The 60/45 Year

The year is coming to a close, heading off to a week on Isla Mujeres tomorrow, time for some reflection and looking ahead.

This year is ending an upswing. I'm feeling like my body is getting stronger and I've had some good end of the year runs and training weeks. Heading into the new year I'm feeling positive but also cautious. The new revelation of having gout means I've got to be on the alert for flair ups and stop them before it gets too painful.  I'm also optimistic that I can gradually increase my mileage and do more races this year, maybe even a triathlon.

I've signed up for a 5k on March 17 to celebrate my birthday. This year the celebration will be called 60/45. 60 years of living, 45 years as a runner.

Some comparisons of the last few years:

Year running miles races tris biking miles 2013 923 10 3 850 2014 362 2 0 1213 surgery 2015 726 4 1 590 2016 526 0 0 577 2017 470 3 0 482
I'm a bit surprised by the running miles being less this year than last.

I'm calling 2018 my 60/45 milestone year. 60 years living, 45 years running.  A year to celebrate longevity.  I'm entering it healthy and running about 15 miles a week with a long run of 4. I'm looking forward to slowly building that up. I'd like to do a sprint tri and a half marathon. Smart training and listening to my body is becoming more important.

The Challenge

The challenge these days is not in how fast or how far but in not giving up. There have been times the last three years when I've thought retiring from running was in my immediate future. Mornings when my body was in such discomfort that even a couple hundred yards was painful. It was those mornings when I questioned whether the journey was ending.

The days of pushing through a bad or painful run are gone, for now. Now it's about how I'm feeling. If my legs, back or other part of me is hurting, the run is short, even to a few yards. But if things are feeling good, I'll finish what was planned and most likely go a bit farther. I take advantage of those days, enjoy them more, cherish the ability to not think about what aches but rather reflect on whatever enters my mind.

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Join me in celebrating a couple of milestones in 2018.

On a recent run, I got thinking about the upcoming year, 2018. It will be one of those milestone years. How would I like to celebrate turning 60? I'm not one to run 60 miles, call it lazy or being sane, whichever fits. But after 60 years on this planet, the previous 45 spent as a runner, I'd like to celebrate not just 60 but having trained as a runner every year since 1973.

I use to be fairly fast. I trained to compete for podium finishes or to run marathons. The challenge these days is not in how fast or how far, but in not giving up. There have been times during the past three years when I've thought retiring from running was in my immediate future. Mornings when my body was in such discomfort that running even a couple hundred yards was too painful to continue. It was those mornings when I questioned whether the journey was ending. It’s not ending, it’s just slowing down and going not quite as far... some days done more gracefully than others.

To celebrate this milestone I’ll be running the Run to Get Lucky 5k in Corvallis on my birthday, March 17 (http://www.runtogetlucky.com/). You’re invited to join me in the 5k or the 15k, running, walking or enthusiastically cheering. Afterward at the beer tent, we’ll celebrate the journey of this running life.

“...to slow down as slowly and gracefully as possible.” Frank Shorter.

(If you want to give me a present, sign up to volunteer for the Salem Triathlon in September 2018. I'm the vol coordinator, best present you could give me!)

A Look Back

Sometimes you just have to take advantage of feeling good. This morning was a planned shorter run but my body was feeling good so I extended it to 3.5 miles. That is a longer run right now!  But since I was feeling it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the up coming year end and moving into another age group classification.

I got thinking about how I would like to celebrate turning 60. I'm obviously not going to run 60 miles or 60 laps or something like that. I'd like to celebrate not a single day accomplishment but the longevity of having trained every year since 1973. I've not sustained a consecutive days streak, nor have I run 1000 miles or more every year, but I have run every year, trained in some fashion sometimes for races, other times for sanity.

SAXC, probably senior year

After 45 years of running, what are the highlights?  There are people, places, things, a few races.

The people:
Running many miles with Marky that developed into a life long friendship that has sustained us both through good and bad times. 

Eugene Marathon

Marathon training with Kasey, describing to Jasmine how to race the Bush Park course, strategizing how to with the family championship races.


Training for the Eugene marathon with Rev. John Stumbo, discussing faith and religion. He not judging my beliefs and disappointment with Christianity. Much like Marky in that way.

The internet running club and the members I still stay in touch with. They helped motivate my marathon training back in the day.

The Hood to Coast teams.
 

