I feel somewhat remiss in that I have mentioned my Dad several times on my blog, but that I have never given my Mom the gratitude to which she is so very rightfully entitled.
Throughout my life, my Mom has always been there for me. When I was in my formative years, and even during college, my Mom and I would sit and talk for hours. I would not be where I am today without all of her advice, guidance, and life lessons. Becoming a productive and responsible adult is not an easy process, and it was one that I often struggled with as I imagine that many people do. I think that I finally "got it" when I started really listening to my Mom and Dad and heeding the majority of their advice. I started to realize that WOW they really do know what they're talking about! They are both wonderful parents and terrific people that have lived their lives the right way. Taking their advice to heart made things immeasurably easier and led me to where I am today.
Well, I feel better now that I've given my Mom her due. Her love and support were critical in shaping the person that I became as an adult. I can't imagine where I would be if it weren't for her.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tough Week Last Week
Last week ended up being a not so productive week for me from a workout perspective. I started the week off really strong with a run and two weight workouts in the first three days, but then didn't do any formal training the rest of the week. I felt sick after getting home from work on Friday and then was in bed half of the day Saturday. I was pretty busy the rest of the day Saturday and not really capable of a serious workout anyway. On Sunday, I had planned to go for a run, but I just wasn't feeling up to it. I didn't eat or drink much on Friday or Saturday so I was still somewhat weak and dehydrated. The worst part is that I missed my 5K race on Saturday. I could have probably forced myself to go and run it, but it would have been a token effort, and it may have made me feel worse. I was running a fever on Friday night and ached all over in addition to feeling queasy and having a headache. Overall, I was very disappointed with my training week and upset that I didn't run my race, but it is only one week in the grand scheme of life so I just need to push onward.
This week also started off in an unavailing manner with Monday being the holiday and thus a very busy day. We had a garage sale and a cookout so there was a lot going on throughout the day. I managed to get back on track yesterday with a 4-miler after getting home at around 8:15pm. It was kind of a late night for me as I had to get up at 4:30am this morning, but I really felt that I needed to get out and run to break up six consecutive non-running days. Tonight I will hit the gym for a weight workout and a walk on the treadmill. I am committed to making this week a good week of training.
This week also started off in an unavailing manner with Monday being the holiday and thus a very busy day. We had a garage sale and a cookout so there was a lot going on throughout the day. I managed to get back on track yesterday with a 4-miler after getting home at around 8:15pm. It was kind of a late night for me as I had to get up at 4:30am this morning, but I really felt that I needed to get out and run to break up six consecutive non-running days. Tonight I will hit the gym for a weight workout and a walk on the treadmill. I am committed to making this week a good week of training.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Marine Corps Marathon
I have forgotten to mention it in my last several posts, but I registered for the 32nd Marine Corps Marathon to be held on 10/28/07. I registered back on 5/9 (the first day registration opened) thinking that the race would fill up quickly as it has in the past. Now that they are planning to field 30,000 runners every year, I guess that there are plenty of slots available for all who want to run the race as the race is still not full. I read some negative feedback on marathonguide.com about the race organization in 2006, which may be having an impact on registration numbers. Hopefully, the MCM race management is reading the comments too and working to correct the shortcomings.
I ran the MCM back in 2005, and I can't really say that I enjoyed it that much. I ended up running a PR by about a minute, which is nice, but that was far short of what I was capable of at the time. This is evidenced by the fact that I ran Harrisburg 15 minutes faster two weeks later. The MCM was very crowded for the first four or five miles and some dumb-ass stepped on my shoe while cutting across the shoulder-to-shoulder swath of runners to hug her friends on the other side of the road. My shoe flew off of my foot and got kicked several times before I was able to retrieve it. The worst part was that she tweaked my ankle slightly when she stepped on my foot and it bothered me for several miles. I expended a lot of energy trying to make up time after losing so much during the early miles which took a toll on me later in the race. It was a warm day for October, and I wasn't carrying any fluids on me. The aid stations were about every two miles so that by the time that I reached mile 16, I was becoming dehydrated. Somewhere around mile 18, they were handing out Subway cookies. I would have liked one, except that I had absolutely no saliva in my mouth. Had I attempted to eat a cookie, I probably would have choked on it. Going up a hill at mile 22, I had a cramp fly into my right hamstring. So as you can see, it was not my ideal race. I ran right through the heart of DC past the Washington Monument, the White House, the Mall, etc. and I barely remember seeing any of it. I was completely focused on running.
