Team Plumb Crazy Hood to Coast

Raised $22,363.00

2008-08-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sunbelt Marketing's "Team Plumb Crazy" raised $22,363.00 in donations for the American Cancer Society. We completed the relay in 28 hours and 17 minutes.

Next Years goal is to raise over $30,000.00.

Thanks to everyone that supported us!

Team Plumb Crazy

Start Time Posted

2008-08-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

I came up to Portland this weekend to run my individual leg assignments and to drive as much of the course as possible.

Thursday afternoon's storms in Atlanta pushed my flight back by more than two hours, so I arrived in Portland around 9:00 p.m. I had hoped to get a run in that evening and do a little walking around town, but after settling in and grabbing a late night dinner, I was spent.

Friday morning bright and early (actually it was misting, drizzling, raining and then pouring) I headed up to Mt. Hood, stopping around exchange #3 on Hwy 26. I spent the better part of the morning trying to drive and navigate mountain roads- following the directions from the HTC handbook was not easy, and by the time I made it to my first leg (#9) I lost track of the number of u-turns I made (but I think it was in the triple digits).

After much confusion I finally found the start of leg #9.
I will spare you the drawn out details (for now) but it was NOT a fun run, and having to turn around and walk back another 7 miles in the cold rain just added insult to injury.

I drove out through leg #13, which put me back into Portland and just blocks from the hotel.

Saturday morning I headed out to the Nike campus.
If anyone wonders why we have to pay $100+ for running shoes, and $45 for a pair of shorts, one look around the campus will answer your question. (I have a couple pictures I will send later.) Tiger Woods is paid very well from Nike.

Our start time is Friday at 2:30 p.m.
HTC projects our estimated running time at 28:48:21

I think David has already plugged in the individual legs into his spreadsheet to project start times for each leg assignment.

I ran my second leg this afternoon (#21) just after the Captain's meeting at Nike.
It wasn't that bad, but the people I spoke with warned me about all the dust that gets stirred up from the vans. We'll see.

Much more to tell you guys when I get back.
This is going to be a challenge, but I know everyone is up to it.
We're going to have a blast! One thing is very clear, however.
We won't be sailing through it.

Go Team Plumb Crazy!!!!!

David Jones - 7/1

2008-07-02T02:07:00.000-07:00

I was very disappointed with my run on Sunday so I thought I would try again last night. I waited until about 8:15 when it cooled off some and tried my 8 mile course again. This time I felt great. No trouble at all. I did it in probably my best time yet for that route, 1:10:17. Nice to know I can still go 8 miles. Just not in the heat of the day. Still got to do a lot of heat training i guess.

David Jones - 06/30/08

2008-06-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a long run in several weeks so I thought I would try to do 8 yesterday. I went out at about 3:30 and it was hot. I was hurting after about 6 miles. I had to walk a couple of times and all I could manage was about 7-1/2 miles. Time was 1:06:43. 7 weeks to race time and I am feeling slow. Going to have to really push it these final weeks.

David Jones - 06/26

2008-06-26T04:01:00.001-07:00

5 miles on the Silver Comet trail this morning. I think I'll sleep in tomorrow and save up for a long run on Sunday.

David Jones - 06/25

2008-06-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

The US Army 10K must have worn me down. I have been sick ever since the race. I haven't run for a week. I am back in now. I have started running in the morning now. I hit the Silver Comet Trail yesterday and today at about 4:45 am and ran for 42 minutes. I figure it was about 5 miles. Felt good running in the cool morning. 8 weeks to Hood to Coast.

David Jones - 6/14 US Army Hooah 10K

2008-06-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 14th. US Army Hooah 10K Race Day. Team Plumb Crazy put in a great performace today. Congratulations to everybody on some great race times. There were quite a few personal best 10K times today. Hope everyone had a good time today. I thought that was a pretty good course. I did better this year because I remembered how far you had to go once you got on the army base and didn't push to hars as soon as we got on base. I paced myself pretty good and finished with a personal best 10K time of 50:20. I did get passed by the baby stroller at around mile 4 though. I am not sure how Tom and Robb and Nelson did, they were too far ahead of me to see. They were up front trying to catch those green sweatsuit guys. Their times were in the mid 40's I think. John and Don had personal best times of around 55 and 56 minutes I believe. John might have been a little faster if he wasn't fighting with his IPOD. Richard and Jody were making a strong showing just behind them in about 58 and 59 minutes. More PB times I think. Tim's son was next and first in his age group. Tim came in about 1 hr 4 minutes (or somewhere around there) Next came Austin, wearing those Dawg colors proudly. Not sure of the time but not too far from Tim. All in all a great showing by Team Plumb Crazy. I think we are all pretty well prepared for Hood To Coast.

After the race I got the family together, made some PB & J sandwiches and headed for the pool. A pretty good way to spend the day after the race. Had a couple of Mike's Hard Lemonades. That hit the spot. I did manage to get in another 4 mile run in at about 4:00. Felt good running but it was super hot and muggy. Not sure if I could go another 6 or 7 miles again tonight in the middle of the night. Still have some work to do. Here is a picture of before the race. I don't think we all looked so good six miles later.

Good job today everybody. Keep it up.

Running the Hills in VA-Highlands-R Goldsmith

2008-06-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Training is suppose to be harder than the actual contests. Based on the Va-Highlands 5K, I created a new 4.23 mile route that incorporated 4 significant hills. Hills are certainly a major part of Hood to Coast so it is past time to get serious about attacking hills. I finished this run in 46:39 which is a decent training time considering the 4 major hills. I am now ready for the Hooyah 10K Saturday.

Go TeamPlumbCrazy

David Jones - 06/10/08

2008-06-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

Robb inspired me yesterday with his 3 runs. It is getting too hot to run during the day so I went out last night at about 8:30 and went 5-1/2 miles. At 5:00 this morning I was on the Silver Comet Trail for a wake-up run. Not sure of the distance but ran out in 20:38 and back in 21:37. Total time was 42:15. Probably close to 5 miles. One thing I forgot about was bringing a flashlight with me this morning. A little bit spooky running on the trail in the dark. I think I will get one more run in tomorrow and then take off a couple of days in preparation for the big race this weekend.

Virginia Highlands Summer Fest 5K R. Goldsmith

2008-06-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

This race closed its registration at 1,000 runners. This year's route was new and if it is easier than last year's route, I would have hated to run last year.

Three words describe this year's race: Hot, Hilly and Hard. I am thinking that we had to run up 4 major hills which slowed many runners to a walk. I kept running, buy my pace was more like a shuffle.

I finished in 28:25, almost a minute slower than last week's race. However, based on the congestion during the beginning stages of the race and a much much more difficult course, this time is comparable to last week's.

Debbie and I are flying up to New York City tomorrow AM and returning Tuesday late afternoon. We are staying close to Central Park and have already researched the big loop within the park is right at 6.1 miles. I am hoping to run this route twice before returning to the A.

Of all the things I am concerned about in regards to Hood To Coast, is the heat index. I can't imagine it hotter and more humid than Atlanta in the summer.

