One week until departure, as time flies by. We’ll be in Portland for five days before ship embarkment from Vancouver and then North to Alaska. In the meantime, we’ve started the outdoor kitchen project and I’ve set-up lunches with a few of my neighbors. I was also back to my routine 3.1 mile run this morning, feeling the strain of day 5,001. Soon, I’ll be with my chiropractor for a weekly adjustment and back in front of the TV for more Sons of Anarchy or House of the Dragon.
I really lead a very boring life with the exception of these bursts of travel. Weeks away from home make me long for the comfort of my office chair, as I feel the exhaustion of life outside the routine. Although our pup Tally seems to enjoy her time at Schnauzerville, she also misses my chair. This will be the longest we’ve ever been away from her and her longest stint from home. Taking her out is the first and last duty I have every day. Our only other interaction seems to be the constant struggle for possession of the chair.
Lunch tomorrow is with a guy that I see most every day during the course of my run. He has two dogs, Snoopy and Duke, and I learned his name at last year’s Tomahawk 5k. He’s not a regular runner but decided to do the race last year, and has signed up again this year. I will miss it because of our trip to Kauai. He sent me a note last week that he was returning home, after I wondered why we hadn’t crossed paths recently. I’ll find out more when we see each other at the Tiki Hut tomorrow noon.
I need to find a project for my grandson and I to do on Saturday. It will be blazing hot for golf but that seems to be his only interest outside of computer games and apps. We sadly have little in common so it’s always a challenge to keep him entertained. I have to try harder to get to know him because he’s already 15 and time flies by!
This morning I reached the 5,000th consecutive day mark of my running streak that started nearly 14-years ago. I was only able to squeeze in the minimum mile since my son needed me to drive him to a doctor’s appointment. However, I typically tend to average about 1,000 miles a year, shooting for 5k a day. My pace in the early morning Florida sun is very slow, but I carefully trudge on.
On this particular journey, I’ve now only crossed the halfway point of circling the earth. It will take me at least another 14-years to get back to where I started. I would be surprised if I make it at age 85, so this is likely one of my final hurrahs. I also never expected to get this far, thinking that maybe one year of running every day would be a satisfying accomplishment. My name would then be listed on the United States Running Streak Association (www.runeveryday.com) site. Thirteen years later I’m still running every single day, ranked #225 in the world, and have somehow been able to avoid serious injury.
I obviously haven’t yet found the right excuse to stop, earning a Forrest Gump-like reputation. It will be tough to get my miles in during the upcoming four weeks of travel. Conditions at sea may restrict me to a treadmill and flight schedules will make it impossible to establish a routine. Run, Mike, Run! All I can say is tomorrow is another day.
Property values continue to increase in our area, so I’m pleased with our home investment. It was a great location already with the beach nearby, Spring Training facility, resort amenities, and a small shopping center close by. Venice and Port Charlotte are the closest cities, with Sarasota just 45-minutes away. Wellen Park, next door, is the new up-and-coming community with a lake, golf course, dining, and shopping. They also just announced construction of a Costco and a new hospital just a mile from our new home. The possibilities are never ending, but in the process property taxes are also escalating. Fortunately, I was just able to file our Homestead exemption that will give us some protection over these increases.
We continue to make improvements to our home including a much-anticipated outdoor kitchen. Our builder should be soon returning from Italy and get this project underway. The garage is overflowing with the building materials and appliances that make up this new addition to the lanai. It will be great to get the new kitchen operational and at the same time clear out the cluttered garage. We’re hoping to get it all done in time for the holidays – maybe a Thanksgiving turkey on the rotisserie between travel adventures.
We ordered our Covid e-tests for clearance into Canada to jump on our cruise ship. It’s a computer monitored testing system required within three days of crossing the border as part of the Arrive Canada app. More tests will be necessary once we get to the ship, so we’re naturally nervous about the consequences of testing positive. This could absolutely disrupt our travel plans even though we’ve been vaccinated, double-boosted, and already affected by the troublesome virus.
Tonight is the first official “Date Night” since we’ve settled back into the home routine. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 2-weeks since we returned from our 4,000-mile drive. In that time, I’ve had a birthday night in Tampa and finally saw Santana/EWF in concert. This morning’s run was #4,996 – only four days away from the 5,000 milestone. Then, it will be on to the completion of a full fourteen years as the New Year approaches. It’s one day at a time with no finish line.
The month of August comes to an end with my total running mileage standing at only 84 after 31 days. This accounts for seven days of travel when my morning runs were shortened to just over a mile by the need to proceed to the next stop. It’s the absolute monthly minimum to achieve 1000 miles a year. I will face the same situation is September trying to get miles in on the boat deck or treadmills of the ship that will take us to Alaska and Hawaii. I will also experience some very cold mornings and will need to pack gloves, a hat, and insulated pants. “The Streak” has now reached 4,994 consecutive days and counting.
As I approach the 14-year mark of running every day, I marvel at how I have kept on going despite the daily struggle of simply taking that first step. I’m sore and tired while the last thing I want to do every morning is sweat and strain. Yet, I’ve somehow managed to keep “The Streak” alive. It has become a necessary evil in keeping off weight, lowering my blood pressure, and getting me going every day. For motivation, I keep referring to the quote, “You don’t stop running when you get old, you get old when you stop running.” I continue to chug along at an embarrassingly slow pace for this very reason.
I was reminded that I will miss the annual Tomahawk 5k at the neighborhood Braves stadium this December because of our trip to Kauai. They are also organizing a “Howl at the Moon” 5k that I will miss at the end of September due to the Alaska cruise (I probably wouldn’t do it anyway because it starts at midnight). There is also a half-marathon in the works, but I’ve resigned myself to a maximum of 5k, although this is clearly a sign of getting old. My legs are already jelly-like in getting through the third mile, let alone a 10k or half. Staying healthy to continue is my sole priority, so why risk it?
We’re missing out on another trash day at home. Next Monday morning we’ll be back in the heat of Venice. Running will no longer be along shaded pathways but rather along hot, asphalt roads. Today was consecutive run #4,978, as the magic 5,000 mark looms within sight. As yesterday’s post proclaimed, “You don’t stop running when you get old…you get old when you stop running.” Once again, it was hard to get going this morning and I’m glad that it’s over with for the day. Soon, we’ll be having lunch at the pool, after my wife gets back from her beach walk.
I finished the book, “The Great Alone,” about a families’ homesteading struggles in rugged Alaska. I would never make it through the harsh winter months when food and sunshine is scarce. Just being on a luxury cruise ship will be more than enough hardship for me, as I get to #49 of my 50-state goal next month. Next year, Maine will also get crossed off the list once we plan our route up the Atlantic Coast.
We’ve certainly now scoured the Mid West/South, having already covered 11-states on our current adventure. We’ll pass through Georgia, the 12th, on our way back home. We’ve taken three – 3,000 mile plus drives the last two years and have seen a lot of the countryside. In that timeframe, we also took a 1,500 mile drive up into Montana from Portland once Covid changed our travel plans from cruises and airplanes to automobiles.
We’re enjoying our Vacation Club Condo on Hilton Head Island. More importantly, we haven’t had to pack or unpack in three days now and have two more nights of relaxation. Hopefully, the summer crowds will be gone from the beaches during the remainder of our stay. A shark spotting yesterday cleared everyone out of the water. Today, however, is a pool day.
Yesterday was a long day on the road, nearly 10 hours door-to-door, plus it took a unique combination of horses and horsepower to get to Cleveland…carriage, ferry boat, and car. We did stop at Cracker Barrel for a late lunch along with several other pit-stops for gas fill-ups, toll booths, and traffic delays. Gladly, we have yet to see an accident, although there have been a couple of close calls. It feels good to have two nights in the same hotel with no need for a car today. We’ll get some walking in before the day is over.
I still felt pressed for time this morning with tickets for the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame at 10am. I just couldn’t get moving and once again shortened my run to just over a mile, the minimum requirement to maintain “The Streak” – now at 4,971 consecutive days. We’re right on the waterfront in downtown Cleveland so the Hall of Fame (HOF) is directly across the street. I can see it from our 20th floor view at the Westin. Our next HOF stop is just down the road in Canton.
It took us 4-hours, including lunch, to make our way through the numerous displays at Rock’s HOF. The music videos of previous induction ceremonies are really the highlight of the museum. Costumes, posters, back stage passes, guitars, drum sets, and photos bring back many musical memories. I was ready for a nap when we got back to the hotel room after this overload of information. Instead, I took a few minutes to upload this blog. We’ll continue to rest up after nearly two weeks on the road and try to find a good spot for dinner nearby as the Summer Tour continues….
All the factors seemed to be working against me this morning on run #4,950 – eye patch, heat, humidity, headache, and a malfunctioning GPS. A voice kept repeating “Pausing workout” and then “Resuming workout” to the point where it consumed a half-mile of recorded distance and in the end what should have been 3.1 miles showed only 2.6. It was annoying and the headache persisted but I completed the course, watered some plants, won for the 65th straight time at Wordle, swam a few laps in the pool, and started the laundry.
We’ll pick up my grandson at his mother’s house later this afternoon in Sarasota and take him to dinner. I’m also looking forward to watching tonight’s Home Run Derby and tomorrow night’s All Star Game. The White Sox finally came through in their series against the first place Twins, winning three of four and moving to within three games of the lead just behind the Guardians. Injuries continue to be an issue with both Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez nursing problems. Liam Hendriks was finally named to the AL squad and will join teammate Tim Anderson. Former Hoosier, Cub, and Nationals Kyle Schwarber, now with the Phillies, is favored to win the Derby, but has fallen short in previous attempts.
I’m watching “Black Bird” on Apple TV, a Dennis Lehane production. A friend and I went to one of his book signings years ago, so he has become a favorite. He’s written A Drink Before The War, Shutter Island, Mystic River, and Gone Baby Gone, among others. I have a personally autographed copy of Shutter Island on my office shelves, but have only seen the movie. Other author autographed books in my library include those by Pat Conroy, Michael Connelly, Richard Price, Sue Grafton, and Kirk Eichenwald. A new episode of “Black Bird” will be released on Friday, so something to look forward to watching before we hit the road.
