Final Day Fireworks

Just a few footnotes on this year that has 35 minutes left.

Forgotten in the Year in Review was today's great 8-mile trail run (race) with the LV Track Club. It was a rutty course, but I'm used to that, into some desolate areas in Far East Henderson that I had never been too. The scenery was beautiful but it seemed like we were going uphill both ways. I was 39 min at 4 and 1:16 at the finish. 2nd in my age group. That's my usual finish. I'll take it.

Now I gotta get back to the coverage of Nina & Kerstin and see what's going on with the rest of this year and next. What's time anyway?

One moment 10,000 years

10,000 years, one moment.

 

 

Year in Review

Well somehow I survived another year. It wasn't too bad.

Here are some of the highlights:

Best Vacation: Montana Lewis & Clark trip with Dad in June.

Best Run: Las Vegas Marathon Dec. 4th.

Best Yoga: Under the Stars at Red Rock with a million stars and Venus overhead.

Well that's it for 2005 and on Jan. 1 there's a guest journal writer.

Happy New Year

 

 

Head Start

OK, how many people can run 12 miles, plan an Alaska trip and stand on their head in the same day? A rather unique combination all in a day's fun and games. On my usual Thursday off, I got on the phone with Amy in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and started talking about the 2006 Alaska Adventure with Capts. Lewis (Ham V) and Clark (Ham IV) and Sacagawea (Amy).

After a strenuous morning of laundry, surfing the net, playing with cats and watching TV it was time for a 2-hr run. Staring at 3:15 pm I finished just as it was getting dark and was able to enjoy some of the Christmas lights in the neighborhood.

Cypresse's 6:30pm Dynamic Flow yoga class was small (seven students) but efficient with personal instruction. Cypresse helped me do a head stand. It was quite amazing. I didn't think I would ever do that!

Today's photo comes from complete set recently purchased from LV Marathon. Look for package  in your mailbox soon.

 

Death by Chocolate

Why is it I can go four months without drinking, have the discipline to run and train for a marathon, yet I still can't say no to the temptation of chocolate? Due to the Holiday Season there are tons of cookies and chocolate candies in the break room at the Hilton. This is not good for a diabetic. The first time I can usually walk by. But then I'll have a cookie. Just one. And then a piece of candy or two. By the end of the shift the tally is deep into double figures. Why do my co-workers and customers torment and torture me so? This is like putting out hundreds of little airline miniature bottles of booze for an alcoholic. Needless to say the blood sugar numbers haven't been right since Halloween. It's been one long sugar holiday all fall. I just gotta say no. I've got to be strong like Crazy Horse and fight for what's right not like his lazy fellow Lakota's who became dependent on the white man's goods. But that's another story.

All I can do is eat right and run. Today I got in a 6-plus mile jaunt. It was a warm 68 degrees but the wind gusts were from 30-50 mph. It was like running into a hurricane on the way out and like a sailboat with wind coming back.

  

Christmas at Fort Clatsop

Captain Clark:
December 25, 1805 Fort Clatsop

At daylight this morning, we were awakened by the discharge of the firearms of all our party and a salute, shouts, and a song which the whole party joined in under our windows, after which they retired to their rooms. Were cheerful all the morning. After breakfast we divided our tobacco, which amounted to 12 carrots, one half of which we gave to the men of the party who used tobacco, and to those who do not use it we made a present of a handkerchief. The Indians left us in the evening. All the party snugly fixed in their huts. I received a present of Captain Lewis of a fleece hosiery shirt, drawers and socks, a pair of moccasins of Whitehouse, a small Indian basket of Goodrich, two dozen white weasels' tails of the Indian woman, and some black root of the Indians before their departure. Drouilliard informs me that he saw a snake pass across the path today. The day proved showery, wet, and disagreeable.

We would have spent this day, the nativity of Christ, in feasting, had we had anything either to raise our spirits or even gratify our appetites. Our dinner consisted of poor elk, so much spoiled that we ate it through mere necessity, some spoiled pounded fish, and a few roots.

Christmas Eve Day Race

Up before 6am, it was a balmy day here for the LV Track Club's 5-mile race along the Pittman Wash Trail. I didn't really feel like racing, much less getting out of bed after what turned out to be a 36-mile week. But what the hey. The course started downhill for the 1st 1.75 miles, uphill for 3.75 miles and back downhill the last half mile. I was a respectable 42:16. But when I looked for my results my name wasn't among the male 45-49 yr olds. I had been mistakenly been placed among the women of my age. But that wasn't the worst part. I still only placed third. After the correction I was still 3rd among the men.

Today's other highlight was an email from runner, yoga teacher, weekend anchor, weekday reporter Kerstin Lindquist at Ch. 3 news. She replied:

"You too Ham!!! Have a Very Merry Christmas and don't work out too much! Even Santa takes a break some times! Oh, I taught the other day at YS, It was a nice homecoming, even one of the teachers spoke to me about you!
Be well in the New Year!
Kerstin"

  

Back to Red Rock

Today's journal entry was written before the events actually happened but here's what occured if the events went down as planned:

We Proceeded on to Red Rock Canyon to finally complete the 6-mile loop from Willow Springs, to La Madre Springs, around the Keystone Thrust and back along White Rock to Willow Springs. Circling a big mountain in the process.

Thich Nhat Hanh says it best:

"People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child--our own two eyes. All is a miracle."

-- Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness,"

Later, hopefully, I took in Kim's Friday night yoga class with live music.

 

South Bound

If my loyal readers (up to 3 at last count) think entries have been sparse lately, I'm a regular writing machine compared to Meriwether Lewis in 1805. My favorite manic-depressive captain went from Nov. 29-Jan. 1 without a journal entry. They were busy building their winter home at Fort Clatsop. It was worth waiting for the Jan 1 entry. A classic.

Meanwhile, back in 2005, to honor the opening of the new South Coast Casino tonight, I proceeded on to run from home to the new casino. The 12-mile round trip took me by some horse farms and along Haven St., where my 5-yr-old fat cat was adopted and named. Except for some stomach discomfort brought on by a 32-oz Soy Latte, the run went well. The icing on the run were the 20 Marlboro packs I found along the way. That's a record for running but far short of the inconceivable 52 packs found on a Thanksgiving Day bike ride a few years ago.

Listened to the Sabres 10-game winning streak end tonight. You can't win them all.

Now I'm reading The Journey of Crazy Horse, a biography of the great Lakota  warrior from the Indians point of view. He missed Lewis & Clark by about 40 years.

  

Cash Winner

On a cold morning (How cold? 29 degrees), I set out for the Run with Santa 5k. It was at least 10 degrees colder than marathon morning. When the siren went off this turtle started slow. But by MM1 I was at 8:15. The next mile was faster. I was 16:20 at MM2. Then I got faster to finish in 24:39, a 7:56 average mile. Not bad. I'll take it especially after giving blood yesterday. The finish put me 61st overall out of a field of 237. That was good enough for 3rd in my age group (45-49) out of 11 in that class.

It would have been enough just to get the nice framed plaque for my 3rd-place finish, but I also won cash in the post-race drawing. Twenty $1 bills. There's only one thing that can be meant for, too bad I have to work the next 5 nights.

Blood sugar still too high. Talked to Doc. I might have to up dosage. But I'm still serching for that natural cure. Between the natural world and modern medicine I ought to be able to control my sugar.

Under a Full Moon

A new trail explored at Red Rock, a full moon rising over (ironically) Sunrise Mountain as I drove home and Dynamic Flow yoga with Cypresse. Quite a day.

Now that I have a $20 Season Pass to Red Rock I feel obligated to go there as often as I can and check out new trails. Today I went to the furthest end of the park, the Willow Springs Area, and took the La Madre Springs trail. This was a moderate-to-strenuous hike/run/walk behind the big tall west mountains at Red Rock. As it turned out the trail hooked up with the last one I explored a few weeks ago on Thanksgiving Day. On that journey I went around the opposite side of the mountain and would up on the same trail behind. Next time I'll try to connect the two and do a big loop around the mountain. It looks like an easy to rugged 6 miles.

It was awesome driving home from Red Rock watching the full moon rise. And I still had yoga to go. Cypresse's class was great. I was one of 5 in class, 4-1 ratio.

Blood sugar pretty damn good. Fixed an awesome salad tonight.    

Soy Jerky

Driving home from work tonight I discovered another natural food store -- the Sunflower Market. They had everything I was looking for: organic apples and pears, dried apricots, roasted pumpkin seeds, raw almonds, vanilla chai tea and pomegranate juice. But I didn't know soy jerky existed. It tasted pretty good. And the cats went nuts over it. They loved it so much they thought it was real meat.

Still no run today. That's 4 days in a row. The right hip's still a little sore but walkable without a noticable limp. It should be gone in a day or two. The limp, not the leg.

Blood sugar is a little better today. 150 something in the morning but only 86 at night. If only I could middle those numbers I'd be fine.

Try soy jerky. You'll like it! Just ask the cats.

Christmas Flurry

It's always a good feeling to get the Christmas thing done. Wrapped and mailed In a whirlwind of activity I gift-wrapped, cut, taped, boxed, packed (with the Cats in the middle of everything making it very difficult) and mailed gifts to three different states: Florida, New York and Texas.

Running is on hold temporarily. It feels like my hip and right leg don't want to work together. It didn't develop until a week after the marathon. The blood sugar has been cause for concern for the past 10 days. Several readings in the mid to high 200s. Very bad. But I had a 131 Sunday and a 99 Monday. Maybe it's getting back to normal.

Well, here we go again with abstinence. I'm starting a new streak. One week. I made it 4 months before I read the beer-making journal entry. Well, I don't know if I can make it to next September or not, but here goes.

Now I'm sipping some Peppermint tea. It makes it seem like I'm in Alaska on Knik Road with musher Jesse Arnold.  

Back on Track

Only a 2-day weekend this week so I can only do so much. No yoga class with Kim & live music. But I did get in a nice 7.5-mile run along the Pittman Wash in Henderson. This urban trail allows the biker/runner/walker to follow a nature trail with steep ravines, much growth and wildlife unimpeded uphill one way for almost 4 miles returning over the same course on a nice 4-mile descent. This Wash primarily carries stormwater. It is lined with rock and covered with a chain link to prevent or limit erosion. (Located at Green Valley Parkway and Windmill)

The run went well. I'd say I'm pretty much recovered from the Marathon. I'm back to the Abstinence track for the remainder of the 434 Days. No marathons or 20 milers or journal entries where beer was made. So no more beer or wine until Sept. 13, 2006. Well see how the rest of the journey goes.

