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Ran a 10k - Official Thread (6 Viewers)

I read that mile 18 of the marathon includes a 13.5% slope. Yikes! I’ve sometimes worked a hill a few miles from my house that has a 10-11% grade, and it’s a killer. Can’t imagine that steep of a slope that late in the Olympic marathon.

Both the men and women seemed to handle it well. Put up some impressive times!
 
@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?

Yes. I actually got it for Christmas but couldn’t figure out now to pair it so I set sit aside for months. Here are the instructions:


@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?
Yes and yes.
You need the Coros app to pair it (I think) but I don’t use that app for anything else. Garmin connect and strava work same as ever.

Thanks guys. I just ordered it :thumbup:
 
@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?

Yes. I actually got it for Christmas but couldn’t figure out now to pair it so I set sit aside for months. Here are the instructions:


@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?
Yes and yes.
You need the Coros app to pair it (I think) but I don’t use that app for anything else. Garmin connect and strava work same as ever.

Thanks guys. I just ordered it :thumbup:
So is the idea here that there's a significant accuracy gain versus the watch without having to go full chest strap? I feel like my Garmin's doing pretty well (certainly waaay better than my older Garmin), but maybe that's wishful thinking.
 
@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?

Yes. I actually got it for Christmas but couldn’t figure out now to pair it so I set sit aside for months. Here are the instructions:


@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?
Yes and yes.
You need the Coros app to pair it (I think) but I don’t use that app for anything else. Garmin connect and strava work same as ever.

Thanks guys. I just ordered it :thumbup:
So is the idea here that there's a significant accuracy gain versus the watch without having to go full chest strap? I feel like my Garmin's doing pretty well (certainly waaay better than my older Garmin), but maybe that's wishful thinking.
I had random wrist HR issues for years (cadence lock and drops) so switched to chest strap. It worked great and used for years but the arm band discussed here is more comfortable and has been working great. I do think wrist tracking has improved a lot in the past 2-4 years in newer models.
 
@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?

Yes. I actually got it for Christmas but couldn’t figure out now to pair it so I set sit aside for months. Here are the instructions:


@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?
Yes and yes.
You need the Coros app to pair it (I think) but I don’t use that app for anything else. Garmin connect and strava work same as ever.

Thanks guys. I just ordered it :thumbup:
So is the idea here that there's a significant accuracy gain versus the watch without having to go full chest strap? I feel like my Garmin's doing pretty well (certainly waaay better than my older Garmin), but maybe that's wishful thinking.

It’s weird how some of us have accuracy issues (across multiple watches) and some don’t. For us that do, it’s pretty obvious. If your heart rate readings seem to normally make sense, I wouldn’t recommend spending the money on a new monitor.
 
@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?

Yes. I actually got it for Christmas but couldn’t figure out now to pair it so I set sit aside for months. Here are the instructions:


@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?
Yes and yes.
You need the Coros app to pair it (I think) but I don’t use that app for anything else. Garmin connect and strava work same as ever.

Thanks guys. I just ordered it :thumbup:
So is the idea here that there's a significant accuracy gain versus the watch without having to go full chest strap? I feel like my Garmin's doing pretty well (certainly waaay better than my older Garmin), but maybe that's wishful thinking.
I had random wrist HR issues for years (cadence lock and drops) so switched to chest strap. It worked great and used for years but the arm band discussed here is more comfortable and has been working great. I do think wrist tracking has improved a lot in the past 2-4 years in newer models.
My 965 is dead on; for swimming it's an all-in-one solution. I wear the watch all day, anyway, so having it shift into broadcast mode is super easy. I've sworn off chest straps - damn uncomfortable things. If you're stuck in the middle the Scosche arm strap works well.
 
@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?

Yes. I actually got it for Christmas but couldn’t figure out now to pair it so I set sit aside for months. Here are the instructions:


@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?
Yes and yes.
You need the Coros app to pair it (I think) but I don’t use that app for anything else. Garmin connect and strava work same as ever.

Thanks guys. I just ordered it :thumbup:
So is the idea here that there's a significant accuracy gain versus the watch without having to go full chest strap? I feel like my Garmin's doing pretty well (certainly waaay better than my older Garmin), but maybe that's wishful thinking.

