tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86479811587775877402024-03-12T16:29:52.933-07:0012 MONTHS 12 RACESMichael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-21423726998271961762014-02-03T14:05:00.001-08:002014-02-03T14:08:37.892-08:00THE RETURN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1og0BYDglok/UvAPe49FASI/AAAAAAAACaQ/ccuXRyLWIks/s1600/pinole+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1og0BYDglok/UvAPe49FASI/AAAAAAAACaQ/ccuXRyLWIks/s400/pinole+start.jpg" /></a></div>
So - I have been gone for over a year. The last marathon I did was my third Portland, Oregon in October 2012...number 33 overall. That came a few months after Rock and Roll New Orleans....which came a few months after I wrapped up the 12-in-12 in Santa Barbara. I was pretty much burnt out after SB...but did the others to see if I could rekindle the spirit. It wasn't happening...then.
Then was then...this is now.
Since that time I'v slowly, but oh so surely, gained a little girth. 20 pounds of it, apparently mostly around the middle. A few weeks ago I officially weighed 200 pounds, for the first time in my 61+ years on the planet. That was not a happy day. It's time to drop those bad boys.
Signed up for Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19th, 2014 this morning. I will admit my index finger seemed a bit reticent to tap the keyboard, a move that would send my $90 to the folks up in Rob Ford-Land, but my other hand reached across and added just enough push to do the deed.
Suddenly I had an itch to go get started. Pulled out the recently-rarely-used running kit, strapped on the Garmin and the iPod...and headed out for <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/440201952">Point Pinole Regional Park</a>, on this fairly chilly morn, one of my favourite places to run, because few people even know it exists.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nZQwxj3L-M/UvAQGaJ23xI/AAAAAAAACbs/79i1QmGpuQg/s1600/point+pinole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nZQwxj3L-M/UvAQGaJ23xI/AAAAAAAACbs/79i1QmGpuQg/s400/point+pinole.jpg" /></a></div>
I was understandably slow. Whatever. I'm pretty much starting from scratch...again...and I recall how tough it was all those years ago training for my first mary, in Vancouver, BC. The training for that one was just about four months and under the guidance of the AIDS Marathon Training Program folks.
Upon reading that I'd committed to another marathon, a dear friend in Athens (where this goofy endeavor was born!) sent me the link to the perfect song for the new adventure....
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4QwbFBOyE2Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Thanks, Jo! See you all out there on the road...again!
Gotta run!
Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-25059006596659380882012-11-02T07:09:00.000-07:002012-11-02T07:09:41.204-07:00PDX EXPERIMENT REWIND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDztRlM8CUU/UJPT-evZLGI/AAAAAAAABrE/RIPIQkwWdtM/s1600/victor-frankenstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDztRlM8CUU/UJPT-evZLGI/AAAAAAAABrE/RIPIQkwWdtM/s400/victor-frankenstein.jpg" /></a></div>
It's almost universally accepted in the world of marathon running that you don't do anything on race day that you haven't tried before. It's reportedly not the time to break in new running shoes, or try a new pre-run breakfast/snack, or even a new pace or stride. I decided to blow that off a month ago when I ran my third Portland Marathon (Oregon)...and my 33rd overall...with interesting results.
I have been a Jeff Galloway run/walk/run guy since day one of my distance running "career". For most of the past decade I done a 3:1 ratio...three minutes running, one minute walking. I have tried others, including 10:1s, 5:1s, blah, blah, blah. I know from watching him do it, Jeff frequently does 1:1s...and still finishes sub-5 hours. However, even though I've used his method for years, I still had trouble getting my head around his assertion that if I ran less and walked more I could still be faster. For PDX this time around I decided to test it out. After hearing Jeff speak at the expo I adjusted the intervals on my watch to 2:1. I really had nothing to lose.
I also decided to leave my energy gels behind, in favor of Life Savers...and to NOT drink the sports drinks offered up along the route. This, after Jeff explained to a woman how neither of those things do ANYTHING to restore energy during the marathon. Using the fact the body virtually ceases to absorb new fuel during strenuous activities like, say, women in labor, or anyone running 26.2 miles. His research has found that the brain is what needs sugar during a marathon, or it begins to shut down. Thus, the Life Savers (Jeff uses them or just plain sugar). Apparently, all those energy gels and drinks just stack up in the stomach during the race, and aren't processed until the runner's done. No wonder we feel nauseous in the latter parts of the mary. This, I believe, also gives credence to my long-running tradition of eating an English Mars bar at every mile 17. It's just sugar!
So...Race Day.
It was a gorgeous October morning in Portlandia...although a little warmer at 6:30 than had been predicted. 56 instead of 44. This was indicative of what was to come, but more on that later.
The 2:1 ratio felt good, as one might expect. It allowed for more rest, and less energy expenditure. I quickly discovered that I was keeping very close to my standard pace, despite running less. I also don't run up hills anymore...I walk them all...to save energy that I'll need later. I did not remember PDX being as hilly as it is...even though I'd run it twice before. However, the overall pace felt great. Taking just water along the course instead of energy drinks felt good, too.
At Mile 17, where the big climb to the St. John's Bridge takes place, I was actually on track for a my possible second-ever sub-5. But it quickly became obvious that that would not be happening.
Remember the early morning temperature being warmer than predicted? Well...that translated into the afternoon temp being higher, too. The predicted high was supposed to be in the low- to mid-70s. It was well into the 80s...and from Mile 18 the course rolls through tree-line residential streets...but none of their shade was on the road. So, it was 8 miles of into-the-sun run/walking...and not very much fun.
I will admit that I was a bit bummed thinking about what my finishing time was likely to be as I slowed way down to manage the heat. But...turns out, not so bad.
I finished (according to my Garmin) in 5:40. I had been realistically been hoping to do 5:30...so...considering my change in run/walk ratio, and my walking of all uphills, and NOT taking any food during the race...I nailed this bad boy.
I know all you die-hards will have a tough time with some of this stuff, but I have now adopted it as the Gospel According to Jeff. The Belfast Marathon in Northern Ireland is currently my next scheduled event...next May. I am looking for something sooner, though. Stay tuned. I plan on being here on the blog more often.
Gotta run!
Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-37301560147936977252012-06-17T06:37:00.001-07:002012-06-17T06:48:59.148-07:00THE SIXTIES<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlKJdj8tUPw/T93dQSAOwnI/AAAAAAAABmc/ATGdULQAutw/s1600/sixties-main_1431558f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="293" width="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlKJdj8tUPw/T93dQSAOwnI/AAAAAAAABmc/ATGdULQAutw/s400/sixties-main_1431558f.jpg" /></a>
Firstly, I will just say. The closest I got to being killed by a driver during my 38 mile bike ride Sunday was in the last two miles. Stop me if you've heard this before. Prius driver, on the cellphone, rolling through the crosswalk (I was on a bike path, otherwise I would have been on the road), turning left. I glared..and escaped!
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/189798595">The ride was amazing</a>. It was during one of the hottest days we've had in the Bay Area this year. Met another cyclist later in the day who said it was 101 at Olema at 11am. That's near the Pt. Reyes National Seashore...and, while I question her number, I will say it WAS darned hot.
I had to do something substantial to keep my training going for <a href="http://www.portlandmarathon.org/">Portland Marathon</a> in October. I had just kicked off the training program at the first of the month and was doing well when I got scheduled to work 7 3am-11am shifts fashioning the news for the radio listening public. At that end of those shifts I am nothing short of a zombie, so training took a holiday for a week. However, the dreaming and the planning did not.
Ten years after I began running marathons and after taking about two years off since I ran 12 in 12 months, I am looking to make my own mark again in my 60s. Thus, the blog name change.
I have convinced my stepson to join me for Portland. Now I just have to get him to start training again. He's young. He beat me by an hour when we ran Dublin in 2008. You know what they say about youth! Portland will my 33rd, and my third running of that race.
Now I have signed up for the <a href="http://www.belfastcitymarathon.com/opencontent/?itemid=1">Belfast City Marathon</a> in Northern Ireland in May 2013. When the lad and I went to Ireland we spent three short days in Belfast. He fell for a Swedish girl he met in the lobby of the hostel...I fell for Belfast. I need to go back.
In preparation for that, I am now considering doing <a href="http://www.runcim.org/">California International Marathon (CIM)</a> this December, for the third time. I set my PR there in December 2008 (4:56)and I want to see if I can better that. Stay tuned.
Speaking of CIM. The second time I ran that race, and set my only sub-5 record, I had a strange, but enlightening experience, beginning at mile 17. I experienced a migraine aura and for a moment or two thought my race might be over. Looked in my fanny pack for my meds, which I had forgotten to pack. Then I remembered having heard that migraines are caused by blood flow being temporarily restricted to the brain...and I wondered what would happen if, instead of quitting, I stepped up my pace to get my heart to beat harder. I did, it did, and I set a PR, after the migraine aura vanished in about 10 minutes. Well, a similar thing happened yesterday. Felt fine until I got off the bike for a break in Sausalito, and almost immediately the aura appeared. Again, no meds in the bag, so I decided to step up the pace on the bike. About 10 minutes later, the aura cleared. FYI. BTW. I am not a doctor and do not play one the radio. I'm just saying.
