Today would have been my grandfather’s 106th birthday. Opa was one of the first men I loved, besides my dad and my uncle. He and grandma lived in the same house as my parents when I grew up, and he was the one person in my life that I remember always being around. He was just always there! When I was in kindergarden my mom would drive me there every morning even though we could have easily walked. As it was we were running late most mornings, due to the fact that my mother refused to leave the house if she was not properly dressed and made up. So as the mornings of my early childhood were frantic I always looked forward to the time kindergarden got out and Opa would be there to pick me up and we would walk home together, talking about our day and planning out our afternoon together. We did this every single day during my time in kindergarden (which is the equivalent to pre school here in the US), rain, shine, snow, hail. It was our routine and nothing could break it.

When I entered elementary school this routine changed to doing homework together every afternoon, and by the time I was in high school we took bike rides every sunny Sunday afternoon. On those bike rides we talked about everything and anything. He never tired of reminding me that he only wanted the best for me, his only grandchild, and that he hoped I would have a fulfilled life, full of love and joy, just like he had had. When I started playing tennis he would come to all of my training sessions and my games and when I was not playing myself we followed all big tournaments on TV together. The epic McEnroe-Borg matches stand out!

My grandfather was an avid gardener and since we had a lot of land surrounding our house he could grow vegetables and fruits to his heart’s content. Most days you could find him tending to his potatoes, tomatoes, celery, parsley, lettuce, raspberries, rhubarb, with me by his side lending a hand whenever and wherever I could.

During those long afternoons he often told me the stories of his long, eventful life and I was always a willing listener. Both my grandparents were young children during World War I and parents during World War II. While my grandfather fought against the allies in France his first wife passed away from asthma and left him a widower with a 10 year old boy, my dad, to take care of. While in France he was captured by British forces and spent the rest of the war as a POW. Although I could not have been easy he had no ill feelings towards the British and always told me that considering the circumstances they treated him as best they could. Come to think of it Opa never had ill feelings towards anyone.

After the war he moved in with his mother who had looked after my dad until Opa came home, and took a job with the city, a job he kept until he retired at the age of 65. If it had been up to him he would have stayed with the job but his health forced him into retirement. Opa suffered from chronic bronchitis for as long as I can remember and his coughing was one of those sounds from childhood you never forget. In fact for all those years I visited my parents after Opa had passed away I could still hear him cough. Most of the time he dealt with his illness fairly well but the foggy days of fall and the bitter cold of the German winter often left him breathless, literally. As a child who loved him it was one of the hardest things to witness and the feeling of helplessness was overwhelming. During the last few years of his life he spent every Christmas and New Year in the local hospital, and so did his family.

Opa was the most humble, frugal, unassuming human being I have ever met – to this day. I can not recall him ever buying anything new for himself. Instead he was happy as a clam wearing my dad’s hand me downs. He ate any meal you put in front of him without ever complaining about anything, showing nothing but gratefulness. He wore the same prescription glasses for all the years he needed them, glasses the insurance covered in full. He was also extremely witty and had kept his sharp mind until the day he died. And he was tough beyond anything I can imagine. I once witnessed him falling out of our plumb tree, ripping his leg open in the process and continuing on pruning said tree without the slightest flinch. My dad had to force him into the car that night to have the wound checked, a wound so deep it needed 40 stitches. But I guess after spending months as a POW nothing can make you flinch anymore.

The last time I saw him I was on my way back to the States to spend the summer in California. He was not feeling well at the time even though it was June and when I said good bye he hugged me just a little tighter and held me just a little longer. Looking back I believe he realized we would not see each other again in this life time, and when I think about it I realize I knew it too. We were in touch during the three months I was in California and everything seemed to be going OK. But the moment I walked back into our house in Germany upon my return and did not see him sitting on the couch I knew. Opa had passed away the morning of my arrival. In the end his respiratory system had finally given in and after spending one last week in the hospital he knew so well he had peacefully gone to sleep and not woken up again.

My dad asked me if I wanted to go see him in the morgue to say one last good bye but I could not bring myself to do it. Instead I wanted to remember him as the man full of life, with the bluest eyes you’d ever see, Opa, who had said his last good bye to me when I had last seen him alive.

It has been over 20 years since the day he died. He passed away before knowing that I had met the man I would eventually marry, a man who was born in the country that had captured Opa in World War II. I know he would have smiled and rejoiced in the fact that I had found someone that would share the rest of my joyful life with me, someone who will always treat me as I am the only person in his life. Just like Opa wanted!

Today’s Running Tip: Run a race in memory of a loved one!

Running a race in memory of a loved one, family or friend, is a great motivation and will make pushing yourself much easier.

It’s May! Hurrah!!!

The month of April went by like a flash. We had our first days with triple digit temperatures, a couple of April “showers”, took the first dip of the season in our unheated pool, and kept on running. Besides the middle of summer this is my favorite time of the year. Everything is in bloom, the mornings are still on the cool side, all the doors and windows are open, and the anticipation of the hot summer months is building.

We had a couple of visitors this past month as well. My college buddy, Daniel, who now lives in Melbourne came to stay with us for a night on his way to a conference in Las Vegas (I cannot help but wonder how much related to work can be accomplished there, but whatever!). I had not seen him in 14 years but thanks to the internet and Mark Zuckerberg we stayed in touch for all those years. Daniel still lived with his parents while we went to University in Munich and his parent’s house was just a few blocks from where I lived. We originally met at the train station while waiting for the subway that was delayed the moment the first snowflake fell from the sky every winter of every.single.year! Shortly there after we found ourselves face to face in the same language course. I spent many days and evenings at his house, watching TV. The Soffners were the first Germans I knew who had cable and Daniel and I always watched the Oscars live and most memorable, the Clinton inauguration. I never forget Daniel’s mother’s delicious sandwiches either.

It was nice to catch up over dinner and wheat beer and plan a trip to Australia to see him and meet his family.

After Daniel left, one of my very best friends came to stay for a few days. Tiffani and I worked together for many years and got along right from the very first day we met. When she moved to Japan 2 1/2 years ago I was upset to see her go but so so excited for her. This was her first trip back to her home country and it was so good to spend time with her. I miss her terribly but I know that moving to Japan was one of the best decisions she could have ever made for herself. It opened up her world and possibilities and I am excited to see where life will take her. I know we will always be in touch and best friends. She is good people!!! Who knows where we will see her next – plans have been made!

In between all the excitement I ran:

• Shortest run:  5 miles
• Longest run:   6.8 miles
• Average speed:  7:33 min/miles
• Strength & Endurance: 9 hours
• Spinning: 4 hours

Triple digits! They were finally back this past weekend! After a rather “cool” spring the temperatures are finally climbed back into the 100s here in the Californian desert. I am using the expression “cool” loosely as I understand that “cool” for us desert dwellers is not the same as “cool” for the rest of the world.

Since summer will be upon us in all four corners of this country, and everything in between I thought it appropriate to talk about running in the heat. And believe me, I do a of of it!!! So without further ado here is what I have learned over the last few years while running through the desert of Southern California:

1. Hydrate: Yes, I know! This should go without saying but… I cannot stress enough how important it is that you replenish your fluids on a hot run. Consider also that the longer you run the more salt you lose, therefore an electrolyte drink is an absolute must on longer runs. A good rule of thumb is to not wait until you are thirsty, but to drink 4 -8 fluid ounces of water and/or sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Plan your route: This is especially important if you run alone and without support crew (like most of us). I have specifics routes of different length that take me past water fountains, supermarkets, gas stations, and coffee shops. On long runs I carry some money with me in case I need to replenish my electrolyte drink.

3. Run at the crack of dawn: Depending on where you live late evening might work as well. Where I reside nights do not go below 90 degrees during the summer so late night running is out of the question. I do love to wake up without an alarm but during the summer I actually enjoy getting up before the sun shows it’s shiny face and get my run in. If I do sleep in I avoid running on the road and head to the gym instead for intervals on the treadmill.

4. Dress appropriately: If you cannot avoid running during the heat of the day it is advised that you wear a long sleeved, light weight, light colored shirt made from whicking material. Personally I have not tried this but a friend of mine swears it keeps him cooler. Do not forget to wear a hat, visor, and sunglasses.

5. Wear sweat proof sunscreen: Although a nice tan looks good on anyone, you probably do not want to end up as lobster bake. And don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ears!

6. Ease into your new running environment: Take it easy and don’t go all out on your first run in the heat. Instead go for a short, easy run and slowly work yourself up to a long and/or more speedy workout. It takes about two weeks to adjust to hot temperatures but the good news is that you do actually get used to running in high temperatures. I have, and it will happen to you as well.

7. Take shady breaks: Whenever you need to take a break find a shady spot. Use the shade for post run stretching, rehydrating, and refueling as well.

8. Adjust your race goals: If you have to race in really hot temperatures, adjust your goal accordingly and most important, realistically. My first marathon almost came to a sudden end because of a heat wave and my novice approach to marathon running and goal times. At mile 18 any lofty idea of crossing the finish line at a specific time, as well as every ounce of my strength had been absorbed by rays beating down on the hot streets of Los Angeles. I managed to finish the race but I still have a hard time talking about the experience. It was that painful.

There you go! All of the above fall under the category of “common sense” running tips but if you have only lived in cool climates (hello Munich, city of my youth) running when it is hot can be disturbing and right out dangerous, especially if you have not taken precaution and/or prepared properly. But if you follow some basic guidelines and helpful hints you will be well on your way to running on the sun*.

