Arrived around 6:00, so I had a half hour to stand in line before the doors opened.
Had a fifth row seat, right beside the Chicago team bench.
There was a silent auction for 5 or 6 different items. the cheapest started at $250, so I was not about to bid on anything.
Met up with Q and the Jew
Players came on the ice around 7:15
Carcillo misses his own intro
Ronald McDonald and the Great Clips mascot skate to Center Ice
Unfortunately, no Jim Cornelison to sing the anthem. they had some 12 year old girl, probably from the Ronald McDonald house.
11,649 still drowned it out
Chicago roster
Forwards: Patrick Sharp, Andrew Ladd, Jake Dowell, Jonathan Toews, Troy Brouwer, Jamal Mayers, Craig Adams, Adam Burish, Patrick Kane. Defense: Jim Vandermeer, James Wisniewski, Brian Campbell, Joe Corvo. Goaltenders: Craig Anderson. Coaches: Pete Kelly, Ryan Dempster.
World roster
Forwards: Bobby Ryan, Greg Campbell, Jordan Staal, Dan Carcillo, Mike Brown, Antti Miettinen, Shawn Thornton, Ville Leino, Jared Boll. Defense: Ryan Suter, Alex Goligoski, Kimmo Timonen, Tom Gilbert. Goaltenders: Nicklas Backstrom. Coaches: Robbie Gould, Jason Brandsetter.
Chicago's uniforms were white with medium blue trim and just a touch of red. They looked like Finland's national team
The World squad wore purple and black
Ryan Dempster, who coached Chicago, was dressed like Don Cherry.
I only saw five other people wearing a logo of an NHL team other than Chicago. I saw an Islander jersey, a Minnesota thermal shirt, a Winnipeg Jets jersey, and even a New York Americans sweater.
I sat next to a woman named Cheryl, probably in her 40's, she has season tickets to the Blackhawks that she splits three ways.
Of course, Q and the Jew see my conversing and they thought I was cougar hunting.
Toews scored only one goal
Bowling ball celebration, he rolled his helmet at his teammates, who were standing in a row and they all collapsed.
Saw Samantha Sharp, sitting across the rink from me
She's my co-worker, I sat next to her for a year, yet we've talked more over the last two months when we're not sitting together. Strange how that works out sometimes.
I went over to her during the first intermission, we chatted for maybe five minutes, and gave her a hug.
During second period, I got a slice of Connie's pizza, supreme, missed the table with the grated cheese, I needed it
Brawl Carcillo vs Dempster
"Detroit Sucks" chant
Only had to hear "Chelsea Dagger" after four or five of the Chicago goals. 15 would have been insane
Game finished 15-15 in regulation, they went to a 10-player shootout
Carcillo stopped and beat Anderson to his glove side, clinching the win for the World squad
Kane won the MVP, scoring five goals, including the game-tying goal with 1:34 left
Raised $323,500
I seriously need a new camera, the battery on this old Olympus stinks
If they auctioned off Dempster's jacket on E-Bay, they could have raised another $100,000!
Got a $7.99 haircut coupon from Great Clips as I was leaving, they were the big sponsor of the game.
Kissed Cheryl good night (on the cheek only)
Scoring Summary
First Period
W Ryan, W Gilbert, W Boll, C Kane, C Toews, C Ladd, C Adams (PS), W Staal, C Kane
Second Period
C Ladd, C Sharp, Brown, W Leino, W Goligoski, C Burish, W Timonen, C Sharp, C Kane, W Carcillo, C Corvo, W Ryan, W Staal, W Brookbank
Third Period
C Ladd, C Dowell, W Thornton, W Backstrom (PS), W Miettenen, W Carcillo, C Kane, C Kane
Shootout Summary
C Towes No
W Ryan Yes
C Sharp Yes
W Staal No
C Kane Yes
W Leino No
C Ladd No
W Timonen Yes
C Brouwer No
W Carcillo Yes
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Heavy recap-The loooong week
1) Then the week began. Item #1 for Monday morning was not going to work in Hoffman Estates, that didn't begin until noon. Rather, I woke up at 3 am to drive to Austin’s saloon in Libertyville for a live taping of Mike and Mike. I left home at 3:30 am, arrived an hour later, and got a third row seat near Greenberg. I was probably maybe four steps away from the stage. And I wore my green Mangold jersey. It was fun despite still getting over the Jets horrible loss the previous afternoon. But the free 16 oz Old Style did help me feel better. We were a little quiet for the first hour, but once the beer and bloody marys started flowing, we turned into one rowdy bunch. Those four hours absolutely flew by.
2) The show was over by 9 a.m. and I had three hours to play with before I had to be in the office. Since the drive to Hoffman Estates was only going to take an hour, I decided to grab some breakfast. And how convenient is it that an Egg Harbor Café is right in downtown Libertyville. It's October, I wanted to get my pumpkin pancake fix. I didn't even need the menu, I ordered three amazing cakes filled with chopped pecans and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon butter. I got the combo and also got three strips of turkey bacon and scrambled eggs. Of course, I got a big 12-ounce glass of their orange-strawberry juice. Can't go to Egg Harbor without drinking that juice.
3) Temperature plummeted last night. It was 75 degrees Thursday morning, it’s down to 50 today. At least the rain is gone for a couple days. I can’t say the same about the east coast though…Hurricane Sandy, here we go…
4) After work on Thursday, I stepped outside into that cold and heavy wind along with some spitting rain. I didn’t even go to the gym. Take ‘n bake pizza
5) But last night was a big deal. After a month of chatting on Facebook, I talked to Julie from Ohio on the phone for the first time. And a conversation that I didn’t think would last too long wound up going 2 hours and 45 minutes. After dating Braves fans and Yankees fans, it is so refreshing to talk with a girl who is just as into the Mets as I am. She’s really cool. I mean, she even likes my Dr. Phil impression
6) And I may come to regret staying on the phone so late. Because left this morning for an 8-day tour to the southeast. I had to wake up at 4:45, so after feeling so tired yesterday, I’m probably going on four hours sleep! Mom's tour will take her through Lexington, Savannah, Charleston, and who knows where else. I just hope she doesn't have to deal with Hurricane Sandy.
7) Tonight is the Champs for Charity hockey game at the All State Arena. I’m already rocking my Henrik jersey. I have no idea who is going to be there, though I don’t know of any Rangers
8) All November NHL games canceled. Thank you Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr.
9) I’m so desperate for a daily sport that I am doing something I have not done in five or six years. I am participating in two fantasy basketball drafts this weekend.
10) The Knicks' age worries me. I think they'll be the 5th seed behind Miami, Boston, Indiana, and Brooklyn and then out in the second round, thanks to Miami.
11) My only set plans for Saturday are the gym and apple picking with the Willow Creek singles and Compass groups in Hobart, Indiana
12) At Butera, I was looking for some Naked juice. Apparently, it’s not available there anymore, at least not the flavors I usually buy. Instead, they sell the Alo drinks. I got a bottle of Aloe vera with wheatgrass. That’s a drink, not a lotion. I have no idea what it’s going to do for me. But I know wheatgrass is super healthy. And so the drink sounds healthy and tastes bad. That’s a good sign I’m getting healthy.
2) The show was over by 9 a.m. and I had three hours to play with before I had to be in the office. Since the drive to Hoffman Estates was only going to take an hour, I decided to grab some breakfast. And how convenient is it that an Egg Harbor Café is right in downtown Libertyville. It's October, I wanted to get my pumpkin pancake fix. I didn't even need the menu, I ordered three amazing cakes filled with chopped pecans and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon butter. I got the combo and also got three strips of turkey bacon and scrambled eggs. Of course, I got a big 12-ounce glass of their orange-strawberry juice. Can't go to Egg Harbor without drinking that juice.
3) Temperature plummeted last night. It was 75 degrees Thursday morning, it’s down to 50 today. At least the rain is gone for a couple days. I can’t say the same about the east coast though…Hurricane Sandy, here we go…
4) After work on Thursday, I stepped outside into that cold and heavy wind along with some spitting rain. I didn’t even go to the gym. Take ‘n bake pizza
5) But last night was a big deal. After a month of chatting on Facebook, I talked to Julie from Ohio on the phone for the first time. And a conversation that I didn’t think would last too long wound up going 2 hours and 45 minutes. After dating Braves fans and Yankees fans, it is so refreshing to talk with a girl who is just as into the Mets as I am. She’s really cool. I mean, she even likes my Dr. Phil impression
6) And I may come to regret staying on the phone so late. Because left this morning for an 8-day tour to the southeast. I had to wake up at 4:45, so after feeling so tired yesterday, I’m probably going on four hours sleep! Mom's tour will take her through Lexington, Savannah, Charleston, and who knows where else. I just hope she doesn't have to deal with Hurricane Sandy.
7) Tonight is the Champs for Charity hockey game at the All State Arena. I’m already rocking my Henrik jersey. I have no idea who is going to be there, though I don’t know of any Rangers
8) All November NHL games canceled. Thank you Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr.
