A Road in Spartanburg

11 degrees warmer made a delightful difference for my second run in Spartanburg. A long lonely road, which occasionally paralleled the Interstate, provided my morning trek. Quiet and contemplative, the serene run really allowed for reflection on the previous day's adventures in upstate South Carolina. It had been grand.

Along the isolated access road I studied an abandoned building to my left. Somewhere in the past a large box business had enjoyed a highway front, but now the mainstream plaza span with hobby stores and super marts has absconded with the customers and revenues that once belonged to the frontage road companies. Back to the road, I don't where I expected this path to lead. I was surprised as it ended in a small subdivision.

With plenty of time to spare I toured the residential development. No one was out and about; it was much too early for Sunday School and most jobs. Two creatures were stirring, to my dismay, two pit bulls that is. A wave of panic flushed over me as I began considering exit strategies. Luckily the canines were inside an electric fence. I didn't want to test its reliability, so I did an about face and returned to the winding lonesome road that led back to our hotel.

I wonder what happens to electric fences when the power goes out. Yikes!

Tom

Pre-Thanksgiving Feasting

37 degrees and about the same number of minutes provided a short running tour of a Spartanburg, SC neighborhood. Though I brought two pairs of gloves for the weekend getaway, I managed to take off into the predawn gloveless. The chill of the morning air didn’t prove to be a deal breaker. It did, however, encourage me to keep up the pace to generate body heat. After a fast and enjoyable run through subdivisions and over county roads it was time to see more of “Sparkleburg,” as a South Carolina native and friend of mine calls it. Shannan and I geared up and took to the streets of Hub City, yet another nickname.

Our day began with breakfast at The Beacon In, better known for onion rings and iced tea (they claim to be the world’s largest seller of iced tea) than biscuits and coffee. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our meal immensely, especially as our bacon and eggs were served with fresh peaches. Indulge me a short aside, South Carolina is truly the Peach State and not my hometown of GA. Even with wide use of the word peachtree, we are actually the nation's top producers of peanuts. Back to the trip: Our next stop was Cowpens Revolutionary War Battlefield and Visitors’ Center. It's free and highly informative. From there we browsed in a small Rail Road Museum. A train rolled through town to provide bit of excitement. We moved on to Spartanburg County Historical Museum. It is well laid out and provides a wealth of information into the past of this train hub city, but on this day the real focus was on food.

Shannan and I munched on cupcakes at Cakehead Bakery and perused a bookstore which shares space with the bakery and a coffee shop in a repurposed Masonic Temple. After filling up on an old south style lunch at Wade’s, we split a hot fudge cake at Sugar-N-Spice Drive Inn. For dinner we stepped out for Redneck Burgers at Nu Way Lounge and Bar (which claims to oldest bar in the city). As you can tell, throughout the day we consumed high calorie, high fat, and high cholesterol foods with great joy. Our meager attempt to balance it out came in a one mile walk at Cowpens around the decisive positions of the historic battle of 1781 and another short trek through the wonderfully beautiful Hatcher Gardens and Nature Preserve. To add to our food fest we tried to purchase homemade pimento cheese, but the store closed early, for shame. Speaking of shame, we capped off the enigmatic food filled day with a trip the American Coliseum to watch American Pro Wrestling. This place and the fans have to be seen to be believed. It’s rich fodder for a separate blog.

See Spartanburg. Run. Eat. Enjoy.

Tom

Ashburn Again

How funny? I didn't take the time to check this very blog to review a previous run in Ashburn, GA. Early this morning when faced with the "left or right" decision I selected left. I usually follow the rule of mail carriers and make right turns. I assumed that would have been the case last time we visited Ashburn. Along the way I marveled at political signs, Halloween decor and wondered about local shops and businesses. About a mile and a half or so into the run I recognized a BBQ joint. Drats! This was the same route I had traveled during on the last trip.

Bear in mind, the outing had been very pleasing, both the breezy morning and the surroundings. Nonetheless, I crossed to a side street, in an effort to gain a new perspective, and headed back toward the hotel. I figured I'd explore a little ways in the opposite direction. This took me away from the rising sun. The overcast morning held a bluish black veil over the sky. The path narrowed to a country road between cotton fields with no street lights. I was running into the dark.

