I got sick again two miles in and that left me dehydrated and completely crashed. I stopped and set down for a half hour at the fifty mile aid station recovered and a cup of Ramen noodle in the stomach I felt much better. Noodles at the next aid station and I was feeling strong again. I came into the next aid station to be greeted by my crew and Megan Mottet who made the trip Deb Michel and Jamison Roberts were still there. I ate two bowls of noodles rested and rehydrated the next five miles I felt great had a great pace another crew stop and I got a hug from Deb as she and Jamison headed home. A granola bar and quick refill I was off. This section I was simply on auto pilot though it did occur to me that I had run eighty miles on three hours sleep. This leg finished on bridle path through corn fields at two o'clock in the morning I got flashes of "Children in the Corn" a little unnerving. The covered bridge stop was great in that I knew I was going to finish with great friends taking care of me. The next leg was technical trail but not difficult more Ramen noodles at the next stop. The next five miles was flat trail and towpath I killed it with eight minute/mile pace. Mile ninety three the crew was there and I was in race mode. I pushed to the finish line feeling like I had conquered the world.

 Thank you God for blessing me with perfect weather and the strength to persevere and amazing friends to see me through this. One hundred miles for a belt buckle! Yes! An experience that tested the body and mind as well as put me with an elite group of athletes 25:58:59 finish time 102/199 overall place 15/25 age group, seventh place in my division USATF. Thank you everyone who thinks I am crazy but supported my endeavor and prayed for my success.runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-52677218972647357372012-07-12T10:19:00.001-07:002012-07-12T11:27:16.954-07:00Finding Your Limits I started running four years ago with no idea of where it would take me or what it would bring into my life. Along the way life has brought me challenges and running has brought me comfort and many friends to get past the challenges. Now it brings it's own challenge of finding my physical limits and keeping balance in my life. My passion has brought me many opportunities as I was invited to run on a Hood to Coast relay team and selected along with nineteen others to represent the Columbus Marathon in their sister city Dresden Germany. All of this while I am training and preparing for the Burning River 100 mile endurance challenge.
 Run 100 miles "are you crazy?" "in one day?" "why?" are probably the most common responses I hear as I am asked what my next event is. The why is probably the easy because the challenge is there my competitive side is looking for the event I can win, place or show in a national event. I have found running the ultra marathon distances that you find your limits but you also find your reserves and strengths you didn't know were there. I compare to life's challenges you always can find the strengths and emotional fortitude we don't know we have. God will not give us more than we can handle we just have to accept the challenge and the love from friends and family, that is where we get our strength. The body has its limits as I have found when I ran thirty four miles on Friday followed by twenty six on Sunday. The effect was not immediate though I did feel fatigued Friday finishing when it was ninety one degrees. The effect was Wednesday morning when I overslept and missed my run, the body needed rest. I found my limits but I know that if I refuel and rest the next time sixty miles will not be as big of a challenge. Rest and recovery is where we get our strength, just like the hard work in and build from that. On the emotional side we need to build up from God and his gifts, our prayers will be answered. We have to take rest and reflection of reading his word and going to church to regain our strength. The challenge may not be ours the next time we may need to be there for someone else to give them the strength and courage to push through.
 My next blog will probably be my race report from the BR100 at the end of the month. Remember as tough as you you think it is now it is not more than you can handle, pray and be strong.

 runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-85306670321505309242012-06-08T12:14:00.000-07:002012-06-08T12:14:25.000-07:00Where's the Peak I have to admit that I was very disheartened after spring marathon season, Boston was run in record heat then I followed with Cleveland also hot. I had invested time into my toughest training and had nothing to show for it. The first thing that came to mind was that I have already peaked and all I have to look forward to is slower times. I am no young buck but still feel like I can get stronger and faster, my super competitive mind does not take a 99 degree heat index into consideration. I overlooked the accomplishment of making it to the starting line which you have to do first before you can ever make it to the finish line. I made it to the finish line in both races which took some toughness in its self, both races had elite athletes that did not finish.
 I have come to realize as I prepare for this summers ultra marathon runs that I am a very strong athlete and that running smart is tougher than running fast. Peak performance can be measured in many ways speed, endurance, consistency and recovery. The puzzle has many parts also nutrition, supplements, hydration, training and rest all equally important to make a complete picture. I tested my endurance this past weekend with a 50k night run and a 46 mile bike ride the next morning. I passed the test but I did not get an A+ my goal was 40 miles run and 50 miles bike. Reflection on this made me realize that I push myself very hard and have high expectations and that my failure is an accomplishment that many athletes cannot achieve. My valley that I hit is higher than my peak was last year at this time.
 We sometimes focus on a specific measure and overlook the total measure of the performance. I hope that as you read this you know that the plateau or valley that you have hit is probably higher than you have ever been. The mental toughness that we build from this experience is immeasurable and puts us way ahead of others.runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-17025383028546924692012-04-18T17:51:00.001-07:002012-04-18T17:51:18.172-07:00Crushed in Boston I will start by admitting that right through the start line I was sticking to my goal of racing the Boston marathon. My primary goal was to go sub three hours but at least wanted to PR the course. The heat warnings from the BAA and concern of many friends I knew I would have to run a smart race. I executed a race plan that rewarded me with my slowest marathon ever but a very memorable experience.
 My trip to Boston actually started on Wednesday morning at 5 AM as we loaded into my brother's car. We drove straight through to his home in Westbrook Maine that alone is a marathon experience sixteen hours travelling with my three and four year old nephews in the back seat. The time spent was actually very enjoyable but also made me appreciate my children being teenagers. I have learned to cherish every moment that you can spend with loved ones. While in Maine spent time with my brother's family and his mother in law who was our tour guide for Portland, the ocean front and light houses. I flew a kite with my nephew and walked the beaches with my wife. Saturday morning I boarded an Amtrak train to Boston to go to the marathon expo and do some sight seeing. The expo was packed with vendors and athletes did a little shopping after picking up my bib and goody bag. The night ended with the Daily Mile meet up hosted by Brian Adkins where I met runners from across the country. Many who I follow and get encouragement from online, a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet them in person. Sunday was a day of rest started the day with breakfast at the hotel then church and lunch a short run. We headed back to Boston for dinner at an Italian restaurant on the Charles river my nephew Edmund Walsh joined us. A very enjoyable evening but headed back to the hotel early to be well rested for the big day.
 I was really very relaxed going into this marathon knowing I was as fit and fast as I have ever been and had pushed twenty weeks of my most intense training. The warnings about the heat and the concerns of my family and friends I knew this race was going to be a test of perseverance. My brother drove me to the State Park to get on the shuttle bus into Hopkinton there I met my running partner Melodie. We headed into athletes village and met up with other runners we knew, we all managed to keep each other calm. I headed to the starting corrals with Eric from Cincinnati still confident but planning to start slow because it was already 80 degrees Fahrenheit. I took off at an easy pace of 7:23 for the first mile which included a quick stop of in the trees (all that pre-race hydration). The next three down hill miles were 7:00 still feeling very comfortable and easy the pace went back to 7:25 out through the 10k mark still on pace for three hours.The heat and rolling hills started to take toll and by mile eleven I was slowed to 8:00 pace. This is the point I changed the focus to finishing the race with no worry about time. I walked through the water stop and decided I was going to make the most of it I kissed half a dozen cute girls at Wellsley and passed my family cheering me on. I got a tap on the shoulder it was fellow daily miler Maddy we hung together through the turn at the fire station in Newton Falls. I slowed on the hill and knew I was going to have to take a strategy of walking the hills. I stayed to hydration and fuel plan and supplemented it with icy pops and orange slices along the way. The spectator support was phenomenal and had a lot to do with getting me this far between the water. ice and spraying water hoses to keep runners cool, ten miles to go! Pace was in the 10:00 range until heart break hill there I decided to walk so it went to 12:00 pace jogged through twenty four walked quite a bit there then saw 40k sign I knew I had the finish. 2000 meters to go I CAN DO THIS saw John Pullen on the side. I crossed the finish line with a sense of relief and pride knowing it was no small feat that I had accomplished. I picked up my medal, clothes bag and a great volunteer who walked with me to the family meeting area. The post race nausea wasn't passing so she got me to a wheel chair and I was off to medical tent B I called my wife and she met me there. Temperature was high but all my other vitals were good so after I vomited a liter of fluid they released me. We found a Starbucks had some iced drinks and then headed to Melodies hotel.
 This race may not be in my record books but it will always be one I remember and judge hot weather races by, who would of thought April in Boston. I am starting to understand some of the mystique of this race. I thought this was going to be my last Boston unless I came back to coach or pace but I may return to race.

runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-57836486174279340622012-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:00:19.790-08:00Significant Life I had no idea I would be back this soon to write about another life event, New Years eve brought that event. My father went to the ER on December 27, 2011 transferred to The Ohio State Medical Center the next day. Saturday morning the doctor came to my sister to tell her that the family needed to decided on an advance life support directive. The fluid in his lungs was caused by a weak heart valve that because of his medical history cannot be surgically repaired there is a slight chance he could qualify for a clinical trial. Without surgery the doctor gives him a one to two month life expectancy too short but he is a fighter and will make the most out of the days God gives him.
 I thought a lot about this during my run this morning, in eighty seven years my dad as touched many lives and made a significant difference in many. I recall stories of while serving in the Army in WWII in a surgical field hospital Dad was called upon to deliver officers wives. He was credited with saving both the mothers and infants life during one particularly difficult delivery. I am sure that family came back from Germany with a lot of gratitude for Dad being there. I continuously get compliments on what a great teacher my Dad was during his years as a teacher. I know those people feel like there lives were shaped by a great man. Many people in my church know the hours of service he put in over the years to help with the upkeep of the grounds and buildings of the church. There are many more stories I am sure of Dad being there to help or doing the extra thing to make someones life better. That is a significant life of a man who raised eight children of his own, farmed and worked full time jobs. The media paints different pictures of what a hero is but here is a hero who has made a difference in many lives.
 I have many people who tell me I inspire them but I owe it all to my Dad for my hard work ethic, selflessness, drive to do my best and faith in God. I have some mighty foot steps to follow and only hope that I can live as significant life as he has.runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-7759480606560754382011-12-22T16:40:00.000-08:002011-12-22T16:40:55.923-08:00Second Chances The year of 2011 in review this may have been one of the best and one of the worst years in my life. Friendships have blossomed to irreplaceable relationships, my bucket list got shorter with a finish of the Boston marathon. I faced a tragedy that shook me to my soul and discovered how rich I am with loving friends, cancer reared its ugly head again in my family; faith in God conquers many things. The lesson I learned this year is second chances are few if you have one grab it with both hands.
 Running has grown into a very significant part of my life so I will start there, first it brought so many amazing people into my life. Many are close friends that I love as family, some I have never met all are amazing people that share a love for running and fitness. I set very high goals, accomplished some and achieved many personal best and awards striving to achieve those goals. The highlights are in the spring finishing the Boston marathon, in the fall taking my first elite start with a third place age group finish in the Air Force marathon. I ran all my races with everything I had to give because you never get a second chance to run a race. The hard lesson of doing your best does not always win but always makes you stronger. Personal best this year 1mile = 5:20.7 5k = 17:44.3 10k = 38:27.9 Half marathon = 1:23:53 Marathon = 3:02:07 very proud of these accomplishments and planning better for 2012.

 Easter Sunday changed my life forever celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, lost my sister, brother in law and two nephews that evening. I had so many friends come to my side to hold me as I cried, give me words of support and keep my faith in God and his plan. There are no second chances to tell your family and friends that you love them. Take everyday as if it is your last give all that you have to give because you never know who's life it may change. I know my family is in heaven I have felt there strength so many times as they inspire me to make a difference.

 A battle with cancer faced my wife Debbie this summer where my roll as support person I was not alone. Again my friends were there encouraging us to keep our faith, helping with meals and being there for Debbie. A race was organized to cover the medical expenses but the greater effect was all the love and support that October morning. Standing in the middle of one hundred thirty four runners and walkers and their families supporting my family was humbling. I pay forward and share my love never expecting to receive what I did that morning.

