Updated DRS Bio

Here is the bio I submitted in 1996, updated for 2007. It was kind of fun to do it this way.

Name:
1996-Dan Horvath
2007-Dan Horvath

City/State:
1996-Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA
2007-Brunswick, Ohio, USA

Phone:
1996-(810) 474-5765
2007-(330) 558-0418

Birthday:
1996-May 2, 1953
2007-May 2, 1953 (seems a lot further away now)

Occupation (Title):
1996-Senior Systems Engineer
2007-Senior Software Metrics Consultant

Occupation (What I actually do):
1996-I’ll let you know when I find out.
2007-ditto

System:
1996-Gateway 2000 Pentium
2007-Toshiba Notebook

E-Mail Addresses:
1996-au507@detroit.freenet.org
2007-runhorvathrun@hotmail.com

Family Life:
1996-Got one! 1 (one) wife. 2 (two) teenage daughters. And you wonder why I run. Actually got into the habit of (very) early morning running when the kids were small so that I could spend time with them. Now that they don’t want to spend time with me, I’m still in the habit.
2007-My teenage daughters are now in their 20s with lives of their own – Veronica lives in Connecticut, and Valerie is in Chicago. So now it’s just me and my wife, of 32 years, Debbie. And I still do that early morning running.

Education:
1996-BS Computer Science, MS Information Systems.
2007-ditto

My Obsessions:
1996-Food, running, reading, music(classical), maybe a little wine & beer to go with the food. In that order.
2007-Almost the same. I still like the food, books and music, but I no longer drink alcohol.

My Ideal Running Program:
1996-Perpetually training/recovering from marathons and other races. I copied this from another runner’s bio but it does apply to me too. In miles, I’d say 70+ per week (that’s somewhere around 111 Km for you metric folks). Included would be 2 speed sessions per week, (9x1600m and 8x400m) along with a tempo run.
2007-Perhaps a little moderation would be in order here. Not much, mind you. I’d still like to be doing 70+ mpw. And I’d still like to get those speed sessions in, but maybe only 2 per week.

My Real Running Program:
1996-I am doing a lot of marathons (a record 5 this year) and other races. But my mileage has dropped to about 50-60 per week. Usually get in the 2 speed sessions, but it’s been a while since I did 9x1600. Talks about killer workouts.
2007-My mileage this year has been 60-70 mpw – a bit less than last year. I did more speed work last year, but I’m ramping up now. I’ve done a few 8 x 1600s lately and some tempo runs. Even so, most of this has been pretty durn slow. I need to pick it up.

Shoe of choice:
1996-I generally like anything ASICS puts out but my all time favorites would be among these: Avia Meridians (2063 or so), Adidas Response, Reebok Graphlite Road. Starting to like the ASICS Gel DS Trainer. In my next life I want to be a namer of running shoes.
2007-I still generally like ASICS shoes best. Although I’ve really liked some of the DS Trainers over the years, lately I’ve been running almost exclusively in the 2000 series models (I think it’s up to 2120 now). They work really well for me.

My Paces:
1996-They vary a lot. Overall, according to my Excel Training Log, I average about 7:40 per mile. I’m not even gonna try to translate that into min per Km.
2007-Wow. 7:40?? It’s telling that 1996 was the last year that I broke 3 hours. Now then: 2006 was a very good year for me, and according to my Access running log, I averaged 7.98 minutes per mile. So far in 2007 I’m averaging a relatively pedestrian 8.12. I vow that this will change. There is still a fair amount of variance.

Goal:
1996-3000 miles (4800 Km?) in 1997. That would be a record. Also: Continue to improve every year until I’m 60. I know: that’s a tough one. I’ve got 16.5 years to go before I can slack off. But I generally have continued to get better as I’ve aged. So far...........One more goal: to actually win a road race. Don’t care if there’s as few as 2 people running, I WANT TO WIN ONE!
2007-That was funny, for a couple reasons. I’ve had no trouble at all hitting 3000 miles for many of the years since. Improving every year? Until 60? What was I thinking? 1997 was the year I started to slow down. And no, I don’t think it’s because of the increased mileage. I mentioned that 2006 was a relatively good year, and I ran 3296 miles – a goodly amount. My goal for the last 10 years or so has been to get back to sub-3 hour land. Yes, I still think I can do it.

Other Fitness Stuff:
1996-Weightlifting a few times per week with light weights. Walking with my wife.
2007-Weightlifting a few times per week with light weights. Walking with Debbie.

Outdoor interests:
1996-Anything that doesn’t involve yardwork. Or swatting bugs. Nice beaches work fine for me. Non-insect infested forests are great too.
2007-I can’t say it better than I did 11 years ago.

Indoor interests:
1996-Reading, movies. I know... I’m dull.
2007-Reading and movies. I have a sort-of movie theater in the basement. Spend a lot of time with that.

How did you find out about the Dead Runners Society?
1996-From Dead Person friend Pat Mitchell.
2007-Haven’t heard from Pat in many years. I keep in touch with friends Rita Cognion and George Ziga, and also with a few other local (to NE Ohio) Deads.

I Could Be a Really Good Runner If:
1996-I could hold my #@%%# weight down.
2007-DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s about it.

Recent Happenings

Sounds like Debbie, Kathy and Jessey are having a good time in AZ. They're going to the grand canyon today.

I'm off for Ireland tomorrow. All packed.

Did 3 on the mill today. My 1/2 marathon scheduled for tomorrow was canceled. I'll do a long run instead.

Speedwork Success

Since I couldn't even complete my last try at speedwork at the track, I approached today's session with trepidation. It was 35 and very windy. I told myself that I love this.

And it worked. It was extremely slow by last year's standards, but I did get through it. I wanted to do all 8 1600s in less than 6:40, and that did indeed happen. Here's the rundown:

6:37, 6:38, 6:38, 6:35, 6:36, 6:33, 6:32, 6:30 for an average of 6:35.

I did 3 more at lunchtime. Even that wasn't too bad.

Recent Running

Yesterday I was sooo tired - all I could manage was 4 slow miles on the mill. And they weren't pretty at all.

Today was different. I got out early and got my new subs 11 route in. And I did well - 83 minutes - one of my 3 fastest times on the course. I did a 3-mile tempo on Sleepy Hollow, and finished the last 3 in less than 22 minutes. Really solid running.

I still felt ok, so I did 3 more at lunch in 23.

New running store in Medina.

Got my 1/2 marathon on Saturday.

Easter Run

After yesterday's snowy 16, I managed to do 20 today. Not bad. I did 2 on the mill, then 8 outside (very slowly - 9 minute pace), and then 10 more on the mill. It was extremely bitter outside - I had planned to do it all out there, but couldn't get myself back out after a break. The mill was ok - it included 9 at MP.

Today's Run - 2007-04-07

After 80F one day last week, it was freezing and snowing the next. And the next. And the next. Yesterday we got about 5-6 inches, and the Indians Home Opener was snowed out after 5 innings - one out short of a full game.

Those 5-6 inches were fun to run in - especially since it was new snow and it was on the towpath. As much as I enjoyed it, I probably would've given up if I wasn't meeting Dave after doing 4.5 myself. Altogether 16 in 2:30. Tons of fun. Beautiful scenery too. I love that place (station rd area).

Family (Kathy/Mike, Dave/Carol) coming for Easter tomorrow.

More on the Mill - 9 today

I had to get 9 in to get up to 50 for the week before Saturday's long run. I was extremely tired, so this was a tough one. Glad to get through it. At least I got some hills in, and my ankle continues to improve. I did the 9 in 71 minutes, including 10 1/4 mile 6% hills.

Today's Run - 2007-04-04

I knew the temps would be falling, but it was still in the 50s. Just as I went out, however, the cold rain started. A *very* cold rain. I went right back in and down onto the mill. There I did 8 x 1600 @ 6:37 or so. Not too bad.

My left ankle has been in pain. I've had this before, but don't know the cause. It comes and goes. Today I tried the orthotic inserts and that helped a whole lot. I also have to remember to not tie my shoes too tight.

Today's Running - 2007-04-03

2 on the mill, and then 10 with Dave on his loop in 83 minutes. Not too bad, but I wish I wasn't so tired and sore all the time. Who knows - maybe I'll get out again today.

Today's Run - 2007-04-02

Yesterday wasn't the greatest running, but I had some high hopes for today's speedwork. It was a nice morning (55) and good to hit the track again after so many months. Thought I'd do 8x1600 in a conservative 6:40 - about what I'd done on the mill last time. Too bad my ole legs were still extremely tired and sore. I was shot after 4. I could only limp through 1 more for 5 total (average: 6:40) and 9 overall. I've got to do better than this. Much much better.

Recent Running

Yesterday I did 19 with Dave and Amy. Most was on the towpath, but we also went up to Brandywine Falls and back on the Old Carriage Trail. Nice trail running at a decent pace.

Today I couldn't run as much as I wanted - I was just too tired. I did 5 on the mill including 8 1/4 mile 6% hills, and then did the President 3 outside.

Linda, Bob, Iris and Mike came over for pizza and laughs last night. We played darts and dominos, watched basketball and talked.

Dan in Hungary

This would be my second time in Budapest, and I wanted to see and do some different things this time. I almost booked a one-day boat trip to the north, where there are supposed to be three scenic towns and a great castle or two overlooking the river. It’s called the Danube Bend area. I chose not to book it however, when I saw the weather forecast: cold and rainy. Cold (low 40s) and rainy it was. So I tried to do some indoor things.

I walked to and explored St. Steven’s Basilica. I’ve now seen a lot of old churches all over Europe, but this is one of the most glorious. It was as ornate as any, but more colorful than most.

I also went to Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, to visit the museum inside. It’s the Hungarian National Gallery, with an extensive set of works by Hungarian artists throughout history. It was quite impressive. As usual, I liked the 19th century paintings the best. Budapest also has a Museum of Fine Arts, but I’ll save that one for my next trip.

The next day, Sunday, was very nice: it was sunny, with temperatures in the 50s. I couldn’t go the Danube Bend, however, because the tour only goes on Saturdays in winter. I could have tried to take a train or bus, but thought better of it; there were still other things that I haven’t seen in Budapest proper.

The day began with me on a metro to Hero’s Square. This square is the entrance to a city part called Varosliget, and is also home of the famous Millennium Monument. With great colonnades, statues galore, and a tall central column crowned by Archangel Gabriel, it is truly stunning. The monument was built to celebrate the millennium of the founding of Hungary, as well as it’s conversion to Christianity, lead by St. Steven. Among the statues is Prince Arpad, along with six other conquering Magyars. You gotta love these conquering Magyars.

Varosliget also contains a zoo, botanical garden, famous baths, and Vajdajunyad Castle. Since I continue to be self-conscious about taking them with people I don’t know, I skipped the baths. This castle, complete with a moat, looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. I walked around the interior grounds – it is really neat.

As I returned from the metro stop, I had planned to take Vaci street, a major shopping area, back to the hotel. Along the way is Mihaly Vorosmarty Square, where there was some sort of flea market or festival going on. I checked out the goods and the food (which smelled great) and watched first the little girls, and later everyone, do some folk dancing. They even had a puppet show. You just can’t get entertainment like this at home.