After all of that, you may be asking why I'm going back. There are several reasons. First, I did run a PR at that race; although it was short-lived. Second, I want to really look around and enjoy the atmosphere and scenery on the course. It is a great honor to run among all of the Marines that run in the race and help out on the course. It really makes me proud to be an American. Third, I have a little something to prove to the MCM, but let me elaborate on that. I'm not all that concerned with my overall time this year. I know that the first four or five miles of the race will be very congested for me and that I will lose time. I am prepared for that this time around. My goal this year is to go with the flow early, pick it up a little once things open up, and then run at or above my goal marathon pace for the last 10 or so miles. Effectively, I am using the MCM as a practice run for Harrisburg two weeks later despite the fact that the MCM falls at the conclusion of my 16-week training regimen. If I can run the last part of the race strong and finish feeling fresh, I will be happy. I want to go down there and just enjoy myself this time. I don't want to stress about the details.
So that's why I'm giving the MCM another shot. Hopefully, my experience will be better this time. I am already looking forward to the race. There's something to be said for registering early for a race. Even though the MCM is still five months away, it seems more urgent and real to me now than it did just prior to registering. I guess once you're registered, it's like you've made up your mind to do it and you're more committed.
I ran the MCM back in 2005, and I can't really say that I enjoyed it that much. I ended up running a PR by about a minute, which is nice, but that was far short of what I was capable of at the time. This is evidenced by the fact that I ran Harrisburg 15 minutes faster two weeks later. The MCM was very crowded for the first four or five miles and some dumb-ass stepped on my shoe while cutting across the shoulder-to-shoulder swath of runners to hug her friends on the other side of the road. My shoe flew off of my foot and got kicked several times before I was able to retrieve it. The worst part was that she tweaked my ankle slightly when she stepped on my foot and it bothered me for several miles. I expended a lot of energy trying to make up time after losing so much during the early miles which took a toll on me later in the race. It was a warm day for October, and I wasn't carrying any fluids on me. The aid stations were about every two miles so that by the time that I reached mile 16, I was becoming dehydrated. Somewhere around mile 18, they were handing out Subway cookies. I would have liked one, except that I had absolutely no saliva in my mouth. Had I attempted to eat a cookie, I probably would have choked on it. Going up a hill at mile 22, I had a cramp fly into my right hamstring. So as you can see, it was not my ideal race. I ran right through the heart of DC past the Washington Monument, the White House, the Mall, etc. and I barely remember seeing any of it. I was completely focused on running.
After all of that, you may be asking why I'm going back. There are several reasons. First, I did run a PR at that race; although it was short-lived. Second, I want to really look around and enjoy the atmosphere and scenery on the course. It is a great honor to run among all of the Marines that run in the race and help out on the course. It really makes me proud to be an American. Third, I have a little something to prove to the MCM, but let me elaborate on that. I'm not all that concerned with my overall time this year. I know that the first four or five miles of the race will be very congested for me and that I will lose time. I am prepared for that this time around. My goal this year is to go with the flow early, pick it up a little once things open up, and then run at or above my goal marathon pace for the last 10 or so miles. Effectively, I am using the MCM as a practice run for Harrisburg two weeks later despite the fact that the MCM falls at the conclusion of my 16-week training regimen. If I can run the last part of the race strong and finish feeling fresh, I will be happy. I want to go down there and just enjoy myself this time. I don't want to stress about the details.
So that's why I'm giving the MCM another shot. Hopefully, my experience will be better this time. I am already looking forward to the race. There's something to be said for registering early for a race. Even though the MCM is still five months away, it seems more urgent and real to me now than it did just prior to registering. I guess once you're registered, it's like you've made up your mind to do it and you're more committed.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Training Effect
It seems that the initial uphill climb of getting back in shape is drawing to a close for me. Over the course of my last few runs, I have noticed the training effect beginning to occur. At points on my runs where two weeks ago I felt somewhat fatigued and winded, I now feel strong and my breathing is better. I have always enjoyed this phase of running/training. The start-up time always sucks because I hate how out of shape that I am and I remember how easy all of the running used to seem. Once I notice the training effect kicking in, I know that I have cleared the first hurdle to coming back. It's a satisfying feeling.
