As you can probably tell, I've lost my interest in keeping this blog updated a regular clip. My life's been a bit busier as of late with my newish job, decent social life and just life in general. So with that in mind, I'm acting like a TV network and putting the "Musings" on hiatus; meaning I won't delete the page or anything. I may revisit it in the near future.
That being said, I'll try and keep my 140 characters up on Twitter, so feel free to follow me there or watch the live feed on the right of the page.
-Mikey
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
62-7!!!
Super Bowl Rematch my tail. I guess the loss of one man, Peyton Manning, really can ruin a NFL team.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Race photos
Finally decided to create an online album to share all my race photos with you all. Enjoy the first upload today!
 |
| Running & Racing |
Sunday, May 1, 2011
3 Days, 3 Races
Besides last week's Red Dress edition of the Crystal City 5K Fridays, this weekend was the big one circled on my calendar. The reason being? 3 5Ks in 3 days.
Crystal City 5K Fridays #5 - Arlington, VA
The final race of this year's series. I was actually honored to be asked by a friend to pace a friend of hers. For this tall guy who doesn't use his legs to their full potential, this was quite the honor. The race worked out perfectly in reaching her target mile pace and keeping me from going nuts after the previous week's, record setting for year, run. That and my other friends, Randi, Sarah, and Jenny fulfilling their end of a deal and coming out for their first ever races!
Finish Time: 28:19 hh:mm
With Randi, Jenny, & Sarah.
Earth Day 5K - Silver Spring, MD
My first race in Maryland, and the first time running this event. Start time a little over 12 hours after finishing the above race, though great weather was waiting for us. Oh, and a beautiful course was to be found, with some street and a little paved trail action complete with babbling brook (the silver spring perhaps?). A bit hilly though, and one always have to remember that if you go down hills at the start of a race, you will have to go back up them to finish!
Finish Time: 26:36
Race for Hope - Washington, D.C.
Can you believe that in my second stint of living here in the DC Metro area, that this is my first proper race in the District? Anyways, going into this race and knowing my schedule beforehand, I pictured a slow(er) one than normal. A thing happened on the way to the finish line, and that was a hefty dose of motivation. You see, I was a member of Team BT, in honor of one my fellow Pacers Ambassadors, BethAnn, who is a brain tumor survivor. The team is sponsored in part by Pacers, so it was really cool to get a tech tee just for our team (not to mention a very nice goody bag and tent to meet at on race day). Regardless, today was less about those extras and more about heart...
Motivation came before we even started as all the survivors of this terrible "affliction" walked to the start line wearing yellow and carrying the same color balloons. I spent the next 10 minutes clapping non-stop as they paraded past. Then the race started, and that's when I felt the fatigue of the weekend's previous foot action setting in. Then about 2 minutes in I decided that I needed to show at least the same heart of the champion of those that I had clapped for just a few minutes earlier. It was to be a record setting day for Mikey, no matter how tired I felt...and it was. I finished today's race with with is my best time in over 2 years. Go Team BT!
Finish Time: 24:20
Me with BethAnn at the end of the race.
Bonus shot from last week's red dress:
Crystal City 5K Fridays #5 - Arlington, VA
The final race of this year's series. I was actually honored to be asked by a friend to pace a friend of hers. For this tall guy who doesn't use his legs to their full potential, this was quite the honor. The race worked out perfectly in reaching her target mile pace and keeping me from going nuts after the previous week's, record setting for year, run. That and my other friends, Randi, Sarah, and Jenny fulfilling their end of a deal and coming out for their first ever races!
Finish Time: 28:19 hh:mm
With Randi, Jenny, & Sarah.
Earth Day 5K - Silver Spring, MD
My first race in Maryland, and the first time running this event. Start time a little over 12 hours after finishing the above race, though great weather was waiting for us. Oh, and a beautiful course was to be found, with some street and a little paved trail action complete with babbling brook (the silver spring perhaps?). A bit hilly though, and one always have to remember that if you go down hills at the start of a race, you will have to go back up them to finish!
Finish Time: 26:36
Race for Hope - Washington, D.C.
