Lake Holiday

 I spent some time this Christmas out on the kayak checking out the bird action.  Saw the Tri-colored Heron and that was a treat.  Was able to get close.  Also was able to see the first Pied-Billed Grebe in a long time.  Saw an Osprey carrying a fish which was cool.  He flew out of a tree and already had achieved victory.

 A couple favorites shown up in the Banded Kingfisher and the Double-crested Cormorant who was fishing when I spotted him.

 I saw Blue Herons and Great Egrets along with Moorehens and Coots.  Ran into some regulars in the hawk, crow, and dove.  I paused for a bit to listen to a bunch grackles sing.  It was actually peaceful and much better than watching the tube.

 I also believe I ran into a bunch of snowy egrets who bolted from the bull rush and gather in a couple trees.  There was also White Ibis and Anhinga out searching for dinner.  The Limpkin was digging in for Apple Snails and I actually was able to see a big shell discarded.

 Lately I see a fair amount of Black Vultures over the water’s edge.  Pretty cool how they float on by with minimal effort.

 That’s about the extent of the adventure.  Running wise I put in 27 Sunday and 18 Saturday.

Of course it's a good idea!

 - My friend turned 70 a week ago.  He is glad to report he had signed up for another year of running.   His advice is to enjoy every day. 

 - Another friend is next in line for the Hardrock 100 on the wait list.   It seems like many at that age he to is a bit compromised.  I hope he rallies.  He runs so well and besides it gives me a good reason to waste 10-15 hours staring at a screen. 

 - My 100 training has been sparse.   The 50 in mid November left some deep soreness in my tendons.  I have primarily been walking.  The good news is I completed 40 on Friday and though not ideal it was a confidence builder.  

 - Crawford is coming down to assist and provide pacing for the run.  This will be a big help.

 - I am thinking of hitting 32 this Friday.  I'll try a 50/50 mix of jog/walk.  That will be 3 weeks and 1 day from the race.  I think 27 hours is possible on event day.

 - I am still at 180 pounds.   I'd like to get to at least 173.

 - The Ice Age 50 mile has Dave Dehart as an entrant.  I hit 11:02 last year.  Maybe sub 11 is doable. 

 - All this is getting slower.  Going slower does not bother me as long as I can get back to 80% of the miles done by jogging.   Long walking workouts eat up way too much time.