Another milestone I've been working on is that 5:00 mile benchmark and a week later came the CRC Mile Dash again. If memory serves, my best mile in high school was 4:41. I doubt I will be reaching that anytime soon, but it would be fun to see how close I could get. Here we would start on Liggett Road before turning on Perimeter Drive and finish back at CRC's Dublin location in Avery Square - a flat, fast course. I can get in a 5:20 to 5:30 mile by myself, but running with a group of folks who have a faster pace and are more used to running a sub five mile would be of great assistance.

This, of course, would require being prepared for the all out effort in order to complete this mission and not crash somewhere in the middle. I would be joining Traffic Panther Teammate Gary in this quest. Last year, Gary was just short of that elusive 5-minute mark. Maybe this year, a team effort could push the both of us over the top.

Here's how Columbus Running Company describes the event: We're closing out year number fifteen for the CRC, and it's time to party! This celebration is as much about you as it is the CRC, so we hope you can join us. Be sure to sign up for the proper heat based on your age (elite runners in the first heat, youth in The Donut Experiment Kids Dash, and 6:00-minute mile pace and slower in the third). This will help us keep the evening moving quickly. July 13th

Having spent this year the working on speed with the CRC Tuesday Night Track folks, the training is there. What needs work are the focus and day-of mental capacity for an all-out mile. Funny, a look at last year's results show Gary, fellow CRC-Westerville Teammates John & Seth and I finished within eight seconds of one another. We'd like to lessen that gap, not to mention move up in the standings a bit. I was 37th and 6th in my age group in 2018.

I had to work on this day so I left Marion about 3pm and drove the hour or so down just in time to grab my bib number from L, who went down early to pick it up, loosen up some and jet to the start line. Just like the year before, we had a sunny drenched clear sky and temperature around 90. To make the event a bit less crowded, they decided to separate the men's & women's races with the men going first. As the start time moved closer, all of us were packed like sardines and I believe the sardines would have smelled a bit better. Imagine 90 dudes in singlets standing in a close knit crowd outside in full sun and perspiring a river. Before I began to gag & dry-heave, thankfully, the countdown began.

Along with several CRC Westerville Teammates, we take off and right then John takes off like he's been shot out of a cannon. I couldn't help but think I was going too slow, but John was just going faster then we expected. It was a little rough the first quarter mile before everyone began to separate. Finding a clear lane to navigate was less than stellar.

As we began to thin out I'm ignoring my surroundings and focusing more on my mechanics. Running, essentially, a distance sprint isn't something I've made a habit of doing since college. I'm used to glancing at my watch for mile splits, but other than starting it I'm paying no attention whatsoever. Having made it onto Perimeter Drive, I'm holding steady as there isn't much movement in regard to passing and being passed.

Right then I hear a spectator bellow, "Let's Go Gary! Just a quarter mile to go!" Thinking that has to be Gary, my teammate, I glance to my right and sure enough it is - though at the same time what the well-wisher said quickly sinks in. A quarter mile?! - My eyes dart forward and holy crap, there it is- the finish! It's amazing at how fast things go by when you are used to running longer, more endurance focused races.

At that moment I crank up the pace, ignoring the feeling that I may be kicking a bit yearly, and pull in behind Gary. We are weaving in and around folks, picking off the slower (or slowing) competitors. My lungs are on fire and, like those high school mile races of yore, I can no longer feel my legs. I'm moving them, but they are numb and rubber-like. The finish I didn't have in me last year, is now at full throttle.

A few faster folks are staying just ahead, but like a predator you notice those you are gaining on and use them as your motivation to push beyond what you feel you can do. One of these is a high schooler dressed as his school's mascot (there were several in the race) and we are at about 100 meters to go. I can only feel what I would describe as a "fuzziness" in my legs, similar to the after effect of a pinched nerve. Thinking I'll be damned if I lose to this kid wearing what looks to be a devil costume, I pull even with Gary and we pass on opposite sides of the teen and we hit the finish at nearly the same time.

I stop my watch and stick out my hands to catch myself and to dodge other finishers who have come to an abrupt stop. Near hyperventilation, I struggle to grab water from a race volunteer and slowly begin putting out the inferno taking place in my chest. Sucking air, I glance to my wrist and I see 4:52.3 - no freakin' way, I obliterated that 5:00 mark monstrosity! I drift over to Gary, who is also searching for oxygen, and we congratulate one another. Teammates John, Marcus, Gary and I ending up finishing within two seconds of one another with John and Marcus just ahead us.

Upon further investigation, Gary discovered that he and I had finished with the exact official time of 4:53.7. Though, Gary was less than enthused that the results placed me ahead of him despite our identical times. Thus, some good-natured ribbing ensued. Overall, I finished 34th and third in my age group with the overall winner coming in at 4:18. We (Gary, his wife Holly, L and I) decided to celebrate by visiting nearby Random Precision Brewing, an all wild and sour beer brewery.

