X marks the spot...

It was another sunny and warm day in Palm Springs. Poor me.

Al Nolan and I spoke on the phone this morning, he's a friend and also follows my blog. He said he's been looking at the photos and video on the blog and said "you look like you fit right into the California lifestyle".

I finally got to sleep in this morning, at least until 8 am. After my morning ritual of emails, coffee, etc, I was off on my moderate run through downtown Palm Springs. My left calf was tight. I'm glad I had a nice easy run, it helped to loosen it up.

Before I left I had to do some triage on some chaffing I got during Sunday's long run. My shorts were rubbing on my tail bone and it was wore raw. Being a man and not trusting the adhesive of a band aid, I used the next best thing. Electrical tape. I would have used duct tape if I had it.

That simple act of using electrical tape is an example of what separates men from women. Women would NEVER used electrical tape. In fact, they would not only have to get band aids, but they would debate over what design on the band aid they want. Should it be "hello kitty" or maybe the "flower patterns". Men just look for what's lying around the house and use it. I've used hockey tape, electrical tape and duct tape and have had success with each.

The tape worked perfectly and after my run I did my long swim and set another PB. My previous record was 6000 meters and today I surpassed that and did 6355 meters. I was in the pool so long, there was a lifeguard shift change and my hands also looked so prune like, you'd think I was 80 years old.

For last 300 meters, my left shoulder started to get sore, I guess that should be expected. I find doing an epic (a.k.a crazy) long swim very beneficial mentally. At the start line of the Ironman I can now say to myself "3800 meters shouldn't be a problem, I did 6000 plus in training". As I was finishing, in honour of Judy Mac, I did a little merman action, diving down and scooting along the bottom. It was fun.

The one thing I noticed about swimming in California is that most of the people in the pool are fit and regardless of their age they tend to have good stroke technique. I'd see them from a distance or under the water and most look like they are in their 30's, then I'd see their faces, and most were in their 40's and 50's.

One women scared the hell out of me, she had the body of a 30 year old and the face of an 80 year old. It just didn't seem natural. I hope I don't have nightmares tonight.

On today's menu from Aunt Gloria's Kitchen - Homemade Oatmeal & Raisin and Oatmeal and Milky Way Cookies. Asian Beef Stir Fry and the standard dessert - Lemon Pie, Chocolate Pie and Oreo Ice Cream. She made so rice pudding, but I had to pass, I was too full. I'll rest up and tomorrow I'll tackle the rice pudding.

Mod Run - 1:24:46 / 16.02 km / 5:16 pace / 135 avg hr

Long Swim - 2:16:22 / 6355 meters