Running with Longlegs

Hoop Dreams

2012-02-05T11:19:00.001-08:00

SoMa Rec Center and Special Olympic practice. Shoot! Pass! Defense!

Something Special 39¢/lb

2012-02-04T15:36:00.001-08:00

I could not resist buying what I thought were oranges with hopes of eating 'something special'. The pomelos and tangerines do not stand a chance.

Clever Running Ad

2012-01-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

Now that is targeted location marketing.

3 Million Dollar Remodel Job

2012-01-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

A house six doors down from my humble apartment has been undergoing a massive remodel job for over two years. It was raised for a garage, new walls, windows, roof, there was a time when it was just a frame of a building. People are finally moving in.

Wife: How much did you spend remodeling your house?
Neighbor: Three
Wife: Hundred thousand?
Neighbor: Million
Wife:(jaw drops and stumbles backward)
Neighbor: And that was just the remodel.

Hanging with Pigeons

2011-09-24T09:29:00.001-07:00

A Smartphone is not a Boombox

2011-09-23T11:08:00.001-07:00

Since when did cell phones become boomboxes? I do not want to hear your favorite song blaring out of your smartphone so loud it is distorted and barely identifiable. Isn't that why ear phones were invented?

Coyote run

2011-09-17T09:38:00.001-07:00

Saturday sights:
Two windmills
Two Tibetian Monks
One coyote
One goal to clean up the beach

Funny, I think I have seen more coyotes here than I did living in 'The Home of the Coyotes'.

Under Construction

2011-09-15T07:52:00.001-07:00

Hello Old Friend

2011-09-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

Needs a Player

2011-09-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

Not so tasty tomatoes

2011-09-02T22:27:00.001-07:00

yummy?!

Wilson's New Gig

2011-09-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

Not Even St. Patrick's Day

2011-08-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

Photo A Day Challenge

2011-08-29T12:25:00.001-07:00

New self challenge is to try to post a new photo each day. Don't hold your breath.

Pac Heights Potty

2011-07-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Does this really make a porta-potty more eye pleasing? It's not like using it will be any better. Maybe so. We are talking Pacific Heights. Maybe there is a hanging plant inside with spa-like soap and towels.

A-maze-ing

2011-05-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

Passed by the Mile Rock Labyrinth on the run this evening. It is a nice little escape just three miles from the apartment. It seems world's away.

Attention Real Estate Agents

2011-05-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Please take better photos of your listings. I don't want to see a couch. I don't want to see the sign of a 'hip restaurant' down the street. I want to see the space. Do you expect to sell anything with these photos? I understand your real estate license did not come with a photography class but it did come with some marketing lessons. Use them.

Not a bad place to be

2011-04-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Comcast Sucks

2011-04-04T21:44:00.001-07:00

I emailed Comcast with a minor complaint and this is the bloated and useless response I received.
--
Dear Kevin,
Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable Email Support.

I thank you for allowing me this opportunity to assist you. Kevin, as
your service representative today, I want you to know that your
satisfaction is of my topmost priority. Our goal is to provide our
customers with the most effective possible support. I will be more than
happy to assist you with your concern. Rest assured that I will address
your concerns as quickly as possible.

I understand your concern regarding the program available for channel
416. Kevin, I can understand why you would be upset, I would feel the
same way if I was in the situation you are in. I sincerely apologize for
the inconvenience this has caused you. Rest assured that your concern
will be taken care of and I will be providing you with the best possible
resolution to your concern in this email response.

Kevin, we need to hear about any unsatisfactory situations in order to
correct them and to enhance our level of customer service. I have
forwarded your comments to the appropriate members of our development
and management teams for further review and action. We appreciate that
you took the time to help us keep our commitment to quality customer
care.

To send comment, suggestions, or feedback, you can also go to:

http://www.comcast.com/corporate/customers/contactus/feedback.html

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we address your
concerns. If you have any more questions feel free to reply to this
e-mail.

Kevin, I thank you that you took time out from your busy schedule to
share your concerns. We continue to strive for complete customer
satisfaction so your feedback is valuable to us. In addition to
providing you with the latest and greatest products, we want to ensure
that you are satisfied with our services. It is a pleasure assisting you
and resolving your issue today. We appreciate that you have chosen
Comcast as your service provider and we thank you for your business.

Thank you for bringing Comcast into your home. Comcast appreciates your
business and values you as a customer. Our goal is to provide you with
excellent service. If you need further assistance, please do not
hesitate to contact us at:

Customer Support (24 hour a day, 7 days a week):
http://www.comcastsupport.com/chat

Phone Support (office hours only):
1-800-XFINITY (9346489)

We hope to do business with you again. Have a great day and take care.

Sincerely,

Elaine T
Comcast Customer Care Specialist
--
That is the longest email about nothing that gets absolutely zero accomplished I have ever read. Talk about trying to make sure I feel good about complaining. What a joke.

Saturday Run Observations

2011-04-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is what I came across during my Saturday morning run:
That sweet Giants and Tim Lincecum mural
Crazy triathletes in lingerie getting ready to jump in the water at Aquatic Park
Elderly Chinese more limber than me doing Tai Chi
Saturday morning boot camps everywhere
A nickle
Realization that pushing the walk button at crosswalks does little good
A clear mind
Cool playground with a spongy surface
Cherry blossoms in full bloom along the Lyon Street Stairs
ahhhh

Never an Ordinary Run

2011-03-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here is what I came across on tonight's run:
A magnificent beach
A professional photographer taking shots of an awe inspiring bridge
Campers at Rob Hill in the Presidio
A police cop training his dog to attack a man in a big, padded suit
Pre-teens playing lacrosse
A dozen or so cyclists whizzing by
Strange metal yellow chairs of various heights in a meadow
A penny
Inspiration
A super cool orange convertible MG
Fallen eucalytpus branches from the recent storm
A new public water fountain
Reminded once again why this place is so great

All within my six mile run.

Mexico Abode

2011-02-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the place in Mexico where we stayed. Located about 1 1/2 north of San Jose del Cabo in the small village of El Cardonal, about 40 minutes from Los Barrilles

I do not know what I miss more, the solitude or the cheap and amazing food.

Lunar New Year

2011-02-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

The Lunar New Year was officially on February 6th but the celebration continues on nearby Clement Street (The Richmond District's Chinatown). The dancing lions were out in force this past weekend stopping by local businesses to bring good luck.

Marathon Minutes

2011-02-10T21:48:00.001-08:00

I just realized I now I have 5 more minutes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I have to run a race in 3:20 or less to get in instead of 3:15. That is now only 15 minutes faster than my best time. 5 more minutes never looked so good. That is a 7:33 pace. Not a cakewalk...for sure. Time to build a faster me, a stronger me.

While this goal is great I do not want to forget to do one thing: Give thanks that I can run. It's all too often we get so hung up on our goals that we simply forget what a blessing it is to be able to get out there and run. Many of us run because we overcame something else. There's quite possibly a good reason you are a runner. For me it is something else. Running gives me freedom and puts me more in tune with my surroundings. We often go through the day and do not notice the world around us. We're stuck in buildings or behind the wheel. I notice so many things around me when I run, I travel down roads I would normally not. My senses are alive.

If your running isn't perfect and you feel like you are in a rut, wondering why you are doing this day after day--stop for a minute. Rejoice in the fact that you can run.

Dying While Running

2011-02-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

I saw a man die while running on Sunday.

I like to think I am invincible, especially when running. I get stronger with each step. I improve with each deep breath. I believe this to be true. Seeing a runner have what appeared to be cardiac arrest reminds me though I am NOT invincible.

I did not see him collapse, I saw him on the ground then a rush of people move in to try to revive him just after he crossed the finish line. Efforts that lasted over 20 minutes to no avail.

Sad, sure. I know running can be taxing on the heart but like any muscle it gets stronger the more you work it. The risk of dying while running is quite small. A study published in 1996 found a 1 in 50,000 chance during a runner's marathon career. (Based on exercising for more than 3 hours in a marathon.)

The man who died was younger (36) than me and finished slower than me (by 20 minutes). I do not know what shape he was in but you have to wonder if he prepared enough to handle the event. Did he push himself too much? Were there other factors that contributed to his heart's failure like clogged arteries? Most who die while running had undiagnosed heart anomalies. Too many questions requiring answers we will never get but it got me thinking about the dangers of running and what I and all runners should do to look out for ourselves.

Know your limits and know your body. Listen to your body and train and run accordingly. Be alert in any drop in endurance or strength. Be aware of any chest discomfort, numbness in the jaw or arms, tightness of the chest or shortness of breath. Have your heart checked.

I paid special attention to my heart tonight, my first run since Sunday. I strapped on my handy heart monitor and throughout my run I did not peak over 150bpm. I did not run very fast, my normal leisurely (for me) 7:30 per mile pace. Even at the end, my heart rate hovered just under 150bpm.

According to heart charts for a person my age the max heart rate should be around 190bpm, so I was not pushing it. This is now my guideline to watch and monitor from this point on. The good thing was my recovery rate. Within one minute my heart rate dropped down to 80bpm, well above average according to the charts. The old ticker is not only working but working well.

There were a series of stairs about midway through my run. At the top were two guys smoking pot. One of them was coughing like crazy. Maybe it was his first time. On my way down I said to myself I may not be invincible but I would rather run the risk than sit around doing that or nothing at all.

Sun or Snow...I'll take this any day

2011-02-05T16:22:00.001-08:00

For all of my friends shoveling snow and shivering...suck on this!
Running last night in a short sleeve shirt. A crisp morning ride today. Plenty of sunshine. Glad to be here.

Old Paper Routes Revisited

2011-01-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

This made me think back to my old paper route for the Modesto Bee. I remember getting my hands covered in black ink, the sore shoulders and having to wake up way too early. That and having to pay for the rubber bands and plastic bags. I always felt the paper should pay for those. I mean come on, how I am supposed to deliver YOUR paper without them?

Stairway to Hell

2010-12-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

Saw this and had to laugh. A Stair Master in a stairway

Tired of Sports Talk

2010-09-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

I am a sports fan. I am not a fan of sports talk. I heard this tonight, "On offense they like to score points." Duh. I can not name an offense that does not like to score points. That is one of my all time favorites. Others, "The team with the fewest mistakes is going to win the game." Ya think? "If their defense can shut 'em down they'll win." Boy, I would not have known that.

Same can be said for news reporters stating the obvious. "Police are investigating and looking for clues," when reporting on some crime. Really? Hum, I did not know they did that.

Food Truck Fake

2010-09-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a sign the food truck frenzy has gone too far. The Whole Foods Food Truck. Thankfully is was not busy. I'll pass.

Tale of Two Street Festivals

2010-09-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

One thing that makes this City so great is its diversity. (I almost added openness as well but this place is not as open as it claims or people make it out to be but that is for another post)

This weekend saw two of the most different street fairs possible; the Cole Valley Street Fair and the Folsom Street Fair. Luckily I made it to both and felt equally at home while also out of place at each. I think the photos will clearly explain why...if you do not already know.

Cole Valley:
Folsom Street:
A bit different, yes. I never feel good about myself after attending the Folsom Street Fair because nearly all of the guys are cut...er, um, ripped, in shape and have serious pecs. At least it gives me motivation.

I could have provided you with more graphic photos from the Folsom event but I am going to try to keep this PG rated.

Convention Coolness?

2010-09-20T23:27:00.001-07:00

Since when was it cool to walk around with a convention badge draped around your neck? I have attended maybe a half dozen large conferences in my life and I can not recall not immediately taking off my badge when walked out the door. I usually did not even wear my badge while inside the conference. I don't want to look like a geek attending some convention.

San Francisco has its share of big conferences and this week is one of the largest, the Oracle Open World Conference. All over downtown you see conventioneers wearing their badges; walking around, eating, shopping. "Do you get a discount in Macy's if you wear your badge?" I asked an employee after seeing a group of men buy shirts. "No." she replied.

Maybe it is just me and my lack of enthusiasm for the OOW (Oracle Open World). Maybe for these conventioneers is a like a badge of honor. But who are you going to impress? Others attending the conference? Not too impressive if so many others are wearing badges as well.

I guess I would wear a badge if it was exclusive or gave me a certain privilege. I would wear a badge if it was the IQ Over 300 Conference or the Conference of Those Who Walked on the Moon. That is impressive. If the badge gave me the right drink in public or the entitled me with the power to make spontaneous laws...I would wear a badge for that. Attending a the OOW with 43,ooo+ others, not so imprerssive.

$2.8M Fixer Upper

2010-09-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

So what do you do after you buy a $2.8M house? How about replace the entire roof, rip out the elevated backyard deck and add an extra room. That is what's happening directly across the street.

Shark Sighting - Oh No or So What?

2010-09-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

There was recent shark sighting in the waters off Linda Mar near Pacifica. Signs went up warning beach-goers and news organizations went ga-ga over it. Every time this happens I always ask, "What's the big deal? That is where they live." Where do you expect them to be? And just because some official puts up a sign warning people to stay out or prevents people from swimming in the ocean the shark is going to be there. And it is going to be there long after those warnings and signs are gone. Same holds true for mountain lions spotted in foothills. It was there first. We are the ones who built the house in the mountains to get away from the city and now you are worried about mountain lions?

Longing for Watermelons of Old

2010-08-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

What ever happened to seeds in watermelons? I have enjoyed my fair share of watermelons this summer since it is one way to make it feel like summer without having the summer heat here in SF. The only watermelons I can find are seedless. While these are nice and convenient I miss the childhood fun of spitting seeds, especially the idea of me doing it out of my third floor apartment window. I am not sold on those 'personal' watermelons either. The beauty of a watermelon is lugging this huge melon home pondering how it is humanly possible to eat the whole thing and joy of sharing. And what happened? Watermelons used to be oblong, now they seem to be more round.

What do you spend?

2010-08-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, finding out how much other people are spending on different things affects my own financial behavior in positive ways. If I learn that I'm spending less than the regional average on something, I figure, Hey, I'm doing something right. Let's keep on keeping on. If I blow well above an average on something, it's time for a little re-evaluation of how I'm spending.

According to Bundle.com, the typical San Francisco household spends the following sums monthly:

* Food and drink: $370 on groceries; $419 on restaurants and takeout

* Housing expenses, excluding mortgage or rent: $238 on home improvement; $179 on utilities; $107 on phone-related expenses

* Shopping and consumer goods: $231 on clothing and shoes; $482 on department stores and wholesale clubs; $54 on hobby-related purchases

* Gasoline: $148; auto loan payments and related expenses: $211

* Diversions: $293 on travel; $51 on cable or satellite TV; $96 on live entertainment, gaming and tourist attractions

* Insurance and services: $358 on insurance; $103 on prescriptions and doctor visits; $125 on school and childcare expenses; $110 on gym memberships, haircuts and other personal care-related services; $89 on charitable donations; $37 on pets

How do you compare? You can check out other cities on bundle by following the link.

Summer in San Fogcity

2010-08-04T20:41:00.001-07:00

Put away the shorts and grab those sweaters, it is a typical San Francisco summer. Covered from high it's like the city is grabbing the covers to hibernate for a few weeks. We all need that once in a while. Like it or not America looks to San Francisco to lead the way in many things and maybe San Francisco gets tired and needs to escape the spotlight. We all need to recharge. The revolutionary tradition seems to permeate the ground here and before long The City will emerge with a bolder plan for a better tomorrow.

Maybe The City is trying to keep a secret. It whispers around corners and through tunnels to only those delicate few willing to have the patience.

I never tire of the fog. I find it consoling, like the rain. It is another layer between me and the world. The light is softer. Sounds are muffled. It pushes one inward. Outside the fog horn comforts.

SF Summer - Only The Food

2010-07-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

Summertime in San Francisco means mostly gray days, lots of wind, chilly temps., and the ever present fog. The only way to get a taste of summer is by going to the market and right now my sunshine is provided by super sweet corn from nearby Brentwood. If it wasn't for these along with mounds of melons and tons of strawberries I would think it was January. So while most are sweating it out in 100-degree temps or suffering through insane humidity, we here in SF are wearing jackets shivering home with bags filled with 10 ears of corn for $1. Makes for a nice summer.

Fire Alarm

2010-07-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Imagine you are at work and the fire alarm goes off. What would you do? That happened at work today for me and a strange thing happened; nobody did anything. Everybody just sat their desk, looked around, looked annoyed by the piercing sound and continued to work. There was no mad rush for the doors. Nobody even got up from their chair. Do we not believe the fire alarm? Do we have to smell smoke or see flames before we leave? By that time isn't it too late? It turned out the alarm was set off by somebody burning their popcorn in the microwave. No need to panic.

I am Officially City-fied

2010-07-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have officially become 'city-fied'. I don't like driving, I don't like malls, and I don't like extra value meals. Becoming 'city-fied' likely happened some time ago but I am just now coming to the realization and understanding of what it means.

I actually like driving as long as it is no where near the suburbs or San Jose. I have become a recreational driver. I had to make the drive San Ho for work over the weekend; too many cars, too many bad drivers and too much time spent waiting for a green light with no cross traffic.

Next up the mall. A gathering place where people can buy more shit they do not need. Strollers the size of shopping carts and acting like one too. And when the stroller does have a kid inside that kid is big enough to walk...maybe even ride a bike. And you would think that with all the walking done in the mall it would be good exercise and people would be in shape.

That brings me to extra value meals. I am all for a good size meal...but let's make that meal nutritious and balance it out with some variety. Seeing so many people consume colossal sized drinks and portions is frightening. Overweight kids who can't help it because their parents are overweight. The general public is generally not so good.

The way I look at it would be content in either a big city or out in the country, which makes sense knowing where I grew up. I don't need a lot of space but if the space is there I sure do not need a lot of people. I will step off my soapbox. I just need a place to vent every now and then.

Mapped Run

2010-07-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I mapped a run and shared the link, which you can click on in the title. Along the way I saw houseboats, homeless and man playing holiday songs on an Erhu. What is an erhu you ask? It is a two-string Chinese fiddle. I am sure you have seen one. Along the way I also passed the Ferry Building and its farmer's market. While I love how the Ferry Building has been transformed into a destination, the prices there still amaze me. $4.99 for a cantaloupe! I just bought one on Clement street for $.99. Yes, the cantaloupe at the Ferry Building is organic...but it is really worth four more dollars?

What Happened to Canes?

2010-06-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

The pigs where there. The 4-H and FFA members were there. The judge was there. But there is something missing at the recent livestock show at the Contra Costa County Fair.

CANES

Back when I was a lad raising and showing pigs we used canes to 'guide' the hog around. Now everybody uses a whip or a think stick. Whips were rare in my day. The cane was the preferred method. A nice varnished wood cane, sometimes decorated and personalized nicely. No more. Not one cane in sight.

Memorial Day 66 Miler

2010-05-31T17:27:00.001-07:00

You know sometimes when it comes to food your eyes can be bigger than your stomach? That was me with today's bike ride. With food you can just stop eating. Riding a bike you pretty much have to finish what you bit off.

I normally do 40 milers with regularity so I was not too worried about this one going in and it would have been okay if the route was flat or had rolling hills. The climb before and after Alpine Lake had me cursing out loud. Once I made it up to Ridgecrest and Panoramic I knew I would be okay, especially after Pantoll Ranger Station because then it is downhill to Mill Valley.

Beautiful day though with some great vistas along the way. The photo is looking back towards Bolinas and the Pacific Ocean. You can check out the route by clicking the title.

Thank you!

2010-05-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

From The Presidio National Cemetery. The GGNRA refurbished a trail behind the cemetery complete with benches overlooking the bridge. It is a touching place of reflection.

Heart Rates and Checkups

2010-05-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

46 beats per minute. That is what registered during my annual check up today. "Is your heart rate normally that low?" asked the nurse. I felt a bit embarrassed telling her I was disappointed in the number. I was hoping for something around 42. "You're in good shape." she said while making a strong arm gesture.

For an adult, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). For a well-trained athlete, a normal resting heart rate may be as low as 40 to 60 bpm. It has been reported Lance Armstrong has a resting rate of 32-34.

Just because one has a low heart rate does not necessarily mean that person is in good shape.

A better measurement of physical fitness is checking your heart rate after exercise and see how long it takes to get back to resting rate. This is called the recovery rate and is much more important when looking at how fit you are.

After exercising, your heart rate should drop below 120 bpm 2-3 minutes after stopping your cardio workout.

Presidential Visit

2010-05-25T21:50:00.001-07:00

It is not everyday you get to see The President. Okay, didn't actually see him but saw his car. He was having a dinner/fundraiser at the Getty House on Billionaire's Row (Broadway and Lyon) about 1/2 mile from my humble apartment. Do you think they have enough motorcycle officers?
Notice the gray car parked on the far side of the street in the first photo? That is a Tesla Roadster. A 100k car just parked on the street.

Enough with the Fees

2010-05-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

I thought complimentary meant free. When did the meaning of this word change? Was it part of the stimulus package? Recently stayed at a place up north and had to pay for complimentary services.

This was part of disclaimer on the bill: All prices quoted is US Dollars and are PLUS, applicable taxes, recovery fees, eco-fee of $ 6.80 per room, per night and resort fees of $ 25 per person, per stay. Resort fees offset complimentary services and amenities, including our outdoor hot tubs, free local & long-distance phone calls, private hot tub access, high-speed wi-fi internet, parking, spa lounge, full service breakfast and more.

The fee offsets complimentary services. Huh? Here's my advice to all businesses: don't charge me a fee, just raise the price and include the fee in that. Fees only make consumers feel like they are being nickle and dimed for everything. Especially when you claim certain items are complimentary.

As for the 'eco-fee', I asked what it did special to warrant this fee and was told they along with other properties are trying to be economically efficient but was given no specifics.

Needless to say this will be the last stay here.

I'm Yours San Francisco

2010-03-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

It is easy to enjoy running midday errands in a place like this. I had to venture out along the Embarcadero today and it got me thinking of the many gifts San Francisco has offered me. I’m perhaps most grateful for how it’s opened me to realize creative passions and taught me the spirit of acceptance. This place values and protects diversity, some would say to a fault. But wouldn't you rather have it like this than no tolerance at all?

Nothing here is cookie cutter. Okay, with the exception of all of the Starbucks and Walgreens. But there is so much vitality and unabashed glory here to make up for it. Yeah, life is good here. San Francisco, I’m yours as long as you’ll have me.