 I finished out this year with getting my coaching certification from USA Track and Field Association to have an opportunity to teach youth. I hope to pass on the lessons of running and athletics making our future leaders and champions. I have seen how running has transformed people from ordinary to athletes who strive for there best. I do not know where this road is going to lead me but I do know that every hill or curve is an opportunity I will not pass up because there may be no second chance. I am sure 2012 may bring challenges that will make us stronger may it also bring God's blessings that make us better. Thank you to all my friends I hope that are paths cross many times I am a better person because of you all. Carpe diem is a strong phrase to live by, as I will from this year forward.

runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-37158702687303779382011-10-20T06:42:00.000-07:002011-10-20T06:42:42.338-07:00Racing 101 I stepped to the starting line with high expectations of this race; a PR, finish sub 3:00:00 with what I thought was the plan to accomplish them. I achieved neither but learned several valuable lessons and ran one of my most evenly paced marathons. Lesson number one is there is a difference between running and racing a marathon. I really need to do the later for mental sanity because that is the way I am wired. Lesson two is don't hold back race smart but don't be Conservative if it feels good go with it. Number three is keep your head up and push forward you never know who is watching.
 My mile splits: 1) 7:01 2) 6:53 3) 6:39 4) 6:49 5) 6:40 6) 6:38 7)5:56 8) 7:20 9)6:28 10) 6:34 11) 6:40 12) 6:56 13) 6:46 14) 6:50 15) 6:51 16) 6:58 17) 6:45 18) 7:09 19) 7:24 20) 7:13 21) 7:05 22) 7:02 23) 7:04 24) 7:14 25) 7:30 26) 7:33
 I got so many congratulations and comments from friends and strangers alike I cannot help but to be proud of this accomplishment. I will take these lessons into next springs marathons and run my best races and coach others to do the same.runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-68008799249291366392011-09-18T17:11:00.000-07:002011-09-18T17:19:00.377-07:00Keep it in perspective

Congratulations to Dr. MARK CUCUZZELLA winning the 2011 USAF Marathon finishing time 2:38:48.
 This is my race report for the marathon but reflects some of the subject of my last blog. First off I will have to say this race will always rank right up on the list of ones to remember. My first elite start with bib number eight standing on the starting line right behind Josh Cox (he ran the 10k). I stepped to the line with a goal of 2:45:55 well hydrated feeling good and a lot of reasons to run a great race.
 The fly over of the B1 bomber definitely got the adrenaline flowing as if I didn't already have enough. The command to runners set and go came and I was out in the lead pack with the safety vehicles in site holding to plan and a 6:30/mile pace, mile 2 = 6:15, mile 3 = 6:44 the 10ker's turned left I was surprised that only three runners went. Marathoners went right through the hydration and first aid station and up the hill pace was feeling very comfortable as I was passing several younger runners that had gone out too fast. The next seven were uneventful other than I lost my Cliff shots fell out of my new shorts so took Gu from the hydration station (yuck - so thick). The long stretch into Fairborn I counted nine runners in between me and the safety vehicle. The crowd in Fairborn is awesome you have the residents as well as the bus family and friends from the base I lost a couple places but was feeling strong enough to finish at the 6:35 pace on my Garmin. High fived the junior high cheerleaders in the downtown turned out to the residential area mile ten came and passed back out of town with some old ladies screaming they loved runners, little chuckle there. Hit the half at 1:25:23 behind goal but still on pace to crush three hours the next couple miles brought some feeling of fatigue with some aches and pains in the legs. The mile 15 hydration station had a super energetic group which lifted the spirits and I set out to cruise until mile 20 then planned to push the finish. Back on the base the next four miles were on the tarmac and access road a hydration station, other runners and EMS bicycles were the only people you saw. Hit mile 20 and I got chicked by the first place female I tried to keep her in my sights but my legs were toasting the ramp back up onto the highway at mile 21 was a ________ but I pushed through and strided out after I think that was my second wind or runners high came off the highway through the aid station to meet up with the half marathoners. Many cheers and words of encouragement from the half runner but by mile 24 they were crowding over on the side of the marathoners so had to weave through the slower runners. Mile 25 I was done but knew I had to finish fortunately a lot of people along the way cheering. Crossed the finish line with no kick or smile I could have kissed the three star General at the finish line. My legs were hurting, was very disappointed for not breaking three hours but proud of a race well done.
 Looking back I set the bar high on a course that is not easy and finished with a PR everything really went right. I may not have raced the perfect race but you don't know what you can do until you try, I will have other days to run a smart race. I realized that is what I will have to do to take down the 3:00:00 marathon knowing that I have the strength and training base to do it. I have my sights set on being the one standing behind that trophy next year. This year:

