Baseball Shots

Baseball season is in full swing, and we've been able to get a few great pictures from this year's games.

Schools out and early Summer Fun

So last Friday we decided to abandon responsibility and go fishing at Strawberry Reservoir. I loaded up the canoe and took the boys out for some fishing fun. Turns out we could have gone to Causey Dam and had just as much fun, since we didn't catch anything. Oh well, it was very pretty to be up there despite the fact that the weather didn't really cooperate. Midway through the day, Joseph abandoned the canoe for the larger and more snack laden vessel occupied by Craig, Carl and my Dad.

It's great that summer is here and school is out. Just a quick note here about some of the accolades for our kids this year.

Joseph - Highest Reading Award, 1st Place in Krypto - District Award
Matthew - Outstanding Spelling Award; Matthew only missed 2 words the entire year!
Andrew - Overall Outstanding Student Award

Here are some pictures from the end of school year.

Ogden 1/2 Marathon

The week prior to the race, I'd been trying to come up with a goal for the Ogden 1/2 Marathon. I wanted a goal which was reachable, but also one that would challenge me. The two weeks prior to the race I ran two different 10 mile runs. The first run I averaged 9:40 minute/mile pace and the next week I averaged 9:01 minute/mile pace. Based on the fact that each of those runs had considerably more uphill than the race course, I thought an 8:30 minute/mile pace would be a good goal. I then calculated the end time for my run at 1:51:20. Thursday evening prior to the race, I went to Golds Gym and ran just 2 miles, but ran most of it at 8:30 pace in an attempt to key in to that pace.


Race day - I got up at 4:15am to prepare for the race. I didn't dress too warmly because I'd heard that there would be fire pits that the runners could huddle around to keep warm. I learned later that the bag they gave us with our race gear was to be used to put our warmer clothes in just prior to the race and that we could pick them up later. That would have been good to know. Anyway, we got to the start of the race, and the group resembled something from March of the Penguins as we huddled in masses with a select few enjoying the full warmth of the fires. It really wasn't too bad, but I was very glad when it was time for the race to begin.

My preparation for the race included my goal of 1:51:20. Before leaving the house I wrote on my hand 1:51:20 with a marker so I could look down and remind myself of the goal throughout the race. A short time later I discovered that I left my watch and that there would be no way to know whether or not I was on track for my goal. I tried hard to keep up with runners who I thought were keeping a pace quicker than 8:30. Often times while running I looked down at my hand, especially when I felt I was slowing down to look at the 1:51:20 written on my hand.

The course was beautiful. It was an awesome experience running with so many people and looking at some of the beautiful sights. Dropping into Ogden Canyon, I couldn't believe how neat it was to run where I had driven so many times before. The cool of the river was welcome and I have to say the volunteers were awesome in giving out encouragement and drinks, etc. as we came through. Nearing the end of the canyon, I first visualized what it would actually be like to complete the race meeting my goal 1:51:20 and got a little emotional at that thought. I mustered some strength and ran faster not just to finish the race sooner, but to see if I really would accomplish my goal.

As I left the canyon and began down the parkway, I couldn't help but be excited because I knew how close I was to the finish. Much of the remaining miles were a blur however as I tried to speed up and push myself to my goal. Just as we reached the final mile or so, and the last aid station, I felt deep inside that "now is the time" to pick up the pace. I grabbed a water for each hand, dumped one down my back and the other down my throat and felt strangely invigorated as I pushed the final distance. I again imagined 1:51:20 on the clock, and yet again felt an overwhelming emotion that I hadn't previously felt in sports, and wanted desperately to reach my goal.

With just about 1/2 mile to go, I tried to encourage my body to run at sprint speed. I couldn't believe how painful it was to push beyond the "comfortable" pace my body had been accustomed too. Even though I knew the race would be over shortly it took tremendous willpower to urge my body forward. I soon began passing some of my fellow runners, though I noticed that there were runners who had perhaps a little bit more left in the tank pass me like I was standing still! Anyway, as I approached the finish line I scanned the crowd for my family but couldn't see them. Finally I looked up at the large clock above the finish line just prior to crossing and what I saw almost knocked me to the ground... 1 hour 51 minutes 45 seconds! I hustled through the finish feeling pretty good that I may have beaten my goal. I knew my time was slightly better than the 1:51:45 because it took about half a minute before I crossed the starting line, and the clock didn't start counting for me until that point.