Having been to Old Town, in the Castle District before, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go again, but I wanted to do something with the time I had. So I climbed up once again – it took about 45 minutes from the hotel. And I did see some sights that I had missed: the view from the back of the Castle District hill is almost as spectacular as that overlooking the Danube. I also got to see the famous Vienna Gate.

Dan in Greece

For my second trip to Greece things would be different. This time it's a business trip, so I wouldn't have nearly the amount of time to see things as our trip a couple months ago. So after arriving, I spent my first day just walking around the Plaka district; nothing much new to report.

The only full day that I would have free would be Sunday. I booked a 3-island, 1-day cruise. And what a day. I was actually gone from 7am until 8pm. It turns out that the three islands are not quite as close to Athens as I thought; it took a long time to get from one to the other. And one other complaint: the boat was lousy - they packed too many people on board and the food was awful. (Woody Allen likes to talk about the Jewish Ladies complaining about food at a wedding. “The food is awful”, says one. “Yes, and there’s so little of it”, says the other.) But in spite of the long day and the not-so-good boat, it was a most worthwhile trip. Our first stop was Poros, where I walked around the picturesque harbor town. Poros is only about a quarter mile away from the Mycenae area on the mainland, but a long boat ride from Athens. Our next stop was the island of Hydra. It was even more picturesque, and there were some forts to explore in addition to the town itself. Finally we went to Aegina (aka Egina), where I booked an additional tour. I got to see the temple of Aphea, which rivals the Parthenon and Poseidon's Temple. (Also something strange: these three temples form an exact triangle - each is 25km apart. How, and why, did they do this?) We also stopped at an orthodox church that was cool as well. Finally, the Greek music and dancing on the boat was pretty entertaining. So yes, it was a good trip.

On the way to the boat I had met a father and his son. He asked where I live and when I told him, he asked, “is that near Strongsville?” When I told him, he asked if I’d heard of Beef O’Brady’s. I said that I’d just been there for the first time just in the past week. His name is Nick Voinovich, and he is the president of Beef’s and lives in Tampa. We talked a lot. I saw the two of them on the first island, but not afterwards. I thought it was strange that they didn’t get off the bus for the Marriott that night – I figured maybe they’d taken a cab. I saw Mr. Voinovich at breakfast the next morning. “You know when you were heading back to the boat and we were going away from it? My son said, ‘Dad, why’s the boat moving?’ We missed it and had to take a water taxi back to the third island, where we missed the boat again, and then had to get another boat back to Athens.” I had kind’ve wondered why they had been headed the wrong way, but didn’t say anything. I figured they knew what they were doing.

I can’t forget to mention Babis, my personal driver. I know this because he told me; he said, “I be your driver for your whole stay, boss.” That’s another thing: he calls me boss. Whenever I need a ride, anytime day or night, all I need to do is call Babis’ cell, and he comes. He’s from Crete, like Zorba – maybe they all call their clients “boss”. But he’s a wonderful guy. I’d recommend him to anyone coming to Greece.

For my last night I took a long walk up to a hill just below the Acropolis. I had a great view of the sunset and Athens at twilight.

Running in Greece and Hungary

Greece:
03-18-07
I did 13 on the hotel mill - 7 at MP. Altogether 1:34. It wasn't pretty - I held on a lot.

03-20-07
15 on the mill with 8 x 1600 at 6:40. More holding on, but not as bad. Caught a cold afterwards.

03-21-07
3 on the streets of Athens, trying, unsuccessfully, to find a park. Not good at all.

03-22-07
Finally a pretty good one. 24 on the mill in 3:00:30. Most I've done in a long long time. And 5 at MP. I didn't hold on too badly - some in the middle, but not much at all during the last 9, when people started to show up.

03-23-07
A really bad 5 miles on the mill. Could only make it to 60 for the week. Some were decent, but this was a bad way to finish it off.

03-25-07
Today I did 16 in 2:04, in Budapest. It was wonderful - beautiful weather and scenery, and a good solid pace. It was 3 time aound Margaret Island, which is a bit more than 5K. It's about 3 miles to and from the island, and I did a bit extra as well. Each loop got a bit faster.

03-26-07
I did the Budapest 12 route - to the island (a bit less than 3) two loops of about 3.3 miles each, and then back again. What a nice run this day. Very enjoyable. Solid performance too. I think this is long by about 1/2 mile. 94 minutes. I'll take it.

03-27-06
I did the Budapest 12 once again. Hard to believe, but this was even better than yesterday. And I was pretty tired, too. Tied for PR (92.5) on this course. What will tomorrow bring?

03-28-07
It brought a very good run. A 3-mile tempo, and a PR on the 12-mile course. I wanted to get a tempo run in, and I was successful, but it was tough. I'm happy with the result, but I wish these things were easier. A solid PR for this course. 91.5 minutes.

03-29-07
I didn't need the mileage, and I was fairly sore and tired, but thought I'd do my Budapest 12 course one more time, just for the joy of it. Predictably slower, but still a good one. Got better as I loosened up. 95.5 minutes. I'll sure miss this run.

Today's Long Run - 2007-03-16

Great long run today- 20 in 2:38.5. I did 8 on Substation, and then the 6-mile course twice. It was all extremely steady and strong. Best long run in a long long time.

I'm taking off for Greece and Hungary today.

Today's Run - 2007-03-15

Ides of March. I should beware because of my weight. 167! And I've been trying to be good this week. Yet I'm going the wrong direction.

Today's run was ok - 7 with 6 x 12oo on the mill at 9mph (5 min).

I messed something up at work - recorded some changes for the wrong application. It was a fairly honest mistake because of confusion by the SME, but it still doesn't look good.

Recent Running and a couple other things

Sunday I did 15 in 2:17. THAT's SLOW! I just started slowly and never got moving at all. At least it wasn't a total collapse.

Monday I did 4 on the mill before work.

Tuesday was a great day for running. The weather was extremely mild - high 40s in the morning, high 60s in the afternoon. I awoke early and did two 6-mile loops in 48 and 48.5 minutes. Pretty decent, but it would've been nice if they were faster. At lunch I went to Hinkley and did 2 loops there in 46 minutes. The weather at that point was gorgeous. I'm getting better myself.

Today I did 3 on the mill, then 3 slow ones on the Presidential streets.

Yesterday Debbie and I walked around Hinckley later in the afternoon (it hit 71 or so). Then we went to Dave and Jill's in the evening where we ate subs and helped Dave in the basement.

Today's Long Run - 2007-03-10

A pretty solid long run today in BVH with Dave and Amy. The weather was miserable - a cold off and on rain. But we kept a good pace the whole way. I'm calling it 20, but it may have been a bit short - hard to say.

Now I Know

That the weight is completely doing me in. I was at 166 the other morning, and then I went for an afternoon run at Hinckley. I used to be able, with some amount effort, to do the two loops in 43, 41, even 40 minutes. On Thursday the very best I could do, with some amount of effort, was 47.5 minutes. It was nice to hit that course again, but quite a reality check. I HAVE GOT TO LOSE THESE 12 POUNDS! And it won't be easy with this upcoming trip to Greece and Hungary.

Recent Running and Other Stuff

Met up with Iris and Mike and Linda and Bob for dinner last night. I also talked with Betsy and with Greg.

We're about to head over to Moms to clean the carpets. It's snowing though.

That 3" of new snow made for some fun running this morning. I tried to beat the ploughs. Also tried to do a few hills. It was tough going and predictably slow. 5 in 43.5. Then I did 4 more on the mill, including 7 1/4 mile hills @ 6%.

yesterday I did the 11-mile new subs route in 92 minutes - just a bit slower than I wanted. It was cold - about 10 with negative wind chills. I followed that with 2 on the mill.

Visiting Connecticut and Recent Running

I flew into JFK whilst Debbie drove in and we all met up with Veronica and Barry for Veronica's b-day. We went out to dinner and Debbie and Veronica fixed up some stuff around the condo. Also went to Ikea. It was a tough drive home at night.

While in CT I did the usual West Rocks, East Rocks run and a bit more - call it 14 in 1:51:30. Not bad at all considering the hills.

Today I did 6 on the mill including a 4-mile tempo.

Dan in Iberia II

This is my second trip to Iberia. The first was last September, when I spent only a couple days here in Madrid as well as Lisbon. This time it is to be 2 weeks in Madrid, so I went thinking I ought to be able to see and do more. The good news is that the hotel is only a short walk to the office. The bad news is that we're in the middle of nowhere on the outskirts of town. This area, north of town is hard to believe and even harder to describe. The word, stark comes to mind.

There are miles upon miles of multi-family residence buildings, office buildings, some restaurants built into the buildings, AND THAT'S ALL! No trees. No schools. No single family houses - I found not one in dozens of miles of running. No schools. Oh yeah. Plenty of construction. More construction than you can imagine.

Upon arrival Steve and I took the bus to the subway station, and the subway downtown. We did lots of walking, including a long stroll through one of the city parks, Parke Del Buen Retiro. There were many many folks out for their Sunday afternoon strolls. We also walked through the main train station (including the indoor arboretum), and a few other areas. You've got to enjoy the architecture here. The theory is that it's so nice here because Spain was not involved in either world war, and their civil war didn't cause much local damage. We ate dinner at an outdoor cafe, even though it was getting a bit cool. We laughed at our suffering there at an outdoor cafe, whilst the poor folks back home only have a couple feet of snow and cold to put up with.

Not much happened during that first week of work. Our client kept us fairly busy, but we did have some time for walking. We went to Hippercor (large discount store/supermarket) and El Corte Ingles (large department store chain) one time, and to a mall another night. That was about it for excitement, except this: We walked into the mall, which is quite exclusive, and almost immediately heard the fire alarm. Sure enough, we could smell and even see smoke, and it was coming from somewhere near the cafe I had been recommending for dinner. We got out in a hurry. Later that night we tried to walk back along side and in back of a golf driving range. We were "escorted" back. I thought the security guard was either being very helpful, or we were about to be arrested.

Eating here is a challenge. The food is great, but it's only available at certain times, and you'd better just get used to those times. Lunch is at 2 to 3 pm, we work until 6 or 7, and then dinner is at about 9pm. This doesn't sit too well with a guy who likes to go to bed at 9:30 or 10, and then get up to run at 4 or 5am. So Steve and I are always trying get an "early" dinner at 7:30 or so. But it's a real challenge to find ANYPLACE that's open.

Friday night Steve and I checked out of our middle of nowhere hotel (which looks like it was designed and furnished by Ikea), and into one in the middle of everywhere central Madrid. That hotel, the Best Western Atlantico, is beautiful classic European. The streets are truly alive with people. There are street entertainers, discos, theaters, you name it. And did I mention throngs of people? We walked to Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple moved here as a gift from Egypt to Spain for their help in retrieval of other antiquities. It was awesome. Then we walked around the renowned palace (it was closed) and through Plaza Mayor, the famous square.

Our friend and interpreter, Sergio, drove Steve and I to Salamanca, which is about 2 1/2 hours west, almost to the Portugal border. Salamanca is first and foremost a university town. The university is built into the medieval city center area, near the main square. I learned that Plaza Major means main square, so that's why multiple towns have squares by the same name. Duh. We walked around quite a bit and saw shell house, an ancient Roman-built bridge and the cathedral, in addition to the square. Sergio's friends from earlier years, Louda and Nikki, were visiting Salamanca from Brazil and the UK, so we all did some crowded tapas bars. We didn't eat much - only a bit of some of the famous jamon - but had lots of good conversation. It was a great day.