Can you believe that in my second stint of living here in the DC Metro area, that this is my first proper race in the District? Anyways, going into this race and knowing my schedule beforehand, I pictured a slow(er) one than normal. A thing happened on the way to the finish line, and that was a hefty dose of motivation. You see, I was a member of Team BT, in honor of one my fellow Pacers Ambassadors, BethAnn, who is a brain tumor survivor. The team is sponsored in part by Pacers, so it was really cool to get a tech tee just for our team (not to mention a very nice goody bag and tent to meet at on race day). Regardless, today was less about those extras and more about heart...
Motivation came before we even started as all the survivors of this terrible "affliction" walked to the start line wearing yellow and carrying the same color balloons. I spent the next 10 minutes clapping non-stop as they paraded past. Then the race started, and that's when I felt the fatigue of the weekend's previous foot action setting in. Then about 2 minutes in I decided that I needed to show at least the same heart of the champion of those that I had clapped for just a few minutes earlier. It was to be a record setting day for Mikey, no matter how tired I felt...and it was. I finished today's race with with is my best time in over 2 years. Go Team BT!
Finish Time: 24:20
Me with BethAnn at the end of the race.
Bonus shot from last week's red dress:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Pat's (aborted) Run
So, I recently signed up to be a member of the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and was scheduled to run a race today with said group. This race is called "Pat's Run" and is honor of Pat Tillman, of which the main event is held in his home state of Arizona. Then they have "shadow runs" in cities across the country, one of course being DC. Well, that race was today, and it go cancelled due to flooding! The US Park Police wouldn't let us run because of said water issues...so being hardcore military folk the we are, we decided to go for a run in the rain anyways!
Anyways, thanks to IAVA I was able to register for the race for free (which should be run at a later date, though I hope it doesn't conflict with a race I already have planned), and some free swag. So in addition to the race shirt, I also scored IAVA shirt and hat (and I REALLY love the fact that both of those items were made in the good ole USA). :)
Anyways, thanks to IAVA I was able to register for the race for free (which should be run at a later date, though I hope it doesn't conflict with a race I already have planned), and some free swag. So in addition to the race shirt, I also scored IAVA shirt and hat (and I REALLY love the fact that both of those items were made in the good ole USA). :)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Look who's famous!
Or not...seriously though, look who made it into the gallery from the George Washington Parkway Classic!
http://swimbikerunphoto.zenfolio.com/gw_parkway_classic_2011_highlights/slideshow#h183e2a99
http://swimbikerunphoto.zenfolio.com/gw_parkway_classic_2011_highlights/slideshow#h183e2a99
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Crystal Run 5K Fridays #1
AKA: Isn't it supposed to be spring!?
So, race season if officially in the fullest of full swings, and this past Friday was the kick off the 5K series in my neighborhood. In a nice twist based on this year's calendar, we have 5 total to run! In addition to running all 5, I'm actually signed up to help volunteer with setting up and tearing down each race. Now on to the the stats...I can finally see better numbers than my first couple races of the year, with me breaking the 29 minutes barrier and damn near the 28 minute mark! With 7 total other races this month and 8 in the next 30 days, I'm sure I'll be getting those times way down!
Crystal Run 5K Fridays #1
4/1/11
Place: 415/939
Time: 28:09
Pace: 9:04/mile
So, race season if officially in the fullest of full swings, and this past Friday was the kick off the 5K series in my neighborhood. In a nice twist based on this year's calendar, we have 5 total to run! In addition to running all 5, I'm actually signed up to help volunteer with setting up and tearing down each race. Now on to the the stats...I can finally see better numbers than my first couple races of the year, with me breaking the 29 minutes barrier and damn near the 28 minute mark! With 7 total other races this month and 8 in the next 30 days, I'm sure I'll be getting those times way down!
Crystal Run 5K Fridays #1
4/1/11
Place: 415/939
Time: 28:09
Pace: 9:04/mile
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Shoes...
I just recycled 6 shoe boxes from purchases from the last month or so. I think I may have a problem.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Four AM
So, woke up at 4AM to finally attend a Pacers Fun Run. Though the motivation came from the promise of Guinness cupcakes and the fact I had a few of my fellow Pacers Ambassadors twisting my arm to show up! Ran 5 miles from Rosslyn then into DC. Too include running past my bar in Georgetown, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, and Iwo Jima Memorial. This picture was the ambassador portion of the group (there seemed to be over 20 of us total). Oh and finished in plenty of time to make it into work!
Oh, and curse them hazel eyes of mine for always rocking the red eye!
