Eric Walker
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  • Tired to take a trail during my run today but that was short lived as the rain from this morning didn’t make the snow slush but actually just a nice smooth sheet of ice.

    → 12:54 PM, Mar 22
  • Time to get back to work so I had to force myself to get out for a run. While out I was reminded I am thankful that this bridge was built as I didn’t like having to run on the edge of the road previously. Not that it stopped me but the bridge with a big sidewalk is nice.

    → 1:59 PM, Mar 21
  • Was an overcast day today but overall felt good on my run for the first 4 miles. Then I think the lack of water this morning and too much coffee caught up to me. I guess that is when not planning on when you are going to run comes back to haunt you.

    → 10:37 PM, Mar 15
  • It has been to many days of rest so time to get back to it running. In some consolation it was warm when I started but got a little cold at the end. Maybe Spring is coming…

    → 8:33 PM, Mar 14
  • Wasn’t planning on running but work up early again and saw it was going to be a beautiful sunrise so I quickly tossed my running gear on and headed out along the Ocean.

    → 6:38 AM, Mar 9
  • Had to get out a little earlier this morning before heading into work. Wish I could have seen the sunrise vs overcast weather still glad to get this run done.

    → 9:10 PM, Mar 8
  • Was a cloudy morning in the Prairie and at first I really didn’t want to go for a run but I have a lot of travel this evening so knew it would be good to get out.

    → 5:42 PM, Mar 5
  • Found a quick break in my day around lunchtime to go run around some muddy trails.  Afternoon full of meeting so I had to make sure I didn’t spend too much time out there today.

    → 6:01 PM, Mar 3
  • Wasn’t many tracks out there today after the snowfall this morning. I did try to find my way paths that were more plowed at one point to avoid ice chunks under the snow. I crossed a path looking out to the conservation area and can’t wait to get back in there.

    → 12:00 AM, Mar 2
  • Realized I had some posts sitting in Ulysses that I crafted while on vacation with limited internet. Once we got reception I forgot to post them so I am going to be doing some cleanup. Hopefully nothing gets disrupted as I backdate a couple posts like this -> First time running along a beach.

    → 9:15 PM, Mar 1
  • Exploring a new area tonight and was unfortunately surprised with a lot of hills. I was not really ready for all that up hill climbing. I almost debated making my own shortcut up this wall..

    → 10:59 PM, Feb 28
  • Kid had late basketball practice tonight and I realized right before I left I didn’t have any coffee for tomorrow. Nothing a quick run couldn’t solve thought the ice, slush and snow. Coffee problem solved!

    → 12:38 AM, Feb 28
  • Another beautiful morning run along the river in Rochester before back to back basketball games. The weather said it was 23°F but felt much warmer in the sun.

    → 11:22 PM, Feb 26
  • Long break in between basketball games today and the sun was out so I took advantage of the nice paths by the river in Rochester. Wish I wouldn’t have eaten so much for lunch but oh well.

    → 11:57 PM, Feb 25
  • Found some plowed sidewalks and some not so plowed like this one today on my run. Since I was pressed for time today it just added to the work out trudging through this deep snow. 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:24 PM, Feb 24
  • The snow might not be as bad as people thought but running through it was a fun little challenge tonight. Also, probably shouldn’t have done it 20 min after eating dinner 🤷🏻‍♂️ 🌨️

    → 11:49 PM, Feb 22
  • Busy middle of the day today with hockey so I had to force myself to get up early today or this run would most likely have never happened. Weather was good and I was feeling good but still worried about icy patches out there.

    → 12:56 PM, Feb 19
  • With all the rain yesterday and sun I was hoping this trail was cleared to run on. It was good until I turned and was met with this. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my skates 😒

    → 8:50 PM, Feb 15
  • After a busy day I found time to get out in this warm weather to run and watch the sunset. Glad more of our ice is melting away.

    → 9:05 PM, Feb 13
  • Early morning run helping a friend navigate some side streets in Eden Prairie. I think I regret staying up so late the night before but glad to get this done before the busy day.

    → 10:05 AM, Feb 11
  • Another sunny day and was glad to find exactly 30 min free in my schedule to run. I should have kept to the streets as the sidewalks are not quite clear yet. Possibly worse right now as the ice melts and freezes every day so it is super slick.

    → 7:49 PM, Feb 10
  • Finally some warm weather and less icy streets and paths. I did happen to find a trail to make my way down to Red Rock Lake and then did a little exploring. Would have tested the ice but looked a little too open water for me.

    → 8:30 PM, Feb 9
  • With the warmer weather yesterday I had to try to keep to the streets as much as possible as sidewalks were sheets of uneven ice. Longest run of the year which seems like a shock to say as it is already February.

    → 1:56 PM, Feb 6
  • Maybe I shouldn’t have tried to do two days in a row as I was feeling this run in my legs today. However, the sun was out again and I had some time to kill so I figured it would be good to get out again.

    → 9:39 PM, Feb 2
  • Easing back into things after 10 days with no activities. Starting February off with a short run to make sure everything is working and besides being more tired than normal all was well.

    → 5:23 PM, Feb 1
  • Chalk this up to a first as I had some time in between my son’s late basketball games tonight so I decided to go on a run with no real running cloths (or lights) 😆.

    → 9:40 PM, Jan 21
  • Might have felt a little more sore running today than I thought after yesterday’s spill. However, I stumbled upon this fun pond hockey rink.. Well done 👏🏒

    → 12:42 AM, Jan 21
  • I do like running in a light snow fall and seeing the snow stick to that trees. However, that was quickly changed in my mind when I was reminded the hard way of the ice under this snow I couldn’t see 🤦‍♂️

    → 7:53 PM, Jan 19
  • The temperature is at that fun point of slush in some areas and very slick in others. Ended up with just wet socks and shoes while what felt like skating my miles tonight.

    → 12:03 AM, Jan 19
  • Sometimes when running, I find myself purposely or unintentionally at a dead end or cul-de-sac, I am interested to see the signs they put up. This is from a cul-de-sac and I am not sure why someone would think they could drive or dump here with all the houses around 🤷🏻‍♂️

    → 12:31 AM, Jan 18
  • Well what was rain today turned into a snow run tonight with no lights. Sidewalks started to get a little slick but not to bad and I was able to look up and capture this. 🌨️

    → 10:35 PM, Jan 16
  • The strange things you find in the middle of busy streets when running. I have to think this looked really odd carrying the last mile of my run though. 🔨🤔

    → 3:55 PM, Jan 15
  • Sometimes to break up a long drive you just need to stop at a random park and go for a run.

    📍Riverwalk Park, North Branch, MN

    → 11:26 PM, Jan 14
  • Just an amazing find running today. Utilizing all this excess show we have been getting by building a huge fort in the middle of the cul-de-sac. Well done family or families that are involved!

    → 11:59 PM, Jan 11
  • Going to be a busy day so this was really the only time and distance I had to work with.

    → 11:45 AM, Jan 10
  • Had to pick the car up from the shop today so it seemed like a good time to get a run in.

    → 11:28 PM, Jan 9
  • This is really a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things but I wish the sidewalks were clear. This should be a sidewalk next to this this busier road that was my only way home so I played a frogger style going from side street to side street. 🐸

    → 11:39 PM, Jan 8
  • Junk miles today… I say this because I had only a certain amount of time to do this run. I was so worried that I wouldn’t get back to my daughters dance studio in time so when my shoe came untied at mile 1 I didn’t stop to tie it and kept trucking to the end. 🤦‍♂️

    Normally I stop to take pictures but this was taking while moving. I feel it is clearer than I thought it would have turned out.

    → 11:12 PM, Jan 7
  • Loving the bright sun reflecting off the frost of the trees today. Should have wore spikes running today. Let’s just hope someone was watching my slip sliding display in a nearby cul-de-sac. Didn’t crash as I caught myself with my hands but I’m sure it was a sight.

    → 4:03 PM, Jan 6
  • Winter running tools needed during this night run. The side streets have not been plowed great and after an above freezing day with lots of menting snow the temps have turned again and are dropping. Didn’t fall.. Win! 🧊

    → 10:51 PM, Jan 5
  • As much fun as blazing my own trail is I will take the hint as it is snowing again and assume this trail is closed. Thankfully the sidewalk I was on was cleared so it wasn’t too bad out running this evening. Just still snowing… 🌨️

    → 9:52 PM, Jan 4
  • Nothing like running shuffling through deep snow today as there was probably 4-5 inches already on the ground and not plowed in some places. It was fun out there though ☃️🏃🏻‍♂️

    I did not do a face plant in the snow but the last 5 blocks was straight into the wind/snow.

    → 2:51 PM, Jan 3
  • Now that it is colder again the ice is back out on the streets and sidewalks. Didn’t fall on my run so that is a win and I continued to fill in my street map.

    → 10:48 PM, Jan 2
  • Not a bad way to start the New Year than a run with my oldest Daughter. I was surprised when she said she wanted to come along so I changed my plans as how could I pass this up. 😍🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 6:21 PM, Jan 1
  • Getting in a run in before the day is done. Probably the last one for 2022 and after a sluggish first mile started to feel better. It could also be finding some pavement that isn’t slush and snow.

    → 8:55 PM, Dec 30
  • Thanks for not plowing and actually leaving a pile of snow on the sidewalk McDonald’s 😖. Had to take our van in so figured I would run home as we have a busy afternoon.

    → 2:28 PM, Dec 29
  • Wet rough mess out there running today. However, after all the festivities I was slow moving so it didn’t bother me too much just didn’t want to hurt my feet or ankles. Short weather today as it was a warm 38°F.

    → 6:28 PM, Dec 28
  • Early morning Christmas run before opening presents. It was another cold one but I was just trying to make sure I made it back in time.. I might have been right in the nick of time. 🎄🥶

    → 12:05 AM, Dec 26
  • Wave one of workers done in the house and the family went bowling. So I took a 27 min run outside to see how cold it was really was. Looks like I got my 2022 frozen face picture in the books. 🥶

    New profile picture too 😉

    → 4:04 PM, Dec 22
  • Snowy run today that was slow going as there was a nice sheet of ice under as well. However, I used this time to fill in some streets that I have not run close to my house over the years.

    → 4:55 PM, Dec 19
  • There was really no plan to run today but I couldn’t pass up this beautiful scenery. If anything it is a great way to just zone out for a while and I took a 3.1 mile route I have run so often back in the days of the 5k a day that I could really just zone out.

    → 12:25 AM, Dec 17
  • I really do love snowy days like today. I was just thankful it was still snowing this afternoon so I could go for a run while listening to my favorite podcast that dropped this morning. Also, decided to hit up a trail to really blaze a path through the snow, a good way to end the day if I say so myself. 🌨🏃‍♂️

    → 5:26 PM, Dec 15
  • Nothing like running in the rain on December 14. Being late night runs after dinner I have found a new goal with no plan for pace as I am finding streets I have never run on and looping ever cul-de-sac and dead end road. Amazing what you can find.

    → 12:33 AM, Dec 15
  • Late night run as my son was at basketball practice. After a long day of work and dealing with contractors this was needed as I just explored random streets. However, at one point I questioned if I was going to make it back in time.

    → 12:19 AM, Dec 13
  • Found some time close to lunch to get out for a run and enjoy the weather. Well mostly enjoyable, if anything I wasn’t dealing with house projects or other things that I needed to get done. I just had to put one foot in front of the other.

    → 11:30 PM, Dec 9
  • Surprised this went as well as it did today as there was fresh snow on the ground and I lacking sleep based on my late night flooding. Maybe it is because running in the snow and making the first tracks is fun. 🌨️🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:41 PM, Dec 7
  • Could this be a shortcut to end this run early? I am not 100% confident that it is completely frozen but maybe another time.

    → 2:15 PM, Dec 6
  • It is hard to always keep things on track and have line of sight to the end in the distance. The problem is just like this track there are curves along the way that give me less visibility into what is maybe coming at me or going to cause delays. Random thoughts running today.

    → 10:33 PM, Dec 2
  • Took some work on heavy legs today trudging through the snow. Below is the same picture that was taken 2 days ago but now with snow.

    → 10:48 PM, Dec 1
  • Braved the cold (15°F with a feels like 0°F) and enjoyed running over the snow and on ice today. Actually, broke out the yak tracks but might not have been 100% needed and might not have helped I put them on backwards 🤦‍♂️

    → 8:40 PM, Nov 30
  • Lucky that I found some time today to get out for a run so it was short. It worked out as my ankle was a little sore for some reason or another. I still can’t believe how low the water is in the lakes/ponds around my house.

    → 12:06 AM, Nov 29
  • Such nice weather today that I had to take a break from rink building to go for a run.

    It was so nice I wore shorts even though snow was on the ground 😁

    → 7:48 PM, Nov 26
  • Keeping the tradition alive with an early morning Thanksgiving day run. This year we are back in my hometown and I enjoy the memories that come back running these streets and seeing how things have changed. 🏃🏻‍♂️🦃

    → 10:39 AM, Nov 24
  • Passing some time while my girls were at dance. Too bad it was dark out but I made the best of it doing a little running.

    → 12:09 AM, Nov 23
  • Thankfully the sun was out and it wasn’t windy because this run was miserable. Not that time time or anything was bad but one of those times that the whole time if I would have been closer to my house I might have cut it short.

    → 1:26 PM, Nov 21
  • My daughter had a hockey practice and she forgot her water bottle so.. I decided to run it to her 😁

    → 2:05 PM, Nov 20
  • It was colder than I was thinking when I started this run today and was wishing I wore my other gloves. However, as things progressed I was feeling better and decided to run a mile longer than I had planned. Oh and my last mile and a half both my shoes were untied 😂

    → 2:35 PM, Nov 18
  • Finally got cold enough to make it challenging out there today with ice under the snow. I was not anticipating that or the wind / blowing snow. However, it felt good to step away from all the meetings today and get outside.

    → 11:16 PM, Nov 17
  • Loved the white scenery today so I decided against my better judgement to hit the snow covered trails. Mostly they were good but the boardwalks made me nervous as they had some tracks and were covered. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 7:45 PM, Nov 16
  • With the fresh snow and that it kept snowing most of the morning it made sense to get out there and make some tracks. The perfect day to go for a snow run! 🌨️🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:15 PM, Nov 14
  • Quick run in before the next hockey game today.

    → 6:45 PM, Nov 12
  • Short run today as I had some earlier all day meetings today. Definitely a little colder out today and the wind blowing.

    → 10:37 PM, Nov 8
  • I really do like running in the morning and watching the sunrise. It was more humid than I thought it was going to be after running in cooler weather for a while but having the Ocean view made it all worth while.

    → 7:36 PM, Nov 7
  • With taking a kid to the doctors and team meetings all day I gave myself 25 min to run. I was guessing how long it would take me and gave myself a little cushion but finished in 24:42. Didn’t miss any meetings 😁.

    → 8:42 PM, Nov 3
  • Since we still have this nice weather I decided while my girls were at dance I would go run across my hidden bridge again. Only too bad it gets dark so early as once I got back on pavement to trek back it was dark.

    → 7:34 PM, Nov 1
  • Found a gap in my calendar early today and took advantage of it. Decided to explore some trails I haven’t been to in a while.

    → 9:49 PM, Oct 31
  • In between all the stuff today I found some time for a run. I am kind of surprised I had these trails to myself today as the last couple of times I have come across people. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:30 PM, Oct 30
  • Had to take it real easy as it got dark fast and these boardwalk and trails require some decent footwork with no running lights. However, it was a well neede break today. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:32 PM, Oct 27
  • Found the hidden bridge I was looking for but also another one too 😁. Overall run was good after starting off a little rocky by tripping over rocks on a trail covered by leaves 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦‍♂️.

    → 11:27 PM, Oct 25
  • Even though I am still not feeling 100% I needed to get outside today. Decided to go out and catch the sunset on a boardwalk trail run. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:32 PM, Oct 23
  • It has been a couple of days so it was time to get out for a run. I figured I would just find some trails and do some exploring as I am still trying to find a hidden bridge around Braemar golf course. Didn’t spend to much time looking but I think I know where to look next time.

    → 10:52 PM, Oct 18
  • After the strange weather day we had I stepped out to run and it started sleeting so I gave it 5 min and thankfully it stopped. Glad I didn’t scrap as it was a much needed break after this week and caught the sun setting. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:12 PM, Oct 14
  • Passing the time running while my girls are at dance tonight. I am not sure where this change in weather came from but it was warmer and windier than expected. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:20 PM, Oct 11
  • Still loving these fall runs and colors 🍂. Decided to take to the trails today.

    → 7:26 PM, Oct 7
  • These Fall days… I just wish this picture turned out like how I actually saw it with all the colors. However, this is what gets me out there.

    → 10:15 PM, Oct 6
  • After a couple days off I decided to put a couple miles in while my youngest was at her piano lesson. I was in no hurry and enjoyed the scenery. I wasn’t feeling bad before and still good after but my legs were doing some talking during this run.

    → 9:29 PM, Oct 5
  • Time to have some “fun” 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 7:23 AM, Oct 2
  • Most likely the last run till Sunday. Not sure why my hip started giving me some pain during the last half mile but hope it was just a fluke.