Today’s Running Tip(s): See above!

*one of the best movies ever and a must for long distance lovers!

Today’s Running Tip: Avoid crawling to the race start!

Always be well prepared for race day, regardless of the race distance. Eat simple carbs on race morning and drink plenty of fluids. If you are running a short distance warm up beforehand, for longer races there is no need to warm up before the start, instead use the first few miles to slowly warm up. 

I hope that wherever you are there is peace and an abundance of your favorite chocolate!

Happy Easter!

Today’s Running Tip: There will be no running tip today!

Well, here we are. Once again we have made it through winter and are now well into spring. The temperatures are rising, the sky is bluer, the sun shines brighter, and the days are getting longer. Before we know it we are enjoying triple digits once again. HURRAH!

We had a lovely month here in our neck of the woods: the PNB Paribas Open, which always means a fabulous time with a very good friend, David’s birthday on the first day of spring, daily runs with this little guy, and even the first dip of the season into the unheated pool. There were lots of dinners with friends and neighbors, some of them outdoors to get us back into the al fresco mood, and new connections have been made. We had a heat wave, followed by a temperature drop of 30 degrees within 24 hours, an early morning run at 5am (which always creeps me out), and I was called to Jury Duty. Only to be disappointed that my name was not called in the end. I must be the only person who actually wants to serve.

I have continued to work on my speed and are slowly getting faster and running consistently at that slightly faster speed. Things might slow down a bit as summer approaches and the temperatures keep rising. Or I will just have to run earlier.

• Shortest run: 5 miles
• Longest run: 6.8 miles
• Average speed: 7:34 min/miles
• Strength & Endurance: 6 hours
• Spinning: 4 hours

Spring has sprung and just in time the storm that had descended on our beloved desert last weekend has disappeared and made room for an endless blue and sunny sky. And this day should be full of sunshine because on this day many years ago David was born!

This is the 24th birthday I celebrate with him. 24!!! And although I had the feeling it would marry him the very first time I lay eyes on him I could have really never imagined during his 30th birthday celebration 24 years ago at a Mexican place in San Jose (don’t ask!) that it would actually come true one day. A few obstacles had to be conquered and at times it as if all was lost but in the end our commitment to each other prevailed and here we are. Birthdays for me are always a time of reflection and although we have been through many anniversaries it is really birthdays that make me look back and take a moment to remember all we have been through.

And man did we have some good times. Like the first birthday we celebrated after we had moved in together. We went to Hawaii for a week! The only week in March a typhoon happened to hit the Hawaiian islands and we spent the entire week in bed holed up on our hotel room looking at the rain hitting the window of our 10th story hotel room with full force. The sun finally did come out! When our plane too off from Honolulu airport taking us home to California.

Then there was the year when I had made reservations at one of the better restaurants in Santa Barbara and we decided to take Nelson for a walk at Shoreline Park before getting ready for dinner. While walking from the car to the pathway a dog with one blind eye off his leash tripped David who broke his ankle in the process. We spent the evening on the couch eating pizza and icing the ankle and never made it to the Stonehouse in all the remaining years we lived in Santa Barbara.

David does not like any kind of fuss, not on any given day and especially not on his birthday so I have always tried to make it special for him without much fanfare. A surprise party would be the worst thing I could ever do to him and although I often invite good friends over for dinner I would never ever torture him with a big event or singing “Happy Birthday” in public. And so we keep it quiet and have an understanding that on one’s birthday we should be allowed to do anything we want and we have kept that tradition for all the birthdays we have lived together. He is working around the garden as I type…

Tonight we are going over to a good friend’s house for some Greek soup and “Survivor” and this Saturday friends will come over for German food. We consider ourselves lucky to have such good people in our lives, people that will be friends for a lifetime!

David is one of the most optimistic people I have ever come across and all of our friends agree. His eternal optimism is something that grounds me as I have a tendency to fly off the handle at times look at things from the worst case scenario perspective. His attitude is always upbeat and something that people are drawn to. Me included. It never gets old! Well… there are times… It makes me look forward to our future together, new adventures, new friendships, and new opportunities. Having a solid base of love and partnership is key and I am glad I found it over 24 years ago!

Today’s Running Tip: Spring Running Safety!

After running mostly indoors for the last few months be sure to stay alert and aware of your surroundings while running on the road. Street surfaces can still be damp and slippery and sidewalks uneven. Make sure you look ahead and also keep an eye out for cars and cyclists, red lights, cross walks, and intersections.

This past week my good friend Dilys came to visit us and while she was here we went to pay a visit to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to watch the world’s greatest tennis player compete at the BNPParibas Open. Because, why not?

