That was my time this morning for the Cotton Row course.
Big deal, you say?
Well, in the cosmic scale, you are correct.
It is not such a big deal.
But for me, it was pretty significant.
I have not broken 58 minutes on this course for several years. (in a practice run...)
It was "only" 42 degrees this morning when I went out at 6:00.
I chose a single medium layer for my top and two layers for my legs to help keep my knees happy.
They seem to like being warm these days, more than in times past.
There was a light breeze blowing but it only bothered me for the first half mile or so until I warmed up.
Start time was 6:10:05.
There were no major physical problems today, although my right foot again wanted to act like it was sprained for no discernible reason.
This outbreak lasted about a minute, like the last episode.
I tried changing my gait to try to take the pressure off the affected area (which I am not sure where exactly that is) but after a short time, it healed itself.
Again.
As usual for nearly all of my running aches and pains.
I still find that amazing.
Anyway, I was astounded and pleased to see my watch when I finished read 7:08:25.
IN OTHER NEWS
Work in the tax office continues.
I am doing better than I expected in my volume of business and "selling" of HRB products.
I am second or third in almost every measure of such things (I still find this amazing...)
And I learn something new from almost every tax return I do.
While I did not look forward to doing this early in the year, now I am thinking that I will do this again next year (assuming all things continue as they are now).
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
On Politics, Runs, and Work
OBAMA OSHLAMA
As I suspected, the new "historic" president is just another liberal-socialist in blackface.
(And by the way, what is "historic" about this man other than his race? If he were white, his policies would be [and are] nothing new. They are proving to be "historic" in their scope and proportions.)
(And, also, BTW, I have nothing against the man because of his race. It is just that the media, generally, constantly wet themselves because he is the first black President of the United States. Frankly, I find him unremarkable.)
He has two cabinet nominees who owe back taxes so far.
(His nominee for Attorney General feels "constrained" by the US Constitution....)
And these two millionaires contritely express their "embarrassment" and "oversight" at their transgressions to the kangaroo court-style confirmation hearings.
These proceedings are so stupid and perfunctory that they nearly make me sick.
Except that I don't pay much attention to them.
These criminals will be confirmed and put in powerful leadership positions in our government to administer regulations on the rest of us.
The amount of new spending/debt already proposed by this "historic" megalomaniac is so astounding that it is nearly incomprehensible.
He has no idea what he is doing, or the consequences of his actions.
Such wanton spending will ravage the US economy for years to come.
None of your property (or rights) is safe from the reach of this new federal government.
There will be (many already proposed) new taxes of every imaginable kind -
new taxes on gasoline,
new taxes on your home utilities,
new taxes on the horsepower or engine size of your car,
new taxes on how many miles you drive,
new taxes on your "carbon footprint",
new taxes on your home,
new taxes on your real estate property,
new taxes on businesses,
new taxes on your income (if you have one...),
new taxes on your retirement savings (or outright confiscation, as one democrat congressperson has proposed),
new taxes on the things you buy,
and even new taxes on the things you sell.
You might say, we already pay some of these taxes.
True enough.
But get ready to pay more.
Our tax burden will easily increase by 50 percent to 100 percent in the next four years.
And when the unions get their payback in the form of elimination of secret ballot voting for union representation, and union-inflated wages begin to pervade the US business landscape (those that do not collapse from the increased costs, you will see price inflation like you have never seen before.
And with the federal government printing money to "pay" for the massive spending being put into place as I type, your dollar bills will be nearly worthless in four years.
Look for and annual inflation rate of 10 to 20 percent.
(for those of you who were "educated" in government schools, that means your money will lose 10 to 20 percent of its value every year.)
I am predicting a colossal business/financial catastrophe in the next four years that will astound those who know such things.
It has already started.
I am convinced that this is the beginning of the judgment of God on this nation for its sins.
The Babylonians have arrived and they are carrying off all the treasures of our land.
When they are done enacting their "fair" policies, everyone will be poorer.
