10.03.2009

Vacation: Already a Distant Memory

Returned from vacation only to dive into a frenzy at work. Just a few more crazy weeks and then things should calm down a bit.





(Images: Portland Head Light; Pine Crest Inn, Gorham, ME; Camden Harbor; Penobscot Mountain summit in Acadia National Park; Bubble Rock)

9.02.2009

Love Letter

Dear Maine,

Sight unseen, I'm already in love. I cannot wait to stand in awe at your coastline, kayak in your waters, bike on your carriage paths, run your trails, browse your galleries, examine your wares, taste your culinary delights, expore your towns, breathe your air, and feel your sun on my face.

I can't wait to meet you in person. Be there soon!

8.31.2009

To-Do, Week of August 31

1. pack for Maine
2. arrange rides to and from airport
3. get a haircut
4. organize office at work

5. continue to wonder where August has gone

8.30.2009

Half-Marathon Results: 2:02:16


(my running shoes: Saucony ProGrid Ride 2)

This morning, I ran the Spirit of Columbus Half-Marathon. I decided to join a pacer to see if I could run the event in around 2 hours. I'm pretty happy with the results.

I joined the 9:10/mile (or 2:00:00) pacer. I was able to stick with him though about 9.5 or 10 miles. At one point, I fell behind, but was able to catch back up, but by about 10.5 miles I needed to slow down. Miles 10 and 11 were pretty tough, but I kept on.

Afterwards, I thought, "well, maybe I could have stayed with the pace group." Regardless, 2:02:16 is my best half-marathon time. With a little bit of work between now and October 18, perhaps I can knock three minutes off my time in order to fall under two hours.

8.29.2009

8.28.2009

July Duty and a Garmin

I was summoned to serve on jury duty from August 10-21. Despite the fact the most people seem to grumble about this, I thought jury duty was really interesting. In the two weeks time that I served, I didn't get to be an actual juror, but I did serve as an alternate.

The other exciting thing about jury duty was the $20/day per diem.

A Garmin Forerunner has been on my wish list for some time. I've been trying to tuck some extra lunch money away each week, but for some reason that money (even after I have a good amount saved up) tends to get used toward a bill or unexpected expense.

So, when I received my $160 per diem check in the mail today from jury duty (I only ended up serving eight days ), I immediately took the check to the ATM deposit and then ordered my Garmin. Amazon.com Garmin Forerunner 305 price: $160.28. Perfect.

8.26.2009

Half-Marathon (1 of 2)

This Saturday, I am running the Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon. This will be my third half marathon. Unfortunately, I didn't spend a lot of time training for the race. This past Monday, I ran a 10-miler and a week and a half ago, I ran an 8-miler. I'll be ok with the 13.1 mile distance, but I won't be able to reach a sub-two hour time. I'm hoping for something between 2:05 and 2:10.

Interestingly, my lack of training for this race inspired me to sign up for a second half marathon on October 18. I'm hoping to push in a little more training between now and then so that I can get my time down to around two hours.

8.15.2009

Eames Rocker

I'd love this in my living room—or office or reading room—someday. In white, please.