In Remembrance of Memorial Day

 
We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red.........

- from We Shall Keep the Faith by Moina Michael, November 1918 
Learn more about Moina Michael here:
International War Veterans' Poetry Archives

Chafed Skin?

Ouch! 


Then Use the Magic Formula in A+D Ointment!  

This stuff really works! I've been using A+D Ointment over the last several months for skin rashes and chafing. Must be the cod liver oil base they use. Found it after researching blister prevention techniques for the feet during ultraruns. One website mentions mixing equal portions of A+D Ointment and Desitin then applying on your feet. I tried it on a long run and had no problems. The mixture is super waterproof and lasts a very long time. It even does a better job of preventing bleeding nipples- beats Vaseline hands down!

Later,

Marc

Think Lactic Acid Causes Post Run Muscle Soreness?

WRONG!!

Most people still believe lactic acid causes muscle soreness after exercise. It's a common myth. Next time you hear runners whining- set the record straight. These two articles explain why it's just not true:

Time-to-Run Article on Lactic Acid

"Lactating Mythers"

Later,

Marc

Road Trip!

Let's go to Vegas!
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Monday- Arrival


Johnny Vegas and Lady Luck
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Big 'ol jelly donuts, this-a-way........
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Kim's brother John meets us at the airport. He's a master Vegas tour guide!
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John's house is very nice. Thanks for letting us stay!
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Bo greets us as we arrive (actually we woke him from a nap).
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...and Mr. Scorpion does too!
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Marc posing by the massive lemon tree in John's backyard.
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Tuesday- Hiking!


We're going to do a light hike to see how the legs hold out after the marathon.(Marc and Kim)
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Red Rock Canyon
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Happy along the trail.
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The legs are doing pretty well so far!
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Taking it all in.
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Man, we could stay out here all day.
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Sun drenched!
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...another view
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Looks like we're on another planet huh?
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Time to head back and get ready to see the Lance Burton Magic Show at the Monte Carlo Casino.


Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!
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Dinner is at a Vegas burger landmark- Cool!
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Here's the secret- paper wrappers!
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Great burgers are gauged by how messy you get right?
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The Strip.
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The Lance Burton Magic Show was fun. We got seats on the front row. Definately see it if you're ever in Vegas.

Wednesday- Head to the Valley


This place is HOT!
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John just loves this area.
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John takes us down a dusty road. Lot's of abandoned mines around these parts.
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Here's one!
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Eureka!!
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** Disclaimer- Abandoned mine shafts are DANGEROUS! We didn't place ourselves in harms way and neither should you.

If you want to learn more about abandon mine safety or underground exploration research it here:

US Dept. Of Labor- Mine Safety

The National Speleological Society



Kim spots something interesting.
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We really got down in the valley.
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John and Kim checking out the salt.
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Salt deposits leaching out of the dry valley floor.
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Yep, the signs right. We're at 190 feet BELOW sea level. Whew!
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Being here in Death Valley made me think how vital our water resources are. Quench your trivia thirst with these water facts:

Water Trivia Courtesy the USGS


Spotted this large plastic cow on the way home and decided to do some milkin'
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Never give your sister the car keys.......
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Later that night we hit the Strip and did some sightseeing


Wow, the dancing fountains at the Bellagio!
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Thursday- Rest all day then go see a Broadway Show


Can't wait!
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Friday- Up early and head to Zion National Park in Utah.


Kleenex, check. Pillow, check. Blanket, check. Kim's ready to go.
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Little did I know today would turn out to be the highlight of our trip.
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Waiting for the tunnel to clear.
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TAILCAR!
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We'll hike up to Angel's Landing- the peak on the left.
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Drama Queen!
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Drama King!
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The switchbacks of 'Walters Wiggles".
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Breathtaking!
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We're a little on edge.....
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John looking forward to the next part of the trail.
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Look closely along the ridge line to your left and you'll see people on the trail. That's were we're going!
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Up, Up, and Beyond!
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...and up some more.
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Kim posing at the very top!
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Way to go John, you did it!
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This is so relaxing, I could fall asleep in about 3 seconds.
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The money shot!
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Well, all things must come to an end. We need to start back. It's a three hour ride back to Nevada.


Watch your step.
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Heading down.
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I'm still speechless at the scenery.
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John feeling really small....
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Critter spotted on the trail back.
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Amazing!
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Awwwhhh! Do we have to leave? YES!
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On the way back to Nevada........


We need to eat before the long drive back to Nevada and the Zion Pizza and Noodle Company is just what we're looking for.
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Can he drive home?
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Saturday- The airports calling me.


Had great time in Vegas but now it's time to head back to Charlotte. So long!
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My only winning voucher...Hey but I think I did contribute well to the "Put a Vegas Showgirl Through College" fund!
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I made it back. Yeah!
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This was a trip to remember. Vegas was fun. Thanks John. You're a great tour guide!

Later,

Marc