The fall festival half marathon

There’s one Saturday every fall when Fort Wayne feels a little closer to heaven: the annual Fort4Fitness Fall Festival 4-mile, 10k, and half marathon! This was our 14th consecutive year participating. Jane did the 4-mile, and I ran the half marathon. 

This event is special to us for a variety of reasons. This is where I ran my first-ever half marathon, in 2012, and that's what got me hooked on running!! That year I believe there were around 10,000 total participants, and it really did create quite the community-wide buzz. The field has shrunk over the years—just over 3,000 runners this time—but it still feels huge, and it’s ours! This is where we live, and this is the vibe we love!!

Personally, I felt like this year was a little funner than some recent years had been. I mean, I think ALL running events have been down since 2020 (covid). For me, though, this is also the first year in awhile I wasn't merely using this as part of a training run for a marathon. The past several I've either run some before, after, or both while also doing the half marathon. It seemed to coincide with my 18-20 mile run, which would be done at a much slower pace. So it simply lacked some of the usual excitement. This year I only ran the spring marathon, so I could enjoy this half for what it was! It made it much more enjoyable.

Statistically, I ran it in 2:09:35, for a 9:54/mile pace, and finished 470th out of 940 (exactly in the middle of the pack - I should get a prize for that!). I was 8th out of 22 in the 60-64 age group, and the 326th male. My watch said I ran 13.17 miles in 2:09:36 for a 9:51 pace (pretty darn close). Some other random stats from Garmin:

• Ave. heart rate was 152/ max of 175
• Ave. cadence - 166
• Ave. speed 6.1 mph, with max of 6.8
• Slowest mile - 10:18 (I walked for a bit, and there's a story, haha)
• Fastest mile - 9:30 (last one)
• 3 miles were over 10 min./ 10 were under 10 min.

I do have to say... Even though I'd already run a number of half marathons this year, this one kinda took a lot out of me! Earlier this summer I was thinking I'd like to do another one in under 2 hours. After the last half I did (September?) I developed a bit of plantar fasciitis in my right foot... but I was still hoping for something less than my normal 10-min./mile pace. So I went just a tad faster than usual, it was also hotter than I expected, and even though I didn't kill myself... I had to work for it a little bit. In the end, I was happy with a 2:09. I know I can go faster, but this way I could enjoy the traditional post-race beer with my love, and the next day I was no worse for wear!

An added bonus this year was Pinhouse Social at The Fairfield of Fort Wayne hosted an after-party, and they allowed us to park there for the entire event! It made for convenient parking before and after, and a nice place to eat lunch and celebrate with other runners (plus get a free drink)! 

The only real complaint I heard this year was - just like every year - the number of walkers in the shorter races who made it difficult for runners to get through. This was the first year they had the half start at 8am and the 4-mile and 10k both started at 8:30. With everyone finishing on the same route at the stadium it did create a bit of a bottleneck at times. I'm sure there is a way to alleviate that. Although, us half marathoners do need to remember it's not all about us. The walkers are making strides of their own - literally! The point is that we all encourage one another to be active, and I think we can (right??). :) 

All in all, this is kind of a pinnacle point for me every year. Sure, I plan to do one or two more half marathons this year, but this is the BIG EVENT. The post-race letdown will fade soon enough. For now, I will enjoy the fact that the tradition continues... and wait for next year!!!

2024 fort4fitness

Another Fort4Fitness Fall Festival has come and gone. It's one of our favorite days to be FortWayne-ites!

According to their website, this event started in 2008 as a way of "helping northeast Indiana residents improve their overall quality of life through fitness events." We joined the fun in 2012, which is when I ran my first ever half marathon (and thought I could do anything!). We have both ran either the 4-mile, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon every year since.

This year Jane did the 10k and I officially did the half marathon (I ran another 6 miles before the event because my marathon training called for 19 miles on this day). She got 4th in her age group and 256th overall (out of 821+) with a time of 1:04:31. I got 10th in my age group and 355th (out of 777 overall) with a time of 2:12:43. Although, I swear, when I looked at my results the other day I was 379th out of 800-some. Who knows, or cares, really.

