Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Heat Is Back!

From WRAL.com:

The temperature at RDU Airport has hit 101 degrees, which beats the existing July 7 record of 100 degrees.

Stay cool!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Running Goal Check In!

Well, I've managed to log 182 miles to date in 2010. Needless to say, I'm off my goal - in large part due to the crazy weather we've had in North Carolina (read: lots of snow and ice...go figure)! Here's to a productive Spring!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

8 Miles Down...2002 to Go!

I ran a quick 5 miler yesterday on New Year's Day and a little over 3 today due to brutal Northwest winds accompanying an arctic air mass that moved into NC overnight! At least my pace is picking up (shaved about 30 seconds a mile off)!

I'm looking for a good mile countdown to show my progress as a widget...stay tuned!

Friday, January 1, 2010

First Resolution of the New Year : Run 2010...Literally!

My first resolution of the New Year relates to running...surprised? I didn't think so! :)

Well, I've decided to set a goal of running at least 2010 miles to mark the arrival of a new decade. How far is 2010 miles? It's like driving to NYC from Raleigh, making a u-turn...then...rinse and repeat! That's right, *two* round trips to NYC from Raleigh is just about 2010 miles.

Stay tuned for updates on my progress!

Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

My First Marathon!

Well, I did it!!!

Months of training finally paid off when I finished my first marathon (and beat my time goal) on Sunday! Yes, I ran the Space Coast Marathon *all 26.2 miles* in sunny Cocoa, FL (about 45 min from Orlando).

I was ready to start by 4 AM (though the race didn't actually start until 6 AM)...ask Stacia about that one! The weather was picture perfect for the run along the Indian River shoreline that started out in the dark for abut the first 45 minutes or so. At 13.1, I was doing great and could have beat my PR for a half (by a wide margin) if I didn't have another 13+ ahead of me! Miles 21-26 were brutal...I fell back by two pace groups in this span. But, I stretched and walked to avoid injury and ultimately prevailed!

Here are the pics of the day, courtesy of MarathonFoto (I just ordered the digital versions).

Friday, September 18, 2009

San Francisco - Running Utopia!

I did a lot of running in San Francisco...the most running I have ever done in a vacation locale!

It was simply a running utopia and I can't wait to go back. Weather = prefect...trails = pure awesome! Below is a synopsis...

Run 1: Market Street, The Embarcadero, Crissy Field, Chinatown, Little Italy

From Running in San Francisco

From Running in San Francisco

From Running in San Francisco


Started from Union Square, headed South to Market Street through financial district. Followed Market Street to The Embarcadero at Ferry Terminal. Followed Embarcadero to Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf and observed eerie quietness of tourist area without tourists (or homeless beggars). On to Fort Mason overlook and then to Crissy Field for pure bliss watching other runners (and dogs) with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. After pausing for a moment (or two) to admire the view, I hesitantly make a u-turn to head back toward center city. Instead of heading back to Market Street, I decide to hang a right at Powell since that will take me to Union Sq (shortcut)? This leads me up a hill toward Little Italy and then Chinatown (and another hill)! Needless to say, the hills DON'T STOP. Finally, I reach a plateau and head down the home stretch back to Union Sq. Distance: 9.2 mi.

Run 2: Market Street, The Embarcadero Loop

From Running in San Francisco


Started again from Union Square. Quick run today following same path as above but stopped just after Fisherman's Wharf at Old Casino. However, I made the complete loop back up Market. No Powell Street hill for me this time! Distance: 6.1 mi.

Run 3: The Marina, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Car

From Running in San Francisco

From Running in San Francisco

From Running in San Francisco

From Running in San Francisco

From Running in San Francisco


Today was perfection. Woke up around 4:45 AM (PST). Left Union Square hotel in a cab to get jump start from Fort Mason. Warmed up at Fort Mason and Marina while still in the dark. Headed toward Crissy Field and saw groups in training from local Road Runners club as well as Tai Chi. Continued along Crissy Field to Fort Point and then up trail to bridge crossing/toll plaza/gift shop. Time was 6:45 AM. Headed out across bridge and was in awe of calmness and clarity of the sky. Water beneath also relatively calm. Noted crisis signs along bridge and seismic retrofit zones. Stopped to watch sunrise at mid-bridge (beautiful). Upon crossing, stopped at Vista Point for some hydration and views of San Francisco skyline across bay. Knowing I had to run back there, geared up for the second leg. The way back was much quicker partially due to fewer photo ops and downhills vs uphills. Ran reverse to Fort Mason then slightly beyond to Ghiradelli Square. Caught a cable car donated by Atari! back to Union Square to check out of hotel and then to SFO for flight back East. This was by far a signature run and maybe the best ever tied with the Potomac/National Mall run in DC! Distance: 11.3 mi.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Nickelback In Raleigh

I had a great time with Stacia at the Nickelback show @ Walnut Creek in Raleigh last night.

Unfortunately, the weather proved to be the sole negative of the evening...it was just a pure gross combination of heat and humidity. Luckily, Nickelback didn't take the stage until after dark - making it *somewhat* more tolerable. The opening acts included Hinder, Papa Roach, and Saving Abel though we didn't arrive early enough to see them all (no loss IMO).

Here's a pic from our vantage on the lawn...

Nickelback @ Walnut Creek

From Nickelback's "If Today Was Your Last Day"

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride