A Trampathon Abroad 2010

I don't know...I just don't know.

2011-02-13T17:45:00.003-09:00

I’m so angry about all this money being spent on cancer research, scientists getting rich off the funds they receive, and the drug industry just makes me sicker than I am. When the hell are cures to cancer ever going to be found!?!

My golfing buddy Jimmy expressed this emotional plea while I was driving him to his 9^th of 14 radiation treatments at Alaska Regional Hospital. This is Jimmy’s second battle with lung cancer, a battle much bigger this time around because it has spread from what remains of his right lung to a rib and lymph nodes. This isn’t his first experience with cancer…he has successfully beat prostate cancer and he won his first lung cancer battle with a “simple” surgery to remove the upper lob of his right lung. His emotional outburst surprised me because he has always been upbeat since he first informed me about the cancer’s reemergence many weeks before while he and I and fellow golfing buddy Richard shared a brew at O’Brady’s. However, the foreshadowing effects of his radiation and chemotherapy treatments began to surface while I watched the opening quarter of the Super Bowl with him and others at his home: Jimmy was low key and appeared uncomfortable.

Why would I want to make an entry of this type in my blog, which is suppose to be designed to be more upbeat? First of all, the direction of my blog took a strange twist when I had to unexpectedly abandon planning my 2009 European marathon adventure to medically address pressing cardiac issues, and my wife faithfully used the blog to keep my friends and family updated about my surgery and recuperation. She did a loving and wonderful job of doing so and I am forever grateful. Since then I’ve used my blog to cover lots of diverse topics, including what it was intend to do – document my planning and travels for the now successfully completed 2010 Trampathon Abroad with my running buddy Bob (The Silver Fox) Bowker. I still have lots to do (understatement) to complete documenting and illustrating my travel-adventures in my blog; however, periodically light bulbs go off in my brain to address more pressing issues on my mind…thus this entry on my thoughts about the effects of cancer on my friends and family.

Back in 2007, in conjunction with running that year’s Boston Marathon, I raised funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ( http://www.dana-farber.org/ ) in Boston, MA. I was moved to do this in honor of a dear family friend who was battling ovarian cancer at the time...she has since been cancer-free and lives a more energetic life than mine! My simple intentions transformed into something bigger than I had imagined, as many friends, family members and strangers made contributions in memory of loved ones lost to cancer and in honor of those struggling through radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments. I ran to honor all those and many more. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute continues to send me reports about their research findings and I am continued to be amazed of what is actually being discovered.

Since 2007, many individuals I ran in honor of never recovered from their battle with cancer. Also since then, other friends from high school, college and here in Alaska have announced their “declaration of war” against their infliction…some have succeeded in their battle, some have not, and others continue to battle. I am one of the lucky ones, as I have been cancer-free for almost 40 years now. But then I, like Jimmy, have the same frustrations…when the hell are cures to cancer going to be found!?! I learned that this statement hits those currently diagnosed with cancer the hardest.

So what does modern medical science tell Jimmy and others who are frustrated with the lack of cures for cancer? Yes millions upon millions of dollars have been spent on cancer research and on developing cancer-curing drugs, and yes, folks have gotten rich doing so. However, cures have been found and other cures will also … over time. But, no one with cancer wants to hear “over time” … time is something many don’t have – my buddy Jimmy doesn’t have that kind of time. When I was 19 and was informed that I had cancer (Hodgkin’s disease), I didn’t thing about “time” because at that age, I thought I was going to live forever, even having been diagnosed with cancer. Being young and dumb, I just knew the doctors were going to cure me. Forty years later, I sure as heck don’t think that way anymore and many of my diagnosed friends don’t think that way either.

So what do I tell Jimmy when I see him tomorrow when I take him to his next radiation treatment? I wish I can tell him that a cure will be found by the end of the week and all will be good in time to tee off at our local golf course come this May. I do know that research is making progress, as referenced by the DFCI many accomplishments ( http://www.dana-farber.org/res/research/default.html ). I don’t think he’ll care about that right now. What will I tell him…what can I tell him other than he has the loving support of many buddies here in Anchorage and that he’s not alone with his battle. Other than that, I still don’t know…I don’t know.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that ....

2010-11-15T21:19:00.005-09:00

A little bit of this ...

Predictably, now that snow has fallen pretty heavily here at the house, I'm finding more time to do indoor "stuff" that I've put off because of an active summer here in Alaska. But then, other distracting and tempting outdoor opportunities present themselves, like Alpine and Nordic skiing.

A recent highlight this year was my trip back to New Jersey to visit family and attend my Wayne Valley High School Class of 1970 40th Reunion. The reunion weekend included attending a WV football game with fellow classmates, hoisting a brew or two with them at local hangouts, attending a very nice formal dinner, and visiting over good coffee and breakfasts. I visited with some high school friends I haven't seen in 35+ years. Especially enjoyable was driving around my home town (Wayne, NJ) with friends and touring where we all lived and noticing how things had changed and in some cases, not changed.

My home in Wayne, NJ where I grew up.

However, what made me feel real old was when my track and cross-country buddies David, Paul, Guy and I had to bushwhack our way through a now heavily forested area behind our school to find the long-abandoned and now overgrown uphill trail that was part of our home cross country course.

Myself with Guy, Paul and David on our formerly used cross country trail

Funny thing, when I first arrived at the reunion weekend I saw everyone as 57/58-year olds and the faces were unfamiliar. But over time I saw the ages peel off of people and reveal the 18-year old faces and smiles I remembered...it was really freaky to see the transformation.

Fellow smiling classmates at Wayne Diner for breakfast.

I think it was a relief and refreshing for us all to revert back to the way we were and for at least a few days, cast off the responsibilities of our adult lives.

2010 Trampathon Abroad Update

...nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people. - Letter from Mark Twain to San Francisco Alta California, dated May 18th, 1867; published June 23, 1867

The Mark Twain quote I posted exemplifies many of my thought processes these days and certainly reinforces some of the reasons I decided to put together my 2010 Trampathon Abroad in Europe. Earlier posts go into other details of my trip planning and purposes so I won't describe them here; however, my traveling companion Bob Bowker and I can attest that we had contact with many kinds of people, which was one of our many trip goals. Mark Twain's A Tramp Abroad (1880) was his sequel to his The Innocents Aboard (1869). Both books focused attention on European travel at a defining moment in post-Civil War America. My intent is to reference some of his observations when I write in my blog about my own. This will kind of be exciting because Twain was very verbal and critical of what he saw and experienced in many of the places Bob and I visited, e.g. Paris, Rome, Pompeii, Vesuvius, Paestrum, and Florence. In Venice when Twain first saw gondolas, he thought them, "inky, rusty old canoes manned by mangy, barefoot guttersnipes" ... that sure as hell wasn't my first impression. Yes it's a different era but I'm finding that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Walking and talking brought Twain's Abroad books into being...walking and talking brought my trip to life. It is said that Twain's European adventures sparked his creativity...in my case the trip sparked a greater desire to continue to tour the great cities of Europe and beyond.

...and a little bit of that.

Since my decision last August to back off of distant running, I have been tempted numerous times to change my mind. My tempting is related to my buddies many recent accomplishments and/or planned accomplishments. Here in Anchorage, my friends Neal and Jon recently finished the Zombie Half Marathon and my family friend Mary Rita is finishing her training for the upcoming California International Marathon in Sacramento, CA. I also just learned that my friend, and Boston Marathon qualifier, Mark and his wife have begun to train for a Half Ironman. My Florida tempters John and Bill respectively completed the Florida Ironman and Miami Half Ironman. Another friend here in Anchorage, Casey, finished the Hawaii Half Marathon last June. I was also moved watching this year's New York City Marathon and seeing the many ordinary folks struggling to finish, especially the Chilean runner who survived the collapsed mine incident. As excited as I am for all my friends accomplishments, I can't help but think that I'm missing out because of my August decision.

A previous blog entry explains my decision to back off distance running, which I really don't regret. - - or at least I keep telling myself that. In place of distance training, I'm substituting a more balanced fitness program of swimming, running and strength training. I'm reminded that I promised my 12 year old daughter Hannah that I'd be ready to participate with her in next year's Eagle River Triathlon. The jammer swim suit and goggles are bought and I've scoped out local pools and swimming lessons to teach me how to swim laps without drowning. I'm also hoping the tendinitis I have in my forearms won't cripple my chances to swim effectively. There is, however, one other development that may hinder my plans.

I'll be covering this in more detail when I post entries about my European adventure, but the short story is that since having my corrective heart surgery in January 2009, I continue to have periodic episodes of shortness of breath which cause me to either abruptly slow down when I run or have to stop entirely to catch my breath. Funny thing, it only occurs when I run...never skiing, hiking, or doing heavy chores. It's hard to predict when it happens when I run but it happened once when I was running the Rome Marathon, a few times near the end of the Paris Marathon, and surprisingly not at all when I ran the Madrid Marathon. Things came to a head when I ran the local Humpy's Marathon last August - I was lucky to finish. Since January 2009 my marathon times have slowed down from about 4:15 to over 6 hours...not good. Last week I had a trans-esophageal echocardiogram to determine if my replaced aortic valve is functioning correctly, as my cardiologist Dr. Linda Ireland suggested I have it performed to rule out any cardiac causes for my breathing problems and slower marathon times. Results indicated some anomalies which Dr. Ireland wanted the Mayo and/or Cleveland clinics to evaluate because she wasn't sure of the results or its repercussions. We should get their report in about a week or so. My general physician Dr. John Mues mentioned once before that medical follow up studies have shown that cancer survivors who received radiation treatments to the chest, like myself when at 19 I was treated for Hodgkin s Disease, are increasingly developing asthma. I hoping that asthma is the culprit, and not the aortic valve. If the cardiac test is "normal", then I'll likely see a pulmonary specialist for further assistance. In the mean time, I'll continue to hop along with my new fitness plans....stay tuned!

The road ends at the 2010 Humpy's Marathon...sort of.

2010-08-16T22:43:00.002-08:00

First of all, I am knowingly aware that I am far behind on my 2010 Trampathon Abroad postings, and my wife reminds me that I am well behind on our planned bathrooms and downstairs renovation. However, autumn is rolling in and before you know it, I'll be snowbound here in the house catching up on those two to-do things. So what's up with the title of this post? I believe I mentioned in a prior posting that I was going to back off distance running (marathons specifically) and begin to diversify my fitness training. Well, this year's Humpy's Marathon (which is my 8th straight Humpy's) is my last marathon for the foreseeable future. That's not to say I have given up running...no way! I just plan to dovetail shorter running distances with weight training, swimming, and biking...in hopes of participating in next year's Eagle River Triathlon (it would be my first) with my 12 year-old daughter Hannah. Maybe my wife Marian will join us...that would be cool!

The 2010 Big Wild Life Runs were pretty special this year, as a number of friends ran one of many offered races (5K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon), each having its own main corporate sponsor. I along with Trampathon Bob Bowker, Mark Schroeder, and Mike Brandt (a CA friend I ran the Dublin Marathon with a few years ago) ran the Humpy's Marathon.

Most marathon events kick things off with a runners Expo, where you pick up your running bib packet, visit with other runners, hear guest speakers, and shop around for bargains at exhibitor's tables. Well, our expo really didn't have any of that, with one exception. The expo organizers brought in Jeff

Galloway (U.S. Olympian and running icon) and Bart Yasso (Chief Running Officer of Runner's World Magazine) to the expo, to speak at the pasta feed, and for Bart to be the guest finish line announcer. My buddy Mike Brandt (in the photo standing next to Jeff) looks on almost bored but it's never boring talking to Jeff.

Saturday, I went to the pasta feed at the newly constructed Dena'ina Center with Bob and Mike.

We loaded up our plates and started to dig in. A couple joined us at our table and they looked very familiar, Mike thought so also. As is my nature, I started to drill them with questions about who they are, where they lived and what marathons they ran...and behold, they (Bill and Barb Grass from Texas) were on the very same Dublin Marathon tour Mike and I took with Marathon Tours and Travel a few years ago.

Well, the flood gates opened with us sharing memories from that great trip. All that was missing were the pints of Guinness! How strange and wonderful at the same time.

On to race day...the lonely downtown Anchorage starting line and some morning sunshine greeted us. It has been very wet here in south central Alaska so it wasn't surprising when the sun soon disappeared and downtown Anchorage was shrouded in fog. Yes, that is a moving dinosaur puppet out there beyond the starting line.

But, Bob, myself and Mike stayed relaxed and ready for things to start rolling.

Others running various distances were also ready to go: my wife Marian and friends Neal and Jon running the 5K, friends Judy and Mary Rita running the Half Marathon, and Mark also running the Full Marathon. This is where all the good, warm, and fuzzy things stop and the pain and misery of running a marathon (badly) begins. The following photo is of Mike and I after we finished the marathon. If you notice, no one else is around. Where did all the spectators go? Why are the organizers tearing down their equipment? Where is the famous Bart Yasso announcing our names to the hordes of spectators as we cross the finish line? Well, it's because we weren't able to finish under 6 hours and who in their right mind is going to bother to hang out in the cloudy rainy weather and cheer on some slug marathoners across the finish line...let me tell you, no one! Heck, I wouldn't. That's OK, we got our finishers medals (my 38th marathon and Mike's 98th) and they can't take that away from us.

We may look happy and relaxed but we weren't. Mike and I had a hell of a bad run...my slowest ever and one hell of a way to "retire" from marathoning. To start things out, I had tough times catching my breath beginning at mile 8 and cramps in my two calf muscles starting at mile 16. I peg-legged ran from there to mile 24.5 and then walked until I saw the finish line. Trying to save face, I decided to do the Tin Man run the last 50 yards. Upon crossing the finish line, I received my medal and then yelled out in pain as my calf muscles seized up one final time. Beyond a doubt, this was the most grueling marathon I have ever run. I also learned from Bob and Mark that they also had their slowest marathon times as well...must have been something in the air. Oh, I forgot to tell you. At mile 11 I had to take a detour in the woods to get around a female moose blocking the route on the Coastal Trail. So, do YOU want to run a marathon?

At the big BBQ Marian and I hosted for our friends after the races, Mike put things into perspective...he said that he and I, being prior open-heart surgery patients, should just be happy to be here...OPA!

Blog title photo: Normandy Coast

Perspective

2010-06-25T21:48:00.003-08:00

I continue to be reminded almost on a daily basis how my 2010 Trampathon Abroad adventure has shifted my focus to think more globally than nationally…that’s not to say I didn’t have much of an interest in global events beforehand. In high school I participated in the Model United Nations and represented Great Britain in the General Assembly in my first year and the-then Soviet Union on the Security Council in my senior year. Certainly growing up in the turbulent Viet Nam War era exposed me and a generation of other teenagers to the reality of world politics and events.

My travel buddy Bob said it best when he told me during the trip that he’d never view Europe the same way again. Stories from oversees could now be put into perspective after having spent time in some of Europe’s greatest cities and for many weeks, witnessing daily newscasts about “what’s going on in Europe” and boy, there was lots going on: the failing euro, Greece’s economic problems, volcanic ash disrupting worldwide air travel, pre-World Cup hype, etc. By the way, European news outlets spent a lot of time discussing Obama’s National Health Care legislation as well as reporting on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.

I now find myself surfing for news about Italy, Spain and France, rather than news about my “Motherland.” Soccer’s World Cup means EVERYTHING to Europeans and we witnessed their obsession every day in daily broadcast games and in-depth discussions about each qualifying team. Each country would brag about their chances to bring the World Cup home. It is totally devastating to the Italians and French that their countries were ousted in the first round of competition. I’m sure if I were still in Europe, daily sportscasts
would be crucifying the teams’ play and how they were mismanaged. No one in Europe gave the Americans any chance of moving beyond the first round, but here we are playing Ghana tomorrow morning in the second knock-out round. My time in Spain was a very special one and I sure hope they can continue to advance. It was amazing strolling the Madrid streets in the evening seeing every café and bar packed with patrons screaming at the television and rooting for their favorite team…their passion for the game is infectious!

Madrid's Santiago Stadium...home of the Real Madrid soccer team.

While in Europe, Greece’s economic disaster, how to solve it, and their affect on the euro were always top stories. Now back in the USA and hearing how Spain’s economy is beginning to tank, I’m confused about how bad it really is. While in Madrid, my host Lorenzo Sanchez touted the many benefits derived by Spain’s wealth and economic policies, and I witnessed its prosperous lifestyle every day I was there.

The impacts of recent transit strikes in Paris and Rome now are in perspective, as Bob and I relied on each city’s Metro 100% to get around. We witnessed firsthand how valuable the Metros are for daily commuters and tourists alike.

Entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris.

While in Paris, we visited almost every museum we could and certainly missed some hidden treasures, so it was of great interest to read about how the Paris Museum of Modern Art was burglarized, not once, but twice!If you ever visited one of Paris’s museums you’ll know that it is almost impossible to get within arm’s reach of any art masterpiece … so it’s amazing that the burglars got into the museums through a broken window and the alarm was not functioning properly.

Speed reached while traveling from Madrid to Barcelona.

A recent tragic story about a high speed train traveling to Barcelona and hitting dozens of people crossing the tracks has me reflecting on my high speed train trips (in excess of 300 kilometers per hour) from Madrid to Barcelona and Madrid to Segovia … at that speed, the people hit by the train certainly didn’t see the train coming … the horror must have been truly terrifying.

Bob and I spending time at the Roman Coliseum.

On a lighter note, it’s been fun to read about the recently discovered earliest known artwork of the apostles in catacombs in Rome; how sections of the Roman Coliseum fell narrowly missing tourists, and how other sections of the Coliseum never visited by tourists soon will be available to tourists. I also read that Paris intends to close roads along the Seine River and transform them into pedestrian walkways and open space. Roman and Paris are best described as living museum-cities where every street offers you wonderful cultural and historical views…I miss being there, but through the Internet I can continue to “be there” and re-live my trip.

The Grand Palace in Paris as seen from the Seine River.

Did the Trampathon really happen???

2010-05-25T22:06:00.006-08:00

As I sit here writing this entry I'm puzzled why it is so difficult to get my thoughts together and start typing my fingers off. It's been four weeks since I ran the Madrid Marathon and three weeks since I flew back to Alaska, why then the block? I feel like I am still decompressing from the European trip and from my trip to Ft. Collins to attend my daughter Laura's graduation from Colorado State. This week is the first "normal" week, in that I am not having to prepare for another out-of-state trip and don't have pressing family events (like Hannah's graduating from 6th grade into Middle School)...although the week is indeed a busy one. I'm reminded about my first day back to Anchorage...I arrived totally fried at 2:30 am on May 2. I woke up later in the day in a daze and disoriented. I stumbled through the day with the family and then later that night attended "The Wizard of Oz" performance at the Performing Arts Center. Talk about a "what's on first and who's on second" moment, I wanted to click my ruby slippers and travel back to a quiet cafe in Paris, have a cup of coffee, and watch the world go by. Well, that didn't happen. Soon I was back doing outdoor chores, indoor chores, working back at the Corps of Engineers part time, and the days were flying by. Everyday since I returned to Alaska, I wondered

when I would have the quality time I need to tell you about my European adventures and share the 2500+ photos I took along the way. There's so much to tell. My daily Facebook posts helped to establish some story line benchmarks that I hope to expand upon. Luckily I took daily notes to help my fading ability to remember things in detail. My sister Carol, a published author of poetry and retired high school English teacher, has given me some advice about how to organize my thoughts and how to present my stories. Over the coming months, yes months and not days, I plan to post stories in a chapter format and provide slide shows as illustrations. My immediate task, however, will be to develop an outline of topics worthy of your attention. I know some chapters will cover the individual marathon events, adventures in each city/town visited, observations about European life styles, all the great food, the mass transit adventures, some of the folks we met along the way, etc. I think the real problem I face right now is that the Alaskan summer is just around the corner and the last thing I want to do is be inside the house .... there are fish to catch, trails to hike and ride bikes on, camping opportunities, golf and tennis matches, etc. etc. etc. Like I do for running my marathons, I'll go nice and easy and eventually reach the finish line. I hope you all hang in there with me. Now, back to my chores!