Yeah, just like was mentioned, I have issues with cadence lock or some other possible algorithm issues. If I step "hard", like up a curb or over a puddle, it can trigger it going to my cadence. Other times it does it on its own and tracks higher.

I also find HRs that it just seems to lock on (e.g. 137, 152, 161) and it won't fluctuate with more or less effort.

I used to wear a chest strap but want to avoid the restrictive feeling of that and the armband seems like a great alternative.

Eta - I've had the same issue with Garmin Forerunner 245M and 945M.
 
@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?

Yes. I actually got it for Christmas but couldn’t figure out now to pair it so I set sit aside for months. Here are the instructions:


@Juxtatarot and @bushdocda

Is this the armband you guys are using:

Coros

Is it pretty easy to connect to Garmin watches?
Yes and yes.
You need the Coros app to pair it (I think) but I don’t use that app for anything else. Garmin connect and strava work same as ever.

Thanks guys. I just ordered it :thumbup:
So is the idea here that there's a significant accuracy gain versus the watch without having to go full chest strap? I feel like my Garmin's doing pretty well (certainly waaay better than my older Garmin), but maybe that's wishful thinking.
I had random wrist HR issues for years (cadence lock and drops) so switched to chest strap. It worked great and used for years but the arm band discussed here is more comfortable and has been working great. I do think wrist tracking has improved a lot in the past 2-4 years in newer models.
My 965 is dead on; for swimming it's an all-in-one solution. I wear the watch all day, anyway, so having it shift into broadcast mode is super easy. I've sworn off chest straps - damn uncomfortable things. If you're stuck in the middle the Scosche arm strap works well.
:yes: With my 965, my HR is almost always dead on, or seems to be. It will occasionally skip 25 yards in the pool or indicate a weird total in a tri - the sprint in June had me at like 47,000 miles but that got corrected during the upload.
 
Saw reference to the Gacon test in the soccer thread (45s run / 15s rest, keep increasing the speed). Kind of sounds like fun and at least according to some paper abstracts has good correlation to VO2 Max. A lot of setup required, though.

Just eyeballing, I'm thinking I could maybe get to stage 15. Or am I being crazy optimistic and not taking into account how much the previous reps would grind me down? Anyone else with a prediction for themselves?
 
Saw reference to the Gacon test in the soccer thread (45s run / 15s rest, keep increasing the speed). Kind of sounds like fun and at least according to some paper abstracts has good correlation to VO2 Max. A lot of setup required, though.
Used to do this **** in HS. Victory sprints. Get on football field starting at one goal line. Sprint across goal line side to side, slow jog 5 yards up, sprint across 5 yard line. Absolutely brutal - puking not terribly uncommon. So, yeah, eff that. I object on moral principle.

I did do something like this on my 40th birthday in the pool. 40 total 100 yard sprints - 10 on 1:40, then on 1:30, 1:20, and 1:10. Last 10 were really tough, but it I was pretty proud of completing that.
 
Saw reference to the Gacon test in the soccer thread (45s run / 15s rest, keep increasing the speed). Kind of sounds like fun and at least according to some paper abstracts has good correlation to VO2 Max. A lot of setup required, though.
Used to do this **** in HS. Victory sprints. Get on football field starting at one goal line. Sprint across goal line side to side, slow jog 5 yards up, sprint across 5 yard line. Absolutely brutal - puking not terribly uncommon. So, yeah, eff that. I object on moral principle.

I did do something like this on my 40th birthday in the pool. 40 total 100 yard sprints - 10 on 1:40, then on 1:30, 1:20, and 1:10. Last 10 were really tough, but it I was pretty proud of completing that.
That's impressive. My swimming form sucks so I'm sure I'd be a wreck halfway through that.

The thing about the Gacon is that like the "beep" test it starts pretty slowly - the first few stages are in the 9:00-10:00 min/mile range, only slowly getting faster. So the crew in this thread wouldn't really start having to press until pretty far into the test.
 
did do something like this on my 40th birthday in the pool. 40 total 100 yard sprints - 10 on 1:40, then on 1:30, 1:20, and 1:10. Last 10 were really tough, but it I was pretty proud of completing that.
No ****. I’m not even keeping sub 1:30 for that long.
 
did do something like this on my 40th birthday in the pool. 40 total 100 yard sprints - 10 on 1:40, then on 1:30, 1:20, and 1:10. Last 10 were really tough, but it I was pretty proud of completing that.
No ****. I’m not even keeping sub 1:30 for that long.
Yeah, on the last 10 I was getting them done on 1:05, gasping for 5 seconds, then going. I basically saw a wall of red for that whole set.
 