Distance	MAR

Clock Time	3:02:08

Chip Time	3:02:07

Overall Place	34 / 2511

Gender Place	33 / 1768

Division Place	3 / 233

Age Grade	73.3%

10K	0:39:34

13 1	1:25:23

35K	2:27:48

Pace	6:58

runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-23148104231722237942011-06-30T15:55:00.000-07:002011-07-01T10:57:00.853-07:00How Fast is Fast Blazing fast, lightning fast, Usain Bolt fast, Ryan Hall fast or Kara Goucher fast! We all compare ourselves to someone or something. I believe fast is a perception, I am fast in many peoples eyes. My perception is not until I win a major event or age group of a national event is it fair to call me fast. Fast is how life goes by and why we really need to appreciate everyday as a gift. The last six months have made me realize this more than any time in my life.
 I started the year in training for the Boston Marathon logging miles of an elite athlete in Ohio's unpredictable winter weather. Spring arrived and the weather did not improve but I had persevered and was a much stronger runner for it. April arrived along with spring like weather making conditions near perfect for a marathon. Boston set me up for the realization that there are bigger races out there with a finish in the top twenty percent overall and age group. I came back to Ohio a much stronger athlete, mentally and physically to run the Cleveland Marathon and finish top ten in my age group. This race was a success in many ways first that I ran it with a heavy heart over the loss of my sister and her family on Easter Sunday, I qualified for New York Marathon and finished very close to the three hour mark.
 Many talented people have lost their most crucial connection: the connection to where they want to be next. Instead of focusing on their future, they get stuck on where they are now or where they've been. I focus on the dedication to today and my goals for the future. This year has brought many challenges in the first six months but holds much promise for the last half. I look forward to coaching others to realize their potential and finding my own potential to prove to others that it can be done. Leadership is easiest from the front so as fast as I am today my goal is to be faster tomorrow; those that are following will be also.
 Today is a blessing, tomorrow is the future and God is responsible for both.runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-50739609623436621812011-06-17T11:19:00.000-07:002011-06-17T11:19:35.528-07:00Lifes Hurdles Facing the challenges today take me back thirty years to as a high school freshman decided to run the high hurdles. My tall stature and being a distance runner made them seem better suited then the 400m low hurdles. The feeling of being down in the starting blocks and looking down the track the hurdles seem to go on forever as well as being ten feet tall. The reality is there is only ten hurdles and they are only thirty six inches tall. I had run them twenty times during practice and knew that if I hit the hurdle it would fall forward and I go on to the next.
 I sit in the hospital waiting for Debbie to come out of surgery with that same feeling: anxiety, pit in the stomach, excitement, nervousness. The Doctor visits, consults, surgeries and chemotherapy are the hurdles, we have crossed a few already. Some we have cleared easily and some it seems we have caught our trail leg on. The MRI came back clear, the Oncotype assay score came back with a high score, this translate to all the cancer was removed but there is a strong chance that cancer will return. Today's surgery we found the lymph nodes to be normal they removed three to biopsy to confirm there is no more cancer present. The high risk score she will receive chemotherapy, four treatments over three months.
 The race of life is more like a marathon then one hundred meters of hurdles but it has it's challenges. Like any race you need to keep your head up, your eyes and thoughts on the finish line. When you focus on the hurdle or in the marathon the hill you will trip or falter. I live one day at a time, take nothing for granted, tell the ones around me how much I love and appreciate them. My eyes on the finish line of sitting in heaven with all my loved ones knowing that my days on earth counted.runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-89045818728362996982011-05-24T07:35:00.000-07:002011-05-24T10:32:09.736-07:00What everybody fears I have had a lot of thoughts running through my head the last couple days because of another life changing event. Those that know me and I mentioned it in my first blog know that my wife is a five year breast cancer survivor. Last Tuesday she had surgery to adjust her implant from an injury she sustained this winter when she fell on the ice. The surgeon discovered discolored tissue so he sent it off to pathology. Friday Debbie received a call from her oncology surgeon with the news she has cancer again. A different cancer than before in stage one, today we went in for the consult to start the plan to beat cancer again. I have faith that with prayers and support and the caring hands of some very fine Doctors we will win this battle.
 I was trying to find a way to tie this in with another thought that I have been struggling with: the ingredients of a great race. I have found the answer is accountability what we all fear the most. We all have heard the law of physics that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. The training we put in every day/every week and the intensity we do it is a huge factor in the outcome of a race. I believe the amount of heart we put into will make the ultimate difference in a good race and a great race. My accountability comes from my running partner and the firm up bringing of keeping your word. I say I am going to do something and she believes me so I have to do it.
 I guess that I can say the same for the race of life I make promises to my wife and so I must do my very best to make it happen. I read some where and made the comment to a friend that life is terminal we just don't know when. This accountability is probably the strongest that we live life to the best of our abilities that when we make it to heavens gate we are welcomed with open arms. I believe that you not only love everyone but let them know how much you love them. Like running it is what you do when no when is looking that is as important as anything else, because it shows at the end of the race. Treasure everyday as a gift because it is and love every person as a gift because they are.runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-89306813247379074202011-05-15T20:18:00.000-07:002011-05-15T20:18:49.204-07:00Slaying Goliath We all set goals for many marathoners it is to qualify for the Boston marathon I was fortunate enough to be blessed to achieve that in my first marathon. I backed it up with another marathon a month later for a faster time and better seeding in Boston. I set my next goal as a three hour marathon and committed myself to an elite level twenty week winter training program for Boston. My race at Boston came up short of the goal and shook my confidence that it was an achieveable goal. I selected Cleveland as the follow up race because of the flat course and chance of good weather not knowing how tough the course at Boston is. I came home from Boston with a plan of recovery, speed work and a good long run then short taper. My life turned upside down Easter night when I lost my sister her twin sons and husband. Running took on a new meaning some times as a release others as an escape but not a priority. I do have to thank running for bringing an amazing group of friends into my life that carried me through this time.
 I went into this race feeling like I owed a great performance to my friends, no plan or strategy like I typically do. I became excited the week before more because I had so many friends running it and many going for BQ times. I didn't give myself much thought until the night before when I questioned if I was good enough to run a three hour marathon. I couldn't get to sleep so I watched "Bucket List" and the seen that stuck with me and changed my focus was when the were sitting on top of the pyrmids and Morgan Freeman said the egyptians believed when you got to the gates you had to answer two questions "has life brought you joy?" and "have you brought joy to others?". I answered yes to both those questions and running was a big part of that. I still didn't sleep well waking every hour then deciding to stay awake at four O'clock. I had everything laid out and packed and planned to wear my Saucony Kinvera but that was foiled by the need to pee. I was in the bag check line taking off sweats and nature called and I forgot to change my shoes so this marathon was my first long run in my new Pearl Izumi Streak II's. I made my way to the start line just behind the three hour pacer the course started up hill so a stuck with a group that was holding back and running the hill not pushing it. The first mile was seven and a half minute, mile two was six minutes twenty seconds I found my pace and passed the pacer at mile four. I hit the half at 1:28:00 feeling like I could hold it and easily get my goal. I went through to mile eighteen and my legs started to get heavy the hill at mile twenty slowed my pace but I was determined to push through and finish strong. The finish was down hill, I put the push on when I had clear sight of the twenty six mile flag and strided to the finish withan official time of 3:03:21. I was 84/13303 overall, 78/5905 men, 7/611 age group I was only twelve minutes behind the age group winner.
 I am very pleased with this race the weather worked to my favor fifty five degrees cloudy and misty made the high humidity bearable. The temparture dropped at the finish but I was done before it started to rain. The three hour bar got sized down today I have my sub 3:10 marathon to qualify for NYC and London as well as front row starting position for my fall marathons. I have not mastered the marathon but I know that I can confidently run anyone.

;runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-52619681521165372572011-05-02T17:52:00.000-07:002011-05-02T17:52:26.309-07:00Oh Lord, before these feet of mine I pose this question: What is real?
 Most have heard about the tragedy in my life last week, I will give a few details so people understand. I come from a family with eight children circumstances had it with economics and careers my parents had two sets of four. My parents both started their careers as teachers and were blessed with four daughters. School districts consolidated and the demand for agriculture teachers went from four area schools to one high school my dad made a career change into the manufacturing field. Seven years passed and they still desired a son my dad had become established so they tried and were blessed with me. I still don't know if I was that much of a hand full but after my birth my mom retired from teaching and stayed at home to keep the order in the house. My sister, brother and youngest sister completed the second four three years after the oldest graduated from high school.
 My sister Paula who died in the Easter Sunday accident along with her husband and twin sons was the youngest of the four older girls. She was there as I was growing up and we had a special bond not to mention she moved back to the area after college. She was the one I could go to with the high school stuff I didn't think my parents would understand. She married and had kids I would baby sit my nieces and nephew and I was the god father for two of them. She separated from her husband about the same time my first marriage failed. She always listened even though she was facing her own giants we saw each other through a lot. She re-married a couple years after I did and the twins were born the same year as my daughter. Now you understand why I was named as her emergency contact and is why the state troopers came to my door.
 The question I posed at the beginning I wish the news that the troopers gave me wasn't real and that I didn't have to be the one to go tell my parents and family. I have touched on it in previous blog that I try to live up to my name (Peter-the rock) that is probably why my wife and close friends were so concerned about me. I mustered my strength and did what had to be done including going to the hospital to identify the bodies.I took one of my older sisters with me knowing that this was like no task I had ever taken on. I reached out to my friends one a co-worker and the other a fellow runner and their prayers must have worked because I found the strength to complete the task. A friendship is real when without hesitation you reach out not thinking of who to call it was an instant decision. The call to Melodie she informed the running community and the love and prayers poured in. I am friends with many on Daily Mile and many I have never met if two weeks ago you asked me if virtual friends are real friends I may not of had an answer. Today with out hesitation I will tell you that these are real friends almost family. Through the bond of running the amount of thoughts and prayers I received were overwhelming. The love I receive from my Daily Mile family is real and God had put it in place when I joined nine months ago not sure I would be as strong without these people. I have a race to win it is the race of life and many friends to do it with. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support.
 runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-61658621831195306452011-04-19T04:51:00.000-07:002011-04-19T04:51:33.723-07:00The Boston Experience I would have to describe my Boston experience as bitter sweet. I missed my goal by a huge margin didn't even set a PR. The race is like no other I have run when I line up at a race in the Midwest I am at the front of the pack not five thousand people in front of me. The support from the surrounding communities was amazing days leading up to and race day. The race lived up to everything I read and heard including the part it's not a race to run your fastest. I can say I was there when the fastest world and American times were run on one of the toughest courses I've run.
 Race day started at forty degrees Fahrenheit with a west wind (wind at the runners back) I stuck to plan and kept the first ten kilometers easy, this was somewhat forced by the crowd of runners in front of me. I picked up the pace and hit the half way mark on perfect pace to finish sub three hours. I used a little different hydration plan I normal do Gatorade the whole race but went with honey stingers gels every four mile and water at the stops. I started to feel the fatigue at mile sixteen and by the time I ran through Newton Falls hills I was walking every mile or so. I started to take Gatorade but sixty degrees and sun beating down on me took its toll. I was walking every half mile the last ten kilometers. I pushed thru and finished running to the finish line in three hours eighteen minutes eighteen seconds. I was making my way through the finish area and got water and my plastic blanket and started to become light headed.
 I headed back to the nearest medical attendant and collapsed into her wheel chair this began my medical tent experience at Boston. The experience even including the indignity of having my temperature taken rectally was better than I could have ever imagined. I had several doctors, a nurse, a sport medicine specialist and other people attending to me. They started with Gatorade to rehydrate and beef bouillon for sodium for the leg cramps. When I couldn't hold that down I got blood work and inter venous fluids started, the sports doctor was there to stretch out the cramps every time I got them. They had me back on my feet in a couple hours like the whole Boston experience it was unbelievable.
 Finally a huge thank you to my wife who made the trip to Boston to support me and my nephew who escorted her around Boston. They were at they half at Wellesley then made it back to wait for me at the family meeting area. Overall this was a great experience the reception by the community and all the congratulations I got from total strangers, this is not just another race. The drive to do the world majors is just getting that much stronger and I will come back to Boston. To finish in the top five thousand and top five hundred in my age group was short of my goal but very respectable when I saw the caliber of runners that make it to Boston.runpeterrunhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640911803232733030.post-18274624729265757392011-04-11T12:02:00.000-07:002011-04-12T07:13:10.321-07:00The Road to Boston The controversy will probably go on until the start of the 2013 Boston marathon with faster qualifying times. I know it will be an elite field of athletes not to take anything away from the field this year. I know there were many deserving runners who got shut out and BAA came up with a fair solution.
 I know that qualifying for Boston is an accomplishment but for me it is a great honor to line up with elite athletes. I took the perspective that if I was going to run with elite athletes I was going to train like an elite athlete. I knew that stepping up to level 3 training was not going to be easy and I had not done the mental math of ten plus hours a week running for twenty weeks. I learned many lessons along the way the first being what a great family I have. My wife and kids have been very supportive and understanding I do my running early morning so other than Dad banging around the house at five AM (especially on Moms day off) my training goes unnoticed. My Sunday long runs sometimes requires help getting my daughter to Sunday school but the kids really enjoy that I stop at Panera Bread for bagels. The second is I have great friends and runners make great friends, I have received a lot of support and encouragement. The goal is high the work is hard and the rewards are many. I have received answers to my purpose and come to realized God's blessings.
 The Boston marathon started out as it has for many, something I had put on my bucket list. The training and the preparation I have realized my potential exceeds my expectations. I have decided that Boston is going to be the beginning not the end. I have set my sights on competing in the World Marathon Majors following Boston with New York this fall, London and Chicago next year, Berlin 2013 and possibly repeat Boston in 2013. I may never compete with Ryan Hall but I will be lining up in the same starting wave at the Boston marathon. Monday April 18th will be the compilation of one thousand four hundred eighty five miles of training. One race, three hours on a Monday morning in Boston will be the proof of the dedication of time and energy. I want to say thank you to everyone that has supported me, ran with me and will be cheering me on Monday. I don't know what door God will open next but this experience has prepared me to be strong and accept the challenge.runpeterrunhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


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Created: 06/09/2014 11:17 PM KSTP.com
By: Cassie Hart
Watch 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS at 10 Monday, June 9, 2014, on demand.
|Dramatic Video: Car Hits Protesters at Ferguson Rally in Minneapolis
|St. Paul Boy Dies after Crashing Stolen Car During Police Chase
|7th Grade Student in Minnetonka School District Facing Felony Charges
|CHOPPER 5 VIDEO: Vehicle Drives Through Ferguson Protesters in Mpls.
|Turkey Fryer Mishap Ignites Fire in Eden Prairie Home

subset: commoncrawl


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It's no secret that snakes shed their skin. Here, a common garter snake mugs for the camera.
Credit: David Duneau
With a range spanning Alaska to New Mexico, garter snakes are probably the most commonly seen snakes in North America — so the fact that they pose no real threat to humans is good news. Scientists had classified garter snakes as non-venomous, but they do possess a mild neurotoxic venom. However, it is not dangerous to humans.
There are 28 species of garter snakes (genus Thamnophis) and many more subspecies. They are sometimes kept as pets, and the common garter snake is the only snake found in chilly Alaska. The garter snake is the state reptile of Massachusetts.
Where did the garter snake get its funny name? There are two schools of thought. One holds that their stripes resemble garters men used to wear to hold up their socks. The other theory is that it is a corruption of the German word for "garden." Garter snakes are sometimes erroneously called "garden snakes."
Physical characteristics
Garter snakes come in a wide variety of colors, but all have a striped pattern over a green or brown body. They have at least two longitudinal stripes, one on their side and one on their back. The stripes run close to the length of their bodies and may be red, yellow, blue, white or orange. Some garter snakes have intricate splotchy patterns between their stripes, making them look checkered.
Garter snakes are relatively small, usually between 23 and 30 inches (58 and 76 centimeters), though sometimes growing as long as 5 feet (1.5 meters).
Garter snakes live in woodlands, meadows, and grassy knolls and like to be near water. They sometimes reside in suburban areas with sufficient moist cover from logs or debris.
Garter snakes are generally active during the day. Some are excellent swimmers. When threatened, garter snakes give off a bad-smelling musk. Because of their small size, garter snakes have many predators, including birds, bears and raccoons.
Cold-climate garter snakes hibernate during the winter. They hibernate in dens in large groups, with hundreds of garter snakes sometimes found together. Garter snakes will travel up to 20 miles to a communal den for hibernation.
Sometimes people collect hibernating garter snakes from their dens and sell them as pets.
Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Garter snakes are small and will eat most anything they can overpower, including earthworms, slugs, crickets and other insects, frogs, fish, tadpoles, small birds, and small rodents. They kill their prey with their neurotoxic venom, which paralyzes it. They then swallow it whole.
When it is time to mate, female garter snakes give off pheromones to attract males. Dozens of males will come to one female, which is why homeowners sometimes think garter snakes are overrunning their neighborhoods.
After mating, females store sperm in their bodies until they want to fertilize their eggs. They can store sperm for up to 5 years. Garter snakes give birth to 20 to 40 live young at a time. The largest known litter of baby garter snakes had 98 babies. Parent snakes do not care for their young.
Garter snakes have two narrow fangs, but they do not inject their venom through them. Rather, their venom is transferred to the prey through their saliva. Garter snakes spread their venom into the prey's wounds in a chewing motion.
Their venom is neurotoxic, causing paralysis that makes small prey easier to swallow. It can cause minor swelling or itching in humans, and anyone bitten by a garter snake should clean the bite thoroughly. It is not ultimately a cause for concern. [Fun Facts About Snakes]
Garter snake species
These are just a few of the 28 species of garter snake:
Common Garter Snake
This most typical of garter snake (Thamnophis sirtaris) has the largest dispersion of any snake in North America, found everywhere from Alaska to Florida. It does not live in the Southwest. Common garter snakes usually have three white, yellow, blue, green, or brown stripes running the lengths of their brown or olive bodies. Their heads are darker than their bodies. Their coloring depends on region, however, and there are some groups of entirely black common garter snakes.
Eastern Garter Snake
This subspecies of common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is typical throughout the Eastern US. Though its body color may vary from brown to green, it almost always has three yellowish stripes on its back. Sometimes its body is splotchy, giving it a checked appearance. Eastern garter snakes in Georgia and Florida sometimes have bluish coloring.
Red-Sided Garter Snake
This California subspecies of common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) can be stunning. Blue or yellow stripes pop against the dark olive or black body, and red bars line the sides of the body. The red-sided garter snake has a red or orange head and a blue underside. North of the Bay Area, the underside is sometimes a brilliant bright blue. Its eyes are larger than other garter snake species. It is able to eat Pacific newts, which are poisonous to other predators.
San Francisco garter snake
This San Francisco peninsula snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) has a red head, big eyes, and wide, blue-green, black, and red stripes. Its underside is blue-green. Like the red-sided garter snake, it eats Pacific newts.
Checkered garter snake
This small, southwestern snake (Thamnophis marcianus) has a dark checkered pattern over its entire body, plus three thin light-colored stripes. It is rarely longer than 2 feet.
Texas garter snake
This common garter snake subspecies (Thamnophis sirtalis annectens) primarily resides in the Lone Star State, though there is a population in Kansas. It has a dark colored back with a bright red stripe down its center and two light-colored stripes on its sides.
- For news and features about snakes, visit our Snakes topic page.


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I am confused with all this Essentials and Core 4E stuff. A friend of mine is trying to make an Assassin via the Dragon Magazine #379. But what's the deal with the Executioner Assassin in Heroes of Shadow? Our assumption is that all the classes features are already picked out, there's no real customization. For example, we don't see a 1st-level Daily power anywhere. What are the differences between a Core Class and an Essential Class? It looks to use like the Essential Classes are unable to optimize except through feats.
Heroes of Shadow and Dragon Magazine Assassin Question?
4 posts / 0 new
#2 Apr 4, 2013 18:16:21
The Heroes of Shadow Assassin (the executioner) gets a daily use of Poison instead of choosing a daily power. Essentially the Executioner is an Assassin who only gets features and powers when the chart says they do. For example: Executioners (barring Hybrids) only have 1 encounter attack power "Assassin's Strike". They do not gain additional uses of it at 3, 7, etc it just becomes more powerful.
#3 Apr 4, 2013 2:42:43
It's generally correct that feat (and PPs, EDs, gear choices) are the only way to optimise e-classes - but that's a LOT of room to optimise, and the differences between optimised and not are still great.
And the E-ssassin is actually a decent class, where the Ossassin is terrible.
And the E-ssassin is actually a decent class, where the Ossassin is terrible.
#4 Apr 4, 2013 13:19:09
If you wanted a functional assassin you would want to build from the Executioner Assassin frame, but if there were daily powers from the original Assassin that you liked there is a feat, Shadow Master that lets you swap a Poison Vial for a Daily Power