When I came home from work today, I was doing a few things around the house and got very tired all of the sudden. I just really felt like I needed to lie down for a bit. Well, I ended up falling asleep for close to two hours. When I woke up, I was slightly out of it for a time until I ate dinner and had some time to come fully back to my senses. By the time that all of this transpired, it was about 8:30pm. I was debating whether or not I should go for a run. After a few minutes of lively self-debate, I decided that I could do a quick 4-miler. I felt a little slow for the first three-quarters of a mile, but that was when I began to feel like I was getting stronger as I got warmed up and not weaker. I finished the last three and a quarter miles strong and was glad that I decided to go running. It was a delightful evening outside with a light breeze and temps in the low 70s.
I'm off to a good start for the week as I've already been to the gym and completed a run. I will hit the gym again tomorrow evening and probably run again on Thursday. I will probably take it relatively easy on Friday, although I may do a little something to get my legs warmed up and then stretch in preparation for Saturday's 5K.
When I came home from work today, I was doing a few things around the house and got very tired all of the sudden. I just really felt like I needed to lie down for a bit. Well, I ended up falling asleep for close to two hours. When I woke up, I was slightly out of it for a time until I ate dinner and had some time to come fully back to my senses. By the time that all of this transpired, it was about 8:30pm. I was debating whether or not I should go for a run. After a few minutes of lively self-debate, I decided that I could do a quick 4-miler. I felt a little slow for the first three-quarters of a mile, but that was when I began to feel like I was getting stronger as I got warmed up and not weaker. I finished the last three and a quarter miles strong and was glad that I decided to go running. It was a delightful evening outside with a light breeze and temps in the low 70s.
I'm off to a good start for the week as I've already been to the gym and completed a run. I will hit the gym again tomorrow evening and probably run again on Thursday. I will probably take it relatively easy on Friday, although I may do a little something to get my legs warmed up and then stretch in preparation for Saturday's 5K.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Two Good Weeks and Upcoming Races
I followed up my 15 mile week with a 12-mile week last week and a 13-mile week this week even though the 12 miles last week was covered in two runs (4 and 8 miles). This week, I ran 4, 4, and 5 miles for my 13-mile total. I didn't do any long runs this week as my right heel was bothering me after the 8-miler last week. The best that I can ascertain, I was suffering from a brief case of retrocalcaneal bursitis. This can be caused by a quick jump in mileage or training intensity, and I definitely went from next to no running to 15-mile weeks in a hurry. That probably wasn't smart, but the heel feels fine this week and I don't think it will be a problem as my body adjusts itself to the greater workload again.
I have actually felt really strong on my runs as of late. I think the increase in training frequency is the main driver, but hitting the gym twice a week and taking off a few pounds (five so far) is contributing as well. I am going to continue working out at the gym at least twice a week and may try to add a third visit per week as I progress in my conditioning. I usually lift weights for about 45 minutes and I have been walking on the treadmill for about 25 minutes following my weight workout. My weight workouts probably aren't the typical runner workouts as I don't like to lift light weights (what's the point; I'm lifting weights to get strong). I tend to go pretty heavy on my lifts; within reason of course. I can really tell that I am growing stronger and as my aerobic conditioning improves, my weight workouts are becoming more intense.
I will be running my first race of the year next weekend. It's only a 5K, but it will serve as a good gauge of my current fitness level. I have established a main goal, a stretch goal, and a fall back goal for myself. I've run this race two times in the past and have done okay both of those times but nothing that overly impressed me. I am definitely not a 5K specialist as speed is not my forte, but I can still run what I consider to be respectable times. I don't think that I need to worry about winning any age group awards any time soon, but hey that's not why I run.
After the 5K next week, my next planned race is a 10K trail run on Father's Day. Again, I've run that race twice in the past. It's for men only, but usually some bandits (women) sneak in and run it. As long as they're scantily clad, that's fine with me. Sorry, I couldn't resist.
There is another Tussey Teaser race coming up near State College on June 9th. It's a 10.6 mile race, and I may make the trip up, but driving up, running, and then returning home shoots the better part of an entire day so I just don't know. The 10.6 mile distance is odd, but that's because it's a leg of the Tussey Mountainback Ultramarathon 50-miler held in September.
