tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34810862347536836352024-03-12T21:20:39.519-04:00On The Road with Scott BodienEagle Scout. Cancer Survivor. Ironman.Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-66446513294908551072010-11-08T20:10:00.035-05:002010-11-10T07:40:54.208-05:00Along For A Masochistic WeekendThis past weekend I had the opportunity to crew for (as they say in the business, which means to support) several of my favorite Charlotte peeps in the <a href="http://www.eco-xsports.com/mmtr.php">Mountain Masochist 50 Mile Trail Race</a>. This is one of the oldest and toughest 50 mile races out there, originally spearheaded by the one and only Dr. David Horton.<div><br /></div><div>Based outside of Lynchburg, VA in the George Washington National Forest, MMTR is a point-to-point races that roughly follows the Blue Ridge Parkway north from the James River Visitor Center to Montebello, VA. Thanks to <a href="http://therunscout.com/2009/08/mountain-masochist/">Google Earth you visualize a flyover of the course</a>. Of course, when I saw that all I saw was a golden opportunity extract the KML, convert to GPX, modify a few lines, and upload into a Garmin Oregon 550t. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNii4xdvXHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/aOas-TRfioQ/s1600/gps.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNii4xdvXHI/AAAAAAAAA8E/aOas-TRfioQ/s320/gps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537354838086474866" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Firewall installed? Check. MMTR uploaded for the weekend? Check.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>This was Betsy's "A" race for 2010 and I was excited to come along and offer support to her along with some of my other favorite Charlotteans Melinda, Ashley, Tom, DC, and Ed! When I ran the <a href="http://www.ncnr.org/nrt50k.html">New River Trail 50K</a> back in October, they were out of a training run. The concept of running fifty miles is still a bit of a mystery to me, but then again an Ironman seemed out of the question five years ago!<br /><br />The weather forecast for the weekend was looking somewhat bleak as the big day approached. Temps were dropping quickly, and it seemed like snow and upper 20s might be a reality on Saturday. The adventure began shortly after noon Friday when we gathered and headed north towards Lynchburg. My last visit to Lynchburg was in late April of 2003 for the Angel's Race Sprint Triathlon. Still one of my favorite triathlons to date, I managed to win the Male 25-29 age group. Nevermind I was the only male in that age range, this race had it all - very few races since have found that special place in my heart.<br /><br />Once checked in to the race hotel (it's where all the cool people were staying), we headed down for the pre-race alcohol, then some pre-race dinner, and a whole lotta pre-race windbagging from Horton. One thoroughly enjoyable part was a presentation by <a href="http://www.blueridgehikingco.com/about.html">Jennifer Pharr Davis</a>, the current women's record holder for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Trail">AT</a> through-hike (57 days). She talked about the experience of through-hiking.<br /><br />The most delightful surprise of the evening turned out to be right in front of me! Before we left I noticed that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton">Ernest Shackleton's</a> endurance motto was printed on the back of a <a href="http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/hellgate_100k.htm">Hellgate 100K</a> shirt. That's one shirt I'd almost run 62 miles for!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNiq_BZ0fbI/AAAAAAAAA8M/aRPCwKCj3GI/s1600/MMTR2010+Before+09+Shackleton+on+Hellgate+shirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNiq_BZ0fbI/AAAAAAAAA8M/aRPCwKCj3GI/s320/MMTR2010+Before+09+Shackleton+on+Hellgate+shirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537363741537238450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fortitudine Vincimus "By Endurance We Conquer"</span> </span></div><br />Race day began super early, as before 4AM early. The buses left from the hotel at 5AM. The Charlotte crew rode up on the buses, I drove up separately to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_River">James River</a> Visitor Center on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Parkway">Blue Ridge Parkway</a>. It was dark. It was cold. But thankfully it was not snowing or raining. After parking the car in a location that was surely illegal in all 50 states, I managed to herd most of our runners together for a group shot before the 6:30AM start.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNitbyG08sI/AAAAAAAAA8U/dJj696EbISw/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B00%2B-%2B10%2Bprerace%2Bgroup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNitbyG08sI/AAAAAAAAA8U/dJj696EbISw/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B00%2B-%2B10%2Bprerace%2Bgroup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537366434670506690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tom, Ashley, Betsy, Ed, and Melinda. DC was busy shining his head.</span> </span></div><br />Apparently this photo opportunity quickly made its way to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8977494@N08/">official Flickr photostream</a>. If you find it, you'll see that Melinda was flashing a gang sign. Word. Then the runners gathered on the road and off they went, down the road about 1.5 miles then back. With the first runners coming back shortly after 20 minutes, I had to shudder.<br /><br />On the route the runners would have support at 14 aid stations. Only half of those would be accessible by what I would call the traveling circus. After the last runner made their way to follow the James River, I fired up the Accord and headed north to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dancing Creek</span> ("Horton" Mile 11.2) access point. Initially I thought I would be killing hours at a time in waiting, but this was not the case. The most I waited was at this station, or more precisely, in the warm car while it actually became light out. My game of choice on Daedalus (my iPhone 4, named after the father of Icarus - Daedalus wishes that his owner no longer colloquially refer to him as Senor iPhone) has shifted a bit. Historically a HUGE <a href="http://www.candycaneapps.com/fuzzle/">Fuzzle</a> fan, I recently found out that one of my favorite 1980s computer games <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archon:_The_Light_and_the_Dark">Archon</a> (a variant of battle chess) was available! Out of the 102 apps on Daedalus, Archon is only one I've paid for.<br /><br />But I digress. My Unicorn besting a Banshee with his agility was not on show this day. The first accessible aid station was a bit of a walk in, about a half mile. I had missed the lead runner, but did catch the cream of the crop including first female. Every runner came down a hill and had to cross a creek that wasn't exactly very easy to cross. It was very interesting to watch over a 100 runners crossing in their own unique way. Most were successful, a few plowed through the icy goodness, others took their time, a handful spilled over.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNiz5iuc9SI/AAAAAAAAA8c/wH0etwCFVMQ/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B02%2BDancing%2BCreek.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNiz5iuc9SI/AAAAAAAAA8c/wH0etwCFVMQ/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B02%2BDancing%2BCreek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537373543007581474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Members of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Masochist Pants at the Dancing Creek Aid Station</span></span><br /></div><br />The first person across the creek that I recognized was Jonathan Savage. Who else on this planet has a beard like that? Based on my calculations, it seemed like I had somehow missed Melinda. Next in line was Betsy, and sure enough down the hill she came.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi1Wjwn7QI/AAAAAAAAA8k/XPVtYKKwjMQ/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B15%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BBetsy%2Bcrossing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi1Wjwn7QI/AAAAAAAAA8k/XPVtYKKwjMQ/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B15%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BBetsy%2Bcrossing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537375141012958466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Betsy coming down the hill, ready to cross</span> </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi1uKPb6RI/AAAAAAAAA8s/yrP860OXheo/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B39%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BBetsy%2Bat%2Bstation.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi1uKPb6RI/AAAAAAAAA8s/yrP860OXheo/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B39%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BBetsy%2Bat%2Bstation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537375546479733010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Betsy channeling her inner Cookie Monster?<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi2OPox8yI/AAAAAAAAA80/j8V28kRGjt8/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B40%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BBetsy%2Bleaving.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi2OPox8yI/AAAAAAAAA80/j8V28kRGjt8/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B40%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BBetsy%2Bleaving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537376097684026146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And she's off again. That's DC up ahead<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi299--lAI/AAAAAAAAA88/cLmdUH6RAuc/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B43%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BAshley%2Bcrossing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi299--lAI/AAAAAAAAA88/cLmdUH6RAuc/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B11%2B-%2B43%2BDancing%2BCreek%2BAshley%2Bcrossing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537376917579011074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photographer channeling <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Hurley">Frank Hurley</a> as he snaps shot of Ashley crossing<br /></span></span></div><br />After getting shots of Tom and Ed, I began the walk back out to the car and quickly made my way to the 14.9 mile <span style="font-weight: bold;">Parkway Gate</span> aid station. This was right off the road. Just about everyone was walking up a steep hill to the actual station before refueling and plummeting down the hill.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi34iW_NrI/AAAAAAAAA9E/ZX-7Ga27XKA/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B15%2B-%2B06%2BParkway%2BGate%2BBetsy%2Bclimbing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi34iW_NrI/AAAAAAAAA9E/ZX-7Ga27XKA/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B15%2B-%2B06%2BParkway%2BGate%2BBetsy%2Bclimbing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537377923775805106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Like my stylish foreground leaf inclusion? Me too!</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi4bU_PEmI/AAAAAAAAA9M/MNsHR038KH0/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B15%2B-%2B19%2BParkway%2BGate%2BBetsy%2Bdescending.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi4bU_PEmI/AAAAAAAAA9M/MNsHR038KH0/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B15%2B-%2B19%2BParkway%2BGate%2BBetsy%2Bdescending.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537378521481941602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Grand Old Duke of Horton. He had 10,000 men (and women). He marched them up the hill, and he marched them down again. And when you're up you're up, and when you're down you're down, and when you're only halfway up, you're neither at James River Visitor Center or Montebello! (Nuts, that doesn't quite rhyme)<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi5nN7SHRI/AAAAAAAAA9U/ZlmDqN2Bp98/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B15%2B-%2B29%2BParkway%2BGate%2BTom%2Bside.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi5nN7SHRI/AAAAAAAAA9U/ZlmDqN2Bp98/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B15%2B-%2B29%2BParkway%2BGate%2BTom%2Bside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537379825256373522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tom asking for the vintage 2004 Nuun hydration and his crusts cut off the PB&J.</span></span><br /><br /></div>Once again Melinda had eluded me. After witnessing Ed's ascent up Mt. Parkway Gate, I returned to my world in the circus train. This time I did stop for a nice view of my own, although I was more tempted to stop by actually having some cellular data service. Thanks a bunch AT&T.<br /><br />The next aid station was the first that involved some lengthy Forest Service road driving. The Accord handled itself nicely. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Reservoir</span> aid station was located at 22.3 miles for the runners. By this point I was able to foresee Betsy's arrival by the dozen or so runners that had preceded her at previous stations. This time she came with fellow hen Ashley.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi7y__cXsI/AAAAAAAAA9c/DuGGIRAjd24/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B22%2B-%2B11%2BReservoir%2BBetsy%2BAshley.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi7y__cXsI/AAAAAAAAA9c/DuGGIRAjd24/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B22%2B-%2B11%2BReservoir%2BBetsy%2BAshley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537382226697412290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Here comes some hens! Who-de-hoo!</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>After snapping these shots I crashed through the bush to get some more artistic shots, this time of the ladies crossing the bridge.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi9J4TH1LI/AAAAAAAAA9k/wLKTIr9q3Ug/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B22%2B-%2B16%2BReservoir%2BBridge%2BAshley.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi9J4TH1LI/AAAAAAAAA9k/wLKTIr9q3Ug/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B22%2B-%2B16%2BReservoir%2BBridge%2BAshley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537383719281087666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ashley on the bridge with her hands in the air- like she doesn't care - for anymore Masochist fare. Okay, I just stole that from myself.</span></span><br /></div><br />This crewing thing was beginning to become stressful in getting from point to point, especially with the long dirt road drive back and then out to the halfway point. I had plenty of snacks, but had not had a single square meal, and that wasn't going to change any time soon.<br /><br />The "halfway" mark at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Long Mountain</span> (26.9 miles) was my first spotting of this elusive Melinda character.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi_PaJEBZI/AAAAAAAAA9s/RVKZAq4v_dQ/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B27%2B-%2B02%2BLong%2BMountain%2BMelinda%2Bin.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNi_PaJEBZI/AAAAAAAAA9s/RVKZAq4v_dQ/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B27%2B-%2B02%2BLong%2BMountain%2BMelinda%2Bin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537386013288301970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A bona fide The Beast sighting at the halfway mark. Go Duke.</span></span><br /></div><br />On the subject of alma maters, I also spotted a woman with an old-school <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Washington">University of Washington</a> blanket. Definitely wasn't planning on seeing one of those today! I wouldn't end up talking to her until I saw her again at <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Loop.</span><br /><br />To give an idea on pace, Melinda came through just short of five hours (4:56). If you are naive enough to believe any of the mileages on these aid stations (and that this run is actually 50 miles) then that works out to be an eleven minute pace. A little less than thirty minutes later Betsy came through.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjAka1rEVI/AAAAAAAAA90/Mqn-g_mdsgA/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B27%2B-%2B20%2BLong%2BMountain%2BBetsy%2Bout.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjAka1rEVI/AAAAAAAAA90/Mqn-g_mdsgA/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B27%2B-%2B20%2BLong%2BMountain%2BBetsy%2Bout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537387473764290898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Marathons are for wimps. Ultras are for bad-asses. And males who have no fashion sense.</span></span><br /></div><br />Back on the circus train, accessing the next aid station at <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Loop</span> was the most precarious (and highest) destination. Once on the Forest Service road, there was a portion of the road that had to be shared with the runners up the insanely steep Buck Mountain. During my climb I had to pass about six runners, one of which I profess my utter apologies. It was at a point where it was obvious second gear was not going to cut it on this climb. Upon shifting the wheels spun <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span>. I couldn't look back to see whether his face was full of rocks or not. I hope he finished.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjCvRvFoYI/AAAAAAAAA98/Z2lIKK3cXAo/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B32%2B-%2B01%2Bclimbing%2BBuck%2BMountain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjCvRvFoYI/AAAAAAAAA98/Z2lIKK3cXAo/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B32%2B-%2B01%2Bclimbing%2BBuck%2BMountain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537389859322569090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Climbing up Buck Mountain. Internal Combustion Engine style.<br />Yes, that is snow. Yes, it is ridiculously cold outside.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjDYCnAjsI/AAAAAAAAA-E/fnfeF43aTTk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2010-11-08%2Bat%2B10.42.53%2BPM.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjDYCnAjsI/AAAAAAAAA-E/fnfeF43aTTk/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2010-11-08%2Bat%2B10.42.53%2BPM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537390559636786882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Any guesses where Buck Mountain is on this profile?<br /><a href="http://www.eco-xsports.com/mmtr.elevation.profile.php">Image taken from here</a><br /></span></span></div><br />Parking for this stop required some tight parallel parking action. Always thought parallel parking was for big cities, not at 3000' in the middle of the George Washington National Forest. Then again, I've always thought that fifth dentist was the only one not paid off by the makers of Trident gum.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjErEwXsmI/AAAAAAAAA-M/WG70HY4oidI/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B39%2B-%2B00%2BThe%2BLoop%2BOUT%2Bsign.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjErEwXsmI/AAAAAAAAA-M/WG70HY4oidI/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B39%2B-%2B00%2BThe%2BLoop%2BOUT%2Bsign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537391986142065250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There it is folks. My favorite (non people) shot of the day.<br /></span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>It was at this point that I had an important decision to make. I dearly wanted to run part of this course. The timing and nature of the loop made my decision relatively easy. I quickly shed my warm cocoon for a little lighter fare; my black long sleeve Uwharrie shirt, black running shorts, Asolo Outrider trail running shoes, wool running socks, and my Coeur d'Alene hat. </span></span><br /><br />Since I will be running a 5K in a few weeks, I was thinking tempo, tempo, tempo. I entered the loop about the time the second place runner was leaving, so there were relatively few runners in this section. I passed about six runners, two of which were females. Every one of them was surprised to be passed by someone running much quicker, but it was I who owed the respect. Each one, along with each finisher, was a titan in this field. By this point (33.6 miles) I would be running half as fast. For how fast <span style="font-style: italic;">I thought</span> I was going, the main middle section of the loop was TOUGH. Apparently I was NOT listening to David Horton the previous night when he said there was nothing easy about the loop. Making my way up to the saddle was hard enough, but then the additional punishment up to the highest point was hurtful. I really was able to turn on the engine on the way down. I came out of the five mile run in about 47 minutes (9:24 pace). Ugh, I have a long way to go before doing well at Uwharrie.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjRQKsTemI/AAAAAAAAA-s/AFMN971vSSo/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2010-11-08%2Bat%2B11.41.20%2BPM.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjRQKsTemI/AAAAAAAAA-s/AFMN971vSSo/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2010-11-08%2Bat%2B11.41.20%2BPM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537405817530317410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">One tenth of a Masochist. A most humbling loop.<br /><br /></span></span></div>I must have missed Melinda entering, so then I felt stuck as I should have brought my camera to the start (it was a bit of a hike back to the car). I didn't want to miss anyone, so I stuck around in the sunshine slowly cooling off. I did manage to talk with UW blanket woman. Her brother went to UW, they were from Moses Lake and she attended Central. She lives in DC and was there supporting her boyfriend. 10-4. At one point I started to run back to the car, but then I spotted a cute woman in purple coming down the hill, so I followed her to the loop entrance. I then was surprised to see Tom next - he told me Ashley was having some issues, DC was out, and he had not seen Ed. Hmm, that's not good. Time to turn on some hard crewin'!<br /><br />Okay, it momentarily went downhill from there. Talk about trying too hard. I blame it on being thirsty, hungry, rapidly becoming cold, and wanting to pee quite badly. Or maybe that I haven't eaten any Top Ramen in at least four years. My apologies to The Beast. There, that was my fail for the day. And spitting rocks at some poor guy trying to climb a steep mountain.<br /><br />Once released, I hurried back to the car to address most of the issues described above. I then took the camera back to "Camp Christmas." Always angling for the nice shot that didn't involve my circus brethren, I ventured a bit up the trail to get a good shot of Betsy coming out of the loop. While I waited I watched two young children playing in the woods. The girl was the inquisitive one, turning over rocks and searching the earth. The boy had a stick that was his Excalibur. I watched both of them thinking of my youth spent playing in the woods below our house, and how there was a bit of both of them in me. Soon enough the loop mistress came bounding towards me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjMbbMxtAI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ODHo3AjZYuQ/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B39%2B-%2B04%2BThe%2BLoop%2BOUT%2BBetsy%2Bdescending.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjMbbMxtAI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ODHo3AjZYuQ/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B39%2B-%2B04%2BThe%2BLoop%2BOUT%2BBetsy%2Bdescending.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537400513381905410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dude! You again?!? Take your pants and get out of the way!!</span> </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjM7IC6rEI/AAAAAAAAA-c/QLMck9Yyoms/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B39%2B-%2B10%2BThe%2BLoop%2BOUT%2BBetsy%2Bdescending.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjM7IC6rEI/AAAAAAAAA-c/QLMck9Yyoms/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B39%2B-%2B10%2BThe%2BLoop%2BOUT%2BBetsy%2Bdescending.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537401057996090434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Now that's what I came to see!!</span></span> </div><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><br />The most stressful driving portion came next as I ignored Betsy's "request" and attempted to see her again at the Salt Log Gap station (mile 41.5), which was 2.9 miles for her and five billion miles of Forest Service road behind grandma for me. Turns out grandma was a sixteen year old girl who must have been driving dad's car and could not exceed five miles an hour. Thankfully the mileage for the runners was undoubtedly more than 2.9 and my mileage was in fact less than five billion. Not five seconds after I got out of the car did I spot Betsy coming across the station!<br /><br />It was clear to me her balance was off. She confirmed this and that she was having a crampfest. Her body had been in motion for nearly nine hours. I walked with her up the path some distance, listening and doing my best to give her the mental push she needed. I turned around confident she would finish.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjPCxXtWAI/AAAAAAAAA-k/AGXEzlkPAmI/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B43%2B-%2B01%2BSalt%2BLog%2BGap%2BBetsy%2Bleaving.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjPCxXtWAI/AAAAAAAAA-k/AGXEzlkPAmI/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B43%2B-%2B01%2BSalt%2BLog%2BGap%2BBetsy%2Bleaving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537403388371490818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The last I would see of Betsy before the finish. Mile "42"</span></span><br /></div><br />My descent back down towards the Blue Ridge Parkway was a lot less stressful. It was then a long drive north to the small hamlet of Montebello where the race would finish. By then the sun was close to going down and the temperature was dropping quickly. While I waited for Melinda I watched the more amusing part of the finish. There was another competition for finishers to lift weights immediately after crossing the line.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjTOnKUAiI/AAAAAAAAA-0/REGFUAWpU1o/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B02%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2Bbench%2Bpresses.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjTOnKUAiI/AAAAAAAAA-0/REGFUAWpU1o/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B02%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2Bbench%2Bpresses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537407989835891234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yes, even the women got into this after party.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Was there any doubt that <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8977494@N08/5154498748/">this guy</a> won this competition? A huge crowd, including myself, gathered to watch Mr. Dunlop punch out 40 reps of 90 lbs. Wow. I couldn't do a single one without any running.<br /><br />And now the finishers!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjTxwPNFrI/AAAAAAAAA-8/uM1E8nAypq4/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B08%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BMelinda.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjTxwPNFrI/AAAAAAAAA-8/uM1E8nAypq4/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B08%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BMelinda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537408593567749810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Good thing Melinda had plenty of Top Ramen!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjUMK3yl1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/4ByTqgffJjs/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B17%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BBetsy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjUMK3yl1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/4ByTqgffJjs/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B17%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BBetsy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537409047393900370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Betsy finishing off her second MMTR - Wooowhooo!!!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjUy7Uu9WI/AAAAAAAAA_M/DAFruLPeRvs/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B28%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BTom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjUy7Uu9WI/AAAAAAAAA_M/DAFruLPeRvs/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B28%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BTom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537409713235228002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tom giving it up to Race Director <a href="http://team.inov-8.us/2008/05/inov-8-athlete-profile-interview-clark_3863.html">Clark Zealand</a><br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjVFCg1OTI/AAAAAAAAA_U/GQBe2dS3EeY/s1600/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B41%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BAshley.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TNjVFCg1OTI/AAAAAAAAA_U/GQBe2dS3EeY/s320/MMTR2010%2BMile%2B50%2B-%2B41%2BMontebello%2BFinish%2BAshley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537410024402663730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The gutsy performance award goes to Corncob!<br />Her performance was so LEGENDARY (later that week) Horton himself reached out to congratulate her.<br /></span></span></div><br />From there darkness descended quickly. I wasn't completely sure of how to get back to Lynchburg. How silly of me to assume AT&T services Montebello with a 3G network! But really, I knew enough lay of the land (Magellan did more than travel in ships) to make our way back to the host hotel. From there we went back down for dinner. My face/lips were actually burnt, and I was starvin' like a depressed android (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_the_Paranoid_Android">Marvin</a>!). This was my first meal of the day. It wasn't all that great, but it was what I needed! We did stick around for most of the awards. We were all very surprised to learn we were sitting at the table with the women's winner. Turns out she was from Elkin.Very personable gal. We clapped very hard for her!<br /><br />Thankfully I was paying attention when they called Melinda as the Women's Masters winner. She did get that "cute" jacket after all. Back upstairs we gathered with champagne, other alcoholic beverages, and delicious baked goods to celebrate!<br /><br />You would think after all these endeavors we would all sleep well, but it really doesn't work that way. I remember my night after finishing Coeur d'Alene was anything but pleasant. Even with DST giving us an extra hour, we were still up and getting ready through the "6AM" hour. The hens were watching a terrible train wreck of a series on MTV called <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/is_she_really/series.jhtml#moreinfo">Is She Really Going Out With Him?</a> Terrible terrible terrible.<br /><br />Before leaving Lynchburg our crew gathered at the local Crackerbarrel to regal ourselves with stories from yester day. I certainly was wishing I had actually been a part of the running experience. While I did have a tasty breakfast, I did get clocked in the head by our server with a heavy tray of food. Maybe now I've been hit in the head I will consider a 50 mile race! :-)<br /><br />Seriously, congratulations to Betsy and all the other finishers!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=262530&id=535328087&l=4581f3a0ef">Complete Facebook Photo Album</a><br /><br /></div></div></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-2299991839431207292010-07-12T10:03:00.004-04:002010-07-26T14:13:58.935-04:00Remembering Renwick Edward "Ed" Dayton IIIYou can read about the Memorial Service held at Camp Parsons on 7/24/2010 <a href="http://mike-acdblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/memorial-weekend.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TDshBlOdOJI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/V9YZQ3Qvkko/s1600/08578121.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 182px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/TDshBlOdOJI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/V9YZQ3Qvkko/s320/08578121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493020481564784786" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="obitText" class="clearfix"><div style="text-align: center;">Renwick Edward "Ed" DAYTON III<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">30 December 1965 ~ 4 July 2010<br /></div><br /><br />Renwick Edward Dayton III, of Gig Harbor, WA, known as Ed Dayton was killed on Saturday July 4, 2010. He is survived by his longtime girlfriend and partner Meredith Daniels, of Gig Harbor, parents Renwick Dayton Jr., and Elizabeth Dayton of Hillsboro, OR, sisters Malina Lindell, Pendleton, OR, and Becca Heartwell, Portland, OR, nephews Matt Lindell, Hillsboro, OR, and Ben Lindell, Pendleton, OR, two aunts and 9 cousins in WA. Ed grew up in Hillsboro, OR, graduating from Glencoe High School in 1984, and attended Oregon State University. Scouting has been a major part of Ed's life since joining Cub Scouts in 1973. He continued scouting in Boy Scout Troop 240, in Hillsboro, OR, Columbia Pacific Council, earning his Eagle in 1983. Ed's family had ties to the Hood Canal which drew him there in summers. When he was old enough, he started staffing at <a href="http://www.campparsons.com/">Camp Parsons Boy Scout Camp</a> on the Canal, in Brinnon, WA, first as counselor in training, then counselor, even Assistant Camp Ranger. Throughout his adult life he has worked with a special group of folks known as the Camp Parsons Adult Work Party that perform much of the maintenance and build most of the new facilities at the camp.<br /><br />Because of the tragic death of a family member due to a brain tumor, Ed has been actively raising money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation through the Ride for Kids Program. Ed was a union carpenter, working in Oregon, California, and the last 14 years in Washington. He was hired by Mowat Construction Company, Woodinville, WA in 1994 as a journeyman, and worked his way up to General Superintendent of the Company. Ed was a private man, and never spoke of his achievements, concentrating on others and their needs. His shared his incredibly humorous side with his friends and family. We will miss the man that was Renwick Dayton, a quiet, compassionate, hard working, caring and loving individual who truly encompassed what a scout is......"physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."<br /><br />A celebration of life will be held at Camp Parsons Boy Scout Camp at 970 Bee Mill Road, Brinnon, WA, 98320 on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the<br />Camp Parsons Dining Hall Construction Fund<br />Chief Seattle Council<br />3120 Rainier Avenue South<br />PO Box 440408<br />Seattle, WA 98114<br /><br />or the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Ride for Kids Puget Sound Chapter, 302 Ridgefield Ct., Asheville, NC 28806. Please visit the guestbook at <a href="http://www.havenrest.com/" target="_new">www.havenrest.com</a><br /><br /> <!-- --> </div> <div id="obitPublished" class="clearfix"> <div style="float: left; font-weight: bold;"> Published in The Seattle Times from July 11 to July 14, 2010 </div> </div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-29327276680066057052010-05-07T16:08:00.005-04:002010-06-01T11:26:24.320-04:00Decent Night at the Track<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/S-SFmQ4OkxI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/HXq-8OxES0w/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/S-SFmQ4OkxI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/HXq-8OxES0w/s320/IMG_3707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468642739946951442" border="0" /></a><br />I recently had a decent night at the track. No, my name is not <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100502/SPORTS11/5020341/2196">Glen Fullerton</a>. On Wednesday, May 5th we came up to <a href="http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/">Charlotte Motor Speedway</a> for my seventh run at the <a href="http://carolinatt.org/v3/">10 mile bike time trial</a>. <div><br /></div><div>My dad went first right around 6:30 and we all cheered him on for his seven laps! After that, I jumped on my bike Holman and began a quick warmup on the sidetrack. It was also very nice to see my co-worker Sharon and her friend Russ show up to see what all the fuss was about!</div><div><br /></div><div>Going in, I knew the PR to beat was 25:50 set in May of 2007. My mean time was 27:02 with a standard deviation of 48 seconds. The 2009 campaign was mildly disappointing (27:06), so the goal for the night was just to go under 27 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>The temperature was about 80 degrees with a 6 mph wind in the usual direction. Here were my splits for the night</div><div><br /></div><div><div>lap 1 - 3:42 (23.2 mph)</div><div>lap 2 - 3:43 (23.0 mph)</div><div>lap 3 - 3:44 (23.0 mph)</div><div>lap 4 - 3:38 (23.6 mph)</div><div>lap 5 - 3:43 (23.0 mph)</div><div>lap 6 - 3:50 (22.4 mph)</div><div>lap 7 - 3:47 (22.7 mph)</div><div><br /></div><div>I maxxed out at 27.1 mph on my cycle computer, an improvement from 26.2 mph last year. The only real disaster was the penultimate lap, but I reset with what little I had to make a good run at the finish. I was mildly surprised half way that my left aerobar was somewhat loose! My <a href="http://carolinatt.org/v3/assets/uploads2006/5-5-2010_Prelim1_1.pdf">official time</a> was 26:03, only thirteen seconds off my PR! Not bad at all...</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year there were 284 finishers, and I finished in the 172nd slot overall [0.61]. In my M30-34 age group, I was 8th out of 16 [0.50].</div><div><br /></div><div>For 2010, there were 268 finishers and I slotted in at 148 [0.551], which was an obvious improvement. Officially (but not officially officially until May 12th) I am part of the M35-39 age group. This year I was 9th out of 15 [0.60]</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards we went back to Charlotte and celebrated with a fabulous outside dinner at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille - good times!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-41372363159493655242009-10-15T19:56:00.003-04:002010-07-12T16:21:44.925-04:00Ouroboros - Ten YearsAs if October were not busy enough, I currently find myself in the City of Roses (Portland) for the <a href="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/home-page">Land Trust Alliance</a>'s 2009 <a href="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/learning/rally/rally-2009">Rally</a>. This was my fourth Rally experience. The first was 2004 in Providence, RI. I certainly was interested in Madison for 2005, but that did not work out. Then in 2006 I attended in Nashville, TN. I then found myself in Denver, CO for 2007. After a polite "pass" for Pittsburgh in 2008 (I had visited the city recently), coming to Portland in 2009 was a no-brainer! At the time, I did not realize the significance of being here at this particular time.<div><br /></div><div>It was right before lunch on Tuesday when I met a familiar face did this all come together. Following my graduation from the <a href="http://www.washington.edu/">University of Washington</a> in 1999, I was looking for a job. My main degree was in Forestry, and I had become involved with the <a href="http://www.safnet.org/">Society of American Foresters</a>. So I thought it would be an excellent idea to come to the <a href="http://oregoncc.org/">Oregon Convention Center</a> for SAF's annual conference. </div><div><br /></div><div>One fateful morning I arrived early for an organized breakfast. I recall being assigned a mentor, an older gentlemen. Per instruction, I told him about my interests, specifically in forestry and history. Later in the breakfast several of the "elders" were invited to stand up and talk about their mentee. This guy turned out to be a loud mouth, but told the crowd about my interests and he then pointed across the room and mentioned there were two gentlemen who would want to talk with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those gentlemen turned out to be Judson Edeburn, Manager of the <a href="http://www.dukeforest.duke.edu/">Duke Forest</a> at Duke University, and Steve Anderson, director of the <a href="http://www.foresthistory.org/">Forest History Society</a> (also HQ'ed in Durham, NC). After the breakfast they did descend upon me with rapt fascination. I told them once again my interests. I knew very little about Duke, and could hardly pinpoint where exactly it was located. I did know they had a great basketball program with a coach whose name was hard to pronounce.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turns out Judd and Steve were talking about finding talent to research and write a book about the history of the Duke Forest, which would be turning 75 in 2006. They talked about the <a href="http://nicholas.duke.edu/">School of the Environmen</a>t located at Duke and whether I would be interested in pursuing an advanced degree while researching a book.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally this was all overwhelming. They said there would be significant (although not complete) funds for me to come. I returned to Seattle a little stunned. I did take a job with the <a href="http://www.seattlebsa.org/">Chief Seattle Council</a> for the time being, but the wheels were in motion. </div><div><br /></div><div>So in August of 2000 I cast my lot and headed eastward. It was ten years ago in this convention center that it began. And now in October of 2009 I was headed to grab a lunch when all the sudden there was Steve Anderson. It was his first time attending Rally, the FHS had a booth and he was hoping to get land trusts interested in the archival services they had mastered.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ten years. What would have happened had I not come to Portland, or gone to that breakfast? I never would have gone to Duke, never would have adopted Winston, and never moved to Charlotte. <b>I am so glad I don't skip breakfast!!!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I am also pleased that <a href="http://www.dukeforest.duke.edu/news/book.html">the book was published</a>. It was hard to leave Durham without a finished product, but the original thoughts of me staying through a PhD were scrapped early so it was implied that I would go as far I could go. I do recall Judd and I getting through some great oral histories.</div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-14826888066723829892009-07-04T16:17:00.024-04:002009-07-05T17:59:07.079-04:00Have Super Glue, will Ironman!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>And so the months whittled down to weeks and then days before my third attempt at the Iron distance triathlon. This time I was following the footsteps of many of my Charlotte friends who had completed Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2008. Complaints of cold water aside, I knew attempting this race made a lot of sense since it was in the neck of the woods from where I grew up! It is the closest Ironman "brand" race to Seattle, but not by much as the drive is roughly the same to get to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penticton">Penticton, BC</a> for <a href="http://www.ironman.ca/">Ironman Canada</a>. The timing in August might have worked - maybe next time I'm dumb enough to consider this suffer-fest.