Run – Keepin it 200, Dogz Treatz & Super Moon Powers! #OwnChicago

Guys, you guys! Hey guys! I’m back. In so many ways, I’m back! Back to the poor lonely blog. Back to my ole runnin self. Back to life. Back to reality. Wait…I think I devolved into a Soul II Soul song there for a second…but I digest.

September is over and it saw my legs carry me 200 miles!!!

192 + 8 = 200 according to math and Nike+

Chicago Marathon training is winding down and I’m feeling grrrrrreat! Oh wait, I just got why Tony the Tiger says that – so he can grrrrrrrrowl when he does. Huh, learn something new every day…but I divest.

Run. Sun. Shoes. Tacos. Life.

The Texas weather is still hawt as all get out during the sun times, but during the before sun times it is actually kewl out! The humidity/dew point finally broke. It’s no longer oppressively oppressing. I can actually sweat and have it evaporate and cool my bod. Ya know, like it’s sposed to.

It’s made a world of difference in my runs. I have pep in my step. I’ve missed pep this summer.

Mess with the bull statue, get the statue horns.

I had zero confidence two weeks ago. Now I have all the confidence. So many hot sweaty muggy slow long runs finally replaced with cooler damp fun faster jaunts. I didn’t even mind the final track workout.

The numbers and letters say it all..or write it all, as it were.

I’m feelin fine. My month long cough seems to be gone. My aches don’t ache so much. And I’m really enjoying the sunrise runs.

Which way do you want to go?

Keep it coming, Skyler.

You don’t see many people out and about as early as I’m running, but you occasionally see some regulars in the parks. I’ve gotten to know a few folks, and a few dog folks too.

We’ve been good. We can haz treatz?

And this has to be a good sign – I even got to run under the #SuperBloodMoon too!

#nofilter #ILoveMyMoon

Anywhoodle guys, I got some more blog catching up to do. But I’ll save it for next time, which should be maybe…tomorrow? Yay, I’m back!

How bout you? Feelin any Fall? Who’s ready to #OwnChicago??? Does the blood moon give any special powers?

-Scott

PS – To all my blogger friends – I’m sorry I’m so behind. I’m reading your comments and I’m going to reply to all of them! I can’t wait to catch up with your happenings too!!! Working on it, kids!

Running with Armadillos, Skunks, Kanyes & Humans!

I’m tired, kids. Gone over 500 miles the past 2-3 months getting ready for the Chicago Marathon. That’s a lot of 3:45-4:00 am wake-up alarms. The good news is that I still haven’t missed a single day of training. That, and I’m relatively healthy – no major injuries to report – just the odd aches and pains and colds and coughs. It’s going relatively well, all things considered, if you must know, I do declare, but I digress.

The past weekend saw our 2nd 20 miler of the training plan.

If we make funny faces, it’ll mask our pain.

Oh, that reminds me, in August we ran 198 miles. And yeah, I thought about running an extra two, but then I unthought about it.

So close to the double century mark. Oh well, there’s always next month.

Back to last week – One nice surprise was the rare “short” weekday run – Only a 5k! That’s a far cry from the 12 miles scheduled we ran just 7 days richard prior. Decided to do it on the track – just a few pre-sun 800’s amongst friends.

It was dark. Used a flash. My shoes glowed.

And is it just me, or are there a lot more varmints out and about lately? On the track there was a skunk…a SKUNK…On.The.Track!!!!

There’s also been some coyotes, frogs, bobcats, bunnies, more skunks, and some giant roly poly bugs…

Happy to report we outran the armadillo. And we were sure to cautiously approach the dangerous HS XC team behind us – oh how I hate them with their short shorts, long hair & zero body fat.

Not sure what’s going on…are they all foraging for winter sustenance? Do I need to do the same? Should I start hoarding choco-sprinkle donuts like these smelly critters…?

Strange beasts indeed.

Oh, and did I mention the snakes? Indiana Jones would hate it up in hurrah..

It’s totes real.

That pic above is courtesy of Thursday Night Social Run – as always, things got crazy with TNSR. There is so much going on below, that I don’t even…

Da Fu?

There’s been some more runs and funs, but I’ll get to that, like later, or whatever, no big whoop. For now, I gotta go lay down, put my feet up and watch the new episode of Drunk History. Hasta luego, playas!

How bout you? Been seeing any critters on your runs? Armadillos – cute or dangerous? If you were an animal, what would you be?

-Scott

Sunrise Runner, Burning Barns & The Avocado Killer!