St. Patrick's Day Run

2010-03-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day I did my best to pass as many Irish Pubs as I could tonight. Being that I live near the 'Irish Mile' it was not too hard. Here is the list in the order I passed them:
Ireland's 32 on Geary
O'Keeffe's on Geary
Plough & the Stars on Clement
Bitter End on Clement
Pig & Whistle on Geary
Edinburgh Castle on Geary

Needless to say each was busy tonight

12 miles of Sun and Surf

2010-03-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have not posted a map (gmap) of my running route in quite some time. This is a 12 mile route starting from Ocean Beach. This is a great route for a sunny day (yesterday) as it takes you along the coast and through Golden Gate Park. The only kicker of this route is there are a lot of stairs. There are quite a few along the Coastal Trail by Land's End, then again going from Lincoln Blvd up into the Presidio.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3543913

The City By the Bay

2010-03-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

San Francisco has always been a place of amazement for me.

It’s astonishing how much wonder and power can be held in such a small area. Some of the most radiant people in the world live here. There are stories on every street corner and in the corner of every apartment. We live in a combination of history and future. This city is electric.

People complain about the trash, and the homeless, and the crime, and the rents, and the public transportation or whatever — I certainly have. But cities are supposed to be messy, chaotic things. After a bike ride to Ocean Beach, or cresting the hill past Alamo Square on the 21-Hayes, or stumbling upon a hidden stairway, it will suddenly strike me that I live in the most beautiful place full of the most beautiful people in the world, and it’s worth all the money and heartbreak and temptation I can stand.

613 Miles

2010-03-07T11:02:00.002-08:00

These shoes have 613 miles on them. I always find it tough to know when I should retire my shoes. Nike says shoes last anywhere between 400-600 miles before the cushioning starts to breakdown and the shoe becomes less effective. It could be just a scam to get you to buy more shoes. Lucky for me I have not purchased a pair of running shoes in a few years. (thanks Nike!)

I am lite and efficient runner so I tend to think my shoes last a bit longer, maybe I am wrong. I wish there was a better gauge. Some visual reading showing you how much cushioning and support you have. Sort of like the power reading on a battery.

Some runners can get a good idea by the tread wear. Me, not so much. The bottom of my shoes are not unevenly worn. Others start to notice pain in their knees or hips. Again, me, not so much. The link in the title of this post has some pretty good guidelines. No matter what I will just keep running.

Marathon Heavy Medal

2010-03-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

Look what came in the mail. I ran two Rock-n-Roll Marathons in one year and I get this, a Silver Note. Pretty cool. If you run multiple marathons you get a special medal. I don't know if I will shoot for three in one year but maybe.

Hike Whitney Anyone?

2010-02-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

Anyone care to hike Mt. Whitney with me?

Some time ago some friends and I had the bright idea to hike Mt. Whitney. Do to lack of planning we turned around along before reaching the top...much to my displeasure, but in hindsight it was the right thing to do. We were young and thought we could do it in one day. You can but the 22 mile journey has to start long before the sun rises. Well, time to try again. This time with better planning

Reservations have to be made in February to hike the trail with the best time to do that in late August after the snow melts and before the thunderstorms hit. The plan would be to hike part of the way, stay over night, summit and hike all the way down on the second day.

We Don't Run Alone

2010-02-02T21:28:00.000-08:00

I run alone, or so I thought. With the exception of leading groups through marathon training programs I lace up the shoes and put in the miles by myself. I have come to realize no one is an island. No one runs in a vacuum. There is always someone watching you leave the house, dig it out, come back and do it again. There is always somebody who sees you on the street. The driver of the passing car, the shoppers at the store, the kids everywhere. We are inexorably entwined with each other's influence. We're more connected than we think and those action can theoretically help make healthier, fitter, and happier just by our contagious behavior. And it is not limited to running. Keep that in mind next time you walk outside. We never run alone.

More Barefoot Running

2010-01-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Barefoot running excites me and the idea is gaining in popularity. Why?

You wouldn't let an inexperienced driver take the wheel of Porsche or other high performance vehicle. You could but the driver would not get the most out of the vehicle. Same holds true for shoes. Today's running shoes are high tech marvels that pamper your feet. For runners to get the most out of them your feet have to be strong.

The foot is composed of 26 bones (25% of all the bones in your body), 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. All of these components work in tandem to support your body as your run and walk. Problems or flaws in the feet often can cause problems in other parts of the body. The idea is if you have stronger feet you will be a stronger runner.

While your feet will get dirty there is a growing amount of research that is showing that taking off your shoes might be a good idea; fewer chronic ankle injuries, greater agility, improved balance, prevention of varicose veins...and it is just plain natural.

My last few runs I have taken off my shoes and ran on the beach (not a bad place to run barefoot). But what about when there is no beach? There are several new shoes on the market for this growing trend. Vibram Five Fingers and Nike Free are two of the most popular.

Oh, added benefit of going barefoot...fewer deformed toes. The top is an image of what a normal foot should look like. The bottom image is one that has been abused by shoes.

Neon Nights - Tommy's Joynt

2010-01-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

The place is always packed and always warm.

Boston Resolution

2010-01-02T11:53:00.001-08:00

I not one for New Year's Resolutions. I believe if you want to change something you should have the will-power to do at at any time. If you need the New Year to give you the motivation the likelihood of you sticking to it are slim.

That said, here is my non-New Year's Resolution. Boston.

I have always held the Boston Marathon as beyond my capabilities. When asked I always laughed, shook my head and was content with just running. You see, in order to run Boston you have to qualify and for a person my age that means running a marathon in 3:15...a RIDICULOUSLY fast time. To put it in perspective Lance Armstrong finished the NYC Marathon in 2:50. I find it hard to imagine me or anybody 25 minutes slower than Lance...even if he is not a runner. While I still am content and always will be with whatever I can do, I believe it is possible for me to qualify. I have to cut about 20 minutes off my time. Possible. Not probable. There is a big difference.

As you should know by now I run for pleasure. I don't want running to be a chore or to overtake my life. That is where the Boston goal gets tough. Even when getting ready for a 'usual' marathon I don't follow a 'normal' training regimen and don't meet mileage markers most do. In order to make Boston I have to maximize the 'little' time I spend running, shorter and faster runs, more intense non-running workouts, longer weekend runs.

