At Least Your Beer will LOOK Good

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

L's beer label

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

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

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

My beer label

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

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

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

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

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

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

**We back EVERY pair with 

FREE Replacements if Lost or Broken**

**Each order also secures 11 meals 

to fight hunger through 

Feeding America**

We are an independent sunglasses company for those who don't want to buy from a massive, faceless company that has been operating the same way for decades 

shadyrays.com

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

The neighbors directly behind us. Their rather young
Buckeye Tree snapped in half, just missing their pool. 

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

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

As for the race, aside from the cooler weather, the day would be perfect. Here is how the downtown Columbus race course is described:

The AEP Ohio Columbus 10K course is fun, scenic, and challenging. Running through historic Columbus neighborhoods and providing great views of our picturesque downtown skyline, we think you'll enjoy your tour around the city!

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

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

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

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

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

Approaching the finish

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

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

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

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

L (on the right) finishing half a step
ahead wearing a giant smile.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Woman Like You

I ain't lookin' for a one time girl

I need a little more to light up my world

I wanna woman like, I wanna woman like you

The same ol', same ol' change the station

To a new kinda cool, kinda conversation

I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you

Now gimme that, gimme sunshine stuff

Some of that summertime moonlight lust

Lookin' so sweet with a badass attitude

Well shake it up, shake it up all night long

Make a southern man wanna put you in his song

The right kind of wrong, that I wanna fall into

Well I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

You got somethin' that I can't explain

Set me on fire when you call my name

Messin' my mind when you're shakin' that thing

Make me wanna, make me wanna give you that ring

Well gimme that, gimme that sunshine stuff

Some of that summertime moonlight lust

Lookin' so sweet with a badass attitude

Well shake it up, shake it up all night long

Make a southern man wanna put you in his song

The right kind of wrong that I wanna fall into

Well I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

You got the power, now you got the brains

Lockin' my heart all up in chains

I ain't never gonna be the same

Well gimme that, gimme that sunshine stuff

Some of that summertime moonlight lust

Lookin' so sweet with a badass attitude

Well shake it up, shake it up all night long

Make a southern man wanna put you in his song

The right kind of wrong that I wanna fall into

Well I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like you

I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like...

You, yeah

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Ow

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Yeah

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Ow

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Yeah

(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) Ow

Cause I wanna woman yeah

I wanna woman yeah

I wanna woman yeah, I wanna woman like...

You

More fun photos

The Traffic Panthers (minus Mark): Kevin, Gary, Susan,
Patricia, L and I

L and her nemesis laughing to
the finish

 On the Lower Scioto Greenway, about
half a mile to go

Post race beer at home: Goldhorn Brewery Secret Identity
Red IPA.

Breakfast Taco's & lots of hot sauce at
Alchemy Juice Cafe

Jameson welcoming us home.

Age group award and finisher's medal

The Wedding Summer as Picasso's Girlfriend

This month has been full of many things: travels, chores and portraits from youth that make you wish you still had their immense imagination..and summer finally arrived!

A 2018 graduate of Youngstown State University L's brother Chris found his first job in the testing lab at a steel plant in Steubenville, Ohio. We paid him a visit and made a trip out there while making stops along the way, hitting historic Triple Locks Park in Coshocton, Ohio, stopping by Wooly Pig Farm Brewery, Honey Run Waterfall in Knox County and browsing Tappan Lake in Deersville.

It was cool to have Chris show us his bachelor pad and around Steubenville, Mingo Junction and Wintersville - places loaded with history along the Ohio River and in the shadow of West Virginia. His place is short on furniture and belongings, but is typical of first apartments. Mine was a hidden, ramshackle second floor space on a hill in Grayson, Kentucky back in the summer of 1998 - how is that over 20 years ago now?

Me - as a tiger and me, again, as a
...a lady?

Anyway, here back at home schools are wrapping up their academic years and preparing for next year. As a result, the library has been attending events to ready students, and parents alike, for what to expect when the summer comes to an end. Assigned to a kindergarten registration earlier this month for work, a pair of 5 year-old girls found me to be their entertainment while waiting for their mom.

According to Olivia - I'm weird and have no hair, but before leaving she says, '"Hey Mr. Man...I like you!". 
Her sister, McKenna, drew some pictures...for the first one she says, "This is you as a tiger."
For the second, she says, "This is you as a lady." Ahh...fringe benefits from the mouths of babes. Apparently, I not only resemble a wild animal but also Picasso's ideal woman.

The pair of school employees, as well as the parent, who were at the registration table next to me were in hysterics. I was entertained, but yet confused, with McKenna's interpretation. Did she know something I didn't, like "I see dead people"? Instead, she was blessed with the misguided and warped depiction of reality from disturbed & eccentric artists? Either way, I'm sure showing her and her sister how to turn their eyelids inside out for a cool zombie look (among other things) had something to do with it. Somewhere out there, Salvador Dali is smiling in satisfaction that his protege' has found her craft.

With Memorial Day weekend rolling around, it was again time for New Moon Half & Quarter Marathon AND the Crescent Moon 5K here in Delaware. Two years ago I ran the quarter marathon portion and crashed in the late afternoon heat - it is a 6pm start - finishing 8th overall in 47:18. Last year, almost two months after L and I moved to Delaware, I ran the half marathon and following a Thunderstorm just before the start I finished second overall in 1:28:03. The heat and humidity returned after the thunderstorm and there were some kids along the route who cooled us off with squirt guns as we navigated the course, to go along with the water stops. This was also the race where I ran over the little girl near the finish line...not my proudest moment.

The race travels through scenic Delaware City and this is how the race is described: Join us and celebrate the "unofficial" arrival of Summer on Memorial Day weekend for the exciting 5th annual New Moon Half & Quarter Marathon AND the Crescent Moon 5K. The event kicks off fun summer evenings with a Half Marathon (13.1 miles), Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) and the Crescent Moon 5K (3.1 miles). All three races, which begin and end in the heart of downtown Delaware, Ohio are open to runners and walkers. The New Moon is a party and celebration of all that is fun on great summer nights - including a festive post-event Celebration Block Party for you and all your friends and family. 

It was unexpectedly cool at the beginning of this week, but it was to be humid and toasty - again - by the time the Saturday afternoon race was to arrive with heat index warnings & other fun stuff.

**We back EVERY pair with 

FREE Replacements if Lost or Broken**

**Each order also secures 11 meals 

to fight hunger through 

Feeding America**

We are an independent sunglasses company for those who don't want to buy from a massive, faceless company that has been operating the same way for decades 

shadyrays.com

The urban run course starts directly in the downtown of Delaware, takes you through the historic business district, the neighborhoods that make up the city, through the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University, around beautiful Mingo Park and alongside the Olentangy River on a fun bike path where portions follow on old rail line that stretches over U.S Route 23 and to an exciting downhill finish back at the heart of downtown. In the middle portions of the route, we have some nice hills to navigate and get to circle the block L and I live on.

The quarter marathon route, the half
marathon is two loops of the same route

Speaking of L, she would be running the quarter marathon portion this year which would also be her longest race ever. Just like the year before, it was hot and humid then clouds rolled in prior to race time dropping some rain and leaving us with a wet, humid course. Sounds way too familiar.

About 400 meters in I'm following a couple of dudes and I'm going to fast (as always) and this dude pulls up alongside me. "Hey, what pace you going for?", he says.

     "I'd like for it be around 6:30, but we'll see"

"Oh, cool...wanna run together?"

Annoyed, but not deterred, I agreed. Which ended up being a short-lived - luckily - mistake. For the next mile this dude asked if I lived in Delaware, where in Delaware I lived, told me where he lived, asked my half marathon PR, told me his half marathon PR and few other things. I'm at 6:05 through the first marker.

Just as I started imagining shoving talky-talkerson off of the rail bridge and onto the busy freeway below, he says, "Sorry, I'm a talker when I run. Feel free to tell me to shut up If I'm bothering you." I didn't want to be a complete jerk, so I jokingly followed with, "Oh, no problem. If need be I'll just trip you and push you towards the nearest tree." That's when I realized that might be an excellent idea.

At the finish

He glances behind us to see a woman on our heels and the way she is dressed indicated she was only playing possum before deciding to wipe the floor with the both of us. "I just don't want to lose to that girl," he says. I really wanted to kidney punch him because he was going to lose to several women on this day, for sure. What an ass.

He drifts in front and as we reach the quarter marathon turn at the two mile marker, he goes that way. I'm now confused, I though for sure I saw he had the half marathon bib on and he was yammering away about half marathons up until that point. I contemplated saying something, but kept my mouth shut and ran the half marathon route which turned the same direction, but one block further up. I'm at 6:22 for mile number two.

After navigating the additional block, I'm alone until we merge back with the quarter marathoners. I see talky-talkerson in the distance and he's glancing behind him ever minute or two. I get to run now in relative silence, keeping a decent pace and making my way through the familiar streets of my hometown. The third mile is 6:17 and a large up hill portion evolves. As I head up Franklin to turn onto Lincoln for more incline I see L's Mom & Dad, encouragement from familiar faces is a good thing. Working my way up Lincoln, I pass a house with a crowd of people on the porch and then my name is bellowed. It's our neighbor Rob and others and to add to their glee, I yell, "Elmwood Strong!" They erupt in excitement & laughter as they recognize the phrase they yelled to me at this same point of the race last year. Elmwood, by the way, is the street we live on.

L at the finish

The uphill climb ends with a 6:45 mile four and the next mile downhill is 6:23 where the kids with super soakers ask if they can blast you. If you give them the thumbs up, you get splattered and it is welcomed in the post rain humidity that's lingering. Around Mingo park mile six is at 6:45 and now the quarter marathoners, half marathoners are so mixed together you can't be sure who is who until their turn for the finish and our loop number two. The humidity is really starting to slow me down now and once the split comes and I turn for the second time around it is nothing but crickets. The one dude who I know for sure is way ahead is nowhere to be seen and don't hear anyone behind me.

