BIG NEWS: Tazby's A Girl!!

My wife and I spent most of the morning in a waiting room, and had I known it was going to be a long wait, I would have brought a book. Aside from the wait, the news was great. My scribble is going to be full of sugar, spice, and everything nice.

My wife and I are having a girl!

We couldn't be happier. I was really hoping for a little girl and for the last 18 weeks, Lisa would slip and call our bundle "she" so I knew where her mind was. The entire process was a little crazy, as tazby (what we have named our prenatal daughter, we have to keep one ace in the hole... a surprise for September) was uncooperative and kicking. I haven't decided if she takes after her mother or me. But after 45 minutes or so of anxiously watching all the movement and being shown the bones and organs that have developed to this point, we really wanted to know: Boy or Girl?

Most importantly, our future daughter appears healthy and has a strong heartbeat (future runner? maybe...). For a better perspective, read my wife's blog.

Solitary Sidewalks No More...

Spring is here...

And with that, all the would be runners and treadmill trotters start to emerge from their cocoons. This development puts me in quite the quandary. As an avid runner, I encourage others to start, but at the same time, I get a little bitter. Where were all these people when winter was here?

I go through this same cycle every year and despite the fact that I know my attitude is irrational it still irks me. How can you truly run, experience the wonder of the run when you are bottled inside, your scenery never changing. The risks are removed, the pleasures limited, and the climate controlled. Many of these same people will return indoors in three months, when it is too hot for them and air conditioned gyms make it easier.

And yet right now these fair weather runners are clogging the trails and walkways. I know longer can get to my meditative state as I dodge these newcomers, immersing myself in the quiet splendor of a good sweat as the wind bites my face.

And with all that said, I know I have more bark than bite. I still urge people to get out there and run, but I add that you should make it more than just a nice weather activity. Run within yourself, but remember that a challenge leads to great ideas, inspires others, and pushes the limits of the body.

Thanks for listen, sometimes you just need to rant...

The Lighter Side of Running

Running day in and day out makes you think about the fun side of the sport. Racing is a big motivator for some, for others its the endorphins, but for some bigger "challenges" are needed.

These challenges are more than a running streak, or a fun run... these people are those who make running fun for them. The beer mile is a race unlike any other. The rules can be more elaborate, but the gist is: drink a 12oz. beer, run 400 meters. Repeat 3 more times. Don't vomit. For more check out the quintessential site for those interested in participating or learning more. Beermile.com. Look at the FAQs for rules and history. Or sign up and get started.

Other runners seek the chase and the camaraderie of the Hash House Harriers, a self-titled "drinking club with a running problem." The Harriers have a fascinating history, founded in 1938 by a group of men in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. What has evolved is a international group of 1700+ chapters of men and women playing the classic game of "Hares & Hounds" with beer as a powerful incentive. The 'hares" head out and leave a trail (and several false ones) for the "hounds" to follow, and at the finish, the golden brew.

I like to wait until I after I've run to drink a pint, but I wouldn't mind doing a beer mile soon. And for those of you in the Boston area, might want to think about joining the Boston H3.

Both promote people running and anything that makes others join me in the quest to be outside is aces with me.

Disclaimer: Free Scribbles does not promote underage drinking. The excessive consumption of alcohol has been known to have negative effects. Don't drink and drive. A number of other activities are however promoted highly (wink, wink).)

42 days, 42 runs...

Nalgene Bottles: Sustainable or Not?

Let me frame my argument by stating that I am a proponent of Nalgene bottles and have several which I regularly use. (Note: I use the term Nalgene, but I mean any reuseable plastic bottle and the term Nalgene has become synonymous with the type of bottle.)

But as I was thinking of what to write about on Thursday night, the question came into my head as to how sustainable the bottles are. Sure, you can reuse them again and again, and they are practically indestructable. But then I recall reading that certain plastics are either nonbiodegradeable or over their lifetime seep chemicals out as the plastic erodes. Over the last few days I have done some research on the subject.

These bottles are manufactured using two different types of plastic, polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene (PE).

Polycarbonate is thermoplastic polyester, in other words, is a plastic that can be remolded and reshaped if pressure and heat are applied. Polycarbonate is a highly durable commercial plastic which is used in the manufacture of everything from bullet resistent "glass" to lenses, to our favorite water bottles. It has three main features, it has high impact resistance, temperature resistance, and optical properties (transparent+) But has a low scratch threshold, which is why a hard coating is often placed over the PC. All these factors have led to its increasing use in commercial household items manufacturing. Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric Company's brand of a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. It is one of the more commonly known brand/type of this plastic.

Polyethylene is also a thermoplastic. The difference from a PC is that it is a polymerization of ethene instead of a carbonate. The commercial uses are evident in the abundance of products made from its various incarnations. There are several different classifications of PE based on density and branching. The PE used to create the Nalgene water bottles and in many other liquid containers is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). The optical qualities vary and are determined by its processing and can be transparent or opaque & white. It is lightweight and depending on its density has high impact and temperature resistance. More often it is used in soft drink bottling.

