RUN: Wildlife Run (~2 miles) & CR...

When I got home form work, I started back with the sorting of pictures from last weekend. Whilst so, I watched every clip of the cowboys on CBS's TAR video page (I'm definitely rooting for Jet & Cord). And I finally made it to the gym at 9:48pm...

Anyways, looked & sounded like a good evening of vball, but I was there just to see Brad and Susan and see if they were up for anything afterwards. Both had to call it an early night, and I was prepared to go for a little run if that was the case.

I planned to run to the waste water treatment plant and back (~3 miles), but about a mile down Wickham, I came towards a car parked off to the side with its headlights on and pointed directly at something laying in the middle of the road. I ran closer, and my first thought was that it was a hit and run and that the driver was going to come after me next!... but it wasn't.

It was a friggin' Huge ALLIGATOR!!! It was on its back and still intact. When I realized this, I quickly abandoned any urge to complete the run (towards the wetlands/alligator nesting grounds) and ran back towards my car.

By the time I picked up the camera from my house and was back on Wickham, there flashing lights of police cars at the scene, and I decided to just turn back.

Now, for record, I ran with music (Savage Love) and with a Clif Shot between my teeth. I breathed hard through my nose and really opened up the air-passageways. I didn't sprint, but maintaining a steady, deliberate pace... starting slowly and ending with an "in-the-groove" feeling. Not as far as I'd prefer but felt good and was exciting.

When I got home, I decided to try out the whole "Chat Roulette" thing, and sure enough, the first video I saw was of... yeah. Next. I didn't spend much time on there because the whole thing just felt really weird. I felt instantly vulnerable and shallow at the same time -- the quick succession of images on the partner screen, evidence of the superficiality of the times. It was creepy.

Anyways, I have to get to bed. Here's tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics:

 

RUN: 7.56 miles@~1:00:00, Gym<-->Viera Blvd/I-95, Viera, FL

So many choices tonight: 1) a Toastmasters meeting, 2) a PFLAG meeting, 3) volleyball, 4) run. I had to stay late(r) tonight because I got to work late and had a TM meeting over lunch; that did help rule out the first two options. And I did get myself to the gym in time for volleyball, but decided that I needed to run since I didn't yesterday (I got my taxes done instead! Woo!).

I was first thinking about running the Stadium loop a couple of times, but I figured I'd have a hard time going back for 2nds there, plus the stretch on Lake Andrew was too familiar. I needed something more remote and... exotic, so I ran up Stadium and ended up at Viera Blvd. I wanted to get back to the gym at a good time and knew I wouldn't/shouldn't run all the way to Murrell but instead compromised and ran to I-95. I ran all the entire way with a 10-second break on the bridge to take in the scenery.

I ran in shorts and took off my tech shirt after the second mile. I didn't feel great but was persistent and managed a pretty good breathing rhythm. I got back to the Pro-Health just about one hour after I left and figured 7 1/2 miles (I'm pretty good with estimating distances). I got to gym and did some stretching as some friends were finishing up volleyball. I was just enjoying the endorphins.

Tonight, we didn't head over to Uno's but ended up talking for a while under the carport. It was nice to see Kirk and Susan again, and I'll see Brad soon enough -- this Sunday for a semi-planned venture to Florida's other coast.

Anyways, sweaty Ceddy jumping pics to follow. I'm needing a haircut tonight, then maybe some food then bed. Today was a mildly-productive but good day.

TOASTMASTERS: ACC Tall Tales Contest / RUN: 1.09+2.50 miles @??:??, Home<-sL->Gym+, Melbourne, FL

Tonight, the Advance Communicators [TM] Club held a Tall Tales Contest, the first of its kind that I've attended (or even heard of). There were eleven (11!) contestants!... nearly all of the District 84 and Division B officers. It was a great great showing and a hoot. All through the contest, I was imagining myself having to be up there giving a humorous speech. And in all honesty, I'm still intimidated getting in front of others to give a no-notes speech. Anyways, all did a good job. There were four or five who were pretty outstanding. And it was nice that I agreed with all of the placings (though, among friends, it almost seemed like the awards didn't matter). It was a nice experience, and I'm glad to have attended.

