Twin Cities Runner
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Politics and Religion
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Pensacola Rex Plex North parkrun
It's become a winter tradition to travel down to Pensacola, Fla. One of my favorite things about escaping the godforsaken frozen tundra of Minnesota in January or February is time to run outside without eight layers of clothes, tiptoeing around icy patches, and trampling through snow.
This year was special as we got to do the Pensacola Rec Plex North parkrun. My boy child has been running parkruns for over a year now. We've done all the parkruns in Minnesota and one in Michigan, so he was excited to do one in Florida. (He's now done the only parkrun in Iowa too.)
The course ran through some wooded areas, and volunteers had spray painted the roots which I found very helpful as I fall at least every third trail run I do.
My boy child and I ran together, and then, as is his tradition, he sprinted ahead of me to the finish. He finished 5th out of 83 runners and won his age group. I finished 6th and also won my age group.
Laura enjoyed her run as well. We had a good time together, and no one had to push the jogging stroller as our daughter stayed back at the condo with her grandparents.
I enjoyed the parkrun quite a bit, but even after running in weather in the 60s, I also enjoy the cold weather parkruns in Eagan, and now I'm excited for the cool temperatures of early spring.
Watch for my review of all the parkruns I've run so far.
Run well.
Friday, March 28, 2025
Mood Swings
One of the most bothersome parts of bipolar is the mood swings. Last week I couldn't get myself to do hardly anything. I even wanted to skip a trip to Whitetail Woods Regional Park. I spent a lot of time laying around on the couch, not playing with my kids or doing any chores. I was in bed for close to ten hours a couple days and it took me thirty minutes to pack to lunches and make breakfast — a chore that should take ten minutes.
Then, I swung the other way. When I feel depressed, everything — work, taking care of the kids, taking a shower — all seem overwhelming. But today, I've swung the other way. I slept about four hours last night and don't feel a bit tired. I'm wanting to talk to people constantly, and I flit and flat from one task to the next.
I've talked to my therapist about these manic episodes, and she recommended harnessing that energy into productive tasks — especially creative ones. So, I'm writing some blog posts and might work on a young adult novel whose second draft I've never go through. I'm also getting cleaning done that I wouldn't normally do.
Thanks to everyone who supports me during these rough spells. Those who listen to my rambling conversation, those who let my wife know I'm struggling to be coherent, and especially thank you to my beautiful wife, Laura, who supports me through these mood swings.
Be well.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Running With an Olympian
Whether I took too long to submit and the story lost its timeliness, it was too long, or just not well-enough written, the long version of this article didn't make it to publication. So, I figured I'd share it here:
Interviewed on the Run: Carrie Tollefson
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Madison Marathon Race Report
It had been a while since I had gone a trip on my own to do a race. Back when I was pacing a lot, there were a few times I made trips to races alone, though I usually shared a hotel with another pacer or two.
I had decided to do the Madison Marathon because I didn't want to go another year without running a marathon. So, I registered for the race and booked a cheap hotel and headed to Madison, The drive was uneventful and quiet, and I arrived in Madison with plenty of time to get to the expo.
Those who know me know I'm incredibly bad with directions, so I paid extra close attention to where I parked for expo. On race morning I used Google Maps on my phone to mark my parking location.
But for the expo I risked using my memory, and fortunately it worked out. After picking up my race packet, I headed to the hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel wasn't too nice. I asked them about a late checkout, and negotiated my way to 12:30 p.m., which would be cutting it close after finishing the race, but I really wanted to shower before driving back to Eagan. Strangely, they didn't seem to take down my room number.
After I did a short shake out run, I got some dinner at Noodles and Company, then tried to get some sleep. I had been in a mixed state (combination of manic and depression), so it was difficult to fall asleep, but I finally dozed off around 10:45 p.m, which gave a about six hours of sleep after I got up early for the race,
I had plenty of time to park and get to the start, so after hunkering down it my warm clothes for a while, I did my warm up exercises. Laura called me and told me that her coworker, who was there to watch her husband, was at the race, and that I should send a picture of myself to her so her coworker could watch for me and cheer for me.
Then, I got in line for gear check, which turned out to be a bit of a fiasco. There was a very long line, and only one person was collecting the bags. I was certain I wouldn't make it to the start in time, but a volunteer started walking up the line and taking people's bags just in the nick of time.
Unfortunately, there were thousands of runners already lined up, and I couldn't get very close to the front. When the race started, I was still walking a fair amount after crossing the start line, and it took me around six miles to being able to run without weaving through the crowds.
I had trouble deciding what to wear on top. The temperature was decent, but in spots in it was pretty windy, which made it a little chilly, so I ended up wearing a long sleeve shirt the entire race instead of taking it off like I was planning.
I saw Laura's coworker, Becky, at the halfway point which was a nice boost. The course was a little bit of a blur. We ran along a couple lakes which was pretty, and there were some rolling hills with quite a bit of elevation gain the last couple miles.
I finished the race in 3:34:46. I was reasonably satisfied with my time as I hadn't run a ton of workouts or miles leading up to the race,
After I got my finishing food, I decided to forgo the finishing beer so I could get to the hotel. Seeing's how they didn't take my room number down for a late check out, I was a little worried that my room wouldn't be held for me.
Turns out I came just before it was about to be cleaned. My key card didn't work, but fortunately they reactivated it for me so I could get in my room and take a shower before my 5ish hour drive back to Eagan.
Overall the race was fine, but there was nothing great about it that would make me want to do it again. I also don't think I'll go on a solo trip to do a race again. I missed the wife and kids, and it would have been more fun if they had come along.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Hospital Anniversary
Eight years. Eight years of being mentally healthy enough to stay out of the psych ward.
I definitely didn't do it on my own. My friends and family have been absolute rocks for me, especially my wonderful wife, Laura.
While I've stayed out of the hospital, it hasn't all been rosy. I've been close to heading for the hospital a few times, but thankfully I broke out of the funk I was in before having to go.
I've definitely gone through some pretty rough patches where being a productive member of society just wasn't happening.
But, again, my family and friends helped pull me through those hard times, so many thanks to them for getting me through another year of being hospital-free.
Be well.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Everyday Happenings: Wasting Time, Money, and Gas
"I can't," she said. "But you can go to Hy Vee and they can do it there."
- Drove to a Shell that was a little out of the way.
- Went inside to report a problem.
- Went to Hy Vee.
- Drove to another Shell.
- Went inside to report another problem.
- Paid for gas without the discount and spent more money than I would have had I just gone to the Holiday by my house.