Greenville Half-Marathon; Spinx Runfest 2008

I just completed my 3rd half-marathon this morning in Greenville, SC. Conditions: 60 degrees and slight participation (misty). At the recommendation of my co-workers I "stripped down" and wore shorts and a t-shirt compared to my usual pants and long-sleeve shirt for cooler temperatures. The course went through downtown Greenville, through the park, along a running/biking path, called Swamp Rabbit Path, and past the Governor's School. The course was scenic, flat in some sections, but hilly in others. I believe this year's course was harder than the previous year's course, which went through Furman University. Many more spectators came out to cheer on the runners this year. Joseph and Gracie (Joseph's favorite canine) met me at two points along the course to cheer me on, mile 6 and mile 10. If my Garmin 305 watch is correct, I believe I set a personal record today, finishing in 1 hr, 52 minutes, and some seconds. Next up, the ING Miami Marathon on February 25, 2009. I am running the marathon on behalf of Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue and in memory of my chessie foster, Cocoa. Please stay tuned for information on how to support my endeavor and contribute monetarily to Chessie Rescue.

The Blue Ridge Parkway on a Motorcycle

Joseph road his motorcycle up the Blue Ridge Parkway today while I was hard at work, at Appalachian Outfitters. He put about 170 miles on his bike today and froze his butt off doing it (although he won't admit it). The picture above was taken from the Parkway out toward a waterfall near Graveyard Fields, in Pisgah National Forest.

Outer Banks Trip

Here is a link to a video on youtube. It's of our trip to the Outer Banks, made by a chessie volunteer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2CfDIHTZos

Excitement at the Grocery Store

While shopping at Bloom Grocery Store in Greenville the other day I witnessed the manager of the store tackle a customer. As I was walking into the store some guy was trying to walk out of the store with a full cart of groceries. The manager stepped in the customer's way to prevent the customer from leaving. Some words were shared and the next thing I know the manager is tackling the customer. Being the only witness, I yelled for help. Help came and the store called the police. Evidently the customer was attempting to steal a whole cart of groceries, including a bag of dog food... Was the dog food an attempt to look normal or is there a dog starving now because its owner never made it home with food? After I called for help I picked up my groceries, PAID, and walked out. While leaving I saw the police cuff the guy and "throw" him in the back seat of the cop car. It was awesome!

Bailey made the calendar!!!

Thanks to everyone who voted for Bailey for the 2008 Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue Calendar Photo Contest. She came in 8th place and will likely be Ms. September in 2009. Last year she was Ms. April. Bailey had 177 votes, which means $354 dollars will go toward saving and rehoming future chessies. It really means a lot to me (and Bailey). Thanks again.

Outer Banks Trip Update

Our trip to the Outer Banks, for Chessies in the Surf 2009, was lots of fun. The dogs loved running on the beach and meeting many new dogs and people. The "very dog-friendly" Cape Hatteras KOA was awesome. We stayed in a small log cabin, which had a porch and swing. It was perfect for the dogs. All the dogs got along with each other, ran on the beach together, and swam in the ocean together. Ella actually let a few strangers pet her while Bailey let anyone hold and pet her. Gracie and Jedi were on guard but were well behaved, overall. We met several chessie volunteers who were awesome and we ate lots of fresh seafood. A few adult beverages were shared among the group members. We highly recommend checking out the Outer Banks and staying at the Cape Hatteras KOA. (The KOA is actually in Rodanthe.) The beaches there are beautiful.