Photos: The Grand Palace in Madrid, Spain; Overlook of Florence, Italy (Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral); Bob and I with fellow Rome marathoners; the Alcazar in Toledo, Spain; My sister Carol and Mom with me in Toms River, New Jersey.

Living museums in Florence and Cinque Terre

2010-04-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

Over stimulation is about the best way to describe that last week or so. Florence in indeed a living museum of people, art, fantastic buildings and fashion. The museums contain great works of art and sculpture and the "entertainment" in the streets is equally fascinating. The rooms we have been staying in have been very comfortable, but cramped. We are constantly strolling around so time in the rooms is very limited during the day. Florence is a place that needs to be visited more than once to appreciate. Being there near Easter adds an extra element to the city... same thing for the Cinque Terre area. Our arrival on Thursday was perfectly timed, as we were able to get settled in and prepare for our coastline hike from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. That hike occurred on Friday in bluebird sky conditions. No words can describe our adventure, so I won't try. Spring is about to spring here along the coast so many of our photos are of flowering vegetation...that's the naturalist in both Bob and I. Bob claim not to have taken more than a few photos in his life...on this trip he is up to about 500! Tomorrow we head to Venice via the train. We go from Monterroso to La Spezia to Bolognia to Venice...through the mountains, hooray! Oh, I did finally go for a "brief" swim...Bob photo documented the chilling event. The weather here on the coast has been pleasantly cool, but I'm disappointed because I was counting on lots of beach time here in Cinque Terre...I'll just have to come back! Enough for now...we're headed off to dinner. Oh, the Paris Marathon is next Sunday...can't wait for that. Ciao!

P.S. I'm working on an Apple computer here at Hotel Pasquale, which is a first. I couldn't tell which photos I would be uploading so I randomly selected some jpegs to upload ... surprise and enjoy!

Catch up time ... so much to tell, so little time!

2010-03-28T12:34:00.002-08:00

Title photo...Trajan's Column near the Roman Forum

Mama mia! Yes that's then name of a Broadway musical, but it best describes my time thus far in Italy with fellow trampathoner Bob. I knew this adventure was going to be good because it all started with a great authentic Spanish meal in New Jersey after my family picked me up from the Newark airport almost two weeks ago. Bob and I are driving back from Sorrento to Naples early tomorrow morning to catch a train to Florence and it's late here and I have yet to pack. I'm using our pensione's (Il Roseta) PC to finally load some photos onto the blog (see slide show) but it literally took me two hours to figure out the PC, my new camera (the one I brought over broke), how to download photos from here etc... I only have time to shoot you all some bulleted thoughts and observations from the trip thus far. I will have expanded posts sooner or later but in the mean time, check out my Facebook page for daily updates and photos. If you are not on Facebook...set up a fake page, ask me to be your friend, and then follow my updates.

Here we go:
1. Running the Rome Marathon with my buddy Bob was a blast. Took lots of photos along the way. Weather for me was humid and warmer than I'm use to. It was a great feeling finishing.
2. Rome and Italian drivers are nuts...you take your life in your hand crossing the street.
3. I can live on pizza and gelati.

4. The Vatican and its museum are overwhelming.
5. The Colloseum is even larger than I imagined.

6. The Italian youth smoke up a storm and both men and women dress to impress.
7. Pompeii is a huge complex ruin requiring more time than we gave it.
8. Sorrento is a must see, along with the island of Capri. Bob and hiked all over the island. Great day there.
9. Driving the Amalfi Coast (especially at night) aged me 10 years but the views were spectacular.

10. The Greek ruins at Paestrum are a hidden tourist treasure. Quite, huge, great museum.

11. The ancient Roman ruins at Ostia Antica are very impressive, amazing but more crowded, especially with noisy school children on field trips.

12. The Rome metro (subway) system is fantastic...very easy to use.

13. The Spanish Steps are is, I think, over rated...crowded, noisy, dirty...disappointing.

14. Bob and I stumbled across and wondered through a political rally near our hotel in Rome...wild scene!

I know there is more on my mind but my thoughts are getting sloppy. Back to the room to pack.

Caio!

A Tramp Abroad

2010-03-14T12:30:00.010-08:00

It's time to give birth to this baby. My wife Marian compared my preparing for this trip to a 2-year pregnancy. I first started planning for this trip waaaaay back in 2008 in hopes of taking it in Spring 2009, but we all know what happened. My heart operation in January 2009 put an end to that real quick. Since then it's been a long road of cardiac rehab, marathon training, trip planning and everything in-between. With that have been highs and lows, grumpy spells (understatement), easy days and hard days, etc. etc. etc. Days I didn't want to put on my running shoes and other days I couldn't wait to run. My buddy Mark Schroeder (who qualified for the Boston Marathon and is running it this year) said I had straining days instead of training days...he is absolutely correct. Hence the comparison with a loooooong pregnancy. Now the "baby" is about to be born...HOORAY!

With everything that has happened over the past year or so, It's hard to believe that this trip is actually going to happen. Running/jogging/walking (???) the Rome, Paris and Madrid marathons will be an amazing experience...I really miss the excitement of the marathon crowd and attending the marathon expos. The international flare will make it that more exciting. Adding to all this is the excitement of seeing and running amongst the ancient ruins of Europe. Fortunately, my traveling buddy Bob and I have plugged in relaxing time between the running events. Spending Easter Week and weekend in Cinque Terre, Italy will be an awesome adventure. Traveling along Italy's Almalfi Coast will provide us amazing vistas of a rugged coastline. We've already made some friends in Venice and Florence, as my hotel contacts there have been corresponding with us about our adventures. Roby in Venice is especially interested because he is a marathoner as well. My high school buddy Peter Pasquariello (how's that for an Italian last name) who attended veterinary school in Italy has a friend in the Venice area who is willing to show us around. How strange, there's hole-in-the-wall gelato store in Venice named Alaska that we'll be visiting. In Paris, Bob and I will be joined by our friends Bill Parady and his wife Salome, along with some of their friends. We plan to see the major Parisian sites but I'm really looking forward to taking the train to the Normandy Coast to visit the D-Day sites and surrounding area. My time in Spain will be really different from the rest of the trip because I'll be on my own for my visit to Barcelona and Valencia. However, like for Paris and Rome, I'll be associated with an organized marathon tour, and after the marathon, I'll be staying with a family member, Lorenzo Sanchez. I know I'll be ready to head home by then (understatement).

I expect that my psyche will be changed by this trip...in what way, I don't know. Will I be totally burned out on international travel? Will I ever want to run again? Many more questions will surface I know. I do know, however, that my efforts to stay in shape after my return will focus on cross and strength training. I plan to cut way back on distance running, learn how to lap swim, and bike ride more...all this in hopes of participating in a triathlon someday.

It's time to close out this entry and do some final packing, as I head to the airport at midnight to catch a 2:30 am flight to Jersey. I'll spend less than two days there to relax at my Mom's home in Toms River and prepare for my Wednesday night departure to Rome. After arriving in Rome on Thursday at 7:30 am, I'll attempt to find Bob at the airport and the Trampathon Abroad will officially begin! I plan to update my FaceBook page regularly and when WiFi and/or an internet cafe is available, I'll update my blog...so stay tuned!

Take care, God Bless and all you runners out there, Train hard...Run far!

Mixed bag of nutzzzzzz!

2010-03-07T17:30:00.000-09:00

One week from today and the adventure begins and surprisingly I see the light at the end of the tunnel - - it's not the headlight of a train. My trip to-do list is down to about a half page, my last 20-miler was run last Thursday (My God how I hate running laps, especially 80!), packing is about half done, all travel logistics are in place, and my "home stuff" to-do list is, well, almost down to two pages.

I was contacted this last week by the Amazing Running Tours folks that they found a roommate for me while in Madrid. I was happy to hear that because it'll save me a few euros and it'll be fun to share stories about our running adventures. My roommate is Jim Collins, and he has an amazing story to tell...I suspect it was meant to be that we'd be roommates...Jim writes in an email to me:

I’m envious of your trip. Traveling to run marathons around the world is a dream of mine, I’m hoping to fulfill by starting with Madrid. I have a little bit of an unusual story. I’ve had five different spinal surgeries to correct for scoliosis in my life, the most recent and most serious were in 2002 and 2004. I’m fused at fourteen levels of my spine and have a good deal of hardware in my back. Over the course of the last three or four years, I slowly started running again. I started out very slowly and gradually worked my way up to longer runs – greater distances and longer times on the road. In September I ran the East Hampton Half Marathon in 1.46:48. At age 46 with 17 screws and two rods in my back, I though it was a pretty good showing and inspired me to go for a full marathon. I ran a couple of marathons in the early nineties when I was in my twenties, so I have that psychic experience. It will mean a lot to me to able to do one now at this point in my life.

I’ve been training a lot, except for this past month when I was in Vancouver. I work for the Associated Press and I was busy non-stop for a month with the Olympics and only got out to the beautiful Stanley Park a few times. I’ve also has some problems with shin splints (ouch!). My back is the least of my concerns!

Anyway, thanks again for writing Wayne. Please feel free to pass along any advice. Best of luck to you in Rome and Paris.

Certainly Jim and I will have lots to talk about.

As you already know, my buddy Bob Bowker is joining me for the Italy and France portions of the trip. He has worked his way back into marathon shape after having prostate surgery almost exactly one year ago. Bob lives in Arkansas and has been battling training in warmer weather and mad dogs. Check out his latest email to me (which I slightly edited):

I forgot to update you on the dogs on my running route. As I approached (on my out-going part of the route) the site of the dog challenge last week, I picked up a rock to defend myself if need be. When I got to the place, the dogs were calm but a man was walking out of the driveway. Thinking that this was my chance to inform so he could do something to control his dogs in the future I told him that last week one of his dogs had grabbed the back of my leg and torn my pants. He said, those are not my dogs. I said "I guess I'll have to call the sheriff so the owner will control the dogs." I proceeded on when a dog (actually it was the one which bit me the last week) but now on the other side of the road came after me. The man said that is my dog and if you throw a rock at it I will knock you aside your f__king head. I stopped running, turned towards him and stared. I was pissed but not intimidated and I wanted him to know it in my nonverbal way. He then said, you let me control my dog (which by that time, by his owners command, had stopped in his tracks) and don't ever throw a rock at it. I said the problem is that you are usually not here when it comes after me, then I turned and proceeded with my run. It would be another hour of running before I got back to his place again and of course I had some anger to deal with which is not something you want on a long run. During that hour the dog owner and another guy passed me twice in a pick up truck which made me wonder what was going on. As I'm approaching the dog site on the way back, I'm determined to protect myself if need be but to not push the rock throwing issue if I can avoid it (I've got too much on my agenda the next few weeks to risk getting injured by some hotheaded redneck). So, as I'm coming up to the site, I can see at least two men in the yard looking at me. The dog owner is sitting on something and in his arms he is holding at least two dogs, one of which is the one in question. Since he is controlling his dogs, I am pleased and prepare to wave at him. Before I can do so, he raises his arm and waves in a friendly manner. My take on the episode is that he had been emotional at the thought of me throwing a rock at his dog (I understand how that could be) and had therefore overreacted. After cooling down a bit, he was much more neighborly and his actions said "I'm sorry and I am controlling my dogs, have a good day." So anyway, what started out ugly and could have gotten uglier, turned out fine. I think that bodes well for our trip!

Laurie Kasinger, director of the Mountain Home Marathon and friend of mine who I think is a neat lady (she's about 50 and has done several marathons and 3 ironmans, most recently this last November) ran the Little Rock Marathon this morning to qualify for 2011 Boston but missed it by 10 minutes. She suffered from the heat she said as I told you I did on my long run this morning.

That's it for today...back to my to-do lists. Arrivederci!

The statistics of it all.....

2010-02-27T21:58:00.003-09:00

Travel books read: 6
Tourist maps purchased: 7
New purchases: 35
Days in Europe: 43
Days in Italy: 22
Days in France: 9
Days in Spain: 12
Number of hotels staying at: 12
Number of scheduled train rides: 9+
Rental car days: 5
Number of airline flights: Bob (5); Wayne (8)
Marathon miles to be run in Europe: 78.6
Training miles (since August 23) : 1,190
Pairs of running shoes worn out: 2
Pounds lost: 8
Number of 400 meter laps run at the Dome: Far tooooo many!

To be totally honest, I am so over wanting to train anymore. I'm exhausted having to schedule hours of time to run my 13 and 20-milers at the Dome. I was lucky enough to get a few outdoor runs in the last few weeks when things warmed up, but we again have more snow and colder temperatures so it's back to the Dome. While running my 20-miler there last Friday, I was run over by a herd of high school baseball players running laps...they were totally rude and disrespectful! Luckily the even occurred at mile 18 so I only limped along for the last two miles. I have never trained so hard as I have these last few months and yet seemed so unprepared. I think that's telling me that I am super anxious about this trip and just want to jump right into it!

The Winter Olympics certainly have been entertaining and have inspired me to keep plugging along. It's amazing what some of these winter athletes have overcome to appear on the world stage. What's been real strange is that the local TV commercial I made for Providence Hospital back in March 2009 about my heart operation has been repeatedly shown during the Olympic coverage. I feel pretty embarrassed by it all because I have progressed so far from when it was produced, plus my buddies are giving me a lot of crap about it. However, I have received lots of feedback from others about how my "comeback" has inspired them to work through their hardships. It feels very strange, uncomfortable and humbling to be told that I inspire others...it does, however, keep me motivated to train hard and set a good example.

I finally have mastered some key features on my iPhone which I plan to regularly use during my trip. I'm hoping to post a daily entry on my Facebook page with a photo taken with the iPhone. I've tested it out a few times already and it'll be fun to keep in touch that way. I also loaded up some tour-related bookmarks for our lodging, train schedules, and historical references. It took forever to understand the international calling and texting features I wanted to purchase. As much as I want to keep my blog up while I'm traveling, I'm afraid I won't be able to, at least using my iPhone. I hope to use internet cafes now and then and/or if I can access a WiFi connection.

So, who's on first and what's on second? I have one more week of heavy-duty training, including a 13 and 20-miler, then it's tapering time. I also have about three pages of to-do's before I fly out of Alaska on March 15. Boy, I can't wait to finally relax on the Almalfi Coast and Cinque Terre!!!

It's CRUNCH time!!!

2010-02-04T20:41:00.009-09:00

It's not in reference to a cereal, to an abdominal exercise, or to the crinkling-crunchy sound walking on snow. It's CRUNCH time for no more slack in training and trip planning. The blog countdown clock reminds me that in a little more than a month, my buddy Bob and I will be smack in the middle of this great adventure.

My training is intense these days. Two days a week are my distance days. On Mondays, I'm building up to 13 miles...I'm presently at 9 miles. Friday is the killer-day...I'm presently at 16 miles and working up to running three, 20-milers. My last 20-miler is scheduled for March 5. Tuesday is a tempo 6 mile run. Wednesday is speed work...I'm running 4 miles, two of which have me running 100 meter sprints...it's a b_ll-buster. Thursday is a non-running day, as I'm up at 5 am for a weekly church function and then work 8 hours at the Corps of Engineers...I finish the day with weight training. Saturday is a non-running day; however, I go Nordic skiing with my buddies on the fantastic Anchorage trail system. Sunday is kind of mixed up, as I try to Alpine ski at Alyeska that day and tear up my thigh muscles. If I don't ski, I do a light run. I'm finally feeling like I'm making progress with my runs. I still try to run outside, instead of inside at the Dome, but another cold spell is coming so it's back to running around the track like a hamster running in its exercise wheel. Actually, trip planning is coming along just fine. All our lodging is set, car rental is set, and airline reservations are set. The most complicated task is figuring out train schedules and costs. For those not familiar with European train travel, one can purchase point-to-point tickets or a Eurail pass, which can cover travel in multiple countries for multiple days. To figure out the best value, I'm having to cost-out both options, which is tough because Bob and I have multiple destinations in Italy to combine with trips in France. I also have to consider my train trips in Spain, which Bob will not be taking. It's a who's on first and what's on second puzzle. The following two calendars map out where Bob and I are headed and when (click on figure to see an enlarged image):

As you can see, Bob and I will be every where. I assure you, however, there is a lot of R&R scheduled, especially in Cinque Terre and the Sorrento area. It's been a lot of fun having conversations with the folks I've contacted about lodging. It's amazing how interested they are about Bob and I running marathons. We already made a special friend in Venice. The owner of Pensione Guerrato is named Roby, and he threatened to charge us more if we ran a sub-three hour marathon! He was joking, of course, because he is a marathoner (he ran the Venice Marathon last October) and still has yet to break three hours. We're looking forward to drinking some wine and chatting with him when we're there...he said he'll show us around...now that's service. Scott, our Marathon Tours and Travel host for the Rome Marathon is also a runner and we talked track events...he was a 400 and 800 meters runner. A number of other folks wished us luck and looked forward to hearing our marathon "war" stories.

That's it for now. I have some other thoughts about inspiration, iPhones, and what-the heck-to-pack that I'll cover in future blogs, as well as fill you all in on the specific things Bob and I have planned. Remember, train hard...run far! Arrivederci!

P.S. The photo behind the blog title is in Florence. Also...Hey Bill, congrats on finishing the Miami Marathon and Salome on running the Half!

Just happy to be here!

2010-01-13T20:02:00.004-09:00

I'm writing this entry at 8:00 pm Alaska Time and this time last year I was in Never-Neverland! That is, I was still knocked out from having open-heart surgery 12 hours earlier in the day. I unsuccessfully tried to convince my wife Marian to write today's entry because she was more qualified and painfully aware of all that happened that day, and the next few days, before the doctor's thought it safe to wake me up. All the gory details of my operation, hospitalization and Marian's heartfelt thoughts of those first few days can be read in the entries she made on my blog (see archived entries).

I'm somewhat puzzled about my feelings today, or lack thereof. Efforts to try to understand it go unrewarded. Maybe it's because it's hard to believe an entire year has passed and yet the memories of the ordeal are crystal clear in my mind. A day doesn't go by that I'm not reminded of the operation by seeing the incision scar on my chest...but it doesn't bother me, I'm comfortable with it now. Frankly, I was more bothered by my doctor's attempts to medicate me with beta-blockers and other blood pressure control medications, because as you already know from earlier blog entries, I had a disastrous time getting back on track with my marathon training because of the medication experiments.

