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February 9, 2006 - Seoul (South Korea) • Jim: Phil got to spend the new year's eve in South Korea (photo 1 and photo 2) and trained with the U.S. Army in Camp Casey. He has also been on my running route several times. We did take out time to visit the 38th Parallel. Here are three other photos of Phil there: photo 1, photo 2, and photo 3. A few of the pictures show Phil while he is leading the (early) morning Physical Training run with Staff Sergent Ketterlinus. Phil did not want to try the fiery cabbage-based staple of Korea, the kimchi. He said it was too spicy.
February 28, 2006 - Plover (Usa/Wisconsin) • Karen: After Phil arrived in the village of Plover, he wanted to take a nap. He was very tired and said it was a long trip from Seoul. He mentioned the custom agents held him back and wouldn't let him continue in his travel because they couldn't believe a frog named Phil actually traveled in a tube! They wanted to further investigate.
March 1, 2006 - Stevens Point (Usa/Wisconsin) • Karen: Phil first stop was Disher Insurance, where I work, as he inquired about travel insurance. He was very interested so I took the time to explain how it works. Phil also visited Sentry Insurance, the corporate headquarters.
March 2, 2006 - Stevens Point (Usa/Wisconsin) • Karen: Phil visited Schmeeckle Reserve to see how the other animals lived. The same day Phil and I did manage to squeeze in a run during his visit. We then stopped at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport. Since the airport is undergoing renovations, Phil was asked by the airport manager, Mike, for his expert advice on having a pond built onsite. And here is Phil was watching for low flying aircraft: luckily he didn't see any.
March 8, 2006 - Mukwonago (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: I arrived in Mukwonago on a dark rainy night. My housemates were very accomodating as they had an umbrella all set for me. We went out to play in the rain.
March 9, 2006 - Mukwonago (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: I went to work at Chase Home Finance and learned how to get money! I applied for a loan and was given some money. I didn't know money was green! How cool is that? I can't wait to go shopping. During my lunch break, I learned how to play Jenga. I lost.
March 11, 2006 - Mukwonago (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: Wisconsin has some weird weather. When I arrived, it was raining. All the snow disappeared and the sun came out. Taylor, my buddy, took me out to learn how to play goal keeper. I ended up with a sore nose. After a lesson in soccer, I went on to watch Taylor play. We won! I was fortunate enough to get in a team photo with this awesome group of boys. This team, U11 MK United, is coached by Pat White and Giuliano Oliviero of the Milwaukee Wave!
March 15, 2006 - Mukwonago (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: I got to do something else I have never done before. Mackenzie took me tap dancing! It was a rough ride, but I learned some cool steps.
March 17, 2006 - Mukwonago (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: When all was said and done, I didn't get to do any races, but I did get to learn a new sport, a new dance and a new game! That left me pretty tired. It snowed again. I hear I am heading south today to warm up. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
March 23, 2006 - Chicago (Usa/Illinois) • Carol Ann: While Phil was here in Chicago we did have a blast. Yesterday and today Phil attended the Institute of Real Estate Appraisal with me and his new friends Jamie, Ed and his teachers Ron and Tony and the other 49 members of his class. He received some good information. He is becoming one educated frog. During our down time Phil and I worked out at Bally's for a couple of hours each day with his other new friends Orville, Eddie, Ruddy, Billy and James. Phil said he enjoyed watching the girls in the yoga class. What a ladies man that Phil is. He was working it. Unfortunately Phil missed the "Shamrock Shuffle" by a week. I tried to get him to contact you folks at Run The Planet to stay for another week but he was anxious to be moving on. I think he is used to being on the road. We stopped and saw our other friends for some electrolite replacement at the Casual Tap with the gang. Phil thinks the Irish are all a lot of fun. Mickey picked on him the entire time we were there. After leaving the Club Casual, we stopped at Mitty's in Harwood Heights to say hello to our outher friends, Caroline, John, Stanley, Keith, Dave and the rest of the gang. Keith took our picture next to my Jeep. Phil said it was a cool ride. Needless to say our time together was short but well lived. Phil is a great guy and it would be a pleasure to have him back again. My friend Andy was so jealous that I got Phil instead of him that he wouldn't even come out and play. Ha ha Andy!
March 30, 2006 - Clayton (Usa/Missouri) • Stephanie: Phil made it to St. Louis today. He just came out of his travelling capsule (it was a busy day and I didn't get him till very late at night!) but I'm looking forward to the week with him.
March 30, 2006 - Clayton (Usa/Missouri) • Phil: Today was my first day visiting Stephanie. The warm, sunny weather was very refreshing! Stephanie goes to school at Washington University, so today I went with her to class. We had lots of work to do after class, and I was restless waiting for our run. Finally, in the evening we got to run through forest park with her running club. Then it was time to finish a philosophy paper and get some sleep! (I'm still not sure what philosophy is, but i think it is a class about me - Phil-osophy?)
April 6, 2006 - Clayton (Usa/Missouri) • Phil: Today I ran on the Washington University track. A few days ago I tried out the Concordia Seminary track over in Steph's neighborhood, but I think I like Wash U's the best! When we aren't running though, I usually hang out with Stephanie's turtle Myrtle, who has been a very nice host. We don't like doing homework or going to class so mostly we just explore the apartment.
April 8, 2006 - St. Louis (Usa/Missouri) • Phil: Today I got to see downtown St. Louis. I went to the "Spirit of St. Louis" Marathon Expo with Steph's running club. It looks like it is going to be a huge race tomorrow. I tried on a few new clothes at the expo - not quite my style.
April 9, 2006 - Clayton (Usa/Missouri) • Phil: Steph's friends ran incredibly well today! Steph and I watched the start, and jumped in and ran a few miles with her friend Miriam, who ran the half marathon. We didn't see Lee on the course because he ran a personal record and was waaaay ahead of us - he even got second in his age group.
