Tom's Hobby Blog

Frostbite Half Marathon 2012

2012-01-07T15:30:00.000-06:00

Well I can't believe it has been that long.... looking back at my older post back in 2005. Six years later I finally get my chance to run in the Frostbite half-marathon. I injured my knee because of over training that year and I haven't run the full distance until now.

This is a photo of me crossing the finish line. 2:17:09 age 50 and I still had some kick left. It was almost all uphill after mile 10.

I wasn't expecting my wife Beth to show up, but she did, with Michael and Julia. When I saw her I was only about a hundred yards from the finish line and I was so sore that I was waddling along like a penguin. I was watching another runner struggle through some serious cramps but I couldn't stop to help. Beth ran to the middle of the street and waved at me so I would notice her and after that, I knew I would finish strong. I gave her a high five and sprinted to the finish line. :-) I took a few photos along the way with my cell phone and they can be seen in Facebook if your my friend.

2011-10-07T07:58:00.001-05:00

My latest hobby lately has been grad school. That is why there are no posts after 2009. Life gets busy and well, ... fewer pics get taken. I hope to find some time in the next year to start posting on this blog again. Until then it will be few and far between.

Moon Bat

2009-11-14T13:19:00.006-06:00

It was getting close to holloween night and the temperature was warm. The bugs were out and so were the bats. The moon was getting full and it was just over the horizon during dusk when bats come out. There was one bat that was flying all over my front yard eating mosquitoes.

The bat would eventually fly in front of the moon. I thought it would make a cool shot if I could capture it. I used an on camera flash and since I had to use a high ISO setting I figured the flash could reach the subject. I was eaten up by mosquitoes waiting in the same spot for long periods of time. I was using a heavy 400mm VR lens but my shutter speed was high enough to capture action. My main problem was getting the bat in focus. So I guessed at 25ft and fixed it there. I figured out that it was easier to mount my camera on a tripod and keep it concentrated on the full moon. By that time it was a little late and I couldn't track the bat anymore. I thought I would do the same thing the next night but a cold front came in the next day and ruined that idea. Maybe next time. This was the best shot I got.

Prarie Arts

2009-09-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

We had fun at the Prairie Arts Festival. Tom Marlin and I ran in the 5k race. The kids parked cars in the church parking lot. It was pretty much the same as it has been for the 10 years I've participated but still fun.

Old School Skaters

2009-07-04T14:14:00.003-05:00

I forget everyone's name but the youngest was 39 and the oldest was.. 47. I am not telling you which one is the oldest. I had a lot of fun. July 4th at Hammond Skatepark, around 8am in the morning, there were more older guys than kids. I was a little intimidated but got used to the park after I skated a few minutes. By the time I felt good and confident, I couldn't skate anymore.

Kentucky Extreme Park

2009-06-24T14:43:00.003-05:00

I had a great time skating at this park. Thanks to Michael I was able to post some shots of me skating. I wish I would have taken some photos of him taking pictures but as usual, I was having so much fun that I forgot. I am hoping that in the future when I include him I will remember to do that. Sometimes I can be so selfish.

Run Wild

2009-04-06T13:02:00.006-05:00

I ran in a race with Tee and his friends, Libby and Amy this Saturday. The weather was gorgeous and made it very tolerable. The race was split into 3 courses, 1 mile, 5k and 10k. I did the 5, Tee, Libby and Amy did the 10. We were able to run together for the first 5k.

After I finished I took some more pics. The race was sponsored by the student health center and was called Run Wild. I posted more pics on facebook.

I felt really good and I hope to run in other races this year. I need to find a friend to run with.

Run for Rabies 2008

2008-11-17T12:59:00.003-06:00

This is one of my favorite races of the year. I love running with Sam. He had his paw on my knee for the posed shot. Michael was taking the photo and was pretty lucky to get this. Sam doesn't sit still for long.

Alltime Olympian

2008-09-26T14:49:00.004-05:00

I had some fun with photo manipulation this month... so I made myself a famous olympian and a few years younger I might add.

D300 Live-View Test

2008-07-30T03:56:00.005-05:00

When I was jogging this morning I saw a spiderweb back lit from the early sun. I decided to finish running and get my camera. I tested the live-view feature on the D300 and got used to how it works. It's not like my point and shoot screen and takes a little more patience. However, once I got used to the feature, it proved itself useful. With this shot, I needed a higher perspective than I could get at eye level. In live-view I was able to raise the camera angle while focusing with the view screen. It took several attempts but I got what I thought was an acceptable result.

