Happy Anniversary!
You registered on WordPress.com 4 years ago!
Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging!
… thanks WordPress (never thought you’d ever hear those 2 words leaving my lips, did ya, lol?)!!
Category Archives: milestone
Happy 4th Birthday danistrulytheman!!
… happy blogging-birthday danistrulytheman!
Incredibe! Four years, 1146 posts! Quite an accomplishment … if I do say so myself, lol!
Thanks for all the love & support from y’all!!
Many more too come … how can I resist? It’s been nothin’ but a good time!
… I’m gonna ride on, ride on …
1100 Posts!
Another milestone notch on my blogging belt …
1 hour – 12.52K
… my first one hour run for distance! Have been meaning to attempt this, giving myself something new/different to strive for. As you may know, I’m an 8K a day guy, and I do occasionally stretch out to 10K … and I have completed one 12K. I extrapolated, did the math, and knew (know) that on a good day, I’d be able to span 13K in one hour. And, on a so-so, average day would be close, but no cigar! Today was that kinda day. I started running with the one hour goal in mind, no matter my time. Unfortunately around 6 kilometers, I was ready to bail, I dunno – really wasn’t feeling strong, and was tightening up. But, I drew inspiration from this runner’s blog (I’m in awe of her – her ability, her knowledge, her training methods) I stumbled on … actually, have been perusing running blogs … and the majority of them, I have to give my head a shake reading them … now, while I don’t dare say anything on your blogs, on mine, I’ll simply say this … your attempts/efforts are terribly misguided … ’nuff said. And this from a person who only took up running three months ago, lol. So, here I am ready to pack in my attempt, but I remembered her words from earlier this morning … and I didn’t quit! I told myself – push hard for the next kilometer, and see what happens … so I did … and surprise, surprise I continued pushing hard for the remaining 25 minutes completing the hour run. Considering everything, I’m extremely pleased … and proud! 
twelve and a half kilometers …
attacking the 8K!
Once I establish a PR that I’m content with at any given distance, I become that … content. June 29, I set what was at that time a pretty good standard – 36:30 … but I’ve been killing sub 18 minute 4Ks at will lately … PLUS, I’ve been comfortably recording 37 (and change) minutes 8Ks without really pushing myself. All this time for over a month I’ve been improving … I knew the time was ripe to challenge my 8K PR, and I knew exactly how I was going to go about accomplishing it. Run a sub 18 minute first half, and continue carrying my speed, doing the same for the second half. I did it – EXACTLY as planned! I bettered my PR by over 30 seconds, AND I finished under 36 minutes! Sweet!
35:57 – my new 8K PR
even splits – WHOA mr. consistency
Sunday’s 4K Record Run!!
… I cracked the seventeen and a half minute barrier, bettering the old record by 14 seconds, quite the margin considering I’ve been running fast 4ks like crazy lately. Plus, this PR comes on the heels of my impressive Saturday 5K …
17:26
my fastest km ever – 4:11
My First 5K Run!!
Ok, so technically NOT an official, organized one. Hey, I tried signing up for the JAZZ RUN in the Beaches tomorrow, but they were sold out. Fuck it – I’ll run my own 5K TODAY!!
Quickie Recap:
I run 8K daily – EVERYDAY … and usually I run two 4Ks wanting a great 4K PR time – and as I’ve mentioned before it’s a circular route, and the halfway point is the perfect spot to stop my RunKeeper app. At times, I run the 8K without breaking it into two separate runs, and 10K occasionally – even 12K too, bottom line, I travel well past 5 kilometers every single day, but I’ve never hit start/stop for the 5K distance?!?! I know, weird eh, lol?! Now, I knew (roughly) what I was capable of by looking at my strong 8K runs, and of course, at all of those fast 4k times I’ve put down. I figured I could go sub 18 minutes for the four, tack on another four and a half minutes for the fifth kilometer, and I’d be sitting chilly on a quick 22:30 5K – and I’d def be chuffed as fuck with that!
Today’s Run:
Started like I always try to – like a bat outta hell … and as typical, I began questioning how well/fast I was traveling/feeling, lol! After my 15 minute audio cue, I knew I was flying … after 20 minutes, I was at 4.53 kilometers … HOLY CUBAN CIGAR SMOKES BATMAN – 470 meters more, and I hit STOP on my app … twentytwominutes&twoseconds … I couldn’t fucking believe it … I STILL can’t believe it – 22:02!! Not only did I exceed expectations, I blew them away by a huge margin! And knowing myself, and especially not wanting to disappoint myself … I don’t know if I can ever run a 5K again, lol!
Yup, I did it:
Fast Splits:
30 days – 256 kilometers: Ramblings of a Runner!
Thirty CONSECUTIVE days! Since May 14th when I began, I covered over 500 kilometers. That’s from Toronto to Ottawa (now, I have to run back, lol). This past week has been a particularly good one. I’ve felt strong, having accomplished new goals, set a 10K PR of 45:33 – my proudest achievement – but it’s my last 6K (my quickest splits) that still blows me away … 26:57.
