Kaden Sporting Some Shades

Kaden found some of his sunglasses and was attempting to put them on. After a few eye pokes, he was looking cool.

Swimming Laps At The YMCA

I tried doing the lap thing at the YMCA today after work. I heard that swimming is great cardio. After 150m of being without oxygen, I agree. I also found that I'm not quite ready for taking on swimming as a form of fitness. I was dead after three laps. I sat in the hot tub for awhile and called it a day.

What a waste of time. I should have taken some normal clothes to work out in. Bah.

3.5 Miles Of Pain

Today I decided I would do the circumference of the two reservoirs for my run today. The total distance on this one is 3.5 miles and I have done 3 miles a few times over the past week. I loaded up Kaden and took him to my parents to watch while I ran. Conveniently, they live right next to the reservoir.

After 36 minutes had passed, I was 3.5 miles further and back at my starting point. Today was a huge mental challenge as I felt like stopping about 20 times. Usually it's about five. It was windy up top and my feet were hurting (blisters on blisters). No matter. It felt great when I was done.

Kaden Cooks

Coming out from the office, I saw Kaden up on a chair helping Laura cook some food for the family gathering later. He seemed to be stirring something until I got closer and found that he was working on opening a bag of Reese's Pieces. Thata boy!

Airport Visitor - Extra 300L

Kaden and I went to the airport this morning and there was an Extra 300L parked on the ramp. It was tied down and chocked, so I figured the owner was no where around. I was right.

Either way, we went out and poking around - looked, but didn't touch. It was spotless and was all setup with parachute and GPS holder. Pretty sweet!

I'm going up in one someday...

Fun At Donna & Ed's

We headed over to Donna & Ed's tonight to watch some Broncos football on the NFL Network (grrrrr) and see Renee and the kids. They all seemed to have a lot of fun running around and playing on the floor. Eventually I decided to give horsey rides. My knees took a beating (strawberry, anyone?), but I think they had fun.





And, yes, I gave a horsey ride for the daring. He seemed to like it. To see the video, click here.

3 Mile Run

I've been trying to do three miles for the past week or so at the YMCA, but due to the new shoes (Nike Air Pegasus Climafit), I couldn't seem to get there. They've been making my feet hurt and giving me blisters, so I've stopped at 2 miles. Today I was feeling an outside run since the YMCA is closed and the weather is beautiful (sunny at high 30's). I decided instead of doing the "neighborhood 1.5 mile loop", I'd do the 3 mile loop around the reservoir. I got my new "sweat fabric" clothes on and my mp3 player loaded up.

About 35 minutes later, I was back home and 3 miles further in my quest for the 5K. Here is a post-run photo while I was stretching my calves on the curb.


Remember, you can track my running at Cool Running by clicking here.

Kaden's New Chair

Laura ordered Kaden a little chair from eBay to sit on in the living room. It finally came today and fits him just right. He enjoyed watching the latest episode of Blue's Clues on it.

Urbana Breakfast Flight

COLD!!! That's the first thing that came to mind this morning when I got out of the car at the hangar. The time was 6:30am and the temperature was in the high 20's. The sun was still down and the metal hangar doors were COLD. No worries.

After a preflight and a good runup, I took off with plenty of extra power. With the cold temperatures and a light load (well, I have lost a few pounds, at least), the Archer hopped off the runway and climbed at 1,200' per minute. Not bad.

I cruised down there, watching the sunrise. After a high and fast pattern, I went around to give it another go. I still didn't do good, but I made the very last turnoff at the end of the runway... barely, it felt like. Dave G and I had some breakfast and then launched back for home base.

On the way back, I flew over work and took some more unworthy photos. Bah. I can't get a good one to save my life. No matter. The landing back at Bluffton was textbook (airspeed, airspeed, airspeed) and I put the plane away and made it to work on time.

I still vote this is the best way to wake up in the morning - 3,500' at 120 knots.

(Sorry about the lack of quality photos. I couldn't get a good one all morning with the Digital Rebel.)

Long Ride

Since I don't make it to the Y on weekends, I thought a little bike ride was in order. I decided that biking to the in-laws' house for lunch would be a good idea. So, 3.57 miles later, I was there eating a small meal.

I decided to bike to the Ottawa Metro Park and check to see just how long my run was on Friday afternoon. After doing that, I cycled home.

Whew! That was long. My quads are going to be crying tonight...and tomorrow.