Day 77 of the campaign.
iThink: None.
WX at 2300: 68 (20) DP 32 (0) BP 30.00 (1016) Variable 2 RH 26
Odometer 2: 104.9mi
Z2-3.
This is my first run since the abortive attempt a few days ago.
Work has been absolutely fucking insane lately.
Another one of my coworkers has been trying to get me to do Crossfit with him. It's not to the extent of do it until you barf, but it's working parts that I didn't - and as a rule, I'll try almost anything once.
The same coworker (and I haven't come up with a catchy name for him yet) is a hare for this Thursday's hash. We were scouting trail as an alternative workout and we decided to climb over a wall. The place looked mostly cleared, but I wasn't sure. After seeing nothing that even looked like tire tracks or a foot path, we ran across a field, and saw some plastic red marking tape...with the word "DANGER" on it. I'm thinking "did I just do what I think I did?"
...and uttered the words that adorn the title of this blog entry.
No Splits.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
~5.0mi, 54:01, 27 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 75 of the campaign.
iThink:
Game Theory, "Drive"
Veruca Salt, "Awesome"
WX at 0830: 64 (18) DP 23 (-5) BP 30.06 (1018) WNW 14 RH 20
Odometer 2: 101.4mi
Z2-3.
I felt like total and complete crap this morning...which might partly be due to it being my first run back since returning from Qatar.
4,890 feet is officially no joke. I am not kidding if I think I was running slower than 10:00/mile.
Of course, the other contributing factor was a 22km/h headwind for most of the run, but I've been so used to running in the afternoon and evening that I wasn't very hydrated. The skinny is that I need to spend about an hour prior to the run actually getting water in. Starting off with a dry mouth is not a good sign.
I've also been lifting certain things I haven't in the past, so that's another contributing factor. Still, between winds, general lack of conditioning, and the fact that I've managed to gain something like six pounds in the last two weeks, not good indicators...
No splits warranted for a run this slow!
iThink:
Game Theory, "Drive"
Veruca Salt, "Awesome"
WX at 0830: 64 (18) DP 23 (-5) BP 30.06 (1018) WNW 14 RH 20
Odometer 2: 101.4mi
Z2-3.
I felt like total and complete crap this morning...which might partly be due to it being my first run back since returning from Qatar.
4,890 feet is officially no joke. I am not kidding if I think I was running slower than 10:00/mile.
Of course, the other contributing factor was a 22km/h headwind for most of the run, but I've been so used to running in the afternoon and evening that I wasn't very hydrated. The skinny is that I need to spend about an hour prior to the run actually getting water in. Starting off with a dry mouth is not a good sign.
I've also been lifting certain things I haven't in the past, so that's another contributing factor. Still, between winds, general lack of conditioning, and the fact that I've managed to gain something like six pounds in the last two weeks, not good indicators...
No splits warranted for a run this slow!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
9.3mi, 82:59, 23 APR 08, As Sayliyah, Qatar
Day 72 of the campaign.
iThink:
Blue Oyster Cult, "Don't Fear The Reaper"
All-American Rejects, "Move Along"
WX at 2000: 78 (26) DP 62 (17) BP 29.91 (1013) N 3 RH 57
Odometer 2: 96.4mi
Z3.
I am not kidding. I ran this at Z3 pretty much the entire way through. I had been meaning to run a 3-lapper around the compound here, and I did - without significant effort.
I am really, really glad that I was able to run negative splits, especially at the end. This is the longest run I've done since getting into theater, and it was damned therapeutic.
The one sobering thing about today's run is that it's been three years since Thor, quite possibly one of the most faithful companions I've ever had, died of old age. I still miss him. It was no accident today that I was imagining him running alongside, like he used to do when he was still with us.
I'm not a religious person, but there's a thought in the back of my mind that someday, in some better place, I'll be reunited today with Thor and all the people long gone that I had loved.
I don't observe the Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday, but there are plenty of times that I've thought, just one more moment with some of the family that I'd lost long ago. Some of that includes my grandmother, Thor, and one of my uncles, who died of stomach cancer a few weeks ago.
I also need to call my sister, since today's her birthday.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.10 28:50 28:50 09:18 09:18 3.10
3.10 56:27 27:37 08:55 09:06 6.20
3.10 82:59 26:32 08:34 08:55 9.30
iThink:
Blue Oyster Cult, "Don't Fear The Reaper"
All-American Rejects, "Move Along"
WX at 2000: 78 (26) DP 62 (17) BP 29.91 (1013) N 3 RH 57
Odometer 2: 96.4mi
Z3.
I am not kidding. I ran this at Z3 pretty much the entire way through. I had been meaning to run a 3-lapper around the compound here, and I did - without significant effort.
I am really, really glad that I was able to run negative splits, especially at the end. This is the longest run I've done since getting into theater, and it was damned therapeutic.
The one sobering thing about today's run is that it's been three years since Thor, quite possibly one of the most faithful companions I've ever had, died of old age. I still miss him. It was no accident today that I was imagining him running alongside, like he used to do when he was still with us.
I'm not a religious person, but there's a thought in the back of my mind that someday, in some better place, I'll be reunited today with Thor and all the people long gone that I had loved.
I don't observe the Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday, but there are plenty of times that I've thought, just one more moment with some of the family that I'd lost long ago. Some of that includes my grandmother, Thor, and one of my uncles, who died of stomach cancer a few weeks ago.
I also need to call my sister, since today's her birthday.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.10 28:50 28:50 09:18 09:18 3.10
3.10 56:27 27:37 08:55 09:06 6.20
3.10 82:59 26:32 08:34 08:55 9.30
Monday, April 21, 2008
6,000m on Concept2 Model D, 25:44, 21 APR 08, As Sayliyah, Qatar
iThink: nothing. I was too busy paying attention to form and watching the start of the Women's elite leg of the Boston Marathon today.
WX at 1600: 84 (29) DP 59 (15) BP 29.80 (1009) NNE 14 widespread dust RH 34
Odometer 2: 87.0mi equivalent.
Z3, Z4 finish.
I wasn't expecting to crank as fast as I did today, but it was cool inside (and 84F outside). Then I got some lifting in afterwards. I notice usually that when I spin on a Concept, and I don't look at the screen, I tend to row faster, and better. I was also concentrating on smoothness today, which seemed to get me an extra second or two per 500m. Every second counts, and I suspect this is actually my PR for 6,000m, which given that I'm effectively at sea level (making both the machine and myself more efficient after training at altitude the last month), shouldn't surprise me.
Still, I'm going to try to squeeze in a long slow three-lapper so I can say I've run 9.3 before I leave...which is the plan, but maybe not necessarily in execution.
Splits
Distance: 6000
Time: 0:25:44
Per 500m: 02:09
Drag Factor : 204
Per Mile: 0:06:54
Sunday, April 20, 2008
6.2mi, 49:53, 20 APR 08, As Sayliyah, Qatar
Day 69 of the campaign.
iThink: The Cure, "A Forest"
WX at 2000: 82 (28) DP 51 (11) BP 29.77 (1008) SE 6 widespread dust RH 34
Odometer 2: 84.6mi
Z4.
This doesn't factor in a slow easy run I did two days ago which I forgot to log. My legs are still tired, if today was any indicator, but I didn't realize it was over 80 degrees until I checked the weather.
I was somewhat dismayed that I wasn't running as fast as I thought I was...until I realized I'd cut a respectable negative split when I did my second lap.
Then...I was witness to some particularly bad small-mindedness tonight. I was at the bar here at As Sayliyah tonight with a Navy Reserve commander who kept asserting that "you don't know shit." I tend to be a pretty tolerant guy most of the time, but I don't suffer fools too well. I may have been a little curt in my response of "okay, sir, whatever," but if someone feels compelled to pull rank off duty because he feels insecure and someone junior to him by rank decided to publicly challenge his incorrect statements, it's an indicator that he really does feel like he has something to compensate for. Myself...I don't feel like I have to compensate for anything; I am who I am. I find it laughably sad, but I don't work for him, I don't need his approval for my own edification, and as I pointed out to some other folks who were witness to it...he effectively doesn't exist to me.