Beyond June, I have the J&J Listerine 5-miler (formerly the Pfizer Freshburst 5-miler until we bought them out) coming up in July. That is always a very nice race.
It looks like I'm going to have a pretty busy late spring/early summer. I definitely feel like I am getting ready so we'll see how it goes.
I have actually felt really strong on my runs as of late. I think the increase in training frequency is the main driver, but hitting the gym twice a week and taking off a few pounds (five so far) is contributing as well. I am going to continue working out at the gym at least twice a week and may try to add a third visit per week as I progress in my conditioning. I usually lift weights for about 45 minutes and I have been walking on the treadmill for about 25 minutes following my weight workout. My weight workouts probably aren't the typical runner workouts as I don't like to lift light weights (what's the point; I'm lifting weights to get strong). I tend to go pretty heavy on my lifts; within reason of course. I can really tell that I am growing stronger and as my aerobic conditioning improves, my weight workouts are becoming more intense.
I will be running my first race of the year next weekend. It's only a 5K, but it will serve as a good gauge of my current fitness level. I have established a main goal, a stretch goal, and a fall back goal for myself. I've run this race two times in the past and have done okay both of those times but nothing that overly impressed me. I am definitely not a 5K specialist as speed is not my forte, but I can still run what I consider to be respectable times. I don't think that I need to worry about winning any age group awards any time soon, but hey that's not why I run.
After the 5K next week, my next planned race is a 10K trail run on Father's Day. Again, I've run that race twice in the past. It's for men only, but usually some bandits (women) sneak in and run it. As long as they're scantily clad, that's fine with me. Sorry, I couldn't resist.
There is another Tussey Teaser race coming up near State College on June 9th. It's a 10.6 mile race, and I may make the trip up, but driving up, running, and then returning home shoots the better part of an entire day so I just don't know. The 10.6 mile distance is odd, but that's because it's a leg of the Tussey Mountainback Ultramarathon 50-miler held in September.
Beyond June, I have the J&J Listerine 5-miler (formerly the Pfizer Freshburst 5-miler until we bought them out) coming up in July. That is always a very nice race.
It looks like I'm going to have a pretty busy late spring/early summer. I definitely feel like I am getting ready so we'll see how it goes.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Sunday Hike
I had originally planned on going to the gym at some point today, but since it was so nice outside I decided to go for a hike up at Chickies Rock instead. From the Chickies Rock overlook, you get a great view of the Susquehanna River Valley. I ended up hiking the trails in the area for about an hour. After I got home from my hike, I took my dog for about a 20-minute walk. Nothing too intense as far as exercise is concerned, but I got to enjoy the outdoors while staying active.
Some pictures from the Chickies Rock overlook:
Some pictures from the Chickies Rock overlook:
Spring - a Time for Renewal and Refocus
As the landscape and vegetation renews itself from the dark and damp chill of winter, I also feel my spirit and desire regenerating as well. My focus is sharpening and I am ready to get back to serious training again. Mentally, I have been through a lot these last few months and I have felt beat up and downtrodden at times. I guess that we all go through these slumps from time to time, and I finally feel like I am emerging from out of the shadows to stand in the bright light of day again.
With one day left in the week, I have already run three times for a total of 15 miles (4, 4, and 7), and been to the gym twice. I can already tell a difference in the way that I feel, and my pace on my runs is picking up while my heart rate is dropping. I am starting to enjoy running again, and I am making it a fixture in my life as it was so prominently in the past.
I weighed myself at the gym this week, and was both appalled and disgusted by the numbers that registered on the scale (does this thing weigh in grams?!) That was the last straw for me. I realized that it is time to get back in shape and feel like an athlete again. I've had a good, solid week and I'm really not sore at all from my workouts. I can already see and feel a change in my body. It is remembering and responding. With my renewed focus and dedication, I really think that I could get into my best shape ever for the fall marathon season. I know what has worked in the past for me, and I know the areas where I need to make some changes. Combined, I think that this is a formula for success. I truly do think this could be my best year of marathon running yet; although it won't be my most prolific. Oh well, quality over quantity.