PS...I still love living here! =)
Oh, and curse them hazel eyes of mine for always rocking the red eye!
PS...I still love living here! =)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Four Courts Four 2011
Well, had the second race of my Pacers Ambassador season this past Saturday. This was the St. Patty's themed Four Courts Four Miler.
The above logo was on this year's race shirt. Now, a shot of yours truly...a glimpse of my working hard to finish strong after going up some killer hills.
My official time was just under 39 minutes. Man, I can really tell my times are suffering from my injury and lack of running during the winter. No worries though, because much to the chagrin of friends who want to me to visit them, the next few months bring on the meat on the season...and I only have no where to go but down! That being said, this was the last race of the month, but I will be volunteering at the National Marathon on the 26th. Then right on the 1st of April, it's the first of 5 Crystal City 5K Fridays (and the start of a busy race month). Finally, to wrap this long blog up, I have signed up for my longest race of the year (so far,) and my first trail race. The North Face Endurance Challenge 10 up in Sterling, VA. Time to buy some trail running shoes!
http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/races/2011/dc/index.html
The above logo was on this year's race shirt. Now, a shot of yours truly...a glimpse of my working hard to finish strong after going up some killer hills.
My official time was just under 39 minutes. Man, I can really tell my times are suffering from my injury and lack of running during the winter. No worries though, because much to the chagrin of friends who want to me to visit them, the next few months bring on the meat on the season...and I only have no where to go but down! That being said, this was the last race of the month, but I will be volunteering at the National Marathon on the 26th. Then right on the 1st of April, it's the first of 5 Crystal City 5K Fridays (and the start of a busy race month). Finally, to wrap this long blog up, I have signed up for my longest race of the year (so far,) and my first trail race. The North Face Endurance Challenge 10 up in Sterling, VA. Time to buy some trail running shoes!
http://www2.thenorthface.com/endurancechallenge/races/2011/dc/index.html
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New wheels for 2k11
So, I decided it was time to go ahead and pick up new wheels for the rest of the year. Finally went to Pacers and was able to try on a few different pairs of shoes. I could've stayed with the Nike Lunarglides, but decided to go with a new approach this year. It came down to a pair of New Balances and these:
Saucony Kinvaras
Looks like the only thing I'll miss is the spot to put my Nike+ sensor; but I have a pouch that slides on the shoelaces for those. ;)
Saucony Kinvaras
Looks like the only thing I'll miss is the spot to put my Nike+ sensor; but I have a pouch that slides on the shoelaces for those. ;)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2010 Rundown
But first...my lone photo from the Love the Run You're With 5K:
So the handy dandy Nike+ website that I uploads my runs to, offered me the following comparison between my 2010 and 2009 stats.
2009
Total Miles: 217
Miles per week: 5
Avg mile pace: 8'50"/mile
Total calories: 3,142
2010
Total Miles: 265
Miles per week: 6
Avg mile pace: 8'28"
Total calories: 32,695 (!)
Now keep in mind that my running slowed down during the colder months and also after October 2010 due to some shin issues. I'm still floored how many calories I burned last year!
So the handy dandy Nike+ website that I uploads my runs to, offered me the following comparison between my 2010 and 2009 stats.
2009
Total Miles: 217
Miles per week: 5
Avg mile pace: 8'50"/mile
Total calories: 3,142
2010
Total Miles: 265
Miles per week: 6
Avg mile pace: 8'28"
Total calories: 32,695 (!)
Now keep in mind that my running slowed down during the colder months and also after October 2010 due to some shin issues. I'm still floored how many calories I burned last year!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love the Run You're With 5K 2011, Part 1
So yesterday I partook (wow, that's actually a word?), in my first official race as a Pacers Ambassador. With the new duties that this position entailed, I decided to volunteer as well as run the race. Knowing that I would probably want to get home ASAP after the race and warm up from the frigid February air, I signed up to help set-up. Well, I had so much fun with that that I ran the race and stuck around to help tear down! I must say, I had a greater sense of accomplishment doing the volunteer work than I did the race! That being said, I'm OK with the race results, especially for it being in my slow winter months. Finished in exactly 30 minutes....not bad, but not great either. Though I'm proud to say that came without any walking or shoe lace shenanigans.
As a bonus, I was interviewed by one of my fellow ambassadors for our group's blog:
See the blog here!