Both plastic compounds, PC & PE, are petroleum byproducts and therefore fall outside the general realm of what is considered a sustainable product. Sustainable plastics are manufactured using plant sources, they are biodegradeable and produce greenhouse emissions. Bioplastic technology is still relatively new and its applications are still limited to mostly commercial packaging, although the Japanese have started to use it in electonic cases, and computer production. PE can be confused as a bioplastic because it is biodegradable, but should not be confused for a bioplastic as the degradation is not microbial, but due to exposure to light.

Nalgene bottles are part of the sustainable "environment" not for their design but for their functionality. We all know the three "R's" of usage: reduce, reuse, and recycle. These bottles can be reused over and over again. Please remember that the occasional washing (with simple dish soap!) only helps. The use of nalgene water bottles hopefully limits the number of soft drink bottles that need to be purchased and manufactured. Recycle accordingly. And therefore, they are thought of as sustainable. In reality, they are valuable because the proliferation of their use has boosted not only their visibility, but usage, and indirectly the conservation of our natural resources, but they are still not sustainable.

The question to ask at this point is, why not? The plastics most commonly used in their manufacture, PC and PE, have several issues which would raise questions to their environmental friendliness and safety.

PC contains Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound that leeches out of the plastic when it is exposed to harsh cleaners, acidic, or high temperature liquids (Remember to use simple dish soap). Exposure to BPA has a number of potential risks including lowered or infertile sperm counts in males, and can disrupt estrogen levels and reactions in females. A number of studies have been conducted and have found that the chances of these negatives are relatively low. But, are they risks that people are willing to take, however small?

PE compounds, especially HDPE, while still petroleum based products, have less of the risks that PC seems to contain, however, they do not meet the standards of sustainable design. PE still relies on oil, a resource that we are finding in dwindling quantities and releases greenhouse emissions. PE is however a mildly safer alternative to PC, although not as varied in the color selection.

In closing, nalgene bottles are not sustainable by the strictest definition, but they are a visible symbol of the environmental movement and its proponents. I recommend the continued use of reuseable containers. Carry it with you, save the plastic cups. Yes, they have already been made, but if they aren't bought, less will be manufactured.

Nalgene water bottles are a tool in the recycling movement and in the next few years, I imagine I will be eating all these words, as bioplastic alternatives will be available to the public and they will be truly sustainable.

46 days, 46 runs...

Ray Gun: Makes People Want to Get Naked!!!

Late breaking news at CNN.com...

The US Military today unveiled a ray gun that shoots a beam that made targets feel as their clothes are going to ignite. The ray is a sudden burst of 130 degree Farenheit heat which cannot penetrate walls and is not lethal. The military hopes that the new technology will save lives and lower the casualties of war. Because the gun uses millimeter waves, it can only penetrate 1/64th of an inch of skin which only causes discomfort.

And while I am all for technology that can bring peace to people, I am a little surprised that Raytheon and the Military spent so much money to create a ray gun. It seems the stuff of science fiction... I know that I want a lightsaber, but I'm scared of the loss of limbs that would occur if we actually had the technology to do that. At least it cauterizes the wound.

Back on topic, if I ever have one... 2010 will put the Ray gun into production. Not a big news reader, but I saw this story over the RSS and decided I had to post, if for nothing else that to type the word ray gun over and over again. (It just sounds so funny.)

Until then, I'll read a comic book.

300 and counting...

Today I accomplished something that I've never done... 300 consecutive days running at least 2 miles. I salute those who have set the mark and hope that I can work towards their lofty height... Run Every Day

Sometimes the trip has seemed to fly by and other times it drags out. I swear that the period of time between 250 and 300 seemed to stretch on for eternity. It's an interesting notion, the fact that I can count every day by runs. But some of those days are more significant than others. My wedding, the first day at my new job, and a few others spring to the front. Then there is the days where I ran just to run, I was unmotivated and didn't want to lose the streak.

But then I think of the toughest runner that I never met. Pre. He has inspired so many runners both in his own generation, and in the many that have followed. Every individual who laces up and treads on asphalt, mulch, grass, snow... even cinders wants to draw the qualities that Pre embodied. The sheer tenacity, style, and Rock Star persona of a man who would never lose.

So I decided to suggest reading some of his and other runners' great quotes and adding two that have helped me through the slower periods. Not sure if I can credit them to anyone... like to think that they are timmy originals.

If you don't think that you can, you're wrong.

When you remove the ability to accept excuses, you acheive (insert goal here).

Until next time.

Real Online Hunting!?!

I heard about this story on the radio during my morning commute and before the work day really starts, I had to write something... WHAT!?!

Sure, there are ways to isolate yourself, in fact hunting can be considered one of those ways. Hike to a remote landscape, set yourself up in a tree and track a deer. But now the internet allows you to sit in your pajamas with a cup of coffee, track a deer a thousand miles away, and make a kill.