L and I

Miles seven and eight are 7:07 & 7:09 and I alternate each water stop with water and a heavily watered-down Gatorade. In the middle of mile nine I hear footsteps, but continue my fatigued pace. Along the downhill on Oak Hill he cruises by and I attempt to focus on him to help pull me the rest of the way through. Mile nine is 7:01 and through the uphill of mile ten I see L's parents again. I keep staring down the guy in front of me and mile ten is 7:37 with the downhill of mile eleven at 7:05. I'm struggling now and push through Mingo Park and mile twelve at 7:25. The final mile was about the same and I felt sorry for those still running because it was quite uncomfortable. Mile 13 was 7:24 and I come in crossing at 1:29:54, a bit less than two minutes slower than last year's time and third place overall - first in my age group.

As for talky-talkerson, he did (according to the results) finish ahead of that young woman (10 years his junior) by one place. Though, they finished with the exact time. I'll give the edge to her.

L finds me and we grab our finisher's beer and food. She says she was doing well for the first three miles of the quarter marathon, but with the humidity, and along the uphills on Franklin & Lincoln, the wheels fell off. She placed 56th with a time of 57:23. We then run into our neighbors and their extended family, some of whom also took part in the sweaty mess. Then it was time to head home and clean up. We ended the night fighting to stay awake on the futon in the carport we use as an outdoor space. The rest of our Memorial Day weekend was spent chilling out, grilling and welcoming summer back.

We now prepare for next weekend's AEP Ohio Columbus 10K. I finished in 38:46 in 2017 and 38:19 last year, maybe this year I break that 38:00 minute barrier. As for L, I think she wants to improve on the disappointing finished at the New Moon.

So our August wedding will be simple: a family style barbecue picnic at a shelter house at a park a mile from our house where we will do the cooking. This will be followed by a quick cut & dry ceremony there on the premises to make it official, then for those who would like too, a short drive north to our house for a post ceremony get-together. We aren't interested in and don't need the full hullabaloo. This is obvious, I think, on the wedding invitations we will be sending out. They are simple and to the point, because sometimes, there's just too much...

Too Many Words - Paper Airplane

Too many words 

in too many places

Too many times where I got out of line

but I try to be patient, yeah, I try to be patient

Too many words

 I thought I could trust you

I thought I could tell you just who I am

but I don't know who that is, yeah, I don't know who that is

More Photos

Wooly Pig Farm Brewery...on an actual
Wooly Pig farm.

Wooly Pig Beers

Triple Locks Park, Coshocton, Ohio

Triple Locks Park

Triple Locks Park

Triple Locks Park

Triple Locks Park

Tappan Lake Dam, Deersville, Ohio

Railroad bridge connecting Wintersville, Ohio
& West Virginia

At Honey Run Waterfalls, Knox County, Ohio

Honey Run Waterfalls, Knox County, Ohio

"Jameson" on the Founders Wall
at Old Dog Alehouse.

"Whiskey" on the Founders Wall at Old Dog Alehouse

At the starting line, I'm ready to go. Everyone else,
 not so much.

Me, the age group winner.

L and her mom.

L and her dad

Chicken Jalfrezi Drivin' Me Crazy

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

At Zane Trace High School 26 years ago as a high
school junior, my flowing locks are long gone.

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

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

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

Weird, just weird

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

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

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

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

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

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

**We back EVERY pair with 

FREE Replacements if Lost or Broken**

**Each order also secures 11 meals 

to fight hunger through 

Feeding America**

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

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

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

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

Near mile marker three

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

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

Approaching mile marker
twelve, about to mingle
with the quarter marathon
crowd.

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

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

At the finisher's party: Traffic Panthers Sarah, Gary,
Mark and I

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

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

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

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

Patio beers at Ill Mannered: Dark Ego Black Gose &
Feeling Dangerous Belgian Tripel.

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

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

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

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

I look at her as if her hair has been replaced with snakes, "...It's 10:30pm?"
"I know, but I just remembered."
     Perturbed, I relent, "Fine, where are we going?!"
"Mom & Dad says it's across the street from the elementary school"

The Sunday night roadtrip pain in the rear

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

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

She pauses again, I roll my eyes and bite the bullet, "Do you WANT to WALK the table home?"
Behind a sheepish smile, she looks up and says in a slow, giddy draw, "Yyyeesssss"

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

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

The Cordial Sins - Sick of the Hype

I’m just sick of the hype and it shows

It never is enough

I’ll just stick to the lines that I know

Because they’re good enough

Photos Courtesy of Lauren B., CRC Teammate John Teal & CapCity Sports Media 

Race SWAG 

The race camera caught the collision

The end is near!

A closer finishing version

The reward!