9) I’m so desperate for a daily sport that I am doing something I have not done in five or six years. I am participating in two fantasy basketball drafts this weekend.
10) The Knicks' age worries me. I think they'll be the 5th seed behind Miami, Boston, Indiana, and Brooklyn and then out in the second round, thanks to Miami.
11) My only set plans for Saturday are the gym and apple picking with the Willow Creek singles and Compass groups in Hobart, Indiana
12) At Butera, I was looking for some Naked juice. Apparently, it’s not available there anymore, at least not the flavors I usually buy. Instead, they sell the Alo drinks. I got a bottle of Aloe vera with wheatgrass. That’s a drink, not a lotion. I have no idea what it’s going to do for me. But I know wheatgrass is super healthy. And so the drink sounds healthy and tastes bad. That’s a good sign I’m getting healthy.
Heavy recap-Last weekend
1) So last Friday afternoon, around 5:15, I’m halfway through with my drive home from work. I was planning on going to Wal-Mart and Jewel Osco and then the gym before heading home for the night. All of a sudden, Natalie Cuevas sends me a text, asking me if I had any plans. Eventually, she asked me to go see a play with her that night. She told me she was getting out of work at 8 and the play started at 8:30. All of a sudden, I realized I was in a hurry. So I sped home, worked out on the total gym, cooked the lamb chops, baked potatoes, and asparagus, dressed, and got out the door as fast as I could. I drove 45 minutes north to her house in Algonquin. Domino was there to greet me Then I drove us 55 minutes south to the Drury Lane Theater in Oak Brook. And the show we saw along with her mother and her mother’s friend was Xanadu. Now the only Xanadu I knew of was the unfinished ski jump at the Meadowlands. This was one of the corniest shows I have ever seen. There were a few funny moments, but between all the disco, leg warmers, feminine colors, etc., yeah, I don’t think I’d spend money to watch this. I drove Natalie back north to Algonquin before heading back home to St. Charles, arriving a little after midnight. All in all, I drove four hours that day. I wouldn’t change it though.
2a) On Saturday, Mom and I planned on checking out Starved Rock State Park. But we slept a little later than we planned, so instead, we headed over to the Mayflower tours office in Downers Grove so she could get some photocopying done for her upcoming tours. The we grabbed lunch at J. Alexander’s, a place I’d heard of, but never been to before. We started by splitting the redwood salad, which came with field greens, rotisserie chicken, pecans, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and croutons. I never eat croutons. Ever. But these weren't the typical crouton that's brick-hard and crispy all the way through. Rather, these chewy, and spongy, and tender. I was amazed how good they were. The chicken was cold and juicy. The crunch of the pecans and bacon worked great with the creaminess of the avocado as well. Instead of ranch, I got the champagne vinaigrette, and it tasted light and citrusy. For $15, that was a very good salad.
2b) The NY strip steak tacos were one of the items on the specialty menu. I hesitated to order them since they cost $15 and we would only be able to have one taco apiece. Well, I wish I had kept the order to myself. The adobo-spiced strip was grilled to a perfect medium-rare. They came in soft flour tortillas topped with a cilantro-sour cream sauce and chopped pico de gallo. It couldn't have been a much better taco. I don't know if these will remain a part of the menu, but if they are, I'd really recommend them.
2c) We also split a French dip sandwich with French fries. I'm usually not a French dip fan, but I heard their prime rib was really good so I figured I'd try it out. And mounds of pink roasted beef came on a French baguette. We also got sides of jus and horseradish sauce. The beef was incredibly juicy, and the horseradish, gave the sandwich just the right amount of kick. But...it was $18. For a French dip. Very good restaurant, not the most reasonable prices, but the quality of food is very, very good.
3) After lunch, Mom and I headed over to Von Maur in Oak Brook, where she had to return a few items. I really didn’t think I was ever going to buy anything there. But I checked out the sale rack and I wound up purchasing two shirts for around $85. One was a chocolate brown silk t-shirt. The other was a very nice plaid, orange, black, and white long-sleeve, button-down short that I could wear to church or work.
4) Then we drove back to the Charlestowne Mall. We went to see Taken 2, but as I we were walking in, right outside the box office, I saw this stand set up with tons of sports memorabilia. Banners, cards, pictures, pennants, etc. I wound up buying four pictures (Gary Carter, Mike Piazza, Mark Sanchez, Brian Leetch) for $18. As for the movie, even though the critics bashed it, I thought it was pretty solid for a sequel.
