FIRST Training Run***

Today was the first day of my training using the Furman University FIRST program that I mentioned in a previous post. I went to the local high school track for the workout. It is about 1 mile or so to the track which makes a nice warm up followed by 6 X 400's with two minute cool downs between laps and a 1 mile cool down jog home.

Here are my 400 splits (400 is the distance around the inside lane of a track: 400 meters):

1:38
1:40
1:40
1:30
1:35
1:35

I expected to do the laps at about 1:45 and actually came in faster, though inconsistent. To put my time in perspective, elite male runner Michael Johnson is the World Record holder with a time of 43.18. I won't be challenging that mark any time soon.

Next scheduled workout is a 4 mile tempo run on Thursday. 1 mile warm up, 2 miles at 5K pace + 30 seconds, 1 mile cool down.


The girls in action
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That is all for today.

One foot in front of the other...

Family Stuff

Last weekend my sister, Shelley, made the Trek up to the 317 with my niece, Sarah, and nephew, AJ, and our good friend Grace. Anneliese and I met them for lunch while Liz and Emmeline rested up for the company then we went back to our house for the visit. Sarah and Anneliese were a busy pair and they had a great time playing together:



The little man is getting around on his own just fine. He is very independent and always has a smile:



After a long day of playing it was time for Anneliese and Emmeline to get ready to do a night-night:



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Back to running...

After a three week hiatus (since the Indianapolis Mini-marathon on May 5) I am going to start running again on Saturday. This summer I will be using the Furman University FIRST training program which has 3 key running workouts and 3 cross training days. I think this should fit my schedule a little better and I have heard of people have remarkable success with the program. So Saturday I will run a 5 miler to shake my legs out a little then next week I start with this plan:

Monday- Cross train 60 minutes
Tuesday- Track workout
Wednesday- Cross train 60 minutes
Thursday- Tempo run
Friday- OFF
Saturday- Distance Run
Sunday- Cross train 60 minutes

Cross training will most likely be a mix of biking, rollerblading, and best of all, walks with the family.

I will be doing the Fishers Freedom Festival 5k on Saturday, June 23 for the third year in a row. I think that I may push Anneliese in this stroller friendly event. WIth any luck Liz may be able to catch us on vido as we cross the finish line.

Mini '07 taken at the brick yard (Indianapolis Motor Speedway):



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Call for help...

I am upgrading my iTunes library, let me know if there is a song or artist that I should check out! Thanks.

Update on the fam...

This week has been an adjustment for all of us as you can probably imagine. Anneliese has been a goog girl outside of the normal toddler behavior. Liz is recovering and getting aroung well. We were fortunate to have the help of Grandma Hurley the past couple of day to ease the transition.

Tonight we took on the challenge of just Liz and I versus Anneliese and Emmeline. They tried to overwhelm us with simultaneous crying but we were able to withstand the attack. I have a feeling there will be many more of those times to come.

Some more pictures...

Grandparents were at the hospital during and after the birth:

Don's parents


Liz's parents


Getting ready to come home




And at homw

MAY 14, 2007...Welcome Emmeline Elsbeth Hahn

Family and friends,

Today God has blessed Elizabeth, Anneliese, and I with a beautiful new addition to our family. Emmeline Elsbeth Hahn was born at 7:30 AM on Monday, May 14, 207. She weighed in at 6lbs 14oz and spanned 20.5" from the tip of her toes to her brown hair. Mom and baby are doing well! Grandparents were on hand to share the joy and excitement of the new baby!



Emmeline, meaning hardworking and industrious
Elsbeth, Scottish variation of Elizabeth (for her mother)

Anneliese announces that she loves Emmeline at dinner the night before:



Post dinner, pre-birth picture:



Anneliese is so not ready to go to the hospital at 5:00 AM:



Dad steps in at the role of doctor for a minute:



Anneliese and Emmeline getting to know each other...check out the video clip.



Thank you for sharing in our joy!

Don, Elizabeth, Anneliese, and Emmeline

Happy New Year!

This year is well underway and I am just getting back to the blog. I have been out of town for business and returned with an upper respiratory infection. That means that I have been out of service for the last couple of days. I went to the doctor today for a little diagnosis and medication. Not sure exactly what the illness is but I did get some cough medicine. We shall see how it goes with the meds.

"Are you an athlete?"

I was not able to see my doctor today so I saw his colleague. While listening ot my heart beat he asked the above question. I answered, "Yes, I am a runner." He responded, "Long distance?" To which I explained that I have run a marathon and several other long distance races. He commented that my heart beat was the slow, steady heart beat of a person in very good shape. That was at least a boost for me on a day when I was feeling crummy anyway and upset that I can't get out for a run.

QUALIFYING TIME

As soon as I can get back on the run I need to ramp up my training. As I mentioned I was hoping to qualify for a better seed at the mini with a good time at the "Race to the New Year." I have until March to get the time I need. I think my next best opportunity will be at the "Underground Railroad Run" 5K in February. That race is on a flat course through my neighborhood. It will likely be pretty cold. 21:30 or bust.

Doing it all wrong!

tomorrow is the "Race for the New Year" 5K. I have been down with a stomach bug and a sinus infection which has kept me from running for about two weeks. Could be my body telling me that I needed the time off from running... regardless I am hoping for a good showing tomorrow. So why did I have pizza and beer for dinner? Not exactly the ideal pre-race carbo load. Who knows, maybe this unorthodox lead in to the race will spell out good things. Guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Until then....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This blog has been a bit quiet lately. I was sick for most of the week leading up to Christmas, followed by Liz being sick, and then Anneliese had a stomach bug on Christmas Eve. It has been a busy an rough last ocuple of weeks. Everyone is starting to feel a little better. Each of us have had different illnesses. Hopefully we will have all of these germs out of the house soon.

RUNNING REPORT

I have nothing to report here. Since I was sick I was unable to get out and run. I am still hoping to run the "Race to the New Year" which takes place nearby on Dec. 30. I was hoping to shoot for a new PR in the 21:30 range. I have no idea what to expect at this point. I'll give you an update after the event.

That is it for now....