Over the next two months, I will continue to build my base mileage and strength. In July, I will start marathon training and focus on speed and endurance. I have a plan to cross-train more often and more intensely to further increase my conditioning on non-running days. When I run, each and every workout will have a defined purpose and a goal. Spring is here, and I am back.
With one day left in the week, I have already run three times for a total of 15 miles (4, 4, and 7), and been to the gym twice. I can already tell a difference in the way that I feel, and my pace on my runs is picking up while my heart rate is dropping. I am starting to enjoy running again, and I am making it a fixture in my life as it was so prominently in the past.
I weighed myself at the gym this week, and was both appalled and disgusted by the numbers that registered on the scale (does this thing weigh in grams?!) That was the last straw for me. I realized that it is time to get back in shape and feel like an athlete again. I've had a good, solid week and I'm really not sore at all from my workouts. I can already see and feel a change in my body. It is remembering and responding. With my renewed focus and dedication, I really think that I could get into my best shape ever for the fall marathon season. I know what has worked in the past for me, and I know the areas where I need to make some changes. Combined, I think that this is a formula for success. I truly do think this could be my best year of marathon running yet; although it won't be my most prolific. Oh well, quality over quantity.
Over the next two months, I will continue to build my base mileage and strength. In July, I will start marathon training and focus on speed and endurance. I have a plan to cross-train more often and more intensely to further increase my conditioning on non-running days. When I run, each and every workout will have a defined purpose and a goal. Spring is here, and I am back.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Rocky Mountaineer Vacation
My Dad is my hero. I know that sounds somewhat cliche, but I can't think of any simpler way to express my feelings for him. He has done so much for me and so much for our family without ever asking for a single thing in return. When needed, he is there at a moment's notice to do whatever needs to be done. He is a man of few words who has always quietly been there offering guidance and assistance.
For many years now, I've wanted to do something for my Dad to show how much I appreciate him. About two years ago, my Dad mentioned that he would love to go on one of those scenic train trips that travels through all kinds of beautiful and dramatic terrain. He made the statement that my Mom would never go because she is deathly afraid of heights. At that point, a light went off in my head and I started searching on the Internet for scenic rail trips. Surprisingly, there isn't much available in the United States other than day trips or trips that only last a few hours. I wanted something bigger.
During my research, I came across a train called the Rocky Mountaineer that travels through the Canadian Rockies. I gathered some information and started sorting through all of the necessary details. I am a AAA member, so I contacted a travel agent there and told her what I was looking to do. Last June on my Dad's birthday, I told him that him and I would be taking a train trip the following spring. He sounded a little surprised, but as I described the trip I could tell that he was excited.
We left for Canada last Wednesday, April 25th. We flew out of Harrisburg at around 8:00am ET. About 180 miles from Chicago, we were told that our aircraft was being put in a holding pattern due to rain and high winds at O'Hare. The pilot said that we would most likely be about 30 minutes late getting in to Chicago. This immediately made me nervous as our connecting flight to Vancouver took off only about 40 minutes after our scheduled landing. My only hope was that our connecting flight would be delayed as well. As luck would have it though, it wasn't delayed and we missed our flight. The next flight to Vancouver wasn't until 3:00pm CT so we sat around in the airport for about five hours. This wasn't too bad as I was reading a really good book (Deception Point by Dan Brown; highly recommended) and I was able to get a lot of reading done. My Dad and I also ate lunch at McDonald's; my God their food is horrible. We finally boarded the plane for a 3:00pm takeoff, but we didn't actually takeoff until about 3:30pm CT. The flight to Vancouver was about 4 hours, so we landed at around 5:30pm PT. We had to go through Canadian customs, get our luggage, and then catch the bus that would shuttle us to our hotel in Vancouver. We waited for the bus about 45 minutes and then it was about a 40 minute ride to the hotel so we didn't arrive until about 7:30pm. Keep in mind that I had now been awake for the better part of 18 hours. I woke up at 4:30am ET and it was now 10:30pm back home. Despite the long day, I wasn't really all that tired. As you can see, our trip got off to kind of a rocky start (no pun intended). Little did I know then that it would get much worse before it got better.
In Vancouver, we stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel located right on Vancouver's harbor. We had an incredible view out of our window.
We put our stuff in the hotel and then went out to grab a bite to eat. It was raining and in the 40s in Vancouver. After walking around a bit, we decided on an Irish style pub called Smiley O'Neal's. It was kind of cool because the hometown Canucks were playing against Anaheim that night and we got to watch the game with a bunch of Vancouver fans. I had a lamb burger and a salad along with a beer. We finished our meal and returned to the hotel. As we needed to get up very early the next morning to catch the bus out to the train station, we retired around 10:30pm. As I was laying down in bed, I noticed that my stomach didn't feel all that great, but it had been a long day so I just figured that I needed some rest.
I woke up around 1:30 in the morning and knew right away that I was in trouble. I rushed into the bathroom and it wasn't long before nature took its course. Luckily, I had brought some Imodium (btw - Imodium is another fabulous Johnson & Johnson product; sorry for the plug but J&J pays the bills) with me on the trip, and just as soon as I could get off of the toilet I went out and took some. Shortly after that, I found myself in the bathroom yet again. This time though - added bonus - I felt myself becoming sick in the stomach as well. I will spare you all of the gory details, but suffice it to say that I was up every hour until 4:30am vomiting. The Imodium did take care of the other problem fortunately. I don't know if all this was caused by something that I ate or what - the lamb burger maybe?
After purging all food and fluids from my body and getting very little real sleep, I was a mess the next day. We boarded the train and began our trip. I barely ate anything all day as I couldn't bear to eat solid food, but I was able to drink juice and soda all day and keep that down. I had a really tough time staying awake, and was drifting in and out all day. I couldn't wait to get off the train so that I could go back to the hotel and get some sleep.
The first day of our journey took us through the the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon including Hell's Gate - where water literally gushes through the narrowest point in the canyon. We also traveled alongside the Thompson River en route to our first day stop in Kamloops, BC. Even though I was sleeping off and on throughout the first day's journey, I did manage to get a few pretty decent pictures.
Approaching Hell's Gate
A rock slide shed across the river in the Fraser Canyon
The Thompson River Valley
Let's just say that after sleeping for a solid ten hours on Thursday night, I made an amazing recovery the next day. I felt a little rough when I woke up, but that is to be expected. After I had some coffee and some solid food, I improved rapidly and started to actually feel human again. The first day of the trip was scenic, but the second day was immeasurably better. If I had to be sick on one of the two days, I'm glad that it was the first and not the second.
On the second day, the train continued east from Kamloops toward the Rockies. We passed through the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges before getting to the Rockies. All I can say about the scenery and the vistas that we bore witness to on the second day of the trip is WOW!!!! The beauty of our surroundings was absolutely stunning. On our trip through the mountains, we saw several black bears, elk, and deer. I took somewhere around 250 pictures that day. The experience of traveling through those mountains is something that I will never forget. My Dad and I went out into the "vestibule" - the area outside between the train cars - several times and inhaled the fresh, crisp air of the mountains. The experience was uplifting and humbling at the same time. We were surrounded by natural beauty and my Dad and I kept saying how man-made beauty can never compare to what nature did all by itself. I was just awestruck. Some of the highlights are captured below; although it is only a minute sampling of what we saw that day.
The town of Golden nestled at the foot of the mighty Rockies
This was the type of stuff that we saw all day long.
The Kicking Horse River (yes there is a story behind the name)
Here are some of the elk that we saw. They are the first elk that I've ever seen in the wild. There is a bull in the middle flanked by two cows.
We ended up in Calgary and spent the night there before flying home on Saturday. In the end, the trip was a huge success despite a less than stellar beginning. I could tell that my Dad enjoyed himself immensely, and that was after all the whole point of the trip. On the second day of the trip he said, "This is my first time in the Canadian Rockies and probably the last time that I'll see it," so I know that he really relished the experience of being in the midst of such a magnificent display of natural beauty. That trip alone with my Dad is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I will always remember the time we spent together fondly. I can't begin to express how glad I am that I took my Dad on that trip. It was the fulfillment of something that I've wanted to do for many years and it felt good to see it come to fruition. It was truly a life-enriching experience.
For many years now, I've wanted to do something for my Dad to show how much I appreciate him. About two years ago, my Dad mentioned that he would love to go on one of those scenic train trips that travels through all kinds of beautiful and dramatic terrain. He made the statement that my Mom would never go because she is deathly afraid of heights. At that point, a light went off in my head and I started searching on the Internet for scenic rail trips. Surprisingly, there isn't much available in the United States other than day trips or trips that only last a few hours. I wanted something bigger.
During my research, I came across a train called the Rocky Mountaineer that travels through the Canadian Rockies. I gathered some information and started sorting through all of the necessary details. I am a AAA member, so I contacted a travel agent there and told her what I was looking to do. Last June on my Dad's birthday, I told him that him and I would be taking a train trip the following spring. He sounded a little surprised, but as I described the trip I could tell that he was excited.
We left for Canada last Wednesday, April 25th. We flew out of Harrisburg at around 8:00am ET. About 180 miles from Chicago, we were told that our aircraft was being put in a holding pattern due to rain and high winds at O'Hare. The pilot said that we would most likely be about 30 minutes late getting in to Chicago. This immediately made me nervous as our connecting flight to Vancouver took off only about 40 minutes after our scheduled landing. My only hope was that our connecting flight would be delayed as well. As luck would have it though, it wasn't delayed and we missed our flight. The next flight to Vancouver wasn't until 3:00pm CT so we sat around in the airport for about five hours. This wasn't too bad as I was reading a really good book (Deception Point by Dan Brown; highly recommended) and I was able to get a lot of reading done. My Dad and I also ate lunch at McDonald's; my God their food is horrible. We finally boarded the plane for a 3:00pm takeoff, but we didn't actually takeoff until about 3:30pm CT. The flight to Vancouver was about 4 hours, so we landed at around 5:30pm PT. We had to go through Canadian customs, get our luggage, and then catch the bus that would shuttle us to our hotel in Vancouver. We waited for the bus about 45 minutes and then it was about a 40 minute ride to the hotel so we didn't arrive until about 7:30pm. Keep in mind that I had now been awake for the better part of 18 hours. I woke up at 4:30am ET and it was now 10:30pm back home. Despite the long day, I wasn't really all that tired. As you can see, our trip got off to kind of a rocky start (no pun intended). Little did I know then that it would get much worse before it got better.
In Vancouver, we stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel located right on Vancouver's harbor. We had an incredible view out of our window.
We put our stuff in the hotel and then went out to grab a bite to eat. It was raining and in the 40s in Vancouver. After walking around a bit, we decided on an Irish style pub called Smiley O'Neal's. It was kind of cool because the hometown Canucks were playing against Anaheim that night and we got to watch the game with a bunch of Vancouver fans. I had a lamb burger and a salad along with a beer. We finished our meal and returned to the hotel. As we needed to get up very early the next morning to catch the bus out to the train station, we retired around 10:30pm. As I was laying down in bed, I noticed that my stomach didn't feel all that great, but it had been a long day so I just figured that I needed some rest.
I woke up around 1:30 in the morning and knew right away that I was in trouble. I rushed into the bathroom and it wasn't long before nature took its course. Luckily, I had brought some Imodium (btw - Imodium is another fabulous Johnson & Johnson product; sorry for the plug but J&J pays the bills) with me on the trip, and just as soon as I could get off of the toilet I went out and took some. Shortly after that, I found myself in the bathroom yet again. This time though - added bonus - I felt myself becoming sick in the stomach as well. I will spare you all of the gory details, but suffice it to say that I was up every hour until 4:30am vomiting. The Imodium did take care of the other problem fortunately. I don't know if all this was caused by something that I ate or what - the lamb burger maybe?
After purging all food and fluids from my body and getting very little real sleep, I was a mess the next day. We boarded the train and began our trip. I barely ate anything all day as I couldn't bear to eat solid food, but I was able to drink juice and soda all day and keep that down. I had a really tough time staying awake, and was drifting in and out all day. I couldn't wait to get off the train so that I could go back to the hotel and get some sleep.
The first day of our journey took us through the the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon including Hell's Gate - where water literally gushes through the narrowest point in the canyon. We also traveled alongside the Thompson River en route to our first day stop in Kamloops, BC. Even though I was sleeping off and on throughout the first day's journey, I did manage to get a few pretty decent pictures.