A blinking cursor is driving me nuts but I tried the suggested tutorials and still can’t get it to stop. I wish I had some computer skills, but instead I’m at the mercy of this machine. It flashes pink like my eye that has only shown marginal improvement after three days of medication. The biggest problem is light sensitivity, solved with an eye patch when I run. The temperature was actually pleasant this morning as day #4949 of The Streak came and passed. I still have my sights on that 5,000 day mark that will happen in September – if the creek don’t rise.
We’re headed to the movie theatre this afternoon for the 50th anniversary of Caberet starring Liza Minelli, Joel Gray, and Bob Fosse:
What good is sitting
Alone in your room?
Come hear the music play
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
Put down the knitting
The book and the broom
It’s time for a holiday
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
Come taste the wine
Come hear the band
Come blow your horn
Start celebrating
Right this way your table’s waiting
What goods permitting
Some prophet of doom?
To wipe every smile away
Life is a cabaret, old chum
So come to the cabaret
I used to have this girlfriend known as Elsie
With whom I shared for sordid rooms in Chelsea
She wasn’t what you’d call a blushing flower
As a matter of fact she rented by the hour
The day she died the neighbors came to snick her
Well, that is what comes from too much pills and liquor
But when I saw her laid out like a queen
She was the happiest corpse I’d ever seen I think of Elsie to this very day
I remember how she’d turned to me and say
“What good is sitting”
“All alone in your room?”
“Come hear the music play”
“Life is a cabaret, old chum”
“Come to the cabaret”
And as for me, huh
And as for me
I made my mind up back in Chelsea
When I go… I’m going like Elsie
Start by admitting
From cradle to tomb
It isn’t that long a stay
Life is a cabaret, old chum
It’s only a cabaret, old chum
And I love a cabaret…
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: John Kander / Fred Ebb
Cabaret lyrics © Trio Music Company, Alley Music Corp., Times Square Music Publications Company, Trio Music Company Inc., Trio Music Co., Inc.
I would have to categorize yesterday as a good day since the Cubs and White Sox both had come from behind victories and the stock market rallied to show a small gain. This morning I barely survived another 5k run in the heat, stumbling home at a 15-minute a mile pace. Just a few days ago, it was an embarrassing 18-minute final mile, one of the slowest in my history without actually stopping. Tally actually ran the last few hundred yards with me, anxious to get back to her air conditioning. It’s indeed rare when she wants to run but cool air and treats can be a powerful incentive. Tally Ho!
When I get back to the garage from my morning run, I usually do a little yard work and fill the fountain with water that quickly evaporates in these conditions. I collapse on my bench and take in the sauna-like conditions, sweating off another pound of fat while I do my morning puzzles. My current Wordle streak is now at 54 with a few close calls this week, including a 6-letter word with three f’s. The running streak is at 4,939 days without a miss. It’s always refreshing to jump in the pool, the final leg of my daily exercise regimen that’s the perfect excuse to sit and watch TV the rest of the day.
The dog park opens again tomorrow and Tally will be reunited with her buddies after several weeks of breaking her routine. With everyone seemingly gone in the neighborhood we rarely see a dog on her morning walks. I’m sure she’ll be excited to have dog life return to normal. However, three weeks from now we start our journey north and she will be at “Schnauzerville” with her second family for the first of three lengthy stints away from us yet this year. Tally Ho!
It’s my wife’s favorite holiday with limited family obligations and one of Tally’s least favorite with “bombs bursting in air.” We started a tradition last year with a beach picnic, sunset, and fireworks that will continue again this evening. It was exceptionally hot this morning on my run, with thoughts of all the other running events that are staged this morning. The most famous and largest is the Peachtree 10k in Atlanta where 60,000 runners hit the streets. I never had the opportunity to run it. I’m surprised that the Atlanta Braves haven’t staged a similar race at our neighborhood stadium, but with all the snowbirds gone for the summer, it would probably not be a big draw.
I did see at least four other runners this morning as I sputtered along my lonely asphalt trail. If they had been going the same direction they would have easily passed me by. I was thoroughly soaked in sweat by the time I jumped in the pool. I did enjoy the solitude to start the day and my blood pressure dropped from 156/73 to 98/72. I can feel a sense of relaxation once the discomfort of stiffness passes in my legs. It’s good to see a measurable medical benefit from running to go along with the sense of accomplishment once I finish every morning.
It’s been five years since my last distance training started for Coast to Coast back in Portland, Oregon. At that time, I could still occasionally manage an eleven-minute mile pace, but anymore I’m lucky to see thirteen-minutes and in most cases struggle at sixteen-minutes. I can’t imagine what it will be like in another five years. Running does keep my mind off my other age-related handicaps like shaky hands, numb feet, hearing loss, and hoarseness of voice. However, it exaggerates my balance issues and demonstrates the deterioration of any athletic skills I might have once possessed. I guess my goal any more is not speed or form but rather just to keep going and to maintain my independence. It a day to celebrate that freedom!
