In Heaven There is No Beer

That's Why We Drink It Here

An Iowa autumn would not be complete without a University of Iowa tailgate. Just set those alarms early and pour yourself a drink.

Things always get a little crazy in Iowa City on football Saturday. The streets are flooded with black and gold brethren,  obscenities are never too far away, and at some point you will walk out of a darkened bar only to realize that it is 2:00 P.M.

The Hawkeyes didn't come out with the W this time around but as anyone can tell you, Saturday mornings on Melrose are about a lot more than the game. Their is something to be said about organized sporting events and the way they can bring so many happy campers together all cheering for one common interest. And putting beside the touchdowns and fumble recoveries, on such a nice autumn morning surrounded by so many beautiful Hawkeye fans, I had all the reasons to cheer loudly.

Oh Snow!

The real surprise is that I was surprised.

It may have only been a warning shot, but winter rang its first bell. It brought out some different feelings for me towards the cold Iowa winters. The same Iowa winters that can make you forget that everything around you was once bathed in the summer sunlight.

 The days are shorter and the streets more dangerous to travel. Spending time outdoors is a clothing challenge even when you step out to get the paper. And not to mention that one-second surge of fear as snow lodges itself squarely in your shoe.

But wait...


Is to unreasonable to get excited for the snow? Is it safe to say that perhaps a cold dose of winter is what we may really need? Talk to me in February and I might feel a little differently, but I was excited to wake up to a good lump of snow. I wasn't thrilled about clearing my windshield or driving to work down a soggy I-235, but all the snow kept reminding me of the many warmths of winter.

That's the only way to enjoy a solid winter, is to stay warm. This may not always be an easy task, but when you manage to find that warm outline of your body under the covers in the morning air, it's always  refreshing.

There are so many different ways to stay warm during the winter. Hot drinks only taste right when the weather is cold, 15 pound blankets go from smothering to soothing, and the dog can always sit on your lap acting as a slobbering blanket.

Some of the warmest times in the winter often involve friends and family. The holidays are around the corner and regardless the religion, the winter brings families closer. Maybe it's just the collection of body heat but being surrounded by family works just as well as a crackling fire. Unless you are camping, it doesn't matter how much family you are with, you will want to make a fire.

But truly the best way to stay warm in the winter is to forget you are cold, and family and friends are the best way to accomplish that. Whether sitting around eating breakfast, climbing a frozen corn silo, or knocking a few icicles back at the local tavern, it feels good to be warm in the winter.

Here's to staying warm in the impeding winter before us,

BDL

Fall Transitions

What a beautiful time of year. Only a few months of the year can you pull on a long-sleeve shirt and walk outside to see the amazing colors popping from the different trees. Combine that with the usual outdoor gatherings and recreation and it's a good time of year to stay up late, wake up early, and enjoy the great outdoors.

It's almost bittersweet. Fall time comes with a lot of changes. Behind us, hot weather and the summer-loving lifestyle complete with adventures everyday and nightly get-togethers. As the leaves began to change colors, schedules got a little busier, and just like the weather, things progressed.

The bitter piece may be the warning signs of winter that the beautiful colors transpose. Days are getting shorter and my evil arch-nemesis has appeared a few times in the wee hours of early morning (ice on my windshield). Winter is beautiful in its own regards, but the cold breezes and knee-high snowbanks provide a distinct contrast from the sandals and sea-shells of summer.

It's hard to relish the present at times but my recommendation is enjoying the change for what it is. Enjoy the colors before their gone and once those leaves drop off leaving the tree vulnerable to the cold, remember that spring time is never too far off. Fall transitions can be tough, but if you ever find yourself shivering from cold, the best remedy usually comes from the warmth of friends and family (or clothes taken directly out of the dryer).

Because 26.3 Would Be Just Plain Crazy

 The weather was beautiful, the course was long, and I thankfully walked away on my own two legs with a medal at my chest. I can now check off marathon on my list of things to do, again.