Some people might be a little surprised that I can write people off at the drop of a hat, but frankly, I don't need anything from him personally or professionally, so for all intents and purposes, he's dead to me. Some people think that's unkind, but it's not an overstatement to say that I honestly wouldn't care if he suffered death by misadventure - not that it's very likely in Qatar, of all places.
To quote the Intrepid Coworker, "it is what it is."
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.10 25:08 25:08 08:06 08:06 3.10
3.10 49:53 24:45 07:59 08:03 6.20
iThink: The Cure, "A Forest"
WX at 2000: 82 (28) DP 51 (11) BP 29.77 (1008) SE 6 widespread dust RH 34
Odometer 2: 84.6mi
Z4.
This doesn't factor in a slow easy run I did two days ago which I forgot to log. My legs are still tired, if today was any indicator, but I didn't realize it was over 80 degrees until I checked the weather.
I was somewhat dismayed that I wasn't running as fast as I thought I was...until I realized I'd cut a respectable negative split when I did my second lap.
Then...I was witness to some particularly bad small-mindedness tonight. I was at the bar here at As Sayliyah tonight with a Navy Reserve commander who kept asserting that "you don't know shit." I tend to be a pretty tolerant guy most of the time, but I don't suffer fools too well. I may have been a little curt in my response of "okay, sir, whatever," but if someone feels compelled to pull rank off duty because he feels insecure and someone junior to him by rank decided to publicly challenge his incorrect statements, it's an indicator that he really does feel like he has something to compensate for. Myself...I don't feel like I have to compensate for anything; I am who I am. I find it laughably sad, but I don't work for him, I don't need his approval for my own edification, and as I pointed out to some other folks who were witness to it...he effectively doesn't exist to me.
Some people might be a little surprised that I can write people off at the drop of a hat, but frankly, I don't need anything from him personally or professionally, so for all intents and purposes, he's dead to me. Some people think that's unkind, but it's not an overstatement to say that I honestly wouldn't care if he suffered death by misadventure - not that it's very likely in Qatar, of all places.
To quote the Intrepid Coworker, "it is what it is."
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.10 25:08 25:08 08:06 08:06 3.10
3.10 49:53 24:45 07:59 08:03 6.20
Thursday, April 17, 2008
6.2mi, 51:36, 17 APR 08, As Sayliyah, Qatar
Day 64 of the campaign.
iThink: Aly & AJ, "Chemicals React"
WX at 0600: 75 (24) DP 68 (20) BP 29.80 (1009) SE 5 RH 79
Odometer 2: 76.3mi
Z3.
I did two days of PT consecutively for the first time in a while. It was rougher than I thought, partly because it was more humid than I thought.
I was told afterwards I didn't look very happy.
I got a haircut after I realized how much I was sweating this morning.
Still, working but not killing myself for average paces so far is a good sign, mostly.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.11 25:17 25:17 08:08 08:08 3.11
3.11 51:36 26:19 08:28 08:18 6.22
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 43:50, 15 APR 08, As Sayliyah, Qatar
Day 63 of the campaign.
iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Violence and Variations"
WX at 1700: 82 (28) DP 60 (16) BP 29.83 (1010) NNE 10 RH 47
Odometer 2: 70.0mi equivalent.
Z3 high.
Today marks my return to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, for work-related reasons. It sure is weird being back here after a month. It's even weirder since the room in which I'm billeted is all of one room removed from where I stayed with The Intrepid Coworker (now back at home) a month ago. Wacky.
I can definitely feel being back down at sea level - but the real proof of the pudding is going to be when I go running. Today marked the first time spinning on the Concept2 (and the gym here has not only a Model C, but also a Model D, so naturally I went to the Model D) in a while. I noticed the drag factors go up dramatically as the air gets thicker, which is consistent with the way a Concept2 is supposed to work. I still had to work my ass off to get what I considered an acceptable time.
I sure wouldn't mind buying a Concept Model C or something like it - but it may have to wait until after I get back home from this long deployment.
Splits
Distance: 10000
Time: 0:43:50
Per 500m: 02:11
Drag Factor : 200
Per Mile: 0:07:03
iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Violence and Variations"
WX at 1700: 82 (28) DP 60 (16) BP 29.83 (1010) NNE 10 RH 47
Odometer 2: 70.0mi equivalent.
Z3 high.
Today marks my return to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, for work-related reasons. It sure is weird being back here after a month. It's even weirder since the room in which I'm billeted is all of one room removed from where I stayed with The Intrepid Coworker (now back at home) a month ago. Wacky.
I can definitely feel being back down at sea level - but the real proof of the pudding is going to be when I go running. Today marked the first time spinning on the Concept2 (and the gym here has not only a Model C, but also a Model D, so naturally I went to the Model D) in a while. I noticed the drag factors go up dramatically as the air gets thicker, which is consistent with the way a Concept2 is supposed to work. I still had to work my ass off to get what I considered an acceptable time.
I sure wouldn't mind buying a Concept Model C or something like it - but it may have to wait until after I get back home from this long deployment.
Splits
Distance: 10000
Time: 0:43:50
Per 500m: 02:11
Drag Factor : 200
Per Mile: 0:07:03
Monday, April 14, 2008
7.8mi, 66:54, 14 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 62 of the campaign.
iThink: "Johnny Hopkins" (yes, that song at the end of every winning Hopkins lacrosse game.)
WX at 0930: 50 (10) 46 (8) 30.00 (1016) Variable 3 light rain showers
Odometer 2: 67.5mi
Z3.
Not so bad, not so great. My legs and hip flexors were really feeling doing nothing but long runs - which implies that these longer runs are actually toughening me up, or so I'd like to believe.
I did loosen up near the end, and finished relatively smooth.
All that was punctuated by "dammit!" when I realized I didn't have my room key. Fortunately, I'd locked it in my room...rather than leaving it somewhere on the road to be found by someone else. Oops.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
4.72 40:41 40:41 08:37 08:37 4.72
3.08 66:54 26:13 08:31 08:35 7.80
iThink: "Johnny Hopkins" (yes, that song at the end of every winning Hopkins lacrosse game.)
WX at 0930: 50 (10) 46 (8) 30.00 (1016) Variable 3 light rain showers
Odometer 2: 67.5mi
Z3.
Not so bad, not so great. My legs and hip flexors were really feeling doing nothing but long runs - which implies that these longer runs are actually toughening me up, or so I'd like to believe.
I did loosen up near the end, and finished relatively smooth.
All that was punctuated by "dammit!" when I realized I didn't have my room key. Fortunately, I'd locked it in my room...rather than leaving it somewhere on the road to be found by someone else. Oops.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
4.72 40:41 40:41 08:37 08:37 4.72
3.08 66:54 26:13 08:31 08:35 7.80
Saturday, April 12, 2008
7.8mi, 67:53, 12 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 60 of the campaign.
iThink:
Bettie Serveert, "Smack"
R.E.M., "Driver 8"
R.E.M., "West of the Fields"
Bear McCreary, "Violence and Variations"
WX at 1900: 60 (16) DP 26 (-3) BP 29.97 (1015) N 14 RH 26
Odometer 1: 244.0mi
Z3.
Today was a day to unload, and think, somewhat. It was not a day for killing myself to get a personal record, and today's time reflects that relative effort. It also reflects the soreness I still feel in my legs after going full bore on Thursday.
I did feel relatively relaxed, so I was running at under anaerobic threshold. It should be interesting to see what I can pull out when I'm back at sea level. I'll find that out shortly.