No matter what I will enjoy the run.

http://www.bostonmarathon.org/

First SF Sunrise 2010

2010-01-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, not much sun but it is really not needed. And technically it is an Earth Rise...but it's tradition.

Final SF Sunset for 2009

2009-12-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

Not much sun thanks to the cloud cover but beautiful just the same.

I am Running....Revived

2009-12-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

I started this blog to chronicle my runs and while it has strayed from its original intent, here is a post as it was meant to be.

I am running. That's right. Don't chase me or track me down.

Low clouds blanket The City taking off the regular chill. Headlamp...check, although it's not needed thanks to the moon, even behind the clouds. It breaks through every now and then to make sure we know it is there. A single spotlight atop The Transamerica building urges me up the hill...then a thousand lights applaud.

I am running. Don't try to call me, text me or track me down. Whatever it is it can wait. Besides, who cares. I am coming back with a clear state of mind.

An owl. Those foolish souls with earphones can't hear you greet them. Eucalyptus...then redwood, energizing scents push me further. The Bay is calm, flat and flirtatious. Lights flicker from all over. Richmond. Berkeley. Closer now than in daylight. Each step a different journey. Changes my eyes don't need to see.

Icons illuminated. Beacons at sea bright. The largest glow of all now crystal clear above me. No clocks. No demands. No question I am alive. I am running.

Grace Cathedral Holiday

2009-12-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

So many things are so much more spectacular in San Francisco this time of year. I could walk around all day taking it all in.

Ocean Beach Running

2009-12-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

Never ending Ocean Beach. One more reason why running in SF can not be beat. Post-run shots on a crisp overcast yet gorgeous day.

Holiday Hike

2009-12-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

While most tear through paper to find a gift, isn't the best gift all around us? Do you really need that Snuggie? Does Junior really need that video game? I will take this any day. Mt. Tamalpais, Steep Ravine Trail. Just 19 miles from San Francisco.

Living on a Cemetary

2009-12-19T22:20:00.000-08:00

Luckily for me I don't believe in ghosts or the afterlife. I always knew the area where I live used to be a cemetary. This part of The City was full of cemetaries; Laurel Hill, The Chinese, Odds Fellows, Lone Mountain, Masonic, Calvary and others. As The City expanded the graves were moved to Colma just to the south. More dead people live in Colma than alive. The lone reminder is the Columbarium that is about 2 blocks from the apartment and the only place to rest for 'eternity' in SF. There are other reminders if you look close, like broken head stones used as filler for cement in some places. Inside the Columbarium are many of the names who built this fine city. Including one named Milk.

Kris Kringle Chaos

2009-12-13T08:19:00.001-08:00

Now that is a Santa I like and a holiday tradition worth keeping around. A few snaps from Santarchy...a gathering of fun loving Santa's that started in San Francisco (where else) and has grown world-wide.

Crab Season

2009-12-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

It is Dungeness Crab season. I can buy them at the Ferry Building for $5.99 per pound or on Clement Street for $3.69. Hum. While the Ferry Building gets all the hype the hot buys are elsewhere.

Here in the epicenter of the local food movement there's one area where almost nobody sticks to their locavore ideals: If you want to serve fish, it pretty much has to be imported. With the collapse of the commercial salmon and herring fisheries and the shortage of petrale, Dungeness crab is the only local seafood still readily available. And that's just barely hanging on. "The confluence of expanding global markets and more assertive local controls has produced dramatic change. One fishery after another petered out in the wild, and regulators curtailed fishing to preserve species," Katherine Ellison wrote in the New York Times today. On the plus side, Tomales Bay oysters seem to be doing fine, and those wild Dungeness are proving hard to decimate. When they go, we might as well pack it up and move to Oklahoma. At least the rents are cheap.

Luggage versus Water Bottles

2009-12-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

I know there is the fear over 'liquid explosives' so there is a need to secure airplanes from harmful water bottles. But I say the TSA and the airlines need to crackdown on carry-on luggage size. You see those standard size requirements at the check-in area. If your bag does not fit inside this little box it is too big. Ha! I see bags the size of small sheep on airplanes. Plus a laptop bag and a purse or man-bag (that word annoys me).

And speaking of security when are we going to stop being on 'security threat level Orange'? What a worthless designation. Is the capture or death of Osama Bin Laden going to bring it down to Green? Airport security is so inconsistent it is laughable. I see people go through the trouble of putting their little belongings into clear plastic bags while I have never done this and have yet to be stopped. I carry nail clippers in my carry on. Watch, next time I fly I will be stopped and it will be confiscated.

Lost Vegas

2009-12-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas has me confused. Part of me loves the extravegance while part of me is repulsed by it. Having just returned after a three year absence the place amazes me with its growth and change. This expansion seems to be distancing itself from the common human. The newest hotels/casinos are opulent palaces catering to the weathly; The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, The Wynn, Encore, The Palazzo and while I was the there the new Mandarian Oriental opened up. All of them exude money and exclusivity. Walking though I am struck by how much money I am surrounded by; the art, the decor, the stores.

Nothing is cheap in Vegas anymore. You can visit a Chanel or Dior store just about anywhere. Need a new Rolex? It is here and over there. What does the common person or family do? I don't think they go to downtown or old Vegas, they want the 'Vegas experience' and head to the strip and they likely have to save or go in debt doing it.

Unless you are a big money maker or work for a company paying for you to attend a convention don't plan on a cheap Vegas vacation. You won't find a buffet for under $15. Tickets for shows can't be found for less than $60, although you can find 2-for-1 day of deals. I feel for a family of four.

All of this excess while so much of the world struggles. Take a quarter of what is spent in Vegas and I bet it could support a few countries. Heck, a buffet could probably feed a a few hundred starving villages.