While there, two women were at a table diagonal from us. I could see them glance in our direction every so often, but largely paid no attention to them. Moments later as they headed for the door they asked Jason (the owner/brewer) if they needed to bus their own table. He let them know he would do it and thanked them for their time, but once they made it out the door you notice their table consisted of two full flights beers and few singles still sitting there largely untouched. A few were obviously still just as full as they were when poured. I'm confused, horrified and disgusted as twelve 4.5 ounce pours are about to be poured down the drain.

I look back to the bar and see Jason headed walking our way with a look of disappointment. He turns towards us, "This hurts my heart."

"Did they not know what they were ordering?", I asked.

"They said they wanted to try all of our sours"
At about this time the Uber they called for picked them up from the parking lot.

"On their behalf, I want to apologize for that ridiculousness", I said to Jason as he goes about trashing samples of his excellent work.

We ordered, and ate, food from the pizza place across the street before the four of us decided to go bowling. Just as we headed out Jason hands me some logoed glassware, "We follow each other on Twitter & Instagram," he says, "I appreciate the support." Awesome, Jason is a cool dude and his brewery is quite excellent. I recommend a stop the next time you find yourself in Columbus. Despite what took place Saturday late afternoon, his beer is a must try. It made destroying the mile that much more satisfying.

So, the electric blanket-like humidity of Ohio summer is going strong and, similar to the summers of yore, we are dragging along as L and I attempt to cover all the bases leading up to our late August officialdom (not to mention a half marathon in Akron - the Goodyear Half Marathon on Aug. 10th - to break things up a bit...and sweat a little). Under six weeks away and you know you are definitely an adult when one of the wedding gifts is the addition of a second refrigerator which has been placed in our basement and is now harboring our wedding beer. It arrived last week and I check on it everyday as if it were a child or new pet - Oh, the possibilities!

The closer the big day gets, the further away it all seems...a union during the hottest month of the year in the midst of what has felt like a season of solar flare eruptions...phew...

😎...refreshments, anyone?

Remo Drive - "Around the Sun"

I awoke in the cleanest bed sheets on earth
In the dreaded morning the air felt like a curse
Behind the counter with the drawer we organize the bills
In the early of the morning, took the car for a fill

What’s the date? I can’t remember.
It all just blends together
Spinning around the sun until we burn up.

In the lines between traffic, familiar and clean.
In the hands of the headrest, I nearly fell asleep.
Constant push of conditioned air dries my face and skin.
I got distracted just chewing on my pen.
I took the ink all in.

What’s the date? I can’t remember.
It all just blends together
Spinning around the sun until we burn up.

You wouldn’t survive without dependence on something
Drinks or big cigars
Drugs prescribed or self-sought
You wouldn’t survive without a way to pass the time
Clothes or antique cars
Songs once heard then forgot

What’s the date? I can’t remember.
It all just blends together

Spinning around the sun until we burn up.

Just three days after the Independence Day four miler was the Diabetes Dash 5K, a product of CRC Westerville Teammate Jeff Washburn & family. This is their race description:

“Ryan more than likely has Type 1 Diabetes.” These were the words spoken to us by our pediatrician on July 23, 2018.

Now here we are, nine months after his diagnosis, rocking our new normal. I am not trying to act like it has been a breeze, because to be honest, it has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, many sleepless nights, sleeping on his floor, waking up in the middle of the night to test his glucose levels, waking up to give him juice when his blood glucose is low, waking up to give him insulin when his blood glucose is high, and waking up to just make sure he is alive. Yes, I do that more than I should admit. This disease is one that sucks, but at the same time, makes me thankful this is what we were given. I count my blessings as I remind myself, it could be worse.

From the moment we entered into the Type 1 family, we knew it was our mission to help spread awareness, give hope to those dealing with the disease and to fight for a cure. We are very lucky for the support we have received from JDRF and want to do our part in giving back. We hope you can join us on July 7th for the inaugural Diabetes Dash 5K run/walk. The proceeds from the race will go to JDRF. Together we hope to someday, find a cure!

The Washburn family created such a buzz with the event, some Columbus area media took off with the story. Of course, hanging out with Jeff and others every week for our CRC Tuesday Night Track session meant that many of us would join in to assist and have some fun. Maybe we, as a team, we could push each other enough to get over the 18:00 barrier a few of us have been grasping for the last year or two. And not to mention some good-natured ribbing for the next few Tuesday track workouts. Even better, a post race party would take place nearby at The Draft Room.

Similar to the Independence Day 4 miler, this day would also start with a cloudy sky but that changed quickly as the race start moved closer. It was slightly cooler, but minimal. The field was a smattering of age groups along with a large contingent of CRC Westerville Teammates. If one didn't know any better you'd think it was a regular CRC Tuesday Night Track practice. At the gun I'm up front with CRC John, mostly because no one else wanted to be. I think I surprised him by not flying out the gate, rather I hung near him (as I did at the Columbus 10k last month).