The run went well. I wish their was a better way to describe it. The first four miles that covered the main streets of Des Moines flew by undercover of the scores of people running alongside. Once we hit Grand and lost the half-marathoners to a left turn, things got a little more spacious, and hilly. No sweat here (besides the profuse amount of sweat coming from my body), I enjoyed the run while my legs still felt good.

Mile 9 brought about a very long stretch of road that circled and turned back at the historic Drake Relay's big blue track. Big props to the rock n' rollers playing for the tired runners. It was this 7 mile stretch that I let my body relax and began thinking of all the steps that led me there.

Thoughts such as "why am I doing this?" or "is this really worth all of the trouble?" came into my mind. I can not lie, marathon training begins to lose it's appeal near the end. The long runs, the sore knees, and the attention to detail on things such as stretching, eating, sleeping, and preparing can sometime feel like the stressors that originally got me to start running. In my head, the goal grew out of my control, I created a monster and ready or not, I was along for the ride.

Mile 16 brought the course back into the South of Grand area onto the Water Works and Greys Lake trail systems. Things were going well, I was running a few minutes ahead of my pace and passing people, until I saw the loop. Somewhere around mile 17 a crossroads appeared and in the distance the mile long loop I was about to run came into full sight. And in seeing what I faced, I began to hurt. I took my first walking steps in over two hours. Times were tough and all I could do at that point was turn my hat around to cover my eyes and pull out any grit left remaining.

The last 8 or so miles was a lot of the same thing. No more high-fives or joking with the crowd, no more light legs or non-chaffed nipples, and still one question lingering "why do I do this?"

Reaching mile 25 was a relief, but still not the end yet, and it took more then concentration to keep pedaling at the pavement. It wasn't until I rounded the corner at SW 3rd street (near the science center) that things started to fall into place. Turning the corner I saw the big red #26 pass on the left. I left my legs behind as I began sprinting towards the the big blue FINISH LINE banner down the block.

FINISH LINE

I felt a wave of emotion propel me towards the end and a feeling of relief that relaxed over my shoulders. The miles added up correctly and as I crossed the finish line I began walking, glad to be over with it. I understood for that brief moment of clarity after the long run, I understood why I did it. I understood as I held the finisher medal as my tangible proof of accomplishment, I understood as I saw others finishing with their hands raised in the air, and I understood as a completed marathon and $1,000 worth of fundraising lay behind in my footsteps. I wish I could explain it though...

Once again though, life does go on. I am looking forward to relaxing, itching that rock climbing bug, and figuring out where the long run will take me next. It's a big world out there and it's worth discovering; here's to what's behind us, what's in front of us, and what's coming next.

                               DREAMING BIG CAN'T HURT YOU

PERMANENTLY

Frolfing for a Reason (as if you needed a reason)

               Frolfing for a Reason: 

                           $908 Later

It feels good to be done, to rest easy knowing the only thing left to do is run a marathon, time to relax. Let's go October 16th, I'm ready for you (sorta).  

The first ever "Frolfing for a Reason" hit the course last Sunday with beautiful fall weather, wonderful company, and of course some good ole' fashioned disc golf.

Although it was not a record setting day, everyone who came walked away with raffle prizes and other free goodies, overall I would give the event an overall sucess rating.

Between the hole sponsors, extra raffle tickets, and the gracious patrons of the game, Frolfing for a Reason raised just over $900. Not bad for the inagrual event.

I now realize the fun (work) to be had to put on an event that requires public particapation. I can also now see the experiences (mistakes) that I could have done better. What's better yet, this event serves as a wonderful template or base to build up from for future aspirations (Disc Golf tournaments).

A big shout-out goes to all those who lent a helping hand with fundraising, logistics, and general encouragement. You all are the steam to my ship, the Adrian to my Rocky, and as always the people that make my life better.

 GO OUT AND PLAY 

  

20 Mile Breakdown

Last weekend I pulled down the 20-mile run. For those that have never ran twenty miles consecutively, let's break this down a little farther:

Start Line: This is a funny spot to be in. Somehow standing at the edge of a long run is kind of like peering over the edge of the diving board.

Mile 1: This is the time to try and find your comfort. Adjust whatever hydration system you bring along to fit snugly and make sure your underwear is rubbing minimally.

Mile 2-3: If your like me at this point, you are not in high efficiency mode yet. It takes a little moving to find that comfortable breathing pace and induced meditation.

Mile 4: Start to find your stride and test out some incline.

Mile 5: 1/4 quarter of the way their, things are feeling alright.

Mile 6-9: Things are flowing now. You can feel like a train on the tracks. It's important to try and not think about your exact distance you've traveled relative to the finish-line. This is where the flowers pop out against the grass and your thoughts extend further then your eyes can see.

Mile 10: That's half. If you focus on being half way done at this point, don't, the feeling of being half way done with 20 miles can put you into a high gear momentarily, but the feeling will soon wear-off once you realize you have to run another ten miles.

Mile 11: Eat a Cube. An important part of running such a long distance is to try and supplement the hard-work with any nutrition and always hydration. Your body burns to much gas to not refill the tank occasionally. I eat gel cubes but anything you buy will have a faint sense of eating some form of boogers.

Mile 12-14:  At this point I begin to measure how far I've ran, the pace I'm at, and most of all how much I have left to do. This can be some dangerous thoughts, as anyone who has waited slowly watching a ticking clock can tell you.

Mile 15: The mental game kicks in. Suddenly your finish-line is at reasonable distance, and you have 15 miles behind you. Can't quit now.

Mile 16: Keep your head down, 3rd wind is bound to kick in.

Mile 17: Whew, on paper you seem so close relative to the distance you have already traveled. Consider this a good half-way point on the 20 mile run.

Mile 18: Perhaps it's impossible due to all body fluid escaping through the sweat glands, but I bet it would look funny to see someone crying while running.

Mile 19: Have you ever sat on of your feet long enough for them to fall asleep? Then have you gotten up to walk out of the room only to feel a weird lightning bolt of numbness shoot up your thigh? Now do that to both feet and hop on the bike trail.

Mile 20: Much of the thoughts at the beginning of the last mile would probably need to be edited for most cable television shows, but once you reach the final stretch, red carpets appear before you and a tractor beam buzzes you in; all accompanied with a sense of accomplishment, an understanding that anything is possible.

Finish Line: Let the rest of the world catch up behind you

Knowing Your Boundaries

 

Makes Them Easier To Break

Word of the Day: Progress

It is hard to measure at times, and at other times it's near impossible to see, but in the pursuit of any act one must recognize progress. Whether that be an extra mile ran, one more donation to the fund, or just one glimpse of excitement, true progress can not be unrecognized. Pat yourself on the back, look onto the past, and see where you came from. It's all you can do sometimes.

Work this week was boring, no getting around that. As an intern their are periods of time (sometimes days long) where their really just isn't a lot for us to do. It seems that a lot of work at this point is either to sensitive for the interns to touch, or so boring and mundane (do I really need a degree to file alphabetically?) that the work seems unrewarding. What really doesn't help is that my fundraiser is this weekend. That is right, this weekend I will see if "Frolfing for a Reason" sinks or swims. It feels like the night before Christmas, the anxious feeling of dread and excitement making each tick of the clock echo all around me.

All I can say is that I am ready. I have put in a good degree of work getting at least 6 holes sponsored for a grand total of $525 already towards the fundraising (Cha-Ching!), I've collected over $600 of raffle prizes to give out (see below), and now I just have to see if people show up (Gulp).