A small furry creature ran across my path, yet it was so dark I couldn't discern if it was a rabbit, possum, raccoon or what. By then nearly thirty minutes had elapsed and being a touch creped out by the inability to see, I thought to return. Unfortunately, Lynard Skynard's Freebird cued up on my mp3 player. I ran fast and up hill into the darkness for a while longer before spinning around to head back to the hotel. No regrets, it all worked out for the best. I had a strong run to begin the day, managed to see new parts of the city and Shannan got to sleep a little longer.

Off to Orlando to see the mouse and run.

Tom

Songs of the Season

A nice long run with freshly fallen leaves crunching under every step made clear the change of season. A few shocks of color remained in the trees. Early in autumn I am always reminded of an old song, Fall in Philadelphia, from Daryl Hall and John Oates. It's a mellow song on a little known album before the duo's rise to popularity. I mentioned the song in a piece about this same time last year. As I continued on this November run I began to think about songs that really remind me of particular times and seasons.

In the summertime
And oh the wonder
Felt the lightning
And we waited on the thunder
Waited on the thunder

Bob Seger’s Night Moves cued in my mind. I didn’t have the music. I played the song in my head, and best of all as I imaged the tune I traveled across time to the mid 1980s. I landed in Champagne, IL. This was my first trip out of the south, and wow what an eye opener. I arrived in the small college town late in the summer, right around Labor Day Weekend. I didn't have a plan or even a place to stay. Somehow things came together. I got caught up in the magic of the Night Moves, of being young and free and in being the novelty in town. "Speak in southern," my new found friends would say. I think it was particularly interesting to hear an accent like Andy Griffith coming from a fellow who looks like Juan Valdez. We all had a grand time making fun of the differences between southern city life and rural life in the north.

Fun and frolicking continued, however, my nemeses, cold weather, arrived sooner than I expected, so I headed home with a naïve fear of being trapped by Old Man Winter. For those who know the song well, yes there was a black haired beauty with big dark eyes. And no, we weren’t in love, oh no far from it. We were workin' on our Night Moves.

Ain't it funny how the night moves
When you just don't seem to have as much to lose
Strange how the night moves
With autumn closing in

Experience the seasons. Run.

Tom

Time to Exercise

Shannan summed up the way The Streak works for me. She tells others the way I come to exercise each day is by setting the time in my mind "when I will exercise?" It's not a matter of if I'll run, use a cardio machine or do a scripted work out; it is "when" will I exercise? She nailed it. In fact, when my schedule gets altered by things beyond my means of control, I get moody simply because I have not exercised.

It certainly helps to have that mindset and to have a time planned for some sort of aerobic or anaerobic activity. We are working on a trip to visit Australia. As we look at the terrific amount of time it takes to travel, that's my first question. When will I exercise? After 14 years I have the will, so we feel certain I'll find a way.

When will you exercise?

Tom

Slice of American Pie

Ain’t that America. Traveling the States always presents a distinct pleasure to experience local flare and regional culture, while maintaining some common American threads. This summer we intentionally set out to celebrate a nice slice of Americana. From Tennessee to Illinois, the Land of the Free, did not disappoint. Of particular note, we spent two nights in Keokuk, Iowa. I know what you are thinking, so let me explain. We landed in Keokuk based on lodging availability, a very fortunate turn of fate. From this base we explored southeast Iowa as well as Nauvoo and Carthage, Illinois.

Keokuk is a grand town filled with clean and proud neighborhoods and scads of history related to Civil War, Native American relations and more. We learned at the George M. Verity Museum that as many as three military ships carried the name, USS Keokuk. Water plays a major role for the area past and present. Our tremendous Mississippi River separates Iowa and Illinois. Like others, the small town of Keokuk, has attempted the harness the power of the majestic river for tourism and energy. The two converge at Lock and Dam # 19. Here there are observation decks to watch as barges make their way along the river.