A quarter mile in and a high school kid drifts by us and John follows, I then follow them. I can hear the footsteps of those behind me, but I continue on as the kid & John stretch their lead. At mile one I'm at 5:35 and haven't lost the leaders. Navigating the bike trail around the Westerville Sports Complex and Heritage Park we dodge wet and muddy sections left over from recent massive rains. I soon see John over take the kid and mile two comes in at 6:11.

I'm beginning to gain on the teen and John stretches his lead as we make the return trip. As we go under the N. Cleveland Avenue Bridge a second time, I hear footsteps from behind again. A moment later I notice CRC Teammate Ken come up on my left. To counter, I'm close enough to the teen to attempt a pass, but just as I try to dart around he pushes forward. I fall back behind him and he stretches his lead as I, too, push forward. I don't see Ken anymore, but I can still hear him.

Keeping pace I cruise through the finish and stop my watch and see 16:53, of which I wanted to be ecstatic about if it weren't for the distance covered indicating 2.9 miles. Don't get me wrong, I was satisfied with I was wanting to do but the race distance measurement was off. And it just wasn't me, everyone else had the relative same distance covered as well. I did, however, earn a third place finish and the 40-plus year old CRC Westerville contingent took five of the top six places.

As for L, she finished in 22:56 which would have put her on pace for a 5k personal record. This included a 32nd place finish and an age group victory. We finished the morning by grabbing some breakfast on the way home and eating it at a picnic table at Shale Hollow Park. We declined the post race party due to L having a city rec softball game later in the day and we needed to crash for awhile. Sooner or later I will be able to tout a sub-18:00 5k, but I'm getting ever so close.

After eight straight days of rain, summer officially arrived and it went from wet & mild to HOT the moment June 21st rolled around. It was a welcomed blessing for several areas flooded by swollen creeks, rivers and lakes.

L & I had planned a weekend camping trip to Lake Erie and East Harbor State Park a few weeks before and she was getting more frustrated as the weekend drew closer with no relief from the rain expected. Luckily, two days before were to leave the forecast gods made sure the Book of Genesis prophecy was put to rest and scrapped plans for construction of Ark II. We squeezed in a run before we drove north and, of course, I slipped on the last remnant of mud left on our street from the previous week's persistent sky vomit on an otherwise clear, hot, humid and dry day.

Attempting to be cool about it, I popped right back up and continue on. The SUV turning the same direction next to me, who witnessed my near face plant fiasco, asked if I was okay as he rolled by. I motion behind me and through a frustrated smile force out a facetious, "I think there's some mud back there?"

Out of the corner of my eye I see him shake his head in agreement, "Oh yeah, I've done that too." Good, at least I only looked sort of foolish. The next three miles were painful as my knees, elbows, forearms and wrists ached. So I started summer 2019 with road rash & bruises, not to mention the resistance band I use for strength training (the one I found in the basement of my old apartment) snapped in half. Luckily, it didn't smack the bejesus out of me like the giant rubber band it is - so I have reverted to the free weights some former neighbors were going to throw in the trash before I rescued them years ago. With that said, along with oncoming scars, July would be filled with shorter, fast races. These would include the Freedom 4 Miler on July 4th morning (a race I ran two years ago), the Diabetes Dash 5K on July 7th (a race hosted by a CRC Westerville Teammate) and the CRC Mile Dash as my quest for a sub-5:00 mile continues.

At the Freedom 4 Miler two years ago I finished 17th on an 84 degree morning and, funny as it may be, this took place the day after I met L and we went out for the first time. This is how the race is described: Join us for this holiday family favorite event! The Freedom 4 Miler coincides with the two day Olentangy Summer Bash. Bring the whole family and run or walk the 4 mile race or kids run, on July 4th, then stick around for the parade! The race benefits Honor Flight Columbus and winds through the neighborhood surrounding Olentangy Orange High School with the start & finish taking place inside Orange's Pioneer Stadium.

We were lucky enough to have an overcast sky with a dense fog to protect us from the overbearing sun for the entire length of the race, but we still had 100% humidity. Also, we had to endure the local FOX affiliate do a quick segment for their morning show before starting. The dude choreographed the entire thing, but I was annoyed. He was just doing his job and yes, it isn't all about me - I get it, but don't mess with my race day mojo. Oh, and this dude had way to much energy for someone running around in skinny jeans and screaming at the camera without the benefit of alcoholic beverages.

From the outset a few college and high school kids took off like it was a sprint. I attempted to say within myself and hang back a bit with the high schoolers who were less adamant about beating everyone. A CRC Elite Member Jack Schlabig drifts by and the group of high schoolers begins to fan out with a handful of college age runners continuing to outrun the world.

The high school group I'm running with are way to chatty for my taste. One of them seems to alert to everyone (continuously) that those in the lead, who continue to get further and further away, don't know this isn't a mile or two mile race. Another yells every so often to onlookers to say, "Hi". At mile one I'm at 5:33, not too fast and the mostly downhill stretch of the course is a big help.