Altogether, at least when I looked at the results page today, and if my math is correct, there were just under 1,500 total runners, broken down like this (which is a far cry from the almost 10,000 the first year we did it):

• 4-mile: 1270
• 10k: 821 finishers (plus a bundle who were disqualified for some reason)
• Half Marathon: 777 (interesting there were none who didn't finish??)
• Triple Crown (all 3 races): 48 finishers, plus 16 who didn't finish
• Virtual: apparently 3 overall
  

What makes this so much fun is not only the other runners, but all the volunteers and ALL THE SPECTATORS who show up to lend their support! So many people are doing something for the first time, or their best time, or the mere fun of it... and seeing so many people all along the course clapping, celebrating, and joining together in neighborhoods to encourage others... it's just the best feeling for me. I especially love the Oakdale neighborhood where the street is line with friends and neighbors partying and have it decorated in a Christmas theme every year (complete with beer shots).

My day actually started at 4:40am when I jumped out of bed, got dressed, and immediately went out and ran 2 miles. Then I took a shower, ate breakfast, and got dressed again. We left the house around 6:45am and headed downtown for the festivities. While waiting for Jane's 10k to start at 7:30am I ran another mile, then ran the first couple miles of Jane's race with her before turning around and heading back for my race start at 8:30 (so I got my extra six miles in spurts). I actually changed my shoes and clothes before the half because, while the temps were a near-perfect 60-ish, it was a bit humid and I was a sweaty mess. I was more than happy with my time of 2:12 in the half, because I wasn't intending to run even that fast. I followed the 2:15 page setters for much of the race and apparently they didn't understand that's the pace they were supposed to be keeping, because they were going way faster than that. Oh well.

I wore my Brooks Ghost 14 shoes (which I ran last fall's marathon in) for the initial 6 miles, and changed to my Brooks Glycerin 20s (which I ran this spring's marathon in) for the half. I wore toe socks for both, and ended up in my gray shorts, navy tank, and gray mission hat for the half. I also ended up carrying my 12oz water bottle. I wasn't going to carry water but it's become sort of a security blanket as I've carried it for so many races. It also held the 4 jells I ate over the 19 miles. I never did refill the water bottle, but emptied it and I think I stopped at every water station too.

It was a somewhat weird year in that Jane and I were both there to start her race. When she got done, though, she headed out to attend the granddaughter's last volleyball game of the year. When I got done I grabbed some water, chocolate milk, and food (banana, pretzels, cookie) and had my free beer. I chatted with so many people I knew, including the son-in-law who also ran the half. We hung around and had a couple more beers, then Jane returned from the volleyball game and soon after we all headed to a restaurant downtown where we met up with Carrie. My watch said I walked (or ran) over 41,000 steps for the day!

One thing I thought about while running this year is how I miss those almost "zen-like" moments at the start of races. I used to love that part so much. When you've put in all the training and finally get to the starting corral, and everyone is squashed in together and you're waiting for the cannon to go off.... I recall it being such a calm moment, just taking it all in. Somewhere along the way I've lost that. Either because there are so many other things going on, or maybe it's because I just take it for granted anymore. Like, even this, it wasn't just running a half marathon, and when I did do the half it was more just a training run rather than a "real" run (I was intentionally trying to go slow). I'd like to work at trying to get back to enjoying each race for what it is, and finding the joy and simply being able to do ... this. It's not something I should take for granted, and I don't want to be like that.

Anyway, I really do enjoy this event every year. Yes, I know, I have also complained so much about so many things... but I hope they never stop doing this. I also hope someday they can regain some of the numbers they've lost over the years. I don't know why so many local runners choose to not support local races and events. I guess there are reasons. For this year, at least, I was pretty happy with this day again. I'm glad.

Fort4fitness 2023

Here we are at the 2023 Fort4Fitness Fall Festival. Hoisting our traditional post-race beer.