Ah yes: That humbling experience where you post a strong workout on Strava - 21.28 miles @ a comfortable 8:35/mi ...only to look and see the post immediately below that of a fellow AGer who ran 21.68 miles @ 7:10/mi. :kicksrock: In fairness, I've read that back in the day, he ran XC for Illinois alongside Craig Virgin, and he is arguably one of the top 3-5 in the world for our AG. He also happens to live about 5 miles from me (lol ..so I'm not even the fastest old guy in my neighborhood). But that's why I follow him and several others in my AG. They keep it real for me, and I can watch and learn from their workouts.
 
Ah yes: That humbling experience where you post a strong workout on Strava - 21.28 miles @ a comfortable 8:35/mi ...only to look and see the post immediately below that of a fellow AGer who ran 21.68 miles @ 7:10/mi. :kicksrock: In fairness, I've read that back in the day, he ran XC for Illinois alongside Craig Virgin, and he is arguably one of the top 3-5 in the world for our AG. He also happens to live about 5 miles from me (lol ..so I'm not even the fastest old guy in my neighborhood). But that's why I follow him and several others in my AG. They keep it real for me, and I can watch and learn from their workouts.
From my perspective you are demonstrating what may be possible for some of us. Long term I have a goal of qualifying and running Boston once retired (post 65) in part based on what I see what you’re doing. I am not sure if I would even considered that without seeing what runners like yourself do in Strava. A local runner here ran a sub 8 minute mile on his 80th birthday, many years from now I would love to do the same. Sub 8 at 80 seems like a worthy goal for a youngster like yourself.
 
Ah yes: That humbling experience where you post a strong workout on Strava - 21.28 miles @ a comfortable 8:35/mi ...only to look and see the post immediately below that of a fellow AGer who ran 21.68 miles @ 7:10/mi. :kicksrock: In fairness, I've read that back in the day, he ran XC for Illinois alongside Craig Virgin, and he is arguably one of the top 3-5 in the world for our AG. He also happens to live about 5 miles from me (lol ..so I'm not even the fastest old guy in my neighborhood). But that's why I follow him and several others in my AG. They keep it real for me, and I can watch and learn from their workouts.
From my perspective you are demonstrating what may be possible for some of us. Long term I have a goal of qualifying and running Boston once retired (post 65) in part based on what I see what you’re doing. I am not sure if I would even considered that without seeing what runners like yourself do in Strava. A local runner here ran a sub 8 minute mile on his 80th birthday, many years from now I would love to do the same. Sub 8 at 80 seems like a worthy goal for a youngster like yourself.
Seeing what tri is capable of only further cemented my stance to stop training during these peak dad years. Keep myself healthy enough then when that load begins to decline add that back to the plate.
 
Ah yes: That humbling experience where you post a strong workout on Strava - 21.28 miles @ a comfortable 8:35/mi ...only to look and see the post immediately below that of a fellow AGer who ran 21.68 miles @ 7:10/mi. :kicksrock: In fairness, I've read that back in the day, he ran XC for Illinois alongside Craig Virgin, and he is arguably one of the top 3-5 in the world for our AG. He also happens to live about 5 miles from me (lol ..so I'm not even the fastest old guy in my neighborhood). But that's why I follow him and several others in my AG. They keep it real for me, and I can watch and learn from their workouts.
From my perspective you are demonstrating what may be possible for some of us. Long term I have a goal of qualifying and running Boston once retired (post 65) in part based on what I see what you’re doing. I am not sure if I would even considered that without seeing what runners like yourself do in Strava. A local runner here ran a sub 8 minute mile on his 80th birthday, many years from now I would love to do the same. Sub 8 at 80 seems like a worthy goal for a youngster like yourself.
Seeing what tri is capable of only further cemented my stance to stop training during these peak dad years. Keep myself healthy enough then when that load begins to decline add that back to the plate.
On the flipside, check out my Strava for a cautionary tale of what happens when you get older and fatter and don't run as much......
 