I'm surprised I had as much in the iThink as I had today, though.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
7.80 67:53 07:53 08:42 08:42 7.80
iThink:
Bettie Serveert, "Smack"
R.E.M., "Driver 8"
R.E.M., "West of the Fields"
Bear McCreary, "Violence and Variations"
WX at 1900: 60 (16) DP 26 (-3) BP 29.97 (1015) N 14 RH 26
Odometer 1: 244.0mi
Z3.
Today was a day to unload, and think, somewhat. It was not a day for killing myself to get a personal record, and today's time reflects that relative effort. It also reflects the soreness I still feel in my legs after going full bore on Thursday.
I did feel relatively relaxed, so I was running at under anaerobic threshold. It should be interesting to see what I can pull out when I'm back at sea level. I'll find that out shortly.
I'm surprised I had as much in the iThink as I had today, though.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
7.80 67:53 07:53 08:42 08:42 7.80
Thursday, April 10, 2008
7.8mi, 62:59, 10 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 58 of the campaign.
iThink:
John Williams, "Battle In the Snow" (from The Empire Strikes Back)
John Williams, "The Mission" (yes, the NBC Nightly News theme)
The Bats, "Straight Image"
WX at 1630: 48 (9) DP 46 (8) BP 30.06 (1018) NNW 13 rain RH 93
Odometer 1: 236.0mi
Z3-Z4.
My shoes are starting to fall apart. I realized this when I looked down at my shoes and my outer forefoot showed through both shoes. The upper on the left side was literally starting to come apart from the midsole, with the upper on the right side heavily stretched out.
I'm guessing that by not brushing dirt (of which there's a lot at Bagram) out of the shoes, it started cutting the shoes from the fibers inside...so I guess I have some work cut out for me...and the next pair of shoes I buy need to be trail shoes.
I didn't quite expect to run a PR today, but I did, and I was gratified. Of course, it could be that I haven't done anything but eat since the 7th.
Today also marked transfer of authority from the 82d Imperial Airborne Division to the 101st Imperial Airborne Division today...the sad thing is that the senseless butt-sniffing about which division is supposedly better is still going on by some of those in the joint task force staff who have inferiority complexes or really small peckers.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 07:54 07:54 07:54 07:54 1.00
2.06 24:02 16:08 07:50 07:51 3.06
2.68 46:56 22:54 08:33 08:11 5.74
2.04 62:59 16:03 07:52 08:06 7.78
iThink:
John Williams, "Battle In the Snow" (from The Empire Strikes Back)
John Williams, "The Mission" (yes, the NBC Nightly News theme)
The Bats, "Straight Image"
WX at 1630: 48 (9) DP 46 (8) BP 30.06 (1018) NNW 13 rain RH 93
Odometer 1: 236.0mi
Z3-Z4.
My shoes are starting to fall apart. I realized this when I looked down at my shoes and my outer forefoot showed through both shoes. The upper on the left side was literally starting to come apart from the midsole, with the upper on the right side heavily stretched out.
I'm guessing that by not brushing dirt (of which there's a lot at Bagram) out of the shoes, it started cutting the shoes from the fibers inside...so I guess I have some work cut out for me...and the next pair of shoes I buy need to be trail shoes.
I didn't quite expect to run a PR today, but I did, and I was gratified. Of course, it could be that I haven't done anything but eat since the 7th.
Today also marked transfer of authority from the 82d Imperial Airborne Division to the 101st Imperial Airborne Division today...the sad thing is that the senseless butt-sniffing about which division is supposedly better is still going on by some of those in the joint task force staff who have inferiority complexes or really small peckers.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 07:54 07:54 07:54 07:54 1.00
2.06 24:02 16:08 07:50 07:51 3.06
2.68 46:56 22:54 08:33 08:11 5.74
2.04 62:59 16:03 07:52 08:06 7.78
Monday, April 07, 2008
4.1mi, 33:23, 7 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 55 of the campaign.
iThink: Aly & AJ, "Speak For Myself"
WX at 0830: 50 (10) DP 42 (6) BP 30.09 (1019) NW 5 RH 74
Odometer 1: 228.2mi
Z3 high.
