A Dog, a Stroller, and a Runner

Phoenix Pizza

2010-05-21T00:15:00.003-04:00

When I do have to travel for work, I generally travel far away. This week I was in Arizona, which was a perfect recovery State after Sunday’s marathon. After accomplishing my tasks, and awaiting a morning flight home, I got to enjoy a nice meal in Phoenix. I will eat at a “mom and pop” restaurant any day over one of those chain restaurants. Sometimes I am disappointed; others it’s a treat. Tonight was a real treat. I ate at the Pizzaria Bianco on 7th Street near the baseball stadium. Bianco opens at 5:00, but if you want to eat at 5:00, you better arrive at 4:00 (or earlier – the bar next door opens at 4:00!). A small establishment with only a handful of tables, hungry soon-to-be- diners patiently wait outside, enjoying the afternoon, until 5:00, at which time the honor system is used to determine the order of seating (only one party violated the honor system tonight – and they were verbally abused by both parties arriving prior to and after them). My co-worker and I ate at the bar and enjoyed the company of our fellow bar-seaters; a father and son in town for the Diamondbacks/Giants game, and a sportswriter and his grandmother, also in town for tonight’s baseball game. The antipasto, margherita pizza, and local draft beer were all excellent. Should work ever again require my attention in Arizona, I’ll be looking forward to a meal at Pizzaria Bianco. Cheers!

Delaware Marathon Recap

2010-05-19T21:29:00.009-04:00

My biggest challenge in preparing for the Delaware Marathon was to change from a “just keep moving” mentality (a good strategy for the HAT Run), to a “don’t stop running” frame of mind. I really had no idea what time I could reasonably expect to finish a marathon, and in the eight weeks between HAT and Delaware, I focused on shorter distances at a faster pace. I ran a half-marathon distance two weeks prior to Delaware in 1:46 and figured I could complete a marathon in ~3:45. Long story short, I finished in a little under 3:57. Now for the fun stuff:

I got to see two of my friends, Jen and Lisa, who were running the half-marathon, at the start and again at an out-and-back portion of the course (the marathon started twenty minutes prior to the half, giving me a head start). The Delaware Marathon follows a very enjoyable two-lap course, much of which is along the river, with lots of shade too. Although a road marathon, several miles are on a narrow, albeit paved, path in a park. I enjoyed running in a rather upscale neighborhood, not with cookie-cutter McMansions, but with nice homes with character. Many of the residents were on their lawns to watch us run by, or to hand out jellybeans. As with any marathon, unusual attire was plentiful. Most catching, in my opinion, was the guy running in a pink ballerina outfit, complete with a pink tutu. This would be an ideal place to write something amusing, but alas, this dude ended up several miles ahead of me, so all I can do is envy the running prowess of ballerina man.

I received a nice medal at the finish line and again donated it to Medals4Mettle. The Race Director and volunteers put on a wonderful event and I’d certainly recommend the Delaware Marathon or Half Marathon to any runner that will be in Delaware next May.

Water Time

2010-05-09T20:57:00.004-04:00

Ever since moving to the Chesapeake Bay area nearly seven years ago, I thought a kayak would be an enjoyable way to spend time on the water. Yesterday, after much deliberation, we finally got a kayak. Braedon calls it a sail boat, and today we took it on its maiden voyage. The temperature was a little cooler than is typical for May, and with strong winds, making long sleeves and hats an odd picture against a green backdrop. Now we have a whole new set of adventures awaiting us this summer.

Fun Sunny Days

2010-04-08T21:07:00.004-04:00

After a colder and snowier than usual January and February, April is turning out to be much warmer than normal. The chickens are free ranging and the boys and I have been enjoying time outside.

Bramboracky Anyone?

