Monday and the weekend preceeding

OK, its been a few days since I've added any content, so here I go.
As you can see by the pictures I'm no Russel Crow or similarly built famous actor.
I'm just the average guy you see schlepping along in life. About the only things seperating me from everyone else are my insanity with bagpipes and preparing to run a marathon as a fundraising activity for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through their Team In Training Program; look at the links in the sidebar please.

Saturday: lots of things happening that day. Woke up at 02:00 hours and couldn't fall back asleep. So by 03:30 i was parked at my old fire station preparing for my 12mile long run as part of the marathon training. Well the route I have laid out is marked off in 1/2 mile increments that are easy to see in daylight. Not so good in the early morning twilight & darkness. Well to hell with turning at my 5 mile mark as was the original plan. I continued on to a very identifiable location just a ways passed where 5 should be and turned there. Four Tenths of a mile is a little ways right? Well all said and done the run went a bit more than my planned 12. Just 2/10s shy of 13 miles at 12.8 Thats also about the limits of the contents of my camel back too. I'm going to need to stash water along the training routes to supplement what I carry.

Later Saturday morning, I went up to my younger brother's barn. Several projects I wanted to accomplish. Needless to say when I'm going to be at X location at a specific time I'm there. Little brother isn't as he's still recycling bottles at a redeemption machine. Well I'm want to get my motorcycle and sidecar out of the barn. This may be a good time to sell it. but he's got it blocked in witha couple of 55 gallon drums of diesel fuel. No problem I've moved drums before. Unholy Mother %@ker!
The idiots who delivered the fuel filled the drums to the top with no expansion room of course I'm wearing brand new dungarees and a bung blows off and I take a F'n diesel bath. Grrrrr!

well I finally calm down but some stupid people should be primary targets for retroactive abortions. No F'n expansion space in a drum. F'n brain dead morons.

Well I did get the motorcycle& sidecar out of the bar loaded on the trailer and hooked up to bring back home.
Also found out one of the reasons where & why his old plow vehicle (86 CJ) is dropping oil like an Arab buying American votes and interests. The plastic valve cover was over torqued and the rear snapped open. RTV black covers a world of ills but not that. Well we'll try to epoxy it together but I'm not hopeful. Otherwise its roam the can yards first for a used one or order a replacement.

Saturday night I get back and get to listen to the orchestra and chorus. Ask Barry what I mean. Bwahahaha

Sunday: In the morning a slow easy 3.3 mile run and pull the Harley out of wraps. then off to the Nam Knights Poker Run. A pleasant ride too saw a few interesting things along the way. Santa Claus impersonator with out need of padding driving a golf cart along the roadway. Big? he's sitting on the passenger side as he can't fit behind the wheel. Passed a farm and out by the road side theres a barn with some small out buildings next to it. I wonder what it is with goats and clambering up on to shed roofs? Survived a few showers, Me not stupid, me bring rain suit. :D and had an OK poker hand but 2 jacks don't win nada. the back home for a quick bite again with the orchestra and chorus so I'm off to a bar for a while.

Monday: woke up at 02:00 again; what the F is up with that? Anyways was able to relax and zone for awhile thenits was out pounding pavement again. Today just 11.2 miles and 590 feet elevation change. I gotta go buy some new running shoes. the ones I've got now are finished.

Well if anyone is curious what a cromagnon man looks like I've got the pictures up both dressed and with the sweater. With all that fur you might understand why i don't like the heat.

Well in a few days I should post a couple of motorcycle pictures too. If I'm not back soon don't bother sending out a posse, they'd get lost too. just kick back and have a safe week.

Friday's follies

OK its now Friday evening and I'll be calling it a night soon. Still I want to post a few items be for I head to bed and a 03:00 wake up call. I really want to start my 12 mile run tomorrow by 04:00 as it should not drop below 70* F/21* C over night tonight.

Went for a 4&1/2 to 5 mile walk this morning as its my day off from running. Walked up to about a 900 foot above sea level elevation and I've a few pics to post from that.

While a poem would be apprapo to the pics of the road less traveled I walked i'll let you think of a poem for it.

Also is a view of the Bear Mountain Bridge from about 900 feet elevation on a hill side behinf Ft. Montgomery, NY. and another current picture of my self, maybe just a little sweaty but in good form regardless.

