Lillie Parkrun 5K #50!

Posted on September 21, 2019May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series ParkRuns

Good grief, how long has it been since I have had something interesting enough to post about?!?! Need to see if I remember how to do this, and at the same time it appears the editor has changed significantly.

I have been running “Parkruns” since 12/19/2015 when I started running with the Livonia Michigan group, which was the only one in Michigan at the time.

They finally got one started in Ann Arbor in Lillie Park, and I began going there starting in November 2018 after a bit of a hiatus. So it’s “only” taken me about four years to get to the first milestone of “50 Parkruns”. Whoo Hoo.

Continue reading→

Calibrating the Garmin FR 305 with a Foot Pod device.

Posted on February 6, 2018May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

Garmin Foot Pod Calibration 43

Garmin Foot Pod Calibration 37

Garmin Foot Pod Calibration 25

Garmin Foot Pod Calibration 34

Garmin Foot Pod Calibration 28

Garmin Foot Pod Calibration 13

Garmin Foot Pod Calibration 16

Mantis Chipmate

Posted on April 3, 2017September 1, 2022 by GeorgeK

The Mantis Chipmate. Some information for the remaining three people that have one, or are just otherwise interested.
Some photos of the accessories.
I am not sure why, but I found these interesting and when researching the web for more information I found very little available.
I was lucky enough to uncover some original accessories, still (mostly) in the original packaging!

I actually have not used this machine very much. The little I did it seemed like you need to have some time on your hands to process very much through it!
Will try more later. It may also be that “green” clippings feed in easier than the dried out stuff I put in. It did chew them up into shavings, but took a little while.

Note: There is no “feed” system other than the push paddle, so you cannot just stick the end of a small branch in and have it pulled into the cutters and ground up. It must be constantly pushed into the chipper head.

Did I get a “FKT” on the Geddes-Matthaei path?

Posted on March 15, 2017September 1, 2022 by GeorgeK

The other day I went out for a walk, ended up following the new Geddes Road to Matthaei Botanical Gardens path. It is still under construction, so maybe not a real FKT, but I did go from the “Yard of Bricks” in front of the conservatory, to the sidewalk on Geddes Road. A little rough to follow in places though. Maybe try again in a few weeks to see how it is coming along. Really looking forward to this route for easy access to Gallup Park and all the rest of the B2B Trail.

Some thoughts. Park at the mill, it’s free, the gardens charge for parking. The length looks to be about 2.3 miles. Overall it will be pretty flat, a few ups and downs closer to Geddes Road.

Michigan Fitness Foundation

Posted on October 22, 2016September 1, 2022 by GeorgeK

The Michigan Fitness Foundation was created to encourage the residents of Michigan to pursue a healthier lifestyle. It uses positive rewards to get people out running foot races, or volunteering at races. One unique award is a chance to win a trip to the top of the Mackinaw Bridge tower! <img class=”size-medium wp-image-2274″ src=”https://www.kasdorf.name/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016-10-20-Michigan-Fitness-1-232×300.jpg” alt=”The conclusion of the program for 2016. Once the maximum number of events is submitted. ” width=”232″ height=”300″ /> The conclusion of the program for 2016. Once the maximum number of events is submitted.

Some of the goodies that can be earned.

The water bottle that is given out.

For more information try here. Not sure if it will change in 2017 or beyond.

The USATF Phidippides Award

Posted on August 20, 2016May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

If you have an interest in running, and want to get a little swag and at the same time support the USATF you can apply for the “Phidippides Award”. It takes a few bucks, and a little work, but you do get a very nice plaque and member card for your effort.

Basics:

Phidippides Award

The Phidippides Award is based on points accumulated over the calendar year. A runner is eligible for one award per year.

Only races that are run in the United States are eligible.
Races must be accurately measured by race director or certified by USATF.
You must be a member of USATF October 31st of this year AND 40 years or older.
You must provide website where your times can be verified.
We encourage you to submit your application as soon as you have acquired the points necessary for your award.
Only the number of points required will be considered; it is not necessary to submit events for more points than you need.
Multiple distance in one event are not counted as separate entries.

Points are accumulated on the following basis:
1 point: 1 mile to 4km
2 points: 5km to 5 miles
3 points: 10kn to 15km
4 points: 10 miles to Half Marathon
5 points: 25km to Marathon
6 points: distances longer that Marathon

Age 40-59
Gold: 30
Silver: 24
Bronze: 12

Age 60-79
Gold: 24
Silver: 18
Bronze: 9

Age 80+
Gold: 12
Silver: 6
Bronze: 3

I put this all in an Excel spreadsheet that I could put links to the web sites which had the results for the races I submitted for the award. Was not that hard. If you have done the work, may as well get the award!