    → 11:39 AM, Sep 29
  • Stretching the legs out again as the day is getting near. As my friend said at this point the biggest objective of these last few runs is to not trip and fall 😆

    → 10:08 PM, Sep 28
  • I don’t think I am doing this taper thing right 🫣 but it was a beautiful day and I had an hour to kill between meetings.

    → 4:54 PM, Sep 27
  • Had to motivate myself to get out there today but it was really a nice day out. With one week to go, a lots of curveballs of life plans have made me worried of my overall goal or fitness. However, so close now I will just get it done with no expectations.

    → 4:31 PM, Sep 25
  • Last day in Portland for a while so I needed to catch the sunrise one more time. Starting to get a little chilly out there but I will take this weather over the heat.

    → 1:42 PM, Sep 23
  • Sunrise run this morning before heading into the office. The scenery doesn’t get old for me.

    → 7:08 AM, Sep 21
  • It was a nice cool morning today but not too much from a view perspective. Just trying to get some more miles in before the rest of the week might get crazy.

    → 4:32 PM, Sep 20
  • Rainy evening run along the water after a full day of in person meetings with the new team. This one felt good and has some speed to it. Must have been the cold rainy weather.

    → 6:35 PM, Sep 19
  • It was too nice out this morning to not get a couple of miles in before going to the office.

    → 1:50 PM, Sep 15
  • Really a beautiful late afternoon to get out and run along the water. Felt good even though I had no plan in place but a loose route in mind.

    → 8:21 PM, Sep 14
  • After what felt like a strange day of work as my flight was in the middle of it. It felt good to just stretch the legs and put some miles in along the waterfront. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 6:46 PM, Sep 12
  • Glad to get this one in the books and feeling as good as I could. On the other hand random running routes lead to more hills than planned. At least this was done in the morning before the day got crazy!

    → 5:01 PM, Sep 10
  • Had to get a late run in tonight as I had a full day in the actual office today. The moon has a yellow glow tonight and the picture doesn’t do it justice. It was still pretty warm out but nicer than yesterday with the sun out and no breeze.

    → 11:21 PM, Sep 8
  • Another brutal day out there today but kept telling myself it was all about getting out there. My route and no rhyme or reason but trying to find some shade. Looking forward to cooler temps this weekend.

    → 10:15 PM, Sep 7
  • I see my friend the heat came back today to make me regret taking yesterday off. At least this path was somewhat shade covered.

    → 11:02 PM, Sep 6
  • Wasn’t even sure I was going to get this run in but glad to get double digits to keep some momentum going forward. Really couldn’t have asked for better weather it was so nice out and hope this weather stays around for a while.

    → 10:34 PM, Sep 4
  • Did I mention I like finding trails? 😉 Had to get this one done early today as going to watch my son run his Cross Country meet was next. Felt good after a day of rest but it was still so humid out.

    → 4:53 PM, Sep 2
  • For a minute I was thinking of taking this familiar trail but the heat / humidity was kicking me. I thought running when the sun went down would be better tonight but I was wrong. Fun catching up with my neighbor afterwards but I am guessing the beers didn’t do me any benefits.😁

    → 9:38 PM, Aug 31
  • Good thing I didn’t have to run under this dead tree branch. After the cool weather last night this one felt much harder than it should have been or maybe it was the cake 😁.

    → 7:35 PM, Aug 30
  • Run felt good tonight after the weekend run. My daughters asked me in the middle of the run for cake mix. Which of course I said I would figure it out. Guessing I looked kind of funny carrying a box of cake mix and frosting for the last 2 miles. 🤷‍♂️

    → 10:07 PM, Aug 29
  • Misery loves company - The perfect title to this run due to the heat and humidity. So it was slow going as hydration was key. However, not all was lost or miserable as the route I planned went by the Minnehaha Creek Headwaters Park.

    → 10:23 PM, Aug 27
  • Probably wouldn’t have done this run if it weren’t for the fact I needed to pickup my car. It was a hot and humid one out there again today.

    → 11:16 PM, Aug 24
  • Finding a trail is always a plus even when it is near familiar paths. It was much warmer than I was thinking on this run but I had to get home from the auto repair shop somehow.

    → 9:00 PM, Aug 23
  • Glad to find some shade tunnels on this run. Not that it was all that hot but I meant to bring water along only to realize I forgot my water bottle at home on the steps 🤦‍♂️

    → 9:33 PM, Aug 22
  • Touring Waseca today as I tried to figure out how to fit in 17 miles in this town 😉. Biggest struggle was this wasn’t my weekend plan so I didn’t have a lot of water or any fuel. So I tried to find some parks that had water of which some did and some didn’t.

    → 3:00 PM, Aug 20
  • With everything going on today I was glad to squeeze this run in. I was actually surprised the rain held off though it could have helped me cool down.

    → 10:53 PM, Aug 18
  • Fitting the clouds come in after my run and after I finished mowing. The run was needed to clear my head but man was it warm out there.

    → 11:05 PM, Aug 17
  • Enjoyed the view tonight as I ran across the small boardwalks. I probably shouldn’t have run through all the wooded areas as the last half of my run it dark out and I didn’t have lights. 🤷‍♂️ Glad the legs weren’t too beat up from yesterday.

    → 11:23 PM, Aug 15
  • A tail of two bridges over the Minnesota River Valley and old brewery remains that ended in the dark. Glad to get this run done with out feeling too horrible as normally this one millage is bad luck.

    → 11:49 PM, Aug 14
  • While my son was at a basketball practice I took the down time to lace up the shoes and explore the area. Found this awesome boardwalk in Bloomington and then some other mulch trails as well.

    → 10:58 PM, Aug 12
  • Made another crack tonight exploring the trails around Braemar. Wonder how long this trail has been under construction. I will be sure to make it back this way to check 😁

    → 9:45 PM, Aug 11
  • Wanted to try something new today with my running but that ended up with me having to stop and then restart my run 🤷‍♂️. I will figure this Garmin watch out sometime.

    → 11:21 PM, Aug 9
  • I guess I will say the recovery run went well but the heat got to me. Interesting that since May this section of trail has still not been fixed…

    → 8:35 PM, Aug 9
  • Did some exploring in Edina again and found they opened a trail I had been hoping would be completed. Also, found some really cool bridges at another park.

    → 7:38 PM, Aug 7
  • Just rambling around this morning to clear the head. The breeze was nice but I knew better with such high humidity and due point. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:00 AM, Aug 5
  • Had limited time after dropping one girl off and waiting to bring the other one home from dance. Probably good as I really wasn’t feeling it today. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:55 PM, Aug 4
  • Last day running and exploring along the coast of Maine. It has been fun but my legs and ankles are ready to take a break from the cobblestone and hiking trails.

    → 9:03 AM, Aug 1
  • Exploring Bar Island today as I timed it right this morning at low tide. Ran on trails and some maybe trails to kill some time before the tide came back in 😉🌊

    → 8:42 PM, Jul 30
  • Decided to take another tour over the bridge and in the town of Wiscasset, ME again today. Was short on time so cut this run down.

    → 9:58 PM, Jul 28
  • Quiet morning looking out on the Sheepscot River. Also, great day to do some exploring of Wiscasset, ME.

    → 7:36 AM, Jul 27
  • The Freedom Trail run in Boston today. I figured I had never done the full trail before that I can remember. It was nice as I didn’t have any crowds in the streets and was sometimes all by myself. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:34 PM, Jul 24
  • Had the trail to myself today. Had to get this in early as it is going to be a full day today as we are traveling again tonight.

    → 7:50 PM, Jul 22
  • Did a little exploring tonight as I was hoping to run on the Riverview Rd but it seems to be blocked and fenced off. Decided to improvise and at least find some other trails with a view.

    → 10:50 PM, Jul 20
  • Another warm one out there running today on a route with very little shade around Clear Lake. I did take this time to explore a another new trail offshoot which was really nothing much but something to change it up.

    → 3:43 PM, Jul 18
  • Long run day of rolling hills… Started early to avoid the heat but you can’t change the dew point or humidity which was 66° and 90%. 🥵

    → 2:41 PM, Jul 17
  • Was kind of hoping there was rain in those clouds as it was really humid and hot this morning running.

    → 7:00 PM, Jul 15
  • Long day ahead of me today so back to the earlier morning runs. This morning it is hard to tell from the picture but it was pretty foggy out.

    → 8:10 AM, Jul 13
  • Didn’t sleep great as I was on the couch with the dog to make sure she didn’t need to go out quick so this was a little slow going from the start. However, started to find my footing along the way and explored a new area. 🏃‍♂️

    → 10:15 AM, Jul 12
  • I really underestimated the amount of water to bring on todays run with the humidity. Probably didn’t help I got a little turned around and added some millage 🤦‍♂️🥵💦🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:08 AM, Jul 8
  • It was a hot and humid run out there today. I was glad when it was over and I was back in the AC the rest of the day. 🥵🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:16 PM, Jul 7
  • Really nice evening run exploring some more trails. I am actually surprised how dry the creek bed was.

    → 12:00 AM, Jul 7
  • The local run today got canceled but I still decided to get outafter the rain stopped. However, wow the humidity and heat I was not ready for again.

    → 2:27 PM, Jul 4
  • Back home finally and did a little exploratory run in the Southern part of Eden Prairie where it seems there is an actual Prairie 😁. Trying to figure out how this section connects to what was old Riverview Road.

    → 5:00 PM, Jul 3
  • Had a nice run into Bayfield on the Brownstone Trail. The section I was on might have been closed as I noticed a sign I blew past as well as a fence I hopped but the views were great along the water. Mostly due to erosion as there was some quick footwork in places but I sure hope they are able to preserve it.

    This would be where there was some erosion and obviously no one has used this trail in a while.

    Good morning from Bayfield

    → 5:00 PM, Jul 2
  • Was raining today but wanted to get out for a run mostly to explore Porcupine Mountains. The trail was interesting and at first I felt like it just wasn’t maintained by the fallen tree but eventually I was a on a very small boardwalk that eventually turned into a muddy mess.

    → 5:00 PM, Jun 30
  • First time running along a beach for most of the run. It was fun but I did get a little too close tempting the water and soaked a foot 🏃🏻‍♂️

    ran all the way out to the end of that peninsula

    and now back

    📍 Pancake Bay, Algoma, Unorganized, North Part

    → 5:00 PM, Jun 27
  • It was a beautiful cool morning today to get a small run in. The roots from trees on this route kept me looking down a lot but still saw some good sights. Till the trail wasn’t the trail anymore 🤦‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:00 PM, Jun 25
  • Didn’t really want to get up and move today. However, this was the only time I was going to find to run so it was a now or not going to happen. Maybe my effort shows that too but at least it was nice out this morning.

    → 8:15 AM, Jun 23
  • Early morning trail run on the boardwalk. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:39 PM, Jun 22
  • With this heat I am thinking I need to get up earlier to get my miles in. However, it was still pretty warm out at this hour too. 😴🥵🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:12 PM, Jun 21
  • Happy Father’s Day run. I explored more of Waconia today and found some new trails and couldn’t find others I had hoped to find. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    Had to follow Doodlebug trail🐶

    → 7:20 PM, Jun 19
  • Looks calm but I tell you what it was hot, humid, and windy out there today. I probably should have woke up earlier today to get this done. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:35 PM, Jun 18
  • Wasn’t feeling it today but glad to get some miles in as it was cooler than the prior days. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:57 PM, Jun 16
  • Thankful for the cloud cover today as it was still humid out there. 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:28 AM, Jun 15
  • I meant to run much earlier today to avoid some of the heat and humidity but didn’t and was right in the thick of it. If the sun would have stayed behind the clouds that might have helped as well. 🥵

    → 11:13 AM, Jun 14
  • Most likely the last run in this area till fall when my girls are back at dance. I enjoyed this small loop I found that is right around 400 meters. It is a good way to pass the time towards the end of my run that is close to the studio. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 7:29 PM, Jun 9
  • New place to run but my legs were not ready for the rough terrain and up and down of these trails. However, some of the scenery might have made it worth while. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    📍 Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Lake Elmo

    → 9:04 PM, Jun 8
  • As unplanned days go this was another unplanned run but it was nice out and I had good company for it. Thankful he waited an extra 15 min as I realized I forgot my shoes. 🤦‍♂️ 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:07 PM, Jun 6
  • Just beautiful outside today. Blue skies, a breeze, and the temps sitting at around 60°F. Couldn’t pass this up on a Friday morning and am thankful that my schedule was wide open so I could run a little longer than planned. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:41 PM, Jun 3
  • New favorite cut through trail I found a couple weeks back. Each week at dance I try to get a faster time one this little segment. Not so much this week, I think it all comes down to the footwork around this washed out part. 😆

    → 10:36 PM, Jun 2
  • It was a warm one today but I needed to move so I ran around Clear Lake in Waseca, MN.

    → 11:11 PM, May 29
  • Just a beautiful day to be outside running. Blue skies and 61°F this morning. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 2:40 PM, May 27
  • Needed this run today it has been a long week. Not to mention I felt much better running than I though I would have. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 6:10 PM, May 26
  • Had to get this one done in the early morning hours today. It has been awhile since I have woken up and went right out for a run. I think my body was confused and wanted coffee first 🏃🏻‍♂️☕️

    → 3:52 PM, May 24
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 23: Plain

    Just a plain looking sky today on my late afternoon run.

    → 10:41 PM, May 23
  • Saw this shovel and spraying can in the road on my run today. I decided to do my good deed by moving it into the grass I am sure either of those could have had some consequences if someone ran over them.

    → 3:27 PM, May 20
  • Just ran by a family of geese this afternoon. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:12 PM, May 19
  • Really wasn’t feeling it today but it was beautiful out again so decided to hit the trails and pavement for some miles today. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:40 PM, May 17
  • Really was a beautiful day today and good day to recover from yesterday’s long run.

    → 9:49 PM, May 16
  • Explored a good amount of new terrain today and was able to cut next to the Minnesota Arboretum on their new boardwalk trail.

    → 2:09 PM, May 15
  • Cutting through the woods for some different scenery today. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:38 PM, May 10
  • Seems like the day of the deer 🦌. I ran right by this one, stopped, got my phone out and took this picture with out it even running. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:04 PM, May 9
  • Dialed it back this weekend as Saturday was a busy one and could barely sneak this run in today.

    → 10:03 PM, May 8
  • It was another beautiful day but not sure I should have been out there as both watches were telling me I should rest. What could I do my girls were at dance, I can’t go in and watch and I had an hour to kill 🤷‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:05 PM, May 5
  • Finally some sun after the past couple days of rain. Glad to be out there with the small crew again.

    → 10:44 PM, May 2
  • The plans changed but glad to get out there today even though it was a wet one.

    → 10:00 PM, Apr 30
  • Got this one done with the group just before the ran came. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:56 PM, Apr 28
  • Sun is out again today so took to the trails for the first couple of miles.

    Typically don’t take selfies with only me in it but I couldn’t resist with my current look😆. I had to capture it as I have already been told/pleading by my family it can’t stay… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 4:10 PM, Apr 27
  • These evening runs while my son is at basketball have been fun as it is just three of us dads trotting around town for an hour 😆 🏃🏻‍♂️.

    → 8:00 PM, Apr 26
  • I had some snow flakes flying around on my run today. To think 2 days ago I was out and it was 73° F and now we are back to this mess. Please just be cold or be warmer please quit jumping back and forth.

    → 10:37 PM, Apr 25
  • Good thing we didn’t get rained on running today. However, I don’t think we were ready for 74°F weather and the humidity. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:51 PM, Apr 23
  • Running in the rain….Again! 🙄🌧🏃🏻‍♂️

    I find it interesting that Storm is the Chanhassen mascot but that can not be the reason it is on this manhole cover

    → 11:57 PM, Apr 22
  • It was a beautiful evening out tonight. Finally some warmer weather and seeing a sunset. Also, was joined by my normal running partner and another basketball dad.

    So this is what you do when your kids have activities together… and you are old 😆

    → 11:30 PM, Apr 21
  • Had to make it a quick one today with one meeting going long this morning and then back to back meetings this afternoon. Glad I decided to squeeze it in as it was great to see the sun shining today.

    → 1:30 PM, Apr 19
  • Gloomy day out there today. Decided to take some paths off the main one today.

    → 6:50 PM, Apr 18
  • Wasn’t quite expecting that weather running today. The windy snow blowing in my face reminded was the least fun I had today.

    The picture does not do justice of what was happening and what I felt after mile 5 to the end 🥶🤦‍♂️

    → 9:02 PM, Apr 17
  • Are you sure?… That bridge looks completely safe to me.

    Glad the sun was out on my run today as it made a cold windy day much more bearable.

    → 4:51 PM, Apr 15
  • Finally made it to the nature conservation trails close to my house as the ground is a little more dry. However, as I finished today it started raining again and is still tonight 🙄

    → 5:55 PM, Apr 12
  • Sign fail 🤦‍♂️
    as seen out running on this beautiful sunny day

    → 6:58 PM, Apr 11
  • Explore a whole new area today as it was a longer run. Everything was great on the new trails until we hit a familiar hill that had a nice cross wind at our face for what felt like a 3 miles 😵‍💫🏃‍♂️

    → 4:59 PM, Apr 10
  • We will see about this No Access to Trail, I know there is a trail back there.