Cheers & Prosit alles and please make a donation to the leukemia and Lymphoma Society through my linked page.

Thankyou.
Q

Thursday's tangent

You just know its gonna be a great day when its warm and humid when you leave on a run of between 6 and 7 miles and the skies are shifting between mostly cloudy and somewhat clear. Well It didn't rain while on the run, that would of been refreshing. It did however start to rain after I finished the run and was stretching out and cooling off. Still not a bad day on the road. Ran up hill going out and down hill returning. Not like I've much of a choice as its pretty much up hill going anywhere away from where I sleep unless I go down to the river.

As for a running record of running, what you don't like puns? :)

Yesterday was a mixed day rode the bicycle ran and rowed along with a few other exercises. as for the run I banged out 3.38 miles in 30 minutes. Not a world record pace but still good by my weak standards.

Today, did 6.82 miles in 1 hour and 14 minutes. I wonder if the 580 foot climb in elevation + relatively high humidity had anything to do with the overall time? Ya think? :)

Tomorrow I'll be sleeping in as its a day I've scheduled off from running. Saturday it a early wake up and out the door. I've 12 miles scheduled to do as training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Still tomorrow won't be all rest and relaxation. Need to canvas a few businesses about fund raising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and its Team In Training program.

New running shoes monday; the old ones are getting pretty beat and worn.

Cheers and Prosit Alles!
Q

Tuesday's travesties

Whats does a bagpiper do before an organized run by a bunch of disorganized people? Why he gets them into a frenzy.
June at Stewart Field, Newburgh NY. Getting ready for the Salute to the Military run. Great weather early day, a little detergent and you had free laundry service on the way home.
You have the right to color television.... Under the tunnel of Mahan Hall West point, NY the custom bike has a flat tire a few of us tried to help out. The tire had been repaired previously with a normal tubeless tire plug. the mushroom plug we installed worked but then we discovered he had a air leak from the rim itself as well. My old clunker H-D just kept right on going.

Catching up on a few different things so it this seems more disjointed that normal don't worry its the new normal.

Just a few fotos covering some sordid aspects of my simple life.

Now back to the regularly unscheduled chaos.

Monday, How does one go about hurting ones self while preparing to run a marathon? Maybe running with a 500 foot elevation change then along a 4 lane highway, and a golfcourse should do as long as the temps are over 70 degrees and the humidity is 90%+ Nyah that didn't do it. And the 9.34 miles were a cake walk after the 11 mile run on the Saturday before. Now running out of water would do it. Thankfully the camelback went dry within a mile of my finish. I got lucky. Note to self. Fill Camel Back fully stupid.

Tuesday, Bagpipe practice at 09:00, Chiropractic visit at 10:30, Lunch at a German Restaurant at 12:00 and stopping by the Marina to bust horns of a friend thats a good way to begin a Tuesday. Running 3.3 miles after a evening Thunderstorm, still better than getting washed down by the deluge. Tomorrow, its another day to leave a sweat puddle under the rowing machine in the base fitness center. I have to give the operators credit though. They see me coming and they unlock the janitor's closet and tell me to help my self to the mop when I'm done. You'd think they just lay out a few sponges.

Other than that just a typical eneventful couple of days.

Cheers.

Sunday Blog

St. Paddy's day 10K Yorktown, NY
Hmm last update was Thursday, OK lets see what I can do and not bore you to tears.

Friday I took time off from running from reality and rode my bicycle instead, did a little cross training and just had an easy day of it. And there is a reason for that.

Saturday was my long training run of the week. Knocked out 11 miles in just under 2 hours. Not bad for a 50 year old Juvenile Delinquent wearing a knee brace. Just a simple out and back course with a goodly climb in the middle. The average elevation change was 350 feet. Got on the roadway at 20 till 5 in the morning and the weather was excellent, clear pastel blue skies setting moon, ahead of me on the outward leg. Rising sun and a glorious morning on the inward leg. Listening to the birds warm up and start singing in the grey hours before dawn is fantastic and the bull frogs by the lake adding a bass line to the song.

It isn't untill I'm about an hour and a half into the early morning run i see anotherperson on the road , not driving a car or truck; but usually riding a bicycle. The early hours of the day are mine.

