Cruising The Big Island at 500 feet AGL

We have covered the bike ride and the scuba diving. The other really cool thing we did was take the Big Island Spectacular with Blue Hawaii Helicopters. This was a great two hour trip up and over Kilauea which is still active. Here is a photo of the Bride and I after returning from the flight. The Bride did not look as relaxed prior to the trip. She had never been in a helo before.

Our pilot was a Vietnam era pilot who had also flow for NBC in Los Angeles. He was the pilot of the chopper that followed OJ during the infamous Low Speed Chase.

We started up a valley and it was rainy and foggy and it did not appear we got more than 500 ft above the ground, but I looked at the altimeter and realized we had climbed up to over 6500 ft. We cruised around the smoking top of the volcano and then headed back down toward the sea, so we could see where the lava was flowing into the Pacific.

Then we flew the coast over to Hilo and explained how the Big Island is of one of the few islands with an active volcano and valleys. It has to do with the age of the island and the Big Island is actually big enough to have both. We circled a bridge next to what use to be an old Sugar Plantation. There use to be a railroad bridge next to the road bridge, but it was not rebuilt after a tsunami.

We continued our flight along the coast and it really was the picture you imagine when you hear about the cliffs of Hawaii. These cliffs were steep and high, with the blue water of the Pacific rolling in them. You can see the white surf crashing into the coast line. It was so absolutely beautiful. At this point another helo passed us (if you look closely you can see the dark speck—that gives you a good idea of the magnitude we are dealing with here).

We continued down the side of the Big Island and saw some amazing water falls. These sights were truly something out of a book. It was so amazing to see them for real.

Finally we headed up into the valleys where there were giant water falls.

We went up and down the different valleys looking at different water falls.

Finally we headed back to the heliport and have many fond memories of a great 2 hours in the air over the Big Island.

The next report is the Road to Hanna.

And so you don’t think I haven’t been working out—Tuesday I did 2300 yard in the pool and about 30 minutes of drills on the bike. This morning I did an easy 40 min run before work.

Weekend up or Why I prefer Waffle House to IHOP

Last week I was able to actually swim and run more than I have in a while. Wednesday, Running Buddy and I were able to get in a moderate 5 miles in the morning. It was rather on the humid side, but thankfully it did not rain during our run. I do think this was the first weekend morning run that I have been able to complete in just shorts and t-shirt.

Thursday morning was back in the pool. I swam about 2200 yards in about 50 minutes. I am still a little slow, but it is coming back. This workout was a combination of medium distance at a moderate pace and finishing up with a longer slower set.

Friday was a non-run day due to having 3 days of playing Army with my Reserve Unit. It was a pretty decent weekend. The range went smoother than I expected and we qualified about 2/3 of the shooters. And for the Reserves that is pretty damn good. We just don't have the opportunity to shoot as much as we like due to travel to and from ranges and ammo constraints. But then I love to shoot and I would be happy to 30K rounds a year just for myself. It rained some on Saturday, but it was not enough to make the time shooting uncomfortable. Below are a couple of photos from Saturday.

Sunday was a trying day for everyone. The Bride came to the Unit to get an ID card made, but the machine ending up being broken after she drove up in the rain and then had to wait on the ID guy. So much for me being proactive. :) After I returned home she wanted Ice Cream for dinner (she is almost to turn the big 4-0) so who am I to critize. We drove to Baskin and Robins, but I commented on wanting a waffle. We sat down at the IHOP next to BR and I had the worst waffle of my life. I guess that is what I get for having a waffle at IHOP. Then off to BR for icecream. The coffee ice cream the we wanted had freezer fungus on it--so that was a no go. Then off to another icecream shop in the neighborhood and it was closed!!! The Bride was not happy.

However, I reminded her that in 72 hours (from the ice cream and waffle fiasco) we would be landing in Maui!!! Less than 48 hours from now we will be departing from Washington. Other than the long flight (first class baby) I am ready to get there.

I don't know how blogging will go while we are there. However, I do plan on trying some of the mobile blogging.

Well time to get to work.

A Perfect Storm

I have been so unmotivated the last few months which has led me to blog less. Between work, work, and family situations I have been less than inclined to workout and blog. I know, I know working out reduces stress, makes you feel better, and even gives you a clean shiny coat. However, I was just in a funk. I thought about working out--I laid my workout clothes out at night, I set my alarm clock, and then I looked for excuses.