Woo to the hoo! Another week of Chicago Marathon training! About 300 miles in so far – ya know, that’s the part that nobody ever sees – the miles that you put in just to be able to run 26.2 on race day. But there we are, each morning before the sun comes up. Running empty streets and trails. We do get little rewards though…Like seeing shooting stars and sunrises!

Thinking about riding off into the sunrise.

Most days I get done before da sun, but if I time it right, I can just catch the big star as it climbs the horizon.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are orange.

Longer runs the sun will come up along the way. Makes for a nice view…until it decides to start cooking your body. Texas is hot, y’all.

Tanning the inside of my mouth. I heard mouth tans are so hot right now.

We got another reward this week when our training plan called for the shortest run in a couple months – 3.3 miles of intervals. Decided to visit old friend, Mr. Stripey Oval.

The race tag helps me run faster. Either that or I’m too lazy to cut it off. I forget which.

But it was a short reward, as we’re now back to more miles. This weekend’s long run is 18 big ones. Should be…fun?

No more horsing around.

Either way, I know I’ll reward myself with more TACOS! Just watch out for the spicy ones!!!!

Tried the “Barn Burner”. It did burn, and I didn’t even know I had a barn!

Luckily there’s guac around to calm the heat down. I really do want to eat ALL the guac.

I’ve killed so many avocados lately.

Oh, and yoga. Yes, it can be tough, but it’s also a reward, right? Ohmmmmmmmmmm.

Can you spot me? Hint – I’m one of only like two dudes.

There ya go, another quick update. See ya on the streetz…or the internetz!

How bout you? Morning or Night runner? Are you gonna eat your guac, or can I have it? What should I name those horses?

-Scott

Race Discount for YOU, Check My Flow, & It’s (hopefully) Race Day!

It’s been a good week of runs for me, I think even Kanye would agree…

Josh is excellent at photoshop.

A TNSR run is always fun.

Trying a new running form.

Tho the day before’s run on the track was whack.

The clouds and the noises they made were scary, but I got the run dun before they cried on me.

But the day before that was pretty phat.

A baby run and a papa run.

OK, that’s enough freestylin. I gotta focus on this weekend – RACE TIME! Well, I hope. My last two races have been cancelled due to massive Texas storms. And as I write this it is storming again. Hopefully it will clear up before the race.

I was lucky enough to get a free entry to this race – Rock the Block 10k. That said, I’m dreading it a little. I ran this race last year and wasn’t a fan of the course.

Last year’s poster. The route hasn’t changed. Who likes an out and back – I mean, honestly?

But at least I know what to expect since I’m familiar with the route.

And we’re off! -Photo from Dallasnews.com

And hopefully the rain clouds will help keep it kewl this year – last year it was friggin hawt!!!! But I still ran a PR (with a horrible positive split) of 46:00.

Just a bit sweaty at the end.

I’m going for a negative split and another PR, so come back in a couple days for the recap!!!

Other than that, the fine folks at Spartan Race have sent me a discount code to share with you:

They do these obstacle races all over the USA (and I think internationally too), and they have different distances you can choose from…

But hurry up and use the code MEMORIAL because I believe it expires pretty soon!

So there ya go, kiddo. A week that was pretty on fleek. And now I best be goin cause my rhyme is done flowin.

How bout you? Running this holiday (US) weekend? Ever run a Spartan Race…or going to? Do you have any race predictions?

-Scott

Running With Kanye, Blogger Shout-Outs & Free Beer!!!

Not sure how it is where you are, but the weather has been gorgeous this week round here. I took full advantage by hittin the pavement. With the social run always being a highlight.

Oh hey, look…Kanye joined us. Again, I was assured that there was no photoshopping in this pic. (click to enlarge to see the non-photoshopping)

I got in 4 fun miles with the gang.

Don’t mind us, just running through.

And then after the run, we were treated to free beers from a local liquor rep! Score!

Free is good.

This week also saw another track workout. The weather was in the freaky forties early in the morn. Felt good, but I didn’t think I’d have to bust out cold weather gear for like another 8 more months.

Yes, I wore pants for the 400’s. Yes, I’m a baby when it comes to cold.

I know the Texas summer is looming, but it’s nice to have this little break in temp. I’ll take it!

That wrapped up a 145 mile month of April. Hopefully I can continue this and have a really great race at the Chicago Marathon. Speaking of which, the lottery winners were announced this week – Congrats to all who got in and to all those who are running for charity, like my pal Helly On The Run – Can’t wait to see you there!

There ya go, short and sweet. But I can’t go without another blogger shout out. Thanks so much to This Mama Runs for Cupcakes! You helped me reach my Chicago Marathon Charity fundraising goal!!!!!! I’ll get to work on your personalized picture!

And if anyone else wants to donate, you can still do so HERE.

How bout you? Who all got into Chicago???? Good weather weather lately? Did you see any non-photoshopping?

-Scott

Running Vampires, Throwin Shade, and More Blogger Shout-Outs!

Whew, thangs bean bizzay round hurrah. Trying to ketchup.

Firsty, I’ve had some good runs recently…specially the ones with friends.

My friend Josh totally did not photoshop this in any way. None of us have shadows because we’re vampires.

It’s always fun runnin with TNSR. If you’re ever in North Texas on a Thursday, you should join us!

What the sign says.

We run, and then hang out for a hot minute to talk (about running).

Fire can’t stop us from throwin shade.

I also re-incorporated track workouts into my routine. Most of the time I’m going these solo, buutttttt to my surprise, I had a run bud meet me for some 400’s! Makes the pukey feeling go by faster.

Sometimes in life it just feels like we’re running in circles.

Felt good to shake the legs out with some speed work. But it’s also fun to do some long slow runs. This week I met up again with WRRC to get the miles in.

Not trainin for anything specific, just trying to keep in shape.

And of course I’m still doing my cross training with weightlifting and yoga.

Males are in the minority apparently.

And I have to end with a shout out to the latest blogger friends who donated to my charity fundraiser for the Chicago Marathon.

Check out these dope people: LifeBetweenTheMiles, MarathonStateofMind, & VeryRach!

I’m very close to my goal amount and I couldn’t have gotten this far without everyone who has pitched in. Thank you so much you guys!!!!!

If you’d like to donate, you can do so HERE. To see a totally high tech special effects video I made of why you should dontate, click HERE.

How bout you? Doing any speed work? Do you prefer running alone or with others? Has anyone else heard if they got in Chicago yet?

-Scott

I Won a Whole Race! (Chain Reaction 5k Recap)

This past weekend was the Chain Reaction 5k. If you read My Preview, you know I had some concerns going in about the course. Welp, my concerns were justified. But I’ll get to that.

First off, let me say that I won the Whole.Stinkin.Race! Like, as in, nobody was in front of me. I was all alone at the finish.

Look at that plaque! I guess I should brush my teeth more. Badumpump.

Yup, that’s right…according to that plaque, I am an overall male. But you probably already knew that.

Anyway, here’s what had happened. My run bud Marsha was also running the race, so she picked me up on the way (not literally, she’s too tiny to hold me up).

Before the race. As you can see by my finger, I correctly predicted my finish. Marsha was one off.

This was a very small race. Around 50 people. I told you it was small.

When the gun sounded I settled in with the lead group – mostly teenagers. After the first lap, it was down to me and one of the teens. I didn’t want it to come down to a sprint at the finish where his youthful energy would work against me, so I made my move when we came to an uphill with 1/2 a mile to go. It worked, he fell behind and I was free to cruise on home!

My finish time: 13:54!!!!!!!!

Rockin a 4:28 per mile pace.

Amazing time, right? I bet you didn’t know I was that fast. Neither did I. But slow your roll, hombre. The course was about A MILE SHORT!!!

So yes, my concerns before the race over the course map were spot on. I spoke with the timing guy and he said the volunteers who marked the course missed a whole section that we were supposed to run.

We only ran 2/3 of this course.

That said, everyone ran the same distance. So in that aspect, it was a fair race.

It felt good, but strange to finish 1st Overall. I don’t think that’s happened since high school track.

Me in high school.

Anykitandkaboodle, at the awards ceremony, they called my name to come get the plaque.

Listening intently as the MC tells me how great I am.

And here’s some more good news…Marsha was also called up as the 1st Female Finisher!!!!! Very cool!!

1st Overall Female & Male plaques selfie.

And the best part, this race gives 100% of the proceeds to a charity that’s a very passionate cause for the race directors. You can read about it HERE.

Final picture of the plaques, I promise.

So all in all, it was a successful race. We had a good time and they raised some funds for charity. Booyah!

How bout you? Prefer small or big races? Ever won a race? Do you have a race strategy you deploy against teenagers?

-Scott

Bi-Running Weather, Boney Gloves, & Avocado Eye

Happy Day every people! Things have been crazy whack busy around these parts, per uge. And the weather has been bipolar as crap. Most of the week it was freezing. Some days twas really windy, like on track day…

A bare bones run.

I still got up early to run each day. I just had to bundle up. And then warm up after with some hottie hot tea.

I mustache you to shave some for me.

But then it warmed back up to shorts weather. Whateves. Either way, I wanted to make sure I continued my workouts, because I have a race next week! Woot woot! A Turkey Day 5k is a few days away!

This was the scene last year. I hope they find a happier turkey.

So far this month, I’m up to 101 running miles with a couple weeks to go! Hopefully the work will pay off. We’ll see…

And in other news, when I’m not running, I’m a TV producer. And recently I got booked to work some hockey games in the American Airlines Center – home of the Dallas Mavs & Stars.

Pondering life from the floor. Sans glow in the dark boney gloves.

I hadn’t been down there since the Mavs 5k & Dallas 13.1 that I ran last month. Both went around the AAC. It was nice this time to be walking those streets instead of running them.

At the Mavs 5k. To read my recaps, click the links in the sentence above this pic.

If you follow my Instagram, then you also know that to help fuel my runs, I continue to eat somewhat healthy. Including…

Eye want you to eat healthy fats. Avocadon’t forget!

I’ve also been working on some secret run projects I’m excited about…stay tuned for news on them! Shhhhh!

How bout you? Been busy with exercise and work and life much? Anyone racing on Thanksgiving? Any ideas of my secret runs?

-Scott

Runnin Hill Repeats…Oh, & My New Emmy Nominations!

I’m proud to say that we’re nominated for two more Emmy’s this year, but I’ll get to that…

At last year’s Emmy’s. That’s #6 I’ve won so far. Honored!

But first…I noticed on a couple runs recently that I was really struggling whenever we came to a hilly sections. So what’s the solution? To go run up and down hills of course…doy!

I realized that a while back I had replaced my weekly hill repeat workout with a track workout. This reminded me that I need to mix up my workouts more often. So I went and ran some hill repeats…Fun!

To be honest, I really do kind of like hill repeats. Sick, I know.

Since I’ve reincorporated the hill repeats, I have noticed them getting easier on my long runs. Nice to see results!

Now for the Emmy news…Here’s the Nomination Announcements:

Booja…

…Kashaw!

I’m lucky to have such talented people to work with on these videos. (I’m including photos below in case Jason doesn’t believe that I actually know these people.)

Like my pal David Chicken.

At a music video shoot.

And my buddy Ashley Kamrath.

At last year’s Emmys.

And of course my crazy amigo Flula.

We are two wild and crazy guys.

Oh, and here’s a bonus pic of me, Ashley and Flula at a video shoot at the Texas state capital building.

Keep Austin Weird.

So here’s hoping. Please cross your fingers for us!

If you want to watch the videos that are nominated, you can see the ‘Play’ music video HERE and the ‘Rec X’ episode HERE.

Until the gala comes, I’ll be out there runnin the streets and all the hills! Boojakashaw!

How bout you? Been runnin any hills? Ever hang out with YouTubing German DeeJays? Ever dance with a grown man in a chicken hat and cape?

-Scott

Sad Stuff, Happy Stuff, & Runspiration

Sad stuff: Today in the States is always a one for reflection. It’s 9/11. That was a sad day. Made even sadder through the fact that at the time I was a producer for a network that made training videos for first responders. I knew a lot of firefighters very well.

Years ago at a shoot. I had to get geared up for safety (and for fun).

Happy stuff: Many years later I was flown to NYC by a firefighter friend to make a video about the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. That was an amazing experience. We got to meet some great people from NYFD and shooting some cool stuff around the city.

Brooklyn in da house. Takin it to the bridge.

Fast forward a couple years and I got to produce another video about 9/11. I was also able to incorporate footage we shot in NYC. I’m really proud of this video (it even won an Emmy). Give it a watch if you have a few minutes HERE.

More sad stuff: I just learned that a old friend from high school has passed away from cancer.

He was a senior when I was a freshman. I always looked up to him because he was like all-state or something in Track, Cross Country, and Swimming. I also thought of him a lot because his freshman year of college he had an unfortunate incident which left him as a quadriplegic.

Brad

Happy stuff: It never slowed him down. He was always living life to the fullest and inspiring others. You can read his obituary HERE.

He would even come to our high school track meets in his wheelchair and cheer for us. Can you imagine a former champion runner, who was just permanently assigned to a wheelchair, instead of retreating from watching others run, but rather seeking them out?!? Amazing.

Some of my HS friends have been going on tribute runs this week and making makeshift memorials.

From a friend’s Facebook page.

I have many forms of inspiration, but to this day, there was nothing more of a “runspiration” than seeing him sitting behind the fence yelling encouragement. I still think about that on runs sometimes.

Me in high school.

OK, I hope I balanced enough happy stuff in with the sad. If not, then here’s a bunch of gifs of dudes getting hit in the privates: Enjoy (only if you’re immature).

How bout you? Do you love NYC? Any runspiration stories? Did I balance the sad/happy enough?

-Scott