    Well, I can confirm with my backtracking there technically wasn’t access to the trail. Unless, I really wanted to run though peoples yards 😆

    → 2:05 PM, Apr 7
  • Straight as an arrow right? Maybe I was looking for a reason to stop quick as there was a rain / snow mixture out there today.

    → 9:25 PM, Apr 6
  • Luckily most of the snow from overnight melted by the time I got out there today.

    → 5:33 PM, Apr 4
  • I appreciate the sign someone left and I think it is a great idea 🏃🏻‍♂️🍻.

    What I wasn’t expecting was the amount of snow that would be coming down for the last 2 miles of my run 🌨

    → 6:42 PM, Apr 3
  • Another long run for the week and it was beautiful out today. A little chilly at the start and overcast but blue skies when we ended.

    → 11:17 PM, Apr 2
  • From a distance it just looks like light snow on the trees but up close you can see it is frozen drops.

    By the time I got out today it was clear but that didn’t stop the pain in the top of my foot so I called it a little early today 🙄

    → 10:56 PM, Mar 30
  • Wasn’t a bad day running along this old rail trail. In fact I did a quick tour through Garfield.

    → 5:19 PM, Mar 28
  • To think a year ago I ran this same route and took this same picture but it was much warmer and no ice on the lake.

    → 10:05 PM, Mar 27
  • Come to find out later in my run those dark clouds bad snow in them 🌨😆

    → 6:13 PM, Mar 25
  • It was later in the day than planned but got my birthday run in while the girls were at dance. Went longer than planned but now I have connected some more places on my heat map 😆

    → 10:00 PM, Mar 24
  • The snow finally stopped today and even melted by the time I could get out. Maybe I will choose another route than get my feet soaked 😁

    → 8:34 PM, Mar 23
  • Feeling it in the legs today after the long one yesterday. However, it was 65°F so I had to get out there after work was done.

    → 6:06 PM, Mar 21
  • Found some time late today to hit the streets and trails. It was great exploring some new areas of Eden Prairie and getting some miles in.

    → 9:58 PM, Mar 20
  • Bridge out is a sign I wish was here or that I would have considered my choices a little better. Instead this puddle looked innocent in my quick assessment until it wasn’t as it was well over my ankle when I tried to quick step through it. Made for a wet rest of the run 🤦‍♂️

    → 4:53 PM, Mar 18
  • The adventures today took me running through the Golden Triangle industrial park.

    → 10:36 PM, Mar 17
  • Bridge building… I really can’t wait for this to be done as I talked about it to a running buddy back when I took up running again. The road was very narrow with no shoulder. Probably shouldn’t have run on it for all these years and couldn’t get by the barrier today😆.

    → 4:49 PM, Mar 14
  • Brisk one out there again today. Looking forward to the warm weather next week. Glad I got this one done in time to attend the Micro.Camp kickoff 👍

    → 4:53 PM, Mar 11
  • Beautiful yet cold day out due to the wind. The temps said 15°F but feels like 0°… Maybe when I was running into the wind but it sure was sunny which makes all the difference 😎

    → 7:07 PM, Mar 9
  • Quick footwork at times today trying to avoid ice patches made for more of workout both physically and mentally than it should have been.

    However it was beautiful out there and much warmer than I thought.

    Ended up going longer than planned only to find out I didn’t really bring enough water… Rookie mistake 🤦‍♂️

    → 2:49 PM, Mar 8
  • Disappointed the plows hadn’t come by at first but then I got an escort about a mile in. Unfortunately he was going to slow so I had to take to the streets again 😆🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:12 PM, Mar 7
  • Apple Watch ⌚️ - Strange Stop or Results

    I have been collecting this data and been reading articles for some time about the discrepancies in my Apple Watch 6 vs my Garmin fēnix 5x. However, I have not finished all of that yet and felt compelled to post this quickly as I ran across a very puzzling issue today that I am not even really sure where to start but this is how it went.

    On my run today I started both watches at the same time as always waiting for the Apple Watch to do it’s 3 second countdown and then I hit start on my Garmin. Today was colder out so I had a jacket over both watches so to that point I only looked once at both watches to see how the time was as I knew I needed to make a loop (or thought I did) because I wasn’t going to hit the mileage I was shooting for. However, the Apple Watch was back at the main screen and not in the Workout screen. This is only irritating as I had to type in my pin to get into the watch. I thought for sure then it must have stopped timing but this had also happened earlier in the week and once I clicked back into the Workout app I could see the time was still ticking away. I did the same thing today and glanced that it was still running but didn’t look close enough to know what the time said or anything.

    Fast forward 1 more mile and I was at the end of my run and I stopped my Garmin first and then went to my wrist and stopped the Apple Watch as I always do. However, looking at the activity summaries I noticed the Apple Watch said I only ran a fraction of the time and distance I knew I was at.

    Now I have had some discrepancies before now but never such a big one

    Knowing that didn’t seem right I dug into the details of the Apple Watch the GPS shows me stopping this half way through the run 🤔. I would say oh it must have just shut off but I know with 1 mile to go I looked at it and the time was ticking away so if anything where was that portion of time.

    I gotta have the details…

    Now as a person running with two watches I get I am a little strange but this was even more boggling than the research I have been looking into on just GPS accuracy for each watch. So I looked at some more of the details and found a couple interesting points.

    Garmin fēnix 5x

    Apple Watch 6

    You can see that both the Garmin and Apple Watch have the same start and stop times so I was correct at seeing the time clicking away when I had to re-enter my pin with 1 mile to go. However, that only goes to being more odd as the Apple Watch says the total time was 21:18 (head scratcher I know). Also, it says it didn’t have enough data for my Heart Rate. Something wasn’t working right the whole time because I would think even for a 2.5 mile run that would give it enough and I wear the watch pretty snug so it isn’t like it bounces around when I run. I guess Apple didn’t think I my ”effort” was enough to be recorded for at least the last 3.7 miles but really the whole thing for HR perspective.

    Hopefully, I will get to finishing my post around the GPS accuracy at some point but it probably won’t be any silver bullet as shockingly there is a lot of information but maybe only a couple good explanations. Until then I will hold off my true thoughts on both I will keep wearing them 😆. ⌚️ ⌚️

    → 8:45 PM, Mar 4
  • It’s Friday so it made sense to head out around lunch on a grey skies kind of day. I am intrigued by this bridge but not 100% sure why.

    However, today an interesting issue with my Apple Watch, more to come…

    → 8:20 PM, Mar 4
  • Another great day and glad I waited longer than planned as the sun came out again. I ran across this today on a trial that had been closed off and wondering what they were doing. Looks like they dug up some of this pond 🤔

    → 11:12 PM, Mar 1
  • The sun felt awesome today with no clouds and 40 F weather. I ran a little farther than planned as I was also running a little faster than planned. Besides all the water the route I choose wasn’t slick so that was another plus.

    → 9:08 PM, Feb 28
  • Such a beautiful day to get outside… Once you have your gear 🤦‍♂️

    Running when traveling or visiting places is always fun and you can typically find an interesting trail (along the river here) and/or fun signs 😁

    → 3:30 PM, Feb 27
  • Glad the sun was out today but still a good amount of snow (with hidden ice) to trudge through. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:46 PM, Feb 25
  • There is a trail right through that mound of snow. 🙄

    At this point I wasn’t going to turn around so I had to go over it. Also, more ice out there than I anticipated as well so it was long slow miles today. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 7:19 PM, Feb 24
  • Had the sidewalks to myself today. Next time I run in a snow storm like this I am going to wear my ski goggles. Also, thankful for Yaktrax today for that hidden ice under the snow 🌨🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:52 PM, Feb 22
  • Lots of ice today after yesterday’s 43°F weather. Had to watch my step out there running on the sidewalks specially.

    → 7:48 PM, Feb 21
  • Couldn’t pass up this amazing weather today and had to get outside for a long run with my running partner. It was a short weather day at 43°F 😄🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 6:40 PM, Feb 20
  • Poor choice of routes today had me running into the wind for most of it (28mph from WNW) 🤷‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️


    Not quite sure why they cut out so many trees here. Maybe they were dead and thinning it out 🤔

    → 12:14 AM, Feb 19
  • Had to escape the house for a while today and decided to run a different route on this cold day today (-1°F 🤷‍♂️) 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:02 PM, Feb 17
  • Was a nice day today and decided to take a couple different turns to get an extra mile in. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 3:35 PM, Feb 16
  • It was a yaktrax run day today. Late last night the weather was 40°F and then we’ll below freezing this morning and throughout the day making for slick sidewalks and roads 🤷‍♂️.

    → 5:59 PM, Feb 11
  • Took advantage of the nice weather today and convinced a friend to join me for a longer run 🏃🏻‍♂️.

    → 12:29 AM, Feb 9
  • Decided to use my time wisely and get a quick run in as I was waiting for my son to finish his pre-bowl for the week. 🏃

    → 9:00 PM, Feb 6
  • Such a sunny day that I had to get outside and enjoy the positive temps. Also, I love that in Minnesota we create outdoor Ice Rinks everywhere 😁. Just watch out for that fire hydrant.

    → 11:00 PM, Feb 4
  • Finally feeling a lot better running and even with the wind I decided to add a couple more miles… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:13 PM, Feb 1
  • I like the little rink cut into the lake here and the snowman is pretty impressive as well. I do enjoy running to find interesting things ⛄️🏒🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:32 PM, Jan 31
  • In between kids activities I took advantage of the beautiful weather today and got out for a run. Still feeling the lingering results from COVID but much better as the week has gone on. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:45 PM, Jan 29
  • Second run back since the virus got me and it felt much better than the first. Not great but better 🤨🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:18 PM, Jan 26
  • It has been over a week since I have worked out and I think the lingering COVID virus made this 3.3 Mile run feel like it was much longer. Might have to keep easing back slowly this week. Didn’t help my attitude out there as I kept running into Trail Closed signs 🙄🏃‍♂️

    → 4:11 PM, Jan 24
  • Not sure about you but I can see the open water from here… 🤔 I guess I should go across it right? 🤦‍♂️

    I really do enjoy the signs I find running 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:25 PM, Jan 12
  • Well someone else packed this down so it has to be a trail🤣🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:41 PM, Jan 11
  • Today seemed like a great day to update my profile picture so I went for a run. At the end of the run Strava told me the weather was: Few clouds, -11°F, Feels like -21°F, Humidity 69%. I knew it! The humidity was killer today 🤣🥶🏃‍♂️

    → 2:40 PM, Jan 7
  • Making fresh tracks today in the fresh snow. It was a cold one and I actually broke out the spikes for the first time this year but not sure it was needed. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 12:26 AM, Jan 6
  • Last run of 2021 and there was just a little snow on the ground this morning to cover the ice 😁 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:34 PM, Dec 30
  • With the temperature of 40° today I decided to get a run in since I could wear shorts of course 🤷‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️.. It was nice outside today for a run but the rink does not like this weather. Glad we got a skate in yesterday 😒

    → 10:32 PM, Dec 24
  • Chanhassen really likes these signs. Why can’t they make mention of it at the beginning of the trail instead of after you fully committed to a half mile in. Then the only options are up a hill through someone’s private yard or back the way you came. I took the hill 😁. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:00 PM, Dec 22
  • 4x4x48 Recap

    Two weeks ago I decided to set off on completing a 4x4x40 as part of some crazy ideas for my 40th birthday year. However, after I reached the 40 miles I felt like I really needed to continue as I figured at that point I might never do this again and get so close to hitting the real number and completing a 4x4x48 (run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours). Maybe it helped that I was a bit sleep deprived at the time and not thinking clearly as I figured what was two more 4 mile runs at that point.

    Since I posted after each of my runs with a short photo, time, and thought I will not rehash all of them. I don’t want to make light of this challenge as I think it was hard but the miles themselves weren’t the worst for me. Some of that could have been that I didn’t really have a pace per mile in mind. I obviously wasn’t going to try to run the fastest 4 miles I could every time. However, in my mind, I wanted to keep all of my averages per run under 9 min/miles. The biggest struggle for me during this challenge was trying to fit it in during a normal working day. Due to the weather forecast and maybe my last-minute planning, as it was December, I did it during the middle of a workweek. So I scheduled it out earlier in the week and pretty much created an appointment for myself every 4 hrs. It worked great the first day but the second day some things came up at work so I had to shrink down one of my 3 hr blocks of recovery and extend other ones. I still was able to get the run in that 4 hr bock but I wasn’t as consistently on the hour as I was the first day of running. In a way, I am wondering if working both days helped me keep my focus away from running and how tired I might have been as I was doing things I needed to do during the day. Then in the evenings I still helped get the kids to activities and stuff.

    Now obviously the lack of sleep is one thing but the worst time of runs for me was the 5am runs that I did. I think it is because after the late-night 1am run it always took me longer than anticipated to fall asleep. You would have thought I would have been tired enough to just get into the house and fall asleep. I am guessing that the kick of adrenaline that was in my body messed with allowing my brain to shut down at that time. So for both days by the time I would will myself to sleep and it would work I think I only got 1 hr before I would have to wake up at 5am to run. After that run, I would just start my day and didn’t try to get any more rest as my youngest gets on the bus at 7am.

    In the end, I have never run so many miles in two days. It ended up being 48.9 miles due to one run when I put my trust in a running friend who lead me astray by an extra mile. Those two days were more mileage than I had completed any week during my marathon training this past year. It was an interesting challenge as it took careful planning as I still worked and helped with kid activities like a normal day. It was just I ran every 4 hrs 😁. The day after I was done I felt pretty wiped out from most likely lack of sleep and over-exercise. Fast forward two weeks later and I am back on track. Maybe I will do another one of these challenges someday but probably no time soon. At least for the rest of this year, it will be back to the normal scheduled running for me.

    Full Data of Runs - Links to Posts and Strava

    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 1/10 (1:01 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:39/mi pace, 36°F 🌧
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 2/10 (5:02 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:55/mi pace, 37°F 🌘🌥
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 3/10 (9:00 am) - 4.01 miles at 8:51/mi pace, 36°F 🌥
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 4/10 (1:01 pm) - 4.02 miles at 8:33/mi pace, 45°F ☁️
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 5/10 (4:41 pm) - 4.02 miles at 8:59/mi pace, 50°F 🌥
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 6/10 (7:57 pm) - 4.01 miles at 8:31/mi pace, 48°F 🌥
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 7/10 (1:02 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:47/mi pace, 47°F ☁️
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 8/10 (5:04 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:59/mi pace, 40°F 🌌
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 9/10 (9:52 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:35/mi pace, 38°F ☀️
    • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 10/10 (12:58 pm) - 4.69 miles at 8:06/mi pace, 45°F ☁️
    • Running Log: 4x4x44 - 11/10 (4:46 pm) - 4.03 miles at 8:27/mi pace, 41°F ☁️
    • Running Log: 4x4x48 - 12/10 (8:51 pm) - 4.03 miles at 8:35/mi pace, 39°F 🌧
    → 2:12 PM, Dec 21
  • Snowy run this morning as I created my own tracks in the neighborhood 🌨🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:51 PM, Dec 21
  • One of those head scratching moments seeing the icicles in this tunnel while out on my long run today. Kind of makes me think there is cracks in it 🥶🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:21 PM, Dec 20
  • Seemed like a heat wave today as the snow was melting in this 35°F weather. Also, why do you think they plowed to this bench? Who is going to sit here in the winter? 🤔🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:47 PM, Dec 14
  • Before a busy afternoon of basketball had to get a couple miles in 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:00 PM, Dec 12
  • Got a run in before all of the snow fell today.. I do enjoy a good run while the snow is falling. Assuming I don’t hit some hidden ice 🏃🏻‍♂️🌨

    → 11:22 PM, Dec 10
  • Was in the office this morning and home in the afternoon. On my drive home the weather so too perfect so I stopped at a park for a run 🏃🏻‍♂️.

    I ran into a lady I work with out walking her dog. She told me later in the day I inspired her to go running later in the afternoon 😁

    → 7:13 PM, Dec 9
  • First real amount of snow for the year and I ended up having to blazed my own trail this afternoon in the snow. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 12:53 AM, Dec 8
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 +8 - 12/10 (8:51 pm) - 4.03 miles at 8:35/mi pace, 39°F 🌧

    Overshot my goal and did the actual 4x4x48. After 40 I found some time to kill while my kids were at activities and I thought what was 2 more runs or 8 more miles. Then my luck, rain 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:51 PM, Dec 2
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 +4 Leveling up 😁 - 11/10 (4:46 pm) - 4.03 miles at 8:27/mi pace, 41°F ☁️

    Had some time while my girls were at dance so I decided to keep going.

    → 5:46 PM, Dec 2
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 10/10 🎉 (12:58 pm) - 4.69 miles at 8:06/mi pace, 45°F ☁️

    A cloudy final run that a running friend joined me on. He was in charge of the pace and mileage and lets just say in my opinion he failed at both 😁. It was good to have some company though.🏃‍♂️

    → 1:58 PM, Dec 2
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 9/10 (9:52 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:35/mi pace, 38°F ☀️

    Sunny day on the trails makes getting out there pretty easy. Well except for all of these fire drills at work 🤦‍♂️🏃‍♂️

    → 10:52 AM, Dec 2
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 8/10 (5:04 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:59/mi pace, 40°F 🌌

    Less sleep in between than I hoped, my wife woke up not feeling well. So I did what I could to help her get. I think I got 1hr of sleep but it is not easy at this hour to shut the mind down.