The next day Steve and I took a train for a half-hour ride to Alcala de Henares. It's another university town with more historical buildings. There were dozens of huge storks making gigantic nests on the tops of the buildings. We ate and toured the Cervantes (the author of Don Quixote - Man of La Mancha) Museum and an archeological museum. We also saw a quasi-military band playing music in front of the university.

Observations:
-Everyone I work with seems to be genuinely friendly and accommodating. Great folks, these Spaniards!
-When you sneeze, they say, "Jesus".
-When they dubbed Terminator 2 into Spanish, Arnold's "Hasta la Vista, Baby" was changed into "Sayonara, Baby". (I think that works just as well!)
-You don't find chicken on too many menus, but plenty of pork and jamon. -The Spanish have never heard of "Spanish Rice".
-Running here is so strange. When I head out at 5:30 or so, someone has to open the hotel door for me, and there is no one, not one person or vehicle, about. The streets are empty.

That was not the case for my one and only run from downtown. There were throngs of people everywhere, still reveling from the previous night. Of course they must have thought I was pretty strange. But that was mutual. Then I went into Casa de Campo, a very large park near the city center. There I encountered a plethora of prostitutes. I obviously wouldn’t be interested in their wares, but that didn’t stop them from making a few inquiries about my intentions.

Running in Madrid

03-03-07
For my last run before leaving, I did 15 in about 2:04. It was pretty steady - one of the better ones.

03-01-07
I went north again, and this time much farther into the open field area. I got onto some trails, but didn't do much of them because it was hard to see in the dark, and they were uneven. I went further north and west and made it to the university. Came back after 2 hours and finished with some faster stuff. 20 in 2:48. Not too bad for these days.

02-28-07
One of my worst runs of the trip. 6 in 54. But I did get some exploration done - Josechu had told me about a large open area to the north. I hadn't been able to find a way to get up there, but he showed me on a map. I did get up there, but not too far, and the traffic was starting to pick up, so I turned back.

02-27-07
Still tired, I only did about 8 in 66 minutes today. Going to try to do a longer run tomorrow.

02-26-07
We're back at our northern home. The running really isn't that bad here. I found a few trails and did 11 in 92.5.

02-24-07
Well this was a memorable run. We had moved to central Madrid, so I set out from there at 5:40am. Had to run around throngs of revelers from the previous night. Didn't like that. Had to run up and over a major construction area on a makeshift walkway. Didn't like that either. As I entered the park (Casa de Campo), I had to run the gauntlet through several prostitutes. Didn't like that too much. Then I finally found some nice trails to run on, but it was dark and scary. And there was *no one* around. I got lost. But I did thoroughly enjoy this part of the run. So yes, memorable is the word. Call it 16 miles in 2:21.

02-22-07
I was on my feet for 2 hours, fifty minutes, so I guess I can call it 20 miles. Most of it was pretty slow, but at least it was steady. Some nice areas here, some usual stark areas and some not-so-nice running along a highway.

02-21-07
Another run in Madrid. More of being dazed and confused in this strange area. More low traffic, wide streets, construction (of office buildings, apartment buildings) galore. After 25 miles of running this time and last, I have yet to find a park or a residential housing area. In fact, I haven't seen one single family home, period. Very strange. I'll call it 13 in 1:48.

02-19-07
Pretty nice 12 or so in 100 minutes here in Madrid. Although I've been here before, this is my first run here. Very wierd are here. Got lost a bit. I guess I'll get used to it.

Today's Run - 2007-02-17

A pretty solid 20 with Dave and Amy today after 3 on the mill yesterday. Today it was fairly cold (12-16) and there was some snow, and many hills (up the parkway), but it was a fairly solid run in 2:40. Starting from Dave's we did the subs for a while and then ran the parkway down to station rd. And (eek) back. Decent.

I'm taking off for Spain today.

Today's Running - 2007-02-15

3 in the tundra after shoveling (it was 0F and there was plenty of slush, snow and ice on the roads). It wasn't pretty.

So I followed that up with 4 on the mill, including 3 at tempo pace.

What I thought was bronchitis I now think is a sinus infection. I can feel it draining down in the back of my throat. No headache. I had this once before.

Went to Mom's today - we've been getting it ready for Debbie's paint project. We also had the range delivered today.

Gonna be doing the taxes tomorrow.

Snow and Recent Running

We got way over a foot of snow yesterday. Now the wind is making it drift. Clearing it is a major chore - I did it yesterday and Debbie today.

I did 8 on the mill yesterday, including 6 x 1200, and 7 on the mill today including a 3-mile tempo. Can't wait to get outside again. It'll happen this Saturday, and then again in Spain.

Made it home and Recent Running

No problems getting home. Kathy and Jessy picked us up, and then we went to dinner. Yesterday Dave, Jill and Mario came over and we went out to dinner. Today I went to their place to help Dave with his basement finishing project.

I ran about 17 with Dave and Amy yesterday in 2 1/2 hours. It was cold (8) but not so bad. Fairly slow and enjoyable. Today (prior to working in the basement), Dave and I did his 10-mile loop in 79 minutes. That was a really good time considering the cold (6) and yesterday's run. OTOH, I was huffing and puffing the whole way - especially up the hills. Glad to get this one in.

Running in Hawaii

For my first morning on Maui I met up with Rita and we ran to the end of the road. It was so nice to run that stretch - one of my favorites - with her. We made several pit-stops - a couple at the Maui Price Hotel and one to talk with some of her run club friends who we happened upon. The course is 15 miles, but I'm calling this one 17 with the extra I ran towards Kihei to hook up with Rita. Rita herself was pretty tuckered out by the ordeal; she had run even more than I.

But I was feeling fine, so the next day I did the same 15-mile route alone in the dark. Rita needed that time off for recovery. I enjoyed this run as well, but the mileage apparently did me in - my on/off cold came back with a vengence afterwards.

Rita and I hooked up for another run where we ran towards each other, and then ran back through Wailea and turned around. My legs were tired but I did manage to keep up and did 8.

That was it for a while - I was just too sick.

I was still sick when we arrived on the Big Island, but after 3 days off I did manage to run 4 around the Waikoloa resort area.

And then came the big one: the 20 mile run up and back down the mountain - Waikoloa road well past the village of the same name. I had been worried because I was still recovering from the cold, but this is an awesome run and I actually did fine: 1:35 going up and 1:19 coming back down. I only hope I didn't ruin myself further.

Although I wasn't feeling my best that day and next, I didn't. After a rest day I did 11 - over to the Orchid and back. Out in 49.5, back in 45.5. Took a while to loosen up, but this was an ok run.

2007 - Hawaii

"The winds are wrong." That, according to Rita, is what the long-time kamaina's (island residents) were saying. Instead of the usual trades from the north, these were coming from the south and were quite fierce, bringing damage and destruction. We got our share of rain over the 5 days we had in Maui, but also some nice weather as well. From our experiences, rain in Hawaii is never much of a problem, because it a) doesn't usually last real long, b) you can usually see and get to areas where the sun is shining and it isn't raining at all, c) it's liquid sunshine and you're in Hawaii to enjoy it and d) there's usually a rainbow to accompany it.

So after a day of lounging, we decided to drive up to the top of Haleakala to hike the Sliding Sands trail within the volcanic crater. It had been raining at our place in Wailea, but not to worry, I said. We would be above the clouds at the 10,000 foot summit and could laugh at the poor slobs getting rained on below. Sure enough, as we drove up the mountain, we did go through several layers of clouds. There was only one problem: they didn't stop. We didn't make it as far as the summit because the lady at the entrance to the national park told us it was cloudy and raining up there as well. The trip itself was neat anyway. Those rain clouds were pretty awesome, and there were plenty of rainbows in the places where the sun broke through.

We did manage to get a hike in though. Down past the end of the road (see the running description below), there's a trail over extremely rough lava flows with some great shoreline views. We had done it partway one other time, but this time we went farther, all the way to what I'll call a light beacon: a light-house without the house. It was on a cape at (I think) the very southern tip of the island. Feels like the end of the earth. The surf from those "wrong winds" was splashing all the way up to the top and over 50 to 100 foot sea cliffs. Although the footing is awful, this is a great hike.

Besides our usual 3-4 mile morning walk along the shoreline walk-way in Wailea, which we did a few times, we did one other memorable hike. It was actually more of a climb, down to the "olivine pools", so named by our guidebook. These are on the shoreline on the northeast side of West Maui - the back of the head. The pools are not unlike the Oheo Gulch, aka Seven Pools, but are much less known. They are tranqil pools almost entirely surrounded by rough ocean surf. We didn't get in for a soak, but they were neat to see. And we were the only ones around. After the climb back up to the road, we continued to circumnavigate West Maui. That drive is every bit as beautiful and harrowing as the famous ride to Hana. After a while we got tired of stopping to admire the view (ho hum, just another spectacular view) and just kept driving, dodging the occasional oncoming vehicle in the one-lane areas. And of course we didn't take the recomended clockwise direction. Going counter-clockwise as we did means that the cliffs are ALWAYS next to you on the passenger side. Seemed like only inches away.

It was great to see Rita during our time on Maui. She and I ran together a couple times, including once to the end of the road. (I did another solo run there.) Did I mention that it seems like the end of the earth? It really does - especially when the early morning darkness is still there. It's such a memorable running venue, and I'll never forget it. But back to Rita. She's such a great friend, and not just because she lives in paradise! We ate one breakfast (where she was beat-up from our just mentioned long run), and several dinners together. George couldn't make it - he was stuck in Cleveland with the flu. Too bad - we missed him, and Rita seems downright lonely there. Rita and George do have a wonderful condo in Kihei, and she even took us to her office. We couldn't find her desk though - there was only a huge pile of papers with a chair in her cubicle.

It was sad to say goodbye to Rita and to Maui, but it was on the Big Island. Lately we've been leaning more towards staying on one island because the trip between them takes so much time. This one sealed the deal: not only with time, but also stress. We thought we had plenty of time, but nooo: the wait for Hawaiian Air check-in was well over an hour. We did make it, but then they lost our luggage. And then we had to wait well over an hour JUST TO REPORT IT. They did deliver it to our hotel, but so late that night that we didn't actually get it till the next morning. One other problem that we were somewhat aware of coming in: construction at the Waikoloa Marriott. They have nice pools and the usual beach, but a makshift entrance and LOTS of construction noise. To top off the evening we thought we'd try the expensive hotel restaurant. The food was uncommonly bad. It was much worse than greasy spoon type stuff: they had to work at making these meals terrible. Such is life in paradise, I guess.

The best word to describe the Big Island is "sweeping". That's as in sweeping vistas. I'm thinking specifically of the coffee-growing area south of Kona, the Hamokua coast on the northeast side, and even in the Kohala region where we stayed (the Waikoloa Marriott). There are also probably more contrasts here than anywhere on the planet (at least for such a small area): rainforests, snowcapped mountains, deserts, black, white and green sand beaches, and, of course, lava flows galore. But it's those sweeping vistas that I think of first when I think of the place. There's been only one problem with these vistas: it's been more hazy than for our previous trips here. More on this "vog" later...

