I Used to Run

27 Friday Dec 2019

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trail

Trails with safety chains are real trails. Brit and I ran along this southern half of the Greenbelt, Wednesday. We ran the northern half, Tuesday. We ran on Town Lake, Thursday and Friday. We joined the downtown Fleet Feet running team this morning at 6:30 am and experienced an awesome sunrise over the calm water. This week in Austin might make me a real runner again.

eric n dan

My son-in-law’s college track buddy Dan introduced us to the Fleet Feet running team. They meet up every Friday. This is Dan in the red shirt standing alongside Eric at the 360 Greenbelt trailhead. It felt good to run with the Fleet Feet team. At best, they were half my age and some were fairly elite, but I didn’t feel out-of-place. Runners are always such nice people.

brit n ed

I’m still a good twenty pounds over weight and super slow when I run on my own. I don’t wear a watch but figure I run a ten minute mile pace or slower. I surprised myself today with a nine minute pace. Running with others is good for speed. Running with Brit is helping me to run faster.

zzzz

Running six out of the last seven days might give me the momentum to become a regular runner again. I’d like that, although I need to work on my stamina. The 6:30 am start time was rough. Brit snapped this photo of me at 10 am.

A Fine Winter Day

06 Saturday Jan 2018

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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LoBo Trail, Town Lake

town lake

Man, what a fine winter day. This was my first day running out on the trail since this Christmas Day photo with Brit on Town Lake. I’ve been a bit under the weather, and still likely have a ways to go to fully recover. I can tell you though that recovery will be hastened outdoors under the warm Colorado sun.

Sick or not, my conditioning is far from where I was a half year ago when I ran a 3:40 marathon. Twenty pounds heavier, I shuffled along the trail like an old man. Eight miles used to be a short distance where I hardly broke a sweat. It now appears to be my maximum distance. It doesn’t matter though. Short and slow as my run was, outside in 45°, running in shorts and a cotton long-sleeved t-shirt, I felt like I belonged out on that trail. It was so perfect. Just like that Christmas Day run where Brit couldn’t stop laughing at me.

She did the same thing to me last night. Apparently I broke out in song at the neighborhood party. Brit gestured hand signals to lower my voice as she looked around. I didn’t stop singing though. I was making a point that the world needs more dog songs, so I started singing You and Me and a Dog Named Boo. That was the first 45 I bought from the local record shop as a kid. We need more dog songs.

I was just as happy out on the trail today. Only in Colorado can 45° under the sun feel so nice. I do belong out there. The LoBo Trail called out to me like a siren, letting me know everything is alright. As long as I’m on a trail, running, I’m good. I’ll be back out tomorrow.

Kindle Edition

22 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Novel

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Amazon Kindle, Ingram Spark, Magnolia Cafe, Town Lake

girls-at-trail-of-lights-1

This post details my travails at publishing an electronic book format. Specifically the Amazon Kindle edition, because based on their marketshare, the .mobi format is all that matters. I’ll juxtapose this dry material with photos from our Christmas vacation to Austin over the last couple of days. These two are of the girls at the Austin Trail of Lights from last night.

ellie-with-rachel

I planned to share some of these details to help others publish an ebook. I held off until I was fully successful. By fully successful, I mean having a Kindle edition available at Amazon. This took four weeks from the time my print editions were available. My ebook was available on the Apple iBooks store immediately, although not without errors. Apple was my first problem. Before even describing my issues, I’ll advise you to simply pay an ebook coder to do this for you. But if you enjoy a technical challenge, by all means, follow my errors.

The first problem is there are virtually zero instructions for how to export your ebook. Ingram Spark is my publisher and they provide two different files with a few instructions scattered throughout the docs. The tips are in a narrative format rather than a checklist, so it’s easy to miss key instructions. My book design software is Adobe InDesign, chances are it’s your’s too. The export routine will provide multiple tabs of export options. I got through it by reviewing YouTube videos. The best one, because it tells you tips for the layout design as well, is this 24 minute video. Trust me, I watched dozens. It’s one of the few that explains the Adobe export options. It also tells you how to rasterize your text pages. It doesn’t say this, but making a photo out of text is a clever trick to get around font license issues. I had those problems too.