The group thins out and the talky-talkerson has fallen back, much to my delight. I'm tagging behind three teens whom I expect to drift away from soon as we navigate a winding residential area with a bit of an incline. Mile two comes in at 6:05 and two of the high schoolers have moved ahead. I'm trailing just behind the third teen and right around the mile three marker he, too, begins to distance himself. Mile three is 6:03 and the final mile is at a slight decline.

I have been able to hear folks cheer for a dude behind me along the way, but I can't tell how far back he is and I haven't had an opportunity to glance. Though, I am proud at this point that I haven't been passed. I pick it up a bit and realize I'm not going to catch the kid in front me as we wind back onto the school's campus. Around the middle school to the high school and into Pioneer Stadium, I glance to my left just enough to see I have a decent lead on my trailer, but I need to pick it up.

The final 100 meters is on the track in front of the stands in opposite direction of what would be a standard 100 meters. I surprised myself by putting in more of kick than I'm used to, which more than likely came from noticing the clock and seeing I'm near a four mile PR. I wasn't passed and stopped my watch at the line at 23:39. Though, the official race time had me at 23:40 which technically equals my four mile PR. Still, I will accept my watch time. My last mile was 5:54 and I finished 11th overall. The ages of the top ten: 20, 21, 26, 16, 18, 17, 17, 18, 17, 16 - they were followed by myself (43) and the dude behind me (46). It seems the older I get, the faster the younger folks get - but they aren't completely running away.

By the time we left the fog had burned off, the clouds were gone and it was blue sky with full Independence Day sun. At home, L and I stopped at Fresh Start Cafe & Bakery for PR pastries before our own backyard cookout and finished the day at a neighbor's backyard soiree.

So for the August wedding, L thought it would be cool if I utilized my less-then-expert knowledge to make a beer or two for the occasion. The two are now fermenting away in our basement, though whether they end up tasking like cat litter or car wax (or a mixture of the two) is another story.

Attempting to use my sometimes reckless imagination, I came up with two recipes - one for each of us. If they don't end being a hit, we at least wanted something to remember the occasion - other than a mass poisoning of friends and relatives. With the assistance of GrogTag (their slogan is the title above "At Least Your Beer Will LOOK Good) and some creativity, I came up with these you see here.

For L, it's a Pomegranate and Red Pear Kolsch or hopefully something that will end up looking and tasting like that description. The far left side of the label, the text going sideways, is separate from the rest. This portion is what will be placed around the neck area of the bottle.

I bought some sling-top, glass bottles for the labels to be placed on. The hope is to make the beer look somewhat legit (and not like basement swill). At least the beer will LOOK good, right?

For mine, it will be a Peach and Fig Hazy IPA or - again - that is the plan. She hasn't seen the labels as of my writing this, but they are on the way. I'll let you know her reaction when that time comes. And to reiterate, I am not the most accomplished homebrewer, so it is quite possible these will not become what I hope them to be but it is fun to experiment. I haven't gone too far off course in the past, so maybe I should be a bit more optimistic...no?

And there may be a third beer in the works. We have an idea but the follow through hasn't taken place as those details are still being hammered out. As for the label details, they are pictures I've taken, pictures we have taken and what I could find that fit what I was thinking at the time. So what was I thinking? Well, I wasn't. I just wanted them to fit who we are and not look completely stupid. If you think they look stupid, then you don't know either us - which is fine, but I highly recommend you get to know us. We are pretty cool people, if I don't say so myself.

Up again is the Columbus 10K and this year L would join a couple of Traffic Panthers Teammates and I in taking part. This race is a Columbus staple:

With 41 years under our belt, the Columbus 10K is building on our rich history as “The Oldest Road Race in Columbus.” While not detracting from its tradition of being known as a “runner's race” the Columbus 10K has evolved into an event for individuals of all abilities. This includes our future runners in the free AEP Ohio Kids Run as well as those making the next step from the 5K distance. Being a staple in Columbus for 41 years brings a certain community responsibility to which the Columbus 10K is firmly committed.

In 2019 we are excited to begin a title partnership with AEP Ohio and to continue our charitable partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. One hundred percent of donations and fundraising efforts collected through the Columbus 10K will go to RMHC of Central Ohio.

In 2017, I finished 55th at 38:46 and 4th in my age group. Last I was 57th and faster 38:17, but missed on an age group placing. Maybe this year I could break that 38:00 barrier and possibly the top 50? There will be plenty of friendly faces among the entrants, including several Columbus Running Company Advanced Training - Westerville Teammates - this competition should be fun.

We were to get a major change in weather the morning before the race and it came in with a bang. We were awaken around 2 am with what sounded like a monsoon speeding through - rain, wind, thunder and lightning. The result a few hours later would be a high temperature in the low to mid 60s. A huge change from the 90+ degrees we dealt with at the race in Delaware the weekend before.

All the yards in the neighborhood were littered with debris, our yard was - for the most part - the landing spot for the canopy remnants of our neighbor's tulip tree. A rather scary bang hours before freaked L out a bit and we discovered where it came from soon thereafter.