    → 6:04 AM, Dec 2
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 7/10 (1:02 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:47/mi pace, 47°F ☁️

    Well hello there… 🦌🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 2:02 AM, Dec 2
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 6/10 (7:57 pm) - 4.01 miles at 8:31/mi pace, 48°F 🌥

    Over halfway done. Time for some short night’s rest before the next one.

    → 8:57 PM, Dec 1
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 4/10 (1:01 pm) - 4.02 miles at 8:33/mi pace, 45°F ☁️

    This one I turned into a grocery store run as we needed a couple things for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow.🏃‍♂️

    → 8:15 PM, Dec 1
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 5/10 (4:41 pm) - 4.02 miles at 8:59/mi pace, 50°F 🌥

    Probably shouldn’t have run the trails as it got dark faster than I anticipated. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:41 PM, Dec 1
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 3/10 (9:00 am) - 4.01 miles at 8:51/mi pace, 36°F 🌥

    I should have guessed that the boardwalks would have had a little ice on them from the late night rain 🤦‍♂️🏃‍♂️

    → 10:00 AM, Dec 1
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 2/10 (5:02 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:55/mi pace, 37°F 🌘🌥

    I wish I would have slept more since that first run but it is what it is at this point… 🏃‍♂️

    → 6:02 AM, Dec 1
  • Running Log: 4x4x40 - 1/10 (1:01 am) - 4.02 miles at 8:39/mi pace, 36°F 🌧

    Nothing like starting out this challenge in the middle of the night while it is raining 🤦‍♂️. At least I can check out Christmas lights along the way 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 2:01 AM, Dec 1
  • 4x4x40 Running Challenge 🏃‍♂️

    Earlier this year I had a plan to run 40 miles with a really good friend of mine through the mountains of Colorado. We thought it would be fun to run 40 miles since we both turned 40 this year. Not to mention suffering together and probably laughing along the way made it seem like a feat that could be pushed through to accomplishment. The timing was not going to be great for me as it was one month before my Twin Cities Marathon but I was game to do it as it sounded amazing. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure how to train for such a thing but I just said yes and he said he would work out the details. The bummer is around May he hurt his ankle and knew the run wouldn’t happen. I was bummed that it fell apart but it probably worked out since I hadn’t run a marathon for 20 years and I wasn’t sure what I was in for. I am sure it probably wouldn’t have been great to come in not feeling the best from a 40 mile run through the mountains no matter how long it took us.

    Fast forward to about 1 month before I ran the marathon and I stumbled across this concept of running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. At the time I didn’t know anything about it but thought that had a nice ring to it. However, the whole 48 hrs didn’t mesh with my goal so I figured I would modify it slightly to fit as a 4x4x40 instead 😁.

    4 miles every 4 hours for 40 hours since I am 40 this year

    That leads me up to now… After the marathon, I have been trying to take it easy and just running for pleasure but I feel like I have been missing something as I had hoped to do something else with this year 40. After pondering this for the last month, I realized that if I am going to do it I need to do it before it gets too cold in the night to complete this task so I am going to start tonight (or today) and we will see how this goes.

    I do know more about the real 4x4x48 challenge and the guy who created it. However, my goal still has not changed. I will probably write about it as I go mostly just to document it along the way so I apologize to anyone not interested in this disregard my posts for at least more than 40 hrs from the first. Then we will be back to our regularly scheduled posting.

    I don’t have any main goals in mind if you are wondering. My goal is probably to do as many of these 4x4s that I can in hopes to get to 40 but that is a lot of mileage for me in a short amount of time. Also, I am not concerned about my pace either except hoping I don’t go too fast at any point as that could screw things up. Either way, this is going to be an interesting experiment no matter how many I get done so we will see how it goes!

    A final note for those interested, I am still working and getting kids to school and activities. So I am kind of treating this as just some breaks throughout my day and that is another reason why this time lined up perfectly. In the perfect world, I would only be doing this 40hrs with no other responsibilities. 🤷‍♂️

    → 1:58 AM, Dec 1
  • Found time to sneak away between family bowling this morning and hockey after dinner. Couldn’t pass up an opportunity to wear shorts again running as the times I can are shrinking fast. Also, what a great sunset with some ice on the lake 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:08 PM, Nov 28
  • Found some time to get outside today and was listening to Hemisphere Views One Prime Plus episode 15 and 16. Let’s just say one really hit home with the fence / no fence on this city “trail” that I feel like I was in peoples backyards and running right next to fences 😁🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:09 AM, Nov 28
  • Such a beautiful day out today (53°F) how could I not get outside for a late afternoon run to enjoy it. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 12:09 AM, Nov 24
  • Had some time this morning for a longer than normal run. It was a welcomed way to clear the mind after a busy weekend and get to work for this short week.

    → 2:05 PM, Nov 22
  • Seems like they cleared out a lot of buckthorn and tall grass here in the center circle of the nature trail. Then the clearing stops, wonder what the game plan is here 🏃🏻‍♂️🤔

    → 9:17 PM, Nov 19
  • The Tale (or Trail) of 6 Tunnels

    Decided to follow a trail with 6 tunnels yesterday along the 3.4 mile Bluff Creek Local Trail in Chanhassen 🏃🏻‍♂️

    W 78th St Tunnel (the start of the trail)

    Arboretum Blvd Tunnel (It is really two tunnels as you can see the space in the center but really only one road so I am counting it as one)

    Coulter Blvd Tunnel

    Twin Cities & Western Railroad Tunnel

    Lyman Blvd Tunnel

    Bluff Creek Road Tunnel

    Then I actually found the end of the trail so I turned around and ran back to my car 😁. I had actually never run on this trail before so even though the map said it was going to end sometimes things aren’t updated that well and I was thinking it might have gone further. So it did surprise me when I came to the end and the path did not go further or connect up to anything else. I am guessing it is because if they wanted to keep extending it South they would have to figure out how to go over or under HWY-212.

    Overall, it was really nice trail that was all asphalt so I might have to remember this one for next summer with the kids as the distance isn’t to crazy either.


    Update: Since I didn’t post this yesterday as planned, I dug into some of the old Chanhassen park records and it seems like the Master Park / Trail plans from 2017 and 2018 assumed they would continue it further South. I wonder if once the construction of HWY-212 was completed they just abandoned the original plan or maybe didn’t leave a passage to get under it. I did notice that the HWY was on the original plans but based on what I know it wouldn’t have been completed at that time and was still a work in progress. Additionally, the details of their plan never really addressed how it was going to get past that HWY like other referenced markings on the plan to show an existing bridge or tunnel.

    → 11:43 AM, Nov 17
  • After a busy weekend, I went out for what Strava tagged as an “afternoon” run 😄🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:25 PM, Nov 14
  • Nice new crushed rock to run on today. I had some time this morning so went for a longer than normal mid week run before the snow falls tonight 🌨

    → 10:34 PM, Nov 11
  • Got to test out a new hat this evening from my friend Brendan Leonard Seemed very fitting with the moderate rain I encountered most of the time.

    → 12:08 AM, Nov 11
  • Found some time before dinner after a busy day to run on some trails North of my house. On the trail I scared up this big buck (if only I was quicker with my phone)🦌🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:28 PM, Nov 8
  • Where did the trail go… Let’s hope I don’t trip 😬🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:36 PM, Nov 5
  • Decided to run while the dog was getting groomed. Found a new trail with an amazing view of Anderson Lake. It was a smaller than normal paved trail with no one on it around an office building. Probably shouldn’t have blown past those No Trespassing Private Property signs 😜

    → 1:15 PM, Nov 3
  • Run, Vote, Run! Decided to make a quick stop halfway through my run today to vote 😄

    → 2:11 PM, Nov 2
  • Took my son on a little trail run today as the weather was amazing . Not sure if he enjoyed the overall run or the narrow bridges 🤷‍♂️ 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:39 PM, Oct 30
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 26: Bliss

    I really do enjoy blazing my own trails sometimes as you never know where the trail might end 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 7:30 PM, Oct 26
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 22: Rest

    Overall it was a relaxing kind of day today but I did find some time to do a little exploring. Not a bad view from this new trail at Willow River State Park 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:06 PM, Oct 22
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 19: Mirror

    The water had a mirroring effect this morning from the glow of the sunrise.

    → 4:55 PM, Oct 19
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 10: Bridges

    Decided to take to the foot bridges today through the woods and prairie… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:45 PM, Oct 10
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 6: Street

    Back to the streets again today after 2 days of rest since the Marathon. The legs were not as excited as I thought but was glad to get them moving again without pain.

    → 1:30 PM, Oct 6
  • 2021 Twin Cities Marathon Recap

    Well after all the build up for the past 9 months the race is done and I am happy with my own results. After, what has been a 20 year hiatus (more on that below) I was glad to conquer this one in much more style, less pain, and a time I had not planned for 😁. As I have told most people who ask me, it is amazing what some real training does when preparing for a marathon.

    Building up to race day I was asked what time or pace I was shooting for and in reality I didn’t have much thought. Well there was some thoughts but honestly my goal was faster than 20 years ago time but more specifically I was shooting for under 4 hrs since I felt even being 20 years older I could bet that time of 4:15:17 by 15 min. Not only did I beat that time I crushed it by 35 minutes for a time of 3:39:28.

    Also, I can’t thank my family enough for coming out to support me as it was great seeing people I knew from time to time throughout the day.

    Not to mention my champion wife who was trucking around the Twin Cities to various points even though she didn’t know the roads very well while with her was 3 kids of which some expired at my 2 hr mark.

    She was there for the first one 20 years ago so it was great to have her and the rest of my cheering section. Also, for the last push of 6 miles I saw my uncle on the sidelines saying “looks like you got this one” which was a great confidence booster in the middle of the 3 mile uphill climb.


    (This was early on in the race and I seem a little to happy)

    (Later on in the race still happy, I think)

    (Final push to the finish)

    ##2001 Race Background## 20 years ago on a whim I signed up for the 2001 Twin Cities Marathon sometime after I had just turned 20. I am not really sure what I was thinking but I believe in a way it was because I had not keep up running much from my High School days and missed it. I also thought I would share in the punishment and poor college student me signed my brother up (who was working at the time) as well since he lived in Minneapolis. I figured what was he going to do if I signed him up for it, not show up?

    I jumped right into some training plan I am sure I found on the internet at the time and was following it religiously throughout that summer as I stayed up at school and all my friends went home. However, when the training plan started to tick up miles school was back in session and my training fell off the radar. I don’t even think I ran anything of value or consistency the month before the race. Talk about coming in cold. In fact, the longest I had run before that 2001 Marathon was 13 miles.

    Let’s just say the day turned out as you would have expected, the adrenaline and excitement pushed me though probably 17 miles worth. Then I gritted it out for another 3 that I can’t remember. The last 6.2 miles were torchure and I think most of it has escaped me. From what I remember it was a lot of walking for that last 6.2 miles and seems right as up to that point I was tracking time well and then it took me one and fifteen minutes to complete that last 6.2 miles. I remember finally realizing that I as only 1 mile from the finish and I think that is when I started to somewhat run again knowing the end was finally in sight. The best part of that race was that I crossed the finish line with my uncle and to this day we all still joke how I touched the finish line first.

    However, in reality when I was dying on those last miles at some point he passed me up and I caught back up to him in the final stretch. Since that time but probably not right after I kept telling myself that if I was ever going to run another one and I did want to I wanted to make sure I trained for it much better than before. Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t that the time was overly horrible but I knew I could have done better so it was my goal.

    → 1:51 PM, Oct 4
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 3: Majority

    A majority of people would not say this is a fun way to spend a Sunday morning. However, I had a great cheering crew today that made it even better than I could have hoped… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:08 PM, Oct 3
  • 📸 Photoblogging - Day 2: Dark

    Tomorrow is go time and it will be an early morning in the dark. So gathering up what I need for tonight and explaining to family where they can find me on the course. Hopefully running 😁🏃🏻‍♂️

    (9 hrs to go)

    → 10:27 PM, Oct 2
  • Was a littler warmer out today than I was thinking it would be. I sure hope it gets cooler again in the days to come. However, got my last run in until the day… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    (3 days to go)

    → 9:29 PM, Sep 30
  • Running toward the darkness… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    (Only hours remaining 🤣, ok 6 days to go)

    → 3:36 PM, Sep 27
  • Not sure why they are doing the hour countdown already. In a way it makes me feel like there is a bunch of time left… 🤔

    → 11:02 AM, Sep 27
  • Just another rainy run today… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    (13 days to go)

    → 10:56 PM, Sep 20
  • Luckily I didn’t get rained on this morning but it was nice out…. Until I got a text from my son that he missed the bus 🤦‍♂️. Let’s just say I ran the last half faster than I had planned and wasn’t happy about it 😒 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 2:14 PM, Sep 14
  • Let the taper begin… Overcast morning run today with views of the Twin Cities while we circled the chain of lakes (21 days to go)

    → 9:57 PM, Sep 12
  • Getting spoiled now with this nicer weather. For picture purposes I sometimes like clouds in the sky but I will take the clear blue skies today 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:31 PM, Sep 10
  • Another beautiful day today but I took to the old rail trail of the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional LRT Trail (that’s a mouthful) 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:26 PM, Sep 9
  • Nice thing about everyone gone durning the day to school is now I have more flexibility during my days as work is the only focus. That lets run mid day when it is light out and what a beautiful day it was! 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:32 PM, Sep 8
  • Spent a short amount of time today exploring some new trails in town. Pretty sure we ran across 7 of these bridges in a 1 mile stretch…🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:27 PM, Sep 6
  • Beautiful day for a long run this morning as it finally wasn’t too hot (57°F) and we had some cloud cover along the way. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    Not a bad way to get over 30k steps before noon 🤣

    → 9:46 PM, Sep 5
  • Monday morning… Painfully putting in the miles today after a long one yesterday 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:36 PM, Aug 30
  • Early morning long run after my soak run on Saturday 😁

    → 10:29 PM, Aug 29
  • Rain threw things off for me early this morning but I found a break in the action to quickly get a run in before more rain. Thankful this branch didn’t finish breaking as I ran by (36 days to go)

    → 1:03 PM, Aug 27
  • Seems like all of a sudden the mornings got a lot darker. I might have to dig out the running lights soon. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:05 AM, Aug 23
  • Felt good to get a long run in today with no issues. It probably helped that the weather was much cooler out this morning 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:00 PM, Aug 22
  • Found this friend in the middle of the road on my run this morning… Don’t worry he made it safely across 🐢

    → 4:52 PM, Aug 20
  • Running Restart - 2021 Version

    Sometimes you have to start over at ground zero. Well technically I am probably not at ground zero this time because I only had four days off in a row.

    This week however I have been getting back into running or restart my running has been a struggle. I have found it much more difficult that I would have thought based on the amount of mileage I typically run and how often I had been running each week. However, I am still probably not 100% better from my Achilles heel pain (or this is what my PT friends tell me I have). In addition, the heat and humidity earlier this week has not helped in my attempts to ease back into running. I restarted this week doing shorter than normal runs but since my only time was late afternoon I was battling getting back at it during the hottest times of day.

    I have 45 days left until the Twin Cities Marathon … Right now my goal is to not get injured more and get my comfort level back up when running longer miles.

    Let’s get this!

    → 11:04 PM, Aug 19
  • It was a warm one out there this morning even at 6am. Glad to be feeling better and getting back to some longer runs.

    → 5:40 PM, Aug 19
  • Getting back at it this evening 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:51 PM, Aug 16
  • Downpour and storm made for an interesting run this morning… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 11:27 PM, Aug 12
  • Definitely a Monday morning that felt harder than it should have been. The thick air from 96% humidity made it feel like I was swimming… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:00 PM, Aug 9
  • Had to make it another early one today 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 10:10 PM, Aug 4
  • Had to get up extra early this morning to run as I had a 6:30am meeting. However, really who schedules meetings that early on a Monday 🤦‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:27 AM, Aug 2
  • Not the plan but glad that the Smoke left us and we had blue sky’s today. Also, thankful I found some time between kids activities to enjoy the 70° F weather… 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 7:12 PM, Aug 1
  • This air quality issue derailed my long run today and I ended up having to run on a treadmill. I appreciated my fiend letting me join him at his gym today but I really dislike treadmills.

    → 9:26 PM, Jul 31
  • Was at Frontenac State Park last weekend which had some great views but my legs were not ready for rocky terrain, narrow trails, and steps that took you up and down 425 ft of vertical. 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 1:08 PM, Jul 28
  • Never knew Old Powers Blvd existed till I stumbled across a small section today. It was what I needed as the long run was not going well. Most likely the heat and humidity was to blame as it looked and felt like I swam the miles. 🥵

    → 10:31 PM, Jul 23
  • It might just look overcast by the picture but this morning’s run was smoke filled ⚠️🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 8:58 PM, Jul 21
  • I am glad Tuesday is behind me now as it was a very long busy day that started with this picture of a train track where you can’t see the end (that is how the day felt).