Well, the contest had started late and as mentioned, there were eleven contestants. The Tall Tales ran 3-5 minutes each, so the meeting ran just under two hours. Piccadilly Cafeteria typically closes at 8:30pm, and it was near nine when we quickly herded out. I was going to be really late for volleyball the gym, but I didn't worry so much. A nice drive home, I quickly got changed and ran out the door, shortcut to the Pro-Health.

Oh, forgot to mention that I had an entire Little Caesar's cheese pizza for lunch today. I was probably able to finish the pie because I stretched my stomach from all the sushi this past weekend (thanks Joy!). It was good though. Oh, and I also had a large Tropical Smoothie. Yeah, so I'm not remotely hungry tonight and will probably just have a small scoop of strawberry-banana frozen yogurt (and yes, the fake LC cheese did affect me tonight... *blurg/oh well*).

Getting back to the Pro-Health, I walked to the gym, saw the young kids goofing, waved to Brad, and signaled to him that I'd be upstairs running. And Good karma today. This morning I found out that I was put on a list for a Hospitality Pass (I'm staying vague on this one *wink/nod*), and tonight at the gym, I passed by the guy from work that I just light up from seeing. Small moments of happiness that's holding back the D&T urge. Don't get me wrong, I felt like I made progress at work today, which is fantastic, but I've been expecting a fall from Saturday morning's ContestMastering high. It's a short and busy week, so I may be able to fend it off... oh gosh, I veered off on another tangent. Ramble.

Again, getting back to the Pro-Health. I got in a ten laps (1 mile) -- I don't like the corners -- then spotted Brad on the 2nd floor... the kids were too much. I totally understand. So he did some weights as I put in some extra laps to hopefully accumulate my 3+ miles (I want my sticker!). The gym was closing, and we talked some more about this Sunday and Busch Gardens. I'm looking forward to a new park! (I will have to control myself). And then we just called it a night. I took the long way home. 1.09 miles on the road, 2.5 on the track. Woo!

At this moment it's just about 11:00pm. It's going to be a little longer before I select and add photos from, especially since I'll be combining posts *shrug*. Anyways, it feels good to blog. Here's tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics:

RUN: 3.55 miles @??:??, Home<-LL+->WM (fun loops), Melbourne, FL

Tonight, I was at work until 8:45pm (got to work late, had a long TM lunch, making up a little time from yesterday...). I stopped by Chic-fil-a on the way home to pick up a free 3-pc Chic-n-Strips pack (coupon!), chowed it, changed, then was off and running to the Pro-Health for the last half-hour of operations.

I checked into the gym and was quickly recruited to fill in a spot for a 4 vs. 4. Brad was there, and he assured me that it was actually a pretty awesome night. And it kinda was. Three new faces and all with nice talent and temperament (energetic but/and controlled). Another 10 minutes, and we were 3 vs. 3. I was rusty at first but played it out. I was sure to stay back (jumped at one though *eh*), and I was 100% when it came to serving (awesome!).

Afterwards, Brad and I talked about an upcoming outing to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. I'm excited. I'm really liking him because he works hard, communicates well, and is respectful. It's in line with a trend lately that I'm finding more comfort with those who I don't necessarily share certain viewpoints with. (I'm an open-minded liberal.) Anyways, I guess that I'm digging the sense of sharing a space, effort, moment.

So I ran to the gym (blue Adidas, black tennis shorts, black Deland tech, and thin bright-yellow Anderson RRs singlet), played a half-hour of volleyball, talked with Brad, then as a light drizzle was felt, continued my run (no more drizzle, but mild chills and winds).

I ran to the WM side and decided against continuing on to The Avenue (too much away away). As I took the long way back, I really wanted over 3 miles, so when I reached the end of Lake Andrew, I turned back and ran to my neighborhood's first entrance and ran a weaving pattern through the north half of streets before looping back to the normal long route back home.

