General stuff
The circle of cyclists was gathered in the Raley’s parking lot. I was answering questions about my ironman training and describing my favorite equipment, like my Garmin heart strap and black compression sleeves supporting my calves. Various friends were offering encouraging words of support until this one guy piped up with a curiously sarcastic… “Hmm……
I was waiting for Evan to arrive for our father and son hiking trip in beautiful Big Sur. I stuck my bare feet back into the chilly water flowing around my weathered Adirondack chair. The hotel puts these chairs right in the middle of the stream for its visitors, and I was wonderfully wedged among…
I was aggravated by the truck that blocked my way in the Prime Nutrition parking lot, and had to go around the long way to get out. Then I recognized the old couple under the shady tree on this hot June day. We had delivered thanksgiving meals to Kathleen and her companion Hector back in…
First of all, I am happy that I was able to finish the 70.3 Half Ironman in Napa yesterday. I thank God for having the strength to get through every mile. That being said, I re-learned a lesson I have learned before. To get your goal, you have to put in the work. I did…
There’s a dog who has brought joy to our family for over 8 years. Some of you will remember Zoe as the creative wake-up artist in the early musings on my Facebook wall. We’ve learned several lessons from this fluffy white princess: It’s more fun if you hang around where people are. You can get away with…
I wasn’t watching news, I was suddenly in the middle of it. Walking to the subway in the cold with my colleague after a work day in Manhattan, we were stopped by an unexpected show after dinner. A long line of NYPD officers was forming in front of their well-lit station in Times Square. As…
We were not only serving Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, we were serving the hungry and alone. I observed and learned a few things volunteering at the Great Plate on Thursday. It was a heart opening experience for me. First… people who volunteer do it out of passion, not obligation. Theresa, Iwa and the rest…
Since I finished my first full Iron Man in July, I have received compliments from several friends. Many are athletes who are far stronger than me at running, cycling and swimming. However, there is something intimidating about putting all three sports together that strikes fear into their strong hearts. One particular friend (I’ll call him Joe) told…
I stood on the edge of the black diamond run looking down at the snow-frosted rocks and towering pine trees, intimidated by the difficult terrain on that long run to the lodge. I had recently converted to snowboarding from the comfort of two skis, and earlier that morning this 40-something dude was by far the…
I’m grieving the tragic loss of Robin Williams and it reminds me of the time I met his idol and mentor, Jonathan Winters. You young whippersnappers may not remember Mr. Winters, but he had a frenetic, multiple-personality delivery style that inspired the young Robin to let go and play so hard on stage. I was…