5) I only had about an hour to spend at home and charge my phone before I had to head out Singles Connect Night at Willow Creek. This was the first one I’d been able to attend this season, since I missed the first while I was in Baltimore. I saw Christina and Lib and for the first time since last May. Mike spoke about walking the talk. After we went downstairs for discussions, I was a little surprised that I got to be a table leader. At our table, we had five first-timers, one guy who was there for the second time, and me. Afterwards, we decided between Mario’s dance birthday party in Addison or Pinstripes. I chose Pinstripes and arrived first. For a while, there was just me, this pain in the neck named Pete and two girls, Heather Anne (the vegan priest) and Megan (the cute bilingual teacher in West Chicago) Eventually, about 15 people showed up. I ordered an Italian beef pizza and loved it. Braised beef, giardienira, mozzarella, tomatoes. Amazing.
6) I woke up around 8 on Sunday and hit the gym, which I almost never do on Sunday morning. Then I went to the late service at Willow Creek. I sat with Mike, Lindsay, Natasha, and Natalie. Then before small group, I headed over to Jersey’s to watch the early football games and eat a lousy chicken sandwich. Andrea, Manish, Alison, Natalie R, Natasha, Fil, Matt, and I all showed up as we went through Hebrews 6 and 7. Hey, if a 2:30 start is what it takes for people to come, I guess that is what has to happen.
7) I’ll skip the Jets disgrace in New England on Sunday.
2a) On Saturday, Mom and I planned on checking out Starved Rock State Park. But we slept a little later than we planned, so instead, we headed over to the Mayflower tours office in Downers Grove so she could get some photocopying done for her upcoming tours. The we grabbed lunch at J. Alexander’s, a place I’d heard of, but never been to before. We started by splitting the redwood salad, which came with field greens, rotisserie chicken, pecans, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and croutons. I never eat croutons. Ever. But these weren't the typical crouton that's brick-hard and crispy all the way through. Rather, these chewy, and spongy, and tender. I was amazed how good they were. The chicken was cold and juicy. The crunch of the pecans and bacon worked great with the creaminess of the avocado as well. Instead of ranch, I got the champagne vinaigrette, and it tasted light and citrusy. For $15, that was a very good salad.
2b) The NY strip steak tacos were one of the items on the specialty menu. I hesitated to order them since they cost $15 and we would only be able to have one taco apiece. Well, I wish I had kept the order to myself. The adobo-spiced strip was grilled to a perfect medium-rare. They came in soft flour tortillas topped with a cilantro-sour cream sauce and chopped pico de gallo. It couldn't have been a much better taco. I don't know if these will remain a part of the menu, but if they are, I'd really recommend them.
2c) We also split a French dip sandwich with French fries. I'm usually not a French dip fan, but I heard their prime rib was really good so I figured I'd try it out. And mounds of pink roasted beef came on a French baguette. We also got sides of jus and horseradish sauce. The beef was incredibly juicy, and the horseradish, gave the sandwich just the right amount of kick. But...it was $18. For a French dip. Very good restaurant, not the most reasonable prices, but the quality of food is very, very good.
3) After lunch, Mom and I headed over to Von Maur in Oak Brook, where she had to return a few items. I really didn’t think I was ever going to buy anything there. But I checked out the sale rack and I wound up purchasing two shirts for around $85. One was a chocolate brown silk t-shirt. The other was a very nice plaid, orange, black, and white long-sleeve, button-down short that I could wear to church or work.
4) Then we drove back to the Charlestowne Mall. We went to see Taken 2, but as I we were walking in, right outside the box office, I saw this stand set up with tons of sports memorabilia. Banners, cards, pictures, pennants, etc. I wound up buying four pictures (Gary Carter, Mike Piazza, Mark Sanchez, Brian Leetch) for $18. As for the movie, even though the critics bashed it, I thought it was pretty solid for a sequel.
5) I only had about an hour to spend at home and charge my phone before I had to head out Singles Connect Night at Willow Creek. This was the first one I’d been able to attend this season, since I missed the first while I was in Baltimore. I saw Christina and Lib and for the first time since last May. Mike spoke about walking the talk. After we went downstairs for discussions, I was a little surprised that I got to be a table leader. At our table, we had five first-timers, one guy who was there for the second time, and me. Afterwards, we decided between Mario’s dance birthday party in Addison or Pinstripes. I chose Pinstripes and arrived first. For a while, there was just me, this pain in the neck named Pete and two girls, Heather Anne (the vegan priest) and Megan (the cute bilingual teacher in West Chicago) Eventually, about 15 people showed up. I ordered an Italian beef pizza and loved it. Braised beef, giardienira, mozzarella, tomatoes. Amazing.
