My Trip to the States

Well, here I am sitting in the U.S. again, thinking back on my trip so far. I came home this past weekend to run the 3oth annual Marine Corps Marathon as a trainer for the Philadelphia Marathon in a few weeks time. But I've also been home doing a few other things as well.

My trip started early on Thursday morning of last week. I had to leave the flat at 6:30AM to catch the 7AM bus into London Heathrow. Everything was going as planned until we hit traffic because of an accident. It didn't ultimately affect me since I gave myself plenty of time before my flight, but I was an hour late getting into Heathrow and my confidence in taking the bus over the train was a bit shaken. However, except for the guy sitting behind me subjecting the entire bus to his "very important" cell phone conversations, the bus ride was quite pleasant. Why do people insist on talking so loudly on their cell phones in public places? There are so many things you hear that you are just surprised that these people don't realize it. Odd.

Anyway, I made my way to check-in where, once again, I was foiled by the 6KG rule and forced to check my bag. The flight was not full so I had plenty of space, and plenty of movies to watch. I watched "Fantastic Four" to get pumped up, followed by "Crash" to get me thinking, and ended with "Fever Pitch" to be in good humor for my trip. I'll review these movies later, but I will say all were good, and all worked really well in regulating my mood. As always, the service was pleasant and the food was good (for airline food) and I landed feeling good. Funny thing, though, I got through customs and looked at the screens to see where my luggage was going to be dropped off. Carousel 7. But, wait a minute, there is no carousel 7. So I ask the help desk and they say that someone should be at 7 to help me, to which I reply, "But there is no carousel 7." Oh, that's because it's at carousel 5. You'd think these people would know how many luggage drops they have. I mean, it IS there job and all. Silly people.

I spent Thursday night relaxing and catching up on mail and all the toys I bought. Pretty cool gear. Then I spent some time going over my photographs. We're working on putting together a portfolio to pass around and try to get some representation in area galleries. I'm fairly optomistic that this will happen, which is great.

Friday I went to my chiropractor appointment and did a little shopping at Best Buy. I bought a tripod and some extra video tapes for my new video camera. Very exciting. Then I swung by the costume shop and bought a few hats for Halloween. Fun stuff. Topped all that off with a Big Mac and went back home. Friday night's Full Moon hash was great. It was good to see everyone dressed up and having a good time. I didn't stay too terribly long b/c the jet lag was still hanging around. We did get to give two cows a ride home that night. No, not fat people, but this couple dressed up in cow costumes. They were funny. I ended the evening with a glass of wine and some shut-eye.

Saturday was to be a nice relaxing day, so I putzed around the house for a bit before going to the Armory to pick up my race packet. After a few minor issues there I left with all my gear and a really cool shirt this year. Then began the arduous journey into Chevy Chase, Marland to see Kristen's gallery, the place where I'm hoping to hang some of my pictures. It was a great gallery with tons of interesting artists. They do pretty much all paintings but Kristen is hoping to change all that. So am I. We went to Raku and I had a bunch of sushi, which I love, and then I finished with another long trip back to Virginia. Man, there's a reason I don't go to Maryland. Then I went over to Jared's to see him and Meggie and little baby Joey (my goddaughter) and have some pasta. Thanks, Jared. After a bit there I swung by Marc and Heather's to see everyone in their Halloween outfits and catch up a bit. Man I was a bit jealous that I wasn't going out, but after a few beers I went back to Jared's and we watched the original "Italian Job." Not a very good movie, but more on that later. I ended the evening after packing all my gear and preparing to head down to the marathon.

The next morning I woke up, grabbed some food, and jogged down to the Pentagon for the race. Everything went very smoothly, except for picking the wrong port-a-john and being subjected to the worse toilet seat I've ever seen. Luckily I can pee standing up (my mother would be proud) so I just used the urinal.

I made my way to the second wave start (there were two starts this year to accommodate the 30,000 runners). It was great. I was right up at the front and only like fifty feet when R. Lee Ermey gave his speech.

Here's a paraphrase of it:
"Okay, maggots, you didn't put all those miles in on those damn roads inhaling all those damn fumes to give up now, did you? I didn't think so." Then he went on a bit. Towards the end suddenly he goes something like, "Looking out over all you people I have to say you look good. Last year there were alot of fat people here. I don't see many fat people. You all look great."

This guy was a trip and I was feeling psyched when the howitzer went off to signal the start. I won't bore you with a detailed account of the race, but I will say a few things:

1. All those hill runs paid off; I shrugged off any hill this race threw at me.
2. There were alot more wheelchairs this year, and alot more amputees as well. A tribute to our good President and his ego. It was quite sad, but also quite inspiring to see them out there.
3. I was tired from last week's 26 miles, but still able to do 7:20's or so through 18 miles before I backed off.
4. The beer at miles 22.5 and 24 was delicious. I wish I could've spent some more time there. Thanks, guys (and gals)!
5. After one bathroom break at mile 7, and 10 or so minutes at the beer stops, I finished around 3:47:00, and was very happy. Look out Philly.

After the race Kristen met me at Rosslyn and we tried to go to the Continental for some beer, but it didn't open till 6, so I changed on the corner. We were stopped on the way to Cafe Asia by the hares for Sunday's trail and I was asked to help out with the Walker's trail. I obliged and then proceeded to gorge myself on sushi.

The trail was nice and short, with the beer check at Shamrock's place, and the end at the parking garage (as usual) by the Continental. And then the drinking began. Man I think we hares set a record for the most down-downs. We must've gone up there like 10 times, some for the trail, some for my new shoes (I had to drink out of both of them when I got in trouble for not making Kristen go in with the other virgins), some for Schweinkin's birthday, and a bunch more for who-knows-what. But it was fun. The bar was good, too. I had some fried pickle slices, which were delicious, and a bunch of beer. Snagged a ride home from Karl and Danno and got to talk a bit with Vince's dad back at the house. Then it was time for bed.

Today the plan is to do a little actual work (which is nearly done), clean my room (which is done), do some laundry (which is almost done), and then do some more shopping. Can't wait. I'll be heading out soon to use my Subway coupon that came with my MCM schwag and pick up some books on Photoshop, or Photochop as it is more affectionately known. Then later tonight we're having a few people over to hand out candy and drink some wine. Should be fun! Take care, all.