    → 9:56 PM, Jul 20
  • Early morning run to start the week off right 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 5:02 PM, Jul 19
  • It might look like it but in reality I wasn’t running through storm drains this was a “tunnel”.

    → 11:12 PM, Jul 17
  • Found some fun trails to explore today at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Granted some where mountain biking trails but good for a runner too 🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 2:00 PM, Jul 16
  • Taking to the shade of the trails today as it started to get a little warmer again today.

    → 10:39 PM, Jul 13
  • It was a beautiful morning out there today. Made even better that today is Friday 😁

    → 12:50 PM, Jul 9
  • There has to be something fun on the other side of the tunnel 🤣.

    Let’s just say I was glad to find a new place to explore as my body was not excited for the miles today.

    🏃🏻 Lone Lake, Minnetonka

    → 5:12 PM, Jul 8
  • 📚 I H💛TE RUNNING AND YOU CAN TOO by Brendan Leonard

    If you are looking for a great motivational book to keep you going in whatever you are trying to do look no further. If you are looking for a book about how to run then this might not be what you are looking for but you should pick this one up as well to give you some laughs along your running journey.

    The great part about this book is that it is all about the Running journey and exploring why people run and the motivation behind it. By using Brendan’s and others' relatable running stories it frames up challenges all of us face to just get motivated to do things in life. There are always obstacles in the way, better things to do, or thinking we are too busy to do something. As a “runner” myself, I can personally relate to the specific stories of running as no matter how much I love running, being outdoors, It is much better to have the run done and behind me as I too am someone that struggles most of the time to just get out the door. Specific to running, everyone has their own story and reasons why they run and Brendan also explores that as part of the book.

    People who get to decide what the point of all your Running is - Brendan Leonard

    Now I am a fan of Brendan Leonard fan of his work from his site Semi-Rad, and this book did not disappoint. That being said, I have seen some of these graphs before but the rest of the story and context is short, witty, and perfectly sized for most of us to get through in a timely manor.

    One of my favorite parts of the book is when he is talking about what he calls the “invisible work” which in the context of the book is all of the miles and hours you put in before a race or event. In fact, for someone like myself who is planning on running a Marathon later this year, I have already run about 37 marathons with the number of miles I have put in so far.

    Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work. - Chuck Close

    Overall, I couldn’t recommend this book more but honestly don’t just take my word for it and pick up a copy from the links on his website. The best thing is it is a smaller-sized book so you can carry it with you on all of your adventures (well maybe not while running) so you can refer to the helpful motivational kick in the butt that is needed from time to time while doing anything. Honestly, I wish I had this book a couple of years back when I was content with just running a 5k a day as some days were harder to get motivated than others. As I am now running longer miles with slightly less frequency, I feel like this book helps keep me motivated to get out there.

    → 8:32 AM, Jul 8
  • Finally a cool morning to get a run in again. I will not complain about the 56° F temps after what seemed like ages of hot and humid weather.

    → 10:50 PM, Jul 7
  • Was a rainy run this morning after these dark clouds rolled in. I am not complaining though much better than the heat lately ⛈🏃🏻‍♂️

    → 9:56 PM, Jul 6
  • Chased again 🏃‍♂️...🦅...🌳

    Pretty sure I was chased by the same bird that followed me a couple of weeks back. This time however it was less in a fun way of circling me and more of an attacking / intimidating me. I am guessing the bird has a nest that is close to this boardwalk path since it seemed quite upset with me after I ran by a specific bush that is really close to the path. I remember seeing it flying by me and then instantly circled and flew after me chirping along the way. I looked back probably 3 different times and it was no more than 5 feet from me in the air acting like it would like to peck me in the head. After I finally got away and realized it wasn’t following me I snapped this picture.

    I am starting to think I might have to avoid this route for a while or at least not attempt it in the morning hours 🤣.

    → 11:36 AM, Jun 30
  • Found a new trail to explore this morning that connected to another I have been on before. Tried to get out extra early in order to avoid the heat but the humidity was probably just as bad at 95% 🥵🏃🏻‍♂️

    📍 Birch Island Park, Eden Prairie

    → 10:14 AM, Jun 29
  • In the Background of Pictures

    I often take pictures while out running as a way to document random things I see or things of interest. However, today’s picture eas entirely random to the spot but felt it gave a good view of the trail and beautiful day we were having here in Minnesota. It doesn’t take me long to take a quick picture and put my phone away but to my surprise as i kept running there were some deer watching me. In fact, looking back at my photo now I can spot one but I didnt see it tell after I started up again. Makes me wonder in other pictures I have taken if I would look closer I would find something interesting 😁.

    → 10:32 PM, Apr 22
  • Reminded again why I got rid of my Fitbit!

    Last night I was looking for a place I ran in Germany when I was there on a work trip in 2015. I then realized when I stopped using my Fitbit in 2019 I didn’t import that far back to my Garmin as I wasn’t using Strava then either.

    As I logged back into Fitbit for the first time in a long time I was hit in the face again with how terrible their activity log and reporting is. Not to mention if you want your GPS data back and not a crummy CVS output of steps good luck!

    Unforentually, my realization that I did not import my data from 2014-2016 into Strava or Garmin sent me down a rabbit hole of manual tasks by finding all my old runs in Fitbit to download. I am happy to say that task is done and I can thankfully (hopefully) never log into Fitbit again 😁.

    → 11:49 AM, Mar 5
  • Took a couple wrong turns that led me on a lot longer run than planned today. At one of the dead ends was this sign that I don’t think I believe. Seems to have been here for a while… 🤔🏃

    → 7:48 PM, Mar 3
  • Power went out at our house which is not ideal for working… Seems like a good time for a run and I will just hope it is back on when I return… 🏃

    → 2:20 PM, Feb 26
  • Avoided the snow falling today but with the warm temps I found a lot of slush and puddles…🏃

    → 11:44 PM, Jan 14
  • It was an amazing 41°F today so how could I pass up the opportunity to run in shorts 🏃…

    → 11:33 PM, Jan 13
  • Not a bad view of the sun setting tonight. However, it got darker than I thought which I didn’t prefer as I was in a place I don’t frequent enough. Thankful for my running lights 🏃

    → 11:26 PM, Jan 12
  • Put in some long mostly straight miles today… 🏃

    → 9:50 PM, Jan 10
  • Such a beautiful day to put in a longer run as I attempt to build a bigger base of miles… 🏃

    → 1:54 PM, Jan 7
  • Run with the dog this morning… She was less than impressed with this way to start her day. 😁 🏃🐶

    → 11:57 PM, Dec 10
  • Didn’t mind the view this evening running on the trails by our house. Kind of lost track of time and kept going… 🏃

    On the way back I almost ran over a Turkey 😁🦃.

    → 11:58 PM, Dec 8
  • Have I mentioned that running in the snow is actually kind of fun 🏃🌨️

    → 12:31 AM, Nov 11
  • Pretty sure this isn’t a “real” path to run on 😂… Oh well it will work… 🏃

    → 11:37 PM, Oct 29
  • It was one of those days where the sun is shining, you feel good and you just keep going and going… 🏃☀️

    → 1:29 PM, Oct 27
  • It was definitely colder than I would have hoped but not a bad evening for a run… 🏃

    → 11:32 PM, Oct 24
  • It was a rainy one out there today… 🏃

    → 10:49 PM, Oct 22
  • Sometimes the only time to fit a workout in is late at night when the streets are quiet... 🏃🌃

    → 11:28 PM, Oct 21
  • Lovely Fall day for a run blazing my own trail... 🍂🏃🌨️

    → 4:56 PM, Oct 20
  • First snow run of the 2020-2021 season in the books and in shorts 😁... 🏃🌨️

    → 10:44 PM, Oct 19
  • Got out early today to catch the sunrise and as a bonus no one was at the waterfalls... 🏃🏞️

    → 11:07 PM, Oct 18
  • Nothing beats a fall run with some views... 🏃

    → 7:23 PM, Oct 16
  • Dark morning runs are not all bad but I would prefer having the sun peeking through the trees ... 🏃

    #morning, #running, #trail-running

    → 2:53 PM, Oct 14
  • New day, new site, new running goal... GO! 🏃🌄

    #running, #sunrise #morning

    → 4:36 PM, Oct 13
  • It has been a while since I woke up before the sun to run but it felt great to get out early again even if my body was not fully awake yet….

    → 11:01 AM, Oct 6
  • One advantage to all of this camping lately is finding new and interesting spots to run in the morning…

    → 8:40 AM, Aug 26
  • Starting this week off right with a sunrise run on some trails…

    → 8:13 AM, May 4
  • Ran into a couple small obstacles this morning while feeling like I was running through people’s backyards 😁.

    → 12:28 PM, May 1
  • It has been a long time since Lainey lou the Doodle has run with me and I think she regretted all those morning she scratched on the door after I left to run without her 🏃‍♂️….. 🐕.

    → 3:14 PM, Apr 24
  • Beautiful morning today which is fitting as it is Earth Day today. Hope everyone can enjoy the nice weather today but physically distancing yourself from others 😁

    → 10:17 AM, Apr 22
  • Well hello there. Nothing to see here I am just passing by…

    → 10:51 AM, Apr 15
  • I decided to find some less traveled trails this afternoon for a snowy run. Had a good amount on the ground and it kept coming down the whole time. Thanks for the motivation @fakereedwoodford .

    → 9:53 PM, Apr 12
  • Was a beautiful morning for a long run today. I enjoyed the signs along the trails telling people to well… Be smart 😁

    → 3:36 PM, Apr 5
  • Early morning meetings require even earlier morning runs.

    → 8:37 AM, Apr 2
  • The weather was too nice today for me to sit inside all day. So after my last work call late this afternoon I ventured out and what was going to be 3.1 became 6.2. Thanks family! .

    → 5:51 PM, Mar 26
  • Late night run was what was needed to clear my mind after all that’s been happening… #running .

    → 12:27 AM, Mar 17
  • Found some new trails this past weekend when we were down in Rochester. They have some nice trails along the river and I didn’t run across much ice on the trail either 😁🏃‍♂️…

    → 8:54 PM, Mar 3
  • The warmer weather has been great except for early morning running where I come across sidewalks like this… 🏃‍♂️🧊 I might have to start running with skates 😂

    → 12:59 PM, Feb 27
  • From the Lens - Numbers

    Water drops blurring the view of my numbers at the end of a rainy run (Nevada, IA)

    Tuesday Photo Challenge - Number

    → 11:32 PM, Feb 19
  • Off The Couch podcast - Running 5k a Day for 365 Days

    As with my 365 days of running, I really didn’t mention to anyone that I was going to be on a podcast episode of Off The Couch until right now as it went live today. You can find the Episode by clicking the link below or wherever you get your podcasts.

    Off the Couch Podcast

    Eric Walker on Running 5k a Day for 365 Days (Ep.39)


    The episode is talking about my 365 days of running a 5k every day. I will give credit to Johnathan Ellsworth and Brendan Leonard the hosts for asking all the right questions to make an episode that was more than 15 min long as we joked about the start of the episode. I had a lot of fun chatting with them and feel privileged to have been on the show as I know they have had some amazing guests.

    I hope you give the episode a listen and enjoy the conversation I had with them as I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them. Finally, if you did enjoy it be sure to give their podcast a review on iTunes to help show support for their show. I have only been a more recent listener and am enjoying it as it keeps me company while running and I really enjoy hearing all of the stories of their guests.


    A little more about Johnathan and Brendan:

    Johnathan Ellsworth is the Founder of BLISTER, not only do they create some amazing Podcasts like Off the Couch which is geared towards runners. They also have other podcasts talking about other outdoor activities like snow sports, biking, and climbing. Not to mention, they review gear and give honest reviews to make sure you are not wasting your time or money so if you are looking to buy some gear check BLISTER out.

    Brendan Leonard is the creator of Semi-Rad where he has published tons of articles and charts/drawings that are always great enjoyment. In addition, he has a bunch of books published too. You can find all of this stuff on his website Semi-Rad.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

    → 11:44 PM, Feb 18
  • It might have been -14°F this morning but I felt like it was a good challenge to conquer. If you dress right it isn’t as bad as you think or looks on my frozen face. 🥶😁🏃‍♂️ Note I didn’t take this photo this morning but actually almost a year go. I tried this morning but it was so cold when I took my phone out of my pocket it instantly shut off 🤷‍♂️..

    → 9:55 PM, Feb 13
  • Running a little bit of the Appalachian Trail did not disappoint last week as the views were great. I could definitely tell I am not in mountain running shape with 1000ft of elevation change in less than 1 mile.

    → 6:09 PM, Feb 6
  • Realized we didn’t have any coffee this morning so I solved that problem by running to go get it… ☕🏃‍♂️

    → 8:12 AM, Jan 24
  • Starting the Saturday off right with a great view… 🏃‍♂️

    → 4:53 PM, Dec 21
  • Keep Going…

    Some days you just have to keep going. That is what I told myself as I hit mile 2 of my 3.1 mile loop I have run many times before.

    So what did I end up doing? Well, I just added on another 3.1 mile loop in a completely different direction in order to just keep moving along.

    I had originally planned to do a longer run today so I set my alarm really early to ensure I would have enough time to get it done. When the alarm went off I was just too comfortable laying in bed that I stayed there for a really long time. Finally, after a lot of time ticked by I told myself I had wasted enough time laying around and I should get outside to run. However, I figured I only had time for 3.1 mile route instead of the one I was planning on doing.

    Looking at the sunrise after a great long run (December 2019, Eden Prairie)

    Being a little bummed about not doing what I had planned, I was glad that I got outside to do something instead of skipping it altogether, which was also on my mind. I didn’t feel great running at first either so I knew just sticking to an easier route was a good plan so then I could get home and have some time before I rushed off to work. However, as I looked at my watch and realized I was at about 2 miles into my run and approaching my house I thought why not just continue and run another 3.1 mile loop that goes a different direction.

    So that is just what I did and I continued on a different route.

    “It’s not so much that I began to run, but that I continued”

    Hal Higdon

    You might be wondering why I shared the story above with you but stick with me and read on :)

    I was glad to have extended my total run to the full 6.2 miles I had planned to run the night before. Even though I took a completely different route than planning, I ultimately achieved the same goal I set out to accomplish.

    Reflection on Paths and Moving Forward

    As I reflected on that driving to work today I realized a lot of people (me included) focus too much about what path we planned to be on in order to reach our end goal. However, by being so focused on the current path we could be losing sight of what we really want as an end goal. In fact, we could miss a turn that might take us off the current route but still headed in the right direction overall.

    This has happened to me quite a few times most specifically in careers or jobs. I know what I would like to be doing down the road from now or how that might look. However, sometimes I get so stuck in a role (path) thinking it will eventually get me there as I had originally planned. Then another year goes by and I realize I am no closer to where I would like to end up and in reality, I might be further behind or off track. If only I would have stopped ignoring other interesting routes that would probably lead me to the same destination as my goal.

    Ultimately, I am beginning to learn that taking small steps and keeping the course is a good thing in life as long as you continue to move forward. However, you should make sure you are aware of your surroundings and make sure you aren’t just following a path because that was your original plan. You also need to make sure you are keeping your head up and making sure you aren’t so focused on the trail in front of you that you might be passing up other opportunities.

    → 12:58 AM, Dec 21
  • Mini Sabbatical

    A couple weeks ago I was on what I called a mini sabbatical but in reality, it was just a week off of work before I started a new job. During that week I fully appreciate and understand why rest is important. I think the overall concept of time away from work is something more companies should figure out how to offer. I know some companies have programs like actual sabbaticals after putting in a number of years at companies. I think the idea is great and I think it could be something done on a smaller scale too. I think the most important aspect is to figure out how to allow people to have some time away from where they can really disconnect.

    Disconnecting is what you hear about all the time now and after a week of being fully disconnected, I know there are benefits there. I have always taken time away to spend time with family and I would say I was “disconnecting” from work. However, I was never truly disconnected. I was still getting work emails on my phone and more often than not I carried my work laptop with me to where I was going. So in theory as much as I was saying I was “disconnected” I was still connected by checking and making sure nothing went wrong back at work while I was away. Even if I wasn’t responding to anything, I was still glancing through things to make sure nothing big was going on and filling stuff away in order to make it easier for when I got back to work.

    *Eerie looking sky leaving work by myself late on a Friday for the last time (November 2019, MTS Systems, Eden Prairie, MN)*

    However, on this “break” I didn’t have email or work issues that came up or even could be brought my attention. When I left work on my final day, my email and connection to that job disappeared as well. I was unemployed as I was in between jobs and it was great. I was hoping that my wife and I could have escaped somewhere fun for a couple of days but seeing how this wasn’t planned very far in advance. So my wife still had to work and the kids still had school and their normal after-school activities.

    However, that was honestly perfect for me as it allowed me to do more with the kids before and after school as I was still there. However, it also gave me a chance to just do random things during the day from 9am - 4pm when my kids were at school. I took the dog to the dog park where she was just in heaven as there wasn’t anyone there and she could just run around as fast as possible.

