108 Degrees in the shade

Yesterday the high was 108. Ah, a cooling trend.







Being the brilliant, wise runner that I am. I waited until after 8 pm to run in 99 degree weather. I was feeling pretty good after a mile and decided that I would stretch this run out and make it my long run for the week. My new marathon training plan called for a long run 0f 5 miles for week 1. I don't consider that a long run, so I was hoping to get in at least 6, maybe 7 miles for a long run this week. I crossed north over Ray Road and ventured into a new running area. As I got close to the Wendy's I remembered they have this new twisted Frosty, should I stop for one? No, I'm in serious training mode. No Ice Cream Stops!







However, I didn't bring extra fuel for a longer run, so I crossed Warner Road and headed to the 7 Eleven. Oh, thank heaven for 7 Eleven. I got a Reese's Fast Break candy bar and a pack of starbursts to go. I was a little over 2 miles into my run and that candy bar was unbelievable. A lot of calories, but unbelievable non the less. I continued on westward, past my kids high school and to stop #2 - Mobile on the Run(this is what came up for a link). I ran out of water and it was time for a Gatorade(Green Alert: not green, I bought a throw away bottle). As I was leaving I walked past a gas truck driver, so I said hi. He looked at me like I was some nut out for a 6 mile run on a perfectly good friday nite with a bit of a 'I got a chain saw in my truck, boy' look. I started to run. About a half mile down the road it was time to cross to the southside of the street. As I was crossing, I got to the center island of Ray road, a 4-6 lane road and I saw some headlights. So, I waited. Luckily, I did because here comes the gas truck barreling down the road and you know he would have love to make me his new hood ornament. I can just hear him with John Denver playing in the background -


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"Almost Heaven, West Virginia


Blue ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River


Life is old there


Older than the trees


Younger than the mountains


Growin' like a breeze."


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"Come on boy, cross that street" But, I waited and I live to run another day. I continued eastward toward home at this point. I ran past one house that had hundreds of plastic forks laying in the street in front. the high school kids like to 'fork yards'. I guess they had to abort this attempt.











I ended up my run in front of my abode after 6.22 miles.

(Give it up for Johan Lippowitz)

In 1 hour and 26 minutes. Day 51 is now official. I walked into the family room and sat on the stationary bike. My wife and son looked at me as they were sitting on their a..., chairs and said in unison - 'you stink'.

Ahh, the life of a runner.

Crossing Streets

How do you cross major streets. Here in Chandler, AZ all the major streets are exactly one mile apart and the head east/west or north/south. A large grid for the most part. I find when I go to a light, I have to wait and then I still might get run over by a driver not looking but turning right. But, away from the light traffic is lighter and there are times were no cars are near for a good minute or more. I like to cross at these points.

You can see on this aerial. I choose not to cross at the light. see all the traffic. I jayran down the road. I believe it's safer. What you think? What do you do on your runs? I'd like to know.

Going Green

You might notice I will have a Green Alert every once in a while. I am trying to think more green these days. Hopefully, you are too. It's mostly for my own sake. But, whenever I notice something that is good or bad for the environment, I will mention it. I by no means, think that I am a plus for the enviroment or better than most. I'm just trying to be better than I am today. If you notice something in my blog that is good or bad for the environment, let me know. I'm already using reusable bottles that I carry when I run. We're trying not to buy too many water bottles that get thrown away.

keep this to yourself - I like Almost Heaven by John Denver. It reminds me of my dad, driving on vacation down to Florida when I was a kid. But, don't tell anyone.