6) I woke up around 8 on Sunday and hit the gym, which I almost never do on Sunday morning. Then I went to the late service at Willow Creek. I sat with Mike, Lindsay, Natasha, and Natalie. Then before small group, I headed over to Jersey’s to watch the early football games and eat a lousy chicken sandwich. Andrea, Manish, Alison, Natalie R, Natasha, Fil, Matt, and I all showed up as we went through Hebrews 6 and 7. Hey, if a 2:30 start is what it takes for people to come, I guess that is what has to happen.
7) I’ll skip the Jets disgrace in New England on Sunday.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wearing a Wednesday out
1) So I woke up at 4:45 to take Mom to Rosemont for her latest and greatest tour. Then, I went straight to the gym and, now I'm working 12-9 tonight. Somehow, I'll find a way to get through this.
2) Just reviewed my MLB predictions. For the AL, I got 3 of 5 playoff teams correct and in the NL, well, I got 2. I picked two teams from the NL to make the playoffs and got both wrong. And no, the Mets were not any of the 4. But the fact that I picked Anaheim to win the World Series and they failed to even make the playoffs...I'd say that's a bad job.
3) I have two free tickets to Supercard of Honor 7 on April 5 in New York City. I really have no idea what my relationship status will be then, but I will be in Manhattan regardless. Maybe I'll hit Guy Fieri's place...
4) I really want to get back to Fifty 50 in Chicago. The triple-secret burger toppped with the pulled pork, Merkt's cheddar, and the mac n cheese waffle sounds like a trip to indulgence heaven. Maybe I'll add a little BBQ sauce...
5) I wish the guy on my street who bought the used police car would park it in a garage already. I'm tired of zipping around the curve and thinking a cop's watching me!
2) Just reviewed my MLB predictions. For the AL, I got 3 of 5 playoff teams correct and in the NL, well, I got 2. I picked two teams from the NL to make the playoffs and got both wrong. And no, the Mets were not any of the 4. But the fact that I picked Anaheim to win the World Series and they failed to even make the playoffs...I'd say that's a bad job.
3) I have two free tickets to Supercard of Honor 7 on April 5 in New York City. I really have no idea what my relationship status will be then, but I will be in Manhattan regardless. Maybe I'll hit Guy Fieri's place...
4) I really want to get back to Fifty 50 in Chicago. The triple-secret burger toppped with the pulled pork, Merkt's cheddar, and the mac n cheese waffle sounds like a trip to indulgence heaven. Maybe I'll add a little BBQ sauce...
5) I wish the guy on my street who bought the used police car would park it in a garage already. I'm tired of zipping around the curve and thinking a cop's watching me!
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Sore legs...
So this morning marked the 1st (Possibly) Annual Wheaton Academy Alumni and Friends 5k. I woke up at 6 am and downed two slices of wheat toast with peanut butter along with half a gallon of water. I left home around 6:30 and arrived at my old high school around 6:45 am, just as the cross country team was setting the course up.
The conditions outside were not ideal for running. Thankfully, the sky was blue, but I was hoping for a temperature higher than 33 degrees. Unfortunately, running the three miles on treadmills was not an option. So I got my runners' bib and gray alumni-t-shirt, and immediately went back inside the fieldhouse. That weather was just too cold to stand around in doing nothing. I had a few brief conversations with some people around me, but there was nobody I recognized besides Felinski who assist coaches cross country anyway. Around 7:40, about 60 of us headed over to the grass practice field behind the school. We took a group photo, got the layout of the course from my old gym teacher, and he then said a quick prayer. I stood right at the starting line, sporting my Brooks Brothers sneakers, white compression socks, black mesh exercise shorts, long-sleeve black synthetic shirt, maroon t-shirt over that, red-orange fleece jacket, black Adidas headband, and black winter skull hat. Then I heard "Ready, set..." and the blowhorn didn't work. It sounded like somebody playing a trumpet with a wad of used chewing gum stuck inside.
Anyway, we started by going straight across Hawthorne Rd, then downhill, around the soccer field, slightly uphill, then back across Hawthorne Rd and across the practice field in the opposite direction that we had started. That took about five minutes and my hands were already getting numb because of the cold. And I really didn't know how fast I was running, but I knew I was pushing myself pretty hard. So we then went through the parking lot and then down the Prairie Path next to Prince Crossing Road for about two minutes. Then we made a left back onto the path for a pretty long straightaway before a quick left downhill turn, only to quickly turn right for a very steep uphill run for a few seconds. After that, we were back on the campus for a straightaway run past the softball field and back to the practice field.