I had dinner with my European traveling buddy Bob Bowker today to discuss our upcoming trip; however, we spent more time conversing about our respective medical adventures (his successful battle with prostate cancer and my heart operation) than talking about the trip. A great amount of time was spent discussing whether or not our respective medical condition changed our lives, if we had an epiphany of sorts. Surprisingly, we both answered that it hadn't to any significant degree. We weren't sure why but we did think that already having a positive attitude about life (despite my periods of grumpiness) and being physically fit had something to do with it. One thing we both agreed upon quickly; however, was that the love for our family and friends was strengthened by the experience. With that thought shared, I'll end this entry and be thankful that I'm no longer in Never-Neverland!

Deja Vu

2010-01-05T17:44:00.034-09:00

Besides being the title of one of my top 5 music albums, the title also reflects where I once was about a year ago. Back then I was pretty optimistic about my retirement and "walkabout" trip to Europe. I had no idea that within a few days of a January 5, 2009, blog-post things would get turned upside down...big time! But now after open heart surgery on January 13, 2009, things appear to be on track both physically and logistically. I can now relax again and reflect more on the reality of my plans to run three of Europe's most famous marathons (Rome, Paris, Madrid) and tour the countryside. Here's a recap of how the Eurothon trip and blog were born.

Regarding the blog title, my buddy Bill Parady, who blog-chronicled his 2009 Arizona Ironman training adventures, suggested I model my blog after a book written by Mark Twain: A Tramp Abroad.

The book was published in 1880 and details a journey by the author, with his friend Harris (a character created for the book), through central and southern Europe. While the stated goal of the journey is to walk most of the way, the men find themselves using other forms of transport as they traverse the continent. As the two men make their way through Germany, the Alps, and Italy, they encounter situations made all the more humorous by their reactions to them. The narrator (Twain) plays the part of the American tourist of the time, believing that he understands all that he sees but in reality understanding none of it.

I was sold on Bill’s idea modified the book title to reflect what I had in store for “Harris” and myself. My "Harris" turns out to be my buddy and running mentor Bob Bowker (known as the Silver Fox because of his flashy full head of silver hair) . Bob had planned to go with me in 2009 but he too had a medical setback but with prostate cancer...but now we are both "all cured up" and looking forward to the great adventure. Bob is here in Anchorage this holiday season visiting family so we're going to get together to run and work on the trip.

From an earlier blog post: "So how did I get this wild idea of running some of the great European marathons? The idea came to mind in 2008 after reading an article in Runners World about must-run marathons of the world. The top 10 list was packed with familiar venues, Boston, New York, Berlin, London, Rome, Paris, Chicago, etc. I was thrilled to see that some I have already run were on the list (New York, Boston, Chicago) but what really caught my eye were the dates of the London, Rome, and Paris marathons…in 2008, they were scheduled to be all 2 weeks apart. So, my mind started to work…why not combine a 2009 trip to Europe with running the London, Rome, and Paris marathons? I had already fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting some of the ancient ruins of Greece in 2002 (to celebrate my 50th birthday) and combining it with running the Athens Marathon, so I figured I’d also fulfill another lifelong dream of visiting some of the great cities of Europe and throw in a marathon or two or, in this case, three."

In 2010, Bob and I will run Rome and Paris together and spend time enjoying the sites and sounds of Italy and France. BONUS: My Ironman buddy Bill Parady, his wife Salome, and some of his friends will also join Bob and I to run Paris! The more the merrier! What's new for 2010 is that instead of Vienna, I'm running Madrid. I learned this past weekend that my cousin's ex-husband is Spanish, lives in Madrid, and is the retired Spanish Ambassador to China...and he has offered an invitation to visit with him while in Madrid...another bonus!

A quick note about my training. Now that my meds are all set, I have the confidence to really get into my training. The warmer weather we've been having lately has allowed me to run outside now and then. The Dome facility is nice but nothing beats running outside and training on various terrains and up/down hills. So far, I'm on target with my long-distance runs,in fact, I'm slightly ahead of schedule...hooray!

That's it for now. My next entry will describe the details-to-date of our trip including the cities we'll visit and the things we'll see. Remember, train hard, run far!

Free at last, free at last. I thank God I'm free at last.

2009-12-13T23:11:00.003-09:00

Liberating words indeed from a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King. These words came to mind a week ago for reasons other than what Dr. King used them for. I finally was able to cast off the “medical chains” that have held me back for months from confidently training for my upcoming marathons in Europe and surprisingly, enjoying day-to-day activities with my family and friends. Let me explain.

For months my two doctors (Dr. Mues and Dr. Ireland) and I have been trying to find a blood pressure medication and associated dosage that would protect my heart and control my marginally high blood pressure without causing adverse side affects. The beta-blocker (Metoprolol) I started with caused fatigue, dizziness when standing from a sitting position, circulation problems, etc., and they are famously known to hurt running/athletic performance. Frankly, while on this medication I wasn’t the most fun person to be around … my family can attest to that! I couldn’t effectively complete my workouts. Luckily, cutting the dosage in half gave me an opportunity to run and complete my first marathon in August (see prior blog post about that adventure). Because some adverse symptoms remained, Dr. Mues prescribed a non-beta-blocker (Cozaar), which is supposed to be more athlete-friendly. Well, things went from bad to worse. All the adverse symptoms I had with the beta-blocker returned PLUS the new medication dropped my blood pressure too low (in the range of 75/55 to 90/70), so much so that I couldn’t finish most of my workouts and I was lightheaded all day. After another doctor’s visit I was prescribed yet another drug (Bystolic), a beta-blocker, a drug that supposedly got good reviews from athletes … WRONG! With this drug, I couldn’t even finish one lap at the Dome without gasping for air or feeling fatigue. Now, I’m beginning to think I’ll never run again; my trip to Europe should be canceled; I should give away my Alpine and Nordic skis, etc. … I wanted to go hide somewhere and mope. During this time I also was feeling despair, probably some depression, grumpy as hell…I was an asshole! OK, confession is over.

It was time to visit Dr. Mues (again). I arrived at his office with my carefully prepared written notes. He congratulated me for keeping my notes to one page this time, as I previously had provided him 8 pages of notes (and 3 tables charting my blood pressure measurements) the last time I visited him … at that time he jokingly (I think) said I had a obsessive compulsive disorder. (Aside: Dr. Mues told me that teachers come in with their notes in a spiral notebook, lawyers come in with their notes on the back of napkins --- Bill, is that true?---, and scientists like myself come in with bells, whistles, charts, diagrams, encyclopedias, and the kitchen sink). Anyway, Dr. Mues told me that he wanted me to try using a half dose of the Cozaar, if that didn’t work; we’d try a half dose of the Metoprolol. He also suggested that maybe all I need to do is lick a pill and maybe that dose will do. He said that in a joking manner but he wanted to make the point that athletes are difficult to treat because most of the medication and dosages designed/prescribed are intended for over-weight, out-of-shape people, and not for 150 pound runners. So I buy a fancy pill splitter on the way home and at home start making a huge mess splitting these tiny pills.

I waited 4 days before going back to the Dome to see how things would shake out. I haven’t any great expectations the first “trial run” on the day before Thanksgiving. I run my first lap cautiously, then my second, third, fourth, and so on. Before I know it, I’ve run 3 miles without any hardship … hooray! I stop at 3 miles, afraid to push it any further. I’m thinking on the way home that maybe, just maybe, good fortune is headed my way. I was correct. I proceeded to add 10K runs on the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving … I was so excited that I called my fellow “European Trampathon” buddy Bob Bowker to tell him the good news. Bob offered strong words of encouragement and was happy to hear the joy in my voice. He had sensed the last few times we talked that I was depressed about my predicament and that I was no longer excited about planning our European adventure…I confessed that he was right.

Since that phone call with Bob, my training has steadily improved without experiencing ANY adverse symptoms. I’d also like to think that my disposition has improved and the only fatigue I feel now is properly related to my weight training and running regime. I’m regularly running 10Ks as my base run and my once-a-week long run is now up to 10 miles. Once a week I’m plugging in some speed work also…something I couldn’t have dreamed of doing just a few weeks ago.

Yep, I’m free at last! Free from the medication’s adverse symptoms, free from feeling depressed about my inadequate training, free from feeling fatigued, free from the grumpiness, thank God, I’m free at last! I still have a long way to go to get back where I was athletically before the January 13 heart operation, but I now I have the renewed confidence that I’ll get there eventually. Rome, Paris, Madrid…here Bob and I come!

Blog Birthday ... Happy 1st Year!

2009-11-23T19:09:00.012-09:00

One year ago today I started this blog at the urging of fellow running buddy Bill Parady. I spent a few hours reading my past entries and the many heartfelt entries my wife Marian made on my behalf. Too much to cover and too many emotions to adequately put to words what has happened over the past year. Ups, downs, and arounds! There was initial excitement about my retirement and plans for my European marathon adventure...then the disappointment of heart surgery in January and canceling my European Trampathon. Through it all, my family and I had lots of loving support (understatement) from many friends and family. Optimism started to build when I successfully completed my 12 weeks of cardio-rehabilitation and peaked when I completed my first post-surgery marathon in August (Humpy's Marathon). Now the excitement is building again! I'm marathon training again but still have some medication issues that need to be worked out. Trip planning is ongoing with my running buddy Bob Bowker, who has successfully recovered from his cancer surgery and is running 4:15 marathons again at the age of 68! Bob will join me for Rome and Paris and my friends Bill and Salome Parady will join Bob and I in Paris. I'm on my own for the last leg of the trip, which is the Madrid Marathon.

I have lots to be thankful for, especially this Thanksgiving ... I thank God for my family and loving relatives, my many friends, renewed health, and living in Alaska. Happy Thanksgiving and remember, train hard and run far!

Real Iron-men!

2009-11-22T08:20:00.003-09:00

Two running buddies are in today's Arizona Ironman ... both their first full Ironman. Bill Parady (Bib # 1872) and John Clidas (Bib # 1819) have finished their 2.4 mile swim and are now on their bikes. Soon the marathon. Check out their progress at http://ironman.com/events/ironman/arizona?show=tracker&y=2010&year=2010

Goblins in Dublin

2009-10-31T10:33:00.006-08:00

Two years ago today I was in Galway, Ireland with fellow running buddies Bill, Salome and John celebrating our successful Dublin Marathon run the weekend before and Halloween. We were in Ireland to run the marathon and tour Ireland with Marathon Tours. My God, the Irish sure know how to celebrate the ghoulish event...we, and our newly made running buddies, sure had to work hard to keep pace. We probably spent more energy doing that than running the damn marathon! However, the free-flowing Guinness and occasional shot helped replenish lost calories. The trip to Ireland ranks in my top three marathon-touring experiences...one worthy of repeating. Check out the photos I posted as a slide show...having a Guinness while you watch it will enhance the experience! Cheers!

Alanis Morissette Kicks Butt

2009-10-14T19:40:00.003-08:00

This was posted on MarathonGuide.com. I'm a HUGE Alanis Morissette fan!!

Yes, even before this weekend we loved Alanis Morissette. But now we just can't stop saying enough about this superstar who completed her first marathon and wants to use it to inspire others. Morissette completed the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon in 4:17:08, raising money for the National Eating Disorders Association. Before the marathon, Morissette wrote this on her website about her training: "it's been a gift to use my body for something bigger than the ego-me... to offer the training and the run itself up to all people on this planet who have had a fraught relationship with themselves, their bodies, their souls, their emotions, their place in this funny world, their food, their relationships...." After the marathon she wrote this: "wow! that experience was truly beautiful and electric and traumatic and exciting and horrifying and surreal and moving and unforgettable..." We are truly inspired by Morissette's songwriting/singing - and now by her spirit as a marathoner. Read more and then donate! at Morissette's website: Alanis Morissette's Website

Not much to add...her after-race feelings says it all. Train hard...run far!

The Europe Trampathon is in full swing!

2009-09-20T21:36:00.003-08:00

Now that I'm back into training regularly without experiencing any medical problems (knock on wood), planning and "tempting" others to join me on my excursion can proceed in confidence...hooray! The marathons I plan to run between mid-March and late-April are Rome, Paris and Madrid. Between the runs will be lots of beach time, museum hopping, eating, drinking lots of wine, and generally hanging out in little towns along the way. My buddy Bob Bowker has recovered from his prostate surgery and plans to join me for the Rome and Paris portions of the trip. Both Bob and I completed this year's Humpy's Marathon, the first since our respective surgeries. For Rome and Paris, we'll be joining up with Marathon Tours. We'll also be joined in Paris with my running friends (and fellow tempters) Bill Parady and his wife Salome. I have lots to do to nail down an itinerary, flights, BnBs, etc....it'll keep me busy during the dark, cold, snowy Alaska nights. Actually, they'll be here soon, as the leaves are falling, nighttime temperatures are dropping, and termination dust (snow) will be on the Chugach Mountain peaks really soon...like tonight! Stay tuned for details and those interested in joining us on the trip, JUMP IN!

I finally posted my photos from my trip with Hannah to Washington, D.C.. Check out the slide show at the right.

Mission: Impossible…NOT! Possible…YES!

2009-08-16T19:39:00.009-08:00

My mission, which I chose to accept, was a secret one…known only to a very few. The mission I accepted and accomplish -ed successfully was to complete today’s Humpy’s Marathon. With today’s accomplishment, I have declared my recovery from open-heart surgery in January complete (well sort of). For months I’ve been dreading this day because I was putting so much pressure on myself to participate, but I never really knew what I would accomplish. I registered to run the full marathon months ago, knowing that I could run something less than the full and even drop out if things just didn’t click. Dropping out was the likely scenario today because I’ve been (up to today) reacting badly to my beta-blocker medication, which is designed to keep my heart rate down and to some degree also my blood pressure. All my previous runs this summer have been a real struggle…just a week ago I painfully completed the 5K Musk Ox Farm run and nearly died…a pure disaster! Fortunately, I had a visit with Dr. Linda Ireland (my cardiologist) on Thursday and I presented a two-page summary of everything “going wrong” (poor running, dizziness during the day, cold fingers, fatigue, etc.). She agreed to cut in half my beta-blocker meds, in concert with doing more medical tests next week and keeping a daily log of how I react to the decreased dosage. Well, if today’s event is any indication, I’m reacting favorably!

I promised Marian and my running buddies that I would drop out of the marathon at the first sign of trouble, well; there were no signs of trouble to be had. The marathon time limit was six hours and I really didn’t know if I could finish before then because I had only run two 13-milers before, I hadn’t really built up my base, and I didn’t know how I’d react to the new medication dosage. Running with a full fanny pack was a real pain also…I had a cell phone and emergency numbers, an extra long sleeve tek-shirt, 8 Gu packs, a chocolate chip Cliff bar, three Ipod shuffles, tp, and a water bottle…I had to be prepared because I really had no idea how long I might be out there. Running conditions were perfect…temps in the upper 50s, slight breeze, and overcast skies.

I carefully planned to, and started slow and steady. It was a strange feeling to be at the back of the pack after only running 6 blocks (there were only about 250 marathon runners). I had intermediate goals…get to the half marathon milepost and do a reality check…got there with a time of 2:39.59. I was real happy with that, as I normally would run my half in 2:10ish. Next goal, get to mile 16.5, that’s where I’d have to make a decision to go left (which would be a 2 mile detour back to the starting line) or go right (which takes you out to the furthest point – mile 21 - from the finish line and double back to the finish line). Going right would give me about 2 ¾ hours to run 10 miles…I could do that, I was at 3:17.38…I went right (not politically). Beginning around mile 22 on my way back along Chester Creek Trail, I began to realize that my running pace, although steady, had slowed considerably. So much so that I thought I could walk as fast as I was running…I tested it out. I walked mile 23 in 15 minutes, about 1 ½ minutes slower than I was running. I decided to run/walk the remaining 3 miles and was glad I did. I tested it out and walked mile 23 in 15 minutes, about 1 ½ minutes slower than I was running. I decided to run/walk the remaining 3 miles and was glad I did. I believe the walking helped move the build up of lactic acid out of my legs. The only hiccup occurred at mile 24 ½ …a strong wave of nausea hit me: I almost lost it. I had to concentrate real hard to get through that. Luckily the mile 25-aid station had some Gator Aid, which really help get rid of the nausea. About mile 25 ½ I began to feel euphoric and emotional, especially when I started to see runners doubling back on the Coastal Trail already wearing their finishers medals. I knew I was going to finish…I couldn’t believe it!!! Upon reaching the top of the steep H Street hill (the bastards) and with only a few blocks left, I lost it when I turned left onto 6th Avenue…there was the finish line 100 yards ahead and my friend Sandy Bowker screaming support my way…the emotions flowed freely and I welcomed it. My mind began to play back the many months of recuperation I went through and all the associated family and friends support. I thanked God for the medical professionals who saved my life back in January. I also never thought back in February when I started my rehabilitation at Providence Hospital with Hal and his crew that I would be where I am today athletically.

Approaching the finish line I heard my name being announced…I puffed up my chest, cleared my mind and waved victory signs proudly over my head as I crossed the line: time 5:42.19. I kissed the finishers medal as soon as it was placed around my neck. Coming out the shoot, my buddy Bob Bowker (who finished his first marathon since having prostate cancer surgery in March: time 4:36) and I embraced and again he and I let the emotions flow. The tears turned to smile soon afterwards, especially when we went to Humpy’s for mass quantities of food (and for me, beer).

I did it! Bob did it too! We both came back from surgery...hooray! How the hell I did it I’ll never know. Funny thing, I really didn’t have any physical problems: no black toenails, no sore ankles, no cramps in my calf muscles or in any leg muscles, no side stitches, no lower back ache, no racing heart rate, no fatigue to speak of, no dizziness, no nothing (except the slight nausea at mile 24 ½). I’ll let this all settle in for a few days and do a reality check about my physical fitness…I’m not sure what my next “goal” will be but after today, Trampathon 2010 to Europe sounds like a real possibility…stay tuned!

Check out the Humpy's Marathon slide show to the right.

Hurricane Hannah's neverending adventures: Part 4

2009-08-09T20:10:00.013-08:00

What an adventurous summer vacation Hannah has had! It started the first day of summer vacation when she was attacked and trampled by a cow moose (Part 1). Mid-summer she made a trip with me to the Jersey coast (Part 2) and Washington, D.C. (Part 3). Part 4 began this past Thursday morning when Hannah complained of abdominal pains and she stayed home from camp at the Campbell Creek Science Center. Pain pills worked somewhat through the day. Actually, Marian and I thought that Hannah may be experiencing her first menstrual cramps. I took off to a late movie (Terminator: Salvation I give it 3 stars) thinking things were under control...not! As soon as I got out of the movie I received a call from Marian that she and Hannah were at the Providence Hospital emergency room. They were advised to go there immediately after going first to our local Doc-in-the box. After arriving there at 9:30 pm, the tests began...blood work, poking here and there, CT Scan, etc. Yep, it's appendicitis and at 3 am she went into surgery. The laparoscopic surgery was over at 5 am and we accompanied her to her room. It was amazing how strong Hannah was through this entire ordeal. Her weakest moments were related to her fear that she would not wake up from the general anesthesia...she was pretty scared about this and it actually made me have flashbacks to my fears of not waking up from the pain/sleep medicine that was administered to me during my heart surgery hospital stay. The entire Providence staff was very supportive and treated Hannah tenderly. We had been given the impression that Hannah would come home on Saturday but that didn't happen. Dr. Jolly (yes that is his real name) wanted Hannah to be more pain-free and digestively active before being discharged...that happened today, hooray! Hannah has 1 1/2 weeks before school starts and should back to Hurricane Hannah strength before then.