Everyone.
THE RUN
The journey Saturday morning was surprisingly good.
I again ran the Cotton Row course.
The total transit time for the 6.22 miles was 58 minutes and 25 seconds.
A surprisingly good time.
It was cold but dry.
I managed to dress exactly correctly for the conditions and even though it was about 25 degrees, I was mostly warm (my face, and to a lesser extent, my hands, were cold, as usual) and comfortable.
There were no physical problems, except for one of short duration, but very alarming.
In the middle of mile four, my right ankle began to send out sharp pains, as if bone was grinding against bone.
It felt like I had sprained my ankle even though I was running on a smooth - though downhill - surface.
The pain was so strong that Running Central issued an emergency stop order to allow further analysis and evaluation of the injury.
Runner in me, however, wanted to "work through it", as is his usual method.
He tried to modify his running form to see if the pressure of foot set-down could be modified or shifted enough to minimize the discomfort.
Several alternates were tried and after about sixty seconds the pain went away.
Completely.
Running form returned to normal.
Running Central rescinded the stop order, and the race continued.
Thankfully, there was almost no traffic on Pratt Avenue at the bottom of Bankhead Parkway and I was able to run down the middle of that nice decline with only one interruption.
I especially enjoy that little quarter-mile segment of the course.
I had a strong finish, though not quite a true sprint.
I am pleased and amazed that at age sixty-three (something I often forget) I am able to do this.
I feel blessed.
WORK
I am gaining experience in the tax office.
I have done about eight returns of varying complexity and am learning the details of the company process (such as how to process a payment in the office).
According to a company report, as of last week, I was the top income producer in my office.
I was astounded.
That was a statistical fluke that will not be maintained because there are two other ladies in the office who have much more experience and have many returning clients who will boost their earnings above mine.
Still I am pleased with my overall progress in this new occupation.
.
As I suspected, the new "historic" president is just another liberal-socialist in blackface.
(And by the way, what is "historic" about this man other than his race? If he were white, his policies would be [and are] nothing new. They are proving to be "historic" in their scope and proportions.)
(And, also, BTW, I have nothing against the man because of his race. It is just that the media, generally, constantly wet themselves because he is the first black President of the United States. Frankly, I find him unremarkable.)
He has two cabinet nominees who owe back taxes so far.
(His nominee for Attorney General feels "constrained" by the US Constitution....)
And these two millionaires contritely express their "embarrassment" and "oversight" at their transgressions to the kangaroo court-style confirmation hearings.
These proceedings are so stupid and perfunctory that they nearly make me sick.
Except that I don't pay much attention to them.
These criminals will be confirmed and put in powerful leadership positions in our government to administer regulations on the rest of us.
The amount of new spending/debt already proposed by this "historic" megalomaniac is so astounding that it is nearly incomprehensible.
He has no idea what he is doing, or the consequences of his actions.
Such wanton spending will ravage the US economy for years to come.
None of your property (or rights) is safe from the reach of this new federal government.
There will be (many already proposed) new taxes of every imaginable kind -
new taxes on gasoline,
new taxes on your home utilities,
new taxes on the horsepower or engine size of your car,
new taxes on how many miles you drive,
new taxes on your "carbon footprint",
new taxes on your home,
new taxes on your real estate property,
new taxes on businesses,
new taxes on your income (if you have one...),
new taxes on your retirement savings (or outright confiscation, as one democrat congressperson has proposed),
new taxes on the things you buy,
and even new taxes on the things you sell.
You might say, we already pay some of these taxes.
True enough.
But get ready to pay more.
Our tax burden will easily increase by 50 percent to 100 percent in the next four years.
And when the unions get their payback in the form of elimination of secret ballot voting for union representation, and union-inflated wages begin to pervade the US business landscape (those that do not collapse from the increased costs, you will see price inflation like you have never seen before.
And with the federal government printing money to "pay" for the massive spending being put into place as I type, your dollar bills will be nearly worthless in four years.
