This past week has been a dog! I started feeling the beginnings of a cold coming on on Sunday night and it just progressively worse! Tuesday was the horrible and I ended up leaving work to go home. Wednesday, I called in and potatoed all day. Yesterday, I came in to work and left early a couple of hours after lunch. Needless to say it's been a very low mileage week. Only a mile each day.
Today, I almost didn't make it in. But after a good, hot shower. I felt a bit better and decided to try and ride it out. Boy, was that almost a bad decision!
As you may have heard, we are having a so called "Super Storm" on the west coast. It has not stopped raining since around 3 this morning. I don't remember it raining that long since the floods of 1995. I wasn't in California when that occurred, but it was all over the news in Phoenix when it got really bad. A few calls to family at the time informed me of some problems in Salinas, and some major flooding in the Watsonville area. Highway 1 in Watsonville had barrells and other flotsam all over it for a several days.
I've heard stories from several growers here on the farm about some crazy flash floods that nearly took out several grow houses. Those problems have been long fixed. But when weather gets bad like this, you always see the maintenance crews zipping all over the farm making sure all the fixes are working.
And this morning as I was coming in to work, I could'a pinched out a diamond coming through one of the highway construction zones! It was so bad there that with a bit of planning and the proper vehicle, you could actually go skiing. There's an overpass being built in the area and there is a temporary road through that winds like a mofo. It's a clusterfuck waiting to happen. And I think it may happen today. It almost happened in front of me and I probably would'a shit my pants when it happened.
I like to believe I'm a cautious driver. Yes, I do have a heavy foot at time. But only when I know I can be safe about it. That construction zone is recommended highway speed or less for me ALL THE TIME! I've seen to many near-hits in that area not to have at least several (as in 6) car-lengths in front of me. It's a 55 mph road and that's where I usually sit, sometimes less. It can get bad there. Too many morons thinking it's a proper road. There are concrete barriers on both sides, so no way to veer away if something in front of you happens. You either have plenty of room in front of you or excellent, stop-on-a-dime brakes . . . and pray the driver behind you doesn't plow into you.
I'm also not a nervous driver. I'm fairly cool-headed and try not to be in a hurry. Plan ahead and all that. I'm not a granny-driver . . . except for today. And I am certain that if I took that road like I normally would on a dry day, it would'a been a baaaaad start to the day.
It was coming down pretty hard when I got to 101. It's 65 mph, there and I was driving around 60 mph. So was everyone around me . . . except for this big rig coming up behind us in the fast lane. Easily going 80 mph. Everyone got out of the way. As we were coming up to the construction area, everyone slowed way the fuck down to around 40 . . . waiting to see what would happen when the truck entered.
All you saw was this huge wall of water go over the big rig and the driver desperately try to control the death machine. It was ALL OVER both lanes and road up one of the barricades and came back down and . . . just kept going . . . at a much more reasonable speed. I thought the dude was fucked. And I'm glad everyone driving near was aware of what could'a and did happen. The barricade seemed to have held it's position, with only a tire mark riding up it.
Everyone was going really slow through the area until we got to the highway proper again and then everyone sped up to 55 again. Great way to start the day.
GD
p.s.
too lazy to check. run smiley :)
Formerly of experiences of Ubuntu n00bism. Now random postings on learning barefoot form.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Day 176 . . . and stuff
Here I am on day ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX!
My half-year journey ends next Monday on December 3rd, 2012. I never would'a thunk I'd get this far! I don't wanna count my chickens, but I've got the potential to make it all the way to Day 183!
So what's after this? The continuation of the next half a year and the completion of one whole year!
Okay. Enough of tootin that horn.
Last time I posted a few changes occurred in my life:
One, I've had to change my regular route because of:
Two, the daughter is back in my regular life.
With my cousin having to go to Yuma (she's an inventory specialist for a big produce company), she's reluctantly left her baby behind so she would keep up with schoolwork and cheer . . . and given me all the headaches a sixteen year old, hormone ridden teen girl exudes! Keee-ripes!
I've only had her for a couple of weeks and already, she's driving me crazy. The mood swings are incredible! I used to think my teen years weren't that long ago. But now, I'm remembering all the things I made myself forget!
Last year started out a bit difficult when the transition was made, but it got better. This year she's had a tough time and she almost decided to go with her mom because of some issues she was having at school. But I'm proud of her that she decided to "man up" and tough it out. She's made some inroads with some of the people she had beef with and now it's become a kind of cold acquaintanceship with them. A nod hello and on her way.
She's a little thing and her mom has always made a point of raising a girly-girl. But one with an iron will . . . as long as it didn't contradict hers. If it did, holy crap, the slag that would fly! And most of it coming off the brat. She'd lick her wounds, cry a bit and apologize to mommy.
It's been a couple of weeks already and she's doing well. Of course, it's been vacation time for her and hasn't had much social interaction at school. I'll see how things go this week. Hopefully things stay well.