Besides the bs numbers have not been too hot lately. I gotta do everything I can to get the figures under control which I would say they're not now. We proceeded on...

 

 

Biking the Loop

Seeking a cross-training alternative, I took the bike for a spin on the Mountain View Trail. The entire loop is 30 miles around Boulder City, Henderson and Lake Mead. From Equestrian Park my runs have taken me about 4 miles in one direction and 6m the other way. But I figured with a bike I could see how far the trail went before it turned to dirt. I got a lot further by bike but still I wasn't close to running out of paved trail. My afternoon adventure was curtailed by the setting sun but I still rode about 15 miles.

That gave me just enough time to throw the bike in the pickup, drive home and get ready for Cypresse's Thursday night yoga class. It was a very small class. Only 4 showed up. My partner Nicole from last week was there and we did a little more partner work which went pretty good. Cypresse congratulated me on my marathon success.

All that remained was a quiet organic pasta and salad dinner while I watched the Sabres defeat the not-so-Mighty Ducks 3-2 in OT.

 

 

Post Marathon Mortem

Three days after the marathon and the leg muscles are slowly rejuvenating. Rest, yoga and a massage have brought me back to pre-marathon condition. Monday I took advantage of the day off to get a deep-tissue massage.

Cynthia, the massage therapist, really worked me over good. She said my hamstrings were tighter than banjo strings. Both ankles were swollen. Quads, calves and glutes were all pretty tight. Tuesday, a little home yoga helped and Wednesday I returned to running with a little trail trot.

Through all of this the blood sugar has been like a runaway roller coaster. Several readings in the middle 200s were cause for alarm. But by tonight things have settled down to a more typical 117. Could have been the carb-load, the anxiety, stress, Reisling reaction or any other factor. But I'm just glad that's all behind me. Now to resume this abstinence thing. There's been a few planned and unplanned interruptions but now it's back on course as we proceed on to Sept. 13, 2006. The 200 yr anniversary of L&C ending their 434 day dry spell.

 

Marathon Finish

After almost 5 months of training and buildup, the 2005 Las Vegas Marathon is in the bank. I finished. But like all marathons, it wasn't easy but it was full of pain, joy, humor and excitement.

First the joy: The dawn start at Mandalay Bay with dimming stars and exploding fireworks. I had chills as I crossed the starting line. Then after a cramp dissolved at MM22, thanks to some positive energy from Cypresse and her yoga class, the last 4 miles were as easy as could be under the circumstances. Downhill with a tailwind. And having Dad at the start and along the course was also a big lift. I couldn't break the streak of no family marathon DNF's. Death before Dishonor.

The humor: Dozens of Elvis's, couples married on the run. "Don't do it!", a runner shouted. All kind of wacky outfits. Lot's of reasons to smile.

The excitement: The first 5 miles were right down the Famous Las Vegas Strip with all the glitter. Spectators lined the entire course offering encouragement. With our names on our race bibs, it was easy for the fans to call out our names. Dozens of bands and loud music.

The pain: Besides the cramp that went away, lots of lactic acid. Knees, ankles, feet will all to take a few days to recover. But hopefully my massage Monday will ease the pain.

I was just delighted to finish, get it done and to have Dad here to share in the experience. Now back to serious resting.

 

The Day Before The Marathon

Now it's all over except for the running. Today Dad & I made the final preparations for Sunday's Las Vegas Marathon. We began the day by driving the 26.2-mile course. Beginning at Mandalay Bay the route proceeds north down the Famous Las Vegas Strip. When we got to the Riviera we stopped to take a few pictures with the bronze butts of the Crazy Girls. Some nice Brit chaps were passing by and offered to take our picture. We proceeded on and now we both know how damn long 26.2 miles is.

After a home cooked meal of tomato soup and veggie burgers we headed out to Red Rock Canyon. I took part in a little yoga class to loosen up for the run. Dad passed on the yoga and got in a nice hike.

We headed home for another home cooked meal that couldn't be beat. This pre-race carbo feed featured an all-organic fare of salad with avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, garlic cloves and maybe a few other ingredients.

Many well wishers called to offer moral support from Mom, to Micky, to Susan to just about everyone in the yoga class so that's the most I could hope for on the Day Before the Marathon. Except for the chilly temperatures and the brisk wind it looks like everything is falling into place just fine.

 

 

Dad's Here!

With just 2 days to go until the Marathon things are falling into place. Dad returned to Las Vegas for the 2nd time this year to serve as my support team on race day. After picking him up from his non-stop Southwest Airlines flight from Buffalo at LAS we headed over to the Runners' Expo at Mandalay Bay. There I picked up by bib number and micro chip so I can be electronically timed at the start/finish and various checkpoints along the course. In addition to the free T-shirt I got, I also got a Cool Max Runners' hat ($18) and long-sleeve shirt ($32), three pairs of fast-drying socks ($21),  a pair of shorts ($18) that I'm sure will help me run further and faster but having dad here (priceless).

We went out to one of my favorite restaurants Sweet Tomatoes for dinner then picked up a few things at the Wild Oats Natural Market for my carbo-loading meal. Yes I'm cooking pasta Saturday night. I don't know what's more life-threatening running a marathon or my cooking.

After dinner we watched a little Alaska video on Denali National Park to get ready for our trip next summer and then Dad was in bed by 9 (midnight Buffalo time).

 

Feeling Groovy

Don't know why I feel this good. I'm running 26.2 miles Sunday and I spent most of the day doing housework but I feel great and I'm sober. Must be the multitude of nutritional supplements I'm taking. Who thought coral calcium could get you this high? Or maybe it's the flax seed oil?

Dad's coming Friday so I had to get the place clean. Not spotless like when Mom comes. So I scrubbed, vacuumed, cleaned, dusted, wiped, straightened all while the perplexed cats looked on. My idea of taking a break was going for a little 4-mile run on the nearby railroad tracks trail. How fun and easy that was compared to Sunday's run to hell. Well the first 15-20 miles might be ok but the last 5-10 miles will be pure torture and it's only costing me $100 entry fee plus one of my 28 paid days off from work. Hey this is my 2nd 5-day weekend in 3 weeks. No wonder I feel so good.

But it gets better, tonight at Cypresse's yoga class we did a little partner work that was really great. We sort of climbed on each other's back and I thought I was going to crush this little woman like a bug but the way it was done was very enlightenig for both of us. Then I topped the day off with an excellent live organic salad and lasagna from the Raw Truth Veggie Cafe. Blood sugar has been way under 150 since I took my health nut to the next level. Now if I could just feel this good around MM25. I've got a bottle of fine German Reisling chillin' in case I survive. I know. But this is a rare exception.

  

More Minerals than a Mountain

Do you ever listen to those drug commercials on TV and hear all the side affects? It's enough to make you woozy. I just read "Natural Cures They Don't Want You To Know About" that blows the lid off the prescription drug industry. What a scam the FDA has going at the expense of the American public. What they don't want you to know is there is a natural cure for every disease from cancer to diabetes to high blood pressure. You name the disease and if it's not too far along there's a way to treat it with herbs, vitamins, minerals and a million other things.

Here's a partial list of what I'm taking: Calcium Magnesium & Zinc, Vitamin C, Flax Seed Oil, ground Cinnamon, Chromium Picolinate, B-12/Folic Acid/B-6, Coral Calcium, Vitamin E, Ginseng, pumpkin seeds and dried apricots. Believe me this stuff is not cheap or covered by my medical plan but it's worth it. My blood sugar and pressure readings have been excellent.

With just 5 days to go to the marathon I had an easy 4-mile run. It was really beautiful out today. There wasn't a cloud in the blue sky, the leaves were in full fall colors and it was almost 50 degrees. Yes, autumn arrives late here but it does happen. I wonder if all these supplements will give me an added boost in the marathon. There's over $300,000 in total prize money. Look out Kenyans!

It's Getting Closer

I can't believe the marathon is so close. I'm ready to get it on now and get it over with, sometimes everything aches when I get up from the couch after sitting for a while and other times, like during a 6-mile run today I'm just zipping along without a care in the world.

  Ch. 8's going to show the entire race live, so I'll tape it. I don't know if they'll stay on the air long enough to see me finish.   

 My blood sugar's been really wacky lately 181 this morning (way too high) but only 91 tonight (that's kinda low but I'll take it). I'm looking into some natural cures after reading a best-selling book "Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About." I checked out the website naturalcures.com and ordered a few things. It's worth a try.

  Well it's time to taper off both this journal entry and the running until Sunday. 

Well Wishers

With less than a week to go to the Marathon many local ladies have been wishing me well lately. In yoga class today, Cypresse knew I was "in training" for next week's LV Marathon. I'm a regular at her Sunday morning class but next week I'll be stumbling across the finish line sometime during the 10-11:30am class. Cypresse said that she and the class would send out some positive energy to help me across the finish.

Kerstin Lindquist, weekend anchor on Ch. 3 news answered my email today when she wrote:

 You are not kidding!!! Freezing out there. I went for a run after work and I felt like I was running against a wall.  Just like the Marathon last year.  Im so excited for you for this years marathon. Maria Silva is running (ill be working)  Be well, and rest this week!!! Get in some yoga and visualize a great run.
Have fun!
Kerstin

Another Long Run

 Why does it feel so cold out there today? My outdoor thermometer read 57 at 7am so I thought I would be warm enough wearing shorts & T at LV Track Club run at Sunset Park. But when I got there I was freezing. My fingers are still half-numb. Must have been the wind and the wind-chill factor. It seems funny to talk about but I bet the 57 was a feels like 39-42 degrees.

 Other than that the run went well except for running a ways past the 1st turnaround and turning a 5k into about a 6k run. It looked like I took 2nd in my division and I know I was 30th overall out of probably less than 100 runners. Oh well, I needed the extra distance Dec. 4 is the LV Marathon. I've got two 20 mile runs in recently so I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

Cats want to go out. I tell them it's too cold. Finally I open the door so they go out on balcony. But I close the sliding glass door. Less than a minute later they're both pawing at the glass wanting to get in. Wuss cats.