The places, not exotic but full of memories:
Hayward Field, finishing a marathon on the Hayward track.

The country roads around Geneva as I began this journey of becoming a runner.

Hood to Coast, last leg...Waking up on the final morning, needing motivation for the final leg, as my body is sore from sleeping on the ground and the two previous legs. Then realizing, I get to fucking run today! A beautiful sunny morning, 8 miles of rolling hills. It was one of my most joyous runs.

Every Thankful Four I've run in Wakarusa.

T4 2017

 The steeplechase water jump at the UE track.

This isn't the UE track,  but look at that form!

Things:
Something yellow on race day


Orange shoe laces
 
Brooks Adrenalins
Gloves on cool mornings
Racing bibs


The races:
College conference meet where I placed and earned my letter jacket.
Swiss Days 10 miler, 5th overall, 59:43

Grand Junction, CO the finish of a 10k that felt perfect.
Eugene
Yakima

That Guy likes cold and sunny

This weekend was the first really cold one for running. Low 30s yet sunny. Cold and sunny is great running conditions. It felt good to be out in the daylight, working up a sweat in cold weather.

So sis in law got toilet snake stuck in the toilet this evening. Had to take the toilet apart to get it unstuck. She is a walking nightmare. No motivation, no incentive, hell just found out she hasn't been using laundry detergent because she didn't know it went in the washing machine,..she's been her 6 fucking months! Fucking ask!

That Guy finishes another Rainbow Lake 5k

Thanksgiving in Indiana again. Another Thankful Four in Wakarusa with Jared and Jasmine being the Turkeys.

 Ran the two mile instead of the four since training hasn't been that good. The two miles felt difficult, 18 something to complete it. After cheered other finishers until Jasmine and Jared finished. It was fun to watch people finishing and highfiving the kids.  After showering and naps at the hotel, went to Marky's in-laws for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with his family.  Later the 6  of us drove to Geneva where Kasey and Nick were waiting with grandma.

Saturday was the Rainbow Lake 5k and the family championship. West coast family threepeated with Jared and Nick tieing for top family honors. The battle for World's Fastest Stucky trophey was again won by Jasmine, with Kasey being unable to hang on and execute her strategy of out sprinting her at the end. I was way out of the running, but ran a consistent pace for a 28:15 time.  
I was still a difficult run as That Guy demonstrates after crossing the finish. It was then to the fire station for soups provided by the South Adams cross country parents.   Then the family  photo when all the awards were done being handed out. Jasmine and Kasey finished 2nd and 3rd in their age groups while Nick finished 3rd and Jared fourth in their age groups.
 

to

Today is not that day

 I tried football my freshman year. That didn't go so well. So during the summer of 1973, heading into my sophomore year of high school, I decided to give cross country a try. My older brother had run last year so I had some familiarity. I started running during the summer to get ready. I had no idea what I was doing. But I discovered I was pretty good at it. Once the season began I quickly became our #2 runner and most importantly, faster than my brother!  I enjoyed the success so much I gave up my favorite sport, baseball, and went out for track in spring season.





Fast forward 44 years and I'm still running, and racing. No longer against other runners, but against myself and the aging process. Once it was the challenge to out push another runner, now it's the challenge to push myself to the physical and mental limits my body can take.  The voices, pain and agony are the same, the times are just slower.

It took my until college to learn about the pure joy of running. In high school I ran one pace for 30 minutes. In college I ran one pace but for 60 minutes. I learned the magic came at about 45 minutes into a run. Had I not run in college and learned that, I may not be running today.  My favorite run is still a 60 long run, but I've learned about varying the pace.

I haven't done a 60 minute run in several years. Getting beyond 30 has been a challenge this past year. It's made me wonder at times if I'm reaching the limit on these legs. I will fight off that day for as long as I can. There will be a day when I can no longer race, no longer run. Today is not that day.

Running The Stairway to Heaven with That Guy

 I've been in Eugene the past couple days for a conference which allowed me to traverse the paths that Pre ran and helped build. The bark chip paths of Pre's Trail as the wind through Alton Baker Park are quiet though they are shared with many others.

For me they also are a historic, reflective place. A running path I get to run once or twice a year. A place to reflect on a 45 year running career and seek renewal in the meditative rhythm of my footsteps.

That Guy on The Stairway to Heaven

This trip the meditation came with more difficulty as I'm feeling out of shape and heavy. I was able to get in the longest run in a couple months, 32 minutes of at 5:1 run/walk. It was a struggle more than anything.  But it was a chance to run with That Guy and to once again enjoy the beauty and serenity of a special place to run.

