Romus Magnificus

Only one word can describe what I laid eyes on today -- no, not incredible: "Magnificus"

Rome has shaped up to be by far the most beautiful European city I've visited this year--and this is my 4th trip to Europe since last Dec.

And the Colosseum is just breathlessly amazing in it's astronomical feat of engineering and even more amazing that it's still around and in great shape after over 2000 years.

Couldn't believe what laid in front and all around me -- the ancient city of Rome in all it's grandeur and imagined in my minds eye Julius Caesar or King Augustus addressing the crowds in the Roman forum.

Indeed my visit to ancient Rome and my run around the ruins of Palatino has been the highlight of my European vacation and has definitely been the most inspiring and uplifting.

What is the lesson -- that remains to be seem -- but I know I can take what Rome has taught me (that if we dont learn from our mistakes, we are destined to repeat iit) for a very long time, if not a lifetime.

During my tour, I was amazed and saddened to hear about how the Christians were persecuted  in the hands of the authorities of the Roman Empire.  In fact thousands of Christians were martyred by Emperor Nero who blamed Christianity for the great fire of Rome.  Refusal to worship the Roman emperor was considered treasonous and punishable by execution.  Christians were tortured, burned, starved and even forced to gladiatorial contests to amuse spectators.  

That was until Emperor Constantine was exposed to Christianity by his mother, Helena.  Constantine followed Christianity after experiencing a dramatic event at a battle when he looked up to the sun and saw a cross of light.  He would eventually claim the emperorship in the West.

Off to Germany tomorrow after an inspiring morning run.

Running La Vida Loca

My first full day at Rome. Spent half the day at the Vatican enjoying the museums and the glorious Sistine Chapel in all its glory.

Awe struck by the vivid colors of Michelangelo's paintings!!

Then in the evening had the great luck to catch a Sat night mass at St Peters Basilica with all the pomp from the papal priests and well adorned Swiss guards.

What an inspirational experience--now I was ready to be motivated by a brisk run around the Roman Riverfront.

From St Peters to the River then cross the foot bridge by the little island in the center, then proceed toward Rome's main street, via del Corso.

Via del Corso is typical Roman -- from narrow and cobblestone flanked by Corinthian columns to bustling and vibrant.

On the way, ran across a lot of old ruins and chapels that must have been over a thousand years old. what an amazing juxtaposition of old and young life. This gave me energy.

After the run, I was famished, so I sampled some of the tastiest pizzas I've ever had -- I had 3 portions -- with portapollo mushrooms, chunky tomatoes and zuchini.

Wow, it truly was the best pizza ive ever eaten bar none and now I'm so stuffed, im ready to sleep. Goodnite All.

Heading to the Colisseum 'morrow.  Must need rest to face those gladiators!
zzzz

Lucky Angel aboard Flight 1127 to Germany

You won't believe this wonderful, surprising story happening on such a momentous journey thus far. Well, I met Anastasia back at the end of July when she was flying from Germany to SF. 

This was her first flight to the States and she was coming as an exchange student for 4 months. We sat together from the flight to Stuttgart to Atlanta.  Essentially, I was the first American that she met on this trip, and it was quite an honor to hold that title.

Well now it's Thanksgiving day, 2008, and guess who is aboard the same plane with me.  I was completely floored when I saw her walk down the aisle, smiling.

Yes, Anastasia was flying back and the wonderful, divine coincidence was that we were again on the same flight together.  She remembered me -- even told me that for some strange reason she was thinking of me earlier today before she boarded her first flight from California.

She must be my lucky angel.  She shared with me stories and pictures of her wonderful time with her new friends in SF.  I was so happy to see and hear them -- this was truly my lucky day.

Thanksgiving in Atlanta

Today, I flew to Atlanta on the way to Rome and ran the very last part of the Atlanta Thanksgiving Marathon with Jeff through the heart and scenic Atlanta -- one of my favorite cities -- and the one that I have loved since I was a child.

Yes we bandit the run, but considering my flight did not leave DC until 0700, and the Marathon started at 0800, this wasn't bad.

The weather was absolutely superb and the people who ran just as wholesome as hospitable as you might expect.

Then after the run and a cool down, Jeff took me to see the house for the first time and had a very sumptuous and ceremonial Thanksgiving dinner with Liz and family.  

Jeff and I have known each other for a few years since we served in GTMO together.  Shared stories of running in Cuba from the lighthouse to East Caravella and all those wonderful, salty sea stories from back in the day.

Meeting the entire family was a true delight.  It was nice meeting Liz for the very first time (after speaking on the phone for the last 2 plus years) and the children were all very well behaved and impressive.

Liz even asked me to say grace for the entire family which was a deep and true honor.

One of the best Thanksgiving dinners I've had probably since 2001 OEF cruise aboard USS John C. Stennis.

All this and the earlier run and made it to my flight on time to Stuttgart -- wow what a precursor to a joyful and productive trip.

American History Museum Grand Opening

Today we went to the National Museum of American History Grand Opening weekend.  

Lots of people and lots of great acts and remembrances.  Displays the historic flag that inspired the national anthem.  Costumed characters wander the halls and great Presidents and Leaders that served and sacrificed to make our Nation the great it is today.

It was about time -- been waiting for over 2 years for the museum to reopen.  Ran by it almost everyday, hoping and waiting for the doors to open soon.

And American History is my favorite museum.  We ran into friends there -- which was a nice, pleasant surprise.  We were supposed to go biking instead, but it was too windy and cold, so the museum was the right warm, cozy place to go.

I'm excited -- now another great museum for me to explore while I run the Mall and a chance to venture into the annals of our ancestors of this Great Country and City.  God Bless DC.

Two Marathons in Three Weeks (Barely)

Just completed the Richmond Marathon. Richmond -- why Richmond?
Because it is America's Friendliest Marathon -- that's why.

But just barely three weeks from the Marine Corps? Was I fully recovered. Not at all and I paid the price from Mile 10 onwards. The fact is, my leg muscles were not fully oxygenated -- capillaries were not able to free oxygen-rich blood to my muscles.

So was this inadvisable to do 2 marathons within 3 weeks -- not at all and I strongly recommend against this.

And needless to say, I didn't get a Personal Record (PR)

But did I enjoy it? Yes, absolutely. Here's why:

1) Did not rain despite the fact that it rained the last 48 hours prior up to an hour before the race (Also thunderstorms were forecasted) But it was very windy.

2) They let you wear an IPOD. So glad I decided to wear it. Almost didn't b/c of the rain forecast, though, but really glad I took a chance.

3) Everyone (even the runners) were extremely friendly and talked w/ you (although all you could say was "Man, I'm really struggling and suffering."

4) The crowds were awesome and provided great cheer -- Yes, especially the fraternity buddies.

5) The route was flat with several downhills (So where were the uphills? Is Richmond all downhill?)

6) The route was also very scenic and took us through the cities and to people's front yards. Especially liked the beginning on E Broad Street

7) There was junk food during the course -- although I didn't partake but it sure was nice to look at.

8) Only 4500 runners -- had plenty of room to hit my stride (Because anyone who was even fast, had already passed me by Mile 2).

9) The Post Race party was awesome (So was the Omni Hotel for both pre and post race)

10) Outstanding massage at the end (even though it was a masseur, but he was a great conversationalist)

Also, IF you're going to do an out of town marathon -- Richmond is the closest to DC.

Finally, the best part of the run -- It's only a 25 mile marathon. The last mile is most downhill that I set a PR on that mile alone. And I was so pumped for the final .2 mile that I just ran like a Banshee -- about a 5 minute mile!!!

So long Richmond, Hope to be back some year.