Yosemite

Headed camping for a few days with the boys to Yosemite. I've lived in California for almost 7 years now and still haven't been to Yosemite; I am stoked. I am particularly stoked to get some trail running in; from what I understand some of the Yosemite trails are absolutely epic.

On the unstoked side of the equation though, it's supposed to be a bit hot. Forecasts seem to be hovering in the mid 90's, but it cools down significantly as the sun sets (typical of Northern California). If internet access allows, I will be sure to post pictures.

In regards to the Olympics, it was interesting to see Michael Phelps make the same mistake as my kids - you gotta hit that finish STRONG. I cannot believe that he made such an amateur mistake. Just proves that no one is infallible.

Olympics

So, as a bachelor, I've been watching a ton of Olympics. Even if I was a non-bachelor, I'd be watching a ton of Olympics. There isn't much better than the Olympics.

Unsurprisingly, I've been most stoked about swimming. I think much was made of the first Phelps-Lochte showdown. Truth is, Lochte was a heavy favorite for him - it's arguably his strongest event (which he proved). I think the real surprise wasn't that he won, but that Phelps failed to medal. He really didn't look too good but I'm not sure I'd read too much into that - I suspect he's going to be more than fine.

I do wish that NBC would broadcast a little more of some of the more "obscure" sports such as weightlifting. My new roommate Wiley and watched some weightlifting on the computer and it was incredible; this little dude from North Korea of all places - guys weighed about 125 pounds - clean and jerked THREE TIMES his bodyweight. That is almost incomprehensible to me.

Beyond swimming, I've been watching whatever they got for me; water polo, gymnastics, beach volleyball, synchronized diving, etc. As far as I'm concerned, it's all exciting. But what I'm really most stoked for is track and field. Cannot wait for all of those events.

Anyone else out there have a particular favorite?

Most Perfect Day Ever?

Yesterday as my first "true" day of being a bachelor - meaning I wasn't traveling for business or working. It just may have been the most perfect day ever. I woke up, went to CrossFit, ran two miles afterwards and then went out for an awesome breakfast. Went home and watched the 400 meter IM unfold - props to Lochte on swimming an amazing race. And don't worry; Phelps will be back. Went to the pool just as the sun was coming up. Swam for an hour, lounged around the pool for a while, had a burger and went to get a haircut. Went to Whole Food, met up with a friend for a few minutes and her brand new baby, had some dinner and went to see the Dark Knight Rises, which was pretty damn good. Came home, more Olympics, sleep.

A more perfect day I could not imagine, though today is giving yesterday a run for its money: Crossfit, breakfast, typing these words, going for a run and then picking up my boy Wiley. More later.

Los Angeles

Sorry been so quiet; been on an extended trip to Southern California. Been here since Monday and it has been a LONG but productive week. Somehow we can an amazing rate with the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. I've stayed there before with the Wife but never before for business (never stayed at any Four Seasons for business for that matter).

I have to say, it is the most luxurious hotel ever and it really softens the blow of business travel. I woke up early, did a CrossFit workout in the gym and then swam for a half mile in their pool. Had a coffee poolside, had a quick steam and got ready for work. I have to say - a VERY civilized way to start a day. My fingers are crossed I can get a similar rate for future visits.

Bachelor

Well, I am back from my great Adirondack sojourn, and it's that time of the year again - for the next 24 days or so, I am a bachelor. Even though today is "Day 1" I already miss the Kids - though they fight and whine and bitch and moan, they are generally pretty darn good Kids and I really enjoy hanging out with them.

So, what will I do during my bachelorhood? For starters, I have a three day trip to LA planned. But that's all business. And on the back end of next week I'm meeting some of the boys at Yosemite for camping. Beyond that - I will probably chill and enjoy the relative peace and quiet.  And by week two, as in year's past, I am sure I will be bored stiff. Will be sure to keep you updated.

5k Race

We ran the Silk and Satin 5k this morning. The whole family ran really well. Most impressive performance went to the Little Boy who ran a 22:20 - a PR by almost two minutes. That is 7:15 pace - pretty impressive for a kid who has done little to no running over the past several months. He stuck with me and ran the first mile in 6:45. I couldn't shake him until mile 1.5.

I ran 21:21 which was pretty decent considering I did a hard squat session at CrossFit yesterday and was feeling pretty cooked. The Wife ran around 30 minutes flat - also pretty fast. And last but not least, the Little Girl came in 3rd in her age group (12 and under - and she just turned 10). Every time that Kid does something she wins some sort of award. Anyway - both kids are pretty decent runners - and I am super proud of them.

Greetings from Lake George

Am back in Lake George, NY for my yearly sojourn. Getting set to drop the kids off at camp. I'll be back here in late August to pick them up.

So far, so good. Went to CrossFit Lake George yesterday, which was fun, did a little swimming, a little hanging out with the kids, etc. I love it here in the Adirondacks. Only thing is that it is HOT. And I mean really hot. I sometimes complain that Northern California isn't warm enough, but all things considered I think I will take its relatively mild temperatures over the crazy hot and cold of the East Coast and Midwest. 

Anyway, headed to a minor league baseball game with the Little Dude and doing a 5k with the family on Saturday morning in Saratoga. Will be sure to send some pictures from the road.