Go West Young Man !

.....To run the Big Sur International Marathon. The adventure officially begins as the group heads to the left coast for some fun- BAM! Our destination brings us to the spectacular California coastline along Highway 1- BA-BAM!

The weather reports call for great conditions with highs around 70 degrees and lows around 53 degrees. The course is hilly with the biggest climb around mile 13, similar to the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon. However, we'll enjoy ocean views and other interesting sights along the way.

I hear this is the land of Chi? Heck, my chakras are just a buzzin' so the pre-race ceremony is bound to be extra special. Stay tuned.

Until I get my pictures and race report on the blog, enjoy the 2005 Big Sur International Marathon Photo Gallery at the link below:

2005 Big Sur Photos

Later,

Marc

Microwaved Water Kills Plants??

That's right and it's proven by some kid in Knoxville, Tn who did a science project about it. Read all the juicy details at the link below:

The Microwaved Water Experiment

Dr Joseph Mercola has another fascinating article on the hazards associated with microwaves. See the link below. Scary!!!!

The Proven Dangers of Microwaves

Stuff you need to know.

Later,

Marc

Orange Juice Dilemma!

Duh!! Would you buy any other kind?

YOU DID WHAT??

I rode my bicycle across North Carolina- WOOHOO!

In early 2004, I stumbled across a website dedicated to bicycle touring. The "Crazy Guy On A Bike" web page, created by Neil Gunton, was designed for people to share their bicycle touring stories in a journal format. I was hooked from the beginning and began to explore the possibility of doing a tour myself.

Then in October 2004, the dream became reality. I completed my first fully self-supported long distance bicycle tour across North Carolina. Two friends and I rode from Sparta, NC in the mountains to Currituck Island on the coast in seven days. We traveled what's known as NC bicycle route 4 or the "North Line Trace" which basically hugs the North Carolina/Virginia border.

The trip turned out to be a true adventure full of interesting experiences and remarkable people. I reminisced today and thought it would be fun to share my journal with you. So if you're interested check it out at the link below........

Touring the Tarheel State

Later,

Marc

YEEHAW, I've Decided to Run the Big Sur Marathon in the Buff !!

Artists rendering of what I'll probably look like at the Big Sur finish line. (Phidippides collapses, "We Have Won", Luc-Olivier Merson 1869)

.......no, no, not that kind of buff-- wearing my "BUFF" headgear. Ricky from Virginia introduced me to this marvelous piece of equipment a couple of months ago and I'm glad he did. If you're a fan of the television series "Survivor" you know this is the type hat all the competitors wore. Made from microfiber, it keeps you warm in cold weather by trapping a layer of warm air yet wicks away perspiration when it's hot outside thus keeping you cool. Pretty ingenious huh?

This is a Buff !

........ and the most amazing thing is it can be worn like 13 different ways! So, let me demonstrate on "Stan the Skeleton Man". The Buff can be.....

A Neckerchief

A Headband

The Funky Blindchicken

A Wristband

The Foulard

An Aliceband

or a Balaclava

A Scarf

Worn as a Hairband

The Saharane (my favorite)

A Cap

Avast Me Hearties, It's a Pirates Hat

....and finally, the Mask

I've been really impressed with this simple hat. It makes the perfect runners accessory. They cost around $20.00 and come in a multitude of colors. If your interested check out the Buff USA website below. (I'm not affiliated with the company in any way- I just like their product!)

www.buffusa.com

Stay tuned for more as we prepare for Big Sur........

Later,
Marc