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| Steel manufacturing at night along the Ohio river |
The last time I was in Pittsburgh, it was 2005, I was turning 30, working in radio in Canton, Ohio and took a tour of the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute's Le Cordon Bleu Program deep in the heart of the golden triangle. I was seriously examining a career change and cooking school was something I really wanted to do. The cost, unfortunately, kept me from moving forward ($40,000 for an 18 month program) - not to mention the few thousand I still owed from getting my broadcasting degrees.
I think I received a follow up phone call from them at least once a month for the next two years, asking when I thought I could start taking classes. The program has since closed, but I still wonder if I made the right call or what might have evolved had I threw caution a bit harder into the wind. Sure, my time in broadcasting came and went and - perhaps - the same would have been true with the cooking school route. Though, it is fun to wonder what it would have been like to further my cooking prowess in the shadow of the three rivers and where it might have taken me.
Anyway, we find the record store and it's massive inventory. For a music geek like Chris, he could browse for hours. He and L went digging for treasure while I casually glanced around for a short time. I then stepped outside and browsed the neighborhood in search of a restroom. Luckily the nearby restaurant/pharmacy combination had one for public use (Pamela's P & G Diner). I continued on and before I realized it I had walked right into a brewery partly facilitated by a dude I used to play Sunday morning flag football with in Columbus.
Originally from PA, Dan was among the original six to eight guys we played with regularly years ago. He moved back to Pittsburgh and helped start a brewery (Grist House), among other things. It was funny to walk right to it by happen chance and figured we would stop by later as I headed back to find to L and Chris. Once at the record store, L isn't feel well and soon needed to seek medical attention as a precaution. We left Chris to his own devices as he continued to salivate over mountains of music.
She drove while I navigated us to the nearest urgent care. I felt sorry for her, as she tried to keep herself calm listening to my directions while attempting to maneuver Pittsburgh's crowded & unfamiliar streets and rolling hills. More than once she over analyzed my directions and attempted to do nearly the exact opposite (something she tends to do when stressed or frustrated). Having to talk her off the ledge and get her to relax a little, we finally made it. Luckily, it was not a busy day at the medical facility - we were in and out in about 30 minutes. She received a prescription for the stomach bug that hit her and the pharmacy was just a block a way, but it wouldn't be ready for nearly an hour.
She stayed at the pharmacy while I then drove through the maze back to the record store to get Chris and return. He was waiting outside when I arrived with a cache of new sounds. Upon retrieving L from the pharmacy and we returned to the Millvale area to eat and browse some breweries. On the return trip, L (feeling a bit better) is in the backseat questioning the route I was taking. I give her the stink eye via the rear view mirror and after a second inquisition as to the direction I was taking, Chris chimed in, "I think he knows where he's going considering this is the fourth time he's taken this route in the last hour."
Letting what Chris said sink in, L realized she could relax as I was now familiar with the surroundings. She sheepishly smiles and adds, "Um...Love You!"
We stopped by Strange Roots Experimental Ales for some food and drink first. While there I messaged Dan and while he wouldn't be at Grist House till much later, he thought it was way cool I had found his place by total accident and offered some suggestion as to what we should try while there. We stopped by and sampled somethings before heading out to a place L had wanted to visit, Hop Farm Brewing, a cool pub a bit hidden way.
Shortly thereafter, we drove back to Steubenville listening to a portion of Chris' new collection of music with some Pittsburgh area beers for future enjoyment. Along the way Dan apologized for missing us at his place, but did say we needed to meet up the next time he made it back to the Columbus area. I, too, let him know we would coordinate a return with him in the near future as well.
As always, the trip turned out to be much more than we bargained for. Seriously, who wouldn't enjoy vintage music, beer, urgent care visits and restaurant/pharmacy bathrooms?
Well look at that, it is finally fall and the 40th Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon has returned. I will be taking part in my third half marathon portion of this event. It had gotten a bit cool as of late, but it isn't that it has been out of the ordinary. It's just that it was summer-like warm for much longer than we expected and the sudden change to what it should fee like was quick and surprising. This meant we would have real fall weather for the event, bringing back fond memories of those high school and collegiate cross country seasons of the past.
If you haven't taken part in this event, the start is an awesome blood pumping experience as AC/DC's Thunderstruck blares - shaking you to your core - as the final minutes count down to the gun time.
I think I received a follow up phone call from them at least once a month for the next two years, asking when I thought I could start taking classes. The program has since closed, but I still wonder if I made the right call or what might have evolved had I threw caution a bit harder into the wind. Sure, my time in broadcasting came and went and - perhaps - the same would have been true with the cooking school route. Though, it is fun to wonder what it would have been like to further my cooking prowess in the shadow of the three rivers and where it might have taken me.