The problem for me was I wasn't clear if we had to complete two laps or three laps before the finish. I did know there was and orange road cone set up near Hawthorne that we would have to turn around before heading toward the finish. So I really wasn't quite sure how to pace myself. I felt okay through the first lap, but I was having a lot of trouble breathing. The cold almost forced me to breathe through my mouth alone. I just made sure to breathe out as deeply as I could to help prevent those side cramps and thankfully, they never came. By the time I got back across Hawthorne on the second lap, I knew I was going to struggle. There were a few points where I wanted to just walk. But I knew if I did, getting myself to run again would only get harder. The only time I really slowed down was that last uphill rush. But a few moments later, when I saw a few people ahead of me turn around that orange cone, I knew I was almost finished. Even though I didn't really have a good sprint left in me, I was still able to pick my pace up a little bit. I crossed the finish line at the 23:18 mark, which was the eighth fastest finishing time. At the Willow Creek 5k, I finished at 28:45, and that was with a hard sprint for the last half mile, so I ran the three miles 5:27 faster than in April.
I immediately downed three small cups of water...I needed a tub of Gatorade. My right calf felt really tight, but other than that, I felt pretty good. Soon, I also saw George, the very energetic golden retriever crossing the line with his owner, so I got a cup of water for him too. He certainly appreciated it.
Then I headed over to the mini-tent where some snacks were set up for us. I took a mini-wheat bagel with cream cheese, half a banana, and a cup of blueberry yogurt that I still haven't eaten. Around 8:15, I took off and headed straight to the gym where I lay in the sauna and showered before a good soak in the whirlpool. I could have used a Swedish massage too...
The conditions outside were not ideal for running. Thankfully, the sky was blue, but I was hoping for a temperature higher than 33 degrees. Unfortunately, running the three miles on treadmills was not an option. So I got my runners' bib and gray alumni-t-shirt, and immediately went back inside the fieldhouse. That weather was just too cold to stand around in doing nothing. I had a few brief conversations with some people around me, but there was nobody I recognized besides Felinski who assist coaches cross country anyway. Around 7:40, about 60 of us headed over to the grass practice field behind the school. We took a group photo, got the layout of the course from my old gym teacher, and he then said a quick prayer. I stood right at the starting line, sporting my Brooks Brothers sneakers, white compression socks, black mesh exercise shorts, long-sleeve black synthetic shirt, maroon t-shirt over that, red-orange fleece jacket, black Adidas headband, and black winter skull hat. Then I heard "Ready, set..." and the blowhorn didn't work. It sounded like somebody playing a trumpet with a wad of used chewing gum stuck inside.
Anyway, we started by going straight across Hawthorne Rd, then downhill, around the soccer field, slightly uphill, then back across Hawthorne Rd and across the practice field in the opposite direction that we had started. That took about five minutes and my hands were already getting numb because of the cold. And I really didn't know how fast I was running, but I knew I was pushing myself pretty hard. So we then went through the parking lot and then down the Prairie Path next to Prince Crossing Road for about two minutes. Then we made a left back onto the path for a pretty long straightaway before a quick left downhill turn, only to quickly turn right for a very steep uphill run for a few seconds. After that, we were back on the campus for a straightaway run past the softball field and back to the practice field.
The problem for me was I wasn't clear if we had to complete two laps or three laps before the finish. I did know there was and orange road cone set up near Hawthorne that we would have to turn around before heading toward the finish. So I really wasn't quite sure how to pace myself. I felt okay through the first lap, but I was having a lot of trouble breathing. The cold almost forced me to breathe through my mouth alone. I just made sure to breathe out as deeply as I could to help prevent those side cramps and thankfully, they never came. By the time I got back across Hawthorne on the second lap, I knew I was going to struggle. There were a few points where I wanted to just walk. But I knew if I did, getting myself to run again would only get harder. The only time I really slowed down was that last uphill rush. But a few moments later, when I saw a few people ahead of me turn around that orange cone, I knew I was almost finished. Even though I didn't really have a good sprint left in me, I was still able to pick my pace up a little bit. I crossed the finish line at the 23:18 mark, which was the eighth fastest finishing time. At the Willow Creek 5k, I finished at 28:45, and that was with a hard sprint for the last half mile, so I ran the three miles 5:27 faster than in April.
I immediately downed three small cups of water...I needed a tub of Gatorade. My right calf felt really tight, but other than that, I felt pretty good. Soon, I also saw George, the very energetic golden retriever crossing the line with his owner, so I got a cup of water for him too. He certainly appreciated it.
