2009

The vacation is over, and it's time to deal with way too many things. Russia was good, with downhills and such, but a much needed trip - if not for me, then for those who are still there. Back in Portland, Larry and I spent a wonderful week together. We ran Purge and Splurge (see photos there), and with his help I managed to drag my fat behind the whole 30 miles. It was difficult but very good emotionally to have done it, and to have done it with a person I love. There were certainly other developments that will take a good chunk of my time and soul in a foreseen future. That said, I am taking a break. Just too busy and overwhelmed, but didn't want to just disappear silently and have you worried. Enjoy a few pictures:)

Have an awesome 2009, guys!

On the streets of Moscow. A very historic neighborhood. Think "Master and Margarita", well, if you read world's literature:)

Views on the Kremlin. Red Square behind that middle road.

Mom. Lost 13 kg due to various illnesses. Was able to keep it together when I visited. Every year you never know if it's the last time...

Dad. Very decorated pilot.

Classmates. 25 years later. Did I just say that?

At the local eatery with friends. Word is, I haven't changed - in clothes, attitude, and I still don't comb my hair.

My best friend from Medical School. Best friend is not somebody who you keep up with every day and call/write endlessly. Best friend is someone who you may not have seen for ages, but the moment you do, there is not a pause of awkwardness yet you pick up where you left off as it were yesterday.

P&S gang with an early start. I had a short write-up on Purge' webpage.

Dark and snowy trails. Allen Boyce flew from Ireland just for this...ok, and to see his family for X-mas:)

Teammates to the end. I would have bailed out had I been alone...probably. Either way, I would have been miserable without Larry. My hamstrings screamed at me, and my turtle speed was just delightful.

Kind of happy in first third of the slog.

X-mas campers - met them half-way point. It was fun to run into them, literally!

10 miles to go, woohoo!!! I bonked shortly after this point:)

I loved this tree at mile marker "0"...big fat Zero! Done!

Opening presents on New year's eve at Monika's house.

Game playing. I fell asleep 11:40pm to just wake up with 2 minutes to midnight. SO much for setting this whole New Year's celebration! This time swap is not good at my age anymore...

Saturday run on Leif.

Good times with Gail while boys ran fast and far.