Lap Dogs Be Keepin Me Down...

My reason for my sporadic blogging you ask?...
It's a very lame excuse but, when I stop moving for just one second during the day or night, I immediately am accosted by dogs and puppies! I always seem to have one in my lap, where back in the day it would always be a guitar, keyboard or book. 

I'm not complaining, if anything I'm happy with the affections of living beings. I'm actually grateful and feeling lucky to have all these little mutts around me and I'm happy that they've found a safe haven after what most of them have been through.
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I wished I hadn't gorged myself with all that premium chocolate so soon before a long run and then to add gasoline to the fire, I washed it all down with a Mocha Latte.
At around 3.7 miles I felt tired, bloated and the crash after the sugar rush all brought me down to a new low.

I'm trying to get my trail running efficient for for my Fall races. I joined a challenge on "Strava" (online GPS based club and individual journal for athletes who ride, run, walk etc.) I need to run 100 miles of trails in 16 days. In my case with work and everything else in my life I'll probably have less than 10 days to complete this challenge. It's forcing me to toughen it up.

It has been interesting discovering new trails and areas previously unexplored. I'm usually running paved roads, riding roads and bike paths. I have to say it's been eye opening and exciting running trails, up and down cliffs, through wooded areas over sand dunes and never knowing what I'll find around the next turn or over the next hill.
There have been scenic vistas, very interesting people and other trail running athletes. 

On the down side I've found so many camps of homeless people and evidence of the multitudes who live destitute and hidden away from the general public.
I think the problem is so deep and complicated, with  many reasons for this situation. 

Mostly I think it's people that have given up with life and resigned themselves to this lifestyle. Drugs, alcohol and mental issues more than anything are basically the root causes for a lot of this but, that's just my laymen opinion. I've talked to many of these people and most that I've discussed their issues with are just not interested in finding resources to utilize and get themselves moving forward to a better life and just want to be left alone. So on it goes and the problem effects everyone. I have to say it's pretty gross and disgusting having to dodge needles, feces and sleeping bodies while I'm trying to stay healthy and find some relaxation and oneness with nature. I don't mean to sound lofty and arrogant but, I've been through a lot of crap in my life and I have my issues but I could never just give up like that. I'd rather just off myself and not have to suffer through a life like that...maybe I'm just a coward.
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Running has been such and adventure and kept me focused and move forward even with so much distracting sideshow activity in my life in the last 8 months.
This weekend I'm heading for more challenging trails in the Marin area. I'm thinking maybe a need a compass and some signal flares...not quite sure what I'm getting myself into here.
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Starting to get back to my photography and dabbling in some graphics with a mind of doing some kind of a book in the future. Stories, photos and graphics. We'll see where that will take me. Getting the creative urge again but, probably not with the music just yet.

Cathy and Gaga in Cathy's studio

Sleep Running, Blue Moon and ARTPOP

There is something so deep and intense about exercising late at night when traffic is at a minimum, most normal people are home in their warm abodes and a dark quiet peace encapsulates everything. It quiets the nerves and quiet is what I absolutely need at this moment.
I had a horrible day and it all had to do with close proximity to angry, over the top hostile and hating humans. I think I'm just burning out with the pitiful, deplorable condition of having to exist in a decaying urban environment.
Aside from that I've just had a few setbacks recently and needed to get back to some reality checks in my life.
To jump ahead and not wallow in my day's conflagrations...

I remember back around 2008/2009 getting into a lot of night riding with my friends. Although maybe somewhat dangerous, there's just something about the quietness, the night air, the lack of traffic people and light just makes for a deep, may I say spiritual vibe. I feel connected with the Universe, disconnected from the vicissitudes that have weighed me down throughout the day...Freedom.

As soon as I crossed Van Ness Boulevard and entered into lower Pacific Heights it was suddenly like a warm blanket was put over my shoulders. The music in my ears and over it I could here the barely discernible pat on the pavement as my Newtons whisked me along the sidewalks and pavement. It reminded me of how my puppies run along side me which made me wish they were with me.

I crossed Divisadero and climbed out towards outer Pacific Heights and the Presidio and yet further into the quiet and darkness. Peace, finally.
As I dipped down into 25 Ave to Seacliff and the beginning climb up to the Presidio and the view of the Golden Gate bridge I understood the feeling that and UltraMarathoner feels running miles and miles in the night and the stillness. I want this. Although it was only an eleven mile run, it seemed timeless, endless at least for the time I was in the moment.