For the last few days, I’ve been trying to better my 17:45 4K time. Sunday, I ran 17:53. Monday, I did the same, 17:53 – how’s that for consistency? And, it’s been hot (and humid) as hell lately, even in the early morning … temps feeling like 32°. Today, I ran it in 17:46 – one second off my PR … and right now, I honestly don’t know where I can improve?! I look at my splits, I just don’t see much more that I can give … but I can promise you, I’ll be trying!
Birthday Brunch!!
… at the Union – my fave … on the patio … on a lazy, hot n’ hazy sunday afternoon … life can’t get no better!! And this ain’t even the end of it, big birthday bash on the 17th – THEN, it’s officially done, lol!!
A few pic y’all …
July 12 10K Run!!
… yep, we’re still kickin’ ass!!
45:33 – new PR (demolished previous PR by 1:39)
1st 5K – 23:06 … 2nd 5K – 22:27
“Book ’em, Danno!” Five-O
Redrum Redrum! I Effing Murdered Today’s Run!
A few thoughts, a few numbers. I obliterated my previous 8K record by a whopping 1 minute & 12 seconds. That’s a HUGE improvement! I think because I’m usually trying for a great halfway split (4K), or a fast 10K time, neglecting running as hard as I can trying to improve on my 8K time … but today I did. Maybe it has something to do with my Saturday runs, lately they’ve all been PR’s. Funny, it wasn’t till later (at home, after my shower) that I thought to myself I could have annihilated my previous 10K PR as well (sub 46 minutes was def attainable), but like I said, I can only attempt one record at a time, and I’m happy I accomplished this one. I was at 4K in 17:50 (only 5 seconds slower than my fastest time), and I finished (the second 4K) in 18:37 – a very fast time in itself. And, I’ve never run (or timed) a 5K race … but adding my first five kilometers totals 22:26 … for those who have finished a 5K run, lemme know what you think – please (and thanks)!
I think was really amazes me, is my continual improvement. Whenever I achieve a new benchmark, I say to myself, “that’s it, that’s the best I can do” … and I mean it, but you know what? It never is, I eventually do better, and it seems like leaps and bounds better!
Also, I should provide a bit of background. I’ve never been a runner. I’ve never considered myself a runner. I’m a 50 year old dude who recently decided to take up running. I’ve also started to become smarter about what I put into my body – I’m talking healthier eats, if it’s beneficial – I’m eating/drinking it! Uhm, I know my body weight, my BMI (21.8) has worked in my favour (oh, and that’s another story … that was through hard work as well), perhaps providing me with a bit of a head-start. Also, my youthful athletic prowess shouldn’t be discounted, despite the great distance separating the what was, and what is, I still know the most important part of what makes a top athlete is … NEVER SAY QUIT … above and beyond everything else, THIS is it! And it’s still a part of me, who I am … Intestinal Fortitude y’all!! But, I’m curious, and for those runners who may read this, REAL runners (hardcore runners) … I would love any thoughts/insight/opinions you may have on my progression/my accomplishments to date … and on anything I should/need to do to keep advancing further … muchas gracias!
thirty six thirty …
quick splits …
Holy Freakin’ Mike & Moly!!
I can’t believe it!! A new PR … just 3 days after a PR, and I blew that one away by 23 seconds … 17:45 for 4K!!
Reminder: Email personal trainer – “You’re Fired!!”
What a way to kickstart the week! A happy Monday morning to me motherfuckers!! Happy Monday morning to y’all too! 😉
17 minutes, 45 seconds … woohoo!
only 3 seconds separate my fastest/slowest split!
KA-WA-SA-KI KA-WA-SA-KI KA-WA-SA-KI
Had as much fun chanting this from the comfort of my couch, as the lucky throngs in the Rogers Centre who watched the Jays extend their MLB leading win streak to nine … and they’re going for 10 wins in a row in a matter of hours … early Saturday matinee – gotta love baseball – Go Jays Go … KA-WA-SA-KI!!
“you’re gnats in my life” – danistrulytheman
Gnuisances!! You won’t detract me, I WON’T BE DETERRED!! Ya ain’t with me? Fine, keep it to yourselves, I don’t need your negativity. I’m on a turning-fifty-mission-motherfuckers … get off the derailingdantrack!!
… hmmm, just a thought – gnats in my pants? 😆
Perfect Day In Paradise!!
God we’ve been blessed with the best temps lately … lows of 10° and highs of 20° … ideal for sleeping, yet not hot during the day … and today was a not-a-cloud-in-the-sky-clear-blue-sky-day … I love it!!
Ok, this blogpost is one of those all over the fucking place posts … fair warning!
I had a lot of shit on my plate today … good shit though … I went and got a physical today, first time I’ve had a physical in I don’t know how long I’ve had a physical, lol … weighed in at 73kg – 160lb … I don’t think I’ve been that weight since I was a teen-ager … and how excited do you think I was ready to spill the beans, divulging to the Doc ’bout my 8K mornings … no way I was gonna refrain from telling him that, lol … and yeah, the good doctor was impressed, and by my weight … the changes in my life – will get to that, be patient (pun, lol) as well!
