This guy cracked me up. I can just see him thinking, Pssstttt...hey you.....wanna help me break out????
Living the life in warmer Florida!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
The Animals at Pickleball for Paws Tournament
I can't share about the tournament, without sharing some pictures of the animals that we were raising money for. They were so sweet and so mild mannered, I saw quite a few I'd have loved to take home with me.
This guy cracked me up. I can just see him thinking, Pssstttt...hey you.....wanna help me break out????
Living the life in warmer Florida!
This guy cracked me up. I can just see him thinking, Pssstttt...hey you.....wanna help me break out????Living the life in warmer Florida!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Trail running with nature in the Laurel Highlands
Here we are it's already August. Hopefully this blog post won't be my longest...
I've run some miles and enjoyed hikers' smiles...
The highlight of my week was a venomous treat!
Here's it is with fangs that are hollow. After this photo my post will follow...
Since my last post I've put in a few days. The running I've done has been training efforts to get ready for a 5K coming up next weekend and anattempt at completing a LHHT double (140 miles) this fall or at the latest next spring. I've been doing a little speed conditioning for the Laurel Hill 5k (my only "race" this year) as well as some quality trail time with my son (now that he's home for a couple of days). Training for both efforts doesn't seem to be meshing well. My trail legs can barely turn over the necessary amount to produce even a 6:45/mi. 5k. I'd like to do well in my one and only race this year, although I highly doubt I will. The cool thing is that it's a mellow road race (through the woods). The proceeds help support the park which in turn indirectly helps the LHHT.
RECENT TRAINING:
8/2/13 Mt. Pleasant Coal and Coke Trail
Basic tempo run on a local rail trail that seems to be growing in popularity. It's not the most scenic, but does contain nice habitat which usually provides me with some good birding while running. 10k in 44:40
8/4/13 Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT)SOBO
It was Saturday night and the weather for Sunday was predicted to be amazing. Mid 70°'s with a 10% chance of rain. It would be perfect day for a long run. I was feeling the "after burn" in my quads from that tempo run on Friday, but couldn't resist these prime conditions. Laura mentioned that Sunday would be a rest/non running day for her and I kindly asked if she would mind supporting me for a long point to point run. She said she'd be happy to help and we set off to prepping and planning.
My last long run was northbound, commonly calledNOBOin trail lingo. Last week I ran from Ohiopyle to Hickory Flats Road (38 miles), stopping due to bruising on the ball of my left foot. This time we would switch it up. Laura would drop me off in Seward at the northern terminus of the LHHT and I would run in a southbound direction or SOBO. We've found running the trail in this direction makes it easier to crew one another. We usually put drops of food and water at Rt. 271 (highway not parking lot) on the way up and another at Rt. 30 while the crew person is on the way home to kill about 6 hours. This prevents having to meet the runner until over half way at (39miles) Rt. 31 parking lot. The distance from the main trail to the parking area is very short and favorable to meet crew and resupply. From there we take it as it goes. I'll get into that shortly.
The alarm went off at 4:15AM. We were basically packed and ready to hit the road. I pressed some kick ass coffee for the road while Laura made PB&J's for the drop cans and out the door we went. We placed the Rt. 271 resupply and headed to the trail head in Seward. On the drive over we were treated to star filled skies and a crescent moon just as the forecast predicted. We were there by 5:45AM. Just enough time for a 6:00 start. I quickly got ready and received a loving send-off at 6:00 sharp.
I was definitely feeling the tightness in my legs for the first couple miles. My tempo workout wasn't the best prelude to a long or possible thru-run. I wasn't feeling optomisitc or fast out of the gate and figured I'd at least get in a 50k training run on a beautiful day. I ran/hiked a couple sub 12's up the intial climb. I stopped at the power line crossing to snap this quick photo.