I descended from the bridge and down to the base of the bridge. I hopped a fence with a sign that said "Closed: Keep out".
and I ran some more to "Hoppers Hands" and stopped for a moment to breath in the view.
Finally I ran towards home, down along the beach in the moonlight along Chrissy field and Marina Green and my mind just wandered into that beautiful peaceful state between reality and dreams...timelessness. Even though I was really tired my feet kept moving and up back over the hills.
I think my training and base are enough that I really feel as though my legs are at the point of running by themselves and not of need for any kind of brain to micro manage them. Kind of like riding a horse. 

I stopped along Polk street to get a vitamin water and had trouble wrapping my head back around reality as I fumbled through my wallet like I was stoned.
I walked home the few blocks and drank my water. I slowly fell back into reality and as I passed the drunks, crackheads and homeless, my reality check took hold.

I don't have it that bad. I'm very lucky and I really appreciate these times to get away and escape what these poor souls can't. If only they knew about this wonderful high that is available to them...their lives would change. I know that mine has...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Just a thought that came to me and reminded me of when I had been going through a horrible depression and the moment I snapped out of it...

One of the greatest moments in my life was the moment I shut my mouth, opened my ears and eyes, stepped aside and let the giant wave of youthful artists by me to take the wheel and venture down that road with reckless abandon, as I once did...a long time ago...

I've been anticipating Lady Gaga's new album. I know some of my friends just don't get my obsession, and fascination with her but, she's really a symbol of the feeling I've stated above. No one really knows how she saved me and may never know a lot of the other reasons which I may just keep to myself that she helped me deal with.
Life is complicated and many persons, places and things hold great value to us and maybe in only a way that we understand and no on else does.

Peaking With The Wrong Sport...Visit to Dr. Mike Lee

I knew Friday morning when I painfully struggled to get out of bed that I was in for a rough road ahead if I didn't do something soon for my ancient decrepit body. Since taking up running my injuries seem to be many and cumulative. What started as a work related injury to my back has now put stress on all the physical components through my him thighs, legs and so on. After a referral from a tenant in my building I decided to swing by "Dr. Mike's". A local Chiropractor who is somewhat highly regarded. I limped into the office which was 2 blocks away and as I was speaking to receptionist Dr. Mike popped his head in through the doorway and gave me a friendly greeting. After explaining my tale of woe, he had me fill out the usual pages of information and releases.

After completing the forms I was invited into his office and we started talking about my recent and past athletic exploits. As I was talking to him I gazed over his shoulder and low and behold a picture of Dr. Mike running across the finish line at the Anchorage Marathon! Nice! I said. "You're a runner"?
"I sure am"! He replied.
I then realized I was in good hands.

We talked of "IT bands, hip flexor, hamstrings and all the standard running issues runners have to deal with.
After a quick exam of my back he informed me that I have "Scoliosis". He explained how this would throw everything off kilter. After reading more about this I discovered that the great marathoner "Bill Rogers" has the same issue so, not to worry, he's still plugging along at 63 years old.

I've been to Chiropractors before so it wasn't all new to me. It was the standard fair of intense local heat on the effected areas, vibrating table with spine mas-sager. I will say the atmosphere was very relaxing with very soft spa music, quiet and typical Asian calming vibe. 

Dr. Mike is a bit slight in build so I was interested how he was going to manipulate my gangling neanderthal body around...

There were no surprises but, his technique was superb and professional. By the time he was done I felt like I had just smoked a bit of the reefer and all the pain had been vanquished! I realized at that point how bad my back had gotten.

I slept really well last night and other than having to get up at 2 in the morning to go out and break up parties in two of the buildings I manage, I felt pretty decent this morning.

I felt energetic and decided to head out on the bike and do a local high intensity ride to Daley City, around Lake Merced and back. I think I ended up getting more personal records than I can remember. If I'm feeling like this next week when I run the Santa Rosa Marathon I'll be happy. Tomorrow I'm going to try a short run and see how the hip flexors are holding up.

Sunday:
Back pain has arrived again. Probably over did it Saturday on the high intensity ride.
My big goal today was to spend time with my three daughters (of the canine variety). It's rare that I get a day now with just my three doggies so, I wanted to take advantage of it. We had a great time and took a mystery walk through the Western addition and up to Japan town then, returned. They were toast and went into deep nap mode on their return home. It freed me up to take a run and test the waters.