    *I might be spoiling the dog this week as we have been to the dog park twice already (November 2019, Flying Cloud Dog Park, Eden Prairie, MN)*

    I spent the week doing things I enjoyed but honestly, I could have had another week to get even more stuff done as I had planned on taking the time to read a book (yep never happened). I did make sure to sneak in a couple of long runs, multiple runs per day, as well as a fun park that was a lot of hill running but worth the views.

    *Running the sloped trails to enjoy the scenery in and around the park was a great way to spend a day off (November 2019, Richard T Anderson Conservatory, Eden Prairie, MN)*

    In fact, I even met up with my cousin for a run one of the days I was off. It was good to get outside as well as catch up with her.

    *Had a great time enjoying the beautiful weather running around Lake Harriet and catching up with my cousin yesterday (November 2019, Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, MN)*

    Finally, I took my wife out on a couple of lunch dates where we could take our time eating and just enjoy each other’s company with nothing big to rush to the next event or worry we are paying some babysitter to allow our kids to watch TV at home :).

    I am sad that my time away from work is over as I am now three weeks into my new job. However, I am going to think of ways going forward that I can take a week off and just be at home as disconnected as I can. Another thought is to just take some random days off here and there where I can just do my own thing without other priorities or reasons for taking the day off. I believe that would allow me to be refocused and refreshed going back to work the next day.

    Have any of you ever just completely disconnected from work? If so what did you think of it and was it helpful?

    → 1:55 PM, Dec 13
  • First Frozen Face this winter but probably not the last. The temp was a balmy -6° F with no wind this morning… 🏃‍♂️

    → 8:46 PM, Dec 11
  • What better way to start Turkey Day than a 5k run. Not to mention one that ends with a donut 🍩😋. Minus the icy conditions in a couple places, it was a great day and event. Also, I was pleased to get first in what I have deemed my old man division 😂🏃‍♂️

    → 2:28 PM, Nov 28
  • Had a great time enjoying the beautiful weather running around Lake Harriet and catching up with my cousin yesterday… 🏃‍♂️

    → 12:20 PM, Nov 15
  • From the Lens - November Trail

    Running the sloped trails to enjoy the scenery in and around the park was a great way to spend a day off (November 2019, Richard T Anderson Conservatory, Eden Prairie, MN)

    Tuesday Photo Challenge - Slope

    → 9:29 PM, Nov 13
  • With the snow flying around this morning I was able to make some lovely first tracks 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:18 PM, Nov 6
  • Goodbye Fitbit…

    I have used my Fitbit since January 2014 after what I remember was a long time trying to decide if I really wanted one and if so which one. Thinking back it has served its purpose well and I will give it some credit for keeping me active over the past years.

    Over the course of the timeline above, I used a handful of watches. Most I bought because I wanted GPS capabilities however I did own two that were only step counters. From the data above you are probably wondering why there is a big gap in 2014. Long story short after I decided on getting a Fitbit at the end of 2013, I went for the new Fitbit force since it could actually show the time as I thought it was silly to just have a tracker band on my wrist. Unfortunately for me, I had issues with that watch and had to return it. At that time they didn’t have a replacement as all of them were recalled so they just returned my money in Full.

    Positives

    Community

    Due to the fact Fitbit was kind of a pioneer in the step tracking market, a lot of people jumped on board quickly. I don’t recall when they started their community to connect with people and have challenges but it has been for as long as I can remember. This is something they did well early on too as it encouraged people to do more in order to try to keep up with family or friends. I enjoyed looking at where people’s 7-day averages were and how well I did against them.

    Customer Support

    Hands down the one thing Fitbit has done (at least from my perspective) from day one is having great customer support. Put aside the question of quality as remember early on this was a new type of technology. I have purchased 5 different Fitbit devices for myself during the 5 year period.

    • Fitbit Force (Step tracker with Time Display) - Recalled
    • Fitbit Flex (Step Tracker ONLY) - Free replacement after it got water in it
    • Fitbit Surge (GPS Watch) - Free replacement after the band broke as this version doesn’t have removable watch bands
    • Fitbit Ionic (GPS Watch) - Free replacement after it just died and didn’t turn back on
    • Fitbit Aria (Scale) - Still the original / never got a replacement

    However, I have had 8 devices. The first one was a factory recall and I got my full purchase price back. For the other 3, I purchased I had issues after a year or more and they replaced the device free of charge. When you spend more than $150 on newer technology and you are frugal it is a relief knowing that they stand behind the product.

    Main Issues

    Reporting Data

    This was never really an issue years ago but as my use of my Fitbit watch changed it became more apparent. After having my year of running 5K a day and wanting to look through the data and look back at things, I quickly realized that looking back at specific data in your Fitbit is near impossible. How can I find all of the “Runs” I completed in the previous year.

    You can click on the activities tab but everything is an activity and there is no good way to sort by type of activity. In addition, I can’t even easily export the information to do anything else with it. The good thing is most of my runs are in Strava which makes it super simple to export and look back at specific types of Activities (e.g., Runs vs Bike Rides).

    Unreliable GPS / Watch

    This kind of goes with my gripe above with data, however, a GPS watch itself is only as good as when it is tracking. If I didn’t want to know where and how far I ran, then I would not have paid over $250 for my Fitbit Ionic and just bought a $30 Timex like I used to wear in High School.

    Timex Ironman Watch

    No chance of this watch failing unless the battery ran out.

    The Fitbit Surge was a good watch and my first GPS watch.

    I really did like the Fitbit Ionic as it had a big clear display.

    One of the times my Fitbit failed in the past year around 1 mile into my run. I thought that since you could swim with this watch on it would have been able to survive the rain I was running through.

    However, since I did spend that money on a GPS watch that is what I want. Below are some great examples of when my Fitbit would just fail me in the middle of the run. I realized that the map makes it look like I stopped and just didn’t complete the loop back to my house. Just for reference though, I do not stop a half-mile from my house as I always make it all the way back to my starting point no matter how much further that makes me run.

    *Really! Come on Fitbit why did you have to die after 1.5 miles.*
    As I look at the GPS fails above, it is kind of interesting that each one seems to die after a little over 1.5 miles. Not sure if that is a coincidence or not.

    Will I miss anything?

    I will miss the Community and the data I already have out there. I have tried to pull over as much data as I can into my new system but not all data is created equal even when importing. As I noted before since all of my runs were in Strava that was easier to get and import all of those into a new system.

    As for the community, I will miss that as well since two of my kids have Fitbits and it was always fun being able to quickly see how I ranked over them. Even with 3.1 mile runs every day my kids still beat me in steps, unless they didn’t wear their watch. However, as for other family and friends, they too have started to drift away from Fitbit.

    My guess is most people got Apple watches and didn’t want to wear both. Or if they wanted more of a Runners / Workout watch they went to Garmin or Suunto. I have been connecting with runners on Strava and it seems most drift to Garmin.

    Question for you?

    Do you track your steps or fitness activities using a watch? If so what kind do you have? If you have had a Fitbit ever what kind did you have and what are your thoughts on it?

    → 3:05 PM, Oct 8
  • 5K a Day all about the Data

    You asked for it so let’s dive into the data! I knew this was going to be a follow-up post to the one I just wrote earlier this week about my 5K a day. Maybe it is because I am kind of a data nerd and you were shocked I didn’t publish any data or charts with my last article. Or maybe it is because you wanted to see when and how far, fast or what time of day I completed my runs. It could have been that you were not 100% sure you believed me in my last article and were waiting to see some proof.

    *The glow of the sunrise in the clouds and off the water is something that never gets old for me (April 2019, Eden Prairie, MN)*
    I didn’t put it in the other article because I had some real hesitations about posting it. Not because I am trying to hide anything, in fact, you can follow my Strava account if you are a runner and like doing that type of thing. The reason was that the data is not perfect and it took me some time putting it all together. I am not going to bore you with all of those details in this post as I might have to save those issues for another. However, all of the data in the charts came from Strava and Fitbit.
    So without further ado, here are some fun charts to look at from the past year where I completed 1189.45 miles with a little color commentary.

    When did you run?

    This is one of the first questions I got after my previous post, When did I do most of my running? I have been asked this question by friends and family members before and without looking at the chart my answer was always the morning without a doubt. With 3 kids in activities, the morning was the one time I could really control what I did. If I didn’t do it first thing there was always a chance that plans could change and I would be doing it at midnight. However, it did get me thinking about how often I ran the rest of the day over the past 12 months.

    As you can see morning took it by a landslide. Now that it is Fall again and almost time for Winter I was reminded that running in the dark is not my favorite as I have been spoiled for the last 3-4 months of the morning running with the sunrise. This morning I just cranked out 6 miles and it was all in darkness….
    *Always a win when I would find a new route that actually has some street lights (Septemeber 2018, Eden Prairie, MN)*
    *Completed my annual self made "Turkey Trot" in the early morning hours while watching the sunrise (November 2018, Nevada, IA)*
    Now being the data nerd I am I was thinking the next best slice would be to see a number of runs/miles by the day of the week. I was interested to see that I ran fewer miles on the weekend than I did during the week.

    Now here is where I am going to kind of skate over data quality because it might be more valuable in another post as I will probably rant quite a bit on that topic. However, I have some double runs during the middle of some weeks due to international flights. In addition, not to play down my commitment to running because there were a couple of times in the past year I ran twice a day by CHOICE! You read that right I chose to run not only in the morning but at night as well. Don’t worry I didn’t make a habit out of it and it only happened because as I said previously I sometimes had to plan a week out in advance. Obviously, since I mostly wanted to get my runs done early as a way to not forget, someone would message me mid-day seeing if I wanted to run that evening. I mean how could I say no?

    Friday Mornings take the real WIN!

    After looking at that last set of data I pondered if there was anything else I would like to see. That is when it hit me that it would be interesting to see based on the day of the week when did I typically run.

    I was not really sure what to expect on this chart before pulling it together. The only thing I could think of was besides mornings probably being pretty spread out during a given week. I would have thought more evening runs as I would try to squeeze them in right after work or while at a kid’s activity. As you can see from the data below, that is not entirely what is being shown.

    After looking over the chart below I came to two realizations:

    1. I am not sure how Strava categorizes Morning, Lunch, Afternoon, Evening or Night run. The biggest problem I see here is that there is a big gap between what I would consider Morning and Lunch. Then in the afternoon and evening, I am not sure what that fine line is to trip it from Lunch to Afternoon to evening. I spot checked a couple of specific days and it was counting afternoon as 5:50 PM. Not sure if that is where it should fall but then the data started to make more sense as in the winter months for sure I ran more in the early evening (or still Afternoon) while my son played basketball.
    2. I made a concerted effort to never run at night on Friday and in fact, it was the heaviest day of morning runs. I had never really thought of it but accept what the data says. Most of my Friday nights kids don’t have activities so with that in mind we are either doing something as a family at home or traveling somewhere for the weekend. Not to mention if you want to have a drink with the neighbor while grilling after work on a Friday it is best to get you run in early.

    I also did a similar slice based on miles but as you can see it didn’t really tell me anything as the chart looks about the same since I was always hovering around 3.1 miles with very rare exceptions though most of and then at the end.

    Pace

    Finally, after I was pulling all this data together I was wondering what was my average pace over the course of these 12 months. The overall answer is 7:47 min miles. I decided to create some quick average charts by day and month. The day chart kind of puzzled me except when thinking about the other data above. I most likely got better rest before my Saturday run as I didn’t always have to do it at dawn.

    When you look at the monthly chart this is even more interesting but I have a few ideas of why it might look like it does.

    From when I started till about January I was on a steady decline. However, those runs were mostly solo in nature and a more consistent route due to darkness, and early snowfall. Don’t forget it got cold in January and I might have tried to run faster outside just to get the run done in the early morning.


    Running with my daughter and the dog. Not a bad way to start the day as it is always filled with conversations. Not to mention more stops by both to see and listen to nature (March 2019, Eden Prairie, MN)

    Frozen face run in -9.4°F (February 2019, Eden Prairie MN)

    The Spring months I was running more with Lainey Lou the Doodle (our dog) which then slowed down my pace. In addition, I would run sometimes with my daughter who would like to bike along with me and sometimes she just wanted to stop. Finally, in the late April / May timeframe it was starting to get nicer out that I could do more trails around the area. In May especially, I was traveling and was running in the hills of Arizona, streets of China and a number of Treadmill runs due to the arrival of flights. I know that Treadmill run data was about the worst because I only have my watch data to go on and most of the time it never said I ran as far as the treadmill said I did.

    So after all of my analysis above, I got to thinking I might be missing some data here that might be in addition to the chart above. The one above only gave average pace but I was more curious about what the min and max were as well. I think this chart helps answer some of those questions.

    Looking at the chart above I think it further supports my hypothesis of running in different places and on the treadmill.

    Fastest Times


    Best Efforts
    1k4:05
    1 mile6:36
    5k20:58
    10k46:39

    I figured since I was sharing all of this data anyways I should probably share some Personal Bests during my year of running. I was thinking of doing a chart like some of the above but I realized I didn’t really have good data around this. Mostly because I didn’t always stop running right at 3.1 miles, so it would be hard with the data I have to give more meaning than overall bests.

    Luckily, Strava has some overall personal bests that I could easily get and all of them except for the 10k came from a race I did in the summer. In looking at the data now, I wish I would have broken the 20 min mark but I can’t really complain as I was never shooting for a specific time. Also, I did well as I was in the top 15 overall and 2nd in my age group.

    I actually did 2 races over the past year and surprised myself during both of them with good enough times considering I was running every day with no breaks. Running a 5k a day made me realize that running those 5K races were really nothing. I did them every day so it wasn’t a big deal, I knew I would finish it so then it was just a matter of at what point in the race should I pick up my pace or pass someone.

    Conclusion

    I never really set out to put any data together when I originally started running. In fact, I didn’t really think about it when I realized that I was actually going to be running for a year. To both of those facts, I might have been a little short-sided, as looking back I would have done things differently in order to make sure I had the data easily available. I would not have used it to change what happened on a day to day basis as my goal was never to run faster or even longer. I did use my Strava data and my Fitbit data to just look back at a given week or compare runs every now and then to see if there was any small progress. However, my ultimate goal was the consistency of doing it every day.

    → 7:05 AM, Oct 3
  • 5K a day for 365 days

    I ran a 5K a day for 365 Days in a row and counting… Most people will think that is crazy and pointless. I have run well over 1131.5 miles over the course of the past year (check out the data analysis of all my runs or give a listen to the Off the Couch podcast I was on talking about it). On September 17th, 2018 I started this journey but I didn’t have the goal of a 5K a day in my mind. Or certainly, my intention was not to do it for an entire year.

    Background

    I have always been a runner, or so I say I have always been a runner. There was a time I distanced myself from running in my later college years up until about 4 years ago. I actually wrote about it a couple of times ok maybe more than a couple but I wrote about it when I got Back into Running and when I was using Running to Refocus.

    There is something great about running as it is just PURE. You can only move as fast as YOU can, as far as YOU want, and as long as YOU can. However, it is all up to YOU to determine what YOU “can” do and what you get out of it.


    However, last fall I finally decided to run with my neighbor who has always run more miles than my typical 2-2.5 mile run about 2-3x per week. That day we went for 4 miles on a Saturday morning and it was great. Not to mention I felt really good. For the next week, I decided to keep with my 2-3 times a week but stretched myself to hit 3+ miles of which one was 6 miles. I kept that up for a couple of weeks when I then decided I wanted more. I wasn’t sure I had more time to run more miles in a given day, so the next best thing was to try to run a 5K (3.1 miles) every single day for a week. It didn’t seem as hard as I thought it was going to be keeping that up for a week so then I thought I would go for 2 weeks, then a full month. After, the month I figured I should do it for 3 months as that put me in January and I figured it would be too cold then. However, once January came along it was so ingrained into my daily habit that a 5K a day was just the normal. It became so normal in fact that I would just start planning my day around it. It was almost a non-negotiable item, no matter if I had to wake up at 5:00 AM to get an early morning run in or if I was doing it at 10:30 PM at night, I was going to get a run in.

    Planning is Key

    Honestly, this is the biggest takeaway I learned over the past year was planning. If you want to make something a priority you need to plan time for it in order for it to be a priority. For me in order to make running a priority in my life, I had to make sure to keep it a priority, and sometimes I had to get creative. I would look at my schedule on a day to day or even a week out and figure out when I planned to run. This sounds a little crazy that on a Sunday night I was already planning on when I was going to run the following Saturday but honestly I had to do it. Not just for when it would make sense to me, like running in the morning, but for my family and other work priorities. I found myself running early in the morning, late at night, and sometimes squeezing it in while my son was at a birthday party. Then there was the weather. That would always through a wrench in it if I would have let it. However, after my habit was formed I just told myself it didn’t matter the weather, rain or shine, snow or ice, 100 degrees and humid or 0 degrees with a negative windchill, I would make sure to get my run in.

    Around the Neighborhood

    Something that I have enjoyed over the past 4 years of running is exploring my surroundings. In my neighborhood, I have found so many small parks, trails, and green spaces that I didn’t know existed in the first 6 years we lived there. Mostly because I would just drive by and not give it a second look. However, by increasing my mileage as well as the frequency of runs, I found myself exploring more places because I needed more routes and I was going farther.

    Also, in my town and some of the surrounding areas, I went to other parks not near my house in order to find a new and interesting place to run. Some of which I then took my family back to so would could all explore at a later time to really take in the scenery.

    Enjoying the new scenery on an early evening run that was a lot harder than I anticipated (June 2019, Richard T. Anderson Conservatory, Eden Prairie)

    Trail running is always my favorite but I enjoyed the company on this Father’s day run even more. I might need to get her a better bike if we keep this up. (June 2019, Eden Prairie)

    Nothing beats a blue sky, ice melting off the pond, and no snow on the trail for a birthday run (March 2019, Eden Prairie)

    Finding new trails to run on in my extended area allowed me to find interesting places (June 2019, Bredesen Park, Edina, MN)

    Beautiful afternoon running around the lake (May 2019, Rice Marsh Lake, Eden Prairie, MN)

    Exploring New Places

    Not only did I find some amazing places in my town, but since I travel for work from time to time, I found some even more interesting places while running in various cities. Not only did I explore near my hotel but in some cases, I would drive to find a trail to run on.
    Quiet morning run in the streets of Shanghai (May 2019, Shanghai, China)

    Fun time exploring Amsterdam this afternoon as I ran along a bunch of canals. Might have gotten a little lost and felt out of place as it doesn’t seem like the streets and sidewalks are geared for runners (September 2009, Amsterdam, Netherlands).

    Found an observation deck on my run this morning by the lake… Not a bad view from the top but windy… (April 2019, Observation Deck at Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY)


    Running along the Skywalker trail in the early morning hours (May 2019, Skywalker Trail, Sedona, AZ)

    What’s Next

    Besides breaking in my new Asics pair of shoes as I feel I have gone through quite a few this past year. I might try to take a different approach for this next year. My goal is to get some longer runs in but feel I need to back off on the times per week in order to make that happen. Some of it is because of the time commitment which is partially due to my own schedule but also with the lack of daylight we have right it does add to the challenge. I am guessing it will be a slow transition as I have conditioned my body to run daily it is not super easy to just stop. Trust me I have tried. Till the next update get outside and start exploring your neighborhood.


    Shoes, Shoes, Shoes… Amazing how many running shoes you can go through in a given year…


    ### Your Turn What is the last thing you have tried to do on a daily basis and were you successful? If so how has it changed you and if not what did you learn about yourself?
    → 4:57 PM, Sep 30
  • Found myself running along the EP Cross Country course this morning. Brings back memories of Saturday morning races… 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:02 AM, Sep 14
  • Fun time exploring Amsterdam this afternoon as I ran along a bunch of canals. Might have gotten a little lost and felt out of place as it doesn’t seem like the streets and sidewalks are geared for runners 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:08 AM, Sep 8
  • From the Lens - City

    Always interesting to see how much your home town has changed during an early morning run when the streets are empty (November 2018, Nevada, IA)

    Tuesday Photo Challenge - City

    → 10:20 AM, Aug 28
  • From the Lens - Foggy Tracks

    Foggy tracks that seem to disappear in the distance... (August 2019, Pleasant Hill, Iowa)
    → 9:03 PM, Aug 21
  • Nothing like a little obstacle in my path… 🏃‍♂️

    → 5:32 PM, Aug 20
  • Do you ever have a feeling you are being watched when you run? 🦌🏃‍♂️

    → 8:54 AM, Aug 17
  • Pretty quiet this morning as I was running around the Iowa State Fair grounds. It will look quite different in 3 days… 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:33 AM, Aug 5
  • Was not expecting rain this morning so took to the covered trails… 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:39 PM, Jul 26
  • From the Lens - Country Road

    There is always miles of road ahead when running in the country (July, 2019, Ollie, Iowa)
    → 11:58 PM, Jul 24
  • From the Lens - Rice Lake

    MVIMG 20190711 101831 01 01 **One of my favorite local parks that has hilly hiking trail. There is a bench at the top of one trail that gives you this wonderful view of Rice Lake and the Minnesota River (Richard T. Anderson Conservatory, July 2019)**
    Tuesday Photo Challenge - Hill
    → 10:34 PM, Jul 17
  • It was a hot one this morning with 95% humidity but I can’t complain too much as I enjoyed the sunrise… 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:58 PM, Jul 17
  • The sun slowly filled the covered green trail this morning… 🏃‍♂️

    → 10:35 PM, Jul 7
  • Was a hot run this afternoon in the Prairie as there was no breeze and lots of humidity. Thankful for the scenery as I think my body has been spoiled with the cooler weather… 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:38 PM, Jun 28
  • From The Lens - Summer Sunset

    Summer sunset run after a busy day is good way to recharge and focus (June 2019, Edenbrook Conservation Area)

    Tuesday Photo Challenge - Radiant

    → 10:23 PM, Jun 26
  • Summer sunset run after a busy day is a good way to recharge… 🏃‍♂️

    → 10:22 PM, Jun 26
  • Wordless Wednesday 06/19

    Trail running is always my favorite but I enjoyed the company on this Father's day run even more. I might need to get her a better bike if we keep this up. (June 2019, Eden Prairie)

    Tuesday Photo Challenge - Trail

    → 1:44 PM, Jun 19
  • Wordless Wednesday 06/12

    Enjoying the new scenery on an early evening run that was a lot harder than I anticipated (June 2019, Richard T. Anderson Conservatory, Eden Prairie)
    → 3:47 PM, Jun 12
  • Calm morning after an evening and night of rain. Great morning to be out running for #GlobalRunningDay 🏃‍♂️

    → 10:51 PM, Jun 5
  • Wash out! What a beautiful weekend it was to be outside and I really can’t thank my amazing wife @aprilgottwalker enough for letting me go running as I know there were probably 1000 other things to do. I appreciate all she does and am thankful she let me carve out a little time to run. 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:08 PM, Jun 3
  • Wet morning for a 5k run today but for a good cause. I don’t even remember the last time I actually ran a real race so I was happy enough with 22:12. Rain must have scared people away as I took 10th place overall and 1st in my old age bracket 😂🏃‍♂️

    → 11:44 AM, May 27
  • Last morning in China as I fly out tonight so my last morning of exploring the streets. It still seems strange to find all of these little paths like this that are right around tall buildings and roads. However, when on them you feel like you could be anywhere and doesn’t feel like you are in a major city. 🏃‍♂️

    → 6:54 PM, May 21
  • Random thought while running this morning… As crowded as it is in Shanghai China they still have found some way to make lots of bike lanes all over the city 🤔 (at least where I have been). Also, no one seems to be up early in the morning 🏃‍♂️

    → 6:44 AM, May 17
  • Wordless Wednesday 05/15

    Quiet morning run in the streets of Shanghai (May 2019, Shanghai, China)
    → 6:36 PM, May 15
  • Quiet morning run in the streets of Shanghai… 🏃‍♂️

    → 6:19 PM, May 15
  • Had to get a run in this morning before a really long day of travel (16+ hrs🤦‍♂️)… 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:48 AM, May 14
  • Good start for a Saturday… Running with Lainey followed up by coffee on the deck while catching up with a good friend on the phone while the family sleeps in…. Next up kids activities on this beautiful Saturday. 🏃‍♂️🐶

    → 9:53 AM, May 11
  • Wordless Wednesday 05/08

    Running along the Skywalker trail in the early morning hours (May 2019, Skywalker Trail, Sedona, AZ)
    → 9:27 AM, May 8
  • Last run in Arizona before heading home tonight. Thankfully the rain stopped right before I went outside but that added the challenge with a little mud and wet rocks… 🏃‍♂️

    → 8:38 AM, May 8
  • Cloudy morning trail run today but I still can’t complain. Beautiful view of the mountains but with my narrow trail at points looking down was a better option… 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:16 AM, May 7
  • It doesn’t matter how much I run but running on these hills around Phoenix this morning were less than easy. Thankfully the view was worth it… 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:26 PM, May 6
  • Great way to start the weekend off right with a morning run with Lainey Lou the Doodle… 🏃‍♂️🐶

    → 1:30 PM, May 4
  • Afternoon run with the big kids today… It was interesting that they stopped at this spot to wait for me and see/listen to the sounds of nature. As this is a spot I love to stop at to grab a quick photo of the scenes of nature. #running #getoutside. 🏃‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

    → 11:51 PM, Apr 28
  • Saturday morning run and conversations with this girl and her favorite dog. It is kind of selfish as I want to run but I truly enjoy the company and conversations from this girl. The only problem is she wants to stop every mile or so to just listen to the birds or watch the geese, ducks, and squirrels move about. I can’t really complain though who doesn’t just enjoy just being outside. 🏃‍♂️🐶

    → 9:54 AM, Apr 27
  • Wordless Wednesday 04/24

    *Almost perfect early morning reflection (April 2019, Round Lake, Eden Prairie) - Flipped*

    Almost perfect early morning reflection (April 2019, Round Lake, Eden Prairie) - Original

    → 2:04 PM, Apr 24
  • Found an observation deck on my run this morning by the lake. Not a bad view from the top but a little windy… 🏃‍♂️

    📍Erie Basin Marina Observation Deck

    → 10:23 AM, Apr 18
  • CAUTION! Rough road ahead. Note this is in town and helps sum up the winter we had… My pace biker even with the obstacles is too fast for me these days. #🏃‍♂️

    → 10:03 PM, Apr 14
  • Amazing the difference 26 hours looks like… Not to mention “No School Snow Storms” can stop me from getting outside… 🌅🏃‍♂️🌨🌬

    → 8:43 PM, Apr 11
  • Wordless Wednesday 04/10

    Nothing beats a sunset run where you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but you are really in town. (Edenbrook Conservation Area, Eden Prairie, April 2019)
    → 6:45 AM, Apr 10
  • Mornings really are a great time to get outside… 🏃‍♂️

    → 7:30 AM, Apr 8
  • Wordless Wednesday 04/03

    *Taking a quick break on our run to check out the ducks (Round Lake, Eden Prairie, March 2019)*
    → 4:59 PM, Apr 3
  • So glad to get off the paved streets tonight until I noticed various parts of my trail were underwater and muddy… Oh well, a little water and mud doesn’t hurt anyone. 🏃‍♂️

    → 8:57 PM, Mar 28
  • Running with Ryan Van Duzer

    As you can probably tell from other things I post about on Social Media or this site, I really do enjoy running. It is something that got lost on me for a long period of time in my life but has really made its way back into my daily routine over the last three of years (Back to Running).

    So you can only imagine that when I ran across this new YouTube video series by Ryan Van Duzer called Running with Ryan, you can bet I stopped what I was doing to watch this first episode.

    Let's just say it didn’t disappoint as his first guest was Scott and Jenny Jurek who were talking about their record-setting run on the Appalachian Trail as well as the value of doing hard things.  Also, they touch on Scott and Jenny’s book called North as the paperback is coming out soon. However, you can buy the Kindle, Hardback or Audio-book version right now from Amazon. This has been on my want list for a while so after watching this I got the audio version as they said it is narrated by Scott and Jenny. I always find it interesting listening to audio-books that are narrated by the authors.

    I would suggest you check out the first video in the Running with Ryan series and if you are like me I am sure you can’t wait till the next one comes out.

    Hope you enjoyed the video and be sure to help spread the word of this new series by sharing Ryan’s video as he does some amazing work. Another thing to note from the video that dawned on me again while writing this is during this whole run Ryan had to run while holding a camera. I know I commented on it before when he ran in the Caballo Blanco race, but it is still an amazing feat to hold it steady enough to get the shot and make sure everyone is in focus while running. Which for some people is hard enough already.

    Finally, be sure to check out Scott and Jenny Jurek's website as well as I am sure they will be up to more adventure in the near future.

    → 5:15 PM, Mar 28
  • Wordless Wednesday 03/27

    *Nothing beats a blue sky, ice melting off the pond, and no snow on the trail for a birthday run (March 2019, Eden Prairie)*
    → 7:03 PM, Mar 27
  • Taking a quick break on our run this morning to check out the ducks… 🦆🐕🏃‍♂️

    → 3:45 PM, Mar 22
  • Wordless Wednesday 03/13

    Enjoying the beautiful evening run with a blue sky and sun at 6pm in the evening. I could get used to this time change (March 2019, Eden Prairie)

    → 8:16 AM, Mar 13
  • Wordless Wednesday 03/06

    Glad to have the sun coming up earlier in the mornings these days. I appreciate the sunrise runs vs flashlight ones (March 2019, Minnesota)

    → 10:30 PM, Mar 6
  • Glad to have the sun coming up earlier in the mornings these days. I appreciate the sunrise runs vs flashlight ones… 🏃‍♂️

    → 7:48 PM, Mar 6
  • The sidewalks are getting pretty narrow out there… 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:09 PM, Feb 28
  • So I guess I shouldn’t plan on running tomorrow morning… 🤔🏃‍♂️🥶

    Guess this morning it was a heat wave at -8F 😂

    → 11:29 PM, Jan 29
  • There is something calming about being outside in the early morning with a little dusting of fresh snow on the ground… 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:46 PM, Jan 17
  • Considering it was a little warmer today it was also nice to see the sun come up… 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:46 PM, Jan 10
  • Can’t believe just a couple days ago I had a frozen face and today I was running in shorts. Also, found a new trail to run on or I think it was a trail. If not I was the strange guy running through people’s backyards 🤷‍♂️ 🏃‍♂️

    → 2:41 PM, Jan 5
  • Nothing beats a nice-looking sunrise… 🏃‍♂️

    → 7:58 PM, Jan 3
  • Frozen face run yesterday… 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:44 AM, Jan 2
  • Look what I found on my run this morning in Ankeny, IA… Do I spy a backyard rink 👀🏒… Looks like a nice setup 👍

    → 6:59 PM, Dec 30
  • This girl braved the cold with me this morning for a little exercise and got a well-deserved treat for her hard work… 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️

    → 8:50 PM, Dec 26
  • A little Christmas day running on what seems like just a sheet of ice outside while the kids were busy with their new things… 🏃‍♂️

    → 9:06 PM, Dec 25
  • Can’t believe how warm it has been, last Sunday I had to get outside… In shorts of course 👍🏃‍♂️

    → 7:14 PM, Dec 19
  • The one nice thing about running at night in the winter is you get to check out everyone’s Christmas Lights… 🏃‍♂️

    → 11:54 PM, Dec 13
  • Had to take advantage of the sun today and find some snowy trails to run along… 🏃‍♂️

    → 12:14 AM, Dec 10
  • It was a dark and rainy night. What is the luck it started to rain right when I wanted to run tonight.. Didn’t stop me but I am really getting sick of this rain. 🌧🏃🏻‍♂️🌧

    → 10:26 PM, Sep 24
  • Really didn’t feel like running today but my guest pulled me out of bed this morning 🐶🏃‍♂️

    → 7:41 AM, Jul 27
  • Break the Twitch, The Book by Anthony Ongaro

    I just finished reading Break The Twitch: a practical guide to minimalism, intentional living & doing more of what matters by Anthony Ongaro and it is the perfect book for anyone looking to make a change in your current habits.  I had hoped to finish it right after it came out in December but got caught up in work stuff as I wanted to make sure I could really take time off around Christmas and New Years.  Hindsight 20/20, it is probably a good thing I didn't finish it in December as I would have cringed even more every time a box with specific markings on it arrived at my doorstep before the holidays.

    Break The Twitch: a practical guide to minimalism, intentional living & doing more of what matters by Anthony Ongaro

    Breaking the Twitch

    One of the great things I like about this book is that it really sets the stage early on as the quote below is the first line of the introduction.

    People don’t buy products—they buy better versions of themselves.

    The book in my mind gets separated into three different parts :

    • The introduction of the book is where Anthony talks very specifically about how digging into his Amazon purchasing history he was able to figure out that he was buying so much stuff on a whim. He also briefly dissects some of the purchases he made and his rationale prior to the purchases compared to the actual outcome.
    • The second part of the book is where he starts to give more detailed examples and ideas to help you the reader identify places in your life where you might be doing things impulsively. Also, how those impulses can create some really strong habits as he found out personally. Finally, he brings up how technology has maybe helped play a huge role in fostering the habits.
    • The final part of the book really brings everything together and talks about strategies to take for breaking bad habits (or Twitches). Additionally, it talks about Minimalism and how that can help play a role in breaking and creating new habits.

    Even though the book has the underlying true story of Anthony's Amazon purchases, what he discovered helps provide specific examples of correcting and uncovering bad habits. So if you are you thinking of changing some of your habits this year, the book lays out some good approaches he took for Breaking the Twitch. As you can tell I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. With that said, most of the stuff in the book isn't rocket science, and the themes of what he is saying most people already know. In my opinion, the value or what sets this book apart is that he does a good job breaking his thoughts down into bits that can be easily tackled.

    My Running Story...

    Let's be honest if I said we should run a 5k next month, and you haven't run for over a year, your head might spin. At the time it would seem like such a hurdle to climb and you might not even know where to start because you're too focused on the end result and not what could you do TODAY! Or as it is described in the book the Minimal Viable Action.

    Minimally Viable Action—the smallest, most immediate step you can take that is doing what you want to do.