Shortly after my photo, the brief glimpses of sky through the canopy in the Northwest looked ominous. Where was my sunshine filled happy morning? 10% chance of rain? By the gravel road at mile 6 it was bucketing rain. What's worse than the gravel road section of the LHHT? Running it in a cold, hard, rain... For two hours it rained. Thankfully mother nature provided plenty of wet weather training last month and I was well prepared for the soaking I received. Here's the radar image that Laura texted me not long before the rain started. The only storm around and it was on track with me!
Thankfully I ran out of rain somewhere between Rt. 271 and Rt. 30. Both resupplies went well. Both stops combined cost me about 7min. I ate PB &J's from drops while I ran. Each drop can contained a handful of M&M's, a PB&J sandwich in foil (I find the foil acts as a "plate" while eating and running), gels, and Elete rehydration tablets.
When eating solid foods while running I try to adopt the same practices as when eating a gel on the run. Small bites over a mile or two, sipping water to help wash it down. I was making good time and right on track with my estimations despite resupply stops and 1 call to nature. Hydration was going great. I was urinating regularly and clearly. I was averaging one handheld (21oz.) of Gatorade per hour supplemented by plain water and Elete Tablytes, and a gel (GU,Cliff, etc.) both at about 1tab and gel per hour).
During the 15 miles from Rt. 30 to 31 I started to bonk from dehydration and not enough calories. I realized and started the process of hydrating and fueling. I was well on my way to better pulling into Rt. 31 trail head to meet Laura for the first time of the day. I was still on schedule, but noticed a slight pain on the top of my foot. I believe this was due to an overtightned shoe lace while sliding around in the rain. Aware but not overly concerned, I loosened my lace areas affecting the sore spot to minimize the pressure and further issues. My break at 31 with Laura wasmuchlonger than my 4 minutes at the Rt. 271 and 3 minutes at Rt. 30 drop. I basically stopped and had a picnic. I just want to point out that this is why training runs are so much cooler than high dollar races! No crowds, no pressure, just pure fun and running for the love of it.
It was delicious. I ate a ham and chese sandwich, baked potato, a few pretzels, anddrank some chocolate milk and coffee. This was no ordinary aid break. We're talking an hour or so ;) After our picnic, Laura joined me in running about 3 miles before saying goodbye and turning back towards 31. Her next stop would be Rt. 653 trail head. We met there and I picked up a refill on supplies and my headlamp ate some more and hung out longer than normal.
By this point I was far off my schedule for the time of day, but still on pace as far as speed of travel goes. My foot was getting worse, but It still didn't seem enough to stop and I was enjoying the run. My legs were hanging tough and were feeling great. I took off from Rt.653 trail head and was running smooth. The sun was setting near Cranberry Glade and the lake was like glass. I decided to stop for a photo and to put on my headlamp.
The rest of the run to Maple Summit Road crossing went well and I met Laura sitting in the dark. By this time the bruising had become enough to call my training run done. I love running in the dark and Maple Summit Road to Ohiopyle SOBO might be my favorite section of the entire trail. A bit of a bummer, but not worth the risk of ruining my training. I need to remember I've only been back running for a short period of time. The run went well and I had the best conditions and support for a 60 mile trainer.
Distance: 60 miles
Run Time (without picnic): 12:36
Pace: 12:36/mi.
Elevation gain 5,000', loss 3,800'
8/6/13Laurel Summit State Park,Wolf Rocks trail loop
Went for a 4.5 mile run with Laura. My instep was still sore from my 60 miler, but the day was beautiful and I couldn't pass up a run with my Sweetie. I laced and tied my shoes very loose for this easy run. A fun run out to the overlook and back on the loop. Lots of mountain bikes out enjoying the weather as well.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Duration:50:55
Pace 11:19/mi.
Elevation - not much
8/7/13 Iwent for a 5.5 mile hike with my son Skyler and we were fortunate enough to see these beauties along the way.