 

Alternative Thanksgiving

The only football I watched today was Jason Elam's OT field goal to help the Broncos beat the Cowboys 24-21. And I saw some of the Macy's Day Parade. That was as close as I came today to a traditional Thanksgiving.

It was nice to have the day off but I didn't feel like the "normal" Thanksgiving's Day Feast. So after chilling with the cats in the morning I headed off to Red Rock Canyon to explore a new trail. This time it was the Keystone Thrust. Located at MM6 on the scenic loop, it was another busy day at Red Rock with all the parking areas overflowing. The Keystone Thrust is a difficult 5-mile hike. Recemmonded hike time: 5  hrs. I did it in 1:45 and I was taking my time. There were some beautiful vistas and lots of trees in the higher elevation.

That worked up an appettite and fortunately I had stopped by the Veggie Cafe last night for some tasty selections. Their special veggie burger and a veggie pizza. All live plants organic and delicious.

The cats were glad to have me home at night and we watched a Shania Twain video.  See pics 2 & 3.

  

Here goes another IM'd journal entry. It's the only way to make this work. Capped last day of 5-day break with a 2hr and 10min run along new River Mtns loop trail. I jogged about 13-14 miles. That's the last long run before marathon. Maybe a 10. That's it. Total miles for 5-day break: 39.
Alas, no way to attach photos or other frills in this format. I'll have to put together photo album of today's trail run.
Back to the Grind Tuesday. Don't look for new journal entry till Thursday.

This might be new journal format if AOL can't fix problem. Here goes with an IM to journal.
A quick recap since the last entry.
Thursday: Liz Phair at House of Blues. Great show but only 70min. Liz signed autograph for me. 90 min run at Sunset Park.
Friday: Eye exam. Perfect 20-20, Sweet Tomatoes, Yoga class w/Kim & music.
Saturday: 10k run 49:44 (2nd in age group), yoga class at Red Rock with Cheryl. Miami-GT game. UM lost.
Sunday: Yoga class w/Cypresse, 45 min trail run, Bills got killed by Chargers.

im test to add entry
looks like i can add text only via im

Great 8

It's amazing how easy an eight-mile run can feel a few days after running 20. Today was a great 8 miles in perfect conditions. Temps were about 75, skies were blue with a few clouds for decorations and the wind was mild at most. No lingering effects whatsoever from last week's long, long run.

Which is good because I have a big 10k in the middle of my upcoming 5-day weekend. That's right. I'm off Thursday through Monday. Originally I was going to San Diego to see the Bills play the Chargers. I could have got a ticket 2 months ago but when I called my cousin Scott in LA he said he could get me a ticket. Well it's 5 days to game day and I still haven't heard from Scott but I really don't care. I'm just as happy to spend the time relaxing at home with the cats, practicing yoga and meditation and getting ready for the marathon. That's what makes me happy. But if he calls I might still go, but not before I race the 10k on Saturday.

The mountain flows, the river sits. Zen saying

 

3 Weeks to Go

Just three weeks to go to the LV Marathon.

Two things got back on track today: My running and the Buffalo Bills. Feeling ready to run after a day of rest following Friday's 20-miler, I hit the trail for a recovery run to Sunset Park. Everything felt as good as could be expected for a 48-yr old long-distance runner. The Bills were also back in the saddle today with a 14-3 win over the Chiefs to end a 2-game losing streak. At 4-5 the Bills are only one game out of first in the AFC East.

After the run I went immediately to yoga class with Cypresse on the west side. Who else gets in yoga and a run before 10am? It was a good class, as usual, and I really got a deep stretch on my running muscles.

But the biggest highlight today was Dad secured a ticket to fly here to help support me in the marathon. Now there's no turning back. Three weeks to go. 

Honor Thy Body

In yoga they say, "Honor Your Body." Today I demolished mine running 20 miles. They say what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, well just call me Superman.

Starting in Jean, I ran 10 miles toward LV and 10 back. First I had to "seed" the course with various Powerade and water bottles. And I took with me a new product called "Blocks." It's like Power Gel but it's more like Gummy Bears in texture. I took 3 at MM8 and another 3 at 17 and they really seemed to help. Going out I had a tailwind and hit the 1/2 way mark in 1:40. But coming back it was almost all uphill and into the wind. I finished the 20 in 3:41. That's 15 minutes faster than my last effort. I'll take it. People in the parking area must have thought I was drunk or injured because I could barely walk when I finished I was so stiff. I saw something troubling as I was finishing. A young blonde girl in her 20s, a little rough around the edges, was walking with a backpack to Las Vegas. There's nothing on that highway for 20 miles. I know. I asked how far she was going as I was just hanging on to finish. She ignored me and looked the other way. I could have given her a ride but it was probably for the best. I wonder if she knew she was off on a 7-hour walk?

Because I ran 20 miles Lewis & Clark posthumously granted me a dram of beer which I accepted. 

Day of a lot of Little Things

Between a morning blood sugar rating of 154 and an evening tally of 110, the highlight of the day had to be Cypresse's evening yoga class. I didn't find it that difficult because I didn't run 12 miles before class like I did last week. I took today off so I'd be rested for Friday's 20-mile jaunt.

By not running today I had free time to: Clean up after new hot water tank replacement, vacuum, clean kitty litter boxes (all 3 of them the little pissers), pay bills, donate to charities (Defenders of Wildlife, St. Joseph's School Indian School and the Sierra Club), donate merchandise to the Goodwill (Five pairs of slacks and 5 belts that I'd undergrown and an inflatable boat that I no longer use because it leaks), I registered for the Nov. 19 Turkey Trot, bought Christmas gifts for my two favorite yoga teachers (Zen stuff), filled 3 prescription orders (diabetes, hypertension and foot stuff), got a veggie burger at BK and read some of the new Archie McNally book while drinking green tea w/soy milk.

At yoga class Cypresse told me she was going to spend Thanksgiving hiking with her family on the White Rock Canyon trail I suggested. She too has a problem with eating dead birds, gluttony and having only one day to feel gratitude (it should be everyday). That reminds me I gotta put my White Rock Canyon photos together in email photo format. Maybe after Friday's 20 miler.

 

Great Joy

It's hard to imagine who experienced the greatest joy on November 7th. William Clark, in 1805, when he first set eyes on the Pacific Ocean, or,  me in 2005 when I got my new hot water heater hooked up. We had both gone through great adversity and had faced the unknown. Clark, with his co-captain Meriwether Lewis, had crossed a continent looking for a water passage to the Pacific Ocean. I had gone weeks with an old leaking water heater and against the advice of many installed a new one with my friend and co-worker Mike Dindia (he did most of the work).

When I got home from work tonight I had hot water and the new 30-gallon tank was properly hooked up and not leaking. My greatest fear through the whole ordeal today was would I be able to get a run in. But when Mike needed to get some parts for the connections I took the opporotunity to get a quality 59-minute run around Sunset Park. What a deal. But the best deal was the $300 Mike saved me on the excessive installation fee. Thanks Mike.

Clark's Nov. 7, 1805 journal entry,  "Great joy in camp. We are in view of the ocean, this great Pacific Ocean which we have been so long anxious to see, and the roaring or noise made by the waves breaking on the rocky shores (as I suppose) may be heard distinctly."

Weekend at Red Rock

There's no doubt that I was the only one in Sunday's yoga class that had run and biked the scenic loop the previous day, but that was my triathlon at Red Rock this weekend. On Saturday, I locked my bike at the fee station and drove down to the end of the scenic loop. There I began my 15-mile journey. Running the 13-mile loop did not seem that difficult, I'm in shape and fit for a marathon and I knew I would have the luxury of riding my bike the last 2 miles. It was a beautiful sunny warm day, about 60 degrees. The only negative factor was the traffic. I've never seen so many cars and motorcycles racing around the loop and the parking lots were all overflowing. But I got the run in with no ill effects and declared myself ready for the marathon 4 weeks from today.

The yoga Sunday was much easier. We car pooled to Sandstone Quarry (see photo) hiked toward Turtlehead Peak where we found a secluded area to practice. It was very peaceful, relaxing and enlightening.

Now if I can just get my hot water heater replaced.

Eating with the Animals

Today was the day I had to settle my losing baseball bet to Lynda. The White Sox beat the Red Sox so I had to buy lunch. We went to the Flamingo where former Hilton boss Cyril Burger wrote us a comp to the buffet.

While waiting for Cyril to return from lunch to give us a free lunch (some sacrifice losing a bet and getting a comp), we toured the grounds of Bugsy's former hotel and saw Pink Flamingos and African Pelicans. When we were seated in the buffet we had a front row seat to see even more creatures. Ducks, fish and swans paraded by us while we dined on a delicious buffet. I was sure the 4 desserts would send me into diabetic hell, but after yoga class my blood sugar was only 84. I'll never figure that out.

Yoga class was great tonight with Kim and live music. On the drive out there was a beautiful crescent moon and the planet Venus. Did you see it? Venus is so luminous it can be seen with the naked eye after sunset. Keep looking up.

 

Back on the Map

On Nov. 3, 1805, Lewis & Clark spotted a known landmark on the Columbia River -- Mt. Hood. It had been mapped by an American sea captain eight years earlier. Clark wrote:

"A mountain which we suppose to be Mt. Hood is S. 85 E., about 47 miles distant from the mouth of Quicksand River. This mountain is covered with snow and in the range of mountains which we have passed through and is of a conical form, but rugged. After taking dinner at the mouth of this river, we proceeded on."

I proceeded on a 12-mile run on the new trail at Equestrian Park. I was the only runner/hiker/biker on the course. The trail goes for 30 miles. That leaves more for later.

That effort left me a little tired for Cypresse's yoga classes. Some poses that I normally have no difficulty with were nearly impossible. But the good news is the bs was down to 135 this morning and 119 after class so I guess I'm back on the right path.

 

Rooster Rock

Two hundred years ago today the Lewis & Clark Expedition was nearing the Pacific Ocean. They camped near Rooster Rock on the Columbia River near today's Portland, Ore. Dad & I visited this site in June 2003. That was 28 months ago ironically that's the same length of the L&C round trip.

