Wow! Time Flies....

It's been a while since I've posted anything and honestly I've felt guilty for not posting over the past few weeks.  It's not that I don't want to, it's just because I've been so busy I didn't feel like spending the time putting everything I'm going though down on my blog.

I haven't been doing much running lately, I took on a new job and for the past two weeks it's pretty much taken over all of my time.  I'm slowly getting used to the time and effort and I'm ready to get back to my daily running.  In fact, I'm looking forward to getting out and hitting the pavement again.

Tonight I finally got out and did an easy 5k with my partner Bogey.  He was happy to get out and stretch his legs also so we both enjoyed ourselves.  Now he's knocked out on the couch and I'm watching "Ball of Fury" on Comedy Central.

It's had to believe that the month is almost over - my numbers are going to look pretty sad, but maybe I can have a good week and close the month out on a good note.

I'll leave you with a few pics from the past few weeks:

Cade in Papa's Spa

This is what I've been doing instead of running

Easter Morning

Love that smile :)

My running partner getting all dressed up

Cade playing with water

Newport Beach, Ca. Pier

Abby in Newport

Keep Steppin'
Bob

Massive Fail

I've written about difficult runs before and yesterday's run falls directly into this catagory.  The plan was to run 6.8 easy miles (9:50 pace) with Alex.  But as soon as we stepped out the door I knew I was going to be in trouble.  All of us runners know that feeling - no energy, heavy legs, shortness of breath.  Every step was like I was laboring from the get-go.  Now I'm never one to make excuses but I was pretty tired from the day before, I didn't hydrate myself properly during the day prior to the run, and we did run at 4:00 pm in 80 degree weather which I'm not used to doing.  I'm justifying the poor run in my head to these issues.  Otherwise I might not ever get out and run again :)

On a side note - I accepted a job offer yesterday and I start Monday.  Mostly because we're trying to free up some time for Beth so she can start using her Real Estate licence that she earned last month.  She's currently interviewing for positions with all the 'big' agencies and I expect her to land a position here very soon.  Because she won't be pulling a steady salary, I needed to make sure that I got something with a steady paycheck to pay the bills.  I'm still doing the stock market stuff - and I'm doing pretty well this year ($4k in profits - off $14 initial investment).  But this isn't enough to live off of, and I do want to re-invest about 50% in order to grow this liquid funds account.  My IRA account is flat this year so I'm good there also.

Getting back to running - I'm feeling really tired lately, almost sugglish but I'm guessing that I'm just being a little lazy lately.  I'm not sure why, but I am trying to push through this to keep my mileage up.  Last year during these 'phases' I'd take two-three weeks off and it really affcted my results throughout the year.  This is the first time this year that I've run accross this problem so I'm battling right now.

Tonight I'm hopig for an easy 3 miler to see how I'm feeling.  I have to remember just last week I was hitting new PB's.

Keep Steppin'
Bob

Not Much Going On

I haven't been running that much lately.  The kids are off on Spring Break and I've been kind of busy lately, so I've missed a few runs as of late.  I'm not worried, P90x is going well and I'm sure I'll pick up my workouts later this week.

Easer was fun, the kids had a great easter egg hunt and we spent the afternoon at my in-laws.  I have a ton of pictures and as soon as I get them downloaded I'll throw some of them up here to share.

I did get another 20 mile bike ride in over the weekend that felt really good. I recovered much quicker from this ride than the one I did the week before.  Hopefully I can work in this 20 miler every Saturday from here on out.  It really helps my hips and keeps my conditioning level up so an off day.

Monthly Totals were solid:

• Total Miles for March: 117.1 
• Miles for 2010:  423.9
• 4 mile PB: 37:34
• 10k PR: 57:25
• Ran 2 out of 31 days

Keep Steppin'
Bob

Special Day :)

Today is Beth and I's 9th anniversary.  So instead of writing about my running exploits I'm going to spend a little time talking about my wedding ("Because this is my blog and I can do what I want to." *spoken in the voice of Eric Cartman*)

For some reason nine years ago Beth agreed to marry me.  Maybe it was because we just found out Abby was on the way, but I'd like to believe that didn't have any bearing on her decision to marry me.  We didn't have ANYTHING.  Seriously, I'm not kidding - I had nothing, no money, no car, barely making child support payments, my parents weren't talking to me, etc.....  When I look back, I'm never quite sure what Beth saw in me......  Thanks Honey for believing in me ;)

Beth and I got married in Las Vegas - now before you say "How Corny."  Let me tell you we did it proper.  Married in a small ceremony on top of the Effiel Tower at the Paris Hotel with Her family there - it was a very nice morning with bright skies and crisp air.  I could tell so many stories about this weekend like the one about Beth's hair, Christopher's (my nephew) "All done" sign language, or my golf outing wih my father-in-law, but rather I want to spend some time talking about my better half Beth today.  Anyone who has been reading my blog knows that she is my world and everything I am and will be is because of her.  She has such a kind heart and always thinks about me before she does anything - I couldn't ask for a better spouse. 

Abby and Beth

Beth at Abby's Birthday (at our Condo)

Cade's Birth

Beth and I got married, and to this day what I remember the most (other than saying our vows on top of that God awful tower) was her face, in particular her eyes.  They looked at me with such hope, happiness, and joy.  I can always get lost in her eyes, but on this day they were more alive than usual.  The twinkling in them was just a little bit more, the life reflected in them just a little more clear.  Maybe it was just me reading more into what I saw, but I truely believe that what I saw was real.  Right then I knew I was making the right decision and that she was the perfect person to spend the rest of my life with.  Now nine years down the road - I love her more today then I did that day.  I'm always suprisied how strong my feelings for her are even when we are fighting (which is rare).  Her eyes still shine, and I love seeing her grow as a person.  The times we have spent together have been magical - Cabo, Hawaii, Palm Springs, Yosemite, San Fransisco, house buying (twice), sailing, the kid's births and birthdays, etc are all imprinted in my mind and I'd never exchange these expirences with her for anything else.

Mother's Day 2006 - Beth's sister and Mother

Up in LA

Angel Game

Not sure where we were - but I love her in this picture.

Even though nine years is a good chunk of time - I'm greedy to spend another nine plus years with here.  Sharing our lives together has been wonderful, exciting, and fulfilling.  I love looking at her sleeping face the last thing at night and waking to her face first thing in the morning. 

Beth and her sister

Beth's Birthday 2009

Yosemite 2009

Beth and Abby Yosemite 2009

Beth's side of the Family 2009

Love this Pic!

Abby's soccer game 2010

Abby's photo shoot at the Montage 2009

Abby's photo shoot at the Montage 2009

Thank you Beth for sticking with me - for loving me - for sharing your life with me.  You have made me the happiest husband on this whole earth.

Taken off the coast of Dana Point when we laid Big Papa to rest.

Keep Steppin'
bob