And the Big Island truly is big. It takes hours to get around or across it. We drove south of Kailua-Kona and toured the Bayview coffee plantation and bought a fare share of their beans. The scenery, gardens and coffee plantations make the area are as beautiful as any on the planet. But it's the Hamokua coast area where I've said before, and again on this trip, that I'd love to live. Once again, great views, and not too much development. It seems almost, but not quite, devoid of people. That's where we hiked quite a ways through the new World Tropical Gardens. Along the way we stopped at Umauma falls - a really beautiful triple tier waterfall and pools.

The running on the Big Island is as awesome as any running anywhere. Altough I've been sick with yet another cold, today I ran up the mountain past the village of Waikoloa, up to the area recently hit by the wild-fire. As the sun began to rise, I had great views of all the mountains around me: Mouna Kea, Mouna Loa, Huaalalai, Kohala, but not Haleakala - it was obscured by clouds this time. It's 10 miles up, and my legs felt it - I got slower and slower. When I turned to go back down, I picked up the pace, but even this quad-burning part of the run wasn't exactly easy. But the scenery made it all extremely memorable. I did this run once again on our last day on the island. It was even more awesome, with a great sunrise and mostly clear views of the mountains.

As my cold was beginning to get better, Debbie got it. So we spent a couple days lounging around the resort, where we did manage to get some walking and swimming in. We also made it to Kailua Kona for an evening meal overlooking the bay and the sunset.

It was also hazy at the Pololu valley up at the northern tip of the island. We'd hiked down into the valley before, but this time we were going for the whole enchilada: down into the valley, over to the next ridge and over and down that into the nearly inaccessible Honokana Nui valley. And, of course, back. After a very strenuous 90 minutes of hiking up and down the ridges, we finally got to a poit where we could at least see the Honokana Nui valley. It was a beautiful sight from the top, but we couldn't go any further: there was earthquake damage to the trail going down there. Not that we'd have been able to make it anyway -we were tuckered out and still had to get back. Which we did, somehow, manage to do. But those views of both valleys made this a really great hike.

We found out that the haziness is a "vog" - a volcanic fog. It's caused by the ash, dust, fumes, water vapor and other gasses being emitted from the volcano. It's usually blown away by the trade winds, but those winds have still been "wrong". We did wind up having a few beautiful clear days towards the end of our stay.

We spent a day at Hawaii Volcanos National Park, in part to find the source of the vog. (Not really - we knew what it was.) We listened to a talk by a ranger, did several walks including part of the Kilauea Iki trail (although not the part inside the crater), a short walk to the inside of Kilauea crater itself and a walk in "bird park", which was nice, but we only heard and didn't see too many birds. The exception was a couple of black frankolins. They're like grouse or wild chickens. We did see some bright red Hawaiian Honeycreepers while we were listening to the ranger. We intend to come back again some day (this was our third time here at the park) and do the entire Kilauea Iki trail.

And that's about it. We ...

today's run - 2007-01-27

6 on the mill in 46.5 before heading to HI. Not too bad, and the weight is slightly better too: 163.

20

Yeah, I made it. No small accomplishment with the way I've been running. And the weight is only back to where it's been - 164.

2:35. I've had worse runs. I made frequent pit stops and held on some. And I didn't even try to get down to MP. But overall, mission accomplished.

5MI Splits: 39.5, 39, 38.5, 38

Today's Run - 2007-01-24

Almost back to normal. Too bad I'm so fat and slow. I did manage to get out and do my 11-mile new subs loop in 91.5 minutes. OK, but I have a ways to go to get back in shape. At least my cold is really gone now.

Note to Dave - 01-23-07

More info about the illness:

I had big plans to run a lot in Florida, but they didn't quite pan out. Instead of 70-80 miles last week, I ran a bit less than that: Zero. Remember that hilly long run you and I did two weeks ago? Don't know if it was related, but I came down with a cold a day or two later. I continued to run that week, but my cold got worse, and by the time I got to Florida it was in my chest - maybe bronchitis or something. I'm just getting over it now, and have just started to run again. I now have big plans to run a lot in Hawaii next week. We'll see.

Illness and Recent Running

The cold I had 2 weeks ago morphed into bronchitis or some other kind of chest infection once I got to Florida. I spent last week coughing up some yucchy stuff. I'm still doing some coughing, but I'm almost all better.

Because of this, I didn't run at all last week. Not one mile. I started back again Sunday. Since then, I've stayed on the mill because I'm trying to prevent any kind of relapse by running in the cold. So I only did 3 Sunday, 4 and 3 (in the afternoon) yesterday, and 3 today. And am I ever sore! It feels like I've been doing speedwork and 20-milers.

The worst part is the weight. 168 Sunday; down to 165 today. Still ridiculous no matter how you look at it.

today's run

8 on the mill with 4 x 1200. Better than expected with how lousy I feel. Cold is still bad. Gotta go (to FL) now.

Cleveland Orchestra, Travel and Today's Running

We picked up Mike and Iris and then ate at Guarino's in Little Italy. Good food. Then we went to Severence Hall to see the Cleveland Orchestra play Beethoven's 9th. It was magnificent!

Getting all packed and ready to go to Florida. Today we go to Mom's to get her packed. Dave and Carol will meet us for lunch.

I didn't feel much like running today. The cold came back after yesterday's long run, and I was just plain tired. But I managed 5 on the mill and then 3 outside. It was 50. Supposed to cool down though. The running was slow, and I wanted to do more, but my legs wouldn't have it.

Today's Run - 2007-01-11

The good thing about treadmill running is that you can recover fast. I think that'll be the case after today's 20. I caught a cold immediately after Tuesday's 8 (which I blame on Saturday's killer run). Been fighting it, successfully, with Zicam. I only did 1 on the mill yesterday, but had the time for a long one today.

It wasn't the prettiest, but I've done worse. Some holding on, but I've done worse there too. 2:30 for a 7:30 pace. The miles generally got faster and the last 3 were at MP. I'll take it.

Recent Running - 2007-01-09

It hasn't been much prettier. A little, but not much.

Yesterday I did 6 on the mill at a decent enough pace, but with so much holding on it wasn't funny. Chaulk up another stinker. Maybe one that didn't smell quite so bad, but another stinker nonetheless. Yesterday before dinner I did the President's 3 at an 8 minute pace. That's a bit better.

Today, after <4 hours of sleep, I did the Substation 8 at an 8 minute pace. Once again, it could've been worse, but I should/could/would be getting some faster stuff in. At least once in a while.

Been a really difficult week. And it's just starting.

Buckeyes

Although I'm a died in the wool fan, the hype was way too much for me. But I thought I'd try to stay up to watch the game anyway. The Buckeyes didn't even bother to show up! I guess being told that you're the greatest every day for several months got to them.

I went to bed at the half. Couldn't sleep anyway, but at least I was spared the further agony.

A Stinker for the Ages

I thought about running on the mill because of the cold (29 or so and frosty), but that really isn't that cold, and it actually was nice out. I thought about doing 20, then 16, but settled on 11 when I wasn't making any progress whatsoever. What a slow slow run. I was so tired and weak. Worst in a long long time. I'll say I did the Substation 11 in 101 minutes, but with the walking it was much worse than that.

The good part is that I did enjoy the frost and the sunrise. It was a peaceful morning.

The really bad part is that my knee has been acting up again. It's really no better - it still doesn't hurt, but after some runs where it felt normal, it's back to making moves that it shouldn't be doing.

Today's Run - 2007-01-06

It was pouring all night so Dave, Amy and I stayed off the towpath, even while it was drying up. Instead, starting from Boston we ran up to the Bike/Hike and did that for a while, came back down that hill and then up Boston Mills to Black and back down Columbia. Mucho hills. About 2 and a half hours. I'll call it 17. Good tough workout. My knee complained a bit.

Today's Run - 2006-01-04

I was very tired, but I managed to get 9 in before my 6am meeting. 8 on substation and 1 on the mill. I also barely managed a tempo run in there, but it was slow and tough. The wind didn't help, but I was mostly just tired.

11-miler with 3 the hard way

I did the new subs 11 route in 83.5 minutes with a 3-mile tempo on Sleepy Hollow - always a tough one. Good overall, but slightly slower than last week's 11. I may not have been rested enough, but I'll take this one.

Our dishwasher is crapped out. Gonna look for a new one. Just paid a plummer $426 for something I coulda done if I'd had the parts. At least we have a nice bathroom now.

Today's Running - 2007-01-02

I was sooo tired today. Didn't run much or well, but I did get some miles in. 2 on the mill, work, 2 on the mill, breakfast, weights, 3 on the presidential streets.

Visited Mom yesterday. Debbie made roast pork for all of us. Today we'll take the decorations down.

2007 - 01 - 01

I did my Substation-20 mile course today in 2:43:30, and I'm quite happy with it.

A very good solid long run to begin the year right. Lots of stops, but a steady pace the whole way. Check out the 4-mi splits: 33, 33, 33, 33, 31.5.

Had the party at the Zims last night. Today we're headed over to Mom's for our good-luck roast pork dinner, made by Debbie.

End of Year Run

I had planned to do 12 in order to finish with a nice round 3,300 miles for the year. I didn't make it. I did the east 6 route in 51 minutes (felt like much faster), with thoughts of just doing it again. Couldn't make it out the 2nd time however - just too tired. I did do 2 more on the mill after some weights. Hoping to make 20 tomorrow.

Today's Run - 2006-12-30

I did about 15 on the towpath and the old carriage trail with Dave and Amy. It was a nice, sunny morning, but it was cool (upper 20s) to begin with. The old carriage trail turned out to be muddy. We moved fairly slow most of the way.

After a stop at Bruggers I went over to see mom and take her to lunch. Had to hurry though, because I have the fixed ekg machine coming over with the nurse.

Yesterday and Today

Went to see Mom yesterday. Lunch with Debbie, Carol and Mom at Tony R's.

Had to work yesterday and today as well in order to fill in a bit.

Yesterday I just did 6 tired miles on the mill. But today was a good one. I did the Substation 11 loop in 83 minutes, including a 4-mile tempo run in 26 and a half. Really good going!

Christmas

We went to Kathy and Mike's for Christmas eve-eve. I made pizza over there because Mike's been having more allergy problems with the cats here.

For Christmas eve we attended the usual party at Sandy and Nancy's. It was very typical of their parties - lots of fun. Too bad our girls were missing.

Yesterday it was Christmas day at Jen and Cliff's. Once again our girls were missing, but it was a nice time. Great food.

recent running

Last Thursday I did my 11-mile loop in 92 minutes. So-so.

Saturday I did 3 on the mill and then 16 with Dave and Amy on the muddy towpath, We did about 8.5 mpm going out and then 8's coming back. Not too bad.

So much for my "easy" 60-mile week. Next week starts the big push.

Sunday I did my 11-mile loop in 93.5 minutes. I was tired. Seemed like I was going much faster.

Yesterday I did 20 in the hood in 2:50 for my Christmas Day run. Pretty difficult, and it woulda been easy to quit. Glad I stuck it out.