From the side of WM on, I didn't stop running -- and that's surprising me. It's definitely a confidence booster. The speed isn't there yet, but I'm was happy to last that long. I do feel some trouble in the center of my left foot (arch), but I'm going to monitor it and take tomorrow off.

During the run, I heard some rustling along the bushes along Lake Andrew -- it was deer that would sometimes spot on the road when I'm driving home at night. I just imagined one coming up and attacking me and how awesome of a story that would be. Also, I seem to have no problem spotting the Orion constellation, no matter what time or year it is... my eyes immediately find it when I step into the dark.

Anyways, I'm sure that I could ramble on and on about whatever, but I need to stop and post this before I run into a roadblock. It will feel good to finally press "Publish Post" again.

Here are tonight's sweaty Ceddy pics. Enjoy.

yeah, my kitchen floor is dirty...

RUN: 5.06 miles @~43:00, Home<-LL->WM 1/2+&CVS, Melbourne, FL

Good run tonight. It was chilly but I dressed warm. I ran with music -- Lady Gaga's "Telephone", Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now", and songs from Res's "Black.Girls.Rock!" album.

I haven't run much lately and only planned to run two miles, but after I got to WM, I figured that I was already out and dressed, and that the first mile was only warm-up. I hadn't run across I-95 in a long time, so I cut a new path over and went as far as CVS (Publix would've been too impersonal of a course). Turns out, I made a path just a hair over five miles.

I ran very consistently, not stopping to walk, only for traffic. I wore my older blue Asics

This Saturday, instead of the ESPN the Weekend 5K, I signed up for the Tail of the Lizard 2-Mile SCR race -- I'm supporting my club.

I'm hitting the parks tomorrow/Friday -- starting with a live taping of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (yeah, I don't know who this is, but it seemed like a special event), followed by a visit to DHS to take a few pictures of/with [*fingers crossed*] John Anderson. Next, I'm going to visit Epcot to check out some of their Flower & Garden Festival displays (officially starts on March 3rd), see what Vancouver Olympics merchandise is offered at the Canada Pavilion, and take some more pictures of the world showcase construction projects (Mexico, China, Italy).

Saturday is the race, followed by some time at home. Then perhaps there'll be dinner and a movie at a co-worker-friend's house -- our office certainly needs the morale boost. Sunday is pretty much free. I need to pack for next weekend's D23 1-yr Celebration at WDW, which will then lead into a week-long business trip, which will be a much-needed change of pace.

Anyways, I'm glad that the weekend is started and that there seems to be more breathing room. Club-level Toastmasters contests are done (and successfully so). I could've handled a number of situations at work better, and I realize that each week is a new opportunity (life is cyclic).

As for the volleyball-ing, I opted not to go yesterday -- it has been more frustration than fun lately. By 10pm last night, I felt like I had listened to what I really needed, and that made me happy. I'll probably be taking the next couple weeks off to get back into the running. Anywho, below is my first me-pics in quite a while. Enjoy!

RUN: 4.61 miles @??:??, Melbourne Cswy, Melbourne, FL

This morning, I ran with some guys from work at the Melbourne Causeway. It was an early start (7:00am). I had kept the bedroom lights on so I would remember not to go back to sleep, and I got there with a minute to spare.

It was chilly outside, and I ran with sweatpants, cotton long-sleeve, short-sleeved tech, and skull cap. My legs felt very heavy but I managed to go slow & steady, persist, and run the out and back with a less-than-a-minute break at the turnaround.

It was a good start of the day, and I stopped by Wal-Mart for some sandwich supplies and managed a RedBox copy of Inglourious Basterds. I'm reading the spoilers before each scene because I'm wary of graphic violence.

Anyways, that's about it. I'm hoping to make it all the way through the report today and get most of the pictures copy-marked. It's going to be a long one with lots of food pics.

I'll probably also have to get a nap in at some point.

Happy Boxing Day!

Here's today's sweaty ceddy gif:

RUN: ~2 miles @7:29 & 6:51, Home<-LL->WM, Melbourne, FL

Merry Christmas!

