Finally a Tuesday without Rain, but with Some Double IPAs

It has seemed recently to be raining every Tuesday evening. That's typically my RG3 running night. Now, it hasn't stopped some of us from running regularly, but it has sucked when you get to Social Pub and Pie in a damp state (from something other than sweat, anyway). Last night was a nice night, probably in the mid-60's when I left the apartment and ran over to Fed Hill, then down to the UA Factory prior to meeting the group. I was able to get 11.3 miles in, out of a target of 12. Work got in the way as I had to wait for a few documents to get reviewed before leaving. I skipped the pizza and beer typical of Tuesday nights to be able to finish up an article that was due that night. It took until 11:00 pm for all reviews and tweaks to be finished, but the final piece went out on time.

I find that I write my best, or at least my most prolific, when I've had a beer or two. Last night was a homebrewed rosemary double IPA that a friend made. That 22 oz'er kicked my ass after running, and it put me in the right frame of mind to handle the writing and editing that was before me.

Finished the evening by finally completing my viewing of the Amstel Gold Race from Sunday. I had fallen asleep the night before while watching it, thanks to another great double IPA: Revival Brewing's Double Black IPA - Chinook vs. Sorachi Ace.

What a phenomenal beer. Dark, with a bit of sweetness, and not overly bitter. At 8.5% it definitely gave a warm feeling afterwards. I picked up a single bottle of this on recommendation from Countryside Liquors in Pawtucket. I wish I had listened and picked up a full six. Oh well, next time I'm in RI, I'll have that on my list of "bring backs" to MD.

Knockout Game is Alive and Well in Baltimore

I can attest to that, personally. For those that deny it exists, keep telling yourself that, and you will fall victim to it. Last night, I was walking home from my usual Thursday night 8-miler, follow by pizza and a beer, when I got cold-cocked. I was walking on Franklin St, and there was a pack of about 6 teens ahead, which included a couple of girls. I was dressed in running clothes and holding some leftover pizza. My instincts told that something bad was about to happen. I was watching the first couple of guys in the group as they approached, and I was thinking through how to react to the situation. My plan, if anything happened, was to throw the pizza straight up in the air, which might divert attention for a second (wild-card move), while I could run away. My first line of defense in the shitty city of Baltimore has always been my feet. I know I can outrun 99% of the trouble in the city. It's actually one of the reasons why I try to stay in top running shape at all times. I've never had a problem, but that was always my plan.

Just as I shifted the pizza in position to be ready to toss, I felt that shot to my left jaw. Right on the temporomandibular joint. I swung to my left circling the first guy in the group, and I lost hold of the pizza (wild card down!). For what seemed like a couple of seconds, I stared this punk down, while his delinquent friends yelled. I took one step back, and so did he. Then I took three steps back, and he did the same. Then I took off running for a few yards, I looked back and they were all doing the same. I warned a woman walking down the street behind me that I had just gotten jumped. She offered to call the cops, but I declined. I figured that they wouldn't do anything... there's always herds of thugs walking the neighborhood... are they going to stop them all and ask, "Sorry to bother, but did you strike this gentleman, here?" Plus, it would have taken up time answering useless questions that will just get filed. Maybe there'd be a roll call mention of it, but it would have come to nothing. I just walked that woman to her door across the way, and I went home to sleep.

So what did I learn?

1. Staying situationally aware is key when you live in a cesspool like B'more. Really it's key anywhere. I let my guard down for one second, because this group let a woman in front of me pass unmolested. But, I guess skinny looking runner-types are what they were after. As soon as I got within 10 feet, alarm bells went off. They all got quiet, and I waited a second too long to pull the wild card. Trust my instincts, and have a plan. I have often thought through what to do in this type of situation, and this played out much like I planned for it. Feet first defense, but I also got lucky in that the first punch didn't knock me down. I'm sure it would have been a free for all on me if that did happen.

2. Sometimes I run with a knife, I didn't that night. Nor did I have a phone, or cash. Which are all good things. Having the knife, I would have pulled it, but what would have come of using it. It would have been last ditch defense should they all have jumped in on me... Cut my way out of the fray. I have thought that situation through ahead of time. If they had intended to rob me, well they wouldn't have gotten anything since I didn't have my phone or cash. Only a credit card, which can be canceled in seconds.

3. I should carry something else for protection. Most likely I'll find some pepper spray. Works on dogs too, although I would feel worse about using it on a dog than I would have on that asshole that hit me.

4. I can take a punch. I haven't been hit since about 4th grade. That's about 30 years ago. Never been a fighter. This was a solid shot to the jaw, and I stayed up and completely aware of my surroundings and the situation. It didn't phase me. I think that may have stunned my assailant into not jumping on me. It hurt, for sure. It hurts now, as I type this the morning after. But some ice and Tylenol have worked.

I realize people will say that I shouldn't live in the cesspool that is Baltimore. I maintain that no one should feel afraid of where they live, but I also believe that one shouldn't be stupid either. Baltimore has a few good things, but it is a cesspool, especially around Lexington Market area. You have to play dodge the junkies, who form a nodding obstacle course on the sidewalks. You have to politely decline the offers of weed, Finnegans, and "Crack, yo! I got crack!" when walking down Eutaw. And apparently, now I have to watch for 16-year-olds in groups of more than one. When I lived in Philly (a somewhat more likeable cesspool), I developed the habit of looking over my shoulder every telephone pole. I still do that. It keeps me vigilant. This time the threat came from the front, and like I said, I let my guard down for a bit too long. Too late to cross the street. I'll cross the street more often when I see a group of thugs ahead of me.

I've never felt threatened while running; maybe a few "Run, Forrest, Run!" comments from the peanut gallery. And, while this didn't happen while I was actually running, it was a reminder of the vulnerability of runners (and lone pedestrians), as I'm sure I still would have been attacked had I been running at that time. But, I'll still be right back out there running the streets. However, I will be running with pepper spray from now on. Running in the city is probably the one thing that I really like about Baltimore. It's a tight running community. I run with a few different groups and there's always overlap between them. Always someone to do a long run with, or grab pizza and a beer. I am looking forward to my eventual move back to Philly (in the next couple of months) for many reasons (see some of the above), but I will miss the running community here.

Facebook Thai Translations

I have a friend who moved back to Thailand, and he posts on Facebook. The pictures are rather innocuous, it's the translations that are funny. Here's one from today using Facebook's built-in translator:

"The good of society you. You are the father the day from, gold phasukh 22 - year - old (. Prof. College - the city the first ) brother he keep wallet with cash. canwn 6,100 bath of You want to live the will leg with at the tag praca thang face college concert kha, thailand, . na wallet. contact to lord and the precinct. The head piece, lord, and a good citizen. see you. yes, sir. it's pleasant. that Social and have the future of this nation. lovely like that on the john, this one, i need Accepted. yes, sir. you"

You may wonder about "lovely like that on the john...". I can assure you, there were no photos of him on the crapper.

Flurries and Pacemakers

I met up with the Baltimore Pacemakers this morning for a much needed distance run. When we were gathering at the Red Canoe Cafe and Bookstore at 7:00 am for our run, someone said, "Are those snowflakes???" Lo and behold, there were flurries coming down. Not too much that it stuck, but annoying enough that they got in your eyes. Several people commented on me wearing shorts, I just gave them the reply, "Seriously, it was a few degrees warmer downtown." It was wonderful running weather, save for the occasional gust of wind when running west.

I hung with Cory for miles at a 7:20 pace. We wove a couple zig-zags across the hill at Harford Rd and Gold Spring Ln, before heading through Morgan State and over to Druid Hill Reservoir. It ended up being a really nice tour of those areas of Baltimore. The finish brought us back over to Lake Montebello and over to the Red Canoe Cafe again. It was a good temperature for running, and while a lot of people complained, I lamented the eventual arrival of the 80's and 90's that will eventually plague our area.

After running, I do have to say the Cafe hit the spot. They had Zeke's Coffee, of which I really enjoyed the Herring Run roast, black. And, they served up a croissant, egg, and cheese that was the size of my head. Unreal. It was so good. Great post-run food. Definitely a new breakfast place to take M when she's in town again.

Out to 11 miles

I've been fighting work and travel schedules, but I am starting to get some legs back under me. I have been out to 11 miles on the longest run, with about 35 miles total that week. I'll admit that the morning after the 11-miler was a struggle. My achilles/ankle pain was awful in those first steps to get to the shower. It loosened up in the shower and on my walk to work. It really doesn't bother me when running, just the day after. I did a 6-miler with a friend at about 9:00 pace the following day, and my ankle had no problems. It felt it's "normal" stiffness after that. I'm hoping that it doesn't get any worse from now until the Broad Street 10 Miler.