8/9/13LHHT Route 31 NOBO with Granola the trail dog
I set off yesterday to get in a couple hours running on the trail. I decided it would be a good day to take our trail dog "Granola". He was excited to go and we drove to Rt. 31 trail head. The skies were dismal, but we set off at a decent 9:00/mile pace and only made it out about 2 miles before the rains hit. Once again I found myself plodding along through a downpour, this time with my dog in tow. The trail quickly turned into a stream and in many low areas the water/mud was so deep Granola would bottom in swamp water up to this torso. We kept going a few more miles until enough was enough. We turned around about 3.5 miles out and continued our efforts back to the car. Granola was getting a little tired on the way back, so we slowed pace a little, but still made good time considering trail conditions. He assured me he had a blast once back at the car. We toweled off and made our way home to dry out!
Distance: 8 miles
Duration: 1:10
Pace: 8:45/mi
8/10/13LHHT Route 653 NOBO
Spent another glorious day our hiking with my son Skyler. We decided to hike north from 653 trail head out to Middlefork overlook. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a nice relaxing walk out to the overlook, hung out a few minutes and hiked back to the car. Awesome hike with one of my favorite hiking partners.
Distance: 5.4 miles
Duration: 1:35:53
Pace: 17:33/mi.
I've run some miles and enjoyed hikers' smiles...
The highlight of my week was a venomous treat!
Here's it is with fangs that are hollow. After this photo my post will follow...
 |
| Another "local" trail lover from the Laurel Highlands |
Since my last post I've put in a few days. The running I've done has been training efforts to get ready for a 5K coming up next weekend and anattempt at completing a LHHT double (140 miles) this fall or at the latest next spring. I've been doing a little speed conditioning for the Laurel Hill 5k (my only "race" this year) as well as some quality trail time with my son (now that he's home for a couple of days). Training for both efforts doesn't seem to be meshing well. My trail legs can barely turn over the necessary amount to produce even a 6:45/mi. 5k. I'd like to do well in my one and only race this year, although I highly doubt I will. The cool thing is that it's a mellow road race (through the woods). The proceeds help support the park which in turn indirectly helps the LHHT.
RECENT TRAINING:
8/2/13 Mt. Pleasant Coal and Coke Trail
Basic tempo run on a local rail trail that seems to be growing in popularity. It's not the most scenic, but does contain nice habitat which usually provides me with some good birding while running. 10k in 44:40
8/4/13 Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT)SOBO
It was Saturday night and the weather for Sunday was predicted to be amazing. Mid 70°'s with a 10% chance of rain. It would be perfect day for a long run. I was feeling the "after burn" in my quads from that tempo run on Friday, but couldn't resist these prime conditions. Laura mentioned that Sunday would be a rest/non running day for her and I kindly asked if she would mind supporting me for a long point to point run. She said she'd be happy to help and we set off to prepping and planning.
 |
| Laura writing the itineraryand helping me pack |
 |
| Trail Love - typical drop can containing a couple hours or more of fueling |
My last long run was northbound, commonly calledNOBOin trail lingo. Last week I ran from Ohiopyle to Hickory Flats Road (38 miles), stopping due to bruising on the ball of my left foot. This time we would switch it up. Laura would drop me off in Seward at the northern terminus of the LHHT and I would run in a southbound direction or SOBO. We've found running the trail in this direction makes it easier to crew one another. We usually put drops of food and water at Rt. 271 (highway not parking lot) on the way up and another at Rt. 30 while the crew person is on the way home to kill about 6 hours. This prevents having to meet the runner until over half way at (39miles) Rt. 31 parking lot. The distance from the main trail to the parking area is very short and favorable to meet crew and resupply. From there we take it as it goes. I'll get into that shortly.