Then I headed over to the mini-tent where some snacks were set up for us. I took a mini-wheat bagel with cream cheese, half a banana, and a cup of blueberry yogurt that I still haven't eaten. Around 8:15, I took off and headed straight to the gym where I lay in the sauna and showered before a good soak in the whirlpool. I could have used a Swedish massage too...
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Late Wednesday ponderings
1) I cannot go through the rest of my life with someone who will have victories and accomplishments to celebrate every year while I get mentally twisted and tortured. I’m trying to reduce the presence of sport in my life and in this situation I’ve been in for 18 months, it’s only going up and up.
2) I met a neat girl last Sunday at small group and we’ve had several conversations since. Including the one outside JT’s last Friday where we chatted about almost everything under the sun (including sex) for almost three hours. We get along really well. Next thing I know, I get a phone call from Matt P basically saying I need to watch my step. Because he’s going to ask her out for Halloween. He’s all but decided she’s going to be his next girlfriend. I wonder if she feels the same. I mean, can I really know within a week of knowing somebody that I want to ask them out? I would have said no, but then again, the deserter is a clear exception to that. One thing’s for sure, I don’t want to lose a good friend over a girl.
3) I’m listening to the first Presidential debate as I write this. I’m right wing on many issues, but I haven’t really invested my vote in Mitt Romney. I will probably pay more attention than I used to and get a really good feel for who I will vote for come November.
4) Amazing choke job by the American Ryder Cup team. And watching Phil Mickelson smile as Justin Rose rallied against him on Sunday made me absolutely sick. Hey Phil, how about showing a little competitive spirit like you did when you dominated with Keegan Bradley during the Friday and Saturday sessions?! Yes, I would have liked to have gone to Medinah to witness it first-hand. But at $250 a ticket, I don’t think that would have been worth it, especially when I can only watch one hole at a time.
5) Lucky’s doesn’t have the greatest food in the world. But after watching the Jets get bludgeoned, it’s a great way to ease the symptoms of pure depression. Several slices of capicola, fried egg, provolone cheese, fresh French fries, oil and vinegar cole slaw, and tomato slices on thick cut Italian bread. And the Breckenridge Agave Wheat draft beer from Denver turned out to be a stellar compliment to a very hearty sandwich.
6) I really enjoyed watching the Zac Brown Band in Tinley Park. It was a much more visual show than I anticipated with lots of lights and several smaller screens. And my God, those guys can play! I’d say “Colder Weather” and “Whiskey’s Gone” were my favorite songs to hear live. I even snuck in tiny bottles of Jack Daniels and Bacardi into the show and drank most of them. And considering a Coke would have cost me $9.00, I’d say it was a risk well worth taking.
7) But getting out of the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre was one of the absolute worst traffic jams I have ever been in that did not involve bad weather. I got in my car at 11:15 and I-80 West was only about two or three miles away. It took me no less than 45 minutes to drive those two or three miles. I did not get home until 1 AM and I only got 4 hours of sleep before waking up at 6 for work on Monday morning.
8) Looks like I’m going to Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar and Grill on Saturday afternoon after I pick up Mom at O’Hare. But I’m picking her up at 3:40. I really wonder how lively the place will be at 4 pm on a Saturday afternoon…I’m guessing I will see a lot more families than eye candy.
9) Adam the Jew is starting to wear on me. He has a very biting sense of humor and I can deal with that. I’m from New York, I have a sarcastic side to me, no question about it. But when that’s 95 percent of his communication, I really wonder if to him, I’m more of a friend or a punching bag.
10) 2.5 days to go till the Wheaton Academy Alumni and Friends 5k. I ran 2.25 miles on the treadmill today at 6.7 mph with an 0.5 upgrade. I have to say, my legs I didn’t feel too great after I was done. I think I’m going to pass on running Thursday night and do some light weights and maybe some time on the exercise bike. On April 21, I finished my first 5k in 28:45. I’m not sure what a realistic goal time is, but I definitely think I can break 27 minutes.
11) My biggest concern about the 5k is the possibility of a shower on Saturday. Because I have this suspicion that without a running track at my old high school, we’ll be running on the Prairie Path, which is dirt. The idea of running through mud would not be an ideal situation to run over three miles in. But I have my music playlist ready to go. I do wonder if I’ll see anyone I knew in high school though, who really knows how this morning will go.