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Do you deserve dirty answers you get. What do you do about them?
Tags: deserve dirty
Asked by tanuja, 16 Feb '13 07:34 pm
Earn 10 points for answering
Answers (16)
The more you are exposed to dirty answers, your horror or disgust with such things goes down because you get used to them in your mind. On the contrary, if you mentally resist such things and try your best to stop them, you are on the way to victory. It can be that the very attempt to resist dirty answers leads to keeping them in focus, and the more you think of dealing with such persons, who post dirty answers, the more it serves to bring up such things further more. The best way is to divert your attention to some other subjects as soon as dirty answers come up, Tanu :-)Answered by Dil Se, 16 Feb '13 10:02 pm
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Your vote on this answer has already been received
Ignore or report there is no third way outAnswered by iqbal seth, 17 Feb '13 05:54 am
Simply ignoreAnswered by anil garg, 17 Feb '13 12:53 am
We can do nothing on this.Answered by suzoo kumar, 16 Feb '13 09:12 pm
just ignore all .
just ignore all .
Ignore them.Answered by victor, 16 Feb '13 08:40 pm
I don't get themAnswered by Quest, 16 Feb '13 08:30 pm
Just ignore :)PAnswered by simon waaras, 16 Feb '13 08:16 pm
Read other answersAnswered by sigma, 16 Feb '13 07:45 pm
Ignore those answers
Ignore those answers
Report abuseAnswered by ambuj kumar, 16 Feb '13 07:44 pm
if it is too frequent then stop asking
if it is too frequent then stop asking
Just ignore and move onAnswered by Lime Cordial, 16 Feb '13 07:40 pm


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Steve Truett cuts off pieces from an old tree trunk in his neighbor's front yard Monday to use in his fireplace this week as temperatures once again drop into the teens.
Photo by Dan Henry.
about Dan Henry...
Dan Henry, a native of Atlanta, Ga., graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's of fine arts and a minor in journalism in 2001. Dan worked as a photojournalist in Atlanta and North Alabama before joining the Chattanooga Times Free in 2005. While in Chattanooga. Dan has received numerous state and national awards on a multitude of platforms including still imagery, video, and multimedia projects. Contact Dan at 423-757-6693 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Man sentenced in Best Buy burglary
A man who tried to burglarize a Best Buy was sentenced to 70 years in prison on Wednesday.
Demarco Varnes-Appling pleaded guilty to one count of burglary causing damages in excess of $1,000, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officer, and grand theft auto.
According to court documents, Varnes-Appling, 22, used a stolen van to try and break into the Best Buy at 9355 Atlantic Blvd. in July 2011.
Police said Varnes-Appling then tried to ram two police cars before hitting a third.
Varnes-Appling has seven additional burglary cases pending.
Copyright 2012 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The views expressed below are not those of News4Jax or its affiliated companies. By clicking on "Post," you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and your comment is in compliance with such terms. Readers, please help keep this discussion respectful and on topic by flagging comments that are offensive or inappropriate (hover over the commenter's name and you'll see the flag option appear on right side of that line). And remember, respect goes both ways: Tolerance of others' opinions is important in a free discourse. If you're easily offended by strong opinions, you might skip reading comments entirely.