Sunday Morning, you would think that I would rest after a long run and not before. Actually I find it easier to take a liesurely jog and allow myself to get wound up over details. Still for the 3.3 miles i went 35 minutes may seem fast to some but its my average time.

Tomorrow depending upon my inclination I shall do between 6 and 10 miles of easy running. The 6 mile course has a higher elevation than the 10 mile loop but both will see a substantial climb in the first two miles.

So what do I do besides run and try to raise funds for the leukemia and lymphoma Society you might ask? Well by looking at the photos in flicker you may mark me as a cross dresser. That was a fund raising run in Albany this past may.

No, I actually don't do too much. Play the bagpipes somewhat, some lumberjacking and automotive repair when essential. Generally I just go about life living and enjoying it. Have a few beers relax and watch people. It can be so much better than reality TV.

Cheers & Prosit Alles!
Q

A Running Fool, Marathon Prep for Team In Training

Ok last posting was on Monday, its now Thursday I'll start with the dreaded statistics and get them out of the way.

Monday ran 9.6 miles, Tuesday 4.0, Wednesday 3.57 and Today/Thursday 6.4
The Monday run had an elevation change of 500+ feet and today's run 562 feet.
Total distance run since starting the training 138.55 miles, for the month of June 95.40 and this week starting on Sunday 26.6

I don't think I ever ran that much when I was in the Army! Well tomorrow, Friday is my off day and no running. Saturday I'll bang out 11 miles.

So whats all this stupid running for?
I'm trying to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Theres a link to my fundraising page here in the side bar. As for why? Well my older brother is now a 17 year Leukemia Survivor and I figured it would be a good thing to help other Leukemia Victims. So I'm begging funds and running.

One thing I really hate though is asking people to put out for a cause, What makes matters worse is the economy has taken a dump and some folks are jusitifably concerned about their own cash flow; retirees on fixed incomes Students and recent graduates with education loans to repay, The list can get longer.

Still there is a good side to my running for charity. I see thinks most people only see on nature shows on TV. Get to watch the sunrise, know the scent of the air during false dawn before people are moving and the light has a grey quality to it.
Then there is the wildlife, Rabbits, Deer, Coyotes, and the sounds of the Frogs in the lakes and wetlands. Even seen snakes warming them selves in the morning sun.

Yes, the aspects of what I can see at an early hour outweight the self imposed regime of awakening early. So what have you done today to change another's life?

Have a safe day all.
Q
http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/corps08/qchastant

Monday Madness; Team In Training & Marathon prep.

Seems like a good name, and it rolls; Monday Madness.

As for today I've run already and tried a new thing with the run as well. Used a Camel Back water carrier for my first time. It wasn't uncomfortable to use just different and for the longer run really helpful as my hands were unencumbered. I purchased it as a clearance item so I saved a couple of dollars as well.

Running;

Yesterday, I was at Rocland Lake State Park with the Team In Training People, We had a group run at 08:00 with 3 miles around the lake. I broke my run/jog in a small series of runs and sprints as I had done a consistant pace for 10 miles on Saturday.

Today, I ran for 9.6 miles through the Village of Highland Falls and the Main Campus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. In 1 hour and 59 minutes I went from the south end of Highland Falls, up through Eagle Valley, down on to the West Point Golf Course in through Washington Gate, down through Central Area and out around Buffalo Soldier's Field and out Thayer Gate, down Main St Highland Falls and back to Home.

Surprisingly I still had water in the Camel Back when I was done. Lost about 3 to 4 pounds water weight via sweat but didn't feel bad at all. I believe the Camel Back really helped.

Other regards;
Later today I shall grab my bagpipes and go practice. Also I practiced a bit at Rockland St. park before the run yesterday. Now its a matter of learning to walk and play. Hmm walking and chewing gum has posed problems in the past, this could get ugly.

OK I'll ask you, the good readers to please click on the link to the left that reads http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/corps08/qchastant and if you can please make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Team In Training website.

Thank you for your help with my fundraising effort.

