Saturday, June 30, 2007

06/29/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the Daily Source Code during this run. My big news of the day is that I bought an iPhone with the hoard of others. Although, I did not stand in line for longer than 1 1/2 hours. I like the iPhone's convergence of browser, phone, iPod (audio and video), and email. But, it is not without it woes. The headphone jack has a different signature than standard headphones. I had to buy a $10 adapter. The email interface doesn't rotate and I am finding that gmail on the iPod via Safari is better than the built-in client. I was pleased to discover that both my personal and work mail are readily accessible and readable. You can only delete 1 email at a time in the built in client. It wasn't long that I started regretting that, if there was much spam. So, for reading at least, I am sticking with gMail. I haven't needed to compose one yet. I may discover that the email client is better for that. The sync of the iPhone hiccupped a couple of times. So, I learned quickly to only leave it connected long to successfully sync. I am disappointed that not all applications support the rotation feature. I find that I frequently want to switch to a wider, shorter view. But, all-in-all, I like the iPhone and I am pleased. The iPod was not without irritants too. I haven't tried to blog from it yet...

Data

Distance: 3 Miles
Time: 28:32
Heart Rate: 143
Pace: 9:30
Weather: Clear
Temperature-73°
Humidity-79%

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

06/27/07: 6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the Daily Source Code during this run. The bluetooth setup worked again, but cut-out some starting at about 45 minutes. So, next time I put it in a plastic bag. I do so wished tech stuff would just work.
Data

Distance: 6 Miles
Time: 55:11
Heart Rate: 146
Pace: 9:11
Weather: Clear
Temperature-71°
Humidity-84%

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

06/26/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to the Daily Source Code during this run. We are in the midst of a stage 3 drought, whatever that means. It does mean, accordingly to local ordinances, fines for using sprinklers to water yards and such. Yet, I saw plenty of evidence that my neighbors are simply ignoring the rules. And, I took a bath on Sunday after my long run. Now, I am feeling guilty. After reading Jared Diamond's books (Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed and Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies), I worry when I see people, myself included, act irrationally in the face of obvious resource shortages. I turned my sprinkler system off today. Well, I am wrong! The notice from the mayor only applies to customers of the Birmingham Water Works; that does not include us. Our rules are more liberal.
Data

Distance: 3 Miles
Time: 27:32
Heart Rate: 147
Pace: 9:10
Weather: Clear
Temperature-74°
Humidity-74%

Sunday, June 24, 2007

06/24/07: 10.5 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Loop

Judy is traveling, so it was just me. It was the first long run with the bluetooth enabled iPod. It did really well for the first hour. But, it did cut out some for the last 35 minutes. Not sure if it was electronic interference or environmental (sweat). Next time, I will try enclosing it in a sandwich bag. I am all caught up on podcasts I will listen to while running, so I put the music collection on shuffle. It was a enjoyable and steady run.

I fixed a number of bugs and added some informative columns (e.g., day of the week) to the running log spreadsheet and updated the Mercedes 2008 training log as well.
Data

Distance: 10.5 Miles
Time: 1:35:56
Heart Rate: 158
Pace: 9:08
Weather: Clear
Temperature-81°
Humidity-49%
Route: 10.5 Mile Loop

Saturday, June 23, 2007

06/22/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I put the iPod on shuffle, turned on the bluetooth and the headset, and off I went on this early morning run. The new gear is still performing well. The new quest ins to find a case that really fits well since the iPod with bluetooth is bigger than cases I currently have that are for iPod only. I bought a case that is designed for a CD player and it is really too big. I just ordeded two things from Amphipod (Micropak ExplorerTM and Airflow MPTM that I hope will work.

Data

Distance:3
Time:25:30
Heart Rate:156
Pace:8:30
Weather:Clear
Temperature-71°
Humidity-57%

Thursday, June 21, 2007

06/20/07: 5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to C C Chapman's Accident Hash episode labeled Wedding Mixed Tape 1. It was a great mix and I thoroughly enjoyed running to the selection. I watched Adam Curry's video documenting his flight to Cannes on my iPod later. This is the first time I watched a video on the iPod. It was cool.

Well, the Motorola Bluetooth Active Headphones S9 and the TEN Technology naviPlay Bluetooth Stereo Adapter for iPod worked well together! So, despite my woes trying to get the headphones to work with the computer, they did work for the main purpose I asked for them. I haven't run with them yet, but I am not anticipating any trouble.

Data

Distance:5
Time:45:42
Heart Rate:148
Pace:9:08
Weather:Few Cloudy
Temperature-71°
Humidity-90%

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

06/19/2007: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another morning run during which I listened to the Daily Source Code. I am finally back home and back into the routine; well, maybe. This Nylon dude on the Daily Source Code is generating lots of listener feedback and I have to say he can sure get on one's nerves. But, hey it's entertaining.

I got a Motorola Bluetooth Active Headphones S9 for Father's day. I bought a KENSINGTON 33348 Bluetooth USB 2.0 Adapter and plugged into my Toshiba Portege M200 (yes, the one I loaded with Vista) and guess what! It sucks. That's right, I hear a 1 sec snippet of a continuously playing stream every few minutes. This is not a good sign. I asked for the headphones for use with my iPod, so I am hoping that when the adapter for that comes that I don't discover similar results. I am so tired of running with wires hanging from my head. I have ordered TEN Technology naviPlay Bluetooth Stereo Adapter for iPod which I am hoping proves to work well.

Data

Distance:3
Time:27:38
Heart Rate:146
Pace:9:12
Weather:Cloudy
Temperature-74°
Humidity-87%

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

06/13-16/07: Running Around the South

I have been traveling all around the south this week; some for work and some for pleasure. I started off in Greensboro, GA at the Ritz-Carlton. I ran a 3 and 6 miler while there along the Linger Longer jogging/biking trail while listening to the latest Daily Source Code episodes. It was peaceful, hilly, and pretty. The Timex Time and Distance system died on the return route (I ran an out and back). The time indicated I ran for 1 hour, but I don't believe I ran only 6 miles if that it is accurate as I felt I was running strong, not slow. Damn technology.

This resort was beautiful, but thanks to work I had little time to explore it. Mighty expensive through. And, even with a $300 + room rate they still charged extra for Internet connections. Why is that the likelihood of paying extra for Internet grows with the room rate? This resort seemed well suited to golfing and all things lake related. It was also quite peaceful.

After Greensboro, GA, I was off to Elkmont, TN in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to see the synchronized fireflys. We went here last year and I missed the fireflys because my young son and I got too tired. My older son met my in-laws (mother, father, and brother -inlaws) at the Elkmont camp ground. We swam, hiked, eat, and played. It was a lot of fun and I got 1 run in. I did not get in my 8.5 miler as I slept too late and trying to get it in would have offset everyone else's plans. I did get in a vigorous hike and some minor swimming during the day, so it wasn't and exercise free day anyway. We visited Laurel Falls and some trails around the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Saturday. On Sunday, some of us hiked to Catarack Falls and we all hung out at the Sinks for a bit before heading home. My brother-in-law and his family stayed at the campground for 3 more days.

Data

06/13/07: Greensboro, GA
Distance: 3.069 Miles
Time: 29:01
Heart Rate: Not measured
Pace: 9:27
Weather: Clear
Temperature-61°
Humidity-94%

06/14/07: Greensboro, GA

Distance: 6 Miles
Time: 1:00:10
Heart Rate: Not measured
Pace: 10.01
Weather: Overcast
Temperature-63°
Humidity-94%

06/16/07: Elkmont,TN

Distance: 3 Miles
Time: 28:51
Heart Rate: Not measured
Pace: 9:37
Weather: Clear
Temperature-60°
Humidity-94%

Sunday, June 10, 2007

6/10/07: 10.5 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Loop

Judy met me at 6:30 am and off we went. The temperature was just cool enough for a comfortable start. I started off ranting about receiving a notice of a citation for parking in Auburn, Alabama. I got bit carried away, but there you go. The violation happened last October. I wasn't there. I sold the Jeep I had 2 years ago. The ticket is against the license plate number I had on the Jeep when I owned it. So, I am not sure how this will get straightened out yet. It was a good run and I had a good chat with some of the local runners after the run. Then, it was off to get behind the lawn mower.

