Monthly Archives: April 2019

There are just two things that need to be accomplished on race day:

  • 1) Make it to the starting line
  • 2) Make it to the finish line

Simple as that ~  Dean Karnazes

 

Documentation submitted & certified – just a matter of finishing my last FOUR marathons.  All roads lead to Deadwood, the ‘Wild West’ South Dakota town where I’ll complete my SECOND 50 State journey ‘round our diverse/inclusive country.  Vast different script than plays on TV media.

Juneau to Portland MAINE.  Birmingham to Hilo.  Our bonds are STRONG.  Same heartfelt support & appreciative cheers in Meridian, Mississippi as in St. Paul, Minnesota.  6 continents now under my belt, still absolutely NOTHING BETTER than Team U-S-A, nowhere on Earth.  Home.

Two-week run break.  Starve a cold, feed a fever?  Whatever the adage, ignored chest colds can also develop pneumonia.  Legs rested/strong on Thursday but lacked lung capacity after 8 miles.  One step after another, just gotta get it done today.  Run, walk, crawl – pace myself & FINISH.

Willard Missouri.  President Truman rode a train thru Willard (1948), town’s claim to fame.  4 hours from St Louis, 3 south of Kansas City.  Luckily for me, only a 10 minute-drive from Springfield Regional, DIRECT flight from Denver.  One chance daily, same plane back.  Thanks, travel GODS.

Friday afternoon travel, Saturday morning run.  Bib pick-up at the Middle school.  6am Start.

Few steps of greenway before the first show of water.  Dark clouds.  Low grumble.  Two distant lightning sheets, ‘nother slow rumble.  Rain first 6 miles & that was that.  Storm threat gone.

Marathon delay didn’t affect my day – 50k DAY.  Wasn’t lapped [by marathoners] ’til Garmin ticked 17/18, ‘bout same time I started to WALK.  Day goal to run 16 miles.  Pushed two past target.  Long FOUR-HOUR (13-mile) return to Willard.  No mas, nothing left.  Excuses.  They always come easy.

SUN 2nd Half & a HUGE unexpected SURPRISE.  Adam & Tye from ANTARCTICAWHAAAT?  Moment, time.  Memory compartmentalized with penguins, my Punta Arenas hang-crew.  In MISSOURI?  Stopped, hugged.  Crazy life.  Ya just never know 🙂

31 miles.  Check, done.  Railroad tie plaque & a YMCA shower.  Really really LONG day.

Wisconsin next.  8 days away.  Uff-Dah, You-Betcha, I got this.  Only THREE states to go!

 

11th Annual FRISCO Run

Saturday, April 27, 2019, 06:00am

Willard Middle School Willard, MO

 

29        KEENAN HAGA         6:55:42.50      LOUISVILLE  50K

 

 

 

The rule in Colorado – never before Mother’s Day.  April showers brings May SNOW (at least in Colorado).

Easter Bunny RIP ✞

Couple days in the 70’s, late-calendar Easter holiday & a non-travel HOME weekend.  Neighbors are gonna comment.  Spring planting on the down low.  Bulbs yes, flowering plants no.  Don’t care.  It’s MY stoop, MY front porch to Spring up.  Global warming means seasons are shorter, no more snow at 5500ft – just the high mountains thru mid-June.  Right?  And heck, it’s EARTH Day.  Gotta/hafta/must PLANT.

Uprooted the holly bush, replaced with wild roses.  Not a Colorado variety – again, counting on the big global BAKE to keep ’em alive (didn’t save the holly after 5 years).  Absolutely NO idea what I purchased for my barrel planters – big, GREEN, full of blooms, screamed ‘SPRING’.  Check, done.  Come on board.

I always plant Snapdragons.  BORING.  Provide some colour, grow in our arid climate.  Not crazy vibrant    but survive our summer temperature swing, low 40’s to upper 90’s.  No humidity, nothing to dial in the barometer.  Notta lotta clouds either, mountain SUNSHINE 300 days a year 🌞

Not gonna waste more words & pretend I’m a horticulturalist.  Just celebrating the season.  It’s really really GOOD to watch things grow.  Slow down each morning, 10-minute water ritual before the work day start.

Triggers something in the brain.  Hope.  New ideas.  Calm, steady.  Peace, nurture.

Hopefully, my newest plant babies will survive the late season white.

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

Dig.  Plant.  Watch something GROW!

 

 

May SNOW 2019

 

 

 

It is Easter.  He has Risen.

Sunrise service, yes.  Mexicana Easter, sadly no.  Ash would continue our tradition with Tom’s Jersey family this year.  Only fair.  The East Coast Wilps are MOVING, building a beachside retirement home on Florida’s Atlantic.  Tom’s last childhood home visit.  Life’s meant to be lived – for ALL generations.

We as parents not required to stay feet-planted, caretakers of old homes past.  Congrats Steve & Beth!

Early wakes Sunday, my second Easter Sunrise.  This season, short 20-minute drive to the Boulder Rez.  BEAUTIFUL morning.  Laid-back, beach chair/blanket atmosphere.  Cross planted at water’s edge.  PEACEFUL Lutheran celebration.  Day centered on our Creator, His resurrection – & this year, no SNOW.

Daybreak DINER breakfast.  Comfort food chosen to replace 5 years of Mexicana past.  No tears, change is good.  Ash will be back next year.  Helps appreciate what ya have/time shared.  PLUS, LOVE LOVE a good diner.  Dig the buzz of old-timers/diner stool regulars.  Heavy grub, FULL belly.  Hour nap likely 💤

Diner MEMORIES.  Weeklies of Alice, Flo & Vera serving chili (& kissing GRITS) @ Mel’s 😊

Happy Easter y’all.  He is Risen ✞

 

 

Boulder Rez Easter Sunrise

 

Happy Easter, Grandma ❤️