Uphill is good for the stamina (or so they say)

Yesterday we walked up Diamond Head. That crater goes up pretty far (and I thought walking the hills in Seattle was hard). And as if the trail wasn't bad enough they have the nerve to also have stairs. For me, stairs are worse than hills so stairs and uphill climbs combined together are the worst. We stopped after the 57 step climb so that I could catch my breath. I thought I was doing good until we rounded the curve and I saw the 99 step climb. I almost turned around. But I took a deep breath and went for it. Torture pure and simple. But getting to the top was good. after the 99 steps you go a bit more on the trail then climb a spiral staircase and crawl through a hole. Yes I said crawl. Then it's 40 more steps up and you have arrived.
We took a few pictures on top looked around a bit and took in the view while I got my breath. Then back down. I would like to thank Stephanie (a personal trainer I had for a few months earlier this year) for the core work. Going down was pretty cool since I could hear her screaming in my ear to suck in my gut (use your core is the way she would put it) and keep your knees soft. Downhill is very hard on the knees. They say uphill is good for the lungs. I think uphill is overrated.
After that we came back and went to the beach. Oh, I almost forgot. I love salt water. The other day I was in the ocean treading water and swimming around acting like I was going to get some exercise. I realized that the water was holding me up pretty good so I decided to try an experiment. I had heard on Good Morning America that Diane Sawyer can't tread water. That makes no sense to me but that's what she said. So as I was treading water I decided to see how far I would sink if I stopped moving. The answer is not at all. I didn't go down one inch, my head stayed above water and I kept my body like a cross with my feet down and my arms out. I floated this way about 5 minutes. Bob was completely amazed. He doesn't float well and even in salt water he has to tread water to keep his head up.
Well it's back home in the morning so I guess I should go pack now.

I made it to Hawaii - My project is almost over

Honolulu is absolutely beautiful at 7:00 AM!!!
I went for a walk on the beach this morning. People were everywhere. Surfing, laying out and camping in the park. Oh to be homeless in Hawaii. The only difference between the campers and the homeless was that the campers actually had tents. The homeless had more garbage bags.
So I walked on the beach for about an hour. Too make it harder I walked in the mushy sand instead of the hard packed sand. That is really a workout for your calves and feet. I'm already starting to wind down and relax.
Tomorrow is the end of my project. Maybe after this I can go back to my normal level of travel.
In the end I did 14 cities in 8 weeks. It was suppose to be 17 but 3 got canceled. I wouldn't wish this much travel on anyone.

Welcome to Seattle

I was talking with a co-worker yesterday about how I love it when I get to work in larger cities. The thing I like the most is just being able to walk to work and interact with the energy of the city on foot. We had this conversation while we walked to the wharf/pier area of Seattle. The water was wonderful and really inviting. And then we had to take the uphill trek back to the hotel. It was only 5 blocks but it was straight uphill. I thought the hills in San Francisco are something. SF has nothing on Seattle. I was just so happy to have to stop at the red lights. A couple of times I made a silent prayer for the light to be red just so I could stop and rest at the light. I know that's sad but hey it's where I am right now.
Today I was able to take about an hour and trudge down by the wharf where I went sightseeing yesterday. My poor Garmin. I keep confusing it by moving to another city hundreds of miles away from where I was the last time I used it. So the elevation and times are a little off. When it gets confused it takes longer for it to find a satellite. I am including the map so you can enjoy the view of Seattle from my run. When you look at it add about 15 minutes to the time and the place where I ended is also where I started. The trek back uphill is a zigzag cuz I couldn't take the straight uphill again. So I weaved through the streets.
Seattle is really beautiful by the water. They have all of these funky shops and restaurants. I passed this really cool park where people were playing chess with timers. I had never seen that in person only in the movies. It was cool. There was this great waterfall and secluded sitting area sort of tucked into a corner. You just round the corner and there it was. And here I was without a camera. I'm going to have to remember to bring it for next weeks trip.
It felt good to be moving. I sucked but it was nice to be outside and moving around.

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/6030356

The Phoenix rises from the ashes ....

Ok, so I am being a bit melodramatic but I do feel like I have risen from the bowels of hell. The project from hell is almost over. Four more cities and I'm done. I am so tired I can't see straight. There has been no exercise for the last 3 weeks or so but I did have a really nice weekend in Chicago with The KarateKid.
Thanks for all of the comments and great words of encouragement. I think I have some time to myself Wednesday morning in Seattle. I am hopeful that I will be able to get out and at least walk around if not get in some sort of run.