Tonight was my fourth day of running in a row, and my legs are starting to not like me very much... jk, they have a high tolerance level. Anyways, I just went out for a quick two -- a pseudo-timed mile out and mile back.

I ran sans music or anything asides from a long-sleeve tech and "normal" running shorts. The weather was nice -- night-cloudy but not cold -- and my body was feeling a little dehydrated but fine enough.

The roundabout was deserted so I didn't have to stop. I ran the entire way. I clocked a steady 7:29. Within half-a-minute, I was on my way back, trying to run a negative split. My motivation level was above average, and I also ran the entire way back, shaving 38 seconds off. I felt good with just the two miles. I'm getting tired of this course.

On the last stretch of Lake Andrew, a truck passed me, and it had Christmas lights lining its bed. That was cool.

Here's a sweaty ceddy gif(!):

-----
Anyways, I didn't spend Christmas alone. I went over to Volleyball Susan's parents' house and spent the afternoon with her extended family -- parents, uncles, sisters, nephews, in-laws. I don't remember a Christmas being around so much family. It was really heart-warming and nice. Everyone got along and they had their traditions -- whiskey shot before dinner, Polish food (sauerkraut-, plum-, and peach-filled pierogies), scratch-off lottery cards, and camera-ing. There was a lot of diversity and love, and I appreciate them welcoming me into their home and their holiday.

In subtle contrast, my family hasn't reach that level of serenity yet. A bit chaotic, but whose isn't at some point? It's fine. Right now, it's nothing I can't handle -- like, on the way to Susan's, I got a call from my brother, and I willingly got into an argument with him. No worries on my part because I was clearly in good mind the entire time and was able to conduct some necessary discussion -- I considered it my way of giving my brother an opportunity to grow. Anyways, I really believe that had my family been able to have all gotten together this year (for Thanksgiving or Christmas), we would've been able to resolve many of our issues with each other. Anywho...

"Christmas with other families" appears to have been this year's theme, but hopefully, we each can come together soon and apply our new perspective positively and productively.

I believe that life is a series of opportunities and that from time-to-time we need to accept some of them in order to live and grow. I'm looking forward to another week to reflect... and to catch up on a lot of half-completed blog entries.

Merry Christmas.

:)

RUN: 5.33 miles @untimed, Home<-LL->Stdm Pkwy Loop (CCW), Melbourne, FL

Happy Christmas Eve!

[had to use MapMyRun because Gmap-Pedometer has been buggy
along with a lot of other Google tools]
This morning, I was feeling the results of two long runs after two weeks of not running. If my legs were feeling like this after a 6.60- and 5.35-mile run, how will it feel after a 13.1- and 26.2-mile run? Anyways, it's been a very nice Melbourne day. I ran some errands (shopping) which was fine given the circumstances. At WalMart, my legs weren't particularly well-working but my arms were... (that didn't sound right) -- I was crossing the street when a woman talking on her cellphone in her SUV almost ran me over. I slapped the back of her car and felt good that I did.

I did a load of laundry, made a big batch of Chex Mix (my 5th or 6th batch this season), watched some Alias (almost done with Season 4), and worked on my report. The report has been quite daunting, and I just need to press on and get through it... I don't want it taking up my entire holiday.

Coworkers, friends, and others have been concerned with my decision to stay in town for the holidays and about the possibility of me spending Christmas alone. Personally, I don't think that I would have much of an issue with it. Still, I received a few invitations, and I've decided to accept one -- to spend some time with my volleyball friend Susan and her family. She's been a great friend and very supportive since day one, and I appreciate her and all my other friends at the gym. And I'm looking forward to some great food and great company tomorrow.

Anyways, about tonight's run... I went out with a goal of an untimed 2-mile just to get my legs loose again, and I did start off gimp-ish and short-strided, but when I reached the side of WalMart, my legs were feeling warmed up, and I just kept going. I ran sans watch, sans music, sans shirt, and sans skull cap. I did wear windpants and decided en route to convert my large long-sleeved OUC Half tech into a sleeveless as a project sometime later this holiday. My new shoes are feeling good.

