Rob's family

First 10 mile run tomorrow. I'm feeling good, but a little worried about over stressing my body. I've switched to Nordic Tracking a couple days a week because running lots seems to bother my left hip. As I write I'm realizing that documenting my life this way is a bit narcissistic. Oh well - a little spoiling of myself is ok, and you are all family, so you'll likely forgive me. View Larger Map

I've been consistently running for just more than a year now.  Over the winter, I cross country skilled when there was snow on the ground and nordic tracked when there wasn't.  Both of those are much easier on the knees and hips.  In late February, I started running again and over the last month have ramped up to 20+ miles a week. I think I'm going to do this. I found a ten week schedule that's a bit lighter in training than I want.  I'll let it be my guide, but I'll not be a slave to it.  Based upon my "long" runs, I'm just finished week 3 (six miles yesterday).  Seven more weeks put me running my half marathon at the end of May. I start my 42nd year this week - I like this as a goal for me.  It seems reasonable - doesn't include the stress a whole marathon seems to carry with it.

It's spring break in Chicagoland.  The daily high all week has been in the low 30s.  Snow once; rain three times.  Great spring weather. Necessity is the mother of invention (and boredom is the father of creativity)... Melinda (and just yesterday Gretchen) have discovered that with a digital camera and some simple software they can make stop motion videos.  Below are are couple samples of what they've built. I think it's great that this sort of activity no longer requires a BS in Computer Science to make - that it's really available to anyone who has the interest.

I am the ghost of Town Severe Bearing a story that you must hear A tale from Halloween night That I am sure that will give you a fright The ship I boarded on was dark The ship of the voyage I would embark Behind me I heard a howl Making me let out a loud yowl I prepared for something obscene But 'twas only a ghost, Yelling "Happy Halloween!" -G. Coleman

In September 2010, Gretchen was babysitting for the editor of the neighborhood newsletter.  So she wrote ...