GD
too lazy to check. run smiley :)
My half-year journey ends next Monday on December 3rd, 2012. I never would'a thunk I'd get this far! I don't wanna count my chickens, but I've got the potential to make it all the way to Day 183!
So what's after this? The continuation of the next half a year and the completion of one whole year!
Okay. Enough of tootin that horn.
Last time I posted a few changes occurred in my life:
One, I've had to change my regular route because of:
Two, the daughter is back in my regular life.
With my cousin having to go to Yuma (she's an inventory specialist for a big produce company), she's reluctantly left her baby behind so she would keep up with schoolwork and cheer . . . and given me all the headaches a sixteen year old, hormone ridden teen girl exudes! Keee-ripes!
I've only had her for a couple of weeks and already, she's driving me crazy. The mood swings are incredible! I used to think my teen years weren't that long ago. But now, I'm remembering all the things I made myself forget!
Last year started out a bit difficult when the transition was made, but it got better. This year she's had a tough time and she almost decided to go with her mom because of some issues she was having at school. But I'm proud of her that she decided to "man up" and tough it out. She's made some inroads with some of the people she had beef with and now it's become a kind of cold acquaintanceship with them. A nod hello and on her way.
She's a little thing and her mom has always made a point of raising a girly-girl. But one with an iron will . . . as long as it didn't contradict hers. If it did, holy crap, the slag that would fly! And most of it coming off the brat. She'd lick her wounds, cry a bit and apologize to mommy.
It's been a couple of weeks already and she's doing well. Of course, it's been vacation time for her and hasn't had much social interaction at school. I'll see how things go this week. Hopefully things stay well.
GD
too lazy to check. run smiley :)
Friday, November 16, 2012
Day 166 of 30+ Day Running Challenge
My thoughts so far:
It's day 166 and I still have to go out for my run this evening. It's raining, but it's not as cold as it was the last time I ran in the rain. It shouldn't be too bad.
But what are my overall feelings with this challenge so far? I must say I feel so much better for it. Not just mentally because of the whole "testicular fortitude" thing, but also physically. Last year when I'd run, I was going for about the same distance I'm doing now, but only about three days a week . . . if that! I'd find some excuse not to go and then beat myself up about it because I knew I was just fooling myself.
Another thing, I was hurting back then . . . a LOT. I was still a relative n00b to the whole minimalist/barefoot wave going through the running community so I was still trying to nail down my form. I was doing much better than I had been with regular shoes, but I still had those really painful mornings when the first few minutes of walking around were a tad excruciating. Now I only have those painful mornings maybe a couple times a month. And it takes only a couple of steps to work out whatever the kink was. So, MUCH better than before!
And I would have to include joint pain along with that as well. Knees are fine, my creaky hip . . . gone (god, I sound like I was way past 50!). I would have to attribute the lack of pain with the necessity of having a comfortable run every day. By going out every day, I've had to self-evaluate what I was doing so I wouldn't be regretting my run later. Focusing on how I placed my footing, how my knees were bent, keeping my back straight, head up . . .
And the major plus to this whole enchilada? SLEEP!
I used to have restless nights and wake up horribly groggy. And it was a struggle to keep my chipper personality at work. I still have those restless nights, but they are so few and far between. And they are always caused by something I had eaten that I shouldn't have. Usually some sugar loaded treat that I still fool myself into thinking I can handle. But sleep is so wonderful now. Once I'm in bed, I'm knocked out within a few minutes. Rarely do I wake up in the middle of the night. And when I do, it's to hit the head after a night of beer and buds.
And when I wake up in the morning, it's no longer having to fight the blanket monster keeping me comfortably in bed. I'm still a bit slow to get out of bed, but it isn't a fight. Wake up before the alarm, turn it off, crawl out of bed and hit the shower. Wide awake once the water starts hitting me. So much different than last year.
So if I keep up with this running challenge, it's mainly going to be because of the whole sleep benefit. I'm still only getting about six hours of sleep, but it is the best sleep I've had since I was a wee lad.
GD
p.s.
ain't checking. run smiley :)
It's day 166 and I still have to go out for my run this evening. It's raining, but it's not as cold as it was the last time I ran in the rain. It shouldn't be too bad.
But what are my overall feelings with this challenge so far? I must say I feel so much better for it. Not just mentally because of the whole "testicular fortitude" thing, but also physically. Last year when I'd run, I was going for about the same distance I'm doing now, but only about three days a week . . . if that! I'd find some excuse not to go and then beat myself up about it because I knew I was just fooling myself.
Another thing, I was hurting back then . . . a LOT. I was still a relative n00b to the whole minimalist/barefoot wave going through the running community so I was still trying to nail down my form. I was doing much better than I had been with regular shoes, but I still had those really painful mornings when the first few minutes of walking around were a tad excruciating. Now I only have those painful mornings maybe a couple times a month. And it takes only a couple of steps to work out whatever the kink was. So, MUCH better than before!
And I would have to include joint pain along with that as well. Knees are fine, my creaky hip . . . gone (god, I sound like I was way past 50!). I would have to attribute the lack of pain with the necessity of having a comfortable run every day. By going out every day, I've had to self-evaluate what I was doing so I wouldn't be regretting my run later. Focusing on how I placed my footing, how my knees were bent, keeping my back straight, head up . . .
And the major plus to this whole enchilada? SLEEP!
I used to have restless nights and wake up horribly groggy. And it was a struggle to keep my chipper personality at work. I still have those restless nights, but they are so few and far between. And they are always caused by something I had eaten that I shouldn't have. Usually some sugar loaded treat that I still fool myself into thinking I can handle. But sleep is so wonderful now. Once I'm in bed, I'm knocked out within a few minutes. Rarely do I wake up in the middle of the night. And when I do, it's to hit the head after a night of beer and buds.
And when I wake up in the morning, it's no longer having to fight the blanket monster keeping me comfortably in bed. I'm still a bit slow to get out of bed, but it isn't a fight. Wake up before the alarm, turn it off, crawl out of bed and hit the shower. Wide awake once the water starts hitting me. So much different than last year.
So if I keep up with this running challenge, it's mainly going to be because of the whole sleep benefit. I'm still only getting about six hours of sleep, but it is the best sleep I've had since I was a wee lad.
GD
p.s.
ain't checking. run smiley :)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Day 164 of the 30+ Day Running Challenge
And I'm feeling pretty good!
With the time change occurring within the last week, I've had to start using my Knuckle Lights. I purchased these last year and used them a couple times when I would go out for a run at night. This year, I've used them almost every night during the week! I don't usually get into town until after 5:30pm. So by the time I get to my usual trail, it's already dark.
The first night I went there, I saw a some runners. No more than five others, I think. The second night, maybe two runners and a shitload of mountain bikers. They were from the Salinas High School Mountain Biking team and they were coming back from Fort Ord trails. The third night, there were a couple of dog walkers. And after that, nothing. I was the lone runner out at that trail, in the dark . . . with my Knuckle Lights!
There is still a dog walker or two every so often, but most of the time I have the trail to myself. Should I be worried? Nope. Most of my two mile out-and-back is in between a heavily trafficked highway and residential fenced backyards. I still carry my Silent Soldier neck knife tucked under my shirt, for that just-in-case moment. I do live in Salinas!
And I must say, ever since the weather got a bit cooler, I've been improving my pace times. I had been averaging around 10 min/mile. But with getter out later and enjoying the cooler run, I've been improving my time. Awesome! But I think that will change once I begin lifting and working out more, though. I'm starting that again this weekend. I'll be following a modified crossfit program (again). I'm not working out to hurt myself, but to make some improvement on leanness. I stopped my 4HB program to see if I could maintain with a "regular" diet and I have so far. But I've stalled at 230 lbs. I would like to drop another 30 lbs by spring and I think I can do that with the workouts and 4HB.
To help with that, I'll start posting up my workouts on here along with what I've been eating. But that shouldn't begin until sometime this weekend. And Thanksgiving is not gonna be easy. I make an awesome spread and my mom just potatoes all day watching me suffer in the kitchen while snickering that she suckered me into it again. Ugh.
GD
p.s.
didn't check. run smiley :)
With the time change occurring within the last week, I've had to start using my Knuckle Lights. I purchased these last year and used them a couple times when I would go out for a run at night. This year, I've used them almost every night during the week! I don't usually get into town until after 5:30pm. So by the time I get to my usual trail, it's already dark.
The first night I went there, I saw a some runners. No more than five others, I think. The second night, maybe two runners and a shitload of mountain bikers. They were from the Salinas High School Mountain Biking team and they were coming back from Fort Ord trails. The third night, there were a couple of dog walkers. And after that, nothing. I was the lone runner out at that trail, in the dark . . . with my Knuckle Lights!
There is still a dog walker or two every so often, but most of the time I have the trail to myself. Should I be worried? Nope. Most of my two mile out-and-back is in between a heavily trafficked highway and residential fenced backyards. I still carry my Silent Soldier neck knife tucked under my shirt, for that just-in-case moment. I do live in Salinas!
And I must say, ever since the weather got a bit cooler, I've been improving my pace times. I had been averaging around 10 min/mile. But with getter out later and enjoying the cooler run, I've been improving my time. Awesome! But I think that will change once I begin lifting and working out more, though. I'm starting that again this weekend. I'll be following a modified crossfit program (again). I'm not working out to hurt myself, but to make some improvement on leanness. I stopped my 4HB program to see if I could maintain with a "regular" diet and I have so far. But I've stalled at 230 lbs. I would like to drop another 30 lbs by spring and I think I can do that with the workouts and 4HB.
To help with that, I'll start posting up my workouts on here along with what I've been eating. But that shouldn't begin until sometime this weekend. And Thanksgiving is not gonna be easy. I make an awesome spread and my mom just potatoes all day watching me suffer in the kitchen while snickering that she suckered me into it again. Ugh.
GD
p.s.
didn't check. run smiley :)
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