Lastly, this week's race brings my total miles to 13+ miles. My joints are aching, but it certainly beats watching my stomach expand. (My goal has never been to be the skinny guy with no butt, and a large gut)

Go TeamPlumbCrazy!

David Jones 06/06

2008-06-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

Kind of an off week for me this week. Got in one run at Sweetwater this week. Went about 4-1/2 miles on Wednesday. Last night got in about 5-1/2 miles around the neighborhood. Going camping this weekend so no running for me until Sunday night. Next week will probably be an easy week leading up to the race.

David Jones - 6/02

2008-06-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Well, no races for me this weekend. Good job Don and Richard. Great times. My next race will be the US Army 10K on June 14th. It looks like we might have all 12 team members running this one if John W. makes the trip. This will be a good gauge to see where we all stand on our training progress. Sunday is my long run day and I was bound and determined to get my 8 miles in. It wasn't easy but I made it, in 1:11:54. Not my best time but it was so hot I hade to walk a couple of times to cool down.

Keep up the hard work. Captain handbooks and driving guides come out this week. As soon as I get them I am sure there will be important info I will need to pass on to the team.

Race for Champions 5K: Don K. and Richard G.

2008-05-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

From now on, we need to refer to Don Keller as Dr. Sandbagger. As we waited for this 5K to start in the Druid Hills High School Parking Lot, Don was saying such things like I am a 10:00 minute mile guy; I am not sure if I can finish this 5K; yada, yada, yada.

Well after the first half mile, Don left me and eventually finished this 5K in approx. 25:30. I achieved my personal best time of 27.30, but feel like a lump compared to Dr. Sandbagger who must have some Kenyan in him. I am not sure if Don saw this pretty waterfall in Lullwater park since he was running so fast, so I have included a photo.

Enough about Dr. Sandbagger, all I know is that 27:30 is a sub 9:00 minute pace for a 5K and I am happy with this time especially after my dismal performance in the Madison 12K with Robb H. (I was not passed by a one-legged man and did not have to run around a snake.)

Race for Champions must have heard about Robb and I as all the awards were in a secured spot with a watchful eye making sure that the casual runner did not take off with a deserving runner's booty.

I did realize this week that one of the things I like about running in these races is that people actually clap and encourage you to do your best. Positive reinforcement; a novel concept, something that I need to work on when I am pushing the pressure and expectations down to the sales team.

Next week is the Va-Highlands Summerfest 5K. I am sure this route will be much hillier than the Race for Champions. My goal is to break 28 minutes two weeks in a row. Can you say sub 27 minutes???

Go TeamPlumbCrazy!

David Jones - 05/29

2008-05-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Had a pretty productive 24 hours. After my 4-1/2 miles yesterday I went for a 4 mile run last night at about 10:00. John wood came for a visit this week and me, him, Robb and Tom went 4-1/2 miles today. That's 3 runs and about 12-1/2 miles in 24 hours. Yeah baby!!!!! John Wood is looking strong. Everyone is going to have to pick up the training to keep up with him. HTC is sneaking up on us.

David Jones - 05/28

2008-05-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Trying a new route at Sweetwater. Start out on the blue trail and just before it merges with the red trail I cut back to the gravel road and then back through the picnic loop, down the main road up to the shooting range and then finish on the yellow trail backward. I think it is about 4-1/2 miles. Ran it today in 39:40. Some good hills on the blue part. No snakes today.

David Jones - 05/23

2008-05-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday is my long day run so yesterday at about 3:30 I decided to go for an 8 mile run. Sounded like a good idea at the time but after about 2 miles the heat was getting pretty tough. All I could manage was 6 miles and that was a struggle. I am definitely going to need to do some heat training. Also may have to move to early morning runs or night runs. August is going to be tough.

David Jones - 05/22

2008-05-22T11:46:00.001-07:00

Another day, another run through Sweetwater. I think I went a little over 4 miles today. Didn't run my regular route so I am not sure on the miles but ran for 36-3/4 minutes. Felt good, saw Robb twice. I think I need a change of scenery on my runs. I am getting tired of the same old route every week. This picture doesn't have anything to do with running but I am tired of looking at me and John.

David Jones 05/20

2008-05-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

About 9:30 last night went for a quick run around the neighborhood. Don't know how far it was but I ran for 28 minutes at what felt like a pretty good pace. Heading to Sweetwater today for 4 or 5 miles.

David Jones 05/17

2008-05-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Whew......what a hot day. I have been getting in some good 4 - 5 miles runs the past week or so. Today was my long run day. Went 8 miles. Started out kind of cloudy and cool but after a mile or so it got hot and steamy. I could feel the heat wearing me down. Finished my 8 mile route in 1:11:07. About a minute better than last week. Running in August is going to be tough. Got to keep to plugging away.

Don Keller 5/12

2008-05-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting lately but I've been running. Mainly 3 - 4 miles runs 3 to 4 times a week. Today I ran a little over 5 miles at Sweetwater. Nice cool day and running was a little easier than last week. I'm going to start running a little more distance on my daily runs.

More later

David Jones - 05/11

2008-05-12T03:16:00.001-07:00

Sunday afternoon I got my 8 miles in. It was a tough run. I could really tell I have not put in the miles lately. Finished the 8 miles in 1:12:11. About 4 minutes slower than my best time for that route. I have to keep getting one long run in every week. August 21st is gettting closer every week. It will be here before you know it.

Great weekend- ready for HTC baby!

2008-05-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Richard and I ran the Madison in May 12K.
It was a great race. 7.46 miles on a long country road, with high humidity and lots of sun.
The pace was a little faster than I expected and I found myself falling behind some of the other runners. I typically run slower at the beginning and pick up my pace later on. I felt a little better on the third mile as I noticed the guys who started out with a fast pace quickly became fatigued and I was passing many of them. I was running a pace right at 8 minutes per mile through the first 6 miles, but as I hit the sixth mile I started to feel dizzy and overheated, so I stopped and walked a minute, thinking I was about to drop. After the brief respite, I held a steady pace to the finish line, ending with a time of 1:00:54, or a pace of 8:10 per mile.
Overall, I am happy with my performance that day, although I really wanted to finish under one hour- that one minute of walking really hurt my performance.

Sunday morning was my normal run at Stone Mountain Park, although by the end there was nothing "normal" about it. This was my personal best, and I have no idea why. I ran my usual course and was running at a pretty good clip. I was in high gear and felt really good. At about the halfway point I noticed I was running about 2-3 minutes faster than usual, so I just kept on going. I hit mile 5 at 36:59 and kept going to mile 6, finishing at 44:24. That puts my average pace at 7:46 per mile. I am totally stoked- that's the pace I plan to run at HTC!

Tomorrow is an "off" day for me as I hit the gym instead of the trails.
I hope everyone else is training hard!

David Jones 05/09

2008-05-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

Long time , no blog. Time to catch up. I have been geeting in some good runs at Sweetwater. Got three runs in last week. 2 - 5 milers and a 4 miler. Went out of town last weekend for a golfing /drinking weekend. Had a great time. Haven't had a beer in about 4 months until now. I caught up this weekend. Played 81 holes of golf and didn't even think about running. Back to Sweetwater this week. Ran 3 miles at home Tuesay night , 5 miles at Sweetwater on Wednesday and 3 more today. I have got to get the long run back on my schedule. Haven't gone over 6 miles in about a month. Might try to go for 8 on Sunday.