This was our third year at this fabulous event. In years past we always went during the first weekend of activities, but this year we had tickets for both days of the Quarter-finals. And we were not disappointed. The weather could not have been more perfect, 85 degrees with endless blue skies. The tennis was world class and the players did not disappoint. Since it was the quarter-finals all matches took place in center court and although our seats were high up, we had amazing views and watched great and exciting matches.

Novak Djokovic vs Nicolas Almagro 6-3 6-4

Maria Kirilenko vs Maria Sharapova 3-6 7-5 6-2

Roger Federer serving against Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3 6-2

The best thing about the venue is that you can get really close to all the players around the warm up courts. And we did!

RAFA!!!

Then it was back to center court for some more men’s singles action:

Rafael Nadal vs David Nalbandian 4-6 7-5 6-4

(the best match of the Quarter-finals in my bias opinion)

Rafa serving against Nalbandian

In short it could not have been a better two days of tennis for us.

Then the weather changed dramatically, and I am not even joking. It went from 85 and sunny to 50 and rainy withing 24 hours. We had so lucked out with our tickets and spent the rest of the weekend watching the Semi-finals and Finals from the comfort of the couch  in front of the fireplace.

It was truly a wonderful few days with a dear friend who shares my passion for tennis. And even though we don’t favor the same player we cheer for both of them and are happy when either one wins his game. It helps to know that Rafa and Roger are good friends as well! Until next year!

Today’s Running Tip: Tennis balls for foot pain and injuries!

Tennis balls are a cheap and great way to ease foot pain and help recover from injuries. Livestrong has a great website that explains the different exercises you can do with a tennis ball. 

Nope, this is not what it might appear to be, so do not get any ideas (did I hear a “squeeeee”????)! The above featured creature is Jack. And no, he is not our new family member. Although the amount of time he spends with us, he might as well be. Jack belongs to my dear friend and neighbor, Diane. He is five and all Jack Russel. And I mean this in the BEST sense of this terrier kind! I have known Jack since he and Diane moved into our neighborhood two years ago and he and Nelson became buddies right away. Nelson, who never met a creature he did not love with utter abundance, was rather happy to have a furry friend close by, and Jack, well, let’s just say Jack tolerated the attention. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Diane almost named Jack Nelson, had it not been for her grand daughter intervening and insisting on the name Jackson.

As some of you know, Nelson was my true running buddy for most of his life. After we moved to the desert full time he stopped running with me during the hottest summer months and then eventually, a couple of years before he died, we hung up the running leash for good as he had become a senior citizen and started to enjoy gentle strolls through the neighborhoods and taking time to smell the roses. Meanwhile, I kept on running. By myself.

Enter a spritely little dog with a big heart named Jack. Jack has been running with me every morning since last October. Most mornings he sits by the gate of his owner’s front door, tail wagging, waiting for me to come get him. Or, when he stays with us, he waits patiently on the bath mat for me to finish brushing my teeth:

Did I mention he is a Jack Russel? And if you know anything about this breed you will understand what a joy it is to have him by my side while we run through neighborhoods and on our favorite trail. Whereas Nelson tended to run right behind my heels, Jack is mostly right beside or in front of me. The in front position is assumed at the very beginning of our runs and when a rabbit enters the field of vision (his, not mine!). The farthest we have run together is 7 miles but I have a feeling that Jack could be up for more and on a cool day I might try it out.

After we return from our runs, Jack usually jumps into the pool to cool off, which, at this time of year, means a water temperature around 60 degrees… Then he sun bathes:

Then we throw the ball up and down the street with a tennis ball launcher.

Then he goes back into the pool.

Then he sun bathes some more.

Then he gets his lunch of peanut butter (organic and smooth, thank you very much!)

Then he throws the tennis ball into the pool by himself, and jumps in to fetch it.

Then it’s time for the afternoon walk.

Then it’s time for a cookie (courtesy of David, the Softie!)

Then he plays with a soft toy in the house.

Then, then, then, then,… (all with a wagging tail)

Then it’s finally dinner time.

And then he collapses without shame:

And although he might move, he won’t move from his evening resting place:

Until the next morning, when a wagging tail greets you, with a dog ready to go attached to it.

Yeah! That!

Today’s Running Tip: Running with your dog!

Most dogs can easily run for several miles, but consider your own training when running with your dog. Start slow and short and build mileage over time. Runner’s World has great tips for getting your dog to run with you on a regular basis! 

I stood by your bed last night. I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast. I watched you pour the tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today. Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels ~ I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today. You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you. I smiled and said “It’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled. I think you knew ~
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over ~ I smile and watch you yawning,
and say “Good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ~ then come home to be with me.

~ Author unknown

Today’s Running Tip: There will be no running tip today!