Data

Distance: 10.5 Miles
Time: 1:38:52
Heart Rate: 154
Pace: 9:24
Weather: Clear
Temperature-73°
Humidity-64%
Route: 10.5 Mile Loop

Friday, June 08, 2007

06/08/07: 7.5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I listened to show 100 of Phedippidations. Steve focused on things related to why he runs and used the opportunity to reflect on 100 shows to introduce us more to himself. I enjoyed the show and he mentioned Richard Dawkins who I had read about earlier this year in a Wired Magazine article, The Church of the Non-Believers. What struck me most in this context, was not the core theistic/atheistic arguments, but more about the notion that respecting religious faith because, well, it's religious faith can lead to some startling conclusions. Like respecting the beliefs of Bin Laden. Whether declarations of the pope or fatwahs of a cleric, we must consider their impact on human behavior and the reasonableness of that impact and its results. As the article says, some types of worship and practices are inconsistent with basic rights. There may be a slippery slope to climb separately the good from the bad. But, I do respect Steve's choices and like the author of the aforementioned article, I am not prepared to take the position of the atheists interviewed for the article including Dawkins.

I bumped into Larry and Prince, a couple of runners in the neighborhood, after 2 laps around the lake, so I joined them and extended this run by 2.5 miles. It was fun to chat with them. I hadn't run with them since the Mercedes Marathon in February.

Data

Distance:7.4811
Time:1:08:09
Heart Rate:163
Pace:9:06
Weather:Cloudy
Temperature-77°
Humidity-85%

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

6/5/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another morning run during which I listened to the Daily Source Code. I keep getting up earlier and earlier. Not to run, but to work. Yikes! I am getting up now at 3:00 am. and going until about 6:00 pm. I cook 2 meals and exercise in there too, but it do make for a long day. Man, I remember the days when I did something every night. As in did something just for me or for the family. Not anymore. I do that stuff on the weekend if I am lucky. Monday-Friday is work and do life's essentials. That's all. OK, enough whining and no I don't want cheese.

Data

Distance:3
Time:26:58
Heart Rate:151
Pace:8:59
Weather:Clear
Temperature-73°
Humidity-69%

Sunday, June 03, 2007

06/03/07: 8.5 Mile Run: Shades Creek Greenway

Judy and I met at the usual 6:30 am. We haven't run together in a couple of weeks so it was good to see her and have our usual chat. The Army folks were out there again. I warned Judy that last time it forced me to run a much faster pace. I was a little slower today, but still faster than usual. She is still battling a little knee pain and claims that I threatening to leave her behind. I know from experience that she can turn it on in a flash.

Data


Distance: 8.5 Miles
Time: 1:15:19
Heart Rate: 161
Pace: 8:51
Weather: Clear
Temperature-73°
Humidity-79%
Route: The usual 8.5 Miler

Saturday, June 02, 2007

06/02/07: 3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another morning run during which I listened to the Daily Source Code. The Hit Test is back! This was one of my favorite parts of Adam's show that he had discontinued due to fears of legal action given that the songs were owned by "traditional media". Apparently, he has found a legal way for it continue. Way cool!

I usually have trouble finding healthy food while traveling especially if on the highway in a car. I stopped at a Wendy's for the first time in years. And, they have a menu that can support a healthy diet very well and it was tasty (salads and some healthy sides-ignore the unhealthy sides).