The alarm went off at 4:15AM. We were basically packed and ready to hit the road. I pressed some kick ass coffee for the road while Laura made PB&J's for the drop cans and out the door we went. We placed the Rt. 271 resupply and headed to the trail head in Seward. On the drive over we were treated to star filled skies and a crescent moon just as the forecast predicted. We were there by 5:45AM. Just enough time for a 6:00 start. I quickly got ready and received a loving send-off at 6:00 sharp.
 |
| Putting on my headlamp for the start |
 |
| A few minutes to start |
 |
| Its GO time, out like a |
I was definitely feeling the tightness in my legs for the first couple miles. My tempo workout wasn't the best prelude to a long or possible thru-run. I wasn't feeling optomisitc or fast out of the gate and figured I'd at least get in a 50k training run on a beautiful day. I ran/hiked a couple sub 12's up the intial climb. I stopped at the power line crossing to snap this quick photo.
 |
| The power line crossing out of Seward on the LHHT |
Shortly after my photo, the brief glimpses of sky through the canopy in the Northwest looked ominous. Where was my sunshine filled happy morning? 10% chance of rain? By the gravel road at mile 6 it was bucketing rain. What's worse than the gravel road section of the LHHT? Running it in a cold, hard, rain... For two hours it rained. Thankfully mother nature provided plenty of wet weather training last month and I was well prepared for the soaking I received. Here's the radar image that Laura texted me not long before the rain started. The only storm around and it was on track with me!
 |
| Laura's image and text. "Sorry, hope you stay dry" |
 |
| Looking up at the Ridge from the West near Rt. 30, photo L. Hahn |
Thankfully I ran out of rain somewhere between Rt. 271 and Rt. 30. Both resupplies went well. Both stops combined cost me about 7min. I ate PB &J's from drops while I ran. Each drop can contained a handful of M&M's, a PB&J sandwich in foil (I find the foil acts as a "plate" while eating and running), gels, and Elete rehydration tablets.
 |
| Rt. 30 drop in place thanks to Laura |
When eating solid foods while running I try to adopt the same practices as when eating a gel on the run. Small bites over a mile or two, sipping water to help wash it down. I was making good time and right on track with my estimations despite resupply stops and 1 call to nature. Hydration was going great. I was urinating regularly and clearly. I was averaging one handheld (21oz.) of Gatorade per hour supplemented by plain water and Elete Tablytes, and a gel (GU,Cliff, etc.) both at about 1tab and gel per hour).
 |
| I still smile every time I cross the NEW turnpike bridge. |
During the 15 miles from Rt. 30 to 31 I started to bonk from dehydration and not enough calories. I realized and started the process of hydrating and fueling. I was well on my way to better pulling into Rt. 31 trail head to meet Laura for the first time of the day. I was still on schedule, but noticed a slight pain on the top of my foot. I believe this was due to an overtightned shoe lace while sliding around in the rain. Aware but not overly concerned, I loosened my lace areas affecting the sore spot to minimize the pressure and further issues. My break at 31 with Laura wasmuchlonger than my 4 minutes at the Rt. 271 and 3 minutes at Rt. 30 drop. I basically stopped and had a picnic. I just want to point out that this is why training runs are so much cooler than high dollar races! No crowds, no pressure, just pure fun and running for the love of it.
 |
| Mid run picnic anyone? |
 |
| Laura ready anxiously waiting to run with me |
It was delicious. I ate a ham and chese sandwich, baked potato, a few pretzels, anddrank some chocolate milk and coffee. This was no ordinary aid break. We're talking an hour or so ;) After our picnic, Laura joined me in running about 3 miles before saying goodbye and turning back towards 31. Her next stop would be Rt. 653 trail head. We met there and I picked up a refill on supplies and my headlamp ate some more and hung out longer than normal.
 |
| Rt. 653 trail head, a happy trail runner |
By this point I was far off my schedule for the time of day, but still on pace as far as speed of travel goes. My foot was getting worse, but It still didn't seem enough to stop and I was enjoying the run. My legs were hanging tough and were feeling great. I took off from Rt.653 trail head and was running smooth. The sun was setting near Cranberry Glade and the lake was like glass. I decided to stop for a photo and to put on my headlamp.
 |
| Cranberry Glade at sunset |
The rest of the run to Maple Summit Road crossing went well and I met Laura sitting in the dark. By this time the bruising had become enough to call my training run done. I love running in the dark and Maple Summit Road to Ohiopyle SOBO might be my favorite section of the entire trail. A bit of a bummer, but not worth the risk of ruining my training. I need to remember I've only been back running for a short period of time. The run went well and I had the best conditions and support for a 60 mile trainer.
 |
| The End |
Distance: 60 miles
Run Time (without picnic): 12:36
Pace: 12:36/mi.