This was the first place I really felt a connection with the Corp of Discovery looking out on the Columbia River (see 2nd photo at left) and imagining Lewis & Clark paddling their canoes toward the ocean 200 yrs ago.

Back in 2005, my blood sugar has been a little high lately but I think the Halloween witches and goblins are to blame for that. I'm having my quarterly blood test tomorrow and I don't think the results are going to be that great, but you gotta take the bitter with the sweet.

No race on the slate this weekend but I think I'm going to check out the new trail at Equestrian Park.

Sweet Danger

Halloween isn't the best holiday for diabetics. Someone put a big plastic pumpkin full of tootsie rolls and tootsie pops in the break room and I can't help myself from taking a sample everytime I walk by. And in the employee cafeteria there are sugar cookies with little tombstones on them and the icing letters "R.I.P." Truer words have never been spoken.

But you gotta do what you gotta do, so I ripped off a blazing 8-mile run in 1:08 today (blazing for me) along the Pittman Wash trail under sunny skies with no wind and temps in the 60s. Perfect. Take that high-sugar count.

Back on the homefront my hot water heater is about to blow. My friend Mike Dindia came over today to check it out. It's just a small leak now but disaster is right around the corner. But he's going to help me take out the old one and put in a new one. He's sure he can do it by downloading info so I believe him I hope for the sake of my downstairs neighbors.

Looking for Mars

Are you looking for Mars tonight? Tonight the planet will be closer to Earth than it will be again until 2018.

If you look close enough maybe you'll see the two rovers: Spirit and Opportunity. Like Columbus, Cook and Lewis & Clark they're exploring unknown territory up close. Unknown to us anyway.

Back on earth, I went off on a nice seven mile run through Sunset Park. I felt great, experiencing no after effects from Thursday's 20 miler. The normal solitude was shattered by toy powerboat enthusiasts who were racing their mini gas-powered boats around the lake. At least the fish were too scared to take the fishermen's bait.

Looks like I'll have to look for somewhere quieter to run. I wonder if there are any good running trails on Mars?

 

Getting Back to Normal

As we closed yesterday's journal, there was some concern about the pesky old blood sugar. But those fears were put to rest today as the readings were 136 (am) and 109 (pm). Must have been the positive influence of the 4 beers last night.

No run today. How could I? I can still barely walk after yesterday's 20 miles and I didn't realize how swollen my ankles were until I got a good look at them in some of the postures of tonight's yoga class. Friday is the night Kim teaches with live music. The sitar player was there, but Linda was subbing for Kim. I missed Kim, but Linda gave me a big hug after class and said she liked my smile.

Although there was no run today, I drove out to check out the new 10 miles of trail way out in Henderson, almost to Lake Mead. What I saw was an asphalt path that's part of a 30-mile trail that borders Lake Mead. Now that would be a one-day challenge! Ironically the park is called Equestrian Park but the sign says, "No Horses Allowed."

20 in the Bank

Today was the day to get my first 20-mile run in as I prepare for the Dec. 4 LV Marathon. The first 14 miles were effortless but then the ankles started to hurt. But as Lewis & Clark led many journal entries, "We proceeded on." The last 6 miles, like a marathon, were the toughest. The run was out on the Old LA Highway, site of many previous marathons but not this year's, which runs down the strip.

After the run I stopped at the Gold Strike Casino in Jean for a veggie burger & fries. I expected my bs to be low after burning 2,000 calories running but it was a near-record high 259! Must have been the fries but could have been the dehydration, 30 minutes later it was 205 and now it's 160 so it's gone down 100 pts in an hour. It should be fine in the morning.

New rule: Any time I run 20 or more miles I'm allowed to have a beer. I'm sure Meriwether and William would have approved this. That only leaves 2 weeks from today -- my next 20 miler and the marathon. Now I have to go take my medicine and watch by bs drop some more.

Paradise Found

Not one to take failure lightly, I set out again for White Rock Canyon today in search of the Colorado River. In my first attempt last Thursday I jogged along a wash between 1500-foot canyon walls but never found the river that was supposed to be at the end of the trail. Today I was determined to find that damn river just downstream from that damn Hoover Dam.

Found it I did. It's only supposed to be 2.5 miles but I think that's the way the damn crow flies. It took me almost 50 minutes of running to finally get there and I'm not not slow. Saturday I ran 3.1 miles in 23:30. But that's another journal entry. It's a beautiful calm, peaceful river and there's supposed to be hot springs there too but I'll save discovery for another day.

Of course I took tons of photos and this amazing run will be documented in a photo slide show sometime before the river dries up. Now it's off to my damn job. The bs was high (154 this morning). Maybe I should reconsider abstinence. A beer on the river would have been nice.

No Regrets

The two biggest fears I had this morning after breaking my beer fast last night were what would my blood sugar be and how would I do in the Danny Gans Run for the Rainforest?

My first fear was quenched when the bs registered 126. That's pretty amazing after 5 beers, a foot-long Subway Veggie Delight with all that bread and a couple of bowls full of pretzels. The 2nd fear was equally dashed when I finished the 5k in 23:30, my fastest time (by 15 seconds) in 7 years. That pace of 7:34 per mile was good enough for 2nd place in my age group and 54th overall out of a field of more than 1,200 runners.

The beer didn't hurt me but now it's back on the shelf until Sept. 13, 2006, unless I come across another surprise journal entry.

 

Beer Break

It didn't hit me until I was reading the Lewis & Clark journals today. Every day I read what the captains wrote on this date 200 years ago. I vaguely remember this reference to beer making but admit I'd forgotten it until I came across it today.

Captain Clark:
October 21, 1805

"One of our party, J. Collins, presented us with some very good beer made of the pa-shi-co-quar - mash bread, which bread is the remains of what was laid in as a part of our stores of provisions, at the first Flatheads, or Chopunnish nation at the head of the Kooskooskee River, which, by being frequently wet, molded and soured."

There it was my permission to drink beer today. After further research it's the only reference to beer or any kind of spirits from July 4, 1805 until Sept. 13, 1806. So who am I to go against history. Wasn't the design of this L&C Abstinence Reenactment journal to follow the drinking patterns of the Corp of Discovery? So with much thought I selected a 6-pack of Hefeweizen Wheat Beer. That's bread right? And it's brewed in Portland, Ore,. an area Lewis & Clark passed through. So in theory this beer could be made of water they canoed through. It was delicious! My first beer in almost 4 months. But this is the only reprise, now it's dryness until next September....unless another journal entry surprises me. Maybe they made wine at Fort Clatsop?

White Rock Canyon

Today was a day to explore a new trail. So I set out for White Rock Canyon located about 5 miles into Arizona on the south side of the Hoover Dam. The trail is actually a big wash that cuts through a canyon leaving walls that rise to 1500 feet on either side of a narrow trail. Just to imagine that water that's poured through over the milleniums boggles the mind.

The trail is supposed to lead to Lake Mohave and the Arizona Hot Springs but I never made it that far. After heading gradually downhill for about 90 minutes I figured I'd better turn around and start the uphill ascent or I'd never make it out of the canyon before nightfall. But it gives me a reason to return. It took me many attempts to complete the Grand Circle Trail at Red Rock and Mt. Everest wasn't scaled in the first try. So next time I'll start earlier and not take so many pictures.

If you check the counter this blog is nearing it's 1,000th reader. The lucky person receives a free ....(sorry out of space for today).... 

Cats Keep Me Grounded

Some people think because I live alone I must be lonely. One friend is constantly sending me links to online dating services to meet Christian Singles. But I'm never lonely or alone with two crazy cats to keep me company.

The day begins as they wait patiently for me to get out of bed and start their stay. Daisy, a 2-year-old jet black former stray, wants water and Haven, a 5-year-old domestic longhair, wants food. The funny thing is these finicky felines already have what they want, they just want it fresh. So Daisy waits by the water dish while I empty out last night's water and refill it with a chilled bottle of Evian. Meanwhile Haven is sitting by his half-filled dry food dish looking up. He won't eat until I top off his food from the bag they've forced me to keep on the top shelf in the cupboard.

After breakfast, it's out to the balcony, where they jump on the ledge and see what the birds are doing. These cats have me very well trained. Later comes a variation of naps, playtime and more eating and drinking.

Email from West Wing Star

Normally an 18-mile run would be the journal highlight, but today's run on the Old LA Highway took a backseat to receiving email from one of the stars from NBC's hit TV show The West Wing. Except I didn't know she was appearing on the show until I heard it on the news.

Of course I'm referring to my one-time yoga teacher, weekend anchor, weekday reporter and fill-in weatherperson Kerstin Lindquist at Ch. 3. Today she gave me a personal forecast for my run out past Jean. She even told me the best time to run to avoid the blustery rainy weather that surely came. But later, I learned Kerstin has a role on the West Wing. And she still takes the time to answer my insignificant email. It must be the yoga that keeps her grounded.

The run went well, despite the wind and rain, I'm a little sore but I'm getting some serious mileage under my belt. Maybe Kerstin will do a story on me. "Diabetic runner conquers marathon with the help of Lewis & Clark Abstinence Reenactment." Stay tuned.

Downstream on the Columbia

200 years ago today the Lewis & Clark expedition dipped their canoes in the mighty Columbia River for the first time and headed down stream in the final leg of their westward journey to the Pacific Ocean. For the first time since they left the Mandans April 7, 1805, in present day North Dakota, they were back on the map. An American ship captain had "discovered" the Columbia River just eight years earlier.

Clark wrote on this date in 1805: "After getting safely over the rapid and having taken dinner, set out and proceeded on seven miles to the junction of this river and the Columbia, which joins from the northwest."

Back in the 21st Century, I attended Cypresse's Sunday Sunrise Yoga class. It's very church-like on a Sunday morning and Cypresse is very profound. She says we don't need to seek love because we are love and we don't need to seek peace because we are peace.

The Bills grabbed a share of the AFC East lead by beating the Jets 27-17. 

50 Cents Per Mile

For the first Saturday in 8 weeks I didn't have an organized run so I slept in till 6:30am. First I checked my bs which was down to 138 from the worrisome 205 of last night. Must have been the 5 mini muffins I had at Sweet Tomatoes (blueberry and cranberry with walnuts are the best). I keep forgetting that despite running more than 40 miles a week I still can't have all the carbs I want.