Now at the same time this is America. This is what it is all about. Go big or go home. Live large or don't live it all. But can't there be a balance? I want to see a new hotel/casino go up that does not charge over $150 per night. I want to see a new casino where the majority of minimum bids are $2 to $5. I want see a place where I can buy a $5 sandwich instead of $15. I want to see a new casino that has class, art and atmosphere while allowing me and the common human to escape and live the Vegas experience. And I want it on The Strip. Enough of my rant. I am heading back to Vegas at the end of January. Viva Las Vegas!

Park Your Bike with a Smile

2009-12-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

Biking around town always makes me happy. Parking it here even more so.

San Francisco Beer Town

2009-12-04T09:10:00.001-08:00

In the 1870s a five-block stretch of Fulton Avenue in the Inner Richmond District, across from Golden Gate Park, was known as Beer Town. Dozens of saloons serviced the patrons of the adjacent Bay District Race Track. Beer Town and the racetrack was serviced by the Geary Street, Park and Ocean Railroad which ran down D Street.

The Midwinter Exposition held in Golden Gate Park in 1894. Soon demand for drinking establishments grew and by the middle of that year, Seventh Street alone had seven saloons side-by-side in one half-block. When the Exposition closed and the racetrack folded, Beer Town didn't miss a beat. The old racetrack was converted to an Army base, Camp Merritt holding 7,000 soldiers. The number of saloons swelled to 44 and were accompanied by a number of brothels. Camp Merritt closed in 1898 and still Beer Town thrived due to the popular nearby amusement park, the Chutes.

Even the earthquake of 1906 and an angry neighborhood improvement committee failed to shut down the saloons and the brothels. What eventually caused the demise of Beer Town was an extended rail strike and the closing of the Chutes. By 1910 only five saloons remained and the surrounding Richmond District was fast being converted into a residential area. The final drinking establishment, the Jockey Club was torn down in 1914. Today, the only remnant of Beer Town is this train waiting shelter located at Futon and Seventh Street on the edge of Golden Gate Park.

World AIDS Day

2009-12-03T06:26:00.001-08:00

Once in a while it okay, but don't make Coit Tower into The Empire State Building, changing colors all the time.

From Dunes to Dreams

2009-11-16T20:46:00.001-08:00

San Francisco with pink cheeks, chapped lips, fog on its breath, eyes straining across the next hill, sharply etched wonders to behold. On a day like this everything is close enough to touch.

-herb caen

It is hard to imagine the Presidio Heights area as an empty expanse. But prior to the 1860s, the western two-thirds of San Francisco, the 'Outside Lands', was only sand dunes and coastal scrub. The undesirable land had no level ground and was covered in ever-shifting dunes, some more than 100 feet tall. However the growing city needed land, so local developers began to employ huge steam shovels to level the sand hills and fill in the extensive tidal marshes. By 1864 the area had it's first toll road, Geary Blvd, extending from the city, seven miles west, to the ocean.

At first the area attracted only businesses that required lots of cheap land like race tracks, cemeteries, dairy farms, and orphanages. But eventually the road prompted many downtown residents to move out and settle along the road. Within a few years there were 3,000 residents and local boosters, hoping to attract more homeowners, renamed one area 'The Sunset' and another 'The Richmond' due to its perceived similarity to Richmond, Australia.

Soon prestigious neighborhoods were also being developed, such as Presidio Terrace, Lake Street, Sea Cliff, and Presidio Heights (photo above). By the turn of the century the reclaimed area, highlighted by the lush, expansive Golden Gate Park, had been transformed from barren sand dunes into a series of residential neighborhoods with trees, lawns, parks, and landscaped hills. The former Outside Lands were no longer recognizable as the Great Sand Waste.

Tessie Wall's Townhouse, Powell Street

2009-11-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

During the early 1900s Tessie Wall was San Francisco's most famous madam. Born in San Francisco, Tessie a former dancing girl, was already well known for having out-drank boxing champion John L. Sullivan when she opened her first "lodging house" on O'Farrell Street in 1898. Successful from the start, Tessie opened a second high-class establishment on Larkin Street after the earthquake of 1906. It was then that Tessie met Frank Daroux, a Republican state political boss who quietly ran a number of gambling parlors and pool halls. The two fell in love and married in a secret civil ceremony in Philadelphia to protect Frank's public political reputation.

Tessie's wealth allowed her to indulge in her passion, buying antiques. She bought gilded oil paintings, a Napoleon bed, dinner service designed for William Rockefeller, and european draperies from the Spreckles mansion, she also became famous for every year buying hundreds of tickets to the Policemen's Ball and becoming the unofficial queen of the annual events. Wearing a diamond tiara, she would slam hundreds of dollars on the bar and yell, "Drink that up boys! Have a drink on Tessie!"

In 1917 Frank sued for divorce citing long quarrels and Tessie's unwillingness to give up her businesses and move away with him. Heartbroken, Tessie tried to stab herself with a carving knife and then unsuccessfully attempted to patch up their relationship. After a wild, public divorce trial Frank was finally granted his request by a judge. A few months later Tessie spotted Frank coming out of the St. Francis Hotel with a woman on his arm, Tessie ran up and begged him to return to her. Frank refused, turned away, and Tessie shot him three times with a revolver. As she was arrested she famously cried, "I shot him 'cuz I love him, damn him!"

Frank survived the attack, refused to prosecute his ex-wife, and eventually moved to the east. Tessie sold her businesses for a small fortune and retired to this townhouse, filled with her antiques and numerous portraits of Frank. Tessie's last public appearance was at the Policemen's ball in 1932. She appeared in a high blonde wig, a flowing white satin gown and wearing all the diamonds that she owned. She died a month later at the age of 63, still in love with Frank.

Air Travel Rant

2009-11-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

Having flown several times over the past two months here are a few observations of air travel. I do not rant very often here so be patient.