Now, to just sit back and wait for the official race photos to appear...at which point I will post another update for you all. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year...as far as running goes. Who knows, maybe next year, I won't be signing up for the race as "Stupid Cupid" (AKA single)!
PS - My shin pains of the last few months seem to be officially gone...and just in time too!
As a bonus, I was interviewed by one of my fellow ambassadors for our group's blog:
See the blog here!
Now, to just sit back and wait for the official race photos to appear...at which point I will post another update for you all. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year...as far as running goes. Who knows, maybe next year, I won't be signing up for the race as "Stupid Cupid" (AKA single)!
PS - My shin pains of the last few months seem to be officially gone...and just in time too!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
RIP B. Jacques...
Discovered the Redwall series during the later years of my family's time in Germany. Those books helped me get through a difficult time in my life with my Granddaddy's illness, moving from Germany back to the US, and attending my third high school.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110209/ap_on_en_ot/eu_britain_obit_brian_jacques;_ylt=Aq67UQvClIHTGNJrcqyhNoBxFb8C;_ylu=X3oDMTJxZm5iOGdrBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMjA5L2V1X2JyaXRhaW5fb2JpdF9icmlhbl9qYWNxdWVzBHBvcwM3BHNlYwN5bl9tb3N0X3BvcHVsYXIEc2xrA3JlZHdhbGxhdXRobw--
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110209/ap_on_en_ot/eu_britain_obit_brian_jacques;_ylt=Aq67UQvClIHTGNJrcqyhNoBxFb8C;_ylu=X3oDMTJxZm5iOGdrBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMjA5L2V1X2JyaXRhaW5fb2JpdF9icmlhbl9qYWNxdWVzBHBvcwM3BHNlYwN5bl9tb3N0X3BvcHVsYXIEc2xrA3JlZHdhbGxhdXRobw--
Senator Jim Webb
Not really digging the fact that Mr. Webb is not going to run for re-election. He's done so many great things in his 1 term, the biggest being the new G.I. Bill. *sigh*
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
And it's official
Had our first Pacers Ambassadors meeting tonight. Got the official shirts that I will wear all year and some swag for the amount of races I ran with Pacers last year.
Short sleeve tech tee
Long sleeve tech tee
Backpack
Medal
Awesome awesome, and all free of charge (minus the race entry fees). Oh, and the first races of the 2011 series is in less than 2 weeks!
Short sleeve tech tee
Long sleeve tech tee
Backpack
Medal
Awesome awesome, and all free of charge (minus the race entry fees). Oh, and the first races of the 2011 series is in less than 2 weeks!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Busy weekend in store
Tonight: Possibly celebrating Bobby's birthday
Tomorrow: Going to the Washington Auto Show with my boss and her family
Tomorrow night: rare night time shenanigans with the gang in Arlington
Sunday: Induction into the Pacers Ambassadors Program and picking up my reward swag for the 2010 race series.
woot!
Tomorrow: Going to the Washington Auto Show with my boss and her family
Tomorrow night: rare night time shenanigans with the gang in Arlington
Sunday: Induction into the Pacers Ambassadors Program and picking up my reward swag for the 2010 race series.
woot!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Gotta love VW
So my GTI finally hit the one year mark a few weeks ago. Then this week I took her in for the 10,000 mile service (first service since I've had the car no less,) back to the dealer I go her from. I must say it's nice that something that probably would've cost me around a $100 more was free....with a state inspection and wash/vacuum to boot. I had been taking my previous GTI there for service since I moved it back here, and while it was great service then...I can tell I get some perks since the current one actually came from there!
Thanks Alexandria VW!
PS the actual 10K service is a part of VW's Carefree Maintenance program.
Thanks Alexandria VW!
PS the actual 10K service is a part of VW's Carefree Maintenance program.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The 2011 Race Schedule...so far.
By request here's my slate of races so far this year:
2/13 Love the One You're With 5K
3/12 Four Courts Four
4/1 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/8 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/10 GW Parkway Classic (5K)
4/15 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/22 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/29 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/30 Earth Day 5K
Gonna be a bit busy. Will probably doing some race volunteer work in-between these as a part of the Pacers Ambassador program I mentioned earlier this week, as well.
2/13 Love the One You're With 5K
3/12 Four Courts Four
4/1 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/8 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/10 GW Parkway Classic (5K)
4/15 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/22 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/29 Crystal Run 5K Fridays
4/30 Earth Day 5K
Gonna be a bit busy. Will probably doing some race volunteer work in-between these as a part of the Pacers Ambassador program I mentioned earlier this week, as well.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2011 Pacers Ambassador!
Excerpt from a very glorious email I received today:
"Congratulations!
On behalf of Pacers Running Stores and Pacers Events, I would like to invite you to join our 2011 Pacers Ambassador class. We were only able to accept 30 percent of the applications received and congratulate you on making the cut!"
What is this program you ask? From the website: http://runpacers.com/ambassador/
"Pacers Ambassadors are a tight-knit community of runners, walkers, and triathletes who participate in area runs and races, volunteer their time at events, engage their community, and embody the Pacers lifestyle and culture. They are standout leaders and role models in their communities, are dedicated to their sports, and are passionate about representing Pacers Running Stores and Pacers Events.
A selected group of athletes will be outfitted in technical Pacers gear and will appear at Pacers races as well as other local and national races. The program runs from February 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012.
They are a friendly group, so say “hi” if you see them at your next 5K or marathon."
So, I'm very stoked I got selected to the program and am looking forward to using my love of running in ways beyond the pavement by meeting new people, helping out, and sprinting through 2k11! Now let's see if my legs can keep up with me this year!
"Congratulations!
On behalf of Pacers Running Stores and Pacers Events, I would like to invite you to join our 2011 Pacers Ambassador class. We were only able to accept 30 percent of the applications received and congratulate you on making the cut!"
What is this program you ask? From the website: http://runpacers.com/ambassador/
"Pacers Ambassadors are a tight-knit community of runners, walkers, and triathletes who participate in area runs and races, volunteer their time at events, engage their community, and embody the Pacers lifestyle and culture. They are standout leaders and role models in their communities, are dedicated to their sports, and are passionate about representing Pacers Running Stores and Pacers Events.
A selected group of athletes will be outfitted in technical Pacers gear and will appear at Pacers races as well as other local and national races. The program runs from February 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012.
They are a friendly group, so say “hi” if you see them at your next 5K or marathon."
So, I'm very stoked I got selected to the program and am looking forward to using my love of running in ways beyond the pavement by meeting new people, helping out, and sprinting through 2k11! Now let's see if my legs can keep up with me this year!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saints are out...
Well, as the whole football world knows, my Saints are out of the playoffs. Why the quick exit? I actually believe they had too many key players out to injury...that, and the Seahawks just seemed to want it more. Nevertheless, I'm proud of the team...people talk about the Super Bowl hangover, but they had a winning season and made it into the playoffs! So, now the jersey go back in the closet and I now focus my energy on rooting for the team right up BW Parkway...go Ravens!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Fairfax Four Miler
Not the best finish time in the world (being that I slow down my running this time of year due to the weather); but an enjoyable 4 mile run was had nonetheless. Race got a bit too dark in spots for my liking, but luckily that was a somewhat rare occurrence. Oh, and another hilly race through George Mason University (raced there back in July).
Anyways here's the stats
Place: 754 out of 1291 (very close to my bib number, haha)
Time: 39:06
10 minute mile? Yuck! Though in my defense, one of my shoes untied a mile into the race so I had to "pull over to the shoulder" rip off my gloves and fix it. I did double knot them before I started, but couldn't stand the laces flipping around loose down there. If that hadn't have happened, I'd probably be around 38:00 to 38:30. :P
Anyways here's the stats
Place: 754 out of 1291 (very close to my bib number, haha)
Time: 39:06
10 minute mile? Yuck! Though in my defense, one of my shoes untied a mile into the race so I had to "pull over to the shoulder" rip off my gloves and fix it. I did double knot them before I started, but couldn't stand the laces flipping around loose down there. If that hadn't have happened, I'd probably be around 38:00 to 38:30. :P
It was a good run...
So after my first 3 years back in DC, the Saints will not be travelling up this way next season. All the more reason to make my way down to the Superdome for a home game!
Home- NFC South, Bears, Lions, Giants, Texans, Colts
Away- NFC South, Packers, Vikings, Rams, Jaguars, Titans
Home- NFC South, Bears, Lions, Giants, Texans, Colts
Away- NFC South, Packers, Vikings, Rams, Jaguars, Titans
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)