Howard is Hired.

So, Barb is on for the ultra. Today, we '"interviewed" a potential coach - Howard Nippert. He's hired. JFK50, Maryland, November 2010. Here comes Barb. And Jamie, her manager. And Howard, her coach.

I've been watching some Gilmore Girls over the holiday. Enjoying it. It's no West Wing but hey, everyone is from CT!

Dullllll movie.

Nate lasted ten minutes. Teri forty. Jamie forty five.
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Now, my walking tour. That's excitement. That lasted for hours.

Sweet dreams and flying machines

In pieces on the ground.

Nice Day

Eyebrows threaded. Lunch Buffet. Lunch Coma. Walk/Run.

Was going to take a bike ride with Barb. Until she called that her cat was missing. I had posted printed promising a reward within minutes of her phone call. Then she found her cat. We walked around Lake Johnson. And then hung out. And researched ultramarathons. And I ended up staying for dinner prep, dinner with Barry and Josh and a few card games where the loser had to wear a funny hat.

It was a nice day.

I had lunch with Ellen today

I miss her. And the goats.

I finally got to making the enchiladas.

Diane ate soy crumbles. Yum, yum, yum.

Recipe

It's time for a few small repairs again.

Just a bulb.

Lunch

Welll there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come

Run, Bengt, Run

Coach Foehl gets her runner ready.

Nice to see you again

Whoosh

After almost four years down here I finally got to a basketball game. Duke. Season opener. Really good seats (got them from McKinney CEO). I enjoyed the game but I think my favorite part was the Cameron Crazies. Student fans. When Duke makes a basket they all say whoooooooooooooooooooooooooosh. Loved it.

One of my favorite childhood films.

I must have these. Need to find them in my size.

Happy 40th, Sesame Street

And "Happy Fall" to me too.

Berlin wall news.

I remember the news coverage of the Berlin Wall coming down. My dad said something along the lines of "Pay attention to this. You might not realize it now but you're witnessing a historic moment."

Carleton Cooking Series: Chinese Food

Bubble Soup. Yum. Involved a lot of stirring, but so delicious.

Happy Alumni! We've lost track of the courses.

I played Woodstock in a school play years ago.

I wore yellow feety pajamas.

"It's time for a few small repairs" she said.

Sunny came home with a mission.

Marathon Day

It's Marathon Day! And I have pictures. Sadly, I did not participate in this marathon. I had been training with Barb and was planning on doing the half for sure, the full perhaps, depending on how my body dealt with the longer runs. But then, you know, the whole brain thing and no running.

So, I embraced the role of Cheerleader Coach for my pal Barb. Organized friends to cheer for her at several locations along the route. I had a spreadsheet. We broadcast her location and progress on Facebook.

Met Barb at the start (got there before she did so I got in line for the bathroom). Here's the thrilling pre-race interview.


It would not have been a worse day for a marathon. Cold. Windy. Rainy. Barb smiled throughout the whole thing.


She made a friend along the way. Meet Dana (with Barb at Mile 10).


After filming this clip, this is me at home, doing a wardrobe change before I drive to the finish.

And here's the big finish.


Overall it was a really exciting day and I was beaming with pride for pal Barb. It was, however, in a teeny tiny way a little bittersweet. I set a goal for myself that I was not able to achieve due to circumstances beyond my control. So, new goals I guess. Right now, I'm working up to a really solid 5K pace. Then I'll start training for a 1/2. Maybe do the Tobacco Trail Marathon in March, do some Triathlons through the Spring and early Summer and then train for the Raleigh Marathon. Working that out.