Look for and annual inflation rate of 10 to 20 percent.
(for those of you who were "educated" in government schools, that means your money will lose 10 to 20 percent of its value every year.)
I am predicting a colossal business/financial catastrophe in the next four years that will astound those who know such things.
It has already started.
I am convinced that this is the beginning of the judgment of God on this nation for its sins.
The Babylonians have arrived and they are carrying off all the treasures of our land.
When they are done enacting their "fair" policies, everyone will be poorer.
Everyone.
THE RUN
The journey Saturday morning was surprisingly good.
I again ran the Cotton Row course.
The total transit time for the 6.22 miles was 58 minutes and 25 seconds.
A surprisingly good time.
It was cold but dry.
I managed to dress exactly correctly for the conditions and even though it was about 25 degrees, I was mostly warm (my face, and to a lesser extent, my hands, were cold, as usual) and comfortable.
There were no physical problems, except for one of short duration, but very alarming.
In the middle of mile four, my right ankle began to send out sharp pains, as if bone was grinding against bone.
It felt like I had sprained my ankle even though I was running on a smooth - though downhill - surface.
The pain was so strong that Running Central issued an emergency stop order to allow further analysis and evaluation of the injury.
Runner in me, however, wanted to "work through it", as is his usual method.
He tried to modify his running form to see if the pressure of foot set-down could be modified or shifted enough to minimize the discomfort.
Several alternates were tried and after about sixty seconds the pain went away.
Completely.
Running form returned to normal.
Running Central rescinded the stop order, and the race continued.
Thankfully, there was almost no traffic on Pratt Avenue at the bottom of Bankhead Parkway and I was able to run down the middle of that nice decline with only one interruption.
I especially enjoy that little quarter-mile segment of the course.
I had a strong finish, though not quite a true sprint.
I am pleased and amazed that at age sixty-three (something I often forget) I am able to do this.
I feel blessed.
WORK
I am gaining experience in the tax office.
I have done about eight returns of varying complexity and am learning the details of the company process (such as how to process a payment in the office).
According to a company report, as of last week, I was the top income producer in my office.
I was astounded.
That was a statistical fluke that will not be maintained because there are two other ladies in the office who have much more experience and have many returning clients who will boost their earnings above mine.
Still I am pleased with my overall progress in this new occupation.
.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
This n That Again
The run Saturday was good.
Beside the 43 degree air, and the ten mph wind from the north, there was a lovely light drizzle/rain to make it a challenging journey.
I was dressed for each of these elements and did fine, overall.
By mile three, my pants were soaked and were sticking to my legs, making them feel heavy.
My hands were just a bit too cool inside my mittens, but not uncomfortably so.
My left hip only whimpered a couple of times and never acted up enough to make me feel that my leg wanted to collapse.
The rain stopped at mile three or so and by the time I finished, most of the water had run out of my outer coverings.
And my time was almost exactly one hour.
Not bad for a crummy day.
I am looking forward to July...
Today is Tuesday and also mid-week run day.
Only three miles are scheduled for today.
When I stepped out on the back porch to check the weather conditions, the meter read 58 degrees.
Wow.
Another bare-leg day in January.
So with just a single, long-sleeved light layer on top and shorts for the lower half I did the course.
I felt a bit tired as I ran, but that may be from some emotional stress I am going through lately.
It was not enough to be a problem.
I go back to work in the tax office today, after having two days off.
I am thankful for my job.
I still feel that I have more details to learn, but I am learning.
Oregon pictures coming.
I haven't forgotten. (it just seems like it.) :)
Beside the 43 degree air, and the ten mph wind from the north, there was a lovely light drizzle/rain to make it a challenging journey.
I was dressed for each of these elements and did fine, overall.
By mile three, my pants were soaked and were sticking to my legs, making them feel heavy.
My hands were just a bit too cool inside my mittens, but not uncomfortably so.