This is one of our favorite days as Fort-Wayners. I believe this is our 11th or so year of running either the 4-mile, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, or Triple Crown. It's always so exciting to see so many people out and about either overcoming obstacles, striving for personal milestones, rooting for someone else who is, or simply enjoying the vibe. It's a day filled with a log of energy.

This year we opted for the 4-mile since we had just completed a half marathon (Jane) and full marathon (me) a mere 6 days before. We wanted to do something at this event, but weren't sure how we would feel. So, we did the least we could while still making the most of it!

I was kind of hoping we could just do a nice slow jog, but Jane had other ideas. Apparently she had covered 4 miles in 40 minutes last week, so on this day she wanted to do it in UNDER 40. I was happy to lend a hand (or, my legs, actually).

Even though we had to maneuver past a number of walkers at the start, we accomplished our mission! We crossed the finish line in 37 minutes 13 seconds (9:18 per mile pace). And like that wasn't enough, Jane won her age division!!!

I believe I heard somewhere there were close to 4,000 runners in all events, and just under 1800 for the 4-mile. This is down significantly from when there used to be around 10,000 overall, but it's still a good crowd.

So, while I try to get myself motivated to writing on a more regular basis again... this is today's installment. :)

Fort4Fitness 2021 - half/10k

We ran in our 9th consecutive Fort4Fitness Fall Festival this past Saturday. Jane ran the 10k and I did the Half Marathon. Once again it was a beautiful day weather-wise. It was nice to be "live" again, after doing a virtual run last year.

Jane started at 7:30 in the morning (actually 7:45, because they started each corral 5 minutes apart - for spacing). My start time was 8:30 (8:35). As you can see in the chart below of all our Fort4Fitness fall runs, Jane did a commendable 1:05, and I did just over 10-minute/miles for a 2:12 (even though my watch said I ran 9:57 miles!). 

Actually, my first 7 miles were all over 10-minute pace, and the final 6 were all under. The last 5k was actually my fastest this year at 28-something (on my watch). My last 3 miles were around a 9:15 pace. I attribute that to 1) purposely starting slow; 2) having a couple friends jog alongside me at various points and I forgot what I was doing; and 3) running into Lyndsey and Sarah towards the end and again forgetting about my pace and just 'running.' 

I honestly could have run faster, but I didn't really want to. This was another training run. I just wanted to enjoy this day. It was so good to run in a somewhat large event again. However, I would forget about my form and reverted to some bad habits when I did. My left calf was a little sore Sunday because of it.

There were several times where I stopped or slowed down to chat with people. I came up on a guy who comes into my Y around mile 7 and ran with him for a bit. Around mile 9 or so I saw a friend of Drew Carrie laying along the road. His feet were cramping. I chatted with him for a couple minutes. Eddie and Ryan ran alongside me and chatted, but they didn't slow me down. I guess I did also stop at 3 stations for beer shots and a brief chat. And...

Perhaps my biggest regret was the last .1 mile. After entering the stadium I came upon a lady who appeared to be struggling. I thought I would do the nice thing, and I told her I wasn't going to pass her right at the end, but we could run in together. She was not amused. I don't even remember what all she said. I just stayed behind her then and didn't say any more, but also didn't pass her. She was going so slow... I wish now I'd just went past her and not said anything at all. I was trying to be nice and encourage her but, as usual, it apparently didn't come out that way.

Anyway, it was an enjoyable morning and so fun being with all the people again. I wish it could last longer. I am back at it now and did a comfortable 5-mile run Monday after work. Wednesday is 10 miles, then another 5 on Thursday and... 20 this weekend.

Here is the list of our Fort4Fitness runs through the years:

YEAR	DAN	JANE
2012	Half (1:47)	10k (1:03)
2013	Half (2:26)	Half (2:26)
2014	10k (1:15)	10k (1:15)
2015	Half (2:27)	Half (2:27)
2016	Half (2:36)	Half (2:36)
2017	10k (1:03)	10k (1:03)
2018	Marathon (4:30)	Half (2:16)
2019	Marathon (4:39)	Half (2:37)
2020	Marathon (5:40/4:56) *virtual	10K (?)
2021	Half (2:12)	10k (1:05)

 ***

2 Corinthians 13:14

 “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

 

Jane's birthday

My lovely wife turned 57 last week. She keeps getting better every year!

