The Training Has Begun

WooHoo!

Big News! Robert's name was selected from the lottery for the Western States 100 Mile Trail Run. There was only a 16% chance of selection this year and he was selected on the last draw. It starts June 28, 2008; ends the next day. He was hoping Forrest could be his buddy runner during the night hours, but since Forrest is having Achilles problems, that might not be a possibility, although Robert is willing to perform surgery on Forrest's foot. Maybe everyone could come camp with us to be part of the EVENT! Now the planning begins - our lives will be affected by this for the next 6 months. We're considering going to Miami in January so Robert can run the Miami marathon - as one of his training runs.

What else would we blog about?

Anyone who reads this blog probably already knows Silas and Sara announced that they are expecting a baby in May. Exciting! Even after being grandparents twice over, it still seems like a strange concept to be a grandparent. The grandchildren we have are great (how could they not be - they have great parents) and how could that not lead to a picture? Joel, wearing his dad's shoes, with his dad's keys, going to work like dad does.

More running news - Robert ran the Route 66 marathon in Tulsa, OK. Fairly flat course, but hilly at the end - the worse place for hills. Are you wondering how he did??? 12th overall, first in his age group. 3:03:56. Not only did he run well, he was interviewed by the Tulsa World. If you're interested in his (brief) quote in the paper, look here: http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=071119_2_B5_ONWor06475

Tanya gimped through the Quarter Marathon (she switched from the Half 'cause her feet were bothering her), but she still got a cool Route 66 medal.

Tulsa was interesting. We stayed at a downtown hotel since it was only a mile from the start line. Downtown was almost empty. We walked down the middle of streets with no cars on them. We had to walk ten blocks to find a place to eat (it was a fun place-we were told to try the sweet potato fries and they were good!). I guess there are other sections of town that have a night life, but downtown wasn't it. The motel owner told us they're hoping it will change once the new stadium is built. It was great weather - we walked around in shirtsleeves at night, while in Spokane it was snowing.

Tulsa was the tenth state Robert has run a marathon in - 10 being the amount needed to join the 50 states club (a marathon or longer in each state). He filled out his entry form as soon as we got home and is already mapping out next year's runs. If he runs 2 a year, he'll be 75 when he's done, but as is usual with Robert, when he's passionate about something, he goes all out. Watch for him to run at least 4 next year.

What's up

Your blogs are a great read - exciting stories and action photos. This edition of our blog won't have either (we forgot our camera, again). We mentioned that this site would likely be filled with running exploits and we will be true to our word. Last weekend was a beautiful day to participate in the Spokane Marathon (Tanya as a crossing guard, Robert as a runner). Tanya had to stop a Priest on the way to Mass and Robert was able to finish 6th overall at 3:04:15. He was the first "mature" runner (40+) and gave up the 4 and 5 positions at mile 22 and wasn't able to regain them despite a hard finish and only seconds behind. This is a tune-up for the Route 66 Marathon and an attempt at going sub 3 hours for the first time in 5 years. Tanya is still nursing sore feet but is hoping to be able to complete the half marathon in Tulsa, OK. She's had to give up on the hope of winning the event. Tomorrow Robert gets to try his hand as a Race Director for a local cross country run. Love you, even those we don't know.

Mr. Tomato Head

Mr. Tomato Head is from my Mom's garden. He was born with a nose and mustache, but she gave him the eyes and hair (with collaboration from my brother Carl). Isn't he cute? Sadly, he did not survive. He sacrificed himself for the greater good. Of course, he may not have thought it was good, but we sure did.

Testing

Hey, we added a photo. It means nothing; it's from this summer and it's about running.

I Can't Believe It's Butter

Yes, we've entered the modern age. Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Columbus (thanks to him we have Monday off) would be surprised that Robert and Tanya would be blogging. But blog we will. Blog, blog, blog, blog. Does that count?

This will mostly be about running exploits, mindless ramblings and if we can figure out how to attach pictures, maybe an occasional picture. But know this... the hot tub is warm and the Canadian Geese are loud. And Robert probably came in 7th in a half marathon today. The final results aren't in yet.