05/25/07: Log of 3 Runs and a Rave: Neighborhood

More runs during which I listened to the Daily Source Code and Phedippidations. I didn't shave all week. I didn't blog during the week. Yes, you can guess. I did work. And, work, work, work. The all consuming WORK. But, I guess that's the price of living. Earn and spend the dimes. The work is challenging right now, but I do like challenges. So, it isn't all bad. And, is a lot good.

A couple of the runs below were in the afternoon. Man, I forgot how hot it can get. Steve, from Phedippidations, did a show on running etiquette. Number one on his list, don't wear headphones during races. Forget about it, Steve. I disagree that it is a violation of etiquette. That said, there are times when the volume should be off or very low. Like during announcements and such. Now, the passing in the chute thing (one runner passes another after the finish line, but before the officials take the tag from the runners number), that is BAD, BAD, BAD. Some good pointers in general though. However, I will be using my iPod for all races.

Steve also noted that his greatest single influence in his life was his dad. Upon reflection, I realized that I am a narcissist. The greatest single influence in my life is me. As I look back over nearly 50 years, there are numerous people that have influenced me. In fact, I can think of individual lessons learned from some of these influencers. But, the constant and most significant influence remains me. I define my essence and I plot my course through a sea of influences. But, I have to admit that I do feel some jealousy for those that have had the fortune to be born to good parents that can be cornerstones for life. STOP, no pity! I am doing great. The turmoil my parents created, created the mix of circumstances that helped to launch my life. I think P. Diddy said something like "as I look back at those I once hated, I have to thank them for being teachers."

Data

05/25/07: Afternoon

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	27:42
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:13
Weather:	Partly cloudy 87° Humidity-34%

05/23/07: Afternoon

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	47:48
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:33
Weather:	Few clouds 82° Humidity-40%

05/22/07: Morning

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	26:36
Heart Rate:	144
Pace:	8:52
Weather:	Clear 70° Humidity-57%

CI, Source Control, & The Human Side of Software Development

Although it is less obvious than it may have once been, I continue to listen to technology related podcasts. I listened to 2 podcasts on .Net Rocks recently that were very good.

• CI and Source Control with Eric Sink and Martin Woodward
  
• Human Side of Software Development with Jeff Atwood

The first was a shot in the arm for the importance of continuous integration. Erik and Martin were enthusiastic and informative. I am now motivated to get the builds for the enterprise class software with which I work to build in 1 step and to jump in to CI. Jeff Atwood's talked about his blog, Coding Horror, and mentioned several topics like the "Fizz Buzz" test that highlighted the importance of remembering humans as we work on software. While he is more prolific with his technical based blogging than I will ever be, I share his passion for computer science. Great shows!

I do keep my podcast listing log fairly up-to-date, by the way.

5/20/07: 8.5 Mile Run: Shades Creek Greenway

No Judy. She is out of town. So, I took the iPod. I listened to the latest Daily Source Code (DSC) on the way to Brownell. During the show, Adam played a new podsafe song by Emerson Hart who used to be in Tonic. I like Tonic and have Lemon Parade on the iPod, so I played it when the DSC finished. Adam is on his second day of no cigarettes. I hope he makes it. I quite 13-14 years ago. It is a great thing to stop doing.

I have added a link and a copy of the image for signing up for the Phedippidations Worldwide Half Marathon. I ran it last year and this year it will be on my 50th birthday. It's a very cool idea to have so many people running on the same day in so many places for the same event.

As for today's run, I felt good and ran fast. The US Army National Guard was out running on the trail too. I have to admit I got motivated to pass them just to show that this civilian is in good shape. I know it was silly, but it felt good and look at the results below.

Data

Distance:	8.5 Miles
Time:	1:09:25
Heart Rate:	158
Pace:	8:10
Weather:	Clear Temperature-54° Humidity-72%
Route:	The usual 8.5 Miler

05/18/07: 3 Mile Run: Columbia, SC

I listened to the Daily Source Code. Finishing up a hard week on the job at my group's main office. It was good to see people and make personal connections that enhance the normal virtual connections; I work remote. I had 2 days with customers as well. I learned a lot about what our customers want and need. It means more work, but if and my fellow team members are successful, it will be rewarding.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	26:19
Heart Rate:	Not measured
Pace:	8:46
Weather:	Overcast 61° Humidity-94%
Route

05/15,16/07: 3 & 6 Mile Runs: Columbia, SC

More runs during which I listened to the Daily Source Code. I am here for meetings with colleagues and customers. We are in the midst of significant change, so times are still tense, stressful, and busy. But, I guess that is why I get paid.