We did not do too much for the special day. I got her some chocolates and coffee, and we went out for both breakfast and supper - which is quite the feat what with covid and all! We also took a nice walk in the park because the weather was beautiful all weekend (in the 50s on her birthday, and up to 63f on Sunday!).

Sunday night we went out to the Feipel farm and celebrated both Jane and Scott's birthdays with a scrumptious lasagna that Carrie made.

On her birthday we tried a new place (to us) for supper. We've always wanted to go there because we've heard good things, and it is downtown near where we both work. Nawa is a locally-owned restaurant featuring culinary influences from Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia. The name literally means "new beginning" in Thai, so it was the perfect place for a birthday celebration! It did not disappoint!!

The place was nostalgically decorated with a "casual classy" feel to it, and the food was sooooo good. Jane got the Pad Thai Me Up, and I got crazy and tried the Massaman Curry. I'm not usually adventurous when it comes to food, but I LOVED it! They were even kind enough to give us a huge piece of chocolate-covered cheesecake on the house! This is a pic of my plate.

 

So, while it wasn't a very eventful day, I think she was happy enough. Now on to another year! Hopefully this will be much less eventful than the past one.

***

“Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all.” — James 1:17

 

Marathon #3

I ran my third marathon yesterday. Technically it was a 'Triple Crown' as part of the 2020 Virtual Fort4Fitness Fall Festival. It consisted of a 10k, Half Marathon, and 4 mile. However, I thought it kind of a waste to run that far and not go ahead and complete the extra 2.9 miles to make it a full marathon. So that's what I did. I guess that's the good thing about a virtual event.

I ran most of it on a 6-7 mile loop from our house and around Foster Park. Three times I went through Foster, but the final time I took the Rivergreenway out behind Walmart and Menards on the south side of town and back.

My running times for the Marathon were:

• 1:05:09 - 10k 
• 2:20:23 - Half
• 1:31:00 - final 6.9 miles
• TOTAL MARATHON RUNNING TIME = 4:56:32
• TOTAL TIME TO COMPLETE = 5:40:00

My running times for the Triple Crown were:

•  1:05:09 - 10k
• 2:20:23 - Half
• 42:53 - 4 Mile
• TOTAL RUNNING TIME = 4:08:25
• TOTAL TIME TO COMPLETE = 4:51:53

 FIRST 10K -

I started at 6:10 a.m. in the pitch dark. Fortunately I took my bike light with me because I would not have been able to see once I got to the park. I could finally start to see as I hit the Greenway on the back half of the 10k. As I expected, I ran a little faster than 11-minute miles to start, but it felt good.

The big glitch came as I finished in front of our house and went to shut my watch off. It just froze, and completely reset - erasing my first run! Fortunately I had looked at it clearly when I stopped. It has done this to me once before, but it was not a good way to start the morning. At least it worked fine the rest of the day.

I quick tried to plug the watch in and charge it while I changed clothes, ate half a banana, and refilled my water bottle. It was about 60f but it was a bit foggy and kind of damp.

HALF MARATHON / JANE'S 10K -

Jane and I set out later than I hoped. I thought by making up time in that first 10k it would help, but I spent too much time at home between. Oh well.

We took the same route, and when we arrived at the Foster Park baseball diamonds we came across a our cheering section! Carrie, Anna and Bennett were there, and the kids had drawn some encouragement in chalk on the pavement. We spent a few minutes there and headed on our way. It was the high point of the morning! 

 

Jane helped me keep a near-11-minute/mile pace going and we both felt pretty good at the end of her 10k and my first loop on the half (as you can see from the pic). Once again I took too long at home - changing clothes again, refilling my bottle, eating another banana - but I finally set out on the second loop of the half (and third loop altogether).