Just because there was no race on the slate didn't mean I wasn't going running. So after reading a little more of John Grisham's The Testament and knocking back 3 mugs of coffee I embarked on a 10 mile run that took me through the Pittman Wash Trail and Sunset Park. Along the way I found a $5 bill so I figured I earned 50 cents per mile.

This morning I got a surprise phone call from childhood chum Mike Allen. We went to grade school and grew up together but I lost track of Mike in 1982. Well 23 yrs later he stops by Dad's house in Buffalo and gives me a call. Today he and his wife live in Boulder, Colo.

 

Solitude

For the second time in as many days I found solitude and serenity running in remote and beautiful areas. Today it was the old 1930s railroad tunnels trail at Lake Mead. While most of the country is suffering with miserable wet weather it's still dry, warm and clear in the southwest desert.

Today's run was less than 5 miles. That hardly seems worth it to drive 52 miles round trip but it was. There were only 4 other hikers on the trail and about as many boats in the water. Some people think summer's over but I passed a time/temperature clock in Boulder City that registered 93 degrees.

After all this driving the last 2 days I just didn't have the energy to fight rush hour traffic and go to Kim's Friday night yoga with live music on the west side. I hope she forgives me but I think I'm going to replace it with Cypresse's Sunday Sunrise Yoga. Less traffic, less stress, more better.

My blood sugar was at a very high and unusual 205 tonight so I better go for a nice long run Saturday and get it back down where it should be. It is what it is, what else can I do?

  

Miles From Nowhere

Returning to the deserted stretch of highway between Primm and Jean that once linked LA to Las Vegas, I enjoyed a 9-mile run in peaceful solitude.  The motorist who passed me going 90 mph didn't notice the "Road Closed" sign. He was waiting at the dead end as I was arriving to park & run. "How do you get back on the highway." I pointed back 5 miles to Jean. He'd have to drive 10 miles total for ignoring the sign.

Before going to Cypresse's yoga class, I relaxed with John Grisham's The Testament. The lead character has just completed a 4-month stay at a $1,000-per day rehab clinic. Three days later he survives a small plane crash in the Bolivia jungle. Returning to his hotel he cleans out his mini bar of 4 beers in short order then buys two full-size bottles of vodka and almost drinks himself to death. That reminds me, I've made it more than 3 months without a drink and I didn't have to pay $1,000 a day. And 11 months from today I'll be entitled to a frosty beverage, but I don't think I'll ever drink like I did before. Certainly not like Grisham's troubled character. BS 105 after run & yoga.

  

It's All Good

Nothing spectacular to report today but no complaints either. After a brief period of high bs readings the last three have been: 127, 128 and 132. I'll take that. Nothing like a 16-mile run to get it under control. Today's run was only a 5 miler Paradise Rd, Sunset, Eastern Ave & Warm Springs in 45 minutes. Not bad.

Today's highlight had to be receiving email from Ch. 3 News anchor Nina Radetich. She was in last Saturday's 10k race but I didn't even know it until I saw the results online Tuesday. So I sent her a congratulatory note today and she responded in kind.

Well it's my weekend now and you know that means lots of yoga and outdoor running so here's a quote from Sierra Club Founder John Muir:

"Only by going alone in silence, without baggage can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter."

16 Miles

Maybe, just maybe I'll be able to complete the Dec. 4 LV Marathon after all. Today, I ran 16 miles at Freedom Park and it went very well. It's 1.4 miles around the park. So I just parked my car and stopped for water and Gatorade as needed. It went very well. Sure I'm a little sore after my longest run in more than 5 yrs but I feel a lot better than I did after last week's 14 miler. So the plan is to run 18 next week then 20 each of the following weeks, then either a half marathon or a 10k on Nov. 19 then taper off until the marathon.

Just because I didn't have a journal entry Sunday doesn't mean nothing happened. I went to Cypresse's Sunrise yoga class. It was great. No traffic. Who needs to be stressed out by heavy traffic before yoga class? And the Bills ended their 3-game losing streak with a 20-16 victory over the Dolphins. That's a great day!

"If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path."
-- Buddhist saying

48 Minutes, 18 Seconds

My goal today in the Northern Exposure 10k in the City of North Las Vegas was to break 50 minutes. I was chatting with my friend Lindsey Sheer when the gun went off. So I forgot to start my watch. I don't know what my split times were but I felt pretty good.

Lindsey, 28, who had beat me by 34 seconds in a 5k five weeks ago, jumped out to a fast start. I trailed until I passed her after MM1. Going up a steep hill after MM2 she passed me. I went by her again about MM3. As we turned downhill I thought I was putting her away but as we went by a school just before MM5 she took the lead for good. I told her it was a school zone and she was supposed to slow down but she ignored me.

She beat me by 15 seconds in 48:03. Her fastest 10k ever. I also improved dramatically to finish in 48:18. That's an improvement of 5 minutes in 2 months. My yoga teacher Kim finished in 1:03. She still can dance and bend better than me. There were cash prizes that brought out the top runners. I was 65th overall in a field of more than 200 runners,  7th in my age group. I'm still satisfied with the results. Now if I could only beat Lindsey some day.

 

Lost Key -- Lucky Me

The exhilaration I felt after finishing a fast fun 5k run today disappeared quicky when I noticed my car key was missing from the secret pocket in my shorts. I was at Paseo Verde Park, about 8 miles from home. Retracing my steps I found the key about 1/4 mile from where I started. But I was never worried for a moment. Why? I keep a hide-a-key in a magnet box hidden under the frame of the car. But still...

As I was racing downhill at the end of the training run I couldn't help but think of Lewis & Clark, who 200 years ago today, where heading downstream for the first time in their expedition as they put the canoes in the Clearwater River and headed west to the Columbia River and eventually the Pacific Ocean.

Speaking of downhill and downriver that's where the Red Sox season ended today as they were swept by the White Sox in the AL Divisional Series. But my spirits were quickly lifted by Kim and her live music-backed yoga class and a bs reading of 112. You gotta take the bitter with the sweet.

  

Searching the Skies

Keep looking up. After leaving Cypresse's yoga class tonight I glanced to the southwest sky. It was about 30 minutes after sunset and low and behold there was the planet Venus and the crescent moon! What a treat. If you missed it tonight you can catch it again Friday at dusk.

The highlight of tonight's yoga class was a free shoulder massage at the end of class. You don't get that in every yoga class. Very relaxing.

A little relaxation was in order tonight because earlier in the day I ran a swift 6.2 miles over Saturday's Northern Exposure 10k course. After registering for the run I figured why not check out the course? And what better way then to run it. All the miles and turns were already marked so it was a great trial run. I covered the course in just over 52 minutes. That's a minute faster than my last 10k race in August. My goal on race day is to break 50 minutes. That's 8 minutes per mile. Very doable. Now back to the stars.

 

Highs and Lows

It's hard to explain. How can my blood sugar be 197 in the morning and 101 at night? Whenever it gets high like that I know a good run will do the trick. So I dashed off on a quick 6 miler around Sunset Park, skipped the pastries and was back in the healthy zone tonight. I think my blood sugar is manic depressive. The highs are too high and the lows are too low.

For some reason yesterday I was thinking I still have 3 months to go to the marathon, but after further review (counting on my fingers), I realized there's only two months to go. Am I ready? Not today. My long run has only been 15 miles. I need to get a couple of 20 milers under my belt to really feel ready. I just dare my pesky blood sugar count to raise it's ugly head after a 20 miler. Impossible.

Today's sports news was also high and low. High: Sabres won their 1st game in 18 months beating the Islanders 6-4. Low: Red Sox lost again to the White Sox 5-4. At least my weekend is underway. Hooray!!! 

Equinox

The autumnal equinox may have been two weeks ago but today is some kind of  equinox for me. Three months ago today I started this half-insane L&C Abstinence Reenactment. So far. so good. So very good. I've exceeded expectations as far as the positive side effects of mimicking Lewis & Clark's lack of grog for 434 days. Better diabetes readings, faster running times and lower blood pressure have all been benefits of this crazy devotion to a couple of 19th Century explorers.

That was 3 months ago this started and it won't be over until Sept. 13, 2006, but three months from today is the Las Vegas Marathon. So that's where the equinox comes in. Get it? If you do please explain it to me.

"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want to own."

-- Andy Warhol

14 Chi Miles

Feeling I was due for a long run today after taking yesterday off from pounding the pavement, I headed to the Pittman Wash to apply my Chi Running techniques.

The trail is 4 miles from one end to the other, so if I went out and back twice that would be 16 miles. That was the original plan. There's a water fountain at the 3 mile mark and I can hit it again on the way back (5 miles). After the first 8 miles I was feeling so good I decided to repeat the urban asphalt trail. I revived myself with some Propel Fitness water I'd stashed in my car and set out again. When I got to the water fountain (11 miles) I'd been running for 2 hrs. I said enough was enough and turned around shortening the distance to an easy 14 miles (2:32). That's enough for a work day. But I felt great and feel right on course for the Dec. 4 LV Marathon.

I believe a blade of grass
Is no less than the
Journey work of the stars.

-- Walt Whitman 

Chi Running Really Works!

Today's Run With the Scouts 5k at Mountain's Edge was one of those out-of-body experiences that every runner dreams of. Normally it's not a good idea to have a hard trail run at Red Rock the night before a race and expect good results the next day. But now I'm a firm believer that with Chi Running anything is possible.

With more than 100 runners in the race I started slow (I thought it was slow) on the uphill out-and-back course. But with the Chi Running techniques I've learned, right after the start I began to pass  runners like they were standing still. It felt so easy but the results were at first incomprehensible. I finished 14th overall (out of 115 runners) and easily won my age group in 23:43. That's 7:38 per mile.

This improvement is partially related to a heavy racing schedule that has seen me in competition 6 of the last 7 weeks and my Lewis & Clark Abstinence Reenactment. But by adding a few Zen principles I've become one of the top runners in my age group in Las Vegas!

Yoga under the Stars

Every once in a while a day like this comes along and you just have to thank your lucky stars you're alive. Tonight I was able to thank them in person. Half an hour after sunset, with the planet Venus rising above the SW mountains, a group of about 15 yogis met  inside the gates at Red Rock. The gates were locked behind us as the park was now closed to the public. After a short walk we laid out our mats under the cloud-less sky and we began our practice. Led by Cheryl of Blue Sky Yoga, we went through our yoga postures with a million stars in the sky. I haven't seen so many stars since Mom & I went to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., last May. Living in the heavily-lit city of Las Vegas I'm lucky to see a full moon once in a while.

The yoga wasn't the only highlight of the day. I was able to implement some of the techniques of Chi Running. Guess What? It really works. I had one of my easiest, fastest runs ever at Red Rock with no recovery time needed. If I could just run at Red Rock at dusk and practice yoga there after dark I'd be in Heaven. That's what it felt like tonight.

Chi Running

Chi Running. I just started reading it today and what an awakening! After running on and off for more than 30 years I thought I knew a thing or two about the sport. But this new book combines the principles of T'ai Chi (less is more) with running to produce effortless, injury free running. It's all about the posture and the attitude.

 T'ai Chi owes its origins to the study of animal movements, like the cheetah. There are tons of testimonials of injured runners who never thought they'd jog again who not only returned to running but with faster, easier runs than ever before. The book explains how to be mindful, quiet and energetic at the same time. I'll know in a few months if it works for me too. Just in time for the marathon.

Before I started the book I ran 10 miles this morning on a flat course. Which was pretty easy for me after last week's hilly 15 miler at Red Rock.  The real effort was in Cypresse's Dynamic Flow yoga class. I really worked up a sweat as she pushed me to the edge and beyond. BS 116.

 

Pastry Junkie

Everyone has their inner demons. Now that the booze is locked up while I connect with Lewis & Clark's suffering of 200 years ago I sometimes find myself in a weak moment. Not for whiskey, wine or beer. My weakness, and this is very bad for a diabetic, is pastries. I love 'em, crave 'em and need 'em. But they're very bad for me. Sometimes I justify my indulgence with "Oh, I'll run it off." And many times I do. But still I better watch it. But lately the blood sugar numbers have been very good -- 126 this morning and 116 tonight.

What do you call those pastries that look like a big 4-leaf clover and each part has a different filling? One could be strawberry, apple, lemon or pineapple. That's my biggest weakness and why I must run the Red Rock loop so often.

Well it's the weekend (for me) and you know what that means -- lot's of running and yoga. Friday night at Red Rock there's a yoga class under the stars (flashlight required) and Saturday I'm in another 5k race. Gotta burn that pastry fuel.

Alaska 2006

Plans got underway today for the big 2006 Alaska tour. Taking a break from the Lewis & Clark trail, Dad & I decided we would venture to the 49th state for next year's adventure exploration vacation.

Initial plans have Dad flying to Las Vegas June 13, resting with a bike ride (for him) and a run (for me) around the scenic Red Rock loop. We'll fly non-stop from Las Vegas to Anchorage. Other plans  include the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon. What's a vacation without a 26.2-mile jog!

The rest of the week we'll visit Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. Denali as the natives call it. Dad will get in some great bike rides and I'll take a million pictures. No need for a flash because the sun doesn't set in June in Alaska.

My friend Amy from Florida may meet us there, she has cousins in Alaska. She says she's not running in any marathons. Why not Amy? 

Right on Track -- 11 Weeks

The only obstacle on the railroad track trail that takes me from my condo to Sunset Park is Eastern Avenue. But today it was perfect timing. Just as I got to the busy 6-lane Eastern a train arrived at the crossing, stopping traffic and allowing me to cross the busy street without breaking stride. It was a great 8-mile run as I did a couple of large figure 8 loops around Sunset Park taking in the lake and adjacent trails and even climbing a couple of mini mountains to check out the view. As usual I caused a few large rabbits to scamper away in fear. Work crews were setting up fences for this weekend's Renaissance Festival.

Now that fall is here it's not so hot and I don't have to run so early.

Today marks 11 weeks of grog-free living as I honor the Bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition with my own Lewis & Clark Abstinence Reenactment. So far, so good. And they said it couldn't be done.

 

Making a Date With Liz Phair

Attention Insomniacs! I almost skipped today's entry, not much to report. Sure I ran and did yoga but I do that almost every day. Nothing extraordinary. I guess the day's highlight was getting a ticket for Liz Phair's Nov. 17 show at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay.

I've seen her twice before both times at the House of Blues. It's a great venue. You can get up close and personal in a small club setting. I got her autograph the first time and had my camera confiscated (no photos allowed) but fortunately I got it back after the show (after I had taken a few photos). They didn't believe it was really a camera because it was so small. Maybe I'll try to smuggle it in again but not be so obvious about picture taking.

The diabetes numbers today were a little high (155 this morning) and a little low (98) at night. If I could just get somewhere inbetween I'd be doing ok. The Bills fell to 1-2 losing to Michael Vick and the Falcons 24-16.

 

Still Getting Faster

Another fast 5k this morning. Today was the Teacher to Student 5k (3.1 miles) at Desert Breeze Park (Spring Mountain & Durango). Once again I PR'd for my current age group (45-49) but alas it wasn't good enough for an age-group trophy. My time of 23:53 (7:41 per mile) placed me 39th out of 150 overall runners but only 6th in my age group. Would you believe the fastest male my age was under 20 minutes! Well, that's what I've got to shoot for. Ironically, my time beat many men half my age. I would have finished 1st in the 25-29 category. I thought you were supposed to slow down with age?

The run was a little hilly and went into a headwind part of the way and I know I gave my best effort despite much discomfort near the end of the race. But unlike drugs or alcohol when the user experiences a brief high and then a long-lasting low, a runner suffers a little toward the end of the effort then can bask in the glory of the accomplishment the rest of the day, week, month and beyond. By the way, I beat all the runners in the photo and still had time to go to my truck, get my camera and snap it.

 

Cold Mountain

Have you seen the movie Cold Mountain with Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger? Probably, it wasn't released yesterday. I'm content to wait until a movie comes to HBO, Cinemax or Showtime. Most people say they prefer to watch a film on the big screen. But I don't think I could have sat through 2 hours and 45 minutes in the theatre. It took me the better part of 2 days to watch it on my DVR but it was worth it. I don't usually go for drama but this was very well done. No wonder it got so many Oscars.

Just a 4-mile run today along the RR track trail behind my condo. That's all I needed after yesterday's epic 15-mile run at Red Rock. The blood sugar was only 99 after Kim's yoga class tonight. That's slightly surprising because I had a lot of carbs at Sweet Tomatoes this afternoon. But the body must still be metabolizing from yesterday's run. Anyone that wants to maintain a healthy body weight or control diabetes should just run 15 miles a day. No medicine required.

 

Red Rock Wipes Me Out

The first 14 miles weren't so bad. It was the last mile uphill that decimated me at Red Rock. That's when I ran out of water and struggled to the finish of the 15-mile scenic loop.

Having not really been challenged in last week's 12-mile trail run Forest Challenege I set my sights on a bigger, steeper and more difficult challenge. I met my Waterloo at Red Rock. Actually it went pretty good I effortlessly climbed from 2,000 feet elevation to 5,000 and back down again but the last mile uphill was a cruel insult. But I hunkered down and shuffled in a little over 2 1/2 hours after I started.

Along the way I saw a burro (damn, no camera) and the signs of the lightning-strike fire that destroyed 60 acres last month. The lack of brush allows the wind to blow the soil around and the road was a little gritty. The downside of the big effort is I'm too tired now to attend Cypresse's Thursday night yoga class. I hope she'll forgive me.

 

Shark Tales

Have you ever heard of a vegetarian shark? That was one of the main characters in the movie Shark Tale I just watched on cable. It was the story of a shark (Jack Black) who wouldn't live up to his father's (Robert De Nero) expectations to be a ruthless mob killer. He preferred kelp over fresh fish. Other voices in the movie include Will Smith, recently broken up Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie and Katie Couric. It was a cute flick from the same folks that brought us the Shrek movies. I highly recommend it.

A light rain didn't stop me from getting in a 5-mile run on local streets today. I became one with the rain. 

Recent blood sugar numbers have been sporadic. It was 112 (excellent) last night, 170 (cause for concern) this morning and 120 (very, very good) tonight. That 170 this morning might be blamed on a late night trail mix snack (raisins & M&Ms and a few prestzels) but the rainy run burned that off and things were back to normal.

Peace Out.

 

10 Weeks

Today marks 10 weeks without a glass of beer, wine or spirits. And they said it couldn't be done. I don't really miss it that much. Only once in a while after a run a beer would be nice. But the running's been going great lately and the blood sugar numbers have been pretty good. Although lately they've been in the 130s & 140s when they should be closer to 100. But I'll keep monitoring my numbers to see if it's a short term thing or what. I'm due to see my doctor for my three month check-up and blood test in early October so we'll see how I'm doing then.

When this L&C Abstinence Reenactment finally does come to a close Sept. 13 or 14, 2006 (depending which journal entry I go by). I think I will celebrate with a beer or two but I don't think I'll ever go back to the level of consumption I once had. I just don't need it.

I was back on the roads today with a solid one-hour run in the new shoes. I've got another 5k race Saturday and I'm looking to get a 15-mile run under by belt (or shoes) sometime soon.

Lazy Sunday

No big run to report today. After 45 miles in 5 days last week I was due for a day off. So it was just some easy yoga and relaxing at home today with Carl Hiaasen's new paperback novel Skinny Dip. It's about a wealthy 30-something wife who is thrown off a cruise ship by her husband off the coast of Florida. The husband thinks she's dead, but she was a champion swimmer and survived by riding a bale of marijuana that just happened to be floating by. She loses her clothes in the fall from the ship (thus the title) and is rescued by a recluse on a private island. Instead of notifying the authorities of her attempted murder she vows to get even with her husband. It's an offbeat thriller but a good read.

Bad day for Bills today as they took it on the chin to the tune of 19-3 to the Bucs.

Blood sugar not stellar but under control. Must resume running program Monday with new New Balance shoes.

 

Forest Challenege

Today was the great Forest Challenege at Macks Canyon on Mount Charleston. When I turned off the highway I started seeing elevation signs: 4000, 6000 the last one I saw was 8,000 feet and I kept climbing to the start. My little truck barely made it.