<div><br /></div><div>The nice part about flying into Seattle a week before was the opportunity to just relax and control my urges to freak out. I flew out on Saturday the 13th and was picked up by the units. Our family numbers grew that Tuesday when my sister and her Spanish entourage came into town. One of my equipment concerns was related to my rear tire. I had taken Holman, my Trek Madone, in for routine maintenance while still in Charlotte. They found some cracks in my rear wheel, but assured me the replacement (thankfully the wheel had a warranty on it) would be back in time for me to ship the bike out to Kirkland. WRONG. Faced with the prospect of 112 miles with a tinkertoy loaner, I found a sweet set of <a href="http://www.edgecomposites.com/product.asp?SKU=RWS68CDT">Edge 68 carbon clinchers</a> (thanks Andrew M!!) to rent from a shop in Fremont. On Thursday my dad and I picked up the wheels then rode a <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/wa/seattle/636124536441422966">33 mile loop around the southern part of Lake Washington</a>. I could really tell they were superior wheels, and only had a problem controlling them as I attempted to hammer across the I-90 floating bridge in aero position (the crosswinds were quite noticeable). </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_HLf5mzcI/AAAAAAAAA3g/of3F2HtFGWU/s320/HPIM3601.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354717482322415042" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">One sweet ride...</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Friday morning the three of us packed up our gear, and Holman on top of the Matrix and began the long journey eastward across our great State. For those that have never made this journey it is quite a show in diversity, perhaps on some stretches an utter lack of it. Our immediate destination was my friend's house in southern Spokane. The biggest disappointment of the trip was that I would not actually be able to see my friend Ben there. They were gone that weekend for a wedding outside New York City. But there were some of his relatives staying there to watch their house and two dogs. When we got there no one was home, so we continued on to Coeur d'Alene, as I had to register by 4PM or not be able to race. The weather was dreary, and as I began the registration process the rain started to come down. This experience was the opposite of Wisconsin, which was all indoors at the convention center. There was time for us to drive the bike course, and then parts of the run. No doubt had I been here before, but the memories were vague. </div><div><br /></div><div>The bike course first went down the east side of the lake to an actual dead-end. From there it went through town and up towards Hayden Lake. It was a beautiful area, but one whose history was (is?) spoiled the presence of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryan_Nation">Aryan Nation</a>. My immediate concerns were some tough hills coming out of the lake area then some nasty rollers that would no doubt hit you twice for a repeated period in the stomach. </div><div><br /></div><div>My parents then dropped me off for the dinner event. Since this was an utter stranger-fest for me I immediately took up conversation with an older gentlemen behind me who just happened to be from the Charleston area. I was wearing my <a href="http://www.setupevents.com/?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1126">Langley Pond</a> attire (well, most of it after my socks were violently destroyed by Belvedere the attack beagle). David was from Goose Creek and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with him and listening to all the Ironman distance and other races he had accomplished during his career. The pasta dinner was mediocre at best, thankfully I didn't suggest my parents pay an extra $25 each for such fare. The Greek food they had that evening was obviously much better and no doubt less expensive. The program was virtually the same show I experienced in Wisconsin. Hey look, it's <a href="http://www.multisports.com/paula.html">Paula Newby-Fraser</a>! Okay I admit it, she's won more Ironman titles than anyone else so she's my hero and I'd probably listen to the same speech over and over. The story of the gentleman who lost upwards of 150 pounds was quite amazing! Other than that this was an exercise in calming, of making me believe I had a shot to make this thing happen ... again. The promotional videos weren't all that soothing to my equally nervous digestive system, so I had to leave a little early. I am sorry that I didn't see David again. (Ironically enough, he finished just minutes before me on race day!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I did make it back into the big tent for most of the pre-race meeting. Afterwards I met up with the only friend I actually know doing the race. Josh lived in Charlotte for several years while his wife was completing her residency. Despite having been over to Josh's house in Charlotte and now where they live in Boise, I had yet to meet his wife so it was very special to meet Kristen. We chatted for a few minutes, then the red machine (my parents have a thing for red Toyotas...) came to pick me up. We then drove back to Ben's house in Spokane. There we all got to meet George, Linda, and Shirley. Also present were the two dogs. I had met Annie several times, she has always been quite shy. The real interest here was to meet Lilac, a dog they had recently adopted whose resemblance to Winston was just a little more than striking.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_HvL0rI-I/AAAAAAAAA3o/7wjJq1LXZf0/s1600-h/HPIM3605.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_HvL0rI-I/AAAAAAAAA3o/7wjJq1LXZf0/s320/HPIM3605.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354718095408309218" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Winston fans of the world - don't freak out, this is Lilac</span></i></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_IAgXpGnI/AAAAAAAAA3w/M-C10ulKOyA/s320/HPIM3611.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354718392981461618" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Lilac would literally sit down on Annie! Talk about pushing around your passive friend...<br /></span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>After chatting with the relatives the three of us left via the front to unload the car. My parents went out first and after I went through the storm door (a variety much heavier to the ones I am used to in North Carolina) it slammed back at a speed that caught me off guard. I immediately felt a massive pain in my left index finger. I pulled it around where I could see it and it was gushing blood. Thankfully I knew the EXACT word to use in this situation, as this past week I had viewed a most interesting documentary entitled <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486585/">Fuck</a>. It consisted of a wide variety entertainers and politicians, both far left and far right, discussing swearing, why people use it, and the history of this word. I highly recommend it, but only if you can take 857 uses of the word during 90 minutes....</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_KN7RNx8I/AAAAAAAAA34/78XBd-NVO3A/s1600-h/HPIM3627.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_KN7RNx8I/AAAAAAAAA34/78XBd-NVO3A/s320/HPIM3627.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354720822563817410" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Would this storm door ruin my Ironman?!?</span></div></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to Stone Lane, as all was not well in suburbia! I immediately put pressure on it and elevated the finger. Pacing back and forth, you might have guessed I was on a ship at sea but no it was a breezeway somewhere in south Spokane. It was about ten minutes before I had a look at the source of my immense pain. The cut was small but it was DEEP! It was well over a half hour before it showed any signs of slowing down. Naturally I was in a very poor mood, considering I might have to spend 3 hours in an emergency room waiting room and pay handsomely for the experience. Just registering for this race ($551!!!) and everything else was enough to bankrupt me... After a phone call with Ben the three of us drove to an urgent care place several blocks from the house, but it was closed. In the end I fell asleep in the basement office with my finger all wrapped up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I slept reasonably well, considering the adjoining room lights had to be on! That morning I had a look at the offending finger, amazed that such a small cut could have bled so much and now could hamper my chances at this race, which was obviously a big deal. Of immediately concern was to keep the cut from opening while swimming 70-80 minutes then holding on to the aerobars for 6-7 hours. We eventually went to the drug store to look at various splints, tapes, etc. After some consultation we felt the best plan was ointment on the wound, a sleeve, and then the waterproof tape wrapped twice. Then there was a bit of waiting, and of course the edgy anticipation that goes with it!</div><div><br /></div><div>We then packed up our things and left once again for Coeur d'Alene. The weather was looking a little more promising at the moment, but there were many whispers about the grimy weather to come the one day it did matter. I personally would prefer the cold and dreary to the merciless heat. The first order was dropping off the bike and the bags. Unlike all the other triathlons I have experienced, at these Ironman brand races you have to rack the day before, and then drop your bike and run bags off as well. Those two bags are kept separately. This is done because there are so many racers! I could only marvel at the sea of bikes in the transition area. By my count of swim finishers, there were at least 2200 bikes there at the start of the race. I think it would be extremely fair (conservative) to say each bike is worth at least $4,000. That's $8.8 million dollars worth of equipment!! Even my bike with those wheels was worth well over that average. Speaking of which, I don't think I saw another set of Edge 68s. Just a sea of <a href="http://www.zipp.com/wheels/detail.php?ID=15">Zipp 404s</a> and <a href="http://www.zipp.com/wheels/detail.php?ID=21">808s</a>. All of these wheel sets are a minimum two grand. That's INSANE! See, I'm just not that good (or rich) to see the sanity of owning something like that. So I was treating myself to some special ice cream for this race...</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe it dawned on me while dropping off my bike that I left my wetsuit back in Spokane!! It had been stored away because about the worry of Lilac chewing on it. So that was a total pain to have to drive back. At least it wasn't left it Seattle. We were really dysfunctional that afternoon. After leaving we had to go back AGAIN for my mother's purse. The hope here was that we were getting all this dysfunction out of the way before tomorrow! That meant we were slightly late in showing up in Post Falls for dinner with Josh and Kristen. </div><div><br /></div><div>We ate at this strange restaurant called G.W. Hunter's. It specialized in MEAT, you know, steaks, but with a lot of venison and elk options. There was also scripture and weird religious stuff plastered most everywhere. We later found that to be most hypocritical. The meal and company was just delightful, my parents thoroughly enjoyed talking with Josh and Kristen about the Pacific Northwest, Missouri, and North Carolina. Thankfully for me it took a lot of the edge off, but that sinking feeling was not far off. I really stuffed myself with the fettucini, which might had been a life saver. When we paid for our meal with the credit cards we noticed they were slow in getting them back, and then they were all mixed up with another table. My dad would learn the next day someone at the restaurant had stolen his credit card number! Thankfully Josh and I suffered no such downfall. After much insisting from Kristen, I let her have a look at my finger (she is an emergency room doctor - the only other ER doc I know in the Charlotte area has to be clinically insane - don't ever have a traffic accident or get shot near <a href="http://www.cmc-northeast.org/">Northeast</a>!) While it was on the verge of being too late to stitch, she completely recommended superglue!</div><div><br /></div><div>So after saying goodbye we duly headed off to get some cyanoacrylate goodness. It was kind of weird after having believed all that hype on the label about under no circumstances getting it on your skin, but apparently the the medical profession essentially uses the same cyanoacrylate-based glues. Okay. Let's do it. Our home for race night was the <a href="http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-post_falls-idaho-ID041">Comfort Inn in Post Falls</a>. Getting rid of the bike and the transition bags also greatly reduces the stress for the previous evening and race morning. It wasn't too long after the glue was applied that I was in bed. And I slept rather well! Definitely better than the two previous nights before Vineman and Ironman Wisconsin.</div><div><br /></div><div>I seem to recall the alarms going off slightly after 4:30. Immediately I opened up the reefer and started to down my four cans of Strawberry Ensure. Yum. Well, sort of... Since Kristen's plans for the day apparently consisted of watching <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/">HGTV</a> all day, she dropped Josh off with us shortly before 5:15. It was already light by then, considering it was the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. And naturally that would be true for most of us out there. The longest day. The drive over to CDA was short, and it was easy for us coming down Northwest Blvd to get a parking spot at the <a href="http://www.nic.edu/">college</a>. The walk over seem to last a long time, but that would be dimmed into the quiet recesses in no time. What walk? </div><div><br /></div><div>My immediate concern upon seeing the water was the moderate winds coming into shore. That meant two long 900+ meter stretches against the current and what looked to be some sizable rollers for a lake. Naturally I had it good on the Russian River and then the placid Lake Menona. Given the extremely low water temps from last year, I <a href="http://waterdata.usgs.gov/id/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00010=on&format=gif_default&period=7&site_no=12417610">religiously followed the water temps this year</a>, and it was apparent it would NOT be in the 50s. In fact, it turned out to be 65° and absolutely perfect with a wetsuit! I didn't think about the temperature once! But hey, I'm getting ahead of myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year I had opted out of the whole special needs bag for the bike - this year I was going back to half a sandwich, banana, the rest of my GU gels, and that last can of Ensure. Definitely was passing on the special needs run thing. Josh was all cavalier about special needs. The first real order of business was to get bodymarked. Josh and I got in separate lines. It would appear this would be the only time I got a better split!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_prBDsuUI/AAAAAAAAA4A/TKfobXGJJMI/s320/4931_96078623087_535328087_1914291_4745919_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354755407194405186" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">I don't even remember what I was thinking here - my face definitely says something</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The pro start was at 6:25, which was quite different from Wisconsin (6:55, five minutes before the start). Why should they get their own start? If they're not good enough to immediately separate themselves from the arm-thrashing masses, then they shouldn't be pros! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_qdOMFKsI/AAAAAAAAA4I/HkzvVDrE62Q/s320/4931_96078628087_535328087_1914292_7400683_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354756269712681666" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">People do this for a living?</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The big difference from Wisconsin was that it was a beach start. Oh joy. Josh was then the first to put on his wetsuit. He was in a small minority of folks going sleeveless. He was also in the small minority of folks planning to finish in an hour. My awesome parents were there to help me into my suit and then prepare my finger. This was done with plenty of time as all three of us remember the near disastrous Vineman start. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_rRi33sKI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/h7bKvX7IkFs/s320/4931_96078643087_535328087_1914294_6273498_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354757168618254498" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">If I don't look nervous then I did a good job fooling you!</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>And so the minutes slowly ticked away. Josh and I then followed the fellow seals to the beach entrance. There it was some of those pictures you see with a thousand seals on a beach, except most of the seals there had red or white caps on. When I saw the pros come around for their second lap I knew something was amiss - their times were slow! Beware young Bodien! This is not a good sign!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_tA7UZ79I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/p-S3FhOg4pc/s320/4931_96078653087_535328087_1914295_6911870_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354759082145869778" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Orr! Orr! Orr! Ironman!! Orr! Orr! Orr!</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>When I realized how wide the spread was, I moved to my right (towards the outside) and more towards the back. My plan was to wait a few seconds, then calmly walk in. I knew my place, and it wasn't at the front. I also knew I have an average to slightly below average time. I tried to place myself accordingly.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span class="Apple-style-span">SWIM</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>FINALLY 7AM on June 21, 2009 came around and I could finally led go of all the frustration and anxiety. Well, on paper I guess. This course had less turns (turns = bad) but I would easily deem the first twenty minutes far worse than Wisconsin. I could not get any sort of rhythm. It was now a different kind of frustration. I'm not exactly a straight swimmer, but hordes of racers were coming it at weird angles with just massive amounts of blocks and kicks. I knew above all else to remain calm and repeat how insignificant the swim was to me. It's a joke. What, 80 minutes or something? That's change over a very long day! I slowly started to see the tape unraveling; it didn't appear to be a major issue though. Rounding the first turn was not as bad as the people and swimming into the current. When it came time to head back to the beach I could really feel the current bringing me in! Smooth operator. Was not looking forward to the whole getting out of the water thing, which was also different than last year. When I looked at my watch and saw 41:55 I really had the wind taken out of my sails. That was horrible! </div><div><br /></div><div>I became really pissy and I shoved my way pass the throngs going over the mat. And walking back into the water felt really awkward on my body. There were still too many people around me, and I felt myself descending into a real bad funk. I just remember being tired at the prospect of another go this time last year. I wasn't tired at all now, just depressed. And then came the current. But then it was obvious I was passing scores of Iron-folk! This helped some, made me believe I had a shot at running a negative split and improving my lot. For some reason the "surf" back in did not really happen. By then I was really beginning to feel it. There was about four inches of loose tape, but it was stabilized. I did cramp once shortly after beginning the final 900 meters back in, and then around 3500 meters some lucky bastard got the winning kick and cleanly took off my googles. I definitely did not panic, even with my towel not at my side, but it really screwed up what little rhythm I had left. Definitely time to move onto something else! When I hands hit the bottom of the lake I slid my body up and launched up with a fair amount of grace. I was devastated to look at my watch and see 1:25:82.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_z0-5Q6kI/AAAAAAAAA4g/2qI5870Aycc/s320/swim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354766573528738370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Glad to be done but extremely disappointed with my time</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>That time was my slowest of the lot, an amazing 9.5% slowdown from Ironman Wisconsin and 13.5% down from my Vineman PR of 75:38. Naturally I had to be aware of the environment of those three swims before I began the dangerous comparison of a Granny Smith to a Golden Delicious. Really though, there was no surprise to be had; I performed right on target. My PR year in 2007 I swam 39 times during the six months before the Ironman for 37.8 miles. In 2008, I swam 22 times for 22.2 miles. And guess what my stats were for 2009? Twenty-two swim sessions for 20.5 miles. Bingo. The only real swim to my credit this year was the 3000 meter open swim a few weeks before the race. Scott reaps exactly what he sows.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">T1</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif,-webkit-fantasy;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My first concern was being able to reach back and get the velcro. Check. There were plenty of strippers available, and I think I surprised my stripper in the way I was accustomed to being stripped. But he saw what I was doing and that was no big deal. In the past I have had some painful cramps at this moment, not this time! Even better was that I did have to run up a circular car ramp before I changed!! Yay!!! Yeah, I was totally looking forward to the changing tents. Not. Hundreds of naked men running around, stuff swinging around. In fact, at the time the women's tent didn't sound much more appealing. As St. Jerry preached to us in "</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melissa_%28Seinfeld%29"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Apology</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span">," there is such a thing as good naked and bad naked. I left my bandage as is since the nice young man who came up to me did not have any scissors. I felt cool and collected as I methodically put on everything in my bag. I was excited that I would most definitely cut my T1 time from Wisconsin (9:37), and that I did (7:13). I obviously did not realize that at the time, since my watch had accidentally been stopped while taking off the suit. I should have just taken it off, but I did not. The run towards my bike was fine, I was most excited that I spotted my parents at the appropriate tree from me to head left. And there was Holman, waiting for me with his slick rental wheels. As I crossed the mat I zeroed my computer and made a fairly clean mount. The long agony of the ride had begun.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Georgia,fantasy;font-size:16;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_5_VoyenI/AAAAAAAAA4o/1LOr7C_06nc/s1600-h/4931_96078668087_535328087_1914297_8206571_n.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_5_VoyenI/AAAAAAAAA4o/1LOr7C_06nc/s320/4931_96078668087_535328087_1914297_8206571_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354773348502108786" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Five seconds into the bike. Am I done yet</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">BIKE</span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif,-webkit-fantasy;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I realized almost instantly that I had put my race belt in the wrong bag. In these races it is required to wear your belt with the tag facing back. And I didn't have one. Oh well, couldn't be helped. I was worried for the first few hours that I would be penalized, but that actually never happened. It was a little disconcerting to see several folks with flats in the first couple of miles. After climbing up Lakeside the first section of the <a href="http://www.ironmancda.com/bike.html">bike course</a> is essentially an out-and-back along the Lake Drive to the dead-end. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDXf3PCaBI/AAAAAAAAA44/ieAwb3H53vw/s1600-h/bikelake.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDXf3PCaBI/AAAAAAAAA44/ieAwb3H53vw/s320/bikelake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355016899346458642" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i>Cruizin' along the lake. The easy part</i></span><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">About half way on that section is a hill of no small magnitude. I comfortably labored up and then down. Shortly after I turned around began the ride back into town. There was one section after coming back down through town with a tight right hand turn then climb up Government Way. The crowds were so thick there the first time around I had the climbing power to get out of my saddle and powerfully climb within inches of the spectators. I was completely pretending like I was in the Tour de France winning the yellow jersey with that effort. Damn that felt good. Probably the only time I felt alive and ravenously excited about the day ahead. From there it was strip mall/suburbia as the course fed north towards Hayden Lake. I was able to get down in aero and hammer constantly above 20 mph. Right before turning off to 4th Street I passed the race leader Francisco Potano, plunging south to start his second loop. He would ultimately finish the bike course in 4:40. Keep that number in mind. He also appeared to be doing a sizable job on his competition! Back to planet mediocre age grouper, I knew as the team (Holman and myself) wove through the golf course the first climb up to the lake area would begin. Weather at that point was in the low 60s and cloudy. The weather started off at its best with the start of the race and worsened through the day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDXSh0WpeI/AAAAAAAAA4w/nWpy5kvuWyY/s1600-h/bikehayden.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDXSh0WpeI/AAAAAAAAA4w/nWpy5kvuWyY/s320/bikehayden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355016670259095010" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The lake really is much nicer without the white supremacists...</span></span></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><br />At Wisconsin last year there were several hills with "slow" and hay bales below. This was the designated area for this race, although I didn't find them as foreboding. What was tough was the Mile 30-35 (Mile 86-91) stretch, first with the English Point Road climb which caught me off guard, even after driving the course the other day. From there were multiple punishing rollers all the way to the strange northern section. Once back on the oncoming traffic, it was clear to see those cruising at much higher speeds. By this point I had convinced myself the 10 minute hole from the swim wasn't all that important, and I could make up the difference here. At the 37 mile turnaround on Ohio Match, it was certainly great to see my parents cheering me on!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDdxpiqVYI/AAAAAAAAA5A/M__jzLOGT98/s1600-h/4931_96078698087_535328087_1914301_7277144_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDdxpiqVYI/AAAAAAAAA5A/M__jzLOGT98/s320/4931_96078698087_535328087_1914301_7277144_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355023801978082690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rounding the bend on Ohio Match</span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDd-uEG2FI/AAAAAAAAA5I/qW0OOJq4feo/s1600-h/4931_96078703087_535328087_1914302_824791_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDd-uEG2FI/AAAAAAAAA5I/qW0OOJq4feo/s320/4931_96078703087_535328087_1914302_824791_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355024026530404434" border="0" /></a><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Over the mat and back towards town I go!</span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><br />Mom and dad were able to jump down to Garwood and see me again as I came back around on the strange side loop, which consisted of some additional punishing climbs up Hudlow Road back towards Rimrock.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDh174U1oI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/WElGt7l7VXs/s1600-h/4931_96078708087_535328087_1914303_858591_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDh174U1oI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/WElGt7l7VXs/s320/4931_96078708087_535328087_1914303_858591_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355028273666774658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Out of my seat for this? Very sad.</span> </span></div><br /><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;">While climbing out of Rimrock I made a poor gear decision and lost my chain. So there I had to hop off and make the quick work of spinning it back on. It seemed like a mini holiday! It was around this time that I started to feel rather sick to my stomach. Besides my GU gels and salt tablets, I had forced a few strawberry Newtons down my throat. The mild temps and plenty of water and Gatorade was definitely a good situation. Still though it just got worse and worse. Perhaps the nadir was when I was coming back down 4th and the winds were blowing against us. I spotted one guy with a big Spam jersey. It was there I nearly threw up. I pushed on though, finding the journey back into town much harder than I anticipated. Still the pace was high as I was desparate to split. I forgot the actual time (since there was no mat) as my ability to do math during these events is just rather abysmal. Somewhere around 3:05 to 3:10. For some odd reason I was most concentrated on figuring out if the race leader would lap me on the second time around. It seemed evitable, but perhaps not? The extra joint on Northwest Blvd took forever! But then I was climbing up downtown and once again found myself alongside the lake. I recall taking the hill alongside the lake well. At the special needs section I took my bag and stopped. I looked at each item and said "no way." I did force myself to eat the half of PB&J I had been carrying in my back. I took my gels and left the Ensure for my retirement. I must have spend around three minutes stopped. Back on the pain machine. Nochmal...<br /><br />I really didn't find myself all that sore as my last go at this insanity, although I was prone to the random crying I found myself dealing with last September. Back at my special little turn up Government there were definitely much fewer people. Even worse as I rounded the bend at a high speed there was a guy further up spralled all over the pavement. Fresh Ironman roadkill... I saw some liquid draining down the hill, and I could only hope that was his drink. Security was just rushing him and forced me to veer hard left. Okay, it wasn't quite like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_8m5-sR6I4">avoiding Beloki and riding through the field</a>, but it was a decent show of bike handling. On retrospect, I suppose that was my "Tour" corner. By this point I was struggling to push myself in aero position. I absolutely abhor it, as it's tough on my graft and back. Quite naturally I wanted off this thing. But what would I rather be doing today? Reading entries from <a href="http://textsfromlastnight.com/">TextsFromLastNight.com</a>?<br /></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;">By this time it was a dread-fest for all the climbing around Hayden Lake. I took the hill out of the golf course quite well, then definitely took more risks on the hairpins leading down to the big English Point climb. Once again it was the five mile stretch that was just hammering down on me. My climb was steady, but very slow. I threw myself over the hump leading to the big roller on Hayden Lake Road. As I was punished through Dodd Rd I began to wonder if it would be easier next time to just go to <a href="http://www.carowinds.com/">Carowinds</a> instead. By the time I reached the Ohio Match turnaround (Mile 93) my computer showed my average down to 17.2 (the actual avg would be lower with my two stops), so I knew my 17.8 performance at Wisconsin could not be bested. I just had to hang on to the summit of Rimrock and then push as hard as possible. I set a goal of 17.5 by the end of the ride. For the last 19 miles I did push it hard. It was like the return leg of Wisconsin, hammer hammer hammer! On Fourth Street I saw the most interesting fans. One person was dressed up in a full scale version of Elmo, there was also a raucous motorcycle group handing out beer and what not. I thought I spotted one younger man taking them up on offer. Before turning onto Government I had to ask him if what I saw was true. Apparently not, but it was in line with me losing my mind! I also remember picking a rider to not lose. No, I did not draft (like some other people I know), but I did keep her in sight until the last turnaround on Northwest. Indeed I had pumped my average up to 17.4 with some hard work, but the official time would be 6:30:25 (17.2 mph), which meant I was off the bike for three minutes and twenty one seconds. What really mattered was that I was OFF THE BIKE!!!<br /><br />Once again my farming exercise was true to form. Last year I PR'ed on the Wisconsin course. I plowed in 1,795 miles on 73 separate occassions. This year, despite my Double Down epic, I only biked 54 times for 1,476 in the six months leading up to the race. Weather and elevation considerations can work these numbers to a certain degree, which I believe is why Vineman saw the slowest time of the lot, but I still had numbers near to equal my Wisconsin training. I do believe the real reason I wasn't way down were the aerodynamic rims I was riding on. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;">Consider also I am complaining about a range of six FRIGGIN' minutes! To bike 112 miles. How weird is that? </span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >T2</span><br /><br />Praise be to the mighty Holman, who safely shepharded me through 112 miles of Ironman goodness. With the handoff of Holman I clip-clapped through the bike area and had my bag handed to me. Dear lord, not the naked tent again... As with last time, I kept the eyes down low to find some empty seats near the end. I changed every single piece of clothing on me. And then the second point of absolute exhiliration! There was a trough in one corner. When I was done I sat up (and had a terrible dizzy spell, nearly passing out) and walked over to take a leak. It was the only time I had to use the bathroom the entire duration of the race, and that was just #1. Damn it felt good. Thankfully as well my Garmin GPS watch caught reception before the start, so I threw the normal watch into the bag. Last year in Wisconsin the Garmin did not start in time. As I crossed the line, I hit the start button and also recorded a 5:59 time, which was actually a loss of 14 seconds from last year. Okay, so I've dug a big hole, but that leak felt SO GOOD!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >RUN</span><br /><br />The first order of business, besides figuring out if I was somehow capable of running after 112 miles on a bike, was to take care of my finger. The extra bandage had not worsened during the ride. The run course first went east along a paved pedestrian path to a turnaround point, where I obviously did my patented front turn. Both times I impressed nobody. After that little climb back on to the path I decided to just unwrap the damn thing. And sure enough the super glue had held, it had not torn further. I threw away my detritus and started to concentrate on my goals. My thighs only felt like bricks for about 15 minutes. Unlike Wisconsin, I had a real shot of doing this run without stopping. The major obstacle on the <a href="http://www.ironmancda.com/run.html">run course</a> would be the hill on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive. I did not know how far up the hill the run involved. I assumed the full banana. My pipe dream was to beat five hours. My PR is from Vineman (5:07:23). The six months leading up to that race I did 84 runs for a total of 561 miles. I knew I was incapable of virtually all math at this point, and had remembered I needed a 11:27 pace for my pipe dream. Also, it was certain that my GPS watch would overstate (or I would zigzag running more than 26.2 miles), so it would probably be five seconds or less of pace to figure in.<br /><br />For the first mile, I ran a way too fast 9:54, then eased off with a 10:21 and then a 10:51. This slow progression continued up to Mile 8, peaking a 11:41. In this little cove area I spotted the only pro whose face/name I recognized - <a href="http://www.majorkate.com/">Kate Major</a>. She must have been going in for the finish. Wow. Apparently <a href="http://www.desireeficker.com/">Desiree Ficker</a> dropped out after she heard I was coming; it all started when Chris Page looked up her phone number for me! ;-) Around Mile 7 it began to rain, slightly at first. As I stated before, the weather worsened throughout the day. I was dressed in my Sharksbite singlet and shorts, but still felt even the worst weather would still be within my confines of marathon distance tolerance. It was also there that I now had been running along the lake and faced the "big hill." I took that mother at the same pace and came down elated I was on my way back to finish the first loop. It was during this time that I saw my friend Josh. He was also turning around on his second lap, running what appeared to be a very constant 7:30 pace. After the next mile I saw a drop down to 11:26, but then it popped back near a twelve minute mile for the slight hill near the big resort. It was during this time that I gave out my "best dressed" award. The worst went to the spam dude. This one went to a woman who I heard someone else call Jaime (she was holding her bib crumpled in her hand). She had a camo top and running skirt, followed up by hot pink compression socks, yellow (?) running shoes, and some sort of flashy visor. Totally rad.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlEAEnP3hzI/AAAAAAAAA5g/kXhOLhMn7dY/s1600-h/runclose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlEAEnP3hzI/AAAAAAAAA5g/kXhOLhMn7dY/s320/runclose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355061511175243570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I left my camoflauge running skirt at home...</span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><br />From there on to the last few miles I was in the twelves and low thirteens. That's pretty lame this is considered "running." I certainly would consider it unacceptable running a marathon on its own. But there I was, in misery land endlessly putting one foot in front of the other, alternating my drinks, sucking oranges, stashing gels (which I was tolerating much better), working my routine.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDvrf7XhkI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/UCTEFvRTUoU/s1600-h/4931_96078718087_535328087_1914304_2009270_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlDvrf7XhkI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/UCTEFvRTUoU/s320/4931_96078718087_535328087_1914304_2009270_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355043487527437890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On Mullan Avenue. Running. Shuffling. Whatever you call it, whatever it takes</span></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><br />I recall at some random early time during the run it dawned on me that the race leader had not passed me on the bike. That's my mental state right there! I was very energized coming down into town and beginning lap LAST! By then the wind was starting to pick up again, and with the rain it was cold. Well, at least for the spectators. Not me. My engine was laboring along. No doubt if I was out in the same conditions all day, or even worse stopped, I would go hypothermic. Not a concern. While coming back through Mullen Avenue I spotted perhaps the only other person from Charlotte I knew. I had just met her a few weeks back on a ride, her name was Pat and she was in the F50-54 category. She had finished here last year with very similar splits (to me), and she was definitely pushing the front on the bike ride I went on. I only recognized her because she had a yellow <a href="http://www.insideoutsports.com/">Inside Out</a> shirt on. I called her name but then realized <span style="font-style: italic;">everyone</span> knew your first name (which is an AWESOME thing). Her placement seemed off though! Was she finishing her run? Or coming back from her first? Whatever it was, her time was off one way or the other. And so I labored back on to the lake shore. Near the base of the climb my fears reached their climax. I wanted so badly to climb!<br /><br />Before the aid station was the first time I spotted Ken Korrell. He had a shirt on announcing he had beaten cancer to participate in this Ironman. Well, this was obviously someone I wanted to talk to. Together we labored up the hill, and I felt a new surge of strength to make it so. Now I was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy">doubly excited (better than lunch time!</a>) as now all I had to do was run back to the finish line! Ken and I were paced just right, as so we began to talk. He was from Spokane and had just finished chemotherapy six months ago! Wow. I could tell during this time that all the assorted excitement was pushing my pace up. After peaking at Mile 21 (13:09) my pace mostly dropped until the end of the race. Unfortunately he liked to linger some at the stops, so around the resort hill I slowly pulled away, becoming more and more excited about the end to this ... event. Ken would eventually finish 1:03 behind me to take his first Ironman - CONGRATULATIONS KEN!<br /><br />By this time the rain and associated cold wind had died down where I saw runners shedding extra clothes. That would not be necessary for me. As I pushed through the snooty part of town, I geared myself for the tortuous little rise up Pine St and over to S 8th St. From there it was only a couple of turns onto the long finish stretch of E. Sherman Avenue. And the best part was it was a gentle decline to the finish. Damn I was excited!!! I picked up the pace, turning the legs at a speed that would normally kill me (by this point in the day). I hadn't focused on the exactly what the finish time would be (since I had no watch timed through the whole thing) but I knew my last kick was going to be good enough to at a minimum do better than last year! I raised my hands as the crowds cheered me through to the finish line. Hurrah! 13:22:01!!!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlEE5_BC-VI/AAAAAAAAA5o/jMTL66aYrP8/s1600-h/finish1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SlEE5_BC-VI/AAAAAAAAA5o/jMTL66aYrP8/s320/finish1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355066826135107922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Put your hands in the air, if you don't care (for more Ironman fare)</span><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><br />The run was the anomaly with my farming hypothesis. Recall in 2007 for the six months prior to Vineman I ran 84 times for 561 miles. Result- 5:07. The course was the hardest of the three with the highest temps. Last year, fantastic weather at Wisconsin. Six months prior 637 miles on 106 runs. Walked the tough hills. Result: 5:28. This year I ran a MEASLY 385 miles on 69 occasions. Yikes. But I still managed a 5:12, which narrowly comes in under a 12 minute pace! I'll stack this one up to an easy course and cool temps. I was very pleased to redeem myself from the Wisconsin run last year!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The End?