2) I met a neat girl last Sunday at small group and we’ve had several conversations since. Including the one outside JT’s last Friday where we chatted about almost everything under the sun (including sex) for almost three hours. We get along really well. Next thing I know, I get a phone call from Matt P basically saying I need to watch my step. Because he’s going to ask her out for Halloween. He’s all but decided she’s going to be his next girlfriend. I wonder if she feels the same. I mean, can I really know within a week of knowing somebody that I want to ask them out? I would have said no, but then again, the deserter is a clear exception to that. One thing’s for sure, I don’t want to lose a good friend over a girl.
3) I’m listening to the first Presidential debate as I write this. I’m right wing on many issues, but I haven’t really invested my vote in Mitt Romney. I will probably pay more attention than I used to and get a really good feel for who I will vote for come November.
4) Amazing choke job by the American Ryder Cup team. And watching Phil Mickelson smile as Justin Rose rallied against him on Sunday made me absolutely sick. Hey Phil, how about showing a little competitive spirit like you did when you dominated with Keegan Bradley during the Friday and Saturday sessions?! Yes, I would have liked to have gone to Medinah to witness it first-hand. But at $250 a ticket, I don’t think that would have been worth it, especially when I can only watch one hole at a time.
5) Lucky’s doesn’t have the greatest food in the world. But after watching the Jets get bludgeoned, it’s a great way to ease the symptoms of pure depression. Several slices of capicola, fried egg, provolone cheese, fresh French fries, oil and vinegar cole slaw, and tomato slices on thick cut Italian bread. And the Breckenridge Agave Wheat draft beer from Denver turned out to be a stellar compliment to a very hearty sandwich.
6) I really enjoyed watching the Zac Brown Band in Tinley Park. It was a much more visual show than I anticipated with lots of lights and several smaller screens. And my God, those guys can play! I’d say “Colder Weather” and “Whiskey’s Gone” were my favorite songs to hear live. I even snuck in tiny bottles of Jack Daniels and Bacardi into the show and drank most of them. And considering a Coke would have cost me $9.00, I’d say it was a risk well worth taking.
7) But getting out of the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre was one of the absolute worst traffic jams I have ever been in that did not involve bad weather. I got in my car at 11:15 and I-80 West was only about two or three miles away. It took me no less than 45 minutes to drive those two or three miles. I did not get home until 1 AM and I only got 4 hours of sleep before waking up at 6 for work on Monday morning.
8) Looks like I’m going to Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar and Grill on Saturday afternoon after I pick up Mom at O’Hare. But I’m picking her up at 3:40. I really wonder how lively the place will be at 4 pm on a Saturday afternoon…I’m guessing I will see a lot more families than eye candy.
9) Adam the Jew is starting to wear on me. He has a very biting sense of humor and I can deal with that. I’m from New York, I have a sarcastic side to me, no question about it. But when that’s 95 percent of his communication, I really wonder if to him, I’m more of a friend or a punching bag.
10) 2.5 days to go till the Wheaton Academy Alumni and Friends 5k. I ran 2.25 miles on the treadmill today at 6.7 mph with an 0.5 upgrade. I have to say, my legs I didn’t feel too great after I was done. I think I’m going to pass on running Thursday night and do some light weights and maybe some time on the exercise bike. On April 21, I finished my first 5k in 28:45. I’m not sure what a realistic goal time is, but I definitely think I can break 27 minutes.
11) My biggest concern about the 5k is the possibility of a shower on Saturday. Because I have this suspicion that without a running track at my old high school, we’ll be running on the Prairie Path, which is dirt. The idea of running through mud would not be an ideal situation to run over three miles in. But I have my music playlist ready to go. I do wonder if I’ll see anyone I knew in high school though, who really knows how this morning will go.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Zac Brown Band setlist
Keep Me In Mind
Natural Disaster
As She's Walking Away
Who Knows
Colder Weather
Whiskey's Gone
Knee Deep
Can't You See
Acoustic Set
Problem of Freedom
All Apologies
One Day
Sweet Emotion
Free/Into the Mystic
It's Not Ok
Toes
Goodbye In Her Eyes
The Wind
Neon
Jump Right In
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Encore
Uncaged
America the Beautiful
Chicken Fried
Natural Disaster
As She's Walking Away
Who Knows
Colder Weather
Whiskey's Gone
Knee Deep
Can't You See
Acoustic Set
Problem of Freedom
All Apologies
One Day
Sweet Emotion
Free/Into the Mystic
It's Not Ok
Toes
Goodbye In Her Eyes
The Wind
Neon
Jump Right In
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Encore
Uncaged
America the Beautiful
Chicken Fried
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