Fundraising totals look good!!

John Wood

2008-05-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

Have not run a race in a while, but have been hitting it pretty hard. Ran 22 miles last week, including 7.7 in one day. I ran 5.2 in the morning, and 2.5 in the afternoon. On the run in the afternoon, I averaged a 7:11 mile, with my quickest pace of a mile segment (my GPS watch reported this) at 4:44. Going this afternoon, and again in the morning. As a side not, since I have picked up my running, my IPOD songs have changed. Most is 90's rock, with a smattering of old skool and new hip hop. No more mellow music! The GPS watch is so cool, with everything it breaks down for you. Amazon.com has the best prices I have found. They are Garmin watches. Let's Go!

Good Sunday Run

2008-05-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

I made it out to Stone Mountain Park around noon Sunday.
The place was pretty crowded and a little difficult to maneuver around the people.
I ran a total of 10 miles in 1:23:03 which put my overall pace at 8:18 per mile.

I continue to struggle with the first mile out the gate. Once I get past the mental hurdle ("I could be doing something else") and sink into a steady pace, the next 5 or 6 miles go past quickly. I was getting a little tired on the eighth mile, with my left hip in a bit of pain. By mile nine I was ready to call it quits and my pace really suffered- I was just hanging in there and trying not to stop.

Overall, I was pleased with my run but still need to shave off more time. I ran a few sprints/speed trials during my first five miles in an attempt to pick it up.

I have to get below 8 minutes on all my runs.

Lake Hartwell 10K Dam Run 5-3-08 R. Goldsmith

2008-05-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

Fortunately, Einstein's opens at 6:00 AM on Saturdays as Debbie and I stopped right after they opened to get our bagels and head north to Lake Hartwell. We arrived at the race site next less than 30 minutes before the race began. A rather small race crowd, with a high percentage of "older" runners. However these northeast Georgians and southwest South Carolinians can run. The third place winner was 58 years old and ran the race in approx. 38 minutes. The overall pace of the race was brisk.

After running the first mile in a little over 8 minutes, slowing down to 9-9:30 for the second, a large 1 mile hill slowed me a shuffle. The second half of the race was back over the Lake over a running/walking path on the dam. The race route was as beautiful as promoted!

With a strong finish, I came in at 59:13. A new personal record!

I see no reason why I cannot keep knocking minutes off future runs. Now that the 60 minute mark has been eclipsed, it is time to focus on double nickels.

Go TeamPlumbCrazy!

Don Keller 5/2

2008-05-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Another day at Sweetwater running the loop and white road to the meadow. The adjustments I've made to the route has added some distance and I can run 3 to 6 miles on this route.

Ran 4.64 miles in 44:31. A 9'35" pace.

I need to do a 7 mile run tomorrow to get 20 miles in this week.

Let's get some group runs going soon.

David Jones 04/29

2008-04-30T05:23:00.001-07:00

Great day for a run today. Nice and sunny and cool. Planned on doing 4 miles but I was feeling good and was jamming to some rocking Bee Gee's songs on the ipod so I went an extra mile. Kept trying to catch Don but couldn't do it. I'll be back out there today for a 4 miler.

Don Keller - 4/29

2008-04-29T10:44:00.001-07:00

Ran at Sweetwater today at lunch. 5.5 miles in 52:12. A 9'28" pace and I felt rally good after the first mile. Nice steady pace and felt after 5.5 miles that I could keep going.

I also ran in Augusta Sunday. I ran a little under 4 miles in the middle of the hot day. I 30 minutes after my run clouds came over and cooled things off. I picked the worse time of the day to run but I need to do some heat training anyway.

I've been running.... just haven't been posting them all.

David Jones - 4/27

2008-04-28T03:33:00.001-07:00

After a pretty easy week of three 4 mile runs I ran 6 miles on Sunday with a time of 49:50. Probably my best time for 6 miles. Felt pretty good doing it. 18 miles for the week. I need to get a few more miles in each week.

David Jones - 4/24

2008-04-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

Another fine day at Sweetwater. Today Richard took me on a journey through the woods. We went from red to blue to white. That is a tough run. NowI remember why I prefer running on the blacktop. Friday and Saturday are off days for me and then maybe I'll do 6 - 8 miles on Sunday.

David Jones - 4/23

2008-04-24T03:27:00.000-07:00

Put in 4 miles at Sweetwater today. Time was 33:56. Hot and muggy today. Gonna be tough running this summer when it really heats up.

Don Keller 4/23

2008-04-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

Ran Sweetwater again on Tuesday - 3 miles in 28 minutes.

Is the increase in temperature slowing down every one's times. I'm starting to struggle with time and distance.

David Jones - 4/22

2008-04-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

I have had a pretty slack past week and a half. I only ran once last week and it was a 4 mile run. I got in another 4 mile run last night. Last night's pace was 4 miles at 33:22. About an 8-1/2 minute per mile pace. A little slower than my normal pace and I could sure feel I have not run for a few days. I have got to get motivated again. I will be back out at Sweetwater today for another 4 mile run.

Don Keller Training 4/20

2008-04-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ran around the farm last night. 3.1 miles in 30 minutes. 9:14 pace.

Knee is feeling better now so I need speed and distance.

More to come.

Don Keller 4/17 Training

2008-04-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Time for me to buckle down and start training hard. The weather is nice and time is ticking away. Today I ran at Sweetwater park and did a combination paved and gravel road run. Ran 4.5 miles in 43:23. A 9:37 pace. I need to gain some speed and get my pace down below 9.

Check back this weekend for my long run update. I'm going to attempt another 8 mile run around the neighborhood.

Don Keller - Spring Break Week

2008-04-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

OK.... I leave town for a few days and you over achievers start showing me up. Well, I didn't take the entire spring break off from running. I ran between 2 and 3 miles on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Sunday's run was on a treadmill. I need to get me one of these.

Running at the beach is totally awesome! I especially like running in my speedo.

I'll hit it hard mid week and get back on schedule.

David Jones 4/13

2008-04-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Had some good runs this week. I got in a 3 mile, 4 mile and 3 mile run at Sweetwater this week. I haven't been able to do a long run in for about 3 weeks or so. Today I put in an 8 mile run around the neighborhood in a personal best of 1:07:18. Afterward my knee really hurt. Had to take a few advil and ice it down. Feels OK now. Tomorrow is a day off and then I will be back at Sweetwater . Great job on the fundraising everybody.

Keep it up boys!!!!

Good runs this week

2008-04-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

I had two pretty decent runs this week at Sweetwater.
About 4 miles on Monday, and 5 miles today.
The pollen is a bit challenging- I know I swallowed a big chunk of it today, so I need to do a better job at breathing through my nostrils.

On the days that I am not running, I am going to the gym.
It is a great change of pace and I really enjoy it.

I'll be trying for 11 miles this Sunday at Stone Mountain Park.
Next week I will be taking David's lead and start the two-fers.