Sincerely
Q

Saturday UPDATE, June 14, 2008

Well, not too much to say or add. Still training for the Marine Corps Marathon and attempting to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through their Team In Train Program. My fund raising web site attachment is to the left of this entry.
Its http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/corps08/qchastant

Today was my long run for the week at 10 miles. carried a flashlight with me but probably didn't need to. Finished the run in 2 hours and 3 minutes which I think is OK. Woke at 03:30 this morning and was running on the course at 04:30 finished at 06:33.

Saw a few things along the route, several rabbits, crows, deer, speeders caught by the State Police; all those things helped to distract me from my thoughts which is a good thing.

Tomorrow morning at 08:00 there is a Team in training group run in Congers NY at Rockland Lake. Since I did 10 miles today, I'll probably go and do only 3 to 4 miles tomorrow, or about 1/2 hour to 3/4 hour.

Waiting to see when the thunderstorms start otherwise just chilling today.

Have a good day all.

Q

Friday the 13th and life is good.

For those of you afraid of Friday the Thirteeth; Cheer up it'll gone by tomorrow.

I've attached a link for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Fund Raising to the Blog. If you can support me and make a donation, please accept my thanks, If you can't don't sweat the issue and just offer the moral encouragement I'll need.

I'm attempting to raise funds to help combat Leukemia and Lymphomas this year. As for my reasons, Well I've a brother who is a 17 year survivor of leukemia, and I've know a few folks who didn't survive the disease. I'd like to help more people get to the point where my brother is today.

Well training for the Marine Corps Marathon has been a major activity of late and today I'm giving my body a much deserved rest. Tomorrow morning I'm headed out for a ten mile excursion. While early to bed and early to rise might make a man Healthy, Wealthy and Wise; I also know it allows me to get an early start and beat the heat of the day.

On Wednesday I did 3.4 miles overall doing a jog/run alternation of 5 minute intervals 6/7.5/6/7.5/6/8/ miles per hour and started the cool down at 4.5 which is faster than my fast walk so that bumped the run mileage to 3.5 for the day.
Thursday I did 6.8 miles with about a 620 foot climb & descent in the middle. That was 1 hour and 14 minutes in duration. Climbing the hill isn't easy but I feel its excellent training for what I hope to do come October.

Last night I was in Whiteplains, NY. for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's fall kick off party Picked up some more materials for when i go out and about asking hat in hand for support

Hopefully though the Cancer Research pays off for all cancer victims not just those of Leukemias and Lymphomas. And then Running can remain a pleasant diversion.

Well that sums up the week not counting a small amount of time given to practicing my bagpipes.

Have a safe week everyone.

Q

Tuesday and what I've done since yesterday.

Just something different really. At 05:00 today it was already 75 degrees Farenheit.
I was also out the door for a 5 mile jog at 05:10, I wanted to be done before 06:00 as todays hight was reported be going into the upper 90's close to 100. I've got one thermometer on the west windows of where I live. This afternoon, in direct sunlight with some reflection from the thermopanes it read over 120 degrees. So yes it was hot outside today.

On Tuesday Mornings I practice my Piping with Mr. Joe Brady Sr. Generally about 09:00to 10:00 Eastern Time. Today due to the heat and humidity things just didn't feel as good as they could of though. I've music to put into my Copy Book and try to learn.
My hands don't always respond the way I want when I play and practice. Its probably a combination of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and personal angst.

Topped off the fuel tank of my vehicle today as well. Hope not to drive it for a few days. At least untill I need to, not want to. Gasoline is now $4.22 a gallon, being on a restricted income after retirement I need to be careful with myspending.

Also did my grocery shopping for the week too. Next time I go out I've about a $2.00 or so worth of recycleables to return for the deposits.

Otherwise, I vegitated all afternoon due to the heat. Got two letters to post tomorrow and also have to hit the fitness center for some other exercise routines too.

This almost does it for today. Just two things. Visit www.brakingthecycle.org for Team Guinan amd www.teamintraining.org/wch for myself.

Have a safe week.
Q

Monday update, 9 June 08

I'll repost the links so they stay current.
Two links should be posted www.brakingthecycle.org and www.teamintraining.org/wch

One is the AIDS Ride, John Guinan supported and Team Guinan supports
the other I am currently supporting

Hmmm last entry 5 June OK I guess I start with 6 June.

