June 30

It's hard to believe in 10 days I'll be attempting the 39.3 mile weekend. Not attempting-completing with flying colors. This has taken such large chunks of time. Time seems to be the thing that has been a major challenge. As you know, I am a very popular person. In fact, it has gotten so bad that I had to get bodyguards for the paparazzi because they are getting mobbed.

Well, that may be stretching it. Just a bit.

I do like to have a busy schedule. Freud would say I fear death, or something disturbing about my father. My idea is that I like to keep busy because I was so shy as a kid and feel like I missed out on a lot of potential friend time. There's no hidden desperate quality to my schedule (as some psychoanalysts may be quick to conclude). It's born out of a true desire to enjoy life to it's fullest. For those who feel like it takes forever to find time with me-I'm worth the wait. For those who think this sounds rather narcissistic, I agree. However, I've wandered away from my point.

My point is this-time. Last weekend my best friend, someone who has been in my life since we were both 14, was married. It was a beautiful ceremony. Intimate and thoughtful, just like Kacey and Rich. I had the honor of standing up with the bride, so my weekend consisted of spending time with the whole family and helping Kacey's mom breathe. The weekend was busy, and I completed zero walks on Saturday and Sunday. Luckily, Monday was my last day of work before summer. I was able to get home at a reasonable hour, and clock 10 miles in about 3 hours. My right knee has been sore since the kneecap popped out of joint a few weeks ago, so each time I walk, I ice it immediately afterwards. The 10 miles were easy-I took the same route as the last 10 mile day, only this time reversed. This lead to more interesting scenery at the end of the walk, and a greater sense of accomplishment. The biggest change was going from mostly downhill to mostly uphill.

The 5 miles on Tuesday (first day of summer break!) were around Lake Merritt with Edna. It was warm, I was sleepy, and we got the walk done. Company makes a big difference in these walks-I would have given up after the first lap, but had to make it seem like I wanted to do the full 5 miles for Edna's sake. We'll stick with that story for a while.

Now I taper. Tomorrow is 3 miles-that will take less then an hour. This weekend is 5 and 3-an easy accomplishment when I'll be in Tahoe with friends who like to hike.

And now-the single digit countdown begins. (Dum dum dummmm)

32 Miles Means I'm nearly there!

It's hard to believe I managed 32 miles last weekend. The 22 mile day was daunting-just as difficult mentally as physically. I've not quite figured out why that is the case. Something about the distance and going solo for most of it means I get a little bored but there's more there I can't quite get my finger on. Perhaps it's the loneliness-even around people it feels somewhat isolating.

The 10 miles on Sunday was again accompanied by Charlotte, who both made it through a long weekend of walking and kept my spirits up. We took a large loop up 7th Ave. (not nearly as steep as anticipated) to the top of Glen Canyon; took Portola through West Portal and onto Sloat; passed the concert-goers for Stern Grove; hoofed down to the beach; followed the shore to Golden Gate Park; stopped off for beer and lunch at Park Chalet (because, I mean, it was beautiful and a beer sounded good); then once again up MLK to my house. That route is a nice one-mostly downhill and flat for the last 7 miles. Next time I may try the opposite direction, just to try the uphill over distance factor.

Something I'm not sure I mentioned on the last post-took a side path along the coast in the Presidio on Saturday. There's a path that drops down past one of the many batteries (ex-big gun sites) and takes one nearer the coast north of Baker Beach. Didn't really think about it at the time, but there ended up being a lot of steps. Not as many as the Dipsea, but a lot. It reminded me that 1. steps are evil and 2. if I want to try the double Dipsea this summer, I better start training on steps. There are some pretty steps in my neighborhood (see http://www.tiledsteps.org/ ). That's 162 stairs-going up and down 4 times should approximate the Dipsea stairs. Anyone want to join?

Took a 3.5 mile walk yesterday out in Concord. The Iron Horse Trail has the most amazing thing-it's marked every .25 mile so you know how far you have gone. The trail where I pick it up (near a school) is flat and not terribly shady, but it's quiet and there is a good bit of bike traffic, so it feels safe. A pedestrian bridge is being built over Treat by the Bart station. It's a dramatic structure, reminds me of the rib cage of a dinosaur. Sorry-no pictures currently posted online for a link.

The big walk is only 2.4 weeks away. This weekend training will be adjusted to account for a fantastic event-my best friend Kacey is getting married! She paid me the compliment of making me her Maid of Honor, so I'll be with her family all weekend, helping where I can and offering comic relief as needed. I'm so excited! This means the 10 mile walk for Saturday will take place Sunday evening when I get home, and I'll do the 5 miles on Monday. After that, it's reduced distance for the next two weeks.

22 Miles

For some reason 22 miles seemed really far. Not much further then I had already walked, since I finished the 21 mile day a few weeks ago. 22 miles just seemed far. The high winds were a mental deterrent as well. The wind blew so hard along the Presidio that a few times I thought I would loose my footing.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3821461

It got done. Thanks to Char for meeting me at the 14th mile and getting me through to the end. One little ankle roll on Mission St.-a little stiff this morning but not too bad. We ran into some friends in the Lower Haight, and picked out pretty yellow house colors in the Upper Haight.

Total walking time: about 7 hours 34 minutes.

The new best thing to do after a long walk: a beer on the couch and some Little Britain on DVD.

Next up, 10 miles today. Then I start to taper.

Only 20 more days to the walk!

Alright. It's 8:30. I've procrastinated on the computer for the last half hour. I'm leaving for my walk now.

22 Miles tomorrow

I'm walking 22 miles tomorrow. Gulp.

The only thought in my head right now is "Please just let me get through this alive".

I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I'll be fine.