To learn more about live-view go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSABJjmk-gI

Tom T 47?

2008-07-26T08:01:00.005-05:00

Today, I am 7 years older than Tony Hawk. Sure he is a lot richer and can skate me under the table but I still enjoy life to the fullest. ;o)

I Won a Nikon Camera!

2008-06-20T01:41:00.012-05:00

The most awesome thing happened to me today. While at a UPAA symposium I won a photo competition sponsored by Nikon. It was a perfect example of God's grace because I sure didn't deserve it given the talent participating.

We were touring Atlanta's Olympic Park that day. The rules of the competition were that you had to take the photo around the park area. Retired Nikon representative, Fred Sisson, gave us a theme to follow and we had to take a photo which best matched the theme. It was an old Coke slogan, "A Pause that Refreshes".

We had most of the morning and part of the afternoon in the aquarium and park. When the bus was getting ready to leave, I was able to spot what I thought was a good shot and got it. It was just about the last photo I took that day. I chose three of my best ones that night but I could only choose one to enter.

Take your pick... which one do you think it is?

click here to find out

I won a Nikon D300 and lens. I was heading to Africa on a mission trip the following week so this camera came at a fortunate time. Thanks Fred!

Insanity Skatepark

2008-06-14T11:08:00.008-05:00

I was in Madison, AL this weekend so I visited a local skatepark that I had heard about last year. It was very nice. I could only skate for an hr but it was worth it. The large half pipe is 10ft high. The transition is very smooth and easy to skate. I hope I can go back some time soon.

Doctors Without Boarders 5k

2008-03-29T08:30:00.000-05:00

Tee and I ran in a local 5k race. Needless to say he was way ahead of me. My time was around 26? min. He ran it in 22?. The course was very hilly and I am just glad to be running a little.

Tony Hawk 40?

2008-03-10T11:23:00.004-05:00

Tony Hawk was in USA Today this morning. Awesome. I truly admire this guy.

VISTA, Calif. — Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk moves with the power and grace of a jungle cat. As heavy metal rock blasts in an industrial office building here, he swoops down a steep, two-story-high skateboarding ramp that would spook most people.

Other skateboarders hanging with Hawk whoop at his high-flying moves. For two decades, Hawk dominated the ESPN X Games and other competitions. Now 40, he's retired from competing....

A new race this year

2008-03-04T11:34:00.003-06:00

The race will be Saturday April 5th around campus. I hope to be ready. I want to train and loose about 15lbs. (Sure, we will see when the time comes.)

Early morning sun

2007-12-20T17:41:00.000-06:00

Sam and I enjoy the early morning sun and fall weather during our walk.

Classic

2007-12-17T09:01:00.000-06:00

Fall Camping Fun

2007-09-29T09:34:00.000-05:00

I had to try out this kayak that I purchased for the family two years ago. Never used it, so I pulled it out of storage and tried it on the river. Micheal, Julia and I had a great time testing it out. It blows up with air, so it is easy to transport, set up and take down.

Team Inseminators?

2007-09-27T12:47:00.001-05:00

I was on a softball team with Vet Students. I thought the name was clever.

Run for Rabies 5k

2007-09-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

Sam and I had a lot of fun running together in the Run for Rabies 5k. He came in first. ;-)

Back to Running

2007-09-01T08:26:00.000-05:00

My time wasn't great but my son got some nice photos of me heading to the finish line.

All College Day Softball

2006-09-29T16:15:00.000-05:00

I had a great time playing softball during All College Day. The students from the vet school got together and formed 4 teams. Each team had a faculty or staff member they were named after. Our team was named the Tomcats. I felt honored.

Back at Tupelo Park

2006-09-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

(Top) Got a chance to see some of the locals skate. This guy is named Hunter. He skates well for an 11yr old.

(Middle) Showing the locals my board...a little old school with a new skate look

(Bottom) The kids always seem to be amazed that I can get around.

40-45-50

2006-09-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

Its nice to know these guys are just outside my age group. We belong to the same running club and they are always a few seconds faster. I am starting to feel like I am recovering from my knee injury. I really want to do my personal best for the next race. I hope to stay in shape till then.

Prairie Arts Mossy Oak 5k

2006-09-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

The last mile is mostly uphill but I managed 23:58

You can tell from the start who will finish first...and it wasn't me. Those guys are all legs and very lean

I didn't realize there was someone trying to catch up with me at the finish. He didn't make it.