It's always good when the meditation is brought on my the euphoric feeling of mind and body in sync. But sometimes it's a struggle. The struggle is part of the reality and makes the euphoric all them more special when it happens.  Running is a continuum, a daily, or as the case is now, nearly daily effort of getting the physical in tune.

Sometimes I am still ahead of him.

After 45 years of running I sometimes wonder if there are a limited number of miles in a pair of legs. I think the limit is really lies in how smart one trains in these latter years. Hard efforts are fewer, miles are slower, recovery longer.  It's been frustrating lately with the nagging calf tightness/cramping. Now my back is tight, mostly during the day, but it does effect my runs.

As I unpacked on this trip I realized I had packed for cool morning runs rather than warmer afternoons and didn't bring any running shorts. Fortunately, the Run Hub store is just a few blocks from the Eugene Hilton so I went over there to purchase some shorts.  And who would greet me as I stepped into the dressing room to try on the shorts?

 

The day began in Madras, discovered a great bike/running path on the edge of town that traverses the perimeter of town and onto dirt trails into the surrounding countryside.  Unfortunately, my calf knotted up quickly as I started my run, so it became a walk.

Even though That Guy joined me on my altered workout, it's been frustrating dealing with this knot in my calf. I'm not patient when it comes to healing something like this. I will take time off and it feels better but after a couple of runs it comes back or is lying just beneath the surface waiting to tighten, then I feel a quick sharp grip. I immediately walk. How long to wait til the next attempt? Reminding myself to stretch it and strengthen it.

Back home, out on the bike, That Guy is along for the ride. It was good to be outside, there is just something about working out outside that is so much better than riding or running indoors. Feeling the sun, the wind, breathing fresh air, so much more invigorating, pleasing, satisfying and mentally refreshing.

It's not about That Guy

It's been a frustrating couple of weeks of workouts. Legs, back, knees are feeling old when just a few weeks ago they had new life in them.  It's interesting how personal situations can have an impact on workouts.

The last couple months have been a struggle. New situations that weren't expected, adjusting to new circumstances. It's taken its toll on my workouts and my attitude. It's been interesting how it has effected my workouts.

The issue is sister in law needing to move in with us. It's a situation neither Rachel nor I are excited about but know it's necessary for, hopefully, the short term. I'm still dealing with the intrusion into my quiet mornings of sipping coffee, reading the news and getting ready for a morning run. I enjoyed that morning solitude. Now I have to share it.

I am glad we are able to provide the support, but I also resent that we have too because of the lack of motivation and use of other family members she has displayed over the last couple of years. We are her last resort and we will not tolerate her excuses.  She has issues to overcome, but we all do. Hers seem no more difficult than others I've seen.

I need to adjust. I will, but it's taking longer than I thought.

Seattle with That Guy

Running is a great way to see a city. Early morning, take off in a random direction, maybe with some advance recon for interesting areas to explore.  It allows for exploring that in many cases results in some interesting discoveries, a unique restaurant, a park or trial system that would otherwise be missed. 

Today That Guy and I discovered West Union Lake, an area I'd not been to on previous visits to Seattle.  Float plane, yachts, kayaks, lots of bikes and runners.

Afterward a train over to the Univ of Washington are to visit the Oiselle store to get birthday gifts for the girls. Then a walking tour of the UW athletic facilities.

Along the way, while crossing the Montlake Bridge the Cycling Angel road past. I later saw him releaving himself in some off path bushes. When ya have to go ya have to go, even if you're an angel.

Next a stop in Captiol Hill neighborhood to grab lunch at The Honey Hole, excellent sandwiches.  Saw Jimmy on my walk there.

Finally at game at Safeco, complete with an almost caught home run ball.
So close!

Post run deck recovery with That Guy

Post run relaxing on the deck this morning, as cool breeze blowing before the mid day heat sets in.  A comfortable just under 3 mile run in this morning. Calf tightness has subsided now to get the endurance back.

That Guy is enjoying the morning also...

 

Swam last evening, 40 minutes, longest since I stopped counting laps and started swimming for time. 40 minutes of swimming takes much longer than 40 minutes of running!  

I love slow mornings like today. Easy run, relaxing now as I stop sweating, feeling the breeze, watching the sites from here. 