I felt pretty tired from yesterday's ride but just forged ahead and trotted off towards the Bridge. I couldn't get any speed up and the back was really painful. At mile 5 my hip flexor pain returned but since I was getting close to the bridge I figured what the Hell...just go for it.
I ended up getting 8.5 miles in and if this is any indicator of how I'll be next week then I'm kind of in deep shit. With my injuries I don't think I'll get a Boston qualifying time in Santa Rosa but, at this point I just want the medal...It's beautiful and even if I have to walk the last 10 miles I'll do it.

Probably the reason I'm in bad shape for running is I really didn't take a break after the SF Marathon and kept up the same level of training..."Stupid".
After next weekend it's 2 weeks off running and just riding the bike only. After which I begin trail running training for the Fall and plan to gain some weight and get back to the Gym...I'm getting a bit thin and starting to burn a bit of muscle that I can't afford to lose which could be the source of my running injuries. 

I'm liking the Dr. Mike visits though. Hopefully I can afford to keep it up.

Saturday Jump Start

I'm anxious to get back to a regular training schedule including more cycling. Today I kind of got the itch to maybe sign up for some races. As I started out on my Saturday ride in the cold and fog, I wasn't really enthused with riding across the bridge and decided to ride local. It was my fortune to run into one of my friends who just happens to be a Cal masters state champion competitive cyclist. He was out getting warmed up for a race coming up on Sunday.

 Accompanied by some of his riding buddies who looked pretty formidable! I rode by them and immediately turned around, caught up and asked if they didn't mind me riding along...even though I was on my one speed, they said fine.

I kind of knew I was asking for it but, surely this would be the workout I needed. I wasn't disappointed. Even though the were somewhat taking it easy the day before their race, it was still a bit of a hammer fest for me on my cannonball on wheels. At one point we rode up "Lovers Lane" which is a particular steep grind. I couldn't keep the momentum up and just got of the bike and ran up it which was actually much faster. As I've said before I really like the work out I get on a one speed. It works well with my running although it puts me at a bit of a disadvantage with the road bike guys.
I ended up having a great time and we mostly talked about running. My friend Chris comes from the running world and was just as amazing running as he is with the bike.
I like being around these guys that inspire me. I don't feel intimidated and I'm a bit older than most of my friends. It's kind of interesting that I don't have a whole lot of friends my age. I guess that's a good thing for forcing me to work harder at my athleticism.

Tomorrow I run and plan on doing some tempo work. I'm looking forward to The Santa Rosa Marathon, although the logistics and costs will be a bit of an issue, I'm really interested in seeing how I'll do for my second Marathon with less elevation than the SF Marathon. I think after this event I may concentrate on some shorter Fall races and some trail running. If I qualify for the Boston Marathon than I'll have a whole new set of plans and a new direction plotted out for my winter.


In the meantime work has been OK, although I'm taking yet another huge financial hit. I need to make it work somehow. I'm really inspired to take time and train to be an amateur athlete and see how far I can go.
I may get burned out with it all but, I can always come back to the music after all...

The dogs are so happy with their new home and the dog care has been somewhat steady and helping with the financial imbalances.The dogs are so happy with their new home and the dog care has been somewhat steady and helping with the financial imbalances.

...and now I set my sights for Boston

After only sleeping an hour, waking up, reading, trying to get to sleep while a sickly dog we're watching limped around, fell out of bed a number of times, weaved and banged into walls I just gave up and went down stairs to roll out on a roller, stretch and to begin focusing on today's Marathon. I had some Greek yogurt, cereal and berry's with Chia.
By the time I headed out the door at 5:00am, I was actually feeling pretty good. As I got close to the Embarcadero I began to see runners funneling towards the start line.
I wore my Bicycle riding jacket and carried a "throw away" jacket to wear for the beginning of the race. I was glad I did! It was freezing. I dropped my good jacket with one of the UPS truck equipment/clothing drop off.

I was signed up for wave 5 and it was a very slow march to the entrance but, when I got there I moved up as far to the front as possible.

I was very nervous, apprehensive and my heart rate was already creeping north and I hadn't even started to run. At the gun, it was a bit of a slow start for the first 100 yards but, it cleared up pretty quick and I didn't really have to do that much dodging around people. I new I was starting out a little fast and thought to slow down a bit. I soon just threw the game plan out the window and just went with how I was feeling.

One of the things I planned to do was dedicate this run to my immediate family. I knew I had a long way to go and needed to focus on the ones who have inspired me and brought me to this moment in my life.

Dad: I love my Dad and knew that he would be proud. I get a lot of my athletic inspiration from him. He taught me how to be patient, loving and funny. His strength and personality made me feel safe, and inspired me to try and be like him.