May 4, 2006 - Frankfort (Usa/Indiana) • Gina: Phil the Frog and I had a great week for running, in many forms, and meeting new folks. The first day Phil arrived was on a Wednesday and that meant it was the weekly Club Kokomo Runners Club night to get together and run. We ran 10 miles through Highland Park and took a group picture afterwards. On Saturday we went down to Indianapolis and ran the "Susan Komen Race for a Cure 5k". We were one of oh, 35,000 participants and raised millions of dollars for a great reason. The next weekend we were busy running in other sports, baseball and basketball. In the morning we went and put up the sponsor signs at the Rotary baseball diamond, Phil can work the drill. Then we participated in the YMCA Corporate Challenge representing the Chamber of Commerce in a 3 on 3 basketball game. We won our first game, and lost the next two. Phil and I were only allowed to play defense because we were the only two in shape enough to chase the ball around the court. We had a great visit and enjoyed our multi sport running.
May 6, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: The following takes place between the hours of 7:00 am and 1:00 pm (Debbee got me hooked on that FOX TV. show "24"). Here I am in Delaware for a first State adventure with the Straub family. I had a blast with the Straub Family! I arrived in Townsend to a joyous morning of surfing at Cape Henlopen! Debbee was a great host. We stayed up late talking about Washington State and how much we missed the mountains, Pacific Ocean, the Puget Sound and of course coffee. We talked a lot about KEXP Seattle, the best music ever. Seeing as I am from Seattle, Debbee and I had lots in common. Debbee moved to Delaware from Bremerton, Washington last summer and misses the State which she still refers to as home. Debbee had hoped to have me visit her in Bremerton and run with the Y-runners but moved before she got the chance. Needless to say, she was just as excited to have me visit across the country and has a blast in her new home.
May 6, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: The following takes place between the hours of 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. After surfing, we went to a fun soccer game with the Straubs. Chelsea (Debbee's Daughter) is on the MOT (Middletown, Odessa & Townsend) Soccer team the Tornados. Then Chelsea went babysitting and John and Debbee went on a fun 10 mile trail run at Lums Pond as they were recovering from the "Triple Crown trail marathon" the weekend before I arrived. They said I missed a fun trail and that they had a blast. Here is John and me.
May 7, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: The following takes place between the hours of 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. We were off to a full day of soccer at the MOT 3v3 tournament. I hung out and cheered the girls on. We then relaxed at home with the dogs - Clifford and Chinook - and got ready for a busy week ahead.
May 7, 2006. I would be honored to have Phil accompany me here. We have a fantastic State park ideal for Phil to join his froggy friends for a trail run. I am quite sure that Phil has family here because we are so close to Phil-adelphia! It would be a great reunion, I'm sure. Some great trail runs are coming up this summer. The Phil-adelphia Half Marathon in September named after Phil himself would also be fantastic for Phil to run! Looking forward to and running with Phil, I remain hopeful to meeting him. - Rita (Usa/Pennsylvania)
May 8, 2006 - Smyrna (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: I went with Chelsea to all her soccer practices each week and got to learn a bit about being goalie. This kept me in shape so I would be ready for my next journey. I went to work with Debbee every week, she has several jobs she travels to. My favorite job was at the Aquatic Resource Education Center (AREC) in Smyrna. What fun! Mary, Frank, Debbee, Anthony, and Sara, also, Dianna and Gary (Gary Kreamer is our Supervisor and the Green Eggs and Sand extraordinaire) were there. We teach tidal marsh ecology to fifth grade students throughout Delaware. The AREC covers some really important topics but really emphasizes the need for healthy wetlands. The crew at AREC are awesome environmentalists and genuinely care about the health of our wetlands and waterways... Thanks to them my relatives may have healthier environments. I got to visit some big bull frogs, fish, ponds, a killdear nesting, plants, and tons of macroinvertabrates. I told Debbee I wouldn't eat any, but the dragonfly nymph looked so tasty I had to eat just one besides it was a dead fellow, no one even noticed and my tummy was full. I even got to test the water quality of the tidal stream and everything checked out healthy. The big mouth bass was frightening and I knew if I got too close I might be lunch. The crew wanted to make me an outfit but time was too full.
May 10, 2006 - Middletown (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: On Mondays and Wednesdays Debbee helps coach The Girls on the Run (GOTR) group at the MOT Charter School in Middletown with two great ladies Ally Kennedy and Irene Soucy. The girls loved me and wanted to each run a lap and get a picture running with me. One girl, Maddie, even signed up to have me visit her someday soon. These girls are great and have been working with Ally, Irene, and Debbee training to run a 5K on June 10th at Rockford Park in Wilmington. Catherine Gregory is the fearless leader of the Girls on the Run of New Castle county and does a great job! Way to go girls!
May 11, 2006 - Smyrna (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: Debbee didn't stop. She then teaches a body shaping class through the Kent County Parks and Recreation Department for the Spring in Smyrna. The ladies thought Phil was cute but no one was as brave as the youngest in the class to have a picture with Phil. Debbee showed me some cool leg exercises to build some more muscle on my legs. And she showed me some relaxation techniques at the end of each class. This will keep me balanced!
May 12, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: We ran a "Howl at the Moon" 10 mile or so run on the C&D canal (Chesapeake and Delaware) with the Trail Dawgs run group. We started in Maryland and ran to Delaware and back. It was a beautiful moonlit jaunt along the canal. John took the picture of Debbee, Pete, Joan, Paul, and Bridgett after the run. I stopped by to visit the seven dwarfs after the run... fun guys.
May 12, 2006 - Dover (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: Chelsea, Debbee and I had two horseshoe crab surveys with The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) at the St. Jones Reserve in Dover. We surveyed on Thursday night but we had to turn back because the water was too high and there was lightening. Susan held me out in the elements as Josh and Chelsea stood by so Debbee could get my picture. Besides the bad weather, there were no crabs on the beach.
May 13, 2006 - Dover (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: On Saturday night however the moon was full and bright and the beach was full of horseshoe crabs! Wow! The crabs spawn between May and June in high numbers mostly on full moons and at high tide. The crabs are found only on the east coast of the U.S., and are considered living fossils yet are not in the crustacean family but are in the arachnid family... That is one crunchy spider! I helped Debbee count these wonderful creatures. Chelsea and Danielle recorded the counts that Debbee and Josh shouted out the numbers of males and females. The females are big and are surrounded by many males, the female digs deep down to lay those little green eggs deep in the sand (hence the name of Gary's program - Green Eggs and Sand). This Debbee just keeps on hoppin' I had to take a couple days off and hang with the dogs. We ran a few shorter runs out at the Wiggins Mill County Park just 2 miles from her house and we got to see a fox and a ton of birds.
