Just noticed the second US tropical storm of the year is named Hurricane Bud. Already category 2. Could dump alot of rain and cause some damage.
Not sure what the big deal is... I've been living with Hurricane Bud for 28 years.
LOL
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Ready to run
Tucked in, running gear laid out, and marathon course plotted. The best part I am 300 meters from my hotel bed to my marathon corridor starting gate.
All is right in the world!
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
All is right in the world!
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Friday, May 11, 2012
Trials and tribulations of UK immigration
I get that the current state of UK Immigration and Border Control is not good. The agency has had to cut budget, lay off staff, and do more with less.
Trouble is more people (residents and non residents) enter the country more each week at LHR than ever before. Recently, immigration queues have been 2+ hours where hundreds of people wait on 2 immigration officials to process everyone. Literally.
Thankfully, for 6 more months I can enjoy IRIS and bypass the long lines...when it's working, that is.
When not, I come mentally prepared and make sure I have a book handy.
Imagine my surprise when departing LHR tonight to find 4 immigration officials checking passports of travellers leaving the UK, not entering. And this was after previously being checked and going through security. What gives?
Gotta tip for those UK immigration lads and lassies. Send those dudes to the arrival hall.... Please!
Trouble is more people (residents and non residents) enter the country more each week at LHR than ever before. Recently, immigration queues have been 2+ hours where hundreds of people wait on 2 immigration officials to process everyone. Literally.
Thankfully, for 6 more months I can enjoy IRIS and bypass the long lines...when it's working, that is.
When not, I come mentally prepared and make sure I have a book handy.
Imagine my surprise when departing LHR tonight to find 4 immigration officials checking passports of travellers leaving the UK, not entering. And this was after previously being checked and going through security. What gives?
Gotta tip for those UK immigration lads and lassies. Send those dudes to the arrival hall.... Please!
Dr. E - my "Prague" honorary person
Thanks to everyone who continues to support my cause by donating to Cancer Research UK as part of my "12 marathons in 12 months in 2012". I certainly could not have done it thus far without you all!
Donations hover at 57% of goal...just a few pounds shy of £7000. I am humbled by the generosity of those who have contributed in memory or honor of a loved touched by cancer, or who have simply been willing to support my crazy scheme. Please know that your donations do and can make a difference - all donations are still welcome!
http://www.justgiving.com/Holly-Young2012
My bags and "remembrance team" list is packed - currently there are 58 names that I remember in few moments of silence as I wait at the start line. These special peopel are with me again this coming Sunday.
However, this race will be a little more special because I am running in honor of a high school/Baylor friend, Doug (a.k.a. "Dr. E" for the purposes of this blog) who was recently diagnosed with and is successfully battling bladder cancer. You know who you are and the Budman and I love you and your family to bits! Just know that I will be dedicating this race to you; when the race gets a little lonely or I get a little tired, I'll be spurred on by the courage youare displaying as your face your bout with cancer right now!
So, for all of those who know Dr. E or simply want to show your support, no better way than by a donation to Cancer Research.
Taking it one step at time!
HY
Donations hover at 57% of goal...just a few pounds shy of £7000. I am humbled by the generosity of those who have contributed in memory or honor of a loved touched by cancer, or who have simply been willing to support my crazy scheme. Please know that your donations do and can make a difference - all donations are still welcome!
http://www.justgiving.com/Holly-Young2012
My bags and "remembrance team" list is packed - currently there are 58 names that I remember in few moments of silence as I wait at the start line. These special peopel are with me again this coming Sunday.
However, this race will be a little more special because I am running in honor of a high school/Baylor friend, Doug (a.k.a. "Dr. E" for the purposes of this blog) who was recently diagnosed with and is successfully battling bladder cancer. You know who you are and the Budman and I love you and your family to bits! Just know that I will be dedicating this race to you; when the race gets a little lonely or I get a little tired, I'll be spurred on by the courage youare displaying as your face your bout with cancer right now!