 

I was a little worried because it took longer to get back in a groove when I left the house, but I actually ended up running quite a bit faster on this stretch. I think I ran three sub-10-minute miles. Jane ended up joining me on her bike when I was on the back half of this loop, and she rode along with me the rest of the way.

THE 4 MILE (PLUS 2.9 TO MAKE A MARATHON) -

When I stopped at home after the Half I had a piece of cold pizza, took another ibuprofen, and refilled my bottle. I only had 50 minutes left to do the 4 Mile because I took so long at home the other two times, so I made this a quick trip. I was really hoping I could walk this section but I didn't want to cut it that close on time (the three events are supposed to be done in under 5 hours overall when it's in-person, and I wanted to stay true to that).

We once again set out, but I decided to go another route. I was tired of going down Lower Huntington Rd to Bluffton Rd to Foster, the Rivergreenway, and back to Lower Huntington. So we just went down LH to the Greenway and I went the opposite way of Foster Park. I just ran out 3.45 miles and turned around (to get the final 6.9).

I ended up running the 4 Mile at just over 10-minute miles, and then I walked the final 2.9. I'm sure I could have kept going, but I had made time, and I wanted to enjoy it a little. It was a nice walk back home. My legs and feet felt good, and it was a beautiful day.

I came home, threw my legs up the wall, briefly tried to stretch as well as I could, and we had our traditional post-race beer together - at home, alone. It was a good day.

FINAL THOUGHTS -

We often reminisce how we can still remember the elation we felt the first time we ran a WHOLE mile without stopping. It wasn't that long ago. Maybe 15 years or so. I never want to forget that! Sure, I ran track in high school; and originally went to college on a track scholarship - as a sprinter! I don't think I'd ever run a mile until in my forties.

Running is literally putting one foot in front of the other. While not difficult, it does take discipline though. I want to try to stay humble... which, honestly, isn't too hard since I'm not at all fast. However, I want to always remember how fortunate I am - to be able to get out of bed and physically do this; to have the time it takes to put in long miles; and to have the support of friends and family. If I worked a different job where I was on the road a lot, or put in long hours, or had more responsibility, I likely wouldn't be able to do this. I feel blessed.

As far as running a virtual event... it really made no difference to me. Granted, I love the exhilaration of being part of a group event. I mean, you can't go to a play and get to participate in the drama; you can't attend any other sporting event and not only get to watch, but join in! I love that about road races. On the other hand, it's also easy for me, personally, to get annoyed at some of the other runners. There are always 'those people.' So in that respect, it was kind of nice to go solo.

There's sort of a legendary hometown band where I'm from called Windjam. They don't play together anymore, but one of my favorite songs of theirs was written by the guitarist called "Sad Song." It was a simple three chords and loads of heavy blues riffs. It goes...

"This is just a'nother sad song/play it for yourself. Just a'nother sad song/ played for no one else."

I thought about those lyrics a lot over the past few weeks and while running yesterday. This marathon was for myself... and I tried to enjoy it, and smile as often as I could remind myself. :)

***

"I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."

 (1 Corinthians 9:27)

I signed up to run the triple crown

After running a marathon for the last two years at the annual Fort4Fitness Fall Festival I will settle for the Triple Crown this year. Apparently, a marathon is too big an event for the organization to handle, so after four years they decided to abandon it. They are now only offering the 4-mile, 10k, and Half Marathon. The Triple Crown is for runners wishing to do all three. You start with the 10k, followed by the Half Marathon, and finish with the 4 mile all back to back for a total of 23.3 miles. And... it will all be virtual this year too!

I totally understand going virtual. Everything is virtual anymore. I still wanted to compete because I've participated in this even since I started running, plus I need something to train for. When they announced last fall they were doing away with the Marathon I guessed I would just do the Half.