May 21, 2006 - Dover (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: Debbee and I are wondering where I will go next but she is too busy and forgot to send out an e-mail... That is okay because I am learning a lot of fascinating things that I can take with me on my travels. This week I went to work with Debbee, ran with Debbee and John and went to soccer practice with Chelsea.
May 24, 2006 - Washington (Usa/District of Columbia) • Phil: Debbee helped chaperone the Washington D.C. trip for Chelsea's eighth grade social studies class. We walked everywhere. We saw the Holocaust Museum which was quite moving, the National Monument, the White House, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Monument, the National History Museum and so much more. Busy day but so exciting. And I saw a demonstration on the Mall about immigration issues.
May 25, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: This evening Debbee, Chelsea and I went to a yummy volunteers dinner held by the AREC, we had lots of fun and didn't have to cook dinner!
May 27, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: John and Debbee ran a 3 hour run and then had to hustle around to get the course ready for the run. Debbee is the run director for the inaugural "Townsend Run Series" of four events and I was there to see her finish the series with a final 5K or 20K run on Sunday. Here is me with a T-shirt from the event. John mowed a trail into 3 miles of old farm field that is now un-developed park land and then marked the field with survey flags and then off to Chelsea's soccer game.
May 27, 2006 - Dover (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: Debbee and I went to the Horseshoe Crab Workshop (Green Eggs and Sand) at the AREC and the St. Jones Reserve in Dover headed up by Gary Kreamer and Katy O'Connell. There we listened to the leading most experts on horseshoe crabs such as Carl SchusterJr., Dr. Brockmann and Dr. Carmichael. We viewed a red knot bird at North Bowers Beach and got to sail for about 20 minutes on a 113 year old sailing vessel with waterman Frank Eicherly. What an exciting day. We got home around 9 pm and had to prepare for the run on Sunday.
May 28, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: We rose at 6 am and got everything loaded up to head to the big tent around the corner. There Debbee, John, Chelsea, Dave, Maureen and Mike set up for the run event. There were not as many people as Debbee had hoped for but everyone that did come really enjoyed themselves. Here I am with Mayor Dave Raughley. He let me pretend to be mayor for awhile. Here I am with a great running group of boys from the Brennan School led by dad Rob Gilsdorf (he is in the yellow) and a great group of parent coaches. The school is part of a statewide Autism Program which serves children as they are diagnosed with autism until the age of 21. The school helps these fine young people prepare for life in the community. Debbee and John were excited to have the Brennan group come out to run. Here is one of the GOTR ladies Tess and her mom Ellen. Following the run we had a potluck and enjoyed plenty of food.
May 29, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: Same thing this week ventured to work with Debbee, ran with John and Debbee and went to soccer practice. We watched the season finally of 24, that show is exciting! Except this week on Friday, Debbee and I went as chaperones to Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania just a short drive north of "PHIL"adelphia. That was great fun yelling and screaming. Debbee took me on the ferris wheel. We didn't get home until 10:30 at night Chelsea went to a friend's house and Debbee, John, and I went to go run at 6 am on Saturday morning. We ran the Trail Dawgs event, the "Tri-State Hump run". The run was a 50K and we added at least a mile or so to that total getting lost. We had a blast and used it as a steady slow run (9 something hours) to train for Debbee and John's long runs in the future - 40 miles in June and 100 miles in July. The terrain was fun and we started in Pennsylvania into Delaware hit Maryland and then back into Delaware and finished in Pennsylvania. We got a final surf session in at Cape Henlopen on Monday and enjoyed a BBQ with friends. Debbee, Chelsea, John, and Leah (who is John's daughter and is at her mom's house but will be back soon) enjoy running at a very basic level and make running a very essential part of their lives that is pretty froggin' neat! Kept wanting to run with the Middletown Athletic Club run group led by Terry Sullivan, but never managed to have an opening, so Debbee will take a picture of me and then a picture of a picture of me with the MAC group... She is funny. I will meet them in frog spirit. Debbee doesn't want to see me go as she enjoyed reminiscing of her Washington home, but knows I must move on. She only asks me that I rejuvenate my message of running to focus on the passion to run first, only after the passion of a healthy environment and lifestyle is established as we are the products of our environments. If our environment is not healthy then we can not be healthy. The environment is holistic, encompassing the health of the land, animals, water, and humans, but also the health of our communities. Our communities can only thrive with compassion, volunteerism, and assertiveness from all of our citizens, local and international. We must come together in mind, run/walk, and spirit. I liked Debbee's idea to not only run with my host but also do some sort of environmental activity, such as weed killing or trail maintenance. I also liked her quote "Run with a purpose so that everyday is Earth Day, yet make sure everyday is Earth Day so that we can still run!" She also had a favorite quote by Bill Bowerman that I liked as well and wanted to write in my frog log: "If someone says, 'Hey, I ran 100 miles this week. How far did you run?' ignore him! What the hell difference does it make?... The magic is in the person, not the 100 miles". Another Debbeeism: "Run to keep our challenges great so that you may grow in strength and in wisdom". Ribbit!
June 1, 2006 - Townsend (Usa/Delaware) • Phil: What a fabulous visit. Debbee, John and Chelsea are now preparing for the "Relay for life" on June 2-3. The Straubs (Team Straub) are running to remember John's mom Betsy and all those who survived cancer and those who are less fortunate. I do wish all the people I have come across in this first state adventure much Frog Hoppin' Luck! I do feel rejuvenated and will pass on my message with the passion and inspiration Debbee passed on to me. Phun running with you Straubs and now on to the Illinois region and some phun trails there. Here is a last picture of my friends - Clifford, sad to see me go and Chinook, exhausted from my visit, plus one of Debbee and I after a run. Signing off for now... Into my tube and on the road again.
June 3, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: Phil arrived in Carol Stream, IL as I was heading out to a family barbeque. Myself and Java (our boxer dog) greeted Phil with great excitement. We went to the barbeque and introduced everyone to Phil... and explained the concept.
June 4, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: Phil's first run was around the streets of Carol Stream to get used to the neighborhood. It was a pretty hot day, but we managed to get a long run in. When we got back home we poured a glass of lemonade for ourselves and listened to Phedippidations - a great podcast for runners! Steve Runner talks about so many great topics in a witty and entertaining way. This week's episode was "Vitamin Vitality".
June 5, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: Today Phil went to work with me - as a consultant dietitian we were able to leave a little early to go to O'Hare Airport to pick up my husband... another Phil! He was excited to hear that we were having company and greeted Phil kindly. In the evening, Phil the Frog went with me to teach group exercise class, Body Blast. The members of the healthclub were very intrigued by Phil and were amazed at his brut strength!
June 6, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: After work, Phil the Frog and I went for a run on the Illinois Praire Path, a 61 mile limestone path west of Chicago. After returning home, Phil took a nap with Java.
June 7, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: Today my husband and I took a day off of work. Little did Phil the Frog know he would be helping us pick out our first treadmill. Even though Phil doesn't mind getting wet from rain, every once in a while I think he too would admit to enjoying a run indoors - especially when it is very early in the morning, storming, and in the midwest snowing. Phil helped us bring the treadmill in and assemble it and then went for the very first run on our new treadmill.
June 10, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: Of course as luck would have it, rain was pouring down in buckets. So Phil and I hung out indoors and ran on the treadmill while listening to another episode of Phedippidations. Phil thought this week's topic was very appropriate: "Becoming a Good Animal". If you haven't checked out Phedippidations, please do so you won't regret it! It is a wonderful podcast that gets me through many runs, and helps me stay motivated for many more.
June 12, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: Today Phil the Frog went to the vet... he was not having any issues, we were there for Java. Java got a clean bill of health and was told she is finally old enough to start running! We hurried home and then headed back out the door for a short run with Java.
June 13, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: It has been a great experience hosting Phil and Java, my husband, and I are sad to see him go. We know he needs to keep on going to brighten other people's days. He has met many wonderful creatures here. We will not forget that Phil was here to welcome our first treadmill and start the first training run with Java. Thanks for the memories Phil.
June 14, 2006 - Carol Stream (Usa/Illinois) • Sandy: One last morning run, and after a good breakfast Phil is bundled up and ready for some more adventures. Take care, Phil!
June 15, 2006 - Appleton (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: I arrived in Appleton just in time to accompany Joe and his friend Tim to "Grandma's Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon" in Duluth, Minnesota.
June 17, 2006 - Duluth (Usa/Minnesota) • Phil: Joe and I ran the "Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon". It was very warm for Duluth in mid-June (80 degrees at the start), but I was able to stay sufficiently wet during the race due to the numerous water stations. The course is mostly along Lake Superior, so it was very scenic. We ended up with a time of 1:43. Not bad for an old frog! Here is a picture of me with Joe's race number and medal after the race (needless to say, I had to run as a bandit!).
June 18, 2006 - Appleton (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: Once we were back in Appleton, I was still tired from the half marathon, so I took a nap with one of Joe's cats, Rilee. After my nap, I did the dishes with Joe's daughter, Sarah (Joe makes everyone in the house do chores, including guest frogs), took a ride on Joe's dog, Cee Jae, and went for a short run with Joe's other dog, Dream (I needed to get the lactic acid out of my legs from the half marathon).
June 19, 2006 - Appleton (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: Today I went to work with Joe. Joe is the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for Plexus Corp., a company that designs and manufactures electronic products. Joe showed me his "race plant" which was given to him by his running buddy, Ellen, when she moved from Wisconsin to Massachusetts in 2004; the pictures to the right of the plant show Ellen and Joe finishing the 2003 "Boston Marathon" and the 2004 "Chicago Marathon". True to form, Joe made me do some work while in his office.
June 26, 2006 - Appleton (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: After a few uneventful days around the house (here I am reading with Joe's daughter, Melissa and helping Joe's daughter Hannah do her homework), I went with Joe's family and friends to Country U.S.A. in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. What a riot; five days of fun in the sun listening to great country music. We saw Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith, and actually went backstage to meet Charlie Daniels! Here I am with Tim's daughter, Sadie, getting ready to go to Country U.S.A.
June 28, 2006 - Appleton (Usa/Wisconsin) • Phil: Whew! A long week in Wisconsin. Joe sure knows how to have fun! Here I am with my new friend, Joe. Now off to my next running adventure.
July 3 - Broomfield (Usa/Colorado) • Phil: I am in Broomfield to visit with Merril.
July 28, 2006 - Phoenix (Usa/Arizona) • Phil: I was so happy to see my newest host Audrey. Waiting in a hot mail box is no picnic, especially in Phoenix, Arizona. Audrey and her two sons greeted me warmly (no pun intended). We got acquainted over a cool Popsicle and then went for a short run/walk through her neighborhood before dinner. I was told that Arizona is experiencing their "monsoon season" or storm season so there is more moisture in the air than usual. (Arizona is know for its dry heat). Tonight we are expecting thunderstorms and Audrey tells me the lightening storms are most beautiful here. It should be a crazy weather week ahead but I'm promised we'll get in some running and swimming (and maybe some yoga too!).
July 29, 2006 - Phoenix (Usa/Arizona) • Phil: Day 2 in Arizona. Audrey got the whole family up early today for a mountain hike. The weather at 6:30 was pretty overcast and only 80 degrees! Pretty nice change from the blasting heat of the usual summer rays. We drove to Phoenix's North Mountains Park to do a little hiking and uphill walking, which every runner knows, is a great addition for any running routine. Audrey's dog, Pitch, came along too... she really enjoys the exercise and being social. We brought plenty of water for each of us and made sure to take in the spectacular views at every turn. I can see why Phoenix is called "The Valley of the Sun". The boys, Myles and Parker, helped me along the rocky path until it joined up with the paved path. Myles carried me for a while because my flippers got hot quickly! I'm not sure how that dog did it without any footwear! In the afternoon I decided to sit out the school-supply shopping and hang out at home and watch "Mythbusters" on TV with the Marc and the kids. I found out it is one of their favorite shows and I have to admit, it was pretty interesting for a science show. The boys ended up in the backyard swimming pool three times throughout the day as the sun burned off the haze and the temps got up into the 90's. (Three times!!! You'd think we were related or something!). I did partake in the festivities but when the dog came in, I went out. She likes to swim and play fetch a lot and I was scared she might think I was one of her pool toys! After our busy day, I'm sure I'll be sleeping well tonight.