Thanks so much for all the supporting calls and visits from our family friends...it was much appreciated.

She is now home resting comfortably and has us under her thumb for a few days living the good life.

Alaskan Summer..."Scotty, I need more power." "That's all she's got Captain. Anymore and she'll blow!"

2009-07-22T22:54:00.011-08:00

The past seven weeks have been a blur. Colorado, New Jersey shore, Washington, D.C., Kenai River, etc... So much going on this summer, as it should be. Not much quality time to keep the blog up to date and post photos of all the adventures. I'll get there sooner or later...stay tuned.

Short story is that we are having a wonderful summer in Alaska. The weather is sweet, no mosquitoes, fishing is hot, and my running is improving each day. I recently ran the Alaska Mens 5-mile race to help raise funds for men's cancer research.

I ran in support of my friends Bob Bowker, Bob Lipsy, and Jimmy Fuhrer...all are prostate cancer survivors. I was happy with my time (around 54 minutes) because I finally ran faster than an 11 minute per mile pace, plus the course was hilly. Slowly and steadily my running is recovering from my January heart surgery. Getting to a 9:30 pace before the snow falls (sometime in Sept/Oct) would be amazing!

"Scotty, we'll need everything you've got." -- Kirk, "Aye. Warp drive standing by." -- Scotty, Star Trek III: The Search For Spock

Colorado Rocky Mountain High

2009-06-28T19:30:00.004-08:00

I'm catching my breath today because after being home only one week since returning from our 12-day family trip to Colorado, Hannah and I are preparing to head to the east coast tonight for an extended trip to visit family in New Jersey and tour Washington, D.C. The trip will be wonderful but leaving Alaska in the summer is insane, especially when we've been having bluebird days and the salmon fishing is hot! Trading dry, 60 degree days for hot and very humid days on the east coast will be somewhat mitigated because my Mom lives only 15 minutes from the Jersey shore; my sister is only 5 minutes away! Lots of beach time in store for us. Hannah is super excited about the trip to DC, as she really got into the Presidential election last year. She has put together a list of must-sees...the Air and Space Museum is top priority, especially after seeing the latest Night at the Museum - Battle of the Smithsonian movie...in it was an epic battle. The movie also featured other classic DC places/monuments. While in DC I'll also be visiting dear friends I worked with when I was employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the first time). Trips to New York City, sailing, a July 4th celebration, a round of golf, and high school buddies visiting over a serving of my Mom's famous lasagna dinner are in store for us.

Back to Colorado. Fantastic trip, fantastic weather, fantastic family of in-laws! The 12-day trip was loaded with adventure. My brother-in-law Charles organized the entire Lilley Family reunion, which was held in Breckenridge. Before going there, however, Marian, Hannah and I traveled to Ft. Collins to visit with my daughter Laura who is a Senior at Colorado State University. We toured the Ft. Collins area with her before going further north to visit with Marian's Uncle Roy, who was going to have open heart surgery. After that was a visit with Marian's friend Lanore, who lived in Anchorage at one time. I spent another day visiting with my friend Larry Gamble who I worked with at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...after a lunch in Golden we toured the area including the famous Red Rocks Concert Arena.

So much happened at the Lilley Family Reunion that I thought it best to put together a slide show illustrating the highlights of our many adventures...the slide show is located in the blog's right margin. The short story is that a great time was had by all. Lots of great meals, scenery, weather, laughs, conversation, outdoor adventures, and camaraderie. I can't wait until our next family reunion in 2011...the planning has already begun.

Holy crap! I have yet to pack! Off the to the Jersey shore!

P.S. Running/fitness update: The running is going well. I had a great week of 5 mile runs and yesterday I posted my first 8-miler. I did not have any fatigue feelings in my legs this week and the only time I slowed down during my 8-mile was to drink water and take my Gu packet. I'm hoping that I can keep up my running in Jersey, but I fear the heat and humidity will take its toll on me. My strength training continues to be very rewarding and my tennis game is slowly improving thanks to lots of matches with my friend Jon Spring. Upon retuning to Alaska, I'm scheduled to run the Mens 5-Miler for Mens Cancer Research...I'm running in honor of my friends Bob Bowker, Bob Lipsy and Jimmy Fuhrer, all are survivors of prostate cancer. Update on my friend Mark Schroeder's effort to Boston-qualify (BQ). Mark had hoped to BQ running the Mayor's Marathon on June 20 but had to cancel out because during his last long training run he was run over from behind by a bicyclist. Badly bruised, he hated to bow out because he had trained real hard over the long Alaska winter to BQ at the Mayor's. However, he now hopes to BQ running the Humpy's Marathon in August.

Twilight Twelve K in the Greatland!

2009-06-08T19:07:00.013-08:00

Well, it wasn't a stellar performance but it did a great deal for strengthening my resolve to get back into marathon shape. Running the Skinny Raven Sports Twilight 12K last Friday was lots of fun, primarily because my buddy Mark ran (I mean jogged/walked) it with me...thank God he did because I may have taken short cuts along the way! The race was sponsored by the city's premier running store, Skinny Raven. Jerry Ross, the state's top distance runner and Olympic hopeful, was the organizer. Prior to the start of the 12K, a 1-mile running event was held pitting against each other the top high school and college 1600 and 3200 meter runners. Predictably, Trevor Dunbar won in 4:10ish...I featured a blog entry about him a few months ago.

Back to the 12K. Joining Mark and I in the race were my friends Judy Blake and Jim Gamble. Jim has run marathons here and abroad. Judy is an amazing runner who occasionally places in her 55-age group. Judy regularly trains with a group and likes to run trails and half marathons.

The very sunny 12K route began downtown and worked its way to the Government Hill area where there were nice views of downtown and old neighborhoods. I didn't have any trouble running up to this point. From Government Hill the route went back through downtown and on to the Coastal Trail. It was at this point that I felt like I needed to walk more often...boo. It was also now becoming cloudy, cool, and breezy. Mark kept my spirits up with great conversation. The Coastal Trail is Anchorage's running route jewel...beautiful views of Cook Inlet and the mountains beyond. I think the thought of eating

all the furnished pizza I wanted at the finish line keep me motivated from this point on. Approaching the 6 mile route marker, I reminded Mark that I hadn't run more than 6 miles up to this point...I ceremonially stepped past the sign and kept going. By now it was easy to see that Mark and I were probably some of the very last runners left on the route...the other 500+ runners were by now eating all my pizza! As we ran along Westchester Lagoon, up Bootleggers Cove, and approached the finish line on the Delaney Park Strip I couldn't help but wonder why the hell I entered the race. I was not running well, I was tired, cold and hungry as hell. Luckily I had Mark with me to remind me that running with friends is always fun and given my situation, I should be proud that I was out there doing it. How strange it was to enter the finishers shoot and hear Jerry Ross call out Mark and my bib numbers and names while hundreds of runners gathered around the finish line cheered us on...I was embarrassed for my time.

I wanted to go somewhere and hide, but instead I shot over to the pizza boxes only to see that there weren't any pizzas left!!!! However, my wife Marian saved the day. For God knows how long, she saved one slice of pizza for me. Despite it being as cold as my hands and being as stiff as a board, I devoured it...along with one other piece that someone found while picking up the pizza boxes to throw away.

Mark is a special friend and I really appreciate him running the race with me when he could have run it probably at a 8 minute per mile pace, or faster. Mark is training very hard to run the Mayor's Marathon on June 20 and hopefully qualify for Boston. He has come to within a minute of doing so on a number of occasions. I wish him luck on his upcoming marathon and I hope there is enough pizza at the end of the race for him...run fast Mark!

Close encounters of the MOOSE kind!!

2009-05-22T22:33:00.020-08:00

What probably lasted only a minute or so, seemed like hours on Friday when Hannah and I had a harrowing encounter with a cow moose (defending her calf) while finishing our 11 mile bicycle ride on Anchorage's Coastal Trail. Here's Hannah's account of the adventure, which she emailed to some of her friends...I'll add my observations afterwards.

Hi ! It's Hannah! How's your summer?

On Friday (the day after school ended ) My dad and I were biking in Kincaid and all of a sudden a mother moose jumped out of the woods and attacked me! She knocked me off my bike and I was knocked on the ground. I was yelling and crying. The bike landed on me sort of. She then started trampling me and kicking my bike. My dad came next to me and chucked his bike at the moose to get her off of me. She ran away finally. my dad helped me up. I wasn't hurt too bad. My leg was cut and bleeding. She kicked my head (good thing I was wearing a bike helmet) so I had a goose egg there. My bike had a huge dent in the metal from her kicking it. the thing that holds the wheels on was broken. We had to walk a mile to the car. We later got a new bike helmet. I'm doing pretty good right now just really sore. I'm lucky I'm alive!

Hannah

From my perspective, it truly is amazing that Hannah did not get seriously injured. A few years ago a University of Alaska Anchorage student was trampled to death by a moose when he attempted to walk between a cow and calf to enter a campus building. This type of incident happens to others, not to me and my family...wrong! I've lived in Anchorage since 1982 and this incident with Hannah is the first of its kind for us.

With only a mile left in our bike ride and approaching the huge hill leading to the Kincaid Chalet where our car was parked, Hannah decided to build up some steam to help get up the hill. Just as she passed me on my left, a cow moose appeared out of nowhere from my right and charged after Hannah. Why it didn't charge after me instead, I'll never know. I yelled to Hannah to look out and just as she stopped to look back at me, the moose hit her, knocked her off her bike, and she and the bike fell off the trail into a low lying area. The moose was over her in an instant and began to trample her, primarily with her front legs. Luckily Hannah was pinned under the bike so it took the blows (for the most part) instead of Hannah. Upon seeing the moose charge after Hannah, I followed the moose as fast as I could peddle. In one sweeping movement I jumped off my bike, picked it up, and using it as a shield, I attacked the moose who by now was standing over Hannah and her bike. Yelling and screaming, I stood over Hannah while attempting to push the moose off Hannah with my bike. It appeared to work because I was able to turn the moose around and get it off Hannah. I yelled to Hannah to get up, which she did after crawling out from under the bike...she hugged my waist hanging on for dear life. What was weird is that when the moose stopped trying to kick us, it just stood there staring at me though the frame of the bike...eye to eye. The moose blinked first and it lumbered back onto the trail, all the while keeping her eye on us. Once on the paved trail, with its ears still laid back, it ran back into the vegetation towards where Hannah said her calf was last seen.

Needless to say, Hannah was terrified but not in shock. She did sustain some bruises on her legs and has a few bumps on her head from where glancing blows landed on her bike helmet. Her bike took all the major damage...so much so that it was not able to be ridden. We walked the final mile back to the car with me pushing both bikes and trying to console Hannah. The walk actually did us some good because we were able to process the event together and we warned others about the "mad moose" that was on the trail. On the way home, we stopped at McD's and used junk food to help us feel better. We also stopped and bought a new bike helmet for Hannah.

It's now two days since the incident and Hannah is doing fine, although she is still sheepish about walking around outside fearing another moose will attack her...understandable. I think the huge BBQ we had yesterday also kept her mind off things. It truly is amazing how fast potentially deadly events can occur. One accurately placed kick from that moose and Hannah could have been history, just like that unfortunate University student. Thank God everything worked out, including me being healthy enough to ward off the moose...my heart was truly tested in many ways. I suspect Hannah's brush with death will affect her in ways still unknown...it sure as hell affected me.

The Crayton-Lilley family adventures continue.

Graduation!

2009-05-14T21:18:00.013-08:00

No, it's not high school graduation! It's my graduation from the Providence Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Thursday, May 14, I finished my 36th (12 weeks) session at the facility and I tell you, it was worth every dime (actually thousands of dollars) Blue Cross/Blue Shield had to pay. I can't begin to tell you how important it was to me to reach my rehabilitation goals which were to gain my weight back, improve my stamina to participate in the Alaska Heart Run, build up some upper body muscle mass, finish the program having run a 10K distance, and overall being "subsistence fit." I accomplished all but the 10K distance...my longest run was 5 miles and not 6.2 miles.

The commitment and patience the staff (Hal, Jennifer, Christine, Marie and others) exhibited was top notch. It was amazing how they were always in a good mood and eager to answer questions. Don't get me wrong, they were tough when they had to be, especially if someone was goofing off too much or distracting others. Every Wednesday there would be a 30 minute presentation before our session covering a wide variety of fitness topics to help make our life more healthy. NOTE: I always seemed to arrive late for the presentations ... must be the semi-retired person coming out in me. A special thank you goes to Hal who provided me encouragement when I was in the ICU and PCU, coached me during my first short walks in the hospital hallways, and supervised my full recovery during the 12 week rehab session. Thanks again!

I lost track of how many folks I met over the 12 weeks. All types of professions were represented: policeman, writer/editor book publisher, nun, retired Air Force officer, real estate agent, tile craftsman, oil field workers, city vehicle maintenance supervisors, and city, state and federal workers. It was most interesting to hear the stories told by the many Anchorage sourdoughs who went through the program. Stories about the Great Alaska Earthquake in 1964, political scandals, hunting expeditions all around the state, fishing adventures, personal tragedies, and stories about how Anchorage use to be before all the development.

This week marks the first week since the January 13 operation that I truly feel like I am on my own, and I welcome it. Now I am totally responsible for keeping up my weight training and cardio work outs and having to schedule sessions around family activities and my part time work at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. My plan for 3-to-4 days a week is to head to my local hole-in-the-wall gym (Polaris Gym) and weight train for an hour. I'll be able to run 4-to-6 miles at noon each day I work at the Corps, which is 3 days a week. I hope to run a long route once a week on the weekend. I don't work on Monday or Friday so I'll use those days for lots of things, like playing golf, maybe some tennis, doing chores, and planning family adventures.

If all goes well, I should be in good shape to seriously start planning my 2010 European Trampathon by summer's end. I'll continue to use this blog site to "tempt" others to join me on my European adventure...hopefully some of you will allow yourself to be tempted!

Sleeping less in Seattle!

2009-05-14T18:12:00.013-08:00

Ok, Seattle is not Europe but I was determined to get out of Anchorage and pretend that I was actually living a (semi)retired life. Circumstances were such that I was itching to visit my 24-year-old son Michael who lives in Seattle and a movie of mutual interest was about to premier. Being Trekkers, both Michael and I were pretty excited about the release of a new Star Trek movie. I raised Michael on Star Trek movies and TV episodes (not to mention all the Star Wars stuff too) so it was a no-brainer that we should use the movie’s premier to join forces and experience the new adventures of the new USS Enterprise and its reinvented crew. NOTE: No movie review provided; however, seeing it twice will help you understand more about what happened and why.

My trip lasted 3 nights/4 days and it was certainly was a “sleep less” adventure. Long days lasted to 1, 2 and 3 am! The action-packed trip included a midnight showing of Star Trek at the Seattle Center’s IMAX theater, a second viewing at the Downtown Cinemax Theater, touring Pike Market, bicycle riding, tennis, long walks in the University of Washington Botanical Gardens, watching a movie or two and playing video games on Michael’s entertainment center, playing chess games, mini-golf, hiking in Discovery Park, playing pool, and eating, eating, eating. Throw in a beer or two or three as well. Bluebird weather occurred each day…for me it was almost too hot!

It was a real special treat to have great conversations with my son and to meet and spend time with Michael’s girlfriend Jamie, who is attending Bastyr University and studying to get a BS in Herbal Science. Michael, who is a design engineer with Pathway Medical Technologies, learned earlier in the week that he would be laid-off in July…that put a damper, somewhat over things but Michael is looking forward to the challenge of regrouping and charting a new course for his future. I also had a chance to meet his other housemates who are also attending college…one (Chris) is pre-med, Tommy is in a math doctorate program, and Travis will be attending the Seattle Film Institute this fall. Michael is hoping that they'll all be able to remain roommates when the lease runs out in August and they have to move from their wonderful location.

My Florida buddies Bill and Yianni (John Bob) are planning to run the inaugural Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon in June. I had hoped to scope out the entire course but much of it overlaps with what is the Seattle Marathon course, which I ran in 2003. I think they'll find the course pretty easy, as it avoids most of the large hills east of downtown Seattle and the stretch along Lake Washington will be very refreshing (that is if there isn't a north wind blowing). Sorry Yianni, I couldn't find a good hiding place for the bottle of ouzo...too many homeless folks camped out along the route! Maybe you guys can hoist a brew with Michael while you are back there.

I put together a slide show of my Seattle trip and it is posted in the right column of my blog. Seattle and its surroundings are very photogenic, so it was hard to limit the number of photos I wanted to take. Enjoy the shots and certainly come to the west coast and spend spring time in Seattle. My guess is that you'll sleep less in Seattle like I did.

Live long and prosper!

Kyle Garlett...Heart Transplant Recipient and Triathlete

2009-05-10T22:03:00.006-08:00

What an amazing story Kyle has to tell. I have to thank my buddy Ron Skinner for sending me the story, and now I send it out to you all. This man has conquered several bouts with the cancer Hodgkin's Disease, the affects of radiation and chemotherapy, has a heart transplant, and other related aliments. The audio story is about 10 minutes long but it is well worth listening to...you will truly be inspired by his strong desire to accomplish his athletic goal of participating in the Hawaii Ironman.

http://www.enduranceplanet.com/public/281.cfm

the other woman; me or her?

2009-05-05T21:16:00.003-08:00

Gosh, you'd think he'd be a little more discreet on his blog about his crush on Uta. I thought I was the only one back in '94 but apparently I was wrong. (Not able to post a comment so glad I have access to the blog...in case it gets out of hand with Uta type material)
Marian :-)

Uta...sweet Uta has been found!

2009-05-04T19:31:00.008-08:00

One of my major winter time/post heart surgery goals was to sort through all my running paraphernalia and make room for more paraphernalia to come. My God, the stuff I collected over the years was amazing. Everything from racing bibs, photos, 10 year old energy bars, every kind of gadget invented to secure your timing chip to your shoe, rock-hard sport jelly beans, posters, loads of first aid items, etc. etc. etc. It's amazing what one can collect at all the marathon expos. It's like Halloween...you know what I'm talking about. You and your running buddies gather in your hotel room, dump on the floor all the crap you collected, and you start trading. I'll trade you a travel size can of Adidas deodorant for two of your Snickers bars.