Ah yes: That humbling experience where you post a strong workout on Strava - 21.28 miles @ a comfortable 8:35/mi ...only to look and see the post immediately below that of a fellow AGer who ran 21.68 miles @ 7:10/mi. :kicksrock: In fairness, I've read that back in the day, he ran XC for Illinois alongside Craig Virgin, and he is arguably one of the top 3-5 in the world for our AG. He also happens to live about 5 miles from me (lol ..so I'm not even the fastest old guy in my neighborhood). But that's why I follow him and several others in my AG. They keep it real for me, and I can watch and learn from their workouts.
From my perspective you are demonstrating what may be possible for some of us. Long term I have a goal of qualifying and running Boston once retired (post 65) in part based on what I see what you’re doing. I am not sure if I would even considered that without seeing what runners like yourself do in Strava. A local runner here ran a sub 8 minute mile on his 80th birthday, many years from now I would love to do the same. Sub 8 at 80 seems like a worthy goal for a youngster like yourself.
Seeing what tri is capable of only further cemented my stance to stop training during these peak dad years. Keep myself healthy enough then when that load begins to decline add that back to the plate.
On the flipside, check out my Strava for a cautionary tale of what happens when you get older and fatter and don't run as much......
You ran a sub 10 minute pace this calendar year 🤷‍♂️
 
Any trail runner recommendations? I’ll be hiking in them more than trail runs but trying to find a new pair.

I pretty much exclusively run trails in the Salomon Speedcross 6. GTX or not, depending on the weather. Huge grippy lugs are great on dirt, but very annoying on pavement.

Ended up getting Hoka Speedgoat 5s. Reviews seemed to like them for hiking and backpacking. Took them out this weekend and love them. Wish they were a little wider but I have small feet and they are fine. I would maybe try a wide but I think once these are broken in they will be good. Also, I like to tighten my shoes up fairly tight, especially after my ankle surgery.
 
Ah yes: That humbling experience where you post a strong workout on Strava - 21.28 miles @ a comfortable 8:35/mi ...only to look and see the post immediately below that of a fellow AGer who ran 21.68 miles @ 7:10/mi. :kicksrock: In fairness, I've read that back in the day, he ran XC for Illinois alongside Craig Virgin, and he is arguably one of the top 3-5 in the world for our AG. He also happens to live about 5 miles from me (lol ..so I'm not even the fastest old guy in my neighborhood). But that's why I follow him and several others in my AG. They keep it real for me, and I can watch and learn from their workouts.
From my perspective you are demonstrating what may be possible for some of us.
Tri-man's obviously greatly inspirational for the future, but this thread group in general is an excellent source. Seeing people like you and juxt who are my age and older put up killer times that I can't touch helps me keep pushing for my own PRs. Also, regardless of speed, so many people in here just keep cranking out the mileage, which helps me to make sure I find time to get my runs in.
 
Hey @ChiefD ...how about an update on life in Wisconsin? The fam all moved in (and your son moved out to college)? How are the farmers' markets? Do they sell any Big Phat Cokes up that way?
 
Ah yes: That humbling experience where you post a strong workout on Strava - 21.28 miles @ a comfortable 8:35/mi ...only to look and see the post immediately below that of a fellow AGer who ran 21.68 miles @ 7:10/mi. :kicksrock: In fairness, I've read that back in the day, he ran XC for Illinois alongside Craig Virgin, and he is arguably one of the top 3-5 in the world for our AG. He also happens to live about 5 miles from me (lol ..so I'm not even the fastest old guy in my neighborhood). But that's why I follow him and several others in my AG. They keep it real for me, and I can watch and learn from their workouts.
Ya know, there are folks available to uh, even the field so to speak. Just saying...
 
I have some major concerns about my current finess level and marathon goals. I am hoping this is all a byproduct of the weather. But I was definitely in better shape for my last marathon and I'm trying to cut ~3 mins off that time.

I still have 7-8 weeks until the race, so I'm really hoping it all comes together. Let's just get some more reasonable temps please!
 
Hey @ChiefD ...how about an update on life in Wisconsin? The fam all moved in (and your son moved out to college)? How are the farmers' markets? Do they sell any Big Phat Cokes up that way?
OK, so here is the grand update. First, the answers to @tri-man 47 's all important questions:

1. The farmer's market we went to was not very good. We were pretty spoiled in KC with the one we went to every week. On the positive note I have plenty of space for a garden. For this year I did a quick few items: tomatoes, green beans, green peppers, and cucumbers. The spot where the previous owner had the garden is not very sunny at this point because the trees have gotten bigger over time. So I'm in the process of moving it for next season. I'll be in the woods this weekend cutting some downfall for my fence posts and constructing the fence over the next few months. I've already started amending the soil in my new spot. So next year I'll have all of the above plus corn, lettuce, radish, and maybe some other items.

2. Big Phat Coke. So I gave myself a raise moving here in that I found a place close to work that has a coke refill for .83. Back in KC I was paying 1.42 for a coke refill at Quik Trip. So I save about $12 a month on my morning coke I grab before work. The only real negative is on weekends, since I live about 22 minutes from the nearest town. So I've cut back on the weekend coke. Which is ok.

3. Dropped the son off at college on the 14th of August. So far so good - he's been in football camp since then and is really starting to get to know the guys. So he has some buddies already. Mama was pretty sad in the build-up, the drop off, and the aftermath, but we are settling into the new normal. We will be going to his games every weekend until the end of November, which is part of the reason we moved up here. We will be able to see him regularly and actively participate in his college football career.

The only negative (and it's not really one) is that the first week or so in town he met a local girl and they've been dating since May. This is his first real girlfriend and she's a very nice person. So there has been some sadness for him there. They are going to try and make it work, and really they are only about 3.5 hours apart. So we will see how this goes. But he's said all summer: "football is my #1 love right now." :lol:

So now some random thoughts and things as we've lived here since May:

1. I'm going to call the Quik Trip vs Kwik Trip battle a draw. There are some things I like in both, but for the sake of not getting shot out of season up here, I call it a tie.

2. We've had the boat out more times this year than the last 5 years in KC combined. World class waters up here. My 16 year old son is in heaven - he's already bagged a 43" muskie and he's met some guys who he's led to some muskies.

3. Which leads me to: the 16 year old son. He's a workout warrior - loves the gym and getting stronger. So the first week he was here he and my older son joined a gym in town and within a week he met some kids on the high school football team. To make a long story short he's going to play football this fall and so he's been hanging out with these guys and meeting people all summer long. A lot of these kids also play hockey, so he's getting to know those guys too. He also got a job in a bait shop, which is akin to an alcoholic working in a liquor store. But it's all good - he's happier than I've seen him in awhile. He's going to thrive up here.

4. 14 year old daughter also doing well. Loves the summer so far and got a job at a bar down the road about a mile and a half away. Just bussing tables and doing dishes and stuff for their dinner service. She got the job because our neighbor's cousin works there. There are also a couple other high school girls that work there, so she will at least know a few kids before she starts school next week.

5. We have another bar literally right down the road. About .75 mile from my front door to their front door. We've been hitting the friday night fish fry's on a regular basis, and my wife has gotten hooked on the Brandy Old-Fashioned's. Thanks @gruecd . :<_<:

6. As for my fishing, got into and landed a 47" muskie last weekend on the river. I've been out quite a bit and and that's been nice. Now that labor day is here and we've seen the last of visitors for awhile, I'll be trying to get out more depending on football games and such.

7. I love everything about this place. Our property is literally in the middle of nowhere. We are about 20 minutes or so to the nearest town, and we have two within that distance. It is sooooo quiet at home. All I hear right now is the wind and the birds and whatever wildlife is roaming around. And we can see the stars again. Our house is on top of a slight hill so you feel like you can reach out and touch them. There is certainly no shortage of projects to do. I've been busy with the outdoor shops:

- the big shop, which is basically a job for the shovels. This shop also has a wood pellet stove in it. So this will be the main shop where we hang out. Its about 25' by 65', so we can play cornhole in here, washers, darts etc. I also just bought a pickleball set, so it's big enough to set up a mini single's court so we can get out of the house in the winter and play pickleball. There is a large TV set-up in here, beer fridge, and all the main tools and such. I get a massive woody in here.

- the fish shack. This shop is about 14' x 40'. This is where we store all the fishing gear and the two fishing boats (one for the river and one for lakes and such). I have sections organized for each person in the house that has their rods, tackle boxes, etc. The back part of this shop is where the corbinatorbaitcompany will set up with all he needs to run that.

- the bbq shack. This is a small shop attached to the house right outside the side door from the house garage. This has all my cooking items: smoker, two webers, and the blackstone flat top. This shop is about 10' wide by 15' long. Plenty of room and there were already shelves in there for charcoal, the TV, cooking pans...all that stuff.

- the main garage. This is attached to the house and is just an oversized garage. The cars will go here with just basic items: trash cans, wife's beer fridge, TV for sports, some basic tools and a couple of shovels so I don't have to walk to the big shop in winter to grab tools or a shovel when it's cold and snowy.

The property is basically divided into 4 acres of meadow and 4 acres of timber. Out my front window is all the meadow that slopes down toward the road and faces west. So we get spectacular sunsets every night. The timber is off to our left and also slopes toward the south and toward the road. We sit on a flat part of the land up top.

I couldn't be happier. I feel more "at home" here than anyplace I have ever lived. My wife has been sad with her friends not being close, but that will get better as we get into high school sports and she can get out of the house and start finding here people up here. But we've talked more and done more as just us since we've been here. Certainly a slower way of life vs the total chaos of living in Kansas City.

It's been awesome.

i'm also starting to get the itch to run again. stay tuned........
 
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I have some major concerns about my current finess level and marathon goals. I am hoping this is all a byproduct of the weather. But I was definitely in better shape for my last marathon and I'm trying to cut ~3 mins off that time.

I still have 7-8 weeks until the race, so I'm really hoping it all comes together. Let's just get some more reasonable temps please!
Take it easy the next couple-few days then test yourself after the weather breaks this weekend. You may surprise yourself.
 
Hey @ChiefD ...how about an update on life in Wisconsin? The fam all moved in (and your son moved out to college)? How are the farmers' markets? Do they sell any Big Phat Cokes up that way?
OK, so here is the grand update. First, the answers to @tri-man 47 's all important questions:

1. The farmer's market we went to was not very good. We were pretty spoiled in KC with the one we went to every week. On the positive note I have plenty of space for a garden. For this year I did a quick few items: tomatoes, green beans, green peppers, and cucumbers. The spot where the previous owner had the garden is not very sunny at this point because the trees have gotten bigger over time. So I'm in the process of moving it for next season. I'll be in the woods this weekend cutting some downfall for my fence posts and constructing the fence over the next few months. I've already started amending the soil in my new spot. So next year I'll have all of the above plus corn, lettuce, radish, and maybe some other items.

2. Big Phat Coke. So I gave myself a raise moving here in that I found a place close to work that has a coke refill for .83. Back in KC I was paying 1.42 for a coke refill at Quik Trip. So I save about $12 a month on my morning coke I grab before work. The only real negative is on weekends, since I live about 22 minutes from the nearest town. So I've cut back on the weekend coke. Which is ok.

3. Dropped the son off at college on the 14th of August. So far so good - he's been in football camp since then and is really starting to get to know the guys. So he has some buddies already. Mama was pretty sad in the build-up, the drop off, and the aftermath, but we are settling into the new normal. We will be going to his games every weekend until the end of November, which is part of the reason we moved up here. We will be able to see him regularly and actively participate in his college football career.

The only negative (and it's not really one) is that the first week or so in town he met a local girl and they've been dating since May. This is his first real girlfriend and she's a very nice person. So there has been some sadness for him there. They are going to try and make it work, and really they are only about 3.5 hours apart. So we will see how this goes. But he's said all summer: "football is my #1 love right now." :lol:

So now some random thoughts and things as we've lived here since May:

1. I'm going to call the Quik Trip vs Kwik Trip battle a draw. There are some things I like in both, but for the sake of not getting shot out of season up here, I call it a tie.

2. We've had the boat out more times this year than the last 5 years in KC combined. World class waters up here. My 16 year old son is in heaven - he's already bagged a 43" muskie and he's met some guys who he's led to some muskies.

3. Which leads me to: the 16 year old son. He's a workout warrior - loves the gym and getting stronger. So the first week he was here he and my older son joined a gym in town and within a week he met some kids on the high school football team. To make a long story short he's going to play football this fall and so he's been hanging out with these guys and meeting people all summer long. A lot of these kids also play hockey, so he's getting to know those guys too. He also got a job in a bait shop, which is akin to an alcoholic working in a liquor store. But it's all good - he's happier than I've seen him in awhile. He's going to thrive up here.

4. 14 year old daughter also doing well. Loves the summer so far and got a job at a bar down the road about a mile and a half away. Just bussing tables and doing dishes and stuff for their dinner service. She got the job because our neighbor's cousin works there. There are also a couple other high school girls that work there, so she will at least know a few kids before she starts school next week.

5. We have another bar literally right down the road. About .75 mile from my front door to their front door. We've been hitting the friday night fish fry's on a regular basis, and my wife has gotten hooked on the Brandy Old-Fashioned's. Thanks @gruecd . :<_<:

6. As for my fishing, got into and landed a 47" muskie last weekend on the river. I've been out quite a bit and and that's been nice. Now that labor day is here and we've seen the last of visitors for awhile, I'll be trying to get out more depending on football games and such.

7. I love everything about this place. Our property is literally in the middle of nowhere. We are about 20 minutes or so to the nearest town, and we have two within that distance. It is sooooo quiet at home. All I hear right now is the wind and the birds and whatever wildlife is roaming around. And we can see the stars again. Our house is on top of a slight hill so you feel like you can reach out and touch them. There is certainly no shortage of projects to do. I've been busy with the outdoor shops:

- the big shop, which is basically a job for the shovels. This shop also has a wood pellet stove in it. So this will be the main shop where we hang out. Its about 25' by 65', so we can play cornhole in here, washers, darts etc. I also just bought a pickleball set, so it's big enough to set up a mini single's court so we can get out of the house in the winter and play pickleball. There is a large TV set-up in here, beer fridge, and all the main tools and such. I get a massive woody in here.

- the fish shack. This shop is about 14' x 40'. This is where we store all the fishing gear and the two fishing boats (one for the river and one for lakes and such). I have sections organized for each person in the house that has their rods, tackle boxes, etc. The back part of this shop is where the corbinatorbaitcompany will set up with all he needs to run that.

- the bbq shack. This is a small shop attached to the house right outside the side door from the house garage. This has all my cooking items: smoker, two webers, and the blackstone flat top. This shop is about 10' wide by 15' long. Plenty of room and there were already shelves in there for charcoal, the TV, cooking pans...all that stuff.

- the main garage. This is attached to the house and is just an oversized garage. The cars will go here with just basic items: trash cans, wife's beer fridge, TV for sports, some basic tools and a couple of shovels so I don't have to walk to the big shop in winter to grab tools or a shovel when it's cold and snowy.

The property is basically divided into 4 acres of meadow and 4 acres of timber. Out my front window is all the meadow that slopes down toward the road and faces west. So we get spectacular sunsets every night. The timber is off to our left and also slopes toward the south and toward the road. We sit on a flat part of the land up top.

I couldn't be happier. I feel more "at home" here than anyplace I have ever lived. My wife has been sad with her friends not being close, but that will get better as we get into high school sports and she can get out of the house and start finding here people up here. But we've talked more and done more as just us since we've been here. Certainly a slower way of live vs the total chaos of living in Kansas City.

It's been awesome.

i'm also starting to get the itch to run again. stay tuned........
all kinds of awesome - happy for you! Is it a requirement in WI to have his and hers beer fridges?

Last weekend I did the Ride across Wisconsin and it was interesting to intimately see how the topography of the state changes from West to East. I'm pretty sure my route took me south of your whereabouts, but there were a lot of moments on my ride where I was floored at the scenery. I think I 'get' what you are enjoying on your property.
 
all kinds of awesome - happy for you! Is it a requirement in WI to have his and hers beer fridges?

Last weekend I did the Ride across Wisconsin and it was interesting to intimately see how the topography of the state changes from West to East. I'm pretty sure my route took me south of your whereabouts, but there were a lot of moments on my ride where I was floored at the scenery. I think I 'get' what you are enjoying on your property.
I didn't think so but apparently it is. :lol:
 
Last weekend I did the Ride across Wisconsin and it was interesting to intimately see how the topography of the state changes from West to East. I'm pretty sure my route took me south of your whereabouts, but there were a lot of moments on my ride where I was floored at the scenery. I think I 'get' what you are enjoying on your property.
Yeah, you were quite a bit south of us. If you look on a map for Tomahawk and Rhinelander, we are almost halfway between the two.

This state is pretty beautiful. A little something for everyone.
 
The property is basically divided into 4 acres of meadow and 4 acres of timber. Out my front window is all the meadow that slopes down toward the road and faces west. So we get spectacular sunsets every night. The timber is off to our left and also slopes toward the south and toward the road. We sit on a flat part of the land up top.
Very happy for you! It sounds like the type of property I've been hoping to find as a getaway, but we're not in a position to leave our main domicile due to family stuff, which makes the financial aspect tricky to put it lightly. We were looking a bit before real estate spike made everything in eastern PA ridiculous. It's funny you mention the multiple structures at your new place, because that was my wife's complaint with the places we looked at : "what are we supposed to do with all of these buildings?" :lmao:

I think being out in nature does wonders for one's mood, so hopefully you get many years of enjoyment up there. You mentioned running (and I saw you've had a few short runs on Strava), so I am wondering if you are allowed to run with a shirt up there?
 
Last weekend I did the Ride across Wisconsin and it was interesting to intimately see how the topography of the state changes from West to East. I'm pretty sure my route took me south of your whereabouts, but there were a lot of moments on my ride where I was floored at the scenery. I think I 'get' what you are enjoying on your property.
Yeah, you were quite a bit south of us. If you look on a map for Tomahawk and Rhinelander, we are almost halfway between the two.

This state is pretty beautiful. A little something for everyone.
Oh that's a different world up there.

Sounds awesome but don't know if I could do that. I love my wife and all, but that's a whole lot of 'we' time.
 
Last weekend I did the Ride across Wisconsin and it was interesting to intimately see how the topography of the state changes from West to East. I'm pretty sure my route took me south of your whereabouts, but there were a lot of moments on my ride where I was floored at the scenery. I think I 'get' what you are enjoying on your property.
Yeah, you were quite a bit south of us. If you look on a map for Tomahawk and Rhinelander, we are almost halfway between the two.

This state is pretty beautiful. A little something for everyone.
Oh that's a different world up there.

Sounds awesome but don't know if I could do that. I love my wife and all, but that's a whole lot of 'we' time.
The good part is that winter is hockey time, and with my son on the high school team we will be out and about most of the winter. So we will be forced out of the house.
 
Last weekend I did the Ride across Wisconsin and it was interesting to intimately see how the topography of the state changes from West to East. I'm pretty sure my route took me south of your whereabouts, but there were a lot of moments on my ride where I was floored at the scenery. I think I 'get' what you are enjoying on your property.
Yeah, you were quite a bit south of us. If you look on a map for Tomahawk and Rhinelander, we are almost halfway between the two.

This state is pretty beautiful. A little something for everyone.
Damn son, you a ways up. Sounds great, enjoy!
 
Last weekend I did the Ride across Wisconsin and it was interesting to intimately see how the topography of the state changes from West to East. I'm pretty sure my route took me south of your whereabouts, but there were a lot of moments on my ride where I was floored at the scenery. I think I 'get' what you are enjoying on your property.
Yeah, you were quite a bit south of us. If you look on a map for Tomahawk and Rhinelander, we are almost halfway between the two.

This state is pretty beautiful. A little something for everyone.
Oh that's a different world up there.

Sounds awesome but don't know if I could do that. I love my wife and all, but that's a whole lot of 'we' time.
The good part is that winter is hockey time, and with my son on the high school team we will be out and about most of the winter. So we will be forced out of the house.

As the resident Canadian in this thread, I approve this message.

Awesome RR (Retirement Report), ChiefD!
 
Damn, I missed the whole moving thing @ChiefD! Congrats, and sounds freaking amazing. Obviously not as amazing as had you decided to move one state to the west, but amazing nonetheless! ❤️
 

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