Mega Fuss

When they wanted to go somewhere they tuned in, dropped out, and rode the Magic Bus. When their kids want to go somewhere, they actually go somewhere. To do it, they take the Megabus.   I'm guessing their parents must be curious about this megabus business.  So curious that they park in no parking zones, wait in their vehicles at the bus stop, and drive the wrong way down the one way just to get a glimpse.  I would have included photos of all the cars blocking the crosswalk but I'm not ready to experience baby boomer road rage at 6 am.  Especially after my 2.5 mile walking commute.  I have to admit, though, that I'm a bit curious about the megabus too.  Does it really cost only a dollar?  What's it like to sit on the second level?  Where does it go?  How does it get there?  Does it make any stops?  Are there helicopter parents in Milwaukee and Chicago?  Maybe someday I'll find out.  If so,  I will definitely share all that I've learned.  If you're curious too, be sure to tune in and find out!

Google Me This

So there I was, well, not the real me, but the Google representation of me, looking in all directions to see what this place would look like when the real me arrived. I needed a 3.5 mile route, and I wanted a relatively flat out and back. I mapped my way out 1.75 miles, but I didn't end up being close to an intersection. I clicked the street view hyperlink and was shown exactly where I would be, and what it would look like. There was a little person there to show me where I would be standing and which way I would be facing. When I finally arrived, in person, I recognized the place instantly. Now if only I could have clicked another hyperlink that would have told me I was going to be pelted with tiny bits of hail for a minute or two, I really would have known it all! But then again, who doesn't like to run in rain and hail?

I Like Shoes

This is not my entire shoe collection.  But as much as I like shoes, I detest shopping for running shoes.  I hate the incessant changes running companies make to their shoes, so that I can't continue to wear the same model from one year to the next.  I can barely handle the fact that my feet have gotten so big.  Worst of all, the availability of the shoes I need and the quality of service has been hugely disappointing.  Fortunately for me, I belong to a running club that gets discounts from various running stores.  My husband kindly looked up what those stores are so I could take advantage of the discount.  A necessary step, in this economy : )  Imagine my surprise when, upon entering Gear Running Store, I received some of the best service I've ever received anywhere, ever.  The salesman was kind, knowledgeable and friendly.  I walked out buying a brand of shoes that I never would have imagined myself wearing.  The man who helped me asked questions, listened, and gave me all the time I needed to make my decision.  I'm so far very pleased with my purchase, and happy to be excited again about shopping for running shoes!

www.gearrunningstore.com

Don't Get the Deviled Eggs!

I highly recommend the Chicago Dog!

That crazy hissing opossum can have his cookie, I'll take the Chicago Dog from the Bulldog in Lowertown (St. Paul).  It was a nice place with easy street parking if you get there early - we made it right at 4:30 on a Saturday, when meters are no longer enforced.  They have countless beers on tap, and an okay selection of wine.  You really need to sample the beer.  They have some down home sounding food, but I don't recommend the deviled eggs.  They were too tart and tangy, not creamy.  The tater tots were pretty good, according to Mr. G, but the cajun spice tasted like it came from a commercial spice pack, the same run of the mill mix that everyone uses and calls "Cajun".   In other words, it was nothing special.  We stopped in here after watching the Watchmen (that answers that question!).  I put a picture of the chicago dog on the refrigerator after spotting it in a magazine.  My genius husband knew exactly where to find it, without having to do any research!  This was our third meal of the day after breakfast - McGriddle with hashbrowns, coffee, and a shamrock shake and lunch - popcorn, pop, and Mike & Ike's.  All this food provided the motivation I needed to get through today's run.  I am on Week 5, Day Three of the Couch to 5K running program.  My directive - 5-minute warmup, 20-minute run.  Twenty minutes was a long time to run.  So far, my longest run has been 8 minutes.  I did it on the treadmill so it was no trouble.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but it definitely wasn't easy!!

Summary: 

Treadmill  = good

2.35 miles, 25 minutes.

With 5 minute cool down

2.69 miles, 30 minutes

Chicago dog = good

Deviled eggs = bad

Tater tots = okay

Chili dog = good, but the Coney up the street at the Gopher bar is better

Have a great Sunday!

Be Careful, There's an Animal in There!

Don't touch my cookie!

I passed this hungry little opossum on my 2.5 mile commute to the bus stop.  He had already attracted the attention of another passerby who pointed him out to me.  I was glad I had my camera.  She had a camera phone.  We both snapped photos, then walked away quickly.  I had a bus to catch, but easily could have stayed snapping photos of this guy.  Especially when he hissed at me (he's very cute when he's angry).  I told him I wasn't going to eat his cookie, but he didn't believe me.  

The Snow Makes the People Go Away

I am still not running, but I continue to walk with great regularity. I've even logged some 10+ mile days. I can't remember the last time I had a 10+ mile day running. It's become such a habit that I get out to do it almost every day. I'm putting in 40+ mile weeks now, which I never did as a runner. Regardless of whether I'm walking or running, I've always been good at getting outside to exercise in any kind of weather. Today, we are experiencing our first snowfall of the season, so I was excited to get outside. I guess I was the only one. 24 hours ago, when I brought wonder dog out for our 3.5 mile walk, we saw walkers, runners, and even 2 Mormon missionaries on bikes. Today there was no one. Normally I wouldn't mind having the sidewalk to myself, but it's just too weird for things to change so much in one day. It was actually kind of lonely. I didn't even feel like looking at the people in their cars who like to look at people like me like I'm crazy. There were no other kindred souls out there to share the thought that there's nothing crazy about getting outside to enjoy the weather. Even if the weather is pelting snow, fierce winds, and unwelcome cold. I feel better knowing that my life isn't dominated by the whims of mother nature. I even found myself enjoying the solitude - eventually.