Later I discovered that I ran the race in 1:51:08! I was thrilled that I beat my goal, and even more amazed that I did it without a watch. Feeling numb and overwhelmed I slowly walked forward. My family was to my left screaming and trying to get my attention, but I was in sort of a daze. Trying to catch my breath and allow the feeling to creep back into my sore and heavy legs, I caught a glimpse of my mom who was a volunteer at the finish line. Again, my emotions were close as I walked up to her and heard her say, "You did it! 1 hour 51 minutes!" She gave me a big hug, took a few pictures and then gave me my medal of completion. Both Shanda and I felt bad we didn't get a picture with my mom at the finish line.


Not too much later and I found my family, or they found me and gave me a big congratulations. It was fun to have Maleah and Brooklyn look at me somewhat in awe, I must have looked like quite the sight all sweaty and red faced. I was glad they were there to share that moment with me... I have a great family.



Official Results

Andrew Homer Richey - A Good Man to Know

Andrew Homer Richey

Things to notice in this picture; Andrew is wearing a New York Life lapel pin, just like his Dad.  His nice conservative blue tie, and freshly pressed suit, Armani of course! With a little imagination, he has a Mont Blanc pen (not a blue crayon).  Additional imagination, and you'll see he is reading the Wall Street Journal.  Of course we can't leave out the 1940's style business hat (Indiana Jones).  Isn't he handsome?!?



Later in the trip he demonstrated how he would be able to get some shut eye. I just love this kid!  Of course he has his Indiana Jones whip, equiped with sound effects and theme music, just in case the need presents itself.

I sort of wish I could be this age forever... pretty carefree and happy life.

City Baseball League Kickoff

Today we attended the Opening Ceremony for Ogden City Baseball for the kids at Lindquist field downtown Ogden. The weather was perfect, I think we all got a small burn (first one of the year). Shanda said it gave her goosebumps to look around and see so many young kids running around in full baseball attire, from the youngest t-baller to the oldest "young-men."

Usually the start of baseball and city recreation has been synonimous with head-ache and frustration, though I have to admit that there have been huge improvements this year over prior years with respect to how the program is being run. I'm excited to see the good changes and hope they continue to roll along.

With our three boys playing this year, our schedules will have Baseball; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday for at least the next 2 months. Joseph is at an age where it is becoming more competitive, Matthew's level is still learning some of the basics, and Andrew is just happy to be playing t-ball.

I have happily tried to help assistant coach Joseph's team and am really enjoying that interaction. I really hope all the kids have a good time and most importantly learn how to play the game.

Cinco de Mayo - Lunch Date

So I had a number of appointments cancel today, and what was going to be a very busy day with appointment after appointment ended up with a lot of free time for... prospecting, I suppose.

Anyway, after getting some paperwork finished and working on some cases in underwriting, I noticed it was 11:30am, (close enough to lunch). I though it would be nice to go to Javier's for some Cinco de Mayo celebration. Not knowing what Shanda's schedule was I decided to give her a call and see if she wanted to pick me up for lunch. I caught her just as she was arriving at the supermarket and was able to easily convince her to alter he plans and join me for some food.

We got to Javier's restaurant and I sat by Maleah across from Shanda and Andrew sat by her. Javier's had live music which made it difficult to hold any kind of a conversation, but it was cute to see Maleah really get into the music. Because we couldn't really hear each other we just enjoyed being together.

After ordering and before the food came I thanked Maleah for being my date. At first she looked confused but then she seemed quite pleased by the fact that she was my date. Shanda flashed me a look which seemed to say "hey, what about me?" I clarified that while Maleah was my date, Andrew could be her date. She smiled at that, though Andrew wasn't too keen on the idea. I really didn't think Andrew would notice the assignments as he was busy shoveling in the Nachos, chips and salsa, etc.

Despite everything else that may be going on in life, thank goodness for daddy's little girls. Maleah is so cute and fun, it's hard to imagine what it will be like when Brooklyn is as old as Maleah is now and they both have me on a short leash.

Getting back to the office and being smothered by kisses from both Maleah and Andrew, I have to say I am truly blessed!

Outdoors Addiction

What can I say, now that spring is finally here I can't seem to get enough outdoors. Spending time inside, I am looking for opportunities to get back outside and enjoy the awesome weather. Shanda and I took the kids on a nice little hike outside last night, the Birdsong trail at the mouth of Ogden Canyon. I can't believe that I've lived in Ogden almost my entire life and in this home for 10 years and not once had I gone on that trail. This is a great trail for the novice hiker, green grass this early in the spring, great views of El Monte Golf Course and the city below.

Every Sunday after church we are itching to go for a walk at the Ogden Parkway. Most mornings I am looking to go ride my mountain bike on the local trails, and thank goodness I can finally run outdoors instead of that treadmill at the gym.

This morning I took a ride that clocked in at just over 5 miles. From my home I ride over to the Bonneville Shoreline trail, and then down over to the parkway, and then up Birdsong trail, then back home again. Good stuff, I can't wait to get up and do it again tomorrow!

Major League Baseball 2009!

I can't believe how excited I am to have the 2009 Season under way. The winter break was too long this year, which is strange because the older I get the fast time seems to pass. Regardless, it is here now and I am happy to see the Reds in action. Even though they lost a hard fought game tonight, I was just excited to see they had a chance despite going up against one of the tougher pitchers in the league.

It was nice to buy a month of mlbtv.com and have some streaming baseball live on the computer throughout the day as I worked from my office.

Also, Ken Griffey Jr. hit a homer today and tied the record for most Opening Day homers. I'm glad for him, though I'm equally glad he's no longer a Cincinnati Red. The Reds now put a much younger lineup on the field, and with some solid pitching, my hope is that they will put together a respectable season, and maybe even contend for a playoff spot.

Go Reds! Maybe I can get down to Franklin Covey field and watch the Bees in action on Monday the 13th? Sounds like a good family home evening?

ALA Fun Run

My first 5k of the year.

The ALA Fun Run was put together by a few of the parents of the Accelerated Learning Academy students. In an effort to raise funds to allow for more activities such as field trips, etc.

Anyway, my wife got involved in some of the solicitation of local businesses to sponsor the event. I was really impressed by the amount of items they were able to get donated.

Joseph and I participated in the 5k, while Matthew got to participate in the 1 mile walk/run. The weather cooperated as it was expected to be very cold and snowy. Although we weren't snowed on, we did get a nice helping of cold weather.

I began the race at a very slow pace, much slower than I'm used to running for probably the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile. I kept pace with Joseph and let the crowd stretch out in front of me. After my legs started to loosen up and the crowd not so dense, I decided to break loose. My average pace for the entire race was 8:15 mile pace, and while I'm not quite sure what the pace was the first half mile, I got to think it was around 10 minute pace. Even though I pushed my pace for the remainder of the race, my legs felt very good and I never really tired. I'm excited for future races this year and very sure that I'll be able to improve upon my 25:35 time.

After completing the race, I turned around and ran back on the course to meet up with Joseph. I passed Matthew a couple of times, and was glad to see that he was doing well. When I caught up with Joseph, it was fun to run with him and finish out his race.

Joseph won a scented candle and I won a $5 gift certificate to Old Grist Mill.

Biker Babes and Diabetes Easter Egg Hunt

Maleah and Brooklyn both put on this little hair cover that I used to wear when I had my motorcycle.



And here are a few pictures of the Diabetes Easter Egg Hunt...

Messy Baby & Princess Maleah

Now isn't this just precious? We've found that if we give Brooklyn anything with a chocolate cover, that it will soon end up all over the little girl. Brooklyn loves to smile like this also, Shanda calls it her "cheesy" grin.

This picture is from a few days back; chocolate treat + Brooklyn = same result (cute sticky baby girl... with a cheesy grin).



Here is Maleah getting for a Princess Birthday Party. She talked about this party for a full 2 weeks prior to the actual party. The way to this girl's heart is definitely the Disney Princess.



Finally a picture of the beautiful Shanda. We don't have too many shots of Shanda without her braces.  She isn't too excited about the mess on the counters behind her, but to be honest I didn't even notice cause I was looking at that pretty face!  I mean seriously, she's hot!

You had to point that out? Seriously!?!

So I walk in on Shanda watching the popular show, Dancing with the Stars. Just finishing their dance was this couple:



Now I don't remember what I said, but she pointed out that "he" was the star. I had to stop and ask her, "really? you had to point that out?... really!?!"

Lol, too funny!  As if the gorgeous brunette was in the gentle instructive care of this large bodied hunk of love.