Today I was going to meet Dave and run on the towpath. But there was a miserable cold rain, so I stayed home and ran on the mill. 9 in 64.5 with 2 3-mile tempos. But this run wasn't nearly as good as it sounds. I did way too much holding on. I was just too dang tired.

Easy Week

Today's run wasn't the greatest, but I did enjoy it. I did the 10 down sleepy hollow and up Rocklyn, coming back on Hick Ridge in 87.5 minutes. I should standardize that route.

I'd planned on an easy week, and it's really happening.

Yesterday's Long Run and Cousins Party

I really surprised myself by doing my second long run (this time the Substation 20 route) in 3 days yesterday. Even more surprising is that I ran at a steady pace the whole way. Lookit these 4-mile splits: 33:59,33:42,33:23,33:24,33:49. Overall time was 2:48:19. Don't know what's getting into me. Only thing is that my knee still talks to me.

We had a wonderful time at Mike and Karen's in Burton for brunch yesterday. All the cousins were there except for Rick and Lois. The food was fantastic. Lots of fun.

Today's Run and a DRNeo Note

I did 4 on the mill today - not feeling too bad after yesterday's 20.

Here's a note I sent to the neo deads.


DanF asks

>Incidentally, Dan H, Rita was informed by Run Ohio that she had done
>well in the Grand Prix series this year. How'd you finally make out?

Since you asked... I dunno. I picked up a RunOhio at the Columbus Marathon and was surprised to see my name in there for several events, including the Grand Prix. I wasn't on top, but I wasn't on the bottom neither. I've never paid a whole lot of attention to it - maybe I should.

But let's talk about the Subway Ohio Challenge Series. I finished 2nd in my age group the other two years I participated. I ran fairly well this year, and I was on top most of the season, so I had high hopes for an AG win. Unfortunately, Jim Wilhelm, a very young and very fast 50-year old, managed to get uninjured enough late in the season to do enough races to come out a little ahead of me in the standings. Or so it seemed...

Debbie and went to the awards banquet a couple weeks ago with me thinking I was still the perenniel bridesmaid, only to find out that they gave Jim an award for the top "grand master". By default (or you might say, by a technicality) then, I was the top 50-54 year-old. I'll take it anyway. The funny thing was that my winnings were less than I received for 2nd place a couple years ago. Those times I got $50 cash and a $50 gift certificate to Runners Supply. This time I got $25 and a $25 gift certificate to Raisin Rack. Next year I'll try for third - maybe that will be $150 or so.

By the way, I'm still recovering from Columbus, my knee injury, Greece, TEN (count them) TEN pounds, general sloth and Thanksgiving. That's why I'm sitting here at the computer instead of running. But I'll be back...


Dan Horvath

runhorvathrun@hotmail.com

20!

After 2 months, I'm back in 20 territory again. And it wasn't too bad. I did one on the mill, 16 outside, and then 3 more on the mill. 30 minutes for the 4 on the mill and 2:17.5 for the outside stuff. Still tipping the scales at 164 though.

Reality Check

Thought I'd be lighter. (still 165)
Thought I'd run longer. Like 13 to 15. (only the usual 11-mile course - too tired and slow to do more)
Thought I'd be faster. Like sub-8 pace. (I guess I was tired after yesterday's run, and the wind took a lot from me. I did the 11 in 94.5 minutes)

165

Yes, I'm 11 lbs over weight. And this on a day when I felt light.

But I did manage to run well today. Well enough, in fact, that this would've been a good run anytime, but especially now when I'm in my down time and 165 lbs. Solid the whole way. 8 on Substation in 57 minutes, with 6 at MP. Then one more to cool down. It helped that it was a nice warm (46) morning.

Recent Running

Saturday it was 15 with Dave and Amy on the parkway. Slow going - the wind was cold. Sunday I managed 16 without much of a slowdown. Steady as she goes. Today I did 3 runs - 2 2-mile runs on the mill before and between counts, and then 3 outside at lunch. It was nice and warm.

Weekend

With Debbie's sinus/ear infection not getting better we got her to a doctor on Friday. Now she's on an antibiotic. She liked the new doc too.

Went to see Mom on Saturday. Took her to PF Chang and then to the Beachwood Place mall so she could see some xmas decorations. Something different.

I had won some tickets from the radio station to a choir concert featuring the Cleveland Singers and the Cleveland Boys Choir. It was ok. Since it was at Cleveland State, we went out to dinner nearby at the downtown Renaissance / Sans Suci.

Yesterday's Calls and Today's Running

TV Preview called TEN times yesterday to try to get more opinions from us regarding the commercials we saw Saturday night. Telling them not to call anymore didn't help. For some reason they didn't call today yet. Maybe they wanted all the info yesterday.

I did 7 on the mill early this morning and then 3 on the Presidents streets this afternoon. OK, but why am I always so sore?

Today's Run - 2006-12-05

Not too bad today - 8 on the mill at a brisk pace including 5 x 1200 @ 5 minutes each. All this woulda been an awful failure a couple months ago, but now it's a great run. It sure is tough to get back into shape.

more running

I actually ran two more times today - just two miles on the mill each time. It's gonna be like this for a while with these early morning calls the way they are.

Today's Run - 2006-12-04

Just two tired miles on the mill. That's all the time I had before the 6am call. Maybe I'll be able to do a couple more later on.

I will try to visit Mom along with Debbie today. We'll see if I can make it.

I'm also in the process of replacing the main bathroom faucet. Lots of bad words and I've still got more to do.

recent running and other stuff

I went to see Mom and to get her a state ID on Friday. I had some trouble finding her SSN card, but eventually found an insurance card that did the trick. Friday night Debbie and I babysat for Dave and Jill. Mario was great! He was a whole lot of fun. Yesterday was my Ohio Challenge Series banquet. First place!! In my AG. After they took Jim Wilhelm out for the top Grand-Master prize. But I'll take it! I won $25 in cash and a $25 gift certificate to Raisin Rack. Debbie and I went right over to spend that right away since we were in the neighborhood. Interesting health stuff. Last night we went with Jessy and Kathy to a "TV Preview". It was nice to be with them, but the meeting was really weird. They said we were rating tv shows, but we were really telling them what we thought of the commercials and other products we might buy.

Yesterday I did 15 in BVH with Dave. The winds and the cold made it tough - wind chills were in the teens. Today I managed 16 more. I was happy to get through this, but I had a bit of knee pain, the first in weeks, for a couple short periods of time. And of course it was slow going.

Recent Running

Trying very hard to get back into shape. These 6am calls aren't helping. Today I got out the door just after four - and did my 11-mile new subs loop. Today I did 90.5, which was better than yesterday's 92.5. Even so, I feel I should be running much better. Still have a long way to go. Monday I stayed on the mill between early calls - 7 altogether.

The Weekend

...was wonderful. I always say that Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday because it's just about being with the family. This one didn't disappoint. Wednesday night I made the lasagne for the family, then Thursday was the big turkey day. Friday we shopped at west side market and then the ladies got a dress with Val. Friday evening Dave and Jill joined the rest of us for turkey soup. Yesterday it was more shopping and a walk with Veronica. Played some games with Kathy and Mike too. Of course I ate too much as always. Lotso fun.

I did 15 with Dave here in Brunswick yesterday, and then 11 today. Most of this was 8 to 8.5 pace, but I was pretty tired today, so this one wasn't pretty. The weather has been very pretty though - and warm!

Turkey Day and Recent Running

The girls are in! Folks are coming over at mid-day. We had lasagne for dinner last night. Debbie and I had been cooking all day yesterday.

Got the mill fixed again yesterday. It was just a loose wire, but we had to pay $100 for the service call. I did 3 in 20 minutes on it to break it in again.

Today I did a nice 11 mile run (87.5 minutes) on this frosty turkey day. Nice route too - around town, but the interesting part was through the apartments, across Pearl, thru subs to Laurel, down Mary Ellen to Sleepy Hollow.

Today's Run - 2006-11-21

10 with Dave today in 85 and a half. Pretty slow, but about par for the course these days. Seemed like faster. It feels good to not be sick or injured anyway.

Visited Mom again yesterday and helped Carol get a treadmill and we bought a dartboard. It was fun getting the 4x6 corkboard (background) home on top of the car - holding onto it so it wouldn't blow away.

Social Stuff and Recent Running

Saturday Debbie went to Craig's surprise 50th B-day party. She gave me an out - let me stay home to watch the Ohio-State-Michigan game. I'm glad I did - it was a very good game and I also got to see Script Ohio.

Sunday we met Dave and Jill for breakfast and then picked up Mom, then Dave and Carol, and then drove out to Jennifer and Cliff's for Jen's surprise 40th B-day party. Nice time, but by the time we got home we had been in the car about 4 hours for the day.

Saturday I did a short 15 miles with Dave and Amy. Some was on the towpath, but some was up the hills - we ran to Brandywine Falls and back down the Old Carriage Trail. Lots of mud, but an enjoyable run. Yesterday I did my 11-mile Substation route in a slower-than-I-wanted 91.5 minutes. Today I was even slower - about 10 in 88.5. But it was a nice route - Miner, Hancock, Pennys, Ruth, Charlotte, up through school and over to North Park. 3 laps of the lake: 3:19, 3:14, 3:06

today's run - 2006-11-14

Another 12 on the hotel mill in 1:26:36. This includes 5 at MP. Not a bad run, but it was really really tough. Didn't help that it was warmer in the room than yesterday. Just gotta get into better shape.

Today's Run - 2006-11-13

It's been raining here in Philly, but I wanted to do something longish. So I got on the mill and watched some tv for a coupla hours. I'm still woosy from the cold and the late night of travel, but I did ok - 18 miles in 2:13. Decent, but I've got a long way to go.

recent running and other stuff

My cold was at it's worst on Friday, but then better yesterday and better still today. I did 3 on the mill yesterday, and didn't feel too bad. Too bad the mill broke in the process. Today it was pretty raw outside, but I did 6 at an 8 minute pace. Not bad. The knee still clicks, but is better as well. So things are looking up.

Friday we went to dinner with the Zawada family, and then stopped by Jack and Deanna's place. Yesterday we made the long trip to Costco with Kathy, and had the Zims for dinner in the evening. Good steaks if I don't say so meself. Today I head to Philly.

Debbie and Dan's 2006 Big Fat Greek Journey

Getting There
The entire 2-week trip – including the cost, which was not insignificant – was passing before my eyes. Due to weather in the New York area (it doesn’t matter what kind of weather; any weather will do it - in this case it was a drop or two of rain), our flight to Newark was delayed by over 2 hours, which would cause us to miss our connection to Frankfort, along with our subsequent flights to Paris and then Athens. Our options? Go ahead and begin missing connections or wait until tomorrow. This latter one wasn’t really an option because we would then miss the beginning of the tour and have to hook up with the group in faraway (from Athens) Kalambaka. God knows how we’d manage that.

So we chose the first option and decided to beg for mercy to anyone wearing a Continental uniform. The third try did it. A lady at the Customer Service Desk spent over an hour with our complicated itinerary and made it sensible and doable. We went straight from Newark to Paris, bypassing Frankfort altogether, and then on to Athens. Not only did this work, it even did so for our luggage as well!