You only really need to publish eBooks to Apple and Amazon. That’s where most are sold. I figured out I had issues with Apple by downloading their free sample. Ingram Spark doesn’t do much in terms of monitoring errors from distributors. Turns out my issue wth Amazon was that Ingram Spark lost my contract agreement. They made me sign four, a print contract, an ebook contract, a specific ebook contract for Apple and another for Amazon – which they lost. They offer separate contracts for Apple and Amazon because those sites have mature tools for writers to self-publish directly. I probably should have chosen to work with them directly. Because I didn’t, it was difficult to get Apple and Amazon to talk to me for support issues.

There’s so many things. I’m still working out issues on my ebook with other online retailers. Comment if you have specific questions. These last two photos are of brunch today at Magnolia Cafe and a run around Town Lake.

Christmastime in Texas

26 Saturday Dec 2015

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Storytelling

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Alamo Draft House, Aquila strings, Grove Wine Bar, idiocats, Round Rock Presbyterian Church, Town Lake

I drive Mom to the Round Rock Presbyterian Church Tuesday morning to pick up the postings from Mary Ann. For decades, Mom has been assisting in the weekly bookkeeping effort of posting donations. They reconcile the numbers once a month. Mary Ann uses the computer while Mom works with paper and pencil. It keeps her brain sharp. All the better to mind her children’s business.

table

Coming home for Christmas provides opportunity to meet up with family. It’s been a couple of years since we last dined with the Horners – James, Liz, Emma and Claire. Liz and James are film producers visiting home from Berkeley California. Liz is Karen’s cousin. I would go on about how good the Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen is, but good eats is standard fare for Austin and to be expected. After quaffing a 512 IPA, I enjoy a flight of French wines; 3 ounces each of a 2011 Gérard Bertrand Tautavel Grand Terroir, a 2012 Chateau L’Hospitalet Coteaux de Languedoc La Clape and a 2011 Féraud-Brunel Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau. Not sure why I thought I needed to try a local brew, these wines are incredible.

photo removed

The girls visit Karen’s Uncle Melvin, Liz’s father, on Christmas Eve. He might be moving soon to live with his daughter Jane and her idiocats in Houston. We rarely travel to Houston so this is a good time to visit. Ever the history teacher, Uncle Melvin tells tales to the girls of the McBee family from the early days.

We attend services on Christmas Eve at Mom’s church and open presents. Here she is opening her grandchild Christi’s engagement picture. I meet Christi’s fiancé Kevin for the first time. He’s a super nice young man who teaches the PE program at Christi’s elementary school in San Antonio.

Kevin hums along as the girls entertain Mom with a few songs. This song above is You and I and the song below is Happy Ever After. The girls improvise as this is the first time for them to play the ukulele to most of the tunes.

We migrate to Karen’s Dad’s house for Christmas where Brit’s Uncle Steve upgrades her ukulele with some nice quality Aquila strings. Brilliant way to improve a cheap ukulele, assuming you can string a guitar.

charlies angels

I try to get Karen, Steve and Laura to strike a Charlie’s Angels pose here but they are too dignified. It’s always a huge multiple-family gathering at the Colliers for Christmas. Watching the little kids open their pile of gifts is entertaining.

Brit on Town Lake

Brit and I get down to Town Lake for some exercise. Brit runs while I walk. Still injured. It’s so warm this year, I sweat walking in the rain. I might remember the full moon though for Christmas more than the heat wave, it’s so spectacular. Mostly hanging out, reading and dining at my favorite Austin eateries before the drive home next week. The Alamo Draft House is on our list. Might even stay an extra day to avoid a coming blizzard. Merry Christmas everyone.

Running with Reindeer

26 Friday Dec 2014

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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BCRT, believe, keep Austin weird, magic of Christmas, Town Lake

Someone stuck a red reflector onto the nose of the deer in this sign. Along with every other deer crossing sign near my mom’s house outside Austin. This is what makes Austin weird. Oh, and I can tell you that there are countless deer for the next 8 miles rather than just 1.5 miles. Unless of course this sign is specific to reindeer. I saw zero reindeer during my runs along the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, but I could feel their presence. I believe they were nearby, playing reindeer games.

I got in 13 miles Monday afternoon. Felt good to unwind after two days of driving. I-35 from Dallas to Austin has been under construction longer than any airport project I know. I swear to you there’s nearly two hundred miles under construction, and it’s been this way for ten years. Talk about nerve-wracking. Whereas most states require so many hours of instructor-lead driving lessons, Texas parents can home school their children with Parent Taught Driver Education packets available to order online. I believe this is Governor Perry’s response to NAFTA, intended to put the fear of God into Mexican truck drivers as they transport goods on Texas highways. Driving between two hundred miles of concrete barriers and half-erected raised roadways among Texans felt like navigating through a cement rainforest in a dystopian video game.

The holidays are inexplicably busy and I find myself errand boy for this and that. While I initially expect to run every day on vacation, I ended up running every other day. I squeezed in another five miles on Christmas Eve along the BCRT and then nine miles down on Town Lake the day after Christmas. Austin renamed this area Lady Byrd Lake a few years back, but I still reference the original designation. I like to run the 4.4 mile loop between the MoPac and South 1st Street bridges.

Today’s weather was cloudy with the warm winter rain common to Austin. Warm to me anyway. I wore shorts and a light shirt. Most runners were bundled up, including gloves. I found myself sweating non-stop. Oh the humidity. I found the conditions perfect for running nonetheless. The trail was never crowded although I enjoyed the company of a steady stream of runners. Mostly younger, no doubt out of school for the holidays.

Brit and Ellie did some running down here too. Ellie also got in some long board action. Ellie is pictured here next to her cousin. Rachel had to fly out to San Diego early this morning to appear in a dance routine at the Holiday Bowl Halftime Show. I feel this is a short week for us but her family is even more rushed to get everything in.

I just got back from seeing “Into the Woods” with the girls. Highly recommended if you like lots of singing. Next up is dinner with Steve and Susan at Sushi Tomo – my favorite Austin sushi joint. Karen’s parents were nice to watch over Steve and Susan’s kids so that we could go out. This week has gone by quick but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m off next week too. There’s plenty to do around the house but I also expect to increase my mileage – weather permitting. I need to be in shape for my return back down here in seven weeks to run the Austin Marathon.

Texas Road Trip

27 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running, Storytelling

≈ 2 Comments

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Austin, Doctor's Mob, Town Lake

Got in a final nine mile jaunt around Town Lake today. Fixin’ to dine at Molcas – a really nice family run Tex-Mex in Northwest Hills – for our last supper in Austin. I should mention we dined last night at Hyde Park Bar & Grill too. We always make an effort to visit our favorite eateries in Austin.

We’ll be driving early tomorrow morning to Dallas to visit long-time family friends and then head out west on 287 for as far as we can. I hope to make it past Amarillo but don’t expect to cross the Texas border into New Mexico until Sunday. As long as that sounds, it’ll be better than the trip down. I thought I’d re-post this armadillo pic because I saw one cross the road on the drive down at night between Childress and Abilene. It was as big as a baby black bear.

Actually just returned from Molcas. Couldn’t finish this post first. So I’m almost too stuffed with cheese and Bohemias to type. Papa is playing his victrola for Brittany. Some WWI era 78 rpm tune. Brit is pursuing a music degree and is interested in such things. Her Papa gave her a turntable earlier and she’s been playing 33 rpm vinyl records all day. Some U2 War, Roberta Flack and her Uncle Steve’s Doctor’s Mob album.

Karen and I just made the decision to not pack the minivan tonight. Grandma Barbie is dancing the Charleston. Molcas serves decent frozen ritas. I wonder how much gear we’ll leave behind when we leave. I’m guessing multiple iPhone/iPad chargers and some really important jewelry. See you in Colorado.

The Santa Claus Rally

26 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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Austin Marathon, BCRT, happy new years, Town Lake

For stock traders, the Santa Claus Rally ends on Jan 3rd. My 2013 running exploits will end with my vacation on Jan 1st, so I’m giving it my all in a final sprint. These final days include significant driving time too, so I can’t run every day. I began with a ten mile run Monday after a half day drive to Austin from Abilene. I ran this in Round Rock on the BCRT. After that brutal 2.5 day drive down from Colorado, this was the perfect recovery. The weather was sunny and 55° or so. I ran in shorts and layered a long sleeved shirt over a short sleeved shirt.

An added wrinkle to my last running week is that I only packed my minimalist Merrell trail gloves. They pack nice because they are so small and light. The risk is whether or not I can log any real miles in them. I ran this first ten miles strong but my legs were super fatigued the next day and I could only run six. I took off Christmas day, as much to recover as due to the time suck. Even on vacation, not every day can be all about me. I could have squeezeed in a run but opted for family time. I figured the recovery day might be smart considering these high impact shoes.

I was ready to go Thursday and ran 4.5 crisp miles on Town Lake. I park at the boat ramp near Austin High. The modern Austin downtown cityscape does little to dent my nostalgic mood racing past Auditorium Shores. I recall running here with my high school buddies thirty years ago. Or the very first Capitol 10,000 that started on Congress Avenue and ran entirely on the Town Lake trail. I have great running memories from my high school years.

I think about my past year of running too and on my plans for 2014. I had my best year ever in terms of strong performances and injury-free running. I don’t even care to run faster next year, I feel satisfied I’ve reached my target times. I’d like to be able to maintain my 10K time in the Bolder Boulder and remain in the B starting wave. That will require some speed work to hold a 7 minute pace for six miles. I’ve already registered for the Austin Marathon in February and the Moab Half Marathon in March. I’d like to run the marathon in about 3:45 but will be happy with anything under 4 hours. I don’t think I have any time goals for Moab but will want to race against any of my other neighbors who are going too. Lastly, I’m certain I want to run either or both the IPR and Durango Ultra again next year. Those are my plans. Mostly just looking to maintain consistency with this year and stay healthy. These photos are all family pics taken over the holidays in Austin. Happy new years.

A Runner’s Christmas

26 Monday Dec 2011

Posted by Ed Mahoney in Running

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angel gets its wings, Daily Burn Food Scanner, Lady Bird Johnson, plantar fasciitus, Sierra Nevada Celebration, Steve Collier, Town Lake

At the risk of sounding materialistic, I totally got what I wanted for Christmas. Chad gave me a running shirt, hat and gloves. The shirt is Under Armour Heat Gear, but it’s thicker material than my other two. It doesn’t list the content but feels like a cotton/polyester blend. I could wear this as a first layer on cold runs – probably when wearing only two shirts rather than three. I should also mention the shirt is bright orange – not outside the color spectrum of Denver Bronco orange. I did suggest bright colors in my earlier blog. The gloves are in between the thicknesses I already have. This gives me a total of four pairs of gloves now. And the hat is definitely thick and heavy, but not fleece. It’s less form fitting so I’ll have an air pocket between my head and the top of the hat which should keep me warm.

I’ve yet to wear any of my new gear. I ran Christmas Day with Brit down on Lady Bird Johnson Lake in a cold, light rain. This was several hours before receiving the new gear. I still like to call this trail by its original name – Town Lake. My old loop appears to have become a giant dog run. I saw maybe a half dozen runners without a dog. Of the two or three dozen runners with dogs, most had between two and four dogs running alongside them. Despite the signs posted every few feet reminding humans to scoop the poop, no one did. And nearly half the dogs were off leash despite the on-leash signs. That’s the Austin I remember – where laws are merely suggestions. City ordinances are more like guidelines.

The sky cleared today but it doesn’t look like I’ll run. Too much to do. I was invited by some of my college buddies to run on Christmas Eve but at 6am in the rain. I’ve said this before – I’m a gentleman runner. That’s a fair weather, never before noon kind of runner. I hope to get back down to Town Lake one more time before heading home. It’s amazing how little time I have for myself while on holiday. But it’s all about family and I’m enjoying myself. I got another cool gift – a pair of orthopedic house slippers designed to correct pronation. Just what I need. My plantar fasciitus still hurts like the devil and I’m hoping that a move to fully orthopedic footwear will aid my recovery. Something has to give, I’m gaining significant holiday weight and need to be able to increase my mileage.

I’ve heard for every mile run, an angel gets its wings. More importantly, a 180 pound runner burns 130 calories. I bought myself a 99¢ iPhone food scanner app by daily burn for Christmas. It tells you the calories and other nutritional information of foods by scanning the bar code with your iPhone camera. You don’t have to actually take a picture – it’s extremely quick and easy. My brother-in-law Steve turned me on to it. Steve also advised me to drink this Sierra Nevada Celebration Pale Ale which scans in at 214 calories. Dammit, that’s a big beer. But tasty too. Cheers!