The folks directly behind us had a tree snap in half, it wasn't the biggest tree in the land - but it was definitely solid, the picture doesn't do it justice. It just missed their pool, which would have been big deal. You can hear, almost daily, the echos from what seems like a crowd of kids wasting hot days around the watering hole peppering us with giddy shrieks of "Marco" followed in unison by "Polo"!

As for the race, aside from the cooler weather, the day would be perfect. Here is how the downtown Columbus race course is described: The AEP Ohio Columbus 10K course is fun, scenic, and challenging. Running through historic Columbus neighborhoods and providing great views of our picturesque downtown skyline, we think you'll enjoy your tour around the city!

The new Promenade, downtown Columbus, Short North, Victorian Village, Harrison West, paved riverfront paths, and a finish on the Scioto Riverfront: the AEP Ohio Columbus 10K has it all. Restrooms will be available near the start/finish. Aid stations are present at approximately mile 1.25, 3, 4.75, and the finish.

With full sun and snuggled in between the Scioto Riverfront and the Ohio Supreme Court Building, I try to stay within myself at the gun and tag along with the folks I know. In the first quarter mile, I feel like I'm going too slow and start scanning the crowd for someone going a bit faster to follow. Before the frustration sets in I recognize the backside of CRC Westerville Teammate John to my right. Glancing to make sure I don't cut anyone off, I begin maneuvering toward him.

Here I dig in along with him and stay away from being pulled with the few passing us by. He and I drift back & forth, left & right but I always have a bead on his location. At mile one, I'm at 5:56 - fast, but not too fast. We come upon a turn to the left and the crowd among us is going around the outside of the vehicle parked - properly - in the space at that corner. I notice it is parked far enough away from the curb for one to jet through without having to contort their body to avoid hitting it or the sidewalk.

As this crosses my mind, John (to my right) points to the opening, "There..", he says through hurried breathing. So he and I, and a few behind us, do just that with me leading the way. We're still on the course, but bypass few of those taking the longer corner route around the truck. Navigating some slight inclines I continue to keep pace with John and others, grabbing a quick mouthful of water at the fueling station. Mile number two is 6:08 as we have a long straight stretch ahead through Victorian Village. This where the faster folks among us tend to kick into gear, though there aren't many making their push past us. With help of the long decline, mile three hits at 5:58.

Another gulp of water and John is in front by about five yards as we sit in a group of about six or so. We make the turn onto the Olentangy Trail - to make the return trip - and I keep trading places with a girl wearing a Cornell University singlet. John stretches further ahead as we navigate the rolling terrain of the paved bike path and avoid the handful of folks coming the opposite direction using the trail at their leisure since it is still open to public use at this time. At mile four I'm at 6:10 and I can feel some fatigue in my legs.

A few of the group, including John, have increased their lead on us by 100 meters or so and the Cornell girl and I are pacing one another. To keep my mind from focusing too much on the weariness, I begin wondering how a tractor-trailer driver could have mistaken the trail we are on for a road, which happened back in October. The trail is dotted with a yellow center line, but it's barely big enough for an ATV - let alone an 18-wheeler (We ran under the bridge in the photo in this article on this day).

Now with downtown Columbus back in view, I begin pushing my stride a bit more and grab a swig of water at the last fuel station. We cross over the river along the Lower Scioto Greenway and at the other end of the bridge I see CRC Westerville Teammate Ken - he's not running on this day, but is throwing out some encouragement instead. Mile five is at 6:12 and with John now fully out of sight I try to pick it up knowing we have just over a mile to go. I think I'm pushing forward, but I don't think my body is allowing me to go faster.

I'm passed by someone with actual speed and Cornell drifts in front of me as we wind through the portion of the trail now running directly next to the riverfront loaded with spectators. Those in front have distanced themselves and my legs refuse to turn over faster. We pass by the finish line located on the street above and work our way up a small incline to the street, here I'm passed again by someone who has found the gear I can't seem to discover.

A hairpin turn to the left from the greenway onto Civic Center Drive and mile six is 6:08. A glance over my shoulder indicates no one close enough to overtake me and I push as much as I can through the final straight stretch toward the finish. As I get closer my eyes shift to the clock and the timer hasn't reached 37 minutes, but is ever so close. Crossing the line, I stop my watch just as the clock changes. A quick look and BOOM, I just made it: 36:58.4 - A PR by 1:19.

I get my medal, grab some water, congratulate a few and eat something. Judging by L's time at the race the weekend before, I chill out a few more minutes before heading over to see her come in. After finishing, Traffic Panther Mark joins as we wait. Moments later I hear, "Craig!"

It's L with her finisher's medal and a bundle of snacks standing on the other side of the finish waving at me. How did I miss her?! Mark laughs at me and we circle around to meet up with her. "I've been looking all over for you", she says. A bit stunned figuring out how I missed her, she says - while smiling ear to ear - "I out sprinted this girl to the finish, but we were laughing the entire time!" She had erased nearly six minutes off of her time from eight days before - sure it was a bit longer (6.55, not 6.2), but that is still a large difference. I missed her because she was way faster than I - and she for that matter - had estimated.