Elevation gain 5,000', loss 3,800'
8/6/13Laurel Summit State Park,Wolf Rocks trail loop
Went for a 4.5 mile run with Laura. My instep was still sore from my 60 miler, but the day was beautiful and I couldn't pass up a run with my Sweetie. I laced and tied my shoes very loose for this easy run. A fun run out to the overlook and back on the loop. Lots of mountain bikes out enjoying the weather as well.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Duration:50:55
Pace 11:19/mi.
Elevation - not much
8/7/13 Iwent for a 5.5 mile hike with my son Skyler and we were fortunate enough to see these beauties along the way.
 |
| Yellow Phase Timer Rattlesnake |
 |
| Black Phase Timber Rattlesnake |
 |
| Someone is seriously excited to see some Rattlers especially the one behind him... Can you find it? |
8/9/13LHHT Route 31 NOBO with Granola the trail dog
I set off yesterday to get in a couple hours running on the trail. I decided it would be a good day to take our trail dog "Granola". He was excited to go and we drove to Rt. 31 trail head. The skies were dismal, but we set off at a decent 9:00/mile pace and only made it out about 2 miles before the rains hit. Once again I found myself plodding along through a downpour, this time with my dog in tow. The trail quickly turned into a stream and in many low areas the water/mud was so deep Granola would bottom in swamp water up to this torso. We kept going a few more miles until enough was enough. We turned around about 3.5 miles out and continued our efforts back to the car. Granola was getting a little tired on the way back, so we slowed pace a little, but still made good time considering trail conditions. He assured me he had a blast once back at the car. We toweled off and made our way home to dry out!
Distance: 8 miles
Duration: 1:10
Pace: 8:45/mi
 |
| Help... I've about drowned in a river that didn't exist an hour ago! |
.JPG) |
| The road to 31 trail head after the storm was ending... |
8/10/13LHHT Route 653 NOBO
Spent another glorious day our hiking with my son Skyler. We decided to hike north from 653 trail head out to Middlefork overlook. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a nice relaxing walk out to the overlook, hung out a few minutes and hiked back to the car. Awesome hike with one of my favorite hiking partners.
Distance: 5.4 miles
Duration: 1:35:53
Pace: 17:33/mi.
.JPG) |
| Littleman at Middlefork over look |
Thursday, September 27, 2012
All Happy Bicycles Are Alike?...
According to the Anna Karenina principle, it might be said that all happy bicycles are alike and every unhappy bicycle is unhappy in its own way.
Jacqueline - a vintage Steyr Waffenrad that has become my "Austrian bike" - is happy. She has a relationship with a human who loves her. She has an idyllic work commute along the Danube Canal.
She has beautiful heirloom jewelry in silver and gold.
She feels useful and fulfilled, responsible for the safety and well-being of the people in her life.
Back in Boston, Eustacia (my Pashley Princess) has recently reached a similar state of happiness - interestingly, after the addition of some of the same components, such as the rear folding baskets and the speedy cream tires. It seems that bicycle happiness is indeed, at least to some extent, formulaic. When all the factors come together just right, it works. When something is off, it doesn't.
This brings the question of whether happy bicycles inspire being written about. When everything feels just right, there is nothing to say really. The sun is shining, my bicycle is running smoothly, my folding basket fits my briefcase snugly, my shoes don't slip on the pedals, the route to work is safe and beautiful, and it took me less time to arrive at my office than had I taken the subway. That pretty much describes my commute this morning, and it sounds rather uninteresting.As I said to Anna from Cycling is Good for You the other evening - If I lived in Vienna and had Jacqueline to begin with, I doubt that I would have ever started a cycling blog despite loving bicycles. Maybe an image gallery, but not a blog. There would have been nothing to discuss.
After all, most posts are written about challenges, questions, restorations, the search for new components or better routes, and so on. But is bicycle happiness newsworthy?
Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, FL
I have wanted to visit Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg for a few years now and we just have not made it here until now. We love visiting botanical gardens in general and they give me a chance to take pretty pictures. So I was thrilled when Nathan picked this as one of his places to visit for his pre-birthday party day.
Sunken Gardens is St. Petersburg's oldest living museum. It is 100 years old, which means some of the plants here are amongst the oldest in the area. The land was originally owned by a gentleman who was a plumber by trade but he loved to garden. His gardens were so beautiful, people paid a nickle to visit them. His family kept up this tradition for three generations and in 1999 the city bought the land to preserve it and further his vision. It has been a community effort to maintain this project and there is now a children's museum alongside the gardens.
It was as lovely as we had hoped it would be. There were beautiful
gardens of course. According to their literature, there are over 50,000
tropical plants and flowers.
There were some neat animals as a bonus, both in the water and land. There were even some vibrant tropical birds.
There were lots of water features and benches to sit and rest on also. Just a nice, peaceful place overall. They even offer hooping classes here!
I hope we can visit this neat place again sometime! Maybe I will have to join in for a hooping class or two some morning. I will provide entertainment for the creatures watching if nothing else! I can feel this guy's enthusiasm in that line of thinking. He just radiates excitement, right?
Living the life in tropical Florida.
Sunken Gardens is St. Petersburg's oldest living museum. It is 100 years old, which means some of the plants here are amongst the oldest in the area. The land was originally owned by a gentleman who was a plumber by trade but he loved to garden. His gardens were so beautiful, people paid a nickle to visit them. His family kept up this tradition for three generations and in 1999 the city bought the land to preserve it and further his vision. It has been a community effort to maintain this project and there is now a children's museum alongside the gardens.
It was as lovely as we had hoped it would be. There were beautiful
gardens of course. According to their literature, there are over 50,000
tropical plants and flowers.
There were some neat animals as a bonus, both in the water and land. There were even some vibrant tropical birds.
There were lots of water features and benches to sit and rest on also. Just a nice, peaceful place overall. They even offer hooping classes here!
I hope we can visit this neat place again sometime! Maybe I will have to join in for a hooping class or two some morning. I will provide entertainment for the creatures watching if nothing else! I can feel this guy's enthusiasm in that line of thinking. He just radiates excitement, right?
Living the life in tropical Florida.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Balloon Flower Bud
This is the bud for the balloon flower. It starts out small, gets bigger and finally springs open like the flower in the following post.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Phend-Fisher Family Reunion Ledger (1937)
The 28th annual reunion of the Phend & Fisher families was held in the Nappanee Community Park, with 35 present.It was moved and seconded to retain the same President and Sec'y. Treas. (motion was carried)
Entertainment Com.
Anna May Thornton - It was decided to have the reunion at Nappanee again next year.
Birth reported -
Sharon Elaine Pletcher. Father Warren Pletcher.
1936 Bal .18
Collection 1.75
[balance] 1.93
Park fee 1.00
Bal - .93
Notices .93
[balance] .00
Signed
Bob Bechtel
Sec'y Treas.
Austin and Karen in the Tournament
Last but not least are Austin and Karen.
I know firsthand how great they are together.
They had incredible games today. They were so consistently strong. I loved watching them play.
They ended up in the championship game, against Jack and Diane. They played incredible games today too. Which means this particular game was amazing.
They won a very tough game. I'm so proud of both teams!
Jack and Diane won the Runner Up position.
Which means Austin and Karen won the overall Championship! Awesome job, Karen and Austin! We are all proud of you!
I know firsthand how great they are together.They had incredible games today. They were so consistently strong. I loved watching them play.They ended up in the championship game, against Jack and Diane. They played incredible games today too. Which means this particular game was amazing.They won a very tough game. I'm so proud of both teams! Jack and Diane won the Runner Up position.Which means Austin and Karen won the overall Championship! Awesome job, Karen and Austin! We are all proud of you!
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