New Zealand

On no training I'm going to attempt another marathon. It's going to be brutal as I really haven't been able to run at all over the past two months and I went to bed last night with a raging headache, which did not disappear when I woke up this morning. Now I feel stuffed up. I think I caught something on the plane. I did see Auckland yesterday on a tour and it's massive--a lot bigger than I imagined. It's twice the size of London (but with significantly less people.) Known as the City of Sails, plenty of boats and yachts are parked in the harbor. I am having mixed feelings about being here, but now I am fulfilling my dream of going to New Zealand. I think this will be my last trip to the Land Down Under. I'm with a tour group of marathoners, but there are only two of us here alone. Everyone came with someone else, which is one of the reasons for my mixed feelings. It's a bit lonely traveling by myself and I found out three pieces of sad information yesterday and I think my illness elevates the sadness.

But I'm happy to see a new part of the world nonetheless. May the Marathon Gods shine their light upon me--I'll need it.

Bloomington, Minnesota

I spent four glorious days frolicking and twirling through leaves floating to the ground, admiring fall foliage. I tagged along with my dad as he was on a business trip. We stayed just half a mile from Mall of America and I even went on a daily run through its massive parking lot.

The Mall was spectacular with every store imaginable and some I couldn't even imagine. The center was a Disneyland of sorts with a ferris wheel, roller coasters and four-foot tall rides. It included a comedy club, two food courts with numerous sit-down restaurants, a wedding chapel, miniature golfing and more. I want to go to there...

Rafting Grand Canyon

I spent three bug-infested days at the bottom of the Grand Canyon as guides surfed the rapids and I chilled doing nothing but hanging on for the ride. I camped under the stars, ate a few flies by accident, hiked through thorns that tore up my limbs and caused scars, slid off the side of a cliff and hurt my wrist, got bit by who knows what, and partook of powerful scenery. That was a once-in-a-lifetime trip because I don't know if I'd do it again. I don't care for bugs or living without electricity and indoor plumbing. I suppose I'm not as adventurous as previously thought. But I'm glad I went.

Favorite Posting

Facebook is generally full of political postings right now, but I did find this gem from a friend.

50th half marathon

So my finish time was 40 minutes off a decent time, but I had the most fun running at the Happiest Race on Earth. We ran through Disneyland, California Adventure Park, right into Anaheim Angels Stadium full of spectators cheering, past tons of bands and dancers, next to a mile of custom cars and I stopped to take lots of photos.

My 50th half marathon is done and my running still suffers incredibly. My muscles don't work anymore, but I'm making a valiant effort to finish. Despite the tremendous, tremendous pain, I'm glad I chose my 50th to be somewhere special.

#49

I got up at 5am for a half marathon fairly far north. I finished and it was my 49th. It was a tough course of a steady incline for half and steady decline for the other half. I then headed up north to Downtown Disney.

#50 coming right up.

Iceland Marathon

I flew to the land of the midnight sun to run/walk a race. Due to my illness that has affected my muscles, it was a very challenging marathon--one of the hardest I've done. Mile 10 and on was a severe struggle. I got to the point where I walked .1 mile and jogged .1 mile. At mile 24, a bee decided to mate with my shirt which made me run so that helped for .5 miles. But I finished over an hour longer than my regular time. Que sera sera.The race took place on Culture Day with bands all over the streets of Reykjavik and fireworks at 11pm when it wasn't even fully dark yet. Reykjavik is a small town, much smaller than I imagined.

I did visit the Blue Lagoon--these gorgeous hot springs full of milky blue water. I ranked it among the top 5 things I've done in my life.