Two other things from the ride. First, I discovered as I climbed two big hills that I have not enjoyed in the past that I kicked their butts. I got to the top of both and realized they were easier than they were the many times I've ridden them before. No explanation at this time. Second...remember to put your smart phone back INSIDE your rackbag BEFORE heading down a 35 mile an hour hill. It broke open, but still works. Phew!
PS- This is the first time I've used blogger since it did some sort of change thing. I have no idea why it won't separate paragraphs.Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-18020698716057023222012-06-01T05:18:00.001-07:002012-06-01T05:18:43.018-07:00TRAINING....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLZBBfLLBeE/T8iy9w2W_-I/AAAAAAAABls/wHabDqG1mog/s1600/pdx%2Bmarathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="62" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLZBBfLLBeE/T8iy9w2W_-I/AAAAAAAABls/wHabDqG1mog/s320/pdx%2Bmarathon.jpg" /></a></div>
...begins...TODAY!Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-18123359764276050762012-03-16T15:31:00.004-07:002012-03-16T15:32:40.172-07:00ROCKIN AND ROLLIN IN NOLA TOWN<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65u39IAIEPI/T2O_dz-2bgI/AAAAAAAABgQ/s1m8rRA-Q24/s1600/rnrnola.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65u39IAIEPI/T2O_dz-2bgI/AAAAAAAABgQ/s1m8rRA-Q24/s320/rnrnola.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720626470581595650" /></a>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-1244209279711834612012-02-29T14:42:00.003-08:002012-02-29T15:55:59.211-08:00CRANKY<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--a1XpL3vTws/T064U50RUkI/AAAAAAAABdw/hW-c72vTR3Y/s1600/cranky.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--a1XpL3vTws/T064U50RUkI/AAAAAAAABdw/hW-c72vTR3Y/s320/cranky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714707646436692546" /></a><br /><br />I had forgotten about this part of the marathon thing, but quickly remembered it when it hit me couple of days ago. <br /><br />I always get a bit depressed, nervous, anxious, quiet, snippy, introspective, tunnel-visioned, worried, doubtful, short-tempered, CRANKY...the week before a marathon. I KNOW that once I get to New Orleans, pick up my expo goodies, meet up with my friends, and wake up on time for Sunday's rocking and rolling...all will be just fine. But...right now I just want the waiting to end. <br /><br />I am not sure I am physically ready to run 26.2 again after two years off. My 20 went very well about ten days ago. I am looking forward to seeing how my <a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_15151_18952_69006_176939">Altras</a> perform over the long haul. I AM mentally fit. I've done it so many times before, my head is well-versed. We'll see if my legs have total recall...or selective amnesia. I think I'll know at about mile 17...when it's time for my customary <a href="http://lerevdr.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/the-mars-bar-project/">English Mars bar</a>. <br /><br />I was waffling on whether I NEEDED to replace my trusty <a href="http://www.timex.com/Timex-Ironman-100-Lap-Full/dp/B00093CZV0">Timex Ironman Triathalon</a> watch for this race. The old one drowned in the hot tub last week...and I had been looking for another way of keeping track of my run/walk intervals. I almost sprang for the <a href="http://www.gymboss.com/">Gymboss interval timer</a> for only $20...as opposed to the $50 for the Ironman...but the expedited shipping to get it here in time was another $20...which meant that for just $10 more I could replace the watch here and now. Did that today...it's all set up...and a bit of my anxiety subsided immediately. (Thanks, Tokyorunner, for the push!)<br /><br />Had been hoping to bust out my <a href="http://www.goonsquadrunners.com/">Goon Squad Runners</a> "Big G" singlet for this race. I am still proud to be a member of the team, even though most of them have probably written me off, after my two year hiatus. Pulled it out of the drawer today and tried it on...and...in my current condition, it's just not comfortable or a good look. Instead I have packed it...for inspiration. My hope now is that I will wear it for my fall/winter race. Hope to win my way back into the hearts and minds of the GSR on Sunday. <br /><br />So - I am all packed, and ready to go. Looking forward to my first-ever <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/">AirBNB</a> experience, beignets on Friday morning, New Orleans Cooking School on Saturday morning with my friend Patti, getting soundly beaten to the finish line by her brother, John, meeting his girlfriend and marathon-virgin, Carrie...and eating and drinking with them all and Patti's other half, Rusty. This is shaping up to be a stellar group of days. <br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/geBHrV_GiQE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Meanwhile, as I reenter the marathon world, I just wanted to wish everyone else who's running this weekend...Napa Valley; Little Rock; Antalya, Turkey; Osaka, Japan; New Plymouth, New Zealand and Treviso, Italy all the best. Hoping it's everything you want it to be. Perhaps the above video will be helpful. <br /><br />Next stop, the Big Easy. <br /><br />Gotta run!Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-19173106555838276022012-02-24T14:46:00.002-08:002012-02-24T15:14:49.869-08:00IRONMAN DIES IN HOT TUB<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiXItr6tCR4/T0gTdWi63DI/AAAAAAAABdk/TpcEzWWy3tQ/s1600/watch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiXItr6tCR4/T0gTdWi63DI/AAAAAAAABdk/TpcEzWWy3tQ/s320/watch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712837522308652082" /></a><br /><br />I tried to save a little money this week...by changing the battery in my trusty Timex Ironman watch. I have had this since that summer day back in 2006 when my stepdaughter and I went to Sports Basement in San Francisco in preparation for our joint marathon effort in Portland, Oregon that October. It was not easy for me to let go of the $50...but I convinced myself I "needed" this watch, because it allowed me to set intervals. <br /><br />For every marathon I've run I've used some variation of Jeff Galloway's run-walk interval system. I am thinking the older I get the more useful this will be. Most of the time I've done 3 minutes running to every one minute of walking. If you think that's nuts, JG himself does 1:1 ratios..and still finishes marathons, along with his wife, in under 5 hours. Anyway...before I bought this watch I had been using just a regular watch, trying to keep track of the intervals in my head. This simplified matters. Elise (my stepdaughter) refused to express an opinion on whether it was a good idea...just in case her mom got mad that I'd spent the 50. She didn't..and the watch has been with me for 18 marathons and oh so many training runs, from Portland to Barcelona to Dublin to Seattle, Austin, Sacramento, Big Sur, Napa, Rochester and Santa Barbara, and others, consistently keeping track of my time, so I didn't have to. <br /><br />I had noticed for weeks recently that the display was fading, and taking about 10 seconds to fully illuminate in between Rock and Roll New Orleans training runs. But, it still worked, so I paid little attention until, a few days ago, it went dark. <br /><br />Knowing that watch repair shops charge up to $20 to replace the pooped power source with one that was fully juiced, I decided to pay the $3 for the battery and do it myself. Everything went swimmingly...until I got into the gym hot tub after a 5 miler at Pt. Pinole State Park. It took seconds for me to figure out I had not sufficiently resealed the case. The picture above it what I am stuck with now. <br /><br />I have a Garmin 305, that does intervals, sort of. Now I am faced, with just over a week to go to running the Big Easy, with a dilemna. Do I try to run RNRNO without an efficient interval timer...or go spend another $50 for the peace of mind of having a new Ironman on my team? <br /><br />I would ask Elise...but she'd be no help...if past experience is any guide.<br /><br />Gotta run!Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-61481132463410081292012-02-16T05:44:00.000-08:002012-02-16T05:48:57.175-08:00OOPS! SORRY.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aiyo5codkO4/Tz0JNWyK49I/AAAAAAAABdU/tNfQ_FE2FZU/s1600/small_my%2Bbad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aiyo5codkO4/Tz0JNWyK49I/AAAAAAAABdU/tNfQ_FE2FZU/s320/small_my%2Bbad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709730027634615250" /></a><br /><br />A quick note on the post below. I apparently mis-read the Portland Marathon web site. It's the HALF that's sold out...not the FULL...yet! Now what am I going to do. I love Portland. Pondering.Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-38663266289558175832012-02-14T12:42:00.002-08:002012-02-14T15:48:58.006-08:00REGGAE OR NOT...GOING BIG EASY<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQLmw7okTwo/TzrKYNrlAKI/AAAAAAAABdI/ut842MpNHhw/s1600/sfferry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQLmw7okTwo/TzrKYNrlAKI/AAAAAAAABdI/ut842MpNHhw/s320/sfferry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709097994983637154" /></a><br />Well, it is down to this. In two weeks I will be jetting off to New Orleans for the inaugural <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans">Rock and Roll NO Marathon</a>. It will be the 32nd time I have ever lined up on a marathon start line. Here's hoping it will be my 31st finish. <br /><br />Pretty much wrapped up the training with my <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/149211510">20 miler</a> two days ago...from the San Francisco Ferry Building to the Larkspur Ferry Building in Marin. <br /><br />My hope was to pull it off in 4 hours. I've run this route on many a final LTR for previous marathons, and have always done it in 4, give or take two or three minutes. You would think I'd think I had it in the bag, but, due to what I had felt was lack of adequate training since I signed up for this event, I set off with one of those "who knows how this will go?" thoughts bouncing around.