I figured my best bet to get back into shape and build endurance is to start running. Some unintended side-effects will be I’ll lose weight and my heart won’t be in jeopardy. Yeah, yeah, whatever. I just want to play better golf and if that means running 30 minutes 3 times a week, so be it. And since Staci’s doing it, too, I have no choice to do it so I don’t let her down. *grumble* Stupid buddy system *grumble*

To get us going, we’re doing the Couch-to-5K running plan found on the Cool Running website. Staci’s done it previously with good results, and since I’m just a lazy tub of goo with bad knees and a doctor’s advice to “never run again”, it’s probably best if I start slow so I don’t hurt myself. Besides, I hate running, but it’s the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to get into shape, and it’s only ~30 minutes every other day, so there’s not much I can do to not do it, especially since I’m not giving up beer.

I plan on posting once a week or so with results and thoughts on how much I hate running to (hopefully) keep me going through this ordeal. I don’t intend to use this as a springboard to longer runs. (Remember, I hate running.) 5K is enough for me. It may be a starting point to working out and getting into better overall shape, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, it’s all about golf.

Week 1
Distance: ~4.4km
Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3030228
Weight: 104kg (230lbs)

Like the Buckeyes, we traveled to a distant location for this game, though unlike the Buckeyes, it was a friendly field (Jon & CJ’s in Belgium.) Following the concert, we stayed with them. We awoke at the crack of 10A for Kegs & Eggs. Yup, Kegs & Eggs, and the beer wasn’t shitty Milwaukee’s Best or Bud Light. We started the morning with Jon making some bacon and eggs just like they do at the campus bars: cold and tasteless, while enjoying some Stellas. CJ didn’t, as she seemed it was important or necessary or something to remain sober for the sake of their 10mth old son, Marcus. (They’re coddling this kid. Hows he every going to make it if he doesn’t learn to do things for himself.)

After breakfast, there was more enjoying of Stellas, and some food prep. Jon made chili (real & vegetarian) and cornbread which were a hit, though I didn’t have any. (I don’t think they told me when it was served. They say I was drunk and just chose not to eat, but that doesn’t sound like me.)

After finishing the food prep and straightening up a little in preparation for the guests later that afternoon, some Beer Pong was in order. (Keep in mind it’s ~2:30P, Jon & I have only had some bacon & eggs and we’re drinking Stella Artois, which is 5.2% alcohol, and have been since ~10A.) After a couple of games that I let Jon win at since it was his house, we slowed things down a little (read: finished a fresh beer and held off on a new game for ~30min ) to wait for some guests to arrive. Jon’s friend Icaro was first. He decided to root for Michigan to be contrarian. (He also likes to suck at golf, because being good doesn’t suit him.) Upon his arrival, more Beer Pong was played.

To be honest, by the time the game rolled around, I had switched to Captain & Coke and my actual recollections of the game vary from “This is boring” (~3min in) to “When did we score?” (right before halftime) to “When did we score again? Michigan scored? When?” (mid-3rd quarter) to “Hey the Buckeyes won!” and not remembering anything else the rest of the night (end of the game.) In my head, the evening ended immediately after the final gun. According to Staci and everybody else but Jon (who was in the same shape I was in) the night didn’t end for another 2hrs+, and included more Beer Pong. I would try and refute this, but cell phone logs and pictures seem to concur their claims. I say the evidence is inconclusive and is still under investigation.

So there we have one recollection from the 2007 Ohio State/Michigan game. I had a good time, the Buckeyes won, and most importantly I had a good time. (Yes, I said that twice. It’s the most important.) GO BUCKS!