A couple weeks ago, while training for the Half, I started to feel pretty good about running again. That's when I began to consider the Triple Crown - especially if it was virtual. Until last week they were still planning the in-person event. My hesitance at doing the Triple Crown in-person was because you had to finish the 10k in an hour, and the Half in 2 hours, in order to make it to the starting line for all the races. I have done that before, but I hadn't been training to do quite that much that fast. However, when they announced it would be virtual I signed up the next day. I feel pretty good about doing it all in one day, but it will allow me the freedom to go slower on my own.

I'm still feeling pretty good about it... other than... the day I registered, my right foot started bothering me again. I ran 7 miles this morning and it was pretty sore a few times. I will probably start icing it in a bucket and topically, and massaging as much as I can myself.

So, my plan as of now is to run the Triple Crown on the day the race would have been (Sept. 26). I will start by running the 10k (hopefully with Jane), then the Half Marathon, and finish with the 4-mile. Since my training plan is still mostly for the Half (I started adding an extra mile to everything this week), I am planning to walk the 4-mile finish, and maybe part of the Half if I need to. I'm not worried about a time. I would simply like to finish within the 5 hours they allow for the real event.

**For those wondering how virtual events work: There are different ways to do it. This one is on the honor system. Registrations are drastically reduced in price (for instance, I am paying $30 instead of $125). I am essentially paying for 3 races. So I will get a shirt and 4 finisher medals. I can do it whenever and wherever I want. They will likely encourage people to provide pics and give input on the community page. I know it seems to stupid to pay just to go out and run. It's a mental thing, and for someone like me, it beats not doing anything.

***

Hebrews 12:1

" Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..."

Morning people

There are people on the streets, you know. When others sleep, they are out. Wandering aimlessly on blank stares. Perched on the benches and hidden corners of darkness. Some have homes, some do not. For the most part they are not stupid, dangerous or a threat to anyone's way of life. Mostly they are scared and socially awkward.

I am not a fan of waking up early, but I do like being out before the masses. As I drive through town at 4:30 am, and then walk the two blocks from my parking spot to my building, I see them. Familiar faces every day. And while I only know a few by name, I feel an odd connection.

I would guess most of my morning friends are out at this time of day because they either can't sleep, they're tired of their boring existence, or it's the only time they feel welcome on the streets. Many are looking, even if they've no idea what for. It is quite possibly their only chance to hope... or safely despair.

Anyway, the regulars are a few on Fairfield, a group on a stoop on Jefferson, Denny wandering, various Edsall people on benches, the guy at Cindy's, and 'army guy' outside my building. This doesn't include the teens and young people on scooters. They are different. And this is just one little corner of downtown. I imagine the parks are full.

So... I think about these people. Not that I talk to them or anything. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's being ignored by society or the abandoned dreams. Whatever, it seemed the thing to write about today. There are people out there that no one sees. I'm not sure if they want to be seen or not.

There, but for the grace of God...

***

Matthew 9:35-37

^"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

First time biking to work in the morning

I've ridden my bike to work before, but never when I had to open at 5 am. Now that I have a light I finally did it this morning! It took 20 minutes from the time I got on my bike to when I was standing at my desk (after unlocking 2 sets of doors).

I left the house at 4:18 am. Yes, it is dark at that time of day for those of you who don't know. There was a sliver of a moon and a bright bright star just beside it. I'm guessing the temp was in the lower 60s. I wore shorts and a long sleeve running shirt and wasn't hot or cold.

It is between 4.5 and 5 miles going the route I took from Winchester Road to Airport Expressway to Fairfield and then over on Wayne Street. The only section with no streetlights at all is Airport Expressway, and my headlight worked great. I did switch it from high beam to a blinking light when I got more into downtown to conserve the charge.

This was the first time I've ridden on the road the entire way also. Normally I take the sidewalk along Fairfield, or I'll swing over on a lesser traveled street, or take the rivergreenway for a bit. It wasn't bad. I only had 3 or 4 cars pass me from behind, although I met more going the opposite direction. I never felt unsafe.

I was glad I had time to take a shower when I got to work. I was prepared to go either way. I wasn't overly sweaty, but it just felt better (plus I stunk from yesterday!).

I suppose it will take the normal 30-ish minutes to get home. I will likely take Rudisell over to the greenway going home, and not be in such a hurry.

Now that I know how long it takes, I can ride more often. Especially on my short days. I normally leave the house at 4:30-4:35 when I drive, and I could probably leave at 4:20-4:25 on the bike and still have plenty of time even if I take a shower. I like to start work at 4:45.

So, there ya go!

(**side note totally unrelated: I have no idea why my blog only showed one post yesterday. I didn't change anything. I removed that post and will see what happens when I put this one up today. I don't know if it's because it was anti-trump, or if it's just blogger messing with me.)

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:12)

Kayaking in the fort

We had our first experience kayaking the rivers in Fort Wayne (or river). I'm not sure which river(s) it was exactly, but we spent 90 minutes on the water and it was pretty fun.

We rented a tandem kayak at Fort Wayne Outfitters. It was easy-peasy. You do everything on your phone and then just show up. A tandem was $30 for 2 hours (single kayaks are $20). We could have stayed out longer, but it was 91f when we arrived at 11:30 am, so we didn't want to push it.

They set us up with life jackets (which we used as back rests) and paddles, and launched us into the river on their nifty dock thing.

The guy at the dock suggested going west was more scenic, but we'd been there on a pontoon boat, so we headed east. We went under the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge, past Headwaters Park, the Old Fort, The Deck, and wandered around and over to the Tennessee Street bridge, then back.

One nice thing about the rivers here is there isn't much of a current any which way you go, so it was pretty easy rowing. In fact, usually only one of us rowed, if either of us did at all. It was relaxing.

There is also plenty of nature to see: ducks, geese, an occasional fish jumping, and plenty of turtles sunning themselves...

Although it was pretty hot on this day, it was still a worthwhile venture. We will definitely be doing this again. I imagine it's really pretty in the fall.

A good time... was had by all.

---

"...Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”" (John 7:37-38)

I want to ride my bicycle

"Bicycle Race" was one of those catchy songs released by Queen during the late 1970s. The original music video caused quite the stir at the time with its use of nude models on bicycles. I would guess most of the song's popularity has to do with the refrain though:

I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

That gets stuck in your ear and it's hard to get out.  It's been in mine for a couple weeks now. Ever since I got my new... bicycle!

---

I consider my new Scott Sub Cross 30 the first 'real' bike I've ever had. Sure, I had bikes growing up. There were a slew of sissy bars and extended fork bikes from the days Queen was probably jamming in someone's garage. I'm pretty sure I had a 10-speed in high school - that I maybe rode a handful of times. When I hop on this one though... I feel like riding!

This is new territory for me. I don't recall having this experience before. I've been riding three or four days a week lately. Not for any great distances, but I can do 12 or 13 miles in an hour by myself. And Jane and I have been taking rides together on the weekend.

Saturday we rode out to the Feipel Farm. We took the rivergreenway around behind Menards and back to Tillman on the way there. Riding into the wind the 5.65 miles took us 39 minutes. Coming back we stayed straight on Tillman the whole way and the 4.85 miles only took 28 minutes. I'm sure it can be done quicker if we were trying.

Yesterday we rode from our house down through Foster Park and into downtown Fort Wayne. We've done this the past several weekends - either Saturday or Sunday. We usually stop at Promenade Park and stroll around a bit, and yesterday we stopped for a drink at Pint & Slice. It's a great way to leisurely kill a couple hours.

There are several routes we can take to get to downtown: the rivergreenway all the way, Foster Park to Rudisill to Fairfield, Airport Expressway to Fairfield, and several side streets in between if we so choose.

We both agree this is a luxury we never had where we grew up. The trails and places to ride bikes would be one of the hardest things to give up if we ever left. So, until then (if it ever happens), we hope to enjoy it as much as we can.

Becaaaaaaaause... I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike; I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I liiiiiiiike!