I did get a few runs and few swims; and I felt so much better on those days. However, it did not last. I set myself back in vicious circle. I ate poorly, I gained weight and planned on working out tomorrow. "What's one more day?" I would ask myself.

This weekend I had the perfect storm to motivate me. First of all, I did not do the 10 mile race on Sunday. I wimped out. Not running the race was not the wimpy thing. The wimpy thing was not preparing for the race. I ran from the challenge. I did not stay strong and do what I needed in order to keep myself healthy and prepare for the race.

The second thing that occurred was watching the news on Monday and watching the panic in the streets of NYC because of the Airforce One flyover. My first thought was "what a bunch of wimps and losers." How can anyone panic to that extent over this? Are Americans really that weak? Then it hit me!!!! I have been weak. I haven't overcome my hesitation (fear?) of working out. I have allowed emotions to over come good sense. I don't deal well in emotion; I prefer facts and logic because emotion tends to get me in trouble. I make bad decisions. This situation just reinforces that fact.

And as a disclaimer, I do think it was dumb to do a fly-by in downtown NYC without informing the population.

Confusion and a Plea for Help

I was up before the alarm this morning. I enjoy waking prior to that incessant beeping as long as it is less than 30 minutes prior to normal wakeup. Today it was about 5 minutes prior, so I was up and moving at 0445. However, I noticed the wife was not in the bed with me. I apparently snored her out and she went in the guest room after failing to wake me. Whoops. I am sorry.

Running Buddy and I started off on what we call the “long loop” and cut it short so that we could stop at the track and do quarter mile repeats. Today was not a day to time our repeats. We just added on 2x400m to our normal route, but still ram them hard. Needless to say after less than pleasurable day of kicking yesterday, my legs were very heavy. That half mile sucked, but it felt good to blow out the engine some too. The total run today was 5.2 miles in about 53 minutes. But that included some walking due to the sprints.

Now I have two pleas for help. Someone please explain The Housewives of NYC to me. They are the most annoying, narcissistic, childish, and over all disgusting women I think I have ever seen on TV. How is this popular? And number two—Help me get some more followers. I am feeling lonely. LOL

Tonight is a walk with the wife and then dinner with some friends and back in the pool on Thursday.

Weekend Update

I think I have finally gotten my head above water. I have caught up at work as much as I can be caught up and army stuff is moving right along. I luckily have my 1SG on orders for a few weeks so he can assist in over-seeing the day to day running of the unit.


Friday was dawned rather chilly at 37 degrees. Running buddy and I completed a slow 4.25 miles and commented on the fact that the weatherman had predicted snow. However, there was no snow on the ground nor was it falling. Toward the end of the run we had very light rain, that you saw in the headlights rather than felt. I got home, showered and when I walked out the door to go to the car it was actually snowing hard. WTF? None of stuck, but it was rather humorous after our bantering.

Saturday morning I was up early and Running Buddy and I hit the road for our first long run of the year--all 5.25 miles of it. Well, you have to start somewhere. It was a good run that actually felt much better than the day prior. It will start coming back (or so I tell myself). Can I be up to 10 miles in another 45 days?

My mother-in-law came to visit for the weekend. After the run, the rest of the day was pretty lazy. We watched a lot of basketball and then headed out to Del Merei. For those you in the Washington DC area I highly recommend this restaurant. It is not crowded during the week, but if you go on the Friday or Saturday night, please make reservations. Mary, the owner, would love the business during the week.

Sunday we headed in to DC to play tourist. We forgot that the St. Patrick's Day parade was going on so we had to park 15 minutes away from the American History Museum. It has re-opened after a 2 year closure. They have made some of the exhibits more interactive. At the Greensboro Diner an actor takes you through training for a non-violent sit-in. It was VERY well done. There is also an expanded exhibit on Abraham Lincoln.

This is a photo of Abe's actual hat. I thought that was pretty cool.

This was Abe's actual pocket watch. I really would like an opportunity to go in the Museum after hours with a tripod and my my flash and actually get to take some really good shots of the exhibits.

The was Harry Trumans key to the White House. I bet the locks are a little more modern these days.

Your's truly making my only inagural address.

As we were walking back to the car I caught this Corvette with a large Guinness taped to the back. You just can't beat a fast car and pint (just not at the same time).

Finally, this morning I weighed myself for the first time in ages. My weight was 185. I have three weeks to loose 10 lbs to get under my maximum for the Army. Keep my ass honest. If I don't post my weight weekly, call me out on it.