Approaching Hell's Gate
A rock slide shed across the river in the Fraser Canyon
The Thompson River Valley
Let's just say that after sleeping for a solid ten hours on Thursday night, I made an amazing recovery the next day. I felt a little rough when I woke up, but that is to be expected. After I had some coffee and some solid food, I improved rapidly and started to actually feel human again. The first day of the trip was scenic, but the second day was immeasurably better. If I had to be sick on one of the two days, I'm glad that it was the first and not the second.
On the second day, the train continued east from Kamloops toward the Rockies. We passed through the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges before getting to the Rockies. All I can say about the scenery and the vistas that we bore witness to on the second day of the trip is WOW!!!! The beauty of our surroundings was absolutely stunning. On our trip through the mountains, we saw several black bears, elk, and deer. I took somewhere around 250 pictures that day. The experience of traveling through those mountains is something that I will never forget. My Dad and I went out into the "vestibule" - the area outside between the train cars - several times and inhaled the fresh, crisp air of the mountains. The experience was uplifting and humbling at the same time. We were surrounded by natural beauty and my Dad and I kept saying how man-made beauty can never compare to what nature did all by itself. I was just awestruck. Some of the highlights are captured below; although it is only a minute sampling of what we saw that day.
The town of Golden nestled at the foot of the mighty Rockies
This was the type of stuff that we saw all day long.
The Kicking Horse River (yes there is a story behind the name)
Here are some of the elk that we saw. They are the first elk that I've ever seen in the wild. There is a bull in the middle flanked by two cows.
We ended up in Calgary and spent the night there before flying home on Saturday. In the end, the trip was a huge success despite a less than stellar beginning. I could tell that my Dad enjoyed himself immensely, and that was after all the whole point of the trip. On the second day of the trip he said, "This is my first time in the Canadian Rockies and probably the last time that I'll see it," so I know that he really relished the experience of being in the midst of such a magnificent display of natural beauty. That trip alone with my Dad is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I will always remember the time we spent together fondly. I can't begin to express how glad I am that I took my Dad on that trip. It was the fulfillment of something that I've wanted to do for many years and it felt good to see it come to fruition. It was truly a life-enriching experience.
Blue and White Game - A Classy Tribute
As I mentioned in an earlier post, we travelled up to the annual Blue and White game two weekends ago. The game was held the weekend after the tragedy at Virginia Tech. The members of the Blue Band were all clad in orange t-shirts and I would estimate that over a third of the 71,000 people in attendance were either wearing maroon or orange in a show of support for VT. A moment of silence was observed and then the Blue Band played "Amazing Grace." After that, one of the football players came out and gave a short statement of support to the Virginia Tech family in which he stated several times, "We are.....with you." People had signs that read, "Today, we are....all Hokies." It was all very moving and classy without being overdone. The whole experience made me prouder than ever to be a Penn Stater. It was a very fitting show of sympathy for the victims of the tragedy and all of those affected by it. In some ways, all universities are affected by it because the same type of thing could happen anywhere.
The "S Zone" transformed into the "VT Zone"
Five guys showing their dual support on this day
As for the game, it was a gorgeous day outside and the game was very entertaining. The White squad won by a score of something like 19-6, but it was evident that PSU has quite a bit of depth at QB and WR this year. The running game didn't look great as I still don't think Austin Scott is the guy to carry the load and Rodney Kinlaw just isn't consistent enough. There is a promising underclassman (#22, Royster maybe) that showed some flashes of great running ability. I have a feeling that he may see some playing time this year if Scott and Kinlaw fail to impress. The defense looks to be pretty solid with some real talent in the secondary and of course at LB. They should be a fun team to watch this Fall although I think a Big-Ten title would be a tall order. I think that they are a year or two away from that yet.
The "S Zone" transformed into the "VT Zone"
Five guys showing their dual support on this day
As for the game, it was a gorgeous day outside and the game was very entertaining. The White squad won by a score of something like 19-6, but it was evident that PSU has quite a bit of depth at QB and WR this year. The running game didn't look great as I still don't think Austin Scott is the guy to carry the load and Rodney Kinlaw just isn't consistent enough. There is a promising underclassman (#22, Royster maybe) that showed some flashes of great running ability. I have a feeling that he may see some playing time this year if Scott and Kinlaw fail to impress. The defense looks to be pretty solid with some real talent in the secondary and of course at LB. They should be a fun team to watch this Fall although I think a Big-Ten title would be a tall order. I think that they are a year or two away from that yet.
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