<br /><br />The weather was a little brisk, as I parked just two blocks from the SF Ferry Building just before 6:30AM. Just enough of a breeze that I talked myself out of leaving my windbreaker in the car...and headed off down the Embarcadero with visions of a cold one or two on the ferry right back to this very spot in just a few hours. <br /><br />The run was hard, but not harder than I had expected. I took that as a good sign, that all is well, training wise. I had not run this far in well over two years and it was the first time I'd gone this distance in my Altus shoes. Every time I go a bit farther I am concerned that this will be the time when I injure myself like I did a few years back in my VFFs. Didn't happen...and I am liking these shoes more and more the longer I go. <br /><br />I did have a couple moments when I experienced a sharp pain in my right knee. The first one was right at the very beginning. Chalked that one up to having not been fully warmed up. The second time was, run completed, on the ferry. Chalked that one up to having just run 20 miles. In between the two twinges, nothing to speak of. <br /><br />I spent the entire time catching up on a few of my favourite podcasts. I don't do the music thing when I run. I figure I'm going to be out there so long, I may as well be thoroughly entertained. Just in case you might in the market for a new program to listen to, here are my suggestions. <br /><br />If you must listen to something about running I would suggest <a href="http://www.runworldradio.blogspot.com/">RunWorldRadio</a>. It's pretty new, and certainly does the trick of distracting me from the dreariness (at times) of the long slow run. In only three episodes so far they have talked about "running naked", the "drinking club with a running problem", whether male athletes should shave (and I mean "everything"), the female host's tale of her first "Brazilian", and I don't mean a guy she met in Rio, and what each of the three hosts are training for and how it's going. I also listened to <a href="http://matescast.tumblr.com/">Mike and Tom Eat Snacks</a>, where they talked about Cheetos...for nearly an hour. Seriously. Now with real cheese. And...for you serious foodies, my favourite podcasts of the moment, The <a href="http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/">Splendid Table</a>. Nothing like listening to people who love food and cooking talk about food and cooking while you can eat only sports gels! One man's torture is another's inspiration. <br /><br />The crowning, and completely unexpected moment of the run was when I got my first glimpse of the Larspur Landing shopping center, which is across the street from the terminal for the ferry back to SF, and seeing, in letters not unlike the famous "Hollywood" sign, <a href="http://offthegridsf.com/">FOOD TRUCKS SUNDAY</a>. Life gets no better than this, my friend. I did a loop around the shopping center so that my Garmin hit the 20 mile mark right in front of the first of the line of gourmet trucks, offering everything from cupcakes to Indian, to fried chicken, sandwiches...and on and on. I was delirious with having the good fortune of being where I found myself...with 20 minutes to go til my boat left for home. I settled on the Indian samosas and a Stella on the ferry. <br /><br />Back in the city I went to my gym...with fingers crossed. On a number of other days when I've done this run, I've returned to my 24 Hour club to take a jacuzzi (don't even try to sell me on an ice bath! I've tried. I hate them) only to find it shut down for maintenance. This time...it was hot, bubbly and OPEN! Score! <br /><br />I did the run in 4:13, which I initially was not happy about, but, then remembered I had walked every uphill...and there were a number of them. I hear that's a technique employed by those goofs who do 100-mile races! I have adopted it, realizing that no matter how hard I try to beat the incline, it always wins, and I'm left drained. This time, saved that fuel for the distance. So...seeing that New Orleans has <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/files/2011/03/nor12-elevation-full.jpg">NO HILLS</a> whatsoever, I should be just peachy! Right? <br /><br />To show you how good I was feeling about things when I got home I immediately began looking for a fall/winter marathon. Portland, Oregon, in October is already sold out. That's a drag. But..<a href="http://www.reggaemarathon.com/">Reggae Marathon in Negril, Jamaica</a>, in December, is NOT. <br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d7idoNODdfw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Gotta run. Yeah, mon. Red Stripes and coconuts at the end.Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-84278711695678452432012-01-19T09:20:00.000-08:002012-01-23T12:48:11.280-08:00REACQUAINTEDIT'S FUNNY HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET...<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yMuuc_pqx2s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />Prior to recently getting back into the whole running thing I had not done any serious training since the run-up to the Santa Barbara International Marathon in December 2009. Then I committed to this year's inaugural Rock and Roll New Orleans, got new shoes, recharged the Garmin 305, re-subscribed to a couple of running podcasts, put them on the iPod, and plunged back in. <br /><br />One thing I'd forgotten was how amazing it is to run before the sun comes up. Totally different, for me, than running after it goes down. For the past two non-running years I, on numerous occasions, looked out my kitchen window, watching others run by at 4:30am...and just didn't get it. I get it again. I know you night owls will not. That's too bad. <br /><br />I had also forgotten the joy of running into the rain until I did that again. Until yesterday the last time I'd done that was Napa Valley Marathon...oh so many years ago. During that race I experienced cold like never before, drenched and shivering with serious nipple bleeding...and miles upon miles to go. Vaseline is a beautiful thing...when it's just what you need. <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143818389">Yesterday, I did a 15</a>...my longest run since before Santa Barbara. At 7.5 I went into a Starbucks for a quick shot of espresso...and within that five minutes, the rain began. <br /><br />It only let up as I approached my front door. When you've been drenched, and pressed on, there's nothing like the dry delivered by a big, fluffy, warm towel...and a cup of tea. <br /><br />Job loss can wreak havoc with even the most well-constructed travel plans. I lost a 12-year gig in 2009 and had to cancel marathon adventures in Trieste, Prague and Athens that year. Since then I had not had the high of scoring really cheap airfare til last week. It's perhaps silly to think that in those moments I've pulled one over on the airlines...but it almost feels that good. I got crazy-cheap tickets to New Orleans, by waiting til just the right moment. Little victories? <br /><br />Since Santa Barbara I have gripped the world of marathon goings-on by the thread of those of you who kept going. I'm glad to have shared in your ups and downs in some small way through your blogs, postings on Daily Mile and Just Finish, and in conversation. I'm glad for not losing interest in all you were doing. Your stories made me jealous. I'm hoping to have some new tales of my own to tell. <br /><br />In just about five weeks I'll be lining up on the NORNR start line...having guzzled a quick cup of coffee, bagel and a banana. Butterflies have caused me to lose those breakfasts on a number of occasions. If that happens in the Big Easy...I'll know I'm back to stay. <br /><br />Gotta run!Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-56345354143774354632011-12-28T15:32:00.000-08:002011-12-28T16:13:41.484-08:00A RUNNER AGAIN<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNiBp04t5BY/Tvuwd9G6kVI/AAAAAAAABcw/yfCLNahQOyI/s1600/AltraInstinctBlack.New4__55455_zoom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNiBp04t5BY/Tvuwd9G6kVI/AAAAAAAABcw/yfCLNahQOyI/s320/AltraInstinctBlack.New4__55455_zoom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691336582779015506" /></a><br />I'll admit it. I have had some second thoughts over the past few weeks since I crazily signed up for the inaugural <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans">Rock and Roll New Orleans</a> marathon in March...until today. <br /><br />I had been running in a mix of my <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm">VFFs</a> and my <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BrooksRunning-Site/default/Search-Show?q=beast&src=pgooaw200&gclid=CI6Srrv9pa0CFQVwhwod2jNtnA">Brooks Beasts</a>...two extremes, to be sure. I love running in the barefoot shoes, and have wanted to be able to go the marathon distance in them one day. However, the only running injury I've ever had was sustained while trying to go 8 miles in the barefoot shoes, too quickly, too soon. Fractured my third metatarsyl in my right foot, and was out of commission for nearly three months...until saved by <a href="http://www.chineseherbsdirect.com/product_info.php?products_id=48&gclid=CNDAhOv9pa0CFQkaQgodsVuZlA">Chinese herbs</a>. Really. <br /><br />The Beasts are just that...and although they have served me well over the course of 30 marathons and all the training that went into them, I have hated running in them lately. I have been dreading the prospect of doing RNRNO in them. I have considered dropping out, but I have a group of amazing friends who are going, too...so pulling out would not be cool. <br /><br />Fast forward to yesterday. I realized what I needed was a mix of the two shoes...although leaning more in the direction of the minimalist option. I put the question out on Daily Mile, Facebook and Twitter...and within 20 minutes I got some really thoughtful suggestions. Long story short, two people recommended a shoe company I'd never heard of...Altra. I checked out their web site, found two styles I really wanted to try and discovered that one of a handful of running stores in the entire Bay Area to carry them is Transport, which is about 5 blocks from my house. Go figure! Half an hour later I arrived home with my new, <a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_15151_18952_69006_176939">zero-drop Altra Instincts</a>, thrilled at the idea of hitting the pavement in them this morning. The new shoes are pretty much VFFs without the toe slots, replaced by a big toe box that allows the toes to spread naturally, with a tad more protection underfoot. I was hoping this was the perfect combo. <br /><br />I rolled out the front door in the dark, with fully-charged Garmin 305, similarly-energized and podcast-loaded iPod, snuggly-warm beanie and gloves and Santa Barbara International Marathon hoodie, and hit the road for my scheduled 12 miler. <br /><br />I thoroughly expected to experience new-shoe break-in wobblies...and figured I might make it 5-6 miles before worrying about hurting myself, and heading for home. Didn't happen. <br /><br /><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/137045709">The first three miles were pretty much all uphill...and the zero-drop design takes a little getting used to because it changes one's posture to a midfoot strike, and uses different muscles in the legs and back than regular running shoes. Downhills and flats were a blast. There were many moments that I ran through my scheduled walk breaks, because I was engrossed in my movie review podcasts...and didn't even notice that I'd forgotten about my strides, heartrate, and pace. </a><br /><br />Again...long story, short. These shoes were a revelation. I did my scheduled 12...and may even have had another 2-3 in me, gladly. But I was home, and packed it in for the day. Upon entering my apartment I told my wife "I'm a runner again!" This is what it felt like during the best moments of the 12 in 12. <br /><br />I am retiring my Beasts. They will now be gardening or casual shoes. They have served me well over the past ten years. But I am moving on. It's all minimal from now on. <br /><br />Bring it on New Orleans. I'm now looking for a fall marathon, too. <br /><br />Gotta run!Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-14391386950339811142011-12-19T15:18:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:41:37.193-08:00REACQUAINTED<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naftirq7p_o/Tu_HdAVh59I/AAAAAAAABck/MdsBxWTUE3o/s1600/chickenrun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naftirq7p_o/Tu_HdAVh59I/AAAAAAAABck/MdsBxWTUE3o/s320/chickenrun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687984155512661970" /></a><br /><br />I needed some inspiration this morning. I had a 10 miler on the schedule...written in ink on my desk blotter. In ink! That means I had no choice. But, I was not feeling it. Thanks to my Facebook friends who pushed me out the door. <br /><br />I have 2.5 months to go til my next marathon. Rock and Roll New Orleans at the beginning of March. I have worked my way back up to double digit mileage, as of this morning, and I am happy with that. But, I'll be honest...it's bloody boring...other than the scenery.<br /><br />http://connect.garmin.com/activity/135436139 <br /><br />I knew that already...having run a few of these things before. But, seeing that I've taken a couple years off, I seem to have forgotten a lot. I am getting reacquainted...with the drudgery. But, it's a good drudgery. <br /><br />I was ridiculously slow. 13:00 per mile pace. That sucks...but it's all I had in me. I thought about bailing early on, but decided I it was more important to remind my limbs and joints of what distance is all about. They're remembering. <br /><br />Undaunted...I am pressing on. 12 is next. <br /><br />Happy Holidays!<br /><br />Gotta run.Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-13431560752543049602011-11-29T12:03:00.001-08:002011-11-29T12:49:30.379-08:00STARTING...BLOCKS<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFNn8-nwu5I/TtU6v8LaknI/AAAAAAAABcQ/fUw64fe7MQ8/s1600/blocks.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFNn8-nwu5I/TtU6v8LaknI/AAAAAAAABcQ/fUw64fe7MQ8/s320/blocks.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680511100280017522" /></a>It's been about a month now since I committed to next March's inaugural <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans">Rock and Roll New Orleans Marathon</a>. The day I signed up I was totally pumped to pour myself into the training, as I only had four months, minus taper-time, to work my way back into the shape I was in, mentally and physically, in December 2009, when I wrapped up 12 in 12 in <a href="http://12months12races.blogspot.com/2009/12/its-wrap.html">Santa Barbara</a>.<div><br /></div><div>I started out with a few <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/127609184">5-milers</a>, some in my Brooks Beasts, some in my Vibram Five Fingers. I was quickly reminded how much more I like to run in the barefoot shoes. I'm faster in the them, and they're much less work. Trouble is, I have begun to believe that, for me, they're not suitable for 26.2 miles...so most of my work will be in the BB's. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was ready to move up to<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/130198938#"> 6's</a>...when a co-worker got put on a jury, and I was called upon to do many of his 3am shifts. Long story shortened...that killed any spark I had...for more than a month. Not complaining...because the money's good. But all I could think to do when not working was to sleep. </div><div><br /></div><div>On top of that distraction, I became engrossed in the Occupy movement, and on a couple of the days I had off, I chose to ride with the demonstrators, in <a href="http://youtu.be/4jdLN_jBSmY">Oakland</a> and San Francisco, instead of running. I, regretfully, failed to take part in the anti-war and civil rights marches of the 1960s. I was not about to let this opportunity to be part of something so important slip by again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now it appears my early morning work shifts are mostly over, leaving me a frame of mind more conducive to putting in the miles. I still may have to march with the 99%...just because. But, I should start racking up some good distances now. </div><div><br /></div><div>For those who wonder what it's like to be back on the running trails after so long off...in a word...it's hard. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have long believed that marathon running is mostly mental. Recent runs have reminded me, however, that I acquired that viewpoint after getting myself into good enough physical shape to do the distance, and then maintaining the pace with mind games. I am currently back in the starting blocks, with oh-so-much work to do before my body gladly goes along with what my mind is asking of it now. I am thankful I don't have to re-learn the mental part.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I did a <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131740361">7-miler</a>, along the Berkeley shoreline, where my marathon training began just about 10 years ago. It was covered in delicious London-like fog, and equally chilly. At one point my beard and mustache had taken enough of the precipitation out of the surrounding air that it dripped from my face. I haven't felt that in a long time. It was good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Right now it's all about distance. I'm not concerned with speed. Once I get to 10 milers, in a couple of weeks, I'll start on hills and speed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run. </div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-26694621920016924982011-10-29T15:19:00.000-07:002011-10-29T15:48:06.936-07:00Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnW5mgYMTsA/TqyBbS9RTfI/AAAAAAAABaE/eqBsgAASueA/s1600/mask.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnW5mgYMTsA/TqyBbS9RTfI/AAAAAAAABaE/eqBsgAASueA/s320/mask.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669048336897887730" /></a><br />Yep! You guessed it. <div><br /></div><div>I took the plunge today...and paid my monies to the Rock and Roll gods...for my ticket to March 4th's big time 26 mile doin's in the Big Easy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I must admit that, after two years of not giving much of a hoot about running in general, let alone doing it for 26.2 miles, I am stoked to have signed up to run <a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans">New Orleans</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The deciding factors were as follows. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's New Orleans. Hello!</div><div>It's my 60th birthday. </div><div>I couldn't fathom celebrating my only 60th birthday in Los Angeles. </div><div>Air fare to Little Rock is ridiculous. </div><div>I can't afford to take a month off to go to the UK for the Bath run or the End to End bike ride.</div><div>Barcelona? See note above on UK trip. </div><div>Sacramento? Too close to home. Need a bit of a kick!</div><div>Sleep deprivation, in anticipation of 3am works shifts next week. </div><div>Cheap red wine. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know I said in the previous post that I would not reveal my destination til 12/7...but I surprised myself with the gumption for a 5am run in the dark yesterday morning...and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The "Good Morning's" one gets from fellow runners at that time of day are just a tad more delicious than the ones one gets later in the day (after the sun comes up) from non-runners. I missed that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now the work begins. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am shooting for 4:50...which will be a 6 minute improvement over 2008's CIM PR. I am also hoping to have lost enough weight by the time I line up at the starting line to wear my really bitchin' Big G black running singlet. Hoping my Goon Squad Running Club has not given up on me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday morning's 3 miler brought back memories of training for my first mary (Vancouver, 2003)...but also convinced me I am back at square one. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's do this, people. Legs, don't fail me now. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run! Really! </div><div><br /></div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-82199260530487987802011-10-23T14:30:00.000-07:002011-10-23T16:35:43.889-07:00DECEMBER 7TH<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMDewscXdiM/TqSOsLYS3GI/AAAAAAAABZw/0fhCQajuVZo/s1600/TWA-FA.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMDewscXdiM/TqSOsLYS3GI/AAAAAAAABZw/0fhCQajuVZo/s320/TWA-FA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666811120759004258" /></a>Ask most folks what the date December 7th means to them...and you're likely to hear "Pearl Harbor Day". Not me. <div><br /></div><div>While I do concede that it was a day that should live in infamy...from 1941...my 12/7 came in 1967....when my mom, my three siblings and I, boarded a TWA airliner in the dead of night...on a chilly English airport tarmac...heading for our new lives in California. I can still see the plane's tail, branded with the massive corporate identifier, facing in a direction in which I really had no desire to go. I was happy where I was, groovin' with the Beatles' generation, eating fish and chips, sausage rolls, Crunchie and Flake candy bars, roasts on Sundays at my Nan's, and following Tottenham Hotspur, arguably the premier football team of the time. However, apparently, moms trump teenage wishes. Far too often. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward 42 years....to the day. Needless to say, a truckload of stuff had happened since that disappointing day in 1967. I was in Santa Barbara, California. Things could have been a lot worse, right? I was putting the finishing touches on a year's worth of looney...wrapping up 12 marathons in 12 months...running down a steep hillside with the finish line at Santa Barbara City College in the distance. This had been a difficult one, primarily because I was so anxious to put the 12 in 12 to bed...and move on with my life. My friends John and Bob beat me to the finish...by way more than a country mile...but still welcomed me in as though I had bested them. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUjOuZkaFbo/TqSOjR5l1rI/AAAAAAAABZk/cF43ZGVscKI/s1600/sbim_edited-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUjOuZkaFbo/TqSOjR5l1rI/AAAAAAAABZk/cF43ZGVscKI/s320/sbim_edited-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666810967890450098" /></a>Since then, I have run little. I didn't work to not run...but I didn't try real hard to run. I just couldn't find a reason to do it anymore. Until now. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you've been here before no doubt you know that I did 30 marathons from the time I turned 50 until Santa Barbara, at 57. They are listed down the left side of the blog. As you might imagine, my mind is filled with countless pictures from those events and locales...and the people I met along the way. I trained with some of them, almost every one of them faster than me. I ate with many more of them...before and/or after some stellar events, and some not-so-stellar others. And...I have tipped back perhaps more than my share of adult beverages with those folks. Too bad. You can't have them back. What we shall have to do...is to try now, to even the score. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of late, I have been itching to get back into the mix. I miss you people. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have run with Patti's, John's, Bert's, Julianne's, Todd's, Sandra's, Juliette's, Laura's, Bob's, Sarah's, Leslie's, Phil's, Michelle's, Russ's, Kevin's, Evan's, Elise's, and so many, many more. I am so itching to run with Ioanna's, Rachel's, Marty's, Kari's, Barbie's, and so many others, that I can't pull the plug just yet. </div><div><br /></div><div>My personal best for the 26.2...was the first in the 12 in 12 challenge, CIM, Folsom to Sacramento in 2008. 4:56. I came close to beating that a couple of times over the following 11 months. During that same race, my first-time-marathoner pal, Les, qualified for Boston. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tjWow7Iw_E/TqSOSVzmbrI/AAAAAAAABZY/Z3udGdHRNO4/s1600/cimfinish003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tjWow7Iw_E/TqSOSVzmbrI/AAAAAAAABZY/Z3udGdHRNO4/s320/cimfinish003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666810676881288882" /></a>A few months later...I "qualified" for acceptance into the Goon Squad Runner's club...based in Boston. Yes, THAT Boston. As I was sitting in my Motel 6 room, having a beer, after finishing the 12 in 12 in Santa Barbara, I got a congratulatory call from the Goons. One of the best calls...ever. </div><div><br /></div><div>They may have wondered where I went...after they gave me their first-ever Craziest Goon Award for 2009. I didn't go far. I just needed a break. I'm ready to kick it up again...two years later...in short order. </div><div><br /></div><div>For my 60th birthday...in 2012.. I have decided I am doing another "mary." I just don't know which one. Here...are my options....all in March of 2012. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.littlerockmarathon.com/">Little Rock</a>: Bill Clinton is one of my heroes. Want to go to the Presidential Library. </div><div><a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/new-orleans">New Orleans</a>: Post race food...Hello!</div><div><a href="http://www.lamarathon.com/">Los Angeles</a>: I signed up for this one in 2010...then bagged. Redemption? </div><div><a href="http://www.thebathbeat.co.uk/">Bath, England</a>: Holy crap, this looks fun!</div><div><a href="http://www.rivercitymarathon.com/">River City, Sacramento</a>: Local.</div><div><a href="http://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/">Barcelona, Spain</a>: What part don't you get? Issue is $$$$</div><div><br /></div><div>The deal is...training begins in earnest on December 7th. (Get it?)</div><div><br /></div><div>For those checking in to see how the plans for the month-long bike JOGLE bike ride are going....I would love to do it...just can't afford to take a month off from work. I don't get vacation pay anymore...so there you go. Still working on it...but don't think it's going to happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know what you think of my options. I will decide by 12/7/2011...and let you know. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile...</div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run...again. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-24188038643851722642011-09-26T15:11:00.000-07:002011-09-30T05:20:32.792-07:00CRANKING IT<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2TYwZQ_LWY/ToD6Wi0h5RI/AAAAAAAABZE/Ch_WGxzQK4Q/s1600/poverty%2Broad.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2TYwZQ_LWY/ToD6Wi0h5RI/AAAAAAAABZE/Ch_WGxzQK4Q/s320/poverty%2Broad.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656796397188539666" /></a><br />My heart pounded like crazy for hours last Sunday night, as I squirmed atop my Sacramento Hosteling International bunk bed. I was, admittedly, in some "discomfort." I'll not call it pain, as whatever it was that hurt, after my 75 mile, 6 hour bike adventure across the Sacramento River Delta, was tempered with the realization that, on the downhill, freewheeling side of the slope that leads to 60 years old, I can still do this sh*T. And, perhaps even more importantly, for me...I still want to.<div><br /></div><div>Want to see what it was like? The video's <a href="http://youtu.be/MuLUSrg2YRI">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-26761356375212360012011-08-15T09:29:00.000-07:002011-08-15T10:10:07.141-07:00CONSIDERING<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qH0iW_qERBA/TklRU0feFqI/AAAAAAAABXY/1Kj1XUVnw3g/s1600/thinking-cartoon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qH0iW_qERBA/TklRU0feFqI/AAAAAAAABXY/1Kj1XUVnw3g/s320/thinking-cartoon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641129426388129442" /></a>
<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" >There are now, as always, changes in the works.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Until very recently there had been some commitments made that I truly thought were set in stone. However, I am learning with age, that this life thing is a fluid situation. I am, fortunately, not one who frets about making adjustments. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Firstly, my 60th birthday trip next year to ride from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in England may have to be scaled back. I am making contingency plans now. The original plan was to take a month to do the 900-plus mile journey, completing the trip I started years ago, only to be derailed four days in by carpal tunnel syndrome. In the current financial climate, which, thankfully is only partly cloudy at this time, I am not sure I can put away enough cash to cover both the trip expense and the cost of keeping the home fires burning while away. So, I am looking at two week bike trip options...including the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donauradweg">Danube River Trail</a>, from southern Germany to Vienna, which would take four to five days, followed by three days in England for the <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com/">BBC Good Food Show</a> in June. Got to get into and out of England before the Olympics start! At this point, this is only a backup plan. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I have paid my money to run the brand new <a href="http://www.norcalmarathon.com/">NorCal Half Marathon</a> in San Jose, California next month....but I am considering pulling the plug on that idea. I have not trained at all, and have no desire to start now. I have, of late, fallen in love with long-distance bike rides. Good thing, right, considering my plans for 2012? I will miss hooking back up with a number or friends who are going to do the race...but the passion's just not there...try as I may to drum some up. This too, is only a consideration right now. Who knows, I might just feel inspired on race day morning. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Also, I have been writing this blog for years. There was a while that I was fairly prolific, back when I was running a lot, and had lots to share about marathoning and travelling. But I'm not doing either right now, and feel I have little of worth to write about these days. A number of subscribers have unsubscribed lately, which could just serve to prove my point. So, this too may end. Besides, I have a book to write, and my time to sit at the computer is limited. Perhaps it would be better spent on the bigger project. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >No decisions have been made...and...in keeping with my last post, I am in no position to make any big pronouncements. Taking it all day by day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Cheers. </span></div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-57420792254899292042011-07-25T08:42:00.000-07:002011-07-25T09:23:41.180-07:00PROCLAMATIONS PROCLAMATION<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQg5PtRgGZA/Ti2YKHzI51I/AAAAAAAABVA/gWESH1KRiUg/s1600/crier.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQg5PtRgGZA/Ti2YKHzI51I/AAAAAAAABVA/gWESH1KRiUg/s320/crier.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633326008570013522" /></a><br />No more. <div><br /></div><div>I have made plenty of proclamations over the past year and a half...and have seen few of them through. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've talked about running more, not running at all, running a little, signing up for races, not signing up for races, drinking less wine, drinking no wine, eating less butter and cheese, losing weight, taking things more seriously, using my time better, trying to find more time to waste, blah, blah, blah. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since completing my 12 in 12 challenge in December 2009, and losing my job the following March, it's been a struggle to find lasting focus, on anything other than sheer survival. My many proclamations were my attempts to find that definition. Trouble is, life does not often operate within one's own boundaries. </div><div><br /></div><div>The process of constantly moving the goal posts and then not scoring has been tiring. I have decided to make just one more grand proclamation...and that is to not make any more of them...and discover what it's like to not put myself under that pressure. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to run...whenever. Maybe slowly. Maybe I'll try to get faster. Haven't decided. I may sign up for half marathons or even another 26.2 miler...and then may not show up. All depends.</div><div><br /></div><div>My UK bike ride is still on for my 6Oth birthday celebration. The last time I tried it, I spent two years planning every day's mileage, lodging, and even the food I was going to eat on particular days. But I'm now going to leave next year's adventure mostly unbooked. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a book to write. I have beaten myself up for not being further along with it. Just heard an interview with a well-known author who said it takes him 4-6 YEARS to write a book. I'm wondering about how that would be. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll let you know. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run, gotta ride...or do I? </div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-39991742403507052512011-07-02T15:47:00.000-07:002011-07-02T16:21:36.850-07:00WORKING IT<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEK8JIHAOGo/Tg-n6fC1B1I/AAAAAAAABTU/BtSJ2K3htkQ/s1600/BeforeWorkAfterWork.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEK8JIHAOGo/Tg-n6fC1B1I/AAAAAAAABTU/BtSJ2K3htkQ/s320/BeforeWorkAfterWork.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624899082816653138" /></a><br />No sooner had I committed to my next distance run, the NorCal Half Marathon in San Jose in September, than my work life got in the way of training for same. But I'm still in. <div><br /></div><div>Seriously. What happened was this. For the past six weeks it's been my pleasure to have had almost-full time work at the radio station. Summer is a good time to work at a big radio station for practically everyone involved. If you're a full time staff sort of person, chances are you're entitled to some delicious vacation time...and this is the best time to take it. If you're a fill-in, per diem dude or gal, this is the time you gets lots-o-work...filling in for the lucky sods who have taken off. This has been my lot. The paychecks have been on the handsome side. The hours have been hellish. </div><div><br /></div><div>I consider myself fairly healthy, and, when I'm able, I'm pretty active for being on the very short side of the big "60". But..getting up at 2am and needing to be productive, let alone coherent, just one hour later...is asking a lot. I've done it, and even enjoyed it. But, upon getting home, there's been no gas left in the tank. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have done NO training whatsoever. The really cool thing is, I realized today, I'm in good enough shape that it doesn't matter right now. After all...the race is only 13.1 miles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Time was, like when I was training for my first marathon, 1 mile seemed like a ridiculous distance to travel on foot, all at one go, on purpose. Now, I can say to myself, "Well, it's only a half"...and mean it. I've got a few more early days coming up at the old grindstone..and maybe even another full week of it late in the month, but it would appear things will calm down soon...and I'll be working more training-friendly hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also thinking about giving up my gym membership..at least until the winter. Although I will miss the 24-hour access to a jacuzzi, not having the gym option may force me to run more...like outside...in the California sun. I am itching for it...and some long bike rides.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have also discovered most of my running t-shirts are from races in 2009 and earlier. I am in serious need of some new, free threads. Not counting, of course, the insane entrance fees. </div><div><br /></div><div>See you out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run!</div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-87606199167024240122011-06-12T18:26:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:27:31.557-07:00BIKE RIDE VIDEOMy <a href="http://youtu.be/0Lv61foyf0g">82 mile ride</a> to Santa Cruz....Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-54667594027321899312011-06-09T09:22:00.000-07:002011-06-09T14:09:30.561-07:00PEANUT BUTTER BURGER<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOHtO-SvkMU/TfD00abD_XI/AAAAAAAABSs/bY8UkFqoQUc/s1600/IMG_0905-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616257916614212978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOHtO-SvkMU/TfD00abD_XI/AAAAAAAABSs/bY8UkFqoQUc/s320/IMG_0905-1.jpg" /></a>There she is...all dressed up with somewhere to go. Namely, Santa Cruz. I needed an inspiration break, so I packed the panniers and headed out on Sunday morning, with thoughts of lighthouse hostels, quiet moments, artichoke garlic bread, new people, stunning vistas, grueling uphills, insane downhills, and celebratory brews at the end. I got everything I wanted.<br /><br /><br /><div>The <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90481791">adventure</a> began with a bus ride to Pacifica with my fully loaded bike. I had reservations at the <a href="http://norcalhostels.org/montara/">Montara Lighthouse Hostel </a>which turned out to be just six miles from where the bus dropped me off. I'm thinking, not too daunting for the first day. However, the first two miles were straight up to the top of Devil's Slide, on Highway 1. There's no place but in the road to ride here, and it was packed with weekend beach goers, and more than enough of those macho guys in big trucks with wide tires who get a kick out of nearly running cyclists into the hillside. They didn't get their way with me, though! Once at the top it was all about the three miles down, and I do mean down. I could have easily hit 50 miles an hour had I left my brakes untouched. But I grabbed 'em, topping out at only about 30. Fast enough for fully loaded. Cruised into Montara with two hours to kill until the hostel opened so I continued on to Pillar Point, where I took pictures. Wanted a beer at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, but there were no open patio seats. Headed back to Montara, for what turned out to be a mediocre plate of fish and chips. I then checked into the hostel. A little slice of heaven. Mileage total for the day, just 16.</div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuYbNUStz0o/TfD0rKDF5-I/AAAAAAAABSk/7NwJDsgGRNM/s1600/PICT0020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616257757599885282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuYbNUStz0o/TfD0rKDF5-I/AAAAAAAABSk/7NwJDsgGRNM/s320/PICT0020.jpg" /></a>It is still a functioning lighthouse, and the hostel part is where the keeper used to live. If you've never done the hostel thing, I will highly recommend it. Most have just about everything you'd want, except privacy. But, that's the draw for many. This is a view from the self-catering kitchen. Nothing to sneeze at there. </div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3ecwO-z0q8/TfD0j5-aAOI/AAAAAAAABSc/isK8rg0yBzM/s1600/PICT0026.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616257633026179298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3ecwO-z0q8/TfD0j5-aAOI/AAAAAAAABSc/isK8rg0yBzM/s320/PICT0026.jpg" /></a>The picture above was taken in the morning. The one below was taken at the other end of the day, as the sun sunk below the horizon. The quiet was stunning. </div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuoiYY_5Y2U/TfD0c2ibD8I/AAAAAAAABSU/KniDquEXyFI/s1600/PICT0034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616257511844417474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuoiYY_5Y2U/TfD0c2ibD8I/AAAAAAAABSU/KniDquEXyFI/s320/PICT0034.jpg" /></a>The next morning was about coffee, and an early start in search of breakfast. I made two new friends here. One was heading north, the other was going the same way as me, with the <a href="http://norcalhostels.org/pigeon/">Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel</a> next, some 30 miles away. We didn't ride together, though, preferring to go solo. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I stopped in Half Moon Bay, for another cup of coffee, and a cherry danish. Could not have been better. Then it was <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90731233">back to Highway </a>1, but with a short stopover in the parking lot of a British pub called <a href="http://www.cameronsinn.com/">Cameron's</a>. This place is packed with just the kind of stuff I love to take pictures of.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>A London black cab...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqh6ApjonPE/TfD0S5qJDGI/AAAAAAAABSM/cVbwv2vTXFE/s1600/PICT0036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616257340883405922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqh6ApjonPE/TfD0S5qJDGI/AAAAAAAABSM/cVbwv2vTXFE/s320/PICT0036.jpg" /></a>...and a couple of old double decker buses...</div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O91egW0sZV8/TfD0KsGWsVI/AAAAAAAABSE/BafqwYbk16Q/s1600/PICT0041.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616257199804690770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O91egW0sZV8/TfD0KsGWsVI/AAAAAAAABSE/BafqwYbk16Q/s320/PICT0041.jpg" /></a>From here on out it was all about the ride...and <a href="http://www.normsmarket.com/store/">artichoke garlic bread</a>. No, really. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse's address is Pescadero...but it's actually about four or five miles outside of the little coastal town. There's not much to see or do in Pescadero, however, cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers alike all make the trek here anyway...for the aforementioned bread. It's freshly baked all day long and is packed with quartered artichoke hearts and garlic. If you time it just right you can grab a loaf straight out of the oven, take it to the picnic area round back, and just shove it into your mouth! Unreal...but real. When I arrived my new friend from the night before was already there, stuffed..and happy. After I had mine, I bought all the fixin's for a big pasta meal at Pigeon Point, and headed out.<br /></div><br /><div>Arrived at the hostel about an hour before check in time, but did not add more miles today. Thirty-four miles down the stunning California coast seemed like just enough.<br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzxLnFbBJn0/TfDz9DLc8VI/AAAAAAAABR8/9dXElmOn2j4/s1600/PICT0043.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616256965481918802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzxLnFbBJn0/TfDz9DLc8VI/AAAAAAAABR8/9dXElmOn2j4/s320/PICT0043.jpg" /></a>This hostel even has an ocean-front hot tub, which I took advantage of, after a bang-up meal of spaghetti and more bread. The next day's ride would be about the same as this day's, a little more than 30, with more than enough challenging climbs and declines for relief. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90994392"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616256777569752210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5k_88b0Io8/TfDzyHJs1JI/AAAAAAAABR0/MKVjXTNgYNU/s320/PICT0045.jpg" />Said goodbye to Pigeon Point </a>at about 8am, after finally getting a decent cup of coffee, but nothing to eat. I was looking for breakfast somewhere, but not really wanting to stop for a sit-down meal. Chose a basket of organic strawberries instead, at a roadside produce stand, as the clouds burned away and bright blue skies opened up. With only 11 miles to go, I was looking forward to the ride being over, but sad that it was over so soon. I hadn't done any sort of touring since my last trip to England to ride the End to End...that ended with me throwing in the towel because both hands went numb. This ride reminded me that I actually love doing this...and I'm so looking forward now to next year's return to finish the E2E...and training for it between now and then. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One of the bonuses from this sort of activity is the refreshing payoffs that are available. I finally got my beer, after three days of riding. Actually had a couple of IPA's at the <a href="http://www.surfridercafe.net/">Surfrider</a> in Santa Cruz, while waiting for my Amtrak connection to home. </div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhIjXBlsvOA/TfDzoAOSdYI/AAAAAAAABRs/-NbiyB57v5k/s1600/ipa.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616256603911255426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhIjXBlsvOA/TfDzoAOSdYI/AAAAAAAABRs/-NbiyB57v5k/s320/ipa.jpg" /></a>But that's not all. I really did have a Skippy burger. It's a burger with Monterey Jack, bacon AND peanut butter. And it is good!! Really.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Gotta ride!</div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-90670984000505976802011-05-31T07:09:00.001-07:002011-05-31T08:11:06.275-07:00HERE'S THE DEAL<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyiJVpfHm-c/TeT2wtOYbdI/AAAAAAAABRg/bxmhpTo0HiI/s1600/monty.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyiJVpfHm-c/TeT2wtOYbdI/AAAAAAAABRg/bxmhpTo0HiI/s320/monty.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612882352244551122" /></a>In a recent <a href="http://12months12races.blogspot.com/2011/05/eating-my-hat.html">previous post</a> I conceded that, after more than a year of unsuccessful searching, I found a bit of my running mojo during the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco earlier this month. Despite the attempts by the race organizers to wring all the fun out of the often-bawdy event, those who took part refused to give in, and partied from sunny start to rainy finish. <div><br /></div><div>Since then I have been looking for some half marathons and even a full mary to sign up for. I do best when I have goal to shoot for that's been paid for..but, holy moley, people, who can afford this stuff anymore? </div><div><br /></div><div>As you may know, I am planning a big bike trip in the UK next year to celebrate 60 years on the planet (at least in my current incarnation?!). That journey is going to take about a month, during which I will not be working. I don't get vacation time. So, you do the math. I have to sock away over a month's worth of regular living expenses to keep the home fires stoked and burning AND another month's worth of trip funds (beer? fish and chips? hostel beds?). In other words, I have very little discretionary cash now, and don't anticipate that changing anytime soon. Unlike Washington, I can not just raise my debt ceiling and keep spending. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, imagine my surprise, when tooling around on the web thing, I discovered many footrace organizers are, IMHO, being a bit goofy in what they think their events are worth. Up front I will admit, no one's being forced to enter these races...but I just wonder if they'd raise more money for their causes if they lowered the fees to "affordable" so more folks could sign up?</div><div><br /></div><div>Some examples. My first thought was the <a href="http://www.thesantarosamarathon.com/home">Santa Rosa Half Marathon</a>. It's close by, and I love the city. I have friends there who have already agreed to pay for post-race brews. But...it's $75-90...for a half, depending on when one enters. You think that's bad? The <a href="http://www.thesfmarathon.com/">San Francisco Half</a>, which is even closer to my house, is $105!!! The full 26 is $150! But wait! December's <a href="http://www.honolulumarathon.org/">Honolulu Marathon</a>...$155 to 260!!!!!!!! And that does NOT include a hotel room! Or even an umbrella drink or two. WTF? I could use that $260 to pay for about a week's lodging during my cycling adventure...or a week's worth of post-ride <a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/">English ales</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div>I had all but given up finding a race I could commit to...until yesterday morning when I was greeted by an email message from the kind folks at <a href="http://partners.livingsocial.com">Living Social</a>. Ha! Half price entry into the new <a href="http://www.norcalmarathon.com/">Nor Cal Half Marathon and Marathon</a> in September in San Jose. $30 for the half, $40 for the full. Now we're talking. I did not hesitate. I bought. Now, I'm in. Looking forward to the race...and not feeling ripped off. </div><div><br /></div><div>In an effort to pay forward my good fortune I told some running buddies about the deal...and some of them have signed up, as well. I guess that's the social part of Living Social. </div><div><br /></div><div>The goal now is to drop ten pounds before race day. Race day weight goal...178. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run! </div><div><br /></div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-72633323039095842402011-05-25T16:04:00.000-07:002011-05-25T17:04:43.933-07:00WICKED SICK RIDE<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iY3w77q5jfE/Td2X5h5OPxI/AAAAAAAABQo/NgQgFqSM0l4/s1600/The%2BThinker%252C%2BHonor%2Band%2BCountry%252C%2B1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iY3w77q5jfE/Td2X5h5OPxI/AAAAAAAABQo/NgQgFqSM0l4/s320/The%2BThinker%252C%2BHonor%2Band%2BCountry%252C%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610807725380222738" /></a><div>Today's bike ride was inspired by President Obama. (Not him above!) </div><div><br /></div><div>I got up in time to watch <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/25/president-barack-obama-westminster-hall">The Man address the British Parliament in Westminster Hall</a>, his appearance there an historic event in and of itself. And...he nailed it. How anyone can find anything wrong with this guy at times like these I just do not know! </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, in that speech he mentioned the <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/entertainment&id=8121764">Magna Carta</a>, reminding me that it's currently on display at the <a href="http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/">California Palace of the Legion of Honor</a> in San Francisco's Lincoln Park. Despite predictions of rain, I put one and one together, pulled out my dusty Burley rain gear, and set off on my bike, thoroughly expecting a quick ten-miler, then home. (To think I put my rain suit up on eBay when I lost my job last year. Thanks to all you bidders who thought my reserve was just too high.)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88029310">The ride</a> there was wet, although nothing like the rain I expect to battle through during next year's E2E ride in the UK, for which I am in training. What I had forgotten, from the handful of times I've been to this museum before, was the nasty-ass hill it crowns. It was just one of number of climbs I had to do, into the wind and rain. I will admit...they were all fun...once I topped them. Fond memories of climbing Hartside Hill and Black Hill in England in 2000, when I rode the Sea to Sea. Not so fond remembrances of 20 mile, 10 hour days on the bike in 2003, the last time I tried the End to End!</div><div><br /></div><div>Checking out the precious document was amazing. It's the second time I've seen it. The first time was for free in the <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/">British Museum</a> in London, where I also saw lyrics handwritten by Beatles Lennon and McCartney, music scores from Classical masters...and so much, much more. I've seen some cool shit in my time, including <a href="http://www.vikkicarr.net/">Vikki Carr</a> AND <a href="http://www.tomjones.com/news/">Tom Jones</a>. (hehe) Today I saw more coolness...just by going on a bike ride. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not only did I see the document without which the US Constitution might have been very different, but I saw artworks by El Greco, Rodin (Thinker, pictured above), Cezanne, Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh and Renoir...all right here atop a bitch of a hill, for just $10. I spent two hours in the museum...just enough time to completely dry off, before heading back out into the rain. I did, however, take a few moments to give in to a stunning female visitor to our shores from Brazil who asked me to take a picture of her in front of a wall-sized oil painting. I only said "yes"...in the interest of global harmony. You see. Obama got to me, talking all flowery, and democracy-like. Come to think of it, my friend Joe recently told me it's important to have a beautiful Brazilian as a friend....you never know when you'll find yourself alone...in <a href="http://www.riodejaneiro.com/">Rio</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I left the museum just as the skies opened up again...but hit the road, regardless. My goal was 7th and Folsom streets where, according to its Twitter feed, a certain beef-centric food truck was supposed to be serving up hot meaty goodness from noon to 3pm. Got there at 1:30. No truck. Oh, well. I settled for a slice of pizza, and then headed for home, chalking up a brilliant 20 miler. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Mr. President. </div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta ride. Gotta run. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-58545141853665181612011-05-15T15:29:00.000-07:002011-05-15T16:51:04.864-07:00EATING MY HAT<span class="Apple-style-span">Alright. I'll admit it. When I woke up this morning at 4, I was hoping to hear the sound of pounding rain outside my window. I was not jazzed about running another <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/85876351">Bay to Breakers</a>. I have not been jazzed about running much of anything for a while. Had the weather "experts" been right about what to expect this morning, I would have gotten my wish, and stayed home and watched the B2B on TV. They called for rain, strong winds, possible thundershowers and...can you believe this...HAIL! It rained before the race...and drizzled a teensy bit while I was running through Golden Gate Park...but that was IT!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Got into the City at about 6:30 for a 7am start. Found a sweet parking spot...and headed for Corral C, where I was hoping to meet up with at least three running pals. Turned out one had bagged on the whole thing and two others were late. I started alone...unless you count the thousands of others I did not know.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_ueHXyfDig/TdBUw1NfDfI/AAAAAAAABQc/iVEsFJ3mmgk/s1600/start.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_ueHXyfDig/TdBUw1NfDfI/AAAAAAAABQc/iVEsFJ3mmgk/s320/start.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607074733970361842" /></a>This year's race has new sponsors, who, by the way, did stellar work, I must say. I was worried the new rules limiting the participants to JUST 55-thousand, banning booze, floats, and nudity would just take the magic out of it. Didn't happen. I will say I saw only one person flagrantly imbibing, tossing back some Jim Beam. She was handling it pretty well, for 7:15am. I did miss Cal's Tiki Bar, but all-in-all, I think the booze ban achieved its goal. The spirit was goofy, and fun, not out-of-control stoopid! There were many pleasant references, however, to the excess of years-past. </div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SRPix7HHVI/TdBUtP2g2zI/AAAAAAAABQU/rihEFRkr_6c/s1600/beer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SRPix7HHVI/TdBUtP2g2zI/AAAAAAAABQU/rihEFRkr_6c/s320/beer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607074672402291506" /></a>The course was alive with all manner of delight. These folks were powered by Tiger Blood, apparently. I passed them, Tiger Blood-less, regardless. At this point we're still in Mile 1, running west on Howard Street, heading for the hard right turn at the Chevron station on 9th. The best part of this mile for me was coming up on my good pal, Paul, and his young son, Connor. We did a quick catch-up...and then I headed off, hoping to reconnect at the end. Didn't happen. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl5dFTgcGA8/TdBUiAh2SjI/AAAAAAAABQM/qt9ShFrOEcM/s1600/sheen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl5dFTgcGA8/TdBUiAh2SjI/AAAAAAAABQM/qt9ShFrOEcM/s320/sheen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607074479310522930" /></a>We stay on 9th for about a quarter-mile, turn left on Hayes, travel through the good eats paradise that is Hayes Valley...and onwards to the infamous Hayes Hill. This is the only hill on the course, but it is a doozy. There's no point trying to run up it, unless you're one of the elites, who, by this time in the race, were about to win the big money about four miles west of us. The cyclone fencing I'd heard was going to be erected here, to keep runners from peeing on residents' doorsteps, was not. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZNw-0jVfpg/TdBUaYFVEjI/AAAAAAAABQE/Oq-2BT8BeqM/s1600/hayestop.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZNw-0jVfpg/TdBUaYFVEjI/AAAAAAAABQE/Oq-2BT8BeqM/s320/hayestop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607074348194402866" /></a>Once over the Hayes Hill, it really is all flat or downhill the rest of the way. We cruised through the Panhandle, where we were were serenaded by Surivor's "Eye of the Tiger" and some disco delights, before we entered the magic kingdom that is Golden Gate Park. I love this place. And you never know who you'll run into. </div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azaVCVMpQAo/TdBUUZ5XeUI/AAAAAAAABP8/3vWZUBRnQzk/s1600/obama.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azaVCVMpQAo/TdBUUZ5XeUI/AAAAAAAABP8/3vWZUBRnQzk/s320/obama.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607074245601884482" /></a>Or, what! Seriously. Those are bison. In the city park. If you're from here, you don't care. If you're not...it's pretty cool, right? This is literally...where the buffalo roam. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-betQ2VkYz7E/TdBUPv3y4RI/AAAAAAAABP0/zh59gXkQEss/s1600/bison.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-betQ2VkYz7E/TdBUPv3y4RI/AAAAAAAABP0/zh59gXkQEss/s320/bison.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607074165601526034" /></a>After the bison, it's pretty much a tumble down to the Queen Wilhemina windmill, and the hard left on the Great Highway at Ocean Beach...and about a quarter mile to the Finish. </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-wgZKt0V8M/TdBUJToQRNI/AAAAAAAABPs/A3IGwr_pnWc/s1600/finish.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-wgZKt0V8M/TdBUJToQRNI/AAAAAAAABPs/A3IGwr_pnWc/s320/finish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607074054940935378" /></a>I posted a 1:29, according to my Garmin 305. It's not my fasted B2B, but not my slowest, either. I would have loved to have come in at 1:15 or 1:18...but I haven't been running for a while, so I'll take what I get, with bells on. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're wondering why this post is entitled as it is...it's because I really thought, I had lost my love of running. Turns out, I may not have. I learned over the past couple of days, through the excitement of those I know about this event, that the magic of running, for me, has always been about the people I've met, run with, shared wine with, shared beers with, shared burgers with, shared potato-encrusted shark steaks with, shared amazing barbeque with, shared free pasta with, shared amazing paid-for pasta with, shared English Mars bars with, shared cheddar goldfish with, shared hotel rooms with, shared early morning shuttle bus rides with, shared dreams and aspirations with...shared life. I'm eating my hat, because I was wrong about not missing all that. </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lynJz6OGvi0/TdBUCywORQI/AAAAAAAABPk/QyQwWj9hgqw/s1600/purple.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lynJz6OGvi0/TdBUCywORQI/AAAAAAAABPk/QyQwWj9hgqw/s320/purple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607073943036773634" /></a>By the way. If you're wondering about the whole nudity thing during this year's B2B. It has NOT gone away. If you want to see a picture of the 50-60 year old dudes who thought we wanted to see their junk, check out the post before this one. I have a shot of the same guys from this year's race. They have nothing to add. For those who wonder about the female nudes...there were, by my count, none. That is, unless you count the young lady above. I have it on good authority, there's nothing much under the tutu. I'm just saying. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run, gotta ride! </div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8647981158777587740.post-30700971821618874802011-05-09T15:27:00.001-07:002011-05-09T16:39:50.097-07:00GEARING UP FOR GOOFY (?)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nozODn5pPk4/Tch3YIz39XI/AAAAAAAABPE/XttDdwDdR9o/s1600/bay-to-breakers-race.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604860992828208498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nozODn5pPk4/Tch3YIz39XI/AAAAAAAABPE/XttDdwDdR9o/s320/bay-to-breakers-race.jpg" /></a>This is the week of <a href="http://zazzlebaytobreakers.com/">Bay to Breakers</a>, San Francisco's running street party that will reportedly be less of a party this year than in year's past, even though it's the 100th anniversary event.<br /><br /><br /><div>The race organizers have decided <a href="http://zazzlebaytobreakers.com/index.php?page=what-s-new-for-2011">this is the year they're pulling the plug</a> on the centipede Tiki huts, human beer bongs, naked folks...and just about everything else for which this "race" is famous. I have it on good authority that fencing will be up in some neighborhoods to keep the residents sitting on their doorsteps from actually touching the runners. Truth is, the barriers will be to keep runners from peeing on said residents' doorsteps. I am not sure if actual fun will be permitted. (They'd better not ban the tortilla toss in the start area!) We'll know this time next week what came down...or didn't.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I got wind of most of the changes months and months ago. I decided then I would not take part, having run it so many times I don't recall how many times I've run it. Been there, blah, blah, blah. BUT, then I heard from a friend on the American Right Coast that she's coming to the Left Coast to tackle the 12K...so I just have to go along. Word is she's buying all the beer at the end. This might well be the first she's heard of it, but, that's life.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Yesterday, as a public service to <a href="http://www.runtonamaste.com/">Ms. Fool</a> (she calls herself that....really!), I got on my bike and decided to <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/84529672">ride the Bay to Breakers route</a> , the first 7 miles of the route on that link, and videotape it for her. Not sure she really wants to see Hayes Hill before she gets there, but...whatever. Never mind. Turns out I needed to listen to the voices inside my head before I set off telling me to put fresh batteries in the camera. I flunked Field Video Operations 101. Took a few still photos at the beginning...checked them...they were fine. Then assumed my Minolta had enough juice to video. Oh, well.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Here's what she would have seen...had I powered up.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Howard and Spear streets...the traditional start zone. There is a Starbucks here...but I doubt we'll be able to get close on Sunday. A straight shot up Howard, to 9th Street, right at the Chevron station, up 9th to Hayes, turn left here. Relax while taking in the Hayes Valley area, known for having more than its fair share of good eats. Once you clear the trees that line both sides of about 4 blocks, it's the way-hyped Hayes Hill. Okay, it's steep. But it ain't no thang...serious. And...there are so many people, it's not like you could sprint it if you wanted to. One catches one's breath and puts one's heart back in one's chest at the top...which is Alamo Square Park. Look behind you for a stunning shot of the City skyline. (Look at those cute Victorians, all in a row. That would make a cool post card. Really!) Next, we tumble down the downside of Hayes to Divisadero, turn left for a block, then turn right onto Fell. We're basically at the east end of The Panhandle, a little finger-like thing on the edge of Golden Gate Park. This is pretty much Mile 4...and the end of any climbing at all. The next three miles are a stroll in the park. It's bigger than NYC's Central Park, is all man-made, and features bison..and Dutch windmills. When you see the windmill on your right, prepare to turn left on the Great Highway. If you don't turn here, you might end up in Hawaii. That's pretty much it.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>On the way home, I ran across the high point of the day. Once again in the middle of the park, I happened upon a group giving free Lindy lessons. <a href="http://youtu.be/Gu-anafk4YU">One participant caught my eye</a>...and I could not not TRY to catch him on video. Put new batteries in and shot a couple minutes...only to discover some setting or other on the camera was off. The picture quality's horrid...but his spirit makes up. I am jealous of his joy. He's got it going on. I only hope there's a healthy dose of that sort of stuff during next Sunday's B2B.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Gotta run...ride?? </div>Michael Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958873310928434994noreply@blogger.com4