She finished in 51:44 placing 398th out of 1,620. I ended up 52nd and 5th in my age group which garnered a Columbus Running Company mug. We met up with the rest of the Traffic Panthers for a few moments and I offered more congratulations to a number of the CRC Westerville members before we hiked to the car. The cloudless sky and mid 60's made for a perfect morning to run. We celebrated with breakfast tacos on the patio at Alchemy Juice Cafe in nearby Grandview, which is located a stone's throw away from where my brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and I all lived at one time or another back in our 20's & early 30's. It was like short homecoming. I highly recommend the breakfast tacos here and get the bacon - each one comes with several large crispy strips and boat load of hot sauce to go along with them.

Once at home to relax for the rest of the morning & afternoon we notice the backside neighbors already have a crew there dismantling the downed tree and stump remnants. Our next door neighbor, Lisa, is working in her yard as we gaze at the crew from a distance. I had just started thinking those folks must have a tree guy on their pay roll for him to be there so promptly when Lisa laughingly blurts out, "I guess that's what you can do when you're rich, you have the tree guy on speed dial." (the house is huge and the yard is a small field of expertly manicured & evenly measured fescue.)

All signs of the tree and it's stump were gone about an hour later and activity at the pool resumed shortly thereafter as if nothing had ever happened. We aren't sure the tree had actually stopped breathing before it was obliterated and turned into mulch by the industrial wood chipper: R.I.P my friend.

And thus, the Wedding Summer continues and our next race(s) aren't until July, which include a 5K and CRC's Annual Mile Dash which is a flat out 5,280 foot sprint to see who reigns supreme. It is gonna be fun turning the next couple of months into our own little parade of what is to come - L makes it all too easy...

Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Woman Like You

I ain't lookin' for a one time girl
I need a little more to light up my world
I wanna woman like, I wanna woman like you

The same ol', same ol' change the station
To a new kinda cool, kinda conversation
I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you
Now gimme that, gimme sunshine stuff
Some of that summertime moonlight lust
Lookin' so sweet with a badass attitude
Well shake it up, shake it up all night long

Make a southern man wanna put you in his song
The right kind of wrong, that I wanna fall into

Well I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
You got somethin' that I can't explain

Set me on fire when you call my name
Messin' my mind when you're shakin' that thing
Make me wanna, make me wanna give you that ring
Well gimme that, gimme that sunshine stuff
Some of that summertime moonlight lust

Lookin' so sweet with a badass attitude
Well shake it up, shake it up all night long
Make a southern man wanna put you in his song
The right kind of wrong that I wanna fall into

Well I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

You got the power, now you got the brains
Lockin' my heart all up in chains
I ain't never gonna be the same
Well gimme that, gimme that sunshine stuff
Some of that summertime moonlight lust

Lookin' so sweet with a badass attitude
Well shake it up, shake it up all night long
Make a southern man wanna put you in his song
The right kind of wrong that I wanna fall into

Well I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you
I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like...
You, yeah
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Ow
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Yeah
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Ow
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Yeah
(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Ow

Cause I wanna woman yeah
I wanna woman yeah
I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like...
You

A little nostalgia goes a long way. My hometown's newspaper in recent weeks has been posting archives of area high school sports & sporting events and this past week was a spread of track pictures from April 1993.

Several photos included people I used to know, some folks I still hang out with and a handful of yours truly. This one in particular made me laugh and had an even longer thread than I ever imagined.

After sharing this picture, one of the guys I run with weekly now - Seth - commented on the guy in white in the lead in the picture (mentioning him by name) saying, "He was a good runner". I replied back that I knew the dude well (Brad Lykins), having finished behind him for nearly three years. "I guarantee we ran against each other back then too," he says.

Sure enough, moments late Seth sends me a photo of results from a tri-meet from about this time. The schools taking part were my high school (Southeastern), Seth's (Waverly) and school Lykins attended (Piketon). And in the results you see all three of us mentioned, showing Lykins winning the two mile with me finishing behind in third and Seth second in the half mile, finishing second to - not joking here - Brad's twin brother Chad.

Now I vaguely remember this meet, but it was even more weird that Seth and I had gone to schools about 15 miles (20 minutes) apart and had to have run against each other for a couple of years. Here it is 20 years later and we are still running with/against one another. We know each other as 40-somethings through our mutual running pal Traffic Panther Gary. He, too, is from southern Ohio and went to Logan High School and I can bet money that if you looked hard enough, you could find meet results from the early 90s (track or cross country) where all three of us appear.

We are teammates now on a Columbus Running Company Advanced Training group and meet every week with a number of others for a track workout and enter races on weekends. It is simply silly at how small the world really is sometimes. Oh, and for what it's worth, Seth's Waverly squad won that tri-meet back in 1993 beating my Southeastern team by six points. Despite their heroics, those Lykins boys and their Piketon team finished last - serves them right.