We met our Tour Director, Gordon Spicer upon checking into the Acropolis Select Hotel. Ate moussaka for dinner at God’s Restaurant. Really.

Athens
The city tour of Athens was pretty good. We saw the Panathenic Stadium, used for the first modern Olympic games in 1896, as well as for the 2004 Games’ Marathon finish. We saw the ancient Theater of Dionysis (the god of wine) at the base of the Acropolis, and of course the Acropolis itself.

Acropolis means hill-city, and many ancient Greek cities have them. But when we talk about The Acropolis, we’re talking about the one in Athens. At the top are a few temples in various states of repair, the most famous being the Parthenon. The size and scale of the Parthenon are amazing. It had survived intact for 2,000 years, until bombing in a war between Turkey and Italy caused the roof to collapse. The state of disrepair actually seems to add to its allure. There is a beautiful view of all of Athens from the Acropolis as well. We had seen the top and the Parthenon all lit up the night before.

Why did the Ancient Greeks build so many ruins? This actual query is to be the title of Gordon’s someday-to-be-written book. Even after 37 years of being a tour director, he never ceases to be amazed at the people who take these tours. He’s already assured us that we’ll be in the book as well. Although he’s funny at times, Gordon does seem efficient and competent so far.

It is a long bus ride from Athens in the south to Kalambaka in the north. Along the way we passed Marathon, where the first one took place, the plains of Thessaly, featuring miles of cotton, mountains galore, etc. Once in Kalambaka, Debbie and I dined with Margaret and Peter from the UK and Bernie and Linda from Australia.

Meteora
Meteora is the site of several monasteries near Kalambaka. These Orthodox monasteries are perched atop huge rocks in unfathomable ways. Looking up at them from town, my initial thought was that we could never, in a bazillion years, drive to anywhere near them, but drive near to them we did, and in a bus no less. We toured the Varlaam and Bapbapac monasteries and also stopped at a third one. The views were great from up there; it was not unlike Yosemite. This and other things were good topics of conversation with our new friends from California, Jack and Glorina. Although it was still called a monastery, Bapbapac was actually a nunnery. One of the nuns made sure that all the women who entered were wearing skirts or dresses covering the knees; a wrap could be borrowed if necessary. No one tried to sneak by her for fear of getting slapped with a ruler.

Of course the best part of today’s visit was that I was able to tell anyone who’d listen about my friend who actually joined one of these monasteries. You know, the one that was so strict that the monks were only allowed to speak two words every ten years. After ten years of extremely hard, backbreaking work, my friend went to the head monk and exclaimed, “Hard work.” The head monk replied, “OK. We will note your comments. Now go back to work.” After another ten years of toil, my friend said, “I’m tired.” The head monk replied, “Noted. Now get back to work.” After yet another 10 years, my friend said, “I quit.” The head monk replied, “I’m not surprised. You’ve done nothing but complain for thirty years.

After the monasteries, it was on to Delphi, back in the southern part of Greece. So far we seem to have had moussaka and a Greek salad, complete with a liter of olive oil, every day of the trip.

Delphi
The modern village of Delphi is very nice. Much of the town has a great view of the gulf of Corinth. The Delphi archeological site is most beautiful and serene. Debbie and I walked a long way from the area of Apollo’s Temple to see the famous three columns of the rotunda. We were the only ones there, and it was very quiet and peaceful. We could see why the area had religious significance for the ancient Greeks.

The Oracle of Delphi was actually a series of women who told fortunes for the ancient Greeks; anyone up to and including kings. Legend has it that the Oracle would hear the request and then enter the nearby cave for inspiration before returning to tell the fortune. It is now believed that the Oracles experienced hallucinations resulting from gasses within the cave.

“Calimara” means “good morning” in Greek. I must remember not to wish anyone “calamari”, which means squid. We ate some calamari for lunch at a nice place on a typical Mediterranean beach. Then it was across the bridge to the Peloponnesian peninsula. There are mountains everywhere in Greece. It seems a bit like California in this way, and unfortunately it also has the smog, especially in the south. By evening we made it to Olympia to stay at the Olympia Palace. It’s the nicest of the hotels we’ve been at. The food and location were great, and it’s just a short walk to the Olympic site.

Olympia
This is the place where it all began in 776 B.C. The ancient games were held every four years for over a millennium. Pope/Roman Emperor Theodosius I put an end to them in 394 A.D. I find it interesting that the Greeks kept track of the years by the Olympiad along with the name of the winner of the sprint from that year. As we walked through the awesome tunnel and into the original stadium, I couldn’t help but get some goose bumps. Of course I had to take a run back and forth on the approximately 200-meter course. Other folks eventually got the idea to do so too. By mutual consent, we all decided not to run naked like the Greeks did.

Nearby is the ruins of the temple to Olympian Zeus, which contained one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, a giant gold and marble statue of Zeus. It was destroyed by the same Emperor Theodosius I who put an end to the games. What a guy.

Our tours of these places is falling into a pattern set by Gordon: get an early wake-up call, go to breakfast early, get the luggage ready and out of the room early, and get on with the site-seeing early. Although there is some grumbling, everyone realizes that getting to these sites early is extremely important. We are beating all the huge crowds that are just beginning to arrive in caravans of tour busses just as we are leaving. The crowds, not to mention the heat, must be really awful in the summer. Speaking of heat, we’ve had wonderful weather: the days have been sunny and the temperatures have ranged from about 45 to 50 at night to 65 to 70 during the days. Yes, this is the time to go.

We can’t help but believe that the ancient Greeks, or at least the Romans who followed, had better plumbing than the modern Greeks do. Most toilets are somewhat functional, except for a few places where they are literally just a hole in the ground. The hotel showers are a topic of conversation for everyone though. So small that one can’t turn around; made so that the water floods into and all over the tiny bathroom; shower curtains that wind up sticking to your body; I could go on and on.

Epidaurus and Nafplia
We toured the ancient theater of Epidaurus, which seats 14,000, has fantastic acoustics, and is still used to this day.

The city of Nafplia was our next destination. It is a beautiful town along the sea: very Mediterranean, and a nice place to walk. We ate dinner at a nice outdoor restaurant in an alley along with Peter and Margaret. Glorina and Jack were nearby as well.

Mycenae and Corinth
The Mycenae archeological site is hundreds of years older than the others we’ve seen. It’s famous as the home of Agamemnon who, according to the Iliad, led the Greeks in the Trojan War around 1100 B.C. Parts of the site are older still, and much is still being excavated. We saw the famous Lion’s Gate (amongst the 18-foot wide city walls) and the Beehive tomb. Unfortunately we had a foggy day and couldn’t see much of the surrounding scenery from the Mycenaean acropolis, which we were told was outstanding. Maybe we’ll see it next time we’re around.

We subsequently drove on to Corinth for a brief stop. This is the place where Paul gave his letters to the Corinthians. He obviously didn’t trust the Greek Postal Service.

Athens
Once back in Athens, Jack and Glorina, Bill and Jenny from Sydney, Shirley and Ray from Fort Worth, and the two of us all trekked over to the Benaki Museum. A mixture of art and artifacts were there for the viewing. We walked back through the Plaka district and stopped for dinner at a nice outdoor café on a square.

Cape Sounion
Since there was nothing better to do in the morning before the cruise, we took an optional side trip to Cape Sounion. There we saw Poseidon’s Temple, which commands a spectacular panoramic view of the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Cruisin’
That first week sure had been busy – on the go every day. The theory was that once we got on the cruise ship that we’d be able to finally relax in the lap of luxury and high living. Sure, we knew that the MS Perla wasn’t going to be newest and fanciest ship in the fleet, but we went with it because it was priced right through Cosmos, and because it had a great itinerary.

First the good news. The Perla’s food was excellent. We weren’t enamored with the buffet, but the food in the main dining room was great. The ship’s entertainment was also good. The five or six singers and dancers were the same every night except for the occasional magic show, and that was good as well. The best part was that we wouldn’t need to pack and unpack every day; we could unpack and stay put for the week.

The bad news begins with, unpack to where? Our stateroom was literally much smaller than our bedroom closet in our last house. There were a couple tiny drawers and an itsy bitsy closet. The walls were paper thin, so that we could hear everything going on in the three adjacent rooms. My 18-inch bed was against the wall, so that I was only inches away from the guy in the room next to us, and he snored like a grizzly bear. I used earplugs. Modern Greek plumbing being as it is, bad smells emitting from the bathroom drains had Debbie stuffing towels into all of them. I was half expecting us to begin having Oracle-like hallucinations. And leave it to the Greeks to come up with one-sided toilet paper; heaven help you if you use the rough side….

So although we weren’t expecting the Ritz, the ship was still below our expectations. In spite of all this, we were having a wonderful time. This was mostly because we were spending so much time with all our new Cosmos friends. 28 of the original 42 had opted for continuing on with the cruise, and we were almost like a family now; a family with Father Goose, Gordon. A few of these folks that we became very good friends with, besides those already mentioned, include Becky from B.C., Valda from Rotorua, N.Z., Jeff from Oakland, C.J. and Lay Chen from Malaysia, Gail and Joanne from near Brisbane, Joan from Canberra, and (Panama) Jack, along with Sandy and Al from Florida.

“Hit Di Road Jack!” As good as the entertainment was, these Eastern Europeans were not quite Ray Charles’ material. Later one of them gave Greek dancing lessons: “Step, step behind, keek; step, step behind, keek.” We did only some dancing, but the Greek music was just as our old friend Linda Rafalski had described: “The music starts slowly, and then goes faster and faster, as does the dancing. It ends at its fastest, and then everyone yells OPA! Then the next piece begins slowly, goes faster and faster, and everyone yells OPA! Then the next piece begins slowly… and so on.”

To get from Athens to Istanbul, we cruised through the night and much of the next day. We had hoped to arrive in the afternoon in time to get to the Grand Bazaar. Unfortunately for some reason the Turkish government held us from entering the Dardenells straights for several hours and we didn’t arrive until evening.

Istanbul
Arriving after dark, there wasn’t time to see or do much. We took a short walk before discovering that the laser show we were looking for was best seen from the deck of the ship. We managed to get back in time to catch part of it. The show was part of the celebration for the next day’s Turkey Independence Day celebration.

The following morning I got out for a run in which I made an attempt to run from Europe, across a bridge to Asia. The bridge turned out to be further away than it looked, and I had to turn back as I was running out of time. I have never seen so many flags. Big ones and little ones were on display everywhere for the holiday.

Our all-day city tour took us to the Blue Mosque, one of Islam’s largest and most impressive, the Aya Sofia museum, once a huge Christian cathedral dating from the Byzantine Empire and later converted to a mosque, and finally Topkapi Palace, which, along with one piece of our furniture, dates from the Ottoman Empire. Topkapi provides great views of Istanbul, along with relics of Mohammed himself. The jewels on display, including an 86 karat diamond and some equally huge emeralds, put Great Britain’s Crown Jewels to shame.

Turkey has a secular government, and although well over 90% Islamic, is not fundamentally so like several other countries. Our guide covered her head whilst in the Blue Mosque, but explained that even this was optional. About halfway through the day we were walking around when we heard the noon call to prayer blasted from the Blue Mosque’s minarets. It was all pretty exotic stuff.