Starting temperatures were in the 40s. Undaunted I proceeded on the 12-mile trail run in shorts and short sleeves. My recent trail running really helped.  I was never fatigued. Granted I went pretty slow up some hills but I didn't have to walk like most of the "runners."  One was my yoga teacher Kim Culp. I had taken her class the night before. She was nervous about running the 8-mile course. She'd never run more than 6 miles. But she decided to run the 12 which she finished. Results weren't available when I left but it looks like I took 3rd out of 8th in my age group.

The most tiring part was the drive home. Rising before 5am, driving 60 miles and running 12 over very steep hills the last thing I wanted to do was drive for another hour. I took plenty of photos so look for another slideshow.

Day Between Trail Runs

Well as this Lewis & Clark Abstinence Reenactment continues what better way to honor the top two American Explorers than Adventure Trail Exploring. That's what I call my new hobby. It takes the edge off better than alcohol but it's not without danger. Thursday I suffered a mild sunburn but I didn't plan to be out three hours.

Today was just a 5 mile run on local streets as I rest up for Saturday's 12-mile Forest Challenge Run at Macks Canyon Road in Lee Canyon. That's somewhere near Mt. Charleston I think. I've never been there before. The real challenege for me will be getting to the starting line but once the run starts I'll be fine. There's not too many who train on trails as often as I do.

At yoga class tonight I learned my teacher Kim Culp is also running in the Forest Challenge. But Kim is running in the 8-mile event. It's over the same course so hopefully I'll see her after the race. Maybe I'll take some photos along the way so you can again see what I see.

Unknown Territory

Today's trail run was located somewhere between Jean and Primm, Nev. In other words in the middle of nowhere. It took me almost an hour to run from where I parked my car to where the trail met the mountains. Then, although the trail was too rocky to run and I had to hike, it was almost another hour to reach the summit. Along the way I saw plenty of giant rabbits. As big as dogs. They were too fast to photograph. But I did take over 150 photos. You'll see some of the best ones soon. It was all downhill coming back so it only took me about an hour to descend. I didn't see a soul the whole 3 hours I was out there. But the further I climbed uphill the cooler it got and the lusher the vegitation became.

Being Thursday, it was Dynamic Flow yoga with Cypresse. I was a little soar and sunburned after my run but the yoga was just what I needed to work the muscles I missed running. The 3-hour run also helped the blood sugar. The last two readings had been in the 140s but tonight after yoga it was an excellent 110.

 

365 days to go

One year to go. 365 days. On this date, Sept. 14, 1806 the Lewis & Clark expedition returning to St. Louis came across some fur trappers heading up the Missouri. The trappers offered the expedition it's first liquid libation in 435 days. According to one of the enlisted men's journal, "The captains received some wine and the men were offered whiskey."

That was a good day for the Corp of Discovery 199 years ago, but it was a bad day for President William McKinley 104 years ago today. In 1901, President McKinley died in Buffalo, N.Y., of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him.

It was a good morning for me today. I broke in my new New Balance 856 running shoes with a crisp 4-mile run and to top it off I found a folded $10 bill in the street!

 

New Shoes

My new shoes arrived today. New Balance model 856 size 12. The shoe is supposed to be for the high mileage runner with flat arches. That's me. I used to be a size 10 but then the arches flattened out. Who knows why? Go figure.

The thing I like about New Balance running shoes is they're made in America with American parts by Americans. Unlike Nike and a lot of other brands that use and abuse cheap Asian labor. And I got a great deal on the shoes. They retail for $94 plus tax but I got them online for $74 plus $8.50 for shipping so it's really a great deal. I can't wait to try them out on a local run tomorrow morning.

No run for me today. I'm still a little sore from the 12 miler Monday. But I did a little yoga to stretch those sore muscles and that helped. Blood sugar was a very respectable 116 this evening after being a tad high at 133 this morning.

 

12 on the 12th; 9 weeks complete

It didn't dawn on me untill this morning that I forgot to record a journal entry for Sunday Sept. 11th. I hope that didn't cause too much distress for anyone. The big highlight would have been the Bills' 22-7 victory over the Texans.

Today it was back to Sunset Park. To stay on track for the Dec. 4 LV Marathon I felt some LSD (long, slow distance)  was in order. So I pounded out 12 miles on the one-mile dirt oval. To avoid boredom I switched direction every three laps (miles). As usual there were plenty of walkers, runners, ducks, geese and a few murderous fishermen surrounding the lake. It was a steady 10-minute-per-mile pace as it took me 2:01 to complete the distance. It took a lot out of me. How am I ever going to run 26.2 miles in less than 12 weeks? Somehow I'll make it.

Today marks 9 complete weeks of sobriety! I still can't believe my devotion to Lewis & Clark got me started on this madness. But if it works don't knock it.

Sewer Line Fouls Up Race Finish

First the good news: my blood sugar was an excellent 116 this morning. But I'm mindful not to be too complacent when life's situations seem to be going great.

Case in point: this morning's Las Vegas Track Club's 12k race. Well it was supposed to be a 12k (7.44 miles). The race got off to a sloppy start when 1/10th of a mile into the race we had to splash through some sewer water as a local crew worked on a sewer line at the Pittman Wash. Then with wet shoes the out-and-back course proceeded uphill. I was 8:09 at the 1st mile, 16:30 at Mile 2, 25:12 at 3 and 31:30 at the halfway point as I looked forward to a fast finish downhill. I was gaining speed 33:32 at 4 miles, 41:55 at 5 miles and 50:52 at 6 but then with half a mile to go we had to take a detour. Apparently the crew that was working on the sewer line had blocked the course! We were forced to run almost a half mile out of the way to the finish. But I was still 15th overall and 3rd in my age group in a time of 64 minutes over nearly 8 miles. The funny thing is a lot of people thought I was from Alaska with my Team Raven Alaskan tank top.

Trying to do My Part

It took me almost as long as FEMA to respond to Hurricane Katrina's devastation. But today I sent the Red Cross a check for $100 for hurricane relief and not to forget the poor displaced, frightened and suffering animals I gave PETA $50 to help comfort our furry friends.

Cypresse warned us in class last night not to relax too much when times are good. Be wary that trouble is right around the corner. Well she was right. Just when I was starting to think I'm doing a pretty good job of controlling my blood sugar it soared  to 155 this morning. It should be under 120 before breakfast.

Undaunted I charged out of the house and ran about 5 miles around Sunset Park. I would have run further but I'm resting up for a 12k race (7.44 milles) Saturday. Then for the 2nd consecutive Friday I took Kim's yoga class with live music (sitar player). That run/yoga combo was just what the doctor ordered as the bs dipped to 96 after class.

 

Bliss

All I need for happiness is a run, a yoga class and vegetarian food. I got all three today.

The day began with a swift 8-mile run on the Pittman Wash trail in Henderson. Although the first half was a steady incline it was easy for me. As I came up on one walking couple who moved to the right leaving me a thin strip of shade to run in I called out "Thanks for yielding me the shade." The girl replied, "You need it." I guess I did.

The evening highlight was Cypresse's yoga class. I hadn't taken one of her classes in over a month and it was such a pleasure. She helped me with proper alignment in several positions and as usual it was demanding and rewarding.

After yoga I treated myself to dinner at the Go Raw Cafe where I enjoyed an organic tossed kale salad and a purple cabbage burrito filled veggies and greens topped with salsa and guacamole. Yum. Blood sugar was a perfect 106. Bliss.

 

Blah, Blah, Blah

Can't think of anything earth shattering to say today. Of course I ran (only about 3.5 miles but at a brisk pace) and the blood sugar was so perfect (109) that's the example that's used on meters and in BB King's commercial.

It's been a stressful last 2 days at work. Thank God, I'm off the next 2 days so I can concentrate on running and yoga. We're short handed and busier than ever during football season. I wish a hurricane would blow away the Hilton.

 

"Wild beasts and birds are by right not the property of people alive today, but the property of unborn generations, whose belongings we have no right to squander...A grove of redwoods or sequoias should be kept just as we keep a great and beautiful cathedral."
                                                                           -- Theodore Roosevelt, President

Born to Run

Started the day with an 8-mile run and finished with a candlelight yoga session.

Yesterday the blood sugar was a little high (147). So today I passed on the deadly pastries the Hilton puts out and would you believe it was only 81. That may be low but it makes sense. I burned a lot of carbs and didn't replace them all. That's easy to fix. Injest carbs. Problem solved.

I got an email response from Nina tonight in reference to our meeting at a yoga class Friday night and my inquiry about her charity event. She writes:

Hi Ham:
That was an interesting one for sure... but I always enjoy Yoga.  Thanks
for saying hi.. hope you enjoyed yourself as well.

Ticket sales are going quite well for the big charity event.  There are
still concert tickets available, but the VIP portion of the event is
sold out.

See you there!

Nina Radetich

Well that makes my day!

Starting the Day at Sunset Park

Don't worry. I have a never ending supply of photos from Sunset Park. Today I explored some new trails as I ran for 105 minutes (about 11 miles). I knew I needed a long run with the marathon less than three months away. I'd like to get one or two 15-mile runs in this month, a couple of 18s in October and two 20s in November to be ready for the race.

Everytime I start to think by blood sugar is invincible I'm reminded I'm a diabetic. After logging all those miles today I thought I could indugle in a big bran muffin and another one of those gooey decadent pastries the Hilton puts out for free to fatten up its workers. Well today they got me. My blood sugar soared up to 147 two hours after indulging so I'm reminded no matter how much I run I have to watch what I eat.

In sports news today, the Miami Hurricanes found much more resistance than Hurricane Katrina found last week as they were upset by Florida State 10-7 and Jerry Rice, the greatest receiver in NFL history called it a career.

 

Two Months complete

Today marks two full dry months completed as I march in my 435-day L&C Abstinence Reenactment. How's it going? Well, I'd say I'm in the best shape of my life. My weight's always somewhere in the 150s, both my blood sugar and pressure are significantly improved and most important -- my race times are getting faster everytime out of the chute. Three months from today is the Las Vegas Marathon and I'm going to be very ready for that 26.2-mile adventure.

Who knew that following the lead of a couple of early 19th Century explorers who ran out of grog halfway across the continent would have such a positive effect on me in 2005. Today I expected my bs number to be through the roof after having 2 pieces of rye bread, a big bran muffin and a decadent strawberry pastry with a salad for dinner. But after my evening yoga session it was only 106! And I didn't even run today!