So, for all of those who know Dr. E or simply want to show your support, no better way than by a donation to Cancer Research.
Taking it one step at time!
HY
Marathon #5 - Volkswagen Prague
Hachie Gal is Prague (otherwise known as Praha) bound...yes, marathon #5 is looming large on the weekend horizon. Actually, the race start is this Sunday at 9 AM in the Prague Old Town Center. (Check)
I have felt good the last three weeks, experienced no muscle soreness after the London marathon (amazing), and have slept, ate, and hydrated well. (Check)
As for the race itself, it is a relatively flat, looped course which should be ideal for the 9000 +/- runners on the day. Weather temps on Sunday are expected to be sunny and highs of 56 degrees. PERFECT! (Check)
Catch you on the flip side of the race....
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
I have felt good the last three weeks, experienced no muscle soreness after the London marathon (amazing), and have slept, ate, and hydrated well. (Check)
As for the race itself, it is a relatively flat, looped course which should be ideal for the 9000 +/- runners on the day. Weather temps on Sunday are expected to be sunny and highs of 56 degrees. PERFECT! (Check)
Catch you on the flip side of the race....
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Never underestimate the impact one person can have
Running my marathons for charity has been very rewarding and has certainly sustained me during the training and all the actual races by simply reflecting on the postive impact these monies can make. In the London marathon alone:
* Marathoners who ran on behalf of Cancer Research UK, of which I was one of 800 runners, raised over £1.5 million (that is USD 2.4 million).
* In 2010, over £50 million (USD 80.8 million) was raised by runners for charities.
* Since its inception, London Marathoners have raised over £450 million (USD 727 million).
That is a chunk of change raised by people just like me....doing nothing but running marathons.
Perhaps my little £6800 raised to date this year does not go far by itself, but never undestimate the small efforts of many people. When combined with "other small efforts", the results can be inspiring. Never underestimate the impact that one person can make.
Many of you are aware of a young woman who died while running last month's London marathon. She had less than 600 meters to go before crossing the finish line when she collapsed on the course and died shortly thereafter. Her fundraising goal of £500 for her chosen charity had been reached by the time she ran the race; today, thanks in large measure to 80,000 strangers donating mostly in £5 or £10 increments, she has raised posthumously £1,126,193 (or $1,819,970). Never underestimate the impact that one person can make.
This holds true for so many things in life. For example:
* if everyone picked up 3 pieces of trash a day, what an amazingly clean place we would live in.
* if everyone donated 3 cans/boxes of food to a food bank, our food banks would be overflowing.
* if everyone donated just their smallest denomination loose change to worthy causes, think of the the charities those "pennies, nickels, dimes" or "pence" could support...money that otherwise often ends up in money jars or cannisters on a shelf in closet or cabinet.
* If everyone donated 3 hours a month to help someone else, a senior citizen, a physically or mentally challenged individual, or just someone who needed a little extra help...cleaning a yard or garden, running some errands, cooking a meal, visiting someone who is ill...what a difference this could make in the life of someone else.
* If everyone encouraged 3 people a week...to achieve a goal or dream, to get through a rough patch, to let them know they are loved and appreciated, the dark days would not be as dark and the mountains would not seem so high or the valleys quite so low.
Never underestimate the impact that one person can make.
Taking in one step at a time,
HY
* Marathoners who ran on behalf of Cancer Research UK, of which I was one of 800 runners, raised over £1.5 million (that is USD 2.4 million).
* In 2010, over £50 million (USD 80.8 million) was raised by runners for charities.
* Since its inception, London Marathoners have raised over £450 million (USD 727 million).
That is a chunk of change raised by people just like me....doing nothing but running marathons.
Perhaps my little £6800 raised to date this year does not go far by itself, but never undestimate the small efforts of many people. When combined with "other small efforts", the results can be inspiring. Never underestimate the impact that one person can make.
