Post Weekend Wrap-Up

Greetings Readers

Wow Readers, I was soo close to getting full fledged sick, meaning getting that flu that is now making its rounds in the Denver area. I started to get that funny feeling of getting sick last Wednesday. Yet, by Saturday morning I woke up with no scratchy / sore throat.

Of course, I soo wanted to go out and do the Snowman Stampede on Saturday, but by the choices I outlined last week I either was going to rest or to compete. I chose the first choice and stayed home and on the couch. I hated to do that, but resting my body was my only choice to avoid becoming perhaps becoming sicker with the flu symptoms I was showing.

What even hurt more was that I was not going to compete in the Run the Register on Sunday… oops Run the Republic once again. Apparently, this is going to be the second year that the Run the Republic was going to be held at the Republic building as opposed to the “Register” building downtown. The picture posted is the last medal awarded for the last “Run the Register” event in Denver, Colorado in 2007. I am glad to have that on my athletic resume.

Yet, coming into work this morning I heard…

“I thought of you this weekend”

Or

“How did you do this weekend?”

And those people were referring to the Run the Republic or the Snowman Stampede events that were held this past weekend. I said “Sorry,” but I was sick and I was not going to risk wearing my body down and becoming more susceptible to the flu should I have competed in either/both events. It hurt to say that, but I have to be realistic about my well being as opposed to doing every event I have stated I will compete in. Experience and getting older seemed to have finally made me aware of my mortality, in a manner of speaking.

So, I made home chicken noodle soup and had that all weekend long. I made myself sleep for 12 hours this past weekend. Granted, I did not sleep the 12 hours straight, but I did wake up about every two hours (not by choice) and I took some Nyquil Cough medicine (syrup) and either a glass of Orange Juice or Grapefruit juice and then laid back down. Within moments I was back to sleep and another two hours I was doing the same procedure over again. Although, every four hours I took one Nyquil capsule as opposed to the cough syrup.

I heard Sunday’s weather was nice, but I would not know since I did not even step outside my humble abode.

And this morning I felt pretty good and I was able to ride the bike without feeling tired / exhausted. I felt good and I actually felt like I wanted to ride a bike just for the sakes of riding. And to top that off – I felt like I wanted “get into it” with anyone that was going to push the wrong button with me. I know that’s a clear sign that I am getting back to the old, sarcastic self – yeah right.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

On the Verge of Sickness ?

Greetings Readers

I went into the local liquor store and I see that the first 2009 Spring micro brew from Redhook is out now.

Very good, but not good since I am sensing I am getting sick (flu). I feel funky and my throat is getting scratchy, sniffling the nose as well as runny. Which means I am unable to partake in the first bottle of CopperHook. Starting today I am going to grapefruit juice and Day/Nyquil.

So, this is not good for me. Well, I do not mean it that way, but with me on the verge of getting sick or ready to be sick I do not think that I will commit to the Snowman Stampede or the Run the Republic this weekend.

I did set aside the days this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for both of these events, but now with me on the verge of getting sick I am not sure that I want to compete in my condition which I could literally wear down my body more and make me more susceptible to the flu.

I am being cautious - I did not even bike today - it was all RTD and Lightrail to work. Yet, I have to admit that riding in my bike shorts as opposed to my warm up long pants may have something to do with me getting sick. Although, I have been riding almost this way for the past winter so it must be the combination of several things to get feeling this way. I just do not know.

Although, if I had to an event I am leaning towards the Snowman Stampede since I am able to enter the day of the event whereas the Run the Republic I/we have to pre-register since there is no day of event registration.

This past weekend I did not compete in the Valentine's Day 5k since .... well, let me just say that I did not have any of my running gear since I was not home.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Almost the Three day weekend

Greetings Readers

Well, Finally the day turned out to be alright and the sun did shine. I was worried since the morning was only in the 30's and the ground was still wet from all the rain yesterday evening. The rain started yesterday afternoon and then the rain did not let up until late last night. The rain was steady and not really a heavy, hard downpour.

Okay, So I got the chance to read more about the story of Landis and the "dark" secret. Apparently, from what I read, Landis's manager - Will, called Greg LeMond pretending to be his "uncle" and tried to scare Greg about the secret being divulged if Greg LeMond testifies at the hearing. While Will was making the phone call to Greg, Landis was in the same room across the table from Will. According to the articles that I read Floyd could not hear the phone conversation. Well readers, that must be either one fucking long table or the noise level was so loud that Floyd could not hear, but then that would me Will had to talk loud into the phone. Who knows.

