Fozzy's Briefs

At the end of February, I decided to do something crazy and sign up for the very first Seattle Rock’n Roll Marathon.  An idea that even I think is crazy, but I’m going to try for it anyway.  I admit that I am probably a little bit behind on my training, but I think it will all work out.  I am hoping that it would stop occasionally snowing here in Seattle.  That would really help motivate me to run more often. 

I wouldn’t say that all out running is even close to a favorite activity, but the thought of accomplishing a marathon sounds cool.  And with a live band every mile, I think this is one of the only ways I’m going to do it. 

So, today I ran 5.6 miles for the second time.  This time went much better than my first time last week.  I don’t hurt nearly as much and I beat my time by a good amount.  I did the 5.6 (twice around the inner Green Lake track) in 50 minutes, which is an 8min 56sec mile average.  I think I may do 5.6 one more time and then shoot for a longer run.  Either 8.4 or 11.2. 

If anyone else is training for a half or full marathon and would like to go running sometime.  Let me know. 

Here’s to the insanity!

--Fozzy

I'm sitting in my living room with most of the lights off, the fireplace going, and a nice view of the snow falling on my street.  Seems like a good time to come back to my little blog and say hello. 

First off, happy new year everyone!  I can safely say that I am glad that 2008 is over, and what was surprising to me, was that many people I know share the same sentiments.  Overall, 2008 wasn't horrible, but was quite the roller coaster.  Through its ups and downs, I'd say that for the most part, everything has a way of working itself out and 2008 will have a net gain.  A lot of learning and adjusting.

2008 started off with my dad being admitted to the hospital for a bursted appendix.  A bit scary, and definitely not fun, but he made it out ok and fully recovered.  But, instead of focusing on some of the more difficult parts of 2008, I'll just highlight a few of the good things. 

Soon after my dad got out of the hospital, I moved into Seattle (from Redmond).  Something I was due to do for many years i'd have to say.  In moving to Seattle, I have taken on a bunch of lifestyle changes.  I take the bus to work most days (as well as into the city and other places).  I get up much earlier than I used to.  Many of my friends know me as someone who wakes up at 11am, well, not usually anymore... It's not rare to see that i'm up at 8am or so now. 

Now that I live in Seattle, my home is a bit more central to life.  Because of this, I have been able to make a bunch of healthy lifestyle changes.  I eat meals at home much more, which is both cheaper, healthier, and often more fun (I used to love to cook and now get to rediscover that joy).  I also live fairly close to a wonderful area to go running, so i have been doing that often.  I try to run 2 to 3 times a week.  During the summer, i take the kayak out for a paddle around the lake a couple times a week as well.

I challenged myself in 2008 to not be so planned out.  I was finding that year after year, there were so many things I liked to do, that I would have something going on almost every night of the week.  That's not completely terrible, but i actually like to have room to be spontaneous and be able to do what ever is going on, or how i feel that day.  As of now, the only thing I have planned (since the beginning of summer) is volleyball 2 times a week.  As well as allowing me that spontaneous nature that I love, it has also allowed me to have a much easier time to spend with friends. 

In June of 2008, after 8.5 years, I performed my last show with Emerald City Swing (ECS).  It wasn't the easiest decision to make, but one that I am glad that I did.  I loved writing and performing with ECS, but it has been nice to have that time back to focus on new things.  Am I done writing and/or performing?  Hell no!  Taking a little break, yes, but I hope to have something in the works some day in the future.  I would love to bring back Haiku Trout (sketch comedy) or some incarnation of that in the future.  I've also toyed with writing my very own show.  When might this happen?  Don't know, I just know that it will at some point.

One benefit of the new lifestyle is that i have managed to lose just over 30 pounds since moving to Seattle.  While I was never really unhappy with myself, it is nice to be making strides at leading a healthier life.  Having activities (running, kayaking, volleyball, dancing, etc) that I enjoy (rather than forcing myself to go to the gym) and eating healthier, but not "dieting", has made this possible.  One of my food tricks that has helped me is that when I feel a sweet tooth coming on, I go for a latte instead.  I love coffee, and don't like sugar in it.  So, really it is just a nice glass of milk :).

In some ways, I'm still processing and learning from all of the changes and everything that happened in 2008.  One of the things that I know I can take away (and this is no surprise, really) is that I have a wonderful family and a wonderful group of friends.  Now, if you don't mind me getting a little sentimental here: family and friends are truly the real treasures in life, and I am ever so thankful for you all.  I am looking forward to many more adventures and fun with you in this new year of 2009. 

Happy New Year!

    Fozzy