Catching up

This morning was the first day in a while I have been able to get out and run. I just do not have the time (make the time) when things are so busy to get in a work out. I really should be better about working out in the evenings when I get home from work. However, I am a morning person and if I do not get my workout completed prior to 7am during the week, it probably is not going to be completed. However, my running buddy and I did about 4 miles this morning. It was in the low 50s and I broke a good sweat. Great way to start off hump day.

I had my army commitment this past weekend and even though the weather was good, I did not get in a workout. When you are the commander, everyone wants a minute of time for something. Saturday night the bride and I attended one of her friend’s 40th birthday party. You have to love a wine tasting birthday. Too bad I could not drink more than two glasses (I was driving and I had to get up very early on Sunday).

Tomorrow is back in the pool.

Weekend Workouts and Trip to the Willard Hotel

This has been my first full week of working out in AGES. Saturday morning I did an aerobic spin on the trainer for about an hour. I was pleased with the ride. I was able to do 16.8 miles over that hour, and after my warm up of 10 minutes I was able to hold about 17mph the entire time. In my slow, lazy world 17 mph is my grail. If I can hold anything over 17mph for a race I am very pleased. And btw, Magnum did get off on the murder charges.

Today My running buddy and I are planning on doing an easy 4 or 4.5 miles. Both of use need to get back into the swing of running. Plus my legs are sore from doing more than sitting on my ass.

Yesterday, I took a Washington DC Photosafari to the Willard Hotel. The Willard is a very old prestigious hotel near the White House. This is one of the hotels that dignitaries stay when they come to DC. Lincoln stayed here prior to his inaguration. I have been to the Willard twice and both times I have see a former secretary of state. Yesterday I passed Henry Kissinger and the first time I saw Madeleine Albright. Unfortunately, I was in the revolving door and could not get my camera out fast enough to get his photo.

In such partisan charged times, this is one of my favorite signs that was put up for the inaguration. Whichever view you have the world, this sign was very respectful and I thank the company that did it.

This photo is from the Jenny Lind suite on the 12th floor. Can you imagine that view, especially at night as you are bathing? It is hard to see in the photo, but you can also see the Jefferson Memorial.

This photo was taken in the Willard Room (the main dining room). I was shoot handheld at about 1/15 so it is not as clear as I wish. The ceiling was not the right color to bounce the flash.

This table was set up for afternoon tea. The hallway was full of people enjoying their tea, but I tried not to take their photo.

One of the many alcoves in the lobby. I was practicing with my white balance and flash. This photo turned out to be the most natural of the lot. The intent of the class was learn to shoot as you would for a brochure of the hotel (and to get see places in the hotel not normally available to the public.
Another photo from the lobby. This one turned out to be very good also. If you are ever in the DC area I recommend you take a DC Photo Safari. They have plenty of tours of the monuments and you will come away with some great pics.

Weekend update

The only problem with beautiful fall weekends is that it means winter is coming. This weekend was one of those beautiful fall weekends that just make me happy. I started off the weekend by making my chili. The first cool Saturday of the fall I make my chili and watch college football. I was a total bum yesterday, but it felt good and the chili was delicious. Oh, and my Dawgs beat Vandy too.

Today was much more productive. I started the day off with a nice 5.5 mile run with my running buddy. It was still pretty cool and the wind was blowing about 15 mph out of the north, but it was crisp and the hills and miles passed quickly. When I got home the bride was laying on the couch with a funny look on her face. It turned out she had started the selfing cleaning function on the stove and a fire had developed in the oven. I had just missed the firemen. :) I had never really given it much thought, but the reason that an oven door locks during the self cleaning function is that if a fire develops then it starve it's self of oxygen. Good to know.

We then went to Pentagon City to update our cell phones. We saw a sale on glasses and we each got new glasses. I typically just my glasses at night after I take my contacts out. I haven't seen this good through glasses in years. The rest of the day was taken up with cleaning the house, grocery shopping and finally catching up on email. I am ready for bed.

Odds and Ends

Am I the only one who feels better when I get in a good workout prior to heading off to work? JB and I did about 5.5 miles this morning. It was a hot and sticky morning today not at all like the prelude to fall we have been experiencing. The only problem with fall is that it means winter is right around the corner. Give me hot weather any day of the week.

I started a new project at work. I am back at an organization that I left about a year ago. This project is in a totally different capacity with a different client. So far it the work is interesting, the client is reasonable, and I don't have to pay for parking. The down side is that I am currently using an aircard to connect to the net. It is SLOW and I keep losing my VPN connection to my company's network.

The wife is making lemon chicken for dinner this evening. This is one of my favorite dinners. Luckily, we started a bottle of wine last night and we need to use it up tonight. :)

I really wondered how people with somewhat of an education and over 22 years of age could have messed up with their mortages. I figured they were just looking for a excuse, so as not to blame themselves for the mess they made. I was sitting at my desk this morning when a I overhead a conversation by two women. One was explaining the benefits of an adjustable rate mortage, but at the same time complaining about how much her payments where now. I really had to control myself and not laugh out loud at her stupidity. That would be like me complaining about how hot the bath water is, but all I have flowing into the tub is hot water--DUH!! Here's your sign.

I just three lemon creme sandwich cookies. Make that four.

Learning New Things

This past week I was at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for the Army's Pre Command Course (even though I took command in June). I was not exactly looking forward to a week of death by powerpoint, but the change of scenery and getting out of the office for a week was nice.

The class overall was very professionally run and with the exception of a couple of blocks of instruction it turned out to be an informative week. I was not able to get in the work outs that I had wanted to due to the length of the class day and/or the rainy weather. After you have been in the military for a few years, you typically learn more from your classmates than you do from the course of instruction. This week was no exception.

The Saturday prior to departure, I took the Army Physical Fitness Test and I was rather disappointed in my run. I did 70 pushups and 70 situps (I could have done more, but I wanted to save something for the run and I was WAY over the minimun). My two mile run was 15:18 which worked out to be a 7:39 mile. I was really hoping to run the two miles in about 14 minutes. However, that did not work out.

This past weekend I was able to get in two different runs. My running partner and I did about 4.5 miles both yesterday morning and again today. Tomorrow it is back in the pool and then Wednesday we are shooting for the hill work out. I am glad to be back and getting my ass back in gear. I will try to catch up with my reading and comments through out the week.

Memory

The last two mornings as I was working out I had all these great thoughts as to what my post would be. However, I can't remember a damn one of them. I have come to the conclusion that good ideas while working out are a lot like good ideas you have in your dreams. They are brilliant, amazing, world changing ideas that never see the light of day. WTF!!!

So my charge to my loyal readers is simple:
1. Does this ever happen to you.
2. Other than carry a note pad with you or next to the bed what do you do to remember.
3 If you have ever remember any of your brilliant, amazing, world changing ideas what were they?

...and here I am

This past couple of weeks have been non-stop action. The first week in June I was doing my change of command inventories and getting ready for my new Army job. Even as a "weekend" warrior, this job is full time. However, before the ceremony, I had a wedding to attend in Reading, PA. It was a very nice wedding and the reception was even better. The food was actually good. I even discovered a new drink--Malibu rum and pineapple juice. It is great for those hot days.

Sunday we were up early and heading back to College Park, MD for the ceremony. We arrived a couple of hours early, introduced the bride and her parents to some of my new soldiers and conducted a rehearsal of the ceremony. To make it official here is my "command" photo:

Last week it was back to work and back to steady workouts. I was able to swim about 5000 yards, run 12 miles, and actually got in a 25 mile bike ride before I left for another wedding on Saturday. Friday was an interesting day. I had to go to the DC jail to deal with one of my soldiers. Lets just say that is a very interesting place.

One of the Bride's cousin was getting married near Princeton, NJ. This wedding was nice, but the food wasn't as good as the week before. Plus it rained like hell and the roof at the reception location leaked. Then we had breakfast with some family members and headed back to the homestead.

Today was back at work, but we had all sorts of connectivity issues. Then to top everything off, we had a short, but strong storm that knocked the power out for about 6 hours. But it is back on, so I can sleep coolly in air conditioned bliss.

This weekend it is off to Philly for the Philly Tri. More on that later.

Battle of the Boulevard 10K

This morning was the Battle of the Boulevard 10K sponsored by my favorite running store, Pacers. The race was in the Clarenton section of Arlington County in VA. The race starts at on the high ground and you run down Wilson Blvd, to highway 110, by Arlington Cemetary and the turn around is near the Pentagon. It is a very challenging and fun course. This was my last hard run prior to Columbia, next weekend.

We have been having lots of rain here in the DC area. Thursday night and Friday we had over 4 inches and this morning it was still drizzling. I got up around 7 (the race did not start until 9, how nice is that), ate some cereal and dreaded running the rain. I got to the start about 830, hooked up with my running partner Janelle and we both received our chips.

A little after 9 the gun went off and it was down the hill. I stayed with her for a about the first half mile and then we were seperated. Since it was cool and rainy it took me a while to get settled and warmed up. The first mile was 7:54.

The second mile is down a half mile hill which is rather step. I cruised down that hill, maintaining a decent pace, but I did not want to run too fast and wear myself out. There were a fair amount of spectators out in the rain they were very vocal and brought some good energy. I did see one lady arguing with the cops who would not let her turn where she wanted to due to the race. Its not like there were not plenty of signs posted warming people of the race. I reached the second mile in 7:44.

The third and fourth miles were all on route 110 near Arlington Cemetary, with the turn around near the entrace to North Parking at the Pentagon. The only thing worth noting during this part of the course was I was about about mile 2.5 and here come the leaders. They passed me at about the 18 minute mark. Time for miles 3 and 4: 8:29 and 9:01.

From mile four to mile five it was back up the big ass hill. I just tried to plod along. Near the top of the hill, I decided to walk for 30 seconds in order to rest my legs so that I could pick up the pace on the flat ground. Hell, I knew i wasn't running much faster than I could walk anyway. Mile 5 was by far my slowest mile at at 9:58.

The final hill is between mile 5 and mile 6. This is not a long hill but rather short and step. I actually cruised up it easier than I thought I would after listening to others bitch about it. I know I was slowing down, but I was on pace to run about 54 min 10K. Mile 6: 9:10. I did the final .2 (or as my Garmin told me .3) in 1:48.

All in all I was very happy with the results. My last 5 miler back in Dec I ran over 9 min miles on a pretty easy course. Today based on Garmin results I ran 6.3 miles in 54:08 or a 8:36 ppm average.

To give you an idea of the course here is my elevation read out.

Spring is slowly arriving

Sunday morning dawned bright and cool, but still with a hint of spring in the air. My thermometer said 48 degrees, but with no wind and the bright blue sky it felt great. My running buddy and I met up at the normal spot and her first comment was, "This place looks different with all these people here." My response was, "Yeah, and the sun is up too." We typically start our weekday runs at 0530 and are finished by 0630.

I was hoping to push out to 8 miles on Sunday just to see how the body would deal with it. However, Runner J felt like 5 miles would be more than enough for her. So we compromised on 5 (see how flexible I am) and I would do another mile to and from my house equally out to 6 miles. That actually was a lot smarter since I haven't done over 5 miles in a while and how shitty I felt last week.

It was a gorgeous run down by National Airport, along the Potomac, and back into toward the local coffee shop.


View Larger Map

Then later in the day it turned cold and rainy. At least today was very spring like. Spring is ON the way!!

Slow Going

Wow!! I did not realize how hard my hay fever had really hit me. I was able to get in 4.25 mile run on Friday morning. It was about 15 seconds per mile slower than normal and it HURT. However, I did feel much better the rest of the day.

I got out on the bike this morning. I did an what I thought was an easy 20 miles this morning. Based on my time it should have been real easy-- 1:17:22. However, my HR was up over 160. Damn thats not good.

Tomorrow me and my running buddy are going to do an hour or so running. Isn't it sad, when your long run is only an hour? Lets see how I feel tomorrow. Hopefully, everything will start to come back.

Ray was that you I passed at the airport? If it wasn't you have a twin.

Running and a New Book

I was up at 0445 this morning for my bi-weekly run with Janel. It was absolutely painful to get out of bed this morning. I was unable to fall asleep last night and ended up reading half a great book (more on that in minute).

As usually, once I got the blood flowing I was very happy I was up and out at Oh Dark Early. We did our normal route through the neighborhood and had a very spirited talk (which we usually do). I am starting to get back on the right track and work off my winter coat and get ready for Columbia.

My partner in crime at worked turned me on to the Doc Ford Series, by Randy Wayne White. I bought the first book, Sanibel Flats, last night and I was up until almost midnight reading it. If you are looking for literature, I would not read this series. However, if you like mystery/action with a Jimmy Buffett flavor and some love interests thrown in, you will love this series.

I am back!!!

Wow. It has been a long time since I posted something of substance. The last couple of weeks have been busy and I have had some kind of cold. I hope I am about over it.

Due to having a heavy head, working late, and drinking too much during the week I was a bum. I was able to get in about 2000 yards of swimming on Tuesday. It was rather slow, but it made my shoulder feel better. Its too embarassing to go into detail about how I hurt it. But suffice to say it deals with ice, steps, and leather bottom shoes.

Friday we had more ice, but not nearly as much as was promised by the weatherman (thank God), so on Thursday we made the decision to work from home. I was able to get in a 50 minute ride on Friday between emails, powerpoint presentations, and phone calls. It felt good to be back on bike. Next weekend I am going to be doing the VASA Ride sponsored by the WABA and the Swedish Embassy. I will only be doing the Halv Vasa which is 28 miles. I don't have the legs yet for a comfortable 55 miles.

Today I hit pavement for a nice little 6.2 mile run along the Potomac and Old Town. I decided to keep it fairly short due to the cold I have been battling and not running in two weeks. I feel really good now and I think I am going to go heat up left over Crispy Hot beef.


View Larger Map

Workouts

I was able to get in a 15 mile ride on the trainer on Friday morning, an 8 mile run on Satuday, another 14 miles today on the trainer.

Yesterday was a 2 hour 8 mile run with Donna. She is doing the run/walk Galloway method. She is really getting pretty good. She was able to maintain a solid 13 min pace for the first 5 miles and then she started to wear out. Part of the problem is that she has not learned to eat while running yet and her body just runs out of gas. I think after the run yesterday that she has figured out that she has to have a nutritional plan to complete the half.

Today was another 14 miles on the trainer while watching Miami Vice.

I would love to get out and do something, but 22 degrees with windchill of 1 is not to my liking. So I will just stay in and watch some football.

Just a good Day

Well it was a good day for workouts--if not necessarily work. I hit the weight room and did my strength workout it went something like this:

3x15 pushups
2x15 pushup on a ball (to help balance)
3x15 lat pull downs (75lbs)
3x6 pull ups
3x15 lunge
3x15 squats
misc crunches and ab work.

Then I ran with Donna this afternoon for an easy 45 minutes or so. So all in all a good easy day.

The Celtic Solstice 5 Miler

The Celtic Solstice 5 miler has become a Baltimore tradition in a very short period of time. It it held in the Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. This year instead of a T-Shirt we received a very nice jacket. It was a great perk since today turned out rather chilly.

My friend Zina called me yesterday and claimed to be directionally retarded and needed a ride. So she showed up at the house this morning at 620 am so that we could make the trek north. Driving in the DC/Baltimore area can be somewhat time consuming. So even though the race was about 50 miles away I was taking no chances that we would make it there for the 830 start. We made it in a little over an hour, find a good place to park, got on the bus and finally hit the starting area. Packet pickup was efficient and soon we were ready to race--with 30 minutes left until start time. So we chatted with some other DC-Tri Clubbers and finally the race started.

The first mile of the race was uphill with a total elevation gain of 150 feet in the first 1.25 miles. I started off pretty well and was passing quite a few people until my left shoe started to come untied. I stopped to tie it back and my hands where so cold it must have taken 30 seconds or so. Then I tried to play catch up, but I decided just to just find a nice rhythm and run. Not more than 3 mintues later it start to come untied again. So my wooden fingers slowly retied my shoes and off I went.

The run was uneventful at this point, and we hit the aid station at (I am guessing) mile 2.5. I did not take any water and I kept on trucking. Not a 1/2 mile after the aid station my RIGHT shoe came untied. I really had to tie it--my car key was laced on it. That wasted another 30 seconds or so and finally I was off again.

Miles 3-4 were around the lake and I ran into my friend Brooke, who I haven't seen since July. We chatted a little and the chatting gave me some energy to pick up the pace. She said she could not keep up that pace as we hit mile 4 and I convinced her to keep running--it was only another mile. We finished the loop around the lake, made a right turn and started down the hill we had run up earlier. This allowed me to really pick up the pace and I ran the last mile just under 8 minutes sprinting the last 200 yds or so. It felt really good. The offical results haven't been posted yet, but according to my Garmin, my total time was 44:44 and my "moving time" (the subtracted for tying my shoes) was 43:36. So all in all I was happy.

Brooke and I met back up after we removed our chips and headed to the tent for the post race spread. We were both looking forward to the the hot spiced wine that was in there. Unfortunately, they were limited in the amount they could serve and she got the last 1/4 of a cup. I tracked Zina down after the race and we loaded up for the drive back to DC.

Now it is time to get ready for the big company Christmas party. That is always a lot of fun with good food and plenty to drink.