I Got Traded??

So much has happened in the world since my lost blog post. As to not re-hash the last several months I'd like to focus on today and the future.

To answer a few questions as my pages are dedicated to being active and doing something outside of my original norm.

• Yes, my family and I are safe. And yes, the dog has gotten used to everyone being home all the time. So much so that running simple errands like going to the store earn you a greeting when you walk back in the door like you have been gone for a week. 
• If you have been following my Facebook page then you know I am still running. Winter months are harder to stay motivated. Especially with the snow and ice. I'll share a little bit more in this post.
• Of course I am binge watching stuff on streaming networks. Also updated the internet just before the kids returned to school in the fall. Sorry no endorsements on whom has the best and most reliable home internet. 
• Training season never ends.

There is one thing I have noticed. I like many people have gotten used to seeing our Postal Delivery person and various other  delivery people. Outside of the restaurant delivery people, who never changed, the online shopping delivery people are real cool. Especially the one guy that has been doing our neighborhood since the fall for the biggest online retailer. He is always real cool. Ask how the family is doing and if I want some of my packages dropped off on the front step or in my garage or whatever. Plus he plays old school hip-hip when he pulls up. The one day, he was playing the Pharcyde. That's wassup.

I mean outside of the people in my house and on my street, these are the really outside "my bubble" people I see regular. I still frequent the same small businesses, delis, fried chicken shack, pizza places, super markets and butcher shops are still in tact and going strong. However, I am still on the hunt for toilet because, you never know when the whole country is going to hoard it all again for still NO REASON at all. In short, if you can, please Shop Local.

Training for What

I am in training for a half marathon at the end of April. I will be running in the Gettysburg Festival of Races  on April 25th. Turning this into another adventure with my buddy Joe, whom will be doing the full marathon in about the time it takes me to do half the distance. Not bad for planning. The only thing that has me a little worried is the course is mostly rolling hills adding up to 600+ feet of total elevation. Needless to say hill work  during my training runs has become very important for conditioning. I may need to move back to North Star, DE a month out to get in true training. I grew up with hills, which I do not like, and these races are the only reason why I must face them on foot. 

Another half is scheduled on the books. Right now the Love Run, which has turned into my personal Moby Dick, is right now postponed until the fall. In an effort to keep myself motivated, doing an in person half marathon in April still allows me to keep focused on my spring goal.

In order to keep myself motivated this year, there probably will not be very many 'big' in person races for us ordinary folk. With that in mind, a lot more virtual options have been made available. I have made up my mind that the virtual races I am participating in have to support a great cause and be fun. The trail and local streets have started to become mundane, so I have been doing my best mixing up alternate routes.

For example, last week I participated in the Krispy Kreme Challenge which raised money for the UNC Children's Hospital. I had to run five miles and the fun part of participating was earning a dozen donuts. I had a lot of fun participating in the virtual option. So much fun for a great cause. I am really happy to have been able to participate for a worthy cause. 

Today's long run was not as successful. I planned to do 10k to 10 miles. After not getting a great nights rest, I was only able to mustard up 3 miles this morning. I am not worried. You just have to listen to your body. There are some days that may not go as planned. With me being in training mode, and winding down to the final weeks, I am not going to beat myself up about it. 

Traded...What?!

With all this running, this old man has been on the reserve list for a couple of the local sports teams.  I made one of my goals in 2021 to run a half marathon in one sitting once a month this year. Saying to myself, I technically run close to it most of the time, so how hard can it be. I will be first to tell you all here, its hard man. Carving out the time and overcoming the mental toughness to carry that out. Well lets see if I am in fact eating crow in a couple of months.  So far mission accomplished in January. It was a training session, mostly successful by my route  hit a tons of hills in preparation for April's race.  I was physically exhausted afterwards. 

With all coaching changes and potential trades going on in the NFL, I was informed by self appointed agent Paul, that I have in fact been traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Green Bay Packers. I was not even aware that this is now possible, but its 2021. Since when can a long time fan, who just happened to move to his favorite NFL teams city get traded? In a fan trade. I own a lot of green shirts. I do admire and respect their ownership policy and season ticket policy for those whom live near Lambeau Field. I am in no fact giving up my fandom for the Birds. At least my Reggie White jersey makes will still deem plenty of respect in Green Bay.  After that call, I had not much to say other than grab my shovel, gloves, and dust off my old playbook to get to work. Guess that will keep me quiet for  little while.