Category Archives: Travel

Prepping to Kick Some Asphalt, Part 1

Posted on 18 November 2009 by mark

My bags are packed.  My plane ticket and race confirmation has been printed.  I’m ready to go.  I packed an assortment of things based on the possible weather in Philly, what I might be doing, and carry on restrictions. As … Continue reading →

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Four Weeks Until the Philadelphia Marathon

Posted on 25 October 2009 by mark

Four more weeks remain until the Philadelphia Marathon. There’s a lot of training and planning to be done.  I booked my plan tickets and my room. I determined that caused my plan’s meltdown during my last marathon. I’m already scheduling … Continue reading →

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Summer’s Grand Finale on North Manitou Island

Posted on 15 September 2009 by mark

Eighteen miles of uninterrupted trail running, thirteen miles hiking the shoreline with a cool Lake Michigan breeze at our back, three peaceful nights camping in the wilderness, two glorious sun sets, one beautiful moon rising (ahh… bella luna, my beautiful … Continue reading →

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Trail Running on North Manitou Island

Posted on 4 September 2009 by mark

Matthew and I head to our yearly retreat on North Manitou Island at Michigan’s Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We end the summer relaxing on the beach near Swenson’s Barn, get away from the hustle and bustle of life, explore the … Continue reading →

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Great Smoky Mountain National Park 2009 Trip

Posted on 7 July 2009 by mark

Quality time with the brothers.  Spectacular views.  Much needed peace.  We had a wonderful time on our first extended backpacking trip. Each day we found something new and interesting.  We learned from every group we interacted with.  I want to … Continue reading →

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GSMNP Day 7: Mount Le Conte and the Ride Back to Chicago

Posted on 9 June 2009 by mark

Sun!  Glorious sun!   I opened my eyes and saw blue skies.  We received a cold greeting from Mother Nature in the morning.  I flew down to the lodge to use the toilets there and find out what the temperature was.  … Continue reading →

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GSMNP Day 6: Mount Le Conte

Posted on 8 June 2009 by mark

We drove to the trail head of Rainbow Falls.  We found the main parking lot full so we drove further down Cherokee Orchard Road to get to the spillover lot.  We wore a fresh set of clothes for our last … Continue reading →

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