A New Blog for Endurance Athletes with Thyroid Issues

I guess this post really only applies to Gail and I, but at long last someone started a blog for us endurance athletes with thyroid issues. I haven't reached out to the author yet, but intend to soon. Props to Payro for sending me the link, which can be found here.

It was very interesting to read her story. Though our issues are different - she has Hashimoto's, while I of course had cancer - some of the symptoms are similar. Also, she writes of having dry brittle hair, nails that break easily, super dry skin and other symptoms, many of which ring true for me. I experience all three regularly. Makes me wonder if I have recurring symptoms of being both hypo and/or hyper and yet have learned to adapt. Although I seem to be over the hump (knock on wood) of this disease, I'm starting to realize that I'm really living with a chronic disease that will likely be with me the rest of my life.

Kind of a heavy thought for a Tuesday night. Think I'll go watch American Idol or something and turn my brain off.

My Other Baseball Player

Download now or watch on posterous

IMG_3615.MOV (2412 KB)

This Kid just kills me. I took her brother to the cages with some of his friends ad of course she has to participate too. She has barely ever swung a bat before, but as you can see she not only has pretty good form - she can hit pretty well to boot. This one is just a natural athlete - things like this just comes easy to her. Sure wish I had her athleticism.

And I know. I definitely sound like one of those obnoxious parents ..........

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My Favorite Girl

Nice weekend here in Marin County. On Saturday, the boy redeemed himself at baseball. His team lost but thankfully he pitched through a near perfect inning.

Sunday featured a 2 hour trail run (me), swim practice (the Girl), our first paddleboarding session of the year (the family), baseball practice (the Boy), and a twilight hike (my favorite Girl and I). All in all, a very California weekend.

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Go Away, Spammers

What is it with this site that all of a sudden I have attracted so many freaking spammers lately? I love you guys and all, but it's not like I have the biggest audience in the world. I do have a lot of posts in the aggregate, but still. Anyway, if you are reading this, bloggers, go away. We're not interested in your drugs, your sneakers or anything of the sort. I mean, I'm all ears if you have some cool discounted running gear or cutting-edge electronics products but beyond that, vamanos.

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Speaking of running, for the first time since my car accident in December, I feel like I am rounding back into shape. My ankle isn't 100 percent and it's ben a long road, but I am getting there. I am planning on running the Greenbelt 50k with Todd and Payro and hopefully Gail on May 8 (or 9th - I can't remember) but boy oh boy are those two boys going to kick my ass. I might be ready come early May, but it will be by the hair of my chinny chin chin.

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Less than double digits until delivery of my iPad. To say I am stoked would quite the overstatement. I'll try to contain my excitement and say nothing more on this particular subject until April 12.

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On the subject of cancer -- a topic I have not had to visit on these here pages for a very long time, I am sending good vibes to a certain someone in New Jersey. I want to respect their privacy but those who are reading this, know who I am talking about. Thoughts and prayers with this very nice fellow and his terrific family.

Greetings from LA

I'm in LA today and most of tomorrow and am frankly too tired to write. However, for all you tech geeks out there, you might want to check out this post I just wrote for Techdork (old Techdork could use some visitors and comments, so don't be afraid to pop on over if you have a chance). I try not to write too much about technology on this site anymore, but I have to say that this just might be the coolest phone I have seen in a long, long while. If you are an existing Sprint customer (show of hands if you are with Sprint), this is a must-have when it comes out this Summer. Might be a must-have for some of us non Sprint customers, too.

The Son Rises

Yes, that is son as in my son, The Little Boy. I'm pleased to report that he's recovered from Saturday's debacle. He dusted himself off and went to the pitching clinic with me yesterday, which was very helpful. When we got there the pitching coach(es) asked how everyone did in Saturday's game. When the Little Boy told him he gave up a game winning grand slam, all the coaches gave him a high five and talked about how they, too, all gave up game winners in their day. It was an awesome gesture. And tonight his team Coach sent a really nice note as well asking how we has doing. I love how all these coaches (and players as well) watch out for one another. Wasn't like that in my day, that's for sure. Classy community we have out here proves the old adage that there's an upside to every situation.

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A Rough Day

Yesterday was kick off of little league baseball. The day started with the annual parade, which is a real terrific local annual event. Unfortunately, the day went downhill from there. The Little Boy had maybe his toughest game ever. He struck out two times but worse, he gave up the game winning hit -- an over the fence grand slam. He was standing at the mound and you could see the tears welling up. It was one of those moments when you just want to run out there and give him a hug. To make matters worse, he asked me in the car if I was mad at him. I told him the only thing that could ever make me mad in regards to sports, was poor sportsmanship. We talked about how even Derek Jeter has bad days. The big thing is, you gotta dust yourself off and approach it like a new day.

And with that -- we're off today to a pitching clinic. Together we are going to figure this pitching thing out.

The Leprechaun

For the past two years, we have had a Leprechaun living in our house. Being what he is, he only makes an appearance once a year, on St. Patrick's Day. Ah, but what an impression he makes. Here's a video of the Little Girl talking about the Leprechaun's visit yesterday.