Mykonos
When you imagine a Greek Island, Mykonos is what you think of. All the houses and other buildings, even the 400 or so churches, are painted white, and the whitewashing must be done a couple times a year. Only some of the trim may contain bits of color. Even the space between the stones on the walkways is white. We strolled through town, stopping at churches, the hill-top windmills, and for the town’s famous pelican (the one that tried to swallow Gail, whole) before the rain began. Glorina, Jack, Debbie and I made it under an awning to wait it out. Soon it was a storm of biblical proportions. We made a run for it when it abated a bit. Our shoes were soaked from having to step through the flooded areas of the streets.

So much for Mykonos. At least we had had a bit of time there to enjoy it.

Patmos
Yet another of the picturesque Greek Islands is Patmos. We took in some of the scenery before heading to the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John wrote the book of Revelation. The cave is part of an Orthodox Monestary, and a liturgy was taking place at the time, so we had to be quiet and respectful for a change. We did see the large crack in the ceiling that is traditionally thought to have been caused by either God, an earthquake, or both, inspiring the book. I think if I was sitting there and an earthquake caused a crack like that, I’d have a Revelation too.

Kusadasi and Ephesus
After just a few hours on Patmos, we sailed for Kusadasi, on the mainland of Turkey, arriving mid-afternoon. Nearby is the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. The size and scale were enormous; the place must have rivaled Rome itself in its day. We saw a theater similar to the others we’ve been to, a library, a brothel, and everyone’s favorite, the toilets, which still looked usable. Saint Paul preached and wrote (the book of Ephesians) here as well.

Later we went to the Kusadasi bazaar where we were physically pulled into every shop. We wound up bargaining for some leather jackets, but in the end said no because Debbie’s didn’t fit, and I was too afraid of being swindled even though the price seemed great.

Rhodes
Rhodes is a large island, and we spent the day there. In the morning we hopped on a bus and toured the town of Lindos, a beautiful little town along the Mediterranean. It’s been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years. The cobblestone steps were so treacherous and slippery that Debbie and many of the others turned back from the trip to the town’s acropolis. Who thought those cobblestones would be a good idea? Could it be one of the Greek master plumbers? Though smaller, this acropolis is not unlike the one in Athens, and it did have wonderful views.

There was another heavy rainstorm, but in the afternoon we walked over to Rhodes Old Town, a medieval walled city within the larger Rhodes city proper. What a great place – it was just like being at a permanent Renaissance or Middle Ages fair. It was also a bit like Prague. The town’s port also once contained the Colossus of Rhodes, a huge statue to welcome incoming ships and another of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Debbie and I managed to get extremely lost and became a bit frightened that we wouldn’t make it back to the ship before it sailed away. A little old local woman figured out that we were off track and pointed the way, and we made it in time.

Crete
This would be our final pile of rocks: the palace of Knossis. It is an entire city contained within a single palace, which contained over 1,600 rooms. These rocks were part of the oldest civilization we’d seen yet, that of the Minoan Empire of 4,000 years ago. This empire rivaled that of the Egyptians.

In theory the collapse of the Minoan empire was precipitated by the largest tsunami in recorded history caused by the 1700 B.C. Santorini volcano. The disaster to the Minoans of Crete as well as the civilization on Santorini itself is probably the source of the legend of Atlantis.

Santorini
We only had a few hours in the afternoon and evening to see this spectacular island. It was certainly the most beautiful of any we’d seen, and that is saying something. The scale of what’s left from the volcano is enormous, and the town is perched high up on the rim. After tendering over to the island, we took a cable car to the top. What a view! Along with Glorina and Jack, we walked for several miles along the rim. The sunset was great from up there.

Athens
Yes, we were back to the Acropolis Select for the third time. Time to say goodbye to Gordon, who would soon be married in London. All agreed that he did a great job to enable us to have a wonderful holiday.

Would we relax and brace ourselves for the next day’s long arduous trip? Naaah! Even though we were tired, several of us (Jenny, Bill, Glorina, Jack, C.J., Ley Chen, Becky, Joan and Debbie and I) made our way to the National Archeological Museum via the metro. It was by far the best museum we’d seen. There was the bronze statue of Poseiden, now thought to be Zeus, the golden death mask of Agamemnon and many other treasures. After lunch at a sidewalk café, we walked the long road back. Along the way we ventured through a flea market (it was very similar to the ones in America), a meat market with entire carcasses hanging around, and a fish market. We also walked around the ancient agora, a market place dating from the golden age of Greece. Turned out that I had lied about no more rocks and ruins.

By the time we arrived back at the hotel, Debbie had had it. She had succumbed to the cold/flu virus that had been going around. We ate dinner at God’s again and said goodbye to all our friends. We’ll miss them, one and all, for the trip was very much enriched by the experience of having them with us.

Other Recent Running

After taking two weeks off after Columbus (besides the run in Olympia), I got on the ship's mill and did 15 relatively fast miles last week, and five more in Istanbul. The ole knee is way better, but still not all the way. It still feels "funny".

When we returned last weekend I got out Sunday and did a solid 17 miles at an 8-minute pace. I was tired, but encouraged that there was no pain and because I ran so consistently. Monday's 11 was anything but consistent - it was a real stinker. After taking Tuesday off, I did a 6-mile loop on Wednesday, again at 8-minute pace. Yesterday was off, but I did 10 today.

Wednesday afternoon at precisely 1:00pm I got a cold. I know the minute it happened. I'm taking Zicam, but it's not helping like it usually does so far. I'll keep doing it.

Running in Faraway Olympia

I just *had* to do it. How can you be in Olympia, Greece, the home of the original Olympic Games, and *not* go for a run?

Minutes earlier we had come through the partially restored tunnel and into the stadium. This was not unlike the experience of entering a modern stadium through a tunnel. I couldn't help but get goosebumps. A local guide then told us how the ancient games began at the site in 776 B.C. and continued every four years for over a millenium, until Pope/Roman Emperor Theodosius I put an end to them in 394 A.D. I find it interesting that the Greeks kept track of the years by the Olympiad along with the name of the winner of the sprint from that year.

The stadium is still as it was those 2,782 years ago - the only seats are near the finish line; all other fans sat on the grassy hillsides that surround the venue on the remaining three sides. Several different events were held, including runs of different distances. The most basic was a one-way sprint for the length of the field, about 200 meters; other runs were back and forth for multiple loops. The venue was used for the shot-put for the 2004 games, and like those of 776 B.C., admission was free.

So after our guide finished talking, I went for a jog for the length of the stadium and back, about a quarter-mile. Others soon followed my lead. It wasn't one of my longest or fastest runs, but it'll be one for the history books.

A Miserable Failure

Yep, that's me. And yep, that's also an apt description of my effort at yesterday's Columbus Marathon. From this, you might conclude that I either a) didn't finish, or b) ran much slower than I thought I should. But you'd be wrong on the first account, and mostly wrong on the second. Here's the sad story.

Training partner Dave G. and I arrived in Columbus Saturday afternoon in time to register and hit the expo. I had pre-registered, so of course I had to wait in some extremely long lines to a) pick up my number, and b) pick up my chip. Heaven forbid they do this with one line. When I asked about this, I was told that there were too many errors the other way. Dave, who had to register there, breezed right through. About 20 minutes later, whilst we were exploring the expo, we heard an announcement: registration for the marathon is CLOSED. Even people who were in line at that point (the short line) would be turned away. Dave had only just made it in. Lesson learnt. Maybe... After the expo we headed to Dave's friends Jason and Becky's place to watch the Buckeyes (yes, there are a few Buckeye fans in Columbus), and to watch their sports-minded little ones play basketball, golf and hockey in the living room, and to eat carry out Buca Di Beppo.

Now it was Sunday morning at 4:30. Dave will be sleeping for another 80 minutes, but I need to get out of bed and do something. I grab my book and head down to the lobby to read. I hadn't slept well. You'd think that after 80-something of these, that it would be no big deal by now.

I had had a very good year, with 3 sub-40 minute 10Ks, a 10 and a 9 miler at a very solid 6:20 or so pace, a PR at the Avon 30K, a 1:26+ half, and a solid effort for a 3:09 Boston. This is not to mention several age group awards and good standing in the Ohio Challenge Series. I had been starting to think that I was finally back, after ten years, in sub-3 shape. Impossible at my ripe old age, you say. Not so, I say, exhibit A being my hero, Joe Salwan. But of course there was an extenuating circumstance: my knee. Having messed it up about a month ago, I'd cut my mileage in half trying to nurse it back. And it was better at times, and my training runs were still pretty solid, even though they were fewer in number. So what with these ups and downs, I was going to go for it, along with Dave. So yes, this one *was* still a big deal to me.

Before going back to the room, I stick my head out the door. It was supposed to be in the mid to upper 30s, and brrrr - it sure feels like it. It's also supposed to be clear, with a high in the mid-50s later in the day. Absolutely perfect PR weather. My only worry is the wind.

We get oatmeal at the hotel restaurant for $2.50 each. A half-pint container of milk to put over the oatmeal is another $1.50. If our math skills are still in working order, this means that the milk is $24 per gallon. I'm a bit worried about eating too much, because I had also had a powerbar when I awoke. But my tummy seems to feel ok. The next worry is what to wear. 30s for the start sounds like it's way too cold for shorts and a singlet, but I know that it'll warm up as soon as we get going, so that's what I'd go with. Dave opts for a bit more skin coverage. And then we wondered how the drop bag situation would work; there hadn't been too much information about it. I decided to bring a black trash bag and an old space blanket, but nothing to drop off. Yes, I am a slave to fashion.

With about 7,000 runners in both the half and the full marathons this year, I had been concerned about it being too crowded at the start. As the gun goes off, however, it doesn't seem bad at all. Broad street has once again earned it's name. Things get a bit more crowded as the road becomes narrower in a mile or two, and then narrower still turning into the scenic Bexley neighborhood, past the governor himself. After we see Mr. Taft waving to us from a street corner, we see a state patrol car nearby. I wonder out loud if the governor gets protection from state troopers the way the president does from the secret service. "*HE* should", answered another runner who was between Dave and me at the time. After about 7:30 for the first mile (one of my critical success factors being an easy start), we were now getting splits in the 6:50's. It doesn't feel so cold now that the sun is getting higher in the sky.

At mile 5, the half-marathoners peel off, and the streets suddenly feel spacious again. Now it was just us marathoners. I foolishly think that it would be this way for the rest of the race. But noooo. At mile 8 or so, who should rejoin us, but the half-marathoners again! They had taken a short-cut, and we were now running along with half marathoners who were a mile behind us, and who were running at a slower pace. We were also beginning to pass large numbers of walkers, who had started an hour earlier. It is extremely distracting to have to run around all these people so far into the race. I'm sure it's wasting valuable energy. I am handed a Clif-Shot energy gel and pop it in my mouth. It has the consistency of Really THICK Vaseline. I cough and choke and nearly vomit. Somehow I recover after a half-mile of this.

But there's a bigger problem. My knee, which had felt fine up until now, was beginning to make itself known to me. No pain yet, just some mutterings such as "I'm down here, and I can make or break you - ignore me at your peril", and things like that. So now I was having trouble running in a straight line with all the slower runners and walkers, and every slight turn was bringing more and more threatening comments from below: "if you step right or left to get around those people, you're gonna pay!".

Only by about mile 11 or so do the crowds thin out again. Heading back downtown again after German Village, we pass the half-way point in 1:30:45 or so. This couldn't be more perfect. It's *exactly according to plan. Now all we have to do is run a 1:29 half marathon. Piece of cake. There's more good news: my knee has now quieted down some. Columbus doesn't have many hills, but there are some small uphill grades at mile 14 and mile 17. Even though the pace has been right on, I am now concerned that I may have worked too hard to get to this point. Going up those hills is much more difficult than it should be, and I slow down, getting well behind Dave and the other sub-3 hopefuls. I do manage to catch back up on the level and downhill grades however.

After that harder-than-it-should've-been hill at 17, we finally turn off High street and hit a nice downhill for mile 18. I pick it back up and run my last sub-7 minute mile for the day. I know this as it's happening because I realize that I'm working too hard even on this easy downhill portion of the race. It's just too bad that although my body is hurting, by brain is functioning at capacity, because I fully understand that without all or most of the rest of the miles at sub-7 pace, I won't make it in under 3 hours. It doesn’t matter. I absolutely have to slow down. My brain tells me not to worry; if I can at least do relatively pedestrian 7:30 to 8 minute miles the rest of the way, I’d still have a solid 3:05 or so. I tell my brain to stop being so rational.

I am slowly approaching the 20-mile marker. I think I can make it in about 2:20 – still a 7-minute pace by the way – but I hit a porta-john just before the mile-marker. Good idea, I think. I should be revived after this short stop. Only one minor problem: when I emerge from the booth, I can’t run. My knee has given out completely. My attempt brings tremendous pain, along with the cracking and popping of things that shouldn’t be cracking and popping. It must have been some combination of two miles of shuffling, stopping and standing for 30 seconds, and then trying to get going again. This isn’t a problem, I think; I’ll just walk past the 20-mile marker and then begin running again as the course turned right. I try to run again. More pain and cracking and popping. I walk for a while more. I try to run again. More pain. I walk some more and begin to get very worried. It seemed like only moments ago that I was considering lowering my expectations from sub-3 hours to 3:05, and now all of sudden I feel like I probably won’t make it at all.

What to do? Walk for 6 miles? It would probably take an hour and a half, so maybe I could still make it under 4 hours. Or should I DNF, and just accept that this was not my day. The DNF sounds like the wiser decision, because it has the added benefits of getting me out of my pain sooner (it is even hard to walk), and of possibly doing less long-term damage. Now I wonder: how does one DNF? There had been an aid station at the 20-mile mark, and I could just walk a half-mile back there and turn myself in. Or I could continue to move forward to the next aid station, which would most likely come in a mile or so at mile 21 or 22 at the latest. Although it makes much more sense to go back, I can’t bring myself to do it. What if a miracle occurs and I can suddenly run again. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to find out if I turned back. If I keep going, I can try to run one last time before I quit for good.

I keep going, and I continue to consider the ramifications of this upcoming second-ever DNF. The first one was easy. Too easy. Erie had been made up of 2 13.1-mile loops, and when I saw Debbie, who was about to head over to breakfast, at that half-way point, I simply stepped off the course and went with her. Columbus is different. Even after I find someone and tell him or her I want to quite, what would become of me? I don’t think they have an ambulance at each aid station waiting for people like me. I might have to sit (if such a thing would be possible – there were no body positions that seem possible at the moment, with this knee the way it is) and wait for a long time. How long? Which would take longer, walking or waiting for a ride? And what about Dave? We were supposed to meet at the massage parlor after the finish, and he’d be worried. Now I’m starting to think that DNFing would be worse than walking it in.

This is the miserable failure part of the story. I can’t even DNF!!

I’m getting closer to mile 21 and I try to run again. I CAN DO IT! It’s an extremely slow shuffle, and people are passing me like crazy, but I’m running! I get past the 21 mile marker, past aid stations, past the 22 mile marker, and I’m still running. Folks are still passing me, including a huge bunch attached to the 3:10 pace group. Along the way I take a couple gel’s. I had been thinking, what’s the point, but now I’m glad I did so. I’m actually picking up the pace. Now not so many people are passing me. Somewhere around mile 24, the 3:20 pace group is approaching from the rear. I take my last gel, and I say NO. No one else shall pass. My last 2 miles are 8:13 and 7:40 or so. I sprint it in, feeling like I am breaking 3 hours.

The clock says something like 3:18. Is this good or bad? Depends on my expectations, and they had been in a state of flux for the entire morning. Sub-3 hours to 3:05 to DNF to sub-4 hours to maybe 3:30 (when I had begun shuffling again).

I’ll have to take it. Beats the alternative. It was nice running a good part of the way with Dave. It was also good to see Lloyd and Dan F out there spectating.

today's run - 2006-10-13

The knee continues to improve, but it's still not 100%. Today I did 4 on the mill, including 3 in about 20:30, then 2 outside in the cold and wind. My weight is 153, so I guess all systems are go for Columbus.

today's run - 2006-10-11

My knee is better still, but still not all the way better. Today's run on the mill was pretty good. It's always good to be able to do the 3-mile tempo @ 10 mph thing. Altogether 6 in 40. Weight's good at 154.

just 3 on the mill

that's it for today. but the knee is still improving slightly.

gonna be a busy work week.

Social Life and Today's Run

Sokoloski's and the Porgy and Bess play were a whole lot of fun. We saw all my cousins today for breakfast, and that was great fun too. It's all too much fun.

Today's run was a good one. I did the Substation 11 route in 80 minutes - a 3-minute PR, and just what I wanted. I only also wanted to run just a bit faster for the tempo portions, but I'll take the PR. One reason I haven't run faster on this and my other 11-mile course is that I usually reserve my hardest running for the track. And I'm afraid to hit the track with my knee the way it is.

The 'ole knee is still holding up, but I can still feel it. I think it's a wee bit better every day though.

Today's Run and This weekend

My knee mostly held up today as I did 13 on the Towpath with Dave and Amy. The weather was perfect: clear and cool, in the upper 30s to start, warmer at the finish. I tried to stay in the middle. From about a 9, down to about a 7:45 pace. It really didn't feel too bad, but I'm a bit concerned that the pace felt a bit tough. But it sure felt good to run again. And to do so mostly pain free.

Dave and Carol came over to eat, plan the Florida trip and watch a movie last night. They wound up staying over because it was late. Tonight it's Sokoloski's and Porgy and Bess with Iris, Mike, Linda and Bob. Tomorrow morning it's breakfast with my cousins at the holiday inn - Independence.

Wounded Knee Update

After some responses, here is another update:

I just want to thank everyone for all the fun-filled advice, thoughts and help. I did some self-diagnosis based on some web information and I think it's a torn meniscus. Ain't self diagnosis fun? Gotta love that web. I absolutely know that I can't be wrong about this.

Based on the diagnosis, I plan to continue with the weights for the leg extensions and curls. I think doing squats and lunges probably made the condition worse. My research jibes with what I've experienced in this area.

And yes, I'll run only easily, if at all, in the next few days. Probably only an hour and a half tomorrow. I'll keep it to under 40 miles, but probably much less next week. Columbus should be very interesting.

The History of Wounded Knee

I know the exact instant when my problems began. I had run 20 with Dave and Amy on Saturday (I think it was September 16), and then I did another 20 the next morning. This consecutive long run stuff had not been a problem last year when training for the Tahoe Triple. And I had done a double earlier in the month.

On this particular Sunday morning, I ran around a bit before heading to the track and doing 9 miles there at marathon pace. This was tough because MP is always tough for me, but there was a cold drizzle as well. I had just finished the track work and was headed home for the final 3 miles, still pushing the pace when it happened. A pull to the back of my right thigh, just above the back of my knee. Since it was a sudden pain, I stopped to stretch it out. My first thought was that it was a muscle pull. After stretching a bit, I thought it could be a cramp. The pain subsided a bit, and I ran home slower than planned.

That following week in Europe was not the best for running. Aware of the busy travel schedule, I had planned to take it easy anyway. I only got one good run in the whole week - 13 miles at MP on the hotel dreadmill. I don't think there was much pain that week; perhaps just a bit. The pain began in earnest the morning after that long plane ride home. I did run with Dave and Amy on that Saturday morning, but couldn't run at all the next day. Debbie and I walked at the Nature Center before breakfast with the Dead Runners.

The last week was spent in the Philadelphia area. I took some time off, but by mid-week I was feeling better, and managed to get a long run in. The pain was bad after this trip home as well. But I was able to limp through a few miles last Friday, and to get in a solid 22 on Sunday, with the last 6 at MP. This was good - I was feeling better and more confident! After an easy six on Sunday, I ran 11 hard miles on Monday, with 4+ at MP. For some reason, that's what did me in for the latest round o' pain. I did manage to get 10 painful miles with Dave on Tuesday, but it hurt the whole way. I'm even having trouble walking.

The pain had begun in the back of the knee, and it's still tight back there, but now most of the pain is in front. Most disconcerting of all is the knuckle-cracking type feeling. Whenever I move at all, something that shouldn't be moving so much is moving around in there. I've begun to think that this may be something really really bad, and that I should see a doctor. But then there's always, "giving it one more day to see how I'll feel then".

My remedies have so far included the following:

1) Taking many more days off per week than I'm used to. This has dropped my weekly mileage down about 30%, from around 70 MPW to about 50.
2) Restarting weight training. I had stopped a few weeks ago as part of my early tapering for the Columbus Marathon. Now I started back up with the thought that this will strengthen the muscles around the knee to assist in the cure. Don't laugh - I really think there's something to this.
3) Taking Glucosamine. I haven't taken the stuff for years, but I'm back on it now. It may help over a long period of time, but it hasn't seemed to have done so yet.

So now Columbus looms just over a week away. I hadn't planned on a taper that is this drastic. It seems I can run only on certain days, so I have no idea how I'll feel on race day. And what if the 'ole knee just blows out partway through?

Today's Run - 2006-10-03

The usual 10 with Dave today in 84 minutes. The knee is still there - no change. Still 155 too.

Today's Run - 2006-10-02

New PR for the New-Subs 11 course by 2 minutes - 80.5. I'm pleased, but I would've liked a sub 80. I'll take it though. And the weight (155) looks much better too.

Recent Running and the Funeral

Waylayed in Detroit on Wednesday night due to weather related missed connection. So I only ran 5 on Friday. Even so, my knee felt terrible. Saturday it was better, so I did 22 - the 16 mile Abbeyville loop in 2:08, then 2 3-mile president runs in 20:40 and 20:00. Pretty decent. Today I did 6 in 49 - not too bad. The ole knee is still there - it comes and goes.

Yesterday was the funeral for Carol's dad. We took mom and spent the day visiting. We all went to Longhorn in the evening.

I have no idea what I'm capable of for Columbus. At least now I think I can do it at all. At 159, I know I've GOT to lose 5 pounds. Debbie and I became serious about the diet as of today. I'm not sure how much to push the training with this knee the way it is. OTOH, some confidence would be nice. The 22 helped, but I need more.