Ultramarathon, you say?

I've always thought that Ironman triathletes were nuts. Running, swimming, and biking a combined average of ~15 hrs or usually more each week seems like something for the mentally unstable. Social life? You'd better have an understanding family or a very intimate relationship with your bike. I always wondered why Ironman athletes named their bikes. I like the challenge of triathlon but an Ironman? Maybe one day, when I get a sexier bike, but for now, Oly distance is enough. However, I am a runner by nature with masochistic tendencies, which is why I decided to do an ultramarathon this coming October. I am planning to do the Boggs Mountain 50K. I was always a better cross country than track runner. I love the feel of dirt under my treads. Running 31+ miles on asphalt doesn't sound very appealing, but bounding through the woods under a canopy of conifers on a pine needle covered trail and across babbling brooks sounds like heaven. When you describe it like that, might as well do a 100K, right?

George Bush, I love you one time.

I hate George Bush, except for one thing. I will thank and give him full credit for creating a crappy economy and making my life better in the process. In the ever increasing world of lily livered politicians that make decisions based upon which way the prevailing political winds blow, Alabama's nut job Senator Jeff Sessions decided that one budget earmark (the one that funded my position with a certain govt agency) was one too many. In Alabama, all decisions are made by consulting the almighty....that is lobbyists, not the the almighty Yahweh, who must think Southern politicians are the biggest knobs on planet earth. So, Jeff prayed real hard, took some cash from some other special interest, and made the tough choice. And then it was "goodbye Alabama" and "hello South Idaho"! Same position in a better lab and work environment, not to mention the Sawtooth mountains in plain view. So, thanks lil' shrub. I love you one time!