Anyway, using intimidation in Floyd's hearing was something no one should even think of. Especially an American doing this sort of tactic on another American. I guess thinking about this more I could see why Floyd would use this info since LeMond had said some remarks back in the past about his former teammate Armstrong. So, I could the reason why Floyd would try this sort of tactic, even though he knew nothing of this conversation.

So, today I read the news that the hearings have been concluded and from there it is in the hands of the 3 person "council". Just like Tyler Hamilton did two years ago.

The opinion that I have come to after "digesting" all this info - is that this hearing really did not help Floyd and there is really no evidence to show otherwise. Wait! I know that there are pictures of the place where the tests were taken. And of course some reasoning's why the test may be "untrue", but this synthetic hormone showed up in the test - period. I guess that is about all I can say about this for now, until I see something else in the news. Otherwise, I guess we will play the waiting game.

Marty Fish has withdrawn from the French Open. I know readers, somehow I am not listing my favorite players, women Tennis players that is. Well, I want to leave something a mystery for you readers. Unless a favorite of mine drops out then I will tell you.

The picture on today's blog is the picture from the "Run The Register 2007" that I did earlier this year. Yep, I finally got the pictures developed last week. There are a lot more pictures and I have been posting them now.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Runnin' of the Green 7k - (The Story)

Greetings People

Yesterday was the almost perfect day for the 19th Annual Runnin' of the Green in Downtown, Denver.

I arrived early, about 9:20 and got registered and my T-shirt all within 10 minutes. Yes, I paid $ 5.00 more for registering on Race day, but no big deal. At least I got a T-shirt, unlike the folks at Run the Register, where I did not get a T-shirt. Unless I donated $ 47.00 more dollars on top of the $ 35.00 registration fee. I hate to say this, but at least VOA (Volunteers of America) are not stuck up as the ALA (American Lung Association) association. Gosh Darn. Well, my $ 30.00 registration fee and post drinking money was well under $ 50.00 yesterday. Oh, having Guinness Drafts on the patio with the sun shining ever so brightly - one could not ask for more.

I did okay in the event. I started about 4 to 5 minutes after the start time officially started. Yep, it took me about 4 minutes or so to actually reach the starting line and start running. Then, it was a battle with dog walkers, baby strollers and about 5,000 plus people in the Runnin' of the Green. I was weaving and bobbing through the throngs of runners. Nothing new for me since I knew that this event is always crowded. I always have to allow for the mass exodus of people at the starting line and through out the race of the 7k. I did okay. I think that the time that was given to me was 40:?? from the official starting of the 7k and 36:?? for the actual time that was given for me from start to finish (timing mat time).

Well, I once again decided to wear my Southpark bike jersey. Let me tell you folks. People just love this jersey. So many of the runners had not even seen this jersey before and the comments were non-stop. Okay readers, I do have to confess. I knew that there was going to be a lot of runners and I had already decided to wear the SouthPark Jersey the night before so I would get attention I wanted. What is even worse readers, I decided to start at the back of the pack in the Runnin' of the Green so that way when I started running like a mad man making myself run through the packs of runners they would see the back of my bike jersey and read "Oh man, you guys suck!" We'll not even 25 yards into the race - I got the laughter and "that is so cool" remarks. Oh that so much made me run even harder through the crowds.

Not much else to say between the start and finish line. I was weaving in and out of people, getting the laughs, the comments, and enjoying myself in this 7k. Well, coming down off the corner Wazoo and 14th, I think, is when I decided to put the "burn" in my legs and go for broke. As I rounded the final corner and saw the finish line two and half blocks away, that was when I ran like the wind. Or in a better comparison, I was running like the T1000 was doing in the parking garage of the movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day. I saw no one in the distance what I was doing, so that was good. I did not look behind me. Wish I could of seen their faces and astonishment when they saw me take off down the street. I passed about 40 more runners in the final homestretch and that was that.

The comment that rings a bell in my mind was I standing in the middle of the street, outside the McCormick Bar & Restaurant and I heard "Yes, I do suck" Hah hah. I guess I made her look pretty bad and she admitted that to me. We just smiled. The post-party was good, I even got a few comments as I was sitting against one of the Downtown buildings. "I just love your jersey" and I offered to show them the back of the jersey, but oh no, they smiled and laughed and said "yes we already know that we suck" And we just laughed.