RAFFLE PRIZES
Prize			QUANTITY		Value			TOTAL
RAIN TICKETS (CIVIC CENTER)			1		$60.00			$60.00
Funny Bone Tickets (admit two)			2		$30.00			$60.00
Scheels Certificate			1		$50.00			$50.00
Active Endeavors			1		$50.00			$50.00
Play-it-Again Sports Certificate			1		$25.00			$25.00
Gino's Gift Certificate			1		$40.00			$40.00
Rock Bottom Brewery			1		$40.00			$40.00
Splash Gift Card			1		$25.00			$25.00
Latin King Gift Certificate			1		$25.00			$25.00
Tonic Gift Certificate			1		$20.00			$20.00
Wellman's Gift Certificate			1		$25.00			$25.00
Quintons Gift Card			2		$15.00			$30.00
Fudruckers			2		$20.00			$40.00
Maid-Rite Bundle			1		$20.00			$20.00
Olympic Flame Gift Certificate			1		$10.00			$10.00
Tattoo Gift Certificate			1		$30.00			$30.00
Ray-Gun Gift Certificate			1		$20.14			$20.14
LB of Starbucks Coffee			1		$11.95			$11.95
ColdStone Creations			4		$5.00			$20.00
7 Day  Fitness Pass + T-shirt & Water bottle			2
TOTAL			27					$602.09
				A Steady Pace Wins the Race

Let's Check Out the Scoreboard

It's that time in the game where I gotta take a step back and check out the scoreboard. Over the past month, I have jumped in over my head and taken on some extra-curricular activity. I have been working an internship at the Department of Natural Resources during the day, and fundraising/training at night. I signed up for, and back my own money against, raising $1,000 for the American Cancer Society. In return they will sponsor me in the Des Moines Marathon October 16th. Why I did this exactly, I am still trying to figure out. For the majority of the fundraising, I am hosting my first Frisbee Golf Tournament, "Frolfing for a Reason." Let's take a look at the scoreboard Alex:

Things Accomplished:

It's always nice to start off by looking at the things already done:

-Reserved the Course
-Distributed Posters
-Collected (3) Corporate Sponsors
-Made it Facebook Official
-Got an ad in the Des Moines Register (although the date was wrong)
-Put down an 18 mile run
-Collected a ton of Raffle Prizes including:

(2) tickets to see RAIN (Beatles Tribute Band) at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, dinner and drinks for two at Rock Bottom Brewery, (2) $20 gift certificate to Fudruckers, (2) $15 dollar gift certificates to Quintons (combine as one?), (1) $50 gift certificate to Scheels, (1) Gift Certificate to Lasting Images Tattoo Parlor, 14 free days and two water bottles to Anytime Fitness, (1) free shirt from Ray-Gun, and (1) $25 gift certificate to Splash, and (1) $10 gift certificate to Olympic Flame.

Things To Do

This list could go forever.

-Reach out to more media (C'mon ya'll it's for a good cause)
-Follow up with raffle donations locations:
  Wellmans, Century Theater, Spot-Less Car Wash, Fredrich's Coffee, Starbucks (as many as I can), The Funny-Bone, Active Endeavors, Coldstone Creamery, plus anywhere else in the Des Moines metropolitan area
-Course Maintenance (Signs and Scorecards)
-Get more corporate sponsored holes (I wish their was a website for this)
-Bust out the 20 miler this weekend
-GET THE WORD OUT!

It's hard to believe where I was a month ago in this endeavor. I had little to no contacts or anything put together, but thanks to a few friendly souls, the snowball has been created. Want to know if it will blow up in my face? You can come on down to Ewing Park October 2nd and find out. While you are there you might as well play a little Frisbee golf for a good cause.

If you want to help out in anyway, drop me a line, find me on Facebook, or blow a couple of smoke signals over that yonder hill; I always appreciate the communication.

Keeping it Easy,

Brad Lane

Going for the Long Run

"Ode to the Long Run"

Wow my feet are soar

Only three miles more

I can't wait to be done

this is no longer fun

Geez, that miles was tough

But I can coast from here

2 more and I've had enough

One step after another

Have no Fear

Last mile to go

on an 18 mile tour

my legs say no

remind me again

what did I do this for?

Finish Line in Sight

My body can begin to slow

and for a brief second I know

Everything is alright

GO DO SOMETHING FUN TODAY