    For my example, I was that person, and a couple of years ago I decided to just go out and run (in the dead of winter at that) with my non-GPS watch, my old pair of running shoes, and whatever other cold-weather workout clothes (or layers) I could find. I told myself I would run two blocks but after being out there I made it much further and then the next time I made it farther until having to walk. Each time I made it longer and sometimes faster until eventually it was just a habit and I was feeling healthier and had a good routine. When the month was up I realized I had already run a 5k and running another one wasn't going to be an issue.

    Some final thoughts…

    Reading a book like this helps give you motivation and encouragement as you reflect on yourself. Knowing that you are not alone and others, though on different paths have probably been faced to walk down a similar path.

    Remember that simplifying your life and designing a space that aligns with your intentions takes time—as the old adage goes, it is a journey, not a destination.


    Anthony Ongaro, Break the Twitch

    However, don't just take my word for it since you can read some of the book before you buy, Anthony has posted the introduction chapter of his book on his site which you can find here.

    To learn more about the book and see what others had to say check out Anthony's book page on the Break the Twitch site here. If you want to see/follow along with more of Anthony's work you can find him on Twitter @BreakTheTwitch, his website,  and or his YouTube channel. I have been following along since 2016, where during my running example above I wrote about the Power of a Habit and linked so some of his older posts which helped motivate me at that time to push through.

    What Twitches or habits have you noticed yourself having that you would like changed? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

    → 12:16 PM, Jan 18
  • Wordless Wednesday 01/17

    Snow covered sidewalk8387809693564249721 *Silence in the early morning air while running through the freshly fallen snow.*
    → 10:34 PM, Jan 17
  • Happy Thanksgiving day run in my hometown while I watched the sunrise..

    → 4:50 PM, Nov 23
  • Encouragement

    Sometimes things happen (Crash!) and it is something that you don’t or aren’t really sure if someone is going to tell you to try again. Or give you that extra encouragement/voice you need to get back up and try it again. After that post, I wasn’t up to what I had hoped for motivation as I struggled to motivate myself in the least.

    My instincts were telling me to continue to plug away at this injury slowly and that it was for some reason important to overcome this so I could get out and run like normal. In July I tried again to just get out and run but honestly, I had even less motivation to do that as I blamed my upcoming family vacation and the extra work I needed to do prior to vacation as my crutch.

    Then we were finally during the middle of our family trip to the East Coast, and something deep inside me had me throw in my running shoes. Thankfully I did as after nine days into the trip, our final day in Boston before we headed up to Maine, I laced up my shoes to hit the streets. For some reason, I was up really early and figured now is the time to get out and just run around the neighborhood and see the sights of this city I don’t live in.

    I am really glad I did! I was able to see the places I had seen the day before but with no one else in sight. In fact, it was just so peaceful out there if it wasn’t that I wanted to get back to the hotel at a specific time I am not sure where I might have ended up.

    That one run though helped start me on the path of getting out of my funk. In fact, it kind of reminded me that that is what helps me stay grounded. As I reflect back I was remembering the video I saw that I was going to post around the time of my Crash and was hoping to at a later point in time but completely forgot as I never really got out of that funk.

    My example was getting me back to running and I will even say today I am finally feeling 100% back to normal running which is what I have been waiting to say for a long time. Everyone always has something to be down on, depressed about, or are just mopey about something. The challenge is trying to find something that works for you to get out of your current funk or mood.

    I have never gone on a run or a bike ride or anything outside and thought back to myself I shouldn’t have done that, that was really dumb to go on a run. Never! It’s always a good thing. - Ryan Van Duzer

    The video I have included below by Ryan Van Duzer (@duzer) is what I had watched right before my Crash! and there is some really good nuggets of insight and motivation that he offers while running in the hills of Colorado to get out of his own funk.

    I can relate to his methods of remembering there is a whole lot of good things in life. Also, for me, one of the best ways for me to do that when things are stressful at work, home, or just something hard that I need to overcome, is that I just love getting out there to run. It clears my head and gives me a good start or end to the day.

    *via Running Out of a Funk - YouTube*

    Now it is your turn, what do you do in order to get out of a funk or slump? Leave it in the comments below.

    → 11:12 AM, Oct 10
  • Guess shorts and a t-shirt might not have been the best choice for my morning run #running

    → 7:14 AM, Oct 10
  • Wordless Wednesday 10/04

    IMG 2432 *Morning sunrise after days of rain (October 2017)*
    → 7:20 AM, Oct 4
  • Crash! Asphalt 1 - Eric 0

    I had a great post for you a couple of weeks back I was in a slump about running and getting motivated to get out and run every morning.  I was thinking now that I am back at it 100% and fully motivated it would be a great time to share but then this happened this morning:

    *Sometimes the ground wins*

    That picture was taken well after the run, a painful shower, and three bandage changes later.  Though that wasn’t it as I really twisted my ankle and have a couple bruised ribs (or that is what the doctor told me).  Also, my iPhone took a good fall on the pavement as I normally run with it and that was the arm that broke the rest of my fall.  Overall, nothing major was broken or damaged but I am a little slower moving today.

    You might be wondering how this happened and I wish it was a much more glamorous story.  I was running along like normal on the sidewalk but on a rougher part of asphalt and my foot must have hit a dip wrong and my ankle twisted bad and there was no coming back from that.  I broke my fall with my hand for the most part that was under my chest.  I quickly rolled over into the grass and said some choice words to the sky as I knew my iPhone was on my arm that broke the fall.  I got up quickly as well and noticed a lady stopped in her vehicle asking if I was ok.  I said I was all good and started to jog off.  After two blocks and I knew I was dripping blood from my hand and knees I decided to stop and just walk the remainder of the way home as I also knew my ankle was tender but probably not broken.  On the walk home I realized I had a lot of pain in my chest as well which ultimately is probably bruised or cracked rib.

    Sooo… stay tuned and I will still post it (probably Monday) as I might need some more motivation after I get all healed up.

    → 4:14 PM, Jun 9
  • Today’s score: Asphalt 1 - Eric 0. Guess that is what I get for #running this morning. Why couldn’t it have been grass 😒

    Now let’s just hope my ankle and ribs are only bruised / sore and nothing else.

    → 10:22 AM, Jun 8
  • The Caballo Blanco Experience - Ryan Van Duzer

    For anyone who has read the book Born to Run or enjoys running, in general, needs to check out this series of videos that Ryan Van Duzer put together of his trek down to run the Caballo Blanco Ultra Marathon earlier this year.

    "You can't feel pain if your smiling... right?" - Ryan Van Duzer

    That was a perfect quote he had at the very beginning and was fitting since he was smiling during what appeared to be the last couple of miles at the end of the video.  Honestly, being a runner myself, after watching this video I was ready to strap on my shoes and hit the trails.

    Take note, not only is the feat of running 50 miles in a single time amazing but remember he did it all while carrying the video camera to capture this amazing event on film too.  If you are looking to be motivated you should definitely check this video out.

    Here is the entire playlist so you can start from the beginning and watch all 6 episodes.

    Finally, as amazing as these videos are, Ryan has made a bunch of other amazing videos and I don't see that stopping anytime soon so be sure Subscribe to his YouTube channel, and follow him on Instagram (you can also find him on Facebook, and Twitter).

    → 1:55 PM, Apr 13
  • Wordless Wednesday 03/01

    IMG 0430 *Fresh snow on my running trail.. Did I ever mention I like running in the snow :) (Eden Prairie, MN, March 2017)*
    → 5:05 PM, Mar 1
  • Wordless Wednesday 02/22

    IMG 0327 *Finally time to catch the sunrises on my early morning runs (February 2017, Eden Prairie, MN)*
    → 7:43 PM, Feb 22
  • Wordless Wednesday 01/26

    IMG 9938

    Running through the streets of new places is always worth it, you can always find something interesting (The Electronic Tower, January 2017, Buffalo, NY)

    → 7:16 AM, Jan 28
  • Wordless Wednesday 01/11

    IMG 9507 *Perfect print in the new fallen snow (January 2016, Eden Prairie, MN)*
    → 7:48 PM, Jan 11
  • Staying warm outside running this morning in the less than warm -6°F weather.

    → 8:13 AM, Jan 5
  • Wordless Wednesday 01/04

    IMG 9497 *Fresh running tracks in the falling snow are one of my new favorite things, so peaceful (December 2016, Ankeny, IA)*
    → 11:26 PM, Jan 4
  • Trip down memory lane running through the streets of my hometown on Thanksgiving

    → 12:46 PM, Nov 24
  • Snow tracks

    → 11:17 AM, Nov 23
  • Wordless Wednesday 11/23

    Img 8764 *Early morning running tracks in the snow (November 2016, Eden Prairie, MN)*
    → 10:52 AM, Nov 23
  • Color Run Fun

    → 11:10 AM, Sep 24
  • Reflecting on a Strange Week

    A little over a week ago I was not feeling like myself, in fact, my muscles were sore like I just ran a marathon and did 1000 push-ups at the same time.  I have never had that feeling before and it lasted for quite some time which was concerning.  I actually ended up going to the doctor after day two but all they told me was that it was probably some sort of virus.  Gee thanks for the help doc.

    I am happy to say as of this past Monday I was back to myself and feeling 100% again.  I have never had a sickness make my whole body feel like that before and I hope I don’t have it again anytime soon.

    Over the past weekend (and through this week), as I was starting to feel better slowly I was reflecting on how bad I felt last week and I realized that I was really bothered by feeling so out of it that whole week.  It wasn’t that the doctors didn’t give me any great advice or cure and it also wasn’t that I was worried I wouldn’t get better (well OK maybe at one point I was a little worried).

    What was really bothering me last week was that I never stepped foot outside in the early morning to run!  There were so many times during that week that all I wanted to do was wake up earlier, lace up my shoes, listen to a favorite Podcast or new audiobook, and hit the streets. However, I never did run at all that week as I knew resting my sore body and allowing it to fight whatever virus I had was the best solution.  Thinking back about it now I think the reason it really bothered me was that I had been running at a minimum of 2-3 times per week since January 1st and I was worried that if I didn’t get back out there I might lose the motivation/habit I have created thus far.

    It is truly amazing the power of habits (good or bad ones), that once you have formed a habit over a long period of time and stray from it, it can bother you to your core.

    I am happy to report, though, I didn’t lose the motivation/habit as of this morning I hit my 3rd run of the week which is pretty normal for me as I try to run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the early mornings.  That schedule has helped me create this habit over time but now that it is more of a routine I am flexible in missing a morning/day as things come up as I know I will find the time to run another day.  Trying to mentally set a schedule or number of times in a given week was something I knew I needed in order to hold myself accountable of my 2016 goal of running.  Some other tips/tricks I have found this year to which have helped to reinforce my habit, especially at the beginning was to just get out there and do it.  As much or little as I could, in the beginning, it didn’t matter as long as I was running during the week.  Another tip I have found is to just talk about it.  I know that sounds a little silly but by talking about running with others and on this blog actually helps energize me to run again and keep the motivation as I have this other strange feeling that I would be letting someone else down.

    How about you?  Have you done something so frequently that when you stopped or took a break from it you were scared you could never start up again?  Or have you found any tips or tricks to keep yourself motivated to do something that you want to stick to, I would love to hear about it in the comments below?

     

    Check out a previous post I had this year early on talking about the Power of the Habit.

    → 4:39 PM, Sep 16
  • Wordless Wednesday 08/24

    Img 6348 *Dark morning run on an overgrown trail (August 2016, Eden Prairie, MN)*
    → 10:12 PM, Aug 24
  • #Run3rd

    It was one of those perfect nights outside earlier this week when the moon was really bright making it super easy to go on a longer run when my first thought was to keep it short as I had some work to get done.  However, the glow from the moon and the warm weather was just too perfect to pass on the opportunity to complete my Virtual 5k for the upcoming #Run3rd 5k event I signed up for.

    Now you are probably asking, as I was 2 years ago, what the heck is a virtual running race and what difference is it than just going out on a run and completing a 5k?  Honestly, there isn’t much difference unless you want to feel that extra push to complete a 5k and make it act like a race.  The thing that really appealed to me about this specific race was the already strong presence of a community around this #Run3rd theme.  The concept has been out there for a while so with that drove a good turnout in year one as people wanted to be a part of the Virtual race and as they finished they would share their experiences on Facebook and Twitter.  The other positive of just a virtual race in general for me is that I didn’t have to travel anywhere and didn’t have to give up my weekend as a normal race would probably last all morning with events and registration.  The actual race they have is on Saturday, April 2nd in Mesa, Arizona and it seems like as of today you can still register for the actual event or virtual one (http://www.run3rd5k.com/).

    Now you might be wondering what this #Run3rd movement/community is and instead of having me try to explain it I would suggest you go read about it here and/or watch the video below, which is really the mission statement and tells a good story.

    “I run 1st for myself, I run 2nd for my family, I #Run3rd for you.” - Sean Astin

    The thing that drew me in was that I felt like where I am in my life today I align with the mission statement of #Run3rd.  I just had never thought of it that way but it does put some things into perspective.

    PS - One cool benefit even doing the Virtual #Run3rd 5k, if you are on the fence about it, is that you still get a finisher medal as well as a cool t-shirt.

    Edit: Here is the cool shirt and medal I got for the 2016 run and I can’t wait till next year!

     

     

    → 10:22 AM, Mar 28
  • A Brother Jogging

    I was telling my wife last night about how running at night sometimes plays tricks with your mind.  Most of the time it is when someone suddenly comes up out of nowhere and is walking/running at you, behind you, or just someone in the shadows of their house porch coughs or starts talking to someone on the phone.

    That reminded her of this great video she shared with me by comedian Michael Jr. and I couldn’t help myself but pass it along.

    via A Brother Jogging - YouTube.

     

    → 9:03 AM, Mar 17
  • Running to Refocus

    Here it was 9:30 pm at night and I was just going to quickly finish writing a blog post I had started a couple of days back, but I was stuck and it felt like it was taking me too long to write.  It wasn’t just flowing out like some of the ones last week did.  Then I realized that it is getting pretty late and I really wanted to get a run in tonight.

    So…. I went for a run.

    During my run, I reflected on how I have been having so much momentum with this blog and I should have just finished that blog post since I haven’t made a post since last Friday.  Once I completed my run, feeling refreshed and motivated, I was reminded of a quote about why running appealed to Bernd Heinrich who was being interviewed in a video series titled “Why We Run” (video is at the end of this post).

    It appealed to me because I could do it all the time where every I was, no matter where I could always run. - Bernd Heinrich

    This year as I have refound my love for running I have tried to embrace a quote like that.  I have been running on some cold days and very dark nights.  However, for me, it is time well spent and the motivation I feel from going for a run is just too good to pass up.  Now I know I didn’t publish the actual blog post I was working on but I was stuck and needed to run away for a while.  In fact, as a result, of my run, I realized it helped motivate me to write/share something instead of having it feel forced.

    Now for a question, when you get writers' block, or writing seems slow, doesn’t flow, or feels forced how do you get through it or refocus?  Leave me your thoughts or tips in the comments as I would love to know how you refocus.

    via “Why We Run” - Salomon Running TV S03 E01 on YouTube.

    → 12:15 AM, Mar 3
  • Back to Running

    Yep, I was the person outside in Minnesota on January 9 when it was -4 degrees running around the streets.

    However, since then the weather has been mostly above 0 when I go out on my runs even though most of the time it is around 9:30 pm.  Honestly, I wish I had a better time to do it but I have tried to create a habit in 2016 of running and I tell myself that if night running is my only time, then night running it is.

    *Sometimes the sidewalk ends when running in the winter*

    ###Some Background

    Now, for fun here is a little background on my running, I used to be a runner back in High School (long ago) and loved running, still do, but I lost the actual urge to run as I fell into a busy trap.  I could find lots of excuses after college, heck even in college.  I ran off and on my Freshman and Sophomore year just as something to do as at that point I wasn’t too buried in the books.  However, I took it up a notch the summer before my Junior year as I conned my brother into running the Twin Cities Marathon with me in October.  I ran ever day all summer no matter what and sometimes 2x per day.  However, once school started up in the fall I never really found time to run as I made excuses.  Never fear, though, I was young and determined to still run the Marathon and I actually finished with very little walking.  However, since that day I have always made excuses and let the excuses win.  I would try from time to time but never keep the momentum.  In fact in spring, summer, and fall of 2015, I think I went on a couple weeks worth of running and then stopped.  Part of my problem I found was I wasn’t making the right choice or prioritizing my time correctly and my excuse was always that I could never find the right “time” to run.

    ###Starting over again

    Fast forward to the start of 2016 and something clicked.  It might have been some of the changes in my life that occurred in 2015, or that I wouldn’t mind losing a couple pounds, or maybe I finally remembered that I love running and gives me time to think.  I am honest with myself in knowing that I will not run every day but I would like to run a couple times a week.

    There is something great about running as it is just pure.  You can only move as fast as you can, as far as you can, and as long as you can.  However, it is all up to you to determine what you “can” do and what you get out of it.

    For me right now I am not worried about the distance, or speed, or length as I just enjoy putting my shoes and going for a run, even if it is below 0.

    IMG_2693 *Picture of me after one of my many night runs so far in 2016*
    → 11:31 PM, Feb 9
  • Not a bad night for a short run outside..

    → 11:10 PM, Jan 7
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