So, readers the event was good and I really enjoyed getting the attention that I wanted. And yes readers, the attention was about what I expected. I got a few pictures taken downtown, but again I used my disposable camera so they will not be ready until I turn in the camera to be developed.

Today, my thighs hurt. I mean really hurt. Well, let me say tender, I am okay sitting down, but once I start walking the soreness is there in the thighs. Tis the lactic acid residue that I exerted yesterday. The sprint yesterday was worth today's unpleasantness in my thighs. LOL. Oh, I also got a nice "burn" from yesterday's sun. I guess the sun and spring is here - just about.

The Photo is from the Rocky Mountain News website.

with that readers, until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Run the Register 2007 - (The Story)

Greetings People

The Run the Register event was a so-so event. This was the second annual time for the event at the “Register” building and a first time for me.

I did not have a clue nor did I know to train for this event. For the past three months I have been sidelined inside because of all the snow and ice that has been on the sidewalks and streets. I can not risk falling down in the snow and breaking a leg or arm or something else.

So, about two weeks ago I picked up a guide for events this year that are scheduled and I saw that this event was going to be this weekend. I played with the idea and wondered how the event was going to be.

With running if you get tired you just run, but it could be a sloppy run, but you can make yourself go, since there is really no exertion except putting one foot in front of the other. With climbing steps my thoughts were if you get tired or whatever you could stop, but you really can not just putter along. You will need to exert force to climb the next step even though you may be tired.

With that thought of logic I knew that I did not want to fail and have to give up on the steps. With a week of training to go (actually only 2 days of training) I decided to go to the local junior high school and practice climbing the stone steps on the bleachers. It was difficult and I was beat. I would like to say that I ran up and down for 15 minutes, but I think in reality it was only a few minutes. I got the idea though and with that I decided to register for the event on Friday.

I was given number 5800 and the start time of 1:04 pm. The event started at 8:00 am and my start time was near the end of the event. The starting time I could care less about. The “plus side” I got out of a later start time was I did not have to get up early.

The day was pretty, not warm, not cold, but a slight chill in Centennial. Though when I got downtown the air was cooler and the wind was blowing.

Inside the building was a mess. People here and there, music was blaring near the entrance and booths were set up in the lobby. I saw the starting area and asked what I needed to do.

I headed over to the bag tag area and got out of warm-up pants and jacket. I stripped down to my Southpark Jersey and running shorts. Instantly, I got the “that’s an awesome jersey” and “I love your jersey”. That put a smile immediately on my face and I also stood an inch higher with pride that I am getting the attention that I need or, to be blunt, I yearn for.

I was nervous a bit so I headed down to the restroom to relieve myself so I do not get any urges on the climb.

I then got to the starting area and was told this and that and whenever I was ready to go – do this. So, I was a bit nervous, hopping from leg to leg, loosening up and getting myself psyched up for the climb. They saw I was a bit nervous and said go when I am ready. There was no one going or waiting so I took another minute or so to get better pumped.

“Okay I am ready” and then I swiped my wrist across a timing mat and took off down the hallway.

I was running up the stairs pretty fast. Even though the website said not to do this since you will get tired out quicker. I did the opposite and not because I was trying to be a “rebel”. I knew that if I did not run out full I was not going to run later since the climb will sap the strength to run later. I had thought I better save something for the very end of the climb, but again I am thinking that there is not going to be any saved strength at the very end. Any sort of quick climb at the end will have to come from somewhere deep in my heart and soul.

I estimate about 8 floors later I was slowing down pretty quick from a run and not to mention I was getting vertigo climbing. I was looking at a point while climbing, but the fixation did not help. I was taking the in view from the side and that is what I think that started the vertigo. So, with me slowing down I think that was the best since the vertigo stopped when my speed slowed and I was not turning each flight quickly.

The stairwell was cool, but I knew that I was going to build up a sweat or definitely raise my inner core temperature to where the coolness of the stairwell would not even be a factor.

I think that around 14th floor I saw the first aid station and I heard “How are you doing?” With me breathing heavily already I had said “this is fucking tougher than I thought it was going to be” with a smile on my face. He responded that I was not the first to say that.

Mind you while I was climbing I was looking at the numbers posted outside each door of the floor. That was a mistake. I kept doing the math in my head and thinking that I have 40 floors to go, 39 floors to go, etc. So, I stopped looking at the numbers each floor.