Now a quote from my favorite Vietnamese Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh:

"I long to accomplish a great noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. We have to learn to live happier in the present moment, to touch the peace and joy that are available now."

 

Getting Faster Every Race

This Lewis & Clark Abstinence Reenactment nonsense is beginning to reap some benefits. Faster race times for one.

In today's Million to One 5k run I finished in 24:04. That's a 7:44 pace per mile. A year ago my 5k race times were over 9 minutes a mile. Today's effort was good for 36th overall out of a field of 98. Not bad. But in my 45-49 age group, it was only good for 5th. There's some fast old men out there.

After the race I struck up a conversation with Lindsey Sheer. Lindsey was just ahead of me finishing in 23:30. She was 2nd in her 25-29 age group. Lindsey is running 18 miles Sunday as she trains for the NYC Marathon. I noticed she was carrying an entire set of keys for the race. I suggested she take only one key. Now I might never be able to catch her. I told her about the 12-mile Grand Circle Trail at Red Rock and she said she'd like to join me out there someday. Just doing my job as local trail navigator. Whether it's the Lewis & Clark or scenic running trails I'll always be there to lead the way.

 

Local Celebrity in Yoga Class

Run. Yoga. Those two elements always make up a good day and today was a great day. Nothing special about the run. Just a local run on a dirt trail. But the yoga class, now that was something really special.

Friday nights on the west side Kim Culp teaches a candlelight class with live music. Tonight's class had a sitar player. How perfect for yoga. It was great to visit with Kim before class. I hadn't seen Kim for a few months. Then she was trying to teach with a broken foot. That was before her doctor put her in a cast and told her to rest. But since then Kim has healed in a big way. She's performing in Jubilee at Bally's and training for the LV Marathon. What a coincidence! So am I. Training for the marathon that is.

That was enough for a great day but to top it off I thought I noticed a familiar face in the back of the class. It was Ch. 3 news anchor Nina Radetich! I know Nina. We've exchanged email but this was the first time we met. Nina's a cyclist and a runner but I didn't know she did yoga too! What a small world. Kim and Nina made my night!

Oh there was one more thing... When I got home I saw Venus and Jupiter. 

 Venus and Jupiter -- the two brightest planets appeared  right next to each other at twilight in the west southwest sky. Venus is roughly 106 million miles from Earth, while Jupiter is 575 million miles away. Look tonight after dark and maybe you'll see them too. How's that for a day of star gazing?

What's Another Day?

Thursday Sept. 1, 2005

After further review of the Lewis & Clark journals I realized I underestimated my abstinence reenactment by one day. It was Sept. 14, 1806, not the 13th as I earlier believed. So now the total dry spell is 435 days. So, 13 more days -- plus another full year to go. You're invited to the party Sept. 14, 2006. 

That may be a sacrifice for me but nothing like New Orleans and Mississippi residents are going through. This story keeps getting worse every day. What are the refugees doing with their pets? I couldn't leave my cats behind. I'm not attached to my possesions or material things, but the cats, I'd have to take them with me.

I had a great 9-mile run this morning and my yoga teacher Cypresse called me to discuss her September yoga schedule. Life is good here.

Marv Levy Loves Animals Too

Wednesday August 31, 2005

The book du jour is Marv Levy's Where Else Would You Rather Be? That was what the former Buffalo Bills' coach would say to his players before every game. While the book is mostly about Marv's football coaching career he does express his opinion on hunting and fishing. Here is an exerpt from his book:

"Killing creatures is sport? Somehow, to me, it seems like an ultimate act of cruelty. I've heard and read that malarkey about "harvesting the herd," and I don't believe a word of it. That phrase ranks high on my list of heinous euphemisms. It has always mystified me that someone can snuff out the only life one of God's creatures will ever have and then blithely call himself a "sportsman" for having done so."

Right on, Marv!

Back to Work

Tuesday August 30, 2005

Had to shave for the first time in almost 2 weeks today as I returned to the grind at the Las Vegas Hilton. The day began with a great run around Sunset Park. All the vital numbers were excellent including post-run weight of 152.

Received a letter from my yoga teacher Cypresse today. All of her September classes are when I'm working. That's not good. I might have to use some vacation days for yoga. I still have 7 vacation days left this year. I can't use any in September or October because of  football season. I plan to use three for the Dec. 4 LV Marathon (one to rest, one to run, one to recover). I'll have to carry the other days over till next year. May 22, my 12-year anniversary date, I earn 4 full weeks to be taken over the next year. Including holidays and personal days that's 31 paid days off a year not counting weekends. Why retire? Paid vacations and a free daily lunch. What a country! 

  "Try to be like the turtle -- at ease in your own shell."
-- Bill Copeland

High and Dry

Monday August 29, 2005

As I complete my 8th sober week I can't help but wonder if I was in the path of Hurricane Katrina if I would have been able to stay dry. While Louisiana, Mississippi and other Gulf of Mexico states were being whacked by Katrina I can't help but remember the hurricanes I survived in the Florida Keys -- most notably Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and the heavy drinking that somewhat alleviated the stress.

It was a much calmer day here today. A 6-mile morning run on local streets, purchased a paper shredder to stave off identity theft and read some more of Marv Levy's book Where Else Would You Rather Be?

I'd rather be in 108-degree heat than 165-mph winds. Well, that's it for the 9-day vacation back to the coal mine tomorrow.

 

 

Home Sweet Home

Sunday August 28, 2005

One thing that's nice about taking a vacation is to have a day or two after a trip before returning to work. That's what today was. My body, still on EDT, rose at 5:15am. I hadn't planned on running today but I couldn't pass up an early morning 8-mile run around the lake at Sunset Park.

The cupboards were bare so I went out to stock the shelves with organic produce. Then it mostly hanging with the cats who slowly accepted me back into their home.

A little reading and yoga before dinner and that was about it. Boring to some but to me a perfect day. The numbers back it up. Weight after run: 153, blood pressure 117/77 and blood sugar 115.

One more day off then back to the grind Tuesday.

 

Last Day in Buffalo

Saturday August 27, 2005

This was my last day in Buffalo for this trip but my flight didn't leave until late afternoon so Dad & I headed off to the Amherst Bike Path for a bike and run.

Dad had a great 26-mile ride and I ran about 7 miles as I took pictures along the Ellicott Creek Trail. Afterward, I fixed us a healthy salad and cooked up some veggie burgers for our last meal. Then it was back on the big Iron Bird for the return to Sin City. The cats were glad to see me and it was good to be back home again.

But I'll always have my memories and 154 digital photos to remember this wonderful trip to Buffalo.

 

Watchin' The Bills

Friday August 26, 2005

Not too much on the slate today which was good. I took Ann to work at Wegman's so I could have her car for the day. Then I saw Mom briefly at Heidi's, where she was cleaning out the 93-yr-old woman's place, before taking old family friend Joan Gilbert to lunch at Brodd. It's a new restaurant at Main & Fruehauf where the Squire Shop used to be. It was different, a bit pricy, but very good.

I thought I might see Cheryl Gallagher in the afternoon but that didn't work out so instead I took another class at Buffalo Yoga. Darcy was surprised but happy to see me again and I enjoyed the flow of Ashtanga Yoga.

At night, Dad & I watched a Bills game together for the first time in years. The offense struggled against the tough Bears defense. But the Bills defense showed why it was one of the best in the league as Nate Clements picked off a pass for a score (see photo) and took a lateral from Takeo Spikes to set up another field goal. The Bills lost 16-12 but neither one of us was awake to see the final. Thank God for VCRs.

 

Yoga, Delaware Park and Don & Tina

Thursday August 25, 2005

Another great day in Buffalo. Started out with a class at Buffalo Yoga. On the outside it was a delapitated warehouse. On the inside it was a beautiful yoga studio. There were only three other students in the class and as usual I was the only male. But Darcy, the owner and teacher, hosted a great class and I got my much-needed yoga fix.

Afterward I ran home via Main St, past the grandparents old house at 100 Depew and for good measure a loop around Delaware Park. Then I ran past now closed Transfiguration Church, up Kenmore Ave and back home via Main St for about a 9-mile run.

Old friends Don & Tina, their son Curt and his girlfriend Reilly drove in from Batavia for dinner. Ann did a great job with a fresh mixed salad, organic corn on the cob and Dad cooked burgers (Veggie for me) on the grill. After dinner I made my captive audience watch our Montana Lewis &  Clark DVDs as we all enjoyed a fresh peach pie.

It's hard to top a day like that!!!

On the Waterfront

Wednesday August 24, 2005

Today Mom and I went down to the Lake Erie Waterfront Park for a walk and a run. Mom really enjoyed the flowers and I had a great run along the breakwall. It was a beautiful sunny day with temps in the low 70s and a light breeze.

Later we went out to a delicious Tomatoes restaurant where she enjoyed an excellent salad and Tomato basil soup. I had soup, salad and spaghetti and it was all very good. It was my treat to celebrate her recent birthday.

Blood sugar numbers were back to normal 116 this morning and respectable 129 after a carb-loaded dinner so I guess everything is OK again.

"i thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."

-- e.e. cummings, poet

Finger Lakes Excursion

Tuesday August 23, 2005

Got an early start to the Finger Lakes today with Dad, Ann, Sue and Debbie.

Dad rented a van so we all had plenty of leg room. It was about a 2 1/2 hour drive to Hammondsport,NY on Kueka Lake. The ladies went shopping, Dad made calls to his office and I took pictures around town and off the Lake.

Then we went to the Bully Hill winery where we had a nice lunch. Susan and I both had veggie burgers and Sue, the successful sibling in the family picked up the tab. Then the ladies tasted samples of the wine while Dad & I toured the museum.

Next we went to the Rooster Hill winery where the ladies did more wine tasting. I think this trip was planned before they knew I wasn't tasting wine or any other alcoholic beverages for 434 days but I was just along for the ride. After dinner in Dad's college town of Geneva, NY, where he told us of some of his pranks at Hobart, it was a long drive home as we pulled back in the driveway 14 hours after we left.

With no run today and not quite the proper diet my blood sugar was up to 194 before bedtime and that's kinda high. Traveling will do that to you.