Training ebbs and flows. I'm beginning to accept and appreciate daily and weekly fluctuations to my running schedule and mileage.

Last week, after a thorough weekend of running, my sister and I took an overnight trip to Asheville for some hiking. Scaling mountains can be a feat unto itself, much so after back-to-back 19 and (approx.) 13 miles. But it was tons of fun. By the way, if you didn't know, going DOWN can sometimes be as tough or tougher than going UP (since when stepping down, there is a significant braking/bracing effect on the quads) and I definitely felt this on our trip. Sunday we took a long trek along part of the Mountain-to-Sea trail. The following morning was a climber up Mt. Pisgah. I'm sure the view WOULD have been great... if it wasn't for the fog... and it was bit nippy out (thankfully I had carried a windbreaker in case of rain).

Funny mishap at the "The Athlete's Foot" social run last night. I get over to the store to discover that I've pack one old shoe, one new shoe (as evident by the different shoelace color, otherwise the shoes are identical). Another glance and I discover that it's also TWO RIGHT shoes. Well, crap. Digging into my resources, it turned into a shorter run in... VIBRAMS! It was a risky move: I haven't run in them since April when I broke my foot (while using them!) and had never done over about 2.5 miles (I ran 6 last night). Of course, most running injuries/issues don't present themselves until several days after the fatal workout. However, right now, the only symptom is blisters, and moderate calf aching. Cheers.

Pending the hurricane, this weekend will be the last race in the Triangle Open Water Swim Series. A one-mile swim, I hope to get my last age-group win and complete my awards collection (so far two beer glasses and a coffee travel mug).

I'm beginning to settle into a good cycle for my workouts, though that's looking to be unsettled. Tomorrow I start a once-a-week job packing and delivering local produce. Hopefully it will be a "gateway" job into an industry that I have a interest in.

Another weekend with the Coast Guard. Most people would be astounded by how early I will wake up to get in a run. 4:00 for 12 miles on Saturday (to be ready for ANOTHER 2.5 with the unit at 7:30) and 3:30 on Sunday for 8 miles (before standing watch at 5:30). I still don't think I could be considered an earlier bird. I can get up early, but that's mainly because I'm slow. I usually take at least half an hour to get rolling before a workout.

Interesting fact of the week:

The etymology of the name Duran. French in origin, meaning "enduring." Make sense: duran, durable, endurance. I'm certainly not one to buy into superstition, or "fate" regarding people's name. However, I like entertaining the idea of being a long-distance, ENDURANCE athlete named Duran.

I'm still stuck at around $125 for donations to Team USO. Come on folks!