6 June, Friday. Thunderstorms in AM, ran 6 miles in 60 minutes. Or should I say I had the devil of a run for the day? :D Followed with going to John's wake in the Afternoon. I had no words for the family.

7 June, Saturday, Ran 9 miles in 1:46:00 not a blistering pace, but warm foggy and humid. I had a choice, attend Johns funeral or go play with some folks in the Delaware River. I said my good by to John on Friday, The funeral and wake would be nice but I think the crowds would of been intimidating for the family as well. They've got grief enough to deal with and I've no way to provide comfort except for support when and as they may need it. They can reach me through Ed.

Saturday on the river was fun I was able to forget about my cares and worries. Finished a mini Keg of Beer; didn't drink it all by myself, I did share. Played a few songs on the bagpipes and went home. Motorcycle rally to attend on Sunday.

8 June Sunday, ran a slow 3 miles and then went to the Rolling Thunder, NY Chptr 3, Salute to the Military Ride. Good ride. I stopped to help a rider with a flat tire. the reat tire just wouldn't hold air. Got back to the rally site a bit latter, heard some speaches and music had a dog and a burger and some soda. Also spoke to Congressman John Hall, told him he's got some excellent staffers and that they should be commended also. The one staffer didn't recognize me although he aided me in my case. He was pleasantly surprised.

9 June, Monday. the heat is on and summer is in full function. 81 in the shade/86 in the sun when I finished my morning run. Only 2 miles. Good enough with the heat..

Well time for more water and to kick back abit.

Be safe and take it easy, Life is too serious not to have some fun.

Q

John's Charity Ride.

As I said in the earlier post I'd post a connection to the Charity event John rode in, supported and believed in.

The web address is www.brakingthecycle.org

While I'm actively trying to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ( www.teamintraing.org/wch ), I can also take time for this. Braking the Cycle is to combat HIV/AIDS. John believed in this Charity and fund raising event and rode in it untill he became ill. I'll ask you; if you can, to support either or both organizations if you are able. www.brakingthecycle.org

The Aids Ride is September this year and theres plenty of time to train and ride for the event as well as raise money to help end HIV/AIDS.

Today's training report for my self; Interval traing. distance covered 3.7 miles time 38 min.

Wednesday; Fundraising & Marathon Training.

I am working to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am doing this through the Team In Training Program and information can be found at www.teamintraining.org/wch

I hope to meet the fundraising goal of $2,800 and also run in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on October 26th. I've choosen this as a charity to support personally this year as my older brother is now a 17 year survivor of Leukemia, I'm retired from a job in public safety and have time to try to raise funds and train for the event.

There is also a person whom I hope to emulate in this regard and that is John Guinan. He was very active with the Annual Bicycle Ride Against AIDS. He passed away yesterday from an agressive brain cancer. His Daughter and Friends Rode last year as Team Guinan on his behalf. Please Google the Aids Ride and if you can please make a contribution for Team Guinan on John's behalf. Its a very worthy cause and I'll try to find a link for my next posting.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Team In Training/Marine Corps Marathon update.
I've sent numerous letters out to People and Organizations I know and don't know asking for support. I'll be participating in a fall event the Marine Corps Marathon with the grace of God and the Support of Man.

Training update:
the last week of may I had a cumulative running mileage of 35.6 miles, Bicycling 0 mi
1 June run 4.25
2 June run 7.0
3 June Bic 22
4 June run 8.25

Closing for now, everyone please have a safe week and drive with courtesy.

Q

To John Guinan.

John Passed On last night and he will be missed. He had an agrssive brain cancer, we all knew that he had a tough battle and it would be hard for him and his family. I've not the words to express my regret at his lossing the battle.

John had a strong heart and supported the battle against AIDS and HIV through an annual Bike Ride raising funds, for work against that terrible disease. I can only hope to emulate his strenght and resolve. John, you will be missed greatly.
Good Bye Sir.

Saturday, AM run, USMA Graduation, bagpipe practice

Yep another run. Today was to be a cross training day, but I figured it a better day to get some slow eay miles in, a maintenance run for my base mileage. So about 5 miles done this morning before 7AM.

Also next week I'll be asking local store owners to pledge donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TnT) program. I've signed on to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Now have to concentrate on training safely and raising funds. The training is the easier part.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. had its graduation today, it felt good not having to go and work for such an auspicous event. Retirement has some good points.

Ah the afternoon has been pleasant, since the showers have passed for now, I was outside practicing my piping and I guess a few customers at the motel next door think I did pretty good, a couple even applauded. Funny though, my instructor thinks I'm doing well, maybe I'm my own worse critic; But the mistakes i make really annoy me. Still learning to play a musical instrument at any age take practice and i can play a few tunes now comfortably.

I e-mailed a friend of my who works for the Army Reserves and asked if he's up for a lunch get together on tuesday. I think I shall phone him on monday, it i don't get an e-mail response by tonight. Wow, I've been retired from the Army Reserves just over 7 years now. Where does the time go? It feels like just a couple of days ago.

Well its almost time to ring up the brothers and Mom & Dad see how they're doing. As for the weather todayot bad, about 60 degrees farenheit, overcast with a modest southernly breeze when I ran, rained about lunch time , and now my thermometer is reading 82 degrees F/27degrees C in the sun. the humidity is more of an issue. but not bad overall.

Have a good day.

Friday, Wow already?

With the Monday Memorial holiday the week just zipped by. Sent two letters out this week asking for support for my marathon attempt for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, have also stopped at a few business in the village and asked for support from them also. Wow, asking support and begging funds is not an easy task.

Wednesday: I ran about 7.8 miles at best, didn't manage my watersupply well but was able to finish without stopping my run. Had two beers at the South Gate and asked Emon for support for the LLS. Also a hair stylist across the street feom him and I'll need to catch Mayor Joe either at his Liquor Store or at work. Got a lot of begging to do over the next few weeks.

Thursday: Cross training day. Treadmill for speed work, 3.4 miles in 30 minutes with a progressive pace. 6MPH 10 minutes/6.5MPH 5min/7.0MPH 5min/7.5MPH 5min/8MPH 5min. 30 min run for 3.4 miles + 5min cooldown for 3.7 miles in 35 minutes. 22 min on the rowing machine for 4K meters, Thigh adductions and strectching. Bicycled to and from the gym for 6 miles. Then in the afternoon went to Pierre's and did yard work, cut wood, weed wacked. Got home showered ate dinner late and was in bed by 8 PM.

Friday: Early morning run. Goal was 8 miles, ran 8 miles in 1hr:34min. started at 05:16 and finished at 06:50. Took a fast pee break at the 5 mile mark. Had a good run and fisinshed strong. Next week, I aim for 9 miles on Friday. 8.8 miles would be my 10% increase goal. Did laundry today, clean sheets on the bed! Clean clothes for the next week or so. It was really needed. Did a little banking today, I should see my retirement income Monday. Paid off my credit card also. Should have a clean slate for June. Yea!

Well tomorrow may be a run day. Depends upon the Gym, if they open or not as it is also Graduation Day. Tomorrow is a cross training day.

Thats all for now.
Q

Tuesday, Training now in earnest.

Tuesday and training began in eanest yesterday May 26th Memorial Day. I'm not setting a time for any run completion. I have set a distance goal. This week i want to achieve 8 miles comfortably by Friday. Yesterday I ran 7.7 miles and today was a cross training day. Speed work for 3.15 miles on the treadmill, rowing and light weight/strenght training. Spent about an hour and a half at the gym plus bicycled to and from the Gym.

Other stuff:
Bagpiping is progressing well and my intructor wants me to start on classical piping.

My chiropractor suggests once a month visits while training for the marathon.

Had lunch yesterday with Carol, she is a very pleasant lady and i would like to join her again. She seems confidant and sure of herself. I do like that. Well let me post this before the thunderstorm knocks me off line.

Memorial Day Weekend/Sunday

Well, things are moving along in different ways. Almost a snowballing effect, It is thrilling and unnerving at the same time.

Thursday evening I signed up to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC come the end of October.

Friday morning I did a hard cross training regimen at the Fitness Center. 3.8 miles in 35 minutes, followed by 20/22 minutes of hard rowing on the machine, left a sizable sweat puddle under it then the inner thighs ussing the adduction machine for the patella injury followed by stretching. The over to brewster for a Chiro appt with Anne and used Frank's tire machine to break down the trailer tires to install new valves.

