life – text/plain

A Slow 10K

I “ran” the Capitol 10K for a third time on Sunday. It did not go well, but not for any of the reasons I worried about. The rain stopped hours before the race, and the course wasn’t wet. My knees and feet didn’t complain. My heart rate felt pretty much under control. I had foundContinue reading “A Slow 10K”

Second Seaside Half

I ran my second Galveston Half Marathon on Sunday, February 25th. The course was identical to last year’s race, starting at Stewart beach heading north before looping back down to the Pleasure Pier before returning to the start/finish line on the beach. I opened hard, leaving with the 1:52 pacer and running with the 1:45Continue reading “Second Seaside Half”

The Importance of Feedback Loops

This morning, I found myself once again thinking about the critical importance of feedback loops. I thought about obvious examples where small bad things can so easily grow into large bad things: – A minor breach can lead to complete pwnage.– A small outbreak can become a pandemic.– A brush fire can spark a continentalContinue reading “The Importance of Feedback Loops”

x22i Treadmill Review

I love my treadmill, but two years in, I cannot recommend it. On New Year’s Day 2022 I bought a NordicTrack x22i Incline Trainer (a treadmill that supports 40% incline and 6% decline) with the aim of getting in shape to hike Kilimanjaro. I was successful on both counts, losing 50 pounds in six monthsContinue reading “x22i Treadmill Review”

A Cold and Slow 3M Half

My second run of the 3M Half Marathon was Sunday January 21, 2024. My first half-marathon last year was cold (starting at 38F), but this year’s was slated to be even colder (33F) and I was nervous. For dinner on Saturday night, I had a HelloFresh meal of meatballs and mashed potatoes, and I wentContinue reading “A Cold and Slow 3M Half”

Fall 2023 Races

While I’ve been running less, I haven’t completely fallen out of the habit, and I still find spending an hour on the treadmill to be the simplest way to feel better for the rest of the day. Real-world racing remains appealing, for the excitement, the community, and for the forcing function to get on theContinue reading “Fall 2023 Races”

Driving Electric – One Year In

One year ago, I brought home a new 2023 Nissan Leaf. I didn’t really need a car, but changing rules around tax credits meant that I pretty much had to buy the Leaf last fall if I wanted to save $7500. It was my first new car in a decade, and I’m mostly glad IContinue reading “Driving Electric – One Year In”

Kilimanjaro – To Exit Gate & Home

Saturday, July 8, 2023; Day 9 and Sunday, July 9, 2023; Home After another night of decent sleep, we turn on the light at 4:45am. It’s a cozy 50F in the tent. Our coffee should arrive in 15 minutes, and then breakfast will begin 15 minutes after that. Breakfast was quick — porridge and eggs,Continue reading “Kilimanjaro – To Exit Gate & Home”

Kilimanjaro – Descent to Mweka

Friday, July 7, 2023; Day 8 Last night’s sleep was the best to date, even with high winds and noisy groups traipsing by after 1am. Exhaustion is the best sleep aid, I suppose. :) The tent is again just under 40F, but I’m cozy in my wool hat. I slept from 7p-1a, 1a-3a, and 3a-5:30a.Continue reading “Kilimanjaro – Descent to Mweka”

Kilimanjaro – To Summit

Thursday, July 6, 2023; Day 7 It’s been noisy throughout the night as teams of hikers from Barafu pass through after midnight. They seem to make no effort toward keeping quiet, and there’s singing and shouts as they pass. Our 3am wakeup call arrives quickly, and most of us are up at 2:45am, eager toContinue reading “Kilimanjaro – To Summit”