Bobbie and That Guy

Spotted That Guy going past the Bobbie the Wonder Dog mural. He was moving fairly well this morning.  

Bobbie mural and That Guy

I felt pretty good also. This was my second run in two days after taking a couple of weeks off due to a tight right calf.  Been doing a lot of swimming and some gym work. But nothing like running.

I tried a different swimming strategy this week to see if it would make swimming more pleasant. Instead of setting a distance goal, like 1000 or 1500, I swam for time, 30 or 35 minutes. Tried this so I could let my mind wonder rather than occupying it with lap counting. It did help. I was able to distract myself some but still did a lot of technique focus. It didn't really make the time go faster but I liked not having to remember what lap I was on. Maybe some day I'll even get an endorphin rush.  I also started working on breathing every other stroke. I don't know if it helps me go any faster but it does seem like a more relaxed pace than breathing every stroke.

Been pleased that the 5lbs I've lost is staying off. Now that I'm running in the mornings again I can get back to two a day workouts. If the weight loss goes as usual I'll stay at around 207-208 work a couple weeks then will see a sudden drop of 3-5 lbs. Looking forward to getting below 205 and then 200! Maybe I'll be able to keep ahead of That Guy!

That Guy is wondering where I'm at

Between a tight right calf and a couple weeks of work related all day events (summer board & staff retreat) I haven't done much running. I did get a bike ride to work in but not home. I was able to swim at the Silver Falls Conference Center pool and today I got in a nice swim at my home pool.

Mostly I'm frustrated that my calf isn't getting better. It continues to be tight. I ran a mile on the treadmill this morning and though it didn't get tighter it is sore tonight. But part of that could be from the calf raises I did also. I'll be adding those to my daily work. As long as I remember to do them.

The insightfullness of That Guy

The tightness in my right calf has persisted. That Guy as continued to advise me to not run and cross train. Good thing he's around, previously I would be out there trying to run on it and it just getting tighter and tighter, someone has to be the mature, smart one. It's generally not me when it comes to the aches and injuries of running.

I was frustrated yesterday though. I was planning on riding my bike into work, was all set to head out...flat tire!  Calf was still sore so no running. It made for a bad start to the day, especially mentally. Already in a 'mood' with sister-in-law having moved in two weeks ago. This didn't help. Fortunately the evening swim helped put a few endorphins into my system.  Endorphin fixes always help, but running ones are the best! Looking forward to getting back to those soon.



                                                              
Something That Guy just realized in looking back at my training log for the past 4 months, about every 3-4 weeks I get a nagging injury. This time a knot in my right calf that gets tighter when I run. I incorporate easy days in my week but I don't conscientiously do easy weeks. If this pattern is any indication, That Guy is suggesting every third week should probably be a back off week.  He had better not get a swelled head if that works.

Taking advice from That Guy...after a take down

I took That Guy's advice today. About a half mile into my run this morning my right calf started to get tight. It was sore starting out but nothing to worry about. However, it gradually got tighter and That Guy pulled me over had me stretch for a couple minutes and try again. Still tight. That Guy elbowed me to the ground and demanded I turn around and walk home. 

 "It's not worth risking it cramping up just to get the morning run in.  Besides you can swim or bike tonight."  I reluctantly acquiesced to his kind demand and turn around and walked home.


It's a bit frustrating, finally getting in consistent quality runs and now needing to back off. The fortunate part is, perhaps it's because its summer, I have a more positive attitude about swimming and cycling as a recovery alternative. Anyway, time to listen to That Guy, roll the calf, cross train and let it heal.

Celebrating the 4th of July with That Guy

The second race of my "comeback."  The Molalla Freedom 5k.  A beautiful, sunny morning and a 9:20 start made it a bit warm but nothing outrageous like Indiana was a few weeks ago. The unusual start time was because we were running the 4th of July parade route and started 10 minutes before the parade.

As I'm warming up who should show up?  Yup, That Guy.  We exchanged greetings and warmed up together.  I had started my warm up at home by implementing the famous Two Poop Principle pioneered by Marky and I during our UE days.  According to our research, today's race should go pretty well.

Goal for today was to make sure my time in Astoria in May was not a fluke.  I was hoping to improve mostly on my pacing, going out slower and not dying so much the last mile. The race started with  3/4 lap around the high school track with a finish down the home stretch.  It's a small, local run, my favorite type. No overblown hoopla, an organized race timing company, lots of local volunteers.

