A Lonely But Very Satisfying Run

As I'm flying back to the UK tomorrow and will miss the Bob Ronckers Saturday run, I decided that I should run the 20 miles this afternoon.
Weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot. Took me exactly 3 hours, which was satisfying.
Can't wait to have a couple of beers now!!

Dinner on the River Ohio

This evening I went with a friend and colleagues to Newport and boarded a boat to have dinner on the river.

Had a really good time, seeing the sun set and downtown Cincinnati in lights.

Another Long Run Under My Belt

This morning I completed a 15 mile run (starting at 6.45am).
I'm getting there. I ran 12 1/2 miles on Thursday, where two deer ran in front of me!
I have a few lovely blood blisters under my big toes, but they're not going to stop me. I'm determined to run another marathon :)

Celebrating 56 Years of the Waffle House

As today is a Bank Holiday (Labor Day), I had a lie in and then drove to Kentucky to experience my first waffle at the famous Waffle House.

Unknown to me, until coming back home and doing some research, the first Waffle House was opened on Labor Day in 1955. Happy Birthday.

It was an experience. I wouldn't say I'll be going back again, but at least I can say "I've been there and done it"!

35th WEBN Fireworks

This evening I went to Mount Adams to support the local Eagle Scout community and watch the Cincinnati fireworks.

Compared to last year, the weather was awful. Just before the start of the fireworks the heavens opened and it appeared that a mini Ohio river was forming in the carpark! Fortunately, the rain stopped just before the first firework (9.05pm to be precise).

Did I Really Do That?

I've been trying to get back into a regular running routine since the family left Cincinnati 10 days ago (building up from 3 miles to 12 miles).
Yesterday morning I decided to run with the Bob Roncker's running group (first time for a few months). It was a 6.30am start and a 19.5 mile course! I started off really well, but after 3 hours in extreme humidity I started to struggle. However, I finished the course (reckon I ran 19 miles) and decided to register for another marathon!!
So, I'm going to have to be focused for the next 6 weeks in preparation for the Columbus marathon. Scary, but another challenge to overcome :)

Taste of Blue Ash

On Sunday I went with friends to sample the delights of local restaurants in Blue Ash (a local neighbourhood).

In America many cities/town close a few streets and offer local food suppliers/shops the opportunity to set up their own stalls and sell samples of their meals. In Blue Ash, if you turned up between 1-3.30pm you could buy some portions for $1.

I went out with a friend on the Friday night and unfortunately missed Pat Benetar (one of my pin up pop stars from the 80s) perform at Blue Ash!!

Two Weeks in Florida

After enjoying our time in California we decided to have a holiday on the otherside of America (gulf side of Florida). We spent 2 fantastic weeks with friends.

The holiday home was very spacious with a large pool. Thank goodness for the mosquito net and air-conditioning. I thought Cincinnati was humid!!

We had so many memorable days out... day trip to the Everglades, many visits to different beaches, day at Busch Gardens (and YES we all did the Cheetah Hunt rollercoaster!), day at Adventure Island water park and water jet skiing.

Universal Studios LA

In addition to going to downtown Disney and to the West Coast, we spent a day at Universal Studios.

We all had a fab time. I went on the Mummy rollercoaster ride, and we all went on the Jurassic Park ride, watched WaterWorld, went to a 4D Shrek show and thoroughly enjoyed behind the scenes tour including 3D King Kong.

Enjoying Ice Cream in Los Angeles

At the end of July the family flew from Cincinnati to spend quality time with my brother and his family.

One of our first visits was to Cold Stone Creamery to have a unique ice cream creation. The website says "nobody serves up the ultimate indulgence like Cold Stone". Well I have to agree. I've never been served an ice-cream which has been tossed up in the air like a pancake!

It's on par with Graeters from Cincinnati!!