Long Island Sound Run

Flew to Connecticut yesterday. Uneventful flight, but a brutal 1 hour and 40 minute wait in line at Budget Rental Car. Their system was down and they did not have enough help to properly deal with the situation. We eventually got on the road to CT.

Stopped in Norwalk at Stew Leonard's, the worlds largest dairy store. Had lots of yummy samples, ate some chocolate yogurt and then had a cheeseburger and corn on the cob. Perfect opportunity for Gerri and I to have some fun while killing some time. We'll have some pics to post when we get back home.

Wandered up US 1 from Norwalk and drove along Fairfield Beach, before eventually jumping on I-95 and getting to the Comfort Suites in Stratford. We chilled during the afternoon and early evening before eventually grabbing some dinner at Uno's Chicago Grill in Fairfield. A nice BBQ chicken pizza on flat bread and 20oz. Amber Beer. Back at the hotel we wound down and finally turned in around 11:30pm.

Got up this morning for a run. Gerri had found a nearby run on MapMyRun.com. We got out of the hotel around 8:00am, and the temp was already high 70's and humid. We drove the short distance, parked and started out. The run was through quiet, well maintained neighborhoods and along the beautiful Long Island Sound.

This was my 2nd recovery run since the marathon two weeks ago, and unlike the very uncomfortable 2 miler earlier this week, this one felt good. We got in 2 easy miles, stopped briefly at the car for a drink and I unfortunately had to take care of a GI disturbance. We started back up and traveled along a beautiful section along the Sound with no buildings to disturb the view. The fog was still sitting above the water and in the distance you could see the ferries headed to Port Jefferson and Bridgeport. This was a very peaceful and most enjoyable section of the run.

I finished up with 4.34 miles in 48:27. Slow by my standards but I was very happy with it because it was a pain free recovery run. We stopped by Dunkin Donuts on the way back for some Iced Coffees, then back to the hotel. We ran into Warren, Emily and Don in the lobby and spoke briefly with them about the service and the plans for the day. My mother, Emily, has lost a lot of weight in the six months since her heart surgery and looked to be in the best health condition that I had seen her in for a long time.

We took some time to relax and cool off and now must get ready for the day ahead. The viewing begins at Jesse Lee United Methodist Church at noon, followed by the Service and then burial in Union Cemetery in Easton. It sounds like everyone will be gathering at Aunt Marge's house following the burial. I'm strangely at peace with the day ahead, although I'm sure there will be times throughout the day that memories will break me down.

Life is too short, but it helps to know that Grandma lived a wonderful 90 years. She and Grandpa played such an important role in developing who I am as a person, that I know saying goodbye for the last time will be difficult.

Travels throughout Georgia

Two days down, two to go. Started in Vidalia, moved on to Hazlehurst, now in Statesboro and then Savannah tomorrow. Vidalia is home of the sweet onion, Hazlehurst has nothing to offer, Statesboro is an interesting little town and home of Georgia Southern University. Savannah is a great southern historic city with outstanding architecture, food and of course Tybee Island.

Tybee was not only the site of my 2nd Half Marathon, and current PR, but also the place that my lovely bride and I tied the knot in a beautiful sunrise ceremony on the beach just over 4 years ago.

I may get a chance to run in Savannah tomorrow, although temps are going to be near 100. Otherwise this will be purely a business trip and I can look forward to getting home on Friday night. Hoping to meet Gerri, Chelsea and Heather downtown for dinner before their crazy summer schedules start.

Gerri and I will be flying out of Charlotte on Saturday morning to LaGuardia and flying back on Monday afternoon. Looks like viewing, service and burial for my grandmother will all happen on Sunday afternoon. Probably dinner with Don and Warren on Saturday night and then Gerri and I can wing Monday.

Hockey is in the third period, so I guess I'll call it a night, and settle in for the evening. Hopefully this game doesn't go three OT's too.

In Honor of my Grandmother, Beatrice (Bea) Cederholm

Rest in peace Grandma. You'll be missed, but never forgotten.

We love you.

Amazing Grace

How Great Thou Art