My left hip only whimpered a couple of times and never acted up enough to make me feel that my leg wanted to collapse.
The rain stopped at mile three or so and by the time I finished, most of the water had run out of my outer coverings.
And my time was almost exactly one hour.
Not bad for a crummy day.
I am looking forward to July...
Today is Tuesday and also mid-week run day.
Only three miles are scheduled for today.
When I stepped out on the back porch to check the weather conditions, the meter read 58 degrees.
Wow.
Another bare-leg day in January.
So with just a single, long-sleeved light layer on top and shorts for the lower half I did the course.
I felt a bit tired as I ran, but that may be from some emotional stress I am going through lately.
It was not enough to be a problem.
I go back to work in the tax office today, after having two days off.
I am thankful for my job.
I still feel that I have more details to learn, but I am learning.
Oregon pictures coming.
I haven't forgotten. (it just seems like it.) :)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
THE ICE MAN RUNNETH
I ran the Cotton Row course again this morning.
It was supposed to be about 14 degrees.
He was wrong.
It was 22 when I looked at my meter on the porch at 5:45 this morning.
And no wind that I could see.
In an exercise in bravery, I dressed in only two layers, top and bottom.
That would prove to be a bit thin for the circumstances.
It was so cold as I was walking from my car to the start point that I started running before I got there.
I had not gone a quarter mile before I found that, while there was no wind at my house/neighborhood, there was some downtown, three miles away.
But it was too late to go back; I was committed to this party.
The only way to get warm while running, is to run.
So I ran.
By the end of mile two I was feeling better (meaning warmer).
And there was less wind in the neighborhoods than along the downtown streets.
By mile three, I was getting a little sweat on my hands, which were ensconced in my wool mittens.
I took them off for a minute or so but the self-induced wind chill was too much, so I pulled them back on part way.
They stayed that way until the end of mile five, when I finally pulled them off and just the warmth of holding them in my hands was enough to keep my fingers warm.
I did a lot of daydreaming during the jaunt and had few distractions.
And there were no physical complaints.
For this I was grateful.
I checked my watch as I crossed the finish line and found that my daydreaming had cost me dearly.
My time was within three seconds of 61 minutes.
Slooooow.
But I was pleased overall.
I had traversed my favorite course again, under adverse circumstances, with no problems.
Pictures of the Oregon trip are coming, I promise.
.
It was supposed to be about 14 degrees.
He was wrong.
It was 22 when I looked at my meter on the porch at 5:45 this morning.
And no wind that I could see.
In an exercise in bravery, I dressed in only two layers, top and bottom.
That would prove to be a bit thin for the circumstances.
It was so cold as I was walking from my car to the start point that I started running before I got there.
I had not gone a quarter mile before I found that, while there was no wind at my house/neighborhood, there was some downtown, three miles away.
But it was too late to go back; I was committed to this party.
The only way to get warm while running, is to run.
So I ran.
By the end of mile two I was feeling better (meaning warmer).
And there was less wind in the neighborhoods than along the downtown streets.
By mile three, I was getting a little sweat on my hands, which were ensconced in my wool mittens.
I took them off for a minute or so but the self-induced wind chill was too much, so I pulled them back on part way.
They stayed that way until the end of mile five, when I finally pulled them off and just the warmth of holding them in my hands was enough to keep my fingers warm.
I did a lot of daydreaming during the jaunt and had few distractions.
And there were no physical complaints.
For this I was grateful.
I checked my watch as I crossed the finish line and found that my daydreaming had cost me dearly.
My time was within three seconds of 61 minutes.
Slooooow.
But I was pleased overall.
I had traversed my favorite course again, under adverse circumstances, with no problems.
Pictures of the Oregon trip are coming, I promise.
.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Busyness = No Postings
My first week in the tax office has been educational.
I am stressed because I do not feel comfortable in my knowledge of all the forms and procedures of the process yet.
Thus, I have little mental energy left at the end of the day to devote to blogging.
I walked this morning.