Many of you are aware of a young woman who died while running last month's London marathon. She had less than 600 meters to go before crossing the finish line when she collapsed on the course and died shortly thereafter. Her fundraising goal of £500 for her chosen charity had been reached by the time she ran the race; today, thanks in large measure to 80,000 strangers donating mostly in £5 or £10 increments, she has raised posthumously £1,126,193 (or $1,819,970). Never underestimate the impact that one person can make.
This holds true for so many things in life. For example:
* if everyone picked up 3 pieces of trash a day, what an amazingly clean place we would live in.
* if everyone donated 3 cans/boxes of food to a food bank, our food banks would be overflowing.
* if everyone donated just their smallest denomination loose change to worthy causes, think of the the charities those "pennies, nickels, dimes" or "pence" could support...money that otherwise often ends up in money jars or cannisters on a shelf in closet or cabinet.
* If everyone donated 3 hours a month to help someone else, a senior citizen, a physically or mentally challenged individual, or just someone who needed a little extra help...cleaning a yard or garden, running some errands, cooking a meal, visiting someone who is ill...what a difference this could make in the life of someone else.
* If everyone encouraged 3 people a week...to achieve a goal or dream, to get through a rough patch, to let them know they are loved and appreciated, the dark days would not be as dark and the mountains would not seem so high or the valleys quite so low.
Never underestimate the impact that one person can make.
Taking in one step at a time,
HY
Monday, April 30, 2012
I entered...4th time
I never know what the year ahead will look like in terms of running schedules, nor how work or travel will interfere with the training schedule for a marathon.
Still, I would have less than 4 hours to decide about whether to enter next year's Virgin London Marathon if history is any indicator. Routinely, the applications close out at 120,000 applications in usually between 4 -5 hours after opening up. In other words, the lottery opens and closes on the same day.
Since my future this time next April is totally undetermined and unknown, it is better to submit an application for the marathon lottery and then decide NOT to run. So, at 8:09 AM this morning, I sent that 2013 marathon application in.
London again? I always say, "probably not; this is my last one", and then I end up running. This would be #4.
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Still, I would have less than 4 hours to decide about whether to enter next year's Virgin London Marathon if history is any indicator. Routinely, the applications close out at 120,000 applications in usually between 4 -5 hours after opening up. In other words, the lottery opens and closes on the same day.
Since my future this time next April is totally undetermined and unknown, it is better to submit an application for the marathon lottery and then decide NOT to run. So, at 8:09 AM this morning, I sent that 2013 marathon application in.
London again? I always say, "probably not; this is my last one", and then I end up running. This would be #4.
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Saturday, April 28, 2012
It won't be NYC
Received confirmation last week that I was not
selected in the marathon lottery ballot for the NYC marathon to be held in early
November. Hey ho... I have run it before but still....
The November marathon choices are now between THE
marathon in Athens (very hilly, as evidenced by the 7 hour course deadline) or
the Nice-Cannes marathon in France (literally, I will run from Nice to
Cannes)!
Both would be fab.. Watch this space.
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
HY
Friday, April 27, 2012
Virgin London Marathon recap
The 2012 London marathon loomed bright, sunny, and a bit cold last Sunday morning - no complaints from me! After a week of constant rain, any portion of the day bathed in sun would be a plus. As it turned out, the entire day except for the last 600 meters was full on sunshine! When the heavens finally opened, the rain fell!!!!!!!!!!!
After the Budman and SB dropped me off at the entrance of Greenwich park for the start of the race, I proceeded to drop off my kit bag, and head to the red start entrance. Sadly, the toilet lines were entirely too long (a later issue along the race course), and after the gun fired, it took about 25 minutes to cross the start line.
Back in road crew central, the team met for breakfast sandwiches and broke into Team A and Team B. Looks quite relaxing unlike what I was getting ready to do....
Team A along the course.
Team B along the course.
Me along the marathon course.