First, I am not a hunter, not interested, but not against it, provided that the hunter actually uses the animal to the fullest extent. I don't believe that you should hunt a deer just to get the ten point antler to hang on your wall. But that's my perogative.

Who are these lazy hunters who don't even want to do it right but rather sit at home? It seems to me that as we evolve technologically that the simpler things in life will become digitized and we will lose the qualities we had less than 10 years ago. People don't even go outside to ride a bike or run, we can watch TV while running in place, we can play poker and never see the face of the man/woman we are betting against, you want to call his bluff? He's sitting there laughing his ass off, his hand shaking slightly on his mouse as he anticipates getting caught or winning the pot. But you'd never know cause his avatar sits there unwavering.

It's a great world and maybe I am against hunting as it evidently is wasting the lives of nature and man... Thankfully legislation might force the people to go outside and get some fresh air.

Personal Discovery... Long delayed.

I was traveling for work a couple weeks ago, before Christmas, and started to work on an entry while flying, but never got the chance to publish. I would like to continue on with those thoughts...

...I find that airplanes have really become a bit of a staging point for thoughts. A time where I can’t do all the other things I need to do, so I have the time to jot down thoughts.

I was updating my daily running log and started to go deeper than I usually do and now that I have an outlet to really stretch my writing “chops” I want to expand upon what I was hitting on in my log.

I began with the normal notes that I make, temperature, weather, time of day, distance and time of run. As I was elaborating, describing how I felt during, I started to think about the fact that it was so cold outside and way to early to be running. Then the comments that others have made began to come from the back to the front of my brain.

I have been identified as a “running freak” and people have cheered and jeered at me for running every day. While some people make comments because it is not their lifestyle, others because they are envious, the whole thing comes down to one question: How do I define myself?

Sure, people’s perception of me certainly adds flavor, but the reality is, I am my own person and I have to accept the decisions that I make, good or bad. Yes, I am a runner. But I am also an advertiser, a designer, and many other things. But it really struck me today. My most prominent identifier to the many people that I interact with on a daily basis is, I am a runner. I may have taken it to a level that people can’t comprehend or think is obsessive, but I don’t feel that is the case, I have become very in tune with my body and have to practice moderation.

But the reality of the situation is, I like it. I am at my very core, a runner. Whether I be running from something, running to something, or taking a break from my day. Even I don’t have the answer. It all revolves around my run. I can’t complete a day without “suiting up” to quote Barney from How I Met Your Mother Granted it does not involve me putting on a suit and tie but rather lacing up my New Balances and hitting the roads. I have scheduled it my work calendar. My colleagues know that come lunch time, I will be gone and off the radar. On those rare chances where I can’t go at lunch, sure enough I probably disappear for a half hour, returning, hair wet and occasionally still sweating. (I do take a shower)

Last Friday, I made a mistake, and it was what I would consider a large one. I was eased by many claiming that it wasn’t a huge one. But even if that was the case, I will not make the same one twice. And while their kind words did help. It wasn’t until I “suited up” and pushed my body to its limit that I was able to see past the mistake. I took a long lunch, and while some might use the opportunity to chat with a friend, have a coffee, whatever a stress reliever is to some. I opted to run 11 miles, which I don’t often do, in fact, I hadn’t run over 7 miles in a year’s time.

And as I kept going and going, I pushed past the anger I had for myself. That feeling of guilt and upsetness and the nauseating tightening of the stomach. The r...

...un cleansed me of all energy, because after a while there is only one thing you can do. Put one foot in front of the other until you make it home. And I still had the day to finish. But I persevered as one could tell, since I am tackling this much later in time.

But letting these thoughts sit for a small amount of time has given me greater clarity. People choose the identifiers for each other based on what they are not. By that I mean that where I work, everyone is a advertiser and everyone is a designer, but not everyone is a runner. Yes, there are some cyclists and people who go to the gym and runners throughout. But they are not the one who see me as a "runner" they see me as a "fellow runner" But my goal of going running everyday has drawn attention to myself... hey who doesn't like attention. And I am torn by the notion of one day my streak will end and I can't say that I have run XXX days in a row... and the fact that it is a difficult thing to do, pushing the body everyday without complete rest.

I salute all who have exercised everyday for however many years, never missing a day. And I urge you all to find something that you love and benefits you and try to do it every day...

Happy New Years!!

I have been off the grid for the last week. It's a long story, but needless to say, it has left me refreshed and renewed. It is nice to have a moderate disconnect with the world... no cable or internet.

In that time, a number of things have occurred, Gerald Ford passed on, Saddam was hanged, and many other things.

I got the chance to finish another book on blogs... I may be a poorly practicing blogger, but I have become fascinated with the culture behind it and its applications in so many sectors.

I hope you all have a Safe and Happy New Years and prepare to check back more often... I'll be ready for you.