Oh, and this early morning’s 6:30 run turned into a 10K’er … and I responded with a PR of 48 minutes – one full minute faster than before …
I’m proud that I was under 5 minutes on every single kilometer split … in fact, I was very, very consistent throughout – my slowest (KM 9) was only 10 seconds off pace … I think I was reserving energy while waiting for the 45 minute audio cue, leaving something in the tank for the final surge … OH, and also (forgot to mention) … I’ve been going out nightly with Tiff for her 5.3 km walks … and lemme tell y’all they ain’t exactly easy, they take a toll on my body as well. Lately, I’ve been a 12 hour run/walk cycle … like clockwork!
And all these changes I mentioned; flaxseed, hemp seed, edamame, Greek yogurt, Rainbow Trout (not new, but more of it), organic pre-washed baby kale (and spinach) … I know I’m missing many … the point is I’m eating/living better! Since we got the Vitamix, we’ve both been doing incredibly better – in fact for one week straight, we were using it four times daily (Tiff with her Harley body reset diet, and me with my own thing) … even now, it’s two or three times a day, and right now, it’s been only for smoothies, healthy smoothies … but still, we’re def getting our money’s worth!
Things are going great lately with all of this, the running (and walking), the healthier diet … I’m just chuffed as fuck with it all … today was a perfect day in my paradise, and I thought I’d share!!
doin’ my 10K tango!!
… ain’t shittin’ y’all, was literally dancing home those few stranded blocks when I hit “stop” after completing my 10K run!
Despite what you see, and what you may think, this IS NOT becoming a runner’s blog. It’s just that I’m in awe of what I’ve accomplished in such a short time, and am proud of my progress. Funny, after yesterday’s milestone run thought to myself since I have a great time (it’s a beautiful circuitous route starting and ending at my house – exactly 8K) under my belt, maybe next time when I’m feeling strong, will continue running and try for a 50 minute 10K. Today only three kilometers in, I was already thinking that … and thankfully because of my run yesterday, I mapped out in my mind, in my neighbourhood – to tack on those extra two kilometers. After 35 minutes (that’s another thing – I LOVE Runkeeper’s audio cues … cutting into my music, w/ time, distance, pace … keeping me updated throughout it all), I could have easily pushed hard and finished under 39 minutes eclipsing my previous best (yesterday, lol) for 8K, but I knew I had my sights on setting a solid 10K time … and I did it!! Not only was it it sub 50 minutes, it was 49 minutes (ok, 49:02) … my first ever 10K, my first EVER recorded/legitimate 10K too!!
Also, I want y’all to know I’m the antithesis of a runner (… no shit eh? What else would ya expect eh?)!! No cool gear, no tight shorts, no lululemon … I’m strictly old-school, tattered T and short shorts, lol … I run to rub it into the face of the running establishment, lol!! Check out my dress socks (I LOVE them, cotton, very thin – plus black on black w/ my Saucony Virratas fucking kills – least for my skinny motherfucking avante-garde tastes ass anyways, lol). Ok ok, I’ll tone down the daily updates … or, on second thought, maybe I won’t … is MY blog after all …
new record …
5:01 was my slowest split, SWEET …
rockin’ the business man/runner look, lol …
Hey mister, where you headed? Are you in a hurry?
I have the greatest playlist for my runs … Hitchin’ A Ride started it on shuffle, and a mere 10 seconds into my run those are the first 10 words I hear in my earbuds … I’m laughing thinking Billie Joe Armstrong is ACTUALLY talking to me, lol! What a Nimrod (get it??), lol!! This mister was in a hurry, and on my 12th consecutive 8K day … FINALLY cracked the 40 minute barrier – 39:30 for 8.01K to be exact … my average pace; 4:55/K …WOOHOO!! And look at my steady-as-he-goes-splits, after running hard for half an hour with 6.01K in my wake, I reeled off a 4:44K … my fastest kilometer split EVER. Don’t know why, can’t explain it, hmmm, come to think of it … I did load up on carbs last night – tons of linguine w/ homemade sauce and all that OMG focaccia, lol! Anyways, here’s my splits!
my milestone – 1000 blog posts!!
… it’s been a long haul since danistrulytheman reared its handsome head on WordPress, 1342 days … over 3 years, 8 months ago. 1000 posts is a personal achievement that with a lot of time, and a little bit of effort *wink wink* … was able to get there. And must say, am filled with a hint of pride. Had others along the way … 700 was my personal fave … or was it 800 with its simple matter-of-fact statement?! And keeping with that theme, won’t say much this time either, other than feel free to drop a comment, a few words if you wish. I will end my moment in sun day with a brief story. I was having a conversation with a friend the other day, can’t recall exactly what we were talking about, but I know how it ended. I asked him, “what do you want?”, and without hesitating, he replied with a one word answer … peace! Amen, brother!
painted faces fill the places I can’t reach
I’ve been roamin’ around always lookin’ down at all I see
danistrulytheman 