After the National Anthem we quickly got under way. As I rounded the track I reminded myself to slow down. We exited the high school athletic fields and were soon on the parade route. I could feel the effort and was concerned it was too fast, but I had slowed from when I was on the track. Relax and be comfortable.  Mile 1, 7:41! Shit, faster than Astoria!

I immediately slowed my pace, hoping to avert a disaster.  I was no longer enjoying the crowds that were waiting for the parade and halfheartedly cheering us...we were the boring pre-act after all. As I continued That Guy was no help, reminding me of my pre-race goal. How does a plodding, stiff stride keep up with my 7:41? I did my best to ignore him, which was fairly easy as I was concentrating on the heaviness entering my legs and air not entering my lunges.

Mile 2 finally arrived 8:07 later. At least I'd slow to the pace I should have started, but I could tell it was too late.  As we turned onto Main Street I tried to pay more attention to the crowd to take my mind off the hurting. It was a 3/4 mile straight before turning into the athletic fields and onto the track.  I could feel I'd slowed, I felt like I was plodding along, as I ran on the edge of the street high fiving any kid who wanted one and trying to keep my "oh fucks" quiet, it is a family race after all.  If I'd seen one of those signs saying "high five here for a power boost" I was ready to say the sign needed to be re-charged. I mantra was now "don't walk too many people watching."  I passed mile 3 in 8:50 after the mile 2 sign, nice training run pace.

On to the track and across the finish line. 25:21. God I hurt. Grabbed a bottle of water and walked the pain away.  That Guy came up as I was recovering, "Still haven't learned have you?"

                                                              
Final results, 25:21, 8:10 pace, 126 of 482 overall, 92 of 230 in gender group, 2nd in AG. AG winner was 24:55, but he was at the young end of the spectrum!  Just 4 seconds slower than Astoria, the quicker first mile took it's toll again.

Up the Abby hill with That Guy

Beer tastes so good after a bike ride!

That Guy and I headed out after work tonight. He got on my case for not riding to work this morning. I swam last night for the first time in about 3 weeks and my shoulders were sore and didn't feel like leaning over handle bars for 17 miles at 6AM.

That Guy on the way to
Mt. Angel Abby

We headed out after work to do the Mt. Angel hill loop with a side trip up the hill to the Mt. Angel Abby. The best part of the ride up is the ride down!  Well the view isn't bad either.

                  

Road by some future beer on the way out to the Abby.

It was a good ride, not just physically, but mentally. Last weekend Rachel's sister moved in with us. It has been a physical and mental adjustment for us and I haven't adjusted very well. The bike time was a good mental break. I'm glad we are able to help her but I have grown use to living with just Rachel and the animals. All experiences are learning opportunities though, hopefully I'll learn and so will Rachel's sister.

Back home with That Guy

Back home nice to be on home turf again, even if it wasn't one of those 'pleasurable' runs. That Guy needed a couple of walk breaks on this route.

That Guy on one of
his walk breaks

I'm feeling the lack of gym workouts, my back has been tight the last couple of runs. It reminds me the importance of continuing the core work I've been doing. Now that I'm home I should be able to get back to a routine and get to the gym a couple nights a week again.

That Guy catching his
breath at the
bridge after the run.

There was a biking event going through Silverton this morning. As I ran against traffic cyclists were heading the opposite direction. Since temps are to hit 100 today, getting an early start for them was important.

That Guy must have jet lag & Quiet Strength

Seaside, 4.5mile loop, just under 9 minute pace. That Guy didn't make it out for this run. He must be feeling the jet lag from traveling from Indiana yesterday.  What a wuss.

Surprised by how good I'm feeling on recent runs. Aches are minor, legs feel fresh, effort comfortable. I've also been pleasantly surprised by the consistency of my runs while traveling. Often times when I travel getting out the door in the morning to run is a challenge. I'm a person of habits and traveling throws a wrench into my morning routine. But this trip to Columbus, Geneva and now Seaside I've gotten out the door more days than not and the days I didn't run were due to foot pain and a morning flight. It feels good to be running relatively pain free after these years of enduring it. I look forward to the morning run and more times than not recently I've been rewarded with a pleasurable one.

In addition, running without pain allows the mind to wander.  On this morning's run I got thinking about mom and her influence on me and the rest of the family. Below are some reflections on that.