I very happy that I ran without stopping (except for minor traffic near one of the churches); and I'm not as worried about the Goofy... (in a couple weeks? holy!).

Also, like the past couple nights, I went out for a run when I was starting to feel really tired, and I think that my body settles into a good, happy state right before it thinks it's going to bed (yeah, it's going to catch on and punish me later). Still, this self-oriented insight is encouraging.

Alright, I'm going to get cleaned up and put some food in me... maybe a drink too (I replenished my stock of spirits this afternoon)... caramel apple anyone? It's going to be a good evening... probably finish up Alias S4 and put in another couple hours on the report before getting to bed.

Here's tonight's sweaty ceddy pics (I miss my other camera):

RUN: 5.35 miles @37:23+, Home<-LL->Publix, Melbourne, FL

Two nights in a row! "long runs". Kinda slow but not totally ugly running. Tonight, I shed a lot of the clothes from last night, only doubling up on short-sleeved shirts (cotton under tech). I wore a skull cap because I hadn't gelled the hair and otherwise it would've been sticking straight up. I ran with music (Savage Love for the first half, This American Life [Rest In Peace (gloom)] for the second). I did a lot of waving to cars at intersections. One guy in a big oil tanker was friendly and waved back. I ran solid out but broke the return trip into sprints and short walks, adjusting the watch accordingly. I felt a little muscle tired but pretty good overall.

Now, I'm going to grab a quick right-after shower and get to work on the Disney article that I'm getting exponentially more anxious about. I have to do it. Anyways, I took sweaty pics but will post that afterwards to expedite this entry.

[Here're the pictures... I'm trying to smile]

RUN: 6.60 miles @58:44, Home <-LL-> Stdm Pkwy Loop (CCW) + WM+ (CW), Melbourne, FL

Oh Hai. My name is Cedric, and I used to blog here. (as Jake would say)

Yeah, it's been a while... busy at work and writing assignments that are easy anxiety fodder. But tonight I went for an hour-long run and am full of blog juice, so here I go.

Today is my holiday eve... eve. One more day of work before I am free (until Jan 4). This season, I've decided to just stay in Melbourne because family plans were too much in flux, and as hinted, I have a writing assignment looming.

Work's been challenging... more in the coordination of efforts -- I'm still trying to get everyone's story straight and figuring a path to plow forward on. Stacks of calorie-intensive holidays goodies and distractions abound -- and you'd think that dwindling office numbers prompted by the prospect of family gatherings (or justified laziness) would help, and it does, except when part of the affected are the people you need to coordinate with.

(yes, I'm rambling... better than too little?)

Anyways, one more day, and I'm looking forward to making more progress and setting myself up for a win early when we get back.

Stuff I need to catch up on: I have a post almost ready about the OUC Half Marathon earlier this month (except for the pictures & video), and I may get that completed towards the start of the true holiday; also, a few Disney trip reports, which will probably come after the big report -- this past weekend, I just got done with sorting through 1700+ photos, whittling them down to a neat 770.


Okay, about tonight's run. I hadn't run since the OUC Half a couple weeks ago. The weather had turned cold, but moreso I've been putting my pressure to work on the report ahead of my own personal well-being. And when I don't let myself out to run for a couple weeks, I really start to feel it. I've been getting more sleep these past couple nights (thanks to a new friend), and I thought that I'd capitalize on the self-pointed vividness and do this good thing.

I knew that it was really cold outside, and I didn't want to under-dress, so I wore my undies, running tights, running shorts, and sweatpants... long-sleeve cotton shirt, short-sleeved tech-shirt, and sweatshirt... two pairs of socks, gloves, and a skull cap. By mile 1.5, the gloves were off and tucked in my tights, and my sweatshirt was off and around my waist. I did run with a safety light (clipped onto the cap, so that had to stay on) and music: This American Life ("#1 Party School" episode).

Instead of being focused on the course/distance, I went out time-oriented -- I was going to run for an hour. I ran up Lake Andrew and did the Stadium Pkwy loop (CCW) sans VHS (since it was really dark). I ended up tacking on a CW WM+Stores loop, and made it home with 1:16 to spare (close enough). Traffic was heavy but not too bad.

By mile 2, my chest was feeling tight -- bad endurance, and I really felt like my form suffered. I slowed it down until I felt better then got into a better rhythm. As I was running the back stretch, I was running patient, feeling really good, and almost forgot that I was running... hence, the tacked on loop with no issues.

The weather was really quite perfect, and I wasn't hungry/thirsty/anything. I didn't really sprint it home tonight because of the leftover time and because it was a pleasant run (just right). And it was a good break-in run for my new shoes: Adidas SuperNova Glide, size 9 1/2 (they're still clean!).


Anyways, I seriously ate too many so many cookies at work today. This holiday saw quite a number giving cookies away as gifts, and they've all been delicious! I was able to take pictures of a couple of the sets -- one from my officemate and the other from another coworker's family.

Fantastic!

Anyways, I've gotta get a shower and some food/beer in me, then perhaps another early-to-bed.

One more day. Woo!

Oh, here's the sweaty ceddy pics (clothes on because it's chilly... okay, one shirtless):

DISNEY: My picture is on the D23 website! Woo!

I was checking the D23 website for any updates, and on the Expo & Events I saw that their new "2010 D23 Member Events Coming Soon!" image and first found Deb in the bottom right picture (from D23's Flowers and Fireworks), then I looked up and saw me (from D23's Sip & Stroll)! Woo!


I <3 D23!

JOURNAL: Dog Wash Run / RUN: 5.16 miles, Home<-LL->WWTP, Melbourne, FL

Today was a fine day. I spent the night on Pom's couch and was able to sleep in until 10:30am. Then she made breakfast as we watched Top Chef and some History Channel. After that, I resisted the urge to head back to the parks, and I drove home.

I went out to get a book of poetry from the library only to find it was closed on Sundays. I also wanted to get my oil changed, but the two places I had coupons for were also closed. Then I saw that the new Top Dog Express Car Wash near my house also did oil changes. I pulled in only wanting to know how much an oil change was, but I quickly caved and let them have at it. And I have to say that I was incredibly impressed.


The staff was incredibly nice and professional (also: young, clean, attentive). I was in the car the entire time ("due to insurance reasons, customers must remain in their car the entire time") and that wasn't for too long. They were quick and efficient -- their communication with each other for each step of the service was pretty awesome.

They also checked my car's fluids and air filter then took the time to go over this with me. One of the guys also check my car's cabin air filter (behind the glove compartment), and it turned out to be incredibly dirty (it's been 155K+ miles); I was fine with getting it replace there because it was a good find, and I felt like they were doing a good job making me comfortable throughout this process.

It was like an auto-shop version of Chic-fil-a.

Included with the oil change was a free car wash -- and it was a really nice one too. It was one where you put your car in neutral and your car is guided through a series of sprayers and wet noodles. Then, I drove around and some workers hand-dried the car, brushed the tires, and worked to remove some of the bugs from the hood.

It was like a D23 Oil Change/Car Wash -- it felt very VIP.

Anyways, I hope that they didn't set my expectations too high. It really was very good service, and I'll definitely be back in another 3,000-4,000 miles.

So, I drove home feeling really good -- I saved a lot of time; my cabin air filter was now clean and smelling of lemon. And I translated this good feeling into getting changed and back outside to mow the lawn, which was relatively easy this time around. And then, I changed shoes and grabbed the music (NPR: Most-emailed stories) and headed out for an extended run.

Tonight, I ran from my house to the roundabout then west until the sidewalk ended (entrance of the waste water treatment plant). I stopped briefly a few times, mostly because I found the run to be boring, but otherwise think that I did well -- I had a couple sprint stretches. Perhaps I should go easy on the Orlando weekends and instead do the Saturday morning causeway run with co-workers and then the Sunday long runs up in Cocoa with the running club.

Anyways, here's tonight's picture of me. It's time for bed.

[eop]

RUN: 3.07 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM+?, Melbourne, FL

Tonight, I went for a late night run (11:30pm). It was chilly outside, so I wore my State Champion sweatshirt and Goofy sweatpants. I ran with music (iPod: BEP & BH) and just ran 3 miles (non-standard 2nd mile). I also ran with a couple lozenges since the top-back of my throat suddenly felt weird. Oh well, I boiled a chicken and made a lot of porridge, so I should be good to go.

It was a busy and productive week at work -- one PTR in review, started design on another. I did a peer review and some preliminary coding. Toastmasters was good on Wednesday -- we had a guest, new member inductions, prepared speeches (funny), table topics, evaluations, and certificates! Overall, a smoothly-run and full meeting that ended on time.

It's been relatively calm at work. My officemate has been spectacular. The Dreamer-Relater dynamic is working. And I get the empathy that I need sans partner. I'm looking forward to a busy weekend -- an UP dinner at Jordan's tomorrow (Friday), then a long easy day at the parks (prob just MK and DTD) on Saturday, then brunch with Pom on Sunday.

I'm going to take a shower and then see if I can't submit Part II of my Sip & Stroll report (which I feel is past due). Anyways, here's a couple sweaty ceddy pics from tonight. Enjoy!

[eop]

RUN: 2.32 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->WM, Melbourne, FL

(reused map)
I left work early to race the sun. I got the lawn mowed before the sun went down, and I trimmed/edged in the dark (so quick). Afterwards, I was warmed-up and just took off to WM & back. It was the first time in a long time that I felt light on my feet. And I actually ran the mile there "without stopping". I made a pit stop at WM and chatted with the greeter who had recognized me from another late-night WM run (for headphones that other time). Then I ran the mile back home without stopping. I actually sprinted the last stretch, and it felt good to actually push myself.

Endorphinized, I was able to sing a full Anthem in the shower, and my mind and fingers were clear for a lot of typing -- a big change from this morning when I was having a bad/blah day at work. It all changed tonight with some happy emails/contacts that really brightened my day.

I have a lot to do: article writing, blog posts, weekend packing, photo orders. Still, tonight I mowed the lawn, went for a run, showered early, had dinner (and a couple beers), did a load of laundry (wash, dry, fold), clipped coupons, and caught up on Project Runway.

Anyways, here are tonight's pics:


[eop]

RUN/WALK: 3.62 miles @??:??, Home<-LL->Ave Light, Melbourne, FL

Happy Halloween!


This year, I didn't do anything. I stayed at home with the lights off as I finished and submitted the first half of my report on D23's Sip & Stroll event a couple weeks ago. To celebrate, I went for a run, now that I had one less thing to use to procrastinate other things.

Today, in the mail, I received a "Timex iControl Ironman Watch with iPod Control" I ordered from Woot.com, and tonight I tried it out. I plugged the sensor to the bottom of my iPod, and I was able to use my watch to start/stop the music (Ep #150 of the Netcot podcast) and adjust the volume, which was major cool. I don't think I can bring that into work though...


Anyways, I ran in my orange running shirt (thin, no zipper) and slate/teal shorts. It was around 9:30pm and there didn't seem to be many kids out. I was also wearing my newest running shoes with no special insole inserts. The padding on my left foot was uncomfortable from the start, so I eased up a bit. I walked quite a bit and was on the brink of a stomach cramp but survived.

Not a bad outing. Not great either. But it made me wonder how I got through 8+ miles last Saturday... in a cape... carrying a camera.

Anyways, I fixed my kitchen faucet this week. I want to post about that, but tomorrow I'm treating myself to Disney (yes, again). The main reason is that I want a weekly brochure from the Food & Wine Festival (the color's different each week). And yes, that's basically the only reason. Well, maybe I'll try catching the new Princess Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. I also have two months to use up two park tickets and two tickets to DisneyQuest.

Anywho, I need to get to bed. I guess that's where my extra hour will go to. I'll just put in a half-day at the parks... go do what I need to then come on home.

Happy Halloween. Here's the sweaty pic: