Running hills on our recent trip to Maine was unavoidable….but now I see their value. I’m even wishing I had a fall marathon to run!
Having just returned from nine days in Maine, I was elated this morning as I began a run with my sister, Susan… 9.5 miles of gloriously flat terrain. During the trip I had actually come to dread the start of each run because it was always a whopper of a hill. Actually, with the exception of a four mile run that was an out and back course, there was no way to avoid the hills in Maine. Truth be told, and dreading aside, I found myself a stronger runner at the end of the trip. In fact, I am disappointed that I am not in training for a fall marathon this year because I believe the last few weeks in hilly Maine would have been an outstanding base for a marathon PR. [Read more…]
We arrived late last night at Lovejoy Pond in Readfield, Maine…the destination of our 10-day summer vacation. Maine is a long way from Charlotte, North Carolina and I had plenty of time to think on the 997 mile journey. Somewhere around mile 797, while simultaneously popping M&M’s and gulping down Diet Dr. Pepper’s, a thought occurred to me. This thought would become the impetus of an idea which grew into a sort of challenge, actually, during the next 200 miles, and which has resulted in what I am calling the Hetzel Adventures in Good, Clean Fun. The thought was this…”Hey, we haven’t listened to the radio for the entire ride”.
I love the Olympics. This last week my family has gathered to watch many of the swimming events and it has been a thrill to watch Michael Phelps earn his 22nd medal during these Olympic Games. It makes it even more fun for me since I had the opportunity to meet him while he was in Charlotte, NC about seven years ago. Although he was extremely nice, I am still embarrassed when I recall that introduction to Michael Phelps (but not embarrassed enough not to tell you the story). 
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