It was a balmy 10 degrees with a lovely 5-10 mph breeze out of the north.
I layered well and added an extra band over my nose to further cover my face.
I did just about right.
My hands inside my mittens were just a bit cold, but not numb.
Everything else was toasty warm or at least comfortable.
During the last part of mile two and the first part of mile three, my lips and eyes were not happy with the stinging wind on them.
My eyes got so cold that my vision began to blur a bit, but constant blinking helped warm things up enough to survive.
All in all, I had a productive and educational time.
It is supposed to be about 14 tomorrow when I run the Cotton Row course.
Wee shall see how wee do then.
.
I am stressed because I do not feel comfortable in my knowledge of all the forms and procedures of the process yet.
Thus, I have little mental energy left at the end of the day to devote to blogging.
I walked this morning.
It was a balmy 10 degrees with a lovely 5-10 mph breeze out of the north.
I layered well and added an extra band over my nose to further cover my face.
I did just about right.
My hands inside my mittens were just a bit cold, but not numb.
Everything else was toasty warm or at least comfortable.
During the last part of mile two and the first part of mile three, my lips and eyes were not happy with the stinging wind on them.
My eyes got so cold that my vision began to blur a bit, but constant blinking helped warm things up enough to survive.
All in all, I had a productive and educational time.
It is supposed to be about 14 tomorrow when I run the Cotton Row course.
Wee shall see how wee do then.
.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A DATE OF UP
THE RUN SATURDAY...
... was amazingly good.
I did the Cotton Row course again.
I woke up expecting to dress for 48 degrees, as prognosticated by the weather person.
Wrong.
It was 58.
So, off came the long pants and mid-weight long-sleeve top.
Starting out, I felt tired and a tiny bit of congestion in my sinuses.
This was prolly a lingering gift from my brother-in-law in Oregon.
(Bless his heart, he was sick the last few days of my visit though not enough to be banished to the sick bed.)
It was cloudy and looked ready to rain at any moment so I brought my rain top and new rain hat JIC.
But when I arrived at the VBC it was not raining so I left the rain stuff in the car.
It was a good guess.
I ran the course with no problems and it was only in the last quarter mile that the sky tried to spit in my eyes.
But it was just the slightest mist that actually felt good on my hot face.
So slight that is did my usual walking cool-down before getting into my car and driving home.
IN OTHER NEWS....
I am working on my pictures from the trip.
Editing a few good ones, deleting the so-so ones.
I will post some in a few days.
... was amazingly good.
I did the Cotton Row course again.
I woke up expecting to dress for 48 degrees, as prognosticated by the weather person.
Wrong.
It was 58.
So, off came the long pants and mid-weight long-sleeve top.
Starting out, I felt tired and a tiny bit of congestion in my sinuses.
This was prolly a lingering gift from my brother-in-law in Oregon.
(Bless his heart, he was sick the last few days of my visit though not enough to be banished to the sick bed.)
It was cloudy and looked ready to rain at any moment so I brought my rain top and new rain hat JIC.
But when I arrived at the VBC it was not raining so I left the rain stuff in the car.
It was a good guess.
I ran the course with no problems and it was only in the last quarter mile that the sky tried to spit in my eyes.
But it was just the slightest mist that actually felt good on my hot face.
So slight that is did my usual walking cool-down before getting into my car and driving home.
IN OTHER NEWS....
I am working on my pictures from the trip.
Editing a few good ones, deleting the so-so ones.
I will post some in a few days.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
I'm Baa-ack
I have returned safe and sound from my journey across the country.
I had a wonderful time.
My time since returning has been taken up by doing laundry, house cleaning, and getting my computer files set up for the new year.
I will give you all the gory details of my trip in a few days. (and some pikturs!)
Later,
SN
I had a wonderful time.
My time since returning has been taken up by doing laundry, house cleaning, and getting my computer files set up for the new year.
I will give you all the gory details of my trip in a few days. (and some pikturs!)