David Jones - 04/9

2008-04-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

My two a days have started. I went 4 miles at Sweetwater during lunch and I did another 4 miles 8 hours later last night. That second 4 miles was a lot tougher than the 1st 4 miles. I will try to do this once or twice a week to get used to running multiple times in the smae day. 3 times a day will be tough.

Don Keller Training 4/8

2008-04-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Ran at Sweetwater today, I ran my typical 3 mile to the meadow and back. Took me 26:31, thats a 8:48 pace. Knee is feeling pretty good so all I need now is a little speed.

A lot of pollen in the air and on the trails. Didn't bother me much today but spring has arrived in Atlanta.

Go Team PlumbCrazy!

John's 10 K

2008-04-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

First 10K I have run since the 1984 Peachtree Road Race. Started off with a good pace. I recently purchased a Garmin GPS watch, so it measures your mile pace, your overall pace, etc. It is really cool, and I recommend it to everyone. You can run in any park and it will tell you how far you just ran, etc. Anyway, I finished the 10K in 49.20. That was about a 7:53 pace. I found that I ran with 2 other guys most of the way, so we worked off one another. They took off at the end, and probably beat me by at least a minute, but I felt pretty good. The last mile I hit my wall, so I have a lot of work to do. My calves are so damn sore today, but I will be at it early in the AM. LET'S GO!

Excellent Run at SMP

2008-04-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

After a ridiculously busy weekend, I finally made it to Stone Mountain Park around 3 P.M. Sunday. It was still a little cool and VERY crowded with spring break families and everyone enjoying nicer weather. I started out running at a fairly average clip and noticed I was feeling pretty good, so I picked it up just a bit. About 2/3 of the way through my 5.4 mile standard run, I checked my watch and was about 2 minutes ahead of normal pace.
When I got close to the finish I was still in a good spot, so I decided to make an all-out run to finish 6 miles. The last 1/2 mile I ran as fast as I possibly could- man, did that hurt. But it was worth it.
6 miles, 41:29 minutes.
A pace of 6:55 per mile.

I think that may be my second best performance to date.
My goal for HTC is to run sub 7's.
I'm on my way!

David Jones 4/6

2008-04-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning to run today but the kids were driving me crazy. I had to get out of the house. Put in a nice easy 6 miles around the neighborhood at a decent pace. Might have to skip today because we are going to play putt-putt.

Don Keller.......8 miles! WAY TO GO. Did you get lost like Richard did or did you mean to go 8 miles? That is awesome.

For those of you that have not looked at the ACS page for our fundraising, we are currently the highest ranked team in fundraising. Good job Team Plumb Crazy.

Don Keller Training 4/5 - Saturday Long Run

2008-04-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

I had a great run today! 8 mile run in 1:18. That's a 9:45 pace. This by far was the best I've felt running. I didn't run fast, but I was steady and felt as if I could have run 20 miles. I never got winded or tired and my my knee held up pretty good.

I felt really bad for not going to Macon this morning for the Cherry Blossom 5/15K run. Getting to Macon for a 8:00AM run is a little more than I can do. I hope everyone that went had a great time and run.

Go Team Plumb Crazy!

David Jones 04/01 04/03

2008-04-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Tuesday got in 3 miles at Sweetwater in 24.03. Today got in 4 miles in
32.20. Cold and drizzly today. I am ready for some warm weather. I will try to do 4 tomorrow and 8 on Sunday to give me a total of 19 miles for the week. Got to get those weekly miles up.

Don Keller Monday 3/31 and Wednesday 4/2

2008-04-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ran at sweetwater on both days. 3.1 miles. Monday was 27 minutes and today was 29 minutes.

Getting ready for a long run this weekend. Still taking it easy and trying to rehab my knee. The pain is gone so now my goal is to build.

Don Keller Training 3/30

2008-03-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

Quick 2.2 mile run around the neighborhood on Saturday morning. Ran it in 19:38, 8:45 pace.

David Jones 3/29 Long Run

2008-03-31T04:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon I tried to take a nap but the kids kept messing with me. So I thought I would go for a good run instead. It was cold outside but warmed up fast. Got 8 miles in and had my best time for my 8 mile route. 1:07:55. My knees felt a little rough afterwards but they feel OK today. I think my new training program will be to get in some 4 mile runs at lunch and then try to get in some 4 - 5 mile runs at night, Maybe twice a week. We'll see how that goes.

David Jones - No Run Today

2008-03-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

Way to go John. Good time in the 5K. I have no doubt you can get your 55 minute 10K.
No run for me Friday of today. If not too rainy tomorrow I may try to go 10 miles.

I like seeing those race results!!!!

John Wood 3/29 5K

2008-03-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Ran a 5 K today around Centennial Park in Nashville (me and about 700 of my closest friends). Very chilly at 7:30, somewhere around 41 degrees. Started on a good pace, and finished my race at 24:07. I run a 10 K next Saturday. My goal is to finish in 55 minutes. Let's GO!!

Don Keller 3/27 Training

2008-03-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

The name of the game now is to rebuild and get stronger. I'm on knee rehab and trying to not push myself so hard.

Today's run as 3.1 in 28:41. 9:14 pace. Nice and slow! Little at a time.

R. Goldsmith 3-27: Game On!

2008-03-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

I spent last night at my mom's in Orlando, FL and figured out a loop route of approx. 4.5 miles and was up and running at daybreak. It was beautiful in Orlando and I plodded my way past ponds and a couple of geese. Despite landing approx. 30 minutes late tonight I got home and ran my standard 3.1 route as the sun setted. The second run was easier than the second.

One last footnote to Saturday's Hoya and the Hare 5K. I also had a soccer game at 1:30 and Terminus FC recorded a very solid 2-0 victory over another strong team. I was whipped the balance of Saturday and pretty washed out last Sunday.

I think I'm hooked.

I have Discovery this Saturday, but will try to go for a run this Saturday afternoon.

David Jones - 03/26

2008-03-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

Legs are feeling pretty good again finally. I got in a good 4 mile run on the pavement at Sweetwater. Time of 32:38. Felt strong. Might go out again today and then try about an 8 mile run on Sunday.

David Jones - 03/25

2008-03-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

I tried to go running Monday but it snowed. Couldn't make myself get out in the cold. Yesterday was a nice day so I decided I would try the yellow trail at Sweetwater. I have not done that loop in about 6 months. And it will probably be 6 months before I try it again. I had forgotten how hard it is to run that trail. I did pretty good on the hill but I was worn out after this run. About half way through the hill loop I see Robb come blazing by me going the other way. I think I will stick to the pavement from now on. I am not a trail guy.

John Wood has two races lined up for the next two weekends. Does anybody else have any races scheduled?

Keep up the hard work. August is coming soon.

Don Keller - Hoya and the Hare 26:27

2008-03-24T05:44:00.001-07:00

I have two things to say about the race.