Data

05/15/07

Distance:	3.225 Miles
Time:	28:44
Heart Rate:	Not measured
Pace:	8:54
Weather:	Clear skies 51° Humidity-92%
Route

04/26/07

Distance:	6.048 Miles
Time:	55:28
Heart Rate:	Not measured
Pace:	9:10
Weather:	Clear 63° Humidity-81%
Route

05/13/07: 10.5 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Loop

Judy has been struggling with some knee pain. So, she ran the first 4 miles with me and then I was on my own. I didn't take the iPod, so I ran while listening to my surroundings. The run felt great. I heard a huge bang at about 55 minutes along Edgewood Blvd. There was a runner going the opposite direction that was virtually at the same spot as the sound from which there was smoke who didn't seem to think anything was wrong judging by her reaction. But, man it was loud. Scared me. It was very humid. I weighed 153 lbs. at the end of the run. That is about 6 lbs less than I have been measuring the last few mornings! It was a good run though.

Data

Distance:	10.5 Miles
Time:	1:40:03
Heart Rate:	154
Pace:	9:31
Weather:	Clear Temperature-73° Humidity-64%
Route:	10.5 Mile Loop

05/12/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another morning run during which I listened to the Daily Source Code. I had planned to run 3.1 miles yesterday at the Zoo Run here in Birmingham with my son. But, thunderstorms came in and they canceled the race after we had signed up and waited for 1.5 hours. It was fun to be out and we played at the zoo for a little bit anyway. It was a shame as this would have been my son's first race. He was excited at the idea. :(

Data

Distance:	3
Time:	27:56
Heart Rate:	143
Pace:	9:18
Weather:	Clear Temperature-65° Humidity-90%

05/09/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another morning run during which I listened to the Daily Source Code. It was nice to be reminded that my life is less glamourous than Adam Curry's. OK, just kidding, but clearly he has more resources than I do. Must be nice.

Newline: Runner Saves Turtle

That's right. There was a turtle in the middle of the road and I just know that if I hadn't moved him, he would have been crushed. I hope he took a lesson and stayed of the road the rest of the day. He did piss all over the place when I picked him up. I also saw some really big fish in our lake.

Data

Distance:	5
Time:	47:30
Heart Rate:	143
Pace:	9:30
Weather:	Clear Temperature-55° Humidity-80%

05/08/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

The wife is back home and I am back to running in the early morning. I listened to the Daily Source Code.

Data

Distance:	3
Time:	27:32
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	9:10
Weather:	Clear Temperature-58° Humidity-55%

05/06/07: 8.5 Mile Run: Shades Creek Greenway

Judy and I met at 6:30 am. But, there was a twist. My 4 year old son went with me. I also took the running stroller. So, I did my long run while pushing him in the stroller. It was a workout, but worth it. He behaved very well. He just chatted with Judy and I the whole way. The weather was beautiful and it was a great way to start the day. We normally do the Crawfish Boil. But, with Betsy out of town, I missed it this year. :( And, Barenaked Ladies, Fuel, Collective Soul, Cracker, and Soul Asylum played. Man, this would have a been a great time!

Data

Distance:	8.5 Miles
Time:	1:21:06
Heart Rate:	150
Pace:	9:32
Weather:	Clear Temperature-69° Humidity-81%
Route:	The usual 8.5 Miler

05/04/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

My wife is traveling. So, I've been taking care of my son alone. I ran just before it was time to pick him up. I had a 7:30 am meeting this morning. Thus, today has been a lesson in time management. But, I got through it OK. He and I have lots planned for this weekend and I am looking forward to the bonding time.

Data

Distance:	3
Time:	27:44
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:14
Weather:	Cloudy Temperature-68° Humidity-84%

05/02/07: 6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the latest Phedippidations during this late afternoon run. This episode focused on runners' first experiences with road races, especially marathons. The point Steve was making was that these events were like rites of passage, he didn't use this term. Like rites of passage, runners never forget the first race, the first 1/2 marathon, or the first marathon. I can tell you that I nearly cried at the end of my first marathon. It was a deeply emotional experience. The only thing that stopped me was the marine saying "congratulations sir". I couldn't cry in front of a marine, by God.

I caught wind of the HD DVD secret code hooplah. What a hoot! Just goes to show that you should piss off a geek! One of buddies in grad school stole my Mac and left a ransom note. (I was the geek he pissed off). I went to his computer and changed all colors (foreground and background) to black after memorizing the key strokes to undo my changes. And, left a note indicating that if he wanted access to his Thesis which he was to defend in a few weeks, my Mac needed to be returned. He said he even cleaned the Mac for me. LOL. Oh yeah, this was before Windows was much to think about. Imagine a purely text OS!

Data

Distance:	6
Time:	57:43
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	9:37
Weather:	Few Clouds Temperature-81° Humidity-38%

05/01/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

All caught up on podcasts, so I put the iPod on Shuffle and let the music flow. It was fun. Too busy to ponder, so here's the data...

Data

Distance:	3
Time:	26:40
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	8:53
Weather:	Clear Temperature-59° Humidity-81%