With the spring weather being warm and more than decent, L and I paid a visit to our friends at Staas Brewing last weekend. The food truck on hand this night was Two Fatt Indians and upon my asking, it was suggested I get the Chicken Jalfrezi (Jal-Fray-Zee). The gentleman behind the counter asked how spicy I wanted it and being a spicy food addict, I asked, "How hot can I get it?" I was told to pick from a scale of one to six, with six being the hottest. He then said, "I will give you a five, then the next time you can come up to the six. I want you to actually taste the food because it is really, really good."

I agreed to this and he was right, it was excellent and as spicy as I wanted it to be. My scalp started to sweat and L pointed to my face as it started to glisten - but I loved it. I had a huge plate full of food and took only a small portion of leftovers home for later in the week. I highly recommend these guys the next time you are in and around Columbus. The food went great with the Double Coffee Chocolate Oatmeal Stout Staas had tapped that weekend.

As April's end nears, the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon has returned and the approach to this year's event will be a bit different than last. In 2018 I was working on breaking the 90 minute barrier and did so by 3:30 (1:26:30) while tagging along with Gary and Seth. This stood as my half marathon PR until two weeks ago when I hammered out a 1:25:53 at the Athens Half Marathon in the downpour.

We were expecting excellent spring weather for this version of the Cap City so the odds were in favor of improving on that two week old personal record on this relatively flat course of which I know all too well.

Of course race week couldn't go smoothly. After an easy four mile run on Sunday, my left knee was a bit sore. That evening it was downright painful and swollen in the area of the meniscus, just above the tibia. With Monday being an off day, I iced the area as much as I could and most of the swelling had evaporated by Tuesday afternoon. It was still a bit tender and I moved gingerly, but not because it hurt. It was because since it had hurt before, I was expecting to feel pain and purposefully avoided putting my full weight and motion on to it.

At Tuesday's track workout there was some stiffness and it was little uncomfortable, but I needed to see if I would get some work in without favoring that knee. Running with a group would offer more of an opportunity to move around and it did the trick. I ran along with CRC Westerville Teammate Ken for our 2000 x 1500 x 1000 x 500 with decreasing rest in between workout. There was some soreness, but nothing to worry too much about. It was now time to crank down the pace & miles to prepare for Saturday morning.

The Cap City Half had the same course as last year, starting and finishing in downtown Columbus. The route heads south into German Village, then turns back north to downtown and into Victorian Village, lingers through the Ohio State University Campus before turning back south and eventually crossing the Arena District and finishing on the backside of the downtown location where we started.

We couldn't have asked for better weather: blue sky, sunshine and 50 something or other degrees with a light breeze. Squeezing into Corral A, Traffic Panther Gary, Columbus Running Company Teammate Mark & I ready for the start as we hoped to pull each other along to lower some personal records. As we take off the three of us are cruising along comfortably, mingling with like minds while being passed by over zealous runners and those who are just simply that good. At mile one, the three of us are in at 6:21 - not too fast, not too slow.

Making the turn and headed for mile two, I laugh as we come upon a small group and I go left to go around - out of the corner of my eye I see Gary go right to go around and Mike is directly behind them waiting for the Red Sea to part (we have you surrounded!). It doesn't feel like we've sped up, though we are starting to gain on a few others. At the marker we come in at 6:25, I'm right - we aren't going faster, some folks have just slowed. We turn back north and Gary and Mike fall out of my peripheral, ahead I see a couple of folks I recognize and focus on them. Also, my legs feel really good and without thinking keep stride to maintain the distance between us.

At miles three & four, I've sped up but I'm not feeling it (6:15, 6:13). The sun and the cool air are making everything comfortable and to keep myself focused I continue gazing at the familiar folks about 20 years ahead, along with reviewing my mechanics. Now downhill towards the mile five marker at Goodale Park, I see L and I'm still a bit surprised at how good I'm feeling (6:17). The next few miles along Neal Avenue and into the Ohio State University campus are at a slight incline and I see a couple of those in the group I'm transfixed on have dropped off and I'm reeling them in.

From here on at each mile marker, I glance at the clock as I go by and instead of searching for my mile split I do the math on what I need to do to keep pace with the potential PR - it is exciting, I'm way ahead. As expected, miles six, seven and eight are slower (6:27, 6:21, 6:23) as the slight up hill winds through campus. The group in front is smaller and has increased their distance, but not by much. We've turned to make the return trip and I can feel some fatigue creeping it's way in, but the next few miles are at a decline. A bit worried about crashing, I focus on my mechanics and realize I haven't been passed for several miles.

Miles 9, 10 and 11 go by (6:19, 6:21, 6:16) and I'm able to take over a handful of folks - each time egging them on to go with me to the next person. During this time I see Traffic Panther Kevin & Susan throwing out some encouragement, the familiar faces & voices are comforting. It is getting real and the next two miles back into downtown Columbus are at an incline. Officially wearing out now, I'm going through the motions as best I can and just as the half marathoners meet up with the remaining 10k participants I am over taken by another at mile 12 (6:31).