1. I'm glad we took a before picture and passed on the after picture.

2. Nelson, Nelson, Nelson. WOW!

Hoya and Hare 5K - 03/22/08

2008-03-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to 1/3 of Team Plumb Crazy. This past Saturday Don Keller, John Carleton, Richard Goldsmith and myself got up early to run the Hoya and Hare 5K race at Harrison High School. It was a perfect day for a race. Nice and cool and sunny. Before the race we all talked about what kind of time we would like to run the race in and I am proud to say everyone beat their personal goals. Still, none of us could keep up with our first Hood to Coast alternate, Nelson Radford. He was smoking. Way to go Nelson. We sure missed having Robb and Josie Sandoval at the race . Sorry you guys couldn't make it. I tried to keep up with Nelson for about a 1/4 mile but soon realized I couldn't keep up that pace. About a 1/2 mile into the race I see John sprinting by me. I thought I was running a pretty good pace but John was taking off. I dropped in behind him and tried to hang on. It felt like he was going at a pretty fast pace and when we hit 1 mile in about 7:20 or so I knew we were going strong. We made the turn around at 1-1/2 miles and I see Don right behind us keeping a up a really fast pace too. I didn't see Richard in the pack but I heard all the cheers from the crowd and I knew he was back there somewhere. I stuck in behind John until we crossed the 2 mile mark together at a little over 15 minutes. Still keeping up a good pace. There was a pretty decent hill at about 2-1/2 miles but we were getting close to the end so I knew we were going to have a good finish time. The race entered the Harrison High school stadium to the joyful sounds of the Harrison High School band and went about a 3/4 lap around the track to the finish line. Coming around the last turn in the track I saw the clock reading 23:35 so I started my sprint to the end to beat 24 minutes. I passed several other runners in my final kick and finished in 23:50. Probably my best time for 3.1 one miles. Before I could make it to the chocolate chip cookie table I see John coming down the home stretch. Followed closely by Don and about a minute later Richard came sprinting across the finish line. Overall it was a very strong showing for Team Plumb Crazy. It was evident that all the training is paying off. Congratulations to all!! Here is a picture of us all before the race. We didn't look quite this handsome after the race.

I urge all of Team Plumb Crazy to sign up for some races in your area. They are really a lot of fun and a great way to test yourself. Plus you get some really cool looking new t-shirts.

David Jones - Training

2008-03-16T13:44:00.001-07:00

Had a good weekend of running this weekend. I was able to get in a nice and easy 4 mile run yesterday between tornadoes. Today I bit off more than I could chew. I haven't done a long run in a couple of weeks so today I thought I would go for a 10 mile run. Somewhere along the way I got the crazy idea to turn this into a 13 mile run. I don't know what was different about today than the Alpharetta 1/2 marathon, which I felt really good on. Today was horrible. I felt good after 10 miles but the last 3 just about killed me. I was one hurting SOB. I could hardly walk after this run. I will be taking it easy on my 5K training this week. I will be ready come Saturday.

Don Keller - Training 3/15

2008-03-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

Getting the 3rd run in this week was really hard due to the rain and storms. My training schedule called for a 1 mile warm up, then a 3 mile run at a 9:04 pace, ending with a 1 mile cool down. Total of five miles in 47 minutes

My warm up miles was at about a 10 minute pace, my next three miles was a little under a 9 minute miles each and then the skies opened up and I had to stop. I was lucky that at mile 3 I decided to turned back and run towards the house.

Run was a total of 4.12 miles and in less than 37 minutes.

David Jones - 5K Training

2008-03-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Another good 3 mile run today. Today's time was 23:19. Getting faster.

David Jones - 03/10 - 5K Training

2008-03-11T12:01:00.001-07:00

Day 2 of the 5K training. Got a good 3 miles in at Sweetwater. T ime was 23:58. Still feeling a little rusty after a week off. I'll be good to go come March 22.

John

2008-03-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Worked hard this weekend. On Sunday, ran 4.8 miles in 40 minutes exactly (8.33 mile). Struggled today however. Heavy legs at 5:00 AM. I will be back at it again tomorrow. Signed up for a 5K on March 29, and a 10K on April 5. LET'S GO!

Don Keller 3/10 Training

2008-03-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of my new Smart Coach training schedule. The goal is to be ready to run a 1/2 marathon by June. If my body can hold up I think I'll be in good sharp for the Hood to Coast Relay. I'm having some knee trouble and I'm currently trying to "train through it". Enough about my problems.

Today my run was a 6 mile run at 10:42 pace. I actually ran 6.132 miles @ a 10:11 pace. Since I've been running faster times, I found it hard to run at this pace. The program is the program and I'll stick to it as close as I can.

Jonesy, me going nuts has nothing to do with training.

David Jones - 03/10 - 5K Training

2008-03-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day back running since I took a week off after the race last weekend. Next race is in two weeks. Several members of Team Plumb Crazy are running the Hoya and Hare 5K race on March 22nd. I think I will spend the next two weeks working on trying to run a fast 3 mile race. Today I went for 3 miles at a pretty fast pace. Did it in 23:42 and I was hurting. I can feel it that I haven't run in a week. I think I will be back in good shape in two weeks. It is going to take some work to keep up with Keller. He is going nuts on the training.

Don Keller Training 3/6

2008-03-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Ran Sweetwater today, the same run as yesterday but the time was a little better.

Ran 3 miles in 26:29.
That's a 8:48 pace.

Coach Jonesy told me today I need to add some distance to my runs so after this weekend, daylight savings time, I'll start running 6.2 miles once a week after work. I'm thinking about Monday night if anyone wants to join. My goal will be 10 minute miles until the end of March. Then we'll bump it up to 8 miles.

The weather is getting better. Let's get conditioned before it gets too hot.

Don Keller 3/5 Training

2008-03-06T04:33:00.000-08:00

Ran 3 miles at Sweetwater yesterday in about 27.48. Getting ready to run with Richard, The Harrison and the Hire 5K on March 22nd. I'm goal 27 minutes for this run.

So far Richard and I have signed up. Anyone else?

First Race a Success!

2008-03-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I am very excited with our half marathon in Alpharetta this morning. Being my first race EVER I had no idea what to expect. When I went to pick up my race packet around 5:45 a.m. the girl who handed it to me said "you look nervous as hell!" She had no idea. I couldn't sleep the night before, getting up around midnight and piddling around the house until race time. My stomach was doing cartwheels!
For the record, David Jones ROCKS! He is a great teammate!
Once I got settled in at the starting line, I felt really good. It was very cool- I think this running thing is more like a cult.
Unfortunately it took almost 15 minutes to break out of the pack and get into my own comfortable pace- there we so many people in such a confined area. David had an ambitious goal of finishing within two hours. My goal was simply to finish without paramedics getting involved. With the exception of stopping to re-tie my shoe, and two 5-second stops for Gatorade, I finished the race without having to stop and walk.
Incredible! (If someone knows the trick to running and drinking out of a cup at the same time, I could use help.) The last two miles for me were incredibly tough. Where David was pushing it, I was just pacing myself, remembering to not go all out for fear of injury. My thighs were so tight I could feel every step amplified. As I was crossing the finish line around 1:53 and change, it was an incredible personal experience. I sat down on the pavement aftwerwards and looked up to see Jonesy right there- great job David!
The finish area had food galore, and while David went for the Krispy Kreme I headed for the Starbuck's and grapes. I ate more carbs today than I had all of last week.
I finished in the 189th spot with David right behind me in the 195th spot. 690 finsihers total. 13 miles pacing at 8:41 per mile. Holy cow! Bring on HTC Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1/2 Marathon Picture

2008-03-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here we are. Had a few donuts and water and ready to go another 13....Not.