2010-03-31T21:14:00.002-04:00

About a month ago, I was invited to join a "super secret" potluck group at work. "Super secret" so as to keep the "riff raff" out. Generally once a week, we have a themed potluck where we all try to bring in dishes that fit the theme. It's a fun way to learn about a culture and attempt to make something new to eat. This week was Jewish Potluck. After some searching on the internet, I settled on attempting bramboracky, a type of fried potato. I have never had bramboracky, so I don't know if I did any justice to it, but my biggest critic, my son Braedon, did not turn his nose up at it, and therefor it must have been fit for human consumption. Actually, I thought it was quite good - and I am a big fan of the versatile potato. Next week's potluck theme is Mexican and I am not yet sure what to make, although, amazingly, there is fair amount of nice looking cilantro in the garden that somehow survived the snow. Maybe I'll try to make some salsa.

Salted Potatoes, a HAT Run Recap

2010-03-28T14:03:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday was the 22nd HAT Run in Maryland's Susquehanna State Park. After a colder than average winter, with much more snow than normal, Mother Nature through a curve ball at us on the first day of spring. With temperatures well into the seventies, finishing times were a bit slower than recent years, as many of us were not acclimated to such beautiful weather.

I began the day by meeting up with my friends, Paul and Christy, and their friend, Ginn. After getting our race numbers, we staged our gear near the start/finish area and got ourselves ready for the race. As almost every long run thus far this year included cold-induced toe numbness and fingers that required a lot of encouragement to do basic tasks, such as inserting a key into a locked door, I was a little reluctant to shed my long sleeve shirt prior to the start, but I am glad I did. With just a slight chill in the air, the four-hundred or so of us runners made our way to the start line, and then we were off.

The course begins with a short loop that includes a quick out-and-back to break up the pack before hitting the trails. The short loop is about three-and-a-half miles. After the short loop, there is a big loop that is about thirteen-and-a-half miles and must be run twice. Remembering how sore I was after last year's HAT, and how long it took me to adequately recover, I wanted to run as conservatively as possible and enjoy the day. I made a point to keep it slow, and walk the uphills (one time, I even walked passed someone that was running uphill). I was having fun, chatting with other runners, and taking in the scenery on a wonderful sunny day. I completed the short loop and first big loop in about 3:05.

My legs were starting to feel a little sore at this point, but I kept focused on the here and now rather than the miles to the next aid station. I began slowing down, but was still making good forward progress. One thing I noticed between this year and last, is that I was alone for long stretches. Sure, there were always other runners I could see, but last year I was in big lines of runners.

Somewhere prior to the last aid station I realized I wasn't sweating. No matter how much I drank, I couldn't quench my thirst. There is a long downhill gravel road that leads to the Deer Creek, before getting to the aid station. You'd think running down hill would be easy, even when tired and slightly dehydrated, but my legs were starting to complain. I'm sure fresh legs would effortlessly run faster uphill than I was "running" downhill. I crawled into the last aid station (about the twenty-six mile mark), and that is where I discovered the magic of salted potatoes. Yep, boiled potatoes, dipped in a healthy amount of salt. The salt tasted soooo good. I met up with Christy at this aid station. She too was dehydrated and tired. We left the aid station, intent on finishing together. Just having someone to run with and talk to eased the discomfort of sore legs.

We crossed the Rock Run for the last time and made our way up what I think is one of the more difficult sections, a near mile-long stretch of trail that is mostly uphill. When we got the fields we knew we were almost done and we could see the finish, but another challenge of this course is that we still had about two miles of trails ahead of us. Just shy of six hours and ten minutes after the start, Christy and I crossed the finish line. It was a wonderful feeling!

We ate, drank, and sat down. I enjoyed the band that was playing, a nice touch to an already fun event. Paul had a great run and finished in about 5:30. Ginn, a real pro, finished fourth in 4:26 (Wow!). I spoke with Jeff Hinte (the H in HAT), and Mike Frank (another key person that makes this event possible) and thanked them for their effort. I hope to see them again next year!

Eggs!

2010-02-28T20:19:00.002-05:00

We now have no further to travel than the back yard to pick up fresh eggs, as at least two of our four hens began laying this weekend.