And, I forgot to mention after listening to show 98 of Phedippidations that I will NOT stop using my iPod and ear phones during races. Further, I was surprised that this was the first item in Steve's list. I did agree with most of the common sense rules listed by Steve in this show about running etiquette. But, I believe one can maintain attention and set the volume such that one can respect others and such while running with some entertainment in the ear. I guess I am a bit defensive on this one. Sort of like a pet peeve. Every time Runner's World does an article about the best music to run to, best ear phones, best mp3 player, etc, the letters fly-in. "I can't believe you printed that article that promotes a very unsafe ....". Leave me alone, let 'em review 'em, and stay away from my ears, I say.

And, in response to Steve's concern about the quality of his show as expressed in episode 99. STEVE, your show is awesome! It is OK, that we disagree on the ear phone thing. ;)

Data

Distance:3
Time:27:38
Heart Rate:147
Pace:9:12
Weather:Cloudy
Temperature-72°
Humidity-81%

Friday, June 01, 2007

05:/31/07: 6 Mile Run: Columbia, SC

Yet, another run during which I listened to the Daily Source Code. I am here for meetings with colleagues and to teach an architecture class for a group of new employees, most of which are right out of school. Fortunately for them and me, I had 2 very talented people who worked for me volunteer to back me up if I needed it. I was going to try to teach the whole class, but decided near the end that these 2 people would do the deeper dives better than I. I wanted these new folks to get the best start we can provide. It was a good decision.

My rental car has Sirius satelite radio built in. So, I have it tuned to Fox News and last night on the way to the hotel, I heard O'Reilly talking to McCain. McCain said that we needed to keep the fight going in Iraq because "they" would surrender before we do. The "they" to which he was referring includes the extremists. And, anyone that believes the extremists will surrender or fade away is very mistaken in my opinion. I was surprised to hear this from McCain. Although, I lean towards being a Democrat, I have generally found that McCain well informed and reasoned.

I registered for the Phedippidations Worldwide Half Marathon. I will be running this on my 50th birthday. I registered with the nickname WayPsycho. Steve, if you are reading, I recommend showing real names on the Entrants page. That would be my preference anyway.

Data

Distance:6 Miles
Time:54:45
Heart Rate:Not measured
Pace:9:07
Weather:Overcast
70°
Humidity-68%
Route

05/30/07: 3 Mile Run: Columbia, SC

I listened to the Daily Source Code during this early morning run. Nothing much to say right now. So, here's the data.

Data

Distance:3 Miles
Time:28:03
Heart Rate:Not measured
Pace:9:20
Weather:Clear
60°
Humidity-86%
Route

05/28/07: 11.5 Mile Run: Chattanooga, TN

I listened to the Daily Source Code during this run while out having fun with the family. It is the second time we have all gone to Chattanooga and it is still quite fun.Chattanooga is very family friendly. We visited the aquarium, Ruby Falls (a large waterfall in the middle of a cave), Rock City, and rode the Incline Railroad (See Lookout Mountain for more information). We stayed at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo which our son just loved. We ate at the Station House at the hotel which included live music where the servers were the singers. It was a grand time. Busy, but fun.

Last time we went to Chattanooga, Betsy, my wife, had told me there was a trail along the river, Riverpark Chattanooga, that went on for miles. So, I set out to the river found a trail and was disappointed when it ended within 1-2 miles. I asked one of servers at a restaurant we ate at about it and she said I needed to go a little further down the river to start on the trail in a place where I could go for a long distance. She was right and it was a wonderful run. It looks the intent is to connect up a total of 20 continuous worth of trail, but I would estimate that something like 8-10 miles is open now. I thoroughly enjoyed the run. I saw fishers, rowers, cyclists, and a few other runners. I ran from an early part of the trail near downtown to the Chickamauga Dam.

Data

Distance:11.45 Miles
Time:1:46:00
Heart Rate:Not measured
Pace:9:15
Weather:Clear
62°
Humidity-86%