I like the sign above my head.....like it was reading my mind.

New Board

2006-08-05T20:49:00.000-05:00

Moosedeck blank painted with griptape stickers, Jay Adams grindking trucks, bones 58mm spfs with swiss bearings. Nice ride.

Tupelo Skate Park

2006-08-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

Had a lot of fun today with Michael in Tupelo.

2006-08-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

I tried out my new board and some new moves.

Another Race at Lake Lowndes

2006-07-15T09:03:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite places to run. Last time I ran here a white tail deer darted across the road while more waited in the woods for the runners to pass. Here I am giving helpful advice to a young runner as I try to pass uphill. He eventually passed me. Even though I walked for about 30 secs, I still placed 1st in my age group. (There were only 4 of us.) The race started around 8:45am and the temperature was reaching 90.

2006-06-17T19:45:00.000-05:00

Windows-Arches National Park

2006-06-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

2006-06-16T09:31:00.000-05:00

2006-06-16T08:21:00.000-05:00

Personal Vision on the way to Work

2006-06-05T08:03:00.000-05:00

A flower from a hanging basket fell and landed on this small spider's web

The Gang is Back

2006-05-27T10:15:00.000-05:00

Finishing up at Hammond's Dreamland Skatepark before it got too hot. It was 98 degrees when we left at 10:15 am.

Walter

2006-05-27T09:20:00.000-05:00

Michael

2006-05-27T09:15:00.000-05:00

Tee

2006-05-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

James

2006-05-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

Sammy

2006-05-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Having more fun in Hammond

2006-05-27T08:36:00.000-05:00

Camping in the Sipsey Wilderness

2006-05-06T12:21:00.000-05:00

Michael and I went hiking into the Sipsey Wilderness for a weekend with the Boyscouts. It was the first time I ever camped primative and we hiked in 3 miles with a backpack. It was a tough hike for me, easy for Michael and as you can see it was well worth it.

Phillip on the run

2006-05-01T16:29:00.000-05:00

Had a great time playing paintball this weekend. Michael took this photo just as the paintball wizzed by Phillip. I can't believe I missed him.

Cotton District 5k

2006-04-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

I ran in the Cotton Mill run today and did OK. I was not in shape but I was at least able to finish.

Having Fun at Hammond Skate Park

2006-04-17T12:22:00.000-05:00

On my return trip I am better than before, dropping in and getting close to the coping. I can't believe that I am actually improving and loving this hobby.

Sammy shows his style

2006-04-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

Sammy finishing a board-slide

2006-04-17T12:15:00.000-05:00

Fakey

2006-04-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

High noon and getting hot.

Veterans Skatepark Bummer

2006-04-05T12:40:00.000-05:00

I visited veterans skatepark because I was only 2 miles away on a field trip with my kids. I thought I would have time to skate but as the day went on I only had 15 min. I planned this day for a month in advance just to get a chance to ride the skull bowl. To my shock the bowl was unable to skate for that 15min because plumbers were working on the drain. AAAAHHHHHH! %*&^$()^&^$^":+@!!!!!!:-( I went home 150 miles away with no taste of the skull bowl. Life is hard. Concrete is harder. God must have been watching over me that day. It just wasn't meant to be.

St. Patricks Day Run

2006-03-18T09:00:00.001-06:00

My first race for the year comming off of a knee injury.
I actually placed 3rd in my age group.

2006-03-18T08:40:00.000-06:00

Beth went with me for support.

Alabaster, AL Skatepark

2006-03-16T13:47:00.000-06:00

I just visited the latest skateboard park in Alabaster, AL. South of Birmingham. It's not open yet but will be come April 1st. It will be a public park complete with pro shop. I will skate this bowl sometime soon. Can't wait.

There is an old school reunion around the end of April. Would love to go that day but it looks like I will be visiting on the 3rd.

2006-03-16T13:46:00.000-06:00

2006-03-16T13:45:00.000-06:00

Crescent City Classic

2006-03-09T04:10:00.000-06:00

New Orleans10k
Despite Katrina, the race is on, so register now!

Hope to see you there!

Event Information
Saturday, April 15, 2006, at 8:30 am
Distance: a 10 Km (6.2 Mile) race
Sponsored by The Times-Picayune, presented by Kentwood Springs Water Company
Focus: World Class Athletes, the Local Running Community and Fitness Enthusiasts, including runners and walkers
2 Day Health and Fitness Expo and Corporate Tents
A Post Race Festival, complete with food tents, refreshments and live entertainment

At Oxford park

2006-03-08T12:42:00.000-06:00

Smooth move

2006-03-04T20:30:00.000-06:00

Not sure what the trick was but it looks cool.