David Jones - RACE DAY SUCCESS

2008-03-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

Race Day has finally come and gone. Robb and I have successfully completed our first 1/2 marathon. My goal for the race was 2 hours but really thought it would be more like 2 hours 15 minutes. The day started out very cold. At our 7:00 am start time it was about 30 degrees, but it didn't take long to warm up. Turned out to be a perfect day for running. The first mile was very slow(9:21) due to the nearly 700 runners being led down a couple of lanes of road. After the first mile I decided I needed to pick up the pace and get around some of those slow pokes. After 3 - 4 miles the pack was pretty spaced out and I could run the pace I was comfortable with. This course was pretty flat with just a few hills and those were not too bad. I finished mile 6 right on 52 minutes. Felt pretty good so far. Robb blew by me at about mile 8 or so. I tried to hang with him for a while but couldn't keep up. I just tried to run a good steady pace for the next few miles. Got to 10 miles right on 1 hour 27 minutes. That is about a minute off my best 10 mile time. Still felt pretty good. Not tired or winded at all. Only problem was my feet hurt. I knew I could make it from there. From mile 10 to 12 was pretty fun because I knew the end was getting near. I passed mile 12 right on 1 hour 46 minutes and still felt good so I told myself to grit it out and kick it in gear for 1 more mile. Finished the 13th mile in 7:12. I didn't mean to kick it up that much. Next thing I know the last 2/10th were done and I was crossing the finish line in 1 hour 53 minutes and 52 seconds. Over 6 minutes better than my goal. I didn't realize it at the time that Robb had just finished 30 seconds and 6 runners ahead of me. If I had known I was so close to him I would have tried to nip him at the finish line.

I am really happy with the way Robb and me ran the race. It was a blast and I beat my goal easily. I am ready to try another one sometime. Might even consider working up to a full marathon one day. Now I feel pretty confident about completing my Hood to Coast legs with not too much diffuclty. Here is a picture of Team Plumb Crazy members at the finish area. Notice the medals. Awesome Baby!!!!!

Don Keller 2/29 Training

2008-02-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

I sent to Sweetwater with Cary today. Had a pretty good run around the loop and out to the meadow. I feel I'm getting stronger. Today I ran 4 miles in 38:23. That's about a 9:34 pace.

John W finally back on the blog

2008-02-27T08:09:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! Finally was able to get back on the blog -- thanks to Don's help. During my absence, I have been hitting it very hard. This morning, ran 3.6 miles in a little under 31 minutes, so just under the 9 minute mendoza line. Still a lot of work to do -- I plan to run my own 10K this weekend so I can get a guage of where I am. We have under 6 months to get ready now -- that still seems like such a long time away, but seeing just how difficult it is to get to a competitive 10K time, and knowing that we all are ostensibly running 3 10K's at one time - it is very sobering. I will bet one thing, though -- we will be the most fit, healthiest rep agency in our industry. That makes me proud! Let's GO!

David Jones - 02/26

2008-02-27T03:20:00.000-08:00

Last minute preparation for the 1/2 marathon on Sunday. Did an easy 3 mile jog last night. Will do another easy run today and then a sprint workout on Thursday. Friday and Saturday will be rest days before Sunday. Supposed to be a nice day Sunday. My goal is to keep up with Robb.

4 days to race day.

Don Keller Training 2/26

2008-02-26T16:52:00.001-08:00

Today a short run at Sweetwater Park. 2 miles in 17:37... That's a 8.45 pace. My goal was to take it easy and work on getting a little faster. A couple months ago I ran 2 miles in 23 minutes and could not run any further. Today 2 miles in 17:37. WOW... I shaved off more than 5 minutes.

Cold on Wednesday, so I think I do 4.5 on Thursday.

David Jones - 02/24 Long Run

2008-02-25T03:16:00.002-08:00

Looks like it was a very productive weekend for Team Plumb Crazy. Way to go on the 10K races Richad, Don and John. It was a cold rainy day for a race but you all did great. I was very impressed with Don and John's run as I was there to witness the tough conditions and you guys looked strong at the end. Richard is becoming quite the race veteran. Where is this weekends race?

As with Robb I was able to get in one more long run before our race this Sunday. This week I tried a new 10 mile route and I didn't feel great about my run. Overall time was 1:26:45. Only about a minute off last weeks 10 mile time which was run on a very flat course. I was hurting on this weeks run. Legs felt very week and my toenails really hurt. Think I might lose a couple of nails. I will take it easy this week with a couple of 2 - 3 mile easy runs in preparation for Sundays big race. Hopefully it will not be too cold. Race starts at 7:00 in the morning.

As advertised in Don's blog, here are a couple of action shots form the "Run for the Son" race. Don put on a sprint at the end to edge John out by a couple of feet. Way to go Team Plumb Crazy!!!!!!

The one on the right is at the start. Below is at about 2 miles. Still have sve smiles on their faces.

Bottom pic is at the finish. Hurrying to break 60:00 minutes. Great race.

David Jones - 02/24 Long Run

2008-02-25T03:16:00.001-08:00

Stone Mountain 10 Miler

2008-02-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

This was my last 10 mile run prior to the 13 mile Alpharetta 1/2 Marathon coming up next weekend with David Jones.

My first trek around the mountain this afternoon was difficult- the wind was whipping around the mountain and I was freezing my *ss off! The first 5 miles completed in 40 minutes and change. Pretty good run, but I HATE cold weather!!!

I stopped a minute to change shirts and put on a thermal shirt, sweatshirt and hat and started out on the second half. After hitting the beginning of the seventh mile, my left knee started acting up (it has done this several times lately) so I slowed down my pace for the next mile and that seemed to help. Plodded along the remainder of the course without having to stop once (an accomplishment for me), but I have to tell you it was really tough the last mile. My legs were telling me to stop.

Overall time, 10 miles at 83 minutes, 39 seconds. About 8:39 minute mile.
I can't say I'm really thrilled about the time, but I was very happy that this was the third run over 10 miles without collapsing.

Tomorrow is supposed to be nice weather. I will probably walk more than run to stay limber and not over-do it.

Wish me luck next weekend!

Richard G.-Charles Harris 10K

2008-02-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Approx. 1,000 runners ran from Tucker High School to Shamrock Middle School mostly down Lawrencville Hwy. The Dekalb police was out in force and much to everyone's disappointment the Indigo Girls, graduates of Shamrock when it was a high school, were not waiting at the finish line performing a benefit concert.

I should have bought a lottery ticket for Saturday as my pre-race prediction of a 63 minute finish came in at 63:29, seven minutes faster than my Conyers 10K on trails 3 weeks ago. Certainly running a much easier course on asphalt helped, but I am on the cusp of just trying to survive a race/run to pushing hard on every leg and moving my times steadily downward.

I have been playing with http://www.mapmyrun.com/ that David sent out and developing some different courses around the 'hood.

This is fun! Go TeamPlumbCrazy!

Don Keller & John C 2/23 10K race

2008-02-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

John and I ran the Run for the Son 10K this morning. It was a rolling hill course that had challenging up hills and long easy down hills. We finished the race in 59:41, under the 60 minute mark. My goal was to run it under 65 minutes. We blew that away!!!

Hats off to two team mates. John C hung with me the entire race. He could have finished with a better time but his motto was, "we started together, we'll finish together". David Jones came out in the misty cold to cheer us on and snap a couple pictures. He waited at the start finish line the entire race to get a finishing picture. I wish we could have shortened his wait. Thanks David!

My legs are sore, so I'll take it easy.

Don Keller 2/20 Training

2008-02-20T16:35:00.000-08:00

Today I ran at Sweetwater with Cary. I ran the loop to the meadow and back, 3.12 miles in 28:41. That's a 9'11" pace and that's my best time for 3 miles. Now that the weather is getting better I'm starting to see some progress. Now if I can figure out how to drop 10 pounds by the end of March.

John C and I run the "Run for the Son" race on Saturday. 6.2 miles is a long way and the route is hilly. I will need a lot of help from the "Son" to finish.

Over and out until I post the results of my first 10K in ?? years.

Charles Harris 10K is this Saturday!

2008-02-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

After one week of battling off a cold and a second week of heavy travel, I'm back. Ran yesterday with John Wood, Bruce Kelly of TracPipe and Tim Ramsey at Chateau Elan, site of the TracPipe sales meeting. Ran approx. 2.5 miles of trails, almost "met" a large dog...couldn't outrun the dog, but think I could outrun T-Ram.

Tonight I ran 5 miles in the 'hood.

I have signed up for the Charles Harris 10K that starts at Tucker High School and ends at Shamrock High School. Most of the race goes down picturesque Lawrenceville Highway. The joys of city living! My goal is to break 63 minutes. I am looking forward to running on asphalt.

The attached photo is from last year's race. Go TeamPlumbCrazy!

Richard

Don Keller 2/18 Training

2008-02-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Ran with John C today at Sweetwater. We ran the Red, Blue, White trail and I have some mixed feelings about the run. We started off fast and I felt really good until I reached the stairs leading up to the long hill. I tried to run it but I was all used up. I ran a little, (very little) and walked the rest or at least until I got to the meadow. Rested a couple seconds and then headed down the gravel road. I ran all the way back and finished strong in 45:58. That's two minutes faster than last Monday.

I don't think John broke a sweat during the run.

John and I will run the "2008 Run For the Son" on Saturday. A 10K race in Kennesaw. It will be the longest distance I've ran in a long, long time.

Three in a row

2008-02-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

I had some pretty decent runs last week and yesterday.
Last Tuesday and Friday I ran on the Sweetwater trails, and yesterday Austin and I did our usual at Stone Mountain Park.

I added a second lap for good measure (not to mention that David and I have a half marathon in two weeks). 10.8 miles total for Sunday. That gave me a little more confidence that I can do the 13 miler on March 2nd.

I'll hit Sweetawter again today, trying to get three nice runs within a 24-27 hour time period, which is what I figure we'll all have to do to finish HTC.

David Jones - 02/1708 - Long Run

2008-02-18T03:29:00.001-08:00

Whew.......what a day. Sunday is my long run day and I was determined to get in a 10 mile run . I have been looking forward to that challenge all week. Sunday in Atlanta called for heavy storms to come through in the afternoon. I was hoping to get my run in before the storms came. I did not get started on my run until about 3:30 or so. After about 5 miles it started to sprinkle a little. By 7 miles it was raining cats and dogs. Thunder and lighting, tornaodo sirens going off. The last 3 miles were tough but I did get the whole 10 miles in. I felt really good at the end. My last mile was right at 8 minutes. I think I could have gone for 3 more miles. And I actually had a very good MPM pace. Finished at 1:24:59. I was shooting for 1:25:00. That would give me an 8-1/2 MPM pace. I have revised my goal for the 1/2 marathon. I am now going for a 2 hour race. I have one more long run scheduled for next Sunday and then it will be race weekend. I believe I am ready.

Stone Mnt.Training Camp 2/17 - Austin & Robb

2008-02-17T17:33:00.000-08:00

Well.....I have not been training for the past two weeks, but met up with Rob for the Sunday Stone Mnt. run this morning. All and all it was a pretty good run considering that I hadn't run in two weeks, but ended up adding a few minutes to my last run there and finished the 5.4 mile loop in 49min 23sec. Still keeping about 9-1/2 min mile pace and had a pretty good 100 yard sprint towards the end of the run. Robb not even winded went for round two with mountain in which I'm sure he finished in less time than the first lap. Way too go Robb! Keep up the great work! This week I plan to get in some early morning runs in before work as I've found my self quite busy at the new office and don't have a lot of time for the lunch time runs.

Everyone keep up the great work!! Go TPC!!

David Jones - 2/15 Training

2008-02-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

Don took me on a good run today. Ran a little blacktop and out through the gravel road to the meadow. Ran about 3.7 miles in 34:51. Kept about a 9-1/2 MPM pace.

Keep up the efforts!!!!

David Jones - 02/14/08 Training

2008-02-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Today was speed work day at the training facility. Ran an easy warm up mile and half. Then ran 3 - 3/4 mile loops as fast as I could with a 1/4 mile walk between each one. Averaged about 4:45 per loop. Running sprints is tough on this old man. Working on being able to have a little kick left when I need to pick up the pace some. Next run is a 10 miler on Sunday.

David Jones - 02/12/08 Training

2008-02-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

Another day at Sweetwater Training Facility. Got in 4 miles today. My times are improving. 4 miles at 33:54. My 3 mile mark was 24:24. About 8:15 MPM. Feeling good.

Finally got some new shoes. They sure do feel good.

Don Keller Training 2/11

2008-02-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

I ran the red, blue, white trail today. It's my second time running it and I'm starting to like it. It's a lot different than the blacktop runs and I think it's better training. I've scheduled Monday's as my red, blue white trail day and two more runs during the week I'll run the blacktop loop and add in the white gravel road up to the meadow.

Today's run was 4.309 miles in 47:57 minutes. That's a 11:07 pace. I'll work the balance of the week on speed, trying to post times in the 9 - 9:30 range.

A week worth of running

2008-02-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post my runs last week, so here it goes:
I ran Tuesday, Thursday and Friday last week at Sweetwater, each day running a different set of trails.
Tuesday was blue-white. That's not one of my favorite runs, but I wanted to mix it up a little bit.
Thursday was yellow and the blacktop. I went in a different direction than Don did (reverse, technically) so the run is very different. Once you get past Killer Hill, it is a very nice run down. The blacktop was just for added mileage.
Friday was white-blue-red, again going reverse from my normal run.
I didn't really keep track of my times- probably about normal spped.

Sunday was St. Mtn. Park, once around.
VERY windy day- ran 5.4 at 40:43, so that put me under 8 minutes.

Today is a day off.