I pass by L a second time as I weave in and out of the crowd of slower quarter marathoners. I'm passed again just as I reach the straight away home stretch on High Street. I feel like I'm in quicksand and the finish line seems to get further away. As the clock comes into view, it's in the 1:23 range and 1:24 is approaching fast - I throw all I have left in an effort to make it in before it changes. About five feet before I get there, one of the quarter marathoners (who are told to say to right, the half participants stay on the left) drifts left and raises his hands in celebration directly in front of me. Not feeling like taking a detour, I'm still full steam ahead and run into this left shoulder and raised forearm which in my path. I shoved his arm aside, cross the finish line and stop my watch.

Attempting to catch my breath, I'm looking around and see no water or liquid refreshment in sight. I don't bother to look for the guy I just ran into, at this point I'm too annoyed to wonder. Shuffling at a snail's pace through the chute, I'm handed a finisher's medal - but still no water. I remember to glance at my watch and fist pump to myself as I see 1:23:54 - I did break, barely, 1:24. This is over 2 1/2 minutes faster than at this event last year and a new PR for me - beating my previous best (from the Athens Ohio Half Marathon) set two weeks ago by a full two minutes. I then look around and say to everyone, "Where in the hell is the water?".

Walking what seemed like forever (somewhere between 100 & 200 meters), I finally come to the water stand and grab a bottle. As I begin downing it, I see Gary to my right. He, too, has garnered a bottle of water and says to me, "They need to have that water much closer to the finish."

"That's exactly what I said!", I reply.

We continue through the chute and make our way to the finisher's party and meet up with the Traffic Panthers who also took part in the event - Mark, Sarah (both ran the quarter marathon) and Patricia (who also ran the half). Not too long after, L joined in the fun and helped me partake in the finisher's pizza, Land-Grant Beer, Patron Margarita and White Claw Hard Seltzer we all received. When all was said and done, I finished 44th out of 5,272 and 4th in my age group. I felt bad for picking it up a bit early when Gary, Mark and I were still in our own pack, but all three of us ended up with PR's - Gary finishing 50th and Mark 66th. Looking at the full results I noticed the guy I tagged along with for most of the Athens Ohio Marathon two weeks ago and finished ahead of me by nine seconds, finished ten seconds and two spots behind me on this day. There is something to be said for consistency.

After hanging out for a bit L and I headed north to nearby Powell to grab some food and beers at Ill Mannered Brewing and watch - in hysterics - the 1st Annual Alternative Sports Extravaganza Palooza Fest taking place on the patio in the full sun. This included some serious work in the categories of: Staring Contest, Coin Flip, Cowboy - Ninja - Grizzly Bear and Thumb War; fun was had by all. Beer friends Tom, Dan and professional mouth Spartan Biscuit did an excellent job of hosting & emceeing.

We now have a nice break until the New Moon Half & Quarter Marathon, Crescent Moon 5K around our hometown in Delaware, Ohio on Memorial Day weekend - I'm running the half and L is going to try her hand at the quarter marathon.

Oh yeah... on Sunday, the day after the half marathon, L's parents informed us of a cool looking table one of our neighbors had put out for someone to take. Interested, but preoccupied, L simply forgot about it. Later that night, just as we were about to go to bed, L says, "I forgot about that table, do you wanna go take a look at it?"

I look at her as if her hair has been replaced with snakes, "...It's 10:30pm?"

"I know, but I just remembered."

Perturbed, I relent, "Fine, where are we going?!"

"Mom & Dad says it's across the street from the elementary school"

We get in my car and drive two blocks down, it is in good shape, could be useful, but it is not small. We attempt, but it will not fit in the trunk or the back seat. I'm now more annoyed, L is disappointed and says, "It would probably would have been easier to walk it home in the daylight."

She ponders for a moment or two.

"L, do you want the table or not? We are parked in the middle of the street, in the middle of the night unsuccessfully trying to Tetris a giant free-to-a-good-home table into my Passat! I'm sure the cops will be coming shortly."

She pauses again, I roll my eyes and bite the bullet, "Do you WANT to WALK the table home?"

Behind a sheepish smile, she looks up and says in a slow, giddy draw, "Yyyeesssss"

I drive us home in protest, park the car and we hoof it back down the street. After finding the best way to handle the awkward monstrosity, we lugged it in the worst black ops mission ever two blocks back along the hilliest portion of our neighborhood having to stop twice in order to take a breather. The table will come in handy and does need a bit of maintenance, but looks great on our carport patio - though I wanted to burn it in effigy that evening.

With that said, L and I are ready for summer - we have a garden planned, my homegrown hops are taking off, we are organizing our wedding, have our honeymoon set and aren't taking ourselves too seriously. Yeah, we aren't your stereotypical couple. We plan things around races, brewery visits and bird watching ventures - all of those typical couple things, you know, there all hype. We'll stick to the awkward lines that we know...

The Cordial Sins - Sick of the Hype

I’m just sick of the hype and it shows
It never is enough
I’ll just stick to the lines that I know
Because they’re good enough