July 30, 2006 - Phoenix (Usa/Arizona) • Audrey: Today Phil and I took it easy, so to speak. A storm looked like it was about to burst and I needed to get the yard work done fast. The kids headed to the park with their dad for a couple of hours and I got busy with the lawn mower, trimmer, rake and trash can. I let Phil hang out while I did the dirty work. He was fascinated by the gecko's climbing up and down our back yard brick wall. They help "balance" out the crickets I explained. When the kids got back home we all hopped into the pool for about an hour. The storm clouds proved non-threatening and moved off. I told Phil that I'd been re-habbing my knee by using the pool as my exercise outlet. I can get my workout time in and entertain the kids at the same time. It's a two-fer! We also took some time today to read the new "Runner's World" magazine. Tomorrow starts my work week and I'm excited to bring Phil along.
August 1, 2006 - Phoenix (Usa/Arizona) • Audrey: Today Phil and I went to my job at Lookout Mountain Elementary School. It was a busy day getting ready for school to start in two weeks. Phil helped me sort out some paper work and was pretty social with the staff and teachers that came by. After work we picked up the boys from day care, came home and, of course, went in the pool. The kids are such waterdogs! After dinner, Phil and I went on our final run together. It was a beautiful night, about 85 degrees with a very colorful sky. My dog Pitch came along for the run with us. She's always up for it, as long as I bring extra water. Phil had to stop and get his picture taken at some of the neighbors cactus plants but I warned him not to get too close or ouch! While we ran we talked on and off about how to balance water intake with the heat out here, where our favorite running spots are and how much serenity we get while running. It's truly amazing how running affects the body and spirit. Keep spreading the peace! Our family had a great time hosting you Phil, thanks so much... blessings and safe travels!
August 7, 2006 - Meeker (Usa/Colorado) • Bev: I arrived home at about 8:30 p.m. today to find a package left in the door by the mail woman - instead of leaving it in the mailbox or a card to pick up the next day. It was Phil! I was pretty excited to see him and boy was he happy to get out of his pillbox. When I e-mailed his arrival, I asked if I could keep him so that my cross country runners could begin their season with a run with Phil. Hooray - "Yes" was the answer!
August 8, 2006 - Meeker (Usa/Colorado) • Bev: I am recovering from heel spurs and just this summer been able to start running again. Having Phil this week has kept me at it - slow and steady. Here we are after our first run together.
August 9, 2006 - Meeker (Usa/Colorado) • Bev: I have taught for 18 years in the same room; this summer I cleaned out the chemistry teaching lab room (the former teacher retired and left without cleaning anything out!) so Phil helped me out a lot! We biked to school (after making a helmet for Phil out of an old measuring spoon). Here is Phil on my desk.
August 11, 2006 - Meeker (Usa/Colorado) • Bev: Back to school physical exams: cleaned teeth, etc. Phil liked the ride in the car to Grand Junction - about 100 miles South West from Meeker but wasn't keen on the temperatures - 99 °F. I forgot to put the camera in so no pictures today. We did enjoy a short 2-mile run before we left though.
August 12, 2006 - Meeker (Usa/Colorado) • Bev: We cleaned the house and hoped to trail run but the rains and lightning kept us on the streets this weekend. Thanks goodness for the rain but darn that lightning!
August 14, 2006 - Meeker (Usa/Colorado) • Bev: Cross country begins today and Rachel, a senior at Meeker High School, came by to write up Phil in our weekly newspaper. We combined the cross country team information with Phil's. The finished article won't be out until Thursday, August 17, but I will send it along when it does. Here are the runners and Phil - they ran for VO2 max tonight. Phil did pretty well - about 35 ml/kg/minute! Not bad for frog and the 14 year old that carried him. Too bad we were missing at least three runners. They really missed out. A few of them are interested in signing up for Phil. After running we went back to my classroom for Pedialyte frozen pops and tried not to be too sad. We had to put Phil by the eyewash!
August 15, 2006 - Meeker (Usa/Colorado) • Bev: Goodbye to Phil as he heads to the Netherlands!
August 22, 2006. I am running my first marathon in October!!! I would love to have Phil come along with me on a long run or even come after my marathon to keep me running!!! Running is a huge part of my life, and I love to share this with my students. I love to see how they grow as runners and young adults. If Phil comes in time for track he can really show my students how to jump real high for long jump and high jump! We look forward to his visit! - Gretchen (Usa/Ohio)
August 22, 2006 - Schiedam (Netherlands) • Klaas: Phil arrived in the mailbox of my neighbors (we were not at home) today. I received him this evening. He was having a bit of a jet lag, and was quite tired as the whole journey from Bev in the United States to my place took him exactly one week. The first contact of Phil with us was a very warm welcome from my youngest son Joppe (14 months). Joppe is not a very keen runner yet, but he will be as he has started to walk this very week. I had done my run of that day already so Phil was happy to play with the toys of Joppe. I will take Phil out for a run tomorrow evening.
August 24, 2006 - Rotterdam (Netherlands) • Klaas: Today I took Phil to my workplace in Rotterdam and introduced him to some of my running colleagues. During the lunch break we went out for a stroll and I showed Phil some of the more interesting points of the city among which the Erasmusbridge, one of Rotterdam's eyecatchers. This evening we went out for a run and I took my camera to shoot some pictures. Unfortunately it got dark pretty soon so most of the pictures are not as good as I hoped they would be. Nevertheless it is still Phil running with me. Upon returning we fell over a very unsightly pole in the grass. Thank goodness nobody got hurt.
August 27, 2006 - Schiedam (Netherlands) • Klaas: Today is Sunday which is long run day so Phil and I went out for a run. However, my long run is just not that long at the moment as I am recovering from a mild ankle injury and the doctor has allowed me to run but also told me not to get too excited and run too far. Anyway, I wanted to show Phil some of the scenery and one place in particular. In the Run The Planet's descriptions there is one entry that mentions the Kandelaarbrug, a bridge that crosses a small canal named the Schie which runs from Delft to Rotterdam and passes my hometown, Schiedam. I thought it would be fun for Phil to get his photograph taken there. I also managed to find the little pole we tripped over the other day. Furthermore we got quite some rain this morning. It seems there has not been a dry day in the whole month of August. So by the time we got back we were pretty soaked. Nevertheless it was fun to run with Phil again. Yesterday and the day before were not running days. During clean up Phil discovered some pairs of wooden shoes and Phil insisted on trying on the smallest pair we have. As you can see they are just a wee bit on the big side for Phil.