</span></span><br /><br />After going through the chute the lady assigned to me had to keep grabbing me from walking away. She gave me my shirt and medal, and then the absolute best feeling of the day was to get a hug from my mom and dad! I walked over to the area where they were serving pizza and it tasted like absolute dirt. No doubt just about anything would taste that way. I slowly paced my way around the tents before exiting the secure area. Dad was on the phone passing on the good word while mom and I slowly walked towards the area for me to retrieve my bags. The three of us then slowly made our way back to the car, which was parked more in the downtown. As I heard the crowds continuing to cheer the finishers, I honestly wished I felt like staying and cheering on my comrades. But I felt much like how that pizza tasted. It was so wonderful to have a support crew for the relatively short journey back to Spokane. I seem to recall we were there before 10PM. I didn't waste much time going to bed. And I didn't fall asleep right away. Nor did I sleep well. I was still covered in Iron grime, had to deal with the lights, and my body temp and aches jumped all over! But I was happy! Tomorrow I would get to see my girlfriend and actually be on vacation!<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Geeky Stats<br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,-webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;"><a href="http://www.ironmancenter.com/results/index.php#">Main Results Search Page</a><br /><br />Total Time 13:22:01 - 1283/2032 [0.631]<br /><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,fantasy;">Swim Age Group 178/238 [0.748]<br />Swim Overall 1393/2152 [0.619]<br /><br />Bike Age Group 163/237 [0.688]<br />Bike Overall 1188/2097 [0.567]<br /><br />Run Age Group 182/231 [0.748]<br />Run Overall 1385/2032 [0.682]<br /><br />Adjusted run splits<br />Mile 1 - 9:54<br />Mile 2 - 10:21<br />Mile 3 - 10:51<br />Mile 4 - 11:03<br />Mile 5 - 11:20<br />Mile 6 - 11:39<br />Mile 7 - 11:30<br />Mile 8 - 11:41<br />Mile 9 - 11:26<br />Mile 10 - 11:51<br />Mile 11 - 11:58<br />Mile 12 - 12:03<br />Mile 13 - 12:00<br />Mile 14 - 11:58<br />Mile 15 - 13:02<br />Mile 16 - 12:35<br />Mile 17 - 12:54<br />Mile 18 - 12:39<br />Mile 19 - 13:12<br />Mile 20 - 13:08<br />Mile 21 - 13:09<br />Mile 22 - 12:17<br />Mile 23 - 12:26<br />Mile 24 - 12:34<br />Mile 25 - 11:58<br />Mile 26 - 11:57<br />Finish - 8:57<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sk_5_VoyenI/AAAAAAAAA4o/1LOr7C_06nc/s1600-h/4931_96078668087_535328087_1914297_8206571_n.jpg"></a></span></div></span></span></div></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-19855626474160108282009-04-30T16:58:00.016-04:002009-04-30T17:43:22.120-04:00As seen on the road...<span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #10 of 51 - Alabama- 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTAIMicnI/AAAAAAAAAzY/dLkpj-ZiM_s/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+AL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTAIMicnI/AAAAAAAAAzY/dLkpj-ZiM_s/s320/License+Plate+-+AL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330594001867403890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #11 of 51 - Illinois - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTIQ5VHDI/AAAAAAAAAzg/95djePg8rYM/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+IL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTIQ5VHDI/AAAAAAAAAzg/95djePg8rYM/s320/License+Plate+-+IL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330594141641710642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #12 of 51 - Maryland - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTS5J6BiI/AAAAAAAAAzo/4xSO34hCSBs/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+MD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTS5J6BiI/AAAAAAAAAzo/4xSO34hCSBs/s320/License+Plate+-+MD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330594324247348770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #13 of 51 - Michigan - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTcZKehEI/AAAAAAAAAzw/oKer9OfiYbw/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+MI.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTcZKehEI/AAAAAAAAAzw/oKer9OfiYbw/s320/License+Plate+-+MI.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330594487458497602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #14 of 51 - Minnesota - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTnG9c0JI/AAAAAAAAAz4/gRDL7Ew6M_0/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+MN.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTnG9c0JI/AAAAAAAAAz4/gRDL7Ew6M_0/s320/License+Plate+-+MN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330594671550582930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #15 of 51 - Mississippi - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTyQbQxHI/AAAAAAAAA0A/m_zqMqD-AaY/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+MS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoTyQbQxHI/AAAAAAAAA0A/m_zqMqD-AaY/s320/License+Plate+-+MS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330594863070102642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #16 of 51 - New Jersey - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the Aiken, SC Quality Inn parking lot.<span> Too bad I didn't stay for the tailgate party.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoUDnKdTxI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/EGErLrISego/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+NJ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoUDnKdTxI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/EGErLrISego/s320/License+Plate+-+NJ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330595161231413010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #17 of 51 - Ohio - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoT8EEJVsI/AAAAAAAAA0I/7-ixTqgjm1w/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+OH.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoT8EEJVsI/AAAAAAAAA0I/7-ixTqgjm1w/s320/License+Plate+-+OH.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330595031550613186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #1 of 13 - Ontario - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />The real find of the show - FOUR Ontario plates. Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show. It immediately made me sad I'll probably never see a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunavut">Nunvaut</a> plate in my life. I <span style="font-style: italic;">can </span>say I've seen several Northwest Territories plates - both are <a href="http://www.15q.net/nu.html">shaped like a polar bear</a>.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoUPozfO0I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/On0DR00Ycyk/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+Ontario.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoUPozfO0I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/On0DR00Ycyk/s320/License+Plate+-+Ontario.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330595367830371138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #18 of 51 - Pennsylvania - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoVpTVzVDI/AAAAAAAAA0g/wYUj9c-d_cM/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+PA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoVpTVzVDI/AAAAAAAAA0g/wYUj9c-d_cM/s320/License+Plate+-+PA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330596908256941106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I've got at least two friends in Pennsylvania...</span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #19 of 51 - Virginia - 4/24/09<br /></span><br />Seen in the parking lot of <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.php">Highfields Events Cente</a>r outside of Aiken, SC at the <a href="http://www.psjshows.com/asc.php">Aiken Spring Classic</a> horse show.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoWNMlHiwI/AAAAAAAAA0w/_9RtBnYV2OY/s1600-h/License+Plate+-+VA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoWNMlHiwI/AAAAAAAAA0w/_9RtBnYV2OY/s320/License+Plate+-+VA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330597524917422850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Is Virginia for lovers or rabbits? I can't remember!</span></span><br /></div><br />At little closer to home, I got a few more shots of Deloitte Walking Man today!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoXE-UrfII/AAAAAAAAA04/FlBUtEsw_TI/s1600-h/HPIM3211.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoXE-UrfII/AAAAAAAAA04/FlBUtEsw_TI/s320/HPIM3211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330598483163053186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoXO-QE66I/AAAAAAAAA1A/bio6rkq4xko/s1600-h/HPIM3213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoXO-QE66I/AAAAAAAAA1A/bio6rkq4xko/s320/HPIM3213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330598654942440354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoXVDcqfcI/AAAAAAAAA1I/wdsshQB6S_s/s1600-h/HPIM3214.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfoXVDcqfcI/AAAAAAAAA1I/wdsshQB6S_s/s320/HPIM3214.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330598759416626626" border="0" /></a>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-5988944914288789882009-04-23T12:21:00.016-04:002009-04-23T14:59:06.571-04:00My Obsession With License PlatesOkay, I'll be the first to admit it - I love license plates. Much of this is rooted in long distance (driving) family vacations out west. Spotting license plates from other states was fun! And of course, living in Washington I quickly learned that spotting a Rhode Island plate was like the Holy Grail or something.<br /><br />As I matured, this null hypothesis was somewhat challenged when <a href="http://home.comcast.net/%7Esmbode/scott/plates/licenseplates.html">I put together a table trying to quantify the probably of seeing a state plate in Washington</a>, based of course on distance and the number of cars in each state.<br /><br />Recently I have started another high-risk hobby. No, not mountaineering, but something far more dangerous. Trying to take photos of license plates while driving! Danger Will Robinson! I absolutely love to contribute to <a href="http://insanityplates.blogspot.com/">Insanity Plates</a>, rooting out all the tools with their dumb plates.<br /><br />I do want to be clear that as much fun as spotting shiny pieces of metal as I have, it will never take place of documenting the habits of Deloitte Walking Man, whom I spotted again this week!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfCfO_ydbfI/AAAAAAAAAxo/BRunhc33JCM/s1600-h/DWM+Southbound+near+Hartford.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfCfO_ydbfI/AAAAAAAAAxo/BRunhc33JCM/s320/DWM+Southbound+near+Hartford.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327933439169359346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">DWM likes to read the paper at the Scaleybark Library</span> </span></div><br />In addition to Insanity Plates, as of April 1, 2009 (Day 0) I have a new project. And that is to snap photos (they don't have to be vanity plates) of license plates from each state. I am curious to see how long it takes me to get 40 of the 51 plates. Another piece of motivation here is that I'm currently reading a very interesting travel piece of fiction titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/English-Major-Novel-Jim-Harrison/dp/0802118631/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240512666&sr=8-1">The English Major</a>. Not exactly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travels_with_Charley">Travels with Charley</a>, the protagonist is a 60-year old teacher-turned-farmer who after getting dumped by wife travels around the country, throwing out jigsaw puzzle-sized representations of the states as he passes over each state border. I figure my endeavor need not be so injurious to my environs.<br /><br />Unfortunately some of these plates I get one shot and they are blurry. Here is what I have so far.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #1 of 51 - North Carolina - 4/1/09</span><br /><br />It's no joke. When I walked out the door on April Fool's Day I most certainly first saw and documented a North Carolina. I live there. Duh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC0U-V52ZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/OhYl7qUAhWU/s1600-h/GODIZGD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC0U-V52ZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/OhYl7qUAhWU/s320/GODIZGD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327956631604550034" border="0" /></a><br />What better plate to associate with North Carolina than GODIZGD! I did submit this to Insanity Plates (IP), but they must have declined for fear of alienating the church-going demographic of their readers. South Boulevard, Northbound, Charlotte, NC<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #2 of 51 - Florida - 4/1/09</span><br /><br />This plate still appears to be the crown jewel of Insanity Plates. Extreme Tool!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC1Rb3lHsI/AAAAAAAAAyI/IHe2bUfvGxM/s1600-h/HPIM2780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC1Rb3lHsI/AAAAAAAAAyI/IHe2bUfvGxM/s320/HPIM2780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327957670322577090" border="0" /></a><br />Dude, you do NOT kick butt. The real sad part is that a car similar to this killed a Winthrop professor, her daughter, and another kid just weeks later. Two jackasses were racing down Highway 49 near the Lake Wylie bridge. South Boulevard, south of Woodlawn, Southbound, Charlotte, NC<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #3 of 51 - South Carolina - 4/13/09</span><br /><br />My intention is to replace blurry plates with better quality shots as they come available. On our way to the mountains.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC1-nK1mTI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/g5uYZ06IvJM/s1600-h/HPIM2917.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC1-nK1mTI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/g5uYZ06IvJM/s320/HPIM2917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327958446450252082" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #4 of 51 - New York - 4/13/09</span><br /><br />My intention is to replace blurry plates with better quality shots as they come available. On our way to the mountains.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC2I9rViUI/AAAAAAAAAyY/JZdvnrWoMns/s1600-h/HPIM2920.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC2I9rViUI/AAAAAAAAAyY/JZdvnrWoMns/s320/HPIM2920.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327958624290834754" border="0" /></a><br />On our way to the mountains<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #5 of 51 - Tennessee - 4/13/09</span><br /><br />On our way to the mountains<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC2UBYJtHI/AAAAAAAAAyg/NFmzefCMBa0/s1600-h/HPIM2921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC2UBYJtHI/AAAAAAAAAyg/NFmzefCMBa0/s320/HPIM2921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327958814262670450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #6 of 51 - Kentucky- 4/13/09</span><br /><br />On our way to the mountains<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC265zY6VI/AAAAAAAAAy4/GW7B4Vy6zYY/s1600-h/HPIM2924.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC265zY6VI/AAAAAAAAAy4/GW7B4Vy6zYY/s320/HPIM2924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327959482244327762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #7 of 51 - Georgia- 4/13/09</span><br /><br />On our way to the mountains<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC2hRi3ErI/AAAAAAAAAyo/2-dJkaavqXg/s1600-h/HPIM2925.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC2hRi3ErI/AAAAAAAAAyo/2-dJkaavqXg/s320/HPIM2925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327959041940853426" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #8 of 51 - Massachusetts- 4/20/09</span><br /><br />Northbound on South Blvd at East Blvd, Charlotte, NC<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC5wSX3W-I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/-AXFFUgsZG8/s1600-h/License+Plate+MA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC5wSX3W-I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/-AXFFUgsZG8/s320/License+Plate+MA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327962598396091362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">License Plate #9 of 51 - Nevada- 4/22/09</span><br /><br />This beauty was good enough to make Insanity Plates. Mainly because it was so lame and unimaginative. On Morehead St heading towards Providence Rd. Charlotte, NC<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC3XOv1aLI/AAAAAAAAAzI/egQwJbOtUYk/s1600-h/HPIM3035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SfC3XOv1aLI/AAAAAAAAAzI/egQwJbOtUYk/s320/HPIM3035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327959968902899890" border="0" /></a>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-19428760963026522622009-04-18T11:46:00.013-04:002009-04-18T13:45:16.773-04:00Run For the Money 5K Race ReportThe <a href="http://www.cfgaston.org/runforthemoney/default.aspx">Run For the Money</a> event in Gaston County is definitely not your typical Saturday 5K. This event, started in 2003, is focused on the community first. For anyone that shows up that morning to downtown <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastonia,_North_Carolina">Gastonia</a> they are greeted by lots of energy, booths featuring all the non-profits in the area, karaoke singing, and even aggressive women dressed up as cats trying to distribute raffle tickets.<br /><br />The main focus for the event is help non-profits in the county raise money. The foundation does this by matching funds raised. My employer is only one of nearly 100 non-profits that leverage the generous match (usually around 70% for the first $10,000 raised). There are also other ways for these groups to raise money, such as the karaoke contest and having an outstanding booth.<br /><br />The Foundation also sets aside $11,000 in prize money for the 5K event. My first time running this 5K was back in 2004. Back then it was located off Garrison Blvd and I ran a 21:30 (6:55 minute mile pace), a PR for me at the time. However, it was also clear that I would never win any prize money. The prize structure awards $1000 for the male and female overall finishers, then $500 for age group first place (ten year increments), and $250 for second place. So as I continued to participate it and made more running friends in Charlotte it dawned on me the way to do this was to recruit top talent to come out and race.<br /><br />Each year the event has drawn more and tougher competitors. Last year there were 570 finishers, and this year that number grew 32% to 750. The 2008 race was probably the best edition for the Conservancy, with Paul and Rebecca taking overall awards. This edition I knew would be more of a struggle, as Paul was very clear to me early on that he was not going to be in the shape necessary to win overall. I lost quite a bit of talent, including our most consistent money winner, who also happens to our site steward at the Eastover Ridge property. Thankfully I did happen to find replacement talent in the M50-59 category with Pete. The weekend also coincides with the Boston Marathon, which definitely hurt the shaping of the team. That Saturday also coincided with <a href="http://www.charlotteracefest.com/">RaceFest</a>, the big spring half marathon in Charlotte.<br /><br />The weather for 2009's edition was just gorgeous, sunny and 58 degrees, with a gentle 4 mph wind. Upon our arrival I sought to gather intelligence on the new course. Paul was out here at 8AM to check it out. His comments were that it was tougher than the <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=83622">old "industrial" course</a> to the east. Some rollers for the first two miles, then a tough hard hill, followed by a gradual ascent up to the finish line.<br /><br />The race experience here always seems to be the same for me. I have always had the expectation of being able to break 20 minutes, but I never specifically train for these distances. So I suffer each year and pull back. I just seem to be more into the endurance aspect of longer events. Anyone who has ran a 5K in under 22 minutes, or even longer, can tell you how painful they are!<br /><br />It was the general consensus that <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/nc/charlotte/126124006867994902">the 2009 course</a> was much nicer, winding through nice shaded residential areas. My role was similar to last year. My main concern on the female side was closely watching Allison (our "competition," but still an awesome person), most noteably her spacing with Rebecca and Melinda. There was no question in my mind, unless one of the non-profits recruited Megan Hepp, that Jocelyn would once again take the overall female win (she won it all in 2007 under the pseudonym "Jacelyn"). At the Mile 1 marker I paced in at 6:20, technically under what I needed for miracle 5K, but I knew that was not going to last. At Mile 2 I came in at 6:47, losing steam in steady motion. It was there that we hit the toughest hill of the course - it was rather steep but not all that long. I was still in the game to see that Melinda was doing well enough, especially since the only female I spotted anywhere near behind her looked to be in the F20-29 category. The rest of the race was just pain pain pain for me. I happily embraced my central belief that was you reap is what you sow. And I didn't sow any beans for this race. My efforts were much more concentrated on getting the best talent on our team. During this time Bruce came up alongside and eventually moved up. I had slid over a minute back at Mile 3 to a 7:26 pace, finishing the last tenth at the same pace. I finished 52nd at 21:42, a 7 minute mile pace. Blah.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoIA2KrCQI/AAAAAAAAAv8/rKrmELKXack/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+01+finish+line.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoIA2KrCQI/AAAAAAAAAv8/rKrmELKXack/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+01+finish+line.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326078319952333058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >How fast could you make it to this line? If you try hard, it'll hurt!<br /></span></div><br />Of course after finishing and getting over "so I'm not going to die after all" hump I obviously wanted to know how everyone did! After seeing Cody Angell at the start line, I was not surprised to hear Paul did have to settle for second place this year. Cody did take 13 seconds off Paul's winning last time last year, winning $1000 for Belmont Abbey with an incredible 5:09 pace. Paul did manage to stay in the 16 minute window (but barely) so kudos for him! It seems almost certain that would be good enough to at least take $500 and first place in the M30-39. A newly married Stan the man was also found on the pavement. For claiming to be fat and out of shape, his time around 19 minutes that very respectable. The word around the campfire was that Jocelyn did in fact win easy. Outstanding.<br /><br />Most of the crew went for a cool down run while I ambled around the booths, enjoying the sunshine and whatnot. It was especially awesome to see such a large presence this year with <a href="http://www.girlsontherun.org/default.html">Girls on the Run</a>. Thankfully they started the awards ceremony earlier than last year. I was a little worried as some of the CLC runners did not get back in time, but it really wasn't big of a deal. They started with the age group awards young and worked their way up. I was really impressed with some of the young talent. I've never found anyone to run those categories though. With Ma Bell at Boston this year, our team did not feature an age group finisher under 30.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoIdlid2XI/AAAAAAAAAwE/q5hdDhZC-4Q/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+12+Stan+Melinda+Bruce+Page+Pete.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoIdlid2XI/AAAAAAAAAwE/q5hdDhZC-4Q/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+12+Stan+Melinda+Bruce+Page+Pete.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326078813704935794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stan, Melinda, Bruce, Chris, and Pete milling about. Check out those other butts! ;-)</span> </span></div><br /><br />Perhaps the great amount of competition this year was in the M30-39 category. With his second place finish Paul took the $500. Unfortunately with the stout performances of Keith, Stan, and myself (yeah, right!) none of those were good enough for second, as the placer was only 10 seconds behind Paul!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoI-HllSKI/AAAAAAAAAwM/39vp8u1lLb0/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+06+Paul+award+leaving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoI-HllSKI/AAAAAAAAAwM/39vp8u1lLb0/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+06+Paul+award+leaving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326079372600625314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I wish I could be as "out of shape" as Paul!</span> </span></div><br />As for the females in the same age groupers, my congrats go out to Allison, who apparently slipped past Rebecca for the top age group prize. Allison was very consistent with regards to her performance last year. Rebecca was obviously disappointed, but she still won $250 for the Conservancy! Rebecca, if you're out there I love ya kid - you know you're awesome and you'll quickly learn badminton blows - you will bounce back!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoJPsLGs5I/AAAAAAAAAwU/ll4ZHSyW508/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+04+Rebecca+award+lifting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoJPsLGs5I/AAAAAAAAAwU/ll4ZHSyW508/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+04+Rebecca+award+lifting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326079674479457170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rebecca showing off the litt'l puker to the presenters</span></span><br /></div><br />The Conservancy's real strength this year was the 40-49 category! In the male category Chris hammered out a near six minute mile performance, besting his competition by over 30 seconds (which is a lot of time for a race like this). On the female side, last year Melinda was bested and had to settle for second place. This year she ran 21:15 and actually won big. Melinda and I were musing what happened to the woman from last year. Turns out she both graduated to F60-69 and ran slower. That was very exciting for Melinda!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoJiaibt9I/AAAAAAAAAwc/0eUPGUdou9E/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+07+Melinda+award.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoJiaibt9I/AAAAAAAAAwc/0eUPGUdou9E/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+07+Melinda+award.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326079996162979794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Melinda receiving her well-deserved award for first place!</span> </span></div><br />Over the years that the Conservancy has fielded a team, the safest win has always been in the M50-59 category with Mike's amazing performances. Unfortunately he is working through some hip issues now. An equalizing amazing athlete, especially for his age is Mr. Pete. It's very rare to find talent in that age group, so I feel especially fortunate. Pete's time for 2009 was even a few seconds faster than Mike.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoJ9bgk6zI/AAAAAAAAAwk/cxirTKSWe4k/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+09+Pete+award+side.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoJ9bgk6zI/AAAAAAAAAwk/cxirTKSWe4k/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+09+Pete+award+side.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326080460280097586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pete going over the litany of races he won over the years</span></span><br /></div><br />The biggest surprise, hands down, was the Conservancy's rough kick from the throne. A man named Bryan Allf came in and ran a 17:58 - UNREAL! We were all shocked, a real indication of the kind of talent that now comes into this race. The last prizes to come out were for overall. And of course Jocelyn had her own cheering section! One of these years the race organization might even spell her name right or even better yet, pronounce her name correctly. I know the feeling (they spelled my name wrong- d'oh)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoKLQ7tABI/AAAAAAAAAws/JkGcMs7I89c/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+15+Jocelyn+award.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoKLQ7tABI/AAAAAAAAAws/JkGcMs7I89c/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+15+Jocelyn+award.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326080697959251986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Who on earth is JACELYN SAKORA?!? Two time RFTM winner, that's who!</span></span><br /></div><br />I feel so blessed to have so many friends come out and run for our cause. I want to give very special thanks to the one volunteer who has, in my opinion, made the largest impact. That of course is Nancy Pierce, who has tirelessly volunteered her photography (and running!) skills to advance our mission of land protection in the Charlotte area. Kudos to Nancy!!<br /><br />So overall, many thanks to Team CLC, who volunteered to come out on their Saturday and race hard for a good cause. Our team raised $3,000 dollars to help advance land protection efforts in the Charlotte region - great work!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoKkfgjiPI/AAAAAAAAAw0/-kUfOTUjc7E/s1600-h/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+17+group+shot+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SeoKkfgjiPI/AAAAAAAAAw0/-kUfOTUjc7E/s320/Run+For+the+Money+7+5K+17+group+shot+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326081131368646898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Scott, Stan, Chris, Paul, Jocelyn, Melinda, Bruce, Rebecca</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Keith and Pete (Nancy not shown)-- all part of the Team CLC machine!</span><br /></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.runforyourlife.com/Assets/Documents/2009+Race+Results/Run+For+The+Money+5K.txt">Complete Race Results</a>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-15550814355567793762009-04-10T11:48:00.015-04:002009-04-11T16:43:56.551-04:00Double Down and the Return to Duke CampUnlike the previous year, <a href="http://www.ironmancda.com/">my Ironman for 2009</a> is much earlier in the season. My main hope in doing this, apart from the separate destination, is to avoid much of the hot summer weather needed for training. That means the training needs to come earlier, and that meant lots of biking in February and March. To help facilitate this, I noted that several of my friends who raced in Idaho last year participated in Double Down, which is the brainchild of <a href="http://www.bicyclesport.com/">Bicycle Sport</a> owner Ilan Paltrow. This exercise is stupidity involves biking from Charlotte to Charleston the day before the massive Cooper River Bridge Run 10K, then participating in that run the following Saturday.<br /><br />The extent of my long rides have of course been the two 112 mile Ironman flavors in California and Wisconsin. Finishing this endeavor, and well enough to keep up with the group and then run the following day, would take a lot of preparation. I had hoped to get at least three century rides in, and maybe do two of them back to back one weekend. That was my hope. Reality did not work that way, but I did get three quality weekends of riding in.<br /><br />The weekend of March 7th and 8th I began with a<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/-charlotte/206988189228"> 50 mile ride</a> from the <a href="http://www.catawbalands.org/">Conservancy's</a> Wildflower Glen after a forestry talk I gave to some Scouts. Then the following day I rode the 60 mile Spamerton route with a group and has some serious issues with my right knee. The following weekend I wasn't able to ride at all. That was obviously a cause for concern, so on the 22nd I came out with my first century of the year, a CW <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nc/charlotte/777123775367460625">solo loop</a> from the Wexford compound into Gaston, York, Lancaster, Union, and back into Mecklenburg. I definitely misfired on my nutrition plan and entered Waxhaw starving and massively hurt. I wolfed down a Triple Whopper there, and the 2000+ calorie meal was enough to get me back home!<br /><br />For the following Sunday I went out again, trying a route with a lot of unfamiliar roads. It was basically a CW loop heading east out through Mint Hill, along Brief Road, then down to Marshville, swinging SW through to Waxhaw and back in. Since it had rained hard the previous night, the first few hours featured some wet roads. My trusty steed Holman quickly became caked with earthworm guts. It was so bad I had to stop and spend ten minutes removing the guts from the critical components. From there the sun came out and dried the rest of 'em! But it wasn't the sun that killed me; immediately upon heading SW towards Marshville I fought some of the nastiest headwinds of my life for the next 60 miles. Even worse was with the new territory (and a basic cue sheet) I was at the mercy of street signs. At first a twisted street sign sent me down Russell Pope. Then after mile 62 the sign for Tom Williams road was missing, so I plummeted southbound all the way to Landsford Road before the little directional man inside me told me I was in big trouble. Running off the sun, I continued until it crossed into South Carolina. Along the way pitch after pitch tacked into my reserves. Thankfully there I recognized a route # that I could hit further north. So instead of doing 100 miles for the ride, 100 miles put me in Waxhaw. Thankfully I hit my nutrition well this time, anything less would have been a big disaster. The <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nc/charlotte/864123842512330944">actual route</a> put me in at 123 miles. One final note about the ride to other Charlotte cyclists out there - never ride from Mineral Springs to Waxhaw on Highway 75. Big mistake. The Old Waxhaw Monroe Road is your friend!!!<br /><br />So for the week leading up to Double Down I did not exercise at all, no running into work, swimming on Tuesdays, lunch running on Wednesday, or group run Thursday night. The anxiety crept into my throat and slowly throttled me. Naturally I watched the forecast like a hawk, and once again winds, and some early rain, were threatening. I made myself a huge pot of spaghetti and fretted how to get all the gear I would need for the trip on me. In the end I decided to wear my CamelBak. I believe I was in bed shortly after 9PM.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then came 3:33 AM. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus"><span style="font-style: italic;">I rise for the work of man</span></a>. I had an exact detail of how to prep during the time, including having a big plate of biscuits and gravy. The rain and wind were apparent and perhaps the strongest moment of the day was when I forced myself out the door. Shortly after 4AM my journey had begun. I headed in an easterly direction through my Madison Park neighborhood towards Bicycle Sport, which added a couple of extra miles. At the end of the day, I surmised it would be some serious pocket change!! The thoughts of big disaster were on my mind as I climbed up Brandywine.<br /><br />Since the email sent out by Ilan in March was BCC'ed, I had no idea who would be participating in this foolish adventure. There were some guys in the shop when I arrived. Apart from Ilan, I did not know the other seven guys who had followed through. It was apparent most of them did know each other, so that was definitely going to be a struggling thing for me, although it is always great to meet new people out on rides. Unfortunately when cyclists ride side to side and chat, they tend to partner with someone they know so they can talk. And of course the odd number meant I was going to be that ninth wheel.<br /><br />Even though I had technically started, I should now unveil the <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nc/charlotte/798123905012656061">actual route</a> that I took that Friday. From the shop we coasted down Selwyn and picked up Park Road and headed south. We did have two cars pass us northbound who felt like sharing with us. The first was a guy who yelled out "FREAKS!!!" What, us? Pedaling to Charleston in the dark, at 4AM, with the rain? What's so abnormal about that?!? Another must have been someone known to the group as they said something of the cheering variety. Slowly as we passed Ballantyne the drops ceased, but it was still wet roads. Several of the guys had put on fenders to stop the rooster tails. Off the bat I did not shirk in my duty get my fair share of pulling (leading). For those non-cyclists out there, riding in a group is much more efficient when looking at wind resistance. The hardest job is to be out front and break the wind (not that type of breaking the wind, although several members did not hesitate to break that other type of wind later on). When done, the rider pulling swings off, usually to the left, and lets the train pass. The second hardest job is being in the rear. That's usually when you are the most tired and most likely to be dropped. Naturally that was the HUGE fear of mine for this ride, the weather was just another annoyance.<br /><br />Since it was still dark, we all took a group pee break on the side of the road around Mile 20 (the mileage I reference here is my mileage, so to get mileages from Bicycle Sport subtract about 2). Look at all of us, pretending like we're a part of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Tour de France</span>!! Ilan was merciless about his short breaks strategy, so it was then back on to Highway 521. My least favorite section of Hwy 521 (that I had known about) is the tough pitch right after the Highway 75 (to Waxhaw) intersection. It was only about three miles following that I was truly venturing into new territory. As we came into Lancaster there was definitely enough light, and shortly after we made our first stop at a "Quick Mart." There we took off most our lights and raingear, and had some nice conversations with a delivery guy. I personally didn't need to get anything in the store. Shortly after our re-committment to the cause we veered off 521 and apart from jumping back on near Heath Springs stayed on local roads until Camden, SC around Mile 70. It was clear by this point we would be blessed with a nice, mostly sunny and just warm enough day. The winds were noticeable, but they were mainly coming out of the WSW so for the journey mostly due south it was more of a soft help than hindrance.<br /><br />Outside Camden we made another stop at a more "cookie cutter" Quick Mart, all nice and polished like you see around any urban area. There I was able to phone home to the support crew and let her know things were going well. A few days before I had reached enough of a panic that I had planned to quite the ride at Mile 133. I excitedly told Julie that my little man was telling me to go for it, this was my special shot and doing something incredible. After crossing I-20 we veered off on Route 261 and encountered some crap pavement. There were some cool swamps.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd9-tfs8bSI/AAAAAAAAAus/VAUrNBRVEfM/s1600-h/swamp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd9-tfs8bSI/AAAAAAAAAus/VAUrNBRVEfM/s320/swamp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323112604644437282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I think we passed this swamp around this point</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo totally stolen from Ilan</span> </span></div><br />Around this time I started to feel quite depleted, which caused some concern, but thankfully I was able to get back into my groove and continue the journey. My gears were starting to mildly squeak, and I was called out on this. That was indeed a gross mistake on my part, as when I last washed Holman off I forgot to relube the chain. Our rag-tag band continued our plunge south, biking through areas becoming more and more rural. The piedmont rollers slowly fell away, although there was one gorgeous climb with Spanish moss hanging off the oaks. After crossing 378 we came closer and closer to hitting the first century mark. Relatively speaking, I did not feel all that bad. The group was keeping a solid pace. Coming out of 521 I noticed my average speed of 15 mph had to be wrong. I guessed there might be something wrong with my bike computer as the cadence was not picking up. It turned out this had to do with the rain, because the cadence did jump back in and the average speed did make more sense. Instead of my standard bike ride where after getting out of town (slower speeds) I ramp up my average then it slowly declines. This ride was nearly the opposite, the group generally increased the speeds the entire way down to Isle of Palms. After that century mark, right before the railroad tracks, we stopped at a very rural Quick Mart. Once again we helped the delivery people get their wares in. We had a discussion about all the beer going in, then it was remarked it was Friday after all. They have to be stocked and ready!<br /><br />At this point it was clear that my shoulders and arms were beginning to ache and hurt at a much more accelerated rate than my legs. About ten miles down the road we veered off 261 and headed down a very barren stretch showcasing a rural America very few people get to see. I personally knew we were riding alongside of Lake Marion, but we obviously could not see it. Like my comrades in legs, my thoughts were pretty focused on the lunch break in Santee. We then swung around to the NW. Here at Mile 125 Ilan set us out on a packed sand road that was miserable to cycle on. I was worried about Holman's components and the endless fish-tailing in sections that weren't exactly meant to be ridden on a road bike! I did have to get off the bike once, but then I got my groove back and arrived at pavement exhausted! That was about 1.5 miles off road and it really sapped me.<br /><br />The absolute toughest part of the ride was next, facing stout headwinds for about four miles and then an absolute nightmare crossing Lake Marion straight into the wind. We road adjacent to I-95 on an abandoned bridge/road that was obviously there way before the big interstate. Especially with the climb at the end, I was down into single digits hanging on to threads, dreaming of lunch and rest. Finally we hit downtown Santee, SC and Old Highway 6. There immediately off to the left was the designated lunch location, Wendy's. Oh Wendy, how I LOVE YOU!!!<br /><br />As massive as the effort was, I tried hard not to quite emulate the massive face-stuffing that was the super large Triple Whopper combo meal at the Waxhaw Burger King several weeks ago. That actually hurt me for the next half hour! With what I felt was some of my last bit of energies I opted for a large chicken club combo. I was then lambasted for my excessive number of small ketchup containers, most of which were indeed wasted. The lunch and rest definitely hit the spot and almost made me feel like a real person again. I did have time to call in with Julie and then send a quick Facebook status update. There were two riders, Paul and Riley, who were apparently over 60 years old, on this ride. Folks were mentioning how Paul definitely danced to his own drum, for some reason he was sitting outside not taking part in lunch. I then was doled out some drugs from the ride doctor. Oh yeah, and before leaving lent out some udder cream and used a fair amount myself. Things weren't exactly super great down there, but hardly in miserable pain either.<br /><br />Our little band then continued the death march in a general SE direction. We cruised along Old Highway 6 for a little bit then veered off onto Camden Road. Only because we passed an old farmer on his rig going 10 mph down the road was Ilan able to subject us to a second sand road (there was no sign - sound familiar?). This one, Gemini, was not quite as bad, but definitely longer, almost 3 miles. If I may subject my gentle readers to a little more TMI, I was quite concerned at this point, that I had not been able to go #2. I almost thought about stopping on this rural stretch and trying (line was too long at Wendy's for one stall). But I did not. Once again I arrived at pavement (Branchdale Highway) exhausted for all the work that entailed. We then continued on the part of Gemini Road that was paved! From Couch Road we eventually worked our way down to Highway 176.<br /><br />This is a highway that is deeply ingrained in my soul. During the summer of 2001 I lived several miles down the road while I interned with a GIS group that had spun off from <a href="http://www.meadwestvaco.com/CommunityDevelopmentandLandManagement/ForestManagement/index.htm">MeadWestvaco</a>. More important than the work, this is when/where I adopted Winston. I will detail my return to Duke Camp later on in this post. Unfortunately we did not stay on Highway 176 long enough to pass the intersection. About 2-3 miles down the road we turned on Highway 311. Ilan was quick to note we made the turn at 3:11PM - how eerie is that?!?<br /><br />This section was the most maddening part of the experience. There was some serious tailwind action. I quickly lept to the front and was pushing out speeds close to 30MPH. The section turned out to be about 9 miles long though. Not long I was doing 26MPH and realized this wasn't going to cut it. The group then dropped me. I was able to sustain 22-23MPH and keep them in sight. Near the intersection of Old Highway 6 they dropped down so I could rejoin. I was asked if everything was okay. I won't lie, I was kind of pissed off. Here I was putting out the ride of my life, way past 150 miles and 22-26MPH wasn't cutting it?!? I refused to acknowledge there was something "wrong" with me. The next section to Monck's Corner was by far the most depressing. The road was riddled with potholes, the volumes were high, and everyone must have been hurting from that hammer fest. The view was the same and it just kept going on and on. Around Mile 173 and Cooper River Store Rd, the group pleaded to stop. So there we laid next to all the other dead people in the cemetery. Even with my two bottles and CamelBak, I was virtually out of water. About a mile down the way we stopped at the El Cheapo Quick Mart. This was the most lively stop of the bunch, tons of people loitering around. I bought a huge thing of water. It was really rushed though, I still didn't have time to use the bathroom or call in to Julie.<br /><br />The last 45 miles was the silent death march of Double Down. It wasn't necessarily hard though. I was in the back most of the way. After passing the Huddle House in Monck's Corner that I had made famous in 2001 (for no reason at all), we hopped on 402 and then 41. It was mostly easy riding through/near <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/">Francis Marion National Forest</a>. <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Marion">Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox</a>...</span> Keep pedaling. Just keep pedaling. My arms and shoulders hurt like hell. Around Mile 195 or Mile 200 (didn't matter at that point) we stopped somewhere deemed "the middle of nowhere" by AT&T (that is, not worth covering with a cell tower). Route 41 then slowly became more and more urban, especially after crossing the bridge. I momentarily felt like I was in Rhode Island. But thankfully I was much closer to Isle of Palms.<br /><br />When we got on to the super busy Highway 17, I remarked to Ilan the headwinds we had feared were not coming to pass. That of course, was the kiss of death. Damn you! I had originally thought about just going straight on Highway 17 to Greg's apartment in Mt. Pleasant, but instead I hung a left on the IOP. Riley appeared to be the most hurt of the group, or maybe others were better at lying. I was in a state of "I don't care" at that point. The rise in the bridge was no laughing matter, but the utter sweet smell of the finish line was so close. We made the ceremonial pass by the <a href="http://www.the-windjammer.com/">Windjammer</a> on Ocean Blvd, which would no doubt later play in the week before turning right onto 10th street. There at 10 tenth a small crowd had unrolled some toilet paper as the official finish line. I didn't really know anyone except Colleen and Chris. It was nice to see them and rid myself of this event! Chris had done the ride last year and asked if it was an easy as he thought it was. Really, it was. I believe our local arrival time was 7:15PM'ish, so about fifteen hours total. My computer distance was 217 miles at 12 hours, 42 minutes of cycling. We had finished with a 17.1 MPH average. As Darth Vader would say - "<a href="http://www.entertonement.com/clips/37108/Impressive-most-impressive">Impressive. Most impressive.</a>" The hell with Darth Vader, I wanted a beer. Boy that tasted good!<br /><br />For some odd reason I thought we would arrive around 9:30, so Julie was in downtown Charleston having dinner with her sister and Will. While I waited I got to meet Redmond's little bundle joy. During the wait I could not seem to locate a copy of the book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyone-Poops-My-Body-Science/dp/192913214X/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239482363&sr=8-1">Everybody Poops</a>." I then went out to flag down my beautiful driver! We stopped at a Burger King where I wolfed down some more food. We then drove down into Mt. Pleasant the <a href="http://www.hibbenferryapts.com/">Hibben Ferry Apartments</a>. There we met my friend Greg who was going to host the two of us for the weekend. I first met Greg when we drove down for the Cooper River Bridge run I think in 2005. He is a retired firefighter living in Concord. A couple of years ago he and his wife got this apartment since they enjoy it down here so much!<br /><br />I definitely felt better than I imagined I would be at this point, but I also knew most of that feeling might indeed be temporary. Did I mention my shoulders and arms were in a lot of pain?!? Ouch. After a good rub that was enough for me to aid in losing consciousness. Ah, soft bed...<br /><br />Of course, there is no Double Down without the other "half!" On Saturday the alarm clock went off a whole two hours later! I didn't exactly need a lot of time to prep for this one! I was very excited about "finishing the deal." I was feeling okay, but still unsure whether my legs would be able to turn. I was thinking it would probably be acceptable to take an hour for this 10K. Normally a 9:39 pace for this distance would be wholly unacceptable, but c'mon give me a break! Right? We get those? The three of us then drove around Shem Creek and found a nice sidestreet quite close to the <a href="http://www.pigglywiggly.com/">Piggly Wiggly</a> on Coleman Blvd. This is about where we waited during the downpour of 2005. At least it stopped around the start...<br /><br /><a href="http://bridgerun.com/">This is a BIG run</a>. About 40,000 sign up and I would guess about 33,000 start with about 31,000 finishing. Most walk. It has been dominated by the Kenyans of late who have been putting in 28 and change to finish (4:30 pace!!!). In 2005 I ran the last Run on the old bridge, then in 2006 the first edition of the stunning <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_River_Bridge">new Cooper River Bridge</a>. My PR for this 10K is 46:43 set in 2006. We made our way to the Starbucks, which was throbbing with thousands of customers. That was our spot to meet up with Will and Emily. After a little waiting that happened. We got some shots, then Greg and I left to find our way to our respective corrals. I'm sorry, but this race is the biggest clusterf&%k. Unless you are toeing the line it's impossible to run well, even for someone like me who chooses the fastest corral that doesn't require proof that you're a dynamo runner. My anger is totally directed at the thousands of people in my corral who have no business being there. I stood in my respective 1'x1' square waiting about twenty minutes. Damn, let's get this business over with!<br /><br />It apparently took me 2:49 to cross the plane of the start line, and from there it was the usual zig-zagging, literally past thousands of people. I'm sure 200 later came back to pass me, but I never notice that... The most amusing thing I saw were two older guys dressed in red dresses, one of which specifically chose underwear that showed off as much cheek as possible. Two young ladies behind them were giggling and in my only audible phrase of the race told them to take a good look. The nice warm sunshine (race temp was probably 53 degrees) was near ridiculously perfect. I had my hat on but no sunglasses. I was churning nicely before I hit the big incline of the Arthur "Don't mistake me for my son the state treasurer and cocaine distributor" Ravenel, Jr Bridge. Actually, if I may digress that tool of a scion is nothing compared to the raving lunatic who now serves as SC governor, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Sanford">Mark Sanford</a>. That self-serving deluded moron thinks he's making a name for his 2012 Presidential bid by screwing a state that <span style="font-style: italic;">desperately </span>needs stimulus money. Well, I guess he is.<br /><br />Okay, back to a nice day on a bridge. What a wondrous site to slowly crest up so high on the coast and see Charleston off to the left! The second mile pace on the climb was about 8:20, and then on the crest down I pulled out a 8:11. Once I was around the bend and down on Meeting Street I could feel the burn and my body starting to cry out to slow down. The ride yesterday had not stopped the legs from churning and so it went. Glanced frequently at my pace, I suddenly realized I had a shot at getting an 8:00 minute pace. For the last several miles I pushed around a 7:30 pace. I hung on for dear life and crossed at 49:41, a nearly perfect 8:00 minute mile pace. I couldn't believe I had broken 50 minutes!! <span style="font-weight: bold;">More importantly, I was now officially a Double Downer. YEAH!!!! </span>I also barely made the cutoff for not being a hypocrite, since my corral's upper bounds was 49:59.<br /><br />I then slowly made my way to our next meeting spot, which was the tall statue of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_c_calhoun">John C. Calhoun</a>. Okay, here is another South Carolina politician that I completely dislike. This guy honestly believed slavery was a positive thing, elevating himself about the somewhat apologetic "necessary evil" crowd. He is more better known as the advocate of state's rights who had no regard for the federal government. He totally was a major instigator to the secession that led to the Civil War (he didn't live to the actual war though). Although Jackson himself was not perfect, his forceful handling of this 19th century tool in the Nullification Crisis (and the fight against the Second Bank of the United States) are the reasons Jackson rates one of my "Fave Five" Presidents. Does that lingo make me sound hip enough?<br /><br />As I laid down on the grass and rested, these things floated across my mind. Slowly more and more people showed up, this obviously being the most un-original meetup place in Charleston following the race. I did meet and chat with a guy Jay from Beaufort who is also doing Couer d'Alene this June! I then started to circle around. The first face I recognized was Lat's. He congratulated me on finishing Double Down (he participated last year). Shortly after I was stunned to see Julie and Emily. They had said they were going to walk the 10K, but instead ran almost the whole way. How awesome was that!?!? I circled around to find Greg, then we found Will at the corner talking with some of Emily and Julie's other friends. Eventually the three of us got to relive Elementary School by taking a school bus back over the bridge to Mt. Pleasant. I had to keep Julie from pulling the hair of the girl in front of her (just kidding!). Greg was behind us, being his usual friendly self and striking up a conversation with a young man from Asheville.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_Fls6Ay0I/AAAAAAAAAv0/Tmh7a1KpPvo/s1600-h/Charleston+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_Fls6Ay0I/AAAAAAAAAv0/Tmh7a1KpPvo/s320/Charleston+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323190536075529026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Post race with Julie the surprise runner in Mt. Pleasant</span></span><br /></div><br />Back at the casa I wolfed down my lunch purchased from the Pig then had a nap, shower, etc. That afternoon we drove down to where Will and Emily were staying. We picked them up and then headed to the Charlotte-away-from-Charlotte post CRBR party at the Windjammer. Just like previous years, it was jammed with hard drinking runners trying to relive their college days. I have to admit, it was a blast hanging out with my Charlotte running peeps - Chris, Colleen, Rebecca, Corbett, Lamperski, Darren S, Kathy, etc.. Looked like Chris was well on his way to repeating his 2005 performance. I did want to take a moment to give a big THUMBS DOWN to Lori H. She may not know me, but I know her (she is a fantastic masters runner in Charlotte) who constantly and viciously attacked me for the shirt I was wearing (light checkered grey dress shirt). WTF?!? I guess I should be happy she referred to me as a nerd (I am) but she thought I was some sad pathetic loaner because of it. Thankfully at one point later on my totally hot girlfriend Julie sat down next to me and shut her up (at least for a minute). The other equally fun part was hanging out downstairs with Julie, Emily, Greg, Will, and their friends Brian and Karen. Later on we hung out near the beach.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_FUuiXFWI/AAAAAAAAAvs/_ygg-gf0MKE/s1600-h/Charleston+020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_FUuiXFWI/AAAAAAAAAvs/_ygg-gf0MKE/s320/Charleston+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323190244455421282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">How cool is this shot!?! On the IOP beach outside the Windjammer</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Emily and Greg in the background. Note my awesome shirt!<br /></span></div></div><br />I think the band was starting up when our merry band of five left in search of some good food. Although in reality I've been to relatively few Charleston-area seafood restaurants, we landed at my current favorite, The Wreck. It's located in a old seafood processing facility off Shem Creek.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_E-N8aVLI/AAAAAAAAAvk/VNZuT1QOPvk/s1600-h/Charleston+023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_E-N8aVLI/AAAAAAAAAvk/VNZuT1QOPvk/s320/Charleston+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323189857749193906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Wreck - the best dump with the best seafood!</span></span><br /></div><br />No direction signs, not located on any major street. It's a hole-in-the-wall that serves awesome seafood. We did have to wait quite some time. And I do need to give a shout-out to the weird dude in the pith helmet who was also waiting. When we finally got our table, I went for the same full order of friend shrimp that I got back in 2001. It was tres-stupendous and Will wholeheartedly agreed! After dinner Greg showed us the old part of Mt. Pleasant which I would have never known existed. It was quite an impressive show! From there the Ballantyners were dropped off and we went back to Hibben Ferry. Greg was obviously the most interested in watching the UNC basketball game. Obviously my interest was totally waning, as it wasn't even a good game. I was way more excited about the prospect of that soft bed once again!!<br /><br />We didn't sleep in all that late, maybe as compared to Friday morning, but still that was a nice break. Before the brunch at the apartment, the three of us went to Sullivan's Island for a lovely morning walk. We then came back and ate poolside. I definitely had my fill of food. I would later estimate I burnt upwards to 14,000 calories on Friday and another 1,000 yesterday running, so it would probably help the cause. We then said farewell to our gracious host, who was headed directly back to Concord. We then drove into town and found a parking spot near the Expo. From there we walked along East Bay down to the Noisy Oyster, where Will and Emily were having brunch/lunch. From there we picked up some chewing gum then walked up the Historic Market.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_ErWEVcHI/AAAAAAAAAvc/hBj7QjtZ-TY/s1600-h/Charleston+038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_ErWEVcHI/AAAAAAAAAvc/hBj7QjtZ-TY/s320/Charleston+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323189533512396914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Normally I don't chew gum but this was too good to pass up!</span></span><br /></div><br />I found a flag shop and leafed through some potential adds for my house. After doing that we came back down N. Market. Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.lifeisgood.com/">Life is Good</a> store. I looked around, then sat in a chair and randomly decided to impress a bunch of ladies about my feat.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_EPl9vEhI/AAAAAAAAAvU/NrCfz76heJk/s1600-h/Charleston+042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_EPl9vEhI/AAAAAAAAAvU/NrCfz76heJk/s320/Charleston+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323189056743346706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Four very impressed women leaving the Life is Good store</span></span><br /></div><br />From there we had dessert at Kaminsky's. I just could not finish my Butterfinger cake - way too rich for my blood! The chai tea was nice though!!! From there we got back on East Bay and walked down to Rainbow Row, a row of very colorful homes from the 1700s. I understand the coloring was of the 20th century, but it was still nice. We then swung through White Point Gardens, where the no-see-ums were out in full force. The route then took us up Meeting Street. Very lovely houses, a hiding/sleeping cat, the big house where Mr. "slavery is awesome" used to live, then a jaunt through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Michael%27s_Churchyard">St. Michael's Churchyard Cemetery</a>. Two of the Pinckneys were buried there, along with Rutledge. Back at the market we parted ways, only to meet again so the wonder twins could stock up on their favorite drinks.<br /><br />It was around 4PM when we got back the car. Thankfully Holman was safe and sound inside. I was excited about this next leg. I got on I-26 and started telling Julie about my summer here in 2001. Part of the "tour" was to get off at Jedburg Road and head up 176 to where <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=holly+hill,+sc&sll=35.221074,-80.85141&sspn=0.012884,0.024977&g=105+W+Morehead+St,+Charlotte,+NC+28202&ie=UTF8&ll=33.177772,-80.222318&spn=0.008306,0.015932&t=h&z=17">Duke Camp</a> (technically called Duke's Camp, not affiliated with the University) was located. Let me say it's in the middle of nowhere, although since 2001 there is a cell tower not too far south, so if I lived there today then I would actually get cell phone reception.<br /><br />This is a very special place for me, mainly because this is where I was brought together with Winston in July 2001. I should at this juncture thank the Kelly, the woman who was also living at the camp then, as without her this wonderful union would not have been possible.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_AKrPe69I/AAAAAAAAAu8/iazF86nMo5E/s1600-h/DC+chewing+cob2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_AKrPe69I/AAAAAAAAAu8/iazF86nMo5E/s320/DC+chewing+cob2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323184574214106066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2001 - A very young Winston chewing a corn cob at Duke Camp</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd-_cLTymJI/AAAAAAAAAu0/1CJR0LtuyDM/s1600-h/Kelly+and+Kaya+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd-_cLTymJI/AAAAAAAAAu0/1CJR0LtuyDM/s320/Kelly+and+Kaya+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323183775368255634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2001 - Kelly holding Winston's sister Kaya, and of course a young Winston</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">The other dog is Vega, Kelly's dog<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_AhB5T4PI/AAAAAAAAAvE/C65RUgpo-V8/s1600-h/DCC+Messy+Room.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_AhB5T4PI/AAAAAAAAAvE/C65RUgpo-V8/s320/DCC+Messy+Room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323184958252245234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2001- My living quarters after a typical Winston tear</span></span><br /></div></div><br />It was a super rush to see the place again. It's still out there, with nothing more than electricity coming in. It used to be a prisoner of war camp during WWII for German and Italian officers. They apparently were made to cut wood. If you live out here during the summer you may actually believe that fate would be worse than Guantanamo. Nowadays MeadWestvaco just tortures their interns there. At least it was free.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_CKUab2AI/AAAAAAAAAvM/ipe7gVT00S4/s1600-h/Charleston+069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/Sd_CKUab2AI/AAAAAAAAAvM/ipe7gVT00S4/s320/Charleston+069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323186767109281794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2009- Scott outside his old #6 quarters at Duke Camp<br /></span></span></div><br />Once out of the camp we continued up 176 and onto I-26. The advance scout party (Emily and Will) reported some heavy traffic, so we took an interesting side route on Highway 2 through Orangeburg. We were able to get back on I-26 and then I-77 with little trouble after that, arriving home in Charlotte shortly before 9PM. What a long and amazing weekend!<br /><br /></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-40332360356191981002009-03-11T22:01:00.002-04:002009-03-11T22:09:03.252-04:00The BBC 100 Books ListOkay, so I passed on the 25 things about me. If you're really hard up for that, check out my last 25 entries. But a list of books? That's too good to pass up.<br /><br />I don't know how the list got modified, but <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml">this apparently is the original</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up?"</span><br /><br />If I'm able to count at this late hour, then my tally is 55.<br /><br />Which is my favorite? I think "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune_%28novel%29">Dune</a>" is the greatest book ever written (that I've read). That doesn't mean I leave the house without a towel...<br /><br />Copy, edit and paste into a note of your own.<br /><br />1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen - No<br />2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien - Yes<br />3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte - Yes<br />4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling - No<br />5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee - Yes<br />6. The Bible - No<br />7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte - Yes<br />8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell - Yes<br />9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman - No<br />10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens - Yes<br />11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott - No<br />12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy - Yes<br />13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller - Yes<br />14. Complete Works of Shakespeare - No<br />15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier - No<br />16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien - Yes<br />17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk - No<br />18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger - Yes<br />19. The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger - No<br />20. Middlemarch - George Eliot -No<br />21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell - No<br />22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald - Yes<br />23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens - No<br />24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy - Yes<br />25. The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams - Yes<br />26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh - No<br />27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Yes<br />28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck - Yes<br />29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll - Yes<br />30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame - No<br />31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy - Yes<br />32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens - Yes<br />33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis - Yes<br />34. Emma - Jane Austen - Yes<br />35. Persuasion - Jane Austen - Yes<br />36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis - Yes<br />37. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - No<br />38. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres - No<br />39. Memoirs of a Geisha - Yes<br />40. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne - No<br />41. Animal Farm - George Orwell - Yes<br />42. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown - Yes<br />43. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez - Yes<br />44. A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving - Yes<br />45. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins - No<br />46. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery - Yes<br />47. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy - Yes<br />48. The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood - Yes<br />49. Lord of the Flies - William Golding - Yes<br />50. Atonement - Ian McEwan - Yes<br />51. Life of Pi - Yann Martel - No<br />52. Dune - Frank Herbert - Yes<br />53. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons - No<br />54. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen - Yes<br />55. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth - No<br />56. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon - No<br />57. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens - Yes<br />58. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley - Yes<br />59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon - Yes<br />60. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez - No<br />61. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck - Yes<br />62. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov - Yes<br />63. The Secret History - Donna Tartt - No<br />64. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold - No<br />65. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas - Yes<br />66. On The Road - Jack Kerouac - No<br />67. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy - Yes<br />68. Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding - No<br />69. Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie - No<br />70. Moby Dick - Herman Melville - Yes<br />71. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens - Yes<br />72. Dracula - Bram Stoker - Yes<br />73. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett - Yes<br />74. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson - Yes<br />75. Ulysses - James Joyce - No<br />76. The Inferno - Dante - No<br />77. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome - No<br />78. Germinal - Emile Zola - No<br />79. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray - No<br />80. Possession - AS Byatt - No<br />81. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens - Yes<br />82. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell - No<br />83. The Color Purple - Alice Walker - No<br />84. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro - No<br />85. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert - No<br />86. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry - No<br />87. Charlotte’s Web - EB White - Yes<br />88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom - No<br />89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Yes<br />90. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton - No<br />91. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad - No<br />92. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery - Yes<br />93. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks - No<br />94. Watership Down - Richard Adams - Yes<br />95. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole - Yes<br />96. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute - No<br />97. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas - Yes<br />98. Hamlet - William Shakespeare - No<br />99. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl - Yes<br />100. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo - Yes<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"It is by will alone I set my mind in motion..."</span><br /></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-62089925821191765312009-03-11T12:57:00.002-04:002009-03-11T13:03:39.318-04:00For HE has returned!Praise be to the radiant warm sunshine that has returned Deloitte Walking Man (DWM) to South Boulevard and my ocular vision! He was spotted at approximately 8:46 heading south on the sidewalk <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=south+and+whitton+Charlotte,+NC+28202&sll=35.190013,-80.865383&sspn=0.013345,0.024977&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=cent&layer=c&cbll=35.191167,-80.874612&panoid=0ow8yI3ySHtd9zWIaV5FPQ&cbp=12,0,,0,5">near the Whitton intersection</a>. According to my notes, he was last spotted December 10th. Perhaps accounting season has also brought him out of his slumber.Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-57002846033877092732008-12-31T15:50:00.009-05:002008-12-31T16:02:34.914-05:00A Year In ReviewAs if I felt I didn’t punish myself enough in 2007, this past year featured a rather aggressive medley of athletic endeavors. The one tried and true favorite of the new year is the Uwharrie Mountain Run – I was back in 2008 for another shot at the 20 mile version. As usual, the weather was clear and crisp. I delighted the most in encouraging on the runners returning for the 40 mile portion, which this year featured a handful of friends. My time wasn’t as good as the previous year, but I did appreciate the first-class shuttle service and company!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvbfPZkxuI/AAAAAAAAAsg/qlUh5od_0Ew/s1600-h/Uwharrie+2008+Race+07+Scott+running+Mile+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvbfPZkxuI/AAAAAAAAAsg/qlUh5od_0Ew/s400/Uwharrie+2008+Race+07+Scott+running+Mile+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286059917405636322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Coming through at Mile 8 - another crisp and beautiful day in the Uwharries!</span> </span></div><br />Another prime satisfaction was raising money for work at the Gaston County 5K race – this year our team took the two top places and raised $4,000! My goal of breaking a 20 minute 5K took a bad shot though as lagged almost a minute behind my time from the previous year.<br /><br />Shortly after I was delighted in the yearly appearance of the Bodien parental units in Charlotte. As usual we accomplished a host of fun activities and it was very special for them to meet Julie and spend some time with her as well! Right after they left I flew to Boise, ID to visit with my friend Dave and run the Famous Potato Marathon. My parents, en route to Kirkland, also stopped in to watch me swelter in the heat. The potato I won for placing in my age division was cooked equally well, and Julie made sure it was part of a balanced and delicious victory celebration.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvbshMezxI/AAAAAAAAAso/l7qV9QksYNE/s1600-h/Boise+Marathon+56+home+Scott+awards.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvbshMezxI/AAAAAAAAAso/l7qV9QksYNE/s400/Boise+Marathon+56+home+Scott+awards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286060145520856850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">That potato tasted so good!</span></span><br /></div><br />The first fun road trip of the year was in July when Julie, Winston, and myself headed north towards Rhode Island for a Half Ironman. Julie got to meet a host of my great friends, including a friend from Camp Parsons I had not since in almost 15 years! The race itself was okay, my first foray into saltwater swimming, a bike tour that encompassed pretty much all of Rhode Island, and a run with the most insane pitch ever you had to do TWICE.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvb9bDMUcI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Kl1xIYuJu4s/s1600-h/Rhode+Island+2008+Trip+70+Julie+Winston+Scott+at+RV.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvb9bDMUcI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Kl1xIYuJu4s/s400/Rhode+Island+2008+Trip+70+Julie+Winston+Scott+at+RV.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286060435929059778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julie, Winston, and Scott hanging out with the Wooters in Providence post race</span></span><br /></div><br />Later that month I was back to raising money for cancer research at 24 Hours of Booty, this time putting in a record 209 miles in 12 hours. Shortly after that I was off to San Diego for the super-mega GIS conference . The only PR I put in this year was at the their 5K run, crossing the line at 20:27. The best part of the trip was staying with my UW band friend Jay and his wife. We ate SO MUCH great food – just thinking about four months later makes me feel full. Between eating we did do some fun stuff, including betting at the horse races. I financed my investment by scalping the conference dinner ticket I was supposed to be attending and ended up picking a Quinella in Race 7 – too bad I squandered most of it on Race 8, but I still walked away ahead.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvcUYjRHmI/AAAAAAAAAs4/wrHSq1oohyc/s1600-h/San+Diego+76+Stone+Brewery+Scott+and+Arrogant+Basard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvcUYjRHmI/AAAAAAAAAs4/wrHSq1oohyc/s400/San+Diego+76+Stone+Brewery+Scott+and+Arrogant+Basard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286060830395276898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Once again, Scott drinking an Arrogant Bastard in California</span></span><br /></div><br />The rest of August was mostly training and dreading/anticipating the big Ironman for 2008 – Ironman Wisconsin. My brother and I drove with Winston to Madison, seeing dead presidents along the way. There my dad joined us by plane. My favorite part of the trip was seeing my friend Alice again and making a new with Dave. Oh yeah, there was an Ironman race too – weather conditions were near PERFECT. I was battered around heavily on the 2.4-mile swim, slugged out the 112-mile bike, and then ran a negative split on the marathon to finish a few minutes slower than the Ironman last year. Following that my brother left by plane and my dad provided crucial driving services back to Charlotte.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvckbTFeqI/AAAAAAAAAtA/P9D3LFVs92Y/s1600-h/MadIron+64+Triathlon+Run+Scott+finishing+second+Ironman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 379px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvckbTFeqI/AAAAAAAAAtA/P9D3LFVs92Y/s400/MadIron+64+Triathlon+Run+Scott+finishing+second+Ironman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286061106010618530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Finishing Ironman Wisconsin in style - at least I looked good at the end</span></span><br /></div><br />In late October I did several athletic events to help with the charities of several of my friends – that was certainly a rewarding experience and definitely less work than 13 and half hours of Ironmaning. Perhaps the real challenges this year were the two classes I taught. The first was at the big community college here – it was this summer, mostly online, and entitled “Advanced GIS Methods.” If that wasn’t a crash course for me teaching at the University level, then the Environmental Science class I taught at Queens University of Charlotte was! It was SO MUCH work, but I did enjoy my students and the actual teaching part.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvc0XNrMrI/AAAAAAAAAtI/pLa7HVsvJzk/s1600-h/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+35+Julie+nails+18+to+close.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvc0XNrMrI/AAAAAAAAAtI/pLa7HVsvJzk/s400/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+35+Julie+nails+18+to+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286061379792089778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I smell a new disc golf shark!!!</span></span><br /></div><br />The last major athletic event for this past year was the Outer Banks Marathon. We rented a fabulous house that we shared some great Charlotte friends. I kept up with my friend Monica through the halfway mark, and then kind of glided like the Wright Brothers the rest of the way.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvdBnwRVPI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/uhZxn5EcTeY/s1600-h/OBX+032c+Bodie+Island+sign+Scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvdBnwRVPI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/uhZxn5EcTeY/s400/OBX+032c+Bodie+Island+sign+Scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286061607570461938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I declare this island for the Bodien nation!</span></span><br /></div><br />In a desperate attempt to take an actual vacation with no biking, running, or swimming I headed to Puerto Rico over Thanksgiving with my entire family, which was indeed an experience worth remembering! From the fortresses of Old San Juan to the El Yunque Rain Forest to the Arecibo Radio Telescope to the Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo – it was a wonderful time to spend with my family.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvdNXrpUMI/AAAAAAAAAtY/fR7BM8EXmjc/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+3-046+El+Yunque+Yokahu+Tower+top+Scott+Oscar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvdNXrpUMI/AAAAAAAAAtY/fR7BM8EXmjc/s400/Puerto+Rico+3-046+El+Yunque+Yokahu+Tower+top+Scott+Oscar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286061809414525122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Chillin' with the neph at El Yunque Rainforest</span></span><br /></div><br />While that was the Christmas with my family, my actual Christmas was in St. Augustine (<span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50536&l=bbd7e&id=535328087">photos</a></span>) – this was my opportunity to meet Julie’s mom and spend the holiday with some special people. For the record, I did bring my bike and did run, but it’s okay, I can stop whenever I want.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvdaOWg3UI/AAAAAAAAAtg/8L9CvzH-jSU/s1600-h/St+Augustine+2008+Xmas+238+Guana+Winston+and+armadillo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvdaOWg3UI/AAAAAAAAAtg/8L9CvzH-jSU/s400/St+Augustine+2008+Xmas+238+Guana+Winston+and+armadillo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286062030248271170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winston in Florida learning the hard way that armadillos are protected</span></span><br /></div><br />I don’t think I can say the same about Facebook, but it has been spectacular to find so many old friends, not to mention family members!<br /><br />Scott and Winston<br /><a href="http://home.comcast.net/%7Esmbode/scott/pdf/Scott_Bodien_2008_letter.pdf"><br />Downloadable PDF of this letter</a>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-9290102440917441852008-12-31T13:47:00.003-05:002008-12-31T14:22:02.065-05:00Tuesdays with HolmanHmm, can't say that Tuesday (yesterday) was all that great, considering I started out by biting my tongue badly the previous night during dinner. The damn thing bled for ten minutes and by the morning it hurt to chew and swallow. Even worse was my food had no taste! For my day off I had to get up early and go into work for my annual review. It wasn't exactly a feel-good experience, especially given the overall larger economic situation. I'll readily admit I overstressed myself with teaching this Fall at Queens, but it still hurt. That said I am genuinely thankful to have the job I do and hope 2009 will bode well for not only my organization, but others as well.<br /><br />One bright spot was that upon my return home I prepared my bike Holman for a special ride. I remarked in a previous entry that I had ridden Holman ZERO times on a Tuesday - well today that would change. Another interesting note about today's ride was that for the first time since June, I actually drove Holman to the start location (this applies to non-races). I suppose that's a mark of the plummeting gas prices, but day traffic around my area made me feel a little less comfortable.<br /><br />My destination was (soon to be?) the old Charlotte Knights stadium, which is actually located in South Carolina off the Gold Hill Road exit. It's about ten miles south of home and I've ridden a number of variations. Normally it's a clockwise loop, so I decided to head against the grain with a <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nc/charlotte/652534947543">route</a> going counterclockwise. The initial climb out over I-77 along Gold Hill was quite windy, but then heading south on Pleasant/ Sutton was a little more manageable, but with more noticeable climbing were I to be heading northbound. After crossing over I-77 along Sutton, I continued up to the town of Fort Mill and then dinked around on some side streets looking for the alternate route I found some time ago to hit Doby Bridge. For some reason I really dig this road, although the pavement isn't that great. That's what South Carolineans get for less of a gas tax!! Normally at 521 I would turn around, but I decided instead to try my hand at heading northbound. I cruished this section hard. The real new experience was heading east on 160 - the road was crappy with lots of traffic. Hmm, probably wouldn't do that. After crossing the river I was back in familiar territory, as I labored up the hills and then tried the new sections of 21, finishing with a little old school section on Gold Hill Road.<br /><br />For the ride I put in 31.64 miles with a time of 1:48:50 - that's an average speed of 17.4 miles per hour, above the whole average of 17.2 miles per hour over all 105 rides on Holman.<br /><br />For the year I rode the bike 56 times, with an average distance of 43.73 miles, range 10 to 112 miles. I covered 2,448 miles with about 143 miles on the saddle, averaging out at 17.1 miles per hour.<br /><br />My absolute fastest average was not suprisingly at Lowe's Motor Speedway, where I averaged 22.8 miles per hour over the 10 miles. For an actual triathlon race, this year at the Latta Sprint I eaked out 20.4 miles per hour over the 17 mile course. Obviously I am most proud of averaging 17.4 miles per hour over the 112 miles of Ironman Wisconsin.<br /><br />My best solo performance in a non-race situation was actually last Friday, when I did a <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/fl/st%20augustine%20beach/787674520686">52 mile route in NE Florida</a> where I averaged 19.2 miles an hour. Besides the time trial and Latta, there was only one race that featured a faster average (Take Flight).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvEwSnGCrI/AAAAAAAAAsY/Mn6AR4rnx_8/s1600-h/St+Augustine+2008+Xmas+149+Scott+leaving+for+ride+Judy+in+background.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SVvEwSnGCrI/AAAAAAAAAsY/Mn6AR4rnx_8/s400/St+Augustine+2008+Xmas+149+Scott+leaving+for+ride+Judy+in+background.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286034921557985970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Leaving for my Florida Ride Last Friday. Yes it is flat there.</span></span><br /></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-2633476257161231202008-12-16T16:41:00.030-05:002008-12-20T21:39:28.940-05:00A Puerto Rico Thanksgiving<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >SUNDAY</span><br /><br />It was over a year prior that our family talked about meeting somewhere "in the middle" for Thanksgiving rather than the traditional Kirkland homebase. Both Costa Rica and Puerto Rico were discussed, and in the end the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was the more logical choice.<br /><br />Leading up to the trip, I really didn't know a lot about Puerto Rico except you always hear it mentioned as being a "voided" location for free shipping and contests. Quite honestly, the last I really thought about this place was back in 1999 during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy-Vieques_protests">whole protest over the Navy on Vieques</a>.<br /><br />We all arrived and left at slightly different times. My sister and her husband Miguel arrived with their two children first.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2UHfw4zVI/AAAAAAAAAo0/jGz6UaFVTgw/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+0-04+Miguel+working+on+plane+with+Dani+and+headphones.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2UHfw4zVI/AAAAAAAAAo0/jGz6UaFVTgw/s320/Puerto+Rico+0-04+Miguel+working+on+plane+with+Dani+and+headphones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282040794482003282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Operation Puerto Rico Thanksgiving Team Members came from far and near!</span> </span></div><br />Then my brother arrived in San Juan midday on Sunday, and he was in charge of the rental car and our condo. I was next to arrive Sunday night.<br /><br />My journey began with my little adventure getting to the airport. Since I did not have a ride, I opted to explore what it would be like to take Charlotte's public transportation. This consisted of three transfers. I began by wheeling my bag out to South Boulevard where I caught the #12 bus, which because of our Lynx light rail system, no longer goes uptown. Instead, it dropped me off at the Woodlawn Lynx station. I then got on our light rail which took me uptown. With the sparse Sunday schedule, it was a cold wait in the uptown transportation center for the last leg, a #5 bus all the way down Wilkinson.<br /><br />It was unbelievable quiet at the airport then. My experience was quite pleasant as I had the opportunity to see my friend Michele one last time before she moved to my great homestate of Washington. Thanks to the miracles of Facebook status updates (<span style="font-style: italic;">Scott is currently picking his nose...</span>) I knew she was coming to CLT to pick up her boyfriend. So I got to meet him and rap about the Oly P for a minutes!<br /><br />This also marked the first time I paid ($15) for my first piece of luggage... Oddly enough, my flight down was on American, and that went through Miami. But the return would be direct on US Airways. The plane was a small one and I thoroughly enjoyed following HWY 521 south, and then as we hugged the Florida coast. About 30 minutes before descending to Miami I suffered a NASTY sinus infection or something - unlike anything I'd gone through before. Departing Miami was a nightmare, as one of the pilots' indicator lights failed. But given the alternative, I had to gun it out. Unfortunately I was forced into a window seat on a large plane, so my legs were crying - but I did have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fieldwork-Novel-Mischa-Berlinski/dp/0312427468/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229464840&sr=8-1">fascinating book</a> that I burned through with utter delight.<br /><br />I was keenly interested to know why Puerto Rico denizens were okay with being a part of the United States - maybe this was brought on by watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460989/">The Wind That Shakes the Barley</a> the other night.... With the hour tacked on, I arrived late and was quickly uncomfortable in the long pants and long sleeves I needed in Charlotte. Since my brother continues to resist the mobile phone craze and my I can't dial my sister's Spanish number directly, I had to patiently wait and hope things worked out for the best with the late flight. Of course they did, with my siblings be the ones to officially welcome me to what I found to be a very odd place.<br /><br />From the airport we eventually made our way east towards <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p167477">our condo</a> in <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=loiza,+pr&sll=18.066229,-65.907927&sspn=0.026071,0.043001&ie=UTF8&ll=18.429965,-65.847652&spn=0.013008,0.021501&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr">Loiza</a>. Even though it was dark, I got my first indoctrination heading north and then east on 187 on how poor this area was. The "upscale" condos were naturally located in what I came to term "the compound," gates and concertina wire everywhere.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2UfUUa8nI/AAAAAAAAAo8/dJkTnE2qm3I/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+2-004+Loiza+condo+some+clouds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2UfUUa8nI/AAAAAAAAAo8/dJkTnE2qm3I/s320/Puerto+Rico+2-004+Loiza+condo+some+clouds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282041203726676594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Our home operations for the week in Loiza</span> </span></div><br />Sunday night marked the only night that my brother and I slept in our room with the air conditioner off.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >MONDAY</span><br /><br />In the morning we went out to the narrow beach to meet up with the four Codes-Bodien clan members. This marked the first time in almost a year I had seen any of them in person! I didn't bring my bathing suit that mornng but figured the time would come soon enough. That afternoon we picked up my parents and then did some grocery shopping for the upcoming week. Yay - all eight of us were finally together!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >TUESDAY</span><br /><br />Today was the big journey into Old San Juan. After independently finding the same parking deck, we began the walk along the old city wall by going through an amazing environmentally-themed set of photos that even featured <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palouse">the Palouse</a>! We then made our walk below the massive walls. Before going through a gate we took our first family photo then made our way toward the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_San_Felipe_del_Morro">Fort San Felipe del Morro</a> (called El Morro), which was built to fend off attacks via sea.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2nV30bgtI/AAAAAAAAAr0/X6FsTEeLHCo/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+2-073+Old+San+Juan+El+Moro+Bodiens+closer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2nV30bgtI/AAAAAAAAAr0/X6FsTEeLHCo/s400/Puerto+Rico+2-073+Old+San+Juan+El+Moro+Bodiens+closer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282061932178408146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hey look - it's everybody! El Morro in the background</span></span><br /></div><br />After having our own picnic lunch, we entered the massive structure and explored away. Let me tell you about the view from the men's room - you can't beat it!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2UytWjKII/AAAAAAAAApE/urph-kIdy7k/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+2-110+Old+San+Juan+El+Moro+main+looking+side.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2UytWjKII/AAAAAAAAApE/urph-kIdy7k/s320/Puerto+Rico+2-110+Old+San+Juan+El+Moro+main+looking+side.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282041536864004226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Does your can have a view like this?</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2VDMwWQ9I/AAAAAAAAApM/QES24f0IyY0/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+2-131+Old+San+Juan+El+Moro+lower+Codes+Family.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2VDMwWQ9I/AAAAAAAAApM/QES24f0IyY0/s320/Puerto+Rico+2-131+Old+San+Juan+El+Moro+lower+Codes+Family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282041820171617234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Codes-Bodien Clan getting all the attention at El Morro</span></span><br /></div><br />My dad, brother, and I then made our way past some colorful houses towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_San_Crist%C3%B3bal">Castillo San Cristobal</a>, which was built later to fend off land attacks. We all then met in a square where Oscar, myself, and mother all got the chance to feed some pigeons!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2VbC1Ti7I/AAAAAAAAApU/CsWuK39k-w4/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+2-214+Old+San+Juan+Dani+asleep.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2VbC1Ti7I/AAAAAAAAApU/CsWuK39k-w4/s320/Puerto+Rico+2-214+Old+San+Juan+Dani+asleep.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282042229824916402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dani stone cold tired - that could have easily been me at the end of the day</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >WEDNESDAY</span><br /><br />Today was centered around the visit to the USFS's only tropical rain forest, El Yunque. It is technically called the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean/">Caribbean National Forest</a>, but that seemed to be sidelined. Reaching the rain forest was not that difficult from Loiza. The visitor center, El Portal, was quite impressive (architecturally) and almost looked like where a James Bond villian would have his headquarters.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2VtI4RsyI/AAAAAAAAApc/Ku4WyRp6l00/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+3-012+El+Yunque+El+Portal+Dani+and+big+lizard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2VtI4RsyI/AAAAAAAAApc/Ku4WyRp6l00/s320/Puerto+Rico+3-012+El+Yunque+El+Portal+Dani+and+big+lizard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282042540685636386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Future James Bond villian? I don't think so.</span></span> <br /></div><br />From there we stopped at La Coca Falls before huffing it up the Yakahu Tower. The views were impressive both ways, looking up towards El Yunque and then down to the coastline of Luquillo.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2WEonvD0I/AAAAAAAAApk/g6p5VGEGLP4/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+3-046+El+Yunque+Yokahu+Tower+top+Scott+Oscar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2WEonvD0I/AAAAAAAAApk/g6p5VGEGLP4/s320/Puerto+Rico+3-046+El+Yunque+Yokahu+Tower+top+Scott+Oscar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282042944343183170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Yours truly hangin' with the nephew Oscar (5) on the top of the tower - El Yunque in the background<br /></span></div><br />Even further up we all had a picnic lunch before the Spanish contigent went on a small family-friendly walk. The four of us descended down the paved trail towards La Mina Falls. The scenery was exquisite, and I especially liked some of the rest area structures that were built along the way. When we got to the falls I managed to snap a shot before people were crawling all over it. After watching this crazy fool attempt to climb up, I was the first family member to remove the extra clothes and jump on it - it was only cold for about ten seconds. Andrew then joined me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2Wizv9x7I/AAAAAAAAAps/AhXlzCP4tKc/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+3-109+El+Yunque+La+Mina+Falls+Scott+in+Andrew+ready.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2Wizv9x7I/AAAAAAAAAps/AhXlzCP4tKc/s320/Puerto+Rico+3-109+El+Yunque+La+Mina+Falls+Scott+in+Andrew+ready.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282043462726567858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Refreshment city! Note Darwin Award candidate in the background</span><br /></div><br />We then hiked out on the Big Tree trail. There our car awaited us. We drove all the way up to the Mt. Britton trail. After climbing up tower, I managed to convince everyone the climb to the granddady peak, El Yunque himself, wasn't that far off. Unfortunately it was a bit of a rush as we had a deadline to get out of the park before it closed. The views from the top were rather amazing - we then plummeted down the steep tower access road to get out in plenty of time! That evening we watched Oscar and Dani as the parents took a well-deserved dinner on their own in Isla Verde.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >THURSDAY</span><br /><br />Today obviously was the big Thanksgiving day. We all went down to the beach and then the pool, taking it quite easy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2W-eapAsI/AAAAAAAAAp0/BszhlhC6_s8/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+4-15+Thanksgiving+Loiza+beach+Scott+drinking+beer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2W-eapAsI/AAAAAAAAAp0/BszhlhC6_s8/s320/Puerto+Rico+4-15+Thanksgiving+Loiza+beach+Scott+drinking+beer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282043938036318914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Everyone should have this opportunity on Thanksgiving...<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2XQ19SEQI/AAAAAAAAAp8/OptfaIuSZck/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+4-27+Thanksgiving+Loiza+pool+Scott+hot+tub+Tanya+Miguel+pool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2XQ19SEQI/AAAAAAAAAp8/OptfaIuSZck/s320/Puerto+Rico+4-27+Thanksgiving+Loiza+pool+Scott+hot+tub+Tanya+Miguel+pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282044253593276674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">As if the beach wasn't relaxing enough, the hot tub also helped</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Also a wonderful shot of Tanya and her husband Miguel</span></span><br /></div><br />Preparing for the big American meal took a little planning, although the main obstacle were kitchens that were a bit lacking. Thankfully items like a potato masher and other seasonings helped us pull of the big task!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >FRIDAY</span><br /><br />The four Bodiens hit the road west, laying out some of the $18 they spent in tolls to reach the town of Arecibo. Driving in Puerto Rico is weird, the signs are in MPH but the markers are by the kilometer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2XwGxLhlI/AAAAAAAAAqE/GRYTHGaxEQQ/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+8-01+Fajardo+Gas+Station.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2XwGxLhlI/AAAAAAAAAqE/GRYTHGaxEQQ/s320/Puerto+Rico+8-01+Fajardo+Gas+Station.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282044790681863762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Who wants some cheap gas? Oh wait, those are liters</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Actually, it's still cheap gas (1g=3.78l -> $1.73 a gallon)</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />ALSO NOTE the 7/10ths on the price - a Puerto Rico original!</span> </span></div><br />It's this pervasive blend that always flips you between wondering if you are in the USA or not. For virtually the entire trip, I felt like I was not. After briefly viewing the $0 admission area for the lighthouse, we headed south up into the rough <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst">karst country</a> to the famed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecibo_Observatory">Arecibo Observatory</a>, which recently had been featured in movies like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113189/">GoldenEye</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/">Contact</a>. This was a special treat for me, and the tough steep pitch up to the nice Visitor Center was not a problem! They had a short film about a "day in the life" of everything that happens there which, despite the corny acting by scientists, was well worth the watching. Afterwards you go out to the viewing platform (not the same platform as shown in Contact, which must be further up) the view is finally yours. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to get a photograph that does the place justice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2Yn3kvOlI/AAAAAAAAAqM/tI8PGbMpYGU/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+5-37+Arecibo+Radio+Telescope+Scott+taking+shot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2Yn3kvOlI/AAAAAAAAAqM/tI8PGbMpYGU/s320/Puerto+Rico+5-37+Arecibo+Radio+Telescope+Scott+taking+shot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282045748675820114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Getting my science geek on at Arecibo</span></span><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vsESo_Fc94A&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vsESo_Fc94A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br />From there we took our first real rural winding mountain road directly east towards the main Highway 10. We stopped for a rural lunch of sorts, then saw a few of the big reservoirs that help provide infrastructure on the island that is only 100 miles by 30 miles. From there we continued east past San Juan and past Loiza towards Fajardo, which is on the east coast and the ferry jumping point to Vieques.<br /><br />Just northeast of Fajardo was the Laguna Grande, a very special place on this planet home to the rare bioluminescent dinoflagellate, <span style="font-style: italic;">Pyrodinium bahamense</span>. There are apparently five of these locations of year-round bioillumination in the world. There is a decent writeup on the Vieques site, which is essentially similar to Fajardo, <a href="http://www.golden-heron.com/biobay.html">here</a> that outlines the conditions that must be met for these millions and millions of dinflagellates to flourish. We chose one of the ten tour guide companies that must vie each night for all the tourists flocking to see this really amazing display.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.golden-heron.com/biobay/ppbburst.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 259px;" src="http://www.golden-heron.com/biobay/ppbburst.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><em></em></span>The <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/pr/fajardo/456144876639">route</a> started at the park and then most of the work was going down a narrow (and dark!) mangrove channel to the actual lagoon. All the kayak were doubles so my parents took one and then Andrew and I manned the other. There were about a dozen kayaks in our party and we were led by our perpetual smart-ass guide Emmanuel, who apparently just saved a lot of money on his car insurance.<br /><br />About halfway up the channel dipping the paddles begun to elicit a bluish glow. By the time we were in the lagoon it was quite a sight - most likely the highlight of the trip. Just so damn amazing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >SATURDAY</span><br /><br />On a self-proclaimed "rest day" most all of us headed a short distance west to the beautiful beach stretch just east of Isla Verde and ventured on the boardwalks of the Pinones.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2fqlTmTpI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ed_QDVCN2l0/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+6-20+Pinones+boardwalk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2fqlTmTpI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ed_QDVCN2l0/s320/Puerto+Rico+6-20+Pinones+boardwalk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282053491893096082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Just another beautiful day in the neighborhood!</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2fRfDpvWI/AAAAAAAAAqU/-HimztjZzyw/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+6-29+Pinones+stop+Oscar+Dani.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2fRfDpvWI/AAAAAAAAAqU/-HimztjZzyw/s320/Puerto+Rico+6-29+Pinones+stop+Oscar+Dani.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282053060718869858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Only my mother could have the brilliant idea for these shirts...</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2hUzqNzrI/AAAAAAAAAqk/5XI_f26AeZ8/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+6-39+Pinones+stop+Uncle+Scott+showing+newphews+crabs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2hUzqNzrI/AAAAAAAAAqk/5XI_f26AeZ8/s320/Puerto+Rico+6-39+Pinones+stop+Uncle+Scott+showing+newphews+crabs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282055316812189362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Uncle Scott showing his nephews a crab<br /></span></span></div><br />On our way back we stopped at one of the zillion roadside stands.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2hnFrR5TI/AAAAAAAAAqs/LCBbt-9Kw4o/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+6-40+Pinones+roadside+whole+view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2hnFrR5TI/AAAAAAAAAqs/LCBbt-9Kw4o/s320/Puerto+Rico+6-40+Pinones+roadside+whole+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282055630886135090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This restaurant has a lower Health Inspection Grade than the old Waffle House on South Blvd<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2h8BSyZQI/AAAAAAAAAq0/WQs3sPc4mkI/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+6-44+Pinones+roadside+family+eating.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2h8BSyZQI/AAAAAAAAAq0/WQs3sPc4mkI/s320/Puerto+Rico+6-44+Pinones+roadside+family+eating.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282055990486918402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Scarfing down some awesome food with some cold beer!<br /></span></span></div><br />We all then went to the pool for one last time - it was certainly sad to see the Spanish contigent take their leave and head back to Madrid.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >SUNDAY</span><br /><br />We were up quite early to drop the wave off (Andrew). From there we headed down the center of the island over a magnficent pass and on to the (dry) southern side of the island. Our primary destination was the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu%C3%A1nica_State_Forest">Guanica Dry Forest</a>, and not Ponce. This was a rather interesting experience. I chose a loop that began with the descent down the Ballena trail towards the Caribbean Sea. Off in the distance was Gilligan's Island (I kid you not), but we opted out of that adventure! On our way down we started to see some very interesting cacti, and then went off the trail to see a very old Guayacan tree.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2jPGmjQiI/AAAAAAAAAq8/m8KKtR6RUHo/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+7-03+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Dan+Rosie+cactus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2jPGmjQiI/AAAAAAAAAq8/m8KKtR6RUHo/s320/Puerto+Rico+7-03+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Dan+Rosie+cactus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282057417841132066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mom and Dad checking out the local flora in this unique ecosystem<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2jkpYUIGI/AAAAAAAAArE/ow2n22xBP4E/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+7-11+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+100+yr+old+Guayacan+Rosie+hugging.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2jkpYUIGI/AAAAAAAAArE/ow2n22xBP4E/s320/Puerto+Rico+7-11+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+100+yr+old+Guayacan+Rosie+hugging.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282057787953913954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A very special mom hugging a very special tree</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2jyY8eV0I/AAAAAAAAArM/ARWvw_43SVI/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+7-17+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Spanish+Dildo+Cactus+and+Rosie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2jyY8eV0I/AAAAAAAAArM/ARWvw_43SVI/s320/Puerto+Rico+7-17+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Spanish+Dildo+Cactus+and+Rosie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282058024060344130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">According to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/puerto-rico">Lonely Planet</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, this is the Spanish Dildo Cactus.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Maybe the woman who wrote the guide was lonely, or actually telling the truth. I don't know.</span></span><br /></div><br />Once down on the road, we walked past some amazing beaches to the end of the road. There we hit the Meseta trail walking across an expanse that was unlike any other.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2l19bdiVI/AAAAAAAAArs/9ZsQgOON__g/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+7-31+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Meseta+trail+Rosie+returning.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2l19bdiVI/AAAAAAAAArs/9ZsQgOON__g/s320/Puerto+Rico+7-31+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Meseta+trail+Rosie+returning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282060284416854354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mom amidst the stunning vegetation and views!</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2lgaeh-nI/AAAAAAAAArk/IaI-qmr1cxY/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+7-27+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Meseta+trail+Dan+on+bluff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2lgaeh-nI/AAAAAAAAArk/IaI-qmr1cxY/s320/Puerto+Rico+7-27+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Meseta+trail+Dan+on+bluff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282059914257234546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dad looking out into the Caribbean - the winds were monster!</span></span><br /></div><br />At about mile 4 we turned around and went back to the road dead-end.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2k4HvisxI/AAAAAAAAArc/Pvo2ZpzVNH0/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+7-35+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Meseta+trail+iguana+on+rock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2k4HvisxI/AAAAAAAAArc/Pvo2ZpzVNH0/s320/Puerto+Rico+7-35+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Meseta+trail+iguana+on+rock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282059222033543954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This was my trip "money shot" of the largest iguana we spotted</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I could only imagine what would happen if Winston was with us!</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br />Our loop was finished by taking the Cueva and Lluberas trails back. It was a bit (just a bit) of a death march, and it wasn't even as hot as it was normally in these parts!!! Once done we went into town looking for some cold beer, but we couldn't find any! We then went back to the road we descended upon and chose a beautiful beach for our lunch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2knFZ0bII/AAAAAAAAArU/sL7ecD1AHss/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+7-23+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Carribbean+beach+panorama.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 64px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2knFZ0bII/AAAAAAAAArU/sL7ecD1AHss/s320/Puerto+Rico+7-23+Gu%C3%A1nica+Dry+Forest+Carribbean+beach+panorama.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282058929347783810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Would you endure the tortures of eating lunch on this part of the Caribbean Sea?</span> </span></div><br />One had to admit there was quite a bit of trash though with the driftwood. I was going to change into my swimsuit but as I went back into the copse there was this random dude smoking his cigarette. How weird! We then went to the next beach over for our post-lunch dip (and so we could say we swam in the Caribbean). I chose to change into my suit in an old pit toilet facility. There were two choices, and I thought I pick the worse the first time... After letting the sea toss me around a bit, I chose the other and was greeted by a rotting corpse of some large animal that went in there to die. The logical choice was a dog, as there is a massive problem here with stray dogs. It was super brutal.<br /><br />From there we had some interest in hitting a few parts of the <a href="http://www.roughguides.com/website/travel/Destination/content/default.aspx?titleid=47&xid=idh130297248_0421">La Ruta Panoramica</a>, which is a string of some 266 km mountain roads that connect the west and east coasts. Unfortunately we were going to run short. We erred in trying to go through Ponce as a shortcut, and by the time we got up to Highway 10 where it continued west (towards Highway 52, which we came down) it would be too late. Our adventure for the day was not over as we learned Highway 10 wasn't exactly a fast bypass through the mountains. Once past <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Adjuntas,+Puerto+Rico&sll=18.173907,-66.647873&sspn=0.203872,0.345383&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FewiFQEdkOQF_A&ll=18.16249,-66.722717&spn=0.101943,0.172691&z=13">Adjuntus</a> the road was super curvy and more and more improbable as we continued north. We finally did hook up with the Highway 10 portion we hit on Friday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >MONDAY</span><br /><br />For my final day in this bizarre place the three of us went back to Fajardo but then continued down the coast. The weather had reverted back to some cloudiness. We stopped in Naguabo at the Playa Naguabo then continued down towards Tabucoa. There we hit a coastal part of the La Ruta that climbed up for some amazing ocean views! After going down a one-way street in Maunabo, we climbed up a tough pass on Highway 3 and then back down Yabucoa. It was at this point that we got on the "real" La Ruta Panoramica on Route 182. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=rosa+sanchez,+Puerto+Rico&sll=18.046807,-65.87883&sspn=0.098093,0.172691&ie=UTF8&ll=18.058722,-65.896168&spn=0.102003,0.172691&z=13&iwloc=addr">Not far into our journey</a> there was a detour on Road 918. This was the most amazingly steep road we experienced on our trip, it just BLEW US AWAY how tough it was - my dad and I remarked no one could ride a bike up these roads, as it put to shame any route on the Tour de France. I am sure all of us had a sigh of relief once back on the main road, but it still was nasty slow work, but featured up some amazing scenery. We were hoping to hit it all the way to Highway 52, but we jumped off after the Bostal and stopped for lunch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2Tr7O5gRI/AAAAAAAAAos/ZvVlx2VYQQk/s1600-h/Puerto+Rico+8-11+Ruta+Panoramica+Lunch+car+burnt+out.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SU2Tr7O5gRI/AAAAAAAAAos/ZvVlx2VYQQk/s320/Puerto+Rico+8-11+Ruta+Panoramica+Lunch+car+burnt+out.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282040320819298578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Our rental car after the Ruta Panoramica and Route 918...</span></span><br /></div><br />By this time I had completed broken down and started feeding the stray dogs, including the short little guy that lived at the Loiza "compound." It wasn't too long from there that we were back in San Juan and once again I was at the airport.<br /><br />As predicted, I was very excited about the direct flight back to Charlotte! And even happier to see Julie!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47601&l=b3a38&id=535328087">Public Facebook Photo Album - A Puerto Rico Thanksgiving</a>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-91432655950344856402008-11-22T18:36:00.003-05:002008-11-22T19:05:03.998-05:00Holman hits 100 rides!Today Holman (my 2006 <a href="http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/story/madone/">Trek Madone</a> 5.2) and I celebrated our 100th ride together! It was a very cold day in the Charlotte area - I waited until about 12:30 before leaving the house. <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/nc/charlotte/912595651468">My route</a> took me east over to Colony Road where I began the journey south, hitting about every red light possible after crossing over I-485. For the first half the sunshine was quite brilliant and was just warm enough with my clothes. I used Crane Rd (Who Killed Bridget?!?) to jump on New Town - at this point I decided it would be fun to make this more than the standard "Wexford to Waxhaw via Colony" route. It has been a long time since I went east on New Town, and I even pushed it more going further east until Potter. From there I swung around <a href="http://www.queenscup.org/">Brooklandwood</a> and pushed west towards Waxhaw. I cannot pass through Waxhaw these days without a heavy heart and think about my friend that lives there (and happens to be the mayor), as she is going some legal issues. By the stop I had clocked about 35 miles averaging 17.7 miles per hour. I ate what little food I had, as I had not planned to be out so long, then passed through the downtown and began the slog up Marvin-Waxhaw. Around this time the clouds started to come in and it was noticeably cooler. I could feel my toes, especially on the right, getting real cold despite the heavy wool socks and covers. At Marvin I opted for the longer route, going directly west towards 521. On that last climb up to the Highway I knew I was going to bonk. This was way too much too quickly for my body. The journey north was a difficult one, fighting some severe fatigue. I was probably averaging 10 miles an hour going up Seneca! I ended up being in the saddle for 3.5 hours and punching out 60.57 miles, for an average speed of 17.2 miles per hour. Oh how nice it was to return to the warmth of the home and Winston's always present cheery attitude.<br /><br />Since January 6, 2007 I have sat on Holman's saddle for about 275 hours, logging a total of 4,726 miles. My average distance for the 100 rides is 47.3 miles. Ironically enough, the average speed during those miles was 17.2 - my average for today. The distances have ranged from 10 miles (the <a href="http://publius.bodien.org/2008/10/should-i-flush-or-not.html">Sprint triathlon a month ago</a>) to TWO Ironmen (112 miles). 61% of those rides have been on a Sunday, 26% on Saturday, and obviously very few rides during the weekdays - three on Monday, four on Wednesday, one on Thursday, and five on Friday. Strangely enough I have NEVER ridden the bike on a Tuesday! Well, if you consider my schedule, that's really not that strange at all. I have ridden Holman only once indoors (I usually use the Centurion for that).<br /><br />In case you missed my earlier blog post, Holman is named after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_traveler">James Holman</a>, a blind Englishman who traveled the world (often alone) before people really traveled.<br /><br />I heart Holman and hope we are together for at least five more years.Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-90458076048473533452008-11-09T20:41:00.028-05:002008-11-13T12:06:39.356-05:00OBX ReduxThe genesis for this marathon began year ago after I heard my friend Michele had run the relatively new <a href="http://www.obxmarathon.org/">OBX Marathon</a> and qualified for Boston. She told me about the house she stayed at so I contacted the owner and put my name down for next year. And so the year passed...<br /><div> </div><br /><div>After my first Ironman in 2007, 83 days later I went to DC for the <a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/">Marine Corps Marathon</a> and ran my worst standalone marathon to date - four hours and sixteen minutes. I managed to put in 183 miles "in preparation" (2.23 miles per day). For the 30 times I went out, I averaged 6.16 miles per effort, but at least I had one twenty mile run.<br /></div><div> </div><br /><div>In a way, my hope for 2008 was to atone for my "comeback" marathon event. The window was much narrower though - 61 days would separate OBX between Ironman Wisconsin. This period was infinitely more frustrating, dogged by my swelling left foot, teaching, and my hamstrings. In the end I went out 28 times and logged 149 miles (2.44 miles per day), with an average distance of 5.31 miles. The really scary part is that I did only <span style="font-weight: bold;">ONE</span> long run at 13.1 miles!<br /><br />Folks, let me be clear on this. I had no business putting my body through this marathon. Or expecting <span style="font-style: italic;">anything</span> decent. There was a whole lot of anxiety shaking down Wexford Court.<br /></div><div> </div><br />For those not certain was OBX means, it is essentially a very successful marketing slogan for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Banks">The Outer Banks</a>, a stunningly beautiful expanse of nearly 200 miles of narrow seashore in North Carolina. Reaching the Outer Banks from Charlotte is not easy, as one must travel through Raleigh then east across a state that is rather long. For this reason I have visited only once before, in late October of 2001 when my parents were in town.<br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRt9M8XG9pI/AAAAAAAAAlE/bx4JSjHLJws/s1600-h/Winston+and+Mother.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRt9M8XG9pI/AAAAAAAAAlE/bx4JSjHLJws/s320/Winston+and+Mother.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267941850454881938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2001: Mom and Winston on ferry crossing from Cedar Island to Ocracoke</span> </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRt9fNQqxhI/AAAAAAAAAlM/_kZV1AFBB0k/s1600-h/Ocracoke+Beach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRt9fNQqxhI/AAAAAAAAAlM/_kZV1AFBB0k/s320/Ocracoke+Beach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267942164228916754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2001: The year Dad and Winston make contact with Ocracoke Beach</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRt9s8WaT1I/AAAAAAAAAlU/EiB9mBeRK4U/s1600-h/Bodiens+%26+Cape+Lookout.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRt9s8WaT1I/AAAAAAAAAlU/EiB9mBeRK4U/s320/Bodiens+%26+Cape+Lookout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267942400207769426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Here is another 2001 OBX experience with my brother near Cape Lookout<br />This picture is infamous within the family for quite a few reasons!<br /></span></span></div><br />When Friday morning came around I hoisted Winston's bed in the back of Audrey, my trusty Volvo 850, and began the journey by picking up Julie. Our first stop was Salisbury for a "<a href="http://seinfeld.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_Seinfeld_sayings">pop-in</a>" on the <a href="http://www.landtrustcnc.org/staff.asp">staff</a> of the <a href="http://www.landtrustcnc.org/">Salisbury area land trust</a>. Yes, this is the same Salisbury that's the home of <a href="http://www.foodlion.com/">Food Lion</a> and the recently vanquished Elizabeth Dole. Over the years I have come to know virtually everyone in the office and am happy to call each my friend. The visit ended up being a delightful one, and I took in a lot of happiness in introducing Julie to them. I was especially interested in seeing (the very same) Michele, who I went to Duke with and now is unfortunately moving to my home state in a few weeks. Winston even got to come in to hang out with Lucy for one last time. Sniff... After a nice cup of tea I showed Julie downtown then had a quick look at Andrew's beautiful old home before hitting Spencer and once again on I-85.<br /><br />It was hard not to be hit with many memories as we passed by Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. The last being my infamous wrong turn on to I-440 for the one class I did TA while at Duke. Sorry guys. I think you'll still turn out okay. Our first pit stop off of Hwy 64 was in Zebulon where Audrey got to rub shoulders with some genuine plaza drift.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuAC_F1WBI/AAAAAAAAAlc/PWYE1-c9CC0/s1600-h/OBX+001+Zebulon+Audrey+and+plaza+drift.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuAC_F1WBI/AAAAAAAAAlc/PWYE1-c9CC0/s320/OBX+001+Zebulon+Audrey+and+plaza+drift.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267944977923921938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.strayshoppingcart.com/shopping_cart/3_fs.htm">Plaza drift</a> is a fact of life, even outside the big city</span></span><br /></div><br />Shortly afterward we drove through Rocky Mount in search of a local eatery, but there was nothing to be found. It was a very eye-opening experience; the North Carolina we know as Charlotte was quickly dissipating. We then had to settle on a Tarboro exit where Subway sandwiches were purchased at the local Wal-Mart. While waiting for Julie to buy a book I noticed there were more security cameras on the roof than Fort Knox! Wow. After satisfying Audrey's need for some lunch we then pushed on, eventually making our way to the first expanse of water on the Alexander River.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuCbE6hS5I/AAAAAAAAAlk/QkniyksjMzM/s1600-h/OBX+003+Alexander+River.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuCbE6hS5I/AAAAAAAAAlk/QkniyksjMzM/s320/OBX+003+Alexander+River.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267947590827199378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stopped for boat traffic, we suddenly realized we were on vacation!</span></span><br /></div><br />Thinking the directions to Duck were through this route, we eventually made our way to Manteo then over to Nags Head. The drive north through Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk is some of the worst development beach strip out there. Yuck. The worst part (beyond the realization I had to run down most of it on Sunday!) was each time we had to go up and down Hwy 158. Our first stop was at the Expo, where packet pickup was executed with little delay. We then hit Route 12, only to realize we had to go back down and pick up food, ironically from Food Lion. By then it was dark and I realized we had actually taken the wrong route to Duck, but it really didn't matter all that much. Since I am not equipped with these fancy-schmancy car GPS units it was a slow crawl north to find Bias Shores.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuDsjk8ooI/AAAAAAAAAls/SVPRFXleTU8/s1600-h/OBX+098+Duck+120+Bias+Lane.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuDsjk8ooI/AAAAAAAAAls/SVPRFXleTU8/s320/OBX+098+Duck+120+Bias+Lane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267948990627619458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Our home for the weekend, 120 Bias Lane - "<a href="http://www.jjlrealestate.com/rentals.htm">Spinster Village</a>"</span></span><br /></div><br /></div>It was apparent right quick this was a delightful place to call home! For supper Julie was in charge of an equally delightful fish dinner. The post dinner entertainment consisted of the next disc in the bizarre Danish TV series <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riget">Riget</a> or "The Kingdom". Shortly following the healthy dose of weirdness for the day, our companions, Ben and Monica, arrived with their two dogs. Following the passing of his greatness Otto the Weimaraner, they had recently adopted a Blue <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weimaraner">Weimaraner</a> Brogan and a somewhat shy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shorthaired_Pointer">German Shorthaired Pointer</a> Belle.<br /><br />That morning I was up and out of the house first for a very short run. I followed Bias Lane across Route 12 and on to the beach. The tide, angle of the beach, and sand made for less than desirable beach running, but hey, it was the beach and a lot better than running through a sketchy neighborhood in Charlotte! Right before hitting the stairs I spotted Ben and Monica on the beach with all three dogs. I let them go and finished up my three mile experience with a walk to the sound side of Bias Shores, which was equally pretty.<br /><br />The mushroom and cheese omelets, along with hashbrowns made for a smashing breakfast; and the whole crew had a chance to sun themselves on the front porch. The weather was turning out to be fantastic for early November, but definitely too warm for the impending marathon which was now less than 24 hours away.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuHEELf4oI/AAAAAAAAAl0/XX7e8RhHwFo/s1600-h/OBX+005b+Duck+deck+Ben+Monica+Scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuHEELf4oI/AAAAAAAAAl0/XX7e8RhHwFo/s320/OBX+005b+Duck+deck+Ben+Monica+Scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267952693051122306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">As Monty Python said from Holy Grail - "it's a very nice, a"</span></span><br /></div><br />With the two Calhoun "brownian motion" quadrapeds left behind, we all journeyed north through the town of Duck and all the way north towards Corolla.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuJq5YLGvI/AAAAAAAAAl8/q1Uay8J6KFY/s1600-h/OBX+008+Winston+in+back+up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuJq5YLGvI/AAAAAAAAAl8/q1Uay8J6KFY/s320/OBX+008+Winston+in+back+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267955559189650162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winston liked the new Tahoe but didn't like being separated!</span></span><br /></div><br />Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/">Currituck Beach Lighthouse</a>. One million bricks.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuKHkqg9mI/AAAAAAAAAmE/WzjeQdGF9NY/s1600-h/OBX+009+Currituck+lighthouse+basic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuKHkqg9mI/AAAAAAAAAmE/WzjeQdGF9NY/s320/OBX+009+Currituck+lighthouse+basic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267956051845641826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">One of the few lighthouses you can currently climb - if you have $7 and no dog<br /></span></span></div><br />Since I had Winston, the three made the journey to the top. I took the opportunity for some cool shots of them at the top.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuL9JVXEUI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Uy6b81CiOJ8/s1600-h/OBX+011+Currituck+lighthouse+closeup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuL9JVXEUI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Uy6b81CiOJ8/s320/OBX+011+Currituck+lighthouse+closeup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267958071733719362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ben, Monica, and Julie at the top</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuMUYXk81I/AAAAAAAAAmU/3Wd1Fnpug8s/s1600-h/OBX+010e+Currituck+lighthouse+top+Ben+Monica.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuMUYXk81I/AAAAAAAAAmU/3Wd1Fnpug8s/s320/OBX+010e+Currituck+lighthouse+top+Ben+Monica.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267958470906540882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Apparently it was a bit windy up there (in the atmosphere, where the air is clear)</span></span><br /></div><br />From there it was on to the "end of the road." There we did a little driving on the beach (which apparently is quite mandatory). As we were leaving I spotted fellow Charlottean/old Sharksbite runner Sarah walking out towards the beach. Quite a random encounter I hopped out and talked to her some before we all went on quite a lovely walk in the Corolla lowland forests.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuNckdq1ZI/AAAAAAAAAmc/hXjPp7lI1Ps/s1600-h/OBX+027b+Corolla+forest+Scott+Ben+Monica+on+trail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuNckdq1ZI/AAAAAAAAAmc/hXjPp7lI1Ps/s320/OBX+027b+Corolla+forest+Scott+Ben+Monica+on+trail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267959711103899026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh where are our ponies?</span></span><br /></div><br />Our goal was to spot some of the famous <a href="http://www.outerbanksguidebook.com/horses2.htm">wild horses found here</a>, but they got the memo we were coming and apparently hid. I personally have seen many of the wild horses at Shackleford so I wasn't too disappointed. Then on our way back we stopped at a bit of a tackely-painted restaurant that Monica and I mused reminded us of the <a href="http://www.the-windjammer.com/">Windjammer</a>. At least the food and company were nice!<br /><br />That afternoon Ben and Monica went off for packet pickup - Julie and I sped south through the "dregs" to the utter gem of OBX - the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/caha/">Cape Hatteras National Seashore</a>. Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/archive/caha/bodielh.htm">Bodie Island Lighthouse</a>. Yes, the location that made me even more famous than <a href="http://www.boudinbakery.com/">Boudin San Francisco Sourdough</a> or <a href="http://cas.bethel.edu/student-development/reslife/bodien/index">Bodien Hall at Bethel University</a>. Actually, I take that back because the residence hall is actually named after one of my ancestors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuQxu71A4I/AAAAAAAAAmk/cReq_9aNHCQ/s1600-h/OBX+030c+Bodie+Lighthouse.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuQxu71A4I/AAAAAAAAAmk/cReq_9aNHCQ/s320/OBX+030c+Bodie+Lighthouse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267963373226886018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julie took this amazing shot of Bodie Island Lighthouse while I was up to no good!</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuRwugX_qI/AAAAAAAAAms/Iz127all-Zs/s1600-h/OBX+032b+Bodie+Island+sign+Scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuRwugX_qI/AAAAAAAAAms/Iz127all-Zs/s320/OBX+032b+Bodie+Island+sign+Scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267964455443496610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I formally declare this island Bodien property!</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuSKtIjWvI/AAAAAAAAAm0/oVL87GzUtwU/s1600-h/OBX+034d+Bodie+Island+Deer+Julie+Winston.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuSKtIjWvI/AAAAAAAAAm0/oVL87GzUtwU/s320/OBX+034d+Bodie+Island+Deer+Julie+Winston.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267964901751741170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This is a classic - Winston became quite agitated over the brash young fawn</span></span></div><br />The car then hurled south in order to beat the sunset over the granddaddy of them all, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. We first stopped at Milepost 34 (no, I didn't take Audrey on the beach) so Julie could relive a childhood desire to roll down a sand dune!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuTOGEDr1I/AAAAAAAAAm8/Pxz4V4zXFlc/s1600-h/OBX+036+Pea+Island+34+Julie+rolling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuTOGEDr1I/AAAAAAAAAm8/Pxz4V4zXFlc/s320/OBX+036+Pea+Island+34+Julie+rolling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267966059495010130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There she rolls - there she rolls again</span></span>!<br /></div><br />After visiting the lighthouse in the fleeting light of day, we watched some amazing kite surfer in action. The journey north towards Oregon Inlet was a little sketchy with all the sand and water on the road whilst draped in darkness. Thankfully we were back to the Bias Home Station around seven, and the pasta dinner was nearly complete. Once again an utter delight to the tastebuds! All of us were in bed quite early.<br /><br />Since Ben was running the half marathon, he had to be up first and leave by 6AM. The start location was further down the beach and started at 7AM. I was up shortly after that to begin my prep - anxious as hell whether I had any shot of finishing the nearly 140,000 feet I would be traveling. Julie was our lovely driver for the day and took the two nervous marathoners to the drop off station. Monica and I then made the short walk to the start area. The weather was clear and probably in the low 50s. After dropping off my gear I found my old co-worker Rich and met some of his family. Even better Julie was able to find a parking spot in order to see us off.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuZ9nV1fxI/AAAAAAAAAnE/zNu_66500sA/s1600-h/OBX+053+Start+Monica+Scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuZ9nV1fxI/AAAAAAAAAnE/zNu_66500sA/s320/OBX+053+Start+Monica+Scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267973472951566098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Monica and Scott in the 7-9 minute mile corral - one of us did not belong there</span></span><br /></div><br />After a razzle-dazzle prayer the elite runners went off at 7:20 - minutes later we were across the start line heading south.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxY5tNuJKI/AAAAAAAAAoM/kiPcLd2mKMI/s1600-h/01+start+wide.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 122px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxY5tNuJKI/AAAAAAAAAoM/kiPcLd2mKMI/s320/01+start+wide.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268183412529570978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I had no idea what awaited following this moment</span></span><br /></div><br />Here is an <a href="http://obxrunners.appspot.com/route/agpvYnhydW5uZXJzcgsLEgVSb3V0ZRgBDA/play">interactive route of the OBX Marathon</a>. Besides finishing, my major goal for the day was to complete the distance in less than 4 hours, or in a less desired scenario, less than the MCM miserable fest. Before hitching my star to Monica, I thought the best way to do this was to run an even 8:45 minute mile pace. My major mistake for the day was NOT realizing what Monica's real (and unstated) goal was - she was out to qualify for Boston (3:40), and it NEVER crossed my mind. The first four miles was a relative delight in some very real neighborhoods - mostly in the shade and obviously quite flight. After some action on a walkway there was one jump up. The spectators were quite lively and even coaxed one dude into chugging down a Yuengling. Uh, no thanks! We were hitting splits in the low 8s. I voiced some of my concerns but she did not slow. These splits were slower than Boise, but still in danger land and I did nothing to jettison because I made the further mistake of starting to believe.<br /><br />One of the showcase moments for the course is after Mile 8 and the big circle around the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/">Wright Brothers National Memorial</a>. By then the sun was out in full force and I was so glad I had my sunglasses and hat. Monica was continuing to push the low 8s and I began to force myself behind her.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRudcfpH0XI/AAAAAAAAAnM/eXam4kKaNv4/s1600-h/Wright+Brothers+with+dad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRudcfpH0XI/AAAAAAAAAnM/eXam4kKaNv4/s320/Wright+Brothers+with+dad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267977301995802994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2001: Dad at the top of the Memorial in Kill Devil Hills</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxZN5lEwVI/AAAAAAAAAoU/M4ow6VGqM4M/s1600-h/03+Wright+with+Monica.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxZN5lEwVI/AAAAAAAAAoU/M4ow6VGqM4M/s320/03+Wright+with+Monica.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268183759446131026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2008: Monica and Scott rounding the Memorial after Mile 8</span></span><br /><br /></div>Arguably the best part of the marathon were in <a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/northcarolina/preserves/art5618.html">The Nature Conservancy's Nags Head Preserve</a>. It was a hard sand road, virtually all shaded, and quite rolling for being on the coast. This was from about Mile 10 to Mile 13. I knew Monica would eat up this "trail" atmosphere. I felt myself exerting more energy to hang on. The last part is a hard turn and up a hill with woodchips. From there on narrower trail were some tough little rollers.<br /><br />About the point where one hits the pavement was the halfway point. We went through at 1:48:39, an 8:18 minute mile pace (3:38 estimated finish). It was there I had my Kara Goucher moment and dropped the gel I snatched from the aid station. I had taken my only gel I brought with me around Mile 6, and the situation was one where I felt compelled to not stop. This proved to be another tactical error. By this time my whole left leg (the part I still have, that is) was swollen up like a Christmas Ham and barely even aware of sensation.<br /><br />The second half of the marathon was quite uninteresting, with the obvious exception of crossing the bridge. I believe it was after Mile 14 and more towards Mile 16 where Monica slowly edged away. Or put more correctly, I began to slow down. At Mile 16 I dropped to a 8:32 pace and it was all "downhill" from there. Here I was pushing a body than had not even trained for the distance and now came the punishment. Yet I labored on, patiently waiting for each water station and taking what I could. After a half of constantly passing people, I started to pass those that had to start with the walking breaks, and then of course being passed by folks who actually were probably running an even pace. It was the same mistake I made at Boise now being made in the Outer Banks. The parts that stunk the most were actually on Highway 158, the main strip. I figured my options were to hold as best I could or stop and cry. Hmm, what to do...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRugsbPdZNI/AAAAAAAAAnU/i2-EzmDEjZs/s1600-h/OBX+060+Halfers+going+over+bridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRugsbPdZNI/AAAAAAAAAnU/i2-EzmDEjZs/s320/OBX+060+Halfers+going+over+bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267980874227213522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julie took this photo of the Half Marathoners crossing the Washington Bridge</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxZi-RWQ7I/AAAAAAAAAoc/RscADwF0S2A/s1600-h/08+down+bridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxZi-RWQ7I/AAAAAAAAAoc/RscADwF0S2A/s320/08+down+bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268184121482822578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Several hours later this was me coming off the bridge<br />I came down no faster than I went up.<br /></span></span></div><br />Going up and over the bridge was really no big deal for me. I was running at a 10:25 pace by that point, and I sure as hell wasn't going to stop. Most of the marathoners around me at that point were actually alternating walking and running. Interesting. I was going so slow it didn't matter. Oh, the journey west towards Manteo took FOREVER. And then going north towards the finish and town FOREVER AGAIN. By this time the half marathoners that were walking were quite the obstacle to get around.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuhdS2lq6I/AAAAAAAAAnc/KfPLpG9W9yM/s1600-h/OBX+067+Scott+nearing+finish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuhdS2lq6I/AAAAAAAAAnc/KfPLpG9W9yM/s320/OBX+067+Scott+nearing+finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267981713789004706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Very close to the finish now; the cheering by Julie and Jocelyn was most appreciated!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>By the time I begun north I knew I would shave in under my four hour goal - now the shame I faced was the realization that a 3:56 would result in a pace in the 9 minute mile category. But that's what it was going to be. I picked it up some, but I was just thinking about the nice breakfast I would cook myself the next day. So I crossed at 3:56:29, which is a 9:02 minute mile pace. For the second half I clocked in a 2:07, which representated the same 17% slowdown that I had at the Famous Potato Marathon. How interesting. It was still a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus">Festivus</a> Miracle!<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxaZj2WmZI/AAAAAAAAAok/AfIsy0pczcs/s1600-h/12+finishing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRxaZj2WmZI/AAAAAAAAAok/AfIsy0pczcs/s320/12+finishing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268185059283081618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Coming to the finish line thinking of eggs and hashbrowns for breakfast tomorrow</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Also hoping I'm not one of those people that finishes then has a fatal heart attack</span></span><br /></div><br />At the finish I was very careful to keep my body in motion, and it wasn't long before I ran into Ben and Monica (Ben is easy to spot in the crowd). It was shortly afterwards that Monica talked about her time (3:38) and the fact she had qualified for Boston! I felt so stupid for not even considering that. She placed 38th out of 527 female finishers. Wow. Even a bigger wow to Sarah who smashed in at 3:24, finishing 9th! Both are Boston-bound, which is very exciting!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRulgqvSPTI/AAAAAAAAAnk/N78IUAd4u3k/s1600-h/OBX+070+Monica+Sarah+Jocelyn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRulgqvSPTI/AAAAAAAAAnk/N78IUAd4u3k/s320/OBX+070+Monica+Sarah+Jocelyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267986169786940722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Monica, Sarah, and Jocelyn all had a banner day at OBX!</span></span><br /></div><br />Over on the half marathon side Ben did much better than he had hoped, taking in a 1:46 (8:08 minute mile pace). Not surprisingly Jocelyn was in the top tier of female runners, finishing 9th overall with a time of 1:23:51 (6:24 minute mile pace). She took third in her age category. The finish line area was quite festive, somewhat of a shame we didn't stay all that long!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRumzmBULhI/AAAAAAAAAns/3gWOgV68uHE/s1600-h/OBX+074+Ben+Monica+Scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRumzmBULhI/AAAAAAAAAns/3gWOgV68uHE/s320/OBX+074+Ben+Monica+Scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267987594449530386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The vacationers all smiles in Manteo after their running adventures!<br /></span></span></div><br />The runners temporarily residing at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=120+bias+lane,+duck,+nc&sll=35.168686,-80.873424&sspn=0.006315,0.008819&g=120+bias+lane,+duck,+nc&ie=UTF8&ll=36.153158,-75.745647&spn=0.012475,0.017638&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr">120 Bias Lane</a> were even more happy and appreciative of the wonderful Julie who ferryed them in absolute comfort back on to the main island. Ben and Monica were dropped off to pick up the car at the Y, then we went back to the store to pick up some pizza and calzones for lunch. Because yes, we would be hungry, and quite soon!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuoaIh1UfI/AAAAAAAAAn0/BAl8exmnzr0/s1600-h/OBX+076+Duck+deck+nearly+everyone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuoaIh1UfI/AAAAAAAAAn0/BAl8exmnzr0/s320/OBX+076+Duck+deck+nearly+everyone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267989356059382258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The residents preparing for their beach walk</span></span><br /></div><br />After some resting and lunch, the whole clan went back to the beach for a very lovely walk. All three of the dogs went totally ape**** over being on the beach. Perhaps the most fanatical was Winston, who believed the waves were living entities to be attacked. This strategy shortly backfired on him as he began to throw up all the salt water he had ingested!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuo1d4RAPI/AAAAAAAAAn8/eeWhzSnjwCw/s1600-h/OBX+102+Duck+Beach+Scott+Julie+Winston+in+background.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRuo1d4RAPI/AAAAAAAAAn8/eeWhzSnjwCw/s320/OBX+102+Duck+Beach+Scott+Julie+Winston+in+background.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267989825647083762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Scott and Julie enjoying some beach time<br />Note the soon-to-be very sick Winston pouncing in the background!<br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRupS9s4_nI/AAAAAAAAAoE/24BHnc6mUsY/s1600-h/OBX+110+Duck+Beach+Ben+Monica+and+their+children.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SRupS9s4_nI/AAAAAAAAAoE/24BHnc6mUsY/s320/OBX+110+Duck+Beach+Ben+Monica+and+their+children.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267990332405513842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Monica, Ben, and their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownian_Motion">Brownian Motion</a> children</span></span><br /></div><br />Once back at the ranch we were rather quickly summoned to dinner back down in Nags Head. After meeting Jocelyn and Sarah at the wrong brewery, we found the <a href="http://www.obbrewing.com/">right one</a> just south of the Wright Memorial. it looked to be crowded, but they had an upstairs area and most importantly sat us promptly! Yeah! Speedy "wolverine" Lamperski (ran a 1:14 in the half, finishing 11th) was at another table with some other friends. By then I was having a massive sneezing attack, which unfortunately dampened the enjoyment of the evening, but it was still a great dinner shared by good friends! I savored the Dragon's Milk and paired it with a great plate of sausages!<br /><br />That night was not as peaceful as I hoped it would be - Winston was acting very needy then started puking everywhere. Oh dear. I did get the breakfast I had been hoping for though! We took our time cleaning up then Ben and Monica took one last walk on the beach while we hit the road. This time we went through Elizabeth City, scoring some sub $2/gallon gas for Audrey. The journey back had two major high points. The first was our stop at the rural Foy-Mart, where Julie procured a tasty bowl of boiled peanuts and experienced quite the local flavor. And then of course when <a href="http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=TYJzcUvS_NU">Chariots of Fire</a> came on Julie also enjoyed my artistic dance intrepretation as choreographed to my recent running experience!<br /><br />In conclusion another fabulous 2008 trip - I was so happy Julie was able to make the journey!<br /><br />This was the third major car trip for Audrey - who chalked up another 992 miles of trouble-free motoring.<br /><br />And now I have to ask - where can I find Bon Bons?<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43089&l=ab96f&id=535328087"><br />Public Facebook Photo Album</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Geeky Stats</span><br /><br />first half 1:48:39 (8:18 minute mile)<br />second half 2:07:50 (9:45 minute mile) [17.7% slowdown]<br /><br />326/1309 overall [0.249]<br />249/779 gender [0.320]<br />36/103 age group (M30-34) [0.350]<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.lin-mark.com/obxmar08.txt">Overall Marathon Results</a></div><br />Adjusted Splits (my Garmin measured 26.48 miles)<br />Mile 1 - 8:19<br />Mile 2 - 8:11<br />Mile 3 - 8:25<br />Mile 4 - 8:17<br />Mile 5 - 8:16<br />Mile 6 - 8:25<br />Mile 7 - 8:10<br />Mile 8 - 8:20<br />Mile 9 - 8:13<br />Mile 10 - 8:16<br />Mile 11 - 8:26<br />Mile 12 - 8:13<br />Mile 13 - 8:37<br />Mile 14 - 8:16<br />Mile 15 - 8:16<br />Mile 16 - 8:32<br />Mile 17 - 8:53<br />Mile 18 - 9:19<br />Mile 19 - 9:40<br />Mile 20 - 9:40<br />Mile 21 - 10:10<br />Mile 22 - 10:26<br />Mile 23 - 10:23<br />Mile 24 - 10:05<br />Mile 25 - 10:46<br />Mile 26 - 10:53<br />Final - 10:01<br /><br />Unadjusted Splits (as read from the Garmin unit)<br />Mile 1 - 8:14<br />Mile 2 - 8:06<br />Mile 3 - 8:19<br />Mile 4 - 8:12<br />Mile 5 - 8:11<br />Mile 6 - 8:20<br />Mile 7 - 8:05<br />Mile 8 - 8:15<br />Mile 9 - 8:08<br />Mile 10 - 8:11<br />Mile 11 - 8:21<br />Mile 12 - 8:08<br />Mile 13 - 8:31<br />Mile 14 - 8:11<br />Mile 15 - 8:11<br />Mile 16 - 8:27<br />Mile 17 - 8:47<br />Mile 18 - 9:13<br />Mile 19 - 9:34<br />Mile 20 - 9:34<br />Mile 21 - 10:03<br />Mile 22 - 10:19<br />Mile 23 - 10:16<br />Mile 24 - 10:41<br />Mile 25 - 10:39<br />Mile 26 - 10:46<br />Final - 9:55<br /><br /><div> </div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-7655869806078061552008-10-25T16:04:00.018-04:002008-10-29T11:08:08.266-04:00Do you RuBiRu?Saturday marked my last multisport event of 2008. And for a second time in two weeks, I was racing in a benefit event upon the request of my friends, this time Lisa and Jin Woo. I use the term multisport because this was not a triathlon, nor a simple distance run. Held at the <a href="http://www.uncc.edu/">University of North Carolina Charlotte</a> (which is in north Charlotte), <a href="http://www.rubiru.com/index.html">RuBiRu</a> is a duathlon (run-bike-run) to benefit the <a href="http://www.btfcnc.org/">Brain Tumor Fund For The Carolinas</a>. This organization was started by Lisa's father after her brother was diagnosed and survived brain cancer. Her brother is now a doctor himself and I had the opportunity to hang out with him at the NCAA March Madness Regionals last year in Winston-Salem.<br /><br />This was actually the first duathlon I ever registered for - the only duathlon I had participated in prior was back in March of 2007. My friend Lat let me race in his place. It was at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police and Fire Training Center that I often pass on my bike rides when using Shopton road. The 5K portions were a mix of trails and roads on the grounds, while the bike portion was 16 miles on the road. I clocked in 22:45 and 24:06 for the running portions while holding a tough 20.9 MPH average on the road. I knew I was not quite in the shape for these numbers, but my relatively decent performance the previous Saturday at the triathlon indicated I could put up something I would be proud of.<br /><br />Preparations began on Friday with Julie providing the pasta dinner. I brought some red cabbage to saute in olive oil (try it - it's fantastic!). When then watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279113/">The Good Girl</a> which was rather - good! For some reason we were on a Jennifer Aniston kick with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398017/">Derailed</a> a few weeks ago. I was mostly amused by the "reincarnation" of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holden_Caufield">Holden Caufield</a> and the actor who played Delmar in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190590/">O Brother Where Art Thou?</a><br /><br />The impending rain (which was supposed to come in earnest on Friday but really did not) was the only hanging issue. I guess I just am spoiled with a relatively excellent track record of good weather when it actually came to race time. The journey from home to UNCC was not all that bad, eating some oatmeal along the way.<br /><br />I really have not spent much time at UNCC. Recently I've come up for a time or two for professional collaboration of a remote sensing project that has analyzed the growth rates for the Charlotte area. Currently this study is getting a lot of attraction with the local media; <a href="http://www.gis.uncc.edu/ospc/">I invite you have a look</a>! My only other big memory was about four years ago when the Charlotte Ultimate community (really Scott Campbell, whose race I ran last week) secured UNCC as a location for <a href="http://www.upa.org/">UPA</a>'s Mixed Regionals. It featured our big team at the time, Kitchen Biscuit, and over two days I took lots of pictures. 99% of them stunk.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOF_FQmlDI/AAAAAAAAAjc/0p96cAONwkc/s1600-h/Reg04ChristiDavidLee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOF_FQmlDI/AAAAAAAAAjc/0p96cAONwkc/s320/Reg04ChristiDavidLee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261196108488938546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">OCTOBER 2004: Christi and David Lee. Oh David, why did you take your bacon to Chicago?</span> </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOGR482ihI/AAAAAAAAAjk/bBeyo5QF7nY/s1600-h/Reg04MattSmithMarking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOGR482ihI/AAAAAAAAAjk/bBeyo5QF7nY/s320/Reg04MattSmithMarking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261196431602387474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">OCTOBER 2004: Matt Smith marking hard</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOGgfjkYrI/AAAAAAAAAjs/fJca0m922tc/s1600-h/CLT+Reg+04+Game+21-01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOGgfjkYrI/AAAAAAAAAjs/fJca0m922tc/s320/CLT+Reg+04+Game+21-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261196682483491506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">OCTOBER 2004: His redness Dan O invades CLT with his B-Plus team</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOG-40kAZI/AAAAAAAAAj8/u065nGlfxfQ/s1600-h/CLT+Reg+04+Game+01-11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQOG-40kAZI/AAAAAAAAAj8/u065nGlfxfQ/s320/CLT+Reg+04+Game+01-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261197204661731730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">OCTOBER 2004: Olstein doing what he does best</span></span><br /></div><br />This wasn't the usual crowd, but that was fine. This event has a small homely field that I really, even more polar from Ironman Wisconsin than Take Flight last weekend. It was all on a grass field that was mostly saturated with water. I walked down to pick up my registration material then eventually made it down with my bike and gear. I was taking off my sweats when Julie arrived with Lisa and Jin Woo.<br /><br />Prior to starting there were two individuals I spotted who (for the life of me) I could not remember their names. Both were women, and one was talking to me by name. She looked familiar, but really not. I really felt horrible that I didn't know her name! Even worse she was on a relay team so my chances of looking up a race number were pretty much nil. The other I knew from recent events, we played Ultimate Summer League together on the famed <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129387/quotes">Seven Minutes Abs</a> team. Before the start I also spotted one of my cycling friends, Axel, who had participated in Take Flight last weekend.<br /><br />As I stood there with Jin Woo I realized it had been years since we ran together. So this was fun! The rain had mostly stopped by the time the air horn sounded.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS1Kdg3g4I/AAAAAAAAAkE/W99tyHM1mjk/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+01+start.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS1Kdg3g4I/AAAAAAAAAkE/W99tyHM1mjk/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+01+start.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261529456001385346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">It's time to RuBiRu!</span></span><br /></div><br />The first 5K was just horrid! Despite Jin Woo's warning it was hilly, it was rather hard! The course was on pavement and basically circled around the main campus. I quickly became too warm with my hat and the technical Take Flight shirt (which had a normal arm-length for a short-sleeved shirt). Jin Woo slowly pulled away and there were only a few here and there that passed, including Lana, who shows up at every possible athletic event known to man with her husband Tom. This portion was my least-favorite of the three, especially the climb back up to the transition area, which featured a very wide arc around. I heard the race announcer call out Jin Woo's name as I was making that arc. I wasn't watching the distance my watch was pulling at the time, but I was frustrated that it would be in the 25 minute range! Maybe I should have noted the distance was 3.31 miles, way longer (over a thousand feet!) than a regulation course.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS1hcqdAXI/AAAAAAAAAkM/9kopAeAyGSw/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+05+Scott+finishing+5K.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS1hcqdAXI/AAAAAAAAAkM/9kopAeAyGSw/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+05+Scott+finishing+5K.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261529850910146930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">25:07?!? Feeling a little dejected at this point - maybe I should have noted the distance!</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Given the simpler nature of the duathlon, the transition was rather quick (45 seconds). To get out of campus, the path followed a portion of the first run course, then came out on Mallard Creek. It really wasn't raining at this point, but with the wet roads one had to be careful and just assume you would get wet. And while I always pay attention to a lot of detail on the course, Jin Woo was disappointed I didn't notice the price of gas at the Petro Express.<br /><br />Since this wasn't a <a href="http://www.usatriathlon.org/">USAT</a>-sanctioned event, there weren't any referees so you could pretty much draft and block all you wanted. How fun. The off-campus loop featured a landmark I had yet to see in Charlotte - the <a href="http://www.livenation.com/venue/verizon-wireless-amphitheatre-charlotte-tickets/?sl=Charlotte,%20NC">Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre</a>. I really got into the loops, and even though I didn't have the firepower of last week, I pushed some big numbers. The second loop went by much quicker, and it was there while passing the concert venue I caught up with Jin Woo. After that he was pulling some major drafting on me, but I really wasn't too worried there. Coming down Mallard Creek I was absolutely flying, passing by the mystery woman among others. Jin Woo was holding on at that point and as we came through campus we nearly plowed through a group of college-aged volunteers who were crossing the street and NOT paying attention. It was there I just couldn't hold him off, so he passed me but when we came in to dismount I was right there behind him. I was very happy to meet my goal of finishing under 40 minutes (39:56).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS185UCINI/AAAAAAAAAkU/8Wqujg1viqg/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+07+Jin+Woo+Scott+finishing+bike+closer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS185UCINI/AAAAAAAAAkU/8Wqujg1viqg/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+07+Jin+Woo+Scott+finishing+bike+closer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261530322457206994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jin Woo and I finishing the bike right after nearly plowing through a bunch of volunteers</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS2c3QoymI/AAAAAAAAAkc/7zU80KCFiAA/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+09+Scott+racking+bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS2c3QoymI/AAAAAAAAAkc/7zU80KCFiAA/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+09+Scott+racking+bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261530871661906530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Just about to rack my bike and be out of the transition area in a split!</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > (split = 39 seconds)</span><br /></div><br />My second transition was even faster and I left him in the dust to lace up his shoes. I knew he'd be back, as he was a better runner. I was surprised about the energy I had given how I was feeling in the last minutes of the bike. Before jumping into the woods it was there I passed the fields that brought back most of the memories from the 2004 Regionals. I had never been back in here, apparently the cross country team uses it to train. At first it was mostly uphill, and the trail was mostly muddy. Back in there brought back some quick memories of Uwharrie. The registration for the event is in about a week!! Up at the top I was holding a good pace. At the bottom we ascended again and that was a real killer. Around this time Jin Woo came up and held behind me for quite some time. The real tough pitch was an open area that briefly went up to Hwy 29 before descending again. I then spotted a very massive rock, perhaps the biggest I've seen in this area. Around then Jin Woo passed me and then goaded me up the final hill. I just couldn't hold as we prepped for the long arc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS27tpc19I/AAAAAAAAAkk/AIEx2Ng82Ic/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+12+Jin+Woo+Scott+nearing+finish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS27tpc19I/AAAAAAAAAkk/AIEx2Ng82Ic/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+12+Jin+Woo+Scott+nearing+finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261531401657571282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I was really sucking wind after climbing the last hill</span></span><br /></div><br />I then saw my Ultimate colleague standing with a friend by the side and remembered her name was Lisa. I called her out by name and that surprised her, but I seemed to recall she got my name right. Once in the chute Jin Woo turned on a sprint I couldn't seem to match, but I got close enough to where he slowed down so we could cross the line together. What a gentleman. I finished the "5k" course is 24:46, whatever that means. I had hoped to do the entire course in 90 minutes or less, and just like last weekend I came up short, clocking in at 91 minutes and 16 seconds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS3eedzUJI/AAAAAAAAAks/yI_Ut90SSFg/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+15+Jin+Woo+Scott+at+finish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS3eedzUJI/AAAAAAAAAks/yI_Ut90SSFg/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+15+Jin+Woo+Scott+at+finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261531998877601938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Despite being a Tarheel Jin Woo is an all-around nice friend</span></span><br /></div><br />I had a nice post-race hanging out with Julie and Lisa-Woo (okay Jin Woo, you're right, those names don't meld well).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS33xeGPvI/AAAAAAAAAk0/nhQGqhJo-J0/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+16+Lisa+and+Jin+Woo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS33xeGPvI/AAAAAAAAAk0/nhQGqhJo-J0/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+16+Lisa+and+Jin+Woo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261532433475845874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Anyone have a good hybrid name for these two?</span></span><br /></div><br />I introduced Lisa to the other Lisa, then told her about my adventures since Summer League. I talked a lot about my left foot issue, because after all she is a doctor. Apparently she did the bike portion on a relay team. It was great to see her again. She was one of the two women that really gave us critical lift. <br /><br />They did have some initial results and I was once again pleasantly surprised with my placement among my peers, 23rd out of 94 finishers! (this includes the 11 relay teams). I almost felt bad about how Jin Woo was listed as 24th, only because he slowed to get the same time and then the software must sort by last name. The winning time was 76 minutes, and I <span style="font-style: italic;">barely </span>edged out the winning female. I stuck around a little longer to watch all seven of my raffle tickets go down in flames. The gas cards would have been nice. No worries, it was for a good cause and I've been around these races and seen budgets to know that not a lot of the money goes towards the cause (most of it is spent for off-duty police securing the course). I then thought I might have a chance at age group, but that was a silly thought as the M30-39 was loaded with participants and I finished 8th!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS4nxbC5nI/AAAAAAAAAk8/eepBDkNsEzs/s1600-h/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+17+Julie+and+Scott.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SQS4nxbC5nI/AAAAAAAAAk8/eepBDkNsEzs/s320/RuBiRu+08+UNCC+17+Julie+and+Scott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261533258096764530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Getting some quality time with the world-famous photographer!</span></span><br /></div><br />The drive home was most pleasant, no doubt Winston was thrilled to see me home again. I was disturbed to see my Forerunner watch would not turn on. I don't remember bashing it with a hammer?<br /><br />After a nice nap, some grocery shopping and laundry, the four of celebrated at Dish - a fantastic Charlotte institution. Afterward Julie and I went to Keith's Halloween party in the Eastover neighborhood. I was most interested in meeting his wife Mary Lee. I also would like to go on record in saying Keith's costume (and acting) as The Joker from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/">The Dark Knight</a> was perhaps the most disturbing thing I have seen in a LONG time. Even more disturbing than spending 24 hours in a van with Keith. My nose might argue with me on that, but the ensemble was rather creepy.<br /><a href="http://rubiru.com/2008_10_25_rubiru_duoa.html"><br />RuBiRu Results</a>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-31928218217618023532008-10-18T14:48:00.013-04:002008-10-20T10:49:05.929-04:00Should I Flush Or Not?My last triathlon of 2008 was on Saturday. Not originally part of my plan for the year, I was asked by Scott Campbell, a friend from my early Ultimate years in Charlotte, to participate in the <a href="http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1013">Take Flight Sprint Triathlon</a>. This event was conceived to raise money for an organization he and his wife created, <a href="http://www.garrettswings.org/">Garrett's Wings</a>, in memory of their son. I was honored to participate in this great event!<br /><br />These types of triathlons involve the complete opposite strategy needed to complete an Ironman, a task I accomplished 41 days ago. A sprint triathlon, especially the ultra-shortened Sprint version presented on Saturday, is an all-out leave-nothing behind in around a hour of pushing out extreme performance. Additionally I have not been recovering well from Wisconsin, especially from a strange left foot injury I received playing Ultimate back in June. Still though, I was far from being hurt enough not to compete.<br /><br />After being the absolute last person to leave work on Friday (for five straight weeks now) I rode home in the rain and went straight to pasta preparation mode, whipping up some of my quasi-famous spaghetti that had everything except meatballs. It was a cold rainy night and I was happy to finish watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057877/">Becket</a>, an old movie from the 1960s that was surprisingly good. While it had the usual "made for movie" additions and skewness, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Becket">Thomas Becket</a> remains one of the most amazing people to have walked this earth, due to his firmness in what he believed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtfvl0RtSI/AAAAAAAAAjM/uwY1NABYjs0/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtfvl0RtSI/AAAAAAAAAjM/uwY1NABYjs0/s320/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258902261095052578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Who will rid me of this turbulent swelling in my feet?!?</span> </span></div><br />I then started to assemble the gear and thread my <a href="http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240009430&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001544">Asics GEL-Foundation 8</a>s with elastic laces, a feature I have not used in several years (with my focus on longer triathlons). Before going to bed I read the penultimate story in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T.C._Boyle">T.C. Boyle's</a> excellent compendium of short stories, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/After-Plague-Stories-T-C-Boyle/dp/0142001414/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224356632&sr=8-1">After the Plague</a>. I did not sleep all that well, having a mildly disturbing "dream" about the negative ramifications of staying a cheap hotel in the middle of the woods and having to share a big room with about 10 people.<br /><br />The alarm clock was not necessary this morning as I rose around 6AM. I left at 6:30 and had to stop at work to load all the maps I had been slaving on the previous day. The road was quite clear to the <a href="http://www.nomadaquatics.com/">NOMAD Aquatic Center</a> in Huntersville. The field we parked in had some mud, so I carried my precious Holman to the pavement.<br /><br />After picking up my packet, I promptly left my numbers on the table upstairs and descended for bodymarking. About ten minutes later I couldn't find what I needed but thankfully it was still waiting for me. This would be my second triathlon without the use of socks. It was bloody cold out, but thankfully mostly clear and looking to be a good day! Before the start of the race I ambled around - the only person I really knew was Lamperski so I chatted a bit.<br /><br />I have a very important etiquette question to pose to my gentle readers, but before you proceed with the next paragraph I would suggest that the gentlest of readers, such as Hogeboom, who get offended with "TMI" to jump ahead.<br /><br />The aquatic center has a PA system. And naturally when it came time for the Star Spangled Banner to be sung they put it over the PA system. Here was my dilemma. I was on the can when the nice lady started to sing. Now, I am pretty familiar (and digusted by) the practice of those that talk on their cell phone while vacating their bowels. What should I have done? Stand and not disrepect my country? Or simply wait to flush? (there was a long line in the locker room). I noticed at least one other stall-dweller flushed during the song. I waited, then hopped out. Fortunately no photos exist to document my fervant patriotism.<br /><br />The one thing I dislike about these pool swims is the long wait to start. Unlike Wisconsin where 2000 people start at once, every ten seconds a participant is released to <a href="http://www.setupevents.com/files/Take_Flight_Course_Maps.pdf">snake their way</a> to the other end of the pool. And I'm not a particularly strong pool swimmer (and I don't know how to flip-turn), so I usually have to wait. The first swimmer who started at 8:00 finished the 250 yards 2 minutes and 47 seconds later - very impressive! From there I had to wait until 8:42:20! I wandered around some more, then went upstairs and saw another friend from Ultimate. I was surprised to learn this was his first triathlon, and wished him well. By that time Julie had arrived, and as she predicted, her two companions had not made the trip.<br /><br />Originally the plan was to compete using my normal swim trunks, but they are quite tight especially around the thighs and show a little more back than I'm comfortable with, so I did switch to my usual bike shorts, which I used just for the bike portion Ironman Wisconsin. I swam a few laps in the warmup pool then ambled over to the line. All the sudden 8:42:20 came up quite fast!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtZsBNI_QI/AAAAAAAAAiU/bZu3bdPIGrE/s1600-h/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+01+Scott+before+swim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtZsBNI_QI/AAAAAAAAAiU/bZu3bdPIGrE/s320/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+01+Scott+before+swim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258895602657852674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Minutes before GO time</span></span><br /></div><br />The distance is this competition was 250 yards. I have only one comparison, which was the Valdese Sprint Triathlon back in March of 2004. There I covered the distance (don't forget a portion of running to the timing mat is added, so it wouldn't necessarily be my actual swim time) in 5:05. No doubt this would be the part that would hurt the most, since the amount of effort needed for a marginally better time is great compared to the other disciplines.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtajtq-a8I/AAAAAAAAAic/72Q-icZ_o3s/s1600-h/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+03+Scott+starting+swim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtajtq-a8I/AAAAAAAAAic/72Q-icZ_o3s/s320/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+03+Scott+starting+swim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258896559486954434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Blessed be the Maker and his Water, Blessed be the coming and the going of Him, May His passage cleanse the world." -- Liet Kynes</span> </span></div><br />I quickly found out my bike shorts (which have been used to the point of sagging along the thighs and waist) were near "wardrobe malfunction" when jettisoning off each wall into the next lane. Good thing my shorts didn't come off! I ended up passing one woman and then found a strong man in front of me. We came out of the pool at the same time. I had 4:32 on my watch, an excellent 12% improvement. I officially ran over the mat at 4:47 while around the back of the facility. That put me at 155th overall from the 466 finishers. This was the only discipline where a sizable number of women (48) bested my time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPta9-CfK8I/AAAAAAAAAik/lUtPfTyZTAo/s1600-h/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+06+Scott+exiting+pool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPta9-CfK8I/AAAAAAAAAik/lUtPfTyZTAo/s320/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+06+Scott+exiting+pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258897010557135810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Swimsuit? Check. Improved 250 yard time? Check. Ready to bike? I hope so.</span></span><br /></div><br />Both of transitions were particularly good, for T1 because I went without socks, my loose grey running top went on easy, and I didn't both to towel off (save stepping on the towel to help dry the feet). I went through with a 1:01 transition, which is quite impressive.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtbd0rsztI/AAAAAAAAAis/_Q0J-SgSGKM/s1600-h/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+07+Scott+running+out+of+T1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtbd0rsztI/AAAAAAAAAis/_Q0J-SgSGKM/s320/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+07+Scott+running+out+of+T1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258897557801455314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Julie claimed I was running too quick to be seen - thank goodness for photographic technology!</span> </span></div><br />As I left some of the stronger bikers were already coming in. The ride featured some strong cold winds, something my body was not used to! I lost my bike number right away, and at the turn on to Ellenwood I was personally greeted by a volunteer who must have been Kevin (it's really hard for me to distinguish people when I'm on the job). If so, thanks Kevin for asking me to mind the turn!<br /><br />This was one of the few courses where I had not done my homework and driven the <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nc/huntersville/25937924">10.2 mile course</a>. I had asked Lamperski and he had relayed some other comments, which actually turned out to be the reverse. It was NOT flat and the worst hills (IMHO) were in the first half, especially the monster shortly after the first mile that made me want to cry. I was still huffing badly trying to force my body into bike mode, but mostly it was not happening. To break my hour goal, I needed a consistent 20+ mph effort and this was NOT helping. Relatively speaking though, I was passing riders right and left. And let's also be clear this is not Ironman-grade talent. This race is in the <a href="http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events&series=ets">TrySports Triathlon Development Series</a>, many of these people are racing for the first time. It seemed very lonely out there compared to Wisconsin in terms of people on the course. There were some people cheering here and there, which was nice.<br /><br />The highlight of my ride was known before I even started hammering the pedals. Right before Mile 4 the course comes south on Beard Road approaching the Conservancy's Ridge Road Nature Preserve (on the right). This is a rare upland depressional wetland where we have done salamander counts for many years. It was also the site of a memorable workday for some <a href="http://www.queens.edu/">Queens University</a> students back in September of 2005. My job was simply to assist the unmentionable UNCC grad student who was running the project, but she was totally late. In addition, some neighbor must have called the cops on me as I waited. So when the students came, the police showed up and I had to talk my way out of trepassing/being a crazy person. Apparently the neighbor saw me and thought I was a delusional crazy person. I do recall sitting there with my head down because I was tired! (I had ran the previous Wednesday and Thursday, swam Friday, and then gone for a walk with Bob and Jan Marx that evening). The timing made it embarrassing.<br /><br />Back to 2008. I then knew the turn onto Ridge Road would be extremely sharp. It was then my lone nemesis, a guy I had started to play the leap-frog game (this happens when you get aligned with an evenly matched person but you have to obey the drafting rules) passed me for the final time and started to edge out an advantage I could not match. At the halfway mark I had lost seconds I would need. Then it was more suburban hell on Highland Creek Parkway. That was the lone person that passed me. It was just a struggle at that point, especially the frustration on Eastfield with the strong gusts. I could see the end far away, but also saw my hopes for a 30 minute split fade alongside the rural landscapes that once defined this part of Mecklenburg county. Nonetheless I came in at 30:59 (19.4 mph average), a time at the moment pissed me off but what I didn't realize then was the strength I showed in comparison. I came in 37th out of 463rd, bested only by ONE female.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtcB1AL95I/AAAAAAAAAi0/--7wYuCW4xM/s1600-h/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+08+returning+from+bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtcB1AL95I/AAAAAAAAAi0/--7wYuCW4xM/s320/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+08+returning+from+bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258898176362674066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Just because it took me six hours less to complete this bike leg doesn't mean it was less painful.</span></span><br /></div><br />Given that I set my laces last night and my plan to use them on part of my <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/run/united-states/nc/charlotte/559375666377">Wednesday industrial firestorm lunch run</a> did not materialize, I was nervous about them slipping on. Another factor was that my feet were frozen from the ride! Getting around the back of the center was very tricky too, as there was quite a bit of mud from the previous night. That was the only complaint I had about the course. I went under one minute by a second for T2 - awesome!<br /><br />I wasn't concentrated on that though, as a glance of 37:44 on my basic watch told me breaking one hour would not happen based on past performance. I would need to run a 22:15 (7:10 minute mile pace) 5K time. In my previous twelve triathlon 5K performances, my average time was 24:06 (7:46 mmp). My best was 22:29, so it would have to be a PR kind of day. The course was not suited to such an endeavor, a micro tour of Skybrook subdivision hell that featured a big depression shortly into the course and several more mini-rollercoasters further down. Still I clipped along a decent pace without the assistance of my Garmin Foreunner.<br /><br />As on the bike, I was mostly passing people right and left - ony two of three determined males passed me. This was not just because I was a better runner, it has a lot to do (as with the bike) due to my misplacement at the swim start. The bib numbers correspond to participant's projected swim times. You can sort the swim rankings to easily see most people (including myself) over and underestimate their abilities. For example, I had bib 216, but finished 154th in the swim. On average, the field underestimated their abilities relative to the field by 26 slots. Those underestimated did so by an average of 90 places , and those that overestimated did so by 60 positions. I underestimated my swimming abilities so on the bike and run I go through the process of attempting to align myself with my true abilities relative to the strength of the field.<br /><br />On the side portion that was done twice, I saw race organizer Scott Campbell a number of times and exchanged positive reinforcement. I also spied Lamperski out for a cool-down runner so I had to inquire. He and his companion told me (my pace) looked strong. That helped. After my last patented spin turn at Northgreen I headed south towards home. I knew by a look at my basic watch this was not going to happen, although I felt deep inside this was going to be a "better than average" 5K effort. Normally I come down the gate charging, but I really didn't this time, splitting this race with a 23:53 5K time. So yes, I did do better than average, but certainly not well enough to PR and slice in under an hour. 62 men and 14 women bested my 7:42 pace on the run.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtcvqrTIaI/AAAAAAAAAi8/bb3tl1N5fCE/s1600-h/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+09+Scott+finishing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtcvqrTIaI/AAAAAAAAAi8/bb3tl1N5fCE/s320/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+09+Scott+finishing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258898963864691106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Total time 1:01:37. It even says so on that watch.</span> </span></div><br />So this was not the shortest triathlon I have finished; that award goes to the Valdese race as the bike course was only 9 miles (just awful mountainous hills that made Take Flight look like a joke). I averaged 15.5 miles per hour on that ride! If you assume the same pace for the additional mile my time would have be 1:09:17. So really an improvement of 12% by slicing off seven minutes and forty seconds.<br /><br />In the end I didn't make my goal, but I would naturally later learn that I did quite well and should be proud of my accomplishment given my difficulties in recovering from Ironman Wisconsin and that I have not specifically trained for this particular race, most notably the discipline itself. In the male category I finished 34th. I was really stunned to learn only three woman bested me overall, and only Kelly's sister broke one hour.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtdxFBHu2I/AAAAAAAAAjE/dwR-G7GZcXk/s1600-h/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+10+Scott+getting+drinks+afterwards.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPtdxFBHu2I/AAAAAAAAAjE/dwR-G7GZcXk/s320/Take+Flight+Sprint+Triathlon+10+Scott+getting+drinks+afterwards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258900087627037538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Until I return for 2009 - some Gatorade Blue Ice for the road</span></span><br /></div><br />Super thanks to Julie for cheering me on and providing the great photos!<br /><br />And for the record, I'm glad I didn't flush.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Geeky Splits</span><br /><br />Total Time 1:01:37<br />Male 34/269 [0.127]<br />M30-34 7/39 [0.179]<br />Overall 37/465 [0.080]<br /><br />Male Swim 107/271 [0.395]<br />M30-34 19/39 [0.487]<br />Overall 155/466 [0.331]<br /><br />Male Bike 36/269 [0.134]<br />M30-34 7/39 [0.179]<br />Overall 37/464 [0.080]<br /><br />Male Run 62/267 [0.232]<br />M30-34 12/38 [0.316]<br />Overall 76/462 [0.163]Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-85427589939009722252008-10-15T10:45:00.004-04:002008-10-17T14:15:13.847-04:00Video of Subject in his Environment<object width="425" height="350"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e5cnkHPhySA"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e5cnkHPhySA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed> </object><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPYvTm7mflI/AAAAAAAAAiM/xScO66vOQRc/s1600-h/DWM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SPYvTm7mflI/AAAAAAAAAiM/xScO66vOQRc/s320/DWM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257441628916186706" border="0" /></a><br /> Hmm, the YouTube video is pretty grainy. Here is a screenshot as well.Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-51300291376317068522008-10-02T18:24:00.011-04:002008-10-07T10:18:18.613-04:00Winston goes to workYes, Winston does occasionally pick up the doggie briefcase and head off to work. This morning on his way in he was not quite as excited as his owner to spot Deloitte Walking Man. Since we left a little early, he was spotted walking north on South Boulevard once again near Greystone. The timing was consistent with the Monday sighting.<br /><br />Once we park in the back (I am the sole full-time remnant of a bye-gone era of back-building parkers) Winston gets out and gets all excited about spotting the cats that he has seen many times. Unfortunately for Winston, I haven't told him they are long gone. The mother died several years ago and the fate of the daughter is unknown; I know she was evicted during the last round of building renovations (better known as junk removal).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOtvbEfIKJI/AAAAAAAAAiE/-C38INfXCXg/s1600-h/Morehead+Back+Stairs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOtvbEfIKJI/AAAAAAAAAiE/-C38INfXCXg/s320/Morehead+Back+Stairs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254415901109266578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Every day I drive the back entrance await me. It's like "Return of the Jedi" but without the Ewoks.</span></span><br /></div><br />Winston then runs straight up the rickety metal stairway to the door. Using my usual dexterity, the door is opened and Winston always rushes in, eager to greet EVERY member of the Conservancy. He is known by all and never leaves any of his friendly tendencies at the door.<br /><br />On most visits his dad has to spend about 10-30 minutes preparing materials for field work, but today that lasted ALL the way to 1PM. How lame is that?!? Thankfully several staff members got him all riled up, and yes, I did throw the Kong a few times!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVLXLEdEnI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Wl0xurW5oD4/s1600-h/Winston+in+CLC+Office+2008+Oct+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVLXLEdEnI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Wl0xurW5oD4/s320/Winston+in+CLC+Office+2008+Oct+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252687401878098546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winston was so bored waiting for me!</span></span><br /></div><br />Our destination this sunny afternoon was north of Lincolnton on the Catawba/Lincoln border. My task was to establish new line for the surveyor coming in tomorrow. It turned out to be a lot more brutal than I anticipated. After crashing into the woods I received one of the most painful yellowjacket stings of my life! Seeing how I was in fragile health to begin with, I then got an amazing acute headache. Still I stumbled on, marking with my pink.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVOI1Zq_RI/AAAAAAAAAh0/e3A93DNUNr4/s1600-h/Rollins+2008+Photo+02.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVOI1Zq_RI/AAAAAAAAAh0/e3A93DNUNr4/s320/Rollins+2008+Photo+02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252690454078225682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Now we're talking!</span><br /></div><br />We then faced a precipitious descent to the wetland below. While I was getting the life (blood) sucked out of me, I took some nice shots with the sun and beech trees.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVNAa71KkI/AAAAAAAAAhc/HuirpfEJxfo/s1600-h/Rollins+2008+Photo+08+slope.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVNAa71KkI/AAAAAAAAAhc/HuirpfEJxfo/s320/Rollins+2008+Photo+08+slope.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252689210023160386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I died a little so you could enjoy this</span><br /></div><br />After tying up to existing line, I hightailed my little behind out of the wetland and into the even worse recent clearcut. Anyone who has walked the woods can tell you this is the most dangerous and difficult type of walking. It was even slowing down Winston! From there I marked some points for the irrigation easement, then tried to make a call.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVNRlhxcEI/AAAAAAAAAhk/PWc74Dlgd3E/s1600-h/Rollins+2008+Photo+28+Scott+on+phone.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVNRlhxcEI/AAAAAAAAAhk/PWc74Dlgd3E/s320/Rollins+2008+Photo+28+Scott+on+phone.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252689504924430402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Why won't anyone talk to me?!?</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVNpQM6E1I/AAAAAAAAAhs/v6HgoNM5TXk/s1600-h/Rollins+2008+Photo+32+Scott+on+phone+closeup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVNpQM6E1I/AAAAAAAAAhs/v6HgoNM5TXk/s320/Rollins+2008+Photo+32+Scott+on+phone+closeup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252689911516631890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Leave a comment about the tagline that should go here</span></span><br /></div><br />After an equally long 50 mile drive into the office, Winston was actually showing signs of being tired.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVOgwcu2VI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Snoz_SpC7Pc/s1600-h/Winston+in+CLC+Office+2008+Oct+7+tired.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOVOgwcu2VI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Snoz_SpC7Pc/s320/Winston+in+CLC+Office+2008+Oct+7+tired.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252690865065744722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Another great day for Winston!</span></span><br /></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-74582817866476995962008-09-30T10:29:00.004-04:002008-09-30T10:57:23.839-04:00Can you say "Restraining Order?"Over the last two days I've had two interesting observations of DWM (Deloitte Walking Man) so I thought I would share with the rest of the stalker community.<br /><br />Normally I never run on Sunday, it's my day to bike, but with feeling very run down I only took a short run on Saturday. Sunday was my "long run" day and <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/nc/charlotte/651391264167">my route barely scrapped in ten miles</a>. Besides enduring the long Ironman recovery process, my hamstrings are on a delicate perch, and perhaps my most serious concern is a mysterious swelling of my left foot. I have gone to two doctors now and neither have any clue what is going on. So when it came time for Monday's run into work, I was DREADING it.<br /><br />The only ray of sunshine was as I approached Greystone on South Boulevard. There was DWM walking north! So I passed him from behind and said nothing this time, I was wondering if he was going to yell at me about the whole camera thing. Apparently he hasn't noticed? I then stopped at Marsh waiting to cross the street. So even then I was able to look back down and see him approach. Today I made a <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/nc/charlotte/609524573686">new modification</a> to my <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/nc/charlotte/60236677">standard run</a> in by taking the lightrail "pedestrian" path ALL the way in. I used to think it ended at Camden but Ma Bell opened my eyes up a few months ago. I was a bit stunned to see that it was 4.45 miles versus the usual 4.4 taking Camden over.<br /><br />What a horribly depressing day to be in Charlotte. We still have no gas and there is no concrete explanation why this is happening. Oh yeah, and Wachovia is being bought by Citi. And the bailout failed. WHY WAS MY APPLE STOCK PUNISHED?!? Apple is the only company out there putting out superior products and making tons of money. It's proof to me that stock performance has nothing to do with the actual company.<br /><br />I left the office around 6PM and took the <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/nc/charlotte/422089981">harder of routes home</a>. On the way I saw an injured Sean on Cumberland so I stopped to talk with him. Apparently Jocelyn runs too fast for him! Ha ha! At least it's not some sort of protracted running war like with Stan... Apparently they finished together at the <a href="http://www.runforyourlife.com/2008_Races/HittheBrixx10K_092708.htm">Hit the Brixx 10K</a> (I actually got to see the lead two runners on Sunday) But who actually went across first?!? Once I got home I took Winston for a quick walk, then had some dinner and felt like crap the rest of the evening.<br /><br />Getting up Tuesday morning was even more painful. I managed to get to the dentist for a routine cleaning. I then went back up Park to Woodlawn (one of the three stations there had gas - and the long line blocking traffic that is a common sight these days). I then took Scaleybark up towards South. The timing was a little late but I was rewarded! While I was waiting for the light to get on South Boulevard DWM had gotten to the point where he turned on Scaleybark. He was passing the library completely! He was wearing his standard red coat for this time of year and had some coffee. I was able to snap a photo before turning onto South!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOI9qd3yHII/AAAAAAAAAgw/-pi_rqT2EPw/s1600-h/HPIM1491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SOI9qd3yHII/AAAAAAAAAgw/-pi_rqT2EPw/s400/HPIM1491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251827915249818754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Was a little too shy about getting a frontal...</span></span><br /></div><br />As it was a Tuesday this was my swim day, but I was just feeling awful and Tuesday is definitely the most miserably full day of my week. The worst part is I missed swimming last week due to the cable being repaired at my house. I think I made the right decision to stay away.Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-22569556386928780282008-09-14T22:22:00.003-04:002008-09-30T10:57:43.411-04:00Who is this man?With the supposed demise of Old Asian Walking Man, within the last year my South Boulevard fixations have been on a man I've documented fifty plus times. My name of this mysterious individual is DELOITTE WALKING MAN.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SM3H2ThRz3I/AAAAAAAAAgo/QUTh7xpbbTg/s1600-h/Man.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SM3H2ThRz3I/AAAAAAAAAgo/QUTh7xpbbTg/s320/Man.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246068876723212146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From a February 15, 2008 sighting on South Blvd 900 ft from library.<br />This is a typical location for sighting DWM.<br /></span></span></div><br />This Caucasian male is in his 50s and sports a white beard. His most distinctive features are a blue Deloitte sweater and often he carries an umbrella. DWM has a very tempered regiment of walking south down "The Boulevard" to arrive at the Scaleybark Library minutes before it opens at 9AM.<br /><br />Given my proclivity to be heading north towards work to arrive minutes before 9AM, it is usually a safe bet I will see DWM. I have so many questions? Was he an employee of <a href="http://www.deloitte.com/">Deloitte</a>? An accountant? I am running under that assumption and that he is retired. Or could he just be homeless? During my documentation project, I do note his approximate location upon sighting and reference it as a distance from the "destination" (the library).<br /><br />I have seen him waiting with the 9AM crowd several times. Many in the crowd are homeless who spend the day there reading, etc. I also have some rare documented sightings on the residential streets generally east of the library (down Scaleybark, on Poindexter, etc)<br /><br />Perhaps my most treasured sightings have been when I run into work. We actually pass! I have not worked up the courage to ask him about his veiled past, although I have initiated verbal contact with a cheerful "hello." He has never responded.<br /><br />For now I am frustrated with no answers, but given a recent breakthrough Rebecca has learned much about the mysterious Dilworth runner who Cummins and Woodbury, along with many others, have wondered about for far too long.<br /><br />The odyssey continues...Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-90790101174658137762008-09-11T16:44:00.027-04:002008-09-13T16:45:50.213-04:00Dead Presidents Tour (oh yeah, and an Ironman too)<span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, September 3</span>rd<br /><br />The amazing Dead President Tour of 2008 began on Wednesday with the arrival of my brother Andrew from Portland, OR. Julie and I took him out to dinner; afterward we were treated to shockingly large bag of trail mix and homemade cookies in a (stolen?) Tupperware.<br /><br />You might be curious to understanding why I am into dead presidents. Well, for starters I do have a history degree and have always been interested in the topic, but really the catalyst goes to the (dare I say great?) <a href="http://www.diplom.org/manus/">Manus Hand</a>. Way back when webpages were truly novel (early 90s), Manus put together his <a href="http://www.diplom.org/manus/Presidents/">interest in visiting presidential gravesites online</a>. The 2008 inspiration was actually my brother; the thought just got me wanting to pick up my old past time! And just to throw it out there, here are the ten graves I have previously visited:<br /><ul><li>George Washington</li><li>Thomas Jefferson</li><li>James Monroe</li><li>Andrew Jackson</li><li>James K. Polk</li><li>John Tyler</li><li>James Buchanan</li><li>Woodrow Wilson</li><li>William Taft</li><li>John F. Kennedy</li></ul>If you are curious about dead presidents near you, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Presidents_by_date_of_death">try this Wikipedia page</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thursday, September 4</span>th<br /><br />The thousand mile journey towards Madison began at 7:30AM when Andrew and I left with Winston bound towards Asheville. From there we then took a very beautiful country road northwest towards Greeneville, TN. Our destination was the final resting place of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Johnson">Andrew Johnson</a>. Ironically enough, Andrew (my brother) and I had visited Andrew's (the president) birthplace a number of years ago in Raleigh, so here we were completing the circle. Johnson rose from very humble beginnings and let's be frank here, got a bad rap with the whole impeachment thing. As noted by Manus Hand, Johnson wished only to sleep eternally with the Constitution (or at least a copy) as his pillow. It was quite a beautiful view from Signal Hill and a wonderful beginning to our bagging expedition.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnBmsGx3OI/AAAAAAAAAeA/vIWh1_HuO8I/s1600-h/MadIron+07+Greeneville+Scott+AJ+serious+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnBmsGx3OI/AAAAAAAAAeA/vIWh1_HuO8I/s320/MadIron+07+Greeneville+Scott+AJ+serious+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244936111468436706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I want to grow up and get impeached just like Andrew Johnson</span></span><br /></div><br />My only two regrets were that we didn't have enough time to visit his homesite and I missed an opportunity to visit with Genevieve, a wonderful friend who used to live in Charlotte.<br /><br />From there we went back down I-81 towards Knoxville then headed north on I-75 towards Lexington. After some beautiful mountain vista views we were then treated to the famous horse farms of the Lexington area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnCGU-kkvI/AAAAAAAAAeI/SjofKLnb8KY/s1600-h/MadIron+74+On+Highway+Winston+smelling+KY.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnCGU-kkvI/AAAAAAAAAeI/SjofKLnb8KY/s320/MadIron+74+On+Highway+Winston+smelling+KY.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244936655015809778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winston getting a smell of Kentucky</span></span><br /></div><br />Our next destination was just outside Cleveland (in North Bend) to visit the final resting spot of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Henry_Harrison">William Henry Harrison</a>. This site also had a pleasant view looking over the Ohio River. Harrison mostly makes notice these days for serving the shortest term of any president - 30 days. Andrew pointed out the irony that one of the columns had the opening from his inaugural address. Harrison stood in the rain and went on and on and on. And he died because of it! Good thing I can blog from the safety and comfort of my house, otherwise if I were in the rain I'd make my point and move the hell out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnA66ugBgI/AAAAAAAAAd4/hi3DCUN77xs/s1600-h/MadIron+12+North+Bend+Andrew+trying+to+get+in.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnA66ugBgI/AAAAAAAAAd4/hi3DCUN77xs/s320/MadIron+12+North+Bend+Andrew+trying+to+get+in.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244935359478892034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Andrew trying to wake William and warn him about the dangers of pneumonia</span></span><br /></div><br />From Cincinnati we scored some cheap gas and moved west towards Indianapolis. The hotel where I made reservations turned out to be in a very iffy industrial part of town - right next to the Hostess Factory. And there were no free samples - we had to go far to find some real food.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Friday, September 5th</span><br /><br />We rose early and headed through more tougher sections of Indianapolis west towards the utterly massive <a href="http://www.crownhill.org/">Crown Hill Cemetery</a>. We had to nearly circled it to find the main entrance, and from there it was dumb luck (and asking some walkers) we found the grave of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Harrison">Benjamin Harrison</a>. Yes, this was a Harrison two-fer, Benjamin's grandfather was William Henry Harrison. All reports were that Benjamin gave his inaugural address in a more safe location (although he died of the same thing!). Benjamin Harrison was elected without the popular vote, which goes to show that this electoral mess will continue the Electoral College is dismantled. Benjamin Harrison is also the only President from Indiana. Considering the disastrous consequences had George H.W. Bush died in office, let's call this a good thing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnCoEvZ1gI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/CwhVzDL6x-Q/s1600-h/MadIron+28+Crown+Hill+Scott+looking+from+front.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnCoEvZ1gI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/CwhVzDL6x-Q/s320/MadIron+28+Crown+Hill+Scott+looking+from+front.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244937234772776450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Benjamin Harrison : Way better than Dan Quayle</span></span><br /></div><br />From there on it was corn corn corn!! Okay, more like corn soy beans, and then corn. We steered our trusty steed Audrey west and then north to steer clear of Chicago. The timing was critical, as I learned quite late in the game that registration was closing at 4PM that day! Andrew dropped me off at <a href="http://www.mononaterrace.com/">Monona Terrace</a> and it was actually not too bad, way less traffic than waiting for the Half Ironman in Providence. And that point the next immediate destination was to continue along Washington towards I-90, where our palatial cramped home would be for the next few days.<br /><br />A few hours later Andrew dropped me off again so I could attend the pre-race dinner and instructions. The hall reminded me of attending the ESRI plenary a few weeks ago - a huge sea of people and a dog and pony show. I didn't know a soul so I circled around a bit and randomly sat down next to a young guy. I ended up having a nice conversation with him - his name was Dan, he was from Wisconsin and this was his first Ironman. Apparently Dan was not alone, it was announced around HALF of the participants were Ironman newbies. The most interesting part for me was seeing <a href="http://www.multisports.com/paula.html">Paula Newby-Fraser</a> in the flesh. Paula won the World Championships in Kona an unmatched EIGHT times, surpassing in my mind even the great Dave Scott or Mark Allen. Then again, she is the head of the corporation that runs the Ironman brand races. It troubles me that in reality it's just a business. The race fees for these events are ridiculous, but I cannot argue against the first class support one does receive. Dan was trying to qualify for Kona, but knew it was going to be a tough haul. There were three other ladies who joined our little circle - all of them were first timers. The doctors' talks were just horrible and Greg Welch must have dropped acid before being called up. As one of the many nervous wrecks in the room, I did get some pasta and useful logistical information.<br /><br />Andrew then picked me up and we cruised out to the airport to pick up our dad. It was here in early August of 2003 the great suitcase (near) debacle was rectified. From there we went back to the motel. Good thing I brought my air mattress, the two full beds were not going to cut it. There was just enough space and as per usual Winston slept on my bed.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday, September 6</span>th<br /><br />The main thing I remember about Saturday was fending off many panic/anxiety attacks. Any sort of diversion was welcomed. I was looking forward to sleeping in after two hurried days of travel, but even that wasn't as long as I hoped (see above). The three of us walked up to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denny%27s">Denny's, fairly certain we would not be discriminated against</a>. I ordered an absolutely huge breakfast, the plan being to eat progressively less during the day. Our first order of business was to drive the <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/wi/madison/359480877">bike course</a>. My reasons for signing up for Ironman Wisconsin had a lot to do with several individuals who lived there. Unfortunately the main individual, a close family friend who goes by the name of Eric, had moved on to greener pastures. Unable to be there, Eric insisted we meet up with his good biker friend Dave who he met while working at the <a href="http://whyfiles.org/">Why Files</a>. Since Dave knew the roads so well, I offered for him to come along.<br /><br />I wasn't quite sure if I had met Dave during my three visits to Madison (August 2000, early August 2003, and August 2003). Maybe he was the driver during "The Great Airport/Suitcase Fiasco." Hmm. Not sure. It took me, my brother, and my dad (all of whom know Eric quite well) about two minutes to figure out why Dave and Eric were good friends. Before leaving we also chatted some with Dave's wife Meg. It was a full car - me driving, Dave in the passenger seat, and then Andrew, Winston, and Dad in the back. But hey, we were being efficient. We first went back to the convention center where I had to drop off my bike and transition bags. Yes sir, this was the triathlon BIGTIME. Transition bags, changing rooms, and biker assistants in the transition area (on the fourth floor parking deck). You can actually see the course yourself - <a href="http://www.simplystu.com/">Simply Stu</a> has accelerated videos of the <a href="http://libsyn.com/images/simplystu/IMWISwim.wmv">swim</a>, <a href="http://libsyn.com/images/simplystu/IMWIBike.wmv">bike</a>, and <a href="http://libsyn.com/images/simplystu/IMWIRun.wmv">run</a> courses from 2007. I was glad I checked out the bike online before seeing the real thing. Dave was an excellent guide and we all had a very enjoyable couple of hours. Once we deposited him back so he could continue his mission to sell their red car (no, we don't want to buy it!), we took our leave for another couple of hours.<br /><br />The number one reason I came to Madison was to see my friend Alice. She has a very special place in my heart as she not only introduced (pushed?) me to triathlons but is an excellent friend. We met when I was in grad school; I was at Duke and she was at UNC (star-crossed indeed). My first triathlon ever (ironically enough) was in Charlotte and I remember our trip quite fondly, from the bike that almost fell off the car on I-85 to the wrong way turn into Kenilworth, to the free meal at the Omni. Our favorite trip was up to Lynchburg, Virginia for the Angel's Sprint. I also remember coming down to White Lake to watch her and Dan (her now husband) do the Half. That was what got me to take on my own, and now here I was (for a second time!). That afternoon we had a most fabulous visit - she was expecting by the end of the month, but was excited to come out and cheer for me; in addition to a co-worker, her brother-in-law, and his girlfriend. I got my first opportunity to meet their two year-old son, not to mention her now grown up Lily (the bulldog). At first Lily was somewhat aggressive towards us, but soon enough she and Winston were tearing around the backyard having a fun time! Deep down I was saddened to come to the real grips of not seeing Oliver, but Alice's deepest love for that dog was perhaps the most special intangible she has passed on to me.<br /><br />Unfortunately the time zoomed by and they had to leave for a family dinner, so we hit the grocery store and returned for what Dave deemed "The Last Supper." It was a delightful evening, ruined only by my growing anxiety.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnOklgk8bI/AAAAAAAAAeY/fv0bHfosAqM/s1600-h/MadIron+36+Madison+Last+Supper+Meg+Dan+Scott+Andrew.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMnOklgk8bI/AAAAAAAAAeY/fv0bHfosAqM/s320/MadIron+36+Madison+Last+Supper+Meg+Dan+Scott+Andrew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244950368989016498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Did Jesus Christ have pasta, beer, and guacamole dip for his Last Supper?</span></span><br /></div><br />Pictures often lie. This one is a great example. First off, that's a terrible indicator of Meg's personality. She was totally cool. And look at me - I'm smiling. Way off. You also can't see the beer I drank. Yeah, yeah, I drank a beer. A far cry from a glass of red wine and rubbing Roxie's head. But this was a white wine house and Roxie is now with Oliver in doggie heaven. It looks like it's just me and 140.6 miles tomorrow.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday, September 7th - getting the Ironman Monkey off my back</span><br /><br />Naturally there were a host of concerns up to this point. Ironman Wisconsin has always been known for its violent weather, whether it goes over 90 to decimate the field or puts them in misery during a 50 degree rain. As of Saturday night, it was tending to go the cold route. During the approaching week I had constantly monitored the weather and was amazed the high temperatures were going to be near 70 degrees - that's like an icebox for us living in Charlotte and any other hot place in the world! My other major fear were my hamstrings - I spoke nothing of them to no one, esconced in fear that the pains that showed a week before would hamper my efforts. And then of course my left foot, injured in a mysterious way on my first day of Ultimate back in June. I did something - it did not necessarily hurt but would always be swollen. I went to the doctor and they took x-rays - nothing was broken. Something in the arch was very funny, and I didn't know what it was.<br /><br />The day began around 4AM when I took in a couple of Ensure drinks and a banana. I "went back to bed" for an hour and then it was "go time." It certainly was nice to have the bike and transition bags all taken care of! Even better was when I looked out the window and saw it was clear - initial indications were of a clear "cool" day. That would certainly be near perfection. It was still dark as we cruised westward towards downtown. Dad dropped me off with Andrew, who would initially be handling Winston, then went off in search of parking. Naturally I was nervous and anxious as hell, but I saw relief in sight with the sound of the 7AM cannon. One other mistake I wanted to avoid was getting out of the bathrooms with too little time to put on my wetsuit - that nearly sunk me at <a href="http://www.vineman.com/triathlon.htm">Vineman</a> last year. I had already gone several times but the more the better! By a random coincidence, I met Alice's co-worker as I then made the final preparations up on the fourth level parking area. We then all descended the helix - temporarily losing Andrew and Winston. Dad helped me on with my wetsuit then I got into a large crowd of athletes being lead into the water. There I actually ran into Dan, the guy I met at the dinner Friday night! I was near stepping in the water when the cannon went off at 6:50 for the 33 professionals and their start. Perhaps the biggest x-factor in this event was the notion of starting with 2000+ swimmers - that definitely unnerved me. The starting line was generous, but still I "stood" in the water, lightly treading the (the wetsuit provided most of the bouyancy) until the moment I could start my watch with the others get this show on the road.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvPiDtJxSI/AAAAAAAAAeg/ZlAiVwHQZ0M/s1600-h/MadIron+37+Triathlon+Swim+Sunrise.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvPiDtJxSI/AAAAAAAAAeg/ZlAiVwHQZ0M/s320/MadIron+37+Triathlon+Swim+Sunrise.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245514375020266786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My brother took this great shot of the beginning of the end</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">THE SWIM</span> - 2.4 miles<br /><br />At 7AM the cannon went off and I began what I often call "just another long day at the office." It is hard to say whether my placement, horizontally or vertically, was sound. Starting at the front of the line closest to the buoy was obviously not a good idea. Starting in the back would not be sound either. I knew, with the wetsuit, I would come out somewhere in the middle. The first five minutes was okay, but then I really started to get battered. I believe it was there that I got my first kick to the face. It was of little consequence, especially compared to the kick I received at <a href="http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=874">Over The Mountain</a> several years ago. It calmed down some as we swam parallel to the Monona Terrace. <a href="http://www.ironmanwisconsin.com/swim.html">The course</a> was of largely rectangular design and required two loops. The lake was 71 degrees and perfect, except for all these damn people! The first turn I heard someone yell out 15 minutes, but other than that I remember turning too close and just getting slaughtered by a bunch of crazy people! I seem to recall on the return side I suffered the worse injury. Some jackass doing the breaststroke kicked me right below the left shoulder - it hurt BAD! The event was obviously a test of my patience - none of these people meant harm (if they grab your ankles, that's different!). The huge multitude of swimmers provided an excellent guide - I thought my "steering" was pretty damn good - even when it died down some on the second lap I was physically brushing the buoys.<br /><br />When it came time for the second lap I did not take a moment to look at the watch - I did however have a reaction that would be repeated three total times - "Another lap? Are you fucking kidding me?!?" I was able to dig deep for the second go around, although there were the momentary swings of despair I kept hammering away. My body felt fine with the very large exception of my calves. They were both tending toward massive cramps during the last forty minutes. As I made the final turn and headed "for home" (which took FOREVER) my left went critical. Had I not been wearing a wetsuit I would have had to stop dead. My legs went completely dead as I pushed forward in extreme pain. My hope was for the timing - I definitely needed a functional leg in approximately four minutes. When my hands hit the ground and it became time to push up, I got what I hoped for.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvTATEEziI/AAAAAAAAAeo/St13E_lDbVY/s1600-h/MadIron+40+Triathlon+Swim+Scott+finishing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvTATEEziI/AAAAAAAAAeo/St13E_lDbVY/s320/MadIron+40+Triathlon+Swim+Scott+finishing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245518193073901090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Crossing the mat after 2.4 miles of swimming - I can walk!</span></span><br /></div><br />Right before going under the banner and the timing mat, which would announce to all my friends and family following live, I glanced at my watch and saw my time would be 1:18:24. I was not surprised. And here is why.<br /><br />In 2007 the four months leading up to Vineman I swam 27 times, covering a total of 27.7 miles. I averaged a 37.3 minute mile pace and participated in five swims greater than 1.2 miles and five swims at the 1.2 mile level. Then at Vineman I swam with a smaller crowd of 250. My time was 1:15:38.<br /><br />The last four months leading up to Ironman Wisconsin I swam 17 times, covering 15.6 miles. I did average a slightly stronger 35.3 minute mile pace, but swam only ONCE over 1.2 miles and two times at 1.2 miles. As a result, my time slipped, a 3.7% slowdown. Now in the larger picture, I would consider myself quite fortunate to grab such a time - and any triathlete worth their salt knows differences in swim time are easily erasable over 112 miles of biking and a marathon. But still, the fact I had a wild goal of going under 13 hours. This was not a good start.<br /><br />My time put me about where I thought I would land, slightly below average. Of the 2,207 individuals that completed the swim, I finished 1,215th, which is in the 55% arena. Good thing only about 300 probably ran into me!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">TRANSITION ONE</span><br /><br />My immediate fear was cramping in my legs. In Providence, when the wetsuit strippers had me down I had a massive cramp. The two volunteers here did a good job and I took it easy laying down for the final pulls. Transition times should very rarely be compared with other races, simply because the distance traveled varies so much. This triathlon easily took first place for longest/hardest transition.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvdn9nDalI/AAAAAAAAAew/3UK1g1o_DSI/s1600-h/MadIron+41+Triathlon+T1+Scott+running+towards+helix.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvdn9nDalI/AAAAAAAAAew/3UK1g1o_DSI/s320/MadIron+41+Triathlon+T1+Scott+running+towards+helix.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245529869626075730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Heading towards the helix - yep, that's me "stripped"</span></span><br /></div><br />Once stripped (my dad told me a fair number of people ran up still with their wetsuits on) I began the run towards the "dreaded" helix, and then around and around I went as I headed towards the fourth floor. I got a little dizzy but was able to trot most of the way. It was then into the room with all the gear bags. My bag had the luxury of being right up against a stand, so there was little delay in getting to the big changing room. There I actually took off my swimsuit and put on my bike shorts and then all the gear associated. The big question associated with the weather was whether to wear my blue sleeveless again or if it were too cold my 24 Hours of Booty jersey. I even had my arm warmers in the bag! My choice was clear here. The fewer clothes the better. I knew I had a long way to go to get to my bike, so I choose not to put on my shoes. I then left the building and turned around to go down the long transition area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMveK9vnybI/AAAAAAAAAe4/8KcVcXxGch0/s1600-h/MadIron+42+Triathlon+T1+Scott+ready+to+ride.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMveK9vnybI/AAAAAAAAAe4/8KcVcXxGch0/s320/MadIron+42+Triathlon+T1+Scott+ready+to+ride.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245530470957435314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Someone looks very excited to bike 112 miles!</span></span><br /></div><br />A volunteer held my bike as I put on my shoes. It was then a fair distance to get to the mount line. That took 9:37 - wow. Let the games begin.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">THE BIKE - 112 miles</span><br /><br />What goes up must come down - or so I've heard. Immediately after mounting Holman I faced the dizzying spin down the other helix towards my date with ... something. It was stressed at the pre-race meeting about no passing and taking it extremely cautiously. Check. The <a href="http://www.ironmanwisconsin.com/bike.html">bike route for Ironman Wisconsin</a> basically heads out west. At a certain point there are two loops. Then one takes the same route back to base.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvfiegtj6I/AAAAAAAAAfA/YgjtK3DzKXg/s1600-h/MadIron+45+Triathlon+Bike+Scott+leaving+Madison+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvfiegtj6I/AAAAAAAAAfA/YgjtK3DzKXg/s320/MadIron+45+Triathlon+Bike+Scott+leaving+Madison+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245531974401888162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Immediately after leaving the transition area - boy I am tired! ;-)</span></span><br /></div><br />The initial segment to cross over John Nolen was quite bizarre. We actually got on a bike path that descended underneath then did a wide sweep through the parking lot of the arena. For that part there was another "no pass" zone and I felt like I was on a beach cruiser peddling along on a lazy Sunday afternoon. This was Sunday, right?<br /><br />For the first hour I was passing bikers right and left (logic would dictate I passed 189 riders by the end). It was a strange sensation to start at the same time with so many people, so you knew exactly where they were, and most of these people were stronger swimmers where taking a more sensible pace or some variation therein. The skies were still clear and the ambient temperature cool. Apart from a mechanical issue, it appeared there would be no excuses. The clocked ticked slow for me, obviously getting used to the solo rides with the iPod was a bad crutch, not to say this whole experience was not interesting. Especially for the first lap there were always tons of bikers to watch. I couldn't remember exactly where the loop started, so my attempt to time it for return purposes didn't work out. I first spotted the Bodien crew on the moderately long climb up to the town of Mt. Horeb. Winston certainly did not look interested in the proceedings.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvidkJpP-I/AAAAAAAAAfI/lpWsNtXeHvY/s1600-h/MadIron+48+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+28+Climbing+to+Mt+Horeb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvidkJpP-I/AAAAAAAAAfI/lpWsNtXeHvY/s320/MadIron+48+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+28+Climbing+to+Mt+Horeb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245535188551286754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Climbing up towards the town of Mt. Horeb around Mile 28.</span></span><br /></div><br />After passing the Mile 30 mark the turn onto Witte Road marked the start of the infamous Ironman Wisconsin bike course rollers. I hung relatively well, refusing to check in on my pace. My cycle computer was kept on the time the entire duration. I used it to time the consumption of my eight gels and salt tablets. After that was the climb up Garfoot. Near there the vista was absolutely incredible - following which was one of two dangerous descents. Hmm, note the haybales placed especially for this race. Okay, I'm listening! Once into the town of Cross Plains there were a lot of rambucous pirates - okay... From there the inevitable countdown toward the Old Sauk hill climbs. This was the one place that resembled best a highly contested mountain climb on the Tour de France. There were a lot of spectators just going crazy. As it was set in three doable stages, I was out of the seat and carefully climbed my way up to Timber Road. Once at the top I started to cry. And I really don't know why, maybe because that was so utterly cool. It was after another successive climb on this road that I spotted the support crew again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvkIrn3R7I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/IEhNgYTA65M/s1600-h/MadIron+49+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+45+Timber+Lane.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvkIrn3R7I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/IEhNgYTA65M/s320/MadIron+49+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+45+Timber+Lane.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245537028803086258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Around Mile 45 - I couldn't figure out why the tears had come - but it was quickly back to business</span></span><br /></div><br />At the end of Timber Road was a huge plummet followed by a sharp left bend. I took the hill very conservatively and began the trek towards the town of Verona - where I had heard the real bike course party was in motion. And yes, it was kind of like being in the Tour de France, but passing through a city. It was here that I really began the real plummet of losing faith. I had just experienced a nasty cramp on my right quad (I almost never get these) and I was starting to lose sensation in my toes. Having to take a right on Whalen was just devastating, but not quite as bad as the real pit of despair. Even worse was that through a series of mistakes did not put together a "special needs" bag that had a sandwich. I relied entirely upon handed out bananas for solid food during the bike. My speed took a hard turn for the worse as I started the second lap. I fought on, quickly being passed by some familiar faces. The dark clouds had also started to mount - perhaps some additional misery was in order? It was only after climbing into Mt. Horeb again that I began my biking renaissance. I took Witte relatively strong and then was elated to see the support crew plus Dave (apparently Meg was around the corner but I missed her).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvoJBV8NPI/AAAAAAAAAfg/8kFXRLjtwcI/s1600-h/MadIron+50+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+76+Garfoot+Andrew+Winston+Dan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvoJBV8NPI/AAAAAAAAAfg/8kFXRLjtwcI/s320/MadIron+50+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+76+Garfoot+Andrew+Winston+Dan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245541432680002802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Bodien Cheering Crew - Winston was more into catching bugs</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvmTsFFaAI/AAAAAAAAAfY/3Uwr7trAzf8/s1600-h/MadIron+52+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+76+Climbing+Garfoot+getting+close.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvmTsFFaAI/AAAAAAAAAfY/3Uwr7trAzf8/s320/MadIron+52+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+76+Climbing+Garfoot+getting+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245539416927463426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mile 76 - Climbing Garfoot again - Dave took this fantastic shot</span></span><br /></div><br />I pushed harder on the technical descent, becoming more alienated in my seemingly convoluted quest. Why on earth do I participate in this? What's the point? The pirates of Cross Plains were noticeably more tired of "arghing" when I saw them again. I continued to prepare for the worst on the Sauk climbs. It was slower, almost like that tortuous second attempt on Chalk Hill last year. But I made it, did not cry, and pushed into myself even deeper to keep the legs going.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvpEwVr-SI/AAAAAAAAAfo/QVe07x4wwEQ/s1600-h/MadIron+56+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+88+Timber+Lane+Scott+hanging+on.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMvpEwVr-SI/AAAAAAAAAfo/QVe07x4wwEQ/s320/MadIron+56+Triathlon+Bike+Mile+88+Timber+Lane+Scott+hanging+on.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245542458907687202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mile 85 - On top of Timber Road - the menacing clouds have dissipated</span></span><br /></div><br />I took the Timber Road descent at a much strong pace. Around Mile 90 there is another nasty hill on Midtown Road. This was the one that nearly did me in. Sick and tired of riding at this point, I pushed on to Verona, where the crowds had also begun to thin. Outside of town we had to veer left around an ambulance - a rider was on the backboard getting a ride to somewhere he didn't want to go.<br /><br />I was overcome with emotion on being able to turn left on Whalen and return to town. I absolutely began to hammer for the remaining fourteen (?) miles. I knew once again I would be losing time but I wanted to limit my damages. I cared more about making a less disastrous mark on the bike rather than the run. I averaged almost 19 miles an hour on my way back to the helix. After the last overpass, I swung around the Alliant Center jockeying for a position that would not compromise me on the no-pass zone, then hyped myself up for the finish twist back up the helix. It was harder than I thought it would be, but I managed well. A female rider behind me started to scream for me to pick it up near the top, since she was climbing hard but still couldn't pass. Part of me wanted to punch her in the face, but I was so on fumes at that point and I heard a rumor a marathon awaited me. I dismounted my trusty Holman at 6:25:14 (17.4 miles per hour). This marked the only split where I beat the average, finishing 1,026th out of the 2,139 (48%) that completed through the bike.<br /><br />In the four months before Vineman in 2007, I biked 25 times, putting in 1,329 miles and averaging 16.9 miles per hour. I took on four century rides and eight over 56 miles. During the Vineman course my bike split was 6:30:56 (17.1 miles per hour), which INCLUDED a five minute stop. So even with the stop halfway, I ended up beating my 2007 ride.<br /><br />Logging the four months before Ironman Wisconsin is a little more complicated, as I started to commute via my steel bike 26 times (on 13 days, there and back each day) for a total of 201 extra miles. When looking at the pure numbers for actual bike rides, I went out 26 times, logging 1,117 miles with an average speed of 17.1 miles per hour. I only put in three century rides and six above 56 miles.<br /><br />So the evidence there seems to point to some sort of wash, which is about what happened if you don't consider the 2007 break. I made absolutely no stops during the 2008 saga. Amazing.<br /><br />I should also note that my cycle computer, which is extremely accurate, logged the distance as 113.52 miles, which means I really averaged 17.6 miles per hour.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">TRANSITION TWO</span><br /><br />After handing off Holman to a trusted volunteer, I ran into the convention center to grab my second bag, which didn't go quite as well as the first time. As I ran out I had to put the bag in my face and stare hard at the number - 602 - yep - that's me. You need to appreciate I was kind of out of it at the time. I did a complete changeover, including my socks. I actually thought about leaving my sunglasses, but I certainly was glad I did not. Right out the door I made what was technically my only stop during the entire race. I stepped into the Portajohn and spent a whole eight seconds. How lazy was that? I had switched watches to my Garmin. The real trick was the hope it would be functional by the time I crossed the mat. Uh no. Sorry. My T2 time was 5:35.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">THE RUN - 26.2 miles</span><br /><br />The run portion of an Ironman is the real war of attrition. And I certainly did not do my homework on this portion. We did not look it over - I had obviously looked at maps but basically had planned to follow the cones and people. Did not know what to expect, except to have my ass kicked multiple times over a 5-6 hour period. My goal was to just edge under the five hour mark, which meant a pace of around 11:20. That was the purpose of the Garmin, and that device had taken about ten+ minutes to find itself. I certainly was not in good shape. I had pangs on both sides of stomach. It was here I feared my hamstrings and all the other foibles found below.<br /><br />The absolute neatest thing about this particular race were the crowds and having your name on the the race bib. A large majority of people that got right close to me would cheer me on by name. Naturally it was mostly the same kind of stuff, but there wasn't a moment it was not appreciated! Besides stating the course was two loops, it is hard to describe and best <a href="http://www.ironmanwisconsin.com/run.html">viewed visually</a>. It was when I had gone under the train tracks and and up to the path I got my only view of <a href="http://bigring-chris.blogspot.com/">Chris McDonald</a>, the eventual winner. He was coming back on his second lap and looking like an absolute champ. The amazing thing with both him and <a href="http://www.hillarybiscay.com/">Hillary Biscay</a> (who I later saw but didn't recognize) is that the previous weekend they raced <a href="http://ironman.com/events/ironman/louisville">Ironman Louisville</a>. Wow. Perhaps the most unique thing about this run was looping through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Randall_Stadium">Camp Randall Stadium</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMv0CMzIKeI/AAAAAAAAAfw/z_b9BhbTln0/s1600-h/MadIron+59+Triathlon+Run+Camp+Randall+Stadium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMv0CMzIKeI/AAAAAAAAAfw/z_b9BhbTln0/s320/MadIron+59+Triathlon+Run+Camp+Randall+Stadium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245554509635660258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Running" around the stadium - even a UW fullback would have beat me</span></span><br /></div><br />After leaving and cresting up Breese Terrace I saw that guy Dan again. He was walking up the other side and obviously completing the first lap. Dude, that's not going to cut it to qualify! I would later find out he finished around 12 hours. The first six miles of the race were my absolute worst, but hey, everything is relative. I was totally unprepared for the absolute nasty climb up Observatory on the UW campus. Then there was the drop and entrance to the cheering mecca that was the (west side) of State Street. It was AWESOME! And right there near the turnaround I spotted the Bodien crew!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMv1kLGziTI/AAAAAAAAAf4/6uSkDLcA1go/s1600-h/MadIron+61+Triathlon+Run+Scott+on+State+St+near+turnaround+closer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMv1kLGziTI/AAAAAAAAAf4/6uSkDLcA1go/s320/MadIron+61+Triathlon+Run+Scott+on+State+St+near+turnaround+closer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245556192808503602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A truly pivotal moment for me on State Street</span></span><br /></div><br />I executed my patented backward spin on the turnaround. A minute or so later I was close to exiting State Street when the guy in front of me tripped on a raised portion of asphalt. A cop was right there on him and he told her he heard something snap. That was all right in front of me! The ensuing long flat distance along the bike path all the way down towards Picnic Point was part of that "recovery" for me. I knew that going under five hours would not happen, but I had the power to at least maintain something close to decent considering the circumstances. It was around State St (on the east side) that I saw the crew again, and then a little later up I spied Alice and her eyes lit up as she saw me pushing on a pace good enough to get some real cheers. Her husband Dan was a little further up and I have must have surprised him - boy was he excited too. Wow, that really lit a fire! I spun through the first lap at 2:45:28, which is a 12:37 minute mile pace. Maintaining this pace would put me at 5:30, which would really limit the damage done early in the run.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwAn3YJz1I/AAAAAAAAAgI/tFPGZE5f3SU/s1600-h/MadIron+63+Triathlon+Run+Dan+Winston+with+admirer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwAn3YJz1I/AAAAAAAAAgI/tFPGZE5f3SU/s320/MadIron+63+Triathlon+Run+Dan+Winston+with+admirer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245568350859939666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winston with one of his many admirers!</span></span><br /></div><br />By then I felt a rather large bliser forming on my left arch, which was completely unexpected. Normally during a marathon I will get them on my toes. Although I was running in a relatively new pair of <a href="http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240009429&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001544">Asics Gel-Evolution IV</a> shoes, I had worn these shoes in the past (and they are the one shoe I should be wearing). All the muscles in my legs seemed to be straining past the point of sanity, but on I pressed. I fought my way running "up" to the stadium and then up the section of Breese, refusing to stop until Observatory. Running up this made no sense to me. Once again I was into the crowd on State Street. It was also time to hand my sunglasses off to my brother. We were definitely in the throes of twilight going along the bike path. Once at the Mendota Drive turnaround the realization I only had to run back made me so happy! Sick sick sick of this crap!!<br /><br />Of all the items at the multitude of aid stations, I think I dug the chicken broth the best. I was surprised I had grown utterly sick of Gatorade. I had some grapes, more oranges, and definitely hit the cola as well. The sponges were most useful very early on, and for being just 70 degrees it seemed rather warm out but come on - that's a cakewalk. And for the last forty minutes I really had to pee, but I didn't stop. There was no walking at all past Observatory - time to finish this mess out! Naturally it was approaching 8:30PM and was quite dark at this time, but I didn't want to have to get a glowlight. The crowds had thinned some on the other side of State, no doubt they had turned to the finish line. And I could then hear the roars. The last minor pitch was not an issue. Right as I turned on MLK Drive I could finally see the goal. I then pumped my fist with utter joy. It was a slight descent and I really came in screaming, finishing at 13:27:20. I was the 1,259th person to cross the line, 823 would follow me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMv8RN-tldI/AAAAAAAAAgA/-qGSbbaM1MY/s1600-h/MadIron+64+Triathlon+Run+Scott+finishing+second+Ironman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMv8RN-tldI/AAAAAAAAAgA/-qGSbbaM1MY/s320/MadIron+64+Triathlon+Run+Scott+finishing+second+Ironman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245563563743745490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">SCOTT BODIEN IS AN IRONMAN - AGAIN<br />Good Riddance to the Ironman Monkey On My Back!<br /></span></span></div><br />For the second half of the run I had run a negative split, doing the remaining 13.1 miles in 2:43:04 (12:26 minute mile). The total time for my run was 5:28:32 (12:33 minute mile pace). I finished 1,259th out of the 2,082 (61%) that finished the run and consequently the entire event.<br /><br />In the four months before Vineman in 2007, I ran 51 times, racking up 335 miles with an 8.2 minute mile pace. There was one run over 20 miles, one over a half marathon and 8 over miles. At Vineman I also ran a negative split, three progressively faster loops for a time of 5:04:20 (11:42 minute mile pace).<br /><br />In the four months preceding Ironman Wisconsin, I ran 64 times, logging 379 miles but with a slower 8.5 minute mile pace. There was one run over 20 miles, two over a half marathon, and only four runs over 10 miles.<br /><br />Several have already made comments that I don't look tired at the finish line. I would agree with that analysis, and not because I'm boasting, but moreso because I'm actually being quite critical that I didn't leave all out on the field. I could have done better and I find most of the run portion performance regrettable.<br /><br />So I lost 19 minutes and 58 seconds from my first Ironman. The course and weather were optimal in Madison for a PR. I only got a PR on the bike, but once again paid the price with a far slower swim time. The evidence of my preparedness wrote this one in stone, but overall I'm not upset. I don't regret for one moment all the stuff I did instead of training, especially spending time with Julie. If I can get away with this time of result with so little training, then that's cool.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">AFTERMATH</span><br /><br />After getting my medal, hat, shirt, and time printout I left the corral and found my brother, dad, and Winston (who finally recognized me!) nearby. I just walked back and forth between the corral exit and the convention center. I went to get some pizza, but I just felt like crap. We eventually went down one level (me in the elevator!) to get my bags and then the bike. They had done very well finding a close parking (and cheaper!) parking garage right next to the convention center both times. It was a LONG wait as they put the bike on the rack, and then we headed back towards the motel. I went straight to bed without a shower.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday, September 8th</span><br /><br />I slept like crap, and felt totally dirty as I was covered in salt and sweat. Oh well. The shower that morning did feel great. The three of us were up to cold drizzly weather in the 50s. Wow, that would have been detrimental. Us athletes were extremely fortunate for Sunday's weather - no doubt there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwHI6n9hmI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/pU5S3QDqONY/s1600-h/MadIron+65+Madison+Breakfast+of+Champions.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwHI6n9hmI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/pU5S3QDqONY/s320/MadIron+65+Madison+Breakfast+of+Champions.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245575515736999522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Breakfast of Champions!</span></span><br /></div><br />After breakfast Dad took Andrew to the airport as with everybody and everything Audrey would quite not have been big enough. From there the bike and dog (and an utterly sore Ironman) were loaded in the car and the journey began south back towards Charlotte. Our route was the same through Indianapolis. From there we headed south towards Louisville, where only a week ago Chris McDonald finished in second. What a badass!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Our goal was to get to our lodgings around 8PM so we could meet up with my friend Mike from Marching Band. The timing was pretty close but I decided to risk it and hit the beltway to make it to the fourth presidential burial site. The freeway access to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachary_Taylor_National_Cemetery">Zachary Taylor National Cemetery</a> (a very small one) was quite easy, and perhaps the best stroke of fortune was that the gates were still open around 7:40 when we arrived. Located there was a tall monument and crypt adjacent, surrounding by the standard white gravestones. I don't know quite what to say about old "Rough and Ready," except he had quite the distinguished military career and of course the interesting work done to determine if he had died of arsenic poisoning.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwKyqI-VOI/AAAAAAAAAgY/npeu9I6XIDc/s1600-h/MadIron+68+Louisville+Taylor+Crypt+Scott+looking+in.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwKyqI-VOI/AAAAAAAAAgY/npeu9I6XIDc/s320/MadIron+68+Louisville+Taylor+Crypt+Scott+looking+in.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245579531401450722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Hello, Mr. Taylor? Can I take another sample to see if you're related to Elizabeth?"</span></span><br /></div><br />After snapping the required photos and elevating the count to 14 we moved back on to the freeway and minutes later were off at the right exit. The location was easy to see from the freeway but very difficult to access. The real frustration was that this location was twice as big as the Madison lodgings and even had queen beds. What a hassle that was!<br /><br />We still had enough time to situate the critical items (Winston and Holman) before Mike showed up in his snazzy Prius. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip to ride in this very cool vehicle. Don't tell Audrey, but I would have bought a Prius in a heartbeat if they were actually affordable! We went a few exits down and he showed us what seemed to be a very cool, vibrant part of town. We all agreed to hit up a brewpub for dinner. By far the most disappointing part of the trip was that his "special lady friend" (Mike pronounced a categorical distaste for the word fiance) was unable to join. Still, it was absolutely fabulous to catch up with him, and I think he thoroughly enjoyed talking with a fellow engineer. It was especially interesting to hear about two years Mike and Megan had spent in London (they just returned back to Louisville). My dad and I had some very interesting fish sandwiches, way too much fried frish on a slab of rye (tasty though!). The porter was stellar, the cream ale tolerable. My first drinks of celebrations - very nice indeed. I wish I had been more say "alive" during the conversation, as it was a very good one. I am so glad that worked out!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday, September 9th</span><br /><br />Our plan was to be on the road before 8AM, as I had to be at Queens University to teach my class by 6PM. The views around Lexington and southern Kentucky were quite pleasant, and then we hit some hard squalls south of Asheville.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwOU9-22pI/AAAAAAAAAgg/rx41AO2NYTk/s1600-h/MadIron+71+Louisville+Winston+helping+with+driving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SMwOU9-22pI/AAAAAAAAAgg/rx41AO2NYTk/s320/MadIron+71+Louisville+Winston+helping+with+driving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245583419378162322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Always in charge of morale (and backseat driving operations) Mr. Winston!!!<br /></span></span></div><br />We then swung south on I-26 to make the final leg back to the Queen City. What a relief to be home! Another 2,046 miles on the odometer (and 140.6 on mine).<br /><br /><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8IaMm7lo4bM18">Complete Shutterfly Album</a><br /><a href="http://www.nasports.com/results/index.php#">Ironman Race Results</a>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-27156494091988971582008-08-26T16:09:00.002-04:002008-08-26T16:27:49.314-04:00Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead?In my <a href="http://publius.bodien.org/2008/06/stop-laughing-at-me.html">June 25th post</a> I detailed the excess of the President's <a href="http://www.uwcentralcarolinas.org/">United Way of Central Carolina</a>'s compensation package. Today the board of directors forced her out, concerned about the negative implications for their upcoming fall campaign.<br /><br />Here are some related documents for you to read and decide yourself<br /><br /><a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/100/story/152153.html">Charlotte Observer article detailing the board's decision</a><br /> (in this article there is a drop-down detailing per capita UW giving in various cities)<br /><a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaking/story/152414.html">United Way's Official Statement</a><br /><a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/104/story/151656.html">Observer Analysis of United Way CEO Compensation</a><br /><br />I say good riddance, but with a slight twinge of misdirected justice. Sure, she's exceptionally greedy. And she's going to get the rest of the salary on her contract, but thankfully no more of the benefits (which was the real issue). But really, this is the board's fault. They admit it. Why is King the only one getting the ax? They should all be fired.<br /><br />These individuals should join our board and redo my benefits package. I demand a Prius, an endless supply of M&Ms, and a dog bone a day for Winston.Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3481086234753683635.post-15631653293405451092008-08-24T19:15:00.009-04:002008-08-24T21:47:34.021-04:00An Afternoon at Sugaw CreekOn Friday we had our "official" celebration at work for our accreditation work. We ordered in Mama Ricotta's and I went for something bizarre, a large pizza with fried calamari, jalapenos, and some peperoni. I did not order the large because I was being greedy, but because I thought others would be interested. Well, at least two of my colleagues took the plunge. It wasn't all that bad. I saved a few slices for Monday since (as usual) I plan to run into work.<br /><br />Shortly after it was time to ride home. I left around 14:00, the temperature was about 82 degrees and the conditions were quite sunny. <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-states/nc/charlotte/931724303">My route</a> to and from work is highly standardized, and I use my GPS watch to time four segments for daily analysis. After finishing two of the segments, I was cruising down Auburn. At the bottom of the hill, the street ends and Hartford runs perpendicular. I was gunning it for my left turn, obviously blowing the stop sign. Too bad there was a cop coming westbound. Whoops. I must be one of those cyclists giving the others a bad name. Of the 11 times I've completed this segment, my average time is 25:20 and today I came in with 25:12. Had I been stopped for a ticket I would not have counted that time anyway!<br /><br />Suffice to say I was super stressed over this class I am slated to teach next week at Queens. I did find a nice outlet. I took Winston, picked up Julie, and headed out to <a href="http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/Central+District+II/SugawCreek.htm">Sugaw Creek Park</a> to play the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_golf">disc golf</a> course there. It is a <a href="http://www.charlottedgc.com/sugaw.asp">par 54 course</a> with 5,220 feet. Compared to the pro level <a href="http://www.charlottedgc.com/renaissance.asp">Renaissance course</a> nearby my house, this is an easy venue. This was perfect on two fronts - most important Julie had never played before and Renaissance makes me cry. I thought I had been year about five years ago with my old co-worker Rebecca, but I mistook that for <a href="http://www.charlottedgc.com/kilborne.asp">Kilborne</a>.<br /><br />It turned out to be a great afternoon. Winston was extremely hyper, so he was kept on the leash for most of the time, but on the back sections I did let him go. I must be one of those dog owners giving the others a bad name. I have about ten discs, and I thought the <a href="http://www.innovadiscs.com/discs/starshark.html">Shark</a> would be the most appropriate single disc for her to learn on. I personally relied heavily on my beat-up <a href="http://www.innovadiscs.com/discs/cheetah.html">Cheetah</a>, which I bought as a package deal from my old housemate/landlord Sean a number of years ago. I really dig this disc, although I really should invest in a real distance driver.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH2dNlu0JI/AAAAAAAAAX0/leUjrCOu3NY/s1600-h/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+05+Scott+releases+Winston+prancing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH2dNlu0JI/AAAAAAAAAX0/leUjrCOu3NY/s320/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+05+Scott+releases+Winston+prancing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238238823333154962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My favorite photo of the afternoon - too bad the disc had left the picture!</span> </span></div><br />One could definitely see Julie's consistent improvement through the eighteen holes. Apparently she was able to use her intense putt-putt skills to cross over into this discipline. The course was a good fit for a beginner too, a number of the holes featured some wide open areas to help her gain confidence in the longer shots. While she took lots of shorter distance shots, she had two amazing sinks on the 14th and 18th holes.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH4arYko5I/AAAAAAAAAYE/ZVswDsxwJ-c/s1600-h/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+35+Julie+nails+18+to+close.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH4arYko5I/AAAAAAAAAYE/ZVswDsxwJ-c/s320/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+35+Julie+nails+18+to+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238240978814673810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">She throws...</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH4DjtzI1I/AAAAAAAAAX8/sDGECep_fD8/s1600-h/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+12+Julie+nails+14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH4DjtzI1I/AAAAAAAAAX8/sDGECep_fD8/s320/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+12+Julie+nails+14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238240581619229522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">She sinks!</span></span><br /></div><br />I started early with forehand shots and noticed I was just "on," relative to most frustrating days and obviously much harder courses. I ended up shooting 13 over par, which is very good for me!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH5bWHiqDI/AAAAAAAAAYM/zmmtu66OmT0/s1600-h/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+19+Scott+release+in+open.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH5bWHiqDI/AAAAAAAAAYM/zmmtu66OmT0/s320/Sugaw+Creek+2008+Disc+Golf+19+Scott+release+in+open.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238242089797593138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I had a yellow thing going on Friday...</span></span><br /></div><br />We were out for about two hours. Once finished, we made our way to NoDa so Winston (and myself!) could experience <a href="http://www.dogbarnoda.com/">The Dog Bar</a>! We got there right at the 6:00 opening, so it was a little dead at first but then the canines started to roll in through the double gate!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH_twZ5RzI/AAAAAAAAAYU/WvHWa5l-O14/s1600-h/Charlotte+Dog+Bar+04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLH_twZ5RzI/AAAAAAAAAYU/WvHWa5l-O14/s320/Charlotte+Dog+Bar+04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238249003161306930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Winston first had to rely on human friends<br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLIAEYaEX6I/AAAAAAAAAYc/bK621R5eVm4/s1600-h/Charlotte+Dog+Bar+07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o3hrIDwyijI/SLIAEYaEX6I/AAAAAAAAAYc/bK621R5eVm4/s320/Charlotte+Dog+Bar+07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238249391856574370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But that didn't last long!</span></span><br /></div><br />As usual, Winston never attacked any dog, although a few (including Chewie) initially wanted a piece of him. But even those two eventually got along, running back and forth. Winston did do more of his (usual) share of dominance humping. But perhaps Winston's biggest party foul was knocking over my drink! After a while it was interesting to note he didn't want to hang out with the dogs there.<br /><br />Afterwards we went to the Common Market to pick up some sandwiches and some <a href="http://www.magichat.net/">Magic Hat Jinx</a>, which got Julie's great logo design seal of approval, not to mention two seal of approvals for tasty brew. We watched the somewhat disturbing movie "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465551/">Notes on a Scandal</a>." Judi Dench is an amazing actress, although not everything she touches turn to gold (cough, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296572/">Chronicles of Riddick</a>, cough). All I have to say is that if I were a suave-looking 15 year old boy and Cate Blanchett became my art teacher, well, uh, why not?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Did you know?<br />The annual <a href="http://www.usdgc.com/">United States Disc Golf Championships</a> are played nearby at <a href="http://www.winthrop.edu/">Winthrop University</a>?<br /></div>Publiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03312406888251945131noreply@blogger.com0