So what's up with Uta? Back in the early 1990's when I was getting back into running marathons, I started paying more attention to what was going on in the world of marathoning and how to train properly. I also started to read about world class marathoners...thus enter Uta Pippig from Germany. It was her accomplishment in 1993, winning the NYC Marathon, and in 1994, winning the Boston Marathon, (and her killer smile and good looks) that caught my attention...but it was her July 1994 Runner's World cover story and photo-log that made me a captive fan. One of the few Runner's World issues I did save and found in one of the boxes was that July 1994 issue.

Travel 13 years into the future to the 2007 Boston Marathon. I was running the 2007 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) in support of raising funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. My buddies Bill Parady and John Clidas were also running Boston and I invited them to the Dana-Farber pasta feed, which included a number of presentations and ceremonies. I totally freaked out when I saw that Uta Pippig was a major speaker and supporter of the DFMC...actually, I think I began to sweat and my face turned red. I also think my excitement was a little obvious! You can only imagine how excited I was to meet and chat with her later in the evening. I think I sweat more while talking to her than I did running the marathon!

Boston 2007 was a marathoner's dream come true for many reasons. Not only did I meet Sweet Uta but I had a chance to see and hear many other Boston Marathon legends speak....that's another story for another time. Gee, I wonder what else I'll discover in the boxes I have yet to unpack...stay tuned.

Start of something good!

2009-04-26T21:22:00.018-08:00

Boy, it sure felt good to be back into the running community. Alaska's largest running event, the Alaska Heart Run, was held yesterday and it was a grand event. About 6,500 runners and walkers participated in the event. Among the participants, and wearing bib #1, was a young boy named Shawn who received a heart transplant in summer 2008. My running the race was meager compared to Shawn's; however, this event marks the start of my official running comeback...hooray!

Marian and I joined Hannah and the other students and families from her school (the Huffman Huskies) who were running the race. We entered the non-timed event, which started 30 minutes after the timed event. Because I was a Mended Heart runner, I got a real cool Alaska Heart Institute cap.

It was amazing watching the real fast runners go by. The winning time was 15:25.5 (mens) and 18:25.8 (women). A few of my friends ran in the timed 5K event....Mark Carr's time was 20:11.3 (finished 55th for men); Ellyn Brown's time was 21:44.0 (finished 22nd for women); and Mark Schroeder's time was around 23:00.

The winning time of the Mended Heart Division was 20:15.3. Hannah tells me that she and her friend Anna ran the 5K in about 30 minutes...WOW! They finished before I did!

After finishing his timed run, my buddy Mark Schroeder (with cheese bagel in hand) joined Marian, Hannah, the Huffman School crowd and I at the start and ran along side me for the entire race. His companionship and encouragement along the way was really appreciated. Marian was running with us as well but we lost her when she stopped to pick up a little child who fell and was in danger of being trampled.

I'm really excited about getting back into running on the road and rubbing elbows with other runners...hopefully they won't run me over as they go by. I hope to train hard and run far real soon. Nike!

From Vienna to Boston

2009-04-19T12:05:00.014-08:00

The last of the three European marathons I had hoped to run this spring occurred yesterday...nearly 20,000 runners participated in the running events surrounding the Vienna Marathon. Amazingly, I was able to watch the start of the marathon on the site's web page...(10 pm AK Time, 9 am Vienna time). It was a beautiful day for a marathon but somewhat warm (around 70 degrees). Oh how I wish I could have been there...maybe in 2010. Checking out the Marathon Tours web site, I learned that in 2010 the Rome Marathon will be March 21 and the Paris Marathon will be three weeks later on April 11. I'm guessing that Vienna's will be a week later on April 18.

With the Boston Marathon scheduled for tomorrow, I thought I'd post a few thoughts and photos from my experience with the marathon. In 2007, I ran it for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and in memory of many friends and family who are/were affected by cancer. I raised about $13,000 as one of 500 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runners. My friends Bill Parady and John Clidas joined me and also ran the marathon. Bill was my running photo journalist and entire support team. The total experience was very emotional and moving but we also had a blast sharing a hotel room, attending the star-studded expo, attending Dana-Farber functions, and experiencing the wonders of Boston and the nor-easter that threatened to cancel the marathon. My Boston adventure was a very special one, one never to be forgotten. I hope to build on those memories the next time I run it...when, I don't know but it will happen!

Three months ago...

2009-04-13T21:19:00.006-08:00

It has been three months since my heart operation on January 13, which is a milestone according to my two doctors Linda Ireland (cardiac specialist) and Gregory Misbach (cardiac surgeon). Both have told me that after three months I should be back doing what I was doing before the operation...they were kind of close. Both did give me a clean bill of health this last week but I'm still not "normally" healthy. I'm still limiting what weight I can safely lift and I have lingering soreness in my right side of my chest...nothing serious however. I'm told to be patient, it'll heal...sound familiar? So, there isn't too much medical drama left to report about my rehab or in my blog.

My weight is back to where it was before the operation...156, hooray! As for my running, I have a long way to go yet. I'm ready for the 5K Alaska Heart Association Run on April 25...it's the distance beyond that which is making me nervous. Now that I can run outside (because of 40+ temperatures and snow/ice-clear road shoulders and sidewalks) I should get back in shape sooner. Running on the treadmill and elliptical at cardiac rehab makes me sweat but it can't totally prepare me for running outside in the elements. I have about 5 weeks left in my rehab sessions...I know I'll miss them, the staff, and classmates when it's over.

I hope to soon be doing what I remind my fellow runners to do, that is Train hard...run far!

Odds-n-ends

2009-04-08T21:01:00.011-08:00

I had a weird experience running at the Dome yesterday. Tuesday's Dome schedule (posted on their web site) showed no one using the track that day so I planned to have a nice relaxing run after work at 4 pm. You can imagine my surprise when I approached the Dome parking lot and saw three high school buses parked in a completely packed lot! What the hell!?!? People were flooding in and out of the place like honey bees leaving and entering their hive. Once inside I saw that the track was packed with 3 practicing high school track teams, hurdles thrown everywhere and the infield was being heavily used by countless baseball, soccer, and football teams. Garbage and athletic gear were thrown everywhere. Dino, the manager, greeted me and told me he saw all the Providence Hospital ads and tv commercials I have recently appeared in and asked me how I was doing. I filled him in and he told me that even with the chaos, the track is actually open for members use. I mentioned how the web site indicated that no one was suppose to be here...he said they screwed up royally. Anyway, I did dress out and ran through the gauntlet of harriers, but for only two miles. The place was very hot, dry, and noisy...way too many people in there. Lots of jerks running amok trying to impress girls and not leaving any room for me or anyone else using the track. Actually, it would have been fun to crack open a 6-pack, grab a chair, and watch the goings-on...I'm sure glad I'm not in high school anymore. My guess, however, is that I was probably as goofy and jerky when I ran high school track and cross-country. Say it ain't so!

The good old days!

Breaking the tape in first place, 1/2-mile, time 2:02.7

Wayne Valley HS, 1970.

P.S. The locker room was filled with a bunch of kids when I went to change. The boys were all talking about how they can't wait to get out of high school. I just had to say something to them, so I butted in and said, "Hey, don't rush things. Enjoy high school now because when you graduate you'll be thrown into reality and it's not necessarily fun out there." All I got were blank stares. The world is doomed!

Spring time in Paris...not!

2009-04-05T19:49:00.003-08:00

I celebrated "not being in France today to run the Paris Marathon" by running 3 miles at the Dome. It was a lonely run but I ran well and took 2 minutes off my Friday 3-mile run. Check out the 2009 Paris Marathon at:

http://www.parismarathon.com/marathon/2009/us/index.html

I'm halfway through my cardiac rehab program and thoroughly thrilled with my progress. My weight training is steadily improving, my body weight is near pre-surgery numbers, and I'm ready to trot the 5K Alaska Heart Run on April 25.

Had a really nice weekend, Hannah's 11th birthday was Friday, it was sunny all weekend, and temperatures reached into the 40s. Life is good!

A Note from Marian

2009-03-30T13:25:00.011-08:00

It has been awhile since I have written on Wayne's blog and that is just as well. Today is a bittersweet day in this whole saga of Wayne's post retirement events (and I include my sweet dog, Bailey). Backing up a bit, last October 1 I started a 3 week stay at home vacation which was heaven. Then when I "returned" to work, I was asked to stay home and work on some projects. "Would that be okay?" they asked. It was an answer to a prayer I hadn't even prayed! It was a gift and a blessing from God who knows what I want and need more than I do. Anyway, I enjoyed 5 months working from home but Wayne wasn't always exactly thrilled about it. He thought they could easily strike the line item on the budget that was me. Well they didn't and then he retired and well, you know what happened after that. It was such a blessing be able to work from home and be here to do the things Wayne couldn't do and for his healing and all that stuff. (I also had help, and you know who you are!!) But 2 weeks ago, when my sweet friend and co worker, Casey, gave birth 2 months early (all is good there!), I had to come in and resume her duties which used to be my old duties...(it's all a very complicated situation) I was sad to give up such a good thing but knew I couldn't complain. So I have been adjusting to being back in the office and it has been good. I have a great boss and we have new management and I am so much happier there. But enough about me!!! (this is what I hate about blogs...) What I am getting to is that today marks the first day of Wayne going back to work--real work...I am kind of bummed about it because he finally got to feel a little retired the last couple of weeks and now he has to work. Not that it is a bad thing because we are grateful for the privelege of working, but there were some goals and now they will just take longer. The whole time he was off he felt like he was on sick time. He is actually doing fine considering he isn't in Europe. There is enough other fun stuff to keep him occupied. Not that it compares, mind you, but Wayne's life is hardly boring. For instance, worrying about ash getting into the house for a day and a half was a project for him to consume himself with (he is a real neat nick for those of you who don't know but don't get me started on that). Hannah even said, "If dad wasn't here, you'd be letting ash get all over the house." I don't know how I earned such a bad rap. Just because I live with the King of Clean doesn't make me a slob. But I know and accept I pale in comparison. And so be it. I can live with that. So today Wayne begins half time which in addition to his rehab makes almost FT being out of the house M-Th. I have the day off today for Sewards Day and tomorrow poor Bailey (where all of this comes full circle from the first sentence) will be out in the cold for the first time in 6 months without someone home to spoil his little springer self!!

Below is a yesterday picture of our yard with the ash and today is the after picture with new snow. It looks all innocent as if nothing happened...yet I know not only is there ash underneath but also all the leaf piles that I couldn't pick up before the first snow. Last fall, while Wayne was off running his last marathon (for now) he left me home to contend with the end of autumn and the simulaneous beginning of winter in one afternoon. It was the first and only time I raked and shoveled in the same day.

There she blows!

2009-03-28T22:11:00.006-08:00

Soon after January 28, the day I arrived home from the hospital, the U.S. Geological Survey started issuing alerts that Mt. Redoubt may be ready to erupt. Mt. Redoubt is about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage. Well, last weekend it finally erupted and deposited ash north and west of Anchorage...that was until today.

The latest eruption around 3:30 pm deposited ash in the Anchorage Bowl area.

The fresh snow we received over the last three days is now covered with with ash...a strange gray hue covers everything.

Check out the cool info about the eruption and Mt. Redoubt at

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php

Antarctica Marathon Photos

2009-03-25T20:29:00.002-08:00

My friend Anna, a fellow 2002 Athens marathoner, who lives in Southern California completed the Antarctica Marathon this month...hooray! Like many of you fellow marathoners, traveling to Antarctica and running its marathon would be a dream. To help us along with our dreaming, Anna posted some of her trip photos...check them out at http://www.flickr.com/photos/anna_mangini/

It's lovely here in Rome!

2009-03-22T19:05:00.016-08:00

Oh how I wish I could have actually said it for real! The Rome Marathon was run today and instead of giving you a report about how I did running it, I'm reporting that we received 5 more inches of snow today in Anchorage and I'm depressed about missing the marathon and the rest of my "Trampathon" through Italy, Paris, and Vienna. I was sure as hell determined to do something, ANYTHING to help take my mind off what I was missing today. So, after attending an early mass at my church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, I headed to Anchorage's indoor running track at The Dome (see link), the site where I had been training for the "Trampathon" and where it fell apart due to my heart problems. The last time I ran at the Dome (actually the last time I ran before my January 13 operation) was on December 30, 2008: I ran 4 miles that day and it was marred with dizziness and lightheadedness. After dressing out I slowly walked onto the track and was overcome with emotions: I was determined to run "Rome" today no matter what. As I trotted around the track in the far outside lane, other runners much, much, much faster than I passed me in lanes 1 and 2. However, that didn't bother me because I was out there in my element "running Rome". With each lap I imagined the Roman street scenes I was sure to have seen along the way. After 2 miles, I walked one cool-down lap and called it quits. There was no finish line in the Colosseum to cross, no medals handed out, and no bottle of Italian wine to chug afterwards with my fellow marathoners. There was only the screaming sounds of soccer players on the infield and the stale smell of the men's locker room.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not moping around the house everyday feeling sorry for myself (although Marian might have something to say about that). I realize that not being in Europe on my retirement trip has given me an interesting opportunity to experience "what if." What if I had been in Europe the past few days? Well, I would have missed a nice lunch with a dear friend that I worked with at the Minerals Management Service; missed a spirited meeting with the Huffman O'Malley Community Council; missed a few brews with a golfing buddy; missed a fantastic dinner hosted by close friends and hearing the touring adventures of a couple who spent Spring Break in Italy and Greece; missed a lovely walk with our dog Bailey and friends on a beautiful frozen lake; and missed a date with my daughter Hannah to see the musical "Annie" performed by a national touring company. So you see, I'm working on putting things into perspective.

But then there is my good buddy David. David and I were hoping to cross paths in Italy while I was there also. Well, he is there...in Rome...and I'm not. He is my eyes and ears and I'm experiencing Rome through his emails to me...check out his latest...

hi wayne,
thanks so much for your email. as i am travelling alone, it is great to be in touch with friends back home. although i just had a lovely conversation and italian lesson with henry at the front desk. he is italian, but his dad was working in el paso and he was born there. he is 40 and his first baby is due may 1! he seems very excited! it is so cute to see him tear up at the prospect. what a glorious day! this is really an amazing city. i am so glad that i decided to come back. i tallied it up, this is my 8th visit to italy, 5th to rome, and this is the second time i have spent two weeks in the capitol.

today was the Rome marathon!! i wanted to get some photos and video clips of the action, and boy did i! today was a beautiful day, so the race could not have had better weather. the finish line was at the Colosseum, i caught the first, second and third place finishers of the disabled competitors, the men and the women. all the first five finishers were from Kenya, both men and women, not the disabled, first there went to an Italian. the whole thing was done i classic Italian fashion, seemingly chaotic! but it was managed chaos, at least from a spectators point of view. it was glorious, glorious!!

from there i wandered around the palantine hill, over the river for lunch in trastevere (literally means the other side of the tiber river.) the restaurant was terrific. i had eaten there with caroline and maryellen four years ago. still as popular as ever. sunday in lasagna day, it was out of this world!!! and is served as the primi piatti, for secondi i had the lamb a la cacciatora, i would describe it as braised in olive oil with rosemary! heaven! the contorni was chard, i guess, hard to say, but yummy. with dessert, wine, water and bread it came to 27 euros! what a deal.

from there i spent the afternoon wandering and wandering, once around the island in the river, isola di tiburtina. then to all my favorite hot spots, campo di fiori, piazza navona, panteon, and back again. another meal, wine and pizza, it was a grand, i would say a perfect, day.

ok...enough already. i hope your recovery is proceeding well. tomorrow i hope to be off to the amalfi for a day overlooking the med. warmer today, in fact, i was over dressed, oh well.
love ya tons!!! ciao bella, baci baci, dac

Tomorrow is another cardiac rehab day and I must say, the three days a week sessions are doing wonders for me. Hal and his staff monitor our work outs carefully and provide lots of motivation. There are about 12 people in my rehab class and every week someone seems to "graduate" out of it (Graduation seems to occur when the insurance coverage ends!).

I enjoy the weight training but it always makes my chest sore...I may have to get that checked out by Dr. Misbach this week.

I always make sure to get at least 30 minutes on the treadmill. So far my pace is about 4.3 mph at a 2%-to-3% grade. I also try to get some time on the elliptical trainer. I went 40 minutes one day and my butt was sore for two days! Hey, I think I now know how to get my lost butt back!

One final thought via a quote:

If at first you don't succeed, you are running about average.

M.H. Aldeson

When in Rome, do what the Romans do ... ciao bella, baci baci, dac!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T21:36:00.008-08:00

Great timing...I'm feeling great these days, it's St. Patrick's Day, and tomorrow I would have been flying to Europe to begin my six week trip to Europe...boo on that last point! So, it seems natural to celebrate "green day" with a few brews with my friends (Jon, me, Neal, Stewart, Brian and another Wayne).

Reilly's bar was packed with folks claiming Irish blood...it was a blast. Lots and lots of Guinness, a shot of whisky, Irish dancers, bag pipes, drummers, and plenty of corn beef sandwiches.

Had to call an early evening because of tomorrow morning's scheduled sonogram of my heart (the first since the January 13 operation) and cardiac rehab session. Cheers!

Thanks for standing by me.

2009-03-10T14:06:00.008-08:00

My friend Lois sent me this link to a song that was recorded/taped by coordinating performances from around the world...very cool! I'm dedicating it to all those who stood by me and my family during the difficult past two months.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM

Kick back and listen to it with the speakers turned up!

P.S. Rumor has it that my wife Marian will be returning to this blog soon to make a"guest" entry and she has a lot to say - - translated - - making fun of me!

Busy as a bee! That's a good thing!

2009-03-02T22:15:00.003-09:00

I'm way behind in updating my blog, but for good reasons. Each day I'm getting better which means I'm doing lots of stuff to fill my time...details and photos will be posted soon. However, here are some hints...Minnesota relatives visiting, champagne snowfalls, alpine glow sunsets, Fur Rendezvous winter festival, Running with the Reindeer, pizza and beer, doctor appointments, cardiac rehab sessions, and "sort of" starting part time work back at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Take care, Wayne

That's a wrap!

2009-02-22T10:12:00.019-09:00

At 4:30 pm last Friday, Director Bob Holden uttered the title of the blog entry after filming me and Dr. (Saint) Misbach for a Providence Hospital tv commercial. I thought it appropriate to use his quote because this past week was the busiest since being discharged from the hospital about four weeks ago.

Monday I started my 3-days-a-week cardiac rehabilitation sessions. Needless to say it was an emotional time because reality hit me that I have a loooog way to go before I can start running again. Losing 10 pounds of mostly muscle mass doesn't help either. At 56, I'm the youngest person in the session...I suspect most of the other dozen are in their late 60s and early 70s. For sure, there is a woman in her 80s. On the first day I was floored to see a person I know very well...Sister Loretta! I know Sister from her years at my church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She conducted Marian and my marriage preparation classes, was a house guest a few times, and just fell in love with Hannah. Currently she is at another parish and we've lost touch. Sister, who is in her late 70s, is a recent breast cancer survivor and most recently an open heart patient.

My sessions revolve around walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes (currently at a 3.5 mile pace, 3% grade), 10 minutes on the elliptical, and 30 minutes of very light (less than 5 pounds) weight work. I got in trouble Thursday when I was caught cranking up the treadmill to a running pace ... the session leader came running over and scolded me for doing that ... the others in the class now poke fun at me calling me a "trouble-maker." In addition to the workout, we do warm-up and cooling-down stretching exercises, and once a week we get a back massage...that's sweet! The great thing about my workouts is that I'm hooked up to a device that monitors and electronically sends my heart rate and EKG profile to the front desk and there a person continually reads the results (of all 12 of us).

Tuesday, Marian drove me to and attended my follow-up visit with my cardiac specialist Dr. Linda Ireland. Because Dr. Ireland gave me permission to start driving, Marian happily stated that she was free from being my chauffeur! Dr. Ireland has a great sense of humor and hearty laugh, which make my visits with her very relaxing and reassuring. Two things...I still have some fluids accumulating in the right side of my chest cavity and my resting heart beat of between 95 and 100 is too high. As a result, I'm still on medication (although on a lower dose) to reduce the fluid and I may have to start taking beta-blockers to reduce my heart rate. My visit with her next week will determine how to address the latter issue. Good news was that my blood chemistry is normal and my surgical incision is healing nicely.

The rest of the blog entry pertains to my call-back to be involved in the production of a tv commercial for Providence Hospital. I was asked to arrive at the ConocoPhillips Cancer Treatment Center in Providence hospital on Wednesday at noon (after completing my cardiac rehab session), and to dress in neutral colors. When I arrived, the production team hired by Bradley Reid to film the commercial was already filming the interview of a woman being treated for cancer. I was quickly ushered away from the set and taken to make-up...there I was powdered, eyebrows trimmed, goatee brushed, age-spots covered, and my hair hair sprayed. After that I was taken back to the set, introduced to some of the production crew, and invited to feast on the large spread of food they had laid out on several tables. I declined the food, as I had a full lunch before arriving...too bad. I sat quietly and intensely observed the interview being conducted with the cancer patient. I was struck with the respect the production crew gave the women...I could tell that they were moved by her story, even though they were concentrating on the production. The production crew consisted of about 20 people...cameramen, lighting crew, video footage crew, sound crew, make staff, and go-fors. Everything has focused on the woman, who sat in a sofa chair and was dressed in a green dress...her bald head was wrapped in a matching green scarf. John Tracy, a local ex-news anchorman and news director for a local tv station (NBC KTUU) and currently a Bradley Reid partner, asked the woman questions he had prepared from earlier interviews with her. Numerous times the woman was brought to tears, which stopped production and required the makeup person to do her thing. When her interview ended and after a 15 minute break, it was my turn. I was determined to not get emotional.

The scene of the production crew from the "hot seat" was very different than from behind the scenes...lots and lots of camera lenses staring at you and bright lights from both above, behind and from the side. However, comforting the scene was John Tracy sitting just outside of camera range...he reassured me that everything was going to go smoothly and that his job was to have a conversation with me and ask questions based on the interview I had with him the week before. Even before the first question was asked, the makeup lady had to come in and dry up the sweat already forming on my forehead. However, once John started asking me questions and the director started filming I calmed down. John often would have me repeat an answer if my reflection and/or tone wasn't right and the sound man recording my answers also had the same right to ask me to repeat a response. The director often had me repeating a response looking in different directions, like into the camera lens or looking at John Tracy or looking out the window, etc. Once they got the type of response they wanted, John would say "that was great" or "that was beautiful." After 35 minutes, John asked me a final question...he asked me if I ever wanted to run another marathon. Well, that one got me...I feft a lump form in my throat and I fought back my tears...unsuccessfully. Entering stage left and running came the makeup lady with her stuff and a tissue. Predictably, both I and the production crew started to laugh. After a few minutes, I was able to answer "Yes!" John Tracy said "That was great!" and the director said "That's a wrap!"

I was asked to return to Providence Hospital on Friday afternoon so that they could film me working out at the Cardiac Rehab Center...no interviews (thank God) just workout footage. I was really excited about doing that mainly because Dr. Misbach, my surgeon, was also invited to show up and be filmed with me. When I arrived I was surprised to see that the workout room was packed with production equipment...I foolishly thought this would be less of an effort. I brought several different sets of workout clothes because I didn't know what was appropriate...the director selected the plainest things I had...a navy blue long sleeve shirt and my black running pants...boring! However, I did have my new pair of Asics. Because the director wanted to film using the bright sunshine coming into the room, we had to work fast. I was first filmed from many different directions walking on the treadmill. Once Dr. Misbach arrived, I was filmed on another aerobic machine while Dr. Misbach was directed to interact with me. That was funny because we were directed to have make-believe conversations, move our heads closer together, put hands on each other's shoulder, tilt our heads, move our arms into different positions, etc. Dr. Misbach said this stuff was harder than doing surgery. After the filming, Dr. Misbach and I were photographed together and separately for some publication stills and other Providence PR stuff. I had some time before I left to chat with Dr. Misbach...to my surprise I learned that he is a hell of a good snowboarder and he may run another marathon (his first was in the mid-1990s at St. George Utah) but will use the Galloway run/walk method instead. After saying our good-byes, we all headed our separate ways after a very busy week for all of us...that's a wrap!

The latest from Lake Wobegon

2009-02-13T21:16:00.011-09:00

Things have settled into somewhat of a routine around here, which usually equates to boring stuff (e.g. getting Hannah ready for school, Marian working at home and me staying out of her way, and Wayne puttering around the house). However, a few cool things happened and will be about to happen. I had my longest walk to date; I estimate about 2 miles. My friend Jim Robinson braved a cold north wind with me and walked Bailey around the neighborhood. The up-hills made me have to stop now and then to catch my breath. I finally got out for lunch with some ex-coworkers from the Minerals Management Service - - we went to the hottest lunch place in town, the Moose's Tooth - great pizza, salads, and beer (my first full glass since the operation). I also met some friends (Neal, Jon, and Marko) at a local pub to watch the US men's soccer team beat Mexico in a World Cup qualifying round (2-0)...I drank a few calories there also. It also looks like I will be in a locally produced TV commercial for Providence Hospital. Bradley Reid (an ad-agency) interviewed me last week about my "story". I can tell they were genuinely interested in what I had to say and also tossed out the idea that Marian and Hannah might be in the commercial as well...that would be cool because I mentioned how well the Providence staff took care of Marian and Hannah. From my interview they'll develop a script which I'll read this week and then later in the week they'll film footage. Approximately 10 folks were selected for the commercial, which will also be used to produce published brochures and fliers. The producers want to start airing the commercials on March 2 so things are on a fast-track. I suppose there is a chance that my footage could wind up on the editor's floor - - so be it; it'll be fun anyway.

I went to Providence's Cardiac Rehab orientation this past week and was overwhelmed with their program. For an hour and a half I filled out paperwork, had all my vital signs measured, other body measurements made, established rehab goals, and toured the facility. The program involves, lectures, weight-work, aerobic exercises (treadmill, bike riding, etc.) and stretching exercises. My goals include gaining my 10 pounds back (as muscle mass), being able to run a 10K on the treadmill, improving my diet, and building confidence to continue exercising outside a control/monitored environment. My sessions start this week and are M, W, Th from 9:30 am to 11:15 am...insurance will cover 12 weeks but God willing, I hope to reach my goals sooner than that. I'll also meet with my cardiac specialist, Dr. Linda Ireland, this week for an exam ... hopefully I'll get the OK to start driving and will get off the meds I take to control the fluid build up in my chest cavity.

Nothing more to add other than I really appreciated the cards and calls I received this week...they really pick me up and I thank you. Be sure to eat your Powdermilk biscuts and remember, Anchorage ain't Lake Wobegon but like Russia, you can see it from here! Enjoy a cup of coffee on me ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agusq6xfefI&feature=related

Much ado about nothing....

2009-02-09T14:45:00.012-09:00

This last week I had an opportunity to provide Providence Hospital written and verbal feedback about my stay and I took advantage of it. The 5-page form had the types of questions you’d expect about the food, accommodations, care, atmosphere, etc. However, I was most excited about giving feedback about the hospital’s staff. The staff and their attitude meant everything to me, as THEY provided 24/7 optimism and went way beyond what they needed to do to make me comfortable - - especially when I was alone and feeling depressed. You know, I can now understand how folks can “hero-worship” individuals who do outstanding things. Just look at the kudos the US Airways flight crew received as a result of the safe landing in the Hudson River. Although not as dramatic, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses Missi, Joe and Drew’s tender care was heroic to me. Joe and Drew tag-teamed my care most of the time. Joe (seen here with me when he made me walk from ICU to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU)) was a crack-up and thoroughly kept me entertained with his humor and conversations. Marian and many of my visitors had an opportunity to see him in action and would have to agree with me. Drew (the night ICU) was equally compassionate and funny, but he also had a philosophical side that brought me comfort. One night I remember being afraid to go to sleep because I was afraid I would not wake up, but Drew reassured me with his words right before he provided me a sleep aid. Drew is a crazy, wild BIG Pittsburgh Steeler fan so he was entertaining to watch as Pittsburgh made it through the playoffs. I can only imagine how crazy he went over the Super Bowl game. Yvonne, in PCU, was a real character as well. She wasn’t one to mess with but she had a warm personality and would not let me feel down and out. She wants me to send her a finish line photo of myself when I complete my first post-surgery marathon - - but that’s another story.

I want to also share with you a funny story about my visit to Providence Hospital’s ER the day after I came home - - remember, I sprung a leak when built-up body cavity fluids leaked out of a stitched-up tube hole. My friend Craig Ely (a fellow biologist) took me to the ER and was very attentive. Upon reaching the ER they began processing me immediately when Craig told me to show them my leak, which by now had completely soaked through all bandaging and into my pants. They whisked us to an ER room and soon thereafter both Craig and I thought we were in an NBC production of “ER”! Why did we feel this way? Well, everyone who tended to me looked like they were straight out of NBC/”ER” casting. The doctor I saw was a tall, beautiful, brunette woman with a strong, confident aura. Her aid was equally beautiful and competent. The phlebotomist was a 20-something blonde with a real bubbly personality. Central to casting the ER episode was when my heart surgeon (who happen to be in the hospital at the time) Dr. (Saint) Misbach entered the scene to “save” the day. By now, Craig and I were looking at each other every time someone would enter the “set”…we didn’t have to speak, as we both knew what each other was thinking. The ER episode continued throughout the evening; especially when it was time get my chest drained. Appearing out of nowhere came a doctor who looked like he came out of GQ Magazine and he directed the procedure. Craig and I began to feel uncomfortable because of our grubby, old biologist appearance and being surrounded by the cast of ER, but we got over it because each ER episode relies on folks like us to make the cast look that much better. Craig and I actually had a blast with the entire 4-hour adventure and all the way home talked about the surreal experience.

One last thing, my running mentor/friend Ellyn Brown dropped off a DVD movie for me to watch for inspiration. “The Dipsea Demon” is about a 96-year-old man (Jack Kirk) who runs the 2nd oldest footrace in America, the grueling Dipsea race, for a world record 68 consecutive times. The movie also won Best Documentary-Biography at the 2004 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. You have to watch it…his quote tells it all, “You don’t stop running cause you get old, you get old if you stop running!”

Take care my friends and God Bless!

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. Former UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden

The rope is being lengthened...hooray!

2009-02-04T10:22:00.010-09:00

Yesterday's visit with Saint Misbach went very well...so much so that he doesn't need to see me anymore. I think I am going through separation anxiety as a result. He was pleased with the surgical incision's healing; he took out the stitches from the sites where tubes were used to drain my chest; my blood pressure was good; my heart sounded good; however, the chest x-ray still revealed a build up of fluids so I'm still on meds for a few more weeks to deal with that. Unfortunately those are the meds that dry me out so the endless cycle of drinking lots of fluids continue. My weight is down from 156 to about 145 (which is my marathon running weight) so he wants me to begin drinking calories more than water. I suspect drinking a six-pack a night would help that!

I've also been cleared to begin my cardiac rehab program next week at Providence Hospital. I've heard it's a great program and it will give me the confidence I need to move forward. Funny thing, Saint Misbach told me that my heart is now in better shape than my body and that I really am not in a position to be able to tax my heart to an extreme. The rehab program will have the technology available to monitor my heart as I try to catch up to its level of fitness. I'm hoping to begin driving in a few more weeks which will make it easier to attend the rehab sessions. Meanwhile, friends are picking me up to walk around town and with the weather about to warm up from sub-zero to the mid-20s, I should be able to take long walks from the house.

I survived Super Bowl Sunday in a house full of Arizona Cardinal fans, as I was the only Pittsburg Steeler fan (eventhough I went to college at the U of AZ and AZ State). My buddy Mike Salyer and his wife Laurie came by with lots of goodies (I should have been able to gain 10 pounds that day) and experienced the powerful enthusiasm (understatement) of Marian and Hannah. My dog Bailey (a Welsh Springer Spaniel) didn't know what to make of it all. A family friend Evelyn and her daughter Piper came by also, but mainly to see the Boss perform at halftime...one hell of a show.

My immediate goal is to get in shape enough to participate in our annual winter festival, the Fur Rendezvous at the end of February/early March. This is especially important because my sister- and brother-in-law (Karen Lilley and David Hansen) from Minneapolis, MN are coming to visit at the same time. My buddy Neal was trying to get me to participate in the "2009 Running with the Reindeer" (the Alaska version of the Running with the Bulls) but I'm going to pass; although, running it last year's inaugural event was a blast. Last year Neal, his son Evan and I dressed up as Chefs with reindeer sausage necklaces et al.; check it out....

I suspect Marian and I may not be posting much over the next few days, as things really are falling into place and each day I get stronger. My first post-surgery visit with Dr. Ireland (cardiac specialist) isn't until 2/17 so no more medical news until then. Friends continue to provide support on a daily basis with phone calls, visits, meals, etc. which is greatly appreciated. Marian and Hannah are both Wonder Women and somehow get through the day doing what they need to do and still have smiles on their faces. I have a great deal to learn from them.

Thanks again for your well wishes and prayers...they continue to mean a great deal!

Wayne

Ground Control To Major Tom ... David Bowie

2009-01-31T18:09:00.006-09:00

Ground control to Major Tom Ground control to Major Tom:
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground control to Major Tom: Commencing countdown engine's on
Check ignition and may God's love be with you

Wow…what a flight I’ve been on. All your support, well-wishes, and prayers have gotten my family and I this far; however, we still need them so I can make a safe splash landing back into a yet-to-be-defined “normal’ life. I thought I'd add a note to Marian's.

I’m finally feeling up to getting to more emails and wanted to let you all know that I'm getting better each day...my follow up visit with Dr. (Saint) Misbach is Tuesday so I hope I gain more "freedom" then. Today my buddy Neal took me to the University of Alaska Anchorage campus and we walked about mile through all its interconnected interior walkways. I felt great...thank God I was in shape before all this happened.

It was a beautiful sunny, 10 degree day today, highlighted with about 8 inches of fresh, overnight champagne snow. Afterwards we went out to lunch for some pizza and salad - - no beer - - yet!
The 2009 Alaska Heart Run is late April so (hopefully with my doctor's approval) my goal is to run/walk it (about 5K) with some local running friends and supporters.

How is this for a coincidence? Today I received mail from Medtronic, the primary sponsor of the last marathon I ran, the Twin Cities Marathon in October. I thought I would find inside a registration form for next year’s marathon. Nope! Inside was a card from them informing me that they were the supplier of the aortic heart valve that was installed during my operation, and that I must carry the card with me at all times. It was an emotional reality-check for me and thought it appropriate that it was “their” marathon I ran last. If you remember in an earlier blog entry, I recalled the very emotional Twin Cities presentation Alberto Salazar made about his comeback from heart disease…I'll treasure even more the photo of he and I at the Twin Cities Expo.

Thanks again for your friendship and heart-felt prayers…love.

New Heart New Life

2009-01-31T14:44:00.002-09:00

I would venture to say that from this time on Wayne can divide his life into "before the new heart" and "since the new heart." He has also been made softer as I know his actual heart tissue and surrounding veins and aortic mass have been with their new construction. Emotionally, he is still overwhelmed by the whole thing and especially grateful to the medical staff and all our friends. I can see things and he shares some things that before he wouldn't or couldn't. I think anyone would have a deep scare by the event no matter how "routine" the surgery is. When it's your heart being cut open and laid bare, it doesn't matter how routine it is. Same with your toe or your broken arm. There is always that risk and it is the risk that slaps us in the face and points its finger at us and says, You are a mortal and you could die. That can change a person and make them have a new way of looking at the world. This is where I want to be the best wife I can be. I want to continue comforting him and letting him know how happy I am he is alive and well. God showed me that I don't want my life without him. If I ever took him for granted, I had the finger pointing at me and it said, you need him. So anyway, not to get morbid or too philosophical, some of you know my deep belief in God and God answers many prayers in many ways. God uses crises and allows them to happen so we can grow. This was his way of showing me how much I need my husband (yes I took him for granted) and a few other things. Now go kiss your spouse and do something nice for him/her.
Wayne walked the length of UAA and back with a friend today (indoors). He really needed to get out of the house. It snowed all day yesterday and he was so supportive while I did all the shoveling. He clapped and told me to get back out there. It was so sweet. He is more independent in all things. Yay for me. But I actually didn't mind helping him because he would have done the same for me. He is sleeping so so, could be better the last few nights. He is eating well and maintaining weight though the pants fit loosely due to not having a butt anymore. His swelling is gone in his right leg and I can see the buff muscular, marathon calves. His bruising is still there including the bruise from Jan 7 procedure. Anyway, Wayne said he will get on and blog and this will probably be my final one. It has been fun but this is his thing and he can redesign it and make new goals for its purpose since Europe marathons are on the shelf for now. Walking a half mile or more is the adventure of the day. Much love, Marian

Slow motion, do nothing Wayne

2009-01-28T21:07:00.006-09:00

One thing about my husband pre broken heart, was that he never sat still and never let anything go that needed to be done. I was the envy of most women I know since he likes to clean house and make sure things are fixed, etc. So now, it is really weird to see him just hanging around the house watching TV and wondering if a local volcano is going to blow or not. But I think it is good for him in more ways than one. He is doing very well and today, just to make him feel useful I handed him a basket of laundry to fold if he wanted to. He actually did putter a little bit but he can't go out and play and he doesn't have the concentration to read. And he tires easily. But he has no pain which is amazing. I began working FT again yesterday but at home, so I do my share of running up and down the stairs to help him if someone isn't here visiting or helping out. Tomorrow and Friday I have to go into the office for several hours so I have people coming over. Oh, and today while he was getting dressed, we discovered that Wayne lost what small bottom he has. It is just gone. We can't find it anywhere. We laughed because his right leg and foot are still swollen (it looks funny) and bruised and he has all the marks on his chest and abdomen. What a sight. But he has a goatee now and looks great anyway. Butt or no butt. We aren't sure what that has to do with heart surgery but it sure seems to have disappeared since Jan 13. Maybe it has to do with losing some weight which we don't think he has. Oh well, hope if you are still looking at this thing you are well.

