When Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania was approaching the tunnel of the Olympic "Bird's Nest", did anyone else get the chills? I sure did, especially when the crowds roared for her lap around the field to win the women's marathon gold. Never experienced running in the front pack or even near the top 10%, the Olympic coverage provided a unique viewing experience in how the elite runners "run" a marathon as opposed to my perceived "running" of a marathon. They're clocking 5:35 minute... Read Full Story
As a newly married couple, first-time and later in life, we finally sat down to discuss finances after a year and three months of wedded bliss. We reviewed all our monthly expenses and set forth a plan with goals. We're not out of the clear but sure are making headway as long as we stick to the plan, perhaps retirement won't be so painful where I'll need a side job at McDonald's wiping tables into my late 80's! Immediately after the discussion, "There are pair of Patagonia pants that may be... Read Full Story
Sunday, a week after the race, I tried a short recovery run but only managed one mile before falling to the plague. Is it possible to pull or strain your eyeballs? It sure felt this way. Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to preparation of two presentations that caused my anxiety and stress before leaving on vacation. It all came together nicely and was publicly complimented -- a nice ending to hard work. However through all this time, my head pounded and muscles ached to the point I... Read Full Story
A week and half later, I'm resisting the urge to make this a glorified slide show of my trip which bores the neighbors. Part of the reason I run is to see some of the sights in other cities and, of course, indulge in food. I'm always up to try new things, hence we visited the Japanese Gardens at my wife's request and had tea. Not as exotic as I thought it would be but nonetheless relaxing a few hours after the race. Allegedly, tea is relaxing to the soul and I was asked to take a 'serious... Read Full Story
The alarm sounded at 3:30 a.m. and I shot out of bed to take a shower then stretch and eat a Nature bar. The wife followed suit. Surprisingly, cabs aren't readily available in San Francisco at 4:40 a.m. Challenging is hailing a cab when you can't whistle and especially difficult when the Valet is not present but found sleeping in an office. Nonetheless, we found a cab to share with another couple and arrived at the start line by 5:10 or 5:15 a.m. Perhaps we were too tired to be nervous or... Read Full Story
Destination races are difficult to conserve energy before a race when the surrounding world screams for you to be a tourist and explore. Luckily and fortunate for us, our swag bag didn't contain information or tickets about the pasta feed or the bus ride back for the wife's half marathon. Therefore, after breakfast we decided to return to the Expo. I mentioned "luckily and fortunate" on purpose because after a walking about seeking a suitable breakfast, exhausted and still hungry without... Read Full Story
The stereotypical California attitude is "laid back". Perhaps when we registered for the race back in January, the "laid back" attitude became pervasive through our training and the race? We have never been so relaxed, nonchalant before the starter's pistol and finish. Was this a good thing? Typically, I begin packing clothes a day before which, I kid you not, escalates to a four hour activity of packing, over-packing and eliminating clothing combinations. In record time, I threw my... Read Full Story
It's always good to arrive back home to familiarity, yet after this trip, I yearn for the cosmopolitan life. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence and, in this case, the city to where I traveled. As I sit writing, I'd love move to a coastal city where I can walk to a cafe, have a glass of wine, indulge in conversations with strangers and watch life pass. At one point while surveying the crowded street full of life, I turned to my wife and asked, "What are we doing... Read Full Story
Short of goal, yet proud of the accomplishment. Loved the hilly course, sights and friendly people! I have many pics to upload from the course and will share my thoughts later when I return from the trip. Surprisingly, while heading back over the Golden Gate Bridge I spotted my wife who didn't hear my yelling her name. I hoped to have caught a picture of her. Then, it occurred to me, "Hey, I wonder if I'll see Camels and Chocolates?" Two minutes later, I thought I saw her but couldn't... Read Full Story
With 17 minutes remaining, the attorney appeared in the doorway and handed me a draft Development Agreement which astonished my boss as he was poised to confront me. Extending his hand he congratulated me for being a "bulldog" and seeing this project through and acknowledged the stress to achieve my goal. It's amazing how I went from a goat, being ridiculed in a staff meeting to being a star. He should have known all along I keep my word. Well, after these weeks, the race should seem... Read Full Story