August 30, 2006 - Schiedam (Netherlands) • Klaas: Today was my last day with Phil. It has been great to have him as a guest and to have been running with him. Unfortunately no races for Phil to participate in, but training with Phil and stopping for the occasional picture is fun too. Of course Phil could not resist to have his picture taken with one of Holland's most touristic attractions, a windmill. Luckily for Phil I found one in his size. Best of luck for Phil as he has continued his journey to Norway.
September 2, 2006 - Oslo (Norway) • Henrik: Phil came tumbling down in our mail yesterday and after a restful evening my son Markus and I took him sightseeing in Oslo. After taking the bus into town - here is Phil and Markus on the bus - we visited the city centre where Phil got to see the town hall. But Phil was more interested in one of Gustaf Vigelands statues, the little rascal. After this, he mentioned he really needed his coffee and to re-level his blood sugar. Before we went back home, Phil said that he had heard of the ice bears walking around freely in Norwegian towns and wanted to see one. Luckily right this day, there was a bear in town. A friendly and warm species that Phil got to shake hands with. A little shaken by the friendly but big animal, we went back home.
September 7, 2006 - Oslo (Norway) • Henrik: The population of Oslo does enjoy large woods just by their doorstep, called Marka, meaning something between grand field and forest. And as the autumn night begun to turn Marka into mysterious woods, Phil and I had a nice run. So off you go to the Netherlands. Thanks for the wisdom and fun, Phil.
September 16, 2006 - Rotterdam (Netherlands) • Dorine: Phil arrived at Rotterdam today in a good shape all the way from Oslo. He just came out of his travelling capsule and the children Sterre (10 years old), Julia (9), Merlijn (6) and Cato (4) were very excited. We are very happy to have him here and we'll give him a nice time. Because the children couldn't decide by whom Phil had to sleep, Phil chose another warm place. Phil just missed the half marathon of Rotterdam the 10th of September, where Dorine's husband, Arthur, had a good run.
September 17, 2006 - Rotterdam (Netherlands) • Phil: We went up early for a fifteen kilometers run through the Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam. My kind host Dorine has to train for the 20 kilometers at Paris on October the 15th. She and some of her running colleagues from the GGD (Municipal Health Care Office) at Rotterdam are going to Paris to run there. It's a pity I can not join them there. One of her colleagues is Klaas, with whom I stayed some weeks ago.
September 18, 2006 - Rotterdam (Netherlands) • Phil: Today I join Dorine to her work at the GGD. There was just the right furniture for me (usually the place for her mobile phone). I like this job! I met Klaas who was very pleased to see me again. In the evening we got to run with her running club. It was not possible to take some pictures because of the very hard and continuous rain. "Typical Dutch weather" they said.
September 20, 2006 - Rotterdam (Netherlands) • Phil: In the morning, just when the children were at school, we went out for a short run. Just one lap, five kilometers, around the Kralinger Lake.
September 24, 2006 - Rotterdam (Netherlands) • Phil: In the morning we went up early again. At sunrise, we went to the Kralingen forest for a twenty kilometers run. We ran four laps around the lake. We parked the car next to two beautiful Dutch windmills at the lake side. That was the fourth time I was running with Dorine that week. She's really seriously training for Paris! In the afternoon we went out for shopping in the city. We took the bicycles and stopped at the Maasboulevard for a good view at the Rotterdam skyline.
September 30, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: I arrived today in Bloemendaal, a small village, only five kilometers from the North Sea coast, between the dunes and the town of Haarlem (Amsterdam is a bit further, approximately twenty kilometers away). Here you see the coastal part where in the summer a lot of people go for a day off and swim: the village is behind the dunes, the white dots are two camp sites. A short trip within that small country. My host is Jan, a 49 year old man, working at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and member of the KLM Roadrunners International. After a warm welcome we took a picture in the garden and placed it on this personal Phil page. Jan is webmaster for the KLM Roadrunners International and gave me my own page. Two weeks ago he ran 16.1 kilometers (10 miles) in Amsterdam, in the "Dam tot Dam loop", the biggest run in Europe with thirty thousands runners. KLM participated with 1090 employees, the CEO Leo van Wijk among them. And last week Jan ran a 5k race and a half marathon in Haarlem. As they say here "Je valt met je neus in de boter" ("You fall with your nose in the butter", in other words you are lucky to arrive just at the perfect moment) because today Jan and Carolien are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. So tonight we have a party and everybody is preparing themselves. They even had a special chair for me to sit on. I was one of the first to congratulate Carolien and Jan on this special occasion. They received a rose from every guest at the party this evening and a lot of other nice gifts...
October 4, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: Today is "Dierendag" (Animals day), a special day for all animals!!! They all got something extra to eat or a present. Here are the cats Bram and Guus. I was offered to help with the update of three websites. Two of special runs that happened two weeks ago. So we added pictures and changed the text part. The main site (klmrunner.nl) was updated with new runs and actual text. And I got a present but I can use it later this week. You will see. It is, of course, very Dutch and I think it is hard to learn to use it... Tonight we will go out for a ten kilometers workout in preparation for the half marathon on Sunday October 15 in Amsterdam.
October 4, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: Tonight, during this 60 minutes workout, according to a training plan, I had my special place in the belt. Next time I ask to sit in the front... :-) We ran for 85% over bike lanes which were well lighted by street lights. And besides that, Jan was equiped with some lights and reflection. He was more visible than most bikes we saw this evening. Some had no lights at all and suddenly appeared from the dark.