Me along Birdcage Lane...600 meters to go!
Other sights and sounds of the race...bless those people in fancy dress. I could not do it, though!
At the finish line....in the rain. My finish time was officially 5:20, but I lost 13 minutes waiting in line at a "bio break" at about mile 9, so the finish time would actually have been more around 5:08 or so. A good solid run, with the last 3 miles being my fastest. There was gas left in the tank!
A great day and now on to Prague in a little over 2 weeks.
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
After the Budman and SB dropped me off at the entrance of Greenwich park for the start of the race, I proceeded to drop off my kit bag, and head to the red start entrance. Sadly, the toilet lines were entirely too long (a later issue along the race course), and after the gun fired, it took about 25 minutes to cross the start line.
Back in road crew central, the team met for breakfast sandwiches and broke into Team A and Team B. Looks quite relaxing unlike what I was getting ready to do....
Team A along the course.
Team B along the course.
Me along the marathon course.
Me along Birdcage Lane...600 meters to go!
Other sights and sounds of the race...bless those people in fancy dress. I could not do it, though!
At the finish line....in the rain. My finish time was officially 5:20, but I lost 13 minutes waiting in line at a "bio break" at about mile 9, so the finish time would actually have been more around 5:08 or so. A good solid run, with the last 3 miles being my fastest. There was gas left in the tank!
A great day and now on to Prague in a little over 2 weeks.
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Special dedication of Sunday's marathon
As is my habit, my "remembrance team" was with me in spirit on the day of my running the London marathon. These are the people that have donated to my charity, Cancer Research UK in honor or memory of a loved one, family, or friend that has been touched by cancer.
As I waited patiently for the race to commence (I had about 20 minutes before I could cross the start line), I read each person's name silently and the donor who had brough them to my attention. In all, there were over 100 names on the list.
On Sunday, however, I remembered a very special HP work colleague who had bravely fought cancer but succumbed to the disease a couple of weeks ago. She had donated for my cause, encouraged me through this journey, and rarely ever spoke of her own challenges with the disease.
Fiona was a lovely person inside and out and it was my great pleasure to dedicate my London marathon run last Sunday to her. Interestly enough, I thought of her a number of times during the day, and had one of my best runs in a long time. I know she was cheering me on.
This is why I am doing what I am doing! To Fiona!
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
As I waited patiently for the race to commence (I had about 20 minutes before I could cross the start line), I read each person's name silently and the donor who had brough them to my attention. In all, there were over 100 names on the list.
On Sunday, however, I remembered a very special HP work colleague who had bravely fought cancer but succumbed to the disease a couple of weeks ago. She had donated for my cause, encouraged me through this journey, and rarely ever spoke of her own challenges with the disease.
Fiona was a lovely person inside and out and it was my great pleasure to dedicate my London marathon run last Sunday to her. Interestly enough, I thought of her a number of times during the day, and had one of my best runs in a long time. I know she was cheering me on.
This is why I am doing what I am doing! To Fiona!
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Heart of a runner
No matter what the time, the heart of a runner "always keeps on keeping on"!
Thanks to a fabulous road crew who always "kept on keeping on" as well - special thanks to:
(1) Budman - Road crew chief
(2) Cyn - Assistant road crew chief
(3) Paulster – rainman of Transport for London
(4) MY - now, forever to be known as "Blue 6"
(5) ML - road crew CTO(6) SB - niece extraordinaire
(7 and 8) Rolf and Pierre – entertainers for the road crew
(9 and 10) Christina and Stuart – stalwarts of the road crew year after year
(11) Debbie – fabulous fellow runner who always believes “I can”
(12) Dimitrios – the biggest smile greeting me along the course
I could not have done it without you guys and look forward to cheering you all on to victory in your own race one day! Till then…..THANK YOU!
PS – race day summary to follow.
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Thanks to a fabulous road crew who always "kept on keeping on" as well - special thanks to:
(1) Budman - Road crew chief
(2) Cyn - Assistant road crew chief
(3) Paulster – rainman of Transport for London
(4) MY - now, forever to be known as "Blue 6"
(5) ML - road crew CTO(6) SB - niece extraordinaire
(7 and 8) Rolf and Pierre – entertainers for the road crew
(9 and 10) Christina and Stuart – stalwarts of the road crew year after year
(11) Debbie – fabulous fellow runner who always believes “I can”
(12) Dimitrios – the biggest smile greeting me along the course
I could not have done it without you guys and look forward to cheering you all on to victory in your own race one day! Till then…..THANK YOU!
PS – race day summary to follow.
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Saturday, April 21, 2012
It's that time again...marathon #4
Ladies and gents....The Virgin London Marathon 2012 is upon me. Where did those 5 weeks since Rome go? Not sure, but on the eve of the big run, and on my home turf so to speak, I am getting excited about the next installment of "12 in 12 in 2012".
A stellar road crew of about 12 family and friends are set to cheer me along the 26.2 miles of my 16th marathon, the 4th this year. Bags are packed, runnign gear laid out (nothing fancy in the apparel department this time), and breakfast food cooked and ready to go.
Happy to report feeling fairly rested, and no aches and pains. The main consideration this run has been the weather. The anticipated "upper 40s and rain" have morphed into lower 50s and partly sunny. Sounds like the best weather yet.
Fundraising has slowed but has still been trickling in...currently at 56% of goal...please consider suppporting my charity and show your support for me in my marathoning by donating to Cancer Research UK.
www.justgiving.com/Holly-Young2012
So, good night all...check you at the start line tomorrow AM. Race start is 9:45 AM GMT and I am race number 36231!
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
A stellar road crew of about 12 family and friends are set to cheer me along the 26.2 miles of my 16th marathon, the 4th this year. Bags are packed, runnign gear laid out (nothing fancy in the apparel department this time), and breakfast food cooked and ready to go.
Happy to report feeling fairly rested, and no aches and pains. The main consideration this run has been the weather. The anticipated "upper 40s and rain" have morphed into lower 50s and partly sunny. Sounds like the best weather yet.
Fundraising has slowed but has still been trickling in...currently at 56% of goal...please consider suppporting my charity and show your support for me in my marathoning by donating to Cancer Research UK.
www.justgiving.com/Holly-Young2012
So, good night all...check you at the start line tomorrow AM. Race start is 9:45 AM GMT and I am race number 36231!
Taking it one step at a time!
HY
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Happy Easter
Easter morning in Palermo dawned sunny (instead of rainy) as predicted. As the Budman and I prepare for a train journey to Cefalu to see one of the finest Norman churches in Italy, I am reminded of why these churches were built in the first place.
Sure there was an air of "one up manship" amongst the rulers of Europe to see who could build the most splendid church in the world. There is also a desire to honor the God of their faith.. And that is what I focus on when visiting these places.
I am thankful today for my faith and the promise it provides for eternity.
Sure there was an air of "one up manship" amongst the rulers of Europe to see who could build the most splendid church in the world. There is also a desire to honor the God of their faith.. And that is what I focus on when visiting these places.
I am thankful today for my faith and the promise it provides for eternity.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Easter in Sicily
Great day of sightseeing in Palermo. Fab sunshine and high 60's. About 5 miles of walking, checking out all the highlights of Palermo, including the cathedral, catacombs, markets, and the Good Friday Easter parade... Just to name few. Pics to follow.
Early evening in the hotel with a pizza, bottle of Sicilian Nero d'avola and Texas Ranger Baseball. Culture clash, huh?
The day started off right with my favorite dessert... Cannolis at 11am... No problemo!
Early evening in the hotel with a pizza, bottle of Sicilian Nero d'avola and Texas Ranger Baseball. Culture clash, huh?
The day started off right with my favorite dessert... Cannolis at 11am... No problemo!
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