I felt myself going to stop, but I was “power” climbing. There was no more running at all and at that time I knew there was not going to be any running since I was exerting a lot of energy and was not thinking about saving any energy for the end.

As I climbed higher and higher more aid stations were here and there. I also saw some paramedics at some of the other floors.

Higher and higher I went until the stairwell ended and we had a short hallway to another stairwell up.

Then, I heard someone was approaching from below me. For the life of me I did not want to be passed by someone on the climb. I wanted to say on Monday morning that I did not get passed by anyone.

So, I was breathing good and my stride up the steps were controlled now since I had figured out a method of climbing. Round and round climbing and then I saw from the corner of my eye that the other person was right there. That was motivation enough. I found an inner strength within me a climbed with power in my thighs. I soon left him behind and I could no longer see or hear him below me. Instead I heard someone above me. Lo and behold there were three people standing off the side of the stairwell around the 42nd floor. Wow. I even dug deeper since I knew the top was there and other person was still below me, but where.

The 47th floor and I was out of wind and the lactic acid buildup in my thigh muscles were on fire. I mean on fire. I have not felt this sort of burn for a long time. The 47th floor hallway was littered with other climbers drinking and catching their breath. Meanwhile I did not want to be there with them so I handed over my timing chip and headed out into another area

At that point, I was rewarded with a medal and a view of North Denver that was wow. I stood in line for a photograph, and I got two done and then stood around for a few minutes. What I also noticed where some firefighter in full gear (minus axes) that were standing around. So, some of these guys did the climb in their gear. Pretty neat training I thought.

I was listening to some of them talking and I was smiling on what I heard.

I headed to the elevator since that was the only option to get down. No climbing down the stairs where allowed.

Out in the building lobby almost all the booths were packed up and gone and the few that were left were packing up. I grabbed some items there, a couple of “Monster” drinks and then headed down to the Atrium to get my back and goody bag. I tried to get something to eat from Subways, but all that was left were veggie sandwiches or sandwiches with turkey. There was nothing close to a cold cut combo so I said no to any food and proceeded to go ahead and leave.

That about sums up the event. Yes, I did have fun.

But, the T-shirt from the event was only available if you raise 47 dollars more that the registration fee. I thought that was a load of crap. 47 dollars for a T-shirt was not going to fly for me. Instead, I went over to the movie poster place I usually visit when I am downtown and bought a $ 20.00 Movie poster (subway size) of "The Big Lewbowski” which I now have hanging 0n my dining room wall overlooking the dining room table. Then, I spent the rest of my money on a new Oakley lens, which I got at Cherry Creek Mall later that afternoon. Pretty cool – red frame with blue iridium lens.

If the T-shirt was made available for a better price, lets say $ 20.00 then I would have gotten one. Readers, we serious runners/participants only wear T-shirts when our good clothes are in the laundry. We have special clothing we wear when we train and also when we do the official events. $ 47.00 dollars would have been wasted on a T-shirt that would not of even seen the light of day or public. The event organizers need to understand that. Oh well, my loss for not buying a T-shirt. And it is their loss for not making the price more reasonable since I bought other things that day that would bring just cause for spending the money in the first place.

If the T-shirt making cost for the event was pricy then they need to shop around and find a better place to do the printing of the shirts

And before any of you readers say the money goes for a good cause. I do not disagree, but if you are me and you sponsor and raise all monies for all events that go to causes - I contribute more than I can write off for taxes the following year. How many of you can say that? So, I pick and choose and have earned the right to contribute what money for what causes.

Readers, this is another subject I could go on with, but we can save that for a later blog.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Run the Register 2007

Greetings People

I have no time to write, a late lunch and a meeting really soon and perhaps a busy evening so I may not be able to blog about this. So...

The "Run the Register" was pretty good event for me to try out for the first time. I did not have a clue how stair climbing would be and how hard it was going to be running up the stairs. A very quick race for the $ 35.00 registration fee, but oh well. At least I got to say and show to my co-workers and friends that I got a medal and was able to run up 47 floors in the "Cash Register" building (1,014 steps). Here are the results also in case you need to see. I will have the full story tomorrow.

Dang - I really do not have time today to blog - I saw the OWGE this morning, missed the bus, ran like the wind to light rail train, had a fucked up RTD driver who did not know where the stops and turns were. You see readers, things have gotten off on the wrong foot this morning and sure as shit the day was not going to be pretty.

31 days of Oscar - I will need to update this also - Some more Oscar movies that I saw Ben Hur, American Beauty, Kramer vs. Kramer. Ben-Hur was Spectacular and I made sure that I made the time for the four movie. I am sure that all of us readers at one point have at least flipped to the movie when it has been on TV and well I have done the same thing in the past. So, I knew that the movie was going to be on last Thursday and I got ready beforehand so that nothing could interrupt me from watching this movie. Readers, I highly recommend this movie and let me tell you now - the movie is so much more that the infamous chariot racing. Kramer vs. Kramer was a movie that I saw for the first time. Perhaps. I think I may have seen the movie when I was very,very young and when my mom had to see every Dustin Hoffman movie. It was very good and once more there was so much to the movie that I did not realize. American Beauty - I have seen before and nothing to rant about. I really could care less about Annette Benning.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Taco Bell incident in Lonetree, CO

Greetings People

I was chuckling and had a self-righteous smile all Friday afternoon. My elevated mood was in all probability not the intention you would presume from me nor would you consider a possibility. The good mood was not because of an anecdote, nor a kiss, but Karma. Or conceivably – justice was dispensed. Who the fuck knows, but I just could not suppress reflecting about the incident after our lunch run on the last Friday of February. And I also have to confess that this was just too hilarious. There is ying and yang in the world. Or in one fundamental word – Balance.

LaMont and myself decided to go to “the bell”. “The bell” is also commonly known as Taco Bell. On our drive to the Bell we conversed the customary guy topics. Then, I mentioned I was going to burn a CD and call the CD - the Lamont “Oops I did it again” Remix. Hah hah.

Britney Spears. And yes, I do possess a Britney Spears CD from back in the day for me to produce the “Oops I did again” Remix a reality. Yes readers, to reiterate, I do own the “oops!…I did it again” CD in my extensive CD collection, or if you prefer, I own a CD by Britney Spears. Anyway, I digress.

There was LaMont trash talking Britney Spears and myself for owning a Britney Spears CD. This and that and why the fuck would I own a Britney Spears CD or even admit to owning a Britney CD. You loyal readers understand the chronicles of my fixation with a particular part of Britney’s anatomy. Or if you are a new reader to my existence that is inquisitive in nature and require an explanation to why I own a Britney Spears CD, then you will need to read the other blogs that I have posted on Blogger.com and you will then comprehend why I “love” that part of Britney Spears. LaMont was attempting to make me feel like a total “un-guy” for owning a Britney Spears CD. Sorry readers, this manner of tactic was not going to work with me.

You faithful readers know that I have two pictures of Britney Spears on my “touring” bike helmet and I flaunt around to the universe that I have Britney Spears on my bike helmet. What the fuck is someone going to express, mind you that just words, is going to make me feel less than a guy about me owning a Britney Spears CD.

LaMont could gibber all he wanted about Britney. I was not going to alter my view on her or get embarrassed for admitting this fact. Although with recent events in the past two years my admiration for her has fallen wayside. I saw the infamous photos on the Internet of her night with Paris, but readers the sight was not like winning the lottery. There was no excitement or thrill, but I viewed the photos as another ordinary photo – nothing I have not seen before.

I again digress from the yarn at hand.

We arrived at Taco Bell and decided to go inside and order since the drive thru line was lined up with customers.

This is the point where the afternoon truly commenced. There was an empty parking spot as Lamont pulled into the Taco Bell parking lot and the parking space had LaMont’s name all over it. As LaMont was pulling into the parking space a man walked into the parking space toward his vehicle, which was in the space adjacent to the empty parking space.

This man walked into the parking spot without any acknowledgement to us. This man did not raise a hand and give the “universal sign” of saying sorry or thanks. He walked with a “stupid” stupor and the demeanor of a slightly overweight married husband driving a Subaru Forester.

A Subaru Forester. What? Why of course I know the color – sort of a Jay-z Blue color. What was that? Yes of course he was white – who else would drive a Forester. My married friends that I know of do not even drive anything remotely like a Forester. One drives a Cherokee, another an F-series truck, another A3 BMW, etc. Of these, one is Hispanic, one white and the other black.

I do observe things with such detail when the occasion calls for remembering later. Such as it is right now with me revealing my experiences to you readers. While Lamont and myself were waiting for the man to get into his vehicle, a brief topic ensued. The subject matter was about this man getting in the car. I unhesitatingly mentioned that this man should have done something to acknowledge us. I was not seeking an apology, yet I felt this man should have recognized. However readers, I too would have of stood by for the man, as LaMont was doing, to get into his vehicle. No readers, I would not have given him an unfavorable look or flipped him off, but sure as shit my frame of mind would transform. And not for the better.

Not five seconds after LaMont and me got out of the car; I did not give the “Forester” man another thought. I still had to abide to the standards of being a guest in LaMont’s vehicle and that meant me not taking matters, I deemed “rude”, into my own hands. I am permitted to express my opinions, but I am not allowed to act upon my opinions. Nor would I coerce my guest to share my convictions.

Inside Taco Bell was where the afternoon’s events transpired and inspired this blog. And the sad part of this event – I was not even aware that it happened. LOL.

Sorry readers, I am laughing once more uncontrollably thinking about what had happened which I was not even conscious that was playing out in front of LaMont.

So, Lamont got in line, but the line appeared to me that he was waiting in an area for people waiting to pick up their order. I got a smile when this became evident to me and I said something to the effect that the line is over here. LaMont smiled his “fuck you” smile and sauntered over to where I was standing. I was foremost in line and was waiting for my opportunity to order. Mind you, I was not waiting for the next person to assist me.

Yet readers, there is more to the story than you expect.

There is this one girl that I have noticed previously that works at this Taco Bell. Today, she was working the drive thru window, as she has in the past several times that I have seen her at Taco Bell. Anyway, I am going to confess to you readers she has the “ass” that I think is all so close, in my opinion, of a perfect ass. An ass that I have not seen since I worked down near the Cherry Creek Mall. That part of the body is something I do not hold as something I “require” in a woman. Yet, when I happen to look around and see an “ass” that will… well gets my attention, it is hard not to check out that part of the body.

I just hope I was not too obvious, but it was pretty hard for me not to look since the cashier lady is in front of the drive thru girl. The drive thru girl is about the same height as me, young, and does wear a bit more makeup than she should, but is a person that I could date.

With that foundation of the story laid down for you readers, you see I was sort of pre-occupied with me being next in line for ordering and looking at… well you know. Oh, LaMont also had to point out a lady outside the drive thru window who, according to him, was a looker. You see readers I was multi-tasking and with two of the three tasks including women of a man’s desire; I neglected to notice another cash register lady. Well, let me rephrase that – the other Latino or Hispanic cash register person.

So, I was looking at what I should not be and walked up the counter to the first cash register lady that usually “waits” on me and ordered my five tacos.

Fast-forward an hour, LaMont mentioned that the “second” cash register lady had apparently gave me the “who the fuck are you” look all the time we were in Taco Bell. According to LaMont, her gaze was the look of pure hatred. I do not even have an inkling why I would get such a look. Nor was I aware of this gaze was even taking place in Taco Bell. He even said that I was getting “the look” from the second register lady while he was giving his order to the second cash register lady. Wow.

Returning (re-wind) back to Taco Bell, an hour earlier. I was waiting for my order and also trying to position myself to get a better look at the woman outside the drive thru window. From the angle of where I first was made aware of her I could not see whom this woman was that LaMont had mentioned. I also neglected to notice that LaMont was not really waiting next to me for our orders to come up. I presumed he was getting napkins and stuff, but after the fact I found out he was trying to distance himself from me.

My order came up since I heard “229” and “5 tacos” and then about a minute later LaMont’s order came up. We then left Taco Bell. We were not even three feet outside the door when LaMont mentioned that the second cash register lady was giving me “the look”. I said what look? He said something to the tune of – oh fuck man, you pissed off the other cash register lady by going to the other cash register lady. I laughed, but I was like - so what. I did nothing wrong, one may say I was on my best behavior. For a change.

Oh readers, that is a whole other subject of its own, but I can address that particular fast food topic another time.

Anyway, I did not notice the other lady and apparently I had a negative impression on her. But my faithful readers know that I have a tendency to have that sort of impact on people. I would laugh, but in all seriousness it is true. However, on this particular Taco Bell experience I was not aware of pissing the other lady off. Would I say sorry to her? No. I did not interact with her nor did I give this lady the attention she may be looking for. If my presence ruffled her “feathers” well that’s tough – roll with the punches and get over it.

