29th Annual Grosse Pointe Run

Dem and I ran our first 10K Saturday morning at the 29th Annual Grosse Pointe Run. We didn't run it super fast, but we set our pace and were able to maintain pretty well. We actually managed to run the second 5K faster then the first half. I think we were both pleased that we completed it, but probably felt more excited before rather then after the race. It was really nice that Dem's parents were in the area for their high school reunion so they showed up for the final and took some pictures of us during our last mile and change (I don't have the pictures to share though). I do have a few pictures from before the race though.

We walked around the area before the race checking things out...Dem was overwhelmed by how cute everything was (they had water and food for everyone in little red wagons...see picture above).

We walked out to the end of the piers and took the traditional Dem and Brian self-picture. Then we did our stretching out by the lake, got hydrated, and got into our running closes.

Here we are just before we went to the the starting line for the race...we were excited (and nervous).

My First 10K

Tomorrow morning Dem and I are going to run the 10K in the 29th annual Grosse Pointe Run. Neither of us have ever ran a race like this. I believe my track coach once made me run the 2 mile (~3.2K), but it was much more like a walk then a run. We were guaranteed a point for the team if we added someone, so I did it. So this is about 3 times longer then anything I have ran before, but Dem and I have been working hard and I believe we can do it. The original plan was to run a 5K, which is pretty close to what we run 3 times a week, but Dem just felt that would be too easy for us and she wanted a challenge. I know we are both capable and the only reason I'm really a little nervous about it is that both Dem (shins and knees) and I (ankle) are nursing some minor injuries. I still think we'll be able to do it though.

The closest picture of Dem and I being active.

Procrastination

When I started this blog I said that I wanted to be more proactive in my procrastination. Well it is about 5pm and I should be working but lack motivation...therefore I should write a post. In just over 4 weeks I will be heading down to Memphis to conduct this research experiment that will hopefully produce the bulk of the the data I'll need to get my PhD. Unfortunately the preparation for this test hasn't been all that great, and since I'm the manager I feel quite stressed and a little guilty. It has become all too apparent to myself that I won't be able to get the work done in time for the start of the test. This has an even worse affect on me because when I don't think I can do everything the right way I really don't want to do anything...hence the reason I'm writing a blog instead of mastering particle image velocimetry.

Me working hard...I don't know why but my desk is actually clean (photo by Sherry)

Every once in awhile I have thoughts about the possibility of having this experiment completely bomb, and the result would be basically me starting over my PhD. So instead of being done in a year or two I would have like another 4 years or so. Even though these panic thoughts hit me from time to time, I know that we will pull this off. While I think I'm not that good with preparation (at least for a large scale project like this), I am quite confident that when I'm running the experiment we will get good data (I don't have a great answer why I feel this...I just do). Even though this is going to be 13 weeks of 16 hour days, I'm really actually looking forward to getting it started because once it begins we actually start accomplishing real goals. I suppose this is the result of my competitive nature and my love of being the underdog.

Well since I'm not getting any work done I suppose I should go running. I hate running, but I love the results of running. (1) When I stop running I feel great, (2) it helps me work on self discipline since every single step I want to stop, (3) gives me time to think, and (4) this is my God time (I run in the woods, and I don't see how anyone can be out in nature and not know that God is there with you). So I'm out...I would have to say this is the least organized post I've written to date.

Side Note: I've found it quite interesting that my conversation on the shape of blue to be more controversial than evolution. However the evolution post has certainly increased my readership. Normally I have about 10 visitors per day, but since I posted that one I’ve had over 70 new readers.