While much of the snow in our yard has melted, the trails still have a fair amount of snow. Bad snow. The crushed ice kind of snow that makes skiing over difficult, and running over even worse. This morning was the first time in three weeks that I visited the State Park trails, and while I wasn't surprised by the snow, I was surprised by the depth.

Pasty Sunday

2010-02-21T20:49:00.005-05:00

We ate dinner at our friends’ home this evening and enjoyed some homemade pasties. Pasties are a sort of pot pie generally made with meet and an assortment of vegetables. Tonight’s pasties had beef, potatoes, carrots, and rutabagas, and they were excellent.

While we still have computer challenges, this is a picture of a pasty I enjoyed during my latest trip to Upper Michigan in October.

Our friends are running in the HAT Run next month, too. They said they recently saw the race director, Jeff Hinte, and he said that the race route may need adjusting due to all of the snow. That changes things a little. Over the past couple of months I’ve became quite familiar with the course. Oh well, ultimately it doesn’t matter much. I’ll run whatever course is set before me on race day.

Happy New Year…

2010-02-20T20:23:00.002-05:00

…Better late than never, right? Okay, so I’ve been off the grid for a while. Had (still have, actually) some computer problems, and several nice snow storms since my last post, combined with the mischievous actions of two crazy boys and a hyper dog, and well, here I am.

I would like to acknowledge my friend Barry from the Frost Bottom Farm blog. Barry recently tagged me in a post and I have a draft response, however, before posting I want to get my computer situation under control (you’ll know I’m back to using my own computer when there are again pictures in my posts).

I have a 50K next month and I am happy with my training. It has been a bit challenging with all of the recent snow, but I don’t have any control over that. Adapt, overcome, improvise. I think I’ve heard that phrase somewhere before. Oh yeah, I remember, yep I’ve heard it before, but that’s another topic.

I’ve been doing one long run each week, even in the blizzards. I usually get up real early on a Saturday or Sunday for a long run. Even my running friends think that is crazy. It’s kind of grown on me though. I like the peace and quiet of the pre-dawn morning, and sunrises are spectacular after about the tenth mile. Last weekend I ran under two eagles perched on a high-up tree branch. This morning I heard a saw a pileated woodpecker, and while common in Maryland, I rarely see them, so that was cool.

Santa’s Sleigh 5K

2009-12-12T21:35:00.002-05:00

This morning the boys and I ran in the Santa’s Sleigh 5K. Braedon and I ran in this race last year, and it was cold again, although my wife says it was warmer this year because, unlike last year, she was comfortably able to stand outside during the entire race.

The picture may look bad, but before I win ‘Worst Dad of the Year’ award for forcing my kids to endure extreme environmental conditions, let it be known that , oh, no more than three strides into the race Braedon took his hat off. I told him to put it back on his head, and he defiantly told me, “No, it is better this way.” OK kid.

Somewhere around this point Brenden began laughing hysterically. I am not certain just what struck him as funny; perhaps it was his dad mumbling something about a heavy stroller and an upcoming hill.

Mom greeted us at the finish line and then we were really off to the races because we still had a full day ahead of us…

Winter Fun and Camping Chickens

2009-12-05T21:48:00.003-05:00

Perryville has had a terrible grey streak, and over the last two weeks I think I have seen the sun shine down on only two occasions. Needless to say, we’ve experienced a near constant drizzle, and although never a downpour, a lot of water has fallen from the sky and my backyard now consists of mud, muck, and that mixture of mud and muck around the perimeter of the yard where Joe Louis races beside the fence, rooster tailing the whole way.

For a change of pace, the rain subsided to snow yesterday morning. Our chickens set up a bivouac site on the high ground of our yard. That’s right, we were fortunate to select chickens that would know how to handle the elements.

Aside from the perimeter of the back yard, neither Joe nor I were able to run as much as we’d like this week – until last night. It was fun to feel the sting of snowflakes on my face.

Dogs and Caffeine

2009-12-05T21:32:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back I was contacted by the blogger from the Coffee with a Canine blog, asking if I was interested in answering some questions for a blog post. After consulting with my dog I answered the questions, and yesterday Joe Louis was the blog’s featured canine. Over the past weeks I have enjoyed reading about many people and the dogs that make their lives all the more interesting. Check out the Coffee with a Canine blog for some fun reading.

Buy Local Foods

2009-12-01T19:24:00.004-05:00

My friends at the Frost Bottom Farm posted a link to the Food, Inc. documentary earlier today. Scary stuff. The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan, opened my eyes to the un-sustainability of the industrial food chain, and Food, Inc. interviews Pollan as well as other people referenced in the book. I’ll try to check out Food, Inc., but in the meantime, I will continue to purchase as much locally grown and raised foods as possible to feed my family.

The Mason-Dixon Trail

2009-11-24T14:03:00.003-05:00

I have lived in Maryland for the past six years and am still learning about the places I like to visit. This week’s revelation: the trail along the river at the Susquehanna State Park is part of the Mason-Dixon Trail System. That in itself is not very interesting, but knowing that the trail continues for miles and miles beyond the park’s boundaries, and connects the Appalachian Trail with the Brandywine Trail, gives new meaning to “feeling connected” when enjoying the trail. My family has taken in the serene beauty of our little section of the trail, and as recent as last weekend, Joe and I ran a few miles over it.

Me and Braedon during one of his early visits to the Susquehanna State Park

Joe takes a moment to enjoy the view across the river during our run this past weekend

Another bit of information associated with the trail that I found interesting is the Mason-Dixon Trail Longest Day 100K Challenge in which participants attempt to traverse sixty-two miles of the trail, beginning in the Susquehanna State Park, between sunrise and sunset on the longest, or near-longest, day of the year. All in all I find this event to be intriguing. I certainly have a ways to go before I can consider not only the physical demands of completing a 100K, but also navigating unmarked trails while fatigued while still racing against darkness, but it’s on my radar for future years.

The Right to Hang…Laundry

2009-11-18T21:05:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine forwarded me this ‘Right to Hang Laundry’ link today. In addition to having chickens in my backyard (and I may be pushing the interpretations of city and county codes…), drying my laundry on a clothesline is another reason I am glad to not live in a neighborhood with a home owners’ association. While HOAs can do a lot of good for commonality within a community, levying fines against its members who chose not to use an electric or gas-heated dryer is not one of them. The aesthetic violation of the clothesline dryer is outweighed by the right, and responsibility to fellow citizens and future generations, to reduce consumption of natural resources. A clothesline dryer does not solve the issues of pollution (from mining, refining, transporting, combusting, etc.) and resource depletion; there is no feel-good silver bullet fix to the energy challenges the world will face. A change of habit can be part of the solution.

If each homeowner in a subdivision with fifty homes began drying just five loads of laundry per month (assuming 5 kW dryers, which would be very efficient, and one hour of dryer time per load), the energy savings (1,250 kWhr/month) would be enough to power another home with electricity for a month (or more). So let's take advantage of a resource that is free and constant (except at night - and I am not going to go into the life span of our sun) to do a rather simple job - dry clothes.

Moving Day

2009-11-15T19:12:00.003-05:00

Our chickens made the big move from their brooder in the basement to their coop in the backyard today. We’ve had them since they were two-day-old baby peeps back in September. With some more TLC, they should keep us in supply of fresh eggs beginning next spring.

Today was also the first day that Joe Louis has seen the chickens. Joe has never been in our basement; not because we don’t allow it, but because he won’t go.

The Ugly Side of Beautiful

2009-11-14T21:16:00.002-05:00

The Chesapeake Bay offers some of the most spectacular views I have seen. Unfortunately, several of the Bay’s picturesque places are marred with trash. At first glance, my town’s park appears to be free of rubbish. Upon closer look, however, part of the shoreline is strewn with all sorts of discarded items; from tires to fifty-five gallon drums. The true culprit to the declining health of the Bay may be more so due to the unseen trash, such as industrial effluent and fertilizer runoff, but I find the collection of plastic bottles and cans just as disgusting. Joe and I picked up two bags worth of trash, and recyclable cans and bottles during today’s run. I’ll sort them out tomorrow before Monday’s refuse pickup.

They Used to Look New

2009-11-09T20:36:00.001-05:00

It took me only two days to find some nice mud. As I just purchased my first pair of “trail” shoes over the weekend, I thought I should at least run over terrain that might somewhat resemble a trail. I ran with one of my friends during our lunch break at work; she stuck to the road, and I ran in the ditch. I was impressed with how dry my feet were in these shoes (Brooks Adrenaline ASR 6) compared to how wet my feet would have been had I been wearing my road shoes. But I still looked appropriately muddy. One poor woman warned me about the uneven footing in the ditch. I thanked her, but that was sort of the point. She meant well, though. Once we got done with our run, I took a quick deodorant shower, which I find cuts down on the number of people that visit me in the afternoon, and was back to work.

A Fun Day of Errands

2009-11-07T20:06:00.002-05:00

Generally, I am not one to enjoy shopping, but this morning we went to two stores I like to visit; The Mill and Charm City Run.

We picked up some more food and shavings for our chickens at The Mill.

Braedon and I went into Charm City Run, while Mom stayed with Brenden, who was sleeping, in the car. I’m not sure how much fun Braedon had watching his dad try on shoes, but he seemed to be intently interested in the treadmill. I ended up with a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline ASR 6. I’ll try them out tomorrow.

This afternoon we went to Rumbleway Farm for some more beef and eggs.

By next spring our own chickens should be supplying us with eggs, but until then we’re happy to pick some up from the nearby farm.

Me and Joe

2009-11-06T20:17:00.003-05:00

I was off from work today, which I used to complete many of our household tasks. I changed the oil in my car, painted portions of the porch railing (of all the chores of homeownership, painting is one of my least favorites), and began raking the back yard (I don’t mind yard work at all).

Joe helped my bring the used motor oil to the transfer station – his head sticking out of the window the whole way there and back.

Even though there was a lot to do today, it wasn’t all work and no play. Joe and I went for a nice run. The picture is of us on the shore of the Furnace Bay in the Perryville Park. We went about twelve miles, but we walked a bit too. I scoped out the approximate locations of a couple more geocaches. I didn’t find them, but I’ll try again with Braedon.

Joe and I had a good day, but the best part was seeing Mom and the boys return home.

This is My Plan

2009-11-05T21:26:00.003-05:00

I recently signed up for the HAT Run 50K, which is next March. I ran the HAT last year and thought it was a well-run event, and I also enjoyed running on the trails of the Susquehanna State Park. The race did take a lot out of me though. Not having run much on trails, the constant ups and downs and uneven terrain took a toll on my legs; so much so that I had to take off several weeks of running. The bright side of my running layoff is that I learned a little bit about the mechanics of human motion and took a closer look at my own limitations. I’ve incorporated core exercises into my workout routines and am less concerned with running distance. I read an interesting concept on Anton Krupicka’s blog that your legs and lungs don’t have any idea of distance traveled, but they are in tune with of the duration of effort. That makes a lot of sense.

I am not following any prescribed training regime. I’ve found those to be difficult to follow against work and family responsibilities. My general plan is to try to get a long run in about every other week. The bulk of my running is done at a relatively easy pace for twenty minutes to an hour at a time. I also like to do some faster running about once a week, as my schedule (and body) allows. I don’t go to a track, I prefer to keep my route options open at all times, but I’ll randomly change paces throughout the run just for the change of pace.

My training plan is not very technical, nor will it prepare my body to its utmost potential, but it will get me where I am going and suits my goals: have fun, remain injury free, check out the view, and enjoy the ride.

Our First Geocache

2009-11-01T20:07:00.003-05:00

After a hectic week filled with long work hours, sick children, sleepless nights (see sick children), and a rainy Halloween, the sun finally came out, and Braedon and I went on our first geocaching expedition. Until last week, I thought geocaching meant looking for some small object hidden deep in the forest. Then, I learned that there are geocaches hidden all over, including several within walking distance of our home. Today we went searching for a geocache near Rodgers’ Tavern. We don’t have a GPS, but based on the description, I thought we might be able to locate it – and we did.

Running with the High Beams On

2009-10-24T22:00:00.003-04:00

Today was rainy and Mom was gone almost all day, so Dad had to be creative – but we survived. Braedon is starting to see Brenden as a threat to his toys, but all in all, I am impressed with how Braedon has adjusted to his role as big brother.

We still can’t find Joe’s leash (he might be a good big brother, but I suspect Braedon has something to do with this), and we had to break down and buy a new one. After a week off, Joe got to go on a run in the dark with me this evening. About a week ago, my wife bought me a headlamp. Even though Joe is a good leader dog, I am a little bit more sure-footed with the added light, and I am more confident that drivers see me. I have found the headlamp to be beneficial for more than just running too. With less daylight, it is nice to have a well-lit path to and from the shed while still having both hands free to carry other things.

During tonight’s run, Joe and I ran by an area that is home to several cats. Their eyes were all aglow from the headlamp’s light, which would make for a nice Halloween picture if I was better with the camera. We also saw several deer; I stopped counting after thirty. With all of today’s rain, both Joe and I were filthy after running through puddles and across fields, but boy did we have fun.

Good Eats in Little Rock

2009-10-22T21:52:00.005-04:00

Occasionally my job requires that I travel. Earlier this week I was in Little Rock, Arkansas for the first time. I always bring my running shoes whenever I travel, and I had hoped to enjoy running in new surroundings.

I was disappointed to find my hotel located snugly between a Home Depot and Lowe’s parking lot and thus opted for a more runner friendly route on the hotel’s treadmill.
When away from home I try to avoid the common chain restaurants in favor of something different.

You can never go wrong at a place with several boat motors mounted to the wall, and the Flying Fish was no exception. From the garage door windows to the gazillion pictures of fish on the wall, I enjoyed the meal.

Just a couple of blocks from the Flying Fish is the Flying Saucer, with a hundred beers on tap and a fun atmosphere. To say I was overwhelmed with the selection is an understatement. Eventually I just blindly pointed at the menu and asked for a Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar – a delicious choice to end a flying-themed evening.

The next night I ate at Doe’s, which certainly looks like a real dive at first glance, but was well worth the stop. President Clinton is one of Doe’s loyal customers and many of the pictures on the wall are of the former President posing with the staff.

Next time you are somewhere new, eat somewhere new too, and enjoy. Cheers!

Where is Joe’s Leash

2009-10-18T20:32:00.002-04:00

While the boys were napping with Mom, Joe and I were going to go on a run, except that Mr. Louis misplaced his leash. So, needless to say, he was very disappointed. But because of Joe’s absence, I was able to get some pictures of other animals that he usually scares away before they are in picture-taking range.

I thought this cat looked pretty cool hiding in the tall grass. There used to be several colonies of feral cats on the VA and Perryville Park grounds. Last winter there was a trap, neuter/spay, and release program to keep the cat population in check. While there are a lot less full grown cats now, judging by the number of kittens I saw today, the program either didn’t work, or people are dumping cats at the park.

These geese were swimming where the Susquehanna River empties into the Chesapeake Bay.

There was a couple in the park, each walking a border collie. Now that is a lot of energy, and it is best Joe was not with me to see me say hello to them.

Exiting the park, and one last look at the Bay before heading home.

The initials on this tree caught my attention, and I wonder if they were actually carved in ’67. Although Joe did not accompany me, I enjoyed the run, which was slightly more than five miles.