1. TSA Airport Security is a joke. This more so after news of Britney Spears being allowed to board her Big Gulp. I don't travel with my hygenic items in a clear plastic bag and have never had any trouble. I pass through with my carry on containing lip balm, a tube of sunscreen and other so-called banned items everytime. The metal detector does not catch my cell phone, watch, belt, ring or other metal objects I never remove before passing through. I understand it is a veil of security but doesn't that veil also have to have some teeth?

2. Baggage fees. $20 bucks to check my bag? It causes more trouble when I carry it on. You have the baggage staff there and they are already loading bags, what is the need for the charge?

3. I requested to change to a flight leaving one hour later than my orignal. There were plenty of seats available and I would not have to fly stand-by but it would cost me $150 dollars to change. What? Why? The airline is not losing money by allowing me to leave an hour later on the same airline. So what, somebody has to type in some new flight information. That is whay they get paid to do.

4. When an airline says it will have an ontime departure or arrival it sounds like it wants a pat on the back. That is what I paid you to do.

5. Don't tell me to arrive 1 1/2 hours early only to have to sit and wait in your dreary airport lounge for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

6. Fix the automatic check in computers. Why is it half of them are out of service?

7. If you are going to charge people to pay for headphones to watch a movie then why do I have to listen to your commercials and public relations messages over the cabin speakers? Let those idiots who paid for headphones listen to that crap.

8. If you are going to be so stingy and tight on security why don't you crack down on the regulation size of carry-on bags? I am tired of seeing people squeeze mid-size bags into overhead compartments.

Graphical Representation of Left vs. Right

2009-10-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Information is Beautiful has created a beautiful infographic showing the political spectrum of the Left vs. Right. Explore the site, it also has a World version.

Public Art 2

2009-10-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

“Human Structures”, an art installation made up of 62 interconnected figures created by Jonathan Borofsky in 2008 that is located at 555 Mission Street in San Francisco.

Public Art

2009-10-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

“Moonrise”, a series of three mottled aluminum sculptures of heads created by Ugo Rondinone that are located at 555 Mission Street in San Francisco.

New Wheels

2009-10-19T21:06:00.001-07:00

I got some new wheels for training runs. The Run Avant+. I usually run in the Structure Triax+. The Run Avant+ is a lot like the Lunar Glide but .06 ozs lighter, at 10 oz., perfect for tempo and speed runs which I am now doing. The Run Avant+ is a bit lower to the ground and generally a bit more minimal than the LunarGlide+. It does, however, feature the LunarLite cushioning system and the new Dynamic Support midsole design architecture, so most runners should find that it provides support appropriate for up to mild overpronators (while feeling like a really well cushioned neutral shoe if you don't need added support). There is no stability strap like in the LunarGlide+ and a bit stiffer.

Run Like a Girl

2009-10-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

I know a lot who did. Congratulations!

Early Morning Fog

2009-10-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

It started out as a foggy Saturday then cleared up to be nice and warm. Taken from Crissy Field looking out to the bay. You can't see it but there is a boat out there somewhere.

Vuitton Rips Chihuly

2009-10-12T18:41:00.001-07:00

Enough people knock-off Louise Vuitton bags I guess the company thought it would be okay to rip-off somebody else as well. Here is a shot of the Louis Vuitton store in Union Square.

This is from last year's Chihuly exhibit at the deYoung.
Chihuly uses glass while Vuitton uses cheap plastic pipes.

The Tide is High

2009-10-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one

Run Run Run

2009-10-06T12:12:00.001-07:00

Taking Back the Streets

2009-09-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Park(ing) Day. What started in San Francisco (of course) has spread elsewhere, lounge chairs in Times Square. It is only for one day but it is a start in taking back the streets.

These are Not Words

2009-09-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Conversate (converse)
Presentate (present)
Orientate (orient)

Laboring Away on Angel Island

2009-09-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

So close yet so far.

Colorful City

2009-09-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

In more ways than one.

Tie-Dyed Hot

2009-08-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

It is even too hot to wear Tie-Dye.

Books and Bikes

2009-08-25T19:38:00.001-07:00

My neighborhood library. Not the most effecient bike rack but one of the cooler ones I have seen.

Better than Velcro

2009-08-23T20:09:00.001-07:00

Shoelaces Not Needed Everyone knows how to tie shoelaces but most don’t know how to properly adjust them. That uncomfortable shoe could just be a matter of tension. Technically you should readjust every 4-5th wear. Why even bother if there’s something better? The No Shoelace Shoe uses a single strap that wraps around the entire width of your foot’s arch. By simply tightening or loosening a velcro strap, you achieve the perfect fit. Designed for runners but this simple design could easily translate into any footwear. Designers: Seon-Keun Park & Jin-Sun Park (via No Shoelace Shoe Design by Seon-Keun Park & Jin-Sun Park » Yanko Design)

Corked

2009-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

What have you been doing with your used corks? I bet nothing like this.
All small display outside City Hall today.

Life Sized Candyland

2009-08-19T21:41:00.003-07:00

Such a cool thing. Too bad I did not get to play.

Bike Blocked

2009-08-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

Luckily the street is not busy but what was this SUV driver thinking? Then again, they are driving an SUV.

Clever Ad

2009-08-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Spotted at the aiport. That is what I call target marketing. Brilliant. This is one of the bins you have to put your stuff in going through security. First time I have seen ads there. Again, brilliant

I can hold it

2009-08-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

Just bad design

Pedal Power

2009-08-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

I own three bikes and actually use them. What about you?

Perfect

2009-08-04T20:58:00.001-07:00

Hollywood by The Bay

2009-07-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Crews are out shooting a new TV show called "Trama' in The City. The show is supposed to be on NBC in the fall. This was taking place along the Embarcadero at Justin Herman Plaza. It reminded me how much it takes and costs to put together a TV production.

Touch My Knob

2009-07-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

This makes you want to open more doors.