Later,
SN
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Last Thots
The 6 mile run last Saturday was good, if a bit cold.
There were no major physical issues except for a short bout with my left leg and I turned on to Randolph.
My time was right at 60 minutes even though I had to wait for traffic on California.
Part of me wanted to hang around and watch the beginning of the Hunstville Marathon but I had other obligations on my time because of my impending trip.
So I left the Civic Center and went home.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
This blog will hibernate for approximately three weeks while I am on vacation.
I will be visiting my sister in Oregon and will be deeply occupied with goofing off, talking, listening, laughing, listening to music, walking, running, and sightseeing.
Thank you for you kind cooperation in this matter....
.
There were no major physical issues except for a short bout with my left leg and I turned on to Randolph.
My time was right at 60 minutes even though I had to wait for traffic on California.
Part of me wanted to hang around and watch the beginning of the Hunstville Marathon but I had other obligations on my time because of my impending trip.
So I left the Civic Center and went home.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
This blog will hibernate for approximately three weeks while I am on vacation.
I will be visiting my sister in Oregon and will be deeply occupied with goofing off, talking, listening, laughing, listening to music, walking, running, and sightseeing.
Thank you for you kind cooperation in this matter....
.
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Saturday Run
It was very cold saturday for the Cotton Row course run.
According to the meter on my house, it was about 25 degrees.
I was wrapped in two breathable top layers with my wind layer on the outside.
My legs were snuggly inside of my tights (do not try to visualize this as it could result in cornea damage), and my wind pants.
Two pair of sox, wool mittens, and my modified blue Turtle Fur balaclava.
It turned out that there was virtually no wind so the top wind layer was not needed.
Start time was 6:00:25.
By mile two, I had all upper zippers down to allow breathing of the internal layers.
It was not quite enough.
I still got a bit too hot and made sweat.
The mittens came off in mile three.
The journey was surprisingly pleasant and I spent some time daydreaming and going to sleep during the first three.
As I was going down Bankhead Parkway an old problem presented itself again.
My left leg began to act like it did not want to perform it's assigned tasks any more.
There was no pain associated with this problem, just a sort of numbness made my leg feel sluggish and unresponsive.)
It became an effort for me to lift it and get the foot to come down in the same manner it had been doing for the last four miles.
It took special effort to get it to behave (lifting it higher, etc.)
But after a few seconds, it healed itself and things progressed in a normal manner.
I had another brief visit of the same problem in mile five and again near the end, in mile seven (past mile six...) [the "six-mile" course is technically 6.23 miles long]
In each case the problem went away after ten or twenty seconds.
My guess is that it is a precursor to Parkinson's disease or some such.
But it could be related to my occasional lower back problems, a pinched nerve bundle or some such.
But like I said, there was no actual pain before, during, or after the incident.
I crossed the line at 7:00:35.
I prolly could have beat the one hour time but I had to wait for traffic on California street and Clinton avenue (I hate it when that happens....).
The tax training continues.
If you have a question about your state or federal income taxes call me, send me an email, or call H&R Block for help. (this has been an unpaid advertising announcement.)
IN OTHER NEWS....
In spite of my Thanksgiving orgy of eating, I seem to have maintained my BF (body fat) level, or even reduced it a bit, as during my workout this morning, the blood pipes on my upper arms were showing off again.
This is good (if a little vain...) (pun?)
The goal now is to get them to show all the way up into my shoulders, like the contest boys (and girls) do.
That may take more strict eating discipline than I am willing to submit to.
Wee shall see.
.
According to the meter on my house, it was about 25 degrees.
I was wrapped in two breathable top layers with my wind layer on the outside.
My legs were snuggly inside of my tights (do not try to visualize this as it could result in cornea damage), and my wind pants.
Two pair of sox, wool mittens, and my modified blue Turtle Fur balaclava.
It turned out that there was virtually no wind so the top wind layer was not needed.
Start time was 6:00:25.
By mile two, I had all upper zippers down to allow breathing of the internal layers.
It was not quite enough.
I still got a bit too hot and made sweat.
The mittens came off in mile three.
The journey was surprisingly pleasant and I spent some time daydreaming and going to sleep during the first three.
As I was going down Bankhead Parkway an old problem presented itself again.
My left leg began to act like it did not want to perform it's assigned tasks any more.
There was no pain associated with this problem, just a sort of numbness made my leg feel sluggish and unresponsive.)
It became an effort for me to lift it and get the foot to come down in the same manner it had been doing for the last four miles.
It took special effort to get it to behave (lifting it higher, etc.)
But after a few seconds, it healed itself and things progressed in a normal manner.
I had another brief visit of the same problem in mile five and again near the end, in mile seven (past mile six...) [the "six-mile" course is technically 6.23 miles long]
In each case the problem went away after ten or twenty seconds.
My guess is that it is a precursor to Parkinson's disease or some such.
But it could be related to my occasional lower back problems, a pinched nerve bundle or some such.
But like I said, there was no actual pain before, during, or after the incident.
I crossed the line at 7:00:35.
I prolly could have beat the one hour time but I had to wait for traffic on California street and Clinton avenue (I hate it when that happens....).
The tax training continues.
If you have a question about your state or federal income taxes call me, send me an email, or call H&R Block for help. (this has been an unpaid advertising announcement.)
IN OTHER NEWS....
In spite of my Thanksgiving orgy of eating, I seem to have maintained my BF (body fat) level, or even reduced it a bit, as during my workout this morning, the blood pipes on my upper arms were showing off again.
This is good (if a little vain...) (pun?)
The goal now is to get them to show all the way up into my shoulders, like the contest boys (and girls) do.
That may take more strict eating discipline than I am willing to submit to.
Wee shall see.
.
Friday, December 05, 2008
I Very Dislike Winter
Yes, I know, it is not officially Winter yet.
That won't happen until the 21st or so. (Josh's birthday BTW...)
The outdoor thermometer read a balmy 26 degrees this morning at 5:20 AM.
My body was encased in triple layers of petroleum-derived plastic fabrics, and my head had a douple layer of similar material, for my Friday morning three-mile walk.
All except my mouth, nose and eyes.
Double socks on my feetees, and my thickest mittens on my hands.
It almost worked.
I did not take into account the lovely 10 MPH wind coming out of the north.
I am not sure what the wind chill was but my guess is that it was in the mid to upper teens.
Had I worn my wind layer on the outside rather than my fleece layer, things would have been about right, methinks.
Live and learn.
So now I am better educated.
But too late for this morning's festivities.
It was cool enough this morning that there was ice on the few remaining spots of standing water from yesterday's drizzle.
This is not to say that I was completely cold this morning.
It was just a few minutes off and on when the wind velocity increased enough to overcome the heat retaining ability of my upper breathable layers.
That did not happen the whole time I was walking.
My wind pants did exactly what they were supposed to do - block the wind.
And for half of the trip the wind was coming from behind me and did not affect me the same way it did when it was blowing in my (bare) face.
The new ski mask (as they are called) has all but eliminated the frozen chin syndrome that has afflicted me all these past winters.
Tomorrow is planned another traverse of the Cotton Row course.
The temperature will be about the same.
But when I run, I generate much more heat than when I walk, so coldness of body will be less of a problem.
That won't happen until the 21st or so. (Josh's birthday BTW...)
The outdoor thermometer read a balmy 26 degrees this morning at 5:20 AM.
My body was encased in triple layers of petroleum-derived plastic fabrics, and my head had a douple layer of similar material, for my Friday morning three-mile walk.
All except my mouth, nose and eyes.
Double socks on my feetees, and my thickest mittens on my hands.
It almost worked.
I did not take into account the lovely 10 MPH wind coming out of the north.
I am not sure what the wind chill was but my guess is that it was in the mid to upper teens.
Had I worn my wind layer on the outside rather than my fleece layer, things would have been about right, methinks.
Live and learn.
So now I am better educated.
But too late for this morning's festivities.
It was cool enough this morning that there was ice on the few remaining spots of standing water from yesterday's drizzle.
This is not to say that I was completely cold this morning.
It was just a few minutes off and on when the wind velocity increased enough to overcome the heat retaining ability of my upper breathable layers.
That did not happen the whole time I was walking.
My wind pants did exactly what they were supposed to do - block the wind.
And for half of the trip the wind was coming from behind me and did not affect me the same way it did when it was blowing in my (bare) face.
The new ski mask (as they are called) has all but eliminated the frozen chin syndrome that has afflicted me all these past winters.
Tomorrow is planned another traverse of the Cotton Row course.
The temperature will be about the same.
But when I run, I generate much more heat than when I walk, so coldness of body will be less of a problem.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Briefly Dateup
The morning runs, walks, workouts are going well.
Tuesday's run was a bit nippy (it was about 30 degrees) but there was little of me that was not covered so I survived in good order.
Wednesday's walk was equally nippy (it was about 35 degrees) but I was properly equipped as well.
Dressing for walking and running requires some minor adjustments to my layers because I do not generate as much heat when I walk as I do when I run.
I tried a dressing/layering experiment for my Wednesday walk and was surprised at the result.
Instead of three lighter layers, I tried a single light inner layer and my fleece pull-over (about medium weight).
It worked just finely.
Those two layers were just enough to hold in my body heat and yet allow some air flow to keep me from overheating/sweating. (this same arrangement would not work as well if it had been windy, methinks.)
Tuesday, I started work for H&R Block.
I will be working at the office in the Sears store in Madison Square Mall, starting in January.
Most of my training until then will be at the office in Madison, near the Walmart.
And, out of the blue, I got a phone call from a friend of a friend, asking me a tax question.
So the word is already out, I guess.
And, sadly, let the Royal Chronicles record that the roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, sweet taders, and cranberry sauce are all gone.
So it is back to eating the SOS (same ol stuff) for the rest of my time here in the South.
WHICH.... shant be long....
In a little less than two weeks I will take my annual flight West to visit my sister and her family for the Christmas holiday. (which will include more turkey and pies, etc..... 8-P)
For that reason, this blog will hibernate for about three weeks while I frolic on the western coast and points nearby.
Postings will resume on or about January 9, 2009.
You've been warned....
.
Tuesday's run was a bit nippy (it was about 30 degrees) but there was little of me that was not covered so I survived in good order.
Wednesday's walk was equally nippy (it was about 35 degrees) but I was properly equipped as well.
Dressing for walking and running requires some minor adjustments to my layers because I do not generate as much heat when I walk as I do when I run.
I tried a dressing/layering experiment for my Wednesday walk and was surprised at the result.
Instead of three lighter layers, I tried a single light inner layer and my fleece pull-over (about medium weight).
It worked just finely.
Those two layers were just enough to hold in my body heat and yet allow some air flow to keep me from overheating/sweating. (this same arrangement would not work as well if it had been windy, methinks.)
Tuesday, I started work for H&R Block.
I will be working at the office in the Sears store in Madison Square Mall, starting in January.
Most of my training until then will be at the office in Madison, near the Walmart.
And, out of the blue, I got a phone call from a friend of a friend, asking me a tax question.
So the word is already out, I guess.
And, sadly, let the Royal Chronicles record that the roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, sweet taders, and cranberry sauce are all gone.
So it is back to eating the SOS (same ol stuff) for the rest of my time here in the South.
WHICH.... shant be long....
In a little less than two weeks I will take my annual flight West to visit my sister and her family for the Christmas holiday. (which will include more turkey and pies, etc..... 8-P)
For that reason, this blog will hibernate for about three weeks while I frolic on the western coast and points nearby.
Postings will resume on or about January 9, 2009.
You've been warned....
.
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