Dropping in from the Top

2006-03-04T20:21:00.000-06:00

One of the locals.

Doing me proud

2006-03-04T20:16:00.000-06:00

Phillip shows his stuff at Oxford

Having fun

2006-03-04T20:00:00.000-06:00

I forget who this guy is, he was a videographer finishing his degree at Ole Miss. He let me get at the bottom of the bowl area and photograph him and his friend.

Jacob

2006-03-04T19:42:00.000-06:00

All clear. Which was a good thing because it was a busy day at the park. Way too many kids.

Skateboard park in Oxford is Open

2006-03-02T03:22:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine in Oxford sent me this photo. Am wanting to visit Oxford skateboard park soon. Hope to visit this weekend.

Disapointing Start of the year for Running

2006-02-08T09:07:00.000-06:00

I did not get to participate in the Frostbite half marathon this year. I injured my knee 2 weeks before the race and had to stay away from running for 6 weeks. This time of year I am usually resting from running until the spring. I find that my body heals well when I give it a break from running for a few months. So I am now lifting weights and doing low stress aerobic exercise. My next big race is the 10k Crescent City Classic in New Orleans. Hope to see you there.

Michael

2005-12-28T01:55:00.000-06:00

Our official photographer and lifeguard.

Walter

2005-12-28T01:53:00.000-06:00

Staying cool, Walter shows his stuff.

Walter drops

2005-12-28T01:50:00.000-06:00

Having fun!

Sammy

2005-12-28T01:47:00.000-06:00

Rippin it up!

2005-12-28T01:44:00.000-06:00

Showing us how it's done!

Guess who?

2005-12-28T01:39:00.000-06:00

Having a lot of fun. Showing off some old school style.

James

2005-12-28T01:33:00.000-06:00

Droppin in!

2005-12-28T01:29:00.000-06:00

James tears it up!

I'm bad

2005-12-28T01:22:00.000-06:00

Looking like I'm ready to drop...dead tired that is! Notice I am not wearing any elbow pads and also notice that the kids are not wearing any protective gear. I left my blood in the bowl coarse and have a nasty little elbow mark to remind me of my fun. Next time full gear. Nice shot Michael!

2005-12-28T01:17:00.000-06:00

Overall view of the park. For a detailed description go to: http://www.skateboardpark.com/skateboardpark/viewpark.asp?ID=3009

Training

2005-12-19T03:04:00.000-06:00

Still training for the Frostbite. I am up to 12 miles but I walked the last mile and a half. Took a lot out of me and I got sick the day after. I have some kind of bug. Looks like I will be taking it easy for a week or so. Christmas is next week, hope to be better by then. I met up with a realy good running group and it has paid off in training for this long run.

First Half Marathon

2005-11-24T04:18:00.000-06:00

I have been training for this race for the past month
and I am up to 7 miles. Should
run my first 10 miler this weekend.

Training can be fun but I realy don't
like watching my diet. I want to eat
like a horse. (Not to mention it is
the holiday season) I want to loose 10 lbs
before the big day but so far I just don't
have the willpower.

Oxford Skatepark

2005-11-24T04:06:00.000-06:00

I am excited and jealous at the same time. Oxford, MS has plans to build a skatepark. It should be finished by spring of 2006. http://www.oxfordms.net/recent/skatepark.htm

Tupelo Skateboard Park

2005-11-10T20:29:00.000-06:00

I went to Tupelo this past Friday. This is the park that was finished about a year ago. It is pretty simple but fun. Located in the middle of some soccer fields and behind a museum. Admission is free so that was nice. The ramps are metal and not very forgiving when you fall. I would recommend wearing full pads and helmet if you want to go all out.

Half Pipe

2005-11-10T20:27:00.000-06:00

I skated this ramp the most. Great for building strength in your legs. 5ft on the high end and 4ft on the low.

Simple Ramps

2005-11-10T20:19:00.000-06:00

These ramps were about 2.5 to 4ft high.

1st Place

2005-10-29T11:10:00.000-05:00

I caught a ride to the race with a good friend and running partner. We both placed 1st in our age group. Cool trophies, I love this sport!

Timing is everything

2005-10-29T10:54:00.000-05:00

It is humbling when a child beats you across the finish, but this time I had a lot of fun. We stayed with each other for the last half mile and sprinted side by side for the last tenth. I guess there is no lying about my finishing time for this race.

Race to Save the Face

2005-10-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

It was very cold this morning, around 35 degrees. The sun was the only warmth. Thank God we started at 8:30 am. This was a fun race with a long downhill sprint at the start. Being an out and back course, it was fun sizing up the hill on the way down because you knew you would see it again at the finish.

Old geezer still knows his stuff

2005-10-28T17:55:00.000-05:00

Well, not bad for an old guy like me. I skated my heart out and took some spills but I had the time of my life remembering what it was like in my 20s. I am still hurting from this day. My body needs time to heal and Ibuprophen is my closest friend for a few days but I want to go back once a month if I can. I burned more calleries in that hr then I have any day running. My legs are sore... and my neck... and my butt. OK Dave Campbell, you got me started. I am right behind you.

Intimidated at first

2005-10-28T17:45:00.000-05:00

Certainly looked intimidating at first but after a while I got the hang of it. I showed up early and beat the crowd. I was the only one there for the first hr.

What is this?

2005-10-28T17:30:00.000-05:00

I have no idea what this ramp was supposed to do other then help you gain speed for the ramps on the other side of the park. I am so old school!

Dock 36 in Jackson, MS

2005-10-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

A long awaited visit to my first skateboard park since I can't remember when. (I think I was in my 20's.) Let's see what I can do.

100 complete Run for Education Saturday

2005-10-21T16:02:00.000-05:00

10-16-05
By BECKY WILKES/Starkville Daily News
There were 100 people who finished the 5K Hannah Pote Run for
Education Saturday morning at the Starkville Sportsplex.

Other top finishers in the 5K run were...

Age 40-44: Male - Tom Thompson at 22.33, Nick Filipov at
23.11...

.... finishers grade 6 and under in the 1 Mile Fun
Run/Walk...

Sixth grade: Male - John Robert Tomlinson, Austin Wilemon, Quartez Shields, Dolvin Tate, Joey
Pritchett, and Michael Thompson

2005-10-21T07:53:00.000-05:00

10-15-05 A few seconds before the kids 1 mile run.

2005-10-21T07:36:00.000-05:00

10-15-05 Michael and Dad after the race.

2005-10-21T07:35:00.000-05:00

10-15-05 A highlight after the race. Children answer questions about Mississippi for prizes.

2005-10-21T07:33:00.000-05:00

10-15-05 Michael running in the "Run for Education"

2005-10-06T03:09:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for the big race, Oct. 15. 05, a 1 mile fun run held in town. I usually run the 5k and then run with the kids in the mile.

2005-10-06T03:01:00.000-05:00

Stretching to the left and to the right. Showing the kids how important stretching is before a run.

2005-10-06T02:59:00.000-05:00

My daughters first run with Dad. It is amazing what a new pair of running shoes does to motivate kids to run. I usually make a deal with them. I will buy them new running shoes if they compete in a short race with Dad.

2005-07-22T04:42:00.000-05:00

A blast from the past. This is me learning how to do an invert on our backyard ramp. We dropped in 8ft+ off the top and skated our hearts out. It was here that I learned all my tricks. My last were a 360 air and a 360, 3 wheels out. About the time Tony Hawks was doing a 540. I wish we would have video taped those days. I had a 9" Gordo board, independent trucks and first set of Sims snakes.

2005-07-22T04:17:00.000-05:00

Catching air off the top of the wave. This park was in Slidell, LA. It was called the "Pink Panther". The approach ramp is to the right of the photo, (approx 70ft long and 15 to 20 ft high) After pumping like mad down the approach ramp, you then hit the 15ft, "wave wall". It was not a very smooth transition. You can see in the next shot how the vert just kind of happens after an 80 or so angle. A one shot thrill, and then it was flying into the halfpipe stretch of about 60ft. You can see it on the left. Then it was back up to the top of the hill to do it all again. Endless energy and 24+ years ago. :-) Here I have a Lonnie Toft 11" wide flat nosed, independent trucks and Sims snakes first conicals.

2005-07-22T04:04:00.000-05:00

Early 80's Invert on the wave

765

2005-07-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

765
Originally uploaded by tjpt1.

This is my favorite shoe. This shoe is being discontinued and they are upgrading to the 766. I like the look of this shoe much better then the upgrade but what can you do?

2005-07-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

I made some footprints on my deck to see what my foot step looks like. According to the charts I have a medium to slightly high arch. my favorite shoe so far is the New Ballance 765.