Saturday, ran about 6 or so miles, I do need to clock it properly. Ran from fire Station 3 on 293 out to Camp natural bridge and back

Today, I took my last truely down day from running and tommorrow the runs start in earnest.

Been awake since 04:00 and at 08:00 I was at the Shopette on Post to see who would show for the mystery ride. Only one other biker showed up, Disappointing really. But made the ride regardless. Down 9w to Bear mtn bridge, Up 9D to Peekskill rd and out 301 towards carmel. left on to Farmers Mills rd and right onto Gypsie Trail road to Putnam Cty Veterans Park. Back out to gypsietrail roud south to Nichols rd. Out to rt 52 and into Carmel where we went to George's for Breakfast. Over ate and back to Highland Falls.

Got in home about 13:00, joined Sharon my landlady for her brother's retirement part on the West Point Ferry Boat after the ride, I drove Sharon and her friends to the Barnstormer BBQ, Where a gift certificate for George & Lisa was purchased. The back to Home, Sharon and co walked around to georges, while I took care of some minor business. Covered my Motorcycle, changed off my boots for Crocs, Washed my face, checked e-mails, and then walked over to George's house.

George, is a former co-worker at the Fire Department, We both retired about the same time. He's a nice enough charater, but he's had his share of misfortune too. Yesterday he mangled a couple of fingers on a tablesaw. Sooner or later he's gonna feel the throbbing in the extremities, but he also plays the stoic well too.

Still and all I'm proud of myself, had just one beer today, and it was more than enough. Of course by my standards it isn't a real beer as it has no true flavor or taste, but it was wet and cold. I'd rather of had a water at that point but so be it.

And finally, almost to the end. I spoke with a lady today, and we've a luncheon date tomorrow. As for tomorrow, In the early morning, I'll drive up to Station 3 park there and go for a run out to Natural Bridge and back. I don't think the fitness center will be open as it is Memorial Day tomorrow. A national day of rememberance for all the nations war dead from all wars. Very similar to Britian's and Canada's Rememberance Day, but not held on the date of Armistace Day from WWI. Now called Veterans Day here in the U.S.A. But I digress and nnonsequitor from the original thoughts. Tomorrow I start training for the Marine Corps Marathon, prior to going to lunch.

Have a quiet and safe Memorial Day on Monday.

Team In Training Tonight.

Well tonight, I trot over the hill to Monroe to sit in on a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TnT) meeting. I am considering running in the Marine Corps Marathon even thouh I'm not much of a distance runner. 10K distances being my longest races and then finishing at about the 1 hour mark. Still I know I can go further distances, I did about 7&3/4 miles this past saturday. So it should be a matter of putting my feeble mind to it and training up to the challenge.

Yesterday, I went to a farewell luncheon for a Gentleman I know from the FireDepatment. Pete's wife is returning from the Sandpit of the mideast and with her return the family is relocating to Alabama, the needs of the Army and all. Pete is a decent guy who'd give you the shirt off his back and will be missed.

Well, I need to get off this idiot box and go for a run & workout. Still the cool weather for spring doesn't make it easy.. Well regardless need to do that and get some practice in on my bagpipes too. On ward to better things hopefully.

Wednesday before Memorial Day

This is my Mother's Parent's plot in Westchester County NY. My Grandparents, Uncle and Aunts are here. I generally attempt to keep some flowers upon it but this year I haven't done so well. well at least there is a new flag for Memorial Day.

Ah it is a tad cool outside this morning still, I'll need to go make o day of it yet.
48 degrees farenheit this morning and the sun is coming out. Next I'll dress and bicycle to the gym for a work out. I've already been on the computer too long this morning and need to become physicaly active.

Yesterday I didn't work out at all. Maybe a day off was needed. Still I did things I've not done in some weeks. Basicly it was a simple day but of about 160 miles duration. Ack!
09:00 bagpipe practice with my instructor.
11:00-13:00 ensure family and friend's cemetary plots were marked for Memorial day
14:00-15:00 attempt to repair wire metal rack, abject failure, and put leaf blower in barn
16:00-17:00 shopping excursion, new shopping basket for bicycle and grocery carriers ordered.
18:00-22:00 watch DVD and screw around with the internet.