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Changing marriage...for the better
Recent research indicates that same-sex unions are happier than heterosexual marriages. So what might gay and lesbian couples teach straight ones about living in harmony?"
Liza Mundy writes in The Atlantic:
Against this backdrop, gay-marriage opponents have argued that allowing same-sex couples to wed will pretty much finish matrimony off. This point was advanced in briefs and oral arguments before the Supreme Court in March, in two major same-sex-marriage cases. One of these is a constitutional challenge to a key section of the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and bars the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. The other involves California's Proposition 8, a same-sex-marriage ban passed by voters in 2008 but overturned by a federal judge in 2010. Appearing before the high court in March, Charles J. Cooper, the lawyer defending the California ban, predicted that same-sex marriage would undermine traditional marriage by eroding "marital norms."
But what if the critics are correct, just not in the way they suppose? What if same-sex marriage does change marriage, but primarily for the better? For one thing, there is reason to think that, rather than making marriage more fragile, the boom of publicity around same-sex weddings could awaken among heterosexuals a new interest in the institution, at least for a time. But the larger change might be this: by providing a new model of how two people can live together equitably, same-sex marriage could help haul matrimony more fully into the 21st century. Although marriage is in many ways fairer and more pleasurable for both men and women than it once was, it hasn't entirely thrown off old notions and habits. As a result, many men and women enter into it burdened with assumptions and stereotypes that create stress and resentment. Others, confronted with these increasingly anachronistic expectations—expectations at odds with the economic and practical realities of their own lives—don't enter into it at all.
Same-sex spouses, who cannot divide their labor based on preexisting gender norms, must approach marriage differently than their heterosexual peers. From sex to fighting, from child-rearing to chores, they must hammer out every last detail of domestic life without falling back on assumptions about who will do what. In this regard, they provide an example that can be enlightening to all couples. Critics warn of an institution rendered "genderless." But if a genderless marriage is a marriage in which the wife is not automatically expected to be responsible for school forms and child care and dinner preparation and birthday parties and midnight feedings and holiday shopping, I think it's fair to say that many heterosexual women would cry "Bring it on!"
Beyond that, gay marriage can function as a controlled experiment, helping us see which aspects of marital difficulty are truly rooted in gender and which are not. A growing body of social science has begun to compare straight and same-sex couples in an attempt to get at the question of what is female, what is male. Some of the findings are surprising. For instance: we know that heterosexual wives are more likely than husbands to initiate divorce. Social scientists have struggled to explain the discrepancy, variously attributing it to the sexual revolution; to women's financial independence; to men's failure to keep modern wives happy. Intriguingly, in Norway and Sweden, where registered partnerships for same-sex couples have been in place for about two decades (full-fledged marriage was introduced several years ago), research has found that lesbians are twice as likely as gay men to split up. If women become dissatisfied even when married to other women, maybe the problem with marriage isn't men. Maybe women are too particular. Maybe even women don't know what women want. These are the kinds of things that we will be able to tease out.
"If women become dissatisfied even when married to other women, maybe the problem with marriage isn't men. Maybe women are too particular. Maybe even women don't know what women want."
Perhaps we should pass a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to men only.
And yes, I AM kidding.
-Cullin R. Schooley
WNC Dean Gary Hall gets a pretty lengthy excerpt later in the article about how providing premarital counseling for same-sex couples has informed his counseling for straight couples. The whole article is fascinating, but I guess I'm biased to find that passage particularly interesting.
It seems like the author thinks a little to highly of same-sex marriage and too little of heterosexual marriage. First of all, all human beings are fallible and no group of people lives in a utopia. However, the part the really bothers me is her broad-brushing of all heterosexuals, especially men:
"Same-sex spouses, who cannot divide their labor based on preexisting gender norms, must approach marriage differently than their heterosexual peers. From sex to fighting, from child-rearing to chores, they must hammer out every last detail of domestic life without falling back on assumptions about who will do what."
Why does she assume every heterosexual couple approaches household responsibilities according to gender roles? Most actually do not, anymore. Conversely, it's not like gay relationships are entirely equal. Same-sex marriages usually have submissive partners, too.
In all, this is a horrible argument on either side of the equation because it hardly represents reality. I'm tired of liberals demonizing me because I'm male and I choose to be married to a woman. There exists now a reverse prejudice by proponents of gay marriage that frowns upon heterosexual marriage. I'm glad we're all so tolerant...
James Mikolajczyk
James, did you actually *read* the article, or did you just come in pre-programmed to hate it?
Why does she assume every heterosexual couple approaches household responsibilities according to gender roles?
She didn't make such an assumption. She came at it w/ *empirical evidence*.
Conversely, it's not like gay relationships are entirely equal.
She addressed that, too, saying that stay-at-home gay dads felt themselves at a power-disadvantage.
I'm tired of liberals demonizing me because I'm male and I choose to be married to a woman. There exists now a reverse prejudice by proponents of gay marriage that frowns upon heterosexual marriage.
Oh brother. I'm sorry, but that's just a LOAD. Blunt language, but accurate. NO ONE frowns upon heterosexual marriage (well, perhaps a few heterosexuals do ;-/). What's "frowned upon" is homophobia (discriminatory prejudice against LGBTs). Period, end of story.
JC Fisher
JC Fisher,
You're dead wrong about the discrimination many liberals have toward heterosexual marriage. Oftentimes, the Left associates heterosexual marriage with patriarchy and sexism. They can't seem to get it through their heads that not every man controls and dominates his wife. Just because SOME heterosexuals do that doesn't make me or many other men I know guilty of it. I hate these simplistic guilt-by-association arguments that people use to promote an agenda.
If you want people to tolerate your choices, JC, stop cursing at people and degrading them like you have done to me. You're so blind in your hatred that you once condemned me to hell for criticizing the pro-choice movement. When you actually tolerate everyone, I will believe your message.
"If you want people to tolerate your choices, JC"
Well, there's your mistaken assumption right there, James. Pertaining to my legal rights, my choices really aren't subject to anyone's "toleration" or not.
Peace of Christ to you---
JC Fisher
JC Fisher,
If you were just talking about legal rights, you would have a point. However, I notice you didn't care to address you degrading me and condemning me to hell, something you rail against conservatives about. Why do you behave in the same way the people you hate the most do? You simply don't want to tolerate anyone that disagrees with you; you just want people to tolerate you no matter what. That's called hypocrisy. As I said, tolerance is only an acceptable stance from people who are actually tolerant.
James Mikolajczyk


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Pop Cult
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Sami Gayle on acting with Nicolas Cage
With her doe eyes and sweet pixie cut, actress Sami Gayle is best known for her role as Nicky Reagan-Boyle on TV series "Blue Bloods," which starts up again Sept. 28.
In the meantime, Gayle took in Rebecca Taylor's New York Fashion Week show along with singer Katharine McPhee and style experts Robert Verdi and Louise Roe.
"I like that her style is sophisticated and edgy yet still fun, flirty and uses a lot of colors," Gayle said of Taylor.
Gayle's next movie, "Stolen," comes out Sept. 14 with Nicolas Cage, and Gayle had only positive things to say about working with the actor.
"He's incredible," she said of Cage. "Nic is one of the most talented professionals I know. He's a great method actor and he really taught me so much."


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While Sir Alex's men aim to lift a third European Cup in Moscow, the first United side to win the trophy will be honoured at a black-tie dinner held at Old Trafford.
All members of the 1968 squad will be in attendance on Thursday 29 May for a special event commemorating the Reds' first European triumph, 40 years ago.
United beat Benfica 4-1 (after extra time) at Wembley Stadium to complete the painful rebuilding process necessitated by the Munich air disaster a decade earlier.
David Sadler, who scored three times on the road to the final, said he hopes the present-day trophy is back at Old Trafford for the dinner.
"It would be marvellous if Sir Alex Ferguson's boys could [enjoy] success in Moscow," Sadler told the Manchester Evening News. "For the '68 boys it would be the icing on the cake."
Irrespective of the result in Moscow, Sir Alex will be the guest of honour at the Old Trafford event, which will take place in the Manchester Suite. A host of other high-profile guests, including Billy Connolly, are expected to attend.
A similar dinner will also be held in Dublin on Saturday 31 May.
For bookings or more information, contact Wendy Veevers (Manchester) on email@example.com or Tony Bernie (Dublin) on 003 5357 9326 777.


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Chocolate Bunny
26.6 miles
A VHTRC Event
A VHTRC Event
April 19, 2014
Massanutten Mountains, VA
Event Web site
A low-key, tough, night-time run on the southern section of the MMT course. Prior daytime experience on the MMT course is a prerequisite for entry into this run. 2014 entry is closed. Sign up for the 2015 event will be announced through the VHTRC listserve by RD Tom Corris a couple of weeks before the run.
Submitted by Quatro Hubbard on October 23, 2009 - 10:25pm


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- You are here:
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petty enterprises
You don't have to be a NASCAR fan to bemoan the latest reports that Petty Enterprises is closing down. The team is one of the oldest and best known racing outfits in stock car racing, or in any other type of racing for that matter. Lee Petty, winner of the very first Daytona 500 in 1959, was its ...
A rubber bullet has been dodged: NASCAR can still count on sponsorship dollars and involvement provided by the Detroit 3. Chrysler has stated that it will reduce the funds that flow from its taps into NASCAR, but won't leave the sport. As far as marketing and advertising goes, the "stock cars" ...