My Summer Vacation

We began our summer vacation at Camden Yards last Saturday night, June 14. The photo above is from our "cheap seats" where we watched our hometown Pirates attempt to pull back to a .500 record for what seems like an eternity. Unfortunately, we blew a 9th inning lead after coming back and it wasn't meant to be. When it happened again the next day....

...we were in better seats and the outcome was a little better as the Battlin' Bucs pulled out a ten-inning victory after another blown lead. The day had started out at the Inner Harbor...

...where I started out my day with classic Chesapeake Bay crab cakes from the ESPNZone leather recliner/table chair, along with my 'first' refreshment of the day...
From there it was off to Ocean City, Maryland for four days where we stayed at the Dunes Manor Motel oceanfront...

The week included sand, surf, good food, my normal running routine (of course) and even a bit of golf...

When the last day had arrived, we were relaxed, re-energized and ready to head back to reality (not)...

So what did I learn on my summer vacation? I learned that if I set my mind to something I can do it; sort of. I had two rules as I headed out for a week of peace and quiet. Rule #1: Don't call work (I sort of failed at this one as I did call in but I didn't discuss work). Rule #2: Don't wear a watch and watch the time. I have to admit that I was able to accomplish this and I'm better for it. Time is our enemy. It never stops. When we constantly clock-watch time goes so fast. I thought that by not keeping my eye on the time all the time, it seemed that it went slower and I was able to enjoy every day a little bit more. Maybe this was in my head, but I don't think so. I also learned a few other things:

• we are a nation of excess. You don't need to look far to see huge SUV's driving down the highway at 80 mph, towing an even bigger boat while gas continues to rise.
• in keeping with the theory of excess, we eat way too much food as a whole. Worse yet, we waste too much food.
• If you're not wearing Tommy Hilfiger or Hollister clothing, you're old.
• I'm not as old as some, but I'm old.
• The waves of the ocean just continue to come in and go out. Like time, it is endless. It is fascinating. I think I enjoyed the ocean more than ever this year.
• I used to think it was people that made the world go 'round. I don't think that's true. We only live here and consume too much of everything including, of all things, time.

I thoroughly enjoyed my summer vacation this year, but now I'm back to reality. It is nice to recharge the batteries, but there is also something to be said for getting back into a routine. And like everything else, the running calendar begins to get routine and serious as I enter the summer phase of my training.

Oppressive Heat

Today's long run of 8 miles seemed like an eternity running in 82 degree heat with searing humidity. Thankfully there was a breeze and my course provided shade over about half of it. But at times, when the wind died down and the shade was nowhere to be found it got brutal. I thought about those folks who run in the Badwater Ultra in Death Valley in the middle of July where it can get to temperatures over 120 degrees. I wondered how they do it. Fortunately I won't have to find out anytime soon. I actually enjoy running in hotter weather because of the limited clothing and I'd rather be hot than cold. But this weekend took a lot out of me.

Can You Find Me?

A Helluva Run

It was a miraculous run that came up just short. The team that refused to quit lost to perhaps the only other team in the NHL that they couldn't beat in a seven game series (my opinion). That still doesn't help to soften the blow of being 2nd best. Still, I feel fortunate to have been able to be there to see the Stanley Cup awarded to the best team in the NHL this season. The Mellon Arena, 41 years old, saw the Cup awarded inside of it for the first time and perhaps the last. The odds are pretty good that it won't happen inside that building again until it is torn down after next season. Then again, with the promise of a new season looming just three months away and a team built to challenge for the championship for years to come, it could happen. I wouldn't lay money on it but I also wouldn't have put money on a Game 5 for the ages once we get down 3-2.

Still Hangin' Around

Today's post title is a play on words. With the Penguins hanging around for a Game 6 that few thought would happen (including me) and me still not having much to say about running or hockey. Other than Game 5 will go down as an all-time classic Penguins game that I will remember for the rest of my life. In terms of running, I don't have a lot going on. Summers are always like this. Perhaps I'll have to come up with something. No marathons planned in the near future, but I do have a 10k next Saturday. The Daily American 10k in Somerset. It was the first place I ever won a medal. However, it was for walking the 10k back in 1998 I believe. Well before my running days. But ask me what race I never miss, and I'll tell you the Daily American. It is always on my annual schedule. Hopefully I'll post again before the race, June 14.