The Intrepid Coworker goes home today; he has richly earned his parole from the combat zone. I did meet up with him to go for a run and throw the rock around.
There is something bizarrely therapeutic about throwing a lacrosse ball around as people watch in amazement, but maybe that's my barely-hidden iconoclast coming out.
Today was not excessively fast, but it was a strong finish, and the weather was about as good as it's been for the last few weeks. Perhaps a fitting finish.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
2.05 16:44 16:44 08:10 08:10 2.05
2.05 33:23 16:39 08:07 08:09 4.10
iThink: Aly & AJ, "Speak For Myself"
WX at 0830: 50 (10) DP 42 (6) BP 30.09 (1019) NW 5 RH 74
Odometer 1: 228.2mi
Z3 high.
The Intrepid Coworker goes home today; he has richly earned his parole from the combat zone. I did meet up with him to go for a run and throw the rock around.
There is something bizarrely therapeutic about throwing a lacrosse ball around as people watch in amazement, but maybe that's my barely-hidden iconoclast coming out.
Today was not excessively fast, but it was a strong finish, and the weather was about as good as it's been for the last few weeks. Perhaps a fitting finish.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
2.05 16:44 16:44 08:10 08:10 2.05
2.05 33:23 16:39 08:07 08:09 4.10
Saturday, April 05, 2008
6.1mi, 52:26, 5 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 53 of the campaign.
iThink:
R.E.M., "Driver 8"
The Reputation, "Let It Rest"
The Reputation, "Some Senseless Day"
WX at 0830: 46 (8) DP 39 (4) BP 29.91 (1013) NNW 3 RH 75
Odometer 2: 59.7mi
Z3 low.
Today was a day of forced activity as the pace of work has gotten to the point where I have increasingly less time or opportunity to actually do any physical activity during the day.
I may shift to lifting during the workday so that I don't feel like putting my fist through random people during the day.
Of course, the fact that I carry a bullet launcher and a magazine or two of 9mm ball ammunition on a daily basis right now should not be a cause for alarm. Actually, with my general degree of schadenfreude these days, if I ever had to use my weapon in anger then it would take me very, very little mental (or physical, for that matter) energy to transition to aiming for one of the three lethal zones and putting a round (or two or three, just to be sure) into who I was trying to kill.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.06 26:12 26:12 08:34 08:34 3.06
3.06 52:26 26:14 08:34 08:34 6.12
iThink:
R.E.M., "Driver 8"
The Reputation, "Let It Rest"
The Reputation, "Some Senseless Day"
WX at 0830: 46 (8) DP 39 (4) BP 29.91 (1013) NNW 3 RH 75
Odometer 2: 59.7mi
Z3 low.
Today was a day of forced activity as the pace of work has gotten to the point where I have increasingly less time or opportunity to actually do any physical activity during the day.
I may shift to lifting during the workday so that I don't feel like putting my fist through random people during the day.
Of course, the fact that I carry a bullet launcher and a magazine or two of 9mm ball ammunition on a daily basis right now should not be a cause for alarm. Actually, with my general degree of schadenfreude these days, if I ever had to use my weapon in anger then it would take me very, very little mental (or physical, for that matter) energy to transition to aiming for one of the three lethal zones and putting a round (or two or three, just to be sure) into who I was trying to kill.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.06 26:12 26:12 08:34 08:34 3.06
3.06 52:26 26:14 08:34 08:34 6.12
Thursday, April 03, 2008
~4.0mi, time indeterminate, 3 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 52 of the campaign.
iThink: Chris Stamey, "Shades of Green"
WX at 2330: 51 (11) DP 42 (6) BP 29.94 (1014) ENE 9 RH 71
Odometer 1: 224.1mi
Z3.
I was very nearly the FRB on tonight's hash...I just found markings and I barely caught the hares trying to bring up stuff. I knew how close I was to the hares when I started seeing markings that I knew I hadn't passed not 3 minutes prior. I also noticed with some satisfaction that I have some endurance that I didn't think I had - albeit not much speed. Looks like my long runs are starting to pay off!
