Mid Week in Macon

Another week on the road, and I haven't taken the time to do some blogging. I guess a quick recap is in order.

Had another great weekend at home with Gerri. After church on Sunday we grabbed lunch at Barley's, then went bowling. We haven't bowled in years, probably 3 or 4 years. Much like golf, I generally have good results after a long layoff and Sunday was no exception. We rolled two games and I was pretty consistent with a 184 and 202. Both games should have been 10-15 pins higher if I hadn't missed a couple of single pin spares in both games. Oh well, can't complain about a 193 average, but I can complain about the price. Gone are the days of bowling being an affordable family entertainment option. $4.25 for shoe rental and $4.50 per game. Are you kidding me?

Monday morning I had one of my worst runs EVER. The plan was an easy five miler in Westchester. The first mile felt okay, but then some lower leg pain discomfort. I stopped at 1.5 miles to stretch and walk, started again, stopped at 2 miles, started again, and threw in the towel at 2.5 miles. As I was walking back to the car I told myself that I had to at least get 3 miles. In a year and a half of running, I have rarely if ever quit a run short. I struggled to get to 3 and the entire time I was very uncomfortable. I felt like I was bouncing, and just dragging my left foot along. Hopefully a fluke, but I'm going to take it easy this week to see if I can head this thing off.

I drove to Warner Robins, GA on Monday afternoon/evening, spending the time listening to some of my favorite running podcasts as well as Dave Ramsey. I worked in Perry on Tuesday, then drove to Macon, where I spent the night and worked today and again tomorrow. I get to head back home in the afternoon and will stop to pick up my 14 year old daughter Heather.

I may try a short, easy run on Friday before taking Heather out to lunch as we meet our friend Ryan. Hopefully we can have a fun Friday, and then enjoy the weekend before she leaves for The Gauntlet, NewSpring Church Camp, on Sunday evening.

Now it's time to kick back on the bed at this Sleep Inn, watch my beloved St. Louis Cardinals play the Phillies, and get back to reading Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters before it has to get back to the library.

On the Road Again

Monday June 2, 2008

After a trip to Vermont and a few days at home, it's time to get back to work. That means leaving home for parts, sort of known. After finishing up lots of paperwork this morning, I finally got on the road around 2:00pm. Destination, Vidalia, Georgia

Two routes available. You can go back roads at just over 200 miles or highways more than 100 miles more. Since it was a beautiful day for driving, I selected the slower but shorter back roads. The directions from Street Atlas were less than spectacular, but with some luck and a decent sense of direction I eventually made it in about 4:30 hours.

The great part about driving is being able to get caught up on my Podcasts. Since I haven't been traveling much, my iPod was jammed with over 100 podcasts just waiting for me. I listened to my old buddy Steve Runner @ Phedippidations, three Dave Ramsey podcasts and a new one with a guy named Chad that speaks fluent Japanese. I listen to the English podcasts. Luckily, I have many more hours in the cars this week to knock out some more.

After arriving in Vidalia, I grabbed a quick dinner at Zaxby's, Blackened Blue Salad, then did my evening shop at the Krystal restaurant. I stopped by the water tower to take the picture. This is near the small park with lots of Little League and softball games going on. There is a 1/2 mile paved running/walking path in the park that I used last time I was here. I may or may not use it tomorrow.

I finally made it to my hotel. Here is a snapshot of the front. The hotel is nice enough, although the room was about 90 degrees when I got here and after an hour or so the air conditioner is still struggling to get the temp done into the comfortable range. I won't be happy until there is frost on the windows:) I'm going to travel with my camera and see if I can find an interesting pic or two to add to my blogs. I still have the final chapter of my marathon blog to finish tomorrow, and hope to get back running again Tuesday afternoon/evening.