I also had the pleasure of running with a newer buddy, Davey, this past weekend. We did a 5.5-miler on Saturday and a 4.5-miler on Sunday, with most of the miles in the 6:40 neighborhood. He is unbelievably fast; doesn't even break into a running stride until we hit 6:20 or so pace. And he looks phenomenal while doing it.

Oh, and did I mention he never sweats?

Getting co-workers to run.

Three years ago, our labs were located at the UMBC Tech Center, just outside of B'more Proper in Catonsville (or Arbutus, depending on whom you asked). It was almost ideal for getting co-workers to run after work. There was a state park right there (Patapsco State Park), we were on a state road without a lot of traffic lights, and people in general had a shorter commute from there. I managed to get a bunch of people running, and we targeted a 5k in late October. Only four of us did the 5k, but we had about six people running regularly. The next year, we moved downtown to B'more Proper, and we had a little less group running. But, we had all targeted a 5k, and 12 people showed up to run. We had a few age group winners and everyone had a good time. Last year, I tried to repeat that feat, and only one person ended up doing the 5k... no one ran as a group. The city had seemingly killed everyone's desire to run. Or lives got busier and people had longer commutes.

Today marked the first day in two years that I really got some co-workers out running. Granted, we only ran a mile together at a fairly slow pace, but it was something. Neither of the other two had run in at least a year. We got through it with minimal wheezing, a lot of conversation, and a commitment to run again on Wednesday. That was really something. Hopefully, it will continue and we can pick up a few more stragglers. I am trying to find a 5k (or 6k) to target as a team building run. I'd like to get six people out for it, heck a former co-worker even said she's run on the team. So things are looking up for the work running team to reform this spring. It's nice for me because I can do a few miles with work, and then join another group for a few more miles on certain nights. Fun all around. I may also convince a few people that Downtown Baltimore is not so bad.

Shopping at the Chinese Market... A resolution of sorts.

I have sort of resolved myself to shopping only at the Chinese market that is near me. It is ultra-convenient in that it is only 2.5 blocks away. It is cheaper for most items than other grocers in the city. I am currently eating vegetarian (for one full year, now), so the purchase of meat is not a prime concern for me. Finally, I am doing it because none of the major (or even minor) grocery chains will make a commitment to my neighborhood in Baltimore.

About five blocks from where I live, there was a Superfresh super market that was smaller than a suburban grocer, but decently stocked. That chain eventually closed 13 stores, of which mine was one. Soon after Fresh and Greens moved in, but they were anything but green and anything but fresh. Seriously, the smell from the fish market would just overpower the entire store. There were times where I just walked in and walked right back out it was so bad. I am convinced this was their downfall, and they finally closed. The building has been vacant for a year. I don't understand why no one has moved in yet. There are few new, 100+ unit apartment buildings that have opened in the last year, along with condos. The restaurants there are all busier. But, no grocer has moved. If they're not coming to me, I am no longer going to go to them. Now this doesn't count if I happen to be out and need to grab something quick. But, no specialized trips.

Back to the cheap part. In the photo, you see enough to make eight meals, all for $15 (not including rice which I bought in a 10-lb bag late last year). That's not too bad, on a per meal cost. Plus, I can get Mochi ice cream balls and odd cookies. Last night I was boring and got some slightly expired (12/14) Cream Crackers, which are perfect for peanut butter.

My only concern is that I seem to have exhausted their supply of Tempeh back in December, and they have not yet restocked. I'll have to ask them about that. But for now, tofu and beans are my sources of protein. They also have some gluten based protein that I'd like to try.

Running on Ice (Minnesota Style)

Just got back from a long weekend spent in central Minnesota. M's parents live up there, and we went to visit the family. I was initially looking forward to experiencing some frigid temperature (-20 F, at least), but alas the weather was similar to that which I left in Baltimore. But, that let us do a heck of a lot more than the brutal cold would have. On one of the days, we went running on the frozen lake, which was pretty much covered in about 1" - 2" of week-old snow. However, the eastern edge of the lake had accumulated some blown snow up to about 4" in places. Occasionally your foot would fall through the snow, so it was a bit tougher than running on packed sand. The ice itself was over 18" thick: plenty safe. But it was still unnerving to run across some of the areas where the snow had blown completely off the ice. It was clear and black, occasionally with bits of underwater weeds visible. The large cracks visible in the ice were only a mentally-perceived threat as many people were driving F-350s and the like on the lake. I laid down on the ice in the center, and I could hear it cracking and booming underneath me. Definitely, it was an odd sensation. We made about 9:30 pace through the snow and picking our way across bare spots of ice as well. We did 5 miles, and it was a beautiful sunny day, no hat required.

New Year, Same Tired Legs

I was hoping this wouldn't happen, but I have entered the phase of my running year where my legs are feeling beaten up and tired. It seems to happen around mid-January every year. I feel that the dead legs seem to result in injuries: 2014 = IT Band Syndrome, 2013 = PCL strain, 2012 = Toe strains, etc... So, my New Year's resolution is to get back into a cross-training, or at least weight-training regimen with a focus on the supporting muscles. I am one of those people that can['t just jump whole-hog into a routine. I usually start off with one or two exercises and add one or two more per week, which allows me to gradually build up a program that works for me. I also tend to rotate through them, so as not to stagnate. Honestly, getting started is the hardest part. This week, I added some glute work, which should help with my IT band fears (I felt a twinge at about mile 7 of a 10-miler on Tuesday night).

I eventually want to find a gym or something to do some single leg presses and some light weight work. Unfortunately, the gym at my lab space just closed. They had a great subsidized rate of $13 per month. Now, I would have to go to the UMMC campus gym, which more than triples the price. Or, I could find something reasonable in the city. It's just having a gym in your office building is so easy... I have a nautilus in small room at my apartment building, but that thing is ill-fitting for me, and doesn't necessarily have everything I want. For now, I sticking with plyometric and body-weight resistance exercises. I might pick up some black fitness bands, too.

Running on ice, snow, pavement...

Baltimore, probably more so than other cities in the Northeast, is plagues by abandoned buildings, even in the heart of downtown. I happen to live in an apartment building, converted old warehouse, that is surrounded by these abandos. This results in a high percentage of uncleared sidewalks whenever it snows. Given that the temperatures haven't gotten above 30 for the past three days, there hasn't really been a chance for any of them to melt. People walk over the snow, compacting it into ice. As one might imagine, this does not make for the ideal running surface. I almost gave up on my run on Wednesday after three straight blocks of treacherous footing. Thankfully, the Inner Harbor usually provides a respite from this blight. The city cares enough about tourism that they work to keep most of the promenade clear, even when tourists are unlikely to be strolling in 18 F weather. I headed down there on Wednesday and got some nice run without having to pick my way across pedestrian-rutted ice.

Last night, a buddy and I decided to take the opposite approach, we headed to Druid Hills Park. North Charles is usually pretty clear, given a higher occupancy rate, but you still encounter the occasional lazy business owner who hasn't bothered to clear his/her sidewalk. The Jones Falls Trail was not clear, but it also wasn't all that well traveled, which resulted in plenty of loose snow to afford solid footing. We found that the city had plowed the back roads in the park, even those that were gated to prevent vehicle traffic. However, the loop around the reservoir wasn't down to bare pavement, there were spots of snow, ice, and pavement. We had just finished a conversation on how it wasn't so bad as long as you didn't try to change direction or stop suddenly. Of course, my next step found me trying to change direction to get to a slightly clearer track. I got my weight over my right foot, which just happened to hit the icy transition of pavement to snow. I went down in yard-sale fashion, but Matt described it as very graceful. I splayed arms and legs, much like a wrestler who has fallen victim to a single leg take down attempt, hit and rolled in the snow. I bounced up unscathed, and we continued on. Oddly enough, it happened right in front of a city surveillance camera on the path, so hopefully I gave some city worker a good laugh, if they're monitoring that sort of thing.

Afterwards, a beer and grilled cheese at Maisy's... always a good place to stop post run. And, I must say that I have yet to taste a boring beer from Union Craft Brewing. Even their Anthem American Golden Ale... which should be a boring beer, is spot-on tasty. This brewery really stands out to me among the growing beer culture of Baltimore. Run Local/Drink Local.