From WRAL.com:
The temperature at RDU Airport has hit 101 degrees, which beats the existing July 7 record of 100 degrees.
Stay cool!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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!
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!
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).
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
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
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
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.
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...
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
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...
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
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Brasa Steakhouse
On Thursday night, I headed out to Brasa Steakhouse @ Brier Creek for a team work dinner.
This is an awesome place for experience-oriented dining and the food was without a doubt top notch. There are several options available, including a fully stocked buffet - but in the theme of typical Brazilian steakhouse, meats are carved tableside on long skewers...and they keep on coming until you flip your coaster over to the red side (from green). I think I had about 12 servings of meat. Yum! Brasa is highly recommended and is only about 5 minutes from RDU Int'l for anyone traveling to the Triangle.
This is an awesome place for experience-oriented dining and the food was without a doubt top notch. There are several options available, including a fully stocked buffet - but in the theme of typical Brazilian steakhouse, meats are carved tableside on long skewers...and they keep on coming until you flip your coaster over to the red side (from green). I think I had about 12 servings of meat. Yum! Brasa is highly recommended and is only about 5 minutes from RDU Int'l for anyone traveling to the Triangle.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Motivational Cat
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
CWD Ceases Operations
Effective 12/31/08, Carolina Web Development has ceased operations.
Due to a number of factors including a change in my career direction and lack of time to focus on the business, I have reached the decision to focus my energy elsewhere.
If anyone has questions regarding previous work done by CWD, please contact me at: mike dot rogan at gmail dot com
Thanks to everyone for your patronage throughout the past nine years!
Due to a number of factors including a change in my career direction and lack of time to focus on the business, I have reached the decision to focus my energy elsewhere.
If anyone has questions regarding previous work done by CWD, please contact me at: mike dot rogan at gmail dot com
Thanks to everyone for your patronage throughout the past nine years!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas!
I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas - however you spent it - and wish you all the best in 2009!
This was indeed a rough year for many but hopefully 2009 will bring better things!
This was indeed a rough year for many but hopefully 2009 will bring better things!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
One Laptop Per Child
Looking for a great holiday gift idea that can really make a difference?
Skip the typical barrage of clothes, jewelry, and gadgets and donate in a loved ones name to One Laptop per Child instead.
It's really easy using Amazon at amazon.com/xo and your gift will help children in the developing world unlock their full potential through education.
Google map of contributors
Skip the typical barrage of clothes, jewelry, and gadgets and donate in a loved ones name to One Laptop per Child instead.
It's really easy using Amazon at amazon.com/xo and your gift will help children in the developing world unlock their full potential through education.
Google map of contributors
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Baltimore Half Marathon : Completed
Well, I finally did it!
I completed my second half marathon last weekend in Baltimore. This time (unlike the first) everything went incredibly smooth and without injury!
It could not have been a better weekend...
I flew up to BWI after work on Friday, then grabbed the Light Rail to Camden Yards. Once there, I picked up my race materials and checked in to the hotel. I then got some shrimp pasta (for fuel) at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub @ the Inner Harbor and hung out there for a while before heading back to the hotel for some shut eye.
On Saturday, I headed back to the Inner Harbor for the start of the run. The 13.1 mile journey started at 9:45 sharp. The temperature was about 60 degrees at race start. As for the course itself, there were definitely several hills so I was very happy with my finishing time of 1:57:06 - under my goal of < 2 hours.
The people of Baltimore, regardless of the neighborhood we were running through, were very supportive in cheering all runners on. On a personal note, I haven't heard as many "Go Duke" cheers in quite a while (I was wearing my Duke running shirt). At any rate, the people of Baltimore were out in full force, providing everything from misting stations for cooling off to gummy bears for much needed fuel. It was great to see such a supportive crowd.
After the race, it was time to relax. I collected my finisher's medal and recharged with some fluids before checking out of the hotel. I then hung out back at the Inner Harbor for the afternoon where I had a great lunch (crab cakes) at Phillips. They were amazing. Then it was off to BWI for the short flight home to RDU (42 minutes on SWA).
It's amazing how much you can do in 24 hours!
I completed my second half marathon last weekend in Baltimore. This time (unlike the first) everything went incredibly smooth and without injury!
It could not have been a better weekend...
I flew up to BWI after work on Friday, then grabbed the Light Rail to Camden Yards. Once there, I picked up my race materials and checked in to the hotel. I then got some shrimp pasta (for fuel) at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub @ the Inner Harbor and hung out there for a while before heading back to the hotel for some shut eye.
On Saturday, I headed back to the Inner Harbor for the start of the run. The 13.1 mile journey started at 9:45 sharp. The temperature was about 60 degrees at race start. As for the course itself, there were definitely several hills so I was very happy with my finishing time of 1:57:06 - under my goal of < 2 hours.
The people of Baltimore, regardless of the neighborhood we were running through, were very supportive in cheering all runners on. On a personal note, I haven't heard as many "Go Duke" cheers in quite a while (I was wearing my Duke running shirt). At any rate, the people of Baltimore were out in full force, providing everything from misting stations for cooling off to gummy bears for much needed fuel. It was great to see such a supportive crowd.
After the race, it was time to relax. I collected my finisher's medal and recharged with some fluids before checking out of the hotel. I then hung out back at the Inner Harbor for the afternoon where I had a great lunch (crab cakes) at Phillips. They were amazing. Then it was off to BWI for the short flight home to RDU (42 minutes on SWA).
It's amazing how much you can do in 24 hours!
Friday, August 22, 2008
NYT Op-Ed - China’s Rise Goes Beyond Gold Medals
This New York Times Op-Ed piece presents a good viewpoint.
After studying China in-depth at Duke and then visiting the country for several weeks, it is clear to me that the relationship between China and the rest of the world will dominate geopolitical relationships in the foreseeable future.
China’s Rise Goes Beyond Gold Medals
After studying China in-depth at Duke and then visiting the country for several weeks, it is clear to me that the relationship between China and the rest of the world will dominate geopolitical relationships in the foreseeable future.
China’s Rise Goes Beyond Gold Medals
US News: Duke University 8th-best college in US
Go Duke!
As a recent grad alum, it's great to see Duke continuing to excel in national rankings...motivation to pay those pesky grad school loans!
wbt.com - US News: Duke University 8th-best college in US
As a recent grad alum, it's great to see Duke continuing to excel in national rankings...motivation to pay those pesky grad school loans!
wbt.com - US News: Duke University 8th-best college in US
Friday, June 20, 2008
For Olympics, Lenovo Steps Up to World Stage
Today's NY Times featured a great article on the rise of computer maker Lenovo.
Lenovo is doing some pretty amazing things (not the least of which is making the best laptops on the planet)!
For Olympics, Lenovo Steps Up to World Stage
Lenovo is doing some pretty amazing things (not the least of which is making the best laptops on the planet)!
For Olympics, Lenovo Steps Up to World Stage
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Half Marathon - Second Attempt!
It's official...
I'm now a couple of weeks into a training program for my second half marathon!
My goal is to finish this time in less than 2 hours, and hopefully run injury-free (as opposed to Kiawah - my last attempt).
I'm shooting for a late summer run and hoping for good early morning weather!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Earth Hour 2008
Join others around the world by showing that you care about global warming.
How?
Participate in Earth Hour 2008 by turning off your lights for one hour on March 29 @ 8PM.
Learn more by watching the video below and sign up to show your support. Don't forget to tell a friend too!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Chinese Food...or Not?
I originally heard about this a week or so ago on NPR.
Jennifer 8. Lee (yes, her middle name is 8 - a Chinese lucky number) recently wrote a book called The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food which describes the varying forms of Americanized Chinese food and how much they differ not only from one another but also from authentic Chinese food.
I can vouch for that! There is certainly no General Tso's Chicken to be found in Beijing or Shanghai!
Here's the story...
Saturday, February 9, 2008
2008 Prius
Today I delivered big on one of my most important New Year's resolutions (to be more earth-friendly).
I picked up my brand new 2008 Toyota Prius in Spectra Blue Mica from Fred Anderson Toyota in Raleigh. Following about a month of extensive research and price negotiation with several dealers, today finally arrived!
While it has significantly less horsepower than my beloved Maxima, I think it's the right thing to do to satisfy my dual passion for the environment and technology, while also saving me some money at the pump.
Since my new commute involves primarily sitting in traffic the entire way, the Prius seems like a perfect fit!
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