October 5, 2006 - Schiphol (Netherlands) • Phil: We were up at 06:15 to go to the daily work in the office, but today the wheater was supposed to be better after days with rain. So today we went by bike for a twentyone kilometers loop to Schiphol. It was still dark when we left. After passing Haarlem and Heemstede we went into the polder. The polder is surrounded by a canal like a big circle. To cross it there are bridges. And here two ships passed while the sun came up. This circle canal is 63 kilometers long, and once a year there is a run over the whole distance. The level of the polder is four meters below sea level! In the polder there are lots of canals to control the water it contains, and in that canals there are a lot of... frogs! I felt very comfortable. At the end of the day, we bicycled back home, but the forecast was wrong: it was rain all the way back.
October 6, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: After work at KLM on friday, I thought I would have an easy night. But no. Jan is a volunteer police man and there was a trafic control planned that night, to check the drivers on the use of alcohol. His colleague Nico shows me one of the police cars and I had to blow the alcohol tester in the police station too...
October 7, 2006 - Haarlem (Netherlands) • Phil: Today we woke up late after a busy night. Not all drivers followed the no-drinking rules... In the evening we skated on the renovated artificial ice rink to warm up. In the Netherlands those rinks are 400 meter tracks and are used for speed skating. It opened its doors today because the season started, and the rink in Haarlem now has a half open roof, so from now on the speed skating can be done dry and in a less windy condition. In the opening ceremony all ice clubs and divisions presented themselfs with their flag. I had my skates on and represented the amphibians. Helped by a sweet little girl from the ice club I made my first moves on the ice. Normally I take a long winter sleep below the ice, but today I went skating on it and enjoyed it very much. Next time though, I will put a winter hat on. Inside the club building they showed me an old skate that was usually tied under your regular shoes, and an old sleigh for the ice that could be pushed.
October 8, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: This morning we went for a long workout of over 100 minutes to the dunes and along the coast. This part of the dunes is a national park. It is called De Kennemerduinen. We ran through the Het Vogelmeer, the bird lake. Lots of birds live and breed here. It is just behind the coastline and also a lot of birds traveling from North to South in autumn and spring pass here. The small paths are nice to run, for it is a bit soft to land on, so it feels better to run here than on the roads. On the way we saw a small deer and many rabbits. Half way through the workout we reached the beach of the North Sea. Quit windy today and a nice 17 degrees Celsius. Along the whole coast, every 500 meters, there are big wooden poles with the distance, measured from North. Here we are at 60 500, so sixty kilometers and five hundred meters south. Further inside the dunes you find more trees and bushes. The grass you see in this picture is called "helm". It is a strong type that is planted to prevent the sand from being blown away by the wind. The dunes are protecting Holland against the sea.
October 9, 2006 - Schiphol (Netherlands) • Phil: Today we went again to Schiphol by bike. On the way back we had to pick up a last souvenir from the "World Airline Road Race", a run organized this year for the 25th time by the KLM: 1100 runners from about 70 different airlines from all over the world did run on September 23rd in Amsterdam. Here is the logo of the race and chairman Frank with the mug. In the three days the participants were in Amsterdam, they together painted like Rembrandt and the wooden shoe was one of the prizes for the runners. Next year the "World Airline Road Race" is in Sydney, Australia (maybe I will be able to join them there...). On the way back, we drove along the Schiphol technical area, and we stopped to take a picture of a Boeing 747 with the Amsterdam Schiphol airport in the background.
October 10, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: Back home the postman brought all the papers and brochures for the Amsterdam half marathon, which will be held next Sunday. He also gave us a big map with all the race courses, the 10k, the half (marked in light blue) and the full marathon. Especially the second half will be nice, through the city center, and we will pass the Vondelpark and the Rijksmuseum. We are both looking forward to it. After that, on October 16, I will travel on to my next host, but that is days away.
October 11, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: Today we had the last training run. On our way we went by the woods and the parks. During the cooling down we built a little man using some oak nuts and chestnuts we picked up during our run. So we are ready for the half marathon this Sunday. I noticed that Jan has red laces on his running shoes. This is for charity here in the Netherlands. You buy red laces and a part of the money goes to the research to prevent heart attack on young people. Many KLM runners wore those laces at the last "Dam tot Dam loop" run.
October 14, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: After three more days of biking to the office, the first ice skating lessons and shopping, the great day is coming up. Today we are packing all the things we need for the run in Amsterdam.
October 15, 2006 - Amsterdam (Netherlands) • Phil: We had a good night rest and got up at 9. All was ready so just a tiny breakfast and a lot of tea. On the television we had a look of the start of the whole marathon and we saw the Olympic stadium were we would arrive later today (the stadium was build for the 1928 Olympic games in Amsterdam). They also showed the finish of last year with Haile Gebrselassie setting the new course record for Amsterdam in 2:06:20. Along the whole course all different bands are making music and most of them dress very funny. First Jan and I have to pick up the start number and chip for the time. At the entrance of the expo a pipe organ is playing music. After picking up the number we went to the stadium were we saw the finish of the marathon. Solomon Bushendich won the 31st edition of this "Amsterdam Marathon" and he gave an interview we saw on a big screen. His time was 2:08:52. This is a picture of the KLM / Transavia team for the half marathon; from left to right standing: Alex, Sjamke, Jan, Koen, Henriette, Guido, Chris and John. Sitting Wouter and Kitty (chairwoman of the KLM Roadrunners international). We did start at 14:00 hours and the temperature was around 14 degrees Celsius with an cold wind from the East... Ideal for running. I could sit in front and saw the beautiful buildings in Amsterdam. We twice crossed the river Amstel from which Amsterdam has its name (dam in the Amstel = Amsterdam). Even in the middle of the city a windmill was working in the wind. Great sight. Then we passed the Rijksmuseum where the famous Rembrandt paintings are and we passed the beautiful park in the center of the city, Het Vondelpark. Then we came back at the Olympic Stadium were we finished with a PR for Jan. After the finish we received a nice medal. We were both tired but very happy, and a bit stiff. Here are the photos of Jan and I running the half marathon, taken at Hugo de Vrieslaan (8.1 km), at Cruqiuskade (13.9 km), at Vondelpark (18.9 km), and at the finish of the race (21.1 km).
October 16, 2006 - Bloemendaal (Netherlands) • Phil: Today is my last day in the Netherlands. By bike we went again to Schiphol and there I was safely packed in my pill and put in the mail. I am on my way to Italy. It was nice here and maybe some day we meet again. I don't know were it ends. I hope never. Phileas Fog travelled for 80 days around the world; I will travel and run around the world for at least 80 years...
