Friday Walk while blogging

A first.
I am typing this out as I walk.
There is a book I own, a novel by a Dutchman, that is written from the POV of a bike racer in a one day stage race.

This isn't quite the same but I used to email and text during the ny marathon and even call people.

So I am a mile into my 4 mile walk and all ready it's feeling easier than 2 days ago. Listening to Mahler's 5th symphony, conducted by Bernstein. I think Mahler was once conductor at the NY Phil, and of course so was Lenny. (So how obnoxious is that?!)

I love the 5th and we heard it live at the dallas symphony 2 weeks ago. Heard it for the first time 3 years ago and fell in love instantly. It is amazing and increably complex. I think even more so than Beethoven although it's a difficult comparison because of the years between them.

I can see why Lance wanted to come back, as I would have done the marathon again if I could have gotten my 8 am slot. Oh well.maybe another year. I will always treasure my 3 participation medals. And yes, the first year flying home I wore mine! As did other people.

I admit to being a creature of habit, as I always walk the same route when I do 4 miles. I also have a 6 mile route and an 8 mile and 12 mile one. I never do more than 12 miles before a marathon in practice. And I do the latter 3 weeks in a row as my long walk.

And the last two times on my route I have seen the same UPS driver in the same place, resting.

They always wave at me. Nice group of people.

Halfway point.

I am wearing the same sneakers that I have worn for the 3 marathons as well as all my training, so they have about 700-800 miles in them. But as worn as they are they are so comfortable and never give me blisters.

I think the sports story of the year is Lance. He will not admit it in the press but he is not playing to do anything but win. And win only one race. The tdf. I hope he does. And while his team mate Contrador has won all 3 great tours in the last 2 years, he will not be happy, as these guys know Lance. And as old as he is I bet they fear him. As well they should. It will be an amazing 9 months, but hey, I think dara torres' 100 meter leg on the relay was the fastest in history. She is 41. We shall see.

I have had not a minute this week that was not programmed with work or class or study or eating and sleeping. Been a tough week. I think I worked about 60 - 70 hours, and I need to work all weekend.

Last night on my way to Italian class a Ferrari Modena passed me, bright yellow, with it's 4 exhausts. Giving off a sound as beautiful as anything I hear. What a rush driving that must be. It was exciting to watch it stay next to me and then accelerate away like a flying saucer.

Last 1/2 mile.

Past my pool, which is still open and inviting since it has been 90 ogni giourno questa settimane.

I must say that studying Italian grammar is hard for me. I have no and have never had any memorization skills. Which is why at my advanced age I am shamed by watching people in my class who have barely been to Italy speak better tha I.

I will need to live there to pick this up.

Almost home, and my legs feel the burn as this is no casual walk. But they feel good. Although I bet we have seen the last of Marathon Lance for a while. No more running for him.

I have just run into the only neighbor on my block that I know and he was with another guy who is a cyclist and my speed. Even bikes up where I do. I have taken his number and will hope to bike with him. Good deal.

Well, home. And Mahler is still going as it clocks in at an hour and 10 minutes and my walk is always an hour.

Ciao!