30 Mar 2017 - Layover in Tokyo, Japan

Last week I had a semi-planned work trip to Singapore get approved. This left me scrambling to book flights and hotels. I lucked out with my flight planning and was able to take a day long layover in Japan. Last year at this time I was able to get in a little cherry blossom viewing. I've still not seen it at it's peak bloom, but am getting closer. My hope was to spend the day in Ueno Koen (park) and maybe a few of the trees would be blooming.


In addition, I got to visit one of my best friends. It has been 6 months since I have seen him and his family in person. However, it felt like it had only been a few weeks since I last said goodbye. We are two wild and crazy guys...

We had lunch at GoGo Curry. I have a "run-on" joke that I will someday do the World Champion eating challenge. My friend believes I will fail and that it is just the jet lag talking.

Regular Size - My normal meal

World Champion Size - AKA "you wont finish it Eric"

Most of the rest of the day was spent at the National Museum viewing art and historical artifacts. I have a geeky fascination with the Samurai weapons and armor.

In the end I had a nice visit with my friend and a welcome break from the rush of my life. Here is a setting sun from the land of the rising sun...

26 March 2017 - Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Bolivar, Ohio - USA

I recently spent a week in Cleveland to work at a training conference. This is me working...

As I am preparing for my next race in May, I needed to get in a nice long run. Ohio weather is unpredictable, but gave me a chance to hit up one of my favorite trails for a nice 7 mile jog. About 10 years ago I was really into mountain biking and used to finish off 25-40 miles on the Erie Canal Towpath. I choose the Bolivar trailhead.

I celebrated this burning of 1600 calories by heading to Amish Country for some Cheese...

12 Mar 2017 - Puerto Rico Half Marathon

Perfect day for a run - perfect weather

Last year it started a hour earlier and rained a whole bunch. I also learned that Medallia Light is not the best Pre-race food. This was one of the hottest/most humid runs I have completed in the last few years.


The race starts with a run through Old San Juan. Then, it wraps around the convention center. After that, the route takes you through down town. Finally, you run back along the Condado strip.


I Finished!

11 Mar 2017 - Puerto Rico - day 3

We started the day with a visit to the city of Ponce. The first stop was Castillo Serrallés. This mansion was built in 1930 and belonged to Sugar industry leader Don Juan Eugenio Serrallés. The Location also features a Japanese Garden, Butterfly display, and Large Cross.


Next, we drove down to Paseo Tablado La Guancha, a fun little boardwalk good for food and people watching. I tried out an empanadilla snack (think empanada + quesadilla) and chased it with a beer. It was peaceful looking out to the ocean.


I had to be back in San Juan before 5pm so I could pick up my race packet for the next day. My friend surprised me with a stop along the way at Guavate. I love pig roasts! Every time I am on a tropical island I feel obligated to enjoy BBQ. This road, state route 184, winds into the mountainous terrain and about every kilometer you will fine a Lechonera. Not only is the food amazing but there is also lots of live music and good beer.


With a food coma in place, we returned to San Juan. My friend dropped me at my hotel and said fare well. I located the Race registration, got my free shirt and bib, then decided to go for a swim in the lagoon. I have to say, this was a good day!


Race pose...

10 Mar 2017 - Puerto Rico Day 2

The day started with a mixology tour at the Bacardi distillery. I have enjoyed many adult beverage tours in Ireland and Scotland, but have never done one in the USA. High on my list has been the Bourbon trail in Kentucky. Second on that list is this place.


Next we had a traditional Puerto Rican lunch. I had to explain to my friend the old 96er joke from The Great Outdoors.

le Porkchop

After that we visited the Carabali Adventure Park and the Playa La Monserrate beach, north east of San Juan. We were hoping to do some 4-wheeling or horseback riding, but the park was super busy. So a walk on the beach was a pleasant substitute.


Next, we headed to Fajardo to do the BioBay tour on Laguna Grande.

This is a night kayak tour. At sunset, you start paddleing across the inlet from the ocean. Then, you enter a canopy covered river (mangrove?) and zigzag for about 30 minutes. After that, you arrive at the lagoon. They say there are only 5 places on the planet that have lagoons like this with luminescent creatures (Dinoflagellates). Due to the full moon and other climate impacts we didn't see much of the glow (wave your hands in the water and you could catch a sparkle here or there). In the end it was more of a nice night kayaking ride.

More info on Eco Tours

Stay tuned...we explore Ponce tomorrow!