It was a great couple of days and I don't regret not running. Too much fun being had.
So it's been 58 orbits of good ol' Sol for me ;)
I enjoy astronomy (My BS is in Astronomy) and I'm always amazed at how little people know about the Universe They Live In. For example, most people don't know what makes the seasons. When asked they will say "uummm....the Earth is farther from the Sun in winter?"
Think about it..why would there be summer down under when there is winter in the northern hemisphere if that was true? It should be cold everywhere if the Earth was farther from the sun in Winter.
Actually the Earth is closest to the Sun in winter. The answer to the question has to do with tilt of the earth and the elevation of the sun in the sky. If you've ever been to the tropics and felt the heat of the sun on top of your head you'll understand. Or if you've been to a high latitude place and felt how lame the sun is when it's down at the horizon you'll understand.
Anyway, after the bat mitzvah Toni whisked me off to Catalina Island for a proper solo birthday celebration. A great 10 mile hike with 2000' of up/down and a 6 mile run with 700' made for part of what was a great time there. We also had a fun time in a semi-sub ride that takes you out in the kelp forest..
Here's the training weeks so far in this buildup to Surf City:
| Date | Miles | Pace | BPM | WHR% | Elev+ | Elev- | YPB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-10-21 Mon | 17.4 | 9:55 | 119.1 | 59.9 | 156.4 | 160.2 | 1.477 |
| 2013-10-28 Mon | 33.2 | 9:46 | 122.2 | 62.5 | 276.3 | 283.1 | 1.472 |
| 2013-11-04 Mon | 38.8 | 9:34 | 123.7 | 63.7 | 441.5 | 448.8 | 1.491 |
| 2013-11-11 Mon | 24.6 | 9:24 | 127.1 | 66.5 | 404.5 | 414.4 | 1.481 |
| 2013-11-18 Mon | 5.8 | 9:51 | 126.6 | 66.1 | 697.3 | 705.3 | 1.465 |
| Summary | 119.8 | 9:39 | 123.4 | 63.5 | 1976.0 | 2011.7 | 1.480 |
Even tho lots of hills the last couple of days I still feel pretty good so planning on hitting big miles again this week.
11 weeks to go...
Happy Birthday! I'm usually amazed at the total lack of general knowledge people have. I think it is getting worse with every generation. I would love that sub ride!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend your birthday. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, once again! Glad you had a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteI was an astronomy major for a year before I moved to geology (I thought I'd have more job opportunities in geology - hahah, right!). Cool stuff, though.
2 more years to the new A.G. 8)
DeleteHappy birthday, sounds like a great way to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you, Paul!!! I am jealous of your trek to Catalina Island! That would be such a nice excursion.
ReplyDeleteLaughing about your astronomy lesson.. I took ASTR 101 in college. It was actually harder than I thought it would be due to required observation time and the overcast skies here, haha!
Well, radio astronomy has no problems with rain (at least at low enough
Deletefrequencies ;)
Catalina even has a marathon 8) (March)
Happy bday and enjoy the training for Surf City! I took astronomy in college, and thought it was my favorite class I ever took. The last class session we got into really theoretical and deep discussion about black holes, the universe ever expanding - it was awesome. I don't remember a ton of the class, but it was a great experience.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nelly,
DeleteYes, black holes are pretty bizarre indeed.
Thanks Paul :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!! Astronomy is fascinating and I agree, we really don't know enough about the Universe we live in.