A bit soggy on the inside

2009-01-26T16:17:00.003-09:00

So today we had the follow up visit to the ER visit of the other night. All weekend Wayne wore the bandage from the ER and protected his side and hoped there would be no spillage (yuk). I let him get away with murder this weekend spoiling his little hiney but now things are going to be different. The doctor said he has more fluid but not enough to drain. He has other water retention as a result of the surgical trauma to the body so he now has to take a diuretic and eat two bananas a day. He also has to take a steroid for inflammation. Soon the water buildup will dissipate and this includes the side by his lung. The doctor said yes to walk a lot and breathe very deeply. No more fear of hurting himself. So once he takes his nap, he will be up and at 'em. (Funny thing today, the doctor mentioned after seeing Wayne's name that he went to Creighton University as did I. Turns out we both lived in the same dorm during the school year 81-82). Wayne has had many calls, visits, cards and other well wishes and we can't even begin thank you but if any of you ever get sick or have surgery we will be on your doorstep to try and pay back all that has been given to us. It makes us both cry to think about how much "family" we both have up here and around the country supporting us. Don't spoil him too much more or he will begin to think this is reality. Will post again in a few days. Marian

Up and down

2009-01-24T21:50:00.002-09:00

And what I mean by that is that Wayne was upstairs and then he went downstairs twice during the day. Second time wearied him. But he got some exercise in by doing it. He's slow and cautious still but had a good day. Very much himself but still very much in recovery mode. Some company today which was nice and some folks are coming tomorrow to keep him occupied while Hannah and I go to church. No new leakage, so that is a success.

Quiet day

2009-01-23T23:00:00.002-09:00

Wayne is resting well and so far so good with the issue of last night. He is breathing shallowly until he gets through tonight and can gain more confidence. He is fiercely protecting his torso/chest area and is still quite limited with movement as a result. Only minimal walking. Good eating, some laughs, a couple visitors and phone calls. We watched a movie tonight and fortunately it was funny for me and unfortunately it was funny for him too and it hurt to laugh. Bad too.

Two steps forward, one step back

2009-01-23T07:31:00.006-09:00

Yesterday Wayne had a great first day of recovery at home. He took some calls, had a couple visitors, got a shower, did some walking, ate well, went through his mail, read all his cards and organized all his prescriptions. Just like any retired man, right? Well, I thought it would be safe for me to go out with some friends of mine last night for dinner so I got a "sitter" to hang out with Wayne and said I would be back soon. And then I forgot my cell phone. When I arrived home I found out Wayne was in the ER at Providence. At 7 pm while sitting at the table after eating dinner, some rust colored ooze (more medical jargon) started coming out of his side incision and dobbing it didn't help so he made a call to another friend who lives nearby to take him to the ER. The 'sitter' then became a sitter for Hannah and for that we are so grateful since I was unreachable. They spent a little over 4 hours there. If you remember he had a second surgery. At that surgery they had to drain some fluids from the right lung or cavity by the lung which created another incision site and stitches. It was from that hole that things oozed. No stitches came undone but the fluid came through the little hole anyway. While at the ER the doctors there said Dr Misbach was in the hospital so he came right away. He said the fluid had to be drained so they got a radiologist to complete those procedures which included a catheter and a new entry site in the back. He also has fluid buildup on the other side but are leaving alone for now for the "body to absorb". There is some minor infection at the original site for which I have to get a prescription today and he has to have a chest xray on Monday while keeping bandages on his side for the time until then. He was in pain most of the night and I couldn't do anything to help it other than give him Percocet which I did when it was legal. I let him squeeze my arm or leg but ended up giving him the heart dog. That dog has had many roles. And here, we thought his big chest wound would be painful and it hasn't been. He was free from pain all day yesterday which when you think about it, is amazing. For now there are some breathing problems but we'll work on that. Please keep him in your prayers, Marian

Good to be home

2009-01-21T20:41:00.004-09:00

Lots of wrap up at the hospital and final "tests" to make sure all was in working order. Misbach seemed more relaxed with us than ever, probably because Wayne was a "finished product" now and no longer at risk of anything. No pneumonia or infection. Heart beating like a baby, peeing and pooping in good order so we got shipped off late afternoon. Dressed Wayne, drove him home (took a route with too many bumps) and got him in the house and up the stairs and we just threw him in a chair and food was presented to him immediately. I got to experience the pure joy of having someone at the house who finished some chores and made dinner for us. Wow, it's awesome.
So now it's rest, go easy, hug the chest pillows and grounded for 7 days. Lots of mail to read, movies to watch and friends to visit to help out while I work or otherwise. Thanks again for the support and anyone who wants to come over, just call and let us know. But we don't get mad if you don't call. :-) I will be back at work full time next week but work mostly from home so that will be good.
We have been truly blessed through this experience and I have great faith Wayne will be very healthy and back to his old self soon. Thank you again for the support in all its forms, the contacts, cards, etc. I can't name it all. Stay in touch and if anything worth reporting happens I will certainly do so.

Love, Marian

Coming to an end...

2009-01-20T18:28:00.002-09:00

Wayne walked a lot today, breathed pretty well and did that other thing you are supposed to do. Everybody talks about it pretty openly but I am still modest about such things. At least publicly. He saw himself in the mirror for the first time and went "aaaahhhh, oh my, oh geez...aaaaahhhh" or something like that. He is looking pretty rough but is pretending he is on a camping or hunting trip so that works. Dr Misbach came in and did his check up and said Wayne could be coming home tomorrow!!! So that is good news, we have some preparation to do but if it will be done, it will be done. If a few things don't remain stable on their own then he will stay until Thursday. So another night tonight, some more walking and breathing and he will be that much better tomorrow, ready to camp on the couch and get some TLC. Not much more to report. I am tired and overwhelmed but it's all good. God Bless you all for the love you have extended our way. It will never be forgotten. Always grateful, Marian

Major Strides

2009-01-19T20:42:00.003-09:00

Finally!! Big things today. Wayne walked around the unit this morning with a walker, a nurse, an IV pole, a few other devices on wheels, a wife and a friend. It was an adventure to get to see the whole unit. Wayne really enjoyed it. He went around once and then part way and back. Then he was pretty exhausted. Shortly after, Dr Misbach came in and reviewed his progress and Wayne asked to get the catheter out of his you know what (he seemed to just discover it today) and Misbach said yep and then we were extra thrilled when he said it was time to move to his new room in a couple hours. So the move began without me because Joe the nurse didn't call to let me know the catheter was out and the migration began. Wayne walked all the way and I met him with some friends in his room right when he sat down. He is trying to get his system back in working order so he is having gut pain etc, I will forego the details. :-) We got him settled and for the first time in a week I went home at 4:30 and that felt great. Hannah and I went back this evening to check on him. He walked around that unit--still has to go with a nurse and he was expected to walk once more tonight but he didn't want to. The nurse said, too bad, he had to anyway. The unit is the PCU (Progressive Care Unit) which is 75% heart/thoracic patients and a bunch of miscellaneous other stuff--pretty high acuity and never an empty bed. Four patients to one nurse but still, I was impressed by the attention he got both times I was there. He will be home by Friday. If you call, it is 907-212-3024 room 295. He may or may not be able to talk but he won't answer if he can't. The "rules" of his stay are to walk, breathe (in his device) and poop. If he does all 3 of these things on a regular basis he will get out one day. Relieved and going to bed, Marian

Apartment 203 at the ICU

2009-01-18T21:08:00.004-09:00

So room 203 was a like a college dorm today. I sat in Wayne's chair and did my best to read the Sunday paper while Joe, the nurse and Wayne watched and talked football and Joe encouraged Wayne to do lots of burping and farting. Early on, Wayne was in that chair and had put his glasses on and was quite himself. We visited with some visitors and then Dr Misbach came in and took out several chest tubes (I left). This changed the whole atmosphere because now Wayne was in pain he could feel. Suddenly football took a back seat to pain but nevertheless, the sound of it and something to look at helped. Next he had to be moved to the bed so the monster line (whose real name is Swan Ganz Catheter) and its companions could be removed from his neck (it was all the way in his heart and I saw it after it came out--wow). I did not want to watch but I needed to hold Wayne's hand as it was highly uncomfortable and he was in more and more pain. Afterwards he received much percocet, more morphine and finally he got pumped up on valium to put him back in lala land. He sweat a lot, visited with one or two more visitors for just a few minutes before we ended that for the day. (Wayne has asked that visits last only 5 minutes as they leave him pretty tired so if I end it, it is not personal.) Now he is unleashed from about 60% of his hook ups and the rest are consolidated onto one portable thingy you see people walk with. ("Thingy" is a technical term just like the other one I taught Joe when I moved his "nursey" stuff.) Joe wanted to walk him once around the unit but we realized Wayne was not ready at all for that. So maybe tomorrow. I left Wayne while he was eating something and he was soon to be put to bed for the night. Wayne is going through a lot physically and emotionally and we ask you to continue praying for his recovery. With a grateful heart, Marian

Slow and Steady

2009-01-17T21:44:00.005-09:00

Wayne's progress continues. He was put in a chair that was turned 180 degrees so he could look out the window all day at the Chugach mountains on a sunny, blue sky day. And not a minute too soon as he had a much flatter affect today than yesterday. Some slight depression seems to be kicking in (normal!) but in the afternoon he seemed better. Hannah was allowed to visit since the ICU status continues. She was pretty overwhelmed despite the preparation as to what the room would look like and what he would be like. They gave her stuff to make a poster. When we left so I could take her to a friend's she cried because she said it didn't seem like him. One episode of exercise was going from the chair to the bed--his first "shuffle" of about 10 steps and all the while moving about 6 machines and 40 lines all over the place to accommodate it. The nurse, Joe, was wonderful. Once he was moved back to the bed after the shuffle, it took another 20 minutes for Joe to untangle the lines. No word on when leaving ICU so for now we are just content to be receiving such excellent care. Wayne is clearer and more conversant. Tomorrow he is planning to put his glasses on and watch some football. The chair/bed is aimed toward the TV now. So that will be different. He spoke to his mom and wants to speak Michael and Laura who have been patiently waiting--so will try and do that tomorrow. Please call first if you plan to stop by as we are still greatly limiting visitors. We prefer to know if someone is coming and sometimes it just can't happen but I can come out and talk and you might have to settle for that as many have. The cards are opened but he won't be reading the personal messages until he gets home and can enjoy them. For now I am reading the jokes and he likes them. The support is touching and accepted with much gratitude. Marian

Tubes and lines all over the place

2009-01-17T08:46:00.002-09:00

One reason it takes so much to move him is because of the sheer number of tubes and lines coming out of his body. The floor around his chair is all kinds of stuff I am forever trying not to step on or kick. With the 2nd surgery more were added as he has more incisions than we ever thought or were told he would get. The night nurse told me they would see if they could remove this one monster line coming out of his neck. This line has bothered me from day one because it looks so evil (I know it's actually a life line). However, Wayne doesn't even know it's there and it's just as well. So when I called this morning it was with disappointment that I heard it was not removed. This is the line that when removed, will allow more freedom of movement because attached to it are many others. It monitors all systems and also delivers medication. Until his "numbers" are just so, he won't move. And of course that means into another room. I was just told not to get my hopes up he will leave the ICU today but that there is still a slim chance. So I will get my hopes up!!! Yes, I will. Not that I want them to rush it but because I will stay hopeful. I have asked Wayne if I can take a picture of him for Hannah (not the blog though I wish!) because she is desperate to see him. He won't let me. He actually looks very good. I wash his face each day and comb his hair and he looks great. But he is being modest and I understand. He doesn't want a mirror either. I spoke to him on the phone this morning and he asked about the house and I told him I would check it carefully in the day light to assess any damage. For those of you out east and in the midwest you received our Arctic air we suffered through for weeks so that air has been breathed by us already. Hope you get through it. I would rather have that than what we got this week. We Alaskans don't really like the temps above 30 degrees. Keep on praying and I hope I have great news tonight reporting leaps of progress. Marian

Marathon Chair Sitting

2009-01-16T21:31:00.006-09:00

Wayne has accomplished another marathon and a first. He sat in a chair for 12 straight hours and was so calm about it. Also very sweet and patient. (I will be buying a case of morphine to bring home.) Imagine Wayne being sweet and patient sitting in a chair and doing nothing. Yet for him today, he did wonders. He had his first food since Monday's dinner. He can eat normal food and did so at 3 meals. Not a lot but certainly he had an appetite and he liked it. I fed him and he didn't mind. Tomorrow he can feed himself. He stood up twice. Both times it took 2 people and 5 minutes to get him from sitting to standing. Once he stood he had to catch his breath and just wait. Then he had to lift each foot back and forth and march in place. After doing that he was very taxed. Taking bites made him tired. Visiting made him tired so I had to cut off visitors and turn people away and for this we are sorry. We will not have visitors tomorrow either per Wayne. We need a whole day of him getting stronger without worrying about who is coming and making that decision. We certainly appreciate it and tomorrow may be a big day if we move to the "regular" room. He does like cards so please send cards if you want. Anyway, he did his breathing exercises much better today and now can do them all at once. He has to keep telling himself to inhale instead of exhale to get the device to work. He also still has his strange voice due to the damaged vocal cords but this will heal. He got to speak to his sister Carol on the phone tonight too for a few.

Dr Misbach said he is doing great and told him to move his feet as much as possible. He has much better memory today though he doesn't remember yesterday at all. He just remembered what was going on today. I asked him if he remembered his first words yesterday and he said no. So I reminded him and he said, I said that? and then I told him some other things he said and he laughed. Then I told him I put it in the blog and he said, "oh geez". Even his mother knows now. So overall, big strides. I left before they put him back in the bed. That is a 3 person, 15 minute adventure and they only have to move him 1 foot from the chair to the bed. The high winds continue to blow and branches and debris are everywhere with the ice that continues to slow us all down. Thank you to all for the prayers. They are being answered and you know, God will do things His way and He is showing me many things about myself and about processes. I thank Him for the technology that is keeping Wayne alive and well. I pray Wayne will let go and allow sleep tonight. He is nervous about it due to some dreams he is having. He promised he would try and do it tonight. Also, I could not be happier with the hospital and the services he is getting. This will be the best quarter (or so) million our insurance will spend in a long time. With fondess and complete gratefulness to all of you for your support, Marian

Ground Hog's Day (Friday morning)

2009-01-16T07:51:00.007-09:00

One of the funniest movies is Groundhog Day and I get to live it today. Wayne will likely stay in the ICU until tomorrow and I was disappointed but of course I don't want him moved a minute too soon. When I called the hospital this morning they said he was already sitting up. So I feel rushed to get there yet there are other things...School is cancelled yet again for a 3rd day in this town. Good for Hannah though she will be so upset not to see her dad again. Wayne did not sleep last night well...Before I left he said he didn't want to sleep but the nurse and I assured him all was well and his body needed it. I hope he dozes much today. There will be a few visitors to help give him something new to say or do as he just sits there and looks at his room. I am guessing they will push the broth on him but he was afraid to do that too. I ended abruptly yesterday and just wanted to express my gratitude to all of you who have been so supportive in this process. I can't tell you how meaningful all your prayers are. And believe me if you live in town your day will come and I will need you. We have weeks and weeks ahead of us. A few of you have asked about sending flowers and Wayne and I discussed this possibility and he has asked that if you want to send flowers to do so at our home next week or send a card because he can hold that and put them up. I think Wayne would love to get a card because he won't be on the computer for awhile to check email. Yesterday Hannah made something for him and he held it for some time. Thanks so much and talk soon...

Joining the Living

2009-01-15T21:35:00.003-09:00

Wayne woke up today at 9 am after 50 hours of drug induced slumber. I arrived right at that time and he was trying to open his lids and I sensed a real fight in there to come out. Over the next couple hours he managed to squeeze fingers, respond to questions, open and close his eyes and try to take in the environment. I talked my head off to him because it's not often I have such a captive audience. He nodded or shook his head to yes/no questions and said he remembered everyone who stopped in briefly yesterday which just delighted me. Then he kept trying to move his hands and his mouth. I told him to keep his hands still or they would tie them down. He listened. He wanted to talk but couldn't. I left the room while they took out the thing from his throat. His first words for the wonderful nurses were "What the f---" but not angry just shocked at the pain. His first word for me was not much better so I asked him to please say nicer words. He then said "this sucks". We all agreed that he could say that all he wants and he did. Lots of raspberries today too--which was his way of saying, this is crazy weird. So we visited and held hands and I watched him make lots of facial expressions and try to smile and he even chuckled a few times. He looks good. I left and went to work for a bit and came back and he was in a chair and stayed in it for 6 hours. He spoke in full sentences and asked questions but since he only has short term memory everything was new to him every hour. It was funny to me but he had no idea. (morphine and anesthesia) I helped him with his breathing device but he can't quite inhale enough to do well yet but I think tomorrow he will. He really wants to and is mad that he can't do it. After I helped the nurses get him back to bed he was very tired and I told him I would be back in the morning. Hopefully the good news tomorrow is that they will take out about 40 of the tubes coming off of him and let him out of ICU. Still not eating, is very hungry and tomorrow is a new day. He's like my own Benjamin Button, every day he will get younger and more himself.

Thursday morning

2009-01-15T07:46:00.004-09:00

Just a quick update before I go tangle with the windstorm and the big mess in my yard. (This is where I miss Wayne :-)) School cancelled again today due to continued ice and warming. While Alaska is melting the rest of the country is freezing so I hear. Anyway, Dr Misbach called me last night to report that all Wayne's systems look good. Fluid buildup, urine output, kidneys, heart rate, blood pressure and other vitals. He said that if all goes well in the night and he likes the lab results then he will begin waking Wayne up this morning. Carol Crayton and I each called the nurses this morning and they report a very satisfactory night. Dr Misbach mentioned that with the problems of the day and night before "we are about 24 hours behind schedule" with recovery. I will have a fun post tonight I think if he gets to wake up. I can hardly wait to hear his word and what he might ask. One of Wayne's co workers contacted me and I called her back and she gave me great info as to what W might be experiencing in this state. She said she heard much and remembered all. So, WOW if that is true for him!! Though if I know him he is trying to claw his way out because he wants to be part of things. How ironic that this man who I cannot get to rest on his couch is in this condition. I feel sorry for Misbach once W is back to normal because he is going to ask questions like no one's business. I'm off. I will return calls and emails and do not feel you are bothering me. This is my job right now and I am happy to do it.

Late Wednesday

2009-01-14T20:25:00.003-09:00

It is with caution that I report that it appears Wayne is stabilizing. I wish I could say for sure but I don't get a lot of thorough communication about details from the medical staff as they are so focused on working on him. They are very generous with letting me come in but I don't stay long. Wayne's color is much better today than yesterday. I saw his chest today with the bandages and it looks fine from what I can tell. He is still sleeping though the nurse said they think he might be trying to wake up as he is breathing "above the ventilator" meaning he isn't in the deep end where they want him and his BP rose once when I went in there. (It wouldn't be the first time I raised his blood pressure.) Thus, he might be hearing so therefore I have been talking to him. Telling him about the ice, wind, school closures and other mundane details. Most importantly, I am telling him that he looks good and he is doing exactly what he should be doing. Since Wayne follows directions very well (not from me) I want him to know that right now he is following directions just doing what is doing. Three friends stopped by to visit briefly with him and did the same thing. But generally, visitation shouldn't pick up quite yet. He is receiving a morphine drip because they suspect even at his level of consciousness, he could be feeling the pain. I don't have any real details about the fluid problem he had though his hands and fingers are quite swollen. Whatever bleeding occurred last night has been corrected. I can't wait until he wakes up so I can see what he is like and how he might respond to where he is. He will be very clueless. If tonight and tomorrow go well he will move into a Progressive Care by Friday. He will not be home over the weekend as we once thought he might.

Thank you for all the prayers, support, calls, emails and messages. The support is tremendous and is much appreciated. Sorry if this is disjointed but it's all I can do for the moment. I hope to learn so much more tomorrow and we really begin the healing process with him being awake. Take care and God Bless.

More news...

2009-01-14T05:49:00.003-09:00

Shortly after posting I received a call from Dr Misbach at 7pm and he said he needed to get Wayne back into surgery as there was too much bleeding and not enough clotting. He told me many other technical things he would do but basically it was stuff to normalize the blood flow and stop whatever leaking was occuring. Three long hours later (he told me to stay home and he would call me) he called and reported that he had to tighten up some sutures where some leaking was coming from and he said working with his aorta was difficult and attributed the difficulty (toughness) of all the heart tissue to the effects of the radiation from so long ago. Now at 5:30 a.m. I called the nurse in ICU and she said Wayne had an "up and down night"--apparently he had too much build up of fluid and they have been working to stabilize him for much of the night. She said they won't be letting him wake up all day today. He is nowhere ready to breathe on his own or be okay without the supports he is connected to. I will still be at the hospital this morning but I just won't rush there.

Update about Wayne

2009-01-13T18:20:00.001-09:00

Hi, this is Marian with an update about Wayne....Surgery took over 8 hours instead of the predicted 4-5. So the afternoon got long. Turns out he did have to have his aortic valve replaced (by a pig valve) because his had a lot of calcium built up and there was some calcification on areas beneath the heart that had to be cleared away. Also, his heart and the aorta and other arteries near the heart were "tougher" than normal so it made for a longer surgery. The doctor looked more fresh than I did which was humbling. Unbelievable how calm and fresh he looked and he hadn't eaten for 9 hours. Anyway, there was a need for outside blood which was also not anticipated but of course they were prepared. I went in at 5pm to see him and though they prepared me I was still shocked and it was all I could do not to just bawl. But I know he is in good hands. I cried last night when he shaved off his mustache because I have never seen him without one but now I am glad he did because of how he is taped up to hold all the tubes in place. Dr Misbach will not let him come out of his sleep until tomorrow morning and he discourages visitors until he is out of ICU possibly on Thursday. I will be going back in the morning and they have my numbers in case they need to call. Thank you to all who have called, emailed and left messages at home. Your support is paramount and I apologize if I don't get back to all of you quickly. Hope this post helps. I am off to go get Hannah and just sit back tonight. God is good and He is in control.

Let the games begin!

2009-01-12T19:39:00.010-09:00

Twenty-four hours from now I'll likely not know what the hell hit me, and probably not really care either. Based on today's visit to Providence Hospital for pre-op orientation, I'm not likely to know what's up or down for a few days! Marian and Hannah are holding up great although tomorrow will test their mettle, as we have to arrive at the hospital at 6 am. The operation is scheduled for 7:30 am and is expected to last 4-to-5 hours.

The last few days have been very busy because I wanted to get things done that I knew I wouldn't have a chance to do for weeks. So, I shoveled snow off the roof, did car maintenance, stored away yard sale stuff, and cleaned up the garage.
I wanted to go for one last "jog" but knew better not to do that. Funny thing, when entering the Providence Heart Center today, the first thing that caught my eye was a pile of Runner's World magazines on a table. I stopped my subscription over a year ago so I was hungry to grab the pile for future reading...the issue on top was the January 2009 issue highlighting the 2009 marathon guide. Do you think there was a message for me there?

Not much more to add, just a final thought best described in the following quote:

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Former UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden

I actually found this quote a few months ago in my church's Sunday bulletin. How appropriate and timely in so many ways.

Take care one and all and we thank you for all your support. I hope to chat with you when I get home sometime next weekend!

Retirement Week 1: What a hell of a week...

2009-01-10T15:50:00.013-09:00

This week went by with light speed and the dust is beginning to settle. Your well wishes and prayers (as well as your humorous emails) are really helping so keep them coming.

Friday was a big day because we finally had a chance to meet my surgeon, Dr. Misbach. I knew I would be in good hands, as I quickly learned that he was very athletic and had many years of heart surgery experience. In fact, we had trouble staying on-task (i.e. talking about the surgery). We talked about him having run the St. George Marathon, his pair of spikey Asics running shoes and my new pair, his almost taking a staff position at my Alma mater University of Arizona, and his singing with the Anchorage Concert Choir. My cardiac specialist, Dr. Linda Ireland, told me earlier that he was also into ice climbing and skiing. When we finally got around talking about the surgery it was focused and very informative. Should I require a valve replacement I chose the organic type (a pig heart valve) rather than the inorganic type, as it'll last as long, I won't have to worry about blood clots forming, and I won't be on blood thinners for the rest of my life. Check out Dr. Misbach's bio at the end of the blog...it's pretty impressive.

The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30 am (Alaska Time), and should last about 4 hours (or longer if additional scarring is discovered). I'm told I'll be brought out of general anesthesia over a period of "hours" while in intensive care, and stay in intensive care for a few days. I won't be able to have visitors until I'm moved out of intensive care...even Hurricane Hannah can't come see me while I'm in the intensive care unit. Hopefully I'll be able to go home after 4-to-5 days.

Many of you have offered lots of help...it's much appreciated and the support is overwhelming. Folks have offered: companionship for Marian and I while in the hospital and at home; to provide meals; play dates and over-nights for Hannah; rides to and from the hospital; to shovel snow when needed; to do our food shopping; and, to do chores around the house. Maybe I should have surgery more often...NOT! We're not sure where to go with all the offers to help, but we'll sort that out and let you know via this blog site and phone calls. Marian will have co-authorship privileges for this blog and intends to use it as the primary means to communicate with you about the surgery and its aftermath. She'll also monitor her email (mlilley@gci.net) and take calls at home (907-345-7315) and on her cell phone (907-230-2248).

I have a lot to do before Tuesday's surgery...some of it is my stuff and some is on Marian's honey-do list. Warmer temperatures in the teens will be here soon (by Monday) so I hope to get some outside time before going stir crazy next week in the hospital.

Gregory A. Misbach, M.D

http://www.denaliheart.com/drmisbach.asp

It's unusual to be an expert in both adult and children's heart care, but that is one of the special gifts Dr. Misbach offers to the rich diversity of the Denali Cardiac & Thoracic team. Recognizing the complex and different problems of children's smaller and more intricate hearts, Dr. Misbach specializes in pediatric and adult congenital and acquired heart disease "Cardiac surgery offers enormous challenges and tremendous rewards. I am grateful to have found a career where I can take pride in developing my skills while gaining satisfaction from helping others."

Dr. Misbach graduated from UCLA Medical School in 1973. He completed general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery residencies, as well as a research fellowship in cardiovascular physiology at the University of California, San Francisco from 1973 to 1982. From 1982 through 1990, Dr. Misbach served as Chief of Congenital Heart Surgery and tenured Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington. He also practiced pediatric cardiac surgery at Children's Hospital, and adult cardiac surgery at University Hospital in Seattle.

Since 1990, Dr. Misbach has continued his practice in acquired and congenital heart disease with Inland Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates in San Bernardino, California and now with Denali Cardiac & Thoracic Surgical Group in Anchorage, Alaska. He has experience in minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques for congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, and coronary artery disease.

"And, now, for something completely different.” Monty Python's Flying Circus

2009-01-08T12:23:00.026-09:00

You know the familiar saying folks use when things aren’t going so well, “When it rains, it pours.” In Alaska we say, “When it gets cold, it gets bitter cold.” I’m referencing these sayings for two reasons. First, the cold snap continues with temperatures dropping to -18º last night and no good news about when our high temperatures will approach or even rise above zero. Second, well let me use another saying, “The best laid plans of men often go astray.” The medical tests I had this week to help determine the cause of my marathon training difficulties (i.e. shortness of breath and some dizziness) revealed some anomalies in my heart’s arteries which require immediate medical attention; therefore, my A Trampathon Abroad is called off…for now (emphasis added).

The short story is that next Tuesday, January 13, I'm having triple (yep, I said triple) coronary artery bypass surgery and possibly a heart valve replacement. Wild news isn’t it! The good news is that the medical tests revealed that I haven’t any coronary heart disease…so why all the fuss? To answer that question I have to go allllll the waaaaay baaaack to when at 19 years old (and attending the University of Arizona) I was diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin’s Disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Because the cancer was found both above and below my diaphragm, I received radiation treatments in both areas…chemotherapy was not needed (actually, back then it wasn’t even considered an option). Here’s the tie-in, medical research has found that exposing the heart to radiation can cause scarring in the heart’s arteries and valves…this is likely my case.

Now for the longer story. On Monday (January 5) I had my scheduled cardiac stress test, which involved running on a treadmill and having pre-and-post running scans of my heart using a radioisotope (lithium) that was injected into my blood stream. I had the same test done in 2006 and similarly, the scanning results indicated that my heart was healthy and getting plenty of blood. However, my EKG (which runs continuously before, during, and after the run) showed dangerous anomalies which coincided with one of my shortness-of-breath and lightheadedness episodes. The tending nurse, seeing me strain and go pale, stopped the test immediately after 13 minutes of running and before I could reach my target heart rate of 152 bpm. They freaked and gave me some nitroglycerin spray (tasted like crap) thinking I was having a heart attack…I wasn’t. After completing the test, I dressed and was told to see Dr. Linda Ireland, a cardiac specialist, the next morning (January 6).

An aside: Because my heartbeat was not climbing as fast as they wanted it to, they started talking politics and about Sarah Palin hoping that would get me going. Well it worked…my heartbeats increased and climbed to 126 bpm before the test abruptly ended.

Dr. Ireland, I find out, is a fellow New Jerseyite who grew up in the Atlantic City area. She was very familiar with my neck of the woods in North Jersey…Wayne (the town I grew up in was named after Mad Anthony Wayne who was a general in the Revolutionary War) and Paterson (which use to be the national silk capital back in the 1870s). Dr. Ireland was pleased with the 2006 and 2009 heart scan results but spent most of time explaining her concern over the EKG results. It was very obvious, even to an untrained eye, that the EKG footage of when I was having my “spell” was screwed up...screwed up bad. She recommended that I have a cardiac catheterization and angiogram (Google the topics for more info) on Wednesday (January 7) to check things out…and luckily I did. The nursing staff was fantastic...Susan and Bunny were hilarious. Dr. Ireland performed the procedure and interpreted the results with Dr. Thomas Kramer…the procedure revealed two narrowings (NOTE: Here’s your human anatomy lesson and there will be a test). One 70% blockage was found in the left main coronary artery which divides into two branches (the circumflex coronary artery which supplies blood to the back, left side, and bottom of the heart; and, the left anterior descending coronary artery which supplies blood to the front and left side of the heart) and one 90% blockage was found in the right coronary artery which supplies blood to the right side and bottom of the heart. Because of their location, neither blockage can be repaired with angioplasting and stenting (Google this stuff too); therefore, the need to have bypass surgery…bummer. On Friday (January 9), I have an appointment with my heart surgeon, Dr. Gregory Misbach, to discuss my upcoming operation on Tuesday, January 13. I was told I’d be in the hospital for about a week and then have many weeks of physical therapy…sounds like lots of fun, NOT!

I’m also told that because of my good health and young age (56 is young!), I should recovery quickly…but not quick enough to make my Trampathon Abroad. My buddy Bob Bowker (formerly known as my European travelling companion “Harris”) and I are already talking about our respective circumstances (my heart surgery and his being treated for prostate cancer) and are vowing to overcome these “inconveniences” and run our comeback marathon later in the year…maybe Humpy’s Marathon in August. Crazy thought…maybe so!

You know it isn't impossible. I certainly am motivated by the accomplishments of past runners in similar circumstances. I can't help but remember Alberto Salizar's moving presentation, at last year's Twin Cities Marathon expo, about his conquering heart problems and running again (albeit a lot less intensely). I'll use this photo of Salizar and I to help keep me thinking positively. I pray all goes well.

I thought about closing this blog site but was talked into keeping it open and updating it as often as I can while going through all this crap. Eventually, I’ll be back on the road training hard and running far. Hell, I’ll now have 14 months to prepare for the 2010 edition of A Trampathon Abroad and even have more time to learn some Italian and French!!

Please keep my family and I in your prayers.

Arrivederci, Aurevoir

Baby it’s COLD outside….

2009-01-03T16:19:00.012-09:00

The bitter cold continues in Alaska, which is making things totally miserable for those of us who love to be in the great outdoors. What makes things worse is that we are having beautiful sunny, clear days. This morning it was -15° outside…it eventually got up to -5°…lucky us. However, it won’t stop the family from celebrating tonight’s 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood …lots of activities scheduled downtown including the largest fireworks display in state history. I just love my state and its state song...it gives me the chills every time I hear it. (AK State Song link) Afterwards we’re going to head over to my friend Neal’s home for a HUGE bonfire…lots of wood to burn!

I had a successful 10K run at the Dome today, which was particularly busy. The University of Alaska’s cross-country and track teams were training and they flew around the track.

The huge infield hosted the Colony High School Marching Band (Palmer, AK) who was practicing for their trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the President's Inauguration parade. Earlier in the week, the nation’s second fastest high school runner, Trevor Dunbar (Kodiak High School, Kodiak, AK - Trevor Dunbar link) showed up with his equally fast father, Marcus Dunbar (who won the national indoor mile championship in 1994)…it was a treat and a thing of beauty watching both of them lap the hell out of me. I have another 10K scheduled for tomorrow…pray it goes as well as today’s.

Running into 2009…way behind, time to catch up!

2009-01-01T13:50:00.008-09:00

On this first day of 2009, I can now relax and reflect on the reality of my plans and what has occurred since “birthing” this blog back in November. But first, let me explain the blog’s title. My tempter-friend Bill Parady, who has his own blog chronicling his Ironman training adventures, suggested I model my blog after a book written by Mark Twain: A Tramp Abroad . The book was published in 1880 and details a journey by the author, with his friend Harris (a character created for the book), through central and southern Europe. While the stated goal of the journey is to walk most of the way, the men find themselves using other forms of transport as they traverse the continent. As the two men make their way through Germany, the Alps, and Italy, they encounter situations made all the more humorous by their reactions to them. The narrator (Twain) plays the part of the American tourist of the time, believing that he understands all that he sees but in reality understanding none of it.

I was sold on Bill’s idea and after downing a cold Guinness, modified the book title to reflect what I had in store for “Harris” and myself. But then, who would be my sidekick…who would be “Harris”? This is when I now became the tempter. Being a fisherman, I threw out some bait and tried setting the hook in a number of individuals. I got a few curious nibbles but nothing that I could set the hook in and net. Then it happened, my buddy and running mentor Bob Bowker (known as the Silver Fox because of his flashy full head of silver hair) took the hook and ran with it. As I reeled him in I became more excited because I knew this would be a keeper…but my excitement was short-lived. Because of a recently diagnosed medical condition (more on that some other time), Bob had to decline the role of “Harris.” I’ve put my fishing pole away for now but may throw a hook out there later and see what I can catch.

So how did I get this wild idea of running some of the great European marathons? The idea came to mind in 2008 after reading an article in Runners World about must-run marathons of the world. The top 10 list was packed with familiar venues, Boston, New York, Berlin, London, Rome, Paris, Chicago, etc. I was thrilled to see that some I have already run were on the list (New York, Boston, Chicago) but what really caught my eye were the dates of the London, Rome, and Paris marathons…in 2008, they were scheduled to be all 2 weeks apart. So, my mind started to work…why not combine a 2009 trip to Europe with running the London, Rome, and Paris marathons? I had already fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting some of the ancient ruins of Greece in 2002 (to celebrate my 50th birthday) and combining it with running the Athens Marathon, so I figured I’d also fulfill another lifelong dream of visiting some of the great cities of Europe and throw in a marathon or two or, in this case, three. Because in 2009 London was not scheduled close enough to Rome and Paris, I chose to add Vienna instead. Vienna will be very cool because I love the Great Masters’ classical music and often listen to it during my training runs. I’ll have to run London and Berlin some other time…it will happen! The timing of this Trampathon is perfect because tomorrow I’ll be retiring after ~32 years of federal civil service. Actually, my federal career is sort-of like a Trampathon…after growing up in Wayne, NJ and attending college in AZ (UofA and ASU), I took my first federal job in San Diego, CA, then took federal jobs in Spearfish, SD, East Lansing, MI, and then since 1982, I’ve been in Anchorage, AK.

TRAINING

It’s –10 degrees out and we are in the middle of a cold snap with no end in sight. Conditions like this make marathon training very challenging. However, thank God we now have in Anchorage an unbelievable indoor training facility…The Dome (check it out via the link I provided). I hate treadmill running so having an indoor 400-meter track is a lifesaver. After running the Twin Cities Marathon the first week in October and taking the rest of the month off, I started running at the Dome in November. I worked my way back up to 10-milers before being thrown on my back around Thanksgiving with a sinus infection, which also aggravated my exercise-induced asthma…real bummer (understatement). Attempts to continue running under this condition were met with exhaustion and total frustration. One training day, I couldn’t even run one lap without feeling dizzy. Currently, I’m off meds (hooray) and working on longer runs while under my doctor’s watchful eye. (NOTE: My doctor wants my knees when I die because recent tests - that’s another story - revealed I have the knees of an 18 year old). I had some blood work done last week and this next week I have a cardiac stress test scheduled…stay tuned. Bottomline: I’m not totally off schedule, but will be if I’m not regularly running 8+ miles by January 11. Luckily, I’m not training for a PR…just training to finish the marathons and have fun along the way.

TRIP PLANNING

Too much to report in this blog entry…I’ll save it for the next one. However, here are some key words to satisfy your curiosity: Sorrento, Munich, a new “Harris”, flights from/to Paris, my sister Carol, Holy Week, Rick Steves’ Europe through the Backdoor, and Keen shoes.

Have a great, healthy, and happy 2009!

Remember, Train hard...run far!

...a long time ago, far, far away in the wilds of Alaska...

2008-11-30T15:06:00.002-09:00

I concocted an adventure to run some of the great marathons of Europe while on a walkabout designed to visit the great ruines in Italy, to see the wonders of Paris, and to hear the music of the great masters in Vienna. As I approach retirement from my Federal civil service career, I now know that the trip is becoming a reality. Many of my friends are encouraging me to keep this blog so they can track my planning and traveling adventures...that's a good thing! So, stay tuned for more odds-n-ends as I put things together.

Remember, train hard...run far!

Crossing the Mississippi River during the Twin Cities Marathon , October 2008.