Fun. But I'm tired.
No Splits.
iThink: Chris Stamey, "Shades of Green"
WX at 2330: 51 (11) DP 42 (6) BP 29.94 (1014) ENE 9 RH 71
Odometer 1: 224.1mi
Z3.
I was very nearly the FRB on tonight's hash...I just found markings and I barely caught the hares trying to bring up stuff. I knew how close I was to the hares when I started seeing markings that I knew I hadn't passed not 3 minutes prior. I also noticed with some satisfaction that I have some endurance that I didn't think I had - albeit not much speed. Looks like my long runs are starting to pay off!
Fun. But I'm tired.
No Splits.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
6.0mi, 52:54, 1 APR 08, Bagram, Afghanistan
Day 50 of the campaign.
iThink: "Johnny Hopkins" (alas, not heard much these days at Homewood Field...)
WX at 2330: 59 (15) DP 30 (-1) BP 29.97 (1015) ENE 10 RH 33
Odometer 2: 53.7mi
Z3.
The last few days have been singularly unpleasant at work if partly because of unexpectedly high workload. I was so intemperate that I was seriously about to go choke someone out today.
One of our soldiers was promoted today - and I ws very gratified to tell him that. That said, I had a discussion with him about how things were happening that should not happen, like officers having to do basic administrative tasks that were in the purview of others to do.
I did tell El Gato this morning that I was going for a run, come hell or high water. No way around it. I didn't care how late it was, but I was going for a damn run. We went for an easy run starting at about 10:45 at night...which by itself is not a big deal considering that we had been doing bare-knuckle planning most of the day.
It's hard, often thankless, and sometimes stultifying work, but there is a certain pleasure in doing planning that gets acknowledgement from senior leadership for its correctness. It's what the professor of military theory at the School of Advanced Military Heresy described as the difference between knowledge and mastery. I have no doubt that I work with some of the right people to achieve some of that mastery - rather than the clumsy knowledge of a mere courtier.
I don't make any pretense about what my eventual future is in the Green Polyester Industry; my conscious decision to leave the command track was the right decision for me. It does validate the prediction I made at the age of 22...that my greatest contributions to the Nation's defense would not be made as a commander.
Damn, that run was therapeutic. I was really getting crotchety today.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.00 27:26 27:26 09:09 09:09 3.00
3.00 52:54 25:28 08:29 08:49 6.00
iThink: "Johnny Hopkins" (alas, not heard much these days at Homewood Field...)
WX at 2330: 59 (15) DP 30 (-1) BP 29.97 (1015) ENE 10 RH 33
Odometer 2: 53.7mi
Z3.
The last few days have been singularly unpleasant at work if partly because of unexpectedly high workload. I was so intemperate that I was seriously about to go choke someone out today.
One of our soldiers was promoted today - and I ws very gratified to tell him that. That said, I had a discussion with him about how things were happening that should not happen, like officers having to do basic administrative tasks that were in the purview of others to do.
I did tell El Gato this morning that I was going for a run, come hell or high water. No way around it. I didn't care how late it was, but I was going for a damn run. We went for an easy run starting at about 10:45 at night...which by itself is not a big deal considering that we had been doing bare-knuckle planning most of the day.
It's hard, often thankless, and sometimes stultifying work, but there is a certain pleasure in doing planning that gets acknowledgement from senior leadership for its correctness. It's what the professor of military theory at the School of Advanced Military Heresy described as the difference between knowledge and mastery. I have no doubt that I work with some of the right people to achieve some of that mastery - rather than the clumsy knowledge of a mere courtier.
I don't make any pretense about what my eventual future is in the Green Polyester Industry; my conscious decision to leave the command track was the right decision for me. It does validate the prediction I made at the age of 22...that my greatest contributions to the Nation's defense would not be made as a commander.
Damn, that run was therapeutic. I was really getting crotchety today.
Splits
SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.00 27:26 27:26 09:09 09:09 3.00
3.00 52:54 25:28 08:29 08:49 6.00
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