Anyway, we find the record store and it's massive inventory. For a music geek like Chris, he could browse for hours. He and L went digging for treasure while I casually glanced around for a short time. I then stepped outside and browsed the neighborhood in search of a restroom. Luckily the nearby restaurant/pharmacy combination had one for public use (Pamela's P & G Diner). I continued on and before I realized it I had walked right into a brewery partly facilitated by a dude I used to play Sunday morning flag football with in Columbus.
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| Take home from Grist House |
Originally from PA, Dan was among the original six to eight guys we played with regularly years ago. He moved back to Pittsburgh and helped start a brewery (Grist House), among other things. It was funny to walk right to it by happen chance and figured we would stop by later as I headed back to find to L and Chris. Once at the record store, L isn't feel well and soon needed to seek medical attention as a precaution. We left Chris to his own devices as he continued to salivate over mountains of music.
She drove while I navigated us to the nearest urgent care. I felt sorry for her, as she tried to keep herself calm listening to my directions while attempting to maneuver Pittsburgh's crowded & unfamiliar streets and rolling hills. More than once she over analyzed my directions and attempted to do nearly the exact opposite (something she tends to do when stressed or frustrated). Having to talk her off the ledge and get her to relax a little, we finally made it. Luckily, it was not a busy day at the medical facility - we were in and out in about 30 minutes. She received a prescription for the stomach bug that hit her and the pharmacy was just a block a way, but it wouldn't be ready for nearly an hour.
Letting what Chris said sink in, L realized she could relax as I was now familiar with the surroundings. She sheepishly smiles and adds, "Um...Love You!"
We stopped by Strange Roots Experimental Ales for some food and drink first. While there I messaged Dan and while he wouldn't be at Grist House till much later, he thought it was way cool I had found his place by total accident and offered some suggestion as to what we should try while there. We stopped by and sampled somethings before heading out to a place L had wanted to visit, Hop Farm Brewing, a cool pub a bit hidden way.
Shortly thereafter, we drove back to Steubenville listening to a portion of Chris' new collection of music with some Pittsburgh area beers for future enjoyment. Along the way Dan apologized for missing us at his place, but did say we needed to meet up the next time he made it back to the Columbus area. I, too, let him know we would coordinate a return with him in the near future as well.As always, the trip turned out to be much more than we bargained for. Seriously, who wouldn't enjoy vintage music, beer, urgent care visits and restaurant/pharmacy bathrooms?
Well look at that, it is finally fall and the 40th Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon has returned. I will be taking part in my third half marathon portion of this event. It had gotten a bit cool as of late, but it isn't that it has been out of the ordinary. It's just that it was summer-like warm for much longer than we expected and the sudden change to what it should fee like was quick and surprising. This meant we would have real fall weather for the event, bringing back fond memories of those high school and collegiate cross country seasons of the past.
If you haven't taken part in this event, the start is an awesome blood pumping experience as AC/DC's Thunderstruck blares - shaking you to your core - as the final minutes count down to the gun time.
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In just my second attempt at a half marathon in 2017, I finished 303 out of 9,633 in 1:37:06. Last year, I re-aggravated a calf strain at mile ten and finished 136 out of 9,112 in 1:27:16. Having eclipsed the 1:24 barrier last April, could I come close to that here in 2019? At the very least, the weather would cooperate as we had a cool breeze and a 50 degree temperature to kick us off. In the corral, a handful of familiar faces are ready to take off with me.
From the outset I worked my way out of the glut of competitors and made it to the outside to get the legs moving. I didn't feel like I was going to fast, but the legs were loose and I was comfortable. Making our way to Broad Street I find a small group to tag along with and at mile one I was surprised with a 6:02. Typically, way to fast for mile one but I didn't feel as if it was - I would be slowing down a bit in the coming miles but everything was feeling good.
Approaching mile, two and suddenly from my left side I hear, "Hey, congrats on the wedding!"
Its CRC Westerville Teammate Jared who we haven't seen much of lately as he and his wife have been busy with a pair of small children. We exchange a handful of wedding related comments and continue on. He is usually much faster than I, so I attempt to keep him within eyesight for as long as I can. The next three miles on the long straight stretch are fluid (6:17, 6:16, 6:19) and those I have chosen to follow are still nearby. Though Jared is much further ahead, but I can at least see him.
Making sure to alternate water & Gatorade at the fuel stations seems to be paying off. It isn't too hot, or too cold and it isn't breezy - the conditions are perfect. It now comes down to physical make-up and mindset. Just before mile five I see an onlooker cross the course through a decent sized gap between runners from left to right. The onlooker then turns back to the course, start his watch and joins in along side me - it's CRC Westerville Teammate John who is there as a spectator.
"I thought I'd join you for few minutes. How are ya feelin'!", he asks.
"I'm feeling good, can't complain at the moment", I reply as it was a nice boost to the ego to have a familiar face join to help pace along with.
After a couple of minutes of chit chat, "Man, you are going too fast for me."
Jokingly, "I'm sorry, I can slow down for you,"
He laughs, "Oh, no. Don't do that, you are doing good. I'm going to drop back and run along with some others (teammates). Good luck."
I nod and he trails off course. At mile five I'm at 6:22 and the handful of folks I've attempted to tag along with are a bit further ahead. Working through my mechanics and reviewing the familiar course in my head, I attempt to determine how to navigate the second half (mile six: 6:20). A bit of an incline covers mile seven and I'm trailing off a bit (6:35), but this is typical for me - just as long as the ensuing miles don't also trail off.
I'm able to make it up the next two miles (6:27, 6:24) I'm now working on tagging along with a couple of stronger runners as we tackle the final 5K (6:30). I catch a glimpse of L and hear, "Keep it up, your at PR pace!" Around Schiller Park we go and what has been my demise the last two years comes into view - the long, rolling hill straight stretch back north along High Street. They aren't huge inclines by any means, but from a distant the horizon looks intimidating. In the past, this is where everyone and their brother passes me.
Tired, I put my head down and work my elbows through my knees, looking up occasionally to gauge how far those I'm trailing are ahead of me. I've slowed significantly, but fewer folks are drifting by than in previous years along miles 11 & 12 (6:37, 6:45). The mile thirteen downhill is a welcome sight as I let the legs and arms flow free and the half marathon & marathon split becomes visible.
Not to make fun, but I can't imagine running past the split and watching folks turn to finish the half marathon while I still have another 13.1 miles to navigate. This would be psychological torture for me, kudos to those who tackle the full marathon. It just isn't my thing.
Turning left through the split and I attempt to keep my final mile momentum (6:27), cruising through the finish at 1:24:57 - good enough for 94th overall and 6th in my age group. There would be no overall PR this time, but it was for this course by 2 1/2 minutes. A much better result at an event that has not been my friend the last two years. My favorite number is regarding the Passed & Passed By statistics this race tabulates. These numbers are taken at the 7k mark, the 15k mark and the finish. Most important in my opinion are the number of those who Passed By me in the last segment. In 2017, that number was 73, in 2018 it was 13 and this year it was 9.
Upon finishing L and I made our way home and had planned to go out later on in the day, but instead we crashed. Both of us fell asleep for a while, then simply watched football the rest of the afternoon. We don't know if it was because we had been up since 6am, or because we had spent the entire day before visiting Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve and Double Edge Brewing Company. Either way, it made for a long - yet fun - weekend.
With the Daylight Saving Time for 2019 coming to an end, we are now digging out those headlamps, flashlights and reflective vests - not to mention the hats, gloves and tights. And the CRC Tuesday Night Track group has only a few more meet-ups left before calling it quits for the season. I missed the most recent one due to the struggle to get there on time and with enough daylight. The October 15th Democratic Presidential Debate took place at Otterbein University, just two miles from our track workout location and getting there would have been impossible, so I did my own work out at the middle school near our house instead.
From the outset I worked my way out of the glut of competitors and made it to the outside to get the legs moving. I didn't feel like I was going to fast, but the legs were loose and I was comfortable. Making our way to Broad Street I find a small group to tag along with and at mile one I was surprised with a 6:02. Typically, way to fast for mile one but I didn't feel as if it was - I would be slowing down a bit in the coming miles but everything was feeling good.Approaching mile, two and suddenly from my left side I hear, "Hey, congrats on the wedding!"
Its CRC Westerville Teammate Jared who we haven't seen much of lately as he and his wife have been busy with a pair of small children. We exchange a handful of wedding related comments and continue on. He is usually much faster than I, so I attempt to keep him within eyesight for as long as I can. The next three miles on the long straight stretch are fluid (6:17, 6:16, 6:19) and those I have chosen to follow are still nearby. Though Jared is much further ahead, but I can at least see him.
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| Look hard, the guy on the left is looking directly in the camera and smiling. I hate him. |
"I thought I'd join you for few minutes. How are ya feelin'!", he asks.
"I'm feeling good, can't complain at the moment", I reply as it was a nice boost to the ego to have a familiar face join to help pace along with.
After a couple of minutes of chit chat, "Man, you are going too fast for me."
Jokingly, "I'm sorry, I can slow down for you,"
He laughs, "Oh, no. Don't do that, you are doing good. I'm going to drop back and run along with some others (teammates). Good luck."
I nod and he trails off course. At mile five I'm at 6:22 and the handful of folks I've attempted to tag along with are a bit further ahead. Working through my mechanics and reviewing the familiar course in my head, I attempt to determine how to navigate the second half (mile six: 6:20). A bit of an incline covers mile seven and I'm trailing off a bit (6:35), but this is typical for me - just as long as the ensuing miles don't also trail off.
I'm able to make it up the next two miles (6:27, 6:24) I'm now working on tagging along with a couple of stronger runners as we tackle the final 5K (6:30). I catch a glimpse of L and hear, "Keep it up, your at PR pace!" Around Schiller Park we go and what has been my demise the last two years comes into view - the long, rolling hill straight stretch back north along High Street. They aren't huge inclines by any means, but from a distant the horizon looks intimidating. In the past, this is where everyone and their brother passes me.Tired, I put my head down and work my elbows through my knees, looking up occasionally to gauge how far those I'm trailing are ahead of me. I've slowed significantly, but fewer folks are drifting by than in previous years along miles 11 & 12 (6:37, 6:45). The mile thirteen downhill is a welcome sight as I let the legs and arms flow free and the half marathon & marathon split becomes visible.
Not to make fun, but I can't imagine running past the split and watching folks turn to finish the half marathon while I still have another 13.1 miles to navigate. This would be psychological torture for me, kudos to those who tackle the full marathon. It just isn't my thing.
Turning left through the split and I attempt to keep my final mile momentum (6:27), cruising through the finish at 1:24:57 - good enough for 94th overall and 6th in my age group. There would be no overall PR this time, but it was for this course by 2 1/2 minutes. A much better result at an event that has not been my friend the last two years. My favorite number is regarding the Passed & Passed By statistics this race tabulates. These numbers are taken at the 7k mark, the 15k mark and the finish. Most important in my opinion are the number of those who Passed By me in the last segment. In 2017, that number was 73, in 2018 it was 13 and this year it was 9.Upon finishing L and I made our way home and had planned to go out later on in the day, but instead we crashed. Both of us fell asleep for a while, then simply watched football the rest of the afternoon. We don't know if it was because we had been up since 6am, or because we had spent the entire day before visiting Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve and Double Edge Brewing Company. Either way, it made for a long - yet fun - weekend.
With the Daylight Saving Time for 2019 coming to an end, we are now digging out those headlamps, flashlights and reflective vests - not to mention the hats, gloves and tights. And the CRC Tuesday Night Track group has only a few more meet-ups left before calling it quits for the season. I missed the most recent one due to the struggle to get there on time and with enough daylight. The October 15th Democratic Presidential Debate took place at Otterbein University, just two miles from our track workout location and getting there would have been impossible, so I did my own work out at the middle school near our house instead.
No need to be sad, seasons change and lucky enough they return as well. We all need a deep freeze to renew and rejuvenate ourselves. It's the only way we can come back stronger, stronger than ever before...
This is the definition of my life
Lying in bed in the sunlight
Choking on the vitamin tablet
The doctor gave in the hope of saving me
In the hope of saving me
Walked in the corner of the room
A junk yard fool with eyes of gloom
I asked him time again
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain the rain
The rain the rain the rain now
Dusty brown boots in the corner
By the ironing board
Spray on dust is the greatest thing
Sure is the greatest thing
Since the last since the last
Walked in the corner of the room
A junk yard fool with eyes of gloom
I asked him time again
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain the rain
The rain the rain the rain now
I asked him time again
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain
Take me in and dry the rain
The rain the rain the rain now
If there's something inside that you want to say
Say it out loud it'll be okay
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
If there's something inside that you want to say
Say it out loud it'll be okay
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
I Need Love, yeah
I Need Love
If there's something inside that you want to say
Say it out loud it'll be okay
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
If there's something inside that you want to say
Say it out loud it'll be okay
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
I will be your light
I need love
I need love
Photos by L and I
Photos by L and I
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| A portion of Grist House's outside venue as renovations are taking place |
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| At Strange Roots Experimental Ales |
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| At Strange Roots Experimental Ales |
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| Fun stuff from Hightower Brewing: An Imperial IPA |
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| At Hightower Brewing in Rayland, Ohio |
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| A black Saison at Hop Farm Brewing |
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| A blackberry, mango fruited sour. |
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| Race photos by L |
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| Race photos by L |
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| Race photos by L |
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| Race photos by L |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| At Rock Bridge State Nature Preserve |
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| Double Edge Brewing Rustic Sunrise Coffee Blonde Ale in a Random Precision Brewing Glass. |
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| At Double Edge Brewing Company |