Mom: As I get older I understand we had so many of the same flaws and weaknesses (fear). Through her I came to understand a lot of myself. She had a good heart and was always protective of us all. We were very close, and at times I would be angry with her for letting things get to her and fill her with bitterness. If only I could have inspired her and made her life a little easier. I caused her so much pain.

Linda: I didn't spend a lot of my time with her and kind of put her in more of an axillary parent status. I think I was afraid of her, she didn't pull her punches and put me in my place many times. I missed the few times we had together just being strait up and I know she suffered so much in her short life with her health problems. She had a beautiful family and meant so much to so many. I wish she was here and I could show her that I've tried very hard in the last few years to excel and aspire to push myself to a higher level.

Paul: My life coach. Hugh and I were so competitive with each other for his kudos. I feel he was the catalyst for the Hugh and I to push ourselves out of the box. He's been so supportive to me and I can only hope to make him proud of me.
We had funny names for him... The Pope, the Governor, the Senator! I don't think he really new the power he had over us...

Hugh: My friend...A bond so deep that when he passed recently a part of me died also. No words can describe how good he was to me and I to him.
Still to painful to think about...

This is why I run...

 I definitely wanted to go for a sub 4 hour finish. The pace was brisk and the excitement was carrying me rapidly through the Marina and I made the bridge in great time. At this point I knew this was the beginning of the hardest part of the run. I hit the bridge and running became a bit dicey. the running lane was very narrow and if you stepped to far too the left you would be in to running traffic heading back in the opposite direction!

My fear of running over the bridge (fear of heights) was not an issue in the least. I actually enjoyed it and I felt like I was beginning to really settle in to a nice efficient race pace.
back across the bridge and climbing up into the Presidio was starting to kick my ass but when I started the downside to Baker Beach I felt better and made some good time. At this point I threw away my jacket and finally felt free and unencumbered.

Crossing through the Richmond, fatigue soon began to set in. I downed another Power Bar gel and hoped for the best. The water stops slowed me down considerably. I made sure to thoroughly hydrate myself even though I had to stop maybe 6 or 7 times to pee. Better than being dehydrated. I kicked ass down through the park but when I hit the turnaround and the half way point it was all seriously catching up to me. I tried to keep my pace up during the climb up to Stow lake by trying to stick with faster runners. This totally beat me up and by Stow Lake I was getting that funny back of the throat nausea. For the stretch towards the Haight I was trashed and stopped for a few seconds to inhale a banana and more electrolyte which probably saved me.

Through the Haight was grueling and everything from this point on was slower. I had trouble just keeping my feet moving but, managed to force the pain out my ears and finally my legs began to detach from my brain and started running by themselves! Between So. Van Ness to Florida street there was a small hill and I just had to stop and walk two blocks. I had nothing left. At this point only the music in my ear buds was keeping me moving...thank you Lady Gaga and Incubus...couldn't have done it with out you.

Down through to Mission Bay I knew I could make it but really wanted to walk but, forced myself through it. I passed the Ballpark and saw the Bridge where the finish line was. I new I would not make the under 4 hour goal I had. I put my head down and just kept going. I hated the fact that when I raised my head the bridge didn't seem to be getting any closer! It confounded me and I was getting that bonky grouchiness!...almost there!
As I came up to the finish line I heard my name announce over the loudspeaker and the cheering so, I put on my hard core "Dave Scott" face as the flashing cameras assured me I had done it!
I heard Cathy yell "Pete"! Yes I did it and I was proud of myself but, more in a scientific way... I had approached this event intelligently well planned and I felt that more than a self aggrandizing moment, it was a graduation, an education. I learned so much about my athletic potential and a whole new side of who I am.
I feel great!!!!

...and now I set my sights for Boston

Reality Sinks In...

I took a trip down to The SF Wipro Marathon Expo to pick up my race bib, timing chip and take a look around. My looking around ended up costing me a bit of change.

I felt like a gambling addict on a losing streak in Vegas. I just couldn't stop. The further I got into the Exhibit hall the more out of control I became. The final straw after all the GU's, Shirts, blinking running gear was when I came across the "Newton" booth. All those crazy neon colored high tech design shoes and a big sign saying 20% off!

Of course there were a pair of the top of the line shoes in just my size! 
Hey they threw in a free pair of socks! That's a deal! I enjoyed hanging out talking to a bunch of old geezers sharing ideas and their 2 cents worth of advice and opinions on everything.
I love the "Newtons" They feel comfy but, need to tie them a bit loose, they seem to have a naturally glove like fit. I'll still run Sunday with my Brooks "Pure Flows". They're still my favorite shoe at this point and I've been running in them exclusively for the past three months.

After the giving away most of my money I forced myself to high tail it out of there and get home to safety.


I'm feeling a little more rested today and have been eating as much food as possible to hopefully pack in enough glycogen into my muscles to see me though  the 26.2 miles. I had lost maybe a little too much weight within the last couple of weeks and I've been tired and just dragging my ass. Probably a bit over trained I think.
I stop to think that only a few short months ago this was all a goofy afternoon pipe dream. Somehow I've pulled it together and made it happen. I'm quite sure I'll do the distance and my only concern is getting close to the time goal I've set for myself. 4:15. It would be nice to break 4 hours but, I'm not sure I can really do it but, I'll sure try.


In the meantime the new apartment and job are working out pretty well. I'm hoping to be able to stay here for awhile. There's a great vibe about the place. Our friend who's into the whole "Feng shui" concept thought everything seems just right.
The dogs love it and it seems our Doggie Day Care is actually getting busier now.

Just a little over 24 hrs to the big run and I'm getting a bit of performance anxiety, but I think it will all be good. I can't believe my goal is this close to me already. Reality sinks in...

Open Road, Just Me and My Bike...

Sometimes in life, you look back and realize you've just gone down a path that you could never have fathomed. Life is full of surprises and the trick is don't hit the brakes, just let it happen and you may be happy with the path you've taken.


I had a chance Saturday to step back and take a breather and to just digest all that has happened in the last few months. I haven't had anytime alone aside  from running in where most my thoughts have been about training, goals and short term life logistics. I had planned on taking a bike ride to Mt. Tamalpais and put out a somewhat weak invitation for others to join. It seemed everyone had plans and couldn't make the ride, which was actually fine cause I really needed some alone time.
With a week to the Marathon, I needed some cross training and to give my feet a break from slamming the ground.

I dusted off Klein road bike and got up early and headed out for the bridge. I just focused on quieting my mind and just threw away the thoughts that would start worrying me. By the time I got to Fairfax I finally got into that Zen mode and it just became me and my bike.

I think I've lost a bit of power/wattage in my legs but at the same time I've gained endurance. Usually I'm pretty trashed after a Tam ride but, I actually ended up feeling excellent, like I could have gone much more. 


The whole ride was very positive aside from the bike crash I came up on as I approached Alpine Dam. A woman at lost it on a curve and went down pretty hard causing a serious head injury. I stopped at the Dam and watch them proceed to airlift her out by helicopter. 

It made me think of how I'm lucky I just seemed to lose the thrill of blasting downhill at high speed. One of those qualities that comes with age...it's called common sense. I've had too many close calls and I feel in the past few years my timing, balance and  bravado have lost a bit of polish.

The Seven Sisters

I'm beginning to get a handle on how to eat and the amount of energy I burn with riding and running. Where I'm losing certain advantages, I'm gaining in a other avenues.
I rolled along the "Seven Sisters" and felt so lucky for just being and thankful for being able to witness the beauty on such a fine Summer day. I cruised down the front of Tam and happened into a few riders and a bit of chat. It was a breeze going through Sausalito and up the corkscrew to the bridge. 
I was absolutely crazy heading back across the bridge with all the bike tourist traffic coming at me. I felt like a Salmon on a bad acid trip.
Finally I made it home safely and called ahead to meet Cathy at our favorite restaurant, "The Grubsteak". 

After a great meal, we headed home for a power nap and some doggy time!

Solace of the open road...loving life.

I feel so lucky...
I hope this feeling stays for awhile.
This week I'll do some light running, focus on work and next Sunday "The Marathon"!
Can't wait!


Saturday ride was 57 miles but, my GPS didn't boot up until 17 miles into the ride...

So I've been trying to snag an under 2 hour Half-Marathon time, more for my self confidence than anything. I have to set little goals on the way to the big one to keep me fired up. Today I finally felt like the rhythm, is coming together. I kept a pretty even pace and most of the miles were under 9 minute miles. Now to double this and keep up that pace for another 13 plus miles is a long shot, especially on a route with so many hills and people to get by.


Along with that, I'm beginning to dial in the diet which is making a difference. 
One of the products I'm experimenting with is something called "Chia Seeds". Supposedly a protein supplement, high on omega 3 etc. Also I'm using "ZMA with Theanine " which is helping with recovery and sleep. Now the magic bullet in all this is a recent discovery. "Power bar gels"! Especially the "double latte". I could feel a nice kick after doing one of these around mile 7. I was able to really keep my energy level up considerably. Finally for a great tasting snack food are the Artisana line of natural butters. Peanut, Cashew and Coconut are my favorite. A spoonful of one of these in the evening are a great nutritious replacement for sweet processed treats.

Today was a beautiful day for a run and I was feeling pretty good. Not completely recovered physically from our recent move and all the training, lifting and abuse to my body in the last month. I had to take liberty to include a "Dork Shot".

I'm also sticking with my "Brooks Pure Flows" for my Marathon this month. They feel perfect. I think the "Connects" I'll save for the shorter runs.

Being in a better state of mind and happy with the move and the new job (so far), has done wonders for my overall feel, mood and general well being.

My Layla lou

I had a good weekend and had some very happy peaceful moments. I'm still having moments where I miss my younger brother so much. It's times like these that I wish I could share with him...He would be happy for me.

I miss you Hugh...

The Third Time Is The Charm

With all the trepidation of a new job, apartment and the move into a horrible neighborhood, I am quite surprised at how things worked out. It all ended up pretty well and I'm actually stymied with  myself that I would have stayed so long at my previous job and taken so much abuse from a bunch of arrogant frackin dweebs who really have no idea how to manage, people, buildings and If I were one of the higher ups they'd all be fired.
To use my least favorite phrase, which I seem to hear once a day now,
"moving on"...
(a passive aggressive dismissal somewhat like..."talk to the hand")!


Over the last month, the process of moving has been quite grueling. I'm hating it more and more as I get older and my back is hating it ever worse.
I was a costly move and I didn't really have a lot of money to pay anyone to help so, the help I did get was pretty shoddy and a lot our furniture arrived pretty beat up and all the lifting just destroyed my back in the process. We had to move into a temporary unit until the manager who got fired moved out. Five days after moving we had to move again.


The new building is in a pretty nasty area of the Tenderloin but, the building has a nice feel to it and the apartment is pretty sweet although a little strange in it's design.
I was afraid for how the dogs would feel about the new place but, they settled in right away and seem quite happy here. There's a nice little courtyard and there are plenty of other dogs for them to hang out with.
The apartment also comes with my own office and it's probably the best part of the deal. It's nice to be back managing buildings again.

The running has been sporadic with the move. My back has been acting up and with only two weeks to the Marathon I'm just a bit worried how I'll hold up. Some cross training on the bike will be in order.
Not a lot of time to blog so I won't fill in the details here.
This is the third move in a short amount of time and I'm hoping this is the charm.

When Everything Goes Wrong but Ends Up Right

Caught "Red handed"!

I've had zero time to spew on my blog. I've quit my job, got another one, left a beautiful apartment to move into another somewhat nice classic old apartment but, in a building that's in the heart of what I like to call "Crack Central"!
 I've jumped from the frying pan into a really deep fryer. 
 During our move I was ripped off by workers in the new building. I had left some personal property in the new apartment and reminded the workers there to NOT! remove my stuff with their stuff. I got the yeah, yeah Senor which didn't give me any secure feelings about it all. I just didn't want to haul the stuff back again to the old apartment. (workers were supposed to be done the previous day)!
I ended up losing a all out jackets and all my running shoes, probably around $400 dollars worth of footwear.
After a 4 day runaround I finally reviewed the video and actually have the guy on tape carrying my stuff away! After confronting his Boss who got a bit snarky at me for being upset at "losing a couple of pairs of sneakers". (He doesn't realize that I'm in between him and thousands of dollars worth of contracts and work work with the new company).
I ended up losing a few day's of training for my Marathon at the end of this month but, finally got my paycheck and went out yet again to get another pair of running shoes.

I bought the shoes yesterday and without breaking them in just ran 22 miles with great success. No blisters or sore feet so, I guess aside from my nagging back issue, all is well and I got my last good long run before my taper period leading up to the Marathon on the 29th.
I focused today on learning to run through pain and to just make it go out my ears (as Scott Jurek would say). I was trying for a personal record to break my 2 hour mark for a half Marathon distance but just couldn't push it any harder without my back spazzing out on me. Also the beachfront roads and sidewalks were mobbed and caused me quite a bit of slowdown.


I'm very tired and sleep has been elusive in the last week. My eyes are beginning to cross right now so, I'll  catch up later.