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Sunrise Over San Francisco

This is a picture I took from my iPhone of the sun rising over Marin and San Francisco. Pictures and words could not do this scene justice.

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Play Ball!

The Little Boy had his final scrimmage game today before the season officially kicks off next Saturday. During the game, a pretty cool thing happened. His coach came over to me and introduced himself. Then he said, "He is a terrific kid and it's obvious he absolutely loves baseball. I saw him at the tryouts and knew nothing about him, but knew right away that this was a kid who just loved to play baseball. I had to have him on my team."

Not sure if there's anything better you could say to a dad, except maybe "Congrats to your kid on his Rhodes Scholarship.".

Not only is this guy a terrific coach (he really is -- he deeply understands the game and seems to have a unique ability to teach kids), but he has pretty good intuition as well and in this instance he could not have been more right. Because man, does the Little Boy love baseball. And for that matter, so does his Old Man.

So, let's Play Ball. Looking forward to a great 2010 Little League (and Major league as well for that matter) season.

In the Event Anyone Cares

This is:

what's in my ipod(s): new Jimi Hendrix, White Stripes Live (awesome), Beck's OAR, Hey Champ (best mixtape I have heard in a long, long while), Broken Bels (my album of year for 2010 so far), Pavement (how have i not been listening to them more these past ten years?) and Sonic Youth. Hit me if you want me to up any of these albums on Dropbox; you will be able to download fairly easily.

what is in my Kindle: The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney. I am a sucker for a good memoir and a particular sucker for war/military related memoirs. This guy is a West Point grad, an Army Range, a Rhodes Scholar and was in Afganistan (I think -- I am not thre yet). He's also a terrific writer. I'm only about 40 percent through (percentage is a Kindle thing) but it is a superb read thus far. Next up is a book about .. taxidermy. Yes, you heard that right It got a great review in today's New York Times and I love books that cover strange and unique sub cultures.

what is in my future: 32 gig Wifi only version of the iPad. I am going to order this sucker on Friday, I have been mightily debating whether I should go 3g or wifi version, but I have come to the conclusion that I don't really need to give more money to AT&T. I suspect that the Wifi version will be more than sufficient and if it isn't, I'll give this to the Wife and get the other one.

First Race of the Year

Alrightee. The ankle is still a bit wonky, I have yet to run over 7 miles in 2010 and I just signed up for my first ultra of the season; the Greenbelt 50k on May 8 in Long Island. Exactly two months from today.

Big gulp.

I am sure I will make it to the finish line but I suspect this is going to be steady and slow. I made a promise to my main man Toddie B that I will run this with him (his first ultra) and I am nothing if not a man of my word. Now, I literally have got to get running. Payro is joining us to and I am hoping that maybe we will see an appearance from Gail as well. Gail - what say you? The three of you better have mercy on me.

So, it's on. Let's see if the old ankle can hold up. Have to say though-- I am kind of stoked.

Best Movie

I thought the Hurt Locker was pretty darn good; kudos for winning Best Movie. Didn't see that one coming but glad the Academy didn't go the traditional/easy route. On the subject of movies, I saw Crazy Heart last night with The Wife (first time we've been to the movies in a looongggg while) and I thought Jeff Bridges was outstanding and the movie was a tad bit long. Though I don't care what anyone says: Jeff Bridge's best role is and always will be The Dude in the Big Lewbowski. One of the all-time greatest movies.

My personal selection for Best Movie of the year? The Hangover. Funniest movie since Old School and an all-time top ten.

Nothing else much to report. Insane weekend here weather-wise and did the usual: swim (with The Girl), run (with the Boy), skateboard and more. I think we were outside for at least ten hours today, which is my personal mark of a great day.

Day 3: Headlands Trip

So, it's a wrap. 48 fairly epic hours with 50 fifth graders in the Marin Headlands. I think that - and these pictures - speak for itself. An amazing time that I will remember for a long, long time.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Day 2: Headlands

What a super fun day; had so much fun. Today we did a six hour hike all through the Headlands. It was absolutely fantastic and the kids were terrific. Food here is really good too. I have a million other photos but don't want to post any of kids without their parent's approval. Tonight's activity; campfire. Should be fun too.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Day 1; Headlands Trip

Right now I am typing from a bunkhouse in the Marin Headlands. I'd estimate that within 100 feet of me about 100 5th grade boys are (attempting) going to sleep (only 15 "belong" to me; the rest are from another school). I've only been here for about five hours, but so far it is an impressive show from an educational standpoint. The Kids are being quite good, too. Sure there's a bit of ten year old "energy" here and there but that's to be expected. From what I understand, we are going on a six hour nature hike tomorrow. As you could imagine, I am stoked. I will be sure to post pictures when I can.

Crazy Few Months

I generally don't write about work on these here pages, but since mid- January my Team has been working on the biggest project that I've been part of for at least a decade. Today, the process concluded and regardless of how it shakes out for us in the end, it was a very, very gratifying day on a number of different levels.

I'm uttery exhausted but am looking forward to sampling a bit of the below; Oban 14 scotch whiskey, which is one I reserve for special occasions.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon