goals etc

So by now some of you have heard that I've been working on goals. I hit a rough patch in the last few weeks/months, and after some deliberation, I've decided to do something about the funk I've been in. Here's my official announcement: I plan to run in the October 2011 Portland Marathon. To whatever end.

I'm starting small, with walking and strength training, as I still have my sore left foot, which will be surgeried in June or July. After that, I'll do my physical therapy until the doctor clears me to start training again. That should give me a year to train to run the marathon. It may end up being the half-marathon, but it will be that event.

Questions I've heard, and my answers:
1) Q: Why? Oh God, why?
A: Why not? I've been stuck in a place of mentally "hitting the wall" with a number of things, so I want to know what it feels like to "really" hit the wall. It's an experiment. And along the way, I'll get out and get some exercise, and hopefully get out of this rut.

2) Q: But your knees and feet are bad; how will you do it?
A: You can't eat an elephant in one bite, but you can eat an elephant one bite at a time. I have a great doctor for my feet, and a great physical therapist to guide me on the way. I'm taking a slow, commonsense pace that will make injury less likely. Also, I have a lot of pain now, and it's only going to get worse if I continue along the current path I'm on.

3) Q: Can I join you? (really, I've heard this)
A: Sure! We can share ideas and training stories, and anyone is welcome to register and run, or just come cheer me on. You're welcome to be a part of it.

Any more questions? Thoughts? Comments? Let me know...

Sizizis

I am currently at Sizizis, my favorite Olympia coffeehouse. Since I have not blogged in FOREVER, I thought I'd blog about Siz.

First, here is a photo of the outside:
Unassuming, right? Here's the inside:Magical, yes? And here is a photo of my stuff at the table. Note the sunshiny day in all photos...Some of the perks of Sizizis:
-- Open 24 hours of the day and night
-- Excellent coffee and pastries
-- wonderful baristas
-- Shared-table atmosphere (it's small, and usually crowded, so everyone shares tables and conversation)
-- Close walking distance to my abode
-- did I mention the pastries and coffee, and the 24 hour openness?

That's all for today. Feel jealous?

virtual xmas

kaia pics

I let Kaia (who is almost 4) take some photos with my phone. Here are my favorites:



I like her perspective.

olympians love their murals

so much that they create flat surfaces upon which to paint them...

light freezing fog

...makes for pretty little icicles. Everywhere. I think I have some on myself now...

i was made for this weather

I just walked about half mile in 10 ("feels like 3") degree weather, and it hardly even hurt. My cheeks feel a little burnt, but it was kind of nice. I was made for this. I think extreme cold is more my friend than extreme heat ever was.