David Jones - 02/10 Training

2008-02-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

Another Sunday, Another long run. Late Sunday afternoon was a great day for a run in Atlanta. Sunny and a little cool. Got my 8 miles in and felt great. Set an all new record for 8 miles. 1:08:20. 2 miles were under 8 minutes and 2 miles were 8:03 and 8:08. I can really feel that I can go longer and faster now. All the training is paying off. Next Sunday calls for a 10 mile run. That will be my longest to date. Just 3 weeks until the 1/2 marathon.

David Jones - 02/07 Training

2008-02-08T04:08:00.001-08:00

Nothing special today. Did about 4-1/2 miles around the neighborhood in 37:16. Good news is my first 2 miles were 7:49 and 7:51 and mile # 3 was 8:03. Pretty quick miles for me.
Next scheduled run is 9 miles on Sunday.

We now have our official team roster posted on the H2C website. If you want to see your name listed go to team roster and put in team # 690 and phone # 678-290-0627. They currently have us in the wrong category but I have talked to H2C to get that corrected.

Keep it up!!!!

Don Keller Training 2/6 & 2/7

2008-02-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Ran on Wed at Sweetwater. The rain cut my run short so I got in a little sprinting or speed training as we call it at STC. Here are the stats: Ran 2.212 miles in 20:46 minutes. That is a 9'23 pace. I think I could have done a little better. At one point I was below an 8’00 pace.

Ran on Thursday, the yellow trail at Sweetwater. WOW, I was not prepared for a run like this. It was a very hard trail. Stats as follows: Ran 2.927 miles in 37:27 minutes. A 12:47 pace. Before you think I was slacking off.... This was a very hard run. However, I did run an additional 1/2 mile or so when I was done. I worked very hard with a 12:47 pace. Lots of uphill walking. This will be the last post you see where I’ve ran the Yellow Trail.

David Jones - 02/05 Training

2008-02-06T03:00:00.001-08:00

Got in 5 miles at Sweetwater Creek in 41:28 Felt good.

David Jones - 02/03 Long Run

2008-02-04T03:13:00.000-08:00

Glad to see a lot of entries on the blog page. It is interesting to see who is hitting it hard. I hope the rest of the team is putting in the mles you all are. Great job on the SMP run, the Conyer's 10K and how about them new shoes. Way to go. Sunday was my long run day. I did my normal 8 mile run through the neighborhood in 1:10:43. Felt pretty good but there are some pretty big hills that just take it out of me. Afeter the 8 I walked for a couple of minutes and ran one more mile for good measure. 9 miles total - my longest so far. 4 weeks until 1/2 marathon. I think I will be ready.

SMP Conquered- Ready for HTC!

2008-02-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

Austin and I met up around noon on Sunday at Stone Mountain Park.
After a Saturday night of frolicking with untold counts of women into the wee hours of Sunday, Austin ROCKED S.M.P. once again, accomplishing a personal best by kicking *** and running far longer than ever before. We lost a little bit of time at the end, but we finished the 5.4 mile run at 47 minutes and 43 seconds.

I had quite a bit of energy remaining, so after changing out a soaking wet t-shirt for a dry one, I hit it once again. This time I did the second run of 5.4 miles at 41 minutes and 31 seconds. I felt super strong today.

Total run = 10.8 miles in 1 hour, 29 minutes and 14 seconds.

Funny how you always get knocked down a notch.
One guy that passed Austin and me earlier started up a conversation on my last mile.
He was older than I (and not nearly as handsome) but was a marathoner.
I told him I was headed for 11 miles today.
He said "that's great- way to go!"
He also said " I ran 14 yesterday, and I'm only running 10 today."

If I could have kept up with him I probably would have kicked him in his knees.
He didn't have the class that Menefee has.

Anyway, that's the longest I have ever run.
I am proud, if only for a fleeting moment.

Bring on Hood To Coast- I'm ready NOW!!!!!!

Runnin the Rocks 10K -Conyers, GA

2008-02-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

I ran in the XTERRA Trail Race yesterday at Olympic Horse Park in Conyers. Temperature at start time was less than 30 degrees. A lot of very serious runners and me. The trails were much tamer than Sweetwater Creek Park. The Sweetwater run on Wednesday was great preparaton for this jaunt. Many times I felt I was in the scene of Revenge of the Titans when Denzell Washington had his team running trails that led to the cementary in Gettysburg. My goal was 70 minues and not taking a spill. I finished in 70:40, dodged more than one pile of horse droppings, tripped a couple of times but never fell. Pictures have not been posted yet and I did finish 13th in my age group. I have tutoring the next two Saturday's, but am planning on running the Charles Harris 10K in Tucker, GA on February 23rd. This race is back on pavement...yeah!!

TeamPlumbCrazy Rocks in Conyers!

Don Keller - New Shoes 2/2

2008-02-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

Bought a new pair of shoes this morning and took them out and showed them the neighborhood.

Today's run went like this. I started out slow and felt really good. The middle of my run I relaxed and ran at a little faster pace and then slowed down again during the last part of my run. The final half mile I ran my strongest. The last 2 10th I was running as fast as I could possible run. I was strong and feeling really good. I think the run at Sweetwater on Thursday really helped me.

Today I ran 4.381 in 42.34 minutes. Thats a 9:43 pace. I think I could have run another mile or two no problem.

I have to get up to 6.2 miles by Feb 23rd.

TPC Sweetwater Training Camp - Austin & Robb 02-01-08

2008-02-01T10:55:00.001-08:00

Had what was probably my last run for a while at the good old TPC training facility today. Robb & I decided to run the yellow trail which as some of already know can be pretty tuff. All in all it was a pretty good run for us and a personal best on yellow for me as we finished the 3 miles at 36 min. I know that doesn't sound good, but there is a killer hill on this trail that is about 1/4 of mile long that takes about 5-7 min. to get up unless you are a great uphill runner. I usually have to stop alot going up that hill and today only stop near the top and then again to stretch at the top. Then we ran all the from the top back to the start point which I have never been able to do. Robb has been a great coach and a great motivator for me at, but don't worry anyone I plan to keep up my training even after the move to Norcross. I've been informed that there is a near by park for me to run at and I'll still be meeting up with Robb every Sunday for the Stone Mountain run. If anyone wants to meet up on Sun. let one of us know. Next run......This Sunday!

Everyone keep up the great work!! GO TPC!!!!

David Jones - 01/31 Not Alone Training

2008-01-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday at the Sweetwater Creek training facility. We had just about half of Team Plumb Crazy out for a good run today. Don, Robb, Austin, Richard and myself hit the red to blue to white trail. A good, tough 4.5 mile run with a long steep hill near the end. Had a good run by all. I am sure we will be ready come August. Next run for me is an 8 miler on Sunday.

Alone at Sweetwater

2008-01-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ran Sweetwater yellow trail by myself (you remember it, John?) and the blacktop today.
Really didn't pay attention to time, just trying to pace myself and change up my speed.
Pretty good run, but the wind was ripping at me and I'm a total woose when it comes to cold weather.
Tomorrow's a day off for me.
Austin and I will hit the trails Thursday and Friday since it'll be the last couple of days he'll be at SMI corporate before heading on to greener pastures. Don't think you're getting off easy, bud.
We'll be hooking up at least twice a week at Stone Mountain Park!

GO TPC!!!!