Readers, I am not into the habit nor am I going to start to acknowledge everyone in this particular Taco Bell. I was hungry, I wanted my order and that’s that. I was not in there to make friends with everyone, even with the sun shining on this particular warm and windy Friday. OK. OK. The young girl would be someone I would not mind to get to know, but that is something only in passing for me. Also, it is just shallow thinking for me when I have to admire a woman by her body alone.

Back at work I was eating my lunch, enjoying my tacos while working. I then had to go visit someone and when I came back to my desk there was LaMont with the look of… well it was not a happy look.

“What?” I asked

“I got sour cream in my taco. When I opened my tacos I saw tomatoes and knew something was wrong and then I saw the sour cream. I fucking hate sour cream.”

I was laughing, but a controlled laughter. It was funny.

“It’s Karma,” I said with a huge smile

“Karma? Fuck you. You pissed her off and I am paying for your insolence to her.”

“It’s not my fault that you did not check your order before you left the counter.”

LaMont was mad, but I was still trying to keep my laughter in check. I did not want to make Lamont any more pissed off that his lunch got fucked up.

Then, what sealed the deal for me was LaMont was scraping the sour cream from his taco with a spoon complaining away. I swear the “tears of laughter” were about to start coming from me really soon. There was LaMont scraping the sour cream out from his taco with such determination. I had already eaten three tacos and I had to offer my other two tacos to him, or to trade. I did feel bad, but it is really his own fault for not checking his order. Yes, he can blame me for his fucked up order, but the blame is all on his shoulders. I started to feel bad, but still laughing silently making it hard to breathe normally once more.

Someone one walked by and saw what was happening and asked what’s going on. I said there was sour cream in LaMont’s taco. Yep, LaMont does not like sour cream he said. Matter of fact, I have a friend when he takes a woman on a date and if she does not eat sour cream or guacamole he would not date her again. I said if woman I were dating was to eat sour cream or guacamole I would not date her again since I would not have that stuff in my humble abode. Meanwhile from LaMont “I can’t believe I am fucking paying for you being rude to that other cashier lady” I started to laugh once more.

Thinking about this event while I was writing this blog – it is justice. For trying to make me feel bad about owning a Britney Spears CD. It is also Karma – we readers do not know LaMont, but he is not as squeaky clean as we would like to think. I am sure that he has his moments for having Karma to wield its vindication that Friday afternoon.

All in all, I offered to give my remaining tacos to him. I did feel bad for what happened, but I do not take any responsibility for what happened. I just did not want his Friday to end on a bad note. Throughout the afternoon I had to make sure we could still laugh and smile about happened. I had to say “Karma” with a smile and also mention I have been laughing off and on all afternoon. LaMont said I better look behind my back while riding – “Karma” will be behind you in a green jeep Cherokee, with nice rims looking for you. Hah hah.

I said “Welcome to my world”

Tomorrow I will re-cap Sunday's Run the Register 2007 event.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

It's Official - My Running has started for 2007

Greetings People

What can I say. I have not been humbled nor do I have an excuse, but the time is pretty ugly for my first 5k of the year. Granted, it has been eight weeks since I have truly ran or rode (any training) excersises.

I participated in my first event this year and that is the President's Day 5K, which was held in Washington Park in Denver, Colorado

So, my official time for 2007

8:41 per mile - 26.59 total

and My official time for 2004

7:43 per mile - 23.57 total

58 seconds slower and I was truly shocked. I guess not doing anything sure does show. I am not mad nor disappointed, but I do now have a mission and that mission is to knock that time down in the next 5k I participate in.

Today, I feel good. Legs are a little wobbly, but nothing too bad.

This coming weekend I have two events that I am interested in - The Snowman Stampede or Run the Register. Hmmmmm. Two unique events and I am not trained for either. These are pretty fucked up options I have decided for myself. I guess we will see. I have 6 days of recovery and training to decide. =) This is going to be a pretty interesting week to start off running officially. I can not back down from either since I have declared myself official.

31 days of Oscar - a few more movies to add that I watched - Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind, MIB, and Paint Your Wagon. It was the first time that I saw Paint Your Wagon with Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin. Not your typical Western nor the Western you thought you would get when you team these two actors together for a movie. Overall, a good movie, but pretty long to watch.

Amazing race has started - but it is the All-Stars and to me that is not interesting at all. However, since it is Amazing Race and I have an on going bet with the show - It's On!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete