Vanity

 I am off work today and tomorrow.   For some reason there is an internal battle to monitor and respond as if I was not off.  Perhaps after 39 years this has become my condition.   What's worse is everything is easily available on one's iPhone. 

 Situations like these are like a habit you are trying to break.   Justification comes very easy to monitor work and step in and respond throughout the day.  I don't want to be this person any longer, but it is a drug.  A person should have the day off to recharge and clear up other items.  So I am turning off my iPhone. 

 I made a list to fill my day.  After the morning run the plan is to execute them.  The items range from paying bills and yard work, to going to the Library and filling up the propane tank.  There are 12 items.  One is listed as the Donna project.  This means I'll ask the wife what is the one chore she wants done.  

 There is a grand design behind this.  From learning how to stay busy when retired to escaping from the clutches of the new rat race.  I'm old enough to remember how things used to be.  I'm not asking the world to change.  I'm asking for me to change because this world is corrupt and I have a better hope.

4 jacks

- 25.1 miles today doing the .35 jog and .15 walk.  Averaged 12:07 per mile.  Each hour covered a bit more distance.  No breakfast,  no food during run, and only drank water.  Felt decent as finish temps about 83F.

- 13th on the wait list.   Crawford at 25.

- Some ancient couple on bikes went across the road in front of a car.  They put in a real crappy effort to not get pasted.  It is a shame.  Then they just smile and wave after all the hooting and hollering is over. 

- If it works out, I may do the T-Bunk 50 mile in 2 weeks in WI.  If not, maybe another training run.  I'm up there for work the week prior to the event.

- So ready to turn the northern territory over and concentrate on Florida.  It is time.  I'm getting a bit singed on the edges and they are killing independent Dehart.

Kayak 101 - Birding

Great morning to get out just before daybreak.

Chimney Swifts

Blue Heron

Sandhill Cranes

Crows

Great Egrets

Inhinga

Grackle

White Ibis'

Kingfisher 

Little Blue Heron

Moorehens

Red Wing Blackbirds

Cardinals

Green Heron

Not a bad day.  A couple I could not identify.  The smaller birds sailing through the Sawgrass make it tough.

And don’t be no drag

- 17th on the waitlist.  Looks like the 100 is a reality.

- Wednesday and Thursday efforts were just over 2 hours and 3 hours respectively.  Today is my day off from running.  I’ll be kayaking today.

- As my friends reach and escalate through their 60s, more and more have to watch the running train grind to a halt.

- What 10 birds can I identify today?  Check back for the exciting details.

Lively up yourself

 After falling asleep at 7:24pm I was able to pack in about 9.5 hours of sleep.  That is a good 2 hours more than normal.  After a refreshing 2.5 cups of black gold I ventured out for 3:07:39 enjoying the 48F temperature. 

 It is an area which is limited in running routes.  Many neighborhood out and backs.  One can cobble together some remote running, but it is always the same.  No matter...twern't no grizz left anyway. 

 Early runs set off a lot cyclist dogs, better know as super heroes.  Everyone wants to be the first on the block to know they saw me first.  Always 1-2 that sound like they are going to crash through the window.  It's 5am so sometimes I swing back several times so they can have full enjoyment.   Surprisingly some see me so often that I don't do it for them anymore.  Ode to you Max and Luna, Kaos and Aspen, Kimber and Simba, Rudy and Asher.  Some of you hate me, but thanks to your owners yelling at you I know you by name.  Can't we all get along? 

Chicken on the hill

 In the pre-dawn hours I set out on the morning jaunt.  Not expecting much in the way of limberness I settled early on an easy effort.  The .31 jog and .19 walk was employed and after 2:13:28 I was back at the crib with 10.3 miles in the bank.

 The morning was cool here at 58F.  Quite pleasant.   I now wear a headlamp so oncoming vehicles are sure to give me an extra 17" of space.  It is not totally uncommon for someone to flash the high beams several times to get my attention.   Maybe the gesture is indicating that they see me.

 Expecting this will be my last attempt at 100 miles.  I constantly remind myself this is unnecessary.   There is nothing to be gained.  So why do it?  Because a handful of vets let me know if you think you can, do it now.  After a half dozen years this is that period in time. 

Ruby throated sparrow

- 19th on the 100 mile wait list.

- Focusing on time on feet and working on a very conservative pacing strategy. 

- At the training run on the course it is easy to see many folks either have no concept of pacing, are going to have to suffer more than they will be able to tolerate, and have forgotten how far 100 miles is.  All of these I have been and will be guilty of, but am trying to exercise wisdom. 

- 80.2 miles this week on 6 efforts.

- I continue to harbor thought of going as minimal as possible.  Look, it appears there will be 4 chances to get aid on the 16.7 mile loop.

- I ran 4:40 time wise Saturday.   I ate nothing before or during.  I stopped 3 times at the vehicle to drink about 20 ounces of water each time.  I had no electrolyte assistance.   I did subscribe to the use of some Vaseline.   I'm going to have to start practicing adding these.  It is all mostly nonsense,  but necessary.   

- I'm going to change socks, shoes, and shirts if I need to wear any.

- I finally spotted the wood stork.  Massive birds.  There were 12 in a tree on a real foggy day.   Quite nice.

We've made other plans and they don't include you

- 56.2 miles on 4 runs this week and about 10 miles of kayaking. 

- 31.1 miles on the Long Haul 100 course with about 13 in the dark.

- 26th on the wait list.

- It got up to 93 and I tolerated it well.  Only took 1 S-cap.  

- It made me realize 100 miles is a long way.  If anything it deterred me from wanting to complete the exercise. 

- So hard on the body.  My feet are pretty tough and they are okay today, but 100 miles and they will be shredded. 

- Most of what I learned was you better go super conservative.   I primarily used the .37 jog and .13 walk and after about 8-9 miles a lot of people come back to you.  I may go to a .25/.25 jog/walk if I line up.  When you are slow it is all about survival and the slowness really adds time.  The extra time on feet taxes the body in terms of mechanics, hydration, sleepiness, electrolyte balance, clothing comfort, etc.  

- I'm going to have to reevaluate my preparation plan.  Though I am fine today, the thought of another 20+ hours on my feet felt stupid dumb.  No what I'm saying?

 - It seems ignorant on my part to continue these regiments only for the sake to squeeze in one more Ice Age 50 mile finish annually.  I could easily accomplish 40 miles a week and do other activities that I clearly enjoy.  I don't need to explain this as most of you who read this understand the situation.