Level Nine

~ Athletic Character Statistics ~

Age: 44

Weight: 198.5

BMI: 28.5

Cholesterol: 121 (Total)

Capability: 35-minute jogs

Speed: 5.0 mph

Gear: Freakin' Solid!

Well, I managed to gain a pound this week, which I'll attribute to random swelling.  I've done several runs averaging 5+ mph, so I think that is a fair statement of speed.  I've also done several jogs over 35 minutes, so I claim that as a capability. (And yes - I've done 5+ and 35+ in the same run:)

Level Nine is a very special level, because it represents graduation from the Couch to 5K program.  In terms of time, I have exceeded the requirements.  In terms of distance, I have reached 5K, but in 36:22.  I will definitely have some post-graduate work in my future, but have not dreamt up the definitions for specific levels.  (Level 10 being a 30-minute 5K might be stretching it.)  I will define some mileage goals, and I suspect a doctor is going to recommend core strengthening exercises.  Whatever the specifics, I will strive to earn new levels for my atheletic character.

But for now, I'm in celebration mode!  The photo below is from the graduation ceremony, when the wife's television show was briefly paused.  Tears in my eyes, I accepted the diploma and this week's gift - a Garmin Forerunner 305 with Heart Rate Monitor.

Here is the diploma in greater detail:

Many thanks to all who have supported my effort - the forum folks, my family, clients, and co-workers.  I would especially like to thank Mr. Sprick, the running equivalent of a Ph.D.  He endured my incessant speculation on stride mechanics, handled countless questions on aches and pains, and provided brilliant advice in the narrow spaces available when I was winded from all the talking.

Despite my improvements, Elaine has (at every turn) matter-of-factly stated that she could do far better than me.  She has been long on talk, but short on action.  But I understand she beats most of the boys in her class.

Meanwhile, Maxwell has become an avid runner.  I give him challenges and time him with a stopwatch.  In tonight's challenge, he ran to a series of landmarks culminating at the center of the cul-de-sac.  At this point, he threw his arms wide, looked up to the sky, and yelled "I love the moon!"  Being five is great, huh?  And 44.85 seconds seems pretty speedy.

My wife Tami, has also endured this admirably.  I ended up running in the dark on W9D2 - she had the kids in the minivan going to the track to make sure I hadn't keeled over or become victimized.  She has been kicking it up a notch on the treadmill.  So, the whole family has really gotten it in gear!