Other than being a delightful stop on the historic Mississippi River Road, Keokuk is also part of the Mormon Trail. It was just across the water that the Saints departed Nauvoo on their final trek west toward the Utah territory. I’d be remiss not to mention the city’s namesake, Chief Keokuk. He was a leader of the Sauk Tribe. Keokuk didn’t radically oppose white settlers. This led to conflict with another Sauk leader, Black Hawk, and ultimately to war between the two. A statue of Keokuk stands proudly in Rand Park looking over the Mississippi River. In a short period of time we breezed through some of the town highlights. Here’s a link should you ever find yourself in this marvelous city: http://www.keokukiowatourism.org/

Now, about the run: On a clear and unusually warm morning I set out for a run to the Mississippi River. I passed a country club, folks out walking dogs, a fellow driving his tractor on the street and one the most interesting things I’ve ever encountered on the road--father and son joggers picking up trash as they ran. Their method may not be the norm, but Keokuk streets, sidewalks, homes and businesses all exhibited a high degree of community pride. It’s a clean and friendly place. Running by the river was grand, but I really enjoy puttering along in Keokuk. I just felt good.

Enjoy the United States. Run.

Tom

Alaska to Arrington

This summer Helen, Dave, Shannan and I had a lovely trip to Seattle followed by a cruise through the Inside Passage. However, along the way Helen began to feel notably ill. Upon our return home her health did not improve. We ultimately learned she had abdominal cancer.

With some regularity Shannan and I take a trip in the fall to Arrington, TN to be with our cousins. Whereas our summer family trip ended with traumatic news, this one brought great celebration. The week of our trip Helen's Pet Scan showed no sign of cancer.

Oh the joy! Thanks for your prayers and all of your support.

Tom and Shannan

Good Day Grotto

Another adventure with Joel made for yet another picture perfect day. As noted previously, we have tinkered with our original day-trip recipe. Joel is making better food choices and eating smaller portions, and our last few outing have not had a corporate exercise activity. Still our zeal to explore oddities works magic. Today, did not disappoint.

It started off with an early run and included the new addition to my cardio days, ten minutes of yoga. Shortly after 6:00 am Shannan and I took off toward northwest Georgia to pick up Joel. The two of us did stop for a coffee and fast food breakfast sandwich, a guilty pleasure. Once we picked up our partner for interesting excursions, we crossed into Alabama for a visit to Ave Maria Grotto.

The "Grotto" is a curious collection within St. Bernard's, a Benedictine Monastery and Catholic School. Nearly a hundred years ago, Brother Joseph Zoettl began a bizarre hobby to occupy his time as he worked in the coal furnace room. As he waited to work the coals he built miniatures of important religious structures. His collection grew and skill increased as did his fame. People began sending him scraps, treasures from all over the world. He used the particles to create little dioramas within canvasses, commonly known as grottos. The collection is astounding, it includes the mountain monastery of Montserrat, the Vatican, an incredible representation of the Virgin Mary and much more. It's well worth the trip to see.

While in this region of Alabama we made a quick to stop at Noccalula Falls to tour pioneer homes and buildings from late 1800, view an eclectic collection of animals and snap a few photos of the scenic water falls. Along the way we saw a sign for The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Since it was on the way home or possibly to get me to stop begging, Joel and Shannan consented to a slight change of the planned agenda and to make an impromptu addition to the itinerary. This massive church complex is unbelievable and must be seen to be appreciated.

We lunched at Jefferson's in downtown Gadsden and wrapped up the day. Next time we'll drive south toward Elberton to get a close up view of Georgia's Guide Stones, often referred to as the Stonehenge of the South. Who knew?

Life is grand. Experience it. Share it with a friend.

Tom

fall lemonade

Most folks welcome cool fall temperatures as a break from Atlanta’s heat and humidity. Others celebrate with great joy the vivid colors marking the arrival of autumn. Most of my friends and family equally love both parts of the seasonal change, and they know I don't share their bliss related to the weather. I understand and deeply appreciate the distinct seasons we experience in North Georgia. It stops there.

As fall signals a period of lower temperatures I attempt to look for something good in the change. It’s not really a difficult task. Even I have to admit cooler weather allows for comfortable long runs and easier recovery from speed workouts. One can't go wrong there. Best of all from late September forward wonderful fall festivals take place all over the region.

Make fall lemonade. Bring on good runs and good times.

Tom