Quiet Strength
When I was growing up I looked up to my dad. He was my first baseball coach, later my high school track coach. He was a leader in the church and community. He was on church committees, library board, president of the Lions Club and I'm sure involved in other things that I'm not aware.

When I was in middle school he went back to college to become a teacher, changing careers in his 30s. He took night classes while helping raise three kids and working full time.

As a teacher and middle school basketball coach he touched the lives of hundreds of kids. The significance of this was on display at his viewing when he lost his fight with cancer.
I had always seen him as the strength of our family. He was a superb role model who demonstrated kindness and giving back to the community. I'm please when see his traits in me.

After he died I came to recognize the quiet strength of my mom throughout my life.  Mom was always present, often times working side by side with Dad. She attended our games and meets, made sure we were nourished and no doubt did too much for us when it came to laundry, cooking and cleaning.

My parents were the perfect couple. I don't recall them arguing in front of us. They provided us with a solid foundation of love, discipline, trust and support.  Even though mom played the role of being the person who checked in with us on the challenges of navigating middle school and high school, it was my dad that I viewed as the strength of the family.

My first indication of her importance to my dad and our family was when dad called to tell me she was in the hospital with an aneurysm. I heard the fear in my dad's voice as he tried not to cry describing her condition. I realized just how connected they were to each other and for the first time saw the vulnerability of my parents.  Mom recovered, but dad had started showing a constant cough and losing weight. Cancer was invading his lungs.

I learned what wailing sounded like when he died about a year later. Mom was devoted in the care she gave him. Being at his side through chemo treatments and the agonizing aftermath. I was able to come home a couple of times that year and see the love and compassion she had while caring for him. I was fortunate to be home his last week. When he finally passed all the emotions, pressure, fear, love and more was released by my mom. All I could do was wrap my arms around her as she had done to me on so many occasions.

That was more than 20 years ago. Since then mom has continued to thrive and continue to nurture and be involved in the community. She has become the matriarch of the family and of Geneva. The "go to" person when someone has a question about Geneva's past.  She has been a prime caregiver for my sister who has MS and needs daily assistance. She walks and rides her bike for exercise and errands. She goes to water aerobics even though she's had a long time fear of water.

These past 20 some years have shown me that mom was the quiet strength of the family. Always there, supporting us and dad in whatever we were doing. She has shown that one can continue to grow as a person after losing a partner and sole mate. She has taken on the role of offering advice, criticism, support and always love.  She has confided her fears and doubts to me, but that only makes her seem stronger, she has the ability to share those, something I hope to learn. I'm pleased when I see her traits in me.

That Guys says "See you later" to Geneva

Last trip around the Rainbow Lake until November. Took the new rails-o-trails path out to the Covered Bridge Park, past the old Snow Cemetery. What a great running path. 4 miles round trip from grandma's, add a loop around the lake for 5 and change.

That Guy came along on this run and enjoyed the cooler weather this morning. Mid 70's less humidity and a slight breeze, a pleasant mid west day for a morning run. My body is feeling good, no real pain, my left toe has recovered from it's soreness. Pretty sure it must be a bit of arthritis that comes and goes. That Guy commented on the backwardness of my home town. Not much I can say to that. With at least 4 black lawn jockies spied around town and a new bar/restaurant opening called, The Kunes Den what can I say, I've from a racist oblivious community to put it mildly.


It's always good to run "back where it all started." The distances seem shorter than I remember but the humidity more brutal than I recall. This visit was fun, I was able to run some of my favorite routes when I was in high school and run around town taking pics for the when the family returns in November and the scavenger hunt I'm planning of creating.

I'm especially pleased that the runs have been pain free, except for the toe arthritis issues early in the week. The runs have been relax and at a decent pace. It's encouraging for gradually upping my mileage and added some races this summer.

A tour of my home town with That Guy

Today was a much cooler day. Since it was the third straight day of running, I decided to take it easy, a slow run around town taking pics of memories. It was a slow, easy pace with lots of stops, a good way to do a recovery run and great way to roam the town reminiscing.

Geneva Fire Dept. Site of the soup feast after the Rainbow 5k Thanksgiving weekend.

Site of the former Stucky Gas & Appliances store.

Mast head of Geneva High School.

Ray Gerber Field, Home of the 1972 State Baseball Runnerups.

Ray Gerber Field.

This is probably why I look at the pavement so much when I run, wanted to avoid the 'road apples'.