October 18, 2006 - Milano (Italy) • Phil: I arrived in Italy in the late morning. I was a little tired because the flight and the "Amsterdam Half Marathon" so I took a day off, resting and chatting about travels, adventures and friends with my new guests, Franz (the runner), Federica (his wife), Stefania, Joshua and Lupen (the dog) & Mafalda (the turtle). I specially enjoy to share Mafalda's swimming pool for a little cross training.
October 19, 2006 - Milano (Italy) • Phil: We were invited to run a 10.000 meter event during a meeting organized by the Road Runners Club Milano, the club Franz runs with. It was a rainy evening so we couldn't take pictures, but we took fourth place in our heat and Franz told me that was really motivating to run with me.
October 22, 2006 - Pavia (Italy) • Phil: We went to Pavia (an old town 40 kilometers from Milano) to run the "CorriPavia International Half Marathon". There we met a bunch of runners of the Dead Runners Society Italia, who share the passion for running and enjoy to do it togheter. Dead Runners Society Italia is a part of the Dead Runners Society, and the Italian branch is overexcited to host the DRS World Conference next May in Turin. So they start to speak all togheter to exercise their English and made me crazy. I promise to one of them, "Pagliotz" (left in the picture), to come back and visit him in the near future (that could mean up to three years, due to my fully booked agenda). He tried to bribe me with the vision of a pasta al pesto (a tipical dish of his region) but I stoically resist. Finally we started running and I could appreciate the beautiful centre of Pavia, with the old castle built by the Sforza family (Middle Age seems to be closer in this town). After the race I could appreciate a truly Italian pizza and birra, a runner's diet very common in this country.
October 23, 2006 - Krakow (Poland) • Phil: I flew with Franz to Krakow, where he had a meeting and we spent some time running. But Franz's back started to hurt and he had to stop for a week (and this is a running experience as well, isn't it?).
October 26, 2006 - Milano (Italy) • Phil: Back to Italy, but Franz's back is still hurting. So I showed him some "core stability" exercises which I was told of during my travels.
October 27, 2006 - Milano (Italy) • Phil: Hey man, I fell in love. Stefania is the Queen of the Frogs, she has a large family of nice little green friends, and I was particularly touched by the little, lovely, Nadine... Italy is truly the country of love.
October 28, 2006 - Milano (Italy) • Phil: My time here in Italy is almost finished, and Franz is still "out of service". I tried to encourage him with my stories, and speaking with him I discovered that he ran as a "tedoforo" (the runner who carries the Olympic flame) during the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin so I had the opportunity to touch one of the torches enlighted by the sacred flame.
November 19, 2006 - Seattle (Usa/Washington) • Phil: I am back in the United States visiting the humid Seattle which is great for me since I do not like dry environments anyway. Menta and Iris are my gracious hosts. They are not that bigger than me, as a matter of fact they are almost four years old but they have been reading my adventures online for quite some time now and they are soooo excited to meet "Freeddafrog" (that is me, in their own words). I am very happy to be visiting their family. Both girls are beginner runners and I am sure I can motivate them to keep going.
November 23, 2006 - Seattle (Usa/Washington) • Phil: Today Menta and Iris kissed me the whole day hoping I would become a prince. What?!? Am I not good looking already?
November 27, 2006 - Seattle (Usa/Washington) • Phil: After some days resting in my host family's home, we paid a visit to the Run The Planet headquarters, to say "Hello" and get cleaned up. I have not been there in such a long time. Traveling is hard for a little guy like me sometimes.
December 1, 2006 - Seattle (Usa/Washington) • Phil: Today we had a nice walk around the neighborhood, then it was time to decorate the house for Christmas. Menta and Iris were pretty vocal, and dad gave up and agreed to decorate the family car as well. Now the blue vehicle can be seen from both ends of the street where they live. It is kind of embarassing, but we all know how much it means to the two little princesses.
December 10, 2006 - Freeland (Usa/Washington) • Phil: Before I leave for my next trip to Canada, I joined the whole family and spent the weekend on Whidbey Island, in the quaint town of Freeland. It was nice and relaxing to have some quality time at their cabin and in the local cafe. We hiked the local South Whidbey State Park trail and had so much fun. Thank you for hosting me folks!
December 28, 2006 - Belleville (Canada) • Phil: I finally arrived in Belleville after a long journey. My host, Patricia, wanted to know if I was ready to go shopping after my long trip. I said "Anything to stretch my flippers...". The first store we went to was the Green Willow. It is a little fair trade, gift and collectible store and the lady behind the cash was so nice to me. Patricia was taking a picture of me with a jeweled frog and another customer brought more jewelled frogs over, and I told them stories of my travels. They look so pretty with their jewels. After the Green Willow, we went to Serendipity Gifts, and I found a really nice desk but it was too expensive. The books were nice though. By this time, everybody was tired so we headed home for supper. After supper, Patricia took me to her weekly tin whistle session at the Irish Hall here in Belleville. Everybody sat in a circle and played traditional Irish tunes. During a break I tried playing Patricia's whistle but it was hard with webbed toes.
December 29, 2006 - Belleville (Canada) • Phil: Patricia has to be at work at 6:00 a.m. so she left me at home to sleep. We are in the middle of a cold spell, so running is difficult. I keep telling my host that she has to get out and run if she wants to PR the next 5k race and eventually run a marathon. She replied, "Yes, I know, but it is hard to get out in a -16 wind chill". Patricia has promised me we will run on New Year's day together, no matter what the weather is.
December 30, 2006 - Belleville (Canada) • Phil: Patricia took me to her weekly yoga class this morning. I tried a few poses, like the corpse pose also known as savasansa (that one was my favorite because you just lie there and relax). I tried sitting meditation but I kept wanting to move. In the afternoon Patricia and her friend, Rosina went shopping at Wal-Mart. I wasn't in the mood to deal with crowds of people so I stayed home and visted with Myrtle the sheep.
December 31, 2006 - Belleville (Canada) • Phil: Today was a do-nothing day. Patricia had routine chores like laundry and groceries to do, so I sat and watched. She is knitting a sweater for a customer, so she worked on that all day. She promised running tomorrow, after work.
