A chickenhawk

 I was out early today on the kayak.  It has exclusively become a time to watch and learn about the birds around this lake area.  So much to take in and learn.  Lots of grackles today.  The black bellied whistling ducks were out in flight.  Many of the regulars were out.  The great blue heron is common, but was able to observe one landing way up in a big tree.  Pretty cool.  There are what appear to be many moorhens, but still trying to be sure.  I'd guess today there were about 10 species identified.   One appeared to be a little blue heron, however I get skeptical until I have a few other good looks under my belt. 

 Still unable to jog or walk at even 3mph pace.  I still shoot for 10,000 steps on the day through a serious of slow short hikes.  The watch has me at 2 - 2.5mph.  The back muscle is still a nuisance.  The good news is that it is about 20-30% better.  Must be nerve related as my left leg had a bit of numbness and can buckle if too much pressure is applied suddenly.   I am not a swimmer, but have been getting in the pool and try to cover a 1000 yards just because the number looks cool on my watch.  It is not all swimming.  It is about half swimming.   No where near any swimming shape.  In fact never have I been in swimming shape.

 If I did not mention this before I am now.  The company who has employed me the past 38 years has extended me the opportunity to work here full-time and I accepted.   I will cover my old territory until a replacement is found.  This is great news in many ways.

 The other though for future ponderment is signing up for the Ice Age 50 mile next year.  This will probably happen.  There are many elements for me to line up physically.   Honestly, for the first time is the realization I may not be capable of finishing in 12 hours flat or less.  It'll be something to do.

What floats on water?

 Affirmative Ghost Rider, the eagle has landed.  Today I indeed spotted 2 separate Belted Kingfisher's.  They are a bit larger than I first perceived.  Saw the other typical giant egret, great blue heron, ibis, sand hill cranes, limpkin,  and various ducks I have yet to identify.  The anhinga were not present today.  Must have been fishing.  I saw a pretty good size dark bird up in a tree, but he was too far to get to.  Might have to start bringing the binoculars. 

 Was off today, so most of the exercise was working in the yard.  It's amazing how the day rolls by.  I'm enjoying a cold one.  A Miller High Life in a frozen pint glass.  I like a pinch of salt in mine.  If I play my cards right the wife might let me have a second one.  

 A red shouldered hawk just flew over.   The neighbor is concerned it wants her little dog.  Probably has not watched The Holy Grail.  Not familiar with weight ratios and the ancient art of science.

The incredible Mr. Limpkin

 Outside of a few easy miles walking  a day, I have been kayaking, swimming, and doing light resistance training.  The back muscles have been painful, so running appears out for now.  The miles are accumulated through a bunch of short strolls focusing on not hunching or lurching along like Chef Mike.

 Recently the daily kayak has turned into a birding adventure.  Recently I came across the 51 most common lake birds in Central Florida.   I probably saw 8 of them today.  One notable one was the Limpkin who had just captured an apple snail.   This is their primary food source. 

 There were some beautiful birds one could get real close to.  I paddled past about a half mile of deep lilly pads on one side and scour the tree tops on the other side.  Last week a nice Osprey top out on one tree.  A week ago a Great Blue Heron was surprisingly in a tree.  I should probably start carrying the phone for pics.

 The one I really want to see is the Belted Kingfisher.  I was out at sunbreak today and was headed directly into the sun.  As my eyes managed the strong glare off the water it seemed possible the silhouette up ahead was indeed this trophy of a bird.  The forces were just too great for me to get a good look as it took little for him to take wing.  The sun don't shine on the same dogs ass every day.  Poof.  It was gone.

33.3 miles last week of almost all walking.  It's time to face the final curtain.

Use words if necessary

 The muscle pain in between my hip and back has returned.   Started running more and lessened the walking.   Seems to have aggrevated the area significantly.   I am on no running.  I walk during the day in small doses.

 The kayak has been my hour of reality break in the morning.  It has been enjoyable.   The weight of 184 seems too much so this needs addressed.  Weight will pile on if the intake is not limited and 1-2 hours of light exercise is not applied to the mix.

 We are all told at some point in our own minds the dream is gone.  Not forgotten, but definitely almost all the way to Hoboken.

The grind

 The miles covered continue to be very slow.  It is not lost on me that this is concerning if you want to finish long races under the cutoffs.  I haven't averaged under 13:00 a mile in 2 weeks.  This does not make me sad, but it does make me aware the times have changed for me.

 There is an established 50k near here in early October.  There is a desire to sign up, to get out there, and maybe meet a few new folks.  Then the rational side says what for?  It is almost like a complete waste of a weekend.  Spend hours on the adventure on Saturday and suffer on Sunday because there is a mountain of other stuff to do.

 If you are an aspiring long distance runner, the best advice I can pass on is get used to being tired.  The world keeps spinning.  Yes there is family, job, and the other life commitments, but people aren't going to let you off the hook on the other tangible items.  There are pets, and chores, social activities and untold things which spring up.  If you want to run all the time then you better not let it curb your enthusiasm.  People close to you don't normally give a rats rump about running.  Show me the baby.

 But the idea of just getting out is enjoyable for me.  My mind will continue the what if I could just get this thing figured out so I could get a few more long events in.  The reason walking more is happening is because power jogging high 11's or 12's tires me out.  Never did I realize what an effort is required to get to 50 miles a week covered.  